Quotes about emotional-intelligence-quotes

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Emotionally intelligent people trust their instincts and can identify how certain thoughts, feelings, people, and situations make them feel.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Emotionally intelligent people hold themselves accountable for their behavior, failures, decisions, and successes.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Just as your body has self-regulating mechanisms, like perspiring to cool you down and shivering to warm you up, you can regulate your emotions according to the circumstances. You can abstain from over-reacting, and you know how to set boundaries and how to say "no.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Emotionally intelligent people have an ability to manage stress as it happens and remain calm through chaos.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Emotionally intelligent people think before they speak and exercise discretion.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Emotionally intelligent people know how to light their own fire to sustain their activities to accomplish your goals.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Emotionally intelligent people have the capacity to understand and express their own emotions—you are in touch with your strengths and weaknesses and realize where you might like to make improvements”.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Emotionally intelligent people can focus their emotions to improve performance and productivity.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

The Art of First Impressions for Positive Impact is based on the premise that when you become self-aware and learn how to shine bright as your best self, you can transform your relationships in life and in business.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Absolutely everything associated with your success is relationship based and emotionally connected. Developing your emotional intelligence is one of the wisest action you can take for personal and professional transformation.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Developing your emotional intelligence will allow you to explore new depths of understanding in yourself and others.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Emotional intelligence will give you insight as to why people behave as they do and assist you in areas which you may wish to improve.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

All the elements of greater emotional awareness can weave together to ensure you make a more positive impact.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Emotional intelligence marks one’s ability to perceive, understand, control, and evaluate his or her emotions.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Haven’t you known people who seem to have a “sixth sense” super-power when it comes to connecting, communicating, and understanding others? These emotionally intelligent people always know the right things to say to make us feel that we matter.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Preparation: 8 Ways to Plan with Purpose & Intention for Positive Impact

Your EQ (emotional quotient) is your capacity to recognize, discriminate, and label emotions accurately and interpret them to help guide your thinking and behavior.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

As you navigate the various zones with people, a variety of specific physical and psychological responses are elicited from them. Until you know someone, avoid invading his or her personal space. Getting closer gradually demonstrates that you like the other person. This gradual and comfortable approach begins the circle of rapport—he sees that you like him, he likes that you like him, and he reciprocates by liking you back.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

To touch or not to touch . . . that is the question. Handshakes, hugs, and other touching all have their appropriate space and place. The key to success in this area is to know when, where, and how to best put these into action.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

What is acceptable on a personal level is very different from what is acceptable on a business level. When we utilize touch well, we can elevate our presentation, demonstrate respect, and convey confidence. However, when we use touch poorly, it can be disastrous, personally and professionally.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Research by the Income Center for Tradeshows found that people are twice as likely to remember you if you shake hands. According to the American Management Association, it takes only one-fortieth of a second to create a human bond. Whether you shake someone’s hand, squeeze their arm, or touch their shoulder, make these moments count to be remembered favorably.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

A person who offers a loose handshake, on the other hand (pun intended), may be interpreted as being uninterested, lacking confidence and self-esteem, weak, or being wishy-washy. Whether too strong or too weak, a bad handshake can set you back and close down a potentially rewarding relationship before it ever gets started.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

A simple handshake is not always a simple handshake. The way it is delivered can take on a million meanings and interpretations. As with every other form of body language and non-verbal communication, you are sending silent messages simply by the way you shake hands.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Your handshake has the power to reveal your strength of character, make a promise, demonstrate your level of respect, exercise your etiquette, and represent your business acumen. Learning how to do it well will take you far in life and in business.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

A strong handshake conveys confidence, clarity, strength, and intention. As with everything else in life, if it is overzealous, it may be seen as aggressive, arrogant, or dominating. A bone-crushing vice-grip is just plain obnoxious and one of the fastest ways to make someone angry.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

What does a solid, comfortable, impressive handshake look and feel like? To deliver a great handshake . . . • Extend your right hand out vertically at a comfortable waist level toward the person you are meeting.• Connect hands with web to web contact made between the thumb and index finger. • Be intentional and appropriate by showing mutual respect and teamwork.• Gently squeeze firmly enough to be confident, yet lightly enough to be gracious. Shake a few times for good measure.• Discreetly rotat

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

If you like the relationship results you have been getting and don’t see any need for improvement, your status quo may actually be your sweet spot for comfort and contentment. That is a wonderful place to be.However, if you are like most of us, staying stuck in your status quo may prevent you from striving, thriving, and growing in your relationship possibilities.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

I was once hired by an organization to deliver a workshop on networking. The goal was to provide their engineers with tools and strategies for expanding their circles of influence—to foster innovation, collaboration, and teambuilding. One of the engineers raised her hand in the middle of the program and bluntly said, “I’m happy with the people in my life and don’t care to add any more.” I respect and appreciate her position and have sometimes felt the same way.But, as long as we are alive, we wi

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Fear is the number one reason why people do not take action. The divine irony is that most of the fears we experience are self-generated and born out of our own imaginings, hence the acronym False Evidence Appearing Real.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Every one of us, at some time or another, has allowed fear to prevent us from living our best possible life. The first step in conquering our fears is to identify and confront them. Among the most common are:• Failure• Success• Being rejected• Looking stupid• Financial insecurity• Falling on your face• Being vulnerable• Appearing weak or unhealthy• Exposing your secrets• Being alone or unloved• Upsetting the status quo• Disappointing others

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, ground yourself in your character values:Building a solid foundation of integrity and character will fortify your confidence to face down fears and take bold action.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, take a deep breath & relax:When you feel fear, your body tenses up and your thoughts lead you down an anxiety-ridden path. Stop, breathe, relax.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, interview brave people and learn their secrets.Whom do you know that displays courage and confidence? Ask them for their best practices, mimic their actions, follow their steps, utilize their methods. Ask if they will mentor you.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, borrow courage.There is inspiration all around you in the form of people who are living your dreams, achieving similar goals, and already succeeding. Knowing that something can be done is often half the battle. Most successful people find great reward in helping others reach for goals.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, avoid the bystander effect.Rather than standing on the sidelines watching other people achieve their goals, jump in with both feet and get involved.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, get involved in a cause you are passionate about.Serving a vision bigger than yourself changes your focus from self-doubt to whatever action is necessary for the vision to succeed. “When in doubt, take it out.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, change your attitude toward failure. Many successful people will tell you that if you aren’t failing, you aren’t trying—that failure is an essential precursor to achieving worthwhile endeavors. Failing (no matter how hard) is one of life’s best teachers for winning the next time.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, start small. Taking small, consistent steps for calculated risks will help you test your footing. Once you begin enjoying mini-victories, you will be able to build upon your small successes to escalate momentum and strengthen your courage to take bigger ones.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, build upon your strengths and talents. What are you good at? What makes you feel confident and personally powerful? Your competencies will ground you and build your strength.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, try something new for the first time. Take a chance. Stretch beyond your familiar limits by taking risks that move you out of your old mindset and into a new perspective. Once accomplished, trying something new bolsters your confidence and boosts your ability to be brave.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Palm Reading 101• Palm Up— Conveys openness, service, humility, and sympathy.• Palm Down—Demonstrates authority, superiority, and control.• Palm Vertical—Shows you are meeting on equal terms with a mutually respectful greeting.• Palm Wet, Cold, or Clammy—Ick! The "dead fish" is creepy. Make your hands warm and dry before reaching out to touch someone, please! It can also be conveyed as being nervous or over-excited.• Palm Perfect—This is my favorite. Better known as the "hand hug." While you are

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

High fives and fist bumps have become the popular alternatives to traditional handshakes, especially among the younger generations. As a new social norm, they are used as a greeting, an approval, an acknowledgement, a celebration, and a gesture of understanding. High fives and fist bumps are also viewed as a healthier alternative to traditional handshakes because they don’t spread germs.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Considerations & Exceptions for Impressive Handshakes• Be mindful of a person’s age; be tender with arthritic hands. In that case, a loose and gentler handshake is a gesture of sensitivity and compassion.• Show interest; even if your right hand is full, offer your left hand. • Demonstrate respect when you are caught in an introduction while seated; try to stand. • Be instinctive about when to allow the length of your handshake to linger to express unity, connection, or sympathy.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

All hugs are not created equal. Some people are naturally gifted in showering others with warmth and affection. They can hug with such a sincere intention it transcends a handshake. Their hugs feel genuine, non-threatening, and are emotionally consistent with the relationship they share with the "hugee.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

communication skills, quotes by Susan C Young, relationship quotes, emotional intelligence quotes, motivational speaker Susan Young, body language quotes, handshake quotes, make a positive first impression quotes, susanspeaks.com, customer service quotes

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Brian is a deeply compassionate man who was sad to learn that his work colleague, Tom, had lost his 17-year-old daughter to a drug overdose. When Tom returned to work weeks later, Brian approached him and said, “Man, I am so sorry. There are no words to express my condolences.“Brian reached out to hug Tom. At first, he was rigid and on guard, but with Brian’s genuine embrace, he felt Tom release into his safety. Tom had been so incredibly strong for his wife and family that Brian’s powerful hug

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Hugging is quite an intimate contact. Considering the studies done on proxemics we looked at earlier; when you get within two feet of another person you are inside their intimate space. There are some people who truly do not want you in their 'bubble' unless you are close friends or they’ve given you permission. Assuming familiarity incorrectly can destroy rapport, make a bad impression, and risk everything you have done well up to then.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Look for all of the possible missteps in the following scenario. My friend Amy arrived at a consultation with her Hispanic business partner. The African American woman to whom they were delivering their presentation was a long-time friend of her partner’s. Her partner was greeted with a hug and Amy was greeted with a handshake. The meeting was a great success.As it came to a close, the two friends hugged. With enthusiastic affection, Amy went to hug the African American client. The woman took a

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Physical touch is one of my primary love languages. For those of us who share this love language, touching is an endearing gesture of affection, appreciation, and connection. It is not intended to be inappropriate in any way when we hug you upon meeting, pat your back, or squeeze your arm. For us, it is an enthusiastic demonstration of friendship. However, there are many people who do NOT like to be touched—men or women. In spite of our good intentions, touching can make others feel awkward, off

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Confession. Years ago, I was invited to a cocktail party for an Asian-American networking group. As I introduced myself to a Japanese businessman, I reached out and firmly shook his hand. Much to my embarrassment now, I automatically took my other hand and wrapped our hands in a “hand hug.” This is a common gesture of friendship in the South. As his wife approached, however, she appeared appalled and felt disrespected that I was touching her husband. Our cultural differences were marked. Despite

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Seek to make others feel comfortable by demonstrating respect for their individual needs as well as their cultural norms. Your consideration and heightened awareness will guide you well—and help you make a great first impression.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Approachability. Being warm and inviting demonstrates comfort, care, and emotional safety all of which encourages engagement. Your openness says, “I’m happy to meet you and am glad you’re here.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Handshakes, Hugs & Other Touching. Learning how to touch appropriately can elevate your presentation, demonstrate respect, and convey confidence.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Orientation & Proximity. Be aware of the orientation between yourself and others so that you can be sensitive and responsive to their comfort zones.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Smiling and Expressions of Emotion. A genuine smile is inviting, contagious, and encouraging. People do read a book by its cover and your expressions provide a glimpse for what they’ll find inside.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Eye Contact. Direct eye contact is one of the best compliments you can give to another. You are subliminally telling them that you are listening, they matter, and that what they have to say is important.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Energy & Aura. You release your own distinctive energy signature which naturally produces a physical presence. When you emit positive energy, thoughts, feelings, and vibrations, you attract more positives into your life.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Life rewards action. To get from where you are now to where you want to be requires forward movement and momentum. Although you may already know what it takes to bridge the gap, simply knowing what to do is not enough.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Action is the key to creating the changes needed to propel you toward your chosen outcomes and help you achieve your relationship goals. How are you allocating your time, energy, and activities to ‘activate your awesome’ and contribute to making a positive first impression?

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

The Art of Action explores specific action steps you can take for personal and professional transformation. Start by taking the initiative to be kind, courageous, and polite.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Become a ‘good finder’ and seek to acknowledge the best you see in others.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Move beyond yourself to serve a greater purpose and vision. Learn to mix, mingle, and glow, thus helping others feel more comfortable, at ease, important, and connected.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

By being fully present and engaged you will maximize your moments to make every encounter count.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Being proactive and intentional will enable you to create a positive experience for yourself and others.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Nice is a little word with a big meaning. How many times did your mother say, "Just be nice?" It's basic manners, yet in our negative world today people often neglect to extend random acts of kindness and simple acts of courtesy.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

It is no mystery why nice people are well-liked and get along harmoniously with others. Being nice makes people feel emotionally safe, allowing for more authentic, trusting, and happy interactions.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Google Proves Nice Counts. On a quest to discover what it takes to build the "perfect team," Google launched the Project Aristotle initiative to find the answers. Over a period of several years, they surveyed hundreds of teams, conducted interviews, analyzed studies, and observed how team members interacted with one another.Google’s findings revealed that "psychological safety" is the key ingredient for creating a high-functioning team. It nurtures a healthy environment that encourages freedom o

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Benefits of Being Nice • You set positive karma into motion.• What you give is what you get back in return.• You are more likable.• People will treat you better.• You will reduce personal stress.• You will make friends more easily.• You can improve someone else’s day.• You will have less drama in your life.• It takes less energy than being otherwise.• It makes you a more valuable team player.• You create a sense of emotional safety for others.• It can keep you physically and psychologically safe

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

In the hit movie, “Pay It Forward,” a middle school child dreams of how he can change the world by being the catalyst for kindness. He begins his “social experiment” by performing a selfless act of kindness, and so begins the domino effect. As each consecutive person receives an act of kindness they, in turn, do something nice for another. The kindness becomes contagious and changes hundreds of lives for the better. Think of the global impact we could make if more people would make it their miss

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

ASK YOURSELF: Have you found that being nice to some people is simply not effective? When might it be wise to throw down the gauntlet and get tough or confrontational?

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Become aware of the physical distance and spatial orientation that you experience while in the company of others. Being empathetic and sensitive to a person’s physical comfort zone can have a huge effect on the way in which you are received and perceived.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

I have a few friends who are confined to wheelchairs for access and mobility. I don't want to always be looking down at them while they are looking up at me. To enjoy a meaningful conversation, I’m quick to kneel beside them or pull up a chair to talk at the same height. Begin to recognize the orientation of other people and align yourself with their body position and physical needs so that you may connect on a more balanced and effective level.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

The Warm Welcome of Hospitality. Walt Disney World is the epitome of world-class customer service. Employees must be hyper-vigilant of spatial orientation to engage, impress, and interact with guests. For simply being near a guest, employees are trained to:• Make eye contact and smile.• Greet and welcome each and every guest.• Seek out guest contact.• Provide immediate service recovery.• Always display appropriate body language.• Preserve the “magical” guest experience.• Thank each guest and dem

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Many hospitality companies follow the "5 and 10 Rule," whereby when a customer is within ten feet of the employee, they should provide acknowledgement with eye contact and a genuine smile. When the customer is within five feet, it is encouraged to provide a warm welcome, sincere greeting, a friendly gesture, and offer to help, or to engage him or her in conversation.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

In the legend of Camelot, King Arthur gave consideration as to how his knights might be positioned spatially to impart a message of power and status. He decided they would have their meetings at a round table, which meant that they were all considered equal and there was no “head of the table.” He built a league based on equality and mutual respect to unify and fortify the power of teamwork.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

When you are sitting behind a desk with a person on the other side, there is a barrier between you that becomes a psychological and subliminal message. Some of the best leaders I know have a round table or a circle of chairs in their offices so that when people come in to speak with them, the arrangement lends itself to more engaging interaction. Using a roundtable in which there is no head fosters collaboration, cooperation, mutual respect, and equal positioning.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

When having lunch or dinner at a long rectangular table, I prefer to take a middle chair so that I can turn to my left or to my right to make meaningful conversation with the people in attendance. When I have been seated at the very end, it can prove to be difficult to speak, hear, and connect with everyone there. Think ahead, and whenever possible, put yourself in the middle of the action!

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

Proxemics is the study of human use of space and the effects that population density has on behavior, social interaction, and communication. Imagine invisible bubbles around every person that provides each of us with comfort zones for social engagement and interaction.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

In 1966, American anthropologist Edward T. Hall specified four distinct distance zones to describe the perception of physical space around us. Understanding these zones and honoring their invisible boundaries will give you a sixth sense about another person’s “space” as well as your own.Intimate Zone (less than 2’) —This zone represents our personal space and is reserved for the most trusted and loved people in our lives. Touching, hugging, standing side by side, and engaging in private conversa

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

As you seek new opportunities to make favorable first impressions, be ever aware of the subtle effect that physical positioning and distance/closeness can have on your interactions with others and use this understanding to your advantage.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Body Language: 8 Ways to Optimize Non-Verbal Communication for Positive Impact

As you navigate the various zones with people, a variety of specific physical and psychological responses is elicited from them. Until you know someone, avoid invading his or her personal space. Getting closer gradually demonstrates that you like the other person. This gradual and comfortable approach begins the circle of rapport—he sees that you like him, he likes that you like him, and he reciprocates by liking you back.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, reduce uncertainty by being prepared. As Zig Ziglar once said, “Success happens when opportunity meets preparation.” Preparing well for potential outcomes will provide you with a safety net if there is a hiccup, glitch, or temporary setback.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, practice, practice, practice. Each time you test your bravery you grow your self-assurance and increase your comfort to a greater degree. Repetition helps build confidence and competence. You did it; now do it again!

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, Do It Scared. Being scared is a precursor to bravery, otherwise, it wouldn’t be bravery, would it? Mustering the courage to stretch beyond your familiar territory is a rewarding act in itself.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

To cultivate bravery and courage, may the Force be with you. Whether you fortify yourself with a positive mental attitude, affirmations, faith in God, prayer, and meditation, or an innate sense of personal destiny, you have the power to summon your courage and be brave. “Make it so, Number One!

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

And as is often the case, the people who would benefit the most from reading a book like this are the ones least likely to buy and read it. For you, however, this chapter will serve as a sterling reminder to make your manners shine.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

You already know the difference between being a gracious person versus a rude one.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Impeccable manners and courteous behavior are the hallmarks for healthy relations and human interaction.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Polite people tend to be more respected, admired, and appreciated than their rude counterparts.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Your manners are critical for both making a positive first impression and creating success in life, love, and business.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Without civilized social graces, not only is life more difficult, but a positive first impression can be destroyed as fast as it is made.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

While good old-fashioned manners and etiquette have worked for centuries, new standards and expectations have come into play with the modern world. Behaviors which would have been appalling in the past are now socially acceptable.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Regardless of the trends we see in the deterioration of morality, respect, and values, wise people will still strive to take the high road to rise above the ever-increasing rudeness and stand apart from the crowd.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

I remember hearing years ago about a centenarian being interviewed on her birthday. She was asked, “Throughout your life, you have witnessed amazing change and innovation. The past one-hundred years have brought the inventions of the car, television, air conditioning, and microwave ovens. What is the most extraordinary change you have seen in your lifetime?” Without missing a beat, she replied, “That a teenager can say “suck” in front of their parents and get away with it!” While cultural norms

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

The elegance of etiquette is a timeless expression of class which transcends social status, demographics, educational level, and ethnicity. Good manners say more about you than the person who is on the receiving end.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Take the initiative with deliberate steps to be a polite person:1. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.2. Reciprocate a thoughtful word or a good deed in kind.3. Say "excuse me" when you bump into someone, unintentionally violate someone’s space, or need to get someone’s attention.4. Apologize when you’ve made a mistake or are in the wrong.5. Live by the "Golden Rule" and treat others the way you would like to be treated.6. When dining at home or in a restaurant, wait until everyone is ser

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

Take the initiative with deliberate steps to be a polite person:1. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.2. Reciprocate a thoughtful word or a good deed in kind.3. Say "excuse me" when you bump into someone, unintentionally violate someone’s space, or need to get someone’s attention.4. Apologize when you’ve made a mistake or are in the wrong.5. Live by the "Golden Rule" and treat others the way you would like to be treated.6. When dining at home or in a restaurant, wait until everyone is ser

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

All manners are not created equal and can conjure different interpretations based on the environment in which they are being displayed.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

What is appropriate in one setting may be entirely inappropriate in another. How you behave at a football game is different than how you behave at your sister’s wedding. How you interact with your closest friends will be different than how you engage with your boss.

Susan C. Young - The Art of Action: 8 Ways to Initiate & Activate Forward Momentum for Positive Impact

For more than forty years, Judith Martin has inspired the world with advice on etiquette excellence, proper behavior, and codes of conduct through her critically acclaimed newspaper column, “Miss Manners.” In an interview for her book, Miss Manners Minds Your Business, Mrs. Martin reminds us that “When you go to work, you want a degree of professionalism which does not involve hearing about all of the sordid details of a person’s love life. We are not necessarily all friends, but have a job that

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