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Here’s a sample of one of my earlier newsletters. I publish every few weeks.

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IN THIS ISSUE:

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1. Teamwork Quotes

2. Article: Cheerleader or Ringleader?

3. Discussion Point #12:

4. Helpful, Complimentary Resources

5. Shameless “You Know What”

6. The End…

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1. QUOTES

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“The world is a dangerous place to live, not because of the people who are evil, but because of the people who didn’t do anything about it.” (Albert Einstein)

“I guess if a person didn’t quit when the going got tough, they wouldn’t have anything to regret for the rest of their life.” (Lance Armstrong in the movie “Dodgeball”)

“People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don’t know when to quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to.” (George Allen)

“The fewer rules a coach has, the fewer rules there are for players to break.” (John Madden)

“The road to Easy Street goes through the sewer.” (John Madden)

“The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it.” (Lou Holtz)

“Leadership is getting someone to do what they don’t want to do, to achieve what they want to achieve.” (Tom Landry)

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will.” (Vince Lombardi)

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2. ARTICLE: Cheerleader or Ringleader?

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Do you have a “Cheerleader” on your team? How about a “Ringleader”? What’s the difference? A Cheerleader is a person you can count on to provide encouragement, a smile and constructive ideas. They are people others feel good being around. They don’t “blow smoke” or “kiss up”, but sincerely make an effort to improve actions and attitudes.

They have a lot of personal influence. When they talk, people listen (kinda like E.F. Hutton!) They don’t always sit in the corner office or have a high falutin’ title, but their presence is powerful none the less.

A Ringleader is someone who also has a great deal of personal influence. Yet this person uses it for destructive purposes. They routinely stir the pot, get folks all riled up, encourage divisiveness and have a chip on their shoulder. Even those who call this person “friend” are afraid to stand up to him or her. People walk on eggshells around them and find ways to avoid them. Some even run to their manager, church leader, executive director or mother and assert, “Please DO something!”

Ringleaders are a destructive force within any group. And it takes a committed person to “channel” them differently.

How? By making a plan and guarding your own emotional well being as you work your plan. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Create a “horror floor”. Make a list of the worst that could happen should you decide to confront them, coach them or fire them. Normally nothing is ever as bad as we imagine and listing words or actions that could occur may help you see that the worst is probably not going to happen.

Step 2: Make your “home run” list. This is the list of words, actions and results that would solve your problem and then some. If you got everything you were hoping for, the whole enchilada, so to speak, it would include these behavioral changes.

Step 3: Draw a horizontal line across the paper. Along the top of the line, draw a series of other lines extending upward vertically and a number of lines extending downward. Your diagram may now look like a fishbone.

Step 4: On the lines above, list all the interim action steps that would indicate you’re making constructive progress in handling this situation. Steps might include:

I got up the courage to have a conversation with her
She listened to what I had to say without arguing
He admitted I might have a point
He thanked me for being concerned about him
Coworkers have noticed she’s easier to work with

Step 5: On the lines below, list all the potholes, roadblocks or setbacks that could slow down or derail your progress. They might include:

She canceled our meeting
He refused to admit he’s got an issue
I had to issue a written warning
She instigated another brouhaha among the staff

Benefits include the ability to help you…

recognize when you’re making positive progress so you don’t get discouraged or demoralized along the way
know that two steps back often results in three steps ahead
avoid giving up one minute shy of “the miracle”
learn that it’s rarely as bad as we think it is
coach others how to create their own “fishbone” problem solving continuum
think objectively next time you face someone like this
increase hope, optimism and positive thinking
recognize your energy and efforts are not being wasted

Let me know what you think and how it turns out. I’m happy to share the success stories and horror stories too (without naming names, of course!

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3. Discussion Point #12: Social Media Mania

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Social media like blogs and social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn are not just for teenagers. Adults, business professionals, Fire Department Districts, schools and even political candidates are now on board. But do you ever wonder if it’s much ado about nothing?

Discussion Questions:

- How are social networking sites changing the way we do

business, build relationships and manage conflicts? Or not?

- What if the Internet caught the flu and “died” tomorrow?

What struggles would people face? What changes would we

make? Would they be for better or worse, in your opinion?

- Do you think the popularity contests that spring up

around collecting the most “friends” or “contacts” on

social networking sites cheapens the value of relationships

or enhances them? Why or why not?

- If you have participated in social networking sites, what

value have you received? Would you recommend it to others?

Why or why not? Do you see better or different applications

for them in the future?

What do you think? Send me your questions, comments, observations.

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4. Helpful, Complimentary Resources

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Are you a reporter, journalist, blogger or author looking for subject matter sources? Then please visit Peter Shankman’s “Help a Reporter Out” website at www.helpareporter.com

Bonus Gift for Loyal Subscribers: Please to HERE and get your complimentary copy of XYZ (periodically, I send out subscriber only thank you gifts)

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5. Shameless “You Know What”

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This is where I list locations where I’m speaking in case you live nearby and would like to attend.

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December’s article, “The Courage to Be Yourself” hit home for quite a few readers, one of whom wrote to say:

“I just had to write and tell you how much I enjoyed this newsletter. I loved The Courage to be Yourself. It was a great article and a timely one for me. Thanks for the wonderful newsletters.” C.D.

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6. The End…

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And lastly, if there are topics, tools or tips you think I should know about, please contact me.

Best wishes, Laura Benjamin, President, Pinehurst Press Ltd.