Welcome to a new month and brand new year at TCS! We’re thrilled to share a curated set of “Lifelong Learning tips” for your personal and professional growth. In the dynamic corporate world, adaptability and continuous learning are crucial. Our commitment to improvement is reflected in these practical strategies, guiding you through decision-making, problem-solving, and effective communication. From enhancing meetings to reducing hiring bias, these insights capture our collective pursuit of excellence. Join us in fostering a culture of learning and achievement within the TCS family. Explore these invaluable tips with us!

 

■ Never talk down to an angry co-worker

with patronizing statements such as “You’re upset now. Why don’t you calm down, and we’ll continue when you’re more rational?” That will only make a person angrier and more defensive.

■ Protect the interests

of those who send you sensitive e-mail by securing their permission before for-warding their messages.

■ Keep your writing spare and clean

by adhering to this rule: Use no more than four punctuation marks in one sentence.

■ Trim the fat from your writing

by conducting a word search for “and.” If you find the word “and” linking any two similar words, ask if you need both. Examples: “background and experience” or “each and every.”

■ If you have an indecisive co-worker,

show him what his waffling costs the organization. Example: “Every day you delay making a decision about buying this equipment, we pay $100 in leasing fees.”

■ Gain control of your phone time

by leaving messages that specify the best time to reach you. Example: “Please call me back between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. when I’ll be at my desk.” Just remember to keep your promise.

■ Tackle long-term tasks

amid a sea of “do now” work by posting the tasks in a visible place. Devote 10 minutes a day to work on the first item. Within a few weeks, you’ll chip away at your to-do list and be ready to update it.

■ Address disagreement

by saying “We have a different interpretation of the facts,” rather than “We have a difference in opinion.” It’s easier to forge an agreement by identifying clashing facts or evidence and accepting a middle ground than trying to change someone’s opinion. —

■ Manage your appointments better

by including preparation time in your day planner. When you set an appointment, write in the number of minutes you’ll need to gather materials and commute. That gives you a more accurate sense of when you need to leave.

■ Prompt employees to conclude for themselves

what they need to do to produce better results by asking these penetrating questions: “How are you going to track your progress?” “What are your main challenges going forward?” “What risks does that entail?”

■ Head off contentious meetings

by discussing volatile issues in advance with those people most likely to express concerns. Promise to present their views to the group.

■ Prepare your next speech

or report with your audience’s needs in mind by thinking OARS: Observe them. Ask them questions. Read about them. Sculpt your communication to meet their needs.