Taking Home the "Thelma"

I'm happy and truly honored to be the recipient of the 2007 Thelma Gibson Award of Excellence. I received the "Thelma" yesterday at the Women's Chamber of Commerce award luncheon at the Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables, Florida and am very proud to be named among the other outstanding women who were finalists as well as the former recipients of this prestigious award.

The "Thelma" was begun 7 years ago by the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade County to recognize an individual and a corporation who have excelled in promoting leadership, excellence and business development among corporate and professional women.

The award is named in honor of the Chamber founder, Thelma Gibson, a remarkable women who had the vision to create a wonderful organization where women could support one another in building their businesses, share ideas and work together for common good. She's an amazing woman and an excellent example of what one person can do to make the world a better place.

Thelma Gibson will be 81 years young on Monday. She continues to be actively involved in the community and refers to herself as a "professional volunteer." She is truly an inspiration. Happy Birthday, Thelma!

The Power of Appreciation

One of my favorite authors and speakers, Dr. Wayne Dyer, has said, "The secret of abundance is to stop focusing on what you do not have, and shift your consciousness to an appreciation of all that you are and all that you do have."

Reading Dr. Dyer’s words caused me to think about how often we tend to focus on what is lacking in our lives. On a daily basis, we are bombarded with messages reminding of us of what is missing. From songs that drone on about lost love to advertisements that remind us that we aren’t good-looking enough, healthy enough or smart enough, the stream of lack consciousness seems never-ending.

You only have to listen to our daily chatter for a few minutes to hear the focus on lack. For example, how many times do you hear people say things like, I didn't get enough sleep, I don't have the energy, I don't have enough time, I don't have enough money, I don't have enough __________ (just fill in the blank) confidence, help, appreciation, talent, education, and on and on and on. What we focus on expands and we create more of it with our thoughts and words. If we’re not careful, we may miss the richness and goodness that we have as a result.

What could our world look like if we shifted our focus to what we have instead of what we lack? Try these tips for expressing gratitude and see what magic you create.

1. Look for the good in others. It is not always easy to find the good in another person. However, it is there if you look for it. Focusing on what is good will help you recognize the goodness that is happening around you as well as find ways to acknowledge the good in others. Ask yourself: What do I see that is good?

2. Express gratitude to others often. Say "thank you" to others at every opportunity. People never tire of hearing words of sincere appreciation. Hand-written notes are nearly a thing of the past, but are so appreciated. Take a few minutes at the end of each week to hand- write a "thank you" note to a customer, a friend, an employee or someone you appreciate. Ask yourself: Have I said "thank you" today?

3. Take time to appreciate yourself. Don't wait for others to acknowledge you. Allow yourself to reflect on your actions and accomplishments at the end of each day and truly appreciate yourself. You deserve it! You may feel uncomfortable at first. Try easing into self-appreciation by writing down 5 things you are proud of each evening before falling asleep. Ask yourself: What do I appreciate about myself today?

4. Begin the day with an attitude of gratitude. There is so much to be grateful for if you choose to focus on it. As you continue with this exercise on a daily basis, you will begin to notice that being grateful opens the possibility for increased blessing and goodness in your life. Ask yourself: What will I appreciate today?

Thelma Gibson Awards

I'm thrilled and honored to be named a finalist for the Thelma Gibson Award of Excellence. The award was begun 7 years ago by the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Miami-Dade County to recognize an individual and a corporation who have excelled in promoting leadership, excellence and business development among corporate and professional women.

The award is named in honor of the Chamber founder, Thelma Gibson, a remarkable women who had the vision to create a wonderful organization where women could support one another in building their businesses, share ideas and work together for common good.

The Thelma Gibson Award of Excellence (a “Thelma”), will be awarded on December 13, 2007 at the Westin Colonnade in Coral Gables, FL.

Holiday Stress Busters

Mark your calendar now to join me for Power Lunch on November 13.

I'll be sharing tips and ideas to help you:

• Manage holiday expectations
• Handle the added holiday stress
• Stay on course to reach your goals
  

It's easy to attend! Power Lunch meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month via teleconference.

Power Lunch is complimentary, however reservations are required.

Just send an email to patmorgan@smoothsailingsuccess.com to receive dial-in instructions.

Here are the details:

Date: November 13, 2007
Time: 12:00 - 12:30pm

Time Mastery - Are you ready?

“The ability to focus is nearly a lost art.”
Pat Morgan

"Don't say you don't have enough time.
You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given
to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michaelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci,
Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein." ~ H. Jackson Brown

"It's impossible to fully focus on more than one thing at a time.” ~ Charles Vincent

Pat's Top Ten Tips for Time Mastery

1. Stop using time as an excuse.

2. Find out where you spend your time.

3. Simplify your life.

4. Be intentional about scheduling.

5. Zap Time Wasters.

6. Prioritize your efforts.

7. Handle the interruptions.

8. End procrastination now!

9. Use the phone and email efficiently.

10. Schedule time for yourself.

Finish the Year Strong!

Power Up with Power Lunch!

Mark your calendar and plan to join me for Power Lunch on October 9.
I'll be sharing tips and ideas to help you:

• Refocus on your most important goals
• Get back on track to make progress before year end
• Take action now!

It's easy to attend!

Power Lunch meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month via teleconference.

Power Lunch is complimentary, however reservations are required.

Email PatMorgan@SmoothSailingSuccess.com to confirm attendance and receive call-in instructions.

Date: October 9, 2007
Time: 12:00 - 12:30pm

Look forward to having you on the Power Lunch call!

Leading Through Change

Are you facing the challenge to lead your organization through change? Is change disrupting workflow and distracting you from reaching your most important goals? Are you searching for answers to get you through a transition?

In the fast-paced business environment we live and work in today, it seems almost everyone is dealing with some sort of change nearly all the time.

According to well-known author and management consultant, Peter Drucker, “change is the norm, and unless an organization sees that its task is to lead change, that organization--whether a business, a university, or a hospital--will not survive in the 21st-century.”

Change is a constant. Learning how to lead change in ways that minimize disruption and keep the organization on course will set you apart as “change leaders. “

Research has shown that the most difficult part of change is dealing with the fear and anxiety it inevitably creates. Managing change is central to effective leadership. Rather than allow fear and angst to take control, why not pro-actively manage change?

People need an anchor to keep them steady during times of change and uncertainty. They naturally look to their leaders to help them make sense of change and understand how to handle it.

Leading through change can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be a struggle.Here are three tips to help you “lead through change” and guide your organization successfully through transition.

1. Develop a Change Management Plan. Where do you see yourself once the change has become a reality? Get clear on your desired outcome and what you need to make it happen. Develop a plan to use as your roadmap and guide. Ask yourself: Do I have a clearly defined plan?

2. Communication is key. Keep the lines of communication open. Communicate often to keep employees up to date on changes that are occurring. Provide forums, such as “all hands” meetings or a suggestion box, where they may ask questions and voice their concerns. Ask yourself: How will I communicate the change to our team?

3. Promote Teamwork. Creative a positive environment that encourages teamwork and facilitates problem-solving. Unite the team around a shared vision for the future and involve people in the process. Ask yourself: What can I do today to promote teamwork?