Bridges Edition of 11/8/2004

Welcome to Bridges, a monthly newsletter published by Robin Fogel, Career and Business Coach. My goal is that this newsletter be filled with practical information that you can use in your work and in your life. If you enjoyed the newsletter please forward it to your colleagues, friends and family.

If you would like to know more about coaching, please email me at robin@coachrobinfogel.com and/or visit my website www.coachrobinfogel.com.
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I had the pleasure to deliver two employee development workshops in October. In preparation I reread parts of Charisma, 7 Keys to Developing the Magnetism That Leads to Success by Tony Alessandra. While his title is a mouthful, I thought he made some excellent points about communication and success. He suggests that you start by being clear about what you want. Then he writes:

- Learn to shift the focus to others,
- Be quick to compliment,
- Train yourself to remember other people's names,
- Empower others,
- Communicate positive energy,
- Listen to your audience, and
- Hone your sense of humor.

When you think about the successful people you know, I suspect they employ many of the techniques that Mr. Alessandra outlined.

Procrastination
On my desk I have a 3x5 card that says, "What action do I most want to avoid doing today?" It is a trick I use to identify the task I am putting off doing. In many situations more time goes into stalling, avoiding, procrastinating than the time it would take to complete the actual task.

I'm working on an article about ways to avoid procrastinating. Here are a few tips: 1) admit that you are procrastinating, 2) break the task into small pieces and start with one of those small steps, 3) delegate the task to someone who might enjoy it.

If you have some special trick you use and are willing to share, please send me an email. And it you'd like a copy of 10 Tips to Avoid Procrastination send me an email and I'll send the tips when I stop procrastinating and finish the article.

Holiday Ideas
As we approach the holiday season there is a huge commercial push to get consumers to buy gifts. Before you hit the stores and overspend your budget, figure out what you want to and can afford to spend. It really is the thought that counts, so this year consider some other options.
-Make a donation to a charity in your friend or colleague's name instead of giving another thing.
-Give a gift of yourself. Think about some service you offer and give a gift certificate for your time. Give a lesson in something you know well- computer software, accounting, knitting, music.
-Give a gift certificate for a service that someone could use. A busy executive might like a gift certificate for a personal chef visit or home delivery of restaurant meals.
-Consider giving a handmade gift or a gift of food you've made yourself.

Performance Enhancement Coaching
Your company's most valued resource is its employees. Performance enhancement coaching is designed to support and develop high potential employees. Please email or call me to learn how this service may have application for your business.

I appreciate your comments and feedback on this newsletter, please keep them coming. If there is a topic you would like to hear more about let me know.

Thanksgiving may be my favorite holiday, gathering together to give thanks for all we have, eating great food, and spending time with family and friends. I wish you and yours the happiest of Thanksgivings

COPYRIGHT: 2004, Robin Fogel & Assoc., LLC. All Rights Reserved. May be distributed and reprinted in its entirety with copyright, subscription instructions, and contact information intact. However, you may not copy it to a website.