HERO

I was watching a TED Talk today…

TED talks are: ” Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world. ” also known for their tag line… “Ideas worth spreading”. Apparently this is true- as I am spreading their ideas right now! 🙂

I do love most TED talks. I was watching one intently by Psychologist Philip Zimbardo. He was talking about the difference in good vs. evil.  Philip Zimbardo knows how easy it is for nice people to turn bad. ( Google his story and you will know why ) In this particular talk, he shares insights and graphic unseen photos from the Abu Ghraib trials. *Warning, don’t watch this with kids, ~please.

Then he talks about the flip side: How easy it is to be a hero, and how we all can rise to the challenge. Y E S !

He talks about something that totally hit home for me; the fact that we have the wrong image of a “Hero” in the American culture. We either think of Superman, Batman or other grandiose comic/movie characters, who are fictional, and have way supernatural powers, OR we may think of Hollywood super stars who have mega money, influence, and therefore have tremendous power in the U.S. to perhaps flaunt their “do-gooding” around the world. Of course- one might wonder; is it truly doing good, or is it trying to make themselves look good? After all, is it a great sacrifice for the very rich to give some back, and boost their fan base via the media?

And the greater question that Phillip raises is this; (in my words) Is it jacking up our kids belief systems of who is and CAN BE a hero? Is it messing with ADULT ideas or visions of who can be a hero?

After all, none of us have super powers, at least not like they do in a comic book. So- that kind of hero is off limits to us. And most of us won’t make it to the kind of wealth that the upper echelon of Hollywood, or the very top of Corporate America achieves, to allow for the kind of ability to give millions, and take years off of work to travel and just “be”.

Then, what is a HERO?

They are every day people. They are you and I, as we so choose. They do good when no one is looking, and when everyone is looking. They give when it hurts. They give because it’s the right thing to do. They give what they can, with what they have, where they are.

Maybe they hold a door open. Buy groceries for someone in need. Serve soup on a Holiday. Host events to raise funds, or badly needed items like coats and school supplies. They donate time teaching. They mentor. They Coach. They give. They give for no other reason, but that it’s the right thing to do, and that feels right. That feels good to our souls.

There is a reason we feel good when we give.

It’s not about pride. It’s because God made us to care. We care not just for ourselves, but healthy people care for the collective. We care because we get that we are all connected somehow, even if we cannot explain that concept or belief well.

We are in this thing called LIFE together. We are not born alone, on an island. Yes- we get hurt by others. 911 proved that. And we have hurt others too. But we also get well together. We heal with the support of others. We are stronger together. When survival experts train people how to navigate tough rivers, they teach you how to lock arms with your buddies to get across safely. You may be incredibly strong, but so is that river called life, and it can take you down if you are not supported.

Being a HERO is a daily choice.

I can be a hero to my kids, and keep my promises- the small ones and the big ones. I can hold a door open. Help a neighbor mow their lawn. Pay someone’s bill. Offer free teaching or coaching to one in need. I can give my offering at church and support the giving that goes out from there.

I can donate time to the club I just personally joined: The Lions Club. These men and women have been mega HEROES for decades! And now I am honored to give my part to the cause, helping blind kids without eye care to see again, or get glasses, or dental care, or school supplies. I can help build handicap walkways where they are needed around town. I can help beautify the VA center. The list goes on, and is right in front of me. With or without money, there are always needs. Needs I can help fulfill.

The SUPER POWER is YOU. ME. It is US. We can train the next generation what real, everyday heroes look like. We are powerful together. What will you do today, and this week, in service?

I would love to hear your comments and thoughts about how you give back or ideas to help others who wish to get ideas on how to give back.

Many Blessings,

 

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com
International Speaker
Master Certified Business Coach
World Changer Leadership & Life Mastery Coach

“It’s time to unleash the World Changer in YOU!” ~sheli G

Connect with me on:
https://embracereal.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/sheliGinspires
http://www.youtube.com/user/coachsheliG
http://www.linkedin.com/in/shelig
https://twitter.com/sheliGinspires
http://pinterest.com/sheligcoaching

Control=Old School… Inspire them!

This is the most simple answer, to a common challenge for many leaders. I learned this one in my twenties, both in management positions, and in owning my first business.

You cannot control others. Period.

Yes, you can nag them. Write them up. Fire them perhaps. Then start all over again. But at the end of the day, THEY CHOOSE. They decide if they are in or out. They decide if the organization’s message resonates enough with them to invest at a high level. They choose how hard, long and creatively they will work.

In my consultations with organizations, leaders and teams, I find that often Team Leaders will spin with frothy frustration over control tug-of-wars with their teams. Exhausting. Let’s get real; People don’t go to work because they want you to be proud of them. It’s not THEIR company or vision. (this is important for CEO’s who think everyone should think like them- it ain’t gonna happen) And they don’t care about their managers bonus, generally speaking. They are there for some internal and/or external reason of their own. Personal fulfillment. Bills to pay. This is the field they got a degree in. Or this is a step in the direction they are headed. Or because they love their job. Or they love the type of clients your company attracts… But they are not there to fulfill your ambitions as a team leader, or company owner/founder. Ambitions like: status, numbers, money, ego, power, market position, retirement, moving up the ladder etc.

That’s OK that they are there for themselves. You are there for yourself as well. It’s your dream, vision, calling or whatever. So- like your team, you are all there for personal reasons. 

When I facilitate workshops, the same elements apply.

People show up. They show up for a reason. Those reasons differ. What they will all individually bring to the room dynamic is unique. What they will create, and take away from that space is unique! We aren’t robots, right? So then my job is NOT to control them, but rather to inspire them. (this is way more fun and NOT exhausting!)

SO- I create a safe, premium environment for the participants to do whatever work they came to do. But the majority of what I do, I create during the live process, with the team I am working with. I have my intentions beforehand of what I am hired to accomplish. And, how I get there totally depends on the participants! I move from my list of planned exercises, and adapt them to match the dynamics of the particular individuals or team. I base this on: their strengths, their attitudes, the time frame, the obstacles, the personalities, the intention of that particular workshop, and the biggest factor: What they would like to create or take away our time together. *I have them share this, early on in our sessions.

What do they want to create?

What THEIR intention is. That is their hot button, and how you can understand them. What motivates THEM? Remember, It may be very different from what motivates you. That’s OK, as long as they ARE motivated, right? When you understand them, you can then be an inspiration to help them fulfill that goal. Inspired individuals, teams and volunteers are happier and more fulfilled. Happier more fulfilled people produce more, produce quality, last longer, and make your life as a leader better.  But it doesn’t come from them having a copy of their job description. It doesn’t come from your companies expectations or demands. It comes from place inside of them, not just an external call to action anyone can deliver.

A team and the leader are in a co-creative process, hand in hand.

Neither one is more important, or more right. The leader is in that position, hopefully, because he or she has those strengths to help facilitate. But just as important are the strengths of the individuals on the team. Collectively the agenda is accomplished. The leader then, is more the funnel, creating the space and design for all to participate fully, and troubleshoot when things are not going in the direction that is valuable to all.

Friends was an American sitcom. The series was a huge hit, and is one of the most popular TV shows of all time.

Jennifer Aniston was arguably the most popular influencer or leader of the cast. But- without all the other cast mates, the show wouldn’t have been so ridiculously successful for so long. Think about that show without Phoebe, Ross or Chandler. This is true of the people that surround any leader. They are your co-stars. Your biggest assets. Your positive chemistry, and what you create with them is what will make your business or organization thrive.

If a leader or manager is looking for a lot of the glory, this is tough. As a leader- you should want your team getting that praise. They need to be the rock stars. Then they will produce more too. That is when a leader truly is great; when they teach others how to lead.

Many Blessings,

 

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com
Speaker
Master Certified Business Coach
World Changer Leadership & Success Coach

“It’s time to Level UP, and harness the World Changer in YOU!” ~sheli G

Connect with me on:
https://embracereal.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/sheliGinspires
http://www.youtube.com/user/coachsheliG
http://www.linkedin.com/in/shelig
https://twitter.com/sheliGinspires
http://pinterest.com/sheligcoaching

Turning Clients into Evangelists

I think one of the best questions I can ask myself, or YOU as an Entrepreneur or Leader is: “How can I turn clients into evangelists for my business”.

I spent many years doing what I see a lot of folks still doing today; going from “Hero to Zero”.

It’s exciting. But Hero to Zero is also exhausting. H to Z is: every event, every client, you ARE doing a phenomenal job. And subconsciously at least you are praying that this will, for Karma’s sake, go ahead and replicate itself. It’s the nice idea that if you do an awesome job, then people will automatically refer you tons of business... and your reputation will catch like wild fire… and set the entire globe ablaze!  Bliss! After all, as Zig Ziglar says “If you help enough people get what they want, you will get what you want.” Which is similar to what my favorite book says: “Treat others as you wish to be treated”. YES. This does lay the core foundation, I believe, for success to truly manifest… at least honest, healthy success. And yet there is much more to the formula for entrepreneurs to get what they want and need to thrive in business or life long-term. So- lay the foundation, and then?

What do the masters say? Well this in itself is confusing, at least for me. It’s like overnight, EVERYONE became an expert of something.  (I suppose that includes me. *But it wasn’t overnight.) 🙂 Like “Social Media Experts” “SEO Experts” (there were experts in things before I ever knew what their initials meant!) “Law of Attraction Experts” and so on. Many of them say the same things, often. (which gets really boring) And then of course they will TOTALLY diverge just when you think you understand something, anything, and absolutely contradict one another… leaving you at square one. Oh goody- more EME. (entrepreneurial mental exhaustion)

THEN there are the trailblazers. The WORLD CHANGERS.

They are the ones who not only find their specific NICHE, develop way incredible products, but also leverage themselves so uniquely and/or dynamically in the marketplace. These mavericks often do this by rebelling against some of the very rules and the norm that we are “supposed” to follow. I like these guys and gals. In coaching clients on their Business or their Life, I don’t know of many people who want to be fenced in on every side. It makes us punchy. SO, let’s remember a couple of rule breakers who set themselves apart, and bucked the norm, to become industry giants. What specific lessons might we glean from their example?

The infamous, Steve Jobs.

We now remember him for his matchless (at least for now) innovations. But he was also known to be strong-willed, arrogant, and often overly sarcastic. Much of what Jobs did, runs completely counter to conventional beliefs about marketing. But based on results, maybe we need to be questioning more conventional beliefs. He didn’t befriend or BS the press. If anything- Jobs took on the press, and the people cheered. Instead of throwing himself shamelessly at every opportunity to answer questions about new or upcoming products, he avoided and darted them with enough of a hint of mischievous, that folks always assumed he was up to something ginormous. Fans were chomping at the bit to see him unveil. Even now, Apple-ites wait in crazy long lines to get a newly released Apple Product, as if were Oxygen. Just the joy of people and the press seeing that they are in the endless Apple line fuels their fanatical obsession. Momentum through mystery and come-and-get-me marketing. Brilliant. The lesson in Apple goes beyond the obvious slick products, and begs the question; How much of this success is also due to Job’s ornery and masterful enticement?

Tesla CEO Elon Musk

Musk in 2008 took over the electric car company Tesla, that was on the brink of ruin. America loves a Cinderella story. Elon turned Tesla into one of the coolest trending cars and brands in the world. The Model S starts at $70,000 and can go over $100,000. At 41 years old, Elon grew up in South Africa, and made his other fortune as a co-founder of PayPal. He isn’t doing too bad. Again, he has taken on some of the arrogance, rebellious, obnoxious traits we apparently loved in Jobs. Of course- you can get away with being more annoying when you can back it up. Tesla’s fans not only include their owners, but those who cannot afford one, but who are ridiculously fanatical about the brand anyway. Negative reports or Tweets by a journalist about the sassy car or CEO are sure to get swarmed, and not lovingly, by these tireless fans who will go to great lengths to defend the brand. The negative advertisement usually comes back around for even more unwavering fan love back to Tesla. (and a bit more disdain for the press)

Oprah

http://news.yahoo.com/video/oprah-winfrey-delivers-harvard-commencement-210933786.html

Anytime you can say just the first name of a person- and the whole freakin planet just knows….it’s big. Actually, you could probably just name this section the “O” section. Point made. And Oprah also bucked some “rules”. She was the first woman to be successful at Phil Donahue’s playground, the daily drama filled Talk Show. (I think you needed to be a drinker to truly appreciate those shows) Moreover, O impressed us all that she didn’t come from wealth, or a political family, or have a size o, White body, and model perfect looks. She was refreshingly normal, and the opposite of Hollywood… she had compassion. She is clearly brilliant- or at least crazy BRAVE. She turned the TV Talk Show genre on its head, when she took her show from trashy stories, into a personal development and empowerment hub. O modeled from the stage, her own position on how we should be: authentic, emotional and full of empathy towards others. She showed the world how following your gut instincts and staying true to your heart, desire and passion will lead you to greater results and victories than the norm. Even for those who disagree with her methods, beliefs, or how cult-like her fans responded to her….

I say take YOUR BELIEFS, and dare to be as brave, dedicated, and hard-working as Oprah. Jobs. Elon. YES! Dare to stare your worst, nasty critics and judges in the face who say you are going to fail. YES. Stay the course on those days when it seems like only darkness surrounds, and the light is a far off train. YES. Honor the calling you find on your life with unfiltered passion, unwavering determination, incomprehensible consistency, and daily tuning back into your core, to your “Why?”… Why do you do what you do? If your WHY is big enough, (and I do believe we were all given a HUGE, unique “why” by God) then you will one day realize as the train comes into closer view, it was just pure light at the end of the tunnel. Then perhaps our clients, but more importantly our friends and family, will be those zealous, tireless evangelists for us and all we are to be and do.

Many Blessings,

sheli  G

CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com

Certified International Business, Leadership & Life Success Coach

“It’s time to Level UP, and harness the World Changer in YOU!” ~sheli G

Connect with me on:
https://embracereal.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/sheliGinspires
http://www.linkedin.com/in/shelig
http://www.youtube.com/user/coachsheliG
http://pinterest.com/sheligcoaching
https://twitter.com/sheliGinspires

5 Women Leaders Who Inspire Me

” I will not just live my life. I will not just spend my life. I will INVEST my life.” ~ Helen Keller

Helen Keller’s almost inconceivable journey from her childhood struggles to communicate with anyone due to her many disabilities, to a woman of victory, clarity in purpose, and being the World Changer she still is globally- is in my opinion one of the greatest heroine stories of the 20th century.

Helen’s triumph as a young deaf-blind girl, with her incredible teacher Anne Sullivan mentoring her, is but the beginning of her story. Her leadership skills would be used for activism, in a time that it was very difficult for women to be respected for being outspoken, and taking on the system. She opened the gateway for not only people with disabilities to imagine miracles coming in and through their lives, but she educated those without disabilities, that it IS a disability to limit others with our judgement. She modeled to us that disabilities are just challenges, that like all of us, we can overcome with hard work and determination.

Helen pushed for epic changes in the law, and created a place in our culture for people with disabilities to move from the hidden places, to mainstream education and employment opportunities. Her advancements have helped not only those with disabilities, but have inspired women of all backgrounds and races to realize what a difference one passionate voice can make. –Great leaders harness and use their strengths, and don’t let their perceived weaknesses stop them. 

 

” Love cannot remain by itself,  it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is SERVICE . ” ~Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa Devoted her entire adult life to the service and care of the poor, oppressed and the dying. It seemed almost inconceivable, until she did it, with humility. She also struggled with her own dragons so to speak, as we all do. Battling Depression and loneliness, Mother Teresa still chose service to others as her ultimate goal and purpose. She became a global icon for truly selfless Christ-like service to others. She personally cared for 1000’s of sick and dying people in Calcutta, and trained countless other volunteers, staff and as many as would listen, how to do the same.  She was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 1979. She honored others religious beliefs, while standing very firm in her own. She was known to be incredibly respectful to other cultures, races and traditions. She focused on showing others the pure and holy love of God, in big and small ways every day, until her death. –Great leaders always give more than they take.

 

“ The only tired I was, was tired of GIVING IN ” ~Rosa Parks

Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man on Dec 1st 1955.  This was the beginning of what led to some of the most significant civil rights legislation of American history.

“Each person must live their life as a model for others.”~ Rosa Parks   (can I hear an AMEN here!)

Rosa was an African-American civil rights activist whom the U.S. Congress called the “Mother of the Modern-Day Civil Rights Movement”. WOW!

Her arrest and trial for this “act of civil disobedience” on Dec 1st in the refusal of giving up her seat on the bus, triggered the Montgomery Bus Boycott; one of the largest and most successful mass movements against racism and segregation in our history. This also launched the highly influential Martin Luther King, Jr., one of the promoters of the boycott, to the main-stage of the civil rights movement. Rosa’s role in history earned her an iconic status in American culture. Her life and brave, committed actions have left an enduring legacy for civil rights movements, and all women around the world. –Great leaders sacrifice and risk, to pave the way for others behind them to have more opportunities.

“No longer do you have the luxury of being a bench-warmer. Today is the day to declare and step out with your gifts and share them with the world. THIS IS IT! This is your year. This is the year that you can make a huge impact in the world.” ~Arvee Robinson

Arvee Robinson is a Master speaker trainer and persuasive speaking coach. She teaches business owners, service professionals and entrepreneurs how to use public speaking as a marketing strategy so they can grow their business and get their message out to the world. As a high-energy motivational speaker, Arvee has shared the stage with speaking giants such as: Mark Victor Hansen, Loral Langemeier, Chris Howard, and many more. Her training and coaching programs transform ordinary business professionals to superstars in their industry.

I personally have been trained and coached by Arvee. Her passion, organization, vision and compassion make her one of the top leaders in her field today. –Great leaders inspire others to do more, tell more and BE MORE.

 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed ONLY ONE. Mary has chosen what is better.” ~ Jesus re: Mary & Martha

The story is told in the Bible in Luke 10, of two sisters, Mary and Martha. Jesus comes to visit them, and Martha is busy with (the always endless!) household chores, while Mary sits at the feet of Jesus. Martha complains to Jesus that she’s doing all the work.  Jesus encourages her to be more like Mary.  Martha was too busy being, well… just busy. Meanwhile, Mary realized that to sit and learn at Jesus feet was far more important in that precious moment. Which would you choose. What would you choose today? –Great leaders know how to prioritize, and seize profound priceless opportunities to grow.

If you know a woman who has inspired you with her story, please comment on this blog and give her some well deserved props!

PLEASE Like, send and share this blog if it touched you. Thank you 🙂

Many Blessings,

 

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com

Certified International Business, Leadership & Life Success Coach

It’s my Birthday and I’ll Blog if I want too…

YES- It is really my birthday. Today I am 44.

It’s my birthday, so I am (trying) to do what I think I should, and what everyone on Facebook says I should: Be spoiled, pampered, relax, enjoy my day.

But to me, as with any true Entrepreneur, this is….weird, awkward…. (and super hard!)

I wake up at 5 or 6AM if I sleep in, and begin to pray and meditate about my day. Then my brain takes over: What logistics do I need to handle? Phone calls, meetings, articles to write, stuff to follow up on, blog! Then on to what really matters: Who do I need to connect with today? Who needs help, support, encouragement, education, tips, inspiration, a warning, a scripture, honesty, strategy, a referral, consultation, counsel, challenge, or love?

And of course there are my three kids, Tyger 14, Teisha 7 and Trae 5. They keep me very busy, laughing, growing and challenged. Then there is my husband… aka my other kid 🙂

Did I mention my three dogs? Yep (ask my kid of a husband about how we got 3) Honey, Hurley and Belle.

And the house. Oh, the many (many) many to do’s that are always lurking within.

Family, Charity, Business, Ministry…. time for me? That is just silly talk- usually. Many Entrepreneurs do much of their work from a home office these days. So the boundaries are hard to draw. Everywhere we look, the desk, computer, the house… the freakin yard (yikes) it all begs to be tended to. Like most small business owners, I have to seriously prioritize, attack, and then release at the end of the day what I have not yet achieved.

But alas, when I facilitate Strategic Business or Breakthrough Life Coaching with a client, I always tell them to make sure they are blocking out time for them! To rejuvenate, relax, think, pray, laugh, eat, heal. Hmmmmmm.

So today is my birthday. (I know, I repeated that…I am really just reminding myself) I normally totally ignore my birthday, and just do work and life as per usual.

SOooooo I am blogging, eating potato chips with coffee, going to go back to bed for a couple of hours and watch an action movie I have wanted to watch but have not had (made) time for. I am going to listen to ridiculously good music. I am going to pet my adorable dogs. I am going to not worry so much about my long list of to do’s, should do’s, and my longer list of people I so want to help support in some way. When I come back (tomorrow) I will be REIGNITED! Y E S!

And I will be connecting, I hope, with YOU.

Many Blessings,

 

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com

Certified International Business, Leadership & Life Success Coach

EXPOSED. Opportunity, or Overwhelm?

What opportunities should I take? AND What do I pass on?

It’s the toughest question since the recession. People still spend their money and time. Opportunities are bombarding us from every angle  more than ever. From the people around us, to our online activity, to our cell phones bringing all our contacts and options to us 24/7… it’s endless. (until you shut it DOWN) 🙂

Business owners DO still need to invest in themselves, and their businesses to adapt, and move forward at the speed of the culture and their own dreams. This will never change.

SO- where do the people you want to be like when you “grow up”, or go to your next LEVEL UP hang out? What are they doing? What is working for them? What challenges you about your business and your life right now, and who knows how to navigate that? Who has been there and has some keys?

Forget about the places that we used to network at. (at least re-think them. ALL of them.)

Forget about business and activity that doesn’t result in either a direct deposit to your bottom line, or you truly developing as a leader and a person. Forget about the things you have always done in the past, or were committed to, or served on the board of (or committee of, yikes) … if they are not serving you anymore, or you just know it’s time for the new. Forget about places, people and events, if you leave them unmoved, unchanged, and drained.

Go where inspiration, innovation and collaboration COLLIDE… at sometimes even an alarming rate! Have some adrenaline charged fun expanding, challenging yourself and others, and hanging out with the passionate, driven people making their visions a tangible reality today. Life is urgent and precious. What legacy are you leaving behind if you drifted away in your sleep tonight?

Start living the bucket list NOW. You were given your visions and dreams because God thought YOU were the one to set them free and see them through. Prove him right.

 

Many Blessings,

sheli  G
CILC | CMC | CEBC
www.shelig.com
International Speaker
Master Certified Business Coach
World Changer Leadership & Life Mastery Coach

“It’s time to unleash the World Changer in YOU!” ~sheli G

Connect with me on:
https://embracereal.wordpress.com
http://www.facebook.com/sheliGinspires
http://www.youtube.com/user/coachsheliG
http://www.linkedin.com/in/shelig
https://twitter.com/sheliGinspires
http://pinterest.com/sheligcoaching