Shut your mind up!

The word 'listen' contains the same letters as the word 'silent'. ~ Alfred Brendel ~

The best way to listen is to not only silence your mouth but silence your mind.  You often let your own biases and agenda keep you from listening. How do you develop as a leader if you are never silent around your those that lead.  Next time someone has something to say, shut down your feelings and open up.  In addition, don't always contribute...ask questions instead. You can't truely listen if you are too busy prepping in your mind what you want to say.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

"I quiet my own thoughts when someone is talking."

Scary Moments

A good scare is worth more to a man than good advice. ~ Edgar Watson Howe, Country Town Sayings, 1911 ~

"Next time, I will_______!" You can fill in the blank.  Experience really makes you who you are as a person, as a leader.  Even when you account for risk, something always happens for which you didn't plan.  Those heart racing moments teach you and embed the lessons you need to remember.  These events are important.  They give you the chance to grow.  As a leader, you can dispense advice and be a great mentor but those that follow you will only grow when they are thrown into the deep end.   Don't coddle those around you.  Challenge them to learn the hard way.  Not the mean way but the way that shows you care about them as people.  When things get hairy - ask them questions that really make them think about what they would do differently.  That is coaching, that is teaching...that is leadership.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

I will help others learn from the scary moments.