Creating Tomorrow

 

Dear Friends,

In recent weeks I’ve been again reflecting extensively on my personal definition of success.

I’m (almost) past the point of caring about other people’s opinions or arbitrary symbols of material status. I know that true success - like true beauty - is something that runs much deeper and resonates at a considerably higher level.

So: What will I do/think/feel that will let me know I am successful?

Is “success” even what I really want?

One of the newer buzz phrases in the U.S. faces off success versus significance. How many of us are still on the track to amass titles and status and things? Or are more and more of us striving to lead enriched lives that also allow us to make a real and sustainable difference in the lives of the people we meet along the way?

The following is an article by Lauren Hobgood that I discovered dealing directly with the subject of success versus significance. I’d like to share it with you.

 In contemplation,

 Trina

~~~

Success Vs. Significance - How to be Truly Accomplished
By Lauren Hobgood

Do you want to be successful? Most people do. But in reality, perhaps success isn’t the best thing to aim for. Success is a tricky subject because of its unstable meaning. How do you define success? Fame? Fortune? Being the demi-god of Ramen? Everyone sees it differently. However, there is something more. There is one thing that is so simple and possibly better than success itself, yet it is constantly overlooked. That thing is significance.

Being significant is considerably different from being successful. So many people make the mistake of aiming for classic success. Once this success is acquired, the so-called successful person may go on to lead a full and happy life. He or she may bask in everything they’ve ever wanted. But the fact is, success doesn’t leave behind a legacy. Success isn’t what allows your conscience to rest easy, and it won’t satisfy your hunger for the feeling of accomplishment that significance will.

The difference between success and significance is the application and the effect on those around you. For example, success means status. Status can be great, but significance is all about relationships. A successful person may achieve many things, but significant people serve. One has to focus less on wealth and more on generosity.

There is a slew of characteristics that define a significant person. One of the most important factors is listening. True communication is key by listening reflectively and intently. This allows the person to identify the will of a group. Similarly, another important trait is empathy. It is important to understand others and recognize them for the unique gifts they possess. A significant person also practices awareness, healing, and persuasion. Last but not least, foresight is a useful skill that should be harnessed by any truly significant person. This is the ability to foresee the outcome of any given situation, carefully using your past experiences to aid you.

To be significant, you must accept the idea of delayed gratification right now. You need to participate actively in life with a positive attitude; don’t live for the credit of what you’ve done. Sometimes this will require letting go of a comfortable lifestyle or mindset in order to seize something greater. However, keep in mind the benefits you and those around you shall reap. Remember that this sacrifice is ongoing, not a one-time payment. True dedication to significance must come from the heart, as cheesy as it may sound. You have to truly believe it. Through this, others will trust you and your reputation, money, and talents will be touched with time.

Lobsnobber- Personal development and general living tips. Lauren Hobgood is a passionate writer and blogger who provides quality content such as this. She is a leader in her county, a member of several national societies, and has studied leadership. For more, visit Lobsnobber. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lauren_Hobgood

I am happy to announce an upcoming new section of the CT_Blog: CT_Resources.

CT_Resources (launch date: 15 June 2007) will provide a growing number of scripts, checklists, quizzes, excerpts and podcasts on leadership, coaching and presentation skills in the coming weeks and months. This information will be divided into one section on free resources. This section will help you:

• inform yourself about basic CT_Services
• solidify your knowledge on leadership, coaching and presentation skills  
• provide helpful tips and hints on all three subjects
• actively prompt you to ask yourself the right questions before making key decisions about their business lives

From July 2007 a selection of proprietary products will also be previewed quarterly on this site, including CT_eBooks, CT_eCourses and CT_Teleseminars in mp3 format.

Interested in having a sneak preview?

Contact me at: info(at)creating-tomorrow.com

“To lead people, walk beside them … As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate … When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!’”

- Lao-Tzu

Dear Friends,

Like most of you, I am always on the lookout for interesting and informative (and amusing) blogs. Some of them I drop in on every week of so, and some of them are a more or less daily pleasure. The wonderful thing about coaching is that the types of blog I can consider “job-related reading” is very multifacets. There are so many issues that have relevance when it comes to executive, career or business coaching, that I certainly can’t keep up with them all. Here are my favorites from three very different areas:If you have a chance, pop over to any of these blogs and let me know what you think! I’d also enjoy hearing about your favorite daily/weekly blogs.

• www.popgadget.net - a real winner when it comes to introducing especially women to some of the new and innovative gadgets on the market these days. Not only have I got an early peek at some of the zaniest (and - sometimes - gratuitous) gadgets you can imagine, but I’ve also received some interesting insights when it comes to comparison shopping for the types of electronic gizmos I have a personal weakness for - because they help me be a better organized and more effective person, of course!
• www.webworkerdaily.com - this has quickly established itself as the definitive blog when it comes to increasing my productivity while working on the web! I have gotten some extremely insightful and innovative tips on a myriad of subjects from reading their daily entries and trawling their archives. Everything from a comparison of free online email services to a discussion on the types of calendars people use (and why) and different ways to manage and share projects and to-do lists more effectively online!
• http://www.oncoaching.com - when it comes to keeping my eye on overall coaching trends and wisdom from across the big pond, I often have a quick look here over my morning tea. Coaching in America can have a slightly different face than it currently has in Europe, but if there is still any truth in the old adage that it takes 5 years for things from the States to find there way to Germany/Europe, it’s nice to have me ear to the ground as things continue to develop.

 Trina

Dear Friends,

Anthony F. Smith is CEO, coach and founder of Leadership Research Institute. In his recent book, “The Taboos of Leadership”, Smith challenges some of our holy cows concerning leadership. He thinks we’re being sold a bill of goods about leadership - and I think he’s right! We’re being led to believe that - with enough will-power and perserverence - EVERYONE could be a leader. That’s what makes it so easy for people up and down the hierarchical hotwire to lob scathing criticism at those at the top. Everyone feels that they could perform just as well - if not better! - if only given a chance.

Even though those at the top offer lots of ammunition to be lobbed their way, I’m one of those old-fashioned folks who thinks that many of us are born to be “Indians” and only some of us are born to be “chiefs”. We aren’t all blessed with the same talents and ambitions, and though we can all theoretically learn to understand the exotic mix of ingredients that make a good leader, not everyone can make it come together in just the right way.

Add to that equation some of the truisms no one feel comfortable talking about in polite company - and some people try to pretend don’t exist - and you have the basis for some major leadership malfunctions!

Here’s a quick list of the leadership taboos Smith points out to us:

1. We still don’t understand the true nature of leadership.
2. Charisma plays a critical role in who’s chosen as a leader.
3. Politics is a necessary leadership skill.
4. Gender matters - or maybe it doesn’t.
5. Leaders secretly feel that they deserve special treatment.
6. Leaders play favorites.
7. Leaders often overstay their welcome.
8. Work-life balance is a charade.
9. Leaders are driven by blatant self-interest, and that’s ok.
10. Leadership is addictive?

Anyone interested in reading more about Smith’s book can either have a look at a very insightful article on it by Jim Citrin - or check out some of the comments on amazon.com/amazon.de.

Trina

Dear Friends,

Coaching is a discipline that’s swiftly gaining in relevance and prominence. Not only in USA and UK, but around the world!

To give coaches and (potential) coachees a much-needed overview of how the coaching industry is developing, the International Coach Federation commissioned PriceWaterhouse Coopers to perform a global survey of the industry. The survey sets out to:

1. establish a snapshot profile for the coaching industry,
2. understand the main types of specialized coaching being offered,
3. estimate the total revenue being earned by coaches - globally, by coaching specialty, and by geographical region,
4. pinpoint usage drivers (who uses what types of coaching and why),
5. identify future industry trends and challenges

For anyone interested in coaching (either as a coach or as a - potential - coachee), the executive summary of this survey provides some interesting insights into a truly dynamic industry with increasing global relevance!

Trina 

Dear Friends,

You’ve lived the life: Adrenalin-charged meetings, exhilarating presentations and major business deals signed on the dotted line – but also senseless rebriefings, over-cautious clients and business partners, bitter managers and frustrated colleagues. And let’s not even talk about the overtime.

It was great while it lasted (most of the time, anyway), but now the spark is gone. You know it’s time for YOU to finally hop off the hamster wheel and start something new!

Deciding to make a major change in your career in seldom easy. In these economically instable times most people are consciously putting their life’s dreams on the back burner in exchange for the steady income they receive at the end of each pay period.

Some people, however, still reach that point in their career where they simply know they need to do something different. Although this realization can be extremely liberating, it seldom comes without some sense of apprehension, confusion and uncertainty.

If you are in the midst of this crucial decision-making process, here are some of the essential questions you should ask yourself as you begin to map out what YOU want your new career to look like:

1. Passion: What are you passionate about? Ask yourself what specific career move would enable you to apply your talents, skills, and abilities in a way that would not only positively challenge you, but also allow you to add maximum value to whatever professional situation you are in.
2. Sea change or career change: How deep does your dissatisfaction run? Do you really need to change your entire career - or just your job? Ask yourself whether you can possibly re-invent yourself within your current company or if you need a whole new backdrop for the next stage in your career.
3. What is your measuring stick for success: Forgot about what others expect of you! What do YOU need to feel your work is both meaningful and rewarding? Ask yourself what symbolizes success for you - and what it will take in your new career to make you feel as though you have achieved those goals.
4. How much time do you have to succeed: What’s a reasonable amount of time to allow yourself to reach that milestone that let’s you know you’ve made it? Develop a timeline, so you know how long you have to prove yourself. To yourself.
5. Bankroll: How are you going to continue paying the bills? Ask yourself if you will need an additional source of income during your transition period. If so, where will is come from? Don’t forget: Plan B.
6. Kith & Kin: Will your friends and family rally around and cheer you on as you work towards your new goals? Or will they be doubtful, maybe even try to dissuade you from doing anything (they feel is) too radical? Ask yourself how much support you can realistically expect from the people around you - and how that may influence your perserverence.
7. Contacts? Contacts! Who do you know who has been in a similar position? Who do you know who has knowledge about the field you would like to enter? Who do you know who can refer you to a prospective employer - or future client? Ask yourself what resources you have on your personal and professional contact list.
8. Stepping out on faith: Whether at the end of your decision-making process you decide to apply for a new job or begin an entirely new career, there are no guarantees. Ask yourself how firm you are in your conviction to stay the course - then go for it!

Trina

 Addendum: I first wrote this entry before the current economic situation began to manifest itself. Now more people are stepping out of their professional comfort zones involuntarily, knowing their immediate options for new employment are extremely limited. If that applies to you, the questions asked above can still offer invaluable guidance when it comes to the ‘where’ and ‘how’ of re-inventing yourself professionally. Especially #1 and #4 - and #8. (21 May 2009)