Energizer Bunny or Human Drano?

I can’t seem to stop writing about people smarts, probably because it is my passion. I teach what I most have to learn. The quality of our life depends on how people feel in your presence. Motivated and inspired or discouraged and drained?

People feel more motivated and engaged when:

• We know their name.

• We acknowledge their presence such as a nod and a genuine smile.

• We make mental notes of interests and hobbies for the next time we connect to show we actually listened and cared.

Are you the energizer bunny or the human drano?

Being the energizing bunny has given me a better quality of life and more joy.

© 2013. All rights reserved worldwide.

Engaging the Mind and the Heart Basics

People smarts would be easy if it weren’t for the people. People smarts is not complicated. By engaging your mind and heart, you engage others’ minds and hearts.

Actions that reap rewards include:

• Be nice to everyone, it is a small world.

• Do what is honest and right consistently, even when no one is looking. Truth is someone is always looking.

• Give credit and sincere praise.

• Be a solution finder. Blame never earned respect or brownie points.

• Follow-through on your commitments. If by chance you cannot make your commitment, give an early heads-up, an apology and tell them what you can do.

Be engaging!

© 2013. All rights reserved worldwide.

Be Greater with Feedback

I learn, grow and am stronger with feedback.

I finally came to the AHA that receiving all types of feedback are gifts, regardless of how it might feel at the moment. Sure, I am the first to admit it is heart-warming to receive encouragement and praise for a job well done. And constructive feedback is great, too, because it helps me change my behavior. And while criticism sucks, it is a powerful valuable source of information.

Information is power.

These are my secrets for keeping my cool when being criticized.

• Breathe. Count to 10 then breathe some more.

• Listen without making excuses or becoming defensive.

• Summarize what I’ve heard.

• Share my thoughts and feelings about the feedback. Discuss as appropriate.

• Say “thanks.”

There is usually at least a grain of truth amidst the criticism. I make the appropriate changes.

Because others sense they can give me feedback without invoking a strong negative reaction, I am greater.

© 2013. All rights reserved worldwide.