Making a Splash!

Whale Done! The Power of Positive Relationships

In Ken Blanchard’s bestselling book, Whale Done, he writes about “Catching People Doing Things Right”, as a meaningful strategy in the work place.  So it is, and in life as well.

This year my son’s Elementary school began a new policy of awarding tickets to students when the teachers catch them doing something right.  For example, being an active learner or treating others with respect.  It has been amazing to watch and listen to the children as they strive to attain tickets and receive positive feedback.  The children feel acknowledged and valued.  They also LOVE turning in their accrued tickets for an ice cream.  Rewards are GREAT are they not? Talking about “how many tickets did you get today” is always part of the car pool daily discussion.  I just love it!

So, recently I have been paying attention to how in business and in life I enjoy and do Catch People Doing Things Right.  It builds trust, builds relationships and motivates others, by accentuating the positive and redirecting energy when mistakes are made.  This is something I want and choose to keep on doing.  What I am also paying more attention to is, I do not always treat myself the same way I treat others.  For example, I am more apt to be hard on myself, spending energy on what I did not get done, or what I could have done better instead of paying attention and acknowledging what I did right.  Let’s face it, sometimes getting up to bat at all (or in the early days after my husband passed away, getting out of bed and facing a new day) is an accomplishment.

So, I have decided to take on a new perspective to catch myself doing things right more of the time.  Up till now, what I would have been thinking or saying to myself about the day would be something like, Colleen you didn’t get to this or you didn’t do that or why didn’t you…You get the picture right?  Yesterday, I was beating myself up because I did not get to clean the entire house and that is where I put my focus and attention.  So, let’s look at this differently and catch myself doing something right.  What I want to acknowledge is:

1.  I took care of my son (who stayed out of school due to a cold).  I made a good decision to have him rest one more day.

2.  I completed a scheduled phone coaching session with a client 

3.  I wrote an overview for my book and sent my initial writings to a writing coach

4.  I scheduled a strategy session with an expert I admire and want to work with

5.  I cleaned most of the house and had someone else clean the windows

6.  I spent quality time in the evening with my son and significant other

7.  We bought my brother’s wedding present (online—how wonderful and easy!)

WOW!!  When I take the time to acknowledge what I did right or even where I got up to “bat”, it feels much lighter and much more kind to me.  Actually it is quite empowering!

Coach Corner- Self-Coaching Questions

1. How often do I catch myself doing things right? 

2. Where can I catch myself doing things right or getting up to bat more often?

3. What will empower me?  What will build the most positive relationship with me?

Here’s to You!

Warmly,

Colleen