October 24, 2009
Over the years I have had the opportunity to mentor and coach many individuals as they grew in their careers and leadership responsibilities. Here is a lesson from one of my “Bringing About Positive Results” seminars:
As an athlete I often use sports scenarios or comparisons in my leadership teachings. For example a sprinter who has natural-born speed will do well most of the time, however the sprinter might find that they aren’t as strong at the end of their races because they haven’t worked on strength and endurance to carry their natural ability all the way to the end. In order to be the very best sprinter they work on what their weakness is to become a better all around sprinter…
This carries through in leadership and managing as well. For example, ask yourself what are you good at? Communication, follow-up, people skills, numbers, etc. And then ask yourself what you are not good at? Just like the sprinter your natural ability will come to you easily, without working at it. However your weaknesses will be extremely evident if you don’t work on them.
In my Coaching for Results seminar I work with you on finding your strengths and weaknesses and then develop a plan to work on your opportunities and then pass them on to your team.
It’s a no-brainer!
~RG
October 8, 2009
I recently had the privilege to speak to a group of leaders for an exclusive private club. The group was made up of executives to senior employee’s and was very diverse in roles and responsibilities. In other words it was the PERFECT scenario for me to share some of my “Leaders Are People Too!” presentation.
Here is a small part of the presentation; we discussed the different types of leaders, you know the types; the compassionate leader, the micro-managing leader, the intimidating leader and so on…I then asked them to think of what type of leader they believe they are and then I asked them to revisit that thought after my presentation.
The truth of the matter is we usually are not the best judge of what type of leader, or for that matter what type of person we are. In actuality it’s the way people think and speak of you when you are not around that really defines what type of leader or person you are. So the “million dollar” question is how can we make sure we are leading in a manner that is productive for the organization, compassionate for those being lead, and developing for the future.
Well I don’t have enough space to give you my thoughts here but I will share with you a few principles I feel are imperative to effective leadership:
- Set Expectations – you can’t expect your employee’s to exceed or meet your expectations if you don’t let them know what they are!
- Know what you are good at…and what you’re not – focus on your weaknesses as your strengths will always rise to the top
- Be a Coach, Mentor, Trainer – if you see something being done incorrectly don’t ignore it, address it as a coach, mentor, trainer
- Accountability – if you set the expectation then make sure you hold your employee’s accountable to meet the expectation
- Consistency – be consistent in your mood, in dealing with employees
- Communicate – people don’t read minds
- Reward – nothing brings morale up more than recognizing a good job, which could just be showing up to work every day with a smile!
If you think you could use some help in developing your leadership team, give me a call. You can reach me through my website “Bringing About Positive Results”.
Be Positive!
~RG
September 25, 2009
While the month is almost over it is still not to late to let everyone know that September is “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.” One in six men will get prostate cancer, and the risk elevate if you have any family history of the disease. To bring some reality to this, someone’s father, husband or brother dies every 19 minutes from Prostate Cancer. That’s 74 men a day and over 27,000 men a year!
Breast cancer takes the lives of about 40,000 women a year, a huge number but one that has been declining over the past several years. Some of this is attributed to early detection and increased awareness, as well as improved treatment. If you have been reading my previous post then you will know that I have been advocating regular check ups, know your family history and educate yourself about Prostate Cancer. Early detection will help you defeat this terrible disease!
Right now you can help with the battle against prostate cancer by donating to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF). The Safeway Foundation has partnered with the PCF in donating matching funds up to $1 million if donations are received by December 31, 2009. You can donate online by going to www.pcf.org/progress.
There is no excuse for being uninformed about prostate cancer anymore.
~RG
September 17, 2009
Lately I have been blogging to you about my “Bringing About Positive Results” seminars and presentations, and I will continue to do this in future postings. However I am still going to keep you up to date on my battle with Prostate Cancer. I feel a very deep committment on doing whatever I can to bring awareness to this very common disease amongst men.
In my last post regarding my progress I informed you that after 90 days my PSA test showed no evidence of cancer, in fact my PSA count was 0.0! If you remember I mentioned that I would be getting test every 90 days just to make sure, and if after a year there is no sign of the cancer returning then I can go back to regular check ups, which for me will be every 6 months instead of every year.
I also want to tell you that I had my annual physical a month ago, so regardless of my other check ups I am still staying true to having my annual check ups. My physical came back with flying colors, low blood pressure, low cholesterol, etc. etc. My General Physician was very happy with my results.
Last week I had my 120 day PSA test, this is the time since I had my brachytherapy treatment. Again whenever you are dealing with something that wants to kill you there is anxiety, and yes again I had anxiety and was nervous. When my doctor came into the waiting room I could tell the test were fine, in fact he said congratulations something my Dr. doesn’t use too often. After six months my PSA was a 0.4 which is very good. My doctor had to remind me that you will basically never had a 0.0 reading as long as you have a prostate. Since my treatment didn’t involve removing the prostate then I will continue to show some reading of PSA, the key is to make sure it isn’t cancerous or continuing to elevate. You are good up to about a 1.3 or so PSA reading before you really need to be concerned, but again this is what regular check ups are for and to consult with your doctor and get those lovely DRE’s, which I had to have this time around.
So keep your thoughts and prayers with me, and make sure if you are over 40 you are discussing Prostate Cancer with your doctor. Remember early detection will not only save your life but also your lifestyle!
~RG
September 9, 2009
The demands put on leaders in today’s business world is becoming increasingly more substantial. The economy, owner’s, investors, employers all have asked for those in leadership positions to do more, with less. Those in leadership positions, be it supervisory, middle management, Department Head, executive or higher usually work longer hours, spend more time away from their family and carry more responsibility. Yet they are required and expected to consistently be positive, creative, innovative, caring, accountable and on and on…this is the price for leadership, and those that wish to be leaders welcome this challenge each and every day!
However “Leaders Are People Too”! They have the same issues many of us have, financial concerns, relationship problems, health issues, etc. And yes this does affect their performance and yes this can affect their ability to lead. In my “Bringing About Positive Results” programs I have developed a seminar to help leaders overcome these obstacles.
I. Leadership – “Leaders Are People Too”
- A seminar aimed at supervisory and middle management. This program uses the over 30 years of leadership experience from the mistakes to the triumphs and gives the attendees the basic tools for successful leadership.
- No fancy acronyms, slick vocabulary or new age management techniques. This seminar will use the basic principles of leadership found in every book, classroom or seminar and put real life experience into an easy to follow, motivating and passionate learning experience.
Stay Positive!
~RG
September 3, 2009
“Why You Matter” is a customer service seminar in my “Bringing About Positive Results” programs. Below is a synopsis of the content:
- A seminar designed to bring the reality of how important each member is to the total success of the organization. This program also educates the attendee on how what they do at work affects not only their family, friends and co-workers but also their community at large.
- This is an energetic, fast moving yet easy to understand seminar that will motivate your team into realizing that each encounter they have with a customer, co-worker and manager has a direct affect on the success of the organization and the community they live in.
Guaranteed to hit home how important each individual is, regardless of their position. Delivered with passion and energy where you can see in the attendee’s eyes, facial expressions and emotions the message getting through.
Check out the “Bringing About Positive Results” web-site and sign up on the Contact page.
Stay Positive!
~RG
August 30, 2009
As the saying goes “better late than never”…Yes, I have officially launched my “Bringing About Positive Results” seminars and programs! This has been a tremendous struggle for me and through much prayer and counsel I came to the conclusion that now is the time to do this! I have always had a passion for coaching, teaching and mentoring and have been able to fulfill that passion through my work. However I will now be able to touch so many more individuals and hopefully through my experience, mistakes, triumphs and life make a difference. I also got to make up my own title “Difference Maker”, how cool is that!
Robin Graf, Difference Maker
Please go to my web-site at www.bringingaboutpositiveresults.comand understand that this still a work in progress and I welcome your feedback and of course your support. Also please check out my Facebook and Twitter pages as I will be updating regularly with tidbits of information.
Thank you all for your support, and STAY POSITIVE!
June 18, 2009
For you that have been following my blog you know that I had been chronicling my fight against Prostate Cancer. If you read my last blog then you know that my results have been great…so while I will update you over the next year it is time to MOVE ON!
I will be launching real soon my journey into the world of Speaking. I have been working on some programs targeted at improving:
- Customer Service
- Leadership Development
- Coaching for Results
- Motivational
- Social Networking and Your Business
- Operational Analysis
Having over 30 years experience and utilizing these practices personally in my previous positions I know that they provide results!
I am in the process of developing a web-site which I hope to have up and running by next week. I am very excited about being able to share my experiences with different organizations, as well as donating my time to other organizations such as the American Cancer Society. I know I have a lot to offer and I look forward to being able to share.
Robin Graf "Bringing About Positive Results"
Stay tuned!
June 1, 2009
If you have been following my post then you know that I was due for a 90 day blood test at the end of May. This is the first test that will gauge how well my treatment went. I have to tell you that the week leading up to my doctor’s visit was a bit scary. While I have stayed positive throughout this entire process you can’t help but think “what if”… I am very blessed in that I have a great family and friends to give me support and as I mentioned in an earlier post it is very important not to do this alone, lean on your family and friends to help you through this.
Friday finally came, and I was off to the doctor. When I arrived I had to wait almost 50 minutes before the doctor finally came in to speak with me. I can tell you a lot goes through your mind…why is it taking so long…is there a problem…are they going to just admit back into the hospital…and on and on the mind games go! Now you have to understand that my doctor would be a stereotype character, there seems to be no sense of humor and I am not sure if he ever laughs…very serious.
My doctor finally walked in and sat down, and handed over my test results and said your PSA level is ZERO! If you remember your PSA test is the one that determines if you have cancer and mine when diagnosed was a 4.7. Now a 4.7 isn’t really that high however if you took my previous PSA test it did show a significant increase which is what alerted the doctor to do further test which ultimately led to my diagnosis. Again I cannot emphasize enough about being checked regularly because EARLY DETECTION will allow you to treat the cancer so much more effectively.
When I looked at my test results I can tell you I have never felt so relieved in my entire life…to say it felt like a mountain had been lifted off my shoulders would be an understatement! My doctor was happy with the results but…isn’t there always a but…said that while the test shows there is no evidence of the cancer you will still need to have test over the next year to insure the cancer is gone. Believe me when I tell you I can live with knowing that right now there is no evidence of the cancer, however I must tell you as my doctor said you may be free of the cancer, but you will never be completely free of it…you will now be known as “having a history of cancer”. I will go back again in 90 days to have another PSA test and then again 4 or 5 months after that. After a year has passed is when I will truly be able to say I am a cancer survivor!
I CAN LIVE WITH THAT…LITERALLY!
May 14, 2009
I would like to take this opportunity to summarize my past post. For those of you that have been following this will be a refresher for you, and for those who have just started reading it will catch you up. As a reminder these post are chronicling my journey of being diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.
- First and foremost make sure you are getting regular check ups such as an annual physical. Expecially if you are over 40 yrs. old. Also if you are 40 yrs. old or older make sure your doctor is testing you for Prostate Cancer.
- Know your family history. Remember 1 out of 6 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, if you have an immediate male family member that has had Prostate Cancer your odds double, and if two immediate male family members have had Prostate Cancer your odds are now tripled.
- Do your research, learn as much as you can about the disease. Prostate Cancer is much different than other forms of cancer in that you have many treatment options. It will benefit you to know what these treatment options are as you will be making the decision on what type of treatment you will have.
- Consult with your doctor, you will be referred to a Urologist if you have been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Ask your Urologist for a second opinion from an Oncologist. If your Urologist is hesitant or not willing to refer you find another doctor, the doctor needs to be objective in your treatment options.
- Talk with other men who have had the disease and ask them about what treatment they decided on, what side-effects they experienced, and what made them decide on that type of treatment. I spoke with 10 men, some I knew and some I didn’t about their experience.
- Don’t do this alone! Talk with family members, your spouse or partner and or friends.
I cannot emphasize enough that EARLY DETECTION is the best way to beat this disease. If you are 40 and over make sure you are getting a DRE and a PSA test during your annual physical, and know your family history.
Here are some research materials for you:
Prostate Cancer for Dummies
Prostate Cancer Foundation
American Cancer Society
Please share this with your friends and family, the key here again is to bring awareness in the hopes of helping those at risk find the disease early on.
RG
