"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself"Andy Warhol
Many psychologists agree the major components of personality are well defined by the time we are six years old. We are who we always will be, in large part, before we're barely old enough to tie our own shoes. Our behaviour, however, can change at any stage of life.
To encourage performance improvement, make it clear to people that you value their unique personalities. Be specific about the things people say or do that are inhibiting, or could enhance, performance. Describe their ineffective behaviors, but also identify behaviors they can alter to be more successful. Make sure you also help people see good reasons to change. If they do not see benefits for themselves, they may say they agree but never do anything differently.
Forget about trying to change people's personalities. Focus ongiving a bit of specific feedback and a few suggestions to those you lead about what they can do to make full use of their talents.
"Pessimism leads to weakness, Optimism to POWER"
William James
Negativity is an astoundingly sticky, pervasive trap. If you read the newspaper or turn on the radio or television regularly, you know most days the news is disproportionately tragic. Sprinkled throughout is advertising that suggestsyou are not happy enough, sexy enough, or good enough. You are bombarded with messages designed to convince you that the voidsin your life can only be filled by buying the 'solution' advertised.
It's easy to get hooked into complaining and focusing on what's broken or missing. However, it's far more productiveand energizing to seek out the positive opportunities that surroundyou every day and to seize them with hope, optimism, and excitement. Negativity is seductive, not productive. Optimism provides much more hope and opportunity for success.
Look for some positive things happening in your life that you may be taking for granted. And keep your eyes open for even the smallest new opportunity that may come your way.
above writing excerpted from the book 'Time Out for Leaders: Daily Inspiration for Maximum Impact' by Donald Luce and Brian McDermott. This excerption for the sake of collective sharing.
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