by Elisabet | Feb 10, 2010 | English Blog
Last spring I enjoyed following “Britain’s got talent” on British TV. A fascinating TV-show where thousands of people are parading through with their varying degree of talent:-). I’m sure that some of the people that have chosen to audition just do it as a joke, as there were at times absolutely no talent what so ever, unless absurdity is a talent…..
Most people have read and heard about Susan Boyle, who the world took to their hearts. And who came second in the final.
Less known (at least outside Britain) is Stavros Flatley – a wonderful “father and son” act who do a sort of parody on Irish dancing. Absolutely wonderful!
Every time I watch them I am overcome by such a feeling of joy.
They made it all the way to the final and at times I was really wondering if they really belonged in the final, as they weren’t necessarily the best dancers.
But then finally I got it……their talent is to entertain, to make people happy. There can hardly be a worthier or more valuable talent!
Here they are in the final. Hope they make you happy:-)
by Elisabet | Feb 9, 2010 | English Blog
I am often reminded of how inspiring I find Wayne Gretzky, legendary Canadian ice-hockey player. In one of his many interviews he was asked what made him such a good player, what put him ahead of the other players.
He explained that so many players go where the puck is, while he went where the puck was about to go. He had the ability to read the other players’ patterns, to understand what would happen next. You could say that he was good at observing and noticing patterns and to use that information to direct himself to where the puck was heading (and be the first one there!).
Everything in life is a pattern. Nature has patterns. Weather and seasons have patterns. Human beings have habitual patterns, in their thoughts, their feelings and their actions.
The better we can become at noticing patterns, the better results we can get – in all aspects of our lives. Better communication, better relationships, better sports results, better leadership, better parenting – well, you see what I mean – in every aspect of our lives!
If we can become aware of our own patterns, we can change them. If our patterns don’t take us to where we want to be, we can change them. To get better results.
We all get stuck at times, doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Laughable:-)
Of course we need to do things differently to get different results. Habits and patterns aren’t always easy to break, but if we can just become aware of them, then we are well on they way to change. And we can start creating a new pattern, one day at a time.
If we can become aware of other people’s habits, we can start to predict some of what’s coming up, so we can approach situations in the best possible way.
A bit like Bill Murray i “Groundhog Day”, who gets the chance to do the same thing over and over again and thereby learn the patterns of what’s about to happen, and be able to change his actions and get better results.
Let’s go where the puck is heading. If it worked for Wayne Gretzky I’m sure it will work for us!
by Elisabet | Aug 18, 2009 | English Blog
Every day is a new beginning.
Yesterday may have been good or maybe not. We can take from it what we need – learnings, experience, joy, inspiration. And then go on, into today.
We can start afresh every day. Every day we can give ourselves a chance to start again, to find new inspiration, to create our future.
Don’t look back in regret, wishing that things were different. They are what they are – or they were what they were. Look ahead instead and see what you can do with today, and tomorrow and the day after.
See what the day has to offer. Look for inspiration. Go into they day trusting that it will be a good day and that it will give you all that you need.
Shape your own future. Find solutions. Make decisions that are important to you. Find things to be grateful about, to be happy about, to be inspired by. There’s loads.
It starts today. Every day is a new, fresh start. What are you going to do with yours?
by Elisabet | Apr 24, 2009 | English Blog
I read on e24 that your contacts are important when it comes to landing a job. And yes, I agree, your contacts, your network, play a role when you look for a job, as well as in other situations.
It may sound a bit unfair, but let’s take a closer look.
Who’s responsible for your life?, Why, you of course.
Who’s responsible for your development? Why, you of course.
Who is therefore responsible for who you know? Why, you of course.
If we’re not happy with our situation, if we don’t think we know enough people, then we can do something about it.
It’s only me after all, who knows exactly what it is I want, or what’s important to me. So if I need to extend my network of contacts for example, then I may need to get out more, meet more people, talk to more people, give more to the world around me. I then take greater control over my own situation and get the knowledge or contacts I need, that are relevant to me.
I can’t expect for things to just drop into my lap. Because it could end up being the wrong things!
No, let’s take responsibility for our own situation. Let’s be active participants in our own life, make choices, act – that’s more fair, more relevant. And it makes us complain less. When we take responsibility, it no longer becomes relevant or interesting to complain or blame circumstances. We see ourselves as powerful resources in our own life.
Imagine how the world would look if everyone took more responsibility! Shall we give it a try?
And let’s get to know some new people today. Join a group/association/club. Start a new hobby. Invite people to a book club. Talk more to our colleauges. Who knows who me might get to know? Someone who makes us feel good, someone who challenges us, someone who gives us joy.
Because everyone we meet is important. Imagine knowing them!
by Elisabet | Apr 18, 2009 | English Blog
I read in the paper recently how many leaders get really bad leadership scores from their employees.
I’m sometimes amazed that there are people out there who want to be leaders in the first place. It’s not an easy job. The expectations on a leader are high, being a skilled multi-tasker is a must.
And still, that’s just how it should be. As a leader you have a direct impact on how engaged your employees are. And engaged employees is the key to a profitable and healthy company. So the expectations on leaders should be high, because that’s how important the leaders are.
If you run a company, make sure you hire the right people as leaders, make sure they can feel good where they are, develop them continually, so that they have a fair chance to give the employees what they need to feel good and do a good job.
As a leader you need to see each person, understand each person, observe the uniqueness of each person and make sure those unique qualities are maximised and utilised.
So take the time to be a leader. Don’t be so busy with meetings and calls and emails that you no longer have the time to spend with your employees. Listen to what people have to say, take interest in them, make sure they have what they need to do a good job, laugh, encourage, allow for mistakes and learnings, give feedback, help them develop, communicate……
Yes, the list is long – therein lies the leader’s biggest challenge. So if it feels like too much, then at least do this – see and hear each person, make them feel important. You have everything to gain from this – and you will.
No, it’s not impossible to be a good leader – it does take time and interest though. And it’s a rewarding investment!
