What’s in a hand shake? More than you might know. In many cases, this may be the first non-verbal communication you have with a client, so make sure it counts.

• If your hand is above the horizontal, you take a dominant approach. It’s best to have both hands vertical to stay on ‘equal’ ground.
• Do not be any firmer than the other’s grip. This would be construed as an over-bearing personality.

Have you ever met:

• The shaker: the person that keeps shaking and shaking. They must be really happy to meet you.
• The holder: someone who holds on a split second after you start to let go. That look in their eye tries to tell you that they won.
• The crusher: trying to prove they’re stronger, but only proving they feel they’re better than you.
• The weak: what’s up with that?
• The taker: they take your hand with both of theirs, the mothering factor?

Share with us an experience of any of the above approaches so we all can learn from one another or laugh together if you have a funny story to share.

Take some time before you leave for the day to plan out tomorrow!

Look ahead: Start your “to do” list for the next day while your focus is still on the job – it’s far more difficult to do in the morning when you’re wondering where you left-off the day before. Carry over any incomplete tasks from your current day’s list and add new priorities. It helps to clear your head to put all this on paper and you’ll be amazed at how much more effective you can be when your brain power is being put to problem solving rather than trying to remember everything you need to do.

Leave it clean: Clear and tidy your desk, throw rubbish in the bin, sort leftover mail and papers and put your files away. Clean your coffee cup, empty your water bottle, wash any leftover dishes or containers from lunch and start each day afresh. By cleaning your workspace you also signal the end of the workday to your mind.

Shut down: Switch your phone to voice mail, remembering to change your message if you’re not going to be in the next day, or if you’re going to be in late. Close out your email and activate your “out of office” message if you’re going to be away, switch off your computer screen.

Are you one of the few that does this? Please share with us some of the secrets that make your planning for tomorrow go smoothly!  Lets learn from each other for a stress free day.