The “C” Word

Following a recent keynote speech someone in the elevator at the conference center commented to me that one of the items she found valuable was the idea of never using the word “criticism.”

In the workplace we have an obligation to help our peers, direct reports, and even supervisors to improve team performance through feedback. Too often these conversations start with the words “constructive criticism.”  Recipients of these words almost always will put up their self-defense barriers resulting in a high anxiety conflict bearing conversation that neither party enjoys or finds beneficial. Think constructive feedback or even coaching, but don’t think or say criticism.

Make feedback work for you and for your team!

- DEG

Positive Impact

“You have a bad attitude!”

In our lives we all have some responsibility for our attitude. Nearly every day someone, a client, a workshop participant, or even someone in a retail establishment will mention to me the negativity that they feel from other people. We all make decisions everyday and one of the most important decisions we can make is our outlook on what today will bring. Our attitude and how we approach other people often has a lot to do with how our day will turn out.

“I was fine until I saw Adam!”

We often place blame on others around us; and frankly, yes, those people could have something to do with our negativity. What if we role reverse the scenario? Who is to blame?

Every day we have an opportunity, we have an opportunity to have a positive impact on people. Make an impact, make a ripple, and spread out positive energy to those around you!

Will you have a positive impact today?

- DEG

Personal Strategic Plan

The date is March 6, 2015, just three short years from now. Barring any unforeseen circumstances you will wake up as always and start your day. Do you have any idea where in life you will be or what you will be doing? Many people do not, and suddenly one day they wake up and realize that 5, 10, 15, or more years have passed.

Most successful businesses go through a strategic planning process. In very small businesses this may be somewhat informal, but most businesses need a plan. They often start with a process known as a SWOT analysis, analyzing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Do your personal SWOT.

It is March 6, 2015 – where are you?

- DEG

Let’s Be Honest

Most people are reaching for something more, some barely dare to dream about it, others make it happen. Those who make it happen have the drive and the ability to push through any barriers that threaten their success. Self-confidence is a big factor, and while some people settle for the idea that they don’t have enough self-confidence others go out and get it.

Self-confidence can be built; often it is built by taking small risks. One small risk that ends in a new accomplishment builds you up for another risk, and another, and so on. Let’s be honest though, sometimes our risks end in failure. This is what separates the dreamers from the achievers. Those who take a risk and fail learn more and come back better than before. Setbacks don’t bring them down; they refocus and use the experience to bring them up. It’s not about luck, it is about desire.

Those who really want it will achieve it!

So let’s be honest – do you want it?

- DEG

What I Found Appreciative Yesterday!

I’m late and have a list of to-do’s that would give a dead man a heart attack. Walking through the double doors of the local Post Office I noticed a line of people. Patiently I waited, a woman behind me spoke to me asking for the location of an area insurance company. While I did not know the location, based on our discussion I offered a few guesses and during this time I am thinking one thing – just let me out of here! As it becomes my turn to be waited on by the postal clerk, the woman asks if she can go in front of me.

Shocked and using some (almost) sarcasm I said “sure go ahead.” In my mind I was thinking – what could possibly be more important than my problems. I regrouped and accepted that my honoring of her request was the appreciative thing to do. As the woman asked the postal clerk for the location she mentioned that she must find the insurance company because her mother had just passed away and she needed to settle her affairs. I was humbled and internally embarrassed with the thought of how insignificant my rush to get out of the Post Office was compared to what this woman must be feeling. I offered more assistance while the other ten persons waiting in line were quiet and frozen in time as if it were a scene from the movie - The Matrix. Satisfied with the directions and location the woman proceeded to exit the Post Office. As I stepped to the counter the postal clerk dropped her shoulders and arms, looked at me with a bright smile and said, “you are so nice and so congenial - that poor woman” the clerk processed my mail, and thanked me no less than three times. Being appreciative – it’s the right thing to do!