A New Act For The Self Ring

According to an article in today's USA Today, more Americans are realizing the need to cultivate their "inner person" or as we say in Juggling Elephants, the "self ring." One of the key benefits mentioned is that it gives people a new way of looking at what they are already doing. Read the article at:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2008-01-13-spiritual-growth_N.htm

Steps to Stepping Up Their Performance

I had to laugh yesterday. A business associate called and in the conversation he mentioned his frustration with one of his employees. When I asked him how long this had been going on, he said "three months." "Three months!" I replied. "Why have you waited so long to address the issue?" His reply was all too common... "I just didn't know what to do."

It can often seem overwhelming to map out a plan for improvement for an individual, but failure to do so not only affects their performance-it also affects YOURS. Sometimes a simple process to follow might get them on the road to a standing ovation and you can stop juggling THEIR elephants. Once you have determined the desired outcome you want to see in one of your performers, try these steps to make it happen:

1. Figure out what motivates them. Determine some realistic and meaningful ways you can provide the motivators.
2. Be the Ringmaster. Most people like to work with people who are goal-oriented and focused on achieving certain objectives. If they recognize that their performance is part of a bigger goal, they are more likely to go along with the plan. Share your strategic plans and objectives-often!Use small steps. Break the desired outcome down into smaller parts. Reward them when they achieve each step and encourage them to continue their growth (using some of the identified motivators from step 1).
3. Keep the spotlight focused on the act. Determine possible distractions that could cause the performer to fail, and remove or minimize them when possible.
4. Minimize their juggling elephants routine. Remember, they have other acts to perform besides the new ones you have for them.

Focus on the Standing Ovation

I am always intrigued by people who have losing weight as one of the acts they want to perform in the new year, partially because it is normally one of my goals as well. What I have found, however, is that when I focus on the loss side of the equation, I feel defeated. Who wants to lose anything? What helps me stay motivated is focusing on the things I will gain by choosing a healthier eating plan:

• Being able to out distance my 12 year old daughter in running.
• Comfortably sitting on the floor with my 4 year old, playing one of her favorite games.
• Having more sustained energy for my work day and when making presentations.

What about you? What standing ovations will you gain by finding success with your new act?

Book Clubs

Book clubs are enjoying the use of Juggling Elephants. Here's a response from one book club leader:

Thank you so very much for your support of our Book Club!

We met this morning on the topic of Juggling Elephants and I can report that the book resonated with all 12 members of the team! The building principals and program directors found it to be an applicable and easy metaphor to follow and everyone reported at least one "Ah Ha!" moment! Additionally, two principals are now thinking about how they can use the text with their staff members and at the High School level they are considering using it with students in the future!

The discussion questions you suggested were great. However, I must admit that we only used about four of them ... the conversation just kept going on its own around those questions!

Let us know if your book club is using our book. We'll work with you to discover ways to make your experience with the book even more successful! E mail is info@jugglingelephants.com

Our Holiday Wish For You

Thank You!!! That's all we can say to each of you who have purchased Juggling Elephants, told others about the book or purchased reminder items, keynotes or training programs from us. 2007 has been a fantastic year of growth for the message and it would never have been possible without you. You serve as a partner with us as we seek one goal-to help others get to those "more important things" more often at work and in life.

In keeping with the metaphor of the circus, here are our wishes for you on this holiday season:

• We hope you get so caught up in the acts in your relationship or self ring that the work ring is forgotten for at least a few moments.
• We hope you take time to thank the most important performers in your circus by giving them the most precious gift you have-your time.
• We hope you take a moment to give yourself a BIG standing ovation for what you have accomplished in the past year. Too often we get caught up in our failures. Celebrate your successes-have your own mental circus parade of great acts performed in 2007.
• And yes, we hope you begin planning your lineup for 2008 so that you aren't performing the juggling elephants routine anytime soon.

Again, our thanks to each of you. We look forward to a great 2008 with lots of new products and services to help you and your organization achieve greater success with less stress.