September 13th Coaching Tip: No Response, Best Response.
Ben Franklin was a master at so many things, including communication. He reflected in his writings and attributed sayings, by suggesting that “…it may be better to avoid pointless arguments and prioritizing goodwill over winning” as a wiser approach. Pointless conflicts and arguments often bring no true winner and can isolate or alienate friends and family from each other. Listening with no response is many times a way to learn and be more aware of a situation, without causing further stress or conflict.
In my coaching work, I’ve many times reminded myself and those that I coach that we have one mouth and two ears and two eyes. That’s a ratio to keep in mind: 4 to help you watch and listen, only 1 to voice your opinion. I embraced that all week, as I was around a couple people who were loud and boasting opinions that I didn’t agree with. I had no response, and it was the best response. For my overall wellness, it’s healthier for me, too.
September 14th Coaching Tip: Early To Rise.
Our weekend was a blast in SW Michigan with my 1983 IU teammates. With us all departing on a Sunday and our checkout to be completed by 10am, a couple of us decided to get up early (6:00am) and we set up a yogurt bar with fresh fruit, Michigan raw honey, cinnamon and granola. We also had the coffee brewing and some Swedish muffins and pastries (from our shopping yesterday), as everyone would be moving quickly, packing their cars, and heading out. It all was easy to eat or take it with them. We wanted them to have ease…this early on a Sunday morning.
When thinking of others, be aware of the entire situation. Everyone had a blast all weekend. However, everyone was ready to get on the road heading home. Early to rise was the right thing to do. We returned back home by 12pm, because everything was ready for checkout at 830am, instead of 10am.
September 15th Coaching Tip: Work Those Relationships.
It’s my goal to know and appreciate my new neighbor at the house we are remodeling. Today, we was out mowing so I walked up the hill to greet him. After complimenting his yard and mentioning that I need to pick it up a bit, I simply thanked him for mowing and making it all look nice.
Then, I shared a common story; he mentioned that he just got a heart stent. So I shared that my mother got six stents more than seven years ago and she’s doing pretty good. As I walked away, I turned around and asked him what his favorite candy is for Halloween. He said he liked it all; I asked him to narrow that down, and he said anything but those Easter peeps marshallow things. Then he said, “Reese miniture cups, Snickers, 3 Musketeers.” You know that I’m going to be handing him some of these the next time I see him; my goal is to keep working the relationship. It was benefit us both.