You're Fired!

Often, when I sit down to write, so many thoughts race through my head that it's hard to sort them out. When that happens - like now - I open my laptop, pull up a blank page, and just start to type. The fingers move and the words spill out.

After a few minutes, I stop, go back to the beginning and read what has filled up the blank page. And I discover that the words reflect my conversations, experiences and books I've read over the past month. Funny how that is.

Ann Griffiths
_______________________________________

IN THIS ISSUE
Part 1 - You're Fired
Part 2 - Showcase
Part 3 - Personal Reflections
_______________________________________

Part 1 - You're Fired
"Failure to fit in is common. According to a survey by Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., 31 per cent of the CEOs in Canada and the United States who left their jobs in 2003 were asked to resign because they didn't work out as the company had hoped."

On March 30th, The Globe and Mail newspaper ran an article on the difference that coaching is making in the business and corporate world. But it was that one statement and statistic that caught my eye. Wow - 31%.

Then I got to thinking. Aren't we all CEOs? - CEOs of our own life. If it were possible, I wonder what percentage of us would be asked to leave life because we weren't working out. Whoa - now that could take us down a path we might not want to explore.

But think about it for a second. Being a CEO means being a leader. So, I have to ask myself, "How am I being a leader in my own life? What kind of leader am I in my business, my relationships, my finances, my…?"

We learn how to lead by looking outward and by looking inward. When I look inward, what do I see? What is my character? Is it the character of a leader? What are the core qualities of a leader, anyway? Who am I looking to for input and feedback? What am I doing today to strengthen my character?

I'm curious -
What do you see as the core qualities of a leader? I'd love to hear your thoughts so please feel free to email me at coach@smartstrategiesinc.com .

Part 2 - Showcase
This past week I had the wonderful privilege of being with two of my clients, Ruth & Paul of AHA Creative Strategies, when they were awarded one of two runners up for the coveted International Coach Federation's Prism Award in Vancouver. These competitive awards showcase businesses or organizations that have enhanced excellence and business achievement through coaching.

Here's an excerpt from what Ruth had to say:

"We are incredibly honored to have been chosen as a finalist for the 2005 Prism Award and to have been included with industry leaders such as The City of Richmond and The University of British Columbia (winner).

"We feel strongly that working with a coach is one of the best decisions we made for ourselves and our company. We are committed to personal and professional growth - and to providing world-class service to our clients. With Ann's coaching, we are on that path. Our banker or Revenue Canada hasn't yet realized it but Ann is one of the most valuable assets to our company. She's also fun, a little bossy - and an incredible inspiration.

"Personally, I think that if most people had the opportunity to meet and work with a coach that is as talented, intuitive, hardnosed (LOL) - and as skilled as Ann - more companies would include coaching in their strategic plan."

- Ruth Atherley - www.ahacreative.com

CONGRATULATIONS, Ruth & Paul.

Part 3 - Personal Reflections
Friendship has always been very important to me. This past month, I enjoyed a fabulous 3 days on Vancouver Island with my very special friend, Lori. Tomorrow morning, I meet up with my very close friend, Bev, for our bi-weekly breakfast. And, tonight I'm off to a dinner with five more long-time friends. It's a regular event that we all look forward to - laughing, philosophizing, exchanging spiritual and intellectual ideas, sharing our lives, eating, and laughing some more. I'm grateful for all my friends - no matter how often we're able to see each other.

Friends use a gentle but firm touch to smooth each other's rough edges. Friends give and take ideas to sharpen each other's growth. Friends love us - warts and all. Friends laugh with us - not at us. Friends know when we need a kick in the butt or a shoulder to cry on. Friends know when it's time to talk and when it's time to walk in silence.

I hope you find time to spend with your friends.

Ann

Click Here for e-course - "What's so dog-gone hard about success?"

SMART Strategies works with people in business to help them gain clarity, grow beyond obstacles and self-imposed limitations, and succeed in achieving the results they want. To explore how you can get the results you want in your personal and business life, email Ann at coach@smartstrategiesinc.com