In the Spotlight

Week of July 20, 2009

One of the first books I heard about when I started my coach training was “Taming Your Gremlin” by Rick Carson. It’s about that little voice that tries to keep you safe, when actually it’s sabotaging your natural genius and gifts. The subtitle, “A Surprisingly Simple Method for Getting Out of Your Own Way” promises an accessible, easy-to-implement approach to recognizing and muffling the voice of your gremlin. He provides examples through client stories, exercises and fun line drawings that keep the process in perspective. I’m about one-third of the way through the book and know it will be valuable for me personally and for my work with clients. One of my gremlins has already been identified: it’s the Virtuoso Gremlin, and he’s a middle-aged white man in a tux staring down his nose at me, telling me that perfect is the only acceptable standard (read my article, “Just Hit Send” for a little more about Virtuoso and how I silence him). What gremlins do you want to get out of your way?

Week of July 6, 2009

After watching Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor’s amazing TED Talk about her stroke, I was inspired to learn more about the most mysterious yet fascinating organ in our bodies: the brain. My coach is also very interested in brain science, and she believes a better understanding of how our minds works makes us better coaches. I completely agree! So I picked up “Welcome to Your Brain” during a recent stop at Borders. It’s written in the breezy style of “You: The Owner’s Manual” but considering the complexity of the subject matter, it does sometimes read a little more like a biology text book. It’s organized in such a way that you can skip around, read here and there, depending on your mood and interest. My favorite parts have been the authors’ discussion about how brain injuries/disorders are depicted by Hollywood, and the chapters on learning, anxiety and happiness. They debunk myths and provide tips on how to sharpen your mind. Just reading the book makes you feel smarter; who doesn’t want that!?

Week of June 29, 2009

I’m reading a fabulous book right now called “Crucial Conversations” by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan and Switzler. This NY Times Bestselling book defines a crucial conversation as one that includes varying opinions, strong emotions and high stakes. Such conversations might happen with your boss, a co-worker, client, friend, partner or child. They might be anticipated, or they might spring up (blow up?!) out of nowhere. Either way, the authors provide a map out of the minefield. Just the first step – Start with Heart – is so valuable, you could almost stop there and improve your communication dramatically. However, I recommend reading the entire book, then putting the principles into practice.

Week of June 22, 2009

“Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” changed my life 10 years ago. I was a fearful person, worried that every little misstep, mistake or missed opportunity was going to doom me. The limiting beliefs racing through my mind were endless! This book transformed my relationship with fear from one of pain to one of power. It was my first introduction to the idea of empowering language and the fact that I was completely in control of my response to situations. It’s really “The Secret” about 8 years before that particular book hit the best-seller list. I’ve recommended this book time and again to my clients and friends, and all have said that the message of “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” resonated with them.

Author Susan Jeffers’ website.

Week of June 15, 2009

This week, I’m featuring a book written by a friend and colleague, Marsha Barber-Clark. Marsha and I met in Traverse City, Michigan in early 2006. Her warm and inviting presence, curiosity and intelligence drew me in right away. She has continued to inspire me over the years, and I’m extremely proud to have provided a testimonial for her recently published book, “Ponder, Picture, Prosper.” She has lived what she writes. Her enthusiasm jumps off the page, and she has a sincere desire for everyone to feel empowered to pursue their dreams. You can learn more about her book, as well as purchase it, through the link below. The book’s official website is www.ponderpictureprosper.com.

Thank you, Marsha, for sharing your insights with the world!