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The Happiest People (WT618)
You’ve probably heard of Anh Do. He’s a TV presenter, comedian and author. He wrote a book called “The Happiest Refugee” based on his experience as a Vietnamese refugee. From what I have seen of him, he is a great role model for someone who is grateful. His book title was the inspiration for this week’s thought – The Happiest People. In my experience, the happiest people are those that are grateful. They are the ones who gush praise and thanks when someone does something for them. They are the ones who see the job completed and are so happy that it has been done. They are not the ones who...
The Value Is In The Offer (WT617)
This week’s thought comes as a result of an Easter catch up with a long time friend and business colleague of mine – Libby Cornish. I don’t recall how the conversation got here, however I think it’s a great point to note, especially if you’re in business or a customer service role or you’re dedicated to your customers. Libby said, “The value is in the offer, Shirl”. “What does that mean?” I asked. Libby explained with a little story, “Years ago when I had my hair salons, I used to send welcome offers to new clients and also birthday offers. When we analysed the results, only about 20% of our...
Almost a Blotched Record (WT616)
It’s Good Friday. I was at the sink washing up, preparing for family to come to lunch. “OMG! I forgot the Weekly Thought”, I screamed to Ross. With 10 minutes before our guests arrived, I’m sitting here writing to you because I don’t want to ruin my record of not having missed a week in almost 12 years. It’s an important goal and commitment of mine – to be consistent. I’ve been working really long hours the past few weeks and I set another goal that I would finish work last night at 5pm and have 4 days off over Easter. Well, I finished at 6pm, so an hour later than I planned. Still, I was...
There’s No Need To Point The Finger (WT615)
One of the profiles I use in my coaching and leadership experiences gives us a score between 1 and 10 for what we call “Impression Management”. Impression Management is the degree to which we want others to see us in a favourable light. It’s our lie detector. It shows us whether you’re a people pleaser or not. The higher the number, the more it matters to you that people like you and/or that you are concerned to do the right thing by others. The lower the score, the less you care what others think of you and the more critical you are – critical of yourself and others. When I first completed...
What’s The Right Thing To Do (WT614)
I was sitting at my desk, which is opposite the window in my office. I noticed a young boy and a dog walk past. Thankfully the dog didn’t stop to you know what. Next thing I heard the lid on the neighbour’s garbage being opened and shut really quickly. That’s odd, I thought. The neighbour was at work. It was about 4:00pm. I didn’t give it any more thought until Ross happened to mention the garbage lid. Ross was outside when the young boy and dog walked past. He watched the young boy lift the lid on the neighbour’s bin (which usually sits outside on the nature strip in front of his...
What I Missed (WT613)
Years ago, like nearly 30, I was employed in various government departments. At the time, one of the buzz words was “community”. I confess, I really didn’t understand what it meant. In fact, it wasn’t until years later that I understood it to mean people knowing each other and looking after and supporting each other (my definition). Last weekend I happened to be walking along the street with a new friend when I bumped into an old friend. Immediately we hugged (ooops, forgot about Covid) and had a chat. It was so nice to see someone familiar; someone with whom I had history. We had both...
We Didn’t Know What We Were Doing (WT612)
One of the concepts we include in our Leading Yourself and Leading Others Experience is “synergy” where 1+1=5. In other words, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. What this means is that when you have a high performing team you can create magic. You can achieve far more with your team than what you could by adding up individual efforts. Here’s why this is relevant. I am so grateful to Kellie O’Brien and Chrystie Hile who jumped on board to create a team with me to get my book published and launched. I couldn’t have done it without them. None of us really knew what we were doing....
Here’s My Problem (WT611)
This week was an exciting week. I spoke at the conference and launched my new book and I got to use some great skills I learned from another book, “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It” by Christopher Voss and Tahl Raz. We arrived at our accommodation about 8pm and checked in. We parked the car, took our bags to our room and were immediately disappointed. “This won’t do”, I said to Ross. “Why not?” he asked. “Because, I specifically requested a room with a lounge (sofa)”. Dragging our bags with us, we returned to reception. “I’m sorry. This room is...
Change Me (WT610)
As we wrap up Day 4 of the Leading Yourself and Leading Others experience, one of the main concepts we learn is that of “Change Me – Change You”. What that means is that rather than asking, demanding or expecting the other person to change, we understand that because we are in a relationship with someone, if we want the other to change, we must change first. To demonstrate this, I move from one end of the room to the other. Because the participants and I are in a relationship, they shift in their seast to be able to see and hear me. It’s then that I explain that because I have changed, and...
Why Are You Coming? (WT609)
In a few weeks I’m speaking at The Complete Leader Conference hosted by Realtair and launching my book. I called the hotel to make a reservation. I was intrigued at the response I got. I shared that I wanted a room for 3 nights. “Oh, we only have a room block with a special rate for 2 nights”, said Mary. “That’s okay. Can I stay and pay for 3 nights please? I’m also a member (of the hotel chain).” “Yes, let me see what I can do for you,” she replied. I gave her my details and she offered me a room and a price. It was the basic room with the cheapest price and only included a bed and...