Author: Brian Smith - Power Link Dynamics

Are you searching for a keynote speaker who specializes in soft-skills training and leadership development or planning a training session at your location. Brian Smith works with those who want to learn to communicate and interact more effectively, build collaborative teams, resolve conflict or motivate others to perform at their best. Brian is recognized as one of The Top 200 Biggest Voices on Leadership. All four of his books are available on Amazon in print and e-reader formats. To learn about Brian and what he can do for you and your organization visit - https://briansmithpld.com or email him directly at brian@briansmithpld.com.

All Posts by Brian Smith - Power Link Dynamics

An Open Letter To Annie – The One That Got Away 4

Personal Development, Uncategorized • Tags: ,

Every time I hear that Katy Perry song – “The One That Got Away” I think of Annie. I’m sure we’ve all had that one person in our lives who we let get away for what ever reason. Blame it on bad timing, those outside forces that pulled you apart or there where just too many obstacles in your way so you gave up and moved on.

“The bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn” – Amanda Kane

We are all running out of tomorrows. Banish the words shoulda, coulda, woulda from your vocabulary. Muster up the courage to step out of your comfort zone. Have enough faith and confidence in yourself that you will bounce back no matter the outcome. After all – what’s the worst thing that could happen? So big deal – you fell short of what you set out to accomplish. Don’t let your “Annie” get away. You want to make sure that when it’s your turn to make that final journey to a higher plain that you can look back on your life with no regrets.

“The only limits to the possibilities in your life tomorrow is the “Buts” you use today” – Author Unknown

I have more years behind me than in front of me. It’s hard to connect the dots looking forward. It’s only when we slow down or stop to reflect on our past – that we see the path that we’ve taken and the legacy we will leave behind. It is only then that we think about those missed opportunities – the “if only’s” we let get away. It’s rare that we get a second opportunity in life to right a wrong. The next time you have a chance to grab the brass ring – don’t blink – don’t hesitate – not even for a second – just do it. Just do it because no matter the outcome you are far better off for having done it – then not.

You Are What You Consistently Do 2

Leadership Development, Personal Development, Uncategorized • Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Every successful business has one. It defines who they are, what they are all about and how they expect everyone who works for the organization to conduct themselves. Their mission statement gives them a sense of purpose – a beacon that keeps them on course. Successful businesses never waver from it, not even for a moment. Every decision they make must be a reflection of it or they won’t do it. They must be true to it no matter what because to deviate from it would send out the wrong message. Successful businesses create it by putting a great deal of thought into it to ensure that it will stand up to any test. That it is a true reflection of what they believe is their reason for being. I’m talking about an organization’s mission statement. A declaration to their staff, clients and potential customers what they can expect if and when they choose to do business with them.

“Once you know the “Why” – the “How” will become clear”

You are in charge of “You” Inc. You are the President, CEO and Chairperson of you. What is your mission statement? Why are you here? What are you wanting to accomplish? Are you being true to you and what you’ve set out to be? Or are you veering off the course you set for yourself and need to make an adjustment to get back on track? Remember – It’s never too late to start a new beginning. It’s never to late to adjust your sails and steer your rutter in the right direction. One day you will wake up and there won’t be any more time to do the things you’ve always wanted to do. To be the person you wanted to be. Take a moment to reflect, recharge and rededicate yourself to completing your “Mission” in life. To living a purposeful life – a life a purpose.

“It is only when a person has their own generator that we can talk about motivation. He then needs no outside stimulation. He wants to do it” – Frederick Herzberg

Ask yourself – What do you want? What are you looking to accomplish? And what are you prepared to do to make it happen? The words coulda – shoulda – woulda – must not be part of your vocabulary. You are what you consistently do. Do those things that will help you fulfill your mission in life. Do those things that will help you live a purposeful life – the life that you envisioned for yourself. The more that you do them – the more they will become you. And I promise you – you will be better for it and so will the people around you. Cheers, 🙂

The “Secret” is a Load of Crap 5

Coping with Stress, Leadership Development, Uncategorized • Tags: , , , , , , ,

The “Secret” is a load of crap – not my words – but I get Larry Winget’s point. Just because you think about success doesn’t mean you will be successful. Success in any undertaking is hard work. Which is why most people aren’t as successful as they could be because they aren’t willing to put in the effort. Success is a planned event. If you aren’t willing to put in the time than don’t waste your time. Wishing and hoping won’t make it so. Success and being successful is a planned event.

“A good goal is like a strenuous exercise … it makes you stretch” – Mary Kay Ash

Dreams are goals with timelines. Here are some basic guidelines on setting goals. Remember to always start with the end in mind and walk your plan backwards to the here-and-now. Think of the plan as setting a SMART target.

S – Specific: Write down what you want to achieve. Don’t generalize. As Dr. Phil would say – “You’ve got to name it to claim it”. If you want to lose weight – how much weight? If you want to save money – how much money?

M – Measurable: You’ve got to be able to measure your progress. Break your target down into bite size pieces. What results do you expect to see in a week, month or in a 3-month period? If you don’t measure your progress you’ll never know if your plan is going to get the desired results. Anyone can eat an elephant – one bite at a time.

A – Attainable: Don’t set yourself up for failure. Don’t commit to completing a task in 20 minutes if you think it might take 40. Keep in mind that it’s not a sprint – it’s a marathon – be patient.

R – Realistic: To lose 20 pounds in a week might not be healthy or realistic. To lose one pound in a week may be more in line. The task must be do-able. If you think you can – or can’t accomplish the task – you’re right. You need to become your biggest cheer leader. (The little train that could)

T – Time-based: An expected date of completion is a great motivator. It helps us to create a sense of urgency. It gives us a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Keep in mind that there may be some unexpected road blocks along the way and you may have to adjust your time-line to account for those delays and detours.

Be sure to commit your plan to writing. It will give you something to refer back if you find yourself getting sidetracked or lose sight of why you are doing it in the first place. By putting it in writing you’ve given your plan the same status that you’d give any contractual agreement. Think of your written plan as a contract you’ve made with yourself.

“Planning is as natural to the process of success as its absence is to the process of failure.” – Robin Sieger

The “Secret” is – there is no secret. Nothing worthwhile achieving comes by chance. Have a plan and work your plan. Set a SMART target. – Cheers, 🙂

Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak – The Top Ten Sins Most Managers Make – August 16, 2012

Uncategorized

Your success and the over all success of your organization will depend on your ability to teach, coach and mentor your team members so they can realize their full potential. You must be able to communicate, educate and delegate effectively. Great managers and leaders aren’t born – they’re made. Register for my August 16 “Free” one-hour webinar and receive a copy of my book – “Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak – The Top Ten Sins Most Managers Make & How to Avoid Them” just for signing up. Don’t put your career at risk. Learn to manage the 21st Century way.

Confessions of a Reformed Control Freak – The Top Ten Sins Most Managers Make by – August 16, 2012.