What are some important things to be aware of in today's workforce?

"Things are always changing. And, yet, interpersonal communication skills, such as clarity, focused listening, ability to explore ideas through dialogue, critical thinking, and compassion are all still essential to effectiveness in the workplace. You can't count on job security with anysingle company. But develop positive relationships everywhere you go andyou'll always have a job (somewhere) waiting."

What are some quick business etiquette tips students should keep in mind while working in the real world?

"Remember your pleases' and 'thank you's.' Appreciate something in everyone. Smile before you frown. "Seek first to understand, and then to beunderstood."(Stephen Covey)

What are some tips for contemporary leaders to follow?

"Abandon any ideas that you have to brow beat your employees to get them todo their work. Hire internally motivated people, lay out the objectives andstandards of quality you expect, and then let them go at it their way. Ifthey make a mistake, help them learn from it. Provide a tip or two whenneeded, but treat your co-workers and subordinates equally--with respectand concern for their success."

Dr. Virginia Hamilton

Virginia Hamilton, Ph.D., is a lecturer in the Communication department. She received her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Austin in 1991, specializing in Adult Education and Human Resource Leadership. She received her MA degree from San Diego State University in Communication Studies. For seven years prior to coming to UCD, Dr. Hamilton worked in the private sector as a Training Designer, Business Consultant, and Senior Executive of three different companies. In each case she has worked to design and deliver training programs, create corporate-wide policies and procedures regarding Human Resource Management, and has re-engineered work processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs. She has provided consulting services for local, national, and international companies such as Quest Diagnostics, Smith-Klein Beechum, Sedgewick, Chevron, Pokka Beverages, Aon Services, and Remedy Staffing Solutions. She has extensive experience coaching business owners and their executive teams on group and organizational communication skills and program design.