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News!!

Newsletter January 2010

2010, another year, another opportunity.

How many new employees do you intend to recruit?

How do you recruit the right people the first time?

Who are the weakest links in your personnel chain?

How can you asses who they are?

What can you do about them?

When considering the statement: "If only we could get our people to ..."

What words come to mind? And what are you going to do about?

Who of your people are worth training and developing?

How will you know if the investment is worthwhile?

Which key training issue will give you the biggest bang for your bucks?

Questions like these occur all the time in companies who really want to grow and develop, but at this time of year, even more so.

We do have the answers to these and many more questions about developing your people.

In this month's issue I want to bring you news about:

COMMITMENT

THE THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Update you on my:

PUBLIC SEMINAR AGENDA

And finally my:

QUOTES FOR THE MONTH

COMMITMENT

You Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

There is a common phrase that says: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." I know that most of us have heard it. The problem is that we all too often take it, and other so-called "conventional wisdom" as truth.

Read that phrase again: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks."

What is conjured up in your mind - what do you think of - when you contemplate those words?

If you're like most, you believe, for whatever reason, that after a certain age, you can't learn anything new. That, after a certain point, an 'old dog' cannot do anything about who they are or what they are able to do to change the course of their life and it's direction, level of happiness or ability to produce the results that they would like to see.

The old dog in the phrase doesn't have to be 'old' in the sense of years though. I've met many people several years my junior, who believe that because they've done so many things a certain way, that, for them at least, any other way is out of the question.

And therein lies the theme for this article. For, it is the belief in so-called 'truths' like this one that most often prevents otherwise powerful people - individuals filled with the potential for greatness - to break through to the happiness and success they seek.

Although, there are many that contribute to your overall progress, we'll be focusing on the success trait of 'commitment.' The dictionary describes commitment as a 'duty,' 'promise,' 'responsibility,' or 'pledge.' And, each of these key words can be used to focus our intention on breaking free of these self and outwardly imposed limiting beliefs to unleash our own power to be what we choose. Understanding with clarity and focus will allow us to set up our lives in a way that danger cannot touch us, and if it did it would be dealt with . . . quickly and decisively.

Let's look at each of these 'keys' to commitment, as they relate to the concept of Warriorship and our desire to engage the world in a positive, productive, way in order to better understand why we must grab the opportunity (or as a great poet reminded us to "seize the day!") for growth whenever possible.

Duty
Related to the concept of leadership, each one of is a role model in the life of at least one other person. Regardless of whether you are a parent or not, someone is looking at how you move, act, speak and the like. And, they are deciding for themselves about these actions. If they like what they see, even if you would call something a bad habit, they may embrace that 'habit' as a truth to be lived up to. They want to be "just like you." If we are truly concerned about the fate of others and our influence over their lives in a positive way, it is our duty to be the best 'example' that we can be. We don't have to literally be a teacher, or have a job whose official title says "leader," but, we are an example that others are following. The question we must ask ourselves is, "how do I take control of the way I inspire or motivate others?"

Promise
This key can be seen to be a reflection of the water realm of clarity and truth and the wind realm of accomplishment through action. When we make a promise, we communicate something, in the form of a truth that others can rely on. Much like the commitment that two people make to each other when they get married, a promise is the creation of something that creates safety and security for another. And, it is the outward, 'other' focus that makes a promise an important aspect of commitment and our ability to get necessary help from others when we need it. The question here is, "what benefits will others (and I) receive if I succeed in my endeavour?"

Responsibility
This key has to do with our liability or accepted obligation for seeing that something is done. This is the opposite of the "it's not my job" attitude often heard and lived by the lazy personality. In order for us to commit to something, we have to see and accept our own responsibility for making it so. In fact, to take this even further, we must see accept complete liability for the failure of something not happening. The statement that, "if it's to be it's up to me" leads me on. The question, "what it does it say about me, when I take responsibility for my life and actions?" Pledge - Related to the fire realm of connection and expression, a pledge is a vow and a means of engaging with a goal or cause. Much deeper in meaning and understanding than a promise - just as the 'pledge of allegiance' is a more powerful title than the 'promise of allegiance' - this key comes from the heart. We feel so strongly about the necessity for the goal to be attained that there is no doubt, no hesitation, no fear of failure. We are so totally committed that the pledge sounds more like a statement of 'of course it will happen' than a wish to somehow appear in the world as if by magic. Feeling sparks the question, "what makes this goal so important that it must be accomplished?"

Though the four keys can be found to be synonyms of each other and, for many, indistinguishable from each other, the subtle differences in context can mean all the difference in being committed to something and merely saying that we are committed.

So, how about you? How committed are you to those things you say are important. How much do you your really want to change your life - to create results that can benefit both yourself and others - to create the life you've always dreamed of living? How important is your Ninja Martial Arts training and your successfully learning the skills of Mastery?

Saying or thinking that you're the 'old dog' in the phrase we talked about earlier just says that you recognize how limited you've become in your own habitual patterns. But, it's never too late to start creating new habits and success patterns. In fact, the world depends on you're taking action - and now! Because, if there's one thing the world does need is one more truly successful person - one more bright light - one more honest, respectful, engaged person who does exactly what they say they will do because they recognize their purpose and is willing enough, no brave enough, to break from the those who will settle for mediocrity.

Here's the formula: If you change, you will grow. But to grow, you must be committed to act - to do exactly what must be done to make the world, if only your little corner of it, a better place in which to live.

The Thought For The Month

"His men would follow him anywhere, but only out of morbid curiosity."

Agenda

If you want to attend any of the one-day or two-day public seminars to assess our potential to work with you in the future call: 1-866-524-2722 or email qcb@qcb.info

January

7/9 - Buffalo - Communicating With Professionalism and Diplomacy (2-day seminar)

11 - Terrace - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

12 - Prince George - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

15 - Kelowna - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

19 - Burlington - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

21 - St. Catherines - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

22 - Brantford - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

25 - Sudbury - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

28 - Victoria - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

29 - Vancouver - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

February

9/10 - Burlington - Communicating With Professionalism and Diplomacy (2-day seminar)

11/12 - Toronto - Communicating With Professionalism and Diplomacy (2-day seminar)

15 - Halifax - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

17 - Charlottetown - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

19 - Frederickton - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

24 - Sarnia - Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines (1-day seminar)

25 - London - Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines (1-day seminar)

26 - Burlington - Managing Multiple Projects and Deadlines (1-day seminar)

Quotes For The Month

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

Where there is no love, pour in, and you will draw love out.
- St. John of the Cross

LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS
Big thinking precedes great achievement.
- Willferd Peterson

INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION
As I grow to understand life less and less I learn to love it more and more.
- Jules Renard

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News!!

Newsletter December 2009

Another year is drawing to a close and the festive season will be upon us very soon.

I would like to take this opportunity pass on the season's greetings, and thank you for all the business we have done together throughout the year. For those who have yet to experience the measurable results acheived by working with us, get in touch and discover what specific improvements we can achieve for you, your people, and your organization.

In this month's issue I want to bring you information on one major issue, which seems common to everyone of us:

COMMUNICATION

Update you on my

PUBLIC SEMINAR AGENDA

Provide you with the link to view this and previous newsletters by going to:

NEWS

And finally my:

QUOTES FOR THE MONTH

Communication.

Your Personal Communication Style

Your personal style is what makes you special, unique and interesting. And that is why you need to use your best attributes as the basis for how you deal with others.

Here are six super tips for improving your personal communication style:

1. Knowing how to improve communication skills will come easier once you become aware of your own communication style. Each person has a unique way of communicating. Listen to your own speech. What sorts of words do you use? Which sort of body language and what tone of voice are you using? Now, think of someone who, in your opinion, is a good communicator. Compare your style to theirs. You've just taken an important first step in how to improve communication skills.

2. Now that you are aware of your own style, study the style of those around you. How do the most important people in your life converse? How do they say things? Look for approaches you can model and make your own.

3. Adjust to the other styles of communication. Don't think it is too late to change your way of conversing because it's been years. You had to learn to communicate in the first place and you can unlearn certain behaviors or change them. Sometimes we get stuck in a communication rut. A father once was having a hard time with his teenaged daughter. She was growing and he thought she didn't tell him what was going on in her life. They were in a heated discussion when he asked, "Why didn't you tell me?" Her answer was that she had, but he was too busy lecturing her to hear her. He learned that adjusting his style to his daughter would involve listening first before jumping right into solving the problem.

4. To build rapport, during a conversation try and match the other person's movements, posture and verbal style. Don't do everything they do, but mirror one or two things. For example, if the person gives mostly short answers to questions, you follow suit. Or, maybe they talk at a slower pace than you do usually - slow your speaking speed to match theirs. This may sound simplistic but it is a very potent way to make someone feel very relaxed and comfortable in your presence.

5. The way you communicate at home may not be the same as in a different environment. Make sure you change your style to suit the different setting. Some comments you might want to tell your best friend, in private. Other things can be shared in a group setting. Learn how to improve communication skills by altering your style for the appropriate setting. Many of us know someone who offers far too much information in a group setting.

6. Don't criticize others for communicating differently. If we all communicated in the same way, we'd soon be bored with each other. Getting a good grasp of your communication style and finding ways to accommodate other peoples' styles, is a good way to improve your communication skills.

If you want to improve your professional and social standing, learn to communicate efficiently and in a positive manner, contact us: qcb@qcb.info

December's Tip of the Month

Listen to Listen - Not to Respond

Agenda

If you want to attend any of the one-day or two-day public seminars to assess our potential to work with you in the future call:

1-866-524-2722 or email qcb@qcb.info

December

1/2 and 3/4 - Vancouver and Prince George - Business Writing and Grammar (2-day seminars)

7 - Sudbury - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

9 - Thunder Bay - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

11 - Yellow Knife - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

14/15 and 16/17 - Winnipeg and Saskatoon - Business Writing and Grammar (2-day seminars)

18 - Winnipeg - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

January

7/9 - Buffalo - Communicating With Professionalism and Diplomacy (2-day seminar)

11 - Terrace - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

12 - Prince George - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

15 - Kelowna - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

19 - Burlington - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

21 - St. Catherines - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

22 - Brantford - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

28 - Victoria - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

29 - Vancouver - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

February

15 - Halifax - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

17 - Charlottetown - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

19 - Frederickton - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

25 - Iqaluit - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)

Quotes for the Month

LOVE & RELATIONSHIPS

The heart that loves is always young.

- Greek Proverb

LEADERSHIP & SUCCESS

Destiny is not a matter of chance, but of choice. Not something to wish for, but to attain.

- William Jennings Bryant

INSPIRATION & MOTIVATION

Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine

--Ralph Waldo Emerson

"On the plains of hestitation lie the bleached white bones of those who decided to wait and see."

Sincerely,

John A. Gibson

QCB Solutions

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Newsletter November 2009

So, no more phoning from your vehicle unless you are hands free! It has been proved that it takes your brain 21 days to accept a new habit, ask anyone who has tried to quit smoking, but I see we all have until February before the law will be fully enforced.

Now, think of the last time you introduced a new philosophy, procedure, rule, or system to your people. Ever wondered why they had trouble complying?

The old saying says something like: "There's nothing as constant as change". But most people find change to be in conflict with their previous habits. So, from now on try and find a way to ease them into the new habit, allow them the 21-day grace period. You will find they appreciate your flexibility, they will be more responsive, productive, and it may even help you to reduce the amount of time you'd have to spend on reinforcing and counselling for compliance.

In this month's issue I want to bring you information on:

LEADERSHIP

ORGANIZATION

TIPS OF THE MONTH

An update you on my public seminar agenda and leave you with my quotes of the month

Leadership

One of the major keys to being able to be an effective leader is the ability to build trust. As James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner state in their best selling book: The Leadership Challenge

"You need to model the way so that people 'willingly want to follow you.' "

The four key elements of trust are:

1. OPENNESS - Giving and receiving feedback freely. Telling others the whole story, even if parts of it are unpleasant.

2. ACCEPTANCE - Not judging, criticizing, or making people feel inferior. Not putting people down, or using language they can't understand.

3. RELIABILITY - Doing what you say you'll do. Not making promises you can't keep, and ensuring the promises you do make are kept to, exactly when and how you said they would be.

4. CONSISTENCY - What you say is what you mean. Constantly saying and doing what you believe . Being consistently straightforward and honest.

Organizing for Productivity

Seven Ways to Organize Your Back-to-Workspace

1) Think First, Then Act: Before setting up your desk, go through the motions of a usual workday. Consider how and when items are used or not used. Sketch out a workable design. This "time and motion study" can save you needless work... wasted movements... and put everything within fingertip reach.

2) Pass an Anti-Clutter Law: The more on your desk, the harder it is to work. The harder it is to work, the less you get done. The less you get done, the more you have on your desk.

3) Become a Labour Organizer: Put paper, pencils, clips, and other supplies neatly in their own containers. (Check out Day-Timers webstore for a variety of attractive storage options.) Store seldom used materials in drawers. Clear your desk at day's end to minimize labour the next morning. Write down tomorrow's 6 most important to-do's in your Day-Timer planner.

4) Wing It: Place your phone, computer, and other equipment on the left wing of your desk. Keep the right wing free for work. Or, do the opposite depending on work habits and if you are left-handed. Another excellent way to organize your desk is to assign an "in/out" wing. Decide which side of your desk is for completed and outgoing items and which is for incoming projects to be addressed. Keeping a directional flow on your desk helps organize your work and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you watch papers dwindle in your to-do pile. It also keeps completed work separate and ready to move to the next step (or person) in the process.

5) Keep at Arm's Length: Place nearby whatever tools you use most. You lose valuable time and needlessly strain your body when continually stretching across the desk. Nothing important should be beyond easy reach.

6) Don't Form Attachments: Regularly go through paperwork. Toss everything but the essential in the circular file. Only keep present work on your desk. Hide other files away. Do not have files such as "General, Miscellaneous, or Other." Have a designated file for everything!

7) Be True to Yourself: Once setting your workspace rules, don't give in. Beware! It's easy to become lax and untidy, especially when other priorities arise. Schedule a weekly 7-minute "Express Clean-Up" in your Day-Timer planner. That's long enough to get things tidy, but short enough to not be intimidating.

November's Tip of the Month

When in a performance review session remember there are only three areas to review:

Accountability
Responsiblity
Measurement

And:

Performance
Behaviour
Attendance

And make the review work for you:

Meets expectations
Below expectations
Comments - Praise or train.

Finally, ask this questions first:

Is this a "can't do" or a "won't do" and then take the appropriate action.

Agenda

If you want to attend any of the one-day or two-day public seminars to assess our potential to work with you in the future call:

1-866-524-2722 or email qcb@qcb.info

November

4 - Calgary - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)
6 - Yellow Knife - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)
12/13 - Burlington - Business Writing and Grammar (2-day seminar)
16 and 17 - Saskatoon and Regina - Leadership Development (1-day seminars)
19 - Collingwood - Assessments In The Workplace (2-hour evening seminar - 4.00 p.m.to 6.00 p.m.)
23/24 - Mississauga - Business Writing and Grammar (2-day seminar)

December

1/2 and 3/4 - Vancouver and Prince George - Business Writing and Grammar (2-day seminars)
7 - Sudbury - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)
9 - Thunder Bay - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)
11 - Kitchener - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)
14/15 and 16/17 - Winnipeg and Saskatoon - Business Writing and Grammar (2-day seminars)
18 - Winnipeg - Leadership Development (1-day seminar)