RelationShifts

It should be easy as A-B-C. But instead, it is the opposite. Gaining trust in today’s culture is incredibly hard and losing trust is incredibly easy.

It is something that we all seek but rarely find. 

The importance of trust cannot be overstated. It defines every aspect of our lives and relationships. With that thought in mind, I decided to 

re-release a podcast where I spend some time talking about the ABCs of trust.

It helped me to take another look at this important issue and I hope that you will feel the same. Click below to watch or listen to this short episode of Crossing The Line on The Importance of Trust.

I challenge us on this podcast to be Authentic, Benevolent and Competent in our relationships.

When we earn trust from those around us, we will make a difference.

It is a word that is commonly misused and misunderstood. The word is Vulnerability. Many times we view those who choose to become vulnerable as soft or weak. The truth is that choosing to admit our vulnerabilities is a sign of strength and courage. I had a conversation with a man a couple of years ago who shared how he had to become “weak enough” to truly become strong enough to handle the trials and adversities in his life.

His name is Rick Burgess. He is Rick on the nationally syndicated radio talk show entitled The Rick and Bubba Show. His story is one of valleys and peaks. Rick has walked through failures, pain, and incredible success. I invite you to listen to this re-released interview as Rick takes us on a journey of his life and then talks about the woman who changed it. He also shares a vulnerable story of loss and hope.

Rick’s message of strength through weakness is more relevant today than ever. When we choose to become aware that our strength lies in our vulnerabilities, we will make a difference.

It was the beginning of the COVID pandemic and I had contracted the virus. There were no medications that had been approved for treatment yet, and I was struggling. The symptoms got worse, and I got weaker. I eventually recovered through the help of my loved ones and through the care of a doctor who chose to go the extra mile. His name is Dr. Nick Gillespie and he is my friend as well as my physician.

What makes Nick special is his combined love for medicine as well as for people. It is easy to say we care about others. Demonstrating our words through our actions is another story. I have known Nick for nearly 25 years and I have watched as he has gone the extra mile to serve his patients and his community. Nick donned PPE clothes (gown, gloves, mask, etc) and came to my house to check on and treat me during my 6 weeks bout with the virus. He was determined to do everything possible to see that I returned to good health.

That’s why I want you to hear from him. In this edition of our Crossing The Line podcast, Nick shares 10 secrets that guide his life. The conversation is fun and goes everywhere because of Nick’s brilliant brain. The content is purposeful and relevant to all of us. Take a few minutes and listen to our short conversation about his top 10 values.

When we choose to put actions to our words, we will make a difference.

Larry

A legend is defined as: “a person who is famous, while still living, for doing something extremely well.” In the college football officiating world, Steve Shaw fits the definition of a legend. He has called countless football games and now is the Coordinator for all of the NCAA College Football Officials and holds the position of Secretary and Editor of the NCAA Rules Committee. Steve has an eye for excellence and a determination to achieve it in everything he does.

His journey is one of hard work, problem solving and a willingness to take on difficult things. While he has encountered obstacles along the way, he has not allowed them to deter his drive for doing things well. He told me that he is committed to living his legacy every day in the best possible way. This has not always been easy, but it has produced results.

My conversation with Steve is less about football and more about how to engage and navigate life. He shares his story and gives us encouragement to not give up doing the right thing. He is a living example of why it is important to develop a strong work ethic.

When you choose to live your legacy well, you will make a difference.

Take The Test: https://eaglecenterforleadership.com/make-a-difference/take-the-test

All of life’s important moments are based on beginning, nurturing, or ending significant relationships in our lives. Take a moment and evaluate the relationships in your life. Start with the relationship with yourself. Are you aware of how you engage and communicate? Are you aware of the impact, good and bad, that you make on those around you? Are you aware of your own insecurities and your strengths? Are you choosing to control your behavior, your words, your responses?

Now evaluate the relationships you have with others. Do you make the relationships all about you? Do you truly listen to and learn to speak the personality language of those you care about? Are you committed to investing in others and earning the right to speak into their lives?

I hope that as we have discussed the Make A Difference personalities in these LLMs that you have gained a nugget or two that will help you to lead by serving. I hope that you have a new insight or that you renew something you already knew in order make your relationships effective and authentic.

Take a moment to watch or listen to this short podcast as I wrap up the Make A Difference personality discussion. I think it will encourage you to keep investing in your relationships:

The truth is, when we understand ourselves and others a little better, we can make a difference!

Take The Test: https://eaglecenterforleadership.com/make-a-difference/take-the-test

Wisdom is a valuable trait to possess. Having the ability to listen, observe and gain insight are strengths of the Tranquil Turtle. He is an introvert who does not desire or enjoy being in the spot light. She does not need a large group of friends, but the friendships she possesses are deep and meaningful. The Turtle brings authenticity and connection to relationships. He brings peace and a level head to workplace teams or personal environments. Many times she is the “adult in the room” when difficult decisions need to be made.

The Turtle also naturally moves slow. This means that sometimes important time-sensitive topics can be delayed or missed all together. The Turtle does not like conflict and will avoid making others feel uncomfortable. Having hard conversations can be a challenge for him.

If you are fortunate enough to have a friend who is a turtle, you have an incredibly loyal person who can bring great value to your life. The Tranquil Turtle is a strong decision maker (given the appropriate amount of time to make a decision). In order to lead and love the turtle in your life you need to invest in the relationships that are important to him. Learn to listen and allow her the space to think and respond. Demonstrate your respect by taking the time to truly know the turtle.

Learn more about connecting with Turtles by listening to or watching my short podcast using the links below.

When we learn to speak their personality language, these highly trustworthy Tranquil Turtles will make a difference!

Take The Test: https://eaglecenterforleadership.com/make-a-difference/take-the-test

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Think about the most logical, practical, factual, person you know. She is probably a Competent Camel personality type. The Camel personality is detail-oriented and thinks in black and white with very little grey. He is a meticulous rule follower who always dots his “I”s and crosses his “T”s. He loves to make lists and methodically check off the accomplished items. Camels are the quality control personalities who have an eye for the small things that add up to a job well done. Camels’ ability to organize, structure and pay attention to the details are essential and powerful traits.

However, as logical as the Competent Camel seems, there is one area in which they are irrational. Camels have this unrealistic expectation for themselves and others. Camels’ quest for perfection in their own selves, causes them to become overly negative and critical of themselves. This can spiral into moodiness and even depression. The camels drive for perfection can also cause them to come across as critical or negative to those they live or work around. This behavior or mindset can damage relationships and result in miscommunication and misunderstanding.

If you live or work with a Camel, realize that their lack of verbal connection does not represent their heart. They are task oriented and generally receive validation by acknowledging the quality of the task at hand. This means paying attention to the specifics, asking significant questions and allowing them to ask questions. Their question asking is not a knock on your ability, but rather a way for them to connect and process the task. Don’t take their criticism personally but see it as their way of pursuing excellence.

Check out more on connecting with Camels by listening to or watching my short podcast on understanding Competent Camels below.

Competent Camels are the go-to people in our lives. They are amazing with details and with their superior organizational skills. They truly are making a difference!

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It is easy to recognize the Leading Lion(s) in your life. His direct and assertive nature is difficult to miss. Lions are all about getting the job done. They are on a mission to conquer. They can see the big picture and have an ability to focus on completing the task with determination and intentionality. Lions generally may not see the need or take the time to invest in growing their people skills. They simply need to accomplish the task at hand.

This shows a lack of EQ (emotional intelligence) and can cause serious damage to relationships. The harsh words or the overly direct approach that Lions tend to lead with can hinder their effectiveness as leaders. They can come across as rude and arrogant. Learning to speak the language of other personalities will be a huge challenge. However, that is exactly what Lions love…..a huge challenge. So, challenge the lions in your life to tackle the goal of speaking the emotional language of others and growing their own EQ.

The action driven Lion can accomplish amazing things. Their confidence can be contagious and inspirational when used effectively. No one will work harder than a Lion who is committed and driven to accomplish her task. Lions need to be empowered and to know that you have confidence in their ability to accomplish the goal or task. They do not need micromanaging but need broad structure accountability. In others words, give them the task then get out of the way!

Check out my short CTL podcast where I break down the Leading Lion personality and give you all that is needed to successfully lead, love and live with a Lion. 

Leading Lions who are conquering the world from a 30,000 feet view are truly making a difference!

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Have you ever met someone that had the ability to connect quickly with you? This person knew how to have great conversations, could tell an incredible story and was full of positive energy. These are the powerful traits of the Much Loved Monkey personality. The monkeys in my life make me smile. They are fun to be around and are experts at making you feel comfortable and accepted. 

While everyone loves the monkey personality, when she overuses her strengths she can become obnoxious and irritating. The super power of the monkey is his people skills, so he must understand when to talk and when to listen. Monkeys want the approval and affirmation of others and that desire can cause them to make poor decisions.

If you are in a relationship with a much loved monkey, you are in for a lot of laughs and a bunch of fun. If you work with or lead a monkey personality, you have the advantage of having someone who knows how to read and connect with others. 

Take a minute and listen to this short podcast as I explore and explain the Much Loved Monkey personality. We will talk about how to lead and validate the monkeys in your life.

With inspiration and enthusiasm, the much loved monkeys are certainly making a difference!

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He just could not for the life of himself understand what she wanted. When they tried to communicate, the conversation degenerated into a personal attack on one another. While he knew that he needed to have at least a civil relationship with her, it just did not seem possible. The frustration and anxiety was growing rapidly for both. 

We see it all of the time. Relationships that just don’t work. The result is a toxic work relationship, or worse an unhealthy and damaging home. The good news is there is a way to address this communication issue that is at an epidemic level in our society. 

It has been my life’s work to offer practical help for people who are in relationships of any kind. It is amazing to see a struggling relationship turn into a healthy functioning relationship. 

I recently produced several short podcasts/youtube videos that give you the ability to have successful relationships with yourself and with others. Take a moment to listen to the first one. 

This is not a sales pitch; it comes out of my sincere desire to offer help to those who need it. 

When we learn how to authentically Cross The Line, we will make a difference. 

eaglecenterforleadership.com