Issue 42 July ' 08

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Next Steps Newsletter from James Sweetman and Associates

Flogging a Dead Horse

Tribal wisdom says that when you discover you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount. In business, here are some of the other strategies we try with ‘dead horses.’

1. Appointing a committee to study the horse.

2. Saying things like "This is the way we always have ridden this horse."

3. Tie the dead horse to your best horse so that you have two average horses

4. Creating a training session to increase our riding ability

5. Arranging to visit other sites to see how they ride dead horses

Discover the 19 other 'dead horse' strategies...

Coaching

Find out about our Executive Coaching and Personal Coaching.

Speaking

View a selection of James' key note addresses »

Training

Personal Development courses that will take you and your company to the next level.

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Recommended Reading

The Audacity of Hope
by Barack Obama

As the Democratic Party's nominee for the US Presidency, Barack Obama brings a sense of hope to a jaded political arena. In this, his second book, he shares his thoughts on what is wrong with American politics and his thoughts for moving forward. I found it an insightful and inspiring read.

 
success

Are you paid enough?

How can you find out?

Are you making as much money as you should be? That is a question we frequently ask ourselves.
A 2006 survey carried out in the US found that 39 percent of employees surveyed believe their salary is lower than market rates.

So how do you figure out if you are really underpaid? Read the rest of this article to discover 6 ways that will help you determine whether you're getting what you feel you are worth.

No one limits your growth but you. If you want to earn more, learn more. That means you'll work harder for a while; that means you'll work longer for a while. But you'll be paid for your extra effort with enhanced earnings down the road." -- Tom Hopkins                         

Why good staff leave

John was trying hard to control his reactions after another typical meeting with his manager. He felt he was doing a good job, and many customers would tell him the same. Why does his manager always harp on about how he could be better, with hardly a word of thanks.

weight loss image

Get in shape for summer

Want to look good on the beach or fit into last years summer clothes?

This is a time of year when we try to embrace a healthier lifestyle or at least shift a few pounds. Recently I worked with a personal coaching client, who had, amongst other things, the goal of getting in shape for summer.

And finally...

"What we accomplish is not who we are. What we do is not who we are. It is who we become in the process of working towards the goal that is the real achievement.”

Anon

 
profile of James Sweetman

Welcome to the July '08 edition of Next Steps

One of my objectives with Next Steps is to share with you each month, articles that are not only interesting but which will hopefully inspire you to take action to get more out of life. This month, our personal development articles explore two areas that most of us can relate to, namely money and body shape.

From a business development perspective we look at ways of retaining talented employees and we also have a humourous look at strategies we use for flogging dead horses. I think you will enjoy that one, as it made me smile.

Enjoy.

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