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Dear ,
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Welcome to Iss  ue 101. If you did not receive a previous issue, you may use the archive link below to view it now. The mission of "Marvelous Mondays" is to offer an inspirational thought, a practical exercise, some humor, or a simple tip to jump-start your week and to enhance your life, business, outlook or relationships. Please feel free to forward "Marvelous Mondays" to others who will enjoy it.
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OPENING UP
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 In this season of opening up gifts, let's flip it around and discuss the gift of opening up.
As families and friends come together during the holidays, there are wonderful opportunities for substantive sharing and conversations with children, parents, siblings, in-laws, and others. Most of us don't like to take advice; yet, when we listen to others we have a tendency to want to give advice.
There are two approaches in substantive conversations, the TAR or the AOA.
The TAR approach: - tells someone what to do
- advises them what to do
- rescues someone
Just like covering a driveway with tar, the TAR aproach seals off any real insights.
The other approach is the AOA approach which: - asks questions
- opens up the other person to possibilities
- assists the other person
Which approach do you think requires more effort but gets a lot more results?
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EXERCISE
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During the holidays, you'll have opportunities to use the AOA approach in listening to others. I invite you to consider some of the following questions I use in coaching:
- What factors have you considered? [Asking someone "why" usually puts them on the defensive.]
- What other options do you have?
- Is your decision going to get you where you want to be?
- Is there another way?
This is a new approach for most people, so don't expect to master this in just a few weeks. It is always a work in process. Of course, I'd love to hear your experiences with this exercise.
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"You have the greatness and the power.
I just help you turn on the switch"
- John S. Gordon
Business and Personal Coach
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JOHN'S BIO
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John Gordon is the owner of several businesses and a family law practice, which is the 3rd oldest (1881) Kansas City based law firm. He coaches business owners, executives, entrepreneurs and professionals. He also coaches persons in career transition or who are considering retirement. He is also a personal coach.
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Did you miss a previous issue of Marvelous Mondays?
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