tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61334072112624604762024-03-19T00:30:26.413-07:00Coach4 Life - Lifestyle & Business CoachLifestyle & Business CoachLesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-6929734216975345902014-04-02T14:27:00.001-07:002014-04-02T14:27:14.234-07:00Being Kind……….<div class="MsoNormal">
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I have just returned from a lovely 5 day break in
Sydney. During my visit I
experienced 3 solid acts of wonderful kindness. A free desert offered to me at a well known restaurant…just
because, a replacement glass of bubbles at another, as the maitre d decided it
looked flat as she put it on my table, and last but not least was a lovely room
upgrade at my hotel from the gorgeous duty Manager. All of these acts were spontaneous, generous and were
offered with genuine warmth. </div>
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Sadly, I also experienced one act on the opposite end of the
scale, also to do with a glass of bubbles (hmmm note the theme here!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was poured a glass and unfortunately
it was flat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I raised this
with the lady in charge, I was rewarded with a barrage of very strange
accusations, in a rather bullying manner. She seemed to take the matter very
personally and of course there really was no need to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very taken aback. </div>
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The people who were kind were relaxed, seemed happy in their
World and their kindness shone out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The lady who reacted did not seem happy or relaxed; she was shouting
instructions at people all around her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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Needless to say it is fairly obvious who I will keep
returning to when I visit Sydney and who will I recommend at any given
opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you to those
lovely people who made my visit extra gorgeous.</div>
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They were: Sunny at Mr Wong, the Maitre D at Jackies (so sorry did not get your name) in Paddington and Mandy the Duty Manager at the QT Hotel. You guys rock…….</div>
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Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-28439295641599673402013-10-26T22:33:00.000-07:002013-10-29T15:43:35.057-07:00So much wisdom can be shared in such few wordsI am completely guilty when it comes to being verbose. Why use 10 words when you can use 100?! I seem to come from a camp where I have learned more is more rather than less is more. Not just when it comes to words either, I'd like to add. 'nough said! (just to show I can abbreviate with the best of them!)<br />
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I do have a love for words, and one of my great career memories was working with a project team where we used to have "word of the day". Each day a word was presented to the team by one of us and we all had our chance to explain what we thought it meant. A great brain workout and a great start to the day. I suppose this goes to explain, in some small way, why I am not a fan of abbreviated language or words. I am known for using texts with full sentences and have often defended this amongst those that think I'm nuts (many good friends actually!). I realise that I'm in a minority - I'm just a bit of an old fashioned communicator, clearly hanging on to old fashioned language values. I'm happy in my skin with that…for now!. I also feel that misunderstandings can come all too often with abbreviated communication, but let's not get me started on that again. (earlier blog)<br />
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On stating the above, I do also believe that great messages for insight, inspiration and motivation can be brief and extremely powerful. They sort of deliver a sound bite with a punch, if you get my drift.<br />
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Here is a great example that I have just come across, and it moved me to write this blog entry.<br />
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Here's to powerful brevity, shown here in an example and context of learning and inspiring. This is also a message that I fully subscribe to and hopefully encourage. Wish I'd written it! Wise words. I hope you enjoy. Have a fantastic week.<br />
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<br />Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-55835838271848244802013-10-15T21:15:00.001-07:002013-10-16T00:42:24.392-07:00On a N.Z. Day When Political Shenanigans Are The Most Discussed Headline<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6133407211262460476" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="color: #3d85c6;">This should be........GO YOU GOOD THING Eleanor Catton, Author! Love what you do, love what you've accomplished.</span> </h3>
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<b><a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/news/article.cfm?c_id=6&objectid=11140469" target="_blank">Kiwi Eleanor Catton Wins a Top Literary Prize</a><i> (Link to NZ Herald Online Article)</i></b></div>
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Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-84629947973813450912013-10-13T23:30:00.002-07:002013-10-15T21:02:53.259-07:00The Banksy Project - Makes Me Smile & Warms My Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">I love this story. Banksy a very collectible UK artist has been secretly operating in NYC. I heard today, that apparently a Kiwi lady bought one of his pieces from his $60 street stall, with no idea that it is worth thousands. Go Banksy, such a cool, unique and original thing to do. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11140110" target="_blank">Link to Herald Article....</a></span></h3>
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<a href="http://banksy.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Link to Bankys Website....</span></a></h3>
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Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-25073554429420546512013-10-09T17:32:00.001-07:002013-10-09T19:44:02.033-07:00Slowing Down & Switching Out!<!--[if !mso]>
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<span lang="EN-US">I felt it was a good time to write this
blog while I am chilling out with some quiet “me” time at my beach bach.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I’m good at being on my own. Are you? Many people around me often ask if I get bored with my own
company and the answer is always the same…a strong resounding NO. I relish it! The question comes up as I
often travel alone and I often choose to hang out on my own. This might make me sound like some kind
of recluse, but I can happily assure you that I am not.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Being a coach I am very involved in others amazing
and busy lives and it can sometimes be intense. I also have an active (sometimes over active) social life and
many varied and wonderful interests that keep me busy and active. I love to be out and amongst it. Whilst I wouldn’t change any of that
for the World, I need to have a life plan that keeps me grounded, positive and
creative in my thinking. </span><span lang="EN-US">I am also someone who can switch off, and I
take great pleasure in regularly chilling down and being with just me. I like me, I like my company</span><span lang="EN-US">. I can happily occupy
myself for hours!! </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">We live in a World of constant stimulation
and with constant demands. We can
suffer from being continually “active” in our heads, even if not in a physical
sense. It can be
relentless. So, to counter this, I
take the time to enjoy my own space, regularly. To re-group, re-plan, slow down and just “be”.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Continual over stimulation, whether it be
mental, physical or dietary, creates non-stop demands on our time, energy and
resources. We seem to do things
faster and cram more in our days. We
may feel exhausted at the end of the day, yet many of us suffer from bad
sleep. Our diet can also add to
the symptoms of being over stimulated, from needing that next coffee/sugar fix,
a quick lunch on the run, the pleasure of a “happy hour” glass of wine to
reward us for our big day/help us unwind….and so the cycle begins again.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Are you in the cycle of feeling constantly stimulated
or rushed? Could you be a habitual
rusher? Do you feel like you are
always on the run, feel like you are racing to catch the next train?! Do you sometimes ask yourself: “Why I
am running around like a lunatic? “ “Am I a lunatic?” “Why am I even doing
this?!” “I know this is not a priority,
but…. “ </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Could some of this rushing around and over
stimulation create some sense of purpose and therefore maybe it’s secretly
enjoyable? Done, tick. Done, tick. You know the gig.
Do you feel guilty about relaxing?
Do you know how to relax?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Maybe reflect over your past week/month, do
my words speak to you? Even day-to-day
tasks such as grocery shopping, collecting the kids from school can start to
feel like a major thing to accomplish and therefore add to the rushing/racing
feeling. If you are a habitual
rusher, the reduction of stimulation and adrenalin creating activities could be
a very good thing to explore.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">A simple start would be to practice taking
a little time out. Slow down a
little.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">I believe it is important to spend some
time with yourself regularly, and maybe by doing this we can give ourselves a
chance to get some creative thinking and relaxed planning happening. A time to breathe and take a fresh,
calm perspective. Time to notice
the priorities versus the urgencies.
Rediscover what’s important to you. Rediscover “you”. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Cut out the stimuli for a bit. Try to break the habit of being
constantly stimulated by moving, rushing, doing. Avoid filling those free gaps with “stuff”. Learn to enjoy “your time”, it’s
precious, just as you are.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">It’s about quality rather than quantity, so
start with small steps. Book a
half hour/hour appointment with yourself a couple of times a week. Put the phone on silent . Use these times to do things you WANT
to. The first sessions could be
used working out the things you’d like to do, things that you have lost touch
of maybe, your interests, your “thing”. Reconnect to you. Maybe some time with a book and a cuppa,
taking a bath, researching your next holiday, picking flowers, going through
your cook books, painting your nails, walking the beach, writing, drawing etc. The simple things. You deserve this. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Being able to be with yourself may help build
your confidence and self esteem.
It will show you how resourceful you can be personally, without the need
for external approval and support.
Being without constant external stimuli will help you relax. Choosing some alone time may also help
slow down your heart rate, your breathing, and therefore could reduce any anxiety
feelings. And while you’re at it,
why not be kind to both your mind and body by cutting down on the dietary
stimulants; caffeine, sugar and alchohol (that was tough to type – eek!!). </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Who knows, you might become like me, where
you relish the thought of a little bit of solitude, to quickly recharge the
batteries, to reconnect to your priorities, to design the next cool phase of
your life, to reflect on what great things you have around you, or….. just to
turn the noise down for a while. Mmmmmmm……….</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Good luck, live easy and go well.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-38878484054745605032013-08-10T18:21:00.004-07:002013-08-10T18:22:34.866-07:00Only The Lonely an article by Stephen Fry<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">This man brings so much joy to many, if only he could feel that joy for himself more often. I could read his writings all day long, a wonderful writer and orator, one of the best. Why is that the most talented are often the most troubled? What a price many of them have to pay. What he writes about loneliness is fascinating and insightful. The World is definitely a much better place with Mr Fry in it and I hope he is in it for a long time yet.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Read his post "Only the Lonely" and I hope some of you find it as insightful as I have. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.stephenfry.com/2013/06/24/only-the-lonely/#more-7389" target="_blank">From Stephenfry.com</a></span>Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-23342905032333883172013-07-24T23:00:00.000-07:002013-07-24T23:03:50.689-07:00How Women See Themselves vs How Others See ThemI coach and have coached a large number of gorgeous, amazing, talented, capable, wonderful Women; and I'm still amazed how they can often lack confidence in themselves. If you were to meet them, you would know exactly what I mean. These Women are smart, beautiful, caring, funny, warm and above all brave and courageous....even if just for hiring me to work with them :)<br />
<br />
I am inspired and motivated by them, and as a coach I learn so much from each one, not just for myself but for other clients. There is a wonderful sharing of ideas that these Women contribute to more than they realise. I often feel like a conduit between them. By them coming to me and sharing their dreams, their concerns, their fears and their lives, they are indirectly helping each other and often their fears and concerns are exactly the same. Funny huh? I think this wonderful and moving video demonstrates this beautifully. A wonderful experiment with profound results.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickspire.com/m/MBT/FBI-Sketch-Artist?lsid=5e74c460ee99f6a40e3f77e1139c9df6" target="_blank">How Women See Themselves vs How Others See Them</a><br />
<br />
Girls, ladies, women........here's to us!<br />
<br />
How about sharing this with another beautiful Woman that you know? Thank you to my beautiful girlfriend Jo who forwarded this link to me in the first place.<br />
<br />
Keep playing and laughing.<br />
<br />
<br />Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-25976111719985519282013-06-20T15:50:00.000-07:002013-06-20T15:58:19.018-07:00The Importance of Play & Rest<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="EN-US">I am currently obsessed with the amazing Dr
Brene Brown and I’m finding I can not get enough of her books, her youtube
clips, and her style of writing and sharing the results of her years of
research. She’s fun, she’s real, she’s
incredibly clever and she rocks!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">In this blog I am going to share some
content of her book “<b>The Gifts of
Imperfection</b>”.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Brene Brown talks of Wholehearted Living,
which is about engaging our lives from a place of worthiness. She has come up with 10 guideposts that
the wholehearted live to and have in common. One of these guideposts in particular truly resonates with
me as a coach, as it is the guidepost that I believe makes the most difference (and
is often not given enough attention to) in the lives of my hard working,
ambitious, driven, successful clients.
This is guidepost no 7: </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">Cultivate
Play and Rest and Let Go Of Exhaustion as a Status Symbol and Productivity as
Self Worth.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">According to Dr Stuart Brown, (Psychiatrist,
Clinical Researcher and founder of the Institute for Play) “Play shapes our
brain, helps us foster empathy, helps us navigate complex social groups, and is
at the core of creativity and innovation. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The opposite of play is not work – the
opposite of play is depression. Work
does not work without play”.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">What play and rest have you got planned for
this weekend?.................</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwK9k5VowGSUFHG35efazheXwIOlk88fEJ4KBIc237w31QpgY6NeBKCQh3RrpvMOBsC2zzbC_6N4U6fgCdeLBJf60pz60H5RMQ-Tfv6Dja7qVMca3sdaPFfrJGEwi9MEBZ0l5FvWqbEFE/s1600/blog-illustration.001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwK9k5VowGSUFHG35efazheXwIOlk88fEJ4KBIc237w31QpgY6NeBKCQh3RrpvMOBsC2zzbC_6N4U6fgCdeLBJf60pz60H5RMQ-Tfv6Dja7qVMca3sdaPFfrJGEwi9MEBZ0l5FvWqbEFE/s320/blog-illustration.001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-17647455743786675612013-02-28T18:16:00.003-08:002013-02-28T18:17:36.420-08:00Brave, Quirky Fashion Still Rocks No Matter What Your AgeAn email arrived in my inbox today from our own special Kiwi fashion entrepreneur and extraordinaire, Karen Walker. Not from her personally of course...like I wish!! I am on the "Karen Walker" mailing list along with all the others that have bought something from this inspired fashion house.<br />
<br />
What a treat this email proved to be. One of those that makes me smile. And why? Because it features a link to her latest blog article on older women rocking her high fashion, quirky, unique, worn by many famous (including my gorgeous hairdresser) sunglasses. How much fun is it to see the more mature, lived in, faces of experience modeling these high fashion items instead of the usual stunning, smooth skinned, not yet lived in, faces of youth? A refreshing change.<br />
<br />
Love it, love Karen Walker's style and approach. She is a wonderful example of an innovative, unique, non conforming, creative individual that helps to rock our World! I hope you enjoy looking at these ladies and reading all about them, as much as I did.<br />
<br />
Happy looking! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.karenwalkereyewear.com/" target="_blank">http://www.karenwalkereyewear.com</a>Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-71185967400834950912013-02-26T15:42:00.000-08:002013-02-26T15:47:26.823-08:00Polished Communication Skills – A Long Winded Dinosaur?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Communication defines what I do for a living. In fact it has always been my living,
as before I was a coach I spent many years training and teaching adults in
various roles and incarnations. So
I suppose it comes as no surprise that I am pretty “hyper-aware” when it comes
to this subject matter. This
awareness causes me to actively watch, wonder and note. Here is some dialogue
as a result of that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: orange;">Tending to
our own gardens:</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A great deal of my coaching discussions are involved
in how to deal with others. These
others might be a partner/spouse, a work colleague, a boss, a friend
or a family member; and from my experience, how we react to others
communication, tells us a great deal about ourselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It does seem easier sometimes to blame someone else’s
communication and style for our feelings. Whereas if we took a closer look at
our own style, maybe sometimes, just sometimes, therein lies the answer? If we took the step (as uncomfortable
as it may be) to tend to our own style of communication, then maybe we will get
a more pleasing result from others more often. As we all know we can’t change others, but we can change
ourselves. Nothing is truer when
it comes to communication. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Human Beings are sensitive creatures; we have strong
emotional feelings for many good reasons. It is these feelings that help us
bond, make good relationships, judge a situation, offer support, be compassionate
and the list goes on. Therefore it is good to consider this when we are
communicating with another sensitive human being. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I am by no means perfect when it comes to this area.
I am certainly always a work in progress as no doubt many of us are. Not all my best-laid plans have a happy
ending, I tell you! I do, however, work on trying to take personal
responsibility in the responses that I receive, as I play a very large part in
eliciting that response!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Suggested things to consider (where appropriate) when
communicating, especially when communicating the tough stuff: Are we kind, generous, encouraging,
objective, on topic, informative, and helpful in our communications? Could be a good tick box exercise
couldn’t it? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: orange;">Mod Comms:</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At the risk of sounding a gazillion years old (which,
depending on who you ask, I am not!)….I have a few observations to share on the
subject of texts and emails…if I dare!
How is it that some basic common
courtesy around communication tends to be dropped when it comes to using these
media? Call me old fashioned, but I am surprised at how often emails are short
and abrupt and void of feeling.
How is that message to be received? What is the intention? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I see email as just a faster option to writing a
letter and what a great invention it is. And whilst I fully accept that we
don’t need to use letter layouts and full punctuation in our emails, surely if
something deserves out attention it deserves our full attention and our best
honed communication skills, albeit if they are a little pared back. We can
still be succinct and to the point (OK not my forte maybe!) using structured
sentences, courtesy and encouragement, can’t we?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As for texts…. I sort of get it, but don’t agree with
it, that teenagers use text language.
But I was never bought up or taught to use this sort of language and I
definitely feel it has little place in any profession or in a grown up
relationship/friendship. Please….what is YIP and K?!!! Of course I am being
facetious, and probably right now, offending some special people in my life,
but I think you get what I am alluding to! Some messages are cryptic and maybe too short and
abrupt - do they really convey
what is trying to be said? Are we
in that much of a hurry that all common courtesy gets dropped along with those complete
words? I understand that most of
us feel a quick response is better than a non-response, but would an extra
minute of attention eat into our time that much? Or maybe the endemic “urgency” of response is creating this?
I have a feeling that the answer lies here. Hmmm that’s a whole other blog! Ha!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I would LOVE your thoughts and responses to this (a
little contentious) topic. Feel
free to send me an email. Have I
hit any nails? Do you agree with these comments? Am I off beam - an old fashioned Dinosaur myself? Am I too sensitive – ha?! I’d love to hear from you. :)</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">Email: <a href="mailto:lesley@coach4life.co.nz">lesley@coach4life.co.nz</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-1213361912841820192013-02-13T18:25:00.000-08:002013-02-13T18:48:03.417-08:00Uncanny Instinct & Mistimed Tackles!The title of this post are words that Danny Boyle used to describe Tessa Ross at a special achievement award at the UK BAFTAs this weekend.<br />
<br />
I had never heard of her, this lady, who is a powerhouse at Film 4 (Channel 4) and when you listen to her and Danny's speeches you will understand why, maybe. A quiet genius. Once I heard these speeches I certainly wanted to know more about her. She is an award winning UK film executive and the controller of Film and Drama at Channel 4 and Film 4. She is also a director of the Royal National Theatre and a Governor of The National Film and Television School. She is a natural talent spotter. What an inspiring lady. I am sure you will agree.<br />
<br />
What comes across to me when watching the BAFTAs (whilst puffing up my patriotic chest) is the non Hollywood style of humour, compassion and emotion that shines from these talented artists that entertain and inform us. Being British I feel proud of the BAFTAs and it always provides me with a wonderful sense of celebration mixed with so much fun and revelry. I enjoy every minute of watching Stephen Fry as the host. Another talented, generous, warm and funny creative. However, Tessa's speech was indeed my highlight, and my reward for myskying the BAFTAs! What I would do to attend one of the after parties, can you imagine the atmosphere?<br />
<br />
I recommend you watch the video of Danny Boyle's introduction to Tessa first and then watch her speech. Sadly I can't find a link to the montage of her work that Danny showed during his speech, as that helps to set the scene and better explain the talents of this Woman. She has been involved in so many quirky, funny productions including Slum Dog Millionaire and Seven Psychopaths, which I saw just recently and it made me laugh out loud so much. Love her style.<br />
<br />
The last link is the text copy of her speech which has been put up on Channel 4's blog as they received such a positive overwhelming response to her appearance and presentation. Love her work!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xynY9hH0vUs">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xynY9hH0vUs</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wfof5XkkD8">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wfof5XkkD8</a><br />
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<div>
<a href="http://blog.film4.com/tessa-rosss-bafta-acceptance-speech/">http://blog.film4.com/tessa-rosss-bafta-acceptance-speech/</a></div>
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<br />Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-78489707740253922812013-02-09T22:40:00.000-08:002013-02-10T10:26:09.747-08:00Made Me Smile :)I loved this photo when I saw it. A wonderful example of going that extra mile to bring happiness into an everyday service. <br />
<br />
They are window cleaners dressed as super heroes on the side of a Childrens Hospital in Pittsburg. I googled the event and it made me smile even more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eKdJrlOQKzovJHqTbyuy6nW4tzk7oyhd6cXOUIB9ftXUEsdkLIhvy5KQQ6m9yLfe7WzKg6AbIswzKK2LOk39GfkOI5IFCUdnYbNva4EGYx4ak9BcqodSp0BIaey73ea1BOvBFc04yog/s1600/379278_10151512294936204_363479990_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8eKdJrlOQKzovJHqTbyuy6nW4tzk7oyhd6cXOUIB9ftXUEsdkLIhvy5KQQ6m9yLfe7WzKg6AbIswzKK2LOk39GfkOI5IFCUdnYbNva4EGYx4ak9BcqodSp0BIaey73ea1BOvBFc04yog/s320/379278_10151512294936204_363479990_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Good on those guys. Here is the article:<br />
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<a href="http://metro.co.uk/2013/02/06/superhero-window-cleaners-cheer-up-children-at-pittsburgh-hospital-3383247/" target="_blank">http://metro.co.uk/2013/02/06/superhero-window-cleaners-cheer-up-children-at-pittsburgh-hospital-3383247/</a></div>
Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-33672425963112325482013-02-03T19:22:00.000-08:002013-02-05T18:55:24.629-08:00Our Living & Working Environments<div id="storyExtraContent">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial Black";"><span style="color: orange;">How
important is the environment we live in or work in?</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I was recently asked to write an article for the NZ
Herald Online discussing my personal and my professional thoughts on working
from home. I was very happy to
have the opportunity to jump on my soapbox and wax lyrical about this topic!
I believe that our living and working environment are areas that often are not given enough attention when addressing personal and professional
happiness, and therefore, success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One of the questions I often ask my clients is, “are
they happy with their living environment?” It still surprises me how common it
is to not have given it much thought.
The environment then frequently becomes one of the goal areas that we
work on together, and it is a popular goal. Does your home feel welcoming? Does it show your
personality? Does it lift your spirits? Do you have things around you that you
love? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our environment should support us in being us, should
reflect our personalities, be a place that we choose to be in, be a place we
feel proud to have people visit, even if it is just a studio/bedsit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In the case of the working area, this is often seen
as an environment that is designed around a practical need. A place to get the job at hand done;
and in some respect that’s fair enough.
However, if you have some influence in how your workspace looks and
feels (especially those of you that work from home), then influence you
should. Does it have good natural
light? Does it inspire you to get
your work done? Is it conducive to your type of work? Could it be better? Do
you have the tools/resources around you that you need? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So take a look around you, have a think about your
own personal environments. Do you
they support you in being fabulous?
If not, what can you do to change this? For those of you on a budget, this doesn’t mean a big spend
up, it could be something as simple as moving a lamp, putting up a poster, adding
a candle, or putting your favourite books out on display.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I would love to hear from any of you that made a change
after reading this. What did you
change and what effect did it have?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
Read the NZ Hearld <a href="http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10860677" target="_blank">article</a>Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6133407211262460476.post-18177832367154646602011-05-26T16:50:00.000-07:002013-02-05T19:38:00.113-08:00Is Your Comfort Zone Uncomfortable?<div class="orangetext">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Many years ago when I was teaching and training
adults I studied the area of Accelerated Learning. I learnt many valuable tools and techniques that I still use
a great deal in my life as a coach.
One of the most valuable things I learnt and regularly discuss with my
clients, is the important role that the comfort zone and other zones play. Not only in learning but also how they
can contribute to stress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Our comfort zone, is all about that….comfort! In this zone we can perform or carry
out tasks with little challenge or learning. We can do things in our comfort zone blindfolded. It is an area where we are accomplished
and experienced. Sounds good? Actually, not always. In this zone we experience little
challenge and growth and therefore we can fall down into the zone beneath,
which is the Drone Zone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Drone Zone is where it can feel like we are in a
rut, not getting ahead, not enjoying any change, not practicing any creativity,
in thinking or otherwise.
Therefore, this is a dangerous zone in which to be stuck in for too
long, as it can be hard to climb out of and create a vision of where to
next. It is a “rut” zone that can
create stress out of boredom and lack of challenge and accomplishment. It’s
important to move out of this zone fast!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That brings me back to our Comfort Zone: and if the
Drone Zone is beneath it, what is above it? The Panic Zone!
We all know this zone. This
is where we get a little rush of adrenaline and maybe a little bit of inner
talk telling us it’s too hard, could never do this or have this, or we don’t’
deserve it and so on. I relate the
Panic Zone to being like popping your head up over the wall to see what else is
on offer. Over that wall are all
sorts of cool things you’d like to achieve but nervously wonder if they are out
of reach. The tendency could be to
duck back down. This zone
definitely provides some challenge and learning and is a great zone to jump up
into every now and then. You don’t
want to stay in this zone too long as it too can create a bit of stress. So popping into the Panic
Zone is a good thing every now and then.
It is where we go when we are trying something new and a little bit
scary, but this is also the area in which we learn and achieve the most.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Applying for a new role takes us into panic zone,
learning a new skill takes us into panic zone, having a courageous conversation
takes us into panic zone. So here’s
to challenging that uncomfortable comfort zone and popping your head up over
that fence every now and then</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Good luck!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Lesley Colcordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07194208011106009749noreply@blogger.com2