September 2016 Newsletter
 FREE Resource
 
12 Really Good Reasons To Ask For Help 
 
I'll admit it. I wasn't always as willing to seek insight, advice, or guidance from others. I'm just glad I was willing to change.

If you're one of those people who still believes that asking for help is just a sign of weakness, check out my resource:

 12 Really Good Reasons To Ask For Help
    
Featured
Testimonial 

Thank you so much for your presentation! I received great verbal feedback. I think the faculty have a much better understanding of the strategic planning process due to your efforts.

People stated that they had never attended a program about embracing change in the manner you presented it. Thanks again for everything!
 
Kathi Shepherd 
University of Detroit Mercy
School of Dentistry  
 
  
Favorite Quotes 

A single conversation with a wise man during the eating of a meal, is better than ten years' mere study of books.
-Chinese Proverb 

Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn't be done.
-Amelia Earhart

No one was ever wise by chance.
-Seneca

Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who will argue with you.
-John Wooden

From the errors of others, a wise man corrects his own.
-Publilius Syrus

Quick Tip

Three Ways To Help Millennials Succeed As Leaders

Design leadership development training for their learning style. Focus more on the "do" and less on the "know."

 

Make soft skills improvement a priority. Here's an article that offers an excellent list of the soft skills leaders need to have today.

 

Provide more project-based "stretch" assignments. This gives you and them the chance to determine their strengths and areas for improvement before they are in a more permanent leadership role. 

 

Quick Links

Update On New Book 



August was the month for rewriting based on the feedback I got from individuals who read the original manuscript. Their suggestions for improvement were incredible!

The manuscript is now being professionally edited.

If you want to see some of the leadership competencies "growing" out of the book, click the link below:

Always Growing Leadership Competencies
 

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How To Help People Help You Reach Your Goals


"Utilize your resources!" While the conversation where I kept repeating that phrase was with a twenty-something investigating possible career options, it could have been with a 64 year old planning what they would retire "to" after leaving the workplace.

We all have goals we want to achieve at work and in our personal lives but get stuck when mapping out the steps to reach them. My strongest advice in those situations is always to utilize your resources, and I believe one of the most untapped resources we have are the people with whom we work and live.

If you're feeling a little lost or unsure where to go next in pursuit of your goals, use the seven steps below to begin getting the clarity, confidence, and direction you need from those around you.


Ask.
The idea of asking someone for their help remains the biggest obstacle to overcome for many people. We rationalize that they are too busy or won't be interested. My philosophy is to trust people enough to say "No." Let them make that choice. If you're really concerned about the size of the "ask," determine a way to reduce it.

Make it personal.
No eloquent words written in an email or message can replace the warmth of a phone call or better yet, a face to face encounter.(Tweet this) When possible, use technology to set a meeting date or time, but use a more personal setting for the conversation so they can hear (or see) your enthusiasm and you can better gauge their level of interest in helping you.

Be specific with your expectations.
We've all been burned with thinking we were signing up for one level of commitment and then finding out it was something very different. Let them know how much of their time you are expecting to take, and don't take a second more if possible. If you respect the value of people's time, they will be much more likely to assist you again in the future.

Give them time.
I received a call from someone a couple weeks ago who was thinking of a career change and wanted my advice. Unfortunately, they had already quit their current job and headed off in this new direction. Our conversation was short.

As I have said before, I think most people genuinely want to help others achieve their goals. But they are busy, and need time to reflect on what ideas, insights, or actions they believe would be most beneficial to you. People want to know you value their advice. Show them you do by giving them adequate time to think and respond to your questions or inquiry.

Listen.
While their choice of action may be very different than the one you are contemplating, don't try to convince them your way would be better. Listen more for the "why" and less of the "what" that drove (or is driving) their choices.

Provide progress reports.
Ever been watching a really engaging movie.. and then something happens so you don't see the ending? It drives me crazy! It's a similar experience for many people when they invest the time to help someone, but never find out if their input was beneficial. Let people know how you are specifically using what they gave you to move your goals closer to reality. 

Show your gratitude.
Even if the help they gave you was suggesting someone else, say thanks in some unique way. Here are some I use that work for me:
  • Personalized thank you notes. I print on card stock, cut to size, and write a handwritten note.
  • A tin of hand-rolled ginger crisp cookies from North Carolina. 
  • Donate in their honor to Victory Junction Camp (or a cause that's important to them)

The most important way to show your gratitude, however, is to take that next step toward your goal using something you learned from them. And when you get stuck again, well... utilize your resources!

 

Where do you need to better utilize your resources so you can move forward with a goal or idea? 

 
 
Featured Video 


With summer winding down and moving into more normal schedules, it's easy to get overwhelmed as you look at your calendar for the fall. Here are three suggestions to help maintain your sanity.

To make sure you don't miss any "Insights From The Jones Zone," click here to sign up for the weekly video series.
 

Product/Service Highlight
  

Client Spotlight: Growing Change


In June, a team of leaders from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry heard me speak at a American Dental Education Association conference. As they heard me speak about "Gearing up for change and innovation," they recognized my message would be perfect for their organization.
 
The school is in the process of creating a five year strategic plan. These leaders saw my presentation as offering leaders at the school a way to identify and take the appropriate action steps to carry out their role in the strategic plan.
 
In August, I delivered a training session based on "Always Growing" to the leaders and directors of the organization. Later that day participants broke out into four "teaching and learning best practice pods" as a mechanism for identifying and implementing change for their areas of responsibility. The afternoon session included applying the model to their specific situation.

If helping the people in your organization lead and manage change more effectively is on your wish list, I'd welcome the chance to talk with you about the possibilities. Give me a call at 800-853-4676 or send me an email
 
  
In Partnership And With Gratitude,

Jones
 


You are receiving this newsletter because you have inquired about the speaking and training programs offered by Jones Loflin, received a copy of one of his books, Getting the Blue Ribbon, Juggling Elephants, or Getting to It, or signed up for his newsletter. To schedule Jones for a keynote or training program for your organization, email us or call 800-853-4676.

 

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