Winning Strategies

How Can I Knock Your Socks Off?

Ever think about it?  Ever wonder what it would take to knock the socks off of your boss, your spouse, your kids, or your parents?  Exceeding expectations in any area of your life starts with defining the expectations.  You cannot exceed expectations that are not clearly defined.  You can, exceed AND knock off the socks of someone if you have asked and clearly defined what it would take to do so.

We wander through our work and home life not asking what it would take to truly exceed expectations.  For surely, if we asked, we would be somewhat obligated to then 'try' to do it.  We feel so rushed and busy, that the thought of taking on another task or obligation leaves us weary.

In truth, knowing what it would take to exceed expectations doesn't take any more time or effort.  It helps you to focus your time, energy and attention in the right place.  It allows you to spend the right amount of time doing something,  knowing that you will get a postive reaction to your efforts.

I began several years ago to ask loved ones what they would like to have for their gift for holidays and birthdays.  I ask them to make me a list.  I began to buy something that I know they wanted.  It is one easy way to meet and sometimes even exceed expectations.

I try diligently at work to understand expectations and get a clear definition of deliverables.  Without defined deliverables, how do you know that you are meeting expectations?  How do you know where to point your time and attention?

In our personal relationships, we try to ask each other what it would take to be a better wife, husband, son, daughter, brother, sister, etc. in the next year.  It gives us ideas on where to focus.  We ask for defined ideas and then try to implement a few of them over the course of the year.  Try it, you may just like it.

Ask for some definition.  Find some answers.  Begin to exceed expectations.  Go Knock Their Socks Off!

Dreaming without Action Yields Little in Return

I get amazing questions over my web site.  I love answering each one.  It excites me to spark a fuse in someone's life, and to start a fire that could kick start their passions burning and allow them to live the life they've always dreamed of living.

A senior in highschool writes:  This is my senior year in high school and I would like badly to get into the dental hygiene school when I finish my high school.  You've mentioned that everyone can become what they want to become as long as they believe, take actions, and never give up. I believe I can do it and I will never give up. Ever. But when it comes to taking actions, how do I do that?

Taking Action
It is the question we all get to in our lives, right?  How do we take STEPS towards the things that we want to achieve, be and do in our lives.  Many of you tell me that you dream of a vacation, but you don't reserve the time on your calendar, research options and costs, and begin saving for it.  Why not?  We think and dream, but we struggle to just DO.

We fill up our schedules and time with things that are 'standard'.  They are the brainless activities that we do every day; we turn on the TV, we get side-tracked doing something around the house, we waste precious time and don't get to the things that really matter.  Your goal is to figure out ways to motivate yourself to accomplish some of the things that you desire.  Make an appointment on your calendar.  Stick to it.  Reward yourself for accomplishing one of those tasks.  Figure out a way to 'get it done'.  Just do it (the catch phrase worked for Nike).

My answer for the senior who dreams of dental hygeine school?  Begin researching schools, figure out student aid.  Go to web sites that offer scholarships.  Apply.  Take steps that move you slowly towards your goals.

Life is a marathon, not a foot race.  It is about taking small steps that move us closer to living our dreams.  If you keep taking small steps, and include action into the formula, YOU WILL ACHIEVE some of the things that you are dreaming of.

So go- believe, take actions, and never give up!  Plot some action items on your calendar and achieve your dreams.  I know you can do it!

Too Busy

I pitter and I patter
And I almost peter out

The velocity of chatter
Has the world drowned out

I hustle and I bustle
And I almost pass out

Rushing around like a hamster
Stuck in a wheel with no way out

I don't know how to stop the cycle
And focus on what's real

And so I go on drowning
In all of life's busy appeal

Wondering if and when
I can start to live my life again

I need to stop, breathe and take a glance
Look around and take a chance

Life is but once lived and then tis gone
Take  a moment, take a chance- - avoid a life gone wrong

written by Bethany Williams August 23 2011 (as I rushed to a meeting- written at a stop light)

Join the ATW Dallas September 8, 2011: Come Hear Colleen Barrett speak on Leading with Luv

ATW Dallas 2011 Executive Leadership Forum

Learn how you can start leading with luv, wherever you are!

Please join the ATW on Thursday , September 8, 2011 to hear

 
Colleen Barrett
 President Emeritus
Southwest Airlines

To register, click here:  http://www.dfwatw.org/UpcomingEvents.html

 

Nostalgia

Nostalgia sweeps over me like a tidal wave and I am unable to stop the waves from toppling over me. A few of my friends are facing life's difficulties and the thought of being here and really not being able to offer much help is like a deafening sound inside my brain.

One has been diagnosed with cancer, two struggling with the death of a spouse, one is struggling with the stress of a new job, and one is drowning in relationship problems, another struggling ato keep their job at work----and the list goes on and on.

In my mind I run through all of life's difficulties that I've encountered; single parenthood, health problems, spinal surgeries,learning to walk again, relationship and kid dilemmas- and I wish that we could each learn and share from the collaborative- somehow being able to avoid the heartaches and struggles that others have already faced or just lean on each other to ease the burdens we face.

Today, I say a prayer for those struggling and hope that they can find the strength to boldly face another day- summoning up a hearty spirit and a great big smile. Find that spirit inside of you- chase after what can be and believe that there are better days ahead. Chin up.

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History Rekindled

Bethany A Carter.  Yes, that was my name for  many years.  That was my married name when Jeff L Carter was my husband, when I worked at Sharp Healthcare, and  lived in California.  I was young and the times were fun and exciting.  Life was invigorating.  Each day led to a new discovery and the world was full of color.

 
I think back to those times in my younger years with fondness.  My now 24 year old, was a sweet adorable little girl.  I was struggling as a single mom, and working hard to advance at work at the hospital.  The ends didn't meet, and I was left with a dwindling budget and not much to spend at the end of the day. 

Your history makes you who you are.  It molds you and shapes you into the creature that you have become today.  It is a part of what colors your heart and soul.  Accept all the pieces of your past, both good and bad, and acknowledge that each piece glued together makes you the whole person that you have become.  Appreciate the pieces of the puzzle and accept your gifts, talents, and the history that molded your thinking and continues to color your thoughts.

I often miss Heather's dad.  When his motorcycle veered off the road, we all lost a piece of someone that had molded and helped to shape our lives.  I know you miss people that you have lost in your life.  Look on the memories of them with fondness.  Today, I am grateful for all that I have been given, for all those that have touched my life, that have loved me endlessly,  and for the color and brilliance that makes each day new and beautiful.

I'm grateful for today.  I hope that you can be also be grateful, despite the circumstances you could be facing.  For one dear friend that lost her husband and it is his birthday today- I'm sending you a hug....and for many many others facing a lonely heart for a lost one, hugs to you as well.   God bless you and help you to heal.

Nature's Restful Touch

I jumped into the car and drove to a nearby lake. I parked aside the dark restfulness of the water and sat quietly, listening to the sounds of nature surrounding me. Birds chirped and crickets sang. I watch a crane bird walk through the water, his long legs stirdy despite their small size.

Ahhhhh, the restful feeling one gets when you sit quietly in nature is simply amazing. It is rejuvenating. Here, I could dance alone with my feet in the sand, run with my toes in the water, or just sit in silence and enjoy the pureness of the moment. This moment is your life. Enjoy the moments of your life!
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Change is the Only Constant

Last week I stepped into a conference room, expecting to attend my first board meeting since arriving at ZirMed.  ZirMed is an emerging technology company headquartered in Louisville Kentucky.  There, sitting to the left was Tom Butts, ex-CEO of IDX Systems Corporation  (Thomas W. Butts Joins ZirMed as CEO - CBS News http://bit.ly/pIYXr0) .  What a pleasant surprise.  Tom led the company that I use to work for through an acquisition by GE.  I was pleased to see him joining ZirMed.

The one constant thing about companies is change.  It reminded me of the hours following the GE acquisition announcement when I was at IDX Systems Corporation.  The organization was in shock, and many were stuck in a state of confusion.  The first book that I wrote, Winning Strategies for Women, was born out of that atmosphere of confusion and anticipation by many.  I wanted to share with everyone that the focus doesn't change, the work still needs to be done, and all must focus on the front of the windshield, not the rear view mirror.  Driving with your eyes behind you only causes a wreck.

Instead of focusing on your fears, concentrate on your skills and talents and the reasons that you were recruited in the first place. Think about how you can apply your skills and talents to move the organization forward.  Dig up old ideas that were shot down in the past and resurface them again for consideration.  New leadership brings new perspective and ideas that were once lost may be now put into action.

This is not the time for defensiveness or to put your walls up.  Open up your mind and be ready to shape a new and exciting future.  Give everyone you know a second chance and find the good in each member of the team.  This is an exciting time, wherever you have found yourself.  Take advantage of the opportunity, and enjoy the ride.

Let me know any way that I can assist you along the way no matter what position you are in or what company you work for.  I have been able to answer each of your emails and questions and will continue to attempt to do that as long as I can. 

I will continue to encourage you to live your best life!

Oriental Slaw Salad

When the stress of life is over burdening, try concentrating on something else. Tonight I made my favorite Oriental slaw salad. I've shared the recipe with you here. Send me your favorite recipe.

Tonight, make something to create a culinary diversion.

Oriental Slaw

Dry Mix
1 lb Cole slaw mix
2 pkg ramen beef soup mix
2 bunches green onions chopped
1 cup almonds
1 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing:
1 cup salad oil
1/3 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
2 packages ramen seasoning mix (included in soup package)

Instructions:
Mix the slaw and onions. Crush noodles (I put them in a closed ziploc bag and attack them with a meat mallet or potato masher). Just before serving add
noodles to slaw along with almonds and sunflower seeds. Add dressing and toss well.

Enjoy!
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Back to School Check List

OK- the time has arrived and parents everywhere are scurrying around trying to prepare for the day that we sent the kiddos back to school.  I have compiled a back to school checklist to get us all prepared.  If I've missed an item, send me a message...I may have forgotten to do it as well.

Back to School Checklist

• Obtain a school calendar- 2011/2012 School Year
  It is best to have all those holidays and teacher's inservice days known ahead of time.  Enter the dates into your digital or paper planner to be the most prepared parent on the planet.
  Garland ISD in Texas:  http://www.garlandisd.net/calendars/index.asp
  Plano ISD in Texas:  http://www.pisd.edu/common/calendar/index.shtml
  Richardson ISD in Texas:  http://www.risd.org/Group/Calendars/Academic_Calendar/August.asp
• Check school website for supplies needed
  Some stores, like WalMart, have the lists- but I have found the best list on the school web site. 
  Most schools have their own page listing the supplies needed:
  Sample:  Schrade Middle School in Rowlett, TX:   http://www.garlandisdschools.net/page.cfm?p=623
• Discover Tax Free Shopping days
  In Texas, tax free shopping days are August 19-21.  Save your most costly purchases for these days when you can save valuable sales tax dollars.

Enjoy!  Happy Planning.