belief Archives - Page 3 of 4 - Dennis E. Gilbert

13
Aug 19
-

There Is Something Different About Hope.

Tags : belief effort expectations hope

You’ve heard it before, “Don’t give up hope.” Hope may make the difference between dreamers and achievers.

One thing about hope is that it leaves room for disappointment.

I hope…

I’ll win the lottery.

It will be perfect weather.

My flowers will bloom.

There is always some room for things to come up short. The anticipation feels empty after coming up short on expectations.

Extra Effort

Some people give up too soon, too easily, and set their expectations too low.

Not because it is impossible, but because they make it impossible. If you don’t think that you can, you probably won’t.

When you insist that there will be limits, there will be. If you see the opportunity as too risky, it will be.

When you arrive at your job and believe it will be a painful experience, you’ll find evidence to support it.

Disappointment is part of life. So is your commitment for choosing how you’ll play it.

Without a little risk, without the extra effort, without a commitment to endure, what have you accomplished? What was the journey?

Realistic Hope

Hope should be realistic. Hoping that your horse becomes a unicorn seems silly and ridiculous.

Being committed to finding more energy in a time of need may start with hope. It may be similar for the outlook of health or happiness. In some cases, it may even change your situation for wealth.

Giving up hope is the first step to finding the limit. When you don’t risk disappointment there is little enthusiasm for the journey.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

22
May 19
-

Will My Job Always Be This Way?

Tags : belief change forever job my job

Nothing lasts forever. I remember my job as a Computer Programmer, I was in my early twenties and a manager said to me, “Tough times don’t last but tough people do.” I liked it, and I never forgot it.

Grand Illusion

People sometimes get caught up in the idea that the present moment, the space they are in right now, is where they will be forever. It is an illusion of life that we allow when our frame is too narrow.

The project we are working on. It is temporary. The team we are working with, likely, is temporary. The software program, the difficult customer, and the person who annoys you. Temporary.

It will seem like common knowledge when I suggest that we can control our own fate. Yet, the frame that we sometimes hold ourselves behind does the opposite. It restricts us, limits us, and establishes belief patterns that can convince us of little hope for a better outcome.

My Job

Do you enjoy your work? Work is work, it probably has its moments of good and bad for everyone, yet rest assured that your job isn’t staying the same. Love it or hate it, things are going to change.

Business cycles change. Government regulations change. The needs of society will change.

If we experience an unexpected change, we may feel shock, frustration, and confusion. We may feel a lot of stress and pressure. This moment feels like bottom. Something is over, done, finished. The end.

Only if our frame says so.

Certainly, things end, even our job. The job we loved or the job we hated. It won’t last forever.

Stop believing that it will.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

16
Apr 19
-

Language Matters Because It Builds Culture

Tags : belief communication culture language leadership

What is the language of your workplace? Is there optimism, excitement, and energy? Language matters because it sets the tone and shapes the environment for everything that happens next.

“Good Morning,” is different from, “Ugh, here we go again.”

“I’m ready, let’s go,” is different from, “I’m not awake yet.”

We never know exactly what each day will bring. Yet we have a choice to decide what we will bring to each day.

What are your contributions to culture?

Building Culture

Every workplace has a culture. Every organization, business, and group effort have language behind their energy.

What is the language of your workplace? It is energizing or creating fear? Does it inspire confidence or get hung up on doom and gloom?

We are people, people with personalities, emotions, and feelings. We leap forward with inspiration or make a choice about fighting or retreating during fear.

Today you will make a choice about what you see. You’ll look for the opportunity, or describe a problem that cannot be solved.

You will believe that what is unfolding is happening for you, or to you.

Most of that belief will develop from your language. Tell yourself either you can, or you can’t. You will be correct.

Language Matters

Belief is powerful. Our belief systems are often created from the language that surrounds us.

Your team and your organizational culture are built by this belief.

Suggest that there is nothing good about this day. Chances are you’ll have a hard time finding something. It is a self-fulfilled prophecy.

Think carefully about what you’ll say today. It will guide what happens next.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

05
Mar 19
4

At Work, Affirmations Lead The Way

Tags : affirmations belief positive repetitive

Are you committed to being more positive at work? How you approach your job each day may have something to do with what you constantly tell yourself. Are you using affirmations? Are they positive or negative?

Most rational people don’t go to the gym one time, pick up some weights, move them around, come home and look in the mirror only to be disappointed that they haven’t transformed.

The same could be said about one day of eating correctly, one day of taking the stairs, or just one day of professional study.

One day of any of those activities won’t create a big change. Do you agree?

What Are You Saying?

Our outlook, what we say to ourselves repetitively across time will shape our outcomes.

“This meeting is going to be long and boring.”

“This job is terrible. I hate my job.”

“My boss hates me and is never satisfied with my work.”

These affirmations, delivered to ourselves repetitively across time will almost guarantee that you will bring them to life. Yet, positivity seekers will insist that they are trying to be positive.

Saying to yourself, “I am trying to be positive.” will often end with, “but, I can’t be positive because…”.

Skip the “trying to be” and the “but,” and put your fate in motion.

Positive Affirmations

There is certainly the possibility that your next meeting may go into overtime. You may also not be in your dream job or your boss may find issues with your work. However, if you really want to make a difference, you’re going to have to affirm it.

At the end of the day discover what went well. Create a win list. Celebrate small victories. Find a reason why the meeting is valuable. Convince yourself you’ll get it right for the boss.

Use only positive affirmations. Tell yourself about it. Be deliberately repetitive.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

28
Feb 19
-

Workplace Worry Is An Overrated Mindset

Tags : belief mindset workplace worry

Are we a society of anxiety? Do you suffer from workplace worry? Our mind is powerful and we often convince ourselves of some pending doom even when doom is unlikely.

Worry is really a generic label for anxiety. We often fight hard for perfection. Perfection is the worry of not being good enough. Do you believe that your anxiety levels are higher when you’re on a mission for perfection?

Workplace Worry

One problem is that we don’t see the positive outcome. Instead we anchor our thoughts, actions, and behaviors through the belief that we need to thwart the pending doom.

“We need ten copies of the proposal. Does it look good? Should I use a 12-point font or 13? I’m not sure. They aren’t going to like it if they can’t read it.”

Some of this has value. It removes sloppy behavior. It may also improve our performance. Let’s face if we really don’t care we probably won’t try very hard.

On the other hand, our minds often allow us to take it too far.

“The V.P. just walked past my desk. She looked very unhappy. I shouldn’t have asked that question in the meeting yesterday.”

Like most things in life, somewhere in the middle is the proper balance.

What’s the Trick?

The trick is, and yes, it is a trick. It is to change our self-talk. Of course, quickly our worried self will tell us that in this case, we should be worried.

We worry because the outcome we are forecasting is of failure or negativity, not one of possibility or positivity.

The best question to ask yourself is, “Will my worry change the outcome?”

Worry is overrated.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

24
Aug 18
-

Filtering Expectations Can Be Harmful To Your Wealth

Tags : belief expectations filters self-deception

Did you get exactly what you expected? It is likely that much of our cognitive behavior is the result of filtering expectations. What filters are you using? Does it help or just limit and hide the unwanted?

It may be debatable. The idea that we get what we look for and see what we want to see. People may argue profusely that they are not conditioning their reactions or data with their environment. Think twice.

Seeing Is Believing?

What do you expect about your workplace? What are the norms, the cultural climate, and the anticipated outcomes?

You have meetings, what are the expectations, how are you filtering what is presented and discussed?

You interview job candidates. They are heavily filtered. Often by assumed characteristics of backgrounds, stereotypes, and your expectations.

Sometimes you are surprised. Sometimes what you see is not what you get. The filters didn’t catch it, they didn’t self-identify, and now you have a different result.

Filters or Blinders?

We use filters all the time. We often filter our searches online. When we shop online, browse, study, read, and even to get caught up on the news.

Filters can become problematic. Not that we misread the results, but that they also serve as blinders.

Ignore it because it isn’t real. Look the other way because this data is easier to digest.

Deny the data, suggest it isn’t real because it doesn’t align with the path you wish to see.

Filtering Expectations

Are you filtering expectations? Are you using life experiences to drive your vision to a path that aligns with the idea of your vision instead of a path that aligns with reality?

This may be creating false perceptions and self-deception.

We think we know what is in the box. However, we can’t see it, touch it, taste it, smell it, or hear it. Occasionally what is inside the box doesn’t match the picture on the outside.

This is true for your next meeting, the potential new hire, and choosing the most successful path.

Filters can be helpful, but sometimes they block something really great.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

25
Jul 18
-

Invited Feedback Is The Secret For Change

Tags : belief buy-in change connection feedback

You have experience and experience matters. When you see questions as an opportunity for feedback you jump in to give it. Feedback is often only valuable if it is invited feedback, everything else is just noise.

It can be frustrating, as a parent, a workplace leader, or a special adviser to the committee. When you have something to offer but there is not an invitation for feedback. Do you need an invitation or can you just jump in?

Jumping In

In the feedback process much is lost if the feedback doesn’t align. If you don’t understand the problem or situation your feedback may lack value and feel like a waste of time.

It is why arriving at the meeting on time is so important. Show up late, chime in even though you’ve missed the opening remarks, and everyone but you clearly can see that you don’t understand the situation. Worthless and a waste of everyone’s time.

Feedback is often conditioned by belief. If you believe that more exercise clears your mind and makes you healthy telling someone who hates to exercise may not be welcomed.

This is true for many things. It is true when you tell people to read more, listen more, or even in religious contexts, when the advice is to pray. When it doesn’t resonate with you it is not welcomed feedback.

Invited Feedback

Some people don’t care about fitness, and they don’t want to read. Forcing your ideas of engagement will create a disconnect, and worse, it may feel like a complete waste of time.

The secret then to successful feedback has at least two important factors.

First, you must understand the situation and you do this more effectively when you seek facts and assume less. And you must be able to bridge gaps in understanding and beliefs.

Invited feedback happens when there is a connection. People embrace change when they are bought-in.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

23
Jul 18
3

Powerful Belief and the Facts Surrounding It

Tags : belief business career outcomes success

Believe you are going to have a good day or a bad day, and you will find lots of evidence to support your belief. Belief has an amazing effect on performance. Do you have powerful belief?

We see it in religion, in politics, and with innovation. Belief often creates power. Have you considered how your belief is guiding your outcomes?

Just the Facts

“Show me the facts!” is often proclaimed as a requirement to establish belief. Yet, much of our discussion, our presentations, and what is repeated is based on theory or opinion.

In the business meeting when people are looking for a reason why the strategy won’t work, they’ll probably find some. Of course, in contrast when the group seeks reasons why something may work or is worth a try, they’ll likely find some.

People with experiences (we all have some) want to share those experiences as facts. We tried this once, it didn’t work, and that is a fact.

Manifested facts become beliefs, and beliefs manifested are often presented as facts.

Seeing Is Believing

We believe what we see. Throughout many forms of media, the persuasion to buy this product so you can look like me, feel like me, and have success like me is overwhelming.

Social media attempts to remind us of how people live large, have luxurious homes, vacations, and “life is good.” We also see some of the opposite. The bad boss story, the customer service horror stories, and the passing of people and pets.

We live surrounded by stories of fame and fortune. And stories of tragedy and gloom. There is not much room for average, yet on the bell curve it is exactly where most people or businesses exist.

Powerful Belief

Powerful belief happens every day. It is connected to decisions, a choice, and what you look for.

Most of what comes true for your career, for sales revenue, or the marketing plan starts with belief.

You decide what you’ll look for. The why’s or the why not’s.

You’ll find it and you’ll believe it.

Powerful.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

13
Jul 18
-

Moving Up and The Support Systems Around You

Tags : belief friends moving up support system

Do you have career goals? Are you ready to move up? In many cases moving up is important, but there are not any goals or a good support system. What do your friends think?

It is interesting that we often talk openly about refusing a dessert, about being sure we are going to hit the gym, or that we want to drop a few pounds.

Friends often seem supportive, they’ll offer encouragement, and maybe even invite you to join them in their own similar endeavors.

Moving Up

What happens when you tell them you are going for a promotion, that you want to get an advanced degree, or that you want a luxurious home that puts you into a new neighborhood? Are they supportive or do they offer to help?

Goals are important for everything you want to accomplish. No goal means limited achievement. It is easier to deny yourself advancement when you don’t define what the advancement looks like.

Support systems matter. The weight loss program, the fitness routine, or skipping the dessert. Support and encouragement help.

If you are career minded, success driven, and want to accomplish more, do you have the support you need?

Support Systems

Your network is critical for your success. Those people who surround you matter. If you’re interested in moving up who is shouting encouragement?

Change is scary, it may cause friends to worry about being left behind, to get anxious because they aren’t as committed or lack the confidence. Yes, even jealously may be a factor.

Here’s the thing, you need a support system. You need encouragement and backup. Most of all you need belief. Sometimes belief from others is the trigger for belief in yourself.

What’s stopping your advancement? What is holding you back from moving up?

Most successful people hang around others who support success, not deny it.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant and succession coach who helps organizations and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a five-time author and some of his work includes, #CustServ The Customer Service Culture, and Forgotten Respect, Navigating a Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

26
Jun 18
-

Accelerating Change Starts With Belief

Tags : accelerating belief change pivot rapid

There is a conundrum, is change too fast or too slow? It really may depend on the circumstances and who you ask. Are you or your team accelerating change, or are you playing catch up while chasing the front runners?

Historical Perspective

Throughout history our current mainstream belief is that it took a long time to get here.

Planet Earth at 4.5 billion years old, dinosaurs lived a couple hundred million years ago, but the most rapid advancements in technology are less than a couple of hundred years old. Some may suggest that the most significant have happened in the most recent one hundred to one hundred and fifty years.

It once took a long time to get anywhere. A twenty, thirty, or fifty-mile journey, was in fact, a small journey. A trip to town wasn’t an everyday experience for many, likely once a week or less.

Technology Changes Everything

Today, communication and information are shared around the World in seconds. Artificial intelligence is claiming a stake in what we do, how we do it, and how many humans are involved.

What about the present day at your work, are you keeping up? Is the pace of change appropriate, is your team a component of making the business a front runner?

Awareness can occur in a moment, and often it does. Deciding to act can take more time. Belief in a future fate or reality is the trigger for action, or often, a lack of it.

Accelerating Change

When you are interested in accelerating change the mechanics on the timeline are important. However, perhaps most important and often taken for granted are the requirements of the people.

Convincing the people involved that the timing is right, the pace is appropriate, and that the future outcomes are both necessary and achievable may be the slowest moving part.

Considering the most recent two hundred years, creating belief in change seems far more important than the possibility.

-DEG

Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSP^TM), and corporate trainer that specializes in helping businesses and individuals accelerate their leadership, their team, and their success. He is a five-time author and some of his work includes, #CustServ The Customer Service Culture, and Forgotten Respect, Navigating A Multigenerational Workforce. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.

Dennis Gilbert on Google+

Tag Archives: belief

Aug 19

-

Extra Effort

Realistic Hope

May 19

-

Grand Illusion

My Job

Apr 19

-

Building Culture

Language Matters

Mar 19

What Are You Saying?

Positive Affirmations

Feb 19

-

Workplace Worry

What’s the Trick?

Aug 18

-

Seeing Is Believing?

Filters or Blinders?

Filtering Expectations

Jul 18

-

Jumping In

Invited Feedback

Jul 18

Just the Facts

Seeing Is Believing

Powerful Belief

Jul 18

-

Moving Up

Support Systems

Jun 18

-

Historical Perspective

Technology Changes Everything

Accelerating Change

Search This Website

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Blog (Filter) Categories

Follow me on Twitter

Assessment Services and Tools

Recent Posts

Email Signup

Subscribe to newsletter

Contact Info