The Word for the Week is "Flexibility"

Be flexible in every way this week!

Yes, there is a right way and a wrong way to build flexibility. It starts with our own emotional intelligence and how we react to change--it’s our behavior. I’ve only heard “be more flexible” when someone is trying to convince me to do something I don’t agree with. And, since no one is perfect, and being flexible and adaptable are learned and not inherent in our DNA, do we have to work like an Olympic gymnast to develop these mental muscles? The good news? No! We can become more flexible without the rigor of a daily six-hour workout. The bad news? Yes! We must be committed, aware of our own limitations and work through the pain to achieve medal-winning behavioral change.

We find we are more flexible in certain situations. For example, I’m more flexible when the dentist moves closer to my mouth with the drill. I’m less flexible when I order apple pie and receive chocolate cake. We’re also more flexible with strangers and less so with people close to us that “should know better.”

You’ll know you are being flexible when:

· You’re open to critical feedback, especially from someone you don’t like or respect much.

· You are positive in the face of disaster. You see opportunity in every scenario.

· You can feel someone else’s pain, frustration or excitement. Your heart feels warm.

· You welcome change as a chance to grow and learn.

· You accept the new rules that seem to change each month.

· Surprises tickle your funny bone and make you laugh out loud.

I will be flexible at home and at work this week.

Share how you are doing this week at www.Facebook/AStepAheadPR.Coaching/

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Welcome to My Leadership Blog!

I don’t have to tell you that thinking outside the box is critical to success in today’s bustling world. As busy leaders, it is a daunting task to find the time to strengthen our leadership skills, attend to our family and contribute in a meaningful way to our community. Often we feel overwhelmed and find it difficult to set priorities when, so it seems, everything is a priority. Yet, we suck it up and move ahead, not sure if the problem is “us” or “them.” Certainly, we can all agree that working harder doesn’t always get the desired results. Throughout my 38 years as a public relations and business strategist and executive coach, I’ve observed that sometimes it is “us” and sometimes, it is “them.” Recently, I reflected on all I learned over the years as a student of human behavior and was compelled to write the blog I wish I could have read 30 years ago. I have a personal library filled with books on leadership, emotional intelligence, coaching and the like.

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