A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him. David Brinkley
One way of interpreting David Brinkley’s quotation is to understand you have to be self-reliant in your life. You Choose Who You Want to be Known As at any given moment of time. Sometimes we surprise ourselves and other times it a great effort to work through whatever process is before us. The question becomes. What pieces are you picking up in your career?
The photo above could be seen as plastic pieces on asphalt or another mixed media art project in the making, or a schematic design of a puzzle maze or magnified pieces of broken glass. The reality is, it is a cracked ice formation on the Chicago River. What we see is perception. Our perception is formed by past experiences, the present moment, the time of day, our culture and our values. How mindful we are of our emotions and the emotions of others will drive our perceptions as well.
If you had to pick up pieces today that were left by someone else, what would your first step be? Pick up the pieces, finish the task and then move on. Ask someone for assistance because the job entails more than you are able to handle at this moment? or, walk away from the pieces and let someone else take care of it because it’s not your responsibility anyway? Since the readers of this blog come from so many professions, there is no correct answer. If the pieces are left for you to deal with this week, Choose Who You Want to be Known As. Best of luck as you choose!
“Jo Ann” M. Radja, Career Management Coach and Change Agent
When you fall down, are you alone or are you in public, or was someone nearby that helped you stand straight. Because I have a weak right ankle, there have been a few times I have fallen down during the daytime in pubic when the pavement was not even. The way of Silence surrounding this event is astonishing.
Since I did grow up in a football family, I watched the 2014 Super Bowl. Early on, sports announcers gave positive explanations why the Professional Denver Broncos may have been nervous and missed certain plays. This worldwide event has been taken apart and analyzed by many experts in the sports field. This blog is focusing on a different aspect to this event. . . The way of Silence.
Many of us have grown up with advice, “If you have nothing good to say, don’t say anything.” When someone is down, you don’t step on them and make they feel worse.
I took a look for a reporter’s take on the 2014 Super Bowl published this morning and found: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1947809-super-bowl-2014-blowout-score-was-most-shocking-result-in-years. The way of Silence was taken by a reporter who gave quiet reflection. He wrote in a positive way how the Broncos were not the only Offense Team beaten in a Super Bowl. The way of Silence allowed reframing to take the sting out of the Broncos performance.
We can’t change what happened yesterday in our careers. We can only Choose Who We Want to be Known As when we fall down. Hopefully, we can fall into the Way of Silence and reframe the situation. Have a great week!
“Jo Ann” M. Radja, Career Management Coaching & Change Agent
Neuroscience is understanding the fundamental nature of ourselves…how we think, feel and do. Dr. Charles “Ed” Connor
Two days ago in my home State of Illinois, a multitude of tornadoes struck communities in at least 13 Counties. [It was reported some 17 tornadoes were sited and by Monday morning, 80 tornadoes blew through the Midwest Region.]
Many people who were interviewed, spoke about how grateful they were to be alive. While their home was destroyed, they could rebuild. While their possessions were taken in this act of nature, their life was spared. While years of joy in maintaining and furnishing their home was wiped out in a second or two, they were in a community of friends and neighbors (nearby and within Illinois), who gave them solace and friendship. The SYMBOL OF GRATITUDE resided in their hearts. Finding the personal truth in yourself during a time of crisis is a learned virtue as these citizens Chose Who they wanted to Be Known As.
The symbol of gratitude itself has been a bit difficult to track down. The circle is an accepted symbol of inclusiveness and represents many aspects of our human nature. Our Global community throughout the world has roots within the spirituality of GRATITUDE and the use of a circle symbol.
Whether from exemplary observations of our neighbors or from recognized Neuroscientists, Choose Who You Want to be Known As in your careers, during this wintry week of November, 2013.
the Walters Art Museum to examine how the brain perceives abstract sculpture. The original project was initiated and funded by the Johns Hopkins Brain Science Institute. Gallery visitors will wear 3-D glasses to explore digitally morphed versions of sculpture and learn how 3-D
shape characteristics relate to aesthetic preferences. Through January 3, 2014
Pushing, Pushed, Push sometimes is very helpful to try out a new option, opportunity or idea you or your company may have. Forum groups have been part of mainstream America for well over 25 years. We want to know how … Continue reading →
Don’t let other people’s opinion define who you are. Les Brown
A few years ago, a Group Member posted the above quotation. I keep a copy of it in one of my travelling see-through make-up bags. It is a reminder of how we choose to manage our own emotions within our careers when meeting other people we come in contact with. Have you ever been asked the question in a somewhat unfriendly way in your career — “Why are YOU here?” During the past few years it’s a question I’ve been asked at business conferences, meetings and sometimes during networking events.
When I hear the question I answer it directly. Surprisingly, my response may not be what the other person expected or wanted to hear. Because we are responsible for our own actions, we can’t know the other person’s hidden agenda(s). Opportunities do, however, present themselves daily to be mindful so you can acknowledge and accept someone else the way they are.
What is the first thought that comes to mind, when you hear this question? How many seconds do you pause before speaking? What message do you want to convey in your answer? Why is it important for you to continue the conversation? How can you reframe the question so that you manage your response?
As You Choose Who You Want to be Known As, consider reframing a response, based on your values. Have a great week.
“Jo Ann” M. Radja, Career Management Coach & Change Agent
Great cultural changes begin in affectation and end in routine. Jacques Barzun Yesterday I was presented with another opportunity to challenge an existing belief. I’m sure it’s happened to you as some people describe it as a “make over”. The … Continue reading →
A person who treats another with fairness, generosity, courtesy. . . . Definition of the word sportsman* One value we all appreciate and want to live by in our lives is fairness. No matter if our hair is short or long, if we speak … Continue reading →
Proverbs are always platitudes until you have personally experienced the truth of them. Aldous Huxley. Twists on the word “personally” is the subject of this Blog post, Personally to/for You… During your career, I’m sure you have heard the phrase, … Continue reading →
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