A Human Resources professional recently shared with me that if he heard the word ‘leadership’ one more time, he was going to hit someone. Since I define what I do around the term ‘leadership,’ that put me in a rather precarious position as I sat across from him.

However, I understood where he was coming from, and I appreciated his candor as he admitted to being frustrated with training initiatives, of having a high-level end-goal for the organization, but really having no idea on how to achieve it.

It is no surprise and no secret: Traditional training often does not work. Of the estimated 200 billion dollars spent by large organizations on training and development around the globe each year, only 50% is considered at all effective.

From my own days in management trenches, I experienced first-hand those workshops that described how things should be, but which seemed disconnected from the world in which I worked. They offered very little that seemed helpful to me. The F.O.C.U.S. Formula^TM is one tool that evolved out of that experience and which can provide a practical, useful reminder of what’s important in the day-to-day life of you.

Jane Turner, President of Gifts on the Run internet shopping www.giftsontherun.net, beautifully captures the essence of the power of The F.O.C.U.S. Formula^TM in these words:

Sheila, your presentation on FOCUS last month was ten times better than I could have hoped for. I attended the event thinking that I would hear yet another presentation giving advice and tips on being organized, that sort of thing. However, you helped me realize that the way I do things is just fine. It may be different than the way others do it, but it works for me, and I am more accepting of that.

This is the busiest time of the year for my business, and F.O.C.U.S. has allowed for a much less stressful holiday gift season, and yet, amazingly… still very productive. I’ve achieved goals that I technically didn’t set for myself (maybe just as an idea in the back of my head as to what I would love to accomplish). No pressure, just doing what I can and letting go of the rest. It has been amazing…

The F in F.O.C.U.S.: Formulate your goals based on the Highest Version of yourself
 

A recent front page headline in our local newspaper announced, “2 years ago, accused vowed to be a ‘better person’ at sentencing for vicious attack.” It was a reminder that all of us aspire to be the best that we can, and many times we fall short of that ideal (if not to the same degree as the young man in the headline). As the leader in your own life, I encourage you to hold onto the Highest Version you have of yourself, even when you stumble and fall. It is the lessons learned as you get back up that define who you are becoming.

Particularly as we head into the holiday season, I also encourage you to reflect upon what kind of season you want so that you can define how you will show up. Will you be stressed out, maxed out, and tired out? Or will you be like Jane at Gifts on the Run … productive yet relaxed? Doing what you can and letting go of the rest …

It can be amazing.
 

I leave you with the words from an ancient Gaelic rune, which is becoming the perennial sentiment I share with clients and friends at this time of year.

My wish for you this holiday season is that you connect to the peace which, I believe, is inherent in the Highest Version of each of us:

Deep peace of the running wave to you.
Deep peace of the flowing air to you.
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you.
Deep peace of the shining stars to you.
Deep peace of the infinite peace to you.

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 As founder of CoachesCanada.com, I was delighted to present the prestigious 2nd annual Canadian Coach of the Year Award to Steve Mitten, B.ApSc, CPCC, MCC, Vancouver, BC, at the International Coach Federation (ICF) conference in St. Louis, MO. Among other things, Steve was the first and only Canadian to ever serve as President of the ICF, which represents over 11,000 member coaches from over 80 countries. Steve personifies the characteristics and qualities of a coaching professional, including a huge commitment to his own professional development via coaches training and credentialing, adherence to the ICF code of ethics and core competencies, not to mention passion and total commitment to serving the needs of his clients. Congratulations, Steve, and thank you for continuing to be such an articulate voice for our profession.
 

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At Aegis, We Approach Leadership from Three Perspectives:

• The Art of Leadership – What You Do

• The Heart of Leadership – Who You Are

• The Joy of Leadership – The Difference You Make

Please visit www.UnleashingTheLeaderWithin.com for more info or contact Coach Sheila Kelly Sheila@UnleashingTheLeaderWithin.com to discuss your needs

Employees embrace the Aegis Coaching philosophy because it is simple ...it is sensible and it is practical.

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Sheila Kelly
Aegis Coaching Services
Sheila@unleashingtheleaderwithin.com

Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada

902-462-8441

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