A few past clients commented they were unfairly treated during job performance reviews or received criticism they felt was unwarranted, from their clients.  Maybe those comments seemed to come out of left field, when things were thought to be going well, or my clients have said criticism was delivered too harshly and not enough was offered about what they were doing right.

Get ahead of this happening, beat employers or clients in this feedback by requesting they review you more often and help them do it constructively.  Here’s an approach I’ve encouraged my professional and entrepreneurial clients to take:

Managers, Employees and Staff
Be sure to have clear benchmarks set for your work.  If it’s not clear, ask that these be reviewed with you.  At these different benchmark stages within the project or work requirements, interview any working partners and talk with your boss or supervisor for their periodic feedback rather than wait for semi-annual reviews. (more…)

Whether Christian or not, some of St. Patrick resides within each of us.

Patrick showed endurance following the raid of his family’s estate in his youth and his following six years in captivity by rebels.   He felt very alone during the years when he worked as a shepherd and was away from people, yet he learned self-reliance.  During those years he dreamt of big changes for his Irish people and rather than be defeated for his unfair treatment, he desired to help others.

Patrick stayed loyal to his internal guiding messages and escaped captivity.  He walked 200 miles to the Irish coast where he entered religious training and then returned to his country of birth to apply it with his countrymen.  He met others on their familiar terms, incorporating their Irish traditional practices and symbolism into the lessons he helped them learn about the Christian faith. (more…)

Susan Caine, “The Power of Introverts”  TED.com talk  19:04  (click on the link to view and hear this powerful presentation)

When it comes to love, while you may not think want to think yourself a softy or prone to public displays of emotion, it can  sometimes catch you off guard…and isn’t that great!

Yesterday I had my little 9-month old doggie, Tula, spayed.  During surgery, it was discovered that she was in heat due to a false pregnancy, the exact cause being unknown.  She’s fine now, but I’m reflecting on how I felt and behaved yesterday, when my heart swelled for her in immeasurable proportions and I was teary with others and her doctor.

You never know where or how love will grab you. Sometimes it seems you’re in very capable and consistent step with your daily life and then something will come along and shake your foundation, and before you know what has happened you’re feeling vulnerable.

I’ve learned there’s nothing wrong with this state of being and it doesn’t work to fight it.  It’s often said that these kinds of times determine the true character of a person.  Whether anxious, frustrated or moody, do you hang out too long in those emotions or do you allow yourself to feel them and what’s occurring and then gather yourself up to do what’s needed? (more…)

If your family doesn’t live near you for you to visit this holiday, or friends are all away seeing their family, you still want to experience the spirit of the holiday season – and that means connection with others.  Here’s 6 ideas how:

1. Start with any friends who live locally and see if they’ve got any time to get together even in-between their other plans.  Even if they’ve only got a half hour, call them and swing by with some eggnog for a chat and to view their decorations.  You’ll be glad you did.

2. Decorate your own abode with others.  You don’t have to use expensive items, in fact making the old-fashioned paper chains, hanging strung popcorn, or old cut-out Christmas cards, looks nice and can be fun to make.  Invite some grammar school kids on your block who want to do this with you.  Set a time, put in the supplies, introduce yourself to their parents and have fun being playful with your own decoration creation party. (more…)