Winning Behaviors. Smile, firm friendly handshake, direct and pleasant eye contact. Motivational pioneer, Earl Nightingale said, "Treat every person you meet like he or she is the most important person on earth, because to that person they are." Right on Earl.

Winning Behaviors. Ask people's names. When you forget immediately, (which we all do), ask again. Then create associations like "Donna from Detroit" or "Stan the man." Write names down. Use them while speaking to people. Most of all, practice the name-game everywhere. You'll get in great name shape.

Winning Behaviors. Ask open-ended questions. Practice silence. Do not interrupt or finish peoples' sentences. Show nonverbal attentiveness. Paraphrase what others said to show respect and to gain accurate understanding. Show emotional support and empathy by trying to understand their perspective. Most of all, be fully engaged. Excellent listening is not just smart business; it says a lot about your character.

Winning Behaviors. Get great at asking questions that lead to sharing information like, "So John, where are you from originally?" "Did you do anything fun last weekend?" "Anything exciting you're looking forward to?" By learning about people beyond the workplace, you discover a whole world that they are passionate about, much of which you can relate to or make a link. Make these questions habits and you'll soon be standing tall on common ground.

Winning Behaviors. Send thank you cards every week. Fact: If you don't send handwritten thank you notes to customers or clients who give you business (regularly!), you are losing money. Taking time to show gratitude is about class on a personal level and it creates a bonding that shows concern on a professional level. Whether you appreciate by pen, by phone, or in person, make it a habit. People like to do business with people they like.

Winning Behaviors. Be willing to say, "I'm sorry that I spoke to you like that," or, "Team, before we start this meeting, I need to admit fault over how I handled a client situation." Remember, your best relationships are not built. They are rebuilt.

Winning Behaviors. Use positive words, choose to look for the best in others, walk with confidence, speak with a genuine passion, and treat people with dignity.