Greetings!
No matter what the circumstance we find ourselves in, there is usually that one defining moment -- good or bad -- that can be a life changing experience for us. In this edition, we look at connections between memorable life events and how they can drive personal and professional growth. Enjoy!
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Defining Moments
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Earlier this month, Ted "The Man with the Golden Voice" Williams addressed a crowd of educators at their annual association conference in Columbus, Ohio. To look at Williams now, one would never suspect that he had spent 17 years on the street homeless, battling drug and alcohol addictions. At the age of 52, Williams was pan handling on a Ohio Street when Doral Chenoweth of the Columbus Dispatch video taped an interview with Williams. The video of Williams' and his unmistakable voice ultimately ended up on YouTube and went viral. The YouTube video was the start of a series of life altering events for Williams -- from being homeless to landing a job doing voice-overs for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, to becoming a nationally recognized celebrity. With all of the attention Williams received in 2011, his chance meeting with Chenoweth was not the defining moment in Williams' life. The defining moment came when Williams decided he was "ready" to return to rehab (after walking out after only eight days in the first time) and get his life together. Faith in God combined with his and his mother's prayers helped Ted Williams stay on a path that lead to his successful return to a career as an announcer. Not only did he ink a deal with Kraft Foods, but he has written a book, appeared on several television shows, is in talks to become "the voice" for a sports team, and started a foundation to help the homeless.
You may not have traveled down a tumultuous path like Ted Williams, but there has probably been one event that changed the course of your life. What is your defining moment?
Join the conversation and send us your story. We will post your responses in our next addition and on the SuccessZone Blog. |
Professional Development: Getting to the Next Level |
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"The way we act under pressure proves whether we are ready to go to the next level." Joyce Meyer
In the age of makeovers and things reemerging as something else, we hear phrases like "forty is the new thirty" and "$4 million is the new $1 million" etc. How have you been transformed from mere employee into the "new" professional who is revered for your expert knowledge and business acumen. With that sentiment in mind, we begin to examine the relationship between professional development, next level leadership,and how individuals transition between the two.
Think back to when you were first hired and where you are in your career today. Did you take that first position as just a job; a way to pay the bills and put some money in your pockets? Or did you see that first position as an opportunity for professional growth; the first step on the path to achieving your career goals? When and how did you transition from seeing what you did as "just a job" to something that was meaningful, rewarding work?
Connecting the Dots...Developing Professionals into Next Level Leaders discusses the relationship between continuous improvement, (aka professional development), and how to prepare to move to the next level in one's career. To view a clip of Dr. Pinkey talking about making that connection go to www.successzone.biz
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