Who Are You Being?

All last week I avoided watching television just to dodge watching the hype about the royal wedding. But then on Friday night I decided to take a peek and got totally drawn in. I was glued to the TV for whole the night and discovered two things; 1) that I was a closet fashion expert, and 2) it doesn’t matter who’s getting married, weddings make me cry. 

I’ve also discovered something else. On the night and in the days since I’ve noticed that one of the most consistent things that has been talked about in relation to the royal wedding (aside from what Kate was wearing and Princess Beatrice’s hat!) was how, even amist the pomp and ceremony, Kate and Will found ways to be themselves, and inject this into the events of the day.

Each of us are drawn to authenticity. We want to be around people who are comfortable in their own skin, and each of us has an innate ability to detect falsehood in a heartbeat. The ability to bare who you are to others is a courageous one.  

At work this insight is critical to achieving lasting success. The reality is whatever industry you work in, people buy people. Your customers, your clients, your colleagues and co-workers want to be around you not only because of what you do, but mostly because of who YOU are. And often they want more of it. 

Whatever goals you are currently chasing consider these three steps to stepping into authenticity:

1. Embrace your uniqueness - It is no mistake that there is no-one like you on the planet. Embrace what makes you unique, what makes your product or service unique and promote this . 
2. Communicate with others what is important to you - Being clear about your values, those things that are important to you, will provide you with the language to share with others, and in turn invites them to do the same. 
3. Be creative about injecting you into your work - Find a way to bring more of you into what you do. What are the signs, the symbols, the actions that have meaning for you? Have fun, get creative. 

In the words of Oscar Wilde, ‘Be yourself, everyone else is taken’. 

Warm wishes, 

Darren and Alison 

Invite your friends and colleagues to sign up to our newsletter
Did you know Pragmatic Thinking is on Facebook?  Keep up with our conversation here.

The PLUG: Dealing with the Tough Stuff Program General Sessions
After the amazing success of our Dealing With the Tough Stuff Exclusive Showcase, three general sessions will be presented between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  Want to know why you don't want to miss them?  Check out our Rave Reviews!

Thursday 12 May 2011
Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Location: Robina, venue TBA.

Thursday 26 May 2011
Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Location: Brisbane, venue TBA.

Thursday 16 June 2011
Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Location: Robina, venue TBA.

Having trouble delivering results from critical conversations?

'Dealing with the Tough Stuff' gives you, your management or organisation practical tools to deal with the really tough conversations within your workplace.

Many managers struggle with the process of dealing with tough conversations and in many cases actually avoid them completely.  This strategy of avoidance reinforces undesired behaviours and may precipitate further problems.

One of the biggest responsibilities with a leadership position is the importance of addressing and dealing with staff issues.  At times this requires you to 'step up to the plate' and ultimately deal with the tough stuff.

Visit www.toughstuffprogram.com for more information on Dealing with the Tough Stuff.

To register your interest  for a Dealing with the Tough Stuff program either on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane on please contact Matt on 0418 577 277 or matt@pragmaticthinking.com. 



THE GIFT:  The Top Ten Reasons to Identify Your Values
We often talk about our values in vague categories (eg. family, health, work etc) but do not always have the language to clearly articulate what specific things are really important to us.  This week's gift explores 10 reasons why looking at and identifying your values is important for both work and home.
Darren and Alison both have extensive experience supporting others to get clear on their values and live their life aligned to these values.  If you would like to explore how you can live your life more aligned to your values contact Pragmatic Thinking on (07) 5536 5375.