Category Archives: Personal Growth

Judging, judged, judge

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The frog never judges, never evaluates, and never gives advice – it merely offers questions.  Dr. Karl Albrecht

 

Frequently in our careers, we find ourselves being judged by our actions, or lack of action on an issue.  How do we handle it?  We may answer, “I forgot,” “I guess I didn’t make it a priority.”  “Thanks for reminding me, I’ll take care of it right now.”   The answers are many and varied in response to someone who may be in a situation of  Judging, Judged or Judge.  Dr. Karl Albrecht in his 2004 book entitled,  Conversations With a Frog (http://www.amazon.com/Conversations-Frog-Dr-Karl-Albrecht/dp/0913351172)  guides us to consider asking questions and not evaluate or judge someone because within a professional coaching situation, questions are the norm.

 

Dr. Wayne Dyer offers the following thought:

Green_Leaf_2WayneDyerquoteonjudgingothersBING032414This quotation begs the question of whether how you would act in a situation comes out in a conversation and not how the person you may be speaking to has acted.    It’s a learned practice not to judge others.   Experts tells us a new habit can be learned within some 21 days.   The Season of Spring often helps us look forward to new ways and opportunities to develop ourselves.   If it’s a good fit for you, consider how you Choose Who You Want to be Known As in the next situation of Judging, Judged, Judge.

 

Have a wonder Spring Season in your Career!

 

“Jo Ann” M. Radja, Career Management Coach & Change Agent

 

 

 

What Pieces are YOU picking up?

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A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.  David Brinkley

CT weather1.JPGOne 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

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It’s a Day for YOU!

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Valentine’s Day — It’s the second best day for Hallmark Cards.  Florists and Chocolatiers also love this day.  What’s your take on it?

How about it’s a Day for YOU!  Whether the love of your life is with you or not,  Valentine’s Day reminds us that Spring is not long off. So why not celebrate this cultural day on our calendar as it’s a Day for YOU!   So many of us have endured a winter that seems never to end.  Many employers asked their employees to head home yesterday at Noon in the Southeast States.  They were greeted with so much snow, many people left their cars abandoned on highways.  So, why not give yourself a Day for YOU! to remember how you lived through it and started another day anew.

It’s a well known concept in the Coaching field that when you take care of yourself, you are able to handle more easily the next challenge that comes your way.   As you Choose Who You Want to be Known As, I hope you choose a Day for YOU that makes you smile.  Happy Valentine’s Day . . . from the Midwest!MS2GoldHeartsMP900401177020912“Jo Ann” M. Radja, Career Management Coaching and Change Agent 02/13/14

Notes:  http://cdn.history.com/sites/2/2014/01/History-Valentines-final-v3.png

The SOMETHING we deal with wherever we are…

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Last week when I awoke, it was one degree outside.  When I came home, some 13 hours later and as I opened my car door and stepped out, it felt wonderful and much warmer.  It really did.  I checked my cell phone and was surprised to read it was only 14 degrees.   What?  That’s all?  The something we deal with wherever we are is getting through our day the best we can by being resilient.

Snow fell this week in Vietnam; it caused a traffic jam, not primarily because of the weather.  Many people who had never seen snow drove to see where it fell.  Snow fell over the Middle East as well.  A Jordanian Prince joined other people to help a motorist out of a snow bank.  Below is a Picasso image of resilience that the editor(s) of http://www.essentiallifeskills.net/   chose to represent resilience.  What do you think?

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When we are at our workplace, the SOMETHING we deal with  usually comes up when an emotional response takes place.    [Should I take a moment and manage my emotions before speaking to anyone else?]   How did this happen?  What’s the first response to our staff?  What information do we need that we don’t as yet have?  What must we address right now, later today or tomorrow?   How am I dealing with the element of survival at this moment?  What can I do that I haven’t done before to control myself, and remain aware of what’s going on to assist other people?

As you choose Who You Want to be Known As this week, when YOU deal with that SOMETHING, consider this – – – 395807_157593734356934_1584943477_n2karlinsloanwordpressdotcomGoogle121713

I hope you Shine brightly, whatever your activity this week.

“Jo Ann” M. Radja, Career Management Coach and Change Agent

Note:  The images shown in this blog post were allowed to be copied and pasted from Google Images.

 

What’s your EXERCISE?

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“EXERCISE.  .  .  Accountability,  Ability,  Learning,  Professionalism, Intuitiveness” A few days ago, I heard a phrase that resonated with me.  It was spoken by a Senior U.S. Government Official.  The phrase is, “It’s not an empty exercise.”  Many of you in … Continue reading →

What are YOU doing here?

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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

Speaking up at work . . .

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Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.  Winston Churchill A few times last week I was questioned about who I was, what I did and whether … Continue reading →

When it Works. . .

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Here’s a simple but powerful rule.  Always give people more than what they expect to get.  Nelson Boswell The holiday is over and we’re back to work today.  When It Works is all about a daily success we strive for with … Continue reading →

4th of July 2013

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                        4 times a year we celebrate a Patriotic Holiday. Traffic going and coming everywhere  Hurrying to enjoy a great day     Of celebrating our freedom   From tyranny, oppression and terrorists.     Jars of ketchup, mustard and hot sauce on … Continue reading →

Team, Teaming, Teammate

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Mr. Morgan buys his partners.  I grow my own.  Andrew Carnegie Last week I met a few people who were feeling their way as new team members. Team, Teaming and Teammate takes practice because we all want to do a … Continue reading →