CLARITY Leadership Coaching

Your Autumn Self-Coaching Checklist

tbissell — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:55:03 +0000

Here is a checklist of self-coaching questions to help you remove any barriers that are preventing you from achieving yours goals.

What specifically is getting in the way of you doing this?
What resources do you need?
What support do need that you are not getting?
What are the roadblocks you expect or know about?
Is it really possible to meet deadline?
What are your fears and concerns?
Are you celebrating the small successes along the way?

A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement. – Bo Bennett

The Power of Yes!

tbissell — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:13:25 +0000

Every time you think or say the word “No,” substitute the word “Yes.” You will be amazed at the results. It immediately creates positive energy. It shifts attitudes. It inspires creativity. And it helps people feel safe, and maybe open up and tell you how they really feel. “Yes” is embracing. “No” is a closing the door. The goal here, is to cultivate “Yes” in your environment. Say “Yes” and…(insert your creativity) to experience more meaningful and truthful conversations. This will help you get to where you want to be in life.

“YES” is contagious even to the negative people. Just don’t give up and let the negative people steal your energy. There is no quick journey to cultivating “YES!,” and if it doesn’t work for both parties maybe it’s time for a change. “YES!”

When you have this “Yes” culture, life becomes more fun, you are more productive and in both your personal and professional life, you will see and feel the benefits. Please let me know how the power of “Yes” works for you.

“Thoughts are energy. And you can make your world by your thinking.”

Susan L. Taylor

“The word “yes” may bring trouble; the “no” leads nowhere.” – Bantu Proverb

Feedback – A Gift Worth Giving and Receiving

tbissell — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 22:30:17 +0000

Feedback can be one of the most useful tools you can use to make your conversations meaningful and productive. Creating a culture where honest feedback is welcomed and appreciated will improve the quality of life for everyone.

Useful feedback can be a five-step process:

Ask – Have the courage to ask for feedback
Listen – Listen to the feedback with an open mind
Be Grateful – Thank others for the feedback
Think – Reflect on the feedback
Follow Up – Follow up on the feedback you received

Think about something in your life that you’d like feedback on. Something you’d like to know how you’re doing as seen through someone else’s perspective. It could be something from your work or personal life.

Now practice the five-step feedback process by answering the questions below.

Step 1: Ask
Vizualize a real person whom you would like to get feedback from. Think about what you will say to that person.

Step 2: Listen
Imagine that the person’s answer is nicely delivered, but he or she points out that you need some work in the area in question.

Write down what that person might say in delivering the constructive but negative feedback.

Now think for a moment what it felt like to receive that feedback. Write a sentence about what you are feeling (surprised? defensive? angry?)

Step 3: Be Grateful

Visualize yourself thanking the person for the feedback. Remember, this was not exactly what you had hoped to hear. Was it difficult to say “thank you” in this case?

Step 4: Think

Now evaluate the feedback and think about what you might do with the information you have received.

Step 5: Follow Up

Now think of a follow-up plan. When and how often will you follow up? What will you say? What will you do with the information you get during follow-up? What will your reward be for following up?

Source: Feedback is a Gift, Stephen C Lundin, Ph.D. and Marshall Goldsmith Ph.D. A Charthouse International Publication.

Turning a Non-Listener Into a Better Listener

tbissell — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 04:16:52 +0000

Effective communication first starts with listening. The following are some signs to look for in a person who is a non-listener. This type of communicator can be very difficult to work with and recognizing it can be the first step to helping them on their way to becoming a more effective communicator.

Makes no effort to listen
Wants to talk all the time, never listens, never silent
“Acts” attentive, while probably thinking about something else
Seems to look through or past the speaker using little or no eye contact
Interrupts often, never letting you finish what you are saying
Always wants the “last word.”

So what do you say to the non-listener to get them to stop and listen? Try this:

Ask the person if he/she would be willing to listen to a very important suggestion that may help them? Then, using an appropriate voice tone, identify the behavior you have observed and explain how he/she would benefit by becoming a listener. Some examples include: more productive, less mistakes, more collaboration with co-workers, a more respected person with a much better support system at work and at home.

“Genuine listening means suspending memory, desire, and judgment-and for a few moments, at least, existing for the other person.” – Michael P. Nichols

Secrets for Healthy Communication

tbissell — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:20:36 +0000

Use this list of secrets to help you become an effective and successful communicator.

Check your motive
Get to the point
Stick to the point
Remember body language speaks as loud as words
Check your tone
Say what you mean and mean what you say
Listen for understanding–check in with the other person
Practice what you are going to say and write it down if it helps you
Ask advice from others for tough communications
Keep it light-hearted and wholehearted

Take inspired action and create your own future.