The Ralph Watson Partnership

Leadership for success – Why goal setting doesn’t work

Ralph — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 13:46:16 +0000

That’s a very sweeping statement, I know. In fact, goal setting is a vital part of any coaching or performance management process and Leadership would be a very scary place without it. However, my years as a professional coach have taught me that so many people – TOO many people – set goals that will never become a reality.

So why is that? The answer lies not in the WHAT of what we seek to achieve; whether in work, relationships or any other area of our lives, but in the WHY.

As Simon Sinek would say, start with the WHY. Motivation is the key to achievement. In order to discover our WHY, it’s necessary to explore that goal and it’s connection to our lives at a deeper level than most people bother with. The first thing to do is to consider the various aspects of your life as separate and yet profoundly interconnected. There are six key areas, which are:

Family – your immediate and extended family circle
Relationships – work, social, friendships etc
Work/Career/Job
Finances – many people say it’s not about money and yet finances play a key role in the lives of most of us
Spiritual and Personal Development – where we place our focus in developing ourselves as “better” human beings
Health and Wellbeing – pretty self-explanatory?

Here are some questions for you to consider in finding your WHY:

What is it that you REALLY want?
If and when you get that, what will be its impact in each area of your life as shown above? Look at this from both the positive AND the less positive aspects. You see, one of the issues with goal achievement for many people is that they consider only one or two areas. For example, a person seeks promotion on the workplace because of a) money and b) better “things” for the family and yet they may overlook the impact on their family, health from longer hours, increased pressure etc. I call this a study of consequences.
What will achieving your goal bring you at a non-material level (not money or things) that is important to you – and in any area of your life. It may not be relevant to all six and yet it’s important to ask the question and not to make an assumption.
When you get THAT, what will it, in turn, bring you that is even more important? – again at an non-material level.

When you have explored all six areas of your life and know exactly what is in it for you to achieve that goal, ask yourself THIS question:

Do I still want it?

If the answer to THAT question is YES, then watch for the next part of this article, which will show you how to begin turning that goal into a solid, tangible, crystal clear reality.

For now, you have begun the most important task – to establish your WHY, your PASSION for achievement and THAT is a great first step.

Leadership and increased Motivation with NLP

Ralph — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 09:43:15 +0000

Here’s an interesting technique from the world of NLP for increasing the motivation to complete a task; vital in a Leadership role. I would appreciate some feedback from those of you who work with this.

Receiving Feedback.

Leadership – How to Be Like a Perfect Product

Ralph — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:36:05 +0000

Do YOU deliver the orange juice?

I just came across this interesting article form BNET about becoming the “perfect product”. In other words, how to deliver what it says on the tin consistantly and live up to expectations as a Leader, whatever the context may be; how to have your leadership recognised for being “the perfect product.”

Enjoy.

How to Be Like a Perfect Product BNET.

Leadership and “Difficult” People

Ralph — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 07:50:31 +0000

Here’s an interesting article from SUCCESS Magazine on “Difficult” people, a subject well known to most of you in leadership roles. You can also visit the

SUCCESS Magazine

SUCCESS Magazine site by clicking on the image.

SUCCESS Magazine — What Achievers Read..

Leadership Essentials – How to Explain Things

Ralph — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 10:13:18 +0000

The skill of getting the message across is not as common as one may think. This article from Edge Online magazine gives some very useful guidance on HOW to achieve the outcome.

How to explain things – Edge Online

Entrepreneurs – How to Stand Out from the Crowd

Ralph — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:20:13 +0000

How do you make YOUR product different?

Erin Casey shares four great tips for making an impression in a hyper-competitive world.

Stand Out from the Crowd

Essential Leadership – John C. Maxwell: Players vs. Pretenders

Ralph — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:08:27 +0000

Essential Leadership Reading

John C. Maxwell

“In every organization there are those who would rather act the part than do their part. I’ve classified these people as pretenders. Pretenders can slow an organization down, steal momentum and damage relationships. They live for themselves. When an organization needs “we” people, the “I” people either change or get exposed.”

So says John C. Maxwell and, in his article, he goes on to discuss the two types of people in organisations and the differences between the two.

John C. Maxwell: Players vs. Pretenders SUCCESS Magazine What Achievers Read.

How to Stay Calm When Marketing Your Own Website

Ralph — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:32:44 +0000

Maciej Fita shares some interesting tips for success here with his Seven Secrets of low stress internet marketers.

How to Stay Calm When Marketing Your Own Website

Three Tips for Persuasion Success

Ralph — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:38:02 +0000

Tony Jeary writes in Success Magazine with three critical tips for achieving success in persuading others – something we are all called upon to do whether in leadership, negotiating, parenting, teaching or whatever.

Enjoy the read.

Persuade People with These Three Tips SUCCESS magazine Blog.

Million Dollar Habits – Brian Tracy

Ralph — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:27:35 +0000

Here’s the great Brian Tracy talking about some of his keys to business and personal success.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, leader or simply looking to be the very best you can be, there’s some interesting stuff in here.

Once you’ve read this, visit the Ralph Watson Partnership website for information on how YOU can develop the Million Dollar Habits in YOUR life.

Million Dollar Habits – SUCCESS magazine.