5. To Build Compassion

Compassion is born out of experiencing similar problems. The Bible says, …we do not have a High Priest Who is unable to understand and sympathize and have a shared feeling with our weaknesses and infirmities and liability to the assaults of temptation, but One Who has been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sinning (Hebrews 4:15). It comforts me to know that Jesus understands me and has compassion. Going through trials and experiencing God’s deliverance better equips us to minister to others. Our pain is never wasted; it brings about compassion that reaches out to other hurting people by saying, “I’ve been there, and God brought me through it, and He’ll do the same for you.”

6. To Encourage Others

The apostle Paul said there were many things that God allowed him to go through simply as object lessons for other people. …I want you to know and continue to rest assured, brethren, that what [has happened] to me [this imprisonment] has actually only served to advance and give a renewed impetus to the [spreading of the] good news (the Gospel)…. most of the brethren have derived fresh confidence in the Lord because of my chains and are much more bold to speak and publish fearlessly the Word of God… (Philippians 1:12,14). Even in Paul’s imprisonment, his stability and ability to be used of God was evident. If we’re to minister to others, we too must face some adverse circumstances. But if we stand in faith and confidence, God will bring us through to victory, and we’ll be a great encouragement to others in the process.

7. Because of the Word

Sometimes we suffer attacks from the enemy simply because of our involvement with the Word of God. Mark 4:17 speaks of those who hear the Word and endure it for a while, …then when trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word, they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful) and they stumble and fall away. When someone receives the Word of God, Satan delights in coming immediately to try to steal what’s been sown in their heart. He knows the Word will strengthen us and help us live a victorious Christian life, and he wants to stop it if he can. So it’s imperative to guard the Word in your heart and resist the devil from stealing it away from you.

8. Because of Living in the World

Many times Christians face trials and suffering simply because we live in a world full of sin. But Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you]” (John 16:33). What a promise! Understanding the reason for our suffering and having the assurance of the final glory we’ll share should make it a little easier to enjoy our lives…even during the times of sharing in suffering.

Emmanuel Ayomide Praise is a world leading internet entreprenuer and investor. Some of his areas of interest include sport management,merchandise,ownership,internet entreprenuership,investments, media and writing amongst others.
Business URL: http://www.emmapraise.blogspot.com,

http://www.nigeriasoccer.blogspot.com,

2. Disobedience

Once we know the Word of God, we have a responsibility to be obedient to it. Too many of us intend to be obedient, but put it off. Even procrastination is disobedience, and it can cause us to suffer. James 4:7 gives us good advice: Submit yourselves therefore to God… (KJV). When God tells me to do something, I find it helpful to write it down. This serves as a reminder that I must be obedient if I want God’s blessings. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land (Isaiah 1:19).

3. To Purify and Test Your Faith

Sometimes people seem surprised that they must go through a time of trial or suffering. Perhaps they’ve been faithful to learn and obey the Word, and the trials still come. Sometimes trials come simply to test and purify our faith. [You should] be exceedingly glad on this account, though now for a little while you may be distressed by trials and suffer temptations, so that [the genuineness] of your faith may be tested, [your faith] which is infinitely more precious than the perishable gold which is tested and purified by fire. [This proving of your faith is intended] to redound to [your] praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) is revealed (1 Peter 1:6,7).

4. A Need for Brokenness

The word brokenness may strike fear in some people, but it’s really not a bad word. God doesn’t desire to break our spirits, but He wants to break that outer shell, the flesh that prevents Him from being all He wants to be in and through us. He wants to break off things like pride, rebellion, selfishness and independence. God wants us to be totally dependent on Him, and suffering seems to bring us to that point. However, having to depend on God shouldn’t cause us to feel sorry for ourselves. I once said, “Oh, God, I’m so lonely, and I don’t have anybody but You.” And the Holy Spirit said, “Poor you, you’re just stuck with God.” I’ve discovered that having only God is a good position to be in.

Emmanuel Ayomide Praise
Emmanuel Ayomide Praise is a world leading internet entreprenuer and investor. Some of his areas of interest include sport management,merchandise,ownership,internet entreprenuership,investments, media and writing amongst others.
Business URL: http://www.emmapraise.blogspot.com,

http://www.nigeriasoccer.blogspot.com,

If you are considering opening a dollar store one of the thoughts that may be going through your mind is to buy an existing store. You are thinking that you can just reopen that store under your own business name and the money will soon be rolling in. However there is more to it than that.

While purchasing an existing store can save much time and trouble the old adage warning that the buyer should beware comes to mind. Be sure that you enter the purchase with your eyes wide open and only after conducting thorough due diligence in advance. The last thing you want after opening a dollar store is to find a long list of surprises and unexpected problems.

Be sure that you consult with an attorney and a CPA before signing any paperwork and contracts. Make sure that they are up to speed on the retail industry. Consider these professionals to be an investment in your future success after opening a dollar store.

In most cases there will be a specific reason for the sale. It may be that a new competitor has opened down the street and sales are down. It may be due to the owner’s health or personal plans. It may be due to financial problems. It could be other business interests. The list goes on. The true reason should come out during due diligence. Be sure that the reason for the sale is considered in the pricing and in the final decision. If it is comprehended buying an existing store can be a fast way to accomplish the goal of opening a dollar store.

Are you opening a dollar store? Purchasing an existing store can be a successful strategy. Go in to the purchase only after conducting investigative due diligence. Use experts to help you with the process. Make a decision to buy or not buy based on what is best for you and your future.

To Your Dollar Store Success!

Do you want to own your own Dollar Store?
Visit http://www.openingadollarstore.com for more information.
http://www.onlineauctionsmadesimple.net

1. Above all else, do your research. Buying a foreclosure can get you some great deals, but not all foreclosure properties guarantee savings. You have to be willing to search out the properties with the best chance for potential savings by fully examining them. Be sure to call auction or sales trustees and get all the information you can about the home before you make any decisions. Often times there may be certain things wrong with the home that a listing will not show.

2. Before you decide to pursue a foreclosure you see listed, make sure it’s being sold through a method that suits your needs and abilities. There are a lot of different kinds of foreclosures out there, from bank owned homes to pre-foreclosure properties, and choosing the right method of purchase is often just as important as choosing the right property. Some methods offer advantages that others don’t, and depending on your personal situation, others may present disadvantages. For example, pre-foreclosure homes, though they offer great deals, usually require more work. There is often a lot of cat-and-mouse phone calling involved, a great deal of bargaining, and also plenty of face-to-face meeting time to work out and close deals. If this sort of commitment is impossible for you, you’d probably be wise to consider a different type of foreclosure. You want to make sure you maximize your chances of getting the best deal possible, and putting in only half the effort required, whether you’re buying pre-foreclosures of government homes, won’t get you the kind of savings you want.

3. Perform a title search. Often times neither listings nor trustees can tell you the whole story. Sometimes foreclosed homes come with additional liens held against them by tax collectors or utilities companies. A full title search will reveal if any such liens exist. Either consult a titling agency locally or find one online. It only requires a simple phone call, but the results could save you thousands of dollars.

4. Get an independent appraisal. Most listings come with appraisal values, or if not, they are usually provided by the trustee of the sale or the local Sheriff’s office, but get one of your own just to make sure. Hire an unaffiliated, independent appraiser to inspect the house and give you an idea of its real market value, just to be sure.

5. If you have doubts, inspect the home yourself. There’s really no better way to understand what you’re buying than to actually see it. This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people try to buy foreclosure homes based on listings alone. Inspecting a home foreclosure can give you an idea of its true condition, as well as allow you to make estimates about any repairs that will need to be done, or any maintenance you’ll need to take care of before it’s habitable. These costs all factor into your overhead when you buy them home, so be sure to calculate them exactly. If you feel the need, arrange to have a contractor join you and provide an estimate on any repairs.

The more you know about a foreclosure, the better you can calculate how much its true value is after factoring in costs and approximate market values. Remember, there is a lot out there these days, so don’t be afraid to search out the best potential values. Follow these steps to make sure you’re making a decision to buy based on the best available information, and you’ll greatly increase your chances of making a smart investment.

Article by John Buguela from ForeclosureDeals.com Web site. To learn the secrets of buying foreclosure homes and finding your dream house or your next profitable real estate investment, click here now: http://www.foreclosuredeals.com

Everyone knows that diamonds are forever, so when you’re shopping for the perfect wedding ring, take that into consideration. Whether it’s an engagement ring or a wedding ring, there are plenty of shapes, sizes, colors and prices to choose from. After all, if you’re going to be selecting a wedding ring that will last forever, you better have options.

Many people that get married don’t have the money to purchase a $5,000 wedding ring, but they have the passion to wish for that ring for their spouse. At Ultra Diamonds, their motto is they make luxury affordable. If you want 30 diamonds in your ring and a spectacular platinum band, you’re still going to be looking at a $5,000 ring.

However, at Ultra Diamonds you can select from an array of different diamond rings. When looking for the perfect ring, think about your soon to be wife and what she means to you. No one knows her like you do and no one knows what style she prefers. Is she a gold jewelry woman or is she a silver and platinum jewelry woman? These things can help narrow your choice.

Not always, but sometimes you can get lucky and find the wedding ring that is calling your soon to be wife’s name. When it comes to diamonds you can’t go wrong, but there is that one special ring for everyone. Take the time to look through the choices to find the one that means the most to you.

At Ultra Diamonds you will find that there are six different categories to choose from under the wedding category. Within the six categories is three to five pages full of diamonds to choose from, giving you the ability to find the perfect diamond ring within your price range.

If you’re looking for an affordable wedding ring that still has the class and style, there are several Diamond Solitaire rings to choose from. With rings from this category ranging in price from $129 to $19,999, there are 12 rings to choose from that are priced under $700. There are gold and silver bands to choose from with all different kinds of cuts, styles and sizes of diamonds. Obviously, the bigger the diamond is the more you can expect to pay.

When most people think of diamonds they think of expensive wedding rings that are way out of their price range. However, if you do the research and take the time to find the diamond ring that is calling your name, you can find an affordable ring. Starting at $129, Ultra Diamonds gives you options from the price to the style to the cut of the diamond. If your wife is going to be wearing it forever, the more choices you have the better.

For the lowest prices and finest diamonds you can find anywhere online, visit Ultra Diamonds

And if we are [His] children, then we are [His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His inheritance with Him]; only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory (Romans 8:17). As Christians, we like the thought of sharing in Christ’s glory, but what about sharing in His suffering? Jesus took care of the death penalty once and for all so we don’t ever have to worry about that again. But the Bible teaches that we must suffer times of trial if we are to share in the glory. Is it worth it? Listen to the words of Paul in Romans 8:18: …For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us!

Too often we think we suffer because of our circumstances. We believe that if our circumstances would change, we’d be able to act right. But God wants us to become so mature and stable that we act right even when none of our circumstances are good. There are different levels of faith, and most of the time we want to use our faith to get rid of a problem. But sometimes God’s plan is for us to exercise a higher level of faith that will carry us through life’s challenges. This requires even greater faith than being delivered from a situation. Too often we marvel at the delivering power of God and overlook His keeping, strengthening and enabling power. Although there are many reasons why Christians suffer, I would like to address what I believe are eight of the most common reasons why there is suffering in our lives.

1. A Lack of Word Knowledge

Many Christians suffer because they’re too busy seeking carnal knowledge instead of the Word of God. The Lord Himself said, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge… (Hosea 4:6). Paul was an educated man, with a wealth of carnal knowledge. When he realized the importance of spiritual knowledge, he said, …I resolved to know nothing (to be acquainted with nothing, to make a display of the knowledge of nothing, and to be conscious of nothing) among you except Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Like Paul, we need to realize the importance of learning spiritual things, for Galatians 6:8 says, …he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Emmanuel Ayomide Praise
Emmanuel Ayomide Praise is a world leading internet entreprenuer and investor. Some of his areas of interest include sport management,merchandise,ownership,internet entreprenuership,investments, media and writing amongst others.
Business URL: http://www.emmapraise.blogspot.com,

http://www.nigeriasoccer.blogspot.com,

You’re excited! You’ve made the decision to purchase a new car. Follow the tips below and you can save thousands of dollars on your new car purchase.

Shop around before you buy. One of the most common mistakes people make is not shopping around before they make that big purchase. The first thing you should do is check the automotive advertisements in your local newspaper before you buy. Many dealerships offer great deals in these advertisements but when you look more closely at the advertisement they will add the words “only 2 available at this price”. The dealerships add these words because they could not make a profit if they sold every car at the special ad prices. Usually, the few cars they offer at the great prices listed in the advertisement may not be in the color or style you like but you will definitely save thousands by purchasing one of these specially priced cars. Don’t wait! If you see an advertisement in your local paper for cars that say “Only 2 available at this price then act quickly. These cars sell fast! Dealerships offer great prices on only a few cars to entice you to visit their dealership. A common response by dealerships when you visit and ask about these cars is: I’m sorry… those cars have been sold already. So act fast! If the cars have been sold then ask the dealership to call you when more cars are available at the price listed in their advertisements.

NEVER negotiate based on monthly payments. One of the most common questions a car salesmen will ask you is: “How much do you want to spend per month?” If you answer incorrectly… that salesman is going to know he has a sucker in his hands! The proper response to that question should be: “The monthly payments are not important - the sale price of the car is what is most important to me.” Never enter a dealership and ask: “Can you get me this car for $XXX per month?”

If you are planning on trading in a car then you should know what the resale value of that car is before you begin negotiations. Check the Kelly Blue book value of your used car - you’ll be glad you did.

Dealer Invoice - One the fastest ways you can show that car salesman that you are an intelligent car shopper is to ask them what the “dealer invoice” is on the automobile you are interested in purchasing. What’s a dealer invoice? It’s the price that the dealer pays for the car from the manufacturer and you should be negotiating the purchase price of your new car based on the dealer invoice price… not the sticker price on the car window. I recently leased a Mercedes 450GL and during the whole parking lot sales pitch the salesman assured me that I would be getting the best deal in town. By the time we were sitting in his office and he had drawn up all the papers to sign, he did not once mention how I was going to get “the best deal in town”. This is when I dropped the bomb. I said: “So where are the great deals you promised me? I see no deals at all in this contract and you just got done telling me for an hour in the parking lot what a great deal you were going to give me.” The salesman replied: “What are you looking for?” The first thing out of my mouth was: “What is the dealer invoice price on the car?” He showed me the dealer’s price on his computer and I offered him 1% above it. He reluctantly accepted the offer and I saved over $5,000.00 in less then 30 seconds!

When you first get on the dealer’s lot, do not immediately ask what the dealer’s invoice price is on the car you are interested in or you may scare the salesman away. The best thing to do is to wait until that salesman has spent a lot of time with you and has you sitting in his office ready for you to sign the sales agreement. That’s is the best time to spring the question. The salesman is much more likely to cut you a deal after he has just spent an hour or more of his time convincing you to buy a car from him.

Don’t be afraid to walk out of the salesman’s office if you do not get what you want. Be polite - stand up out of the chair you are sitting in and say: I’m sorry but I don’t think this is going to work out - I’m going to do a bit more shopping. I guarantee you that you will be offered a better price or some added extra options on your new car. Remember - that salesman has just spent a lot of his time trying to sell you a car and if you start to walk out on him at the end he will make an effort to stop you from leaving.

Good luck on negotiating your new car price.

Rob Miller is a freelance writer and product reviewer. Gunther Gifts is the perfect place to select a engraved gift for yourself or loved one: http://www.gunthergifts.com. Personalized gifts, groomsmen gifts, wedding favors, wedding invitations, sports theme gifts, Zippo lighters, Leatherman tools, Swiss Army Knives, custom barware and glassware, Cross pens and so much more are available for all your gift needs at Gunther Gifts. Get a custom license plate frame for that new or used car. Make a statement to the world.

The World Bank Institute (WBI) supports operations by strengthening country capacity in all these areas. WBI particularly works to strengthen societal instruments of accountability by supporting media development, parliamentarians, legal and judicial reform, civic participation, private sector capacity for collective action against corruption, and youth leadership.

The Bank Group also undertakes a range of empirical diagnostics and assessments, using tools such as ‘Doing Business’ reports, ‘Investment Climate’ surveys, Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Indicators, and Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Surveys (BEEPS). WBI Governance Indicators periodically monitor reforms and WBI Transparency Indices measure economic/institutional and political transparency dimensions in over 200 countries; and WBI Indicators of Media Sustainability assess the enabling environment for media development.

The Bank Group also undertakes a range of empirical diagnostics and assessments, using tools such as ‘Doing Business’ reports, ‘Investment Climate’ surveys, Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Indicators, and Business Environment and Enterprise Performance Surveys (BEEPS). WBI Governance Indicators periodically monitor reforms and WBI Transparency Indices measure economic/institutional and political transparency dimensions in over 200 countries; and WBI Indicators of Media Sustainability assess the enabling environment for media development.

Fighting Corruption in Projects

At the project level, the Department of Institutional Integrity (INT), an independent unit reporting to the World Bank’s President, investigates allegations of corruption regarding Bank Group operations, as well as possible staff misconduct, and provides its findings to Bank management for decisions. Since its establishment in 2001, INT has handled more than 2,400 cases of alleged fraud, corruption or other wrongdoing. As a result, the Bank has sanctioned more than 330 companies and individuals, information on whom is publicly available on the Bank’s website. When appropriate, the Department also refers its findings to the prosecutorial authorities of relevant member countries for further action. INT is now incorporating lessons from past investigations upstream in project design and program development.

INT also conducts Detailed Implementation Review (DIR), a diagnostic tool designed to assess the risk of fraud, corruption and mismanagement in Bank-financed projects. Investigations following from DIRs have led to the debarment of 140 firms and individuals for fraud and corruption.

In FY2007, the Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved the programmatic elements of a new Voluntary Disclosure Program (VDP), a proactive investigative tool designed to elicit voluntary cooperation in the fight against corruption from firms that have previously engaged in wrongdoing. In FY2007, INT also released Integrity Report of the World Bank Group, Fiscal Years 2005 - 2006, which details actions the Bank has taken to investigate fraud and corruption and to sanction companies found to have engaged in wrongdoing. The Bank offers multiple outlets to report allegations of fraud, corruption, and other misconduct in bank-financed projects, including an international hotline (1-800-831-0463).

Global Partnerships

To strengthen coordination and collective action, the World Bank works in partnership with other stakeholders, private sector companies, civil society groups, and multilateral and bilateral development partners. It is an active participant in promoting the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials (1997), the UN Convention Against Corruption Treaty (2003), and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) (2002), and the Forest Law Enforcement and Governance (FLEG) Ministerial Processes, among others.

Through the Bank Group’s private sector investment arm-the International Finance Corporation, it works to promote better corporate governance in private sector companies to address the supply side of corruption through such mechanisms as the Global Corporate Governance Forum. The Bank also works closely with several international anticorruption organizations and networks such as Transparency International, Partnership for Transparency Fund, Financial Action Task Force, and the OECD-Development Assistance Committee.

Leading By Example

Recognizing that any program to assist in controlling corruption worldwide needs to start with the example of best practices at home, the Bank has taken initiatives to stamp out conflicts of interest and any possible corrupt practices among its own staff. In 2003, the Bank announced the strengthening of financial disclosure obligations for senior staff, and all senior managers are now required to provide an annual statement listing their financial interests and those of their immediate family.

Emmanuel Ayomide Praise
Emmanuel Ayomide Praise is a world leading internet entreprenuer and investor. Some of his areas of interest include sport management,merchandise,ownership,internet entreprenuership,investments, media and writing amongst others.
Business URL: http://www.emmapraise.blogspot.com,

http://www.nigeriasoccer.blogspot.com,

One of the challenges that every entrepreneur who is opening a dollar store faces is having the right amount of merchandise in-stock and ready for purchase. Even more important is the product mix to meet the wants and needs of the customer. Many owners invest their merchandise inventory dollars in low-cost items rather than creating the right mix of products. It is important to remember that the right mix will keep their shoppers excited and coming back time and again.

If you are opening a dollar store don’t make the mistake of tying up all of your merchandise inventory dollars in low-cost items. While the store may look fuller, many of the low-cost items are slow selling. Your goal needs to be to achieve as many inventory turns during the year as possible. Slow selling items simply won’t achieve that goal. Inventory turn occur when the right products to meet customer needs and wants are in-stock.

The right way to maximize sales is to create a mix of products across your store. Those who are opening a dollar store need to know that even though daily needs such as paper goods, household cleaners, and personal care items are expensive, they keep customers coming back more frequently. Once shoppers are in the habit of coming into your store for their bottle of dish detergent, they will also pick up a kitchen towel or a scrub brush. Those more profitable items can make the transaction profitable indeed.

Are you opening a dollar store? If so never forget the fact that sales volume is critical. Higher sales volume comes with having the right product mix in your store. It comes with intelligent merchandise buying. It comes with good merchandising and an eye on meeting the wants and needs of your customers. Give it a try.

To Your Dollar Store Success!

Do you want to own your own Dollar Store?
Visit http://www.openingadollarstore.com for more information.
http://www.onlineauctionsmadesimple.net

“How do I tell my boss that his idea really stinks and not lose my job?”

“Why is my co-worker stabbing me in the back?”

“How do I tell my vendor that we are not going to renew his contract?”

“The person next to me smells and I don’t want to offend him/her, and I want them to stop smelling.”

“Being gentle in the lunchroom and still getting my point across.”

“My boss won’t make a decision and I can’t move forward.”

“My co-worker is an Eyore or Schleprock and I can’t seem to get them to shut up.”

These were some of the questions that I posed the other day. And really, they are all the same question. “You have lost your mind” you say. “There is no way these very different questions are the same at all.” I say, let’s look at where they come from 1st.

All of these questions come from real life scenarios all of us have faced at one time or another. And it’s our ability to deal with them effectively that sets us apart from everybody else. And that is a skill, which means anyone can learn it.

Improve your skill set, improve your life. The more you learn and apply, the better your life becomes.

Earl Nightingale said “A mind stretched by an idea can never return to the original shape.”

So readers, here is the question as I see it.

“How do I make my point effectively while maintaining my relationship with the other person?”

I hear this type of question all the time. People want to communicate better. It is the ability to protect themselves and their self image and at the same time feel comfortable enough to be able to tell someone something that the other person might really need to know while respecting their rights. Think “Simon” on American Idol without insults.

It’s communication with tact. tact n. (takt) the delicate perception of the right thing to say or do without offending, commonly referred to as Assertive Communication.

This is where you are thinking about protecting yourself and at the same time honoring the other person’s rights. Basically, allowing them to be who they are, while you stay the way you are.

So there is some specific language you might want to use. It usually starts off with what is called an “I” statement. It might sound something like this.

“Bob, I’ve noticed some new ideas on that Parker project have come up. And after examining how they might fit with the ideas already presented, I can see some possibility of conflict. How do you see those ideas fitting in with what is already in place?”

“Mary, I’ve heard some comments that were not very flattering and quite frankly, somewhat insulting. I was wondering if there was something that you needed to say.”

“Gerry, I have some news regarding our business relationship. Our contracts are nearing expiration and we will not be renewing our agreement.”

“I am your co-worker and I think we can agree that being told something that needs to be corrected is what all of us would rather have than not knowing at all, and personal hygiene is important for working together, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Susan, I am quite sure of my position regarding ______. I have researched all of the options available and by far, this is the best possible solution.”

“Mark, I am sure that deadlines for the Beech project are in place, and must be met. I can meet those deadlines as soon as I have the go ahead on this memo. When can I expect an answer so that I can finish implementation?”

“Bill, I have only one minute for you right now. If that is not enough time, would later today at 1:00 pm for 10 minutes be enough time?”

In each case, there is not any accusatory language. And I specifically stayed away from making any apologies with any of these statements. When we are communicating most effectively, there is no need to accuse anyone or apologize for our statements. In every example I started off with an “I” statement that lets the other person know that this statement comes from my center and is well thought out. I also wanted the other person to feel they could respond in kind.

These are examples. All of these statements are designed to get you to start thinking about these and other situations and start practicing. Yes, practicing. In order for this to work, you have to take some of these statements and make them into your own. Or don’t use any of them and make your own from scratch. The important thing is for you to try. Practice them on people you know, love and care about. They’ll tell you if it sounded right or not.

Guess which one gave me the most trouble?

That’s right, the personal hygiene statement. It’s because I have to tell someone about something that is actually a part of who they are, not about business or a particular situation. And as long as I am addressing the behavior, I am on solid ground. I can’t address the person, or attack someone about who they are. I can address a behavior though, and as I wrote all of those statements, I really made sure I focused on that thought.

I would love to hear some more examples from any readers who have come across these and other situations, and how you handled it. I will take the top 10 and publish the results right here.

In the next article, we’ll be talking about personality profiling.

Leonard Buchholz is a Certified Trainer, Speaker and Author. If you are looking for a seminar leader that is “High Touch and Low Tech,” look no further. Leonard is known for energetic seminars that involve the participants. Seminar subjects include Customer Service, Difficult People and Difficult Situations, Management and Communications.
Reach him at leonard@bizprotraining.com or call 760-529-5635.