by Susan Cramm

“Most people, when faced with setbacks or negative feedback, have a tendency, at first, to place blame externally. Only those with humility, self confidence, and discipline are able to take the steps necessary to internalize criticism and be accountable. Exploring the good, bad, and ugly of one's impact on others is a humbling process and the ability to embrace rather than deny reality depends on your belief in yourself and your ability to change. Translating insights and commitments from thought to action requires the courage to forge more trusting, productive relationships by exposing your vulnerabilities and negotiating changes that will benefit both parties. Stop criticizing and start empathizing. Aspire to become a better leader by, in the words of Jim Collins, ‘look[ing] in the mirror, not out the window, to apportion responsibility for poor results, never blaming other people, external factors or bad luck.’ Great leaders, at every level, understand that when one person changes, everybody changes. It's the one undeniable truth that provides hope in this messy world in which we all must live.”

From: No Innocent Bystanders By Susan Cramm, CIO, January 2006

*Susan Cramm is president of Valuedance.

Are there any changes you need to make in how you receive feedback and assess situations?

Warm Welcome to ADVANCE Group at Gilbane Building Company Attendees of Accomplishing Goals that Truly Matter

A warm welcome to our new Coaching Tip of the Week subscribers who I met at the ADVANCE Group at Gilbane Building Company on Tuesday night during my program "Accomplishing Goals that Truly Matter." I enjoyed sharing my tools for identifying what's important to you and creating and achieving goals that fit your priorities.

February 28 and March 7, 2006
Empowering Yourself - The Expanded Version at Keefe Tech Continuing Education

Do you feel like you need to make a significant change in your business or personal life and would like some support to address these issues? Coach Andrea will provide her 5-step program for gaining control of your life. This two session seminar is scheduled for Tuesday, February 28th and March 7th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Keefe Tech, Framingham, MA. To reserve your place, please call 508-935-0202 or go to http://www.ktconed.org and click on "Health & Life-Style."

Coach Andrea's Coaching Tip of the Week is brought to you by Andrea Novakowski, Master Certified Coach who provides Business and Personal Coaching to Corporations, Businesses, and Individuals. Andrea is a professional coach who partners with people to set goals and create momentum to produce effective results in their business and/or personal lives.

Andrea is available for individual coaching. If you are serious about reaching your goals and living with greater fulfillment and satisfaction, consider using a coach. To schedule a COMPLIMENTARY initial consultation, send an e-mail to Andrea at
andrea@coachandrea.com.

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Coach Andrea
Focusing your vision, achieving results

email: andrea@coachandrea.com

web: http://coachandrea.com