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Interpersonal Skills In this section, we will discuss the skills you need to relate with others. “No man is an island.” This is very true in a work environment where people support one another to achieve the organization’s goals. There are three general situations where relating well with others becomes necessary.

1. Working in teams There would be many opportunities at work to be part of a team. Good teamwork saves time and money for an organization as work is completed more quickly and efficiently.

2. Receiving and making telephone calls How you sound over the telephone is not only a reflection of you, but also a reflection of the organization you work for. Do sound friendly and be helpful when receiving telephone calls. When requesting for information, be polite even if your requests are not met. Being rude and impatient will not help you get what you want.

3. Receiving visitors Visitors have a positive image of the organization when they are greeted pleasantly and politely. Smile when performing reception duties. Remember visitors’ names- greet or address them by their names.

Attributes of an Effective Team Member What makes a good team member? The key is in the ________. When you look at life positively, you will try to overcome any difficulties you face. A positive team member will strive to get work done by being:

A) ( )- He/She starts work on time and is never late for meetings. B) ( )- He/She can be trusted to complete his/her task(s). C) ( )- He/She does not waste time or resources when doing a task. D) ( )- He/She enjoys learning new skills and looks forward to meeting new challenges. E) ( )- He/She is able to change his/her way of thinking or way of doing things in order to suit the situation or environment F) able to show ( )- He/She is able to carry out the necessary tasks on his/her own without having to be told so do so.

A positive worker will also strive to get long with others by being: A) Considerate and courteous * He/ She treats everyone with respect. He/ She does not criticize, complain or blame others. B)Tactful * When placed in an unpleasant situation, he/ she knows what to say or do in a diplomatic way. C) Co-operative * He/ She is willing to work together with other team members for a common purpose.

Reception Skills Many organizations have a waiting area, or reception area, for visitors. The receptionist who is stationed there is the first person the visitor meets. The visitor’s impression of the organization can be affected by how he/she is received by the receptionist.

Qualities of a Receptionist A receptionist’s main role is to handle telephone calls and visitors. The receptionist’s duties also include attending to visitors’ enquiries, answering telephone calls, making appointments and maintaining the reception area.

Qualities in receptionist a) Good grooming b) Pleasant personality c) Courtesy d) Initiative e) Tact f) Good communication skills g) Clear knowledge of the organization

The Reception Area The reception area is usually located near the entrance of an office. To project a positive image of the company, it should be well designed. A well-designed reception area usually has the following features: a reception desk, a waiting area with sofa, reading material for visitors, the company’s organization chart, a 3D model or diagram showing the layout of the building, telephone directories.

The reception area should also be well maintained. It should be kept neat and tidy. Magazines or newspapers that have been left lying on the table or seats should be returned to their proper places.

Q Usually, companies wish to make the reception area more comfortable by adding decorative plants or artwork in the waiting area. If you were a visitor, how would these decorations make you feel?

Records BUSINESS CARDS Visitors usually offer their business cards or name cards to the receptionist. The receptionist then uses the information on these cards to inform the staff member whom the visitor wishes to see. A business card displays: a) name, b) job title, c) company’s name, d) company’s contact details such as address, telephone and fax numbers, website and address.

APPOINTMENTS BOOK This book contains information about appointments for the day. It includes: Monday, 21 st May 2012 TIMEName of VisitorCompanyTo See 0945Miss AmalBB Trading Co.Personnel Manager 1130Mr HaziqInternational WatchMarketing Manager 1300Miss AmalinaSonic SystemsDirector 1545Mr DinieMetro BroadcastingPublic Relations Manager

RECEPTION REGISTER This book is used for keeping a record of visitors to the company. Visitors are often asked to fill in and sign a Reception Register (also known as a Callers’ Register), which records the following details about each visitor:

DateCaller’s Name CompanyTime of Arrival Time of Departure Action Taken Mr. KwangFast Print Co Saw Mr Islam, Assistant Manager Miss Yusmidah Fix-It Sdn Bhd Fixed appointment with General Manager Miss AzirahHSBC1315Meeting with Mr. Azizi, Production Manager

Types of Visitors Generally, there are two types of visitors- those who have arranged for an appointment and those who have not.

a) Visitors with Appointments When a visitor with an appointment arrives: 1. Check the Appointments Book to confirm the time of the appointment 2. Ask for the visitor’s business card 3. Invite the visitor to take a seat 4. Inform the staff member whom the visitor wishes to see 5. Record the details of the business card in the Reception Register

b) Visitors without Appointments If a visitor does not have an appointment asks to see a staff member: 1. Politely ask about the nature of the visit 2. Ask for the visitor’s business card 3. Invite the visitor to take a seat 4. Check with the staff member concerned 5. Record the details of the business card in the Reception Register

If the staff member is not available, suggest that the visitor: - Meet another staff member, or - Make an appointment

C) Difficult Visitors If a visitor who does not have an appointment insists on seeing the staff member concerned: 1. Explain to the visitor that the staff member is not available 2. Politely ask whether the visitor would like to see another staff member who may be able to help. OR 2. Politely ask the visitor to leave his/ her name card for the staff member to set up an appointment