Take a Position

Sometimes people believe that taking a position is a dangerous idea. While evaluating the risk of taking a particular position and considering the pros and cons they conclude that the cons outweigh the pros. There may be some circumstances and situations where this perceived risk is real and there may be situations where it is merely a negative fantasy. Despite the potential consequences there may be some benefits to taking a position.

Taking a position may establish new friendships, give you more respect, and result in previously unknown opportunities. Some of this depends on how you evaluate or analyze risk and popular wisdom suggests that there are “two sides” to every story.

Many people take a position on the environment, on politics, and on guns. Taking a position is not necessarily bad. Your position may differ from others or even from “popular” opinion, but taking a position shows you are real and not “playing games” with others ideas or values. Knowing exactly where someone “stands” promotes trust, even if that position differs from your own.

Keep it real – take a position!

- DEG

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