Subscribe Share Past Issues Translate RSS IMPRESSION: a characteristic, trait, or feature resulting from some influence, a telling image impressed on the senses or the mind Friend on Facebook How to Make a Lasting Impression Forward to a Friend Part 1 UXL, July 2012 In order to learn how to pump up the impression you leave with others, it is essential to accept a certain set of truths. Firstly, you are in control of your own story and the story that you tell yourself. No one is ruining your life, bogging you down, or stopping your from being successful except yourself. Conversely, you and your choices are to thank for your own success, dedication, and happiness. The thing that I like most about the topic of making a lasting impression is that it deals with a lot of small changes with big impact. And these changes are all changes that any person is capable of making. Often, it can even be as simple as changing your perspective or your approach to a routine experience. A major challenge to making a lasting impression can often be the way we deal with the unpredictable lumps and bumps--how we can learn from these experiences, help How You (Yes You!) Can Get Creative at Work others along the way, and be even more fulfilled. When I present to a group of professionals on this topic, I like to offer 15 different components that add to the power of your impression. This month I'll present the first 8, and I hope you'll have the courage to choose a few of them to devote a little genuine thought to in the coming month. The Elements of a Lasting Impression (1 - 8) 1. Know Yourself: Gain insight into your strengths and weaknesses through personal assessments and conversations. Investigate the way you come off to others, what others appreciate about you, and where you have room for Interested in learning to ignite your own creativity and start embracing challenges and creating new ideas? Many people believe that we’re either born with creativity, or we’re out of luck—we’re improvement. 2. Be Curious: Always take the opportunity to ask questions that demonstrate support, confirm expectations, offer help, or gain clarity. 3. Be Present: Being half engaged means lost time and opportunities. Pay attention, focus on others, turn off your phone, and actively listen. 4. Stay Healthy: Take care of yourself by taking opportunities to move, such as walking, standing up, visiting people in their offices instead of emailing. 5. Be Brave: Always stand up for what you believe in and demonstrate courage by making decisions based on your values. 6. Be Positive: Never give anyone else any ammo to use against you-- we’re out of luck—we’re “uncreative” people. This way of thinking about creativity is downright wrong, and it limits potential. Read More The Key to Business Success is All Around You Solutions are the result of flexibility, resilience, and an open mind. 7. Be Consistent: This deals with your personal brand. The more consistent you are, the stronger your brand. If you perform differently, you dilute this brand. 8. Connect with Others: Network internally and externally, regardless of the state of your career. Meet new people by volunteering or getting involved with the right activities. For elements 9-15, look to August's newsletter. Now's the time to decide where your change will begin. Whether you choose to focus on being more Brave, Connect with someone new, or make Healthier choices this month, I know you'll be happy with the results. Have a wonderful rest of July. A recent article reveals a key to business success: building the perfect team. Does it sound like a great solution? Sure. Does it sound like an easy solution? If you’ve ever worked on a team, then your answer is probably a little less definitive. Read More The Danger of Sitting - Why and How to Margaret Smith Give your Chair a Break Founder, UXL: Creating Successful Leaders At work, it’s easy to get sucked into the seated, screen-staring position for Ready to discover your gifts and the gifts of others? Contact me to see positive change through an Insights Discovery Assessment! hours on end. It may seem counterintuitive, but sticking it out all day at your chair can actually be a huge loss to your productivity and creativity —not to mention a threat to your health! Lucky for you, I've got some great ideas for adding more movement to your day. Read More Your Tools Summer Leadership Margaret Smith One-on-One Coaching Series Seminars St. Kates University, St. Paul The Summer Leadership believes in the bench Discover the support, wisdom, and positive energy you need! Insights Discovery Learn how Insights Discovery can reveal your strengths and put them to work! UXL Workshops Develop new techniques and best practices. Walk away with tools that result in greater life satisfaction. Series returns with six outstanding leadership development seminars. Each session is a standalone learning experience; all are connected by their focus on core leadership competencies. Thursdays through August 23rd: 7:30 - 9:30 a.m., $20 per session. Click Here to Learn More strength of your organization. Learn how to harness this strength to create executives & business success! Margaret is an experienced career coach, licensed Insights Discovery practitioner, Profitbuilder Network consultant, adjunct professor at St. Kate's University, and has 27 yrs experience as a Senior Leader for 3M. >>For more events, Learn More about visit youexcelnow.com Margaret Visit Our Website | Visit Our Blog | Forward to a Friend Copyright © Margaret Smith UXL: Creating Successful Leaders All rights reserved. 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