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understanding of others is enhanced, and the ideas can be put together in an effort to create solutions that take other people into account. Those who find their listening skills are limited will never succeed to their full potential since their attitude will always set them apart from co-workers.

Listening and being interested in others gives management a better overview of possibilities that can easily be dismissed by non-listeners, and it may just be that within the statements listened to that solutions can be found. Listen to the workers around you, as the lessons that can be learned can help you to put all the equations together making a much more complete picture than the one produced by a boss or co-worker whose plan is blinkered by personal bias.

ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE

The ability to communicate is essential in business. Looking at yourself and seeing how you interact with others helps you to create an image that is acceptable not only to yourself but to those around you. Ask people that work with you if they think you communicate in a manner that helps and many will give valuable feedback as to where you are lacking that you may never have seen yourself.

Communication is the key to success. Many people talk and say very little indeed. The words that come from those kind of people are hollow and meaningless. How much does it matter how you give instructions for example ? Examine the way you give instructions, and ask yourself if those instructions are clear enough or whether they are limited. Often we perceive ourselves as good communicators, though our communication does not take into account how that communication is received by those around us, and assumes knowledge on the part of those who are receiving the instructions.

Clarity is important. Tone of voice is important, and having a sense of equality with those around you in that you can learn how to receive as well as give instructions are all part of the communication game. From sales, to staff meetings, communication is essential and where many fail to recognise weakness in their communication skills, so they will fail in business.

ABILITY TO LOOK THE PART

Self-image also affects the way that we look to others and their perception of who we are. For example, dressing in a designer suit for a job on the factory floor may be frowned upon as elitist by those work colleagues that work with you. Conversely, dressing in jeans and a sweater for formal executive work would be frowned upon. How we perceive

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