DO NOT DRAW A LINE IN THE SAND

Do not ever draw a line in the sand that you are not 100% committed to backing up with action!

If you are going to say something like, “The next time this happens, “XYZ” will take place…” and you do not follow through – you will lose ALL respect and credibility with those you lead. They will begin to disregard almost everything you say from that moment on.

In fact, you should, very rarely, EVER say anything like that!  You never know what tomorrow will bring forth! So when you draw that line in the sand, you had better back up everything you say the very first time someone crosses that line. The – very – first – time!

Because everyone is watching to see what you will do…

For more information on this topic, read the post on my website at:  
http://rthibodeau.com/2019/02/what-not-to-do-as-a-leader-part-2/

As leaders, in management, business or just “life,” you need to generate confidence and respect among those you lead. Even in a small unit or office, those you lead need to know you will be consistent in whatever it is you are doing. They need to know you will be fair. They need to know the standards and they need to know the standards will be enforced.

 That being said, there are certain things a manager or leaders should NEVER DO. Over the next few days, we will discuss just four of these things. If you can avoid what is going to be revealed here, you will be well on your way to maintaining the respect of your team members and helping to ensure your success.

DO NOT SPEAK BEFORE THINKING ABOUT THE INTENDED RESULT.

Think about what it is you want to say, whether you are addressing the group as a whole or counseling someone one-on-one. When you speak before you are 100% sure of the exact message you want to communicate will do one thing only, make you regret what you said in haste.

For more information on this very important topic, check out the post on my website:
http://rthibodeau.com/2019/02/what-not-to-do-as-a-leader-part-1/

How To Receive Praise from Others

There will come a time when YOU are going to be praised for your work as well. How you handle receiving that praise will either elevate you further in the eyes of your subordinates, peers and your superiors, or remove any admiration that may have been earned if you react improperly.

When you receive recognition from others:

1. Open your ears and your heart.
2. Listen generously and say "Thank you."
3. Let it in.
4. Don't allow yourself to get "big headed."

For more information, I go into detail on this topic in the post on my website at:  http://rthibodeau.com/2019/02/earning-respect-as-a-leader-how-to-receive-praise-from-others/

This week, we have been talking about being yourself as you develop your leadership style and how to use praise effectively.

On Monday, we focused on “being yourself.” If you try to imitate the leadership style of someone else, you will end up trying to mimic their mannerisms and vocabulary as well. This will be picked up on immediately by your subordinates and will not reflect well on you in their eyes.

On Tuesday, we discussed valid praise versus “fake praise.” You should always give praise when due but not so often that it becomes meaningless.

On Wednesday, I gave you five tips on how to use praise effectively: 

1.    Be Specific

2.    Be Personal

3.    Be Timely

4.    Be Generous

5.    Use Gifts

 On Thursday, I gave you four tips for “how to receive praise” from others.

1.    Open your ears and your heart.

2.    Listen generously and then say “Thank You!”

3.    Let the praise into your heart and use it to grow even more.

4.    Don’t get “big headed” about your success.

I hope these tips helped you this week!  If you incorporate these tips into your daily regime, it will help you immensely in your leadership success.

For more information on this topic, please visit my website at www.bobthibodeau.com

You have seen or heard interviews from successful people where they are describing what they did to become successful. The key is to look at how they did it. Almost everyone of them have a positive “can-do” attitude. They just believe they will be successful. They use the power of positive thinking to help them succeed in life.

Here are seven ways to use positive thinking to move you towards success:

1. Positive thinking will help you solve problems.
2. Positive thinking will improve your mood.
3. Positive thinking will help to give you confidence.
4. Positive attitude attracts positive people into your life.
5. Positive thinkers set goals and follow through.
6. Positive thinking improves your decision making ability.
7. Positive outlook helps to build resilience.

For more information on this topic, please visit the post on my website where I go into more detail:  http://rthibodeau.com/2019/02/changing-cant-to-can-power-of-positive-thinking-pt-1/

Negativity is part of life. There will be different days when we have bad thoughts. There will be days when it seems like we just can’t “get it right.” It is how we react to those days that matter the most. If you continually entertain and the retain negative thoughts, that is when those thought processes become habits.

Here are some important tips to help you develop a positive attitude:

1. Stop Complaining.
2. Be grateful for 3-5 things every day.
3. Keep a daily list of things you have accomplished.
4. Hang around positive people.
5. Help others.
6. Pray or meditate everyday.
7. Stop being envious of others.
8. Be kind and force yourself to smile at others.
9. Choose to be happy.
10. Have faith in yourself.
11. Read inspirational quotes.
12. Use visualization techniques.

For more information on this topic, visit the post on my website where I go into more detail: 
http://rthibodeau.com/2019/02/changing-cant-to-can-the-power-of-positive-thinking-pt-2/

The subconscious mind is much more powerful than your conscious mind. This is why it is very important to control what you allow into your subconscious mind. The subconscious mind mainly learns through repetition. 

There are several ways you can go increase the power of your subconscious mind.

1. Repeat your new beliefs or thought patterns every day.
2. Pray or Meditate.
3. Let your creative side do what it does best - CREATE!
4. Trust your instincts. 
5. Reprogram your subconscious mind using hypnosis.

It is my goal that you that you might need to access your subconscious mind and take steps to eliminate the negative thoughts that are holding you back and to replace them with positive thoughts that will propel you forward.

For more information on this topic, please visit the post on my website where I go into more detail:  http://rthibodeau.com/2019/02/changing-cant-to-can-the-power-of-positive-thinking-pt-3/

10 Ways to A Happier Life

Here is a quick list to help you create a more positive attitude and a happier life:

1. Listen to good music.
2. Don't waste time watching TV passively (or at all).
3. Be aware of negativity.
4. Make time to be alone.
5. Take time to figure out "who you are."
6. Exercise every day (even a little).
7. Have projects and goals you are always working towards.
8. Do things you enjoy.
9. Ignore things that do not make you happy.
10. SMILE!!!

Every day, find new ways to become happier. Even if you have to force it to happen. Make yourself be positive. You will be reprogramming your subconscious mind in the process. Soon, it will second nature for you!

For more information on this topic, please visit the post on my website where I go into more detail: 
http://rthibodeau.com/2019/02/changing-cant-to-can-the-power-of-positive-thinking-pt-4/

This week, I have given you several reasons why it is important to develop a positive mindset. Each day, I have given you several steps you can take to help shift your mindset into a “positive” direction!

On Monday, we talked about “Success and the Power of Positive Thinking.”

On Tuesday, we discussed the “Positive Thought Processes” and several tips to help you develop those processes.

On Wednesday, we reviewed “5 Ways to Go Deeper Into the Subconscious Mind.” 

On Thursday, I shared with you my “10 Tips to a Happier Life.” 

In the end, you are the only one who is in control of your thoughts. Only you can make the choice to be successful. Only you can make the decision to have positive thoughts. Only you can determine what your successful life will look like. 

For more information on this topic, please read the post on my website at 
http://rthibodeau.com/2019/02/changing-cant-to-can-the-power-of-positive-thinking-friday-wrap-up/

Be yourself at all times!  What does this mean? Don’t try to be somebody you aren’t!  Do not try to imitate someone else because you think they are successful.

The more you will allow your personality to shine through, the faster you will develop your won “leadership style.”  Keep it real. Keep it you

If you try to pretend to be someone else, those you are leading will recognize what you are trying to do. This will result in your group to believe you do not really know “how to lead” because you are not being yourself. 

For more information on this topic, check out the post on my website where I go into more detail:   http://rthibodeau.com/2019/02/earning-respect-as-a-leader-be-yourself/