Words – they have the power to make us happy or sad, laugh or cry, empower or immobilize, encourage or discourage. The power to produce such results through the use of words, is granted to you and I each and every day through either the written or spoken word!

Mankind has long known the influence that mere words can have upon other human beings. Words have been used to move people to follow a cause, whether for good or ill. The advertising world effectively uses words to evoke certain feelings that will cause people to purchase a particular product or service. Movie – goers are persuaded by film reviews as to whether they will see the latest blockbuster movie or not…and on the list could go.

One specific example of the power of words, is through reading and recalling favorite quotes uttered or written by Biblical or historical figures across history.

For some, their favorite passage or quote may come from the 23^rd Psalm, The Lord Is My Shepherd; for still others, it may come from a leading Statesman or other world notable, or even from one of their favorite authors. Why do we enjoy reading or using quotes in speeches and other situations so much?

The answer to that question is probably different for each person that would volunteer an answer. But part of the answer for all, is that, we find in the words of the quotes we use, a meaning that we at the time just can’t seem to articulate, but find some connection with on a deeper level.

For professional speakers and authors, the use of quotes are often used to either reinforce a point, or as a teaching technique, or to inspire and motivate their audience in some way.

Others who use quotes, often employ them as a means of gaining a fresh perspective on a life issue, or as a source of encouragement in moments of gloom.

Whatever the reason we have for using quotes, they are a time tested source of insight and wisdom, a resource that the world never seems to tire of.

Coach Ian Scott’s new book release Quotes to Inspire & Motivate is now available from Amazon.com. To get your personal copy, click here:

Quotes to Inspire & Motivate

When it comes to relationships, and our dealings with others, especially in the business world or workplace, we desire those relationships to be consistent, to have a high level of integrity, and to be professional.

This is where those in leadership positions have the spotlight firmly fixed upon them. It is through a leaders relationships with their colleagues and workforce, that their reputation as a leader is built and established.

Let’s take a look at the definition of the word: Reputation

The Collins English Dictionary defines the word reputation in this way:

“ the estimation in which a person or thing is generally held”

So individuals, can either hold our reputation as of high or low value. And that estimation or opinion of our reputation, is in direct proportion to how we conduct ourselves as leaders. In other words, you and I are totally responsible for the value placed upon our individual reputations!

Building a good reputation takes time. The basis for a good reputation is earned by saying the right things and following up with the right action. Your conduct determines your reputation. You have to do a continuous, consistent string of small good deeds that will positively affect people around you.

Lets take a look at some areas where a good reputation is required.

What about the area of honesty; being honest in all things with your colleagues, or the team you lead. Are you always honest with those you lead? Or do you sometimes try to fob them off, giving them an answer over some issue, which over time will reveal itself to be an untruth or half-truth?

Whatever the case, it will come back to haunt a person. And will, without doubt stain a persons reputation. And do not fool yourself – people know when they’re being lied to.

Zig Ziglar, one of America’s top trainers and authors, once said, that if you lie to a colleague once, they will never believe anything else that ever comes out of your mouth! Honesty or integrity to moral principles, is an essential area that a true leader must abide by at all times.

What about the area of having to provide discipline? We mentioned in our introduction, the need for being consistent in our dealings with others as a leader.

Times will arise when a leader has to provide some form of discipline to a colleague. A leader has to be both consistent and professional in this area.

In order to do this effectively, there has to be a clear demarcation, a definite line where a professional, rather than a personal relationship is developed.

In some organizations these days, there is a more casual atmosphere between management and workforce. Everyone seems to be on first name terms with one another. When I first started out in a place of employment, we always referred to our leadership by their surnames: Mr Smith, Mrs Smith etc.

Today there is an over familiarity at every level. My point?

If management have developed too close a relationship with a person they have to discipline, that might have an impact upon how they administer the discipline. Therefore, they may be more lenient with someone who has become more of a friend, than they would with someone else! I am of course speaking in terms of only minor forms of discipline here.

Whatever the situation, here would be a test of a leaders reputation. If they felt, because they were too close to the person, that their judgment would be impaired when it came to issuing discipline – would they be prepared to pass the issue over to someone else, who had a more objective view of the matter?

A leader has to be seen to be fair, and consistent when it comes to administering any necessary discipline during the course of their working life.

If a leader builds a solid foundation for themselves with respect to their personal reputation, it will stand the test of time. A good reputation can be lost quicker than it was established – and unfortunately, its the indiscretions etc that folks remember the longest!

The examples we’ve considered today, are just a couple of the areas where a good reputation is required. You can possibly think of many others.

But, if a leaders is consistent, manifests a high level of integrity, and is totally professional in every interaction, that leader will be held in high esteem by all those under their leadership!

© 2009 by Coach Ian Scott

The self-made Millionaire, Marcel Cools once said of time:
“Mastering time is the only way to success. Everybody has the same 24 hours to work with. But some make use of every second, while others fritter them away. Time is a precious commodity, the basis of life. Without time, you can’t do anything.”

To get the most out of any 24 hour day, Marcel Cools recommended following a simple, three step process.

Step # 1: Decide what needs doing most
Step # 2: Forget everything else
Step # 3: Put everything you have, body and soul, into this activity.

Let’s take a closer look at each of those steps for success in our personal quest for time management.

Step # 1: Decide what needs doing most.

This first step in managing your time efficiently, gets you to focus on what matters most in your professional life, that has to do with your business or career.

When I worked in the recruitment industry, my business partner had this maxim: “Is what you’re doing now, going to make you rich?” In other words, is the activity your involved in, at this moment in time, a productive or time-wasting activity? Are you involved in an activity which is going to have a direct impact financially on your business, or are you paper-pushing? Never confuse the word “activity” with “accomplishment”. One [ activity ] is what you do, the other [ accomplishment ]is a definite result for what you did! This first step,then, teaches you to say “NO” to useless activity.

Step # 2: Forget everything else.

Do you have worries and stress? This second step shows you how to stop needless worry, and remain focused on what needs doing most!

If you engage in needless worry and stress, this will sap your energy and focus. You will be unable to give 100% focus to the task at hand. To succeed, you must master your ability to stay focused, or you will experience inefficiency! This will result in poor performance and results.

Step # 3: Put everything you have, body and soul, into this activity.

Following this step, will enable you to tap into your full potential and resources. You will find that you can accomplish more, and will even surprise yourself in what you’re capable of. You will find that you can use your full potential and resources at will.

If you take the time to master these three simple steps, you will experience measurable results in terms of being more productive and efficient, and in seeing a marked increase financially for your business or company. You will become more focused as a result of applying these principles, and a better manager of time.

© 2009 by Coach Ian Scott

As was mentioned in the article “Relationships – A Key Aspect of Life”, relationships are very important to us. They’re the cornerstone upon which society is built. Empires for example, have stood, or fallen, based upon the strength of the fabric of their society. The Roman Empire is a classic example of that!

Because relationships play such an important role in life, we return to that topic again in this article.

Now, with the best will in the world, husbands and wives, boyfriends and girlfriends, friends, relatives, family, and co-workers will, from time to time, experience difficulties in their interactions with each other.

What we want to consider in this article, is why difficulties can sometimes arise, what can cause them, how that is manifested, and finally, what positive steps can be taken to correct difficulties, and why immediate action is important.

Let’s take our first point: Why can difficulties sometimes arise between people? There are a variety of reasons as to why problems can exist at times. Some of these could include:

• Attitudes
• Egos
• Social status
• Education
• Misunderstandings
• Race or Ethnic origins

These in turn, can then become manifest, through harsh or cruel words to someone we feel is either beneath us, or inferior to us. It could be through gossip in the workplace, because some information as been passed around about an imagined situation that has no substance of truth to it. Therefore giving rise to misunderstandings,which can harm reputations, that can then lead to strained relations if the matter is left unresolved.

Another reason for people problems, could be that a person has got something on their mind, and it is affecting how they interact with others, either at home or work.

Something could be happening in their personal life, that we’re not aware of, which could be creating a temporary problem. If we know the person fairly well, say in the workplace or home, and they’re usually known for being able to get along with others, then we can try to accommodate them. All of us at times have our “off” days.

But regardless of where we might experience difficulties from time to time, what is the solution?

In any people problems we may experience, our first aim, is to win the peace, and win the person! Peaceful relations whether at home, or in the workplace, are the key consideration.

So, what about in the home? What should we do if a problem arises there?

If it’s a husband and wife issue – face it, and talk about it. There’s an ancient saying, that you should “make your peace before the sunsets.” Always make your peace with each other before the next day. Never let a problem roll over to the next day.

What if you have a problem with someone at work? If the problem is not too serious, and does not require intervention from a member of management, go directly to the person you have a difference or misunderstanding with. It takes courage and maturity to do this. But if you go running to your supervisor or manager over a petty matter that you could resolve, that can create more problems. Here’s why.

First, it would demonstrate that you’re not mature enough to resolve your own issues. Second, it will cause resentment between colleagues. And it will make you appear childish. Thirdly, management should have more important things to do, than resolve the petty, minor issues of their staff! If they jump in at every staff issue, they’re not managers, they’ve become child-minders! Instead, if you go directly to the person in question, you may just find that they will respect you more for it!

Now, what are the dangers if you were to avoid settling difficulties quickly?

If issues are not dealt with quickly, then this could lead to:

• Strained relationships, in the home or workplace, depending on where the problem exists
• If in the workplace,it would have a negative effect upon the workforce
• It would result in bad or hurt feelings
• Could harm a persons reputation
• It would most certainly prolong the problem

Difficulties will arise from time to time, that’s the reality of life and people. But if we’re willing and prepared to deal with such challenges, any that should arise, will be dealt with swiftly and effectively, then any and all relationships will come through those difficulties intact!

Britain and America, are said to have a special one. Husbands and wives have a tender and romantic one. Mothers and Fathers with their offspring, have a paternal one. Brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, grandparents, cousins, nieces and nephews have them. What do they have? Relationships!

Relationships, whether they are between countries or people, are a key aspect of everyday life.

We constantly come into contact with individuals and groups that we share some connection with. Whether it’s at home, at school or in the workplace, we cannot get away from relationships – they’re everywhere!

In this article, we want to address three basic questions regarding relationships. First, we want to define what a relationship is. Second, we want to know how they are formed. And finally, why it is that relationships are important to us.

Let’s take our first point: What exactly is a relationship?

One Dictionary defines relationship as:”The mutual dealings, connections, or feelings that exist between two parties, countries or people.” So, a relationship exists between those who have something in common or some shared interest or feeling.

This brings us then to our second question: How are relationships formed?

Relationships are usually formed between individuals who share common experiences, interests, values and beliefs. Our strongest and closest relationships tend to be with those we hold more in common with.

What is the process we use then, to form our relationships? How do we begin to start a relationship in the first place?

You may not be aware of this, but we do in fact use a process called filtering to form our relationships. The filtering we use is influenced by our personal interests, values, beliefs and experiences. By what method do we use filtering? Through the use of questions.

Let’s see if we can illustrate this with a simple example.

A new person commences work at your place of employment. This person is introduced to all the people who are a part of your workforce.

During the course of the day, different colleagues engage this person in conversation. What do you think the initial conversation would consist of? Usually, it will be a barrage of questions. The new person would be asked where they come from, are they married, do they have a family. What are their hobbies and interests? What are their beliefs and values on certain matters? This process would continue over a period of time. Hopefully not all at once for the person!

You can apply this simple example to different situations. It can be applied to a social setting, work, school etc.

So, when we’re asking questions, we are actually finding out whether this person fits our criteria of someone we might form a friendship or relationship with.

There are of course, other factors too which would dictate the forming of friendships. But the asking of questions which provides us with information, is probably the key way we form any sort of interaction.

This brings us to our final point: Why are relationships so important to us?

Relationships provide us with many benefits. They give us a sense of community, identity,
a feeling of belonging, security and stability.

In the beginning, to form any relationship, it took effort and time. A bit like planting seeds, for anything to grow, they have to be watered!

Therefore, this important aspect of our lives needs to be cared for and nurtured.

So think of all the relationships that you’re a part of. Value them. Work hard to maintain them, and they’ll last a lifetime.

There’s a line in an old Simon and Garfunkel song that says: “Old friends, sharing a park bench like bookends.” That’s how our friendships should be. Something we’re comfortable with, and that makes us feel warm inside.

In future articles, we’ll look at some of the other areas in life where interactions with other people are important.

© 2008 Coach Ian Scott