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Thiagi 2009 |
Posted By Bryan J. Lombardi,
Monday, September 21, 2009
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Responses to Thiagi events of September 2009
Review Courtesy: Janine Burke (ASTD-LA Member)
Did you ever have a friend who always gave you the greatest advice? I do. Lynnette Ward told me to join ASTD-LA. Score! She introduced me to Tom Henschel. Score! And she suggested I do Thiagi workshops. How is that for 3 out of 3 rock star suggestions?
I have done many Thiagi workshops since Lynnette first recommended him. Each workshop has been unique, hilarious and inspiring. The last one was a little different in that I had the great pleasure of introducing my dear friend, HarSimran, to Thiagi. I had trained her using Thiagi methods. Sharing my friend’s pleasure as she experienced the Training Games workshop was like the joy we get from taking a child to Disneyland for the first time.
With all the other participants, we laughed, we played and some of us got angry and frustrated during the negotiation game. Okay, I GOT ANGRY! The pleasure of doing a Thiagi workshop is delicious, the learnings are magnificent, but having someone else to split to the constant teasing is PRICELESS.
Now my dear friend HarSimran and I can speak in shorthand. She did the second workshop I could not make and I made the HAPPINESS dinner she could not. We now have another level to our grand friendship – learning, sharing and LAUGHING even more.
Thank you, Lynnette! Those of you who had the pleasure of the Happiness chapter meeting know that one of the major keys is GRATITUDE. Lynnette, I am profoundly thankful for your friendship. You have never steered me wrong.
Tags:
Thiagi
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Relationships & Communication |
Posted By Bryan J. Lombardi,
Monday, July 27, 2009
Updated: Monday, July 27, 2009
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Many attempts to communicate effectively are ruined by the act of opening your mouth. Whether in a Learning & Development role, Sales, Marketing, Finance, or Operations, we are reliant on our ability to communicate effectively. Below are some ways you can make a profound improvement in your relationships through improved communications:
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Ask Questions Instead of Answering Them: Too many times we have a desire, or “need,” to answer the question being raised. Instead of giving in to the desire to answer all questions all the time, take a moment to ask even more questions about the issue at hand before offering your wisdom.
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If You’re Uncertain, Say So: You don’t have to answer every question for every person all the time. One of the most respect-inducing answers a person can give is “I don’t know."
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Speak with Genuine Openness & Be Direct: Don’t act as a secret agent by withholding certain information. Many times we feel the need to over-explain certain areas simply because we’re not open enough to share the entire story. Instead, we harp on the one part of the opinion we’re willing to share. Share the real reasons behind your views. Share them openly. Share them genuinely – it’s a much easier process for all.
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Don’t Jump to Being “Mr. Fix-It” (or Ms. Fix-It if it applies): This is in alignment with some people’s innate desire to answer every question posed – they feel the need to fix every issue. Many a relationship has been ruined by one individual thinking it’s their role to fix everything. Sometimes it is truly best to step back and passively receive information, allow someone to let off steam or even figure something out on their own. The most effective question I’ve learned to ask in my nine-plus years of marriage is: “Is this something you want me to help you fix or do you just need me to listen.” This ranks right up there with “Yes dear” as the most important words every spouse should master.
Business relationships, and personal relationships, are dependent on our ability to communicate effectively with one another. Imagine the affect for all Learning & Development professionals worldwide if we improved our skills of fully understanding issues before trying to answer and/ or fix them. I’m uncertain how to make that happen, genuinely speaking, though I’d appreciate your help getting there.
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Communicate to Connect |
Posted By Soraya M. Deen,
Monday, June 29, 2009
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Next "Don't count your words, let your words count.” - Soraya
We spend a great part of our lives, observing what others are saying and doing. It is our ability to articulate this observation without introducing any judgment or evaluation, that will help us make the difference.
It is our ability to simply say what people are doing and saying, without adding our stories and interpretations to what is being said, done or seen, that will determine the quality of our connection.
Simply put, don't say "You are late again" Say, "You said we'll meet at 3 pm and it is 4.30 pm now"!!
Everyday we have an incredible number of opportunities to reconnect and rejuvenate our relationships through compassionate communication.
Ardently and mindfully steer away from making judgments and evaluations.
Remember to describe the behavior. Don't count your words, make your words count.
Observe, Observe, Observe.
Simply remember NO BLAME NO SHAME!
Upgrade your verbal software!
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Four Simple Agreements |
Posted By Bryan J. Lombardi,
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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In 1997 Don Miguel Ruiz, who began his career as a surgeon, published his first major work: The Four Agreements. With much to follow, Ruiz quickly established himself as a life-change guru and philosophical pioneer. Ruiz’ elegant view of contentment translates directly to success in business. Many leaders, including Jack Welch and Richard Branson, have cited “The Four Agreements” as central tenants in their business philosophy. Could we possibly adopt such a simple formula to increase our success and potential?
Agreement 1: Be impeccable with your word – Speak with integrity. Say what you mean. Avoid speaking ill of others and stay out of the gossip circles. Use the power of your word in the direction of follow-through and commitments that are diligently made true by your actions.
Agreement 2: Don’t take things personally – Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality. When your feelings and emotions are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering. Instead, use feedback and criticism to learn and make strategic and effective change.
Agreement 3: Don’t make assumptions – Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings and drama. Confirming just one agreement, where there previously was not one, can completely transform a situation or even an entire project.
Agreement 4: Always do your best – Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best and avoid self-judgment, self-abuse and regret.
According to Ruiz, people are usually very good at two or three of the above. The key is abiding by all four consistently. Can you imagine how productive and effective we all could be if we could consistently work by these elegant and simple principles?
Tags:
Be reflective and purposeful in all things.
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How to Leverage Writing and Publishing to Get Noticed |
Posted By Denise C. Ross,
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
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Do you ever visit this section and want to post something, but don't know what to write or how to get started?
Well, the June Chapter Meeting will be a real Lesson In Learning and will talk about publishing and touch on how blogs can help you be positioned as an expert--no matter whether you are an external or internal trainer.
This forum, right here, is one of the greatest benefits that ASTD-Los Angeles offers it members to get seen and read!
Click here for more information about and register for the program. Get started posting today!
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YES, you can |
Posted By Soraya M. Deen,
Monday, May 25, 2009
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Jiddu Krishnamurti says "the highest form of intelligence is to observe without judgment".
Judging and evaluating other persons behaviors and actions, will alienate us from them.
In addition, it dehumanizes, disconnects and disassociates us from others.
When someone does or says something that does not make life wonderful for you, describe the behavior or action. This can strengthen the connection between the two of you.
Lets see how -
1. The boss is unpredictable, he is procrastinating around his decision again - Judgment
2. The boss told us he would announce the decision by last week, we still have not heard from him - Observation
Try this one and see if you can make the distinction-
1. You are arguing with me for the fourth time this week- (Observation/Judgment?)
2. This is the fourth time this week that you stated you disagree with what I am saying- (Observation/Judgment?)
This week, reflect consciously on everything you say. Be sure it promotes the quality of connection between you two. Ardently and mindfully steer away from communication that is life alienating.
Simply remember NO BLAME no SHAME!
Upgrade your verbal software!
Soraya Deen, MA
Speaker, Trainer
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Habits Teammates Appreciate |
Posted By Bryan J. Lombardi,
Monday, May 18, 2009
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Regardless of position, level or department every teammate appreciates coworkers who do their job well. Have you ever worked next to someone that you knew was good at their job, and still drove you crazy? Have you ever been the one to drive other people crazy? Here are five quick tips for making sure you're on the "we love having them around" list:
1) Acknowledge Feedback: People appreciate knowing that they're being listened to. When others ask for something from you, give you compliments, or even suggest improvement areas it's admirable to acknowledge what they say, show appreciation and follow through.
2) Build Relationships: You'll make others look good if you establish a good rapport with your department's customers, whether they're inside the company or out. Share whatever you learn with teammates. Help develop others around you…and be open to developing and learning from them.
3) Learn People's Frustrations: If your teammates have said repeatedly that they hate being interrupted first thing in the morning, don't run to their desk for updates as soon as they get in. If they don't like emails and prefer quick conversations, what can you do to accommodate?
4) Anticipate Needs of Others: Once you have worked with a teammate for a while, you should be able to know what information they will want / need before they're able to move something forward (such as signing a PO!). Provide what's needed in advance; don't make them wait for it.
5) Be Engaged in Your Work: Arguing with others over every issue is not a good strategy, and neither is simply shrugging your shoulders and agreeing with everything everyone says. Are you able to provide your opinion appropriately and communicate new ways (positive or contrary) to looking at things? This means showing both enthusiasm for your work and speaking up when you see room for improvement.
It’s not enough that we excel at executing our individual tasks well. We are part of a team! We’re in this economic war…together. What are you doing to make your teammates’ job easier and more energizing?
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Communicate to Connect |
Posted By Soraya M. Deen,
Monday, May 11, 2009
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Have you noticed the flow of communication between you and your significant other?
Is it ONE WAY? TWO WAY? or NO WAY?
Is the quality of connection between the two of you broken because of judgments and self righteousness?
Communication is at the heart of everything we do. Knowing what NOT TO SAY is more important than what we do say.
This week, reflect consciously on everything you say. Be sure it promotes the quality of connection between you two. Ardently and mindfully steer away from communication that is life alienating.
Simply remember NO BLAME no SHAME!
Upgrade your verbal software!
Soraya Deen, MA
(818) 395 2032Next Week: Observing without judging!
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A Great Note Taking Technique |
Posted By Jean Franzblau,
Monday, May 04, 2009
Updated: Monday, May 04, 2009
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I attended a seminar last week and used a note taking style that was creative, organized and rewarding. I modified the technique from a talk I heard given by colleague, Dave Jensen.
On my notepad, I draw two vertical lines all the way down so that the paper is divided into thirds. Each column has a title:
1. Insights
2. Ideas
3. Behaviors
As I went from class to class at the event, I’d keep my ear perked up listening for insights. These are the “aha” moments. The mind bending paradigm shifts. The creatively gleeful, expansive thoughts. And then I’d write them down in that first column.
Example: Wow, business people seem to be paying $195 and even $595 for learning DVDs. My skills could really earn me a good living!
I would also keep a keen eye out for ideas. Those are creative possibilities, inspired maybes. I may or may not implement them, at this point they’re simply thoughts I want to note down.
Example: I could order that Speed Reading software. Maybe that could help me deal with all the emails I get.
Lastly, I jot down concrete actions I’m motivated to take immediately. They go in the behaviors column.
Example: Call Vicki and congratulate her on her award; send email to the woman who wanted to give me a lead
After the seminar, I type my notes into a Word document. This process gives me another chance to digest and learn the information. Then I print out the document and get cracking on the behaviors column. The other columns I read over from time to time to see if I’m motivated to take any action on those ideas and insights.
And now I feel like I really got my money’s worth at the conference.
Tags:
Dave Jensen
note taking
seminar
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Setting Micro-Goals |
Posted By Jean Franzblau,
Monday, May 04, 2009
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A wise doctor was concerned for his obese patient. If she didn't change her habits soon, her life would be in danger. He asked her to march in front of the TV for sixty seconds every day. A week later, she called the doctor to ask him what else she could do. He extended her marching time by small increments and added other activities. The result over time? A bona fide exercise program.
What did that doctor do that was so brilliant? He gave his patient a micro-goal. Micro-goals are easy, achievable and confidence building. They move people towards their larger goals.
I started a writing project recently. To keep my enthusiasm up, I assigned myself a micro-goal: to open the document and write anything I chose to at least three times during the week. With no pressure on me for quality or quantity, I experienced very little resistance to writing. I even got a fourth session in.
Would you care to set a micro-goal for yourself this month? I'd love to hear about it!
Tags:
doctor
exercise
goals
micro-goal
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