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2010 Executive Tidbits
IBM, P&G, General Mills, McKinsey, and McDonald's have the best manager training programs according to Fortune 2009. |
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Check out Keith's other site:
Virtual Writing Coach |
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The
Executive Connection SM
a publication of The Virtual Executive
Coach SM
"Vision + Accountability = Success!"
www.virtualexecutivecoach.com
December, 2009
In This Issue:
1. Preview
2. Executive Summary
3. Quiet Mind: One-Minute Retreats
from a Busy World
4. Helpful Hints
1. Preview
The Executive Connection explores the creative and analytical
process of business development, team-building, and executive
development. We are an interactive community of executives
and small business owners who desire to network with like-minded
high-performance executives to enhance our knowledge,
skills, and aptitudes in the competitive business world.
Published monthly, the Newsletter offers coaching suggestions
around the topics of: business development, financing,
marketing, networking, incorporations, mergers, human
resources, governmental regulations, and tax laws. Topics
are presented from the perspective of Keith Barton and
represent only his ideas on creating and running your
business.
Because we are an interactive community of executives
and business owners, other viewpoints are welcomed and
may be printed in future monthly newsletters with permission
from Keith Barton.
2. Executive Summary
December, 2009
Dear Executive Connection Subscriber,
This month's newsletter features: Quiet Mind: One-Minute
Retreats from a Busy World
3. Quiet Mind: One-Minute Retreats
from a Busy World
Since this December is the end of another busy year for
most, an anxious ending for others who are without work,
and for those lucky few who hold onto the secret that
we are not in control of our destinies, I return to an
earlier book by David Kundtz.
David Kundtz, counselor and author of Quiet Mind:
One-Minute Retreats from a Busy World, has compiled
a list of exercises for the busy executive who refuses
to take the time to rest, reflect, and recharge his/her
batteries. As a therapist and executive coach, many of
my clients complain of "not having [read making] enough
time to enjoy life". Especially during our current economic
times of recession and uncertainty, job seekers and holders
busy themselves with "what someone else wants them to
do". Written in 2000, Kundtz's book never fades as our
technological advances make it more difficult to slow
down. I hope you will enjoy a few excerpts from Quiet
Mind, and that reading it will change your view of
time and your control over it.
So are you feeling weary from work? As Eric Hoffer says,
"Our greatest weariness comes from work not done". How
many times have you said there are not enough hours in
the day to keep up with work and life? Take a deep breath.
Instead say, "I will just be still for a moment".
Close your eyes. What is past is past, let it go. Who
knows what lies ahead? Now I will do as much as I can,
as well as I can. If you are spiritual, invoke abundant
grace and guidance to support your being. Be grateful
that you have work and that you will find purpose in what
you do and the lives you touch.
Paul Pearsall, a therapist and speaker has identified
a serious and rampant spiritual problem, Delight Deficiency
Disorder (DDD). Today the news is fraught with polemics,
diatribe, dribble, and redundancy that saps our weary
brains and turns us into depressives who seek solace from
pills, physicians, and psychologists. DDD's symptoms include
chronic feelings of anger, irritability, aggression, and
impatience. Your body is starved of spiritual nutrients
if not absorbed daily begins to wither into pessimism,
terror, and self-importance. Take time to cure yourself
of this dreaded DDD: enjoy the company of friends, savor
each word, and delight in connecting with one another.
Mary Pickford, the 20s film star said "The things we call
failure is not falling down, but choosing to stay down".
Have you had days you considered failures because something
or someone made you feel that way? Chances are you're
suffering from YMMDI (You Made Me Do It) syndrome. The
next time you're having a bad day, consider what you are
willing to do to change your perspective. Our greatest
successes generally follow our most profound failures.
The will is too strong and vibrant to remain dormant in
times of uncertainty and confusion. Our spirits soar with
the eagles if we will allow ourselves to remain silent,
sincere, and solicitous of the grace already conferred
on each of us. Keith's top ten exercises for connecting
with something greater than ourselves:
- Breathe deeply from you tummy; inhale and exhale
to a rhythm of ocean waves.
- Close your eyes and walk on your own beach. Take
in the smells, touch, sights, and sounds.
- Take off your shoes and prop your feet up on another
chair; stare at an object for 30 seconds as if it's
the first time you've seen it.
- Get down on your knees and praise God for His blessings
and continued love for you.
- Call someone you haven't talked to in six months.
Show an interest in them and tell them you think about
them in times of uncertainty and how much they mean
to you.
- Forgive those who may have harmed you intentionally
or unintentionally. Ask for forgiveness from those
you have done the same to.
- Write a real letter to that special someone who
allowed you to grow into the person you've become
in spite of your shortcomings and who never gave up
on you.
- Set aside a "Do Nothing" day for reflection and
thanksgiving. Take time only for yourself.
- Buy a 99 cent card and write a short thank you note
to that special person. Leave it on the counter or
mail it.
- Buy some flowers for yourself; place them in your
office or home where you will be reminded of God's
beauty daily; replace them when they begin to wilt.
Surround yourself with still life photos to remind
you of the stillness of life.
Helpful Hints:
- Do the ten things mentioned above; find your favorites or make up your own to "slow it down".
- Call a friend and begin by saying "I was just thinking about you and wanted to call ..."
- Stay in bed for a full day; surround yourself with music, books, and food. Take time to
reflect and nap in the silence.
SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION
The Executive Connection SM is a free publication.
If you want to continue to receive this Newsletter, you
can SUBSCRIBE
by clicking here or by sending a blank email message
to keith_barton@att.net
with the words SUBSCRIBE TO THE EXECUTIVE CONNECTION in
the subject line.
To
UNSUBSCRIBE click here or send a message to keith_barton@att.net
with the word UNSUBSCRIBE TO THE EXECUTIVE CONNECTION
in the subject line.
Be assured your name and email address are confidential.
We do not sell, rent or share our mailing list with anyone.
Contact Information:
Keith Barton, Ph.D.
Voice: 281-583-5005
Fax: 281-583-5008
Web: http://www.virtualexecutivecoach.com
E-Mail: keith_barton@att.net
(c) Copyright 2009, Virtual Executive Coach SM
and A. Keith Barton, Ph.D.
All rights reserved.
Distribution Rights:
The Executive Connection SM is copyrighted,
but you may retransmit or distribute it to whomever you
wish as long as not a single word is changed, added, or
deleted, including the contact information. However, you
may not copy it to a web site.
Republication of The Executive Connection SM
in paper media is encouraged and permitted by individuals,
organizations and associations, as long as the issue is
reprinted in its entirety, without change, and includes
the contact information.
With advance permission, we are happy to edit an issue
to fit your space requirements. Republication also is
encouraged under other circumstances. However, the advance
permission of
A. Keith Barton, Ph.D. must be obtained in the event that
changes in the text are desired.
The Executive Connection SM
Mission:
The Executive Connection SM is dedicated to
helping first-time business owners and executives to recognize
resistance to change, while they create and manage their
own businesses. My goal is to help you transform your
vision into a successful business venture with the addition
of accountability structures and silent partner.
The Executive Connection SM is a publication
of The Virtual Executive Coach SM and Keith
Barton, Ph.D.
We would like The Executive Connection SM to
be as interactive as possible. If you have feedback, comments,
topics you would like addressed, or can suggest additional
resources to benefit us all, please email us at any time.
Send your e-mail to keith_barton@att.net.
Please forward this issue to anyone you think would find
The Executive Connection SM interesting and
beneficial. Your recommendation helps us keep growing,
and ensures an excellent exchange of information and techniques.
Archives:
You can read previous issues of The Executive Connection
SM in our archive section.
About Keith Barton, Ph.D
Dr. Barton received his Ph.D. in 1972 from the University
of Texas at Austin and has been a practicing therapist
for over thirty years. He is a graduate of MentorCoach
and is accepting new clients.
He has been an adjunct professor at the University of
South Carolina, consultant to Fortune 500 companies in
executive development, founded and managed Texas Community
Living Ventures, Inc., in 1986 for providing group home
services to persons with mental retardation. Keith founded
and has been running a clinical practice in Northwest
Houston since 1990.
He writes part-time with the goal of completing one novel
a year. His desire to coach others derives from his passionate
interest in helping others become attuned to their creative
powers of storytelling.
Dr. Barton has training in coaching, cognitive and family
therapy and health psychology. He has published articles,
made presentations and conducted workshops about:
Small Business Development
Employee Wellness Programs
Anxiety and achievement
Stress management
Self-esteem
Communication skills
Leadership styles
Core values in the workplace
Executive Development
High-performance groups
Physician support groups
Writer support groups
© 2009 The Virtual Executive Coach SM
and Keith Barton.
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