Archive for Performance
5 Keys to Building Strong Relationships: Leaders Connecting with People
Posted by: | CommentsHuman beings, of necessity, depend on one another. As John Donne said some 400 years ago, “No man is an island.”
But we all know that when groups of people gather together, there is often dissension. Even in couples or small groups, simply getting along is often a problem. And that is the problem that we must address if we wish to be effective in relating positively to one another. Because we also know that cooperation leads to greater productivity, while dissension often gives the opposite result!
But people are different! And that’s what it is all about: trying to understand and respond to the needs of the people we are trying to build a relationship with.
Most of us grew up with the Golden Rule; “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” A great message, but taken literally, it simply does not work! How I would like to be treated is not necessarily the way you would like to be treated! We are all different – with different patterns of behavior and different perceptions of what appeals to us, and how we want to be treated. Read More→
Setting Smart Goals to Help People Shape Smart Plans
Posted by: | CommentsDeveloping Performance Goals to Achieve Success
We seem to be in the season when many individuals and organizations focus on goal setting or making resolutions. This in itself is a good thing. If a ship has no destination, then all winds are favourable. If we have no goals, how will we know which route to take, how we are progressing, and will we know when we have arrived.
Goals drive us! They allow us to determine our future, and help us to grow and excel in all of our endeavours. An important part of any manager’s role is to encourage team members to develop effective performance goals and to commit to those goals on a daily basis. In order to do so, the goals must be written down and referred to constantly. Then we know where we are going and how we are going to get there. Nothing is impossible! As Dr. Schuller says, “If you can conceive it in your mind and believe it in your heart, you can achieve it.” It’s now up to you. Whether you achieve your goal or not, is in your hands.
363 for Leaders: a New Kind of 360 Feedback!
Posted by: | CommentsThe release of 363™ for Leaders has recently been announced by Inscape Publishing. It is a new kind of 360 feedback that combines the best of 360’s with the simplicity and power of DiSC®.
The researchers at Inscape Publishing did a comprehensive analysis of current and traditional leadership theories and created a brand new interpersonal leadership model incorporating 8 leadership approaches that incorporate contemporary leadership philosophy.
But Everything DiSC® 363™ for Leaders isn’t just any 360. It combines the best of 360s with the simplicity and power of DiSC; plus, you’ll get three strategies for improving your leadership effectiveness. Read More→
Am I Too Old?
Posted by: | CommentsRecently I heard a minister speaking about his reaction to his retirement. He questioned himself “Am I really retired?” He then asked, “At this time of life- am I too old?”
Do you find yourself saying “I am too old?” Is age your excuse for not doing things?
Edward Smith, motivational speaker, and author wrote,
“Don’t use “I am too old” for an excuse. People that were “too old” have accomplished many of the greatest achievements in the world. If you say you are “too old”, you are giving up growing and living, and it is just one more excuse for not doing something. Usually being at the point where you are “too old” means you have an incredible base of knowledge and experience and at the very least you have discovered the many ways NOT to do something. It would be a real waste not to use this for you and share it with others. You are never “too old” to be your best.”
Look at:
- Frank Stronach, the 78 year old Austrian -Canadian businessman. As the founder of Magna International in Aurora, Ontario, and Magna Entertainment Corp., he is still receiving many accolades for his contributions to technological education, technical skills training and entrepreneurship.
- Betty White, the 88 year old American actress, comedian and former game show host, was recently a guest host for TV’s Saturday Night Live. Now, 6,000 fans on Facebook have put forward the idea of her being the next host for the Academy Awards.
- Bob Crossley, author, painter, and a 93 year old friend of mine, still skis each year in Switzerland because he believes he is able, physically, mentally and emotionally. His style and technique might not be as great as in earlier years, but this does not stop him.
It is a fact that as the body ages, there are certain changes to deal with, mostly physical. One cannot predict what will happen. It could be a knee, back, or leg problem, that prevents one from getting around as quickly as usual. A hearing deficit can affect one’s general well being. Television and audio 
volumes needs to be increased, and communication becomes more difficult. Cancer can strike requiring surgery, chemo or radiation or Dementia can creep up on people. So much time is taken away from lives.
Isn’t it at this point of personal demise that one would say “I’m too old.”
But wait – why am I dwelling on the negatives.
A way can be found to deal with all of the above, and the challenges ahead can be met with a positive approach. We all know people like Frank, Betty and Bob – who are determined and committed to make things happen, whether it is in business, on TV, or in sports. They do not let their age, stage, or circumstances prevent them from achieving personal goals. Their enthusiasm and commitment are contagious and motivating for others.
Again, one asks: “At what age is too old?
At what stage is too old?” Am I too old?
The answers lie within each one of us.
As Kerry, my daughter says “Your age is only an indicator of how much wisdom you have to share with others.”
And Abraham Lincoln probably said it best;
“And in the end, it is not the years in your life that count. It is the life in your years.”
