Kit Prendergast, PCC
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Tag Archives: happiness
Using the MBTI to Make Life Easier
There are at least a hundred personality assessments on the market today – all with the promise that if we know ourselves better we will be happier and more successful in both our personal and professional lives. We can take Emergenetics; the DiSC; the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI); Skill Scan; StrengthsFinder 2.0; Career Liftoff; Knowdell’s Motivated Skill Sort; the traditional 360° Assessment; Personal Branding surveys; Emotional Intelligence self-assessments and the list goes on and on.
But are they worth it? Can they help us learn something about ourselves that we didn’t already know? And how can we use the information to make our life a bit easier each and every day?
My answer is yes! A bit of self-knowledge wisely applied can go a long way. But first make sure to ask and answer these two questions for yourself ahead of time:
- What do I want to learn about myself?
- How will I apply that learning to my life today?
The answers to these two questions may be more difficult than you think. That is why it is important to take the assessments under the guidance of a certified administrator that can clearly delineate the differences in the assessments, what you can expect to gain and then help you clarify how the resulting knowledge can benefit your goals at this time in your life.
But what about all the on-line assessments? Yes, they have certainly gotten better in the last few years with many providing you with a robust report with more detail than maybe you even wanted. A word of caution – be careful of the freebies. You may be left with more questions, be more confused and more vulnerable for them to sell you a bigger package. Look before you leap!
I am biased though and believe that nothing takes the place of talking with a real live professional that knows and cares about your own goals. I want to know that they really know what they are talking about. Over the years I’ve obtained certification in several of the well-known assessments. I weave them into the beginning of the leadership or career transition coaching that I’m doing and people love them. Maybe it’s the mystery of figuring out “Who am I really?’ or maybe it’s just trying to figure out what makes their husbands tick?
My favorite is the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). It’s the best-of-the-best because once we know and really understand our own innate “preferences” life really does become much easier. And the icing on the cake, is now we know what motivates and energizes other people both in our families and in our work settings. We also become a little less critical and a lot more appreciative of the “gifts” we all bring to the table every day.
Posted in Career Tips & Strategies, Communication Tips, Emotional Intelligence, Inspirational Leadership, Navigating Change, Personal Development, Your Time & Energy
Tagged Career, happiness, inspiration, learning, optimism, Positive Psychology, Relationships, Talent Development, Visioning
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A Simple Smile Shifts Energy
I’ve been experimenting with this idea for several months now . . . does the simple act of smiling to yourself shift your own energy?
This experiment came about quite innocently when I would be feeling a bit frustrated (like lots of us) when trying to take care of household business calls that seem to have no end. It’s not the fault of the person on the other end of the phone (when I actually am able to talk with someone) but it seems like nothing is simple and almost always one call necessitates another two or three calls. I’m thinking of calls like scheduling medical appointments for family members; sorting out errors on bills, arranging for car/dog/house maintenance etc. etc. You know what I mean.
So I tried experimenting with putting a smile on my face (none can see me) to observe what would happen. Interesting, several things would almost always occur quite quickly. First, I noticed that my voice would soften and become a little lighter. It also had a warmer quality to it. My shoulders relaxed a bit and I sat back slightly in my chair. I also was more attuned to the conversation and was listening a bit closer. And if I really wanted to test the waters, I would find a moment to just laugh slightly to see if that created a nice connection with the other person.
I was pleasantly surprised at the result of my experiment. Each time I coached myself to smile, my energy had clearly shifted in a very subtle way. It was not dramatic – I hadn’t done anything extraordinary but my energy had simply shifted to a more positive and collaborative posture.
Did the smile get business done any faster or better? Maybe not or maybe so. But it does make it easier on me. I’m being a bit kinder and gentler on myself. Now on to more phone calls . . .
Three Steps to Add More Happiness to Your Life
I’m on a roll now . . . thinking about the little things that make me happy. A hot cup of McDonald’s coffee, a tidy closet, a sleeping dog at my feet and the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains under bright blue skies just outside my front door. But we are all unique. What makes me smile may be very different for you. The challenge is to figure it out for ourselves. Here’s how to get started.
- First, watch yourself for a couple of days. Pay attention to what you enjoy, what makes you smile, what gives you a sense of contentment. Not the big “Wows” – those exciting events or moments are great but temporary by nature. The question we really want to answer for ourselves is “What are the simple sustainable things that I do regularly that contribute to my sense of positive well-being?”
- Second, look for the themes. These things will naturally fall into some general groupings. Using me as an example, I quickly noticed that my physical environment is key to my happiness; my personal relationships are very important; my health & wellness can make or break a day and the icing on the cake is always professional and personal growth. That’s just for starters. Now for you (because we’re all different), what themes or groupings are you noticing?
- Third, now come up with some action steps for yourself. I got wonderfully inspired by Gretchen Rubin’s book, The Happiness Project (2009). She works on one theme per month and in a funny but practical and realistic way she moves herself forward toward a bit more happiness each and every month. So, start right now in January. Keep it simple by just working on one theme per month. You know what works for you – just do more of it.
The Happiness Project
The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin, Harper Collins Publishers, 2009.
I seem to find the best books in airports, and once again I picked up this gem while racing through Denver on the way to Philadelphia for the Army Navy BIG football game. Rubin captures what many of us are thinking about and striving toward – bringing another layer of joy, contentment and happiness into our personal and professional lives. She has a wonderful humorous style that engages you from the first page and has you both thinking and smiling throughout.
But most importantly, you find yourself making some resolutions for yourself all with the goal of making 2013 the best year yet!
The Holidays! Connecting With Your Target Audience
Over the years, I’ve noticed that there is a delicious week or two just before Christmas Day when things are usually quite quiet in people’s offices. Trainings aren’t being scheduled; staff meetings are postponed; projects are slowing down and people are often a bit more relaxed – especially if they are at the office between Christmas and New Year’s. This can be an ideal time to connect with others!
Here’s my suggestion . . . identify 5-7 people who know you well or should know you. Who needs to know more about you in this coming year so they can help you move toward your 2013 career goals? Be very selective in who you choose because you have limited time and budget.
If they are local, pick up the phone and call them. Renew the relationship by asking how their year went, share what you are doing professionally and be open to how you could help each other in 2013. If they are across the country, still pick up the phone and see if they are in the office. Get on a roll . . . and leave a message if they are not there. Just say “Happy Holidays” and “thinking of you.”
You will be amazed how effective this personal contact is! And yes, you can use your social media outlets to send out messages as well but nothing is as powerful as a personal call. If you want to practice, call me!