Communication – Personal Development – Business

Our grandson, Wesley McFall Young aka Wes graduated this weekend from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville with honors. When I think about a teenager making the decision to further their life, Wes becomes the poster child for self-awareness, focus, and discipline to maximize success. So here are some thoughts…

1. Self-awareness – What have you decided to “major in” – in other words, have you looked at your strengths and maximized them? Too many people focus on their weaknesses and become “victims of circumstance.” I believe people fall in this trap because it is easier than taking personal responsibility for their actions.

Tags: awareness, focus, self awareness by Marsha
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Did you watch Extreme Makeover last night? This is a program I rarely watch but I was doing mindless paperwork in my office and thought – what the heck. Well, I’m glad I did.

Patrick Henry Hughes was born without sight and some real physical issues. He views his “disability” as an “ability” to do certain things better than most people. Patrick Henry has the ability to see people from the inside out, rather than judge them from the outside in.

Tags: ability, awareness, disability, positive attitude, self awareness, self talk, Uncategorized by Marsha
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I was getting a news “quick fix” this morning and was stunned to read about the shootings in Kirkwood, Missouri. Several years ago I spoke to a government agency in Kirkwood and am still in contact with some of the people that were in the session because of my monthly newsletter.

The gunman, identified as Charles Lee “Cookie” Thornton, critically injured the city’s mayor and wounded a reporter Thursday night before law enforcers fatally shot him.

Tags: awareness, bad habits, Behavior by Marsha
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The last few days I’ve been in San Antonio speaking to the Harley-Davidson Dealer Operations Training.  When I mentioned this to several of my friends, their immediate response was negative.  Why?  Their perception of “HOGS” was totally incorrect!

They were without a doubt one of the most gracious and kind groups I have ever spoken to. With their global success and excellent brand recognition, the exposure to negative comment and perception is great.

So my idea of the day is DON’T GO THERE!  Keep an open mind and form your OWN opinion.

Marsha

Tags: awareness, opinion, perception by admin
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When I boot up my computer in the morning, the first page is always my personalized page from the Wall Street Journal. I used to have it on Fox News but couldn’t stand having the first information in my brain tragic deaths, murders and general world chaos.

I am convinced that you do become what you think about so I make a choice not to start a great day with ugly information. It can make you a Toxic Person! What the WSJ does for me is condenses important factoids into two or three sentences. IF I choose to read more, then I can.

Tags: awareness, Blogroll, difficult people, Media, perception by admin
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I received this from a reader and thought the response might be enjoyed by all!

“I have just finished reading the book ‘Toxic People’, I think it is great!  Just the thing I need to read before I go back to work after holidays. I have a few changes to make.

Is it possible to have a copy of the Planning worksheet and score card. (E-mail me and I will send these to you!)

I have one question.

If I use the saying, ‘That sounded like a put down. Is that what you meant?’ what do I say next if they answer, ‘Yes!’

Tags: awareness, communications, dealing with difficult people by admin
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Whether you are dealing with a Backstabber, Steamroller, Know-it-All or any other type of difficult behavior identified in Toxic People, fill your tool case with as much information as possible.  I just ordered the Microexpressions CD from Paul Ekman www.paulekman.com. 

This is a great tool that I think everyone should use and learn from.  Make sure your bucket is filled to the top with ideas you can apply every day!  Just a thought.

It is our job to learn how to handle difficult people!  Happy New Year.  It will be a GREAT ’08.  Marsha

Tags: awareness, Backstabbers, bad behavior, communications, difficult people, microexpressions, personal responsibility, sanity by admin
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I had a question from a Fortune 100 company about steps to manage a reorganization – especially when you have difficult people to manage. Having presented to this company for many years, here is the process I suggested. They are given the companies expected outcomes and projects involved and asked to present a list of their preferences.

1. Evaluate the talents of all team members. Include systems they have worked with, successful projects, and all components of project management. Have each member put their “talents” on post-it notes. Have each member go to a plain wall group post-it notes appropriately in similar columns. Read Joe Calloway’s book, “Work Like You’re Showing Off” and Larry Winget’s “Shut Up, Stop Whining and Get a Life.”

Tags: awareness, communicate, cooperation, reorganization, team management by admin
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I write many articles about dealing with difficult people – and am always pleased when someone picks up on the information and actually uses it!  Laid off, ticked off and broke is one such case.  Check out http://yepiski.blogspot.com/

Always check out other peoples point of view because there is so much to learn about out own toxic behavior and how to handle difficult people and situations!

It is all about Personal Responsibility and making better choices.  Marsha

Tags: awareness, dealing with difficult people, difficult people, laid off, relationships by admin
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Pearl Harbor Day is a time for reflection. We should all take a moment and thank the people protecting our freedoms – our men and women in the service – and those who have so bravely protected our country.  Be sure to thank people in uniform when you see them.

Shame on NBC  for refusing to air ads thanking our troops over the holidays!  Talk about Toxic People!!!  And why does difficult people behavior seem to permeate the media? It does make me crazy.

Tags: awareness, communicate, cooperation, difficult people, make a difference, Media by admin
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