In Memory

On February 11, the coaching world suddenly lost the founder of the coaching profession, Thomas Leonard. Thomas was the founder of the International Coach Federation, Coach University and Coachville. Behind the titles, he was a brilliant visionary, an extraordinary thinker, and a catalyst for implementing change. We, in the coaching community, are stunned and saddened by the loss, but forever grateful that there was a Thomas Leonard walking this earth. Life is so very precious.

Thomas Leonard

You matter and You CAN Make a Difference!

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.

~ Marcel Proust

A while back, I was spent some time with my expended family. Conversation turned, as it often does, to relatives who had departed this earth and were no longer with us here. One such person was my great Uncle William. I listened to my Dad and my Uncle Jackie talk with reverence and respect about the gifts Uncle William had brought into their lives when they were kids. When they talked, their faces softened and tender love poured from their cells. I heard how much Uncle William mattered to them, what a positive influence he had been, and how important it was that he cast a net of love wherever he went. It was clear to me that Uncle William was very, very dear and that he had made a difference in the lives of others. His life mattered.

It may surprise you to know that Uncle William was a bum. A genuine, real bum. A lifelong hobo. He was an unemployed, chronic alcoholic who rode on trains and traveled the country. When he was 26, he had an accident on a train and he lost his leg. Some time later, my grandmother made sure he got an artificial leg -- a wooden one he affectionately named "Charlie" Uncle William had very little and cared very little about things, other than Charlie who he somehow made human-like! He did love people deeply though and he loved life!

So, how it that this man made such an impact in my family? My father and his family had very little living in Nashville, Tennessee in the 1950's. Their father (my grandfather) had died and my grandmother worked two jobs to provide for the three kids. There wasn't much there and life was tough. Just when life was at its darkest, Uncle William and Charlie would show up. They would just suddenly be there -- generally full of booze, but also filled with love, laughter and deep compassion. Uncle William and Charlie came as a distraction -- as a gift from the mundane and grim reality of that time.

Uncle William loved to laugh and play jokes. He would sit for hours just to listen and he had no concern about much more than the exact moment they were experiencing. Uncle William told stories about the people he had met, the places he had been -- he created dreams for other people through his stories. With Uncle William there, my dad and his siblings could focus on something more than survival and could simply grow. What a treasure he was to his family!

Uncle William came in and out of my Dad's life like an ocean tide until he died many years later. As adults, my Dad became an engineer, my Uncle became a dentist and my Aunt is part owner in a very successful family business. No doubt Uncle William helped influence who they could be. That's quite a legacy to leave, wouldn't you say?

Never forget this ... every single person is uniquely created for a divine purpose. Each person is a special creation of God. Everyone matters and everyone CAN make a difference. You matter and you are here for a special reason. Find it and then live it.


Behavior Assessments for You and Your Employees

The DISC assessment is an online behavior assessment that takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Within 5 minutes of completion, the client will receive a 38 page report in his/her email. The coach will also receive this report and will review the results. A phone consultation is then arranged, allowing 60-75 minutes for a complete and thorough consultation. This assessment has value in both the professional and personal life.

The assessment measure 4 components of behavior -- dominance, influence, steadiness and compliance. It is designed to assess an employee's individual strengths and possible limitations and to assist managers in developing an action plan for increasing overall effectiveness. It also measures the "whys" of actions, leading people to better understand themselves and others. This helps to promote a better understanding of the causes of conflict.

Topics covered include: general characteristics, value to the organization, best methods for communicating, dos/don'ts on communicating, ideal environment, perceptions, motivated style, keys to managing and motivating.

The coach will spend the time to make sure each individual understands each part of the assessment and will point out the behaviors we are able to change and those that are simply inherent, and will not change.

The coach will can create reports for managers giving them communication tips/skills for each individual employee who takes the assessment. The coach can also facilitate group coaching around specific needs based on the results of the assessments, with special emphasis on promoting positive and effective communication.

See www.discinsights.com  for more information. The fee for this service is $250. per person paid in advance. Contact Beth at 678-938-0419 to learn more.

Soul Restoration Tip

Hey you, ever wonder why you sometimes feel like you're on top of the world? Ever wonder why you sometimes feel so safe, secure, and deeply loved? Do you ever wonder why there are days when you feel invincible, unstoppable ... and, well, like "King of the World"?

Actually, your Highness, I often wonder why you don't always have those feelings.

Impressed beyond belief,
The Universe

NOTE FROM BETH: Big recommendation for you to subscribe to this delightful daily message of Totally Unique Thoughts at www.tut.com !

My Wish For You

In memory of Thomas and of my Uncle William, I want to impart the importance of forward thinking and of allowing yourself grow and learn. Life doesn't have to be the way it is when we take steps to change and see things in a new way. If you want to make substantial changes, I have a couple of openings right now for new coaching clients. Please contact me to discuss ASAP how a partnership might change the direction of your life.

I hope you always know how precious life is, how special you are, and how powerful you can be in creating change in this world.

Until next time, live well,
Beth

About Beth and Contact Information

Beth Burns is a Professional Life Coach -- partnering with motivated people on their personal and professional goals. Her mission is to teach people to love themselves and to love the life they create. She offers two free email newsletters and can be visited on the web at www.BrightSideCoaching.com. She is also the Founder and Creator of The Inner Peace Project (www.innerpeaceproject.com), a journey in celebrating the masterpiece and divine person you are, no matter what circumstances you are in She can be reached by calling 678-938-0419 or by email at Beth@BrightSideCoaching.com.

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Copyright 2002 Beth Burns
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