This is a blog entry by a friend Adrian Koh (with his permission). I am inspired by his desire, his honesty and his bravery. He is clear that it will take ACTION. Starting is the key action.
A 3 Month Project (or, How I am giving myself a chance) 15 Apr 2010
I'm coming out of an interesting period of my life, in that I'm coming to understand myself a whole lot more. That's the reason for this new post really - it's a new start stemming from new understanding; where it's not about me "giving something a chance", it's really about "giving ME a chance". Something I haven't done in a long, long time.
I had a chat with James again about where I was taking the business of Nuskin - somewhat hesitant in my heart about committing the time and resources to the effort, especially after I'm just settling down from the mad year of 2009 and the first part of this year. Yet I find myself somewhat compelled to hear his thoughts on where I was. But what he shared and said was exactly what the doctor ordered in so many ways, especially after reading about how my dyslexia and ADHD had defined my life so much. Could I really say no to this?
No I can't. I can't because I'm sick of how I've been told that I've potential but I keep squandering it. I'm sick of inactivity when I want to move forward. I'm tired of how I've not been able to move a step closer to making my personal dreams come true. And, as I let my prejudices fall, I'm seeing how this place has everything I need to succeed - and more importantly in my heart - the structure to help others succeed as well.
I'm pumped. I want this to work, part of me is scared that it's (yet another) phase that will die. But the support here is real. People work and help each other here because there's so much at stake, but also such immense gain (and I'm not talking about just money). It's a game and we can't do it unless we're all in it.
I could ramble on about what I'm feeling and thinking, but I don't want to take too much time away from the thing that will push me forward - action. Here's what I'm going to do:
1. Gather my list (in progress)
2. Watch Success Formula (0.25 through)
3. Start connecting with people and calling them if I can't meet them personally (started)
4. Invite invite invite (not started)
It's going to be an interesting month. Or 3. Or maybe a year. What matters is that I realise I'm not alone - I won't fail alone, and even more than that, I'm not going to succeed alone. Thanks guys, if you're reading this. Thank you for not giving up on me.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
GENERATING JOY THROUGH JOURNALLING
Hi Cindy
What you share in your latest journal just warms my heart. You are discovering why so many of us have fallen in love with the business: It's the people that make up the company - from the management to fellow distributors.
But it takes someone special to see that and appreciate that.
You have exceeded my expectations by your attitude, actions, and approval & acknowlegements you generously give. You've Won my heart!
Can I suggest we meet tomorrow, just to have a quick review of your initial weeks doing the business?
James
What you share in your latest journal just warms my heart. You are discovering why so many of us have fallen in love with the business: It's the people that make up the company - from the management to fellow distributors.
But it takes someone special to see that and appreciate that.
You have exceeded my expectations by your attitude, actions, and approval & acknowlegements you generously give. You've Won my heart!
Can I suggest we meet tomorrow, just to have a quick review of your initial weeks doing the business?
James
BLESSED BY A COACHEE
Hi Cass
Your journal is a thrill to receive because it reminds me of a key fact of life and our key strategy to “succeed” in this business.
key fact of life: I determine what I get out of life (or YOU determine what you get out of life). Look at you:“I was full of excitement and anticipation for the ageLOC. I decided to be there early. Upon arrival, starting the queue with Daniel and KC is the highlight of my day!”
Like Hwee Suan says of Stephen Covey – you carry your own weather. Who decides if my business is great or fun or a blessing – I do!
key strategy to “succeed” : FIND people/leaders like you. Which brings me back to the first key fact of life – everything starts with me. I need to BE a that type of leader.
Thank you for saying that “the highlight came from the rounding up with James.”
I was not sure, and had not thought, of what I wanted to say until just before the end of the workshop. But earlier that week, I just felt it was important to have a huddle and say something to the new people. I am so glad I listened to my intuition, my self 2, and just did it.
I’m so glad to have you on our Team!! ☺
James
Your journal is a thrill to receive because it reminds me of a key fact of life and our key strategy to “succeed” in this business.
key fact of life: I determine what I get out of life (or YOU determine what you get out of life). Look at you:“I was full of excitement and anticipation for the ageLOC. I decided to be there early. Upon arrival, starting the queue with Daniel and KC is the highlight of my day!”
Like Hwee Suan says of Stephen Covey – you carry your own weather. Who decides if my business is great or fun or a blessing – I do!
key strategy to “succeed” : FIND people/leaders like you. Which brings me back to the first key fact of life – everything starts with me. I need to BE a that type of leader.
Thank you for saying that “the highlight came from the rounding up with James.”
I was not sure, and had not thought, of what I wanted to say until just before the end of the workshop. But earlier that week, I just felt it was important to have a huddle and say something to the new people. I am so glad I listened to my intuition, my self 2, and just did it.
I’m so glad to have you on our Team!! ☺
James
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Unexpected Feedback after a Small Group Meeting
I just put back a team member's question to them, and took it as a simple learning opportunity. To receive this unexpected feedback is a cause for celebration
From: Siti Aiza Fadil
Sent: Thursday, 16 October 2008 12:22
Subject: Re: Cutting Edge Team (CET)
Thanks James, for giving us a wonderful coaching last nite.
I found it very motivating and clarifying. Like Looi said - empowering. Really, I feel that's a great achievement of an effective coach.
I was thinking what an excellent coach u were last nite. So many words of wisdom - from coaching us on CET, to sharing your learning/blessing of the singing embarrasment experience.
As u were sharing that, I was thinking in my heart:-
... here's a leader that's ever willing to try something new, esp. in his realm of fear and not only to conquer it, but to be great at it... brings to mind your yoga, swimming, running, singing...
... U walk your talk.
From: Siti Aiza Fadil
Sent: Thursday, 16 October 2008 12:22
Subject: Re: Cutting Edge Team (CET)
Thanks James, for giving us a wonderful coaching last nite.
I found it very motivating and clarifying. Like Looi said - empowering. Really, I feel that's a great achievement of an effective coach.
I was thinking what an excellent coach u were last nite. So many words of wisdom - from coaching us on CET, to sharing your learning/blessing of the singing embarrasment experience.
As u were sharing that, I was thinking in my heart:-
... here's a leader that's ever willing to try something new, esp. in his realm of fear and not only to conquer it, but to be great at it... brings to mind your yoga, swimming, running, singing...
... U walk your talk.
INCREDIBLE GENEROUS & PASSIONATE FEEDBACK
This email was sent by a senior manager, from one of the largest Indian conglomerates, who was on a company programme to train in-house coaches. I celebrate it because I have met a man who went out of his way to write such a generous and passionate feedback, despite being very busy and on his holiday.
Sent: Thursday, 9 October 2008 00:59
Subject: Dr James Chia : my Head Coach
Dear Dr Chia ,
At the very outset I wish to put on record my sincerest thanks to you for guiding me through the entire coaching process . I also wish to put on record my sincere thanks to Mr Jagdish Anne , my coachee who devoted his valuable time and volunteered to support me through the entire process.
Reflecting back on our interactions in the last several weeks , I have a few observations worth mentioning :
a) First of all , I was a late starter . There was a moment when I thought I was too late to start . I appreciate your dealing with the situation firmly and professionally through a series of e-mails to me . I was sincerely sorry that I was perhaps letting you down - and also that I was missing out on a great opportunity . Had it not been for your gentle but firm persuasion , I would have perhaps not even got started.
b) In one of our earlier calls you mentioned about the coachee's commitment being more important than the coach's . You gave me the message pretty clearly when I got delayed in one my calls to you . It strengthened my resolve to go through the process and complete the same . So much so that I had set up one of my calls to you in between my customer visits - with me in Chennai , Jagdish in Mumbai and you in Singapore.
c) I found you were always keen in learning about both of us in all your calls. A considerable time was spent trying to know about us , about our profession and families. This , I found helped to connect us better as individuals. Your eagerness to learn about our business was also very endearing in itself.
d) One striking thing about all your interactions was the passion with which you reflected back and endorsed and appreciated things . As a coachee I felt elated .
e) One very interesting thing was that after every call , you always ensured that you correlate our conversations with a broader aspect of coaching in life . Be it the example of Tiger Woods ( he wanted a coach for himself - and not the other way round) or that the success of a coach depended on the success of a coachee and that he needed to reflect a true mirror !
f) The FEELING mnemonic taught by you was something that I though encapsulated the essence of the process.
g) Lastly, I think, as a person you displayed great commitment and more than that perhaps - immense patience in me . I do not know if you ever thought I was a lost case as a coachee when nothing seemed to be moving despite several reminders initially . Nevertheless you persisted ! I thought that was significantly noteworthy!
On the whole , it has been great interacting with you . I have learnt something new in life. Knowing you has been an enriching experience and I would certainly keep in touch . Thank you once again for your time .
Best regards.
Devotosh
Sent: Thursday, 9 October 2008 00:59
Subject: Dr James Chia : my Head Coach
Dear Dr Chia ,
At the very outset I wish to put on record my sincerest thanks to you for guiding me through the entire coaching process . I also wish to put on record my sincere thanks to Mr Jagdish Anne , my coachee who devoted his valuable time and volunteered to support me through the entire process.
Reflecting back on our interactions in the last several weeks , I have a few observations worth mentioning :
a) First of all , I was a late starter . There was a moment when I thought I was too late to start . I appreciate your dealing with the situation firmly and professionally through a series of e-mails to me . I was sincerely sorry that I was perhaps letting you down - and also that I was missing out on a great opportunity . Had it not been for your gentle but firm persuasion , I would have perhaps not even got started.
b) In one of our earlier calls you mentioned about the coachee's commitment being more important than the coach's . You gave me the message pretty clearly when I got delayed in one my calls to you . It strengthened my resolve to go through the process and complete the same . So much so that I had set up one of my calls to you in between my customer visits - with me in Chennai , Jagdish in Mumbai and you in Singapore.
c) I found you were always keen in learning about both of us in all your calls. A considerable time was spent trying to know about us , about our profession and families. This , I found helped to connect us better as individuals. Your eagerness to learn about our business was also very endearing in itself.
d) One striking thing about all your interactions was the passion with which you reflected back and endorsed and appreciated things . As a coachee I felt elated .
e) One very interesting thing was that after every call , you always ensured that you correlate our conversations with a broader aspect of coaching in life . Be it the example of Tiger Woods ( he wanted a coach for himself - and not the other way round) or that the success of a coach depended on the success of a coachee and that he needed to reflect a true mirror !
f) The FEELING mnemonic taught by you was something that I though encapsulated the essence of the process.
g) Lastly, I think, as a person you displayed great commitment and more than that perhaps - immense patience in me . I do not know if you ever thought I was a lost case as a coachee when nothing seemed to be moving despite several reminders initially . Nevertheless you persisted ! I thought that was significantly noteworthy!
On the whole , it has been great interacting with you . I have learnt something new in life. Knowing you has been an enriching experience and I would certainly keep in touch . Thank you once again for your time .
Best regards.
Devotosh
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Thanks from an Enthusiastic Coachee
Sant Kumar in his mid-forties is a Head of Internal Audit with 19 years experience in the Aditya Birla Group. I am his Head Coach in a program where he is learning to be a Coach. His coachee is Sanjay. The program was designed for 4 coaching calls, but Sant was super keen to do more! I celebrate with you this email he just sent.
From: SK Sharma Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Subject: Thanks!!!
Dear Dr. James,
The 26th Sept ’08 was our 6th and last coaching call of this program. As usual, it was a very fruitful discussion.
The program lasted almost 4 months and our discussions on coaching during the last 6 calls have been a great learning experience for me. While I was coaching Sanjay during the period, your support and expert feedback in my coaching development were really valuable and effective. You always played a role that inspires us to find ways, suiting to our unique style, to reach our goals.
From: SK Sharma Sent: Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Subject: Thanks!!!
Dear Dr. James,
The 26th Sept ’08 was our 6th and last coaching call of this program. As usual, it was a very fruitful discussion.
The program lasted almost 4 months and our discussions on coaching during the last 6 calls have been a great learning experience for me. While I was coaching Sanjay during the period, your support and expert feedback in my coaching development were really valuable and effective. You always played a role that inspires us to find ways, suiting to our unique style, to reach our goals.
This program has helped me to increase my ability to coach others and discover my unique style leadership. Not only, was my coachee Sanjay benefited but also my whole team here from my enhanced ability by support them to improve their performances and business results.
Your coaching techniques especially questioning and expert feedback on coaching and leadership were very useful. Your questioning techniques were so effective that we start looking for our own right answers and make better choices on sustainable basis.Some of your phrases like
- "Who would you like to lead first before you lead others? -the answer is yourself",
- "People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care",
- "Coaching is all about caring, the caring like mother care her child",
- "Put yourself in other person’s shoes",
- "If leader is there but no nobody is following means leader with only title”,
- "Use mirror for your own development; and mirror could be a coach, spouse and children” etc,
consistently remind and motivate me to be a better coach. I’m sure that these techniques would help me to sustain my improved behaviour and business goals.
I really appreciate for your imparting knowledge, experience and information with us through sincere and active participation during the whole period.
I hope to learn more from you in future.
With many thanks and regards,
Sant
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Encouraged by a Senior Coach!
On 24 Sep, Kerrie Phipps skyped me. Kerrie is a coach based in Australia who offered to mentor me when I enrolled for the Intensive Coach Training course by Results Coaching Systems. Check out her website http://www.createthelifeclub.com/ . I told her about my humble foray into the internet via this blog. This is what she said:
[24/09/2008 13:57:23] Kerrie Phipps says: WOW! I just read your "Purpose of this journal" to Lyndon and he said it gave him goosebumps! it's beautiful.... looking forward to reading more!
I celebrate this because this is an example of just what a coach does - encourages, empowers and endorses another human being. I also celebrate this because what I shared actually touched people whose opinions I respect and value a lot. It makes me feel that the risk I took in being vulnerable was worth it.
[24/09/2008 13:57:23] Kerrie Phipps says: WOW! I just read your "Purpose of this journal" to Lyndon and he said it gave him goosebumps! it's beautiful.... looking forward to reading more!
I celebrate this because this is an example of just what a coach does - encourages, empowers and endorses another human being. I also celebrate this because what I shared actually touched people whose opinions I respect and value a lot. It makes me feel that the risk I took in being vulnerable was worth it.
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