Positive discussions - shaping people and workplace cultures.noreply@blogger.com (Dennis)Wed, 18 Dec 2024 22:26:52 -0500Blogger http://www.blogger.com108125http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/en-usnoCopyright 2009-2010Training,Development,Organization,Development,ODTraining and development updates. Organization Development. Training and development updates. Organization Development. Dennis E. Gilbertdennis@appreciativestrategies.comDennis E. Gilberthttp://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/09/blog-is-changing.htmlThu, 27 Sep 2012 15:12:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-297875099746169791Many thanks to all of the readers of this blog.  Your interest and support has been greatly appreciated! Effective September 27, 2012 I will be posting to a new blog. Here is the link: www.dennisegilbert.com/blog So the author will be the same, but the look, feel, and name has changed.  This blog (Appreciative Strategies) will remain live for now. Please join me at the new blog 1dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/09/shortcuts-and-quick-fixes.htmlPersistencepositiveSuccessThu, 20 Sep 2012 14:15:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-1633201134332742572It often seems that everyone is looking for a shortcut or a quick fix. Your future success probably will not come to fruition through a shortcut or a quick fix. That is the bad news. Here is the good news. Having an appropriate focus can help you achieve the next step on your path. You can develop a better focus through three simple steps: What has been successful for you up to this point? Do 2dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/09/excuses-or-results.htmlconfidenceFeedbackPersistenceSuccessTue, 11 Sep 2012 07:26:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-3819360356966002975The brutal truth is that not everyone is cut out to obtain the success that they dream about. In some cases they may have unrealistic expectations and in other cases they just don’t remain focused and committed to their dream. Setbacks are commonplace and may require adjustments in the plan but success still can be achieved. On your path to success results are what matter the most. Assessing 2dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/09/persistence-or-luck.htmlPersistenceSuccessThu, 6 Sep 2012 10:25:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-3064517549333972006Luck may be an opportunity, an opportunity that is seized and something wonderful results, or it may be an opportunity wasted that dwindles away and is never recognized for the possibilities that existed. Worse yet, it may result in something unfavorable and become labeled as bad luck. Persistence is what makes the difference for most people during their “luck” encounters. Those who discover 5dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/08/visualize-to-thrive.htmlPersistenceSuccessThu, 30 Aug 2012 07:51:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-4968707914286622710Olympic athletes do it, professional football players do it, golfers do it, and you can do it too! Imagine yourself thriving in your success! Whether it is finishing school and getting that first “real” job, starting a family, or earning a sizable paycheck, if you visualize yourself in that successful place and are persistent you can get there. Time and time again I hear stories and relate to 2dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/08/believing-matters.htmlexpectationsPersistenceRiskWed, 29 Aug 2012 07:35:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-94677969772218318Someone recently asked me: “What is the single biggest thing that makes a difference between those that achieve the success that they desire when compared to those who do not?” Two significant thoughts immediately came to my mind. One is persistence; most do not obtain the level of success that they seek easily. It takes great effort and the ability to endure hardship while also overcoming 2dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/08/balancing-commitments-and-delivery.htmlaccountabilityappreciativeconfidenceDeadlinesPersistenceTue, 21 Aug 2012 08:39:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-7335996629981744618Assertive employees often raise their hand for new assignments, additional workload, and the opportunity to show their worth. They seek new challenges and expect to deliver; they picture themselves holding up the end result like a trophy and everyone congratulating them for a job well done. This sometimes happens and they become fast-trackers, moving onward and upward faster than anyone could 1dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/08/persistent-going-beyond-average.htmlconfidencemotivationPersistenceWed, 15 Aug 2012 07:35:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-3813251272252595047We know about averages because we have high performers and low performers. Somewhere near the middle of those two extremes we have the average performers. People often talk about what could have been, what they knew would work but they never tried, and what they tried but because luck was against them it didn’t work. Let’s face it, not everything will work on the first try, and some things 4dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-you-expect.htmldecision makingpositiveSuccessMon, 13 Aug 2012 08:53:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-7350907056037081001Do you get what you expect? Sometimes we get exactly what we expect. Consider the outcomes for persons who may make one of the following statements: I just want to pass the test. I don’t care what I do as long as I have a job. I can’t lose any weight. Certainly not everyone wants to, or will be, the top performer in any particular situation, but those who strive for more often get more. 2dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/08/no-money.htmlabundancemotivationSuccessMon, 6 Aug 2012 08:29:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-2701802739365403598Success may sometimes be associated with a collection of money or material objects. Some may believe that the definition of success is wealth, measured by financial resources. This may be true for some, but many people measure success in a much different way. It may be having a family, a modest home, and the ability to earn an honest living. Still others may be striving for personal improvements 4dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/07/get-moving.htmlmotivationperceptionMon, 30 Jul 2012 07:35:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-406973082034006834Have you ever tripped, stumbled, or worse – hit the ground?  During the past three weeks I witnessed three different people in three completely different places – hit the ground. There was a little bit of pain, a little bit of embarrassment, but all three immediately were on their way again. Seeing these three separate events seemed very odd to me, but it made me think of an analogy that we 0dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/07/your-frame-your-future.htmlexpectationsSetting GoalsSuccessMon, 23 Jul 2012 07:28:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-1709532405936593683We frame pictures. This limits and draws our attention to focus on what is inside that frame. Logically this makes sense, it is what we are trying to achieve. Framing our future is critical for our focus and ultimately for our success. The bad news is that if the frame that we place around our future is too small, we will never discover or accomplish the highest level of success. Here is the 6dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/07/expect-to-be-tested.htmlconfidencepositiveSuccessWed, 18 Jul 2012 07:28:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-6819683484237186743Learning new behaviors or replacing bad habits with good isn’t necessarily that difficult. Making them stick sometimes can be. Depending on your tolerance for relapse or your level of confidence sometimes small setbacks can feel like change failure. Nearly everyone exploring something new or reaching for higher levels of achievement will face unexpected setbacks. The good news is that just 0dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/07/when-wishing-isnt-enough.htmlexpectationsRiskSuccessThu, 12 Jul 2012 07:24:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-7001929409050117374People sometimes wish, spiritual people sometimes pray, but successful people will find their path regardless of the obstacle. There is nothing wrong with extending a good wish, nothing wrong with prayer, but at the same time there are often forces that are both unknown and uncontrollable that leads you to a different outcome. Most likely you will not find success in the status quo. There are 4dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/07/discipline-delivers.htmlexpectationsSuccessMon, 9 Jul 2012 07:25:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-7066652772267017316Achieving success requires discipline. People often start off great, they are dedicated, enthusiastic and goal oriented. Along the way things sometimes start to change, they get off track, accomplishments fail to reach expectations, they become discouraged and even the smallest success starts to wane and ultimately they give up. Here is the good news, you can discover more discipline and 4dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/07/discovering-worth.htmlabundanceRiskSuccessTue, 3 Jul 2012 07:25:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-7128118505420829705Do you want a pay raise, job promotion, or better personal (or professional) relationships? How do you know if you are worth it? Discovering worth is not that difficult, the real challenge exists in the risk. You will never achieve the success you are seeking without risk. Play it safe or stick with the status quo and nothing will change. You can discover your worth through three easy steps: 0dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/07/values-that-fit.htmlabundanceFearSetting GoalsSuccessMon, 2 Jul 2012 07:24:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-6831211932060454845Goals and values represent foundational elements for your success. Here is the question you should be asking yourself, “Do my values fit within the framework of the path necessary to achieve my goals?” Non-profits or for-profits, social work or investment banking, traditional construction or building green, harvesting trees or growing them, many people could make arguments for either side. What4dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/06/stay-focused.htmlexpectationspositiveThu, 28 Jun 2012 07:21:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-2047205906722458688Unexpected things happen. Circumstances and situations may sometimes anger us. Staying focused is the key to achieving your success. When we replay thoughts from past negative experiences or are preoccupied with finding evidence to support negativity we tend to find what we are looking for – negativity. In this scenario our view shifts from seeking the positive to discovering reinforcement for 5dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/06/finger-licking-good-no-bad.htmldecision makingFeedbackRole ModelingTue, 26 Jun 2012 07:19:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-6377308900763124550On a recent visit to the grocery store I noticed something terrible. It made me think about big mistakes we may be making that we don’t even realize we are doing. While shopping I noticed a lady selecting raw packaged meat from the refrigerated section and placing the packaged meat into the sanitary bags that are provided in that section. My understanding is that those additional bags are to 0dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/06/create-opportunities.htmlabundanceSuccessMon, 25 Jun 2012 07:21:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-2133558722836120396“The early bird gets the worm.” Many of us have heard this and some of us have shared this as an analogy, but how many of us are looking for more opportunities? Many people are looking for more opportunities; opportunities for sales, financial freedom, or for new levels of personal or professional success. Based on news reports and evidence based analysis many would likely agree that the world 0dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/06/confidence-required.htmlconfidencepositiveSuccessThu, 21 Jun 2012 07:22:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-8069917534561951758This may seem very apparent but have you ever noticed that successful people have higher levels of self-confidence? In many cases they may analyze choices, options, and strategy in a completely obsessive manner but regardless they still have confidence. Is this a chicken and the egg scenario? Which comes first? Self-confidence is typically considered to be made up of two primary factors, 0dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/06/growing-from-stress.htmlconfidenceexpectationsmotivationTue, 19 Jun 2012 07:21:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-5806226813020406316So much has already been written on the subject of how to reduce stress, have you considered what are the positive benefits (if any) of working through very stressful situations. I argue that there is a positive benefit, and the positive benefit is that you learn and grow from extreme stress.   Extreme stress allows you to discover what you are capable of, what really makes you tick, and 4dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/06/move-fast.htmlchange managementSuccessMon, 18 Jun 2012 07:19:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-936520684996074446Our economy is shifting, like it or not things are changing. Arguments continue about the state of the economy in the United States but one factor that appears consistent is that successful businesses and people are changing.   I work with business that are doing great, and those who are not doing so great. My informal survey of this sample suggests that those who are doing great are moving0dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/06/take-chances.htmlFearRiskSuccessWed, 13 Jun 2012 07:22:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-1021062883593449580“I didn’t stand a chance!” How often have you heard this phrase? How often have you said it? Most people would likely agree on the meaning of this phrase to be - given a particular opportunity there was absolutely no possible way to win or be successful. Many people lack the self-confidence to take risks. They view the risk associated with chance, as too risky. They see the opportunities in 4dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)http://appreciativestrategies.blogspot.com/2012/06/take-stairs.htmlconfidencepositiveRiskSuccessTue, 12 Jun 2012 07:16:00 -0400tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35570243.post-4005160700616888611It’s sadly amazing the number of people that I talk with who tell me they want more, they want a better job and more success, yet they feel they are not worthy of achieving it. I hear every excuse about what “might happen” or “what if this happens” and I hear very little “I’m going to make it happen.” Here is the good news, these are normal thoughts for many people and success is just a few 7dennis@appreciativestrategies.com (Dennis E. Gilbert)