“Success Language” Program

Success Language:
Work-Life Skills for Professional and Personal Success

lan·guage n.

(1.) Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols. (2.) A system of signs, symbols, gestures, or rules used in communicating: the language of algebra. (3.) Such a system including its rules for combining its components. (4.) Such a system as used by a nation, people, or other distinct community. (5.) Body language; kinesics. (6.) The special vocabulary and usages of a scientific, professional, or other group. (7.) A characteristic style of speech or writing. (8.) A particular manner of expression.  (9.) Verbal communication as a subject of study.

Every workplace has a language – an atmosphere, a style of communication, expectations, rules, symbols, norms – written and unwritten, that when implemented, influence the success of individual workers and managers. The business world in general has a language of success that rewards those who learn its language and discourages those who do not. An individual learns this success language to get his or her foot in the door, whether to simply be hired by someone or to be considered for advancement and promotion to greater responsibility and status.

Those who set the rules of the road in life are to understand what you say and write, accept how you look and act, and approve of your work ethic and personal presence. They are to be caused to recognize your knowledge and skills and respond to your attitudes and behaviors before you can advance to more-challenging responsibilities and higher-performing positions and opportunities. (And before you can effect changes that grow your career, build your business, or improve your life situation.) This Success Language program guides you along the road and keeps you moving forward successfully.

“It seems us Americans ain’t talkin’ too good, don’t write worth a lick and are worser with e-mails. Our grammar, punctuation and spelling are/is abysmal. And corporate America is saying, STOP. A recent survey found Fortune 500 companies spending more than $3 billion a year retraining employees in basic English.” (Roger O’Neil)
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Program Description: Success Language

This Success Language program teaches (and reinforces) the work-life skills required for business and workplace success. These skills also represent professionalism—behaviors and attitudes considered necessary and vital in the workplace and to success in life. Participants use a comprehensive workbook to personalize and internalize their learning experiences. Hands-on exercises inspire self-introspection of individuals’ current knowledge, skills, and attitudes concerning the work skills that enable professional success. Group discussions encourage specific solutions for improving professional skills and attitudes. Presenter lectures and additional reading materials provide the information, resources, and guidance that direct each participant to the knowledge they need to implement the skills and attitudes cultivated throughout the Success Language program. Principles of adult learning guide the development and implementation of this Success Language program to maximize learner retention.

Based on your (or your organization’s) need, this Success Language program can be customized or tailored for delivery as:

  • A 45-minute keynote;
  • A 90-minute or 2-hour educational break-out session for conferences;
  • A series of breakfast or lunchtime mini-seminars;
  • A half-day workshop;
  • A full-day training program.
“In order to compete for the best jobs, it pays to be as marketable as possible. In the
context of job hunting, “marketability” refers to how desirable a candidate is for employment consideration—what he or she is worth as a prospective hire. Corporate employers don’t want to hire someone who can merely perform the initial job duties satisfactorily. They prefer to hire academically prepared, highly motivated, and ambitious workers who offer them a good, long-term return on their investment (ROI).” (Calvin Bruce)
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Target Audience

Workers, employees, administrative staff, supervisors, and first-line managers. This program is also appropriate for new hires, young adults, new graduates (secondary education or post-secondary), trades people, professionals and entrepreneurs.
“Clothes make the person. How a person dresses makes a statement about one’s self-identification, image conveyed to others, and level of occupational aspiration. Consider the corporate culture. Different industries and professions have varying standards of what constitutes appropriate workplace attire.”
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Key Points/Topics: Success Language Program

  • Attitudes and behaviors — own your attitudes; understand the consequences of your behaviors.
  • Work ethic, professional, and social behaviors — demonstrate success habits; practice business and social etiquette. (Includes: the “look” of success, perceptions, timeliness, life balance, etiquette basics, “common” courtesy.)
  • Language mastery — use correct grammar; speak and write professionally; communicate effectively. (Includes: enunciation, pronunciation, word use, verbal communication, body language, written communications, positive messages.)
  • Competition and cooperation — realize there is a place for both in teamwork; correlate leadership and being a “winner”.
  • Past, present, future — learn from your past; be in your present; proactively shape your future; make decisions about relationships and influencers. (Includes: managing change, giving and receiving respect, philanthropy and giving back to the community, standing out for the positive things you do, name-calling and labels, social support network, resources for making relationship/personal success decisions.)

Program Benefits

Achieve these key points through the program objectives and you:

  • Better serve customers and clients;
  • Positively project your organization’s brand and image;
  • Increase your success criteria for sales, membership, or business growth;
  • Earn promotion or advancement in your job or career;
  • Build and maintain stronger relationships;
  • Tend to be viewed overall as a positive person with a strong work ethic.

This Success Language program is a springboard to your personal and professional growth and development.
”One has to read the total message, including how body language and spoken words fit together and how individuals synchronize their behavior with each other. Even the environment where the communication takes place can give special meaning to both body language and spoken words.” (Curtis LeBaron)
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Learning Objectives: Success Language Program

By the end of this Success Language program, participants (you) are able to:

  • Apply attitudes and behaviors that cause you to excel professionally and personally,
  • Recognize how you affect others by what you say and do, (and vice versa), and
  • Make decisions about the influences in your professional and personal life to determine the levels of success you achieve,

engaging tools provided in the program and resources you have in each other.

This Success Language program contributes to developing people to their full potential and performing professional responsibilities with maximum efficiency. Doing so enhances employee retention and motivates individuals to achieve higher goals.
“Working in a global, technological, wired business environment, we need to be particularly sensitive to several aspects of communication that were of lesser concern a few years ago. We now routinely communicate with colleagues, customers, and suppliers around the world through various channels. Numerous articles, books, and web sites are devoted to communicating with a global audience as well as e-mail “netiquette” and voice mail etiquette.” (From Library Association website)

“Within the first three seconds of a new encounter, you are evaluated… even if it is just a glance. People appraise your visual and behavioral appearance from head to toe. They observe your demeanor, mannerisms, and body language and even assess your grooming and accessories. This first impression process occurs in every new situation. Within the first few seconds, people pass judgment on you—looking for common surface clues. Once the first impression is made, it is virtually irreversible.” (M. Sterling)
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