November 2009 – Why We Must Connect With Others

On November 19, 2009, In @ Home, @ Work, Relationships, By Bryan Dodge

It is important to remember that we are human beings. And being human, it is important to realize that we are designed to connect with others. It is the separation of that design that removes the happiness and fulfillment that we all need. It is that connection that allows you to live The Good Life. It is not our calling to go about our lives focused only on what we do at work, and then try to fit our personal lives into the cracks of the day.

I truly have a passion for what I do, and I’m focused on my mission in life. I want to help build a better world by helping you build a better you, one person at a time. I want to THANK YOU especially during this time of Thanksgiving for all that you have done to help me accomplish this goal. So many of you have supported me through all the years and you play an important role in my life. I’m very THANKFUL to have a special connection with you.

Our capacity for love, affection, warmth, and friendship are rich and reliable sources of human happiness. The key is to transform the “I” and “U” in our lives into “We.” Evolving our lives to a higher level allows us to cultivate a sense of belonging that brings rich rewards of human satisfaction, along with better physical, mental, and emotional health. The key is to connect with others. Connecting with the human race helps to strengthen the wider community and is vital to building a better you.

Tagged with: • • • • • •
 
0 Comments
Leave A Response

October 2009 – Coaching Up

On November 17, 2009, In @ Home, @ Work, Relationships, By Bryan Dodge

An important task that each leader must undertake is to “coach up.” You can’t turn this coaching job down—you have a lifetime contract to coach your team. You can’t be fired and you can’t quit. You must accept that everything rises and falls with you. That is how important you are, both at work and at home. Of course, you can choose not to actively coach your team, but that leaves you exactly where you are right now. So, why would you choose to not coach your team? I believe that people who choose not to coach up don’t understand the basic rules in life.

Let me explain. In his book “Life’s Choices,” John Lawrence states, “We not only enter into the blessings that God has bestowed upon us for which we have not labored at all, and we not only enter into the blessings and benefits of the labors of others in this, but we reap the wrong because others came along before us and sowed the wrong.” Coaching up incorporates two important elements. First, it means intentionally being a person who has chosen to coach the team. Second, it means intentionally creating a first class team both at work and at home to play alongside you. To coach up, you must operate efficiently and effectively. The coach must take responsibility for where the team is and where the team is going, as well as having a plan to deal with troubled times.

Tagged with: • • • •
 
0 Comments
Leave A Response

September 2009 – Becoming a Better Listener is Key to a Successful Life

On November 17, 2009, In @ Home, @ Work, Relationships, By Bryan Dodge

Listening is a skill that will give you the edge over your competition. In most cases, we should spend about 75 percent of our time listening, 10 percent of our time thinking about what we’ve heard, and 5 percent of our time talking. Now, you probably notice that this doesn’t add up to 100 percent. The remaining 10 percent is the time you should be spending listening to your inner voice, intuition, and heart. Communication gurus tell us if you’re talking 50 percent of the time in a conversation, you’re talking too much and not listening enough.

Your ability to listen builds trust. There are two questions that must be answered before anybody will do business with you. Do they trust you? And, do they like you?  Listening contains the keys to answering both questions. Studies have shown that miscommunication occurs largely because we do not take the time to listen. Alexander Pope, the famous eighteenth century English poet once said, “Some people never learn anything because they understand everything too soon.”  One of the deepest needs people have is to be heard and understood.

Listening effectively is not easy. It requires what people lack most; time, patience, and total concentration.  People will judge you on how much you care about them by your attention level.  If you only hear a person’s words and not listen, you lose credibility and diminish trust.  Here are some specific skills required to becoming a better listener:

  • Focus on looking squarely in one eye of the person. Yes, one eye. This little trick subconsciously blocks out distractions and gives the person your total attention, and that is essential. Try it. It works.
  • Don’t just sit there! Interrupt them when you lose focus and get back on track before you become lost. By the way, they know when you are getting lost!
  • Ask good questions. Questions are like objections; they show that you have interest.
  • Recap. Sum up the main points as you go along to make sure you understand what has been said.
  • Don’t finish the other person thoughts, even though you may get their point.

And always remember, “Other people judge how much you care by how attentive you are.” So, when you are where you are, be there.

Tagged with: • • • • •
 
0 Comments
Leave A Response
Go To Top »