Bridges Edition of 2/7/2005

Welcome to Bridges, a monthly newsletter published by Robin Fogel,
Performance Enhancement and Career 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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Happy February
The groundhog saw his shadow. If you are one of the millions affected by SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a type of winter depression caused by shortened hours of daylight and lack of sunlight, take heart. Remember only six more weeks of winter. Those days really are getting longer.

Last month's newsletter focused on setting goals instead of those once a year New Year's resolutions.
- What successes have you had over the month identifying and accomplishing your goals?
- What roadblocks do you need to be aware of before they slow your progress?
- What is the one thing you have put off doing that would improve the chance of attaining your goals?

Barry Neil Kaufman wrote in "Happiness is a Choice", "The way we chose to see the world creates the world we see".

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

In preparation for a workshop I'll be attending in Boston this month to get certified to offer the Hay Associates Emotional Intelligence/360 assessment, I have been rereading Daniel Goleman's classic "Emotional Intelligence, Why it can matter more than IQ", and Hendrie Weisinger's "Emotional Intelligence at Work". Experts now indicate that emotional intelligence (EI) is one of the crucial factors when determining success in the workplace and in life.

So what is EI and why does it matter? A quick take -people who have a high emotional intelligence have a couple of things. They have great people skills; understand their own emotions and how to channel them. In short, they have the ability to manage themselves. Think of all the brilliant people you know who have that high IQ but are lacking in the interpersonal skills needed to influence or work with others; or aren't motivated or disciplined, and have difficulty accomplishing tasks.

If you feel your emotional intelligence quotient is hindering your career advancement or the effectiveness of someone in your company, remember EI is not fixed at birth. It can be learned and developed. Give me a call. I would be delighted to talk about the steps you can take to increase your EI.

STRESS and FRIENDSHIP

Last year a colleague forwarded a link to a study conducted at UCLA on the relationship between friendship and stress in women. The study found that women react to stress differently than men. There was much written in the article about brain chemicals and a "tend and befriend" notion. The bottom line of the study was that "social ties reduce the risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol...friends help women live longer". The dilemma for many is to find time for friends when everyone is so busy. Now we know that not making the time might be a huge mistake. It might affect our health.

PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT COACHING

Your company may have an employee who has been identified as a rising star, yet one who could benefit from one on one attention. Performance enhancement coaching allows them to develop specified skill areas faster. Communication, leadership, and being better organized are only a few areas that can be developed. It's a win-win. Your organization benefits because the employee is ready sooner for additional or more senior responsibilities. The employee benefits and is delighted because you have demonstrated that you value them and think they are key to your organization's success. Contact me if you would like to learn more.

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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, email me at robin@coachrobinfogel.com

Final Thought
Behold the turtle...he makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.
-James B. Connant

Have a wonderful month and a Happy President's Day and Valentine's Day
COPYRIGHT: 2005, 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.