Well done all!
The Dale Carnegie Course is designed to develop in us the ability to lead a more intentional life. Ironically, it's difficult because it goes against our natural tendencies. Which means we have to constantly fight against our natures to act in a way that ultimately works better for everyone. It's a tall order. That's why the Human Relations Champion is a unique honor. Of course, it doesn't end here. The fight (with ourselves) is just beginning. You've all taken great strides toward that goal.
In Session 10B, we learned the power of connecting emotionally with others. As several pointed out, we aren't in this alone. Doesn't it seem odd that for all the things that make us unique - our talents, strengths, abilities - the things that come naturally to us - we think we're nothing special? Yet, for all the things common to the human condition, we assume we're alone. Truly understanding we're not alone can be key to a new level of self-confidence and a renewed belief in yourself and your abilities.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Session 10 Review
Well, how's it going? Are you getting your point of view heard more frequently? Ironically, one of the greatest challenges to our self-confidence is knowing we've been heard, and haven't been able to persuade. Understand, that's still going to happen. What matters is that when we are heard, we have a chance to change their minds. Otherwise, just like between countries, when people stop communicating, problems begin.
In Session 10B, it was interesting to note that the stresses in our lives, the worries we deal with regularly, we just handle them. To others, they are an inspiration. Just remember, how you deal with what's on your plate can inspire others to deal more effectively with what's on theirs.
In Session 12 (May 27th), we welcome guests. Be sure to invite those who've watched you make this transition and been part of your journey. Let them celebrate with us.
In Session 10B, it was interesting to note that the stresses in our lives, the worries we deal with regularly, we just handle them. To others, they are an inspiration. Just remember, how you deal with what's on your plate can inspire others to deal more effectively with what's on theirs.
In Session 12 (May 27th), we welcome guests. Be sure to invite those who've watched you make this transition and been part of your journey. Let them celebrate with us.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Session 9 Review
Amazing!
As we progress upward in our careers, the ability to change people's attitudes and behaviors becomes more and more critical. Last week, in Session 9A, we heard how we are taking action to make that happen without diminishing the enthusiasm of those around us.
Interestingly, as we see people advance, sometimes they become less flexible instead of more flexible. In 9B, our focus was on helping us break out of the rigidity that seems to happen to other leaders as their responsibilities increase. Paradoxically, greater flexibility enables our subordinates to approach us more openly (particularly those in a different generation) and give us the information we need to make better decisions in our businesses (and in our lives).
CONGRATULATIONS on taking a big step outside of your comfort zones. Of course, isn't that where the opportunities in our lives are?
As we progress upward in our careers, the ability to change people's attitudes and behaviors becomes more and more critical. Last week, in Session 9A, we heard how we are taking action to make that happen without diminishing the enthusiasm of those around us.
Interestingly, as we see people advance, sometimes they become less flexible instead of more flexible. In 9B, our focus was on helping us break out of the rigidity that seems to happen to other leaders as their responsibilities increase. Paradoxically, greater flexibility enables our subordinates to approach us more openly (particularly those in a different generation) and give us the information we need to make better decisions in our businesses (and in our lives).
CONGRATULATIONS on taking a big step outside of your comfort zones. Of course, isn't that where the opportunities in our lives are?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Session 8 Review
My word, what a great session!
In the A part, we learned the power of focusing on the positive traits in others. Interestingly enough, we can learn a lot about people by what they do -- it provides insight into who they are. Occasionally, powerful insight. By being simple and direct, we can significantly impact the belief others have in themselves.
Part B was about a couple of different points. First, we often fail to "own" the compliments we receive from others. By including them in our own pep talks, we validate the strengths others have seen. And, we have to "own" the comments to be credible.
Secondly, animation can help to create enthusiasm when there is a lack of it. Is enthusiasm always loud? No, it isn't. The key: everyone expresses enthusiasm differently based upon (1) who they are and (2) the context.
Our own animation is one avenue (and one of the easiest avenues) for us to create enthusiasm where there was none. Make the decision; create your own enthusiasm; infect those around you with it. You'll have more fun and be more productive -- and so will they.
In the A part, we learned the power of focusing on the positive traits in others. Interestingly enough, we can learn a lot about people by what they do -- it provides insight into who they are. Occasionally, powerful insight. By being simple and direct, we can significantly impact the belief others have in themselves.
Part B was about a couple of different points. First, we often fail to "own" the compliments we receive from others. By including them in our own pep talks, we validate the strengths others have seen. And, we have to "own" the comments to be credible.
Secondly, animation can help to create enthusiasm when there is a lack of it. Is enthusiasm always loud? No, it isn't. The key: everyone expresses enthusiasm differently based upon (1) who they are and (2) the context.
Our own animation is one avenue (and one of the easiest avenues) for us to create enthusiasm where there was none. Make the decision; create your own enthusiasm; infect those around you with it. You'll have more fun and be more productive -- and so will they.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Session 5 Review
I am particulary impressed with the way all of you are supporting each other. As much as the coaches, Eric, and I would like to take credit for your success, you and your support of each other is at least as critical to your success and growth. Thank you for helping create an environment where we can risk without risk.
Let me see, in 5A, we started off with the "Box Factory" and it only got better from there. Animation in our presentations helps relieve stress (which it seems we all have in our lives). From there, we used animation to not only focus our stress, but become more entertaining and engaging communicators.
In session 5B, Unleash Your Full Potential, we saw people really step out of their box. While we may not LIVE outside of our box all the time, it's important to know we can GO there when the need arises -- particularly as we move into leadership. Key to motivating others is the ability to transfer our passion to our audience -- whether it's one or one thousand.
This is another step in gaining control of our own keyboard. Maybe it's only another octave or two, but it sure beats going through our lives only able to play chopsticks.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Let me see, in 5A, we started off with the "Box Factory" and it only got better from there. Animation in our presentations helps relieve stress (which it seems we all have in our lives). From there, we used animation to not only focus our stress, but become more entertaining and engaging communicators.
In session 5B, Unleash Your Full Potential, we saw people really step out of their box. While we may not LIVE outside of our box all the time, it's important to know we can GO there when the need arises -- particularly as we move into leadership. Key to motivating others is the ability to transfer our passion to our audience -- whether it's one or one thousand.
This is another step in gaining control of our own keyboard. Maybe it's only another octave or two, but it sure beats going through our lives only able to play chopsticks.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Session 12 Preview - elaborating on vision
Well, we've climbed to the top of a mountain. What a great view! It's awesome. Take some time. Enjoy it. Then after a bit of time, ask yourself the question........
Now, what?
When we get to the top of a mountain, by all means, it's important to take time to enjoy the view and relish our success. But after the celebration, the next step, and an important one, is deciding which mountain do I choose to climb next? And, what will the view look like from the top of that mountain? This is more than goal-setting.
For twelve weeks in the Dale Carnegie Course, we work on developing the ability to paint pictures in the minds of our listeners. Starting in an incident, we help our audience form a picture in their minds that matches the picture in ours.
This is basically the same. Imagine you are the speaker, describing an incident to you, the audience. It's merely a moment in time – that just hasn’t happened, yet. Your job is to paint the picture of what you want for yourself.
Now, what?
When we get to the top of a mountain, by all means, it's important to take time to enjoy the view and relish our success. But after the celebration, the next step, and an important one, is deciding which mountain do I choose to climb next? And, what will the view look like from the top of that mountain? This is more than goal-setting.
For twelve weeks in the Dale Carnegie Course, we work on developing the ability to paint pictures in the minds of our listeners. Starting in an incident, we help our audience form a picture in their minds that matches the picture in ours.
This is basically the same. Imagine you are the speaker, describing an incident to you, the audience. It's merely a moment in time – that just hasn’t happened, yet. Your job is to paint the picture of what you want for yourself.
- What are you doing?
- What are you seeing?
- What are you saying?
- What are you hearing?
- What are you smelling?
- What are you sensing?
This is not difficult despite how others have made it sound.
- What do you daydream about? (Or, what do you worry about? Then, imagine what the opposite would look like.)
- When you think about what you want your life to look like, what excites you?
- To where does your mind wander when not thinking about a specific problem? Let your imagination run wild and dream.
It's vital to create a clear and compelling vision of our future. Without it, we'll lose interest. When it gets hard, we'll give up. So, how do we know it's compelling? You'll know what's compelling to you when:
- You think about it automatically when you wake up in the middle of the night;
- It's exciting enough to cause you to change;
- It's exciting enough for you to want to get better;
- It's exciting enough for you to to work harder and it doesn't seem harder;
- It's exciting enough for you to want to be more effective.
A compelling vision fuels the changes we need to make.
Maybe, the long-term goal, the long-term vision, is way off in the future. As you pursue it, what would your life look like three to six months down the road toward it?
Determining and deciding on your vision may be one of the most important things you ever do. Most people don't decide to go anywhere in life, so they never get anywhere in life.
According to insurance statistics, of 100 individuals beginning at age 25, by age 65, 95% will be dead, or dead broke. Only the top 5% will be successful.
95% of people never write down their goals; 5% do. Coincidence? I don't think so.
MY WAGE
- I bargained with Life for a penny,
- And Life would pay no more;
- However I begged at evening
- When I counted my scanty store;
- For Life is a just employer,
- He gives you what you ask,
- But once you have set the wages,
- Why, you must bear the task.
- I worked for a menial's hire,
- Only to learn, dismayed,
- That any wage I had asked of Life,
- Life would have gladly paid.
--J.B. Rittenhouse
Decide what you want, write it down, and go for it.
Success will come. (Just remember: opportunity is often missed because it arrives dressed in work clothes.)
Session 12 Preview
Session 12: Celebrate Achievements and Renew Our Vision
Wow. We've come a long way. Now it's time to reflect on (and celebrate) what's happened.
Wow. We've come a long way. Now it's time to reflect on (and celebrate) what's happened.
- When we walked through the door, we had an idea of what we expected from the Dale Carnegie Course.
- By living intentionally, committing and following through, we've had breakthroughs and successes. We’ve reported on those successes. What one incident (reported on or not) has been most meaningful for you?
- Now that we've achieved all, or part, of our initial vision - What next?
That's pretty much the format of our final presentation:
- 20 seconds what I expected
- 2 minutes my major breakthrough (magic formula), and
- 40 seconds to paint the picture of "What next?"
I've got another post where I elaborate a little on the vision. If you're interested, click here.
Otherwise, see you next session.
Session 11 Preview
Session 11A: Be a Human Relations Champion
Sometimes, we work so hard at doing something, we fail to realize that it is coming naturally. In this session, we take a step back, reflect on our actions and begin to realize our awareness of others has changed. You'll have a chance to tell us how you've used Dale Carnegie's Human Relations Principles and didn't realize it until later, or found yourself recognizing situations and using the principles. Either way, you're on the road to being a Human Relations Champion.
Session 11B: Inspire Others
Strong leaders inspire us to do more than we believe possible. They connect with us intellectually and emotionally. This session is about further developing that ability. Still using the three "E's" of Communication (Eager, Excited, Earned the Right), report on an incident that had an emotional impact on you and would inspire us to think or act differently. It’s an exciting and enjoyable session and the culmination of what we’ve been working on for the past eleven weeks.
See you next session.
Sometimes, we work so hard at doing something, we fail to realize that it is coming naturally. In this session, we take a step back, reflect on our actions and begin to realize our awareness of others has changed. You'll have a chance to tell us how you've used Dale Carnegie's Human Relations Principles and didn't realize it until later, or found yourself recognizing situations and using the principles. Either way, you're on the road to being a Human Relations Champion.
Session 11B: Inspire Others
Strong leaders inspire us to do more than we believe possible. They connect with us intellectually and emotionally. This session is about further developing that ability. Still using the three "E's" of Communication (Eager, Excited, Earned the Right), report on an incident that had an emotional impact on you and would inspire us to think or act differently. It’s an exciting and enjoyable session and the culmination of what we’ve been working on for the past eleven weeks.
See you next session.
Session 10 Preview
Session 10A: Disagree Agreeably
I'm sitting in my office. One of my team members walks in, absolutely ecstatic about the worst possible course of action. And wants my opinion.........
I'm sitting in a meeting watching two people argue passionately for their point of view. Voices get loud, then louder; tempers flare. Suddenly, they turn to me and say, "Well, what's your opinion.............?"
Sound familiar? In this session, we learn how to get our point heard, without making enemies. Think about three work-related subjects you have a strong opinion bout - one way or another. We'll work on helping you get your opinion heard.
Session 10B: Manage Our Stress
Another celebration session. We've been dealing with stress more effectively for the past several weeks. Now, it's time to brag on our success. Two minutes - magic formula. Prepare to be inspired.
We're taking a class photo at this session. If it's possible to be a few minutes early, that would be great.
See you next session.
I'm sitting in my office. One of my team members walks in, absolutely ecstatic about the worst possible course of action. And wants my opinion.........
I'm sitting in a meeting watching two people argue passionately for their point of view. Voices get loud, then louder; tempers flare. Suddenly, they turn to me and say, "Well, what's your opinion.............?"
Sound familiar? In this session, we learn how to get our point heard, without making enemies. Think about three work-related subjects you have a strong opinion bout - one way or another. We'll work on helping you get your opinion heard.
Session 10B: Manage Our Stress
Another celebration session. We've been dealing with stress more effectively for the past several weeks. Now, it's time to brag on our success. Two minutes - magic formula. Prepare to be inspired.
We're taking a class photo at this session. If it's possible to be a few minutes early, that would be great.
See you next session.
Session 9 Preview
Session 9A: Demonstrate Leadership
Could you use a new perspective on leadership? Looking for another way to connect with that person who has ability to get it done, but isn't? This session will give you a plethora (good word, eh?) of new perspectives and applications you can put to use immediately to begin changing the attitudes and performance of those around you. And, your story may be just the idea one of your classmates needs.
Session 9B: Develop More Flexibility
No preparation required. Just wear comfortable clothes.
By the way, we'll have pictures taken next week (Session 10).
See you next session.
Could you use a new perspective on leadership? Looking for another way to connect with that person who has ability to get it done, but isn't? This session will give you a plethora (good word, eh?) of new perspectives and applications you can put to use immediately to begin changing the attitudes and performance of those around you. And, your story may be just the idea one of your classmates needs.
Session 9B: Develop More Flexibility
No preparation required. Just wear comfortable clothes.
By the way, we'll have pictures taken next week (Session 10).
See you next session.
Session 8 Preview
Session 8A: Building Others Through Recognition
If you've ever struggled to give honest and sincere appreciation to someone you just don't connect with, be here. Honing the ability to give authentic praise and recognition can have a direct and immediate impact on the productivity of your team and the morale of everyone in your world.
Session 8B: Realize the Power of Enthusiasm
If you're feeling down at all, this is a DO NOT MISS session! Not only will we celebrate your success in consciously applying enthusiasm to your life and the pursuit of your vision - and we'll celebrate the success of our classmates.
Heads up, we're bringing in a photographer for a class photo in two weeks (Session 10).
See you next session.
If you've ever struggled to give honest and sincere appreciation to someone you just don't connect with, be here. Honing the ability to give authentic praise and recognition can have a direct and immediate impact on the productivity of your team and the morale of everyone in your world.
Session 8B: Realize the Power of Enthusiasm
If you're feeling down at all, this is a DO NOT MISS session! Not only will we celebrate your success in consciously applying enthusiasm to your life and the pursuit of your vision - and we'll celebrate the success of our classmates.
Heads up, we're bringing in a photographer for a class photo in two weeks (Session 10).
See you next session.
Session 7 Preview
Session 7A: Gain the Willing Cooperation of Others
If you want to be more effective at working on teams and getting more cooperation and support from others, this is the session for you! We'll hear lots of examples of how applying the Dale Carnegie Human Relations Principles ( principles 10 through 21) have affected the cooperation and support we receive. In Session 4, we committed to apply one (or more) of the second set of eleven principles with a specific individual to improve the level of cooperation we enjoy with that person. Well, how's it going? Here's your chance to tell us.
Session 7B: Commit to Influence Others
If you need to be more effective in coaching and correcting others, you'll want to be here. We'll focus specifically on the principles that make effective leaders so powerful and successful. And we'll identify areas we can increase our influence, and how we can effectively go about creating that success for us and those around us.
See you next session.
If you want to be more effective at working on teams and getting more cooperation and support from others, this is the session for you! We'll hear lots of examples of how applying the Dale Carnegie Human Relations Principles ( principles 10 through 21) have affected the cooperation and support we receive. In Session 4, we committed to apply one (or more) of the second set of eleven principles with a specific individual to improve the level of cooperation we enjoy with that person. Well, how's it going? Here's your chance to tell us.
Session 7B: Commit to Influence Others
If you need to be more effective in coaching and correcting others, you'll want to be here. We'll focus specifically on the principles that make effective leaders so powerful and successful. And we'll identify areas we can increase our influence, and how we can effectively go about creating that success for us and those around us.
See you next session.
Session 6 Preview
Session 6A - Make Our Ideas Clear
If you've ever been frustrated trying to explain how to do something (at work or at home), this is the session for you. We'll use the LIONS formula to make explaining even complicated stuff a snap. Pages 6.4 and 6.5 in your Course Guide explain the concept of LIONS, how it can help you organize your presentation for maximum effectiveness, and provide a planning sheet to help you be successful. Bring the visuals you want to use; if you need to write something on the flip chart, please be a little early so you can get it ready before class.
Session 6B - Think on our Feet
As our responsibilities increase, we will be called upon more frequently to deliver our opinion on various subjects clearly, concisely, and convincingly - sometimes on the spur of the moment. Mastering this skill can often be the tool that opens new doors to greater opportunity, promotions, and success in life and it's easier than you think! Page 6.10 in your manual, and pages 12, and 14-18 of the Speak More Effectively booklet will help you prepare for this.
See you next session.
If you've ever been frustrated trying to explain how to do something (at work or at home), this is the session for you. We'll use the LIONS formula to make explaining even complicated stuff a snap. Pages 6.4 and 6.5 in your Course Guide explain the concept of LIONS, how it can help you organize your presentation for maximum effectiveness, and provide a planning sheet to help you be successful. Bring the visuals you want to use; if you need to write something on the flip chart, please be a little early so you can get it ready before class.
Session 6B - Think on our Feet
As our responsibilities increase, we will be called upon more frequently to deliver our opinion on various subjects clearly, concisely, and convincingly - sometimes on the spur of the moment. Mastering this skill can often be the tool that opens new doors to greater opportunity, promotions, and success in life and it's easier than you think! Page 6.10 in your manual, and pages 12, and 14-18 of the Speak More Effectively booklet will help you prepare for this.
See you next session.
Session 5 Preview
Session 5A: Energize Our Communications
Be ready to be entertained. As we dive into our story and really re-"live" it, it becomes fun for us and for our audience. Think about the stories you love to tell at family reunions. Put a lot of action into it, stir it up, stand back, and have a good time.
Session 5B: Unleash Our Full Potential
"History has repeatedly been changed by people who had the desire and the ability to transfer their convictions and emotions to their listeners."
- Dale Carnegie
This session will help develop a greater freedom for self-expression - for you! Be ready to tell us about something that matters to you.
In in his essay on Self-Reliance, Emerson said, "There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide ... The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried."
Remember - Your specific talents, abilities, and experiences have never existed before you and will never exist after you. You are unique in nature. Let's capitalize on it next week.
See you next session.
Be ready to be entertained. As we dive into our story and really re-"live" it, it becomes fun for us and for our audience. Think about the stories you love to tell at family reunions. Put a lot of action into it, stir it up, stand back, and have a good time.
Session 5B: Unleash Our Full Potential
"History has repeatedly been changed by people who had the desire and the ability to transfer their convictions and emotions to their listeners."
- Dale Carnegie
This session will help develop a greater freedom for self-expression - for you! Be ready to tell us about something that matters to you.
In in his essay on Self-Reliance, Emerson said, "There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide ... The power which resides in him is new in nature, and none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried."
Remember - Your specific talents, abilities, and experiences have never existed before you and will never exist after you. You are unique in nature. Let's capitalize on it next week.
See you next session.
Session 4 Review
Session 4A: Putting Stress and Worry into Perspective
Much of the stress in our world is a result of misunderstandings among generally well-intentioned people … Greater cooperation and harmony should be possible if we learn to understand and appreciate the ways in which others differ from ourselves.
– Peter Briggs Meyers
I'm always pleasantly surprised by the insights I gain from listening to you. Our ability to handle stress, or lack of it, has a direct impact on those around us -- for good or ill. For many of us, learning to use these principles consistently to deal with the stress and worry affecting us every day will have a HUGE effect on our happiness (and our health).
Session 4B: Motivate Others and Enhance Relationships
Wow, we really covered a lot.
Enhancing Relationships: We demonstrated, decisively I think, the value of improving our human relations skills. The ability to gain the trust, rapport, and cooperation of others is often what separates the successful from the “also-ran.” Our choice is between hoping relationships develop to the level we need to succeed or proactively working to develop relationships. None of us succeeds by our lonesome, so strong relationships are key. Not surprisingly, these principles work best when applied sincerely – as principles, not as techniques.
Motivating Others and Gaining Cooperation: Facts tell; stories sell. To successfully persuade others, we need to build the relationship and be persuasive in asking for action - essentially selling the other person on taking action. The "Magic Formula" helps us do that succinctly, and often more successfully. Keep applying the first set of principles, add the second set, and look for opportunities to use the magic formula to persuade to action. You'll be pleased at how much more effective your interactions are.
By purposely applying the second set of Dale Carnegie's human relations principles (numbers 11 – 21) with individuals in our lives, it'll be easier to gain their willing cooperation, creating commitment instead of just compliance without resorting to authority or manipulation.
Much of the stress in our world is a result of misunderstandings among generally well-intentioned people … Greater cooperation and harmony should be possible if we learn to understand and appreciate the ways in which others differ from ourselves.
– Peter Briggs Meyers
I'm always pleasantly surprised by the insights I gain from listening to you. Our ability to handle stress, or lack of it, has a direct impact on those around us -- for good or ill. For many of us, learning to use these principles consistently to deal with the stress and worry affecting us every day will have a HUGE effect on our happiness (and our health).
Session 4B: Motivate Others and Enhance Relationships
Wow, we really covered a lot.
Enhancing Relationships: We demonstrated, decisively I think, the value of improving our human relations skills. The ability to gain the trust, rapport, and cooperation of others is often what separates the successful from the “also-ran.” Our choice is between hoping relationships develop to the level we need to succeed or proactively working to develop relationships. None of us succeeds by our lonesome, so strong relationships are key. Not surprisingly, these principles work best when applied sincerely – as principles, not as techniques.
Motivating Others and Gaining Cooperation: Facts tell; stories sell. To successfully persuade others, we need to build the relationship and be persuasive in asking for action - essentially selling the other person on taking action. The "Magic Formula" helps us do that succinctly, and often more successfully. Keep applying the first set of principles, add the second set, and look for opportunities to use the magic formula to persuade to action. You'll be pleased at how much more effective your interactions are.
By purposely applying the second set of Dale Carnegie's human relations principles (numbers 11 – 21) with individuals in our lives, it'll be easier to gain their willing cooperation, creating commitment instead of just compliance without resorting to authority or manipulation.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Session 4 Preview
Next Week: Session 4A - Put Stress in Perspective
The unproductive areas of our lives (and we all have them) tend to be the most stressful. Some can be very stressful. Next week, we'll tackle that challenge together. Identify an area of your life causing you a disproportionate amount of stress. It may be worthwhile to consider the following questions:
1) What about this situation is causing the stress?
2) What impact is this having on achieving my vision?
3) Which of the principles listed in Dale Carnegie's Golden Book (and in your student manuals on pages 4.5 - 4.8) will help me most effectively handle this stress?
Then, we'll commit to deal more proactively with that area. In a few weeks, we'll have a chance to report on the progress we've made.
Next Week: Session 4B - Motivate Others and Enhance Relationships
Human Relations - We just finished talking about achievements. In this session, we continue building on the power of living intentionally. In Session 2, we committed to apply a couple of Dale Carnegie's Human Relations principles to improve a particular relationship. In Session 4, we'll have the opportunity to report on the status of our commitment.
Magic Formula - We've worked on beginning our talks with an incident to capture their favorable attention. Now, we're introducing an effective way to end our talks to move people to action. This ability, so arresting and interesting to our audience, helps lower the walls of resistance so our message(s) are not just heard, but listened to.
KEY TO SUCCESS: As our time to get our message out is often limited, in business and in life, one of the MOST effective ways to grab our listeners attention is to begin, immediately, with a mental picture of us involved in some action our audience can visualize. Not only does it grab the attention of our listener(s), it helps us relax, and it keeps us from wandering down those tempting "rabbit trails" which waste time for our listener.
Reading: In this week’s readings, Dale Carnegie writes about four ways to develop speech material that guarantees audience attention, and about how Ben Franklin’s whistle helped him live life with less stress.
See you next session.
P.S. Don’t forget the booklets in the back of your participant manuals – Remember Names, Speak More Effectively, and The Little Recognized Secret of Success. They are great resources – and easy to read.
The unproductive areas of our lives (and we all have them) tend to be the most stressful. Some can be very stressful. Next week, we'll tackle that challenge together. Identify an area of your life causing you a disproportionate amount of stress. It may be worthwhile to consider the following questions:
1) What about this situation is causing the stress?
2) What impact is this having on achieving my vision?
3) Which of the principles listed in Dale Carnegie's Golden Book (and in your student manuals on pages 4.5 - 4.8) will help me most effectively handle this stress?
Then, we'll commit to deal more proactively with that area. In a few weeks, we'll have a chance to report on the progress we've made.
Next Week: Session 4B - Motivate Others and Enhance Relationships
Human Relations - We just finished talking about achievements. In this session, we continue building on the power of living intentionally. In Session 2, we committed to apply a couple of Dale Carnegie's Human Relations principles to improve a particular relationship. In Session 4, we'll have the opportunity to report on the status of our commitment.
Magic Formula - We've worked on beginning our talks with an incident to capture their favorable attention. Now, we're introducing an effective way to end our talks to move people to action. This ability, so arresting and interesting to our audience, helps lower the walls of resistance so our message(s) are not just heard, but listened to.
KEY TO SUCCESS: As our time to get our message out is often limited, in business and in life, one of the MOST effective ways to grab our listeners attention is to begin, immediately, with a mental picture of us involved in some action our audience can visualize. Not only does it grab the attention of our listener(s), it helps us relax, and it keeps us from wandering down those tempting "rabbit trails" which waste time for our listener.
Reading: In this week’s readings, Dale Carnegie writes about four ways to develop speech material that guarantees audience attention, and about how Ben Franklin’s whistle helped him live life with less stress.
See you next session.
P.S. Don’t forget the booklets in the back of your participant manuals – Remember Names, Speak More Effectively, and The Little Recognized Secret of Success. They are great resources – and easy to read.
Session 3 Review
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.
– Calvin Coolidge
Actions speak louder than words.
– Anonymous
Session 3A – Put Enthusiasm to Work
In Session 3A, we committed to be 10 times more enthusiastic in one specific area of our lives which will help us in the pursuit of our vision. In his booklet, “The Little Recognized Secret of Success,” Dale Carnegie credits his success at Armour & Co. (selling meats and cheese to butcher shops), almost entirely to his enthusiasm. Our challenge for the next few weeks is: Will we be enthusiastic by choice? I believe we can, and I am looking forward to some amazing success stories in a few weeks. As Charles Schwab (the first president of US Steel) said, “A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm.” (I believe it applies to women, as well.)
Session 3B – Recognize Achievements
If Session 3A was about choosing our attitude, Session 3B reminded us of (at least) one way to help us take greater control of it – recognizing our achievements. Vital to our success in life is making the choice to guard our thoughts – i.e. what do we think about and how do we think about it? In talking about our achievements and hearing about and identifying with the achievements of others, it’s apparent we are much more successful in life than we give ourselves credit for. We can use this to change our self-talk. As we do this, our success will accelerate.
– Calvin Coolidge
Actions speak louder than words.
– Anonymous
Session 3A – Put Enthusiasm to Work
In Session 3A, we committed to be 10 times more enthusiastic in one specific area of our lives which will help us in the pursuit of our vision. In his booklet, “The Little Recognized Secret of Success,” Dale Carnegie credits his success at Armour & Co. (selling meats and cheese to butcher shops), almost entirely to his enthusiasm. Our challenge for the next few weeks is: Will we be enthusiastic by choice? I believe we can, and I am looking forward to some amazing success stories in a few weeks. As Charles Schwab (the first president of US Steel) said, “A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm.” (I believe it applies to women, as well.)
Session 3B – Recognize Achievements
If Session 3A was about choosing our attitude, Session 3B reminded us of (at least) one way to help us take greater control of it – recognizing our achievements. Vital to our success in life is making the choice to guard our thoughts – i.e. what do we think about and how do we think about it? In talking about our achievements and hearing about and identifying with the achievements of others, it’s apparent we are much more successful in life than we give ourselves credit for. We can use this to change our self-talk. As we do this, our success will accelerate.
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