Invincible Monday – Tough Decisions

Posted on November 10, 2014 by MarleneMB

“You can’t make decisions based on fear and the possibility of what might happen.” ~ Michelle Obama

Making tough decisions is not easy. In one of my management positions in the corporate arena, I had to decide to let a direct report go. The company had changed the job requirements for that particular position. Training was provided to all the current employees to get them up to speed on their new responsibilities.

Yet this direct report was struggling in the position and falling behind on key projects. Although, we sat down and worked out a 90-day performance improvement plan (PIP), his performance did not improve. In fact, more clients were complaining at the end of the first 30 days of his PIP period.

His performance also affected his teammates. They had to shoulder more of the work due to his reduced output and inability to master the skills required to get the job done. It was stressful on the entire team. I knew I had no other choice but to release him from the position.

I informed the Human Resources representative of my intent. I informed her that the employee was a great person. He arrived at work on-time. He was very pleasant and respectful of others. She agreed with me that we would release him. We also agreed to include a note in his file that states he would be able to reapply for the position, should he improve his skills.

Making this tough decision was very difficult and stressful. I thought about the impact of this decision on him and his family. But I had to look at the big picture: his performance was affected the company’s clients, the image of the company and his teammates.

At the time I informed him of the decision, I told him that I admire him as person. This was a very difficult decision. I allowed him to share his thoughts and offer to write a recommendation letter for him based upon his current skills set.

As a leader, you will be faced with making tough decisions. Before you do here are some tips to help you:

1) Sit down and weigh the pros and cons of making this decision

2) Determine how will it affect others around you

3) Create a plan will you to keep moving forward towards your goals based on this decision

4) Identify and enlist the assistance of key people in carrying out your plan

It may be tough making difficult decisions, but it doesn’t have to be ugly. Do it with the proper ethic, be respectful of all involved and be honest. Good News: The former employee was able to find another job that he liked. We are still in contact with each other, today.

Here is to your success in leadership on Invincible Monday.

Get your copy of Live a Diamond Life, Live a Life of Purpose: Diamond Cutters, today. Find out how my mentors and coaches helped me to be a better person, and how to apply these principles to your life.

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Invincible Monday – Detours

Posted on November 3, 2014 by MarleneMB

Driving to one of my business meetings, I encountered a detour sign that took me a different way than I was used to taking to my destination. It forced me to reroute. This caused me some anxiety about getting lost and whether I would be late to my meeting. Then I started to notice the beautiful homes along this new route. There were also stately trees that formed a natural canopy over the road. Lovely flowers and shrubs spanned the neatly manicured lawns.

By the time I knew it, I was back on the way no longer detoured. I was able to get to my destination on-time with a new aspect about my detour. Along our journey to fulfilling our Diamond Life Purpose, we will encounter detours. They may be self-imposed or due to external circumstances. Here is some thoughts for handling these detours:

1) Don’t immediately go into panic mode.
2) Pay attention to what is going on around you.
3) See if there is something you can learn or admire about these detours.
4) Remember these are only detours.
5) Don’t lose site of your final destination…living your purpose.

My take away from this particular detour is that:

1) I learned a new way to get to my destination.
2) I love the views along the way.
3) Life detours will happen, but how I react to them determines my experiences.
4) I won’t give up moving towards living my Diamond Life!

Reflect on some of your detours as you travel in the direction of Living your Life of Purpose on Invincible Monday. What stands out? What lessons did you learn? Did you meet people that you appreciate from these detours? We all have one final destination in this physical life. The attitudes and views we take along life’s highways and by-ways, whether by detours or adherence, will determine how we Live a Diamond Life. Choose to have an open mind. Embrace the good while letting the bad fall by the wayside.

Singing “Life is a highway. I wanna ride it all night long!” by Rascal Flatts, and smiling on Invincible Monday.

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Treasures Thursday – Two Hearts

Posted on October 23, 2014 by MarleneMB

Treasures Thursday – Two Hearts

The day I knew you were formed in me
I knew I had gained another heart
A Heart that beats along with yours
A heart that skips a beat
Each time we part

This heart cries when you cry
Rejoices when you are happy
Breaks when you ache
Prays for you for heaven’s sake

It was rendered weak
When you carried your first cross
Of life’s unexpected blow
Unfair love loss

This mother’s heart
May dream for you,
Cheer for you,
Even May die for you

But it cannot Live for you, my son
Not even for a day
That’s the only way
These two hearts can stay

Marlene M. Bryan
10-23-14

Live a Diamond Life! Live a Life of Purpose!

Wisdom Wednesday – Take a Hike

Posted on October 23, 2014 by MarleneMB

“The museum or hiking, which do you want to do today?” “ I don’t know. You pick.” “Hiking.” This was the conversation between my son and me this morning. I am visiting with him in California. He wants to ensure I’m having a great experience on my visit, so he has plan different activities for me. He doesn’t realize that I am quite happy just staying at his place. Nevertheless, I agreed to go hiking with him.

He drove us to Runyon Canyon. As he parked the car, I saw people coming down the trail sweaty and some were huffing and puffing. It was approximately 11:15 a.m. and the sun was blazing hot. Didn’t my son know his Jamaican mother was allergic to the sun! Not do damping the mood, I decided to make the best of our hike. I figured I have been running on the beach, running on the treadmill, swimming in the pool and riding my bike. How hard can this hike be? Was I in for it!

As we walked up the “hill” to me it seemed like a huge mountain. All my running, swimming and biking in South Florida was nothing compare to going up that hill in the hot sun! We passed other people coming and gong up the hill. Some with partners and some with dogs. One of the dogs looked just like how I felt…his tongue was hanging out and he was breathing heavily. I said: “I know how you feel!” As I passed him. Pausing a few times up, my son kept asking me if I wanted to turn back. I kept saying let’s see what’s around the corner. As we rounded one corner and I looked up I saw people walking on a level way above us. I asked him how they got up there. He said: “The trail leads that way.” At this I uttered: “Heck no! I’m not going up there. Are you crazy!”

I could tell he was concerned for me when he said we will turn back when we go to the garbage can at the end of the bend. But I didn’t want to disappoint him. Plus, I didn’t want him to think I’m a quitter. I sucked in my breath and said let’s keep going up. My son kept on encouraging me telling me that we are almost at the leveling part. I would stop to take a few pictures and then continued on. Really what I was doing was catching my breath and taking a rest.

When we got to the top I was delighted to see the beautiful view. We could see the famous Hollywood sign on one side and downtown Hollywood on the other. My son asked me: “Aren’t you glad you kept going? Don’t you have a feeling of accomplishment?” I had to agree with him. But l added that I thought he was trying to kill me at my young age!

This is a great lesson about our journey in life. if you want to see the best views, or reach your goals in life, you may have to climb some hills. It won’t always be easy; you may run out of steam. The pressure may seem unbearable. Don’t you quit! Keep climbing. Having someone in your corner to cheer you on, makes that climb easier. When you reach the top you have another person to celebrate your victory with you!

My friends Take A Hike towards your dreams. Live your Diamond Life. Live your Life of Purpose!

Timeless. Tuesday – Dreams

Posted on October 21, 2014 by MarleneMB

“Dreams without goals are just dreams…and they ultimately fuel disappointments.” ~ Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington said this quote to a group of young aspiring actors. This statement is appropriate for anyone at any age. It is great to have a dream, but if you don’t create a plan that includes goals to achieve this dream…it won’t come into being.

Yet creating the plan is only the beginning. Implementing the plan is the next step. If you don’t put your plan into effect, what good is it to you. Finally finish that plan strong. Many times we start something only to leave it incomplete due to obstacles, lack of passion or lack of assistance. You shouldn’t let these prevent you from fulfilling your dream. Doing so will, as Denzel puts it: “fuel disappointments.”

You have dreams. Believe that you will attain them. Create a plan filled with attainable goals. Implement the right sweat equity actions. Then finish Strong! Living your Diamond Dream Life, your Life of Purpose.