Dear Friends,
This week, thankfully another heinous terrorist attack was thwarted. Truly scary! As the negative factors in the world seem to take up more and more space in our lives, how can we stay positive and lead positive peacful prosperous lives?
Sound like a tough question? Well, in a way it is, and in a way it isn't. Psycholoically it is a very tough and complicated question. So, let's move to another field to find an easier answer. Let's do the math. Math? For this issue? You bet!
Every time you find a negative factor coming into your life, stop and think how high you rate it on a 1-10 scale. With 1 = low and 10 = high. Let's say your example is a solid 7 negative factor. Your project didn't go very well at work this week and you are worried about finishing it on time.
How does math figure in here? What can you do for yourself or bring into your life that is positive enough to rank as a 7 on the 1-10 scale, to balance the problem ranked 7? Even better, what positive factor can you bring in that would be an 8 or a 9, so you come out ahead? Maybe it's having a wonderful time with your spouse, or a great weekend roadtrip to some place new. Or a wonderful positive movie. Whatever creates a high positive number for you is what works.
So the next time a negative factor drops in on you, don't let it overwhelm you, just balance it with a great positive factor as soon as possible and keep on with your positive journey.
Email me at drlinne@whatyousayiswhatyouget.com with your creative positive balancing stories. I would love to hear them.
Wishing you the best life has to offer.
Dr. Linne Bourget
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
July 4th - Beyond Independence
Dear Friends,
I spent the Fourth of July weekend dancing with friends at a huge dance convention. On Saturday night when the Air Force color guard members presented the flag and two ladies sang the national anthem, I was again reminded that what we have is far more than independence. We have freedom.
One of the MCs, usually a real cut up became uncharacteristically serious and aske for a moment of silence to support our present and past troops who ensure that we have the freedom to dance or picnick or golf as we choose.
I also gave thanks for our interdependence based on our freedom of assembly which helps us realize daily that we depend on each other for the good things in our lives. The global marketplace is carrying us on swift wings from independence to interdependence. No one and no one country is isolated any more.
More challanges? You bet! At the same time, we have more opportunities for growth, for excellence, for becoming better.
I spent the Fourth of July weekend dancing with friends at a huge dance convention. On Saturday night when the Air Force color guard members presented the flag and two ladies sang the national anthem, I was again reminded that what we have is far more than independence. We have freedom.
One of the MCs, usually a real cut up became uncharacteristically serious and aske for a moment of silence to support our present and past troops who ensure that we have the freedom to dance or picnick or golf as we choose.
I also gave thanks for our interdependence based on our freedom of assembly which helps us realize daily that we depend on each other for the good things in our lives. The global marketplace is carrying us on swift wings from independence to interdependence. No one and no one country is isolated any more.
More challanges? You bet! At the same time, we have more opportunities for growth, for excellence, for becoming better.
"Freedom is not a liscence to be our worst, but a call to be our best."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
What are the good things you have in your life that come from freedom and interdependence? Make a list of these and be appreciative for having them.
Make it a peacful and prosperous month.
Dr. Linne Bourget
"Building Success on Your Best"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Success!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Make it a peacful and prosperous month.
Dr. Linne Bourget
"Building Success on Your Best"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Success!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The Rudeness Revolution - Too Expensive!
It seems that everyday a new study comes across my screen about rudeness in the workplace, and how employees lose huge amounts of worktime and consider leaving their jobs because co-workers are rude to them. Have you thought about this in your company?
If we put a dollar amount on how much money is lost by companies due to negative behavior, we would be shocked! Yet, most leaders have little idea of what employees deal with on a day to day basis from other employees, and they allow employees to be negative to each other because they do not realize how often it happens or how much it cost them in suffering and lost productivity.
For leaders, the lesson is:
If we put a dollar amount on how much money is lost by companies due to negative behavior, we would be shocked! Yet, most leaders have little idea of what employees deal with on a day to day basis from other employees, and they allow employees to be negative to each other because they do not realize how often it happens or how much it cost them in suffering and lost productivity.
For leaders, the lesson is:
"What you allow is what you get"
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
For employees, the lesson is:
"Without the positive, you have only half the truth - the worst half"
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Bottom line: Work should be fun and can be fun, not a place of suffering. It takes everyone pulling together to create a positive environment. Leaders should insist on and model positive communications and employees should support that with their behavior.
The costs of the negative and the benefits of the positive are dramatically illustrated in the stories in my book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results, to give you practical tools for creating and sustaining a positive culture for a better life at work. Remember, What You Say Is What You Get(R).
Appreciatively,
Dr. Linne
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
The costs of the negative and the benefits of the positive are dramatically illustrated in the stories in my book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results, to give you practical tools for creating and sustaining a positive culture for a better life at work. Remember, What You Say Is What You Get(R).
Appreciatively,
Dr. Linne
"Building Success on Your Best"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Success!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Success!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Questions, Questions and More Questions - But How Well Do Yours Work?
In your meetings, what kinds of questions does everyone ask? Are the questions focused on problems, on what's wrong and needs to be fixed? What does this do to morale? The traditional management problem-solving method, taught in every business school and used in every company for decades, starts with analyzing what's wrong. Picking solutions and implementing them comes next.
The problem with this approach to change is that no one wants to be the what's wrong. This sets up blame, conflict, avoiding problems and blocking needed change. Just imagine what this costs your company in lost revenue, higher costs and needless suffering! Yet this painful costly tradition runs rampant through our companies every day!
But take heart. There is an alternative. In the 1980s I developed a planning approach to change which focuses on what is right, on the best strengths of each team or company. Imagine asking questions to focus on what is right! That is the basis of the planning system. The most powerful question of all of those positive questions is this:
What would it look like if it were completely successful? This question enters in at the earliest point in the discussion, not at the end!
Every team who worked with this system and answered this question got excited about planning and problem-solving instead of avoiding them. They saw that they had a positive basis and vision, and it guided them safely through the choppy waters of planning and implementing change. Problems were less threatening, so there was a lot less duck and cover behavior.
Try using this question once in every meeting this week and see what happens. Email me at drlinne@whatyousayiswhatyouget.com and let me know what changes when you ask this powerful question. And enjoy the results!
This section is adapted from my fast, easy-to-read positive change leadership book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results, available at whatyousayiswhatyouget.com on the top of the home page.
Enjoy this positive powerful tool to make your business life easier your results better!
Wishing you the best of success.
Dr. Linne
"Building Success on Your Best"Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLCInstitute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the positive leadership book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results, What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire, What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire, What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages, 2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation
"Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Success!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Visit our positive new blog:http://drlinnebourget.blogspot.com
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
The problem with this approach to change is that no one wants to be the what's wrong. This sets up blame, conflict, avoiding problems and blocking needed change. Just imagine what this costs your company in lost revenue, higher costs and needless suffering! Yet this painful costly tradition runs rampant through our companies every day!
But take heart. There is an alternative. In the 1980s I developed a planning approach to change which focuses on what is right, on the best strengths of each team or company. Imagine asking questions to focus on what is right! That is the basis of the planning system. The most powerful question of all of those positive questions is this:
What would it look like if it were completely successful? This question enters in at the earliest point in the discussion, not at the end!
Every team who worked with this system and answered this question got excited about planning and problem-solving instead of avoiding them. They saw that they had a positive basis and vision, and it guided them safely through the choppy waters of planning and implementing change. Problems were less threatening, so there was a lot less duck and cover behavior.
Try using this question once in every meeting this week and see what happens. Email me at drlinne@whatyousayiswhatyouget.com and let me know what changes when you ask this powerful question. And enjoy the results!
This section is adapted from my fast, easy-to-read positive change leadership book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results, available at whatyousayiswhatyouget.com on the top of the home page.
Enjoy this positive powerful tool to make your business life easier your results better!
Wishing you the best of success.
Dr. Linne
"Building Success on Your Best"Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLCInstitute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the positive leadership book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results, What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire, What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire, What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages, 2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation
"Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Success!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Visit our positive new blog:http://drlinnebourget.blogspot.com
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Protecting the Positive - It's Not Automatic
Many business people over the years have said to me how important it is to have a positive attitude, that if you have a positive attitude, everything else will be fine. In working with positive leadership strategies for 25 years, I have discovered from clients that having a positive culture in your business takes a whole lot more than a positive attitude. In other words, a positive attitude is necessary but not sufficient.
In my book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results, I present the Engine and Four Wheels model of positive leadership. The Enging is a positive attitude or leadership philosophy. However, without the Four Wheels, your car goes no where, regardless of how powerful the Engine is. Wheels 1, 2, and 3 desribe the positive leadership system needed to keep your business on track.
Wheel 4 describes the negative things you must stop your eomployees from doing, and prevent them from doing again, in order to protect the positive culture you have so carefully constructed. One of those is negative gossip. This is so damaging that it can un-do all of your good work immediately by bringing in an insedious negative element into your positive culture.
One time, when I began work on a project for a troubled team, the first thing I did was to request that they stop gossiping outside their team about how bad it was. Fortunately, they agreed and within a few months, we created a dramatic positive turnaround. As long as they gossiped, they continued to upset themselves, reinforce how terrible things were, and worsen their image with others outside of the team. Had they not stopped gossiping, their successful turnaround would have been blocked.
Benefits of no negative gossip: This team discovered that when they stopped gossiping, their morale, communication, results, and image were free to improve dramatically.
How often do you hear negative gossip in your organization?
What steps do you take to prevent or stop it?
If you allow gossip, you are sending the message that it is okay to gossip in your company. Remember, what you allow is what you get. Your company deserves the best. Take a stand for it!
Appreciatively,
Dr. Linne Bourget
In my book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results, I present the Engine and Four Wheels model of positive leadership. The Enging is a positive attitude or leadership philosophy. However, without the Four Wheels, your car goes no where, regardless of how powerful the Engine is. Wheels 1, 2, and 3 desribe the positive leadership system needed to keep your business on track.
Wheel 4 describes the negative things you must stop your eomployees from doing, and prevent them from doing again, in order to protect the positive culture you have so carefully constructed. One of those is negative gossip. This is so damaging that it can un-do all of your good work immediately by bringing in an insedious negative element into your positive culture.
One time, when I began work on a project for a troubled team, the first thing I did was to request that they stop gossiping outside their team about how bad it was. Fortunately, they agreed and within a few months, we created a dramatic positive turnaround. As long as they gossiped, they continued to upset themselves, reinforce how terrible things were, and worsen their image with others outside of the team. Had they not stopped gossiping, their successful turnaround would have been blocked.
Benefits of no negative gossip: This team discovered that when they stopped gossiping, their morale, communication, results, and image were free to improve dramatically.
How often do you hear negative gossip in your organization?
What steps do you take to prevent or stop it?
If you allow gossip, you are sending the message that it is okay to gossip in your company. Remember, what you allow is what you get. Your company deserves the best. Take a stand for it!
Appreciatively,
Dr. Linne Bourget
"Building Success on Your Best"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages, 2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Success!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages, 2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Success!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Visit our positive new blog:
http://drlinnebourget.blogspot.com
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
http://drlinnebourget.blogspot.com
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
The Power of Appreciating Differences
Hi!
Just got back from a week in Kona with Mark Victor Hansen's (Chicken Soup Books) and Robert G. Allen's (No Money Down author) Inner Circle meeting. This was my first junket to Hawaii and the culture was different from anything I had seen. The landscape, the food, the language, the energy, the climate - everything was different. I realized when I heard other people instantly critisize something different from what they were used to, that my first response is neutral or positive.
I noticed the stark black volcanic land all around us, but my first response was to be interested rather than to judge. I deeply appreciate my parents, who taught us, as we traveled often and lived in other countries, to respect and appreciate different cultures. This has served me well in my business as I gravitate towards clients who have unusual or unique characteritics and corporate cultures and they enjoy being appreciated.
Differences keep my spirit alive. As the world gets smaller and smaller, cultural differences become a larger part of our every day lives. The more we celebrate and appreciate them, the more succesful we will be.
Today, seek out differences and appreciate them. With practice, you can develop this as a mindset and business skill.
Enjoy!
Dr. Linne Bourget
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Just got back from a week in Kona with Mark Victor Hansen's (Chicken Soup Books) and Robert G. Allen's (No Money Down author) Inner Circle meeting. This was my first junket to Hawaii and the culture was different from anything I had seen. The landscape, the food, the language, the energy, the climate - everything was different. I realized when I heard other people instantly critisize something different from what they were used to, that my first response is neutral or positive.
I noticed the stark black volcanic land all around us, but my first response was to be interested rather than to judge. I deeply appreciate my parents, who taught us, as we traveled often and lived in other countries, to respect and appreciate different cultures. This has served me well in my business as I gravitate towards clients who have unusual or unique characteritics and corporate cultures and they enjoy being appreciated.
Differences keep my spirit alive. As the world gets smaller and smaller, cultural differences become a larger part of our every day lives. The more we celebrate and appreciate them, the more succesful we will be.
Today, seek out differences and appreciate them. With practice, you can develop this as a mindset and business skill.
Enjoy!
Dr. Linne Bourget
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Research Catches Up with Reality
Twenty-five years ago, when I began my work on positive leadership communications, skeptics challenged me on my assertion that for every negative statement there should be at least four positive statements, the usual 80/20 rule. In truth, since there was no research at this at the time and my Ph.D dissertation on positive feedback was the first of its kind, I adopted the 80/20 rule simply because it was a formula my clients already knew. Where were the researchers when I needed them?
As they were not accustomed to giving or receiving and positive feedback at all, they considered my 80/20 request radical indeed, another instance in which I was too early, a natural futurist. Now, a quarter-century later, researchers at the University of Michigan have found that companies with 50/50 ratio of positive to negative statement have negative performance and have found that it takes a ratio of 90/10 positive statements in order to receive excellent results! At last, I have support from the researchers. I was too conservative! Now I can tell my clients about the 90% rule and actually have research to back me up.
In my field, the academics are usually behind the practitioners and when the researchers catch up to us. How excellent is your company in its positive communication habits? In every meeting you attend, what percentage of the statements are positive versus negative? What percentage of your statements are positive versus negative? How close are you to the 90% excellence line? For one week, count your positive versus negative statements. How are you doing?
If you need help and want the input of a professional expert whose passion this has been for 25 years, consult the book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results, email us at: www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com, or call us for assistance at 480-767-1717.
Wishing you every success and happy counting! Remember, What You Say Is What You Get(R).
"Build Your Success on Your Best"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Success!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
As they were not accustomed to giving or receiving and positive feedback at all, they considered my 80/20 request radical indeed, another instance in which I was too early, a natural futurist. Now, a quarter-century later, researchers at the University of Michigan have found that companies with 50/50 ratio of positive to negative statement have negative performance and have found that it takes a ratio of 90/10 positive statements in order to receive excellent results! At last, I have support from the researchers. I was too conservative! Now I can tell my clients about the 90% rule and actually have research to back me up.
In my field, the academics are usually behind the practitioners and when the researchers catch up to us. How excellent is your company in its positive communication habits? In every meeting you attend, what percentage of the statements are positive versus negative? What percentage of your statements are positive versus negative? How close are you to the 90% excellence line? For one week, count your positive versus negative statements. How are you doing?
If you need help and want the input of a professional expert whose passion this has been for 25 years, consult the book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results, email us at: www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com, or call us for assistance at 480-767-1717.
Wishing you every success and happy counting! Remember, What You Say Is What You Get(R).
"Build Your Success on Your Best"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Success!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
The Missing Piece, The Secret Key To Our New Years Goals and Resolutions
For the first weeks of a new year it seems like every email, workshop and teleclass is focusing on setting your goals. Everyone has a list of the five or seven or ten things you must do in order to achieve your goals.
I have a high regard for goals, and they have a central place in my life. But why do our goals fade away from us so soon after we set them? Why do they dissapear under the mountain of everyday tasks and pressures?
The one thing, central to all of my work that I do not hear from all those goals experts is the most important foundation for setting, working toward, and achieving goals. That is giving yourself profound respect and appreciation for what you have achieved in the previous year.
No this is not a quick pat on the back. This is sitting down in a meeting with yourself and writting down your achievements for the last year, all of them. Large and small. Then go down the list and appreaciate yourself out loud using your name for achieving all of those. Then make a list of the strengths you used in achieving those goals.
Now you have a foundation for setting new goals. Without giving yourself respect and appreciation, a set of goals just becomes another "should" rather than a source of joy and inspiration. You deserve better.
One of my students read his strengths list every morning and every evening for one week. The next week he came back so excitied he could hardly sit still in his chair, bursting at the seams to tell the entire class. He had gotten twice as much done that week as usual and made much more money. Plus he was having a blast.
Create your appreciation foundation. It gives you a solid platform, the sense of your own strengths from which you can step up happily to more success from your new goals.
I wish you a peaceful profitable new year!
Dr. Linne Bourget
I have a high regard for goals, and they have a central place in my life. But why do our goals fade away from us so soon after we set them? Why do they dissapear under the mountain of everyday tasks and pressures?
The one thing, central to all of my work that I do not hear from all those goals experts is the most important foundation for setting, working toward, and achieving goals. That is giving yourself profound respect and appreciation for what you have achieved in the previous year.
No this is not a quick pat on the back. This is sitting down in a meeting with yourself and writting down your achievements for the last year, all of them. Large and small. Then go down the list and appreaciate yourself out loud using your name for achieving all of those. Then make a list of the strengths you used in achieving those goals.
Now you have a foundation for setting new goals. Without giving yourself respect and appreciation, a set of goals just becomes another "should" rather than a source of joy and inspiration. You deserve better.
One of my students read his strengths list every morning and every evening for one week. The next week he came back so excitied he could hardly sit still in his chair, bursting at the seams to tell the entire class. He had gotten twice as much done that week as usual and made much more money. Plus he was having a blast.
Create your appreciation foundation. It gives you a solid platform, the sense of your own strengths from which you can step up happily to more success from your new goals.
I wish you a peaceful profitable new year!
Dr. Linne Bourget
"Building Success on Your Best"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R) The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Leaders! What You Say Is What You Get(R): Powerful Intuition for Positive Leaders
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R) The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Leaders! What You Say Is What You Get(R): Powerful Intuition for Positive Leaders
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Friday, December 16, 2005
What Is Your End of Year Greatness Review?
Dear Friends,
This time of the year everyone starts setting goals for the New Year, which is always a worthy endeavor. Yet a crucial step in that process is usally ignored or omitted. How can we have any energy for our new goals if we have not given ourselves any credit for what we have achieved this year?
I challenge you to take responsibility for your own greatness and to make a list of what you have accomplished this year. What are you most proud of? This could be:
Relationships
Finances
Health
Vacations
Professional Achievments
Helping Others
Charitable Work
Spiritual Progress
Or any aspect of your life important to you.
Here's the important thing: Appreciate yourself and give yourself full credit for what you have achieved this year, before rushing headlong into the new year. Standing on this appreciation platform will give you far greater strength to tackle what is before you in the new year. Enjoy!
Best wishes and blessings for the happiest of holidays!
This time of the year everyone starts setting goals for the New Year, which is always a worthy endeavor. Yet a crucial step in that process is usally ignored or omitted. How can we have any energy for our new goals if we have not given ourselves any credit for what we have achieved this year?
I challenge you to take responsibility for your own greatness and to make a list of what you have accomplished this year. What are you most proud of? This could be:
Relationships
Finances
Health
Vacations
Professional Achievments
Helping Others
Charitable Work
Spiritual Progress
Or any aspect of your life important to you.
Here's the important thing: Appreciate yourself and give yourself full credit for what you have achieved this year, before rushing headlong into the new year. Standing on this appreciation platform will give you far greater strength to tackle what is before you in the new year. Enjoy!
Best wishes and blessings for the happiest of holidays!
"Building Success on Your Best"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages, 2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Coming soon!! Dr. Linne's Power Course on Intuition for Business Success!
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Visit our positive new blog:
http://drlinnebourget.blogspot.com
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Create An Appreciative Thanksgiving - The Deepest Craving
Every year my favorite part of Thanksgiving is to go around the table after dinner and before dessert, when everyone needs a breather, and have everyone appreciate each other, out loud, in words! I started this 25 years ago when I was doing my Ph.D dissertation on appreciation. Although the academics thought I was nuts, "real people" were inspired by my work.
This Thanksgiving appreciation time transforms groups instantly by touching their hearts, saying and hearing words of appreciation. Take every opportunity to tell people you appreciate them, for we never know how long they will be with us.
Recently, a younger dear friend and colleague passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. As I grieve his loss, I have enormous sorrow but no guilt as I had told him all along what I appreciate about him. Be appreciation-wise, keep current by saying the appreciation in your heart at the time. Don't wait.
Appreciate everything good in your life this holiday season. Whatever you appreciate expands.
Appreciatively,
Dr. Linne
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
This Thanksgiving appreciation time transforms groups instantly by touching their hearts, saying and hearing words of appreciation. Take every opportunity to tell people you appreciate them, for we never know how long they will be with us.
Recently, a younger dear friend and colleague passed away suddenly and unexpectedly. As I grieve his loss, I have enormous sorrow but no guilt as I had told him all along what I appreciate about him. Be appreciation-wise, keep current by saying the appreciation in your heart at the time. Don't wait.
Appreciate everything good in your life this holiday season. Whatever you appreciate expands.
Appreciatively,
Dr. Linne
Copyright 2005-2008. All Rights Reserved.
Dr. Linne Bourget, M.A., M.B.A., Ph.D.
Friday, November 04, 2005
How well do you receive appreciation?
Recently, I was in a meeting where a person was called up by surprise to receive an award. His first response was "uh-oh". He meant it in a wearily negative way rather than in a funny or happy way. This made me very sad and reminded me of many times when I have seen the same dynamic in professional business groups.
Typically, when people find out they are about to receive awards or verbal recognition, they say, "uh-oh" instead of "great". What has happened in our culture to condition people so powerfully to respond with a negative when they know they are going to receive something very positive? Is it that we are not supposed to enjoy receiving appreciation? Is it that there is an epidemic of low self-esteem and people feel as though they don't deserve recognition and awards?
Considering that, as William James says, "The deepest craving in human nature is to be appreciated", what does that say about how effectively we give and receive appreciation in our culture? Without an everyday language of appreciation running rampant though our days at work and at home, how can we ever achieve self-esteem in large numbers? Only knowing our best gives us self-esteem and if we are not receiving appreciation effectively, we are not learning about our best.
Next time someone gives you appreciation or an award, make it your personal goal to enjoy it and to learn about your best, your strengths and skills. The more you know about your best, the stronger you will be professionally and personally, at work and at home. You deserve the best!
Appreciatively,
Dr. Linne
Typically, when people find out they are about to receive awards or verbal recognition, they say, "uh-oh" instead of "great". What has happened in our culture to condition people so powerfully to respond with a negative when they know they are going to receive something very positive? Is it that we are not supposed to enjoy receiving appreciation? Is it that there is an epidemic of low self-esteem and people feel as though they don't deserve recognition and awards?
Considering that, as William James says, "The deepest craving in human nature is to be appreciated", what does that say about how effectively we give and receive appreciation in our culture? Without an everyday language of appreciation running rampant though our days at work and at home, how can we ever achieve self-esteem in large numbers? Only knowing our best gives us self-esteem and if we are not receiving appreciation effectively, we are not learning about our best.
Next time someone gives you appreciation or an award, make it your personal goal to enjoy it and to learn about your best, your strengths and skills. The more you know about your best, the stronger you will be professionally and personally, at work and at home. You deserve the best!
Appreciatively,
Dr. Linne
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Your Words Make or Break Your Success
Hi! I'm Dr. Linne Bourget. How many times have you lost a customer or a sale by using words that put a wall between you and your customers or employees? My life mission is to provide systems and tools that make you the first choice to work with!! If you were Superman, you coulds hear me walking around my office trying out the most positive ways to discuss business so that my clients have the best advantage. Every word has enormous power--how powerful are yours?
One powerful free tip: Omitting certain everyday negative habits can transform your business relationships and income. One of these is the zinger, the put down cloaked as a joke. I hear these every day. These cause huge damage but since they are a "joke" people rarely complain. They just go away. Drop zingers and watch what changes in your meetings and your business. This tip is from my positive leadership book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results, at whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
A word is not a word is not a word
Dear Friends,
- Do you know that every word you speak actually has an energy signature you are sending out to the world?
- What effects do your words have?
- What do you leave in your verbal wake?
- Do you have anyone in your life who will tell you?
Most of us do not realize on a moment to moment basis what energy our words leave behind, and what others are likely to do or not do as a result of our words. The research from Dr. Emoto of
Dr. Linne Bourget
"Building Success on Your Best"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
A word is not a word is not a word
Dear Friends,
Every word you say makes or breaks your success! How much money is your leadership style costing you? Take heart! Our language system has helped thousands of clients build better results with this leadership skill. So can you! I created this system and clients' feedback honed it to a high shine. At whatyousayiswhatyouget.com, Dr. Linne’s books, positive leadership seminars, consulting, and executive coaching give you proven, easy rubber-meets-the-road tools for faster, better, easier results.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Every word you speak has great power - is the the type of power you want?
Dear Friends,
Just back from a nice cool vacation in Seattle and am dragging in the AZ heat. But soon it will be lovely.
Do you know how powerfully your words affect others and your business results? One of the most powerful examples in recent memory demonstrates this:
I recently met a mortgage banker from a large corporation, a very bright, positive, fun person. We met at a business event and as we had interests in common, had a sandwich afterward. During that conversation, he asked me how old I was, already a major no-no. When I said I don't discuss age, he replied dramatically, "I can find out on the computer." This raised not one but two red flags. 1. Would he misuse his professional position to spy on me against my wishes? 2. What was going on psychologically that he would threaten this and be this rude?
As my world is all about collaborative rather than unilateral power, he did two things very quickly.
1. As I was not certain about his ethics, I could not risk my reputation and refer business to him even though I know many people doing real estate transactions and he is very creative in solving customer problems. This cost him money.
2. He totally took himself out of the running for a dating relationship, which he clearly wanted. This was a blessing for me, as I was protected, although of course disappointed, from getting hurt further down the road. Anyone who would make such a threat right off the bat is nowhere near the level of strength I have and need in a husband.
How about you? What effect do your words have? How willing are people to do business with you when they meet you?
If you have stories of how positive words have brought you more business success, please post them below!
For over 20 years I have worked with client leaders on this issue and now the Master Positive Leadership Language System is available to you for only $19.95 in my book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results. Visit us at whatyousayiswhatyouget.com and find out more!
Wishing you words of success and happiness!
Warmly,
Dr. Linne
Just back from a nice cool vacation in Seattle and am dragging in the AZ heat. But soon it will be lovely.
Do you know how powerfully your words affect others and your business results? One of the most powerful examples in recent memory demonstrates this:
I recently met a mortgage banker from a large corporation, a very bright, positive, fun person. We met at a business event and as we had interests in common, had a sandwich afterward. During that conversation, he asked me how old I was, already a major no-no. When I said I don't discuss age, he replied dramatically, "I can find out on the computer." This raised not one but two red flags. 1. Would he misuse his professional position to spy on me against my wishes? 2. What was going on psychologically that he would threaten this and be this rude?
As my world is all about collaborative rather than unilateral power, he did two things very quickly.
1. As I was not certain about his ethics, I could not risk my reputation and refer business to him even though I know many people doing real estate transactions and he is very creative in solving customer problems. This cost him money.
2. He totally took himself out of the running for a dating relationship, which he clearly wanted. This was a blessing for me, as I was protected, although of course disappointed, from getting hurt further down the road. Anyone who would make such a threat right off the bat is nowhere near the level of strength I have and need in a husband.
How about you? What effect do your words have? How willing are people to do business with you when they meet you?
If you have stories of how positive words have brought you more business success, please post them below!
For over 20 years I have worked with client leaders on this issue and now the Master Positive Leadership Language System is available to you for only $19.95 in my book, What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results. Visit us at whatyousayiswhatyouget.com and find out more!
Wishing you words of success and happiness!
Warmly,
Dr. Linne
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
The deepest human craving
Dear Friends, "The deepest craving in human nature is to be appreciated." - William James
Are you receiving enough appreciation to know your own greatness?
Are you giving appreciation effectively?
In my pre-dissertation research, hundreds of people told me that they were not receiving nearly enough appreciation, yet they were hesitant to be the first one to start giving appreciation. I called this "the silence cycle", and my dissertation was the first to compare different forms of positive feedback to see what was more effective.
Over the years of working with clients, I learned that it takes about a dozen powerful guidelines to do a really great credible, meaningful job of delivering positive feedback. The two I emphasized in my dissertation were showing enthusiasm and being specific. Both have turned out to be extremely powerful requirements for effective appreciation.
How specific is your positive feedback?
How well do you show enthusiasm when giving it?
Being aware of these two skills can help you create better relationships at work and at home.
Make it an appreciative day!
Appreciatively,
Dr. Linne
Are you receiving enough appreciation to know your own greatness?
Are you giving appreciation effectively?
In my pre-dissertation research, hundreds of people told me that they were not receiving nearly enough appreciation, yet they were hesitant to be the first one to start giving appreciation. I called this "the silence cycle", and my dissertation was the first to compare different forms of positive feedback to see what was more effective.
Over the years of working with clients, I learned that it takes about a dozen powerful guidelines to do a really great credible, meaningful job of delivering positive feedback. The two I emphasized in my dissertation were showing enthusiasm and being specific. Both have turned out to be extremely powerful requirements for effective appreciation.
How specific is your positive feedback?
How well do you show enthusiasm when giving it?
Being aware of these two skills can help you create better relationships at work and at home.
Make it an appreciative day!
Appreciatively,
Dr. Linne
"Building Success on Your Best"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
Linne Bourget M.A. M.B.A. Ph. D
www.whatyousayiswhatyouget.com
National pioneer in positive leadership & change
Founder/CEO ITLC
Institute for Transformation Leaders, Coaches and Consultants
Co-author, Bestselling book, Wake Up, Live the Life You Love - Finding Personal Freedom
Author of the new positive leadership book,
What You Say Is What You Get(R): The Secret Language of Great Business Results
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Positive Quotient PQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Your Appreciative Quotient AQ (TM) Questionnaire
What You Say Is What You Get(R): Secrets of Powerful Appreciation for Parents and Children of All Ages,
2 Hour 2 CD Audio Book by "Dr. Appreciation"
"The greatest challenge is taking complete responsibility for your own greatness."
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
Dr. Linne's Positive Power Quote
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