SecondIron's Blog

Sharpening Iron to Live Second

No holds all the power

One of the most powerful sentences is ‘No’ Many of us are weak when it comes to saying ‘no’ to someone else’s request. We are afraid that it might: Hurt their feelings Embarrass them Offend them Upset them Disappoint them Anger them Noticing a trend there?  It seems that the lack of use is all about ‘them.’  Where do we draw the line and accept the fact that we are no longer going to be someone else’s doormat?  How many times have you bought something you really didn’t want just to make the other person happy, or at least quit selling?  Anyone that owns a timeshare, unnecessary appliance or kitchen ware bought at a trade show, or owns something that you never used and regret buying; raise your hand.  Feel silly raising your hand by yourself as you read this don’t you? The answer is ‘no’ even though you just said ‘yes’ to yourself. We are told ‘no’ all of our lives, well most of us without the exceptionally blessed that well, probably are not reading this anyway.  Whether you try to get a loan, job, ask someone out, had an idea, were ever a kid you have become accustomed to hearing ‘no’ just not saying ‘no.’ Instead, we would rather suffer in silence than ruffle the feathers of someone else’s world.  We bend over backwards to make others happy without realizing it, much less the right intention.  The path of least resistance seems to be the easier to take.  It is easier to over […]

Qualities of a Servant Leader

We all hear the term “servant leader” being tossed around in both the business world as well as within our local communities.  What exactly is a servant leader ? How do we become one or better yet, why should we want to be one? Leading by serving is a practice that dates back many years before the new lingo came along.  I am sure you can think of a couple of people in history as well as your own lives that lived to serve others.  By serving others they intentionally or not share their influence in their business, community or family effortlessly and without expectation. Let’ take a look at some of the component that I believe to make-up a servant leader LEAD – Goes without saying that a leader must live and lead by example. Respecting others and working just as hard if not harder than those that you lead. INSPIRATION – It does not matter if they work for you, or you for them or maybe they are your peer; everyone deserves to be treated with the same level of respect and courtesy. Give the people around you honest and true respect and generously love them for the blessing they are and they will naturally follow your lead. TEACHING – Share your knowledge and experiences in a benevolent manner that will be remembered. Everyone knows that the student one day will become the teacher so share and share alike. EMPATHY– As leaders it is easy to dismiss or disregard the feelings and heart […]

Coachable Moments

Coaching can be a slippery slope if the coach and coachee are on different pages. Being the coach or better yet being coachable can make all the difference in someone’s future. There are some simple tips that make the coaching relationship seamless and beneficial to all. Be Comfortable We can only lead and coach from our own comfort zone.  If your heart is not in it your coachee will know.  Transparency is key to coaching properly. Feed Feedback Build your coachee up rather than break them down.  Using positives instead of negatives will induce engagement.  Positive coaching creates a culture of confidence. Storytelling Tell your story, everyone has one, use it as a teaching tool.  Your own mistakes become lessons.  Opening up and sharing your heart will build trust. Input and Advice Keep your coaching private, this is not something to share with others.  Be real, no pulling punches no one wins that way.  Share the truth, be candid and open with your coachee.  Privacy is key to maintaining coachabilty and trust. Gratitude in Attitude Recognize achievements, keep ongoing praise to continue involvement.  Appreciate the moment, be gracious in the wins, humble in the failings.  Be sure to acknowledge the coachee even in the small successes. Be real in your coaching, strive to encourage them every step of the way. Coaching is a privaledge be humble in serving as a mentor to another. If you do not have a coach, find one, seek someone you respect and ask them if they would like to meet […]