When I worked for the United States Customs Service in Newark, New Jersey, my area director and mentor, Ms. Kathleen M. Haage-Gaynor, gave me countless words of wisdom. One instance in particular stands out. In 1996, I had enrolled in a leadership development program and part of the curriculum involved a 360 assessment where I asked my co-workers to rate my level of management skills within 8 core areas for approximately 120 statements. The phrases they were invited to assess included statements such as “Negotiates persuasively” or “Inspires people to excel” and were placed next to a scale ranging from 1 - 5.
When I received the results, I couldn’t believe my eyes. My peers, subordinates and immediate supervisor had evaluated my skills and abilities as above average, giving me glowing marks, while my mentor who had given me numerous “special” assignments checked off boxes reflecting “average” and, occasionally, “needs improvement”. It took me two weeks to calm myself down to discuss the assessment. When we met, I explained that I was disappointed about her rating and wanted to better understand why she didn’t rate me higher. (Looking back, I envision me being much more tactful but at that time in my life I hadn’t yet learned emotional intelligence…..which is probably why she rated me a “needs improvement” on “Expresses disagreement tactfully and sensitively”. Upon questioning her, she gave me some of the best advice I have ever received – ‘You’re not perfect, Lisa, and it’s something you should never forget. Individuals who achieve much are continually learning, growing and striving to be better than yesterday. Use my comments to give you direction, studying the skills you need to improve, to ensure you will excel in work and in life.’ I was embarrassed by my pride and in awe at this woman and her sage advice. To this day, I live the lesson she taught me, always open to learn from others, spending time and money on personal and professional development.
This story was the beginning of my “Let Go to Truly Grow” motto for success. Moving forward in life requires a continual evaluation of goals and plans and taking the time to honestly assess whether our actions -- what we’re doing -- still work for us. Ms. Haage’s feedback shed light on an area that is too often forgotten. Plans for excellence typically start with writing down meaningful goals and then focus on how to implement a plan of action, incorporating details through visualization. Rarely, however, do leaders spend time evaluating their decisions.
When I founded Upside Thinking, Inc., I was determined to build an organization that would help others find more happiness, success and meaning in their life through individual development and understanding the power of possibilities. The definition of “upside” isn’t interchangeable with the word positive. Upside means to see the possibilities in every circumstance. My goal is to empower.
As the President and Chief Enthusiasm Officer of Upside Thinking, Inc., Ms. Lisa Marie Platske brings passion and excitement to her work every day. Committed to transforming organizations, Ms. Platske teaches professionals how to develop a clear leadership vision, increase their sphere of influence and achieve long-term growth and steady profits. An energetic and inspirational trainer, leadership coach and certified True Colors facilitator, she has influenced the lives of entrepreneurs, small business owners and corporate executives with her “call to commitment”, challenging individuals to create a plan for excellence.
http://www.upsidethinking.comArticle Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Marie_Platske
