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February 8th, 2012

Jean Gatz Standout StrategiesAdd the Right SKILLS to Your Strengths

By Motivational Keynote Speaker Jean Gatz

If you identified your strengths after reading last week’s blog, you noticed that you’ve needed more than just your strengths to be successful in work and life. And you’re right! Very few strengths can stand on their own without some great skills to back them up. Strengths are important, but combining them with the right skills will take you to a whole new level. And that brings us to Part Two of the Success Equation: Develop strong skills that support and complement your strengths.

What’s the difference between strengths and skills? Your strengths come easily, but that’s not necessarily true for skills. Every skill you have today was learned and practiced over time. Your skills represent the time and effort you’ve put in to accept new ideas, behaviors and information – and then add them to your skill set.

Some skills were easy to learn because they reinforced your existing strengths. You caught on without much effort. Other skills were fairly difficult to master. They required serious effort. You had to stretch far to learn (or try to learn) those skills. And there are still more skills you’ll need to add if you want to STAND OUT from the crowd in a positive way.

People often ask me: “OK, Jean, what skills should I go after first? There aren’t enough hours in the day to learn everything there is to know about my job, my relationships, my health and my life.”

I couldn’t agree more! You may choose to learn new skills that will make you a better leader, colleague, co-worker, partner, spouse, parent or friend. Even if you choose only ONE of those categories, it will take time. Strong skills are important, but not EVERY skill is important for you to learn right now. So where do you start? You must be very selective. You start by asking yourself this very important question: WHAT RESULTS DO I WANT?

In next week’s blog we’ll look at how to determine what skills you need to add – and when – and how. So stay tuned! And I’d love to know how you’re coming along with identifying your strengths so far. Were there any encouraging surprises when you asked others for their feedback? Email jean@jeangatz.com and let me know!

© 2012 Jean Gatz CSP www.jeangatz.com

Topics: 10 ways to stand out from the crowd, Blog, Business as usual is over, Leveraging Your Strengths, stand out from the crowd | No Comments »


Your Equation for Success!

February 1st, 2012

Jean Gatz Standout Strategiesby Motivational Keynote Speaker Jean Gatz

Are you good at Math? It’s definitely not one of my strong suits. In fact, I’m convinced that my Algebra teacher gave me a passing grade – out of pity and fear. I didn’t “get” equations, and if I failed (as I should have) I might end up in his class for another semester. But there’s one equation that I DO understand very well – because I created it. I call it the 3-part Success Equation:  Strengths + Skills + Self Improvement = Success!  And part  one is your STAND OUT tip for this month:  Leverage your Strengths.

No matter who you are or what you do, utilizing your strengths to your best advantage is one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever make. In fact, you and your organization should capitalize on your strengths at every opportunity. It’s not only a cost-effective strategy, but it helps create a team of people who truly enjoy their jobs and excel at whatever they do.

Your strengths come naturally, give you immense satisfaction and create confidence in your abilities. No wonder it feels great to focus on them! It’s almost impossible NOT to feel successful, happy and “inspired” when you’re putting them to good use. So the first question to ask is: WHAT ARE YOUR STRENGTHS?

When I ask audiences in my keynotes and workshops to make a list of their strengths, many of them struggle with this task. It’s much easier for them to list all the things they can’t do, wish they could do, don’t do, are afraid to do, or have done wrong.

While no one likes a show-off, acknowledging your strengths has nothing to do with bragging and boasting. It involves taking a realistic look at your gifts and talents to make sure you’re using them to accomplish your personal and professional goals.  So…what are YOUR strengths? In what areas do you excel? Make a list. Write them down. Then ask others for their feedback. You’ll be surprised at the strengths others may see in you that you may not see in yourself.

Or maybe you take your strengths for granted because they come easily, so you assume that everyone can do what you do. But that’s not always the case. Although I can speak in front of thousands and write books with ease, I could never excel at some of the jobs my friends have because we don’t share the same strengths. In fact, I would be a total failure!

Everyone has different strengths that contribute to who they are. If you can’t identify them and integrate them into your personal and professional life, you’ll never get to where you want to be. And no one else will take notice of them either.

As a leader it’s important to know that people’s strengths come to the surface in safe, healthy and trusting environments. So if you want to develop and sustain a successful team in which people perform to the best of their abilities, then you must help create an environment in which they have the incentive to bring their very best to the table.  That’s how you and your organization will STAND OUT from the Crowd.

I’ll continue writing about the 3-Part Success Equation in my weekly blog this month. If you want to learn how to develop the skills you’re lacking, or how to turn your liabilities into abilities, sign up for my blog here so you don’t miss anything!

And if you’re planning an event, let’s work together to make sure it STANDS OUT like nothing you’ve ever done before! Email me today at jean@jeangatz.com or simply pick up the phone and give me a call now at 225.907.4138.

©2012   Jean Gatz, CSP   All Rights Reserved

 

Topics: 10 ways to stand out from the crowd, Blog, Business as usual is over, Leveraging Your Strengths, stand out from the crowd | No Comments »


Easy Choices Don’t Always Get the Job Done!

January 24th, 2012

Jean Gatz Standout Strategiesby Motivational Keynote Speaker Jean Gatz

Over the past few weeks we’ve talked about Re-Thinking your choices when dealing with change if you want to STAND OUT from the crowd in a positive way. But let’s face it. Most changes, even the positive ones, usually involve inconvenience and hard work. And sometimes you don’t feel confident that you’ve made the right choices.

To succeed in today’s highly competitive environment, you must have confidence in yourself and the choices you make. The good news is that making good choices actually creates confidence! In fact, we begin teaching our children the importance of making good choices when they’re very young. “Don’t touch the stove. Don’t run out into the street. Study hard. Drive carefully.” And sometimes they even listen to us!

When our seven year old grandson saw a boy his age riding a bike without a helmet he commented, “That’s not a safe choice.” He wasn’t asking my opinion. He was stating a fact that he knew to be true. When I asked if he always wears a helmet when he rides his bike he explained, “My mom and dad’s rule is that I have to wear a helmet any time I ride something with wheels, like my bike, my scooter or my skates.” Makes sense to me.

Each time children (no matter their age) make a good decision, their confidence increases. The same thing happens to us as adults. So why don’t we make good choices 100% of the time? Unfortunately, some people make choices based on what’s easy rather than what’s smart. And as we all know, the easy choices don’t always produce the best results.

It’s easier to:
• Over-eat instead of losing weight to stay healthy;
• Sit in front of the TV for hours instead of getting some exercise;
• Blame other people instead of taking responsibility for our actions;
• Come to work and “meet standards” instead of going the extra mile to exceed expectations.

Let’s face it. EASY choices don’t always get the job done! It’s hard work to do almost anything that will add meaning and value to your life. There are lots of good choices that must be made, one after the other, to make change happen in a positive way. Your ability to re-group, learn from your mistakes, pick yourself up and continue on the right path is a big part of the process. So don’t make choices based on the work involved or what’s easy and comfortable, but rather on the impact those choices will have on your confidence level and your ability to STAND OUT in a positive way… not just today but well into the future.

Make it a STAND OUT week!

Jean

Topics: 10 ways to stand out from the crowd, Blog, building confidence, Making Right choices, stand out from the crowd | No Comments »


Just One Thing…

January 10th, 2012

Do you remember that famous line from the movie City Slickers? As they ride along the trail Jack Palance (as Curly) tells Billy Crystal, “The secret to life is just one thing.” Crystal asks, “That’s great, Curly, but what’s the one thing?” He answers, “That’s what you’ve gotta figure out.”

Curly’s advice is a smart approach to take as we start a new year. If you set an ambitious list of goals on January 1st, you’ll probably toss it by February 1st. That’s about how long most resolutions last because we get discouraged by our lack of progress. So instead of setting yourself up for frustration and failure, why not take Curly’s (and my) advice this year and focus each month on Just One Thing?

You get to decide. Each month I’ll give you a quick tip to help you STAND OUT in a positive way.

This month’s tip: Re-think your choices when life throws changes your way. When it comes to your future success in your job, your relationships and your life, you have two choices in how you respond to change. You can choose to feel powerless or powerful.

You may be thinking: “Hey, wait a minute! I didn’t choose to let the economy tank, have my computer crash, or have to work longer hours just to keep my job. I didn’t choose for life to be so unfair.” I agree! Life isn’t always fair. While you can’t choose the changes life sends your way, you CAN choose how to respond. You may not be in charge of change, but you ARE in charge of your attitudes, beliefs and behaviors when it comes to dealing with change.

So … what’s holding you back and keeping you from getting where you want to be? What’s ONE choice you can make towards positive change in the next few weeks? When you re-think your choices you can move from feeling “powerless” to “powerful.”

Of course you do have another option. You can always choose NOT to change – to fall behind the competition inside or outside your company. If you choose to fall behind, you’re choosing to be left behind. And catching up will be very hard to do. Remember that the choices you make, and the actions you take as a result of those choices, can make this year STAND OUT for you – in your job, your relationships, and your life!

Wondering what I’m working on this month? Here’s my one thing: delivering a better Return on Investment for my clients when I keynote their events. Check out my ROI Guarantee here. And remember – making 2012 YOUR best year EVER starts with changing just one thing. What will that be for you?

Topics: 10 ways to stand out from the crowd, Blog, change, encouragement, Focus, stand out from the crowd | No Comments »


Changing the “Green Screen” of your Life

September 23rd, 2011

While preparing to record a video training series on leadership for a corporate client, I commented that the green screen in the background wasn’t very attractive. (I think the word I actually used was “tacky.”) The camera operator proudly announced, “Oh, it won’t look like that in the videos. We can create whatever background you like. With Green Screen technology, the sky’s the limit!” Then with the click of a mouse, he changed the background to a view of the beach, the desert, a mountaintop and a rain forest. While we opted for a  traditional background, it was still exciting to consider our options.

The goal of the video training was to help corporate leaders do a better job. That got me thinking about the many ways to define the term job. Your job may revolve around your occupation, trade or profession. Or it might involve a duty or responsibility for which you don’t receive a paycheck. But the rewards are there in other ways – like being a stay-at-home mom or dad, or serving as a volunteer in your community.

However you define your job, wouldn’t it be exciting to create your own Green Screen of how you want that job to look… feel… BE? Well, actually, you can. In fact, you’re continually modifying your Green Screen every time you make a choice about your life, your relationships and your career – and act upon it. You may not be in charge of everything that happens to you, but you are 100% in charge of how you choose to respond.

If you’re not satisfied with your life’s current Green Screen, it will take more than the click of a mouse to change things. The choice is always yours. Let’s take a look at some areas you might want to consider.

Your professional life: Do you still enjoy your job or have you lost your enthusiasm? Are you proud of what you do and who you work for/with – or embarrassed to give people your business card? Are you stuck in a rut because you haven’t invested the time and effort to learn new skills to advance your career?

A friend of mine constantly complains that he’s continually passed over for promotions because he doesn’t have a particular certification needed to move to the next level. When I ask why he hasn’t started the process, he always has an excuse. He’s too tired… overworked… underpaid… bored… old… busy… to learn anything new. Sound familiar? If so, what do you need to do next?

Maybe you love what you do but you’re feeling worn out and burned out. While it’s great to enjoy your work and take pride in your accomplishments, it’s not healthy to link your entire identity to your job. It should not define 100% of who you are.

If you’re ready for change, you have choices. And this means you’re ready to be more than someone’s boss, employee, colleague, coworker, spouse, partner, parent, child, family member or friend. While these can certainly be rewarding roles, you can be of greater value to yourself and others if your life is in balance. How do these other areas of your life look right now?

Your personal life: Are you in healthy relationships at work and at home – where you feel respected, appreciated and recognized as a person of worth?

Your physical health: Are you eating right, exercising and getting appropriate checkups? Do you “know your (cholesterol and blood pressure) numbers”?

Your social life: Do I hear laughter? “SOCIAL life? What’s that?” Although you’re tired at the end of a long day, it’s important to your health and well-being to re-charge your batteries and make time in the week for fun, relaxation, connecting with people you care about and activities you enjoy.

Your finances: It’s impossible to feel content in other areas of your life if you’re plagued by financial stress and worry. What choices can you make to lighten the load and get yourself on more solid financial ground?

Your JOY quotient: What are you doing for your spirit, your soul, the core of your being, and the very essence of what makes you who you are?

If you’re not satisfied with where you are at the moment, modifying your life’s Green Screen will take some work. You’ll need courage to explore the possibilities, make good choices and take action. Once you decide what you want to change, you can begin to create the life you want. In the words of that studio technician … “The sky’s the limit!”

What changes are you contemplating? Write and let me know how it’s working out for you!

Topics: 10 ways to stand out from the crowd, Blog, Business as usual is over, career advancement, change, encouragement, leadership, Making Right choices, stand out from the crowd, video training | No Comments »


Encouragers vs. Rain Cloud People

June 2nd, 2011

Heard any discouraging comments at work lately? How about at home? Sure makes it harder to do your job and live your life, doesn’t it? Discouragers are everywhere. I call them Rain Cloud People because they can instantly put a damper on anything positive going on in your life at the moment.

You know who they are – because you’ve heard them. “That will never work. What a dumb idea. You’re not a good boss/employee /teacher/student/spouse/parent/child. Why don’t you get a haircut/get a job/get a life?” While recipients often take these comments to heart, the naysayers rarely recall saying anything offensive. They’re not even aware because it’s ingrained in how they think, talk and behave. Although the damage has been done, the rest of us have the power to turn things around.

We all have opportunities every day to encourage others. But we often let them pass us by. We’re busy people, so it’s easier to assume others know we appreciate their efforts instead of taking our precious time to tell them. Since people aren’t mind readers, however, it’s up to us to let them know. With tight budgets these days, a word of thanks and some well-deserved recognition in the workplace are cost-effective ways to boost morale and improve productivity. The possibilities are endless and affordable.

At some point we leave the workplace and go home to – or spend time with – the people who are supposed to be the most important ones in our lives. But we often leave our good manners at work. We can just “be ourselves” with them, right? No one cares. We’ve had a tough day and we just want to relax. While that’s understandable, it doesn’t mean we should “relax our awareness” of others who’ve also had a tough day.

It’s so easy to take people for granted. Think about it. We smile and thank a total stranger for holding a door open for us, then assume that those closest to us automatically know we appreciate the many kind and helpful things they do. We apologize for bumping into someone in a crowded hallway, yet find it hard to apologize when we’ve hurt someone’s feelings or damaged our relationship by a thoughtless comment.

All of us have daily contact with people who have discouragers in their lives. If they don’t talk about it we have no way of knowing what they’ve dealt with in the past or what they’re dealing with now. While we can’t undo the damage, we do have the power to be encouragers for others. Awards for effort and hard work are given out at a wide variety of recognition events every year. But other words of appreciation often go unspoken.

When we stop taking people for granted and let them know how much we value them, we can have an impact more powerful than we ever imagined. Encouraging words are never wasted. But if the words are never spoken, they will never be heard. Your commitment to be an encourager will help you stand out from the crowd in a positive way. So… who needs to hear from you today?

Topics: 10 ways to stand out from the crowd, appreciation, Blog, Business as usual is over, change, communication, difficult people, encouragement, leadership | No Comments »


Making the Right Call

May 26th, 2011

I snapped this photo the night before officials closed the levee to pedestrians in Baton Rouge as the Mississippi River continued to rise.   I heard the story of a ship captain who was trying to reach the docks to unload his cargo before the river was closed to traffic. According to his calculations he could pass safely under the bridge with 12 inches of clearance to spare.

But instead of proceeding, he turned around. He realized that after the cargo was unloaded, his ship would sit much higher in the water and he wouldn’t have the clearance he needed to pass back under the bridge to get home. With no easy choices and a tough decision staring him in the face, he made the right call.

While we all have to make tough decisions to get through life, it’s not always easy to make the right choice.  Finding excuses to procrastinate is a lot easier! “This isn’t fair! Why do I have to decide now?  If I wait long enough someone else might make the decision for me, or the problem may resolve itself.”  Sound familiar?

Depending on the situation, any or all of these could be valid. Some problems do have a way of resolving themselves if we’re patient enough to wait and see how things turn out.   When my sister Patty needed one of my kidneys 34 years ago, we didn’t have the luxury of waiting. This problem was not going to resolve itself! So we did the best we could with the choices we had, and moved forward. The transplant was a success, even though we didn’t have any guarantees.

Over your lifetime you’ll make countless important decisions – and most of them won’t come with any guarantees.  Maybe you’re facing some tough choices – dealing with a difficult employee, starting or ending a relationship, making that long overdue doctor’s appointment, starting a business, moving to a new town, going back to school, writing that best seller, contemplating a career change or retiring from the job you have.

While it’s easier to procrastinate, it’s usually better to do something to move forward instead of remaining stuck in the same place. We all have to make many important decisions alone, but we can also ask for help. While no one can make every decision for you, there are people you respect who can lend an ear, act as a sounding board and offer their wise counsel to help you focus in the right direction.

When faced with your next difficult decision, here are some questions to ask yourself:

  • Who is stopping me?
  • What is stopping me?
  • Who needs to act?
  • Who needs to get out of the way?
  • How much longer can I afford to wait until the easy choices come along?

Once you answer these questions honestly the issues – and choices – will become clear. Then you’ll know what choice you need to make.  As we all know, sometimes there are NO easy choices. But like that riverboat captain, we must do our best to make the right call.

Topics: 10 ways to stand out from the crowd, Blog, career advancement, change, leadership, life balance, stand out from the crowd, stress | 1 Comment »


Favorite “Teachers” in the Classroom of LIFE

May 4th, 2011

You’ve got 30 seconds. Name your favorite teacher. Ready? Go!

No matter how old you are, where you live or what you do, you’ve probably been part of at least one conversation when people start reminiscing about their school days. With smiles, laughter and even a few grimaces, stories (and names!) of favorite (and worst!) teachers  are interspersed with comments such as, “Oh, I can top that! Wait until you hear what MY teacher did!” “He was the only positive person in my life.” “She kept me from making some very bad choices.”

May is filled with graduation ceremonies – from kindergarten to graduate school and every level in between.  Time to celebrate, for sure. Although the focus is on the graduates, the real heroes of the day are the teachers who influenced their students in a positive way.

What were the qualities and abilities that made your “favorites” stand out from the crowd? Were they good listeners who were interested in your opinions? Did they have a sense of humor? Could they be trusted to keep their word? Did they want you to succeed and help you reach your goals? Were they tough, yet fair? Did they make you feel valued? Did they help you grow and develop, not only as a student but also as a person with potential and a belief in yourself and your future? Were they positive role models?

Effective teachers have these strengths … the same strengths that help define effective leaders. Both work hard to create an environment to help others succeed. As a leader, what are you doing to help your people get better at what they do? Can others tell that you value people and their ideas by your words and actions? Are you committed to creating a positive environment? Memorable teachers help their students succeed. Memorable leaders do the same for their employees, but with one added benefit. When your employees are more successful, so are you. And so is your bottom line

Now maybe you’re thinking this doesn’t apply to you because you don’t see yourself as a leader. Not true! Leadership is not defined by a title or a corner office. Leadership is reflected in the choices you make about how you live your life. The ways you communicate, act, respond, handle change, deal with stress, negotiate, cope with difficult people and get along with others all reflect your character, your values and your beliefs.

While you may not see yourself as an “official” leader and influencer, others certainly do. No matter what “title” you hold – parent, spouse, friend, partner, colleague, coworker, customer or vendor, mentor or student, leader or follower, management or support staff… each has the power to influence others in a positive (or negative) way.

Leadership is not always about being in charge. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels empowered and engaged. Memorable leaders realize that the opportunity to influence others exists in every situation, relationship, job and activity. While they may never stand at the front of a classroom, they realize that LIFE is an everyday teaching and learning experience. So they constantly strive to STAND OUT as better leaders, better influencers, and better people.

How did your favorite teachers influence YOUR life? What did you learn from them? Write and let me know! I always enjoy hearing from you!

Topics: 10 ways to stand out from the crowd, Blog, career advancement, change, communication, leadership, stand out from the crowd, teamwork | No Comments »


Hats Off to Hollywood!

April 21st, 2011

A few weeks ago I had the fun of serving as MC for a “first of its kind” fundraiser in my hometown of Baton Rouge. The theme was “Hats Off to Hollywood” – complete with the red carpet, paparazzi (high school students earning service hours), creative costumes, great food and celebrity look-alikes “Whoopi Goldberg” and “Austin Powers”.

Since I’m also a member of the group that hosted the event (Quota Club is a worldwide service organization) it confirmed my belief – beyond any doubt – that individuals and organizations must embrace change to survive.

We had sponsored the same yearly fundraiser for over 50 years. When it first began, our Tour of Homes was a unique event. Over the last few years, however, many other groups began offering similar tours – of gardens, ponds, homes in various architectural styles, and homes decorated for the holidays. As our competition continued to grow, we had to face the fact that we were working harder to raise less money to donate to worthy causes. It was definitely time for a change!

So we decided to step back, re-think our choices and research new ideas for innovative fundraisers that would help us reach our goals. That’s how “Hats Off to Hollywood” came to be. It was a huge success, and we are already excited about next year. We know it will be an even bigger and better event – one that truly STANDS OUT in our community.

Maybe you can relate, based on what’s going on in your industry, organization or department. Has the growing competition impacted your ability to meet your goals? If you’re working harder than ever and getting disappointing results, it may be time to step back, re-think your choices and come up with new and innovative ways to out-think and out-perform the competition.

That’s exactly what we did. The results were amazing! And the BEST part about being willing to change old ways of doing things? Our members actually enjoy working together on this new event! Sure, it still takes many months of planning and preparation. Everyone is expected to serve on a committee, work hard, think creatively, sell lots of tickets and show up on The Big Day. But now, for the first time in many years, we are having FUN again as we work hard to help others.

Don’t worry… I’m not going to try to convince you that work is always supposed to be fun. But there are probably some changes you can make – big, small, or somewhere in between – that can revitalize attitudes, morale and productivity. Where do you start? First, talk honestly about what’s not working any more. Re-think old ideas. Re-examine your choices. Re-position your strengths. Re-evaluate your performance. Re-commit to change!

To get you started on the right track, I’ve got a surprise GIFT for you! Go to www.jeangatz.com and enter this coupon code: STANDOUT20 to save 20% on my latest book: “10 Ways to STAND OUT from the Crowd: How to Out-think and Out-perform the Competition.” You can also download Book One and take the STAND OUT Quiz to see how you measure up to the competition – inside and outside your organization. And be sure to let me know what’s working for you!

Topics: 10 ways to stand out from the crowd, Blog, career advancement, change, leadership, stand out from the crowd, teamwork | No Comments »


What the Heck is THAT?

April 6th, 2011

This is the question I asked myself a year ago when a client asked me if I could present a webinar for his company’s employees. As I calmly explained that I didn’t offer webinars as part of my speaking services, I had to stop myself from blurting out: “What the heck is a webinar?”

Clueless, I soon realized I had to do something about it when more and more clients began asking for webinars. Have you ever felt clueless about what’s going on in your industry, company or department, or when a customer asks for a service that’s beyond your current capabilities?

Clearly, I was not meeting and exceeding my customers’ expectations. If I wanted to STAND OUT as a speaker and problem solver for current and potential clients, it was time to take the advice I give my audiences. A very important chapter in my new book, 10 Ways to STAND OUT from the Crowd, is Chapter 4: Re-Position Your Strengths. It explains in great detail my 3-Part Success Equation:

1. Utilize your strengths. (Mine are speaking, writing and presentation skills coaching.)

2. Identify the limitations holding you back. (For me, that’s keeping up with new technology.)

3. Learn new skills to exceed expectations. (Translation: Figure out how to present webinars!)

The more I learned, the more I came to appreciate this technology as a cost-effective training alternative for many of my clients. They can save money if they don’t have to pay travel costs to bring me to their companies “in person.”  I can present training on leadership and many other topics from my office computer over the Internet.

Clients don’t have to downgrade their customer service by shutting down entire departments to send people to training on a particular day. Employees can participate in real time or reap the benefits later when the webinar is uploaded to the company’s website. As a business owner myself, the efficiency and cost savings made good sense to me. Now came the hard part… actually working up the courage to present one!

In my first webinar experience over a year ago, I was apprehensive because I wouldn’t be able to SEE the faces of my audience and know instantly how they responded to my message. I had to talk for an hour (to myself!) with very little interaction, manage lots of PowerPoint slides, and be conversational – and entertaining – all at the same time! Nothing like a little pressure, right?

To my great surprise I not only survived, but actually enjoyed my first webinar experience! Well prepared, I was able to establish a connection and build rapport with my audience, even though we were many miles apart. Now I present webinars for companies of every size, and actually look forward to planning and presenting them.

I’ve come a long way – after identifying the limitations keeping me from being at the top of my game in a very competitive field. If you’re in a competitive environment, have you identified the limitations keeping you from getting ahead? Or are you too busy focusing on your strengths – the things you do well?

Sure, it’s easier to focus on your strengths because they involve things you love to do, were born to do, and are very good at doing. But in today’s competitive and constantly changing world, concentrating only on your strengths will put you at a disadvantage with your peers and competitors who are integrating all three parts of my Success Equation into their lives.

No matter how many great strengths you possess, they won’t get you through every situation. There will definitely be times when you’ll have to shift your thinking and reposition yourself to learn new things, overcome your fears, upgrade your skills, take risks, keep up with the latest trends, manage other people’s expectations and successfully adapt to change.

Identifying and staying up-to-date with the right skills can turn a mediocre strength into a major contender and a great strength into a virtual powerhouse of concentrated talent. Strengths are important, but combining them with the right skills can take them – and you – to a whole new level of success. What new skills must you learn to help you get there?

Topics: 10 ways to stand out from the crowd, Blog, career advancement, change, customer service, stand out from the crowd, technology | No Comments »