Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Gratitude in Words and Deeds

“Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.”

Theodore Roosevelt

I’m hearing from friends and clients worldwide that they are facing economic challenges beyond anything they’ve ever experienced. It’s a tough time for many of us.

As we celebrate the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving, perhaps this is an excellent time to remind ourselves to express gratitude for our many blessings. Even though there are more than enough stresses in our busy lives, we are blessed beyond measure.

Ultimately we are social beings. Our families, friends and colleagues support and nourish us so find a time over the next few days to say “Thank You. Thank you for the gift you are in my life.” And, following President Roosevelt’s counsel, find a family in need or a local charity to support with your hands or by opening your wallet!

My friend the late John Denver wrote (and sang) following his experience of one of our seminars...

The gift you are, like the very first breath of spring
The gift you are, all the joy that love can bring
The gift you are, all of our dreams come true
The gift you are, the gift of you

You and your support are a gift to me and I am profoundly grateful. Thank you!

With love and respect,

Robert

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Do you Hold People Accountable for Keeping Commitments or Communicating Directly and Honestly?

“When I hold you accountable with direct, even seemingly brutal honesty, I’m being a true friend, a great boss or a committed parent.” Robert White

A challenge for many people is either holding people – family, colleagues, vendors – accountable for their commitments OR communicating directly and honestly...OR BOTH!

This is a key consciousness and skill set that everyone in a leadership role absolutely must gain a level of mastery and then consistently and powerfully “do it.” No denial. No excuses. No delay.

My experience with myself and with my executive coaching clients conclusively proves that the source of this reluctance to holding people accountable and telling the truth is rooted in dysfunctional belief systems and projections. It is “old stuff” that may have been useful or at least understandable in our history but no longer serves us.

Clearing the past is a challenging, necessary and ultimately freeing exercise in living an extraordinary life and creating extraordinary results.

Please share your perspective on accountability and truth telling by posting a comment.

With love and respect,
Robert

P. S. Robert’s book “Living an Extraordinary Life” is now available for only $9.99 on Kindle http://tinyurl.com/29u8265 and for almost every digital reader (iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, etc.) including your computer at http://tinyurl.com/2azpjqq Inscribed and signed hard copies are always available at http://www.ExtraordinaryBook.com.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

The Circle of Life

“Look around you. The trees, flowers, birds, every animal and insect; every living thing. It’s miraculous. And it is all going to die. You will too, and so will all of those you love. The time will come when you will have to say good-bye to people. You don't know when. It could be tomorrow or next week. Yet, we live as if it will never happen. We get angry with our children or our partner, then leave for the day or longer, forgetting that if something terrible were to befall them, our last words would have been words of resentment and frustration, not love. And we would have to find a way to live with that.”

from “Living an Extraordinary Life”
by Robert White


I acknowledge this is a bold statement. I meant it when I wrote it and still do. Your responses are actively solicited -- comment below!

With love and respect,

Robert

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Who Comes First ... You or The Tribe?

“The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay the privilege of owning yourself.”

Friedrich Nietzsche


I was going to write this but Nietzsche beat me to it. (It’s an old, tired line but I couldn’t resist using it.)

Observing my children go through their adolescent years – each in their own, unique way – served as a constant reminder that a key aspect of our journey through life is learning to own ourselves, to develop into a truly independent being. They’ve fortunately been great examples of that maturing process and I am so very proud of each of them.

My strong belief is that only by being truly independent, can we connect powerfully and purposely to others. Attempting to be “part of” something bigger while secretly wanting approval and to somehow complete ourselves is a fool’s errand.

It’s my intention that these weekly missives contribute to readers’ continuing growth and development. If you agree, please forward this message to your network and suggest they subscribe.

Feedback is always welcome--please comment below.

With love and respect,

Robert

P. S. Robert’s book “Living an Extraordinary Life” is now available for only $9.99 on Kindle http://tinyurl.com/29u8265 and for almost every digital reader (iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, etc.) including your computer at http://tinyurl.com/2azpjqq Inscribed and signed hard copies are always available at http://www.ExtraordinaryBook.com.