Posts from — December 2010
Making 2011 a Smashing Success!
Do not wait to plan for 2011!
I figure is I shared my 2011 planning sheet; I will have a higher level of accountability. I will ask my accountability partner to return my 2010 goal sheet and start my planning with a review.
STEP # 1 Identify My Three Greatest Accomplishments In 2010?
First I will start positive, with the items, my achievements of pride.
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STEP # 2 Analyze What I have Learned from Each Accomplishment?
Now that you have identified your three greatest accomplishments,
go back to each one. This time though identify exactly what you
learned or were reminded of by each of them.
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STEP # 3 – Identify My Biggest Disappointments Of 2010?
I need to be brave and face the setbacks also
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STEP # 4 Analyze What I Learned from Each Failure or
Disappointment?
Yes, we can learn from setbacks. When we examine what we would do differently, we are on our way!
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STEP # 5 Identify How I Limited Yourself and How I can overcome these
Were there certain actions you took or didn’t take that came back
to haunt you?
In order to make sure you don’t limit yourself again – you need to
bring these self-defeating actions to the surface, confront them,
and most importantly determine what you must do differently to make
sure you don’t make the same mistakes all over again.
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STEP # 6 Pragmatically Review the Information I Have Gathered?
What are the big takeaways from answering each question?
What do you know about yourself or enterprise that you didn’t
realize or weren’t thinking about?
STEP # 7 How do you use your findings to set your sails for 2011?
This is single smartest thing you can do to position yourself for
success in the New Year. Be deliberate. Think about your future, yes day dream. Then, plan to execute your plans! Promise yourself to do at least three (3) each day to move your 2011 goals towards reality.
“You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must
plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.”
— Zig Ziglar:
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December 30, 2010 No Comments
On the 12th. day of Christmas, a Jamaican gave to me…
A Christmas Homily!
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December 25, 2010 1 Comment
On the 11th. day of Christmas, a Jamaican gave to me…
Have you selected a core value to promote in 2011? Take a look at listening as the core value for yourself, your family, your company or anyone of your associations.
Being a good listener is one of the most important skills you can master if you want to advance your career and build meaningful relationships.
When you REALLY listen, you demonstrate your interest in what is being said and you show your respect for the individual saying it. Listening is a magnetic force that draws people to us.
Have you ever talked to someone and noticed he or she wasn’t really listening to you? How did it make you feel? Unimportant? Disrespected? Insulted? Remember those feelings and work diligently to ensure that people never feel the same way when they talk to you.
What a gift to exercise
Here Todd Smith of The Small Things Matter, highlights 10 things that he learned throughout his career in addition to some lessons his dad taught him.
1. Make Eye Contact—The first step in being a good listener is to make eye contact with people while they are talking. Good eye contact demonstrates genuine interest in the person and the conversation.
2. Be Present—I must admit I have been accused at times by my wife of not being present when she is talking even though I am looking into her eyes. These are times when my mind is thinking about something other than what she is talking about. I can only assume others have noticed, but perhaps at the risk of offending me, they have not said anything. The key here is to be aware that people do notice if we are not really listening. And so we must focus on the discussion and not allow our minds to wonder.
3. Give NO Sign You are Ready to Respond—When you are listening, don’t give any clues that you are ready to respond. Don’t point your finger and don’t open your mouth. When I talk to people and I see that they are waiting on pins and needles to respond, I know they are no longer listening because they are more concerned with how they are going to respond than with listening to what I have to say.
Wise people still practice it
4. Wait Two Seconds to Respond—During a conversation, wait two seconds after the person finishes speaking to make sure they have finished their thought. This is especially important when talking on the phone, because you can’t see their facial expression. Often times they are just pausing to gather their thoughts and are not really finished speaking. If you find yourself talking at the same time someone else is talking, then use that opportunity to remind yourself of the “pause two seconds” rule.
5. Let Them Go First—If you start talking at the same time someone else is trying to finish their thought, STOP and say, “I’m sorry, please continue” and let them finish before responding. Even if what you have to say is important or it’s an answer to the question they raised, show them your respect by letting them finish. I certainly notice when people allow me to complete my sentences without “over talking” or interrupting. Do you?
6. Care About What’s Being Said—This is where my dad stands out from most people. When he listens he really cares about what is being said, even if it’s a subject that doesn’t interest him. He tells me that this is his way of showing people that what they say is important and that they are valuable individuals.
7. Listen For The Message Within The Message—Another one of my dad’s skills is to listen for the message within the message. By listening intently, he is able to grasp the topic and move more effectively into the conversation. He says that most people are looking for encouragement, answers or insights to the subjects they discuss. By listening in this manner, he is able to connect more effectively.
Stay focused!
8. Don’t Change The Subject—When you are engaged in a conversation, don’t change the subject unless the discussion is finished. I observe people who do this all the time in small group settings, business meetings and social encounters. If you change the subject of a discussion prematurely, you demonstrate a lack of interest in the discussion and indicate that what you have to say is more important.
9. Respond By Asking Questions—When you ask people questions during a conversation, you show a sincere interest in the topic. My dad says that most people operate at “the feeling level”, rather than “the thinking level”, even if they are good thinkers. I agree! My Dad’s favorite question is to ask how they FEEL about the subject they have raised.
10. Don’t Start a Side Conversation—When part of a group conversation, never start a side conversation, even if the person talking is not making eye contact with you. Yes, they should be including you in the conversation by sharing eye contact equally with each person in the group, but don’t allow their mistake to prevent you from being a good listener.
Being a good listener requires an intentional effort and above all, a sincere interest in other people. It is a skill worthy of mastering.
I am committed to working on being a better listener. Will you commit to showing you care about people by incorporating these ten tips into your daily routine? On a scale of 1-10, what’s your commitment?
“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” Dale Carnegie
Ms. Marva Shand McIntosh, founder of I love to listen, an international organization
Marva Shand McIntosh, it the founder of Listening First Foundation and “I Love to Listen Day,” May 16th. She lectures and provides workshop to enhance our listening skills.
May Your heart hear the joy of the season
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December 24, 2010 1 Comment
On the 10th. day of Christmas, a Jamaican gave to me…
A Caring Community
The continued global economy misery is a force that is shredding the bond of neighborliness in ever increasing ways. Countries are becoming more nationalistic and cooperation across nation boundaries is receding.
Well on the 10th. Day of Christmas, the gift being shared is the value of global good neighborliness.
My life goal is to practice in a contemporary fashion the parable of the Good Samaritan. When asked by a lawyer to explain who his neighbor was, Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan was a good neighbor because he had compassion and was able to cross culture and religious boundaries to help someone who was obviously hurting and in need of support.
In a world made increasingly smaller by technology and rapid transit, the globe has become just a big neighborhood. I have had the distinct privilege to travel this neighborhood and be a part of a caring community, Maranatha Volunteers International.
During the past year, I have been in many countries. Let me share some pictures to give a slice of life that I enjoy.
Christina Lloyd , videographer. This job can have it's adventure. Hope that trainer has her back.
I survived and was able to share the moment with kids in Zambia
Haiti one of Jamaica’s closest neighbors has suffered immensely in 2010. Last January, the fragile ground of Haiti was violently shaken, and it is still reeling from the enormous devastation. Maranatha has developed some building technology that allows the implementation of solid structures very quickly! Click for more detail on the technology.
Maranatha buildings are functioning in Haiti
Out of fear, many parents will not permit their children to study in classrooms with concrete roofs. The light steel frame and roof of the One-Day School are the perfect answer to Haiti’s need for classrooms. Maranatha is building One-Day Schools in Haiti and currently 5,000 students are learning in classrooms built by Maranatha.
An outside view of the one day school
Inside the one day school learning center
During the holiday season, most kids are primed to get caught up in the hoopla of the commercial world. We however need to develop the habit of giving, giving to a homeless shelter, a children’s center, giving beyond themselves. One of the habit I remember practicing at Christmastime is giving away a toy, and participating in a community support event.
If you have not developed a holiday tradition of giving globally, here is an opportunity right in our backyard. The continued need in Haiti offers a great opportunity to make a life changing gift this Christmas. A wide range of possibilities exist for you to be involved.
$75- buys a “share” of One-Day School” stock”
$7,500 builds a completely furnished classroom – for a limited time matching funds have been provided to bring the cost to $5,000.
$100,000 builds a complete campus
At Christmas time the wise men provide great modeling on widening our thought of the neighborhood and investing in life changing ways. We can follow this model and share our blessings with others. Go to Maranatha online and begin a great Christmas tradition.
Maranatha website
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December 22, 2010 No Comments
On the 8th. day of Christmas, A Jamaican gave to me…
Never, never give up!
Persistence: You can bounce back from a setback
Perhaps the biggest setback we faced as a team in 1988 was the crash on the third run of the four-man competition – it was seen and heard around the world. We never once believed that we didn’t belong in the sport. But with this spectacular crash it seemed we had given credence to our detractors. We were disappointed and upset with ourselves for making this happen.
The press was hounding us for an interview, and George Fitch asked me several times to go speak to them. I said I would but never did. I just did not know how to face the world and talk about one of my biggest failures.
Learn from the turtle!
No one is immune from challenges, setbacks, weaknesses, and liabilities. However, too many people use them as crutches. They frame their performance and anticipated success with the challenges they start out with. Most assuredly, with that attitude they are already defeated. You have to go after your goals as if there are no limitations and it is impossible for you to fail. You have to know that no matter where you find yourself – in the midst of a financial meltdown, health challenge, a relationship crisis – you can always make it through and take yourself to the next level.
This gift is an excerpt from Keep In Pushing: Hot Lessons from Cool Runnings, Devon’s latest book.
Gift Giver - Devon Harris, sharing a key principle from his Olympic preparation
Devon’s website
“Keep on pushing”"!
Born on Christmas Day 1964, the greatest gift Devon ever received was the belief that a positive attitude and a “never−say−die” philosophy would carry him farther than a sense of injustice and a heart filled with anger. Devon also learned at an early age that one can either spill tears of laughter or tears of rage when faced with life’s many obstacles.
When not bringing his captivating message of inspiration and hope to audiences across the globe, Devon serves as an ambassador for Right to Play, an athlete−driven, humanitarian nonprofit organization using sport and play to enhance child development and build community capacity for youth in refugee camps and disadvantaged communities throughout the world.
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December 21, 2010 No Comments
On the 7th. day of Christmas, a Jamaican gave to me..
The Invisible Gift of Social Responsibility: “Time”
Time - our most precious asset
Everyone gives in their own way. Some people give through financial donation. Some people give through giving away their old clothing. On the other hand, some people just simple do nothing. They feel that their own despair means that they cannot give something to others. However, they are wrong.
There is that invisible element that we all have and it is called “time.” Unfortunately, some people are not aware of the struggles of others around them. The lack of empathy causes individuals to not identify with the needs, circumstances, and despair of others. Thus, they simple become narcissistic and operate within their own bubble. The act of being socially responsible can only be executed by those that understand that empathy is the first step to being able to help others even if all you have is “time” to donate. Fortunately, for me, while growing up in Jamaica, I had my bubble burst and my journey towards understanding the gift of giving my “time” began.
What a gift
In case you are not familiar with the dynamics of Jamaican school system back then, let me clue you in. You had to look completely ironed and tucked. My dear mother made it all happen. The woman just simply loved braiding two braids to each side. Then, there was always a big one on the top that came down in my face. Then there was at least two more in a row going to the back. It was an art. My mother was the artist. It was a daily neighborhood competition when I saw all my friends. Boy, did we laugh at each other sometimes and thought: what on earth was your mother thinking this morning when she combed your hair?
Sharing is caring
After school, I remembered being six years old and having the chore of washing dishes. I hated chores. I mean, I really really hated it. Sometimes, there was this man that looked homeless just sitting by the tank where I had to fetch the water. Some days I thought to myself: Why is he homeless? Where is his family? Back then, I was stuck in my child-like frame of mind. However, there was one distinguished characteristics that I had that was different from some of my other friends: I would always care about the well-being of others such as the homeless man. I would always wonder about the homeless man’s needs.
You do not have to give material things to practice social responsibility. Some ways that you can give back through that magic and invisible gift, “time,” are by:
• Volunteering at a homeless shelter
• Writing and giving a voice to social issues
• Pass on resources that you have-I can truly look back and remember how Rachel Lafontant (Owner of ITIAH) and I stayed up late at our business office exchanging business ideas.
The power of a social community
As you can see, it does not take much to give. I remember many who have helped me along the way in my business and education success such as my mother Dwennett Wright, Mark Engel-Owner of Pro Gems Jewelry, Rachel Lafontant-ITIAH: Caribbean Art and creator of Angel’s Haiti, Tammy Martin-Owner of Learning Better Dialogue, and my aunt Ingrid Peart-Wilmot. As an adult, I created Wheatle Peart, a nonprofit and social initiative designing and management company to meet the need of others. I left Jamaica and went on to graduate from Northwestern University with a BA in Political Science, earn an MBA, and now working on my Doctorate in Business. I have learned that sometimes all people need from us is that simple magic thing call “time.”
Gift Giver - Tonietta Wheatle
twheatle@wheatlepeart.com
website
(312) 283.8750 Phone
Tonietta Wheatle is the Founder of Wheatle Peart. Wheatle Peart is a social consulting business that helps businesses become socially responsible and financially sustainable through assisting them design or manage their social service programs and projects. In 2007, Tonietta Wheatle started the Wheatle Peart Youth Economic Development Business Seminar, which teaches youth around the world about the global economy, technology innovations, personal/professional development, and how businesses can create community and economic development sustainability.
In addition, Wheatle Peart also hosts Wheatle Peart Global Movers Network, which is a network that brings CEOs, VPs, and Social Innovators together from different countries including Africa, USA, and Jamaica. The mission is to get businesses to become socially responsible and launch communities. She has created the Wheatle Peart Executive Global Business Reception (Chicago), which was held on May 7, 2010 in Chicago, as way a to bring them all together. The next reception in Spring 2012 and all attendees must be a registered Global Movers member www.wheatlepeart.com. In presence were people such as Tammy Martin-Learning Better Dialogue (Atlanta), Azubike Okoro-Africa, and many others.
Currently, Tonietta Wheatle sits on the Steering Committee for Technology for Humanity, which has distributed over 10,000 refurbished computers to low income families in Chicago. She is a member of the Metropolitan Club, the Business Alliance Committee, and the Women Committee. She is also a guest speaker for Truman College’s Financial Literacy Symposium Part 1 and 2.
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December 20, 2010 2 Comments
On the 6th. day of Christmas, a Jamaican gave to me
A memorable Christmas Carol
In November of 1957, Harry Belafonte sung his way into the heart of the world with the carol, Mary’s Boy Child.
This carol was number one for seven weeks, and was on the music charts for nineteen weeks!
Hum along as you sing these words again, or share them with someone who has never experienced the power of this carol.
Long time ago in Bethlehem
So the Holy Bible say
Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ
Was born on Christmas day
Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new King born today
And man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas day
Trumpets sound and angels sing
Listen what they say
That Man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas day
The stirring power of music
While shepherds watched their flock by night
Them see a bright new shining star
Them heard a choir sing
The music seemed to come from afar
Now, Joseph and his wife, Mary
Come to Bethlehem that night
Them find no place to born she child
Not a single room was in sight
Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new King born today
And man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas day
Trumpets sound and angels sing
Listen what they say
That Man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas day
Give Joy to our souls
By and by, they find a little nook
In a stable all forlorn
And in a manger cold and dark
Mary’s litlle Boy was born
Long time ago in Bethlehem
So the Holy Bible say
Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ
Was born on Christmas day
Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new King born today
And man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas day
Trumpets sound and angels sing
Listen what they say
That Man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas day
Trumpets sound and angels sing
Listen what they say
That Man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas day
Practice a ritual of carolling to enrich your holiday season
Gift giver – Joycynthia Anderson, first grade teacher
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December 19, 2010 No Comments
On the 5th. day of Christmas, a Jamaican gave to me
The Thrill of Perserverence
As a Minority Woman Owned Small Business Entrepreneur operating in a male dominated service area the challenges are numerous. However, as a child of Jamaican parents who taught me the meaning of willpower, discipline, and self-reliance I was determined to succeed because failure was not an option.
The Secret of Success
During the past 14 years my company has experienced many challenges due to the shift in federal procurement procedures and the economic downturn, but it has always managed to stay afloat and remain viable and profitable. We were able to accomplish this by first remaining focused on our goals and surrounding ourselves with highly skilled team members who’s vision and values are in alignment with the company’s. We started looking for creative and innovative ways to attract new customers, such as establishing teaming arrangements and joint ventures with other companies, capitalizing on sub-contract opportunities with large corporations, and net-working with other industries.
It is said that chaos breathes opportunities and amidst the economic chaos we have remained proactive by constantly researching, identifying, and acting on the opportunities that still exists today.
Relying on the values that my parents instilled in me, quitting is not an option and I will continue to remain motivated, determined, disciplined, and committed to creating a very successful enterprise that will be unmatched while setting standards and changing the course for future minority woman owned small business enterprises within the facilities maintenance industry.
Gift Giver, Ms. Valerie Roberts, Founder & CEO Reliable Building Services
Ms. Robert’s Website
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December 18, 2010 No Comments
On the 4th. day of Christmas, a Jamaican gave to me
The Journey of Hope
One of the wonderful things of the Holiday Season is that it leads us to reflect on what the past year has brought us and how we have responded to it. The Holiday Season brings us the message of Renewal and Hope. This season also provides us with the opportunity to Give Thanks in all things; for what we have and what is possible in the future. The Holiday Season is about Love, about what is good in the world. It is about the possibilities and opportunities which are present in the best of mankind.
A Symbol of Hope & its Friends
In all the confusion, with all the bustle and activity of our times, it is good to remember the importance of a moment of quiet, of reflection, of the kind of thought that keeps us balanced. This is a time of reflection and contemplation. The message of the holiday season beckons us always to listen to our inner conscience.
May this good season of the year provide us with opportunities to sit still, to share in the sense of being thankful, to be in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and to take time for restoration. May we have the chance to set the rigors of our time aside for just a while to celebrate our own uniqueness as a human being and a child of God.
What a Gift!
May that Light and Love which shines brightest when all else is dark and quiet, illuminate your life during this season of Thanksgiving and Spiritual Uplift.
Gift Giver, Mr. Victor Cummings, JD
Mr. Cummings is a consultant.
Victor’s website
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December 17, 2010 No Comments
On the 3rd. day of Christmas, a Jamaican gave to me
The Gift of Extended Family
In recent years Christmas has been hijacked by commercialism. For Christians it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Many non-Christians celebrate Christmas too as a family time for sharing and showing love. Sharing with family should be a continuous thing.
An old familiar adage says: You have to know where you came from to know where you’re going.
In his song ‘Rat Race’, the singer Bob Marley says:
Don’t forget your history
Know your destiny
In the abundance of water
The fool is thirsty
I believe knowing our identity is very important for mental wellness. Knowing our history, the things that have impacted on and shaped us and our ancestors to make us who we are is crucial for survival in today’s stressful society. This information is usually passed on by our elders.
An integral part of knowing ourselves is the link with family – the support and encouragement we get from them, even the criticisms can sometimes spur us on to look at ourselves and try to do better – ‘fix-up’ as we would say in some sections of the black community. I also believe that the problems we are facing in society today are a direct result of the breakdown of the family.
Nurturing Relationships are Vital
Young parents are not as dependent nowadays on elders to provide support and childcare which isn’t always a good thing. Some people for a variety of reasons don’t have elders to help them care for their children, but where those elders are there, often they feel redundant and surplus to requirement.
Both grandparents and children miss out on a valuable relationship which is good all round for mental well-being and provides stability. Values and culture are not passed on as they should be. While some parents, including single parents, do manage to juggle work and child rearing successfully, the evidence that many don’t is all around us in the shape of out of control, directionless youth who are filling the prisons and mental hospitals.
We are family
The value of the extended family has been eroded as our modern way of life takes up our time. Women are more independent and able to go out to work, which is a good thing if properly balanced with the needs of the family. We are more mobile and able to travel further afield so the family has become fragmented with family members being spread far and wide around the world.
Time which should be spent strengthening links with our extended families, sharing a meal, having a conversation, sharing a problem, encouraging and motivating, is spent at work just trying to earn enough to pay the bills, in front of the television, on the computer on social network sites or playing on computer games. The victims of our current lifestyle are our children.
Having the support of an extended family enhances mental wellness. Anything which bridges the gap across the generations and brings families closer together is a good thing in my eyes.
Gift Giver Deanne Heron, Foster Parent & Writer
Deanne Heron is qualified as a Counsellor and work part time for a local community group teaching counselling. She is also a writer and have written over 20 comedy short stories about black family life in England, most of which have been published by The Jamaica Observer. Her stories are written in English with Jamaican patois dialogue and capture the unique humour of black people in an extended family setting.
Deanne just completed a wonderful book that is a collection of stories around the social institution of partner.
Further details can be found at: partner money stories
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December 16, 2010 No Comments
