Welcome to Merge's Monthly Mega Minute - a bite-sized, yet substantial and practical, nugget of information that you can use immediately to enhance your professional and personal success.

Managing drop-in visitors assertively and effectively

One of the most common reasons people like working out of a home office is that they can focus and concentrate, uninterrupted by those pesky drop-in visitors who just have "a quick question".  You likely know these people well, probably because their definition of "quick" often doesn't match yours!  But it is possible to proactively and assertively deal with interruptions without having to resort to “working from home”.  Here are three specific actions you can take to manage your unanticipated and distracting guests.

One – think ahead – take control of your guest chair! Either move it out of your workspace, and bring it back only if you when you want someone to sit and discuss something with you, or if that's not practical, try putting a pile of books (or other suitable objects) on it.

Two – stand up when they come to you, and say "I have five (or however many) minutes, how can I help you"? Stay standing during the entire conversation

Three – if the first two tips don't work, try the well-tested "elbow technique". Gently put your hand under the person's elbow, and while talking to him or her, casually walk him back to his desk or workspace. While this may sound extreme to some of you, don't discount this technique unless you try it! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness.

Remember that these practical tips work because they follow the fundamental rules of assertive communication - they are inherently respectful and proactive!

So I’d love to know what you think of my ideas.  Crazy?  Or perhaps you’ve tried them and they work?!  Do you have other approaches?  We’d all love to know.  Please share your thoughts by adding your comment directly on the blog at www.turningmanagersintoleaders.com/blog.

Merge is delivering overseas programs again!

Now that worldwide travel restrictions have almost completely lifted, Merge has once again started delivering learning programs overseas.  She will be working in East and Southeast Asia for most of this fall.  If you are considering building the leadership capability of your worldwide staff, then please talk to us about the options.  Merge can perfectly customize a program to fit your needs – both in terms of content, and in terms of delivery methods.  Many of our clients are opting for a mixture of in-person and virtual, and Merge will work with you to develop something that is uniquely “you”. Contact Us

Turning Managers Into Leaders

• Video: Demonstrate compassion at work by giving your employees weekly support. Compassion at work comes from the top. When you invest weekly in your staff, you show them that you care, and set the tone for everyone
• Kindness in the workplace has to start with kindness to yourself! Kindness in the workplace has to start with you being kind to yourself. Here are five ways to practice self-compassion
• Seeking out symbiotic relationships can make you a better leader. Symbiotic relationships between sea turtles and Yellow Tang fish offer a lesson in leadership worth considering in the workplace

That Merge writes a fun travel blog in her spare time?

If you’ve ever met Merge, then you know that her second passion (a close second behind her first of building and developing leaders) is travel.  As of last count, she has visited 66 countries.  These are countries in which she has actually spent some time, exploring what they have to offer, and meeting the people who live there.  She doesn’t count those countries in which she just transited through the airport.  She figures her love of travel is genetic; her father was a pilot; in fact, one of the first people in the world to fly the Jumbo Jet (the Boeing 747).  Merge was flying before she could talk or walk!  Her parents always said that travel is the greatest educator – it teaches you about the world, appreciation for what you have, tolerance and acceptance, kindness, respect for others, and humility – and Merge has taken this to heart.  In her twenties, she used to write for travel magazines, but now she pens a blog – www.TheFunOfTravel.com – that she started with her husband one-and-a-half years ago.