Published by Robert A. & Vicki L. Prentice of Professional Development Systems
March 13, 2006 Issue 189
From the Desk of Bob
Happy Days are here again! I am just thinking SPRING at every turn. The days are getting longer and the heating bills are going down. Yippee!
Each Monday, we strive to bring you a bright and cheery attitude, and at the same time “some meat to chew on” throughout the remainder of the week. Our readership is growing at an incredible pace as our readers tell others and help spread some good positive information around the planet. Please feel free to continue to pass on this e-publication, and make someone’s day.
I have got to say a big thanks to our sponsors of Monday Morning Motivations. Thank you also our readers who click through their ads and see what they are all about. This process helps keep systems going for Monday Morning Motivations.
And now for the meat!
Enjoy your week! Bob
In this week's issue
Life Attitudes
Seeds of Success: Make Someone's Day
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
The Prairie Beacon
Mr. Attitude's Life Tested Tools
Life Attitudes
"Insults should be written in sand, compliments should be carved in stone.”
~Anonymous~
"For every criticism you make of someone, make sure you give the peron four compliments.”
~Anonymous~
"A careless word may kindle strife; a cruel word may wreck a life; a timely word may level stress; a loving word may heal and bless.”
~Anonymous~
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Seeds of Success: Make Someone's Day!
By Robert A. Prentice
When someone compliments me, it can make my day! I bet it's that way for you, too. Think back to a time when someone gave you a genuine compliment. Can you feel those warm fuzzies? But wait. Maybe you can't remember the last time you actually received a compliment. I've found there are people all around us who seem to have forgotten how to give compliments. Then again, maybe they never knew how in the first place. Sad, isn't it?
Knowing how good a compliment makes me feel, makes me eager to do the same for others. It's my goal to give a compliment to every person I meet, and in fact, I work very hard at this. I'm not telling you this to brag on myself, and I don't want you to think I'm some brown-noser who uses compliments to manipulate people into doing whatever I want. No way! That is not what giving a compliment is about.
Compliments must be given sincerely, in a spirit of thoughtfulness and caring, from a true desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. This doesn't come naturally, but with a little effort you can learn how.
Start by observing others closely, waiting to catch them doing something–or being someone–you can sincerely admire. Then, be willing to "expose" your observations to that person. The best way to give a compliment is to be sure you always back it up with evidence.
Here's and example: "You are so great with kids!" (Now most people would stop there, but you need to give some evidence.) "They are so well behaved whenever you are in charge. I think it's because they can tell how much you care about them–and I loved the game you taught them to help them wait patiently in line. You are so creative and fun. No wonder kids love you."
You'll be amazed at the results, when you make giving compliments a part of your daily life. So go ahead. Make someone's day!
Oh, and by the way, the best way to receive a compliment is to simply say, "Thank you."
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
A retiring newsman was cleaning out his desk. He went through drawer after drawer, perusing each piece of paper. Most he tossed in the wastebasket. But every once in a while he ferreted one out of the mess, read it avidly, then slipped it into his pocket. These were complimentary notes from the editor who had hired him years before.
The editor, whose memory was cherished by all who had worked for him, knew the value of praise. He understood that young reporters were always seeking recognition. He knew that praise was like peanuts. When you got some, you looked for more. He also knew the value of putting his compliments in writing.
It is a lesson that many successful executives have learned–Lee Iacocca for one. In his autobiography he quotes his mentor, Charlie Beacham, who used to say, “If you want to give a man credit, put it in writing. If you want to chew him out, do it on the phone.”
Some managers have trouble passing out bouquets. They pay a compliment as though they expected a receipt. Some go to the other extreme. They pour syrup all over people.
Some managers refrain from giving praise, for good ideas or a job well done, simply because they are jealous. Give a worker high praise and the next thing you know, they’re jumping over you on the corporate ladder–that’s how they feel. That’s self- defeating. Recognize good work and you give an employee the will to do better work. Don’t recognize it and you feed one of the biggest gripes employees have–lack of recognition.
The best thing to do every time is to give credit where credit is due. You’ll be a better manager for it and you’ll win more respect.
~Bits & Pieces~
Bob "Mr. Attitude" Prentice is available for Keynote, conference engagements, and in-house company training assignments Call to schedule Bob TODAY! 800.437.9715
Read on...
The Prairie Beacon
The Prairie Beacon is a monthly positive attitude paper, published by Mr. Attitude, featuring Seeds of Success articles, motivational stories, quotes and attitudes, all guaranteed to challenge and inspire it's readers to live a richer, fuller and happier life.
Subscribe today! Just $15 for 12 issues. Send your check to: The Prairie Beacon 410 Wessington Street South Wessington, SD 57381
Want a FREE sample issue of The Prairie Beacon? Send email to vicki@prairiebeacon.com Be sure to include your mailing address.
Check out The Prairie Beacon website
Mr. Attitude's Life Tested Tools
My training sessions consist of the principals, attitudes, and skills that I have discovered over the course of my life, and that I aspire to practice in my day to day living. These are the Life Tested Tools that I have to offer:
KEYS TO BETTER LEADERSHIP • Creativity Encounter • Planning for Results • Organizational Effectiveness • Understanding Ourselves and Others • Teamwork Works • Building Morale
KEYS TO BETTER SELLING • Gaining a Prospects Attention • Building Interest • Communicating with Conviction • Painting Pictures of Desire • Asking for the Business • Welcoming Objections • Showmanship in Selling • Total Customer Service • Bootstrap Marketing o Barter o Networking o Advertising o Podcasting/Blogging o Internet
KEYS TO BETTER LIVING • Attitudes for Excellence • Managing Stress and Time • Complete Life Strategy • Tapping our Potential
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What a great way to let them know you are thinking of them!
:: bob@mrattitudespeaks.com
:: http://www.mrattitudespeaks.com
:: 800-437-9715
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