What's Wrong With Hope?

Throughout most of the past nine months, we've heard a lot about hope. From Obama's "The Audacity of Hope" to both Democratic Presidential candidates inclusion of "Change" in their campaign slogans, to the popularity of Joel Osteen. However, despite the many voices of encouragement and visions of a better and brighter future, there are probably just as many voices shouting words of skepticism, discouragement and heresy.

Why do people feel offering "Hope" to those who may have previously had none is "false hope"? If you encourage others to imagine a future which includes what they wish for and dream of, is this wrong? If I have the "audacity" to hope for more than what is, to dream of all that could be or to envision what has never been, what's wrong with that? What's wrong with believing turning hope into reality is possible and working to make it so?

"Hope" is what encouraged Europeans to make the journey to The New World. "Hope" is what kept Africans believing they'd one day be able to escape the inhumane treatment of slavery. An end to military conflicts, a chief executive with concern for the "everyday person", job security and better education are what many voters "Hope" for. Yet, there are the naysayers who issue their discouragements with statements like, "Be realistic" or "You can't have change for change's sake".

There's much that is broken and needs to be fixed. There's much that isn't broken, but should be fixed anyway. There's also much that is great and wonderful. Here's the thing. We'll never know how much we are capable of or how great we can be until we stretch beyond what's comfortable. As individuals, as families, as organizations, as Americans, let's become more hopeful and look for ways to go beyond where we are. Let's imagine who and what we can be. Let's "Hope" for the opportunity to keep growing and learning everyday.

May all your todays and tomorrows be filled with "Hope".

Kennette Reed
http://www.resiliencecoach.com/

Stand Tall

"You have to have confidence in your ability, and then be tough enough to follow through."
Rosalyn Carter

Stand Tall

One of the biggest challenges we face is hanging in there when life doesn't go as we expected. Too often, we give up when we're closer to reaching our goals than we realize. When you feel like giving up, Stand Tall. When fear knots your stomach, Stand Tall. When others tell you it can't be done, Stand Tall. Persevere. When the going gets tough, Stand Tall for what you believe in. Stand Tall in the face of adversity.

Regardless of appearances, stay focused on where you want to go. It doesn't matter where you are now, where you've been or what other think about who you are. Keep the finish line in your mind's eye. If you should start to lose sight of your vision, direction or goal, here are some ways you can Stand Tall:

• Stay true to who you are, not what others want you to be.
• Do what's right, regardless of whether it's politically correct, or the "in" thing to do.
• Be kind to others, even when they may not have offered you the same courtesy.
• Take a risk, even if the outcome is uncertain. This "stepping out on faith" may be just what your spirit needs.
• Find ways to become more self-sufficient. Doing this may be uncomfortable, but you will stimulate personal growth and creativity.

Go for your dreams. Do something everyday that draws you closer to the life you dream about.

What are you waiting for? Beginning now, find more opportunities to Stand Tall, Get Tough, & Be All You Were Meant To Be. It all starts with a choice. You are the only one who gets to choose for you. Go ahead, choose your dreams and Stand Tall!

Kennette Reed

Work What You've Got

"Na na work what you got

I'm talking bout things that I know

Na na work what you got

It's okay show yourself some love

Na na work what you got

Don't worry bout who's saying what

It's gonna be fine

Work what you got"
Sung by, Mary J. Blige
From the album, "Growing Pains"

There Is Only One You
Each of us is unique and special. It is this external and internal diversity that makes the world interesting. Learning to appreciate our individual differences, moves us toward finding ways to best utilize them.

Not looking like some of the people in magazines or on television, makes us no less interesting or beautiful. The very attributes we dislike can be "worked" to our advantage. I've heard people say they dislike their:

• Freckles
• Height
• Hair color
• Larger than average size feet
• Weight
• Job
• Poor vision (and the need for glasses)

It's possible to change, enhance or eliminate some of the above, but you can also "play the hand you've been dealt".

Work What You've Got
If you've got it, find a way to make it work for you. Work what you've got. Use your freckles, height, hair color, size, glasses or job to your best advantage. Show the world you can proudly dress your tall frame, work you hair color so it looks like a crown of glory or find a store that sells stylish shoes for the above average shoe size.
If you're not loving your job, until you make a change, work what you've got. Choose projects you find interesting and use them to help you shine. If you can't choose your own projects, do an outstanding job with the projects you're given.

It's not just about making lemonade when you're given lemons. It's about "working" whatever you are working with. Can't afford that new car you want? Then work the old one. Make it the best looking older car on the road.
Want to get rid of a few pounds? In the meantime, work the body you've got. Dress your best and look fabulous, regardless of your size.

It's about knowing "it's all good". Show the world you appreciate all that you are and all that you have, regardless of the opinions or thoughts of others. Go ahead, Work What You've Got!

If you're uncertain as to how to work what you've got, give me a call. We can work on it together. With my support, you'll begin appreciating and working what you've got in no time. Don't wait. Use this link to review and complete our Coaching Intake Form or phone me today at: 510-352-2121 or 678-344-6373.

Kennette Reed

Managing Performance, Not Personalities

Yesterday, I conducted a training with participants from multiple companies. The training was the first part of a series of Leadership Academy classes. During the early part of the class, one of the participants expressed her confusion. The instruction was contradicting the directives her company's HR department had issued to all managers.

She went on to say, she'd just been instructed by HR to only evaluate people based on performance. All supervisors and managers had been told they should no longer deal with people on a personal level or try to build relationships. Supervisor and managers were to only speak with employees about their performance and keep conversations strictly about business. Individual differences were not to be considered and should not be part of the evaluation process.

Since this portion of the class was titled, Communicating With Employees, there was obviously some conflict between effective communications techniques and the instruction HR was giving. How do you effectively communicate with someone without taking the time to learn:

• Who they are
• What's important to them
• Their personal style

How can you motivate someone if you don't know:

• What their goals are
• Their work style
• What they value

This information can only be obtained through conversation, relationship building and over time. Building a better understanding of the individual and utilizing that information to support them is how supervisor and managers help others reach higher levels of performance.

Look at those who are considered to be the most successful leaders. They have been successful because of their ability to:

• Bring out the best in people
• Manage personalities to effectively meet departmental, organizational and personal goals

The only way to discover people's best is to learn who the individual truly is. You discover:

• What strengths do they bring?
• What are their goals / aspirations?
• How can their strenghts, skills and experiences best benefit both the organization, the department and the individual?

We bring all of who we are to our work. Those who manage must learn that the most challenging part of the job is the people piece. Learning to manage different personalities, styles and levels of understanding will provide the most frustration, reward and personal growth. If managers are not allowed to learn who we are and use that information to benefit both the organization and the individual, everyone will miss valuable learning and growth opportunities. If we strip away opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of the individual, we might as well have an office filled with robots.

How successful would any organization be if it were staffed with emotionless, computer programmed robots? Have you called tech support lately, and spoken with an off-shore representative who's trying to hide their accent, has changed their name to an American sounding name, obviously doesn't have a clue what your issue is or how to assist you and continues to provide scripted responses? How frustrating has that experience been? That's how successful an office would be, if it were devoid of personalities.

What do you think? Should personalities come into play? Is it possible to effectively manage without taking personalities into consideration?

Kennette Reed

New Book Released! How to Get Your Book Published

Special Announcement

This is a quick note to let you know I've just released my latest book, From Idea to Author: How to Become Successfully Published. From Idea to Author is now available in downloadable ebook format. For the next 10 days ONLY, this book (over 190 pages) is available for only $14.95. After 10 days, the price will increase to $24.95.

If you've ever:

• Thought of writing a book, but haven't
• Started a book, but never finished
• Finished a book, but never got it published
• Published a book, but didn't get the sales results you hoped

This book is for you. Learn how to go from Idea to Published Author. From Idea to Author is filled with the steps and information you need to get your book written, published, distributed, in bookstores and selling.

Order your copy today! To get more information and view a book trailer, use this link http://www.ideatoauthor.com/ . If you or someone you know has dreamed of becoming a published author, this book is for you. Get more details at http://www.ideatoauthor.com/

Order in the next 10 days, before the price increases. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Kennette Reed
kreed@kennettereed.com
678-344-6373

It's About Who Knows That You Know

As someone who is growing a business in a new locale, I'm very aware of the time, energy and relationship building it takes to turn a business idea into a viable enterprise. Yes, it's very important to be a knowledge leader in your field, but if no one knows who you are, what knowledge you have and how that knowledge can benefit them, you'll not be on their radar.

Establishing yourself as an expert involves utilizing a wide variety of marketing and relationship building efforts. All of them take time, persistence, creativity, research, analysis and faith. Here are just a few ideas to consider:

• Article Writing - Placing articles in trade publications, magazines, newspapers and on other websites
• Speaking - For local and national organizations, conferences, tradeshows, etc.
• Interviews - This includes radio, t.v. and being interviewed as an expert by a reporter/writer of an article
• Advertising - Web ads (banners, etc.), Google ads (and similar types), display ads in newspapers/trade publications, etc.
• Authoring Books - Getting a book published related to your expertise and in doing so, creating an additional revenue stream
• Networking - Attending events where your target market may be and meeting people who are decision makers
• Volunteering - Working with decision makers in organizations related to your area of expertise. This provides an opportunity for others to get to know you and your skills
• Keeping in touch - Keeping connected to business contacts and keeping them abreast of your offerings
• Producing Related Products - Producing other products that may be of interest to your target market and in doing so, creating an additional revenue stream
• Newsletters & Blogs - Creating opportunities to write about your area of specialty and through subscriptions, making regular contact with your target audience
• Whitepapers/Special Reports - Writing about your area of expertise and making the paper or report available as either a Free item or an incentive in exchange for subscribing to your newsletter
• Adding an Advertising Signature to Your Emails - Using your email program, add a permanent signature line that is included in every email response you send. Use it to market your website, products or events by including links

These are just a few of the many ways you can market your services. Most of them are free or low-cost marketing tactics. The key is to be consistent.

It is important to include "Author Info" at the end of each post, article, book, whitepaper, newsletter or blog. This should include info about you, your books, products, services, website and how to reach you.

Better get going. You've got a lot to do.

Kennette Reed
http://www.resiliencecoach.com/
http://www.kennettereed.com/
http://www.discoveringyourpassion.com/
http://www.stepsalongyourpath.com/

After The Storm

"In our lives there is bound to come some pain, surely as there are storms and falling rain;

just believe that the one who holds the storms will bring the sun."

author, unknown

This past weekend, the Atlanta area was hit by a storm that shouldn't have occurred. You see, no one would have ever thought a tornado would hit the downtown Atlanta area. It wasn't something that most people would have ever imagined. The news reports of the damage, property loss, injury and loss of life are heart wrenching.

Please reach out to those you know who are in the Atlanta area. Make sure they are safe. For those who have experienced losses due to the storm, please put them in your prayers, offer them assistance and lend support. This experience will be one none of us will ever forget. Let your empathy and generosity be part of the memory. Offer assistance to storm victims and volunteer to assist with clean up or help victims by provding clothing, food or shelter.

We're all in this together.

Kennette Reed
http://www.resiliencecoach.com
http://www.kennettereed.com
http://www.discoveringyourpassion.com
http://www.stepsalongyourpath.com