…WE DON’T USE THEM

The next time you have someone come to you with a question or a problem – one they really need to ask…

Let them!

Oh and do this…

LISTEN!

A novel idea yet often an idea not practiced.

2 ears for a reason

There is a common activity that goes on in our brain when we try to listen. It doesn’t. Though we truly are wanting to listen intently, we have a tough time doing so. The part of our brain that loves to solve, loves to begin the process of an answer, starts to work diligently. While our brains are working hard, we are missing on the fundamental clues to help someone help themselves.

Really to help that person, help themselves – we need to listen and often only do that. If we just listen and allow the other person to talk, they will often come to their own conclusion.

Often we are too busy trying to answer the question before we fully realize that no question is truly being asked of US…

… but that question is really a question that the individual is asking themselves.

If we only listen, often they will realize it too.

Our silence can be their clarification! What do you think? Do you agree?

Twitter: @BenjaminMcCall

Web Site: http://ReThinkHR.org

Make my crap your treasure

For the past two days we have been outside. Neighbors, people from other localities and anyone who read an add came buy our home. This weekend our street had a neighborhood yard sale. People came by offering nickels and dimes and other small bills from the things we no longer want. I am happy to say that most of the ‘stuff’ we were able to get rid of. However, today is Sunday and we have some things left over.

Cleaning House

Before the culmination of the last two days there had to be decisions on what was valuable and what others would want. What could be kept and thrown away. That process took weeks. Yet, starting to go through the junk for a simple garage sale wasn’t so simple. At the same time it allowed me to find other things. Clean out parts of the house and garage that needed to be cleaned.

Spring Cleaning

To compare this to work is very easy. Maybe there are some things in your office, at your work station that you need to remove, box up or maybe give to a co-worker that could really use it.

For those that are “location-neutral,” working out of your home, remotely, traveling to and from – from city to city or driving your car from appointment to appointment – maybe you could stand to get rid of some things that no longer belong or add value to your space.

Letting it go

It will be hard to get rid of some things. Especially if what you hold in your hand, when trying to make a decision, has been with you for a few years or more. That planted geranium that you bought and placed in the corner when you first started. The old picture of your anniversary and employee of the month certificate. Maybe it is a desk calendar that holds the writing of some important project or  number (while the date is from 3 years ago or older). Regardless maybe it is time for you to clean it all out, make a decision on what you need to keep and what needs to go.

Not always easy

When I was laid off from my last job, I knew a year out that it would possibly happen. I could see the affect of the economy on the business. I saw my budget and P&L lines decrease slowly. I prepared. But even though I knew and had time, it was still not easy to decide between what I would put in a box to take with me or what I could leave.

Start off the week with some Spring Cleaning

Monday, when you get back to your space and begin the week, take about an hour to do some spring cleaning.

Are you doing anything now to clean house? How will you put things in order?

So I was a guest on this little show DriveThruHR maybe you’ve heard of it or maybe not. Either way, it takes place every day from 12pm – 12:30 EST. Discussing anything related to the Human Resources industry. From benefits to compensation and management,etc. Well he realized that not once in his (Bryan Wempen) whole archive of show (60 +) had he ever talked about Learning and Development, Training or OD. Personally I think we mention Training but never really give it the depth it deserves.

So this is my 30 minute spot. We focused on some background of where the business has been within Training and Development. We then moved on to focus on the un-conference and it’s place in providing value to the business and personal development.

We plan on doing a series, breaking down the overwhelming topic more over the upcoming weeks. Look out for it in the coming weeks.

A promo begins and then its the show. I think the best part is the music

Click Here to Listen (For RSS)

Let me or him know what you think. Good or bad, adjustment is always good.

Your 15 seconds of Zen

The most inspiring thing ever said by management

Think about these words and go on with your week!

Twitter: @BenjaminMcCall