|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 "Whether you think you can or you can't, you're probably right." Henry Ford.
I've been listening to a few more of the TSTN coaches discussing the subject of mindsets. In Bob Proctor's lecture on paradigms, Bob focuses on paradigm shifts in mindset to achieve step changes in results. He mentions the importance of first having a goal and so to does Zig Ziglar, who stresses the need to have a plan to achieve the goal. Ford Saeks talks about belief systems, self talk, and the damaging effects of fear, uncertainty and doubt. There is a resounding common thread in many of the TSTN lectures - any hope of a radical change in lifestyle or performance first starts with how we think. This then leads to a change in the way we behave. Henry Ford's quote sums these lectures up quite nicely.
Professional coaching is becoming more and more popular in the business world and is often confused with mentoring and consulting. This is understandable as coaches can often be given mentoring and consulting roles within organisations. Mentoring is similar to coaching except that a mentor is usually a more senior and experienced member of the same organisation. Essentially a coach is a trusted third party, not necessarily from the same technical line of work, who can enable an individual to learn, change and improve his or her performance. In other words achieve the paradigm shift mentioned above. I've submitted an article entitled Coaching For Change which goes into a bit more detail and links to some interesting reading material for anyone who wishes to find out a bit more....
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 I've been watching Communication Expert Dianna Booher's episodes on Resolving Conflict on TSTN. Dianna discusses the various types of inevitable conflicts that occur in daily life and informs us of four approaches that can be used to tackle them: Accommodate, Overpower, Compromise or Collaborate. Dianna also mentions the preference for making statements about the way you feel and use of the word "how" as opposed to "why" in order to help focus on a practical way forward. A "why" can tend to provoke a defensive "because" and a subsequent argument. Her everyday examples certainly strike a chord and it is very easy to see how a "one fits all" approach simply doesn't work.
Dianna's approaches to conflict are closely related to the Thomas Kilmann conflict modes. (shown in the diagram). I would recommend anyone to have a look at this questionnaire to discover your prefered conflict style.
More detail on conflict handling along with recommended reading material can be found in an article I've published here on personal development techniques, theories and opportunities.
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
 Creative thinking using Mindmaps with Breeze TSTN ....
I have been watching more lectures today by Ford Saeks who emphasises the importance of mindmapping to enhance idea creativity. Mindmaps were introduced to the modern world by Tony Buzan in the 1970's. Buzan has written a multitude of texts on the subject. One that I can recommend for anyone wanting an introduction to his work is "Use Your Head", a practical book in which he teaches you techniques to fufil your mental potential.
I regularly use mindmaps at work to help organise thoughts and trigger memory. I do recommend downloading a free trial copy of Mindjet Mindmanager - it's very simple to use and great for structuring meetings, e.g. brainstorming sessions. It saves a lot of time typing up minutes as the mindmap you create live can be exported into a word document format. I know of many top firms who use this software.
Ford Saeks also talks of a technique called SCAMPER which uses a set of directed questions about your product or business that encourages creative thinking and new ideas. Lastly I've been learning about the PSP Method in order to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your marketing in whatever business you're in.
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
A brief article on TSTN, part of the Breeze subscription: I’m Simon Brice, a Fellow in Manufacturing Management from Cranfield University specialised in lean manufacturing, currently working as industrial consultant and coach. I’m also a member of the Breeze Business, which I was attracted to primarily by the possibility of earning a second income stream. However I also joined because of the potential offered by the Breeze products and services, particularly those relating to personal training and development. I wanted a supplement to my professional learning and when I finally joined as a Breeze Associate member I was lucky enough to gain a full year’s subscription to TSTN, The Success Training Network, one of the many Breeze products. I have so far found the lectures on the TSTN quite inspiring and extremely helpful to me in my professional life. For me the TSTN subscription has already made the Breeze business great value for money, considering how much I would have to pay to hire a personal coach for a day!
Industry is a tough environment to work in, especially in an old school culture that needs to change in order to survive. Some people relish change, others will do their upmost to resist it. Knowing what needs to happen to an organisation is only a part of it. Relating to the diverse range of individuals within the organisation and engaging them behind what you are trying to achieve is key to the success of any change programme. So how has TSTN helped me so far? I have learned about the Platinum Rule from Tony Alessandra - the importance of treating people, whether colleagues, subordinates or prospects, how they want to be treated and not as you like to be treated yourself. The need to recognise some simple to remember behaviour patterns in others and to adjust your behaviour accordingly is vital. Adaptability of approach is the key here in order to be able to connect with someone and develop trust on which real progress can then be made. I’ve been enlightened on Mental Toughness by Steve Siebold, including the various states of consciousness, and the ability to change your perception of certain situations in order to control your emotional state. Don Hutson, in his lectures on motivation, introduced me to the Attitude-Influence Matrix, the combinations of behavioural direction and intensity and turning negative situations into positive outcomes. He has also introduced me to Henry David Thoreau’s memorable definition of motivation. I plan to use this definition for future workshops.
These are just a few of the examples of the wealth of powerful personal development training lectures I have sat through at home which have helped make a difference in my work. And there is plenty more I haven’t yet got around to watching…. | |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
