Use This Book To Your Advantage

You may be wondering, what is in Your Invisible Toolbox that can help me develop in my career, and how would I best use it? We provide you in this month's article a free peek into the contents and how you can use it for your own development.

Introduction

Each of us has two sets of tools. The first toolbox is filled with the technical skills, equipment, and devices needed to help us carry out our activities. The second toolbox is invisible. It contains the tools that we use in human interactions.

How important are the tools in the invisible toolbox?

Microsoft has not yet invented the software that calms an irate customer, juggles multiple and conflicting priorities, and collaborates with team members to solve a complex problem-all on the same day. Apple has not yet designed the device that negotiates conflict with a colleague, demonstrates compassion to a loved one, extends kindness to a stranger, or mentors a protege.

Those tasks are handled by people relying on the tools contained in their invisible toolboxes. When we use the tools effectively, relationships flourish, businesses grow, and personal happiness results. When we use the tools ineffectively, relationships are damaged, businesses suffer, and personal hardship results.

Highly developed interpersonal skills have never been more important. Relating well to others is increasingly a casualty of our high-tech world that brings us smaller and smaller devices and fewer and fewer opportunities to master the complex skills of human relations.

While the tools in the second toolbox are invisible, the effects are profound. According to Harvard University, Stanford Research Institute, and the Carnegie Foundation, technical skills account for 15 percent of the reason we get a job, keep a job, and advance in a job. The other 85 percent of our success comes from our use of the tools in our invisible toolbox.

Working across geographies and industries with groups and individuals for over two decades has afforded the authors of this book a unique opportunity. We have seen firsthand the interpersonal dilemmas, struggles, problems, and decisions facing business professionals. The tools in Your Invisible Toolbox were forged from what we have learned works, and they reflect what is necessary for everyone to have on hand in order to effectively relate, connect, understand, and lead.

The First One Hundred Days

The phrase "the first one hundred days" is widely acknowledged as a period of time in which someone new to a role strives to learn his or her responsibilities and form a unique approach to work. Whether a new CEO, a new hire, or someone accepting a new role, the first one hundred days is commonly known as the honeymoon period where judgments from others are often withheld to allow time for the individual to settle into his or her role.

It is in the spirit of the first one hundred days that we've written this book. Although useful to every generation in the workplace, it is designed with the millennial business professional in mind. Although the invisible tools are useful for anyone, the millennial generation has unprecedented challenges when it comes to the need for these tools.

The ability of millennials to positively affect business and relationships in ways no other generation has before them is evident. The rapid pace of change and technological advances minimizing human connection place them at risk. To leverage technology and change to yield its greatest potential for the future, millennials must utilize a full toolbox of interpersonal effectiveness tools.

Millennials may not be given a formal hundred-day grace period to develop the interpersonal capacity necessary for their advancing roles and increased responsibilities.

This book provides them, and all of us, an extended honeymoon period in which to develop interpersonal effectiveness. Divided into five parts, it encompasses one hundred chapters, each providing a critical interpersonal tool for success in the workplace.

When used well, the effects of using these tools are anything but invisible.

There are a variety of approaches to reading a book. Some of us read from front cover to back cover. Others dive in wherever their attention is directed. Others rely on inspiration to guide them to a relevant section.

This book has been written with all reading styles in mind. We encourage you to enjoy this book on your first pass with whatever method appeals to you. After you are familiar with the content, we encourage you to use this book as you would any toolbox.

Each of the tools presented has many applications. They can be used independently or in collaboration with others. As you explore the various chapters of the book in greater depth, you may choose to utilize one tool per day or investigate all of them in a single sitting.

Your Invisible Toolbox is arranged so it can be used as circumstances demand. If you want to improve how you present yourself in the world, Part II of the book contains tools to assist. If you are a leader, Part IV could become your constant companion. Part I is designed to help as you engage with people throughout the day. Do you have the opportunity to work cross-culturally? Check out Part III. At least once a year, a re-read of Part V will support and guide anyone wishing to set new goals for personal growth.

Additionally, we invite you to make use of the vast electronic resources that support this book in the form of video segments, podcasts, articles, and development challenges accessed through yourinvisibletoolbox.com. You can purchase a copy off the book directly from Amazon by following this link.

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