Ten Tips for Making a Positive Impact on Your Organization

We all play a vital role in setting the tone and making a positive impact on our company's corporate culture. Our title or position isn't nearly as important as our everyday workplace behavior. Each of us is equally important in the way we impact our work environment and influence our colleagues and customers. Here are ten easy-to-do tips for making a positive impact on your organization. As you read the ten tips, try to imagine what a great workplace it would be if everyone applied these tips and improved your corporate culture.

1. Greet everyone you meet, immediately, with direct eye contact, a warm expression, and a friendly disposition. Smile, say "Hello," and offer a handshake if it's appropriate. It's a simple behavior with a large and lasting impact.

2. Learn and use people's names at each opportunity. We like to hear our names when they are attached to something positive and friendly.

3. Be aggressively hospitable. Show sincere enthusiasm when assisting people, even under difficult circumstances. (Here are some tips on how to negotiate with difficult people.)

4. After every interaction thank the individual. For example: Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Thank you for sharing your insight and perspective. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.

5. Actively listen. Assertively respond.

6. Disagree professionally with tact and finesse. Your behavior during conflict and confrontation is one of the most powerful influences on your corporate culture. Disagreeing with a friendly, professional approach keeps a workplace focused on problem-solving rather than mud-slinging. (Here are some ideas to help you talk about touchy subjects.)

7. Show respect for everyone no matter their title or authority. Discover everyone's value.

8. Be open to new opportunities and possibilities. Being open-minded creates a corporate culture that fosters creative thinking for problem solving and creating profitable new products or services.

9. Embrace a positive vision for the future of your organization. This is especially important if the economy has affected your industry. No one wants to work with a nasty-tempered, negative naysayer.

10. Learn something new each day that adds to what you know and improves who you are.

Gina Maddox is a professional speaker and trainer specializing in communication, creative thinking, priority management, and leadership skills. She is the author of The Working Woman's Rant & Rave Guidebook: Audacious Advice For Handling Everyday Workplace Challenges That Make You Want To Scream.