Make it happen in the workplace...

We find one of the most effective methods of ensuring that participants maintain the skills they learn, is to ensure that they all have an opportunity to review what they have learnt with their colleagues or manager in the days and weeks after the training.

This can be done in various ways such as:

• ensuring all participants have an opportunity to present the benefit of the training either internally or externally
• organise regular meetings or conference calls and discuss real client examples
• send newsletters internally to share best practices and sucess stories

A simple approach... but highly effective!

Corina Balaneanu
Sales Consultant

www.london.dalecarnegie.com

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

During last week's first session of the 12 week Dale Carnegie Course our class members were asked 'what do you expect from the trainer and the team leaders?' A resounding Acceptance came back! They awakened in me that for human beings to pour out their creativity and their not yet used infinite capacities, and to achieve the business results and outcomes they desire, a sacred space of acceptance of who we are is at the core. Who we are is already complete and perfect; our Selves are waiting for us to let it out! And the Dale Carnegie Corporation has been providing this environment for nearly 100 years!

Today, please, turn to your colleague, your customer, your boss, your CEO, your vendor, your competitor, your friend, your lover, your best friend, your spouse, your child or a new person and do one thing today: listen from nothing. Listen to them with your heart and ask them what is it like being you? And listen. This is Acceptance :)

Lizzie Thomas

Trainer

www.london.dalecarnegie.com

What's Your Mountain?

As we got out of the tent soon after dawn it was obvious that the weather was going to be fine. It was one of those September days when summer is still with you.
Glencoe, which can be dark and forbidding, was today bright, clear and welcoming. Our objective was out of our direct view but on our journey through the Glen the previous day its full might was seen – albeit from the safety of our car. The Aonach Eagach ridge runs on the northern side of the glen and its reputation as a fine ridge walk was well known.
Do you ever have those days when everything is set fair and yet when you look back from the start never gave a clue of how things would end up? Doesn’t matter whether its work or leisure we all have them, don’t we.
The climb to the ridge is significant for me, the hill walker, over 1000 metres straight up from sea level at Glencoe village to the col below the Pap of Glencoe and then on up to the ridge itself.
Like any job we have to do we plan what needs to happen when and in what sequence. The guide book said the usual route is east to west – we decided to go the other way. There’s usually a good reason for given advice; doesn’t matter what the situation and you ignore it at your peril.
When pushing the limits – whether organisational or individual you often get so far and hit the proverbial brick wall. So it was, that just over half way along the ridge, the proverbial came true. This time it was not a brick wall but a very narrow arête stone, no more than 20 feet in length and narrow enough to sit astride.
So what, I hear you say. Either side, below my suspended boots were near vertical drops into the floor of the glens on either side. “This is not a place I want to be right now,” I said to my companion as I turned to see where we had just come from and the view back along the ridge was amazing – but laid out an alternative that even having completed it I did not relish renegotiating.
This journey to the metaphorical ‘brick wall’ was not one I wished to do in reverse. So, as in business, going back was not an option. This was on the edge stuff if you’ll excuse the pun, but we had come so far it was right to see it through.
You see we had the skill, the strength, will and desire to complete the plan. Back in the office its easy to give up – out there it’s not an option – its life threatening.
The were so many powerful lessons on that day that have a place in business life, not just hill walking and scrambling, but the one that will stick with me the longest is about pushing the boundaries mental and physical.
I saw the significance of this when after climbing the buttress at the end of the arête when three climbers came the other way complete with interlinking ropes and who were visibly staggered to see us in tee shirts, shorts and climbing boots.
No challenge in the business environment is too great, no situation too intimidating, no problem too difficult to overcome, providing you have the required knowledge, skill and above all – the right attitude.

What’s your mountain?

David Pickering
Sales Consultant and Trainer
www.london.dalecarnegie.com

What's your mountain?

As we got out of the tent soon after dawn it was obvious that the weather was going to be fine. It was one of those September days when summer is still with you.
Glencoe, which can be dark and forbidding, was today bright, clear and welcoming. Our objective was out of our direct view but on our journey through the Glen the previous day its full might was seen – albeit from the safety of our car. The Aonach Eagach ridge runs on the northern side of the glen and its reputation as a fine ridge walk was well known.
Do you ever have those days when everything is set fair and yet when you look back from the start never gave a clue of how things would end up? Doesn’t matter whether its work or leisure we all have them, don’t we.
The climb to the ridge is significant for me, the hill walker, over 1000 metres straight up from sea level at Glencoe village to the col below the Pap of Glencoe and then on up to the ridge itself.
Like any job we have to do we plan what needs to happen when and in what sequence. The guide book said the usual route is east to west – we decided to go the other way. There’s usually a good reason for given advice; doesn’t matter what the situation and you ignore it at your peril.
When pushing the limits – whether organisational or individual you often get so far and hit the proverbial brick wall. So it was, that just over half way along the ridge, the proverbial came true. This time it was not a brick wall but a very narrow arête stone, no more than 20 feet in length and narrow enough to sit astride.
So what, I hear you say. Either side, below my suspended boots were near vertical drops into the floor of the glens on either side. “This is not a place I want to be right now,” I said to my companion as I turned to see where we had just come from and the view back along the ridge was amazing – but laid out an alternative that even having completed it I did not relish renegotiating.
This journey to the metaphorical ‘brick wall’ was not one I wished to do in reverse. So, as in business, going back was not an option. This was on the edge stuff if you’ll excuse the pun, but we had come so far it was right to see it through.
You see we had the skill, the strength, will and desire to complete the plan. Back in the office its easy to give up – out there it’s not an option – its life threatening.
The were so many powerful lessons on that day that have a place in business life, not just hill walking and scrambling, but the one that will stick with me the longest is about pushing the boundaries mental and physical.
I saw the significance of this when after climbing the buttress at the end of the arête when three climbers came the other way complete with interlinking ropes and who were visibly staggered to see us in tee shirts, shorts and climbing boots.
No challenge in the business environment is too great, no situation too intimidating, no problem too difficult to overcome, providing you have the required knowledge, skill and above all – the right attitude.

What’s your mountain?

Live a mellow world of acceptance

Life has a wonderful way of throwing us challenges which are both beautiful and detrimental to our being at peace with ourselves or others. How we handle these everyday situations is key to our personal success and self belief. I recently met a gentleman from Japan who emanates a being of calmness who has accepted life for what it is. He is a 9th DAN (ranking) Black Belt Karate Master from Okinawa. He travels the world visiting different countries where his Karate Dojo's (training rooms) have been set up.

When visiting my sons Dojo he took time out to speak with me personally about why he enjoys travelling and mentoring his instructors and students alike. His teachings are based not just on technical abilities but on who his students are as people. Learning to accept that all emotions are in their own way beautiful, learning becomes even more powerful.

When he moves, he glides. When he speaks, there is silence. When he listens, there is understanding.

"Everything in life that we really accept undergoes a change" Katherine Mansfield. British Author (1888- 1923)

Today, do something for yourself and learn that acceptance allows you to see beauty, enjoy the transition to a more fulfilling and mellow life.

Frank Steggall

Consultant

www.London.dalecarnegie.com

Focus on the important things and achieve more each day!

The title of this piece comes from something that I’ve often found myself saying when working with managers to address their time management skills. It’s a very easy thing to say but how do we actually do it?

Below I’ve included a number of simple tips that I find useful and hope you will to! Before that though! I often ask the question of people in seminars ... “When you have a big project or difficult task to do ..... do you ever find you have an overwhelming desire to tidy your desk, do some filing and tackle all those little mundane tasks that you’ve been putting off for weeks rather than focusing on the really important task you must complete?” When people nod and agree they do, I often quote Robert Kiyosaki ... the author of the book ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad.’ He refers to this as ‘busy-ness’ that being that we make ourselves feel busy whilst avoiding the actually important task. He argues that eradicating this habit can make you far more successful and having tried it myself I have to agree.... that said you can take things too far and my desk and cupboard have become a bit of a state in the past few months. Therefore I took the time last night to clear the decks, three bin liners later, I’ve experienced the satisfaction of really clearing out all the rubbish from my desk and thrown away old documents and files that I’ve held on to for far too long and experienced that clarity of thought that comes from a tidy work area. Therefore my advice to you so you maintain focus particularly in this very busy time as we run up to Christmas is:

1. Quickly clear up your work environment .... throw out the things you’ll never read and make room for the important tasks. (Be ruthless)


2. Write a ‘To Do’ list of no more than 10 items and feel the satisfaction of getting through it in a day. (Even if you have a list of 30 pick the 10 most important put them on a separate list and get working)


3. Celebrate your success .... do something to reward yourself for being productive, we are after all heading into the festive season, treat yourself!

At a time of year when it’s easy to loose focus try these three simple tips and have a productive end to 2009!

David Anderson
Managing Director

www.London.Dalecarnegie.com

Financial Ruin

I found a piece of paper with some writing on it and I grinned like a “Cheshire Cat”.

The picture looked different about 3 months ago...

It’s a credit crunch, I’m 30 years old and I am constantly tired because of stress and worry. I get up at 5am to travel two hours to a call centre temp job and then go home to sleep on a friends floor because I have no money and no flat. This wasn't the vision of the successful entrepreneur that I had set out to be. I had often taught the Dale Carnegie "Stress and Worry Principles" but on reflection, I never truly understood the meaning of them until now.

The Principle: "What is the worst that can happen?" Well...it already had.

It was a friend of mine who helped me to see how I could "improve on the worst". He said: "set a goal but don’t become attached to the goal". Then "Get Active” and finally, “Choose one project and do that project with all your heart and soul 110%".

I wrote my goal as a question, "How can I make my first £5000?” Next, I brainstormed some actions that I could take to help me answer the question. I then put the paper away and tried to forget about it. I have always been someone who wants everything right now!! By putting the goal away I was able to stay motivated by the actions rather than becoming emotionally attached to the goal. I eventually found my opportunity and I gave it 110%.

I found that piece of paper again and I grinned like a Cheshire cat because I had smashed the goal. On reflection, the goal could have been even bigger and even braver. There is no magic bullet to overcome financial ruin:

1. Write down a “brave” goal as a question.
2. Brainstorm actions that you CAN take to answer the question.
3. Get active in anyway you can.
4. Choose one thing and do it with all of your heart and soul.

Hayley Kennedy
Dale Carnegie Trainer
www.London.Dalecarnegie.com

Release the Pressure

‘Leading the championships every race is exciting but there are pressures. This is the first time I can relax, go out there, do my thing and enjoy the race.’

These are the words of Jenson Button, 2009 grand prix world champion. After a summer of worrying and living with the stress of wanting the championship title so badly, he and his team mates can now start Sunday’s race knowing they have already achieved what they worked so hard for. The hard work has paid off and the pressure has been released. Jenson can now hit the track with a head free of stress and take pleasure in the sport he loves.

We all at some time or other get worried or stressed and often it is because we put pressure on ourselves as we don’t want to fail but want to succeed and achieve our goals. It is not healthy for us to always be worried or stressed, sometimes you just need to let go and clear your head. In the words of Dale Carnegie, ‘If you have worries, there is no better way to eliminate them than by walking them off. Just take them out for a walk. They may take wings and fly away!’

Here are some tips to help you dispel some of your stress and worry and enjoy whatever you are doing:

• If you want to avoid worry, do what Sir William Osler did: Live in “day-tight compartments.” Don’t stew about the future. Just live each day until bedtime.
• Use the law of averages to outlaw your worries. Ask yourself : “What are the odds against this thing happening at all.”
• Co-operate with the inevitable. If you know a circumstance is beyond your power to change or revise, say to yourself: “It is so; it cannot be otherwise.”
• Let’s fill our minds with thoughts of peace, courage, health, and hope, for “our life is what our thoughts make it.”
• Do the very best you can; and then put up your old umbrella and keep the rain of criticism from running down the back of your neck.’

So next time you let the pressure get to you and you begin to feel stressed, refresh yourself with the tips above and let your worry go. Remember life is there to be enjoyed.

Sophie Whittall
www.london.dalecarnegie.com

Building Relationships

Billie, our local Big Issue Seller is a bit of a star around these parts.....mainly down to her 'nothing is going to get me down' attitude, even when life chucks her some lemons.

I think the world of Billie. She makes me smile from yards away as I hear her shouting out in the morning, trying to entice another person to buy a Big Issue. I find her hugely inspiring. She has been through such a tough time in life, and I am sure has seen things we wouldn't want to see, but a few years ago she decided to change her attitude, stop being negative and appreciate just what she had...and that was her life. Thanks to the Big Issue she has been able to earn money to change her life.

Recently she proudly told me how she went to 10 Downing Street and had tea with the Prime Minister...yes, the Prime Minister! She had the fortune of sitting in Sir Winston's Churchill's chair, and at the desk where Margaret Thatcher worked. She pulled out her phone and showed me a snap of her with Gordon Brown - how many of us can say we met the man who is running our country (whether you like him or not)!

She is also a little bit famous.....she has had a few articles written about her in national papers, in Time Out Magazine and most recently The Guardian newspaper (link below). But why? Why write about Billie? I guess you can't fail to hear her as she shouts 'Good morning ladies, good morning gents' every day as people pass her by.......you can't fail to see her as she dances about, playing with her amazing dog, Solo (who by the way should be on Britain's Got Talent).....however, I think the reason she has been in so many articles, including this one, is that she is an inspirational, genuine person, who reminds us that in this day and age, showing care and compassion is not dead. She KNOWS how to build relationships with her customers.

So how can you do this? Here's some tips for success:

• Become genuinely interested in other people
• Smile
• Be a good listener
• Talk in terms of the other persons interests
• Remember their name
• Make the other person feel important - and do it with sincerity
• Ask questions
• Encourage others to talk about themselves

Billie does all this naturally!

I would love Billie to find a full-time job, maybe working with people who have been through tough times, as she is such a people person. And when that day happens, and I think it will, I will miss her on the corner by Pret a Manger, greeting everyone with a cheery smile, remembering their names or calling them by her own made up name (Milky for the milkman, Windy for the window cleaner, Ms Gym Box for the fitness lady).

I reckon we could all learn a lot from her..........

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2009/sep/18/big-issue-18-birthday

Helen Mills
Financial Controller
www.london.dalecarnegie.com

Victory

On August the 5th, 24 people from various industries: the Government, Utilities, Finance and Banking, Hospitality, and Entrepreneurs began their 12 week Dale Carnegie course and their journey with us looking to answer yes to these questions: 'I am inspired by who I am; I am fulfilled and content; I am fulfilled at my job; I am part of a culture change; I am showing my organisation who I am; I connect with people immediately and I am making my dreams a reality’.

A week away from graduating and continuing with their journeys (October 21st is the special day) one of our delegates today told us how about ½ way through the course he was worried as to how he would progress after the course had finished. Today he knows himself as someone who is prepared and is looking forward to the challenges ahead! He along with his 24 friends on the programme live the intentions and principles set out by Dale Carnegie, the man himself, which was how to be an effective human ‘being’, in today’s corporate world. The final words of Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If’ inspirational poem reflect aptly the results our delegates have demonstrated and what is infinitely possible by living an intentional and awakened life:

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son!

Lizzie Thomas
Consultant

www.London.dalecarnegie.com

Nine Steps to Win-Win Conflict Resolution

Conflict is a natural part of business and of life. Problems arise in the ways that you deal with these conflicts. Some people tend to take an approach that is too direct. Others shy away from confrontations to avoid hurting other people's feelings, to protect their own feelings, or because they lack confidence, which often leads to unresolved issues and lingering problems. There is middle ground.

Using the right approaches, you can deal with conflicts in effective ways that resolve the issues while maintaining positive relationships. This starts with clearly understanding the issues and the personalities involved. When you understand different styles of conflict resolution, you are able to see things from the other person's point of view. Simply having empathy for another person's perspective will go a long way towards resolving those conflicts.

Step 1: Have a positive attitude. Your attitude is essential to the outcome. You have a much better chance of coming to an outcome involving mutual gains if you approach the conflict as an opportunity to learn and achieve a win-win outcome.

Step 2: Meet on mutual ground. Find a mutually agreeable, comfortable, and convenient space to meet. Agree on when you will meet and how much time you want to devote to the process. Whenever possible, deal with conflict face-to-face.

Step 3: Do your homework. Take time to plan. You must not only know what is at stake for yourself, but you need to understand the other side's concerns and motivation. Take into consideration any history or past situations that might affect the resolution. Know the must-haves (non-negotiable items) and nice-to-haves (negotiable items). Determine the best resolution, a fair and reasonable compromise, and a minimally acceptable outcome.

Step 4: Look for shared interests. Get on the same side by finding and establishing similarities. Since conflict tends to magnify perceived differences and minimise similarities, look for common goals, objectives, or even gripes that illustrate that you are in this together. Focus on the future, talk about what is to be done, and tackle the problem jointly.

Step 5: Deal with facts, not emotions. Address problems, not personalities. Avoid any tendency to attack other people or to pass judgment on ideas and opinions. Avoid focusing on the past or blaming others. Maintain a rational, goal-oriented frame of mind. This will depersonalise the conflict, separate the issues from the people involved, and avoid defensiveness.

Step 6: Present alternatives and provide evidence. Create options and alternatives that demonstrate willingness to compromise. Consider conceding in areas that might have high value to others but are not that important to you. Frame options in terms of the other people's interests and provide evidence for your point of view.

Step 7: Be an expert communicator. Nothing shows determination to find a mutually satisfactory resolution to conflict more than applying excellent communication skills. Ask questions, listen, rephrase what you heard to check for understanding, and take a genuine interest in each person's concerns. Focus on ways in which you can move toward a resolution or compromise.

Step 8: End on a good note. Make a win-win proposal and check to make sure that everyone involved leaves the situation feeling they have won. Shake on it and agree on the action steps, who is responsible for each step, how success will be measured, and how and when the resolution will be evaluated. If there is a deadlock on non-critical issues, agree to disagree.

Step 9: Enjoy the process. Appreciate the benefits of learning other people's perspective. People report that after overcoming conflict and reaching an agreement, the relationship grew even stronger. Reflect and learn from each experience. Determine the criteria to evaluate the process and the solution.

www.London.dalecarnegie.com

What challenging times?

Five months into the role...Wow, it feels like it went very quick.

I was told I started in one of the hardest times the business has ever faced. I wouldn't know, for me there's no benchmark to compare it with and also we had and still have some great opportunities.

Do you think having a positive attitude can affect your results? Do you think we can choose our attitude and set ourselves for success? I am convinced of that.

Worrying about the economic crisis and thinking people won't spend money on training was not on my agenda. I strongly believe in what we offer, it not only changes people's lives but more importantly it helps improve business results. That's the reason people and businesses see the value in investing in this type of development, even in these challenging times.

Have a positive outlook no matter what's happening around you, you'll see better results for yourself and for your business.

Corina Balaneanu

Sales Consultant

www.London.dalecarnegie.com

Tears of Pride

This time of year many young folk leave for University and have to leave home, not necessarily forever but certainly for long periods of time. This is the start of a new venture for them. This weekend my eldest boy Daniel (step son) will be going to York University to study medicine and become a Doctor. Daniel since the age of five has always wanted to become a scientist or Doctor and now the goal is happening through his hard work and determination. Mick his Dad has always been included in our family decision when it concerns Daniel which has helped keep a stable balance in his life. That was until Mick died just under two years ago from Cancer. Daniel's world was rocked badly. The emotional impact on him and the rest of us as a family was difficult to cope with but somehow you get through. Daniel incredibly showed us that his promise to his Dad on his death bed was to make it as a Doctor and nothing would stop him. He has worked hard but still lived with the passion of enjoying life as an elder teenager and has become a great role model for his younger brother Jason.

Every single day this week we have seen tears from his mum, Jason and me and writing this blog today I am tearful. Great news is the tears are for joy too as we are so proud of him for the great achievement and when the farewells happen on Saturday at least we know Daniel will be fine. He has learnt many life skills and is extremely capable. Home life will be strange for a while but adjusting and adapting can be exciting when approached with the right attitude. Jason is already thinking bigger room for him.

So as Saturday approaches and I remain mellow and tune myself with positive thoughts of the future by living today and enjoying each and every moment and yes I will miss his fun loving nature but realise his inspiration for helping me this year through some tough challenges will be treasured forever. His return at Christmas will be a joyous occasion.

My tears are of pride and a sincere wish for his future as a great and brilliant Doctor, I urge everyone reading this to know whats possible when you take action. Take action on your dreams, goals or visions and make a difference for you.

Dr Daniel you are amazing.

Frank Steggall

Consultant

www.London.Dalecarnegie.com

'What goes around ......

Here we go with a war story - when I was a teenager in the early mid sixties the country was going through a revolution. The youth of the day were stretching themselves in all sorts of directions perhaps as a result of their parents being 'held back' following the austerity caused by World War 2.

Many icons of the day are still in our sight and sound many more in our memories. One of those that caught my attention then and did so just the other day was Simon Dee. Oh how I wanted to be smooth like him, a mod through and through but with a gracious air about him and a very easy style. No wonder he ended up on television.

As he did last week with the news that he has passed away at 74. So, 'what's the relevance' I hear you ask? Well its this. In the sixties its seemed that many people did not care about rules, sensible society, traditionalism, faith, etc. and in this sense Simon Dee, because of his position, could be easily aligned with these antiestablishment sentiments.

Strange what 50 years can do - or is it. Here is an extract of a letter from Simon to Michael Dean, who helped launch his career, just two weeks before he died. It's in the public domain so I hope no one is upset by it being replicated here.

"It's all out of control now, but we don't know how to stop it. greed has driven us all insane. We promote violence. Assaulted by the media, the emerging intelligence in growing children is confused beyond reason, and that's where many have gone. Tradition has fallen into the 'Forgotten' section of modern history. We desecrate the planet's body, knowing nothing of her mind. Yet with the merest shrug she can eliminate whole civilisations in a moment. She can lift mountains and drain oceans ... Now we have reached a stage when wisdom must predominate - or we fall. Someone, or something, has to make evident a higher intelligence - and one to be respected. It need not take long. The message must come globally. Everyone must see and understand it simultaneously. Returning to Eden is our next assignment. And, despite everything I have a hunch that we are going to get there after all."

Be wise now and change the world.

David Pickering

Consultant

www.London.DaleCarnegie.com

The Proverbial Green Shoots of Recovery!

Are they here??

I’ve found that in the past nine months barely one business conversation has escaped that proverbial question..... “So how is the credit crunch / recession / downturn in the market affecting your business.”

With the business we’re in of helping companies to grow and overcome challenges I feel it’s a well placed question as it influences much of the decision making process and has often been the reason that potential clients have sought us out. The added pressures of this difficult market often highlight deficiencies in the abilities of the team; therefore the question frames the conversation well.

I’m pleased to say that there have been many companies who have gone unaffected and a fortunate few who’ve thrived. I’ve referred many times this year to some facts that I picked up at a seminar in early February. There are more millionaires made in a recession than in times of economic growth! If you’re looking for a concrete example Bill Gates started Microsoft in the middle of a recession..... and he’s gone on to do quite well ; - )

So am I about to bring more doom and gloom to the city of London and speak more of recession?

I’m pleased to say NO!

In the past two weeks I’ve sensed a delightfully uncharacteristic air of optimism in many of the meetings I’ve been in. From my own experiences there seems to be a growing belief that things are turning. When so much of business success is based on perception of the situation this is good news indeed!

One could end this post with any number of cheesy catch phrases .... I’ll try to avoid that and instead encourage you to go ahead and make that decision that you’ve been putting off while you wait to see what happens to the market. If enough people believe it and start acting in a positive way all our businesses are sure to benefit!

David Anderson
Managing Director
Dale Carnegie London

www.London.dalecarnegie.co.uk

Due to some technical difficulties we are without a blog post this week.

However come back next week to read an inspirational post from David Anderson.

New Reality...

Nobody ever changed anything because of a good idea. People change when they get excited about a new reality. Paul Burbridge of Riding Lights Theatre Company put it this way: a good play is one that makes the audience feel so much that they cannot help thinking. Emotions drive powerful thinking – not the other way around.

Legend has it that Queen Victoria was put on a diet by her physician – which was a good idea because she had too much weight for her small frame. The usual punch line to this anecdote is that she enjoyed the special food so much she added it to her normal meals. The underlying truth is that she never got excited about herself as a slim person. She did not feel the new reality enough to do what was necessary to make it happen.

It is the same in any situation. Companies introduce new initiatives to improve customer service, reorganise departments or speed up production. Management is frustrated because the initiative does not work. The idea was good, the training excellent, the implementation plan beyond criticism – why didn’t it work? Only one ingredient is missing but it is like baking powder in a Victoria Sponge! The people who are critical to its success have simply not been excited by a new reality; they do not see themselves as players. The story unfolds around them as they observe and carry on with their work.

If we want change to happen effectively and completely we have to find a way for our people to feel it – see, touch, hear, smell and taste it. Only then will we be able to create the new reality that will transform our business and our lives!

Jane Kustner

Dale Carnegie Instructor

Love Life!

'I Love Life' ...This is one of my friends favourite sayings and a good one it is too. Whenever we are out having fun together she will never fail to say this, in fact after a few drinks she may even shout it!

What makes me 'love life' is being with my family and friends doing the things we enjoy together. You can't beat having having people around you who will support you, care for you and make you smile.

To me interacting with people is one of the most important things in life if not the most important thing. Whether its a planned meeting or a chance meeting, your contact with each person shapes a small part of your life. People can bring out many different emotions within you such as anger, frustration or happiness, people help you to live and love life to the full.

When we are walking around we often ignore the people around us because we are in too much of a hurry. Next time you are out why not take the time to look at the other people around you and maybe smile at a stranger or chat to someone in the queue with you. This small gesture will mean something to that person and make an impression on their life, you never know they may even become a new friend.

Over the next few weeks I also urge you to think about the friends you already have and perhaps haven't been in contact with for a while maybe because they have moved to another country or because you have simply been to busy to contact them. Call these people up and have a chat with them or even arrange to meet them, I can guarantee that this contact with an old friend will make you smile and remind you that life is for loving.

Sophie Whittall

Marketing and Admin Co-ordinator

www.London.dalecarnegie.com

My 31 Day Challenge......

Art and photography are real passions of mine and I have lots of fun being creative away from my day to day job.

During the last couple of years art has taken preference and the photographs have been more as a point of reference to the pictures painted. However, my father was a keen photographer, and since his passing a few months ago, I have inherited all his camera equipment, some of which I know how to use, others I simply haven't a clue.

So now that my house is being filled up with all this wonderous equipment, I thought it's a shame not to use it. But then various thoughts crossed my mind.....such as how? When? I'm too rusty? Will I remember the settings I need etc etc.

So I decided to set myself a little challenge..........the challenge being, 31 days, 31 pictures! And what fun I am having! I decided to take a picture a day......which sounds so simple?!!? However, the first challenge I've faced is that I have an apalling memory....so on Day 1 I forgot!!!! Hmnnn......however, facing challenges can mean changing our behaviour....so now every day, I carry my little point and shoot to make sure I don't forget and at the weekends I take out my digital SLR with me. That way I always have a camera at hand.

I am having fun looking at every day objects as a photo opportunity. The idea being the picture I choose to take reflects something that has happened in my day. And at the start of the day I have no idea what that could be - and that in itself is exciting. And when it's gets late and I haven't taken a photo I realise that by using my imagination, I can find a photo opportunity. But quite often, now my shift in thinking has changed, I have taken a picture by lunchtime!

I think it's fun setting ourselves challenges. They stretch us, they can take us out of our comfort zone and more importantly, what we learn from them can be invaluable. I have already decided that next month I will do a sketch-a-day........but in the meantime, I will continue to snap away, take some interesting pictures and just have some fun. And to me, that is what life is all about...!

Helen Mills

Financial Controller

http://www.london.dalecarnegie.com

Eye Contact - Especially When Under Pressure

What goes through the mind of a prospective Open Golf Champion playing the final 36 holes - and in the lead? To know exactly would require sixth sense but there are some things that can give it away.

Last Saturday found me standing at the 13th tee at Turnberry, this years venue for the Open Golf Championship. Having been there for a while it was easy to become connected with the different moods, pressures and energies of the different golfers as they shot their drives anything up to and in excess of 300 yards and then passed on.

All without fail acknowledged the support of the crowd, doffing their sun visors, tugging a forelock, or simply raising a hand. There was one exception. Maybe it was the years of treading the fairways, maybe it was the memories of being in the lead and what awaited, perhaps it was acknowledging that the first prize of £750,000 was only possible with the support of the crowds present and watching television.

The one real exception was Tom Watson, five time open champion and now at 59 about to stand on the cusp of a second immortality. Tom did one thing that no one else did on that day on the 13th tee. For every voice he heard he returned a look right in the eye of the owning source of the whoop, shout or cry of 'Come on, Tom'. AND along with the look came the words - thank you.

For the remainder of that day and throughout the next no matter what the pressure I saw Tom Watson make a true connection with the whole crowd and where possible one person at a time.

Can we do simple things to build lasting impressions with people we may never see again/ Leadership is made up of simple things. Tom was leading the way and teaching others a lot about leadership. Well done Tom you will remain in my heart for ever.

David Pickering
Consultant

www.London.dalecarnegie.com

Seeing and Coming From Your Perspective

Picture a snow globe....you shake it about (and you do the hokey kokey oops got carried away there :) and you watch the snowflakes - in what appears to be chaos -slowly fall in different places; yet the essence of the globe remains intact, complete and silent.

I recently felt like the snowflakes falling; I was moving house, returning from a beautiful holiday being with my family, completing some rigorous training to instruct and facilitate the Dale Carnegie Programmes and returning to my business which felt like my first day! Amidst the discomfort, the place I call the ‘peace room’ was waiting, waiting patiently for me to connect with. My experiences were a gentle and kind reminder to be in the moment and to live from my core, which is where you and I are at our most powerful!

Then a discussion with a client provoked my thinking of a particular habit I have had – that once served me well – which is now redundant and has been a barrier to my deepening the quality of my connections with family, friends, colleagues and clients: that I assume what someone is going to say or need and that I have the answer for them! What a humbling moment! There is no right answer, no-one has an answer for someone else and our greatest joy is in serving each other. As I approach the world of buying and selling and delivering training, one of the biggest gift I can give to my clients is the space to allow them to come up with the right solution to solve their problems, live the life they so desire and create their desired environment. In other words, focus on their agenda. Now that is liberating and will make me a lot more money!

Public Speaking

I was watching American Gangster with Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington at the weekend. For those of you who haven’t watched the movie, it’s based on a true story and it’s about someone who, against all odds, establishes himself as the number one importer of drugs in America.

Russell Crowe plays a police officer who’s taking adult classes to get rid of his public speaking fear. He says: “You know the number one fear of most people isn’t dying; it’s public speaking. They get physically ill”. Fascinating, isn’t it?

In the short space of time I’ve worked for Dale Carnegie, I have found variations of this fear that a lot of people have. Some are nervous throughout their presentation and calm when it gets to the Q&A part. For some it’s the opposite, they are totally comfortable until the end…and then it starts…the fear of being asked something they might not know the answer to.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve learned that it’s good to be nervous when presenting; it shows you respect your audience and you care about the outcome.

So whether you join an Association, Club Talk organisation or take one of our courses, if you want to get better at public speaking, TAKE ACTION TODAY!

Corina Balaneanu
Sales Consultant

www.London.Dalecarnegie.com

Reaching the Stars

On the 21st July 1969 Neil Armstrong landed on the moon. In 2001 I was fortunate to see him present to an audience on Broadway, New York, where for one hour he spoke about his adventures. This is not something he is known for doing, so priviliged we all were. What stuck in my mind since actually watching the moon landing at the age of 8 and then seeing him at the age of 40 has been the incredible achievement that can be reached if only we believe the impossible is possible. I am living life like this now.

Last weekend I passed the Dale Carnegie endorsement to become a trainer and although that was excellent for me, it was the participants of the programme that showed me anything was possible. A small excersise I ran asked the class to lay down and visualise taking off from the earth and landing on the moon. What would be the first words you spoke if you had been Neil Armstrong? I placed a step ladder from the hotel in the centre of the room and the responses were inspirational. Everything from "women were first to the moon" - "this human made it so can everyone else" and one of my favourites was "I can hold the whole world in my hands". This reminded me of when Neil Armstrong spoke of how beautiful but fragile our planet looked.

If in two days we can develop our ability to stretch our capabilties further then there is no reason why Humans will not be able to send a craft of some description to the stars.

The mind has the ability to visualise anything, try imagining achieving something you thought impossible for you and see how much nearer that becomes for you to actually try. After my back operation I imagined climbing mountains to raise money for poorly children and now I actually do it. Do something amazing today and shout from the rooftops when you achieve it. We all want to hear you. The stars are part of us so reach for them and you will do the impossible.

Frank Steggall
Consultant

www.London.dalecarnegie.com

Overcoming Procrastination in Busy Times

I’ve found in seminars and meetings that I’ve run in the past couple of months the recurring theme of getting more done each day seems to be in the front of many peoples minds and as we’re overwhelmed by more and more work the tendency to procrastinate grows and grows .... !

I have so much to do I don’t know where to start ....! Do those words sound familiar?

Being somewhat of a champion procrastinator myself I thought this week I’d share some words that I came across about six months ago that have helped me to focus on those mornings when I don’t feel like starting anything.















The following Poem was found in Paul "Bear" Bryants wallet after he passed away in 1983 (for those who don’t know Paul was one of the most successful American College football coaches of all time)

This is the beginning of a new day.
I have been given this day to use as I will.
I can waste it or use it for good.
What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it.
When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever.
Leaving something in its place I have traded for it.
I want it to be a gain, not a loss - good, not evil.
Success, not failure, in order that I shall not forget the price I paid for it.

The words that really ring out for me are ‘exchanging a day of my life for it’ and ‘this day will be gone forever’ It has spurred me into action on many days in the past six months .... I hope it does the same for you!

David Anderson
Managing Director
Dale Carnegie London

Game, Set and Match

Today the nation awakes in anticipation...can Murray win it? That is the question on everyones lips. Wherever we are this afternoon we will be glued to our TV sets and radios willing the Scotsman to win a place in the final. A British player hasn't won Wimbledon since 1936 when Fred Perry took the title.

In Murray it is refreshing to see someone with such a determination and drive to win, this year we feel we may actually have a player who can lead us to victory. For too long we have been seen as the unsuccessful underdog of the tennis world with no chance of seeing one of our players lift the trophy, our spirits have been at a low.

Watching Murray make his way through each round has brought our competitive streak back, our morale has been boosted and we are ready for action! A bit of competitiveness keeps us motivated, upbeat and wanting more.

I have begun to play tennis again myself and although the pace is a far cry from the likes of Federer, Roddick and Murray, playing has definitely aroused a competetive streak within me which I find I'm really enjoying. This desire to win keeps me playing and puts a spring in my step.

So with Murray in the semi-final of Wimbledon and the nation behind him let us remember that a bit of competitiveness is healthy, it drives us forwards and keeps us moving.

Sophie Whittall

Marketing & Admin Co-ordinator

http://www.london.dalecarnegie.com/

Maybe it's because I'm a Londoner....

Picture the scene........you’ve sat down in a small area of an inner city garden, happily eating your lunch in the midday sunshine whilst a member of the public pulls up a stool, stretches their fingers and tenderly starts to play the most relaxing and beautiful music on a piano, which is placed in between two park benches. This happened today. In London. In the middle of Leicester Square. In the glorious June sunshine!

No, I wasn’t drunk, but enjoying what is known as Play Me, I’m Yours.

Presented for Sing London and the City of London Festival, 30 piano’s have been installed in London for members of the public to play at their own free will. And I say, how lovely!

Each piano is decorated in an individual style and is there simply to bestow cheer and joy to the people in London. It is there to bring people together, to get them singing, to get them playing and to have fun amidst all the doom and gloom which is the current climate.

So far I have only found one, but I plan on finding a few more and enjoying the music played by people who just want to be part of this happy event. Life is far too serious and it’s a wonderful reminder that music and song can make complete strangers come together and just simply enjoy themselves.

So I say, check out their website, pick a venue, find out a time when someone plans to play Boogie Woogie, Gospel or good old Knees Up Mother Brown, go along and sing your heart out with them, or simply clap along in time.

Who knows, you may bring smiles and laughter to other people, make some friends, or failing that, just enjoy being part of a very unique experience. Either way, you’re bound to go home smiling....and how great would that be....

Play Me, I'm Yours website: http://www.streetpianos.com/london2009/

Helen Mills

Financial Controller

Inspiration

It is midnight in Austria; the cool breeze brush our faces, the vastness of the sky above our head is a constant reminder of infinitude and expansion, the water is shimmering in the light as the boat noisily sits in place. We take a breath.....we exhale....and smile....appreciating the moment which is so precious.
Quite to our surprise, behind a railway track appears a building, not just any building, a fairytale building, like something out of a Hans Christian Anderson tale! We smile with glee and curiosity and for a moment, we are struck by its beauty, its grandeur, and its quiet strength. The trees sit proudly and protectively in its path as they blow gently across. The richness of the red roof, the spires, the turrets we can see Rapunzels golden hair flowing from the upper window, looking out to the horizon lovingly and like the moon standing gracefully, calm, detached, mysterious and yet infinitely inspiring.
Is Inspiration a fairytale, something we yearn, something we stumble across now and again? Or is it a feeling, an emotion we all have inside the essence of our being that we, you and I turn on and off? And when we choose to turn it on we feel passion, energy, ardour, vigour, joy and love that encourage us and those around us to achieve the most remarkable feats...or simply making someone smile. Being inspirational is our birthright, let's be that moment to moment and watch what unfolds.....

Lizzie Thomas and David Pickeirng

Consultants

www.London.dalecarnegie.com

Change

Bleep Bleep Bleep! My alarm clock went off and it was in that moment that I realised I had turned 30. It hit me like a pistol shot and I rolled over and felt sorry for myself. The really uplifting thoughts that went through my head were:

“I’ve reached 30 and I have nothing material to show for my endeavours”.

“I’ve turned 30 in a credit crunch, left a perfectly stable job to pursue ‘life goals...I must be mad’”

If I met this part of myself in a bar, we would definitely not be friends. So why do we do it to ourselves?

Suddenly, a beam of sunlight came through the window and I realised it was a sunny day outside. I forced myself to get out of bed and I took myself to a spinning class.

Spinning is a static bike aerobic class. The session is instructor led and has amazingly loud music blaring out of the speakers. The music is normally quite uplifting and allows you to get into the zone. Personally I think the music is turned up to drown out the groans of suffering as you hit the wall of pain (about 10 minutes in). If I am honest, I am in agony for 45 minutes as the instructor shouts, “turn up the load and pedal faster”. Strangely, there is something that keeps me going back for more.

As I left on a high, embracing 30 and ready for the day ahead, I realised in that 45 minutes I had:

- Committed to do something and achieved it

- Immersed myself in the moment of the class

- Overcome the voice that was begging me to stop and give up during the hill climb

In these times of change, “any action is better than no action”. It’s amazing how quickly we can change our attitude and our luck.

Hayley Kennedy

Dale Carnegie Trainer

http://www.london.dalecarnegie.com/

The language of love

Love is at the centre of a successful organisation. Why did I not see this before? Why do we avoid combining the language of love and business in the same sentence? We use euphemisms like, “client service”, or “personnel policies and procedures,” when what we really mean is putting love at the centre of what we do. It is our key driver, our dominant motive, our greatest need and yet we do not name it.

What is management? Well one definition is – getting tasks done through people. Early in our management careers we learn that we can manage other resources, like buildings, cash and raw materials. Try to do that with people and our endeavours are bound to fail - eventually. Managing people is like trying to herd cats.

Why did we ever think we could tell people to obey us? We were rather seduced by the model of command and control inherited from the theatre of war. The trouble was that we brought other war-like attitudes and language with it: destroy the competition, discipline the work force; make a killing on the stock market and so on.

Now – there is another way - if we have love at the centre of an organisation we create products and services with intrinsic value and integrity; we build enduring and affirming relationships with people in our sphere of influence; and we use the planet’s resources responsibly and with sustainability at the forefront of our business strategy: Profit, People, Planet!

In the current climate there is a temptation, in the most enlightened companies, to revert to bullying behaviour. But we all know, deep down, that the bully is the most scared child in the playground. The language of the bully is, do this or else - or else what? I lose my job, I do not get a pay rise, you stop being nice to me? Money is not a motivator, and most people are not turned on by threats. They may go through the motions but they will never give you what you really want,

Enthusiastic cooperation from our people is a gift not a right: a true leader creates an environment of love where that gift can be freely given and gracefully received.

The language of love is sometimes denigrated as a weak thing – slightly embarrassing and a bit over the top. This is foolish. Someone who loves is prepared to give up his life for a cause or a friend; is able to create an environment where people feel valued and free; and whose behaviour consistently reflects values of integrity, honesty and fidelity. There is nothing weak or indeed easy about that.

Exchange the word leader for lover. Leadership is love; love is leadership. Phew – I feel better now!!

Jane Kustner
Dale Carnegie Instructor

http://www.london.dalecarnegie.com/

''The Dale''

What a great experience ''The Dale'' has been and we've only got to session 6. For those who don't know what I'm talking about, it's the Dale Carnegie Course: Effective Communications & Human Relations.

At the beginning I didn't know what to expect. It's certainly not like any other training courses I've been involved in, willingly or unwillingly. Because we are required to consistently participate, it really keeps us entertained and engaged.

For the last session there wasn't a lot of preparation required as it involved impromptu speaking. I think a lot of my colleagues exceeded their expectations for this exercise and everybody did very well despite the nerves.

In the other part of the session we had to present a skill or concept at work and make our ideas clear. It was great to see others being so creative and bringing their presentations to life. I've literally seen how easy it is to make a Cosmopolitan cocktail and how to transform a napkin into a flower. I've learned about sound waves and DNA.

I just can't wait for the next session!

Corina Balaneanu

Sales Consultant

http://www.london.dalecarnegie.com/

Peruvian Attitude

Challenges come in all shapes and sizes with differing degrees of difficulty.

Raising funds for a children's Hospice in London is for me one of the most worthwhile causes to support and nothing is too great a challenge to help them.

A team of 14 people, 3 guides and 21 porters trekking the Inca Trail in Peru meeting with Tarantula spiders, Scorpians and Bees that can disarm a Tarantula in seconds. Eventually these dangers became the norm and we could focus on the surrounding beauty of the mountains. The incredulous drops of over 1000 feet either side of the trail left no room for error. With Condor's and Parakeets gliding across the tree tops, the mind could only believe the wonderment of their freedom. What Bears? luckily they were in hibernation although Willow our guide teased us with glee to be careful round the next corner.

Experiencing the healthy diet of the mountain people who's average age is 80 years gave us the energy to cope with the exhausting and tiring trek at high altitude. Fun, laughter and tears were shared along the way. As altitude sickness kicked in, all inhibitions were lost. The support and friendship gained will always live on in all of our memories. Today the team are in constant contact, the support continues.

Reaching Machu Picchu, emotions flowed, time stood still, gazing on one of the worlds wonders, life for us humans has been but a short time on this fragile and beautiful planet, yet so much has been achieved.

Acheivement is gained from believing you can do the impossible. Attitude is key and when you challenge yourself to do something never attempted before and success is won, the attitude changes within you growing the self belief in our abilities.

Today do something or start something to stretch you and feel the difference.

Frank Steggall
Consultant

www.london.dalecarnegie.com

Leaving a legacy....

Recently, my dear Father passed away. After a brief battle with cancer, it got the better of him and last month he passed away peacefully in his sleep. Putting my grief aside, what has touched me are the words used to describe him from those that knew him. Words from family, friends and business acquaintances. Words such as remarkable, courageous, loyal, loving, generous, kind and not forgetting a man who didn’t suffer fools gladly (very true!)

Being his daughter, I guess I took for granted at times my Dad’s values. I was brought up around them and I saw my Dad from a daughter’s standpoint, not as an outsider would. So when people came up to me before and after the funeral saying all these wonderful things about him, it hit home just how great a Dad he was and how important his values were to him.

Now, this blog is not to put my Father on a pedestal as he most certainly had his faults too, but the recent events have made me take stock and consider values.....my values, those around me and those in business. In essence values make us who we are and how we show up to the world. They make us honest, make us kind, and make us forgiving. They help select our friends, help us reach decisions and help us feel at peace with ourselves.

It’s a well known fact that in tough times values can be tested. Internal fraud cases increase in businesses during times of recession. People may look for a quick buck at the expense of something else, quite possibly one of their own values. But it is also a time when people look within, and make life changing decisions based on the person they want to become, not the person they once were.


So, who do you want to be?

Thanks Dad for leaving such a legacy....


Helen Mills
Financial Controller

http://www.london.dalecarnegie.com/

Take one for the Team

It’s 8.55pm and I am sitting on the sofa with chocolate by my side and the TV on.... ready and waiting for the next instalment of Hell’s Kitchen. Over the past week I have found myself becoming rather drawn into this latest reality TV show. You may be thinking to yourself ‘What is she watching that rubbish for, has she nothing better to do?’, but if you look past the cameras and the glamour there are some core values being showcased which are key to any successful working environment.

Marco Pierre White sacked one celebrity from the kitchen because he wasn’t a team player. He appeared to have been doing well, working hard and cooking what was expected of him but this was not enough to survive. He built up no rapport and chose to work as an individual rather than helping and working alongside the others. He may have been creating what was required but what he was producing was not spectacular, if he had chipped in with the others and made himself a team player perhaps the results he could have achieved would not just have been acceptable but would have been outstanding.

Marco leaves the kitchen in the hands of the celebrities, how will they cope without their teacher at the helm? Step up Ade.... as soon as Marco has left the kitchen Ade has taken control, he is shouting orders, checking his colleagues are ok and getting stuck in to the task at hand. He keeps the kitchen moving, which in turn keeps the food going out to the tables and consequently makes the diners happy. If Ade hadn’t stepped up to the challenge and taken the role of leader things could have been very different. Every working environment needs a leader who will engage with the team and lead them in the right direction to achieve the desired results.

So if you take away the celebrities and the TV cameras Hell's Kitchen is very similar to any work place; people are key to its success. Whether you are working in a shop on Oxford street, an office in the city or in Hell’s kitchen, you need team players and leaders to make sure your successful in whatever you do.

Sophie Whittall

Marketing & Admin

http://www.london.dalecarnegie.com/

Natural Leadership

This is Emma and Juanci, my beautiful niece and nephew, 9 & 8 years respectively. Like many children they are spontaneous, energetic, fun loving, joyful, creative and daring souls. Their mission in life is being happy and their vision is doing the things that make them happy; simple really. They live each day to the full, content and satisfied and sleep deeply at night unless it is their Birthday, Christmas or another special event!

Recently a client of mine from the Finance sector said to me, ‘I want to be like my son. He is learning to walk. He falls down, gets back up again, succeeds a little, falls down, gets back up again and so on. He is fearless! If I did the same in my business I would achieve my dreams!'

Like Emma and Juanci and like my clients son, what if we woke up each day with a clear mission and vision in life that would have us leap out of bed with excitement and boundless enthusiasm? How many of us actually know and live the mission and vision of the companies we work for? What if we aligned our mission and visions with that of our organisation? Would we perhaps feel we were contributors and a part of a diverse leadership within our business and for our clients?

Despite the current economic situation, confidence is returning, risks are been taken, and opportunities are abound, if only we look for them. The overwhelming challenge for the UK is in leadership and management, we spend 1,100 Euros per manager on leadership and management training compared to our European counterparts who spend just under 5,000 Euros. Now is as good a time as ever whether you are an employee, a Manager, a Director or an Executive (if we are not already being this way) to be ourselves, to communicate our mission and our vision clearly with each other and to involve our customers, partners and suppliers in the challenges we face. We are all leaders after all and this collective, co-operative approach is what kids do so naturally. I know Emma and Juanci are constantly and unwittingly reminding me.

Lizzie Thomas
Consultant

http://www.london.dalecarnegie.com/

A Childs Passion

Sunday 29th March 2009 and there I was amongst musicians and artists together with my youngest son Jason (11 years) discussing the new drama, music and film studios being launched in London and Essex. Exuberance surrounded the room with high spirited people discussing the first ‘Battle of the Bands’ contest named the ‘L’ Factor, (L = Loughton).

Imagine creating new bands with different musicians and the winner having their own song recorded, produced and then released to the world. This is going to happen in the next two months. The owner of the recording studio spoke to my son and after finding out Jason played the drums, he suggested that he put a group together and enter the competition.

Well I have never seen so much excitement, energy and sheer enthusiasm from my son to want something to work. By the end of the day he had managed to phone and enlist a guitarist and vocal lead. Now it was time for him to find three songs and create a name for the band. Again by night fall three songs chosen and a name – ‘One in a Lifetime’. He is currently designing his own logo. His elder brother is already manager and me as Dad can happily sit on the sidelines and watch the intensity of what’s occurring with pride.

The event is only a few weeks away but Jason has managed to put himself in with a chance to perform in front of key music professionals and enjoy a great night. He knows the reality of the competition and is under no illusion of grandeur. It’s about “taking part, having fun and gaining more experience”. These are his words to me.

For me who admires anyone who can demonstrate passion for a hobby, career and of course their family deserves the time of day. We are in a tough climate and those who excel are those who show the right level of passion for success. If I or any of you take just 50% of what Jason has demonstrated over the last few days, you will achieve amazing things.

Dale Carnegie quoted “You never achieve success unless you like what you are doing.”

Frank Steggall

http://www.london.dalecarnegie.com/

Dare to Speak

Sitting with the leadership team of one of our clients the other day, we were discussing the impact of the changes that had occurred in the business world over the last 18 months. We also focused on the impact that there had been on the business. It had been 'devastating', a 'horrible experience' and similar expressions. There had been redundancies, cash flow problems due to non payments for work legitimately carried out. All in all the whole thing was getting a bit depressing.

Then there was a change. One of the Directors suddenly said, "I'm fed up with all this doom and gloom. It seems as though we always talk about the same depressing things when we get together". Quite taken aback the other Directors tried to pull this individual back into the pit of despondency because that's where they were. Quite voracious were they in there appetite for self pity that they almost succeeded, but he stood his ground. A champion for a different way of thinking and boy had he been giving it some thought. So now came words. His thought had drummed up courage. The courage to stand out with a different opinion, the courage to see how things were and not wrapped up in words like disastrous, depressing, awful and such like.

Well did he get going with his words. He wasn't going to take no for an answer. As his declaration of a new way of being continued there were changes in the others, almost imperceptive at first but there nonetheless. As he continued the pressure for change rose like a great geyser blowing off. Well that was enough, the others started throwing in their ideas talking about what could be and what they could do.

At the end of the meeting the team were a team unified behind the 'dare to speak', 'the odd man out'. They had even constructed the bones of an action plan where all the aspects seemed feasible and practical. Not at all pie in the sky.

Do you wish sometimes your colleagues were a bit like that, prepared to speak the courage of their convictions and beliefs rather than just trying to ride out the storm. If you do tell them this story, also tell them that there is no doom and gloom, there are no disasters, no hard times. There is just our reaction to what's happening. That reaction is the only thing we have control over. Nothing else.

Remember - thought - word - deed. Be creative with your thinking, declare to the world what you will do and then - GO AND DO IT

David Pickering
Consultant

http://www.london.dalecarnegie.com/