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Rather SMART goals than unfulfilled wishes. SMART goals make life easier.

Aug 12, 2019 | Communication Skills, Decision Making, Personality

Rather SMART Goals Than Unfulfilled Wishes. SMART Goals Make Life Easier.

Don’t confuse your dreams with goals: Wake up and be SMART
Wake Up!

Smart goals or rather big wishful thinking?

 

Better smart goals than unfulfilled wishes. Well defined goals for better self-management, more effective meetings, negotiations,… Life is much easier when agreements with ourselves and others are made more clearly and realistically.

Overview

Wishes or goals?

 

So many people have so many good intentions. Few of them are realized. Because very often goals and wishes are confused. But with pure wishful thinking, little can be achieved beyond esotericism. Yes, I liked the 80s with the New Age, and “What’s the Bleep!” was nice too. It regularly requires more than just dreaming.

Personal declarations of intent in which only one person is involved – ourselves – are already difficult enough. This explains why agreements have their pitfalls with an increasing number of people. In meetings with 10 participants, there are frequently 11 opinions on what was agreed upon.

 

 

 

Real goals are S.M.A.R.T.

 

Whether in meetings, negotiations or your planning: The prerequisite for goal-oriented action is well-chosen and defined goals. When the defined goals lack essential characteristics, this is the most common reason why the desired result is different from the intended one.

This is a pity because it is relatively easy to significantly increase the chances of success. Use the proven SMART format to formulate your goals. Each letter represents a characteristic that has a good goal.

 

 

 

S.M.A.R.T. goal setting: Specific

 

Goals need focus, dreams don’t. Dreams can be free-floating thoughts. The goals must be formulated and specifically present.

What exactly do you want to achieve? The more precise your description, the higher the chance that you will get exactly that.

 

Questions you can ask yourself when setting your goals are:

  • What exactly do I want to achieve?
  • How do I want to reach it?
  • Where do I want to reach it?
  • Who do I want to reach it with?
  • What are the conditions and restrictions?
  • Why exactly do I want to achieve this goal?
  • When do I want to reach it with which steps?

 

 

 

S.M.A.R.T. goal setting: Measurable

 

Measurable goals mean that you determine exactly what you will see, hear and feel when you reach your goal. You have an idea that provides orientation. It means breaking your goal down into measurable elements. You need concrete evidence.

Some goals require a long journey. Then measurable criteria help to recognize progress.

 

 

 

S.M.A.R.T. goal setting: Attractive

 

It is very important to formulate your goals positively because what you concentrate on gets attention.

Is reaching your goal relevant to you? Why do you want to achieve this goal? What is the goal behind the goal, and will this goal make it possible?

 

 

 

S.M.A.R.T. goal setting: Realistic

 

While you can dream for free, goals do not come without a price. Time, money, effort, and sweat. How and what will you pay for your goals? Is your goal even achievable?

If you do not have sufficient resources such as time, money or talent to achieve a particular goal, you are likely to fail and be unhappy.

There is nothing wrong with reaching for the stars. That doesn’t mean you can’t take something that seems impossible and make it possible by planning wisely and tackling it. If you lack certain skills, you can plan the training. If you lack certain resources, you can look for ways to get them.

 

 

 

S.M.A.R.T. goal setting: Timely

 

Goals have a finish line. Dreams never have to end. Dreams can go on forever. They don’t have to have an ending point. Goals must have a specific outcome.

Deadlines are what make most people switch to action. So install deadlines, for yourself and your team, and go after them. Keep the timeline realistic and flexible, that way you can keep morale high. Being too stringent on the timely aspect of your goal setting can have the perverse effect of making the learning path of achieving your goals and objectives into a hellish race against time – which is most likely not how you want to achieve anything. Too much pressure doesn’t lead to better results. Better: Milestones usually have a positive effect.

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (It is up to you whether you enter personal data) or by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). Otherwise, you may reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore, you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

 

 

 

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Related articles

 

P.S.

 

And how do you deal with wishful thinking, goals and agreements?

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Great minds have purposes; others have wishes. Washington Irving

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: March 21, 2001
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 22nd, 2022
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#234

Are you a good listener? 15 tips for active listening.

Aug 6, 2019 | Communication Skills, Personality

Are you a good listener? 15 tips for active listening.

You can win more friends with your ears than you can with your mouth
Are You A Good Listener?

Active listening

 

Most people appreciate a good listener, but most prefer to speak for themselves rather than listen. Active listening can be easy, the article tells you how.

Overview

To listen closely and reply well is the highest perfection we are able to attain in the art of conversation.

François de La Rochefoucauld

Listen closely

 

Hearing more than talking – that’s what nature teaches us:
It gave us two ears, but only one tongue.

Gottfried Keller

 

Being a good listener can help you to see the world through the eyes of others. It enriches your understanding and expands your capacity for empathy. Listening increases your contact with the outside world by helping you improve your communication skills.

 

What do you think about the next saying?

You can win more friends with your ears than you can with your mouth.

 

 

 

Listening leads to insights

 

Good listening skills can provide you with a deeper level of understanding about others and their situation. It helps you to choose your communication style. It tells you what words are best to use or which words to avoid.

 

 

 

Hearing isn’t enough

 

Being a good listener does not come easy for some of us. Listening is not the same as hearing. It means being aware of both verbal and non-verbal messages. Your ability to listen effectively depends on the degree to which you perceive and understand these messages. And it massively depends on the ability to build rapport.

 

 

 

Active listening

 

Most people appreciate a good listener. But in practice, most people prefer to speak for themselves rather than listen to others. It is probably not so easy for everyone to listen to other people. But it is worthwhile to pay honest attention to those you are talking to.

Active listening does not turn anyone into a passive person who patiently follows endless explanations without ever getting a chance to speak for himself. Active listening helps to improve communication in general and to make one’s messages heard. Genuine listening is the best way to gain trust and sympathy and to build relationships.

15 tips for active listening

 

The art of conversation lies in listening, and here is how:

 

 

1. Pay attention to your mental state

 

If the state of mind is too agitated, listening won’t work. So, first, make sure that they are mentally ready.

 

 

 

2. Read between the lines

 

A large part of communication is non-verbal. Keep an eye on the body language of your interlocutor. While you are listening, your brain only needs a small part of its capacity. The rest is free to formulate an answer and listen better.

 

 

 

3. Pay attention to your body language

 

Especially less good and impatient listeners are often too busy to speak. And then it easily happens that the body language communicates something different from intended. There is a restless sliding back and forth on the chair, arms or legs crossed, clearing the throat. It is precisely the signals of impatience that do not encourage us to continue talking, but interrupt thoughts that otherwise take place.

 

 

 

4. Avoid distractions

 

You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time. It helps to put the smartphone aside, to turn it off quietly, to be completely attentive. Choosing a suitable environment also makes it easier for everyone involved to concentrate.

 

 

 

5. Never interrupt

 

One of the most sincere forms of respect is listening to what another has to say. The interruption of the interlocutor or even the completion of his sentences is disrespectful.

 

 

 

6. Ask questions

 

It makes sense to ask reflective questions, not only to check whether you have understood everything correctly. Asking questions helps to formulate questions and answers in a more targeted way. It is therefore worth asking questions in between.

 

 

 

7. Consider the body language of the interlocutor

 

Pay attention to the body language of your counterpart. Register micro gestures or other clues, such as nervous bouncing of the foot under the table. In some situations, you can even respond to your observations. If you do this cautiously, the person you are talking to will be more likely to open up, because they will feel taken seriously, and you will enjoy more trust.

 

 

 

8. Keep eye contact

 

With your eye contact, you signal interest and that you are with the thing.

 

 

 

9. Avoid justification

 

Even experienced listeners run the risk of switching off as soon as their ideas and convictions are questioned or criticized. In this situation, cross-pollinating and formulating justifiable answers instead of listening misses information, insight, and the chance to defuse emerging conflicts.

 

 

 

10. Rephrasing

 

Elegant paraphrasing is the perfect way to solve problems or make plans. Estimate what your conversation partner thinks or feels, and briefly summarize what has already been saying. Show empathy.

 

 

 

11. Taking breaks

 

Take a break. For example, to absorb what has been said and think about it. You will appear more deliberate and give better answers later.

Who makes a short break before answers, makes it easier for the interlocutor to add something to his statement. Before each answer, count up to four in your head until you automatically take the breaks.

 

 

 

12. Don’t be a know-it-all

 

A good listener is interested in long-term and viable solutions, rather than quick effects that only flatter his ego. Avoid advice, especially unsolicited advice. Everything else is latently intrusive and as if you were a know-it-all.

 

 

 

13. Enjoy the silence

 

If you make listening and observation of your occupation, you will gain much more than you can by talking. Listen longer than you talk. People who practice this are perceived as more intelligent and sympathetic.

 

 

 

14. Hearing what isn’t said

 

One of the most interesting in communication is hearing what isn’t said.

 

 

 

15. Practice, practice, practice

 

As simple as listening may seem, doing it well, takes sincere effort and lots of practice. Do you want to be someone that others want to talk to? If you want to know how to be a good listener, learn more about it.

Preparation of important conversations and negotiations

 

Communication can be very easy. But often it is not. Sometimes we say things and then later notice from the reaction of our conversation partners that they seem to have spoken to someone completely different. I didn't say that with the best will in the world. - Or did I say that after all?

More or less consciously, conversations are about convincing other people of something - be it a special offer, your personality, a perspective, or a necessity. If this doesn't happen fast enough and above all not exactly to the point and descriptively, the person we are talking to quickly loses interest, and we lose the hoped-for opportunity. — Conversation failed.

You can let me support you in the preparation of your conversations and negotiations (to be on the safe side: no legal advice!). Find out how you and your message are perceived (arguments, body language, language, voice, and much more). I will familiarize you with effective tools and communication strategies. Develop your psychological skills, learn to stay calm, act confidently, remain authentic, and finally convince.

Preparing for important conversations and negotiations

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (It is up to you whether you enter personal data) or by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). Otherwise, you may reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore, you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

 

 

 

Message

 

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

Remarks:

In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.

P.S.

 

Are good listeners in conversations the rule or rather the exception? What do you mean? How about you? Do you appreciate having a conversation with a good listener?

Frequently asked questions

Why is active listening important?

Active listening is important when communicating because it ensures that you engage with the person you are talking to in a positive way. It also makes the other person feel heard and valued. This skill is the foundation for a successful conversation in any setting, whether at work, at home, or in social situations.

What is active listening?

Active listening, as the name suggests, means active attention. It means concentrating fully on what is being said and not just passively listening to the speaker’s acoustic message. It requires paying attention with all the senses, focusing fully on the speaker, actively showing verbal and nonverbal signs of listening.

What is the purpose of active listening?

Active listening helps to build trust and understand other people’s situations and feelings. This, in turn, enables one to offer support and empathy. Unlike critical listening, active listening is about understanding, not responding. The goal is to listen and affirm the other person and inspire them to solve their problems.

How can I improve my active listening skills?

There are many ways to improve your active listening. You can practice in coaching sessions, trainings and everyday situations.

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Are you a good listener? 15 tips for active listening.

Are you a good listener? 15 tips for active listening.

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Being a good listener can help you to see the world through the eyes of others. It enriches your understanding and expands your capacity for empathy. Listening increases your contact with the outside world by helping you improve your communication skills.

read more
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36 indications to identify narcissists

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Narcissists are driven primarily by power, fame, and recognition. That’s not bad, right? If there weren’t so many people with narcissistic tendencies, there wouldn’t be many achievements and world records. However, we would not have to suffer from many disadvantages. As fascinating as narcissists may seem at first glance, they are in reality selfish and emotionally cold. Only their self-pity is boundless. Only the others make mistakes.

In the article, you will learn how to identify narcissists.

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When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen. - Ernest Hemingway

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: Februar 2, 2016
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 22nd, 2022
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/aktives-zuhoeren/
K:
H:
T: RR
#181

Professional impact analysis: How are you perceived by other people?

Jun 7, 2019 | Body Language, Charisma, Communication Skills, Personality, Presentation Skills, Voice

Professional impact analysis: How are you perceived by other people?

How do you and your messages affect the audience?
17 hints that someone is a manipulator

Self-perception and impact analysis

 

How do you affect people in conversations, speeches, and presentations, in interviews? We all have our blind spots. It has a good reason, because for experts, company representatives and politicians, the impact analysis is part of the preparation of a speech, presentation, statement, interview or discussion. To explore the effect before the real event has a lot of advantages. How do you and your message affect your audience? 

Overview

 

Do you know how you affect other people?

 

How do you interact with other people when you meet them? For example, how do you communicate in meetings and presentations? We communicate constantly. Yes, you too! And even if you do not intend to. Whether we want it or not; much of what we do or do not do is perceived and interpreted by others. Your messages are not always understood as you want them to be.

 

 

 

Professional impact analysis

 

For experts, many professional company spokespersons, company representatives, and politicians, the impact analysis is part of the preparation of a performance, such as speeches, presentations, statements, interviews, discussions. So you can explore the effect even before the performance in front of an audience. This will tell you in advance how you and your message will be perceived.

 

 

 

Honest and constructive feedback

 

The more influential your position in a company is, the more you are under observation. Then every moment becomes an appearance in front of an audience. Every detail gets meaning. Whether in the media, at events, and even in seemingly private situations; every word that is said and omitted can be interpreted. Every detail shapes the image that the public has in mind about you and your message.

  • How do you affect others?
  • How are you understood?
  • Which image do you convey?
  • In which aspects can you improve?

 

I will give you a useful picture of how you are perceived in public. This is particularly beneficial for executives and representatives of companies, associations, and political parties.

 

 

 

Impact analysis

 

Just a few thoughtless words in front of the audience, microphone, and camera can have consequences. For this reason, it is worthwhile to prepare carefully for important situations. For many professional company spokespersons, company representatives, and politicians, the impact analysis is part of the preparation.

Even many experienced speakers are not so experienced when it comes to media appearances. It does not belong to everyday life for everyone. To master such situations you need to be sovereign in front of the camera and studio situations, provocative journalist questions, and vehement attacks of an opponent in a debate or podium discussion.

Better safe than sorry. Afterward, we are often smarter, but then it is a bit too late. Better: An impact analysis provides a speaker with professional feedback before the actual event. Get feedback before the critics get their turn. Why should you take unnecessary risks? Why should you give up a successful performance? Prepare for crucial situations. Rehearse. Get feedback for it. This allows you to experience the impact beforehand and to optimize it if necessary.

 

 

 

Elements of impact analysis

 

  • Voice
  • Body language
  • Stage presence, enthusiasm, and credibility
  • Choice of words and style
  • Emotional response
  • Arguments and strategy
  • Red thread and structure
  • Key messages
  • Professional repartee
  • Risk analysis
  • Foreseeable effects
  • Act in front of a microphone and camera
  • Dealing with provocative questions and attacks

 

 

 

Your impact analysis

 

How are you perceived, and what can you improve to convincingly present yourself and your message?

Based on your impact analysis, you receive recommendations that help you to optimize your appearance. If you wish, you will receive targeted support for your sovereignty, charisma, and self-marketing for speeches and media appearances. I support you from the impact analysis, optimization up to the dress rehearsal, or even the accompaniment to the performance. You decide!

The impact analysis can be booked individually for 60 minutes or is the beginning of more comprehensive support for the preparation of an event. This is also possible with sessions via telephone or with video support.

You decide how extensive the analysis is. Many factors affect how you are perceived. Here are examples:

 

 

 

1. Direct analysis

 

A brief meeting is enough to get your first feedback on how you affect other people. You will learn from me immediately a lot about your verbal and body language effect, as well as ways to improve.

 

 

 

2. Evaluation of events

 

In addition to the direct analysis, various sources can be consulted; Recordings of interviews, TV appearances, speeches, social media, etc.

 

 

 

3. Qualitative interviews

 

Qualitative interviews with relevant target groups are used to analyze interesting aspects.

Then you will receive your personal and honest impact analysis. The whole truth or perception of your person!

 

 

 

4. Feedback

 

With this feedback and recommendations, you’ll have what you need to know when you choose to balance expectations with you and your demeanor to reach and convince your audience.

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (It is up to you whether you enter personal data) or by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). Otherwise, you may reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore, you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

 

 

 

Message

 

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

Remarks:

In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

How well do you actually know yourself? What would you like to know about yourself and how you are perceived by other people?

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Do you have a mentor?

Do you have a mentor?

Apr 22, 2019

Almost every successful leader had a mentor. What is important to keep in mind, what makes a good mentor? Learn how a mentor can support you.

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To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.

 Socrates

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 27, 2009
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 22nd, 2022
Translation: ./.
German version: https://www.karstennoack.de/wie-wirken-sie-wirklich/
K:
H:
T: RR
#1890

Is this vision too huge and long term?

Apr 23, 2019 | Decision Making, Personality, Vision

Is This Vision Too Huge and Long Term?

How sure are you? Would you follow the idea when there would be a way?
Is This Vision Too Huge and Long Term?

The bigger picture

 

Do you believe your vision is too huge and long term? Stay with it, because when we take action in the right direction we truly experience life.

Overview

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” said Alice.
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where—” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.

Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Do you have a dream?

 

You believe what you have to offer – your vision – it’s good for the world, but you fear it is too huge and not possible to achieve shortly? How sure are you? Would you invest and develop the idea if there were a clear path to success?

 

 

 

Personal development

 

Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it,
and I shall move the world.

Archimedes

 

Have courage. The truth is life is not always simple and easy. Maybe there is a reason for this. We are given difficulties in life to make us stronger. As our challenges increase, we grow stronger to face them.

Once we have begun the steps to improve our lives, we can help others to overcome their barriers and take action. Humans often resist moving or making relevant changes because of the fear of the unknown. How about a coach to join you on your journey?

When we take action in the right direction, we truly experience life.

 

 

 

Take action

 

Once we have begun the steps to improve our lives, we can help others to overcome the barriers to taking action. Humans often resist moving or making relevant changes because of the fear of the unknown. How about a coach to join you on your journey?

When we take action in the right direction, we truly experience life.

Coaching

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (It is up to you whether you enter personal data) or by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). Otherwise, you may reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore, you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

 

 

 

Message

 

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

Remarks:

In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

Do you have a vision?​

Articles

Speech is power: Make a positive impact!

Make an impact! Speech is power. And with that great power comes great responsibility. I train and prepare you for your speeches and presentations.

Read More

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Read more

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 21, 2008
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 22nd, 2022
Translation: January 12, 2020
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#431

You need a vision and here is how with step-by-step guide incl. vision board

Apr 23, 2019 | Decision Making, Personality, Presentation Skills

You need a vision and here is how with step-by-step guide incl. vision board

Do you have a clear vision for your life?
You Need A Vision

Vision

 

This guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to craft a compelling personal vision. There are a few essential steps if you want to design a powerful vision. And how about a vision board?

Overview

When there is no vision, the people perish.

King Solomon

So what is your vision? 

 

The older we get, the faster time seems to pass. Before we know it, the ambitions, hopes, and dreams of our youth become absorbed and forgotten in the background of life. Forgotten dreams … until one day we reflect and wonder if we should have done things differently. Questions pop up like: Did I choose the right path? Is it too late to be what I wanted to be?

 

 

 

Is it too late?

 

Creating a vision for your life might seem like a frivolous, fantastical waste of time, but it’s not: creating a compelling vision of the life you want is one of the most effective strategies for achieving the life of your dreams. Perhaps the best way to look at the concept of a life vision is a compass to help guide you to take the best actions and make the right choices that help propel you toward your best life.

I want to encourage you that, no matter how old you are or what you’ve been through, follow your destiny and purpose that will satisfy you. What is life without fulfillment?

So what is your vision?
If you don’t have a vision, it’s time for you to get one!

 

 

 

How to create your vision

 

A vision doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be just about anything.

Don’t expect a clear and well-defined vision overnight – envisioning your life and determining the course you will follow requires time and reflection. You need to cultivate vision and perspective, and you also need to apply logic and planning for the practical application of your vision. The best vision blossoms from your dreams, hopes, and aspirations. If it is right for you, it will resonate with your values and ideals and will generate energy and enthusiasm to help strengthen your commitment to exploring the possibilities of your life.

A vision is like any journey – you need to begin with the end in mind. When you’ve created your vision, imagine what it will feel like when you achieve it. What does that result mean to you and others? Describe the scenario in detail. Allow yourself to dream and imagine, and create a vivid picture, a scenario. If you can’t visualize a picture, focus on how your best life would feel.

 

 

 

The journey

 

Many people have trouble seeing the potential of their dreams; they give up on them because they don’t see how they will ever come true. Yes, there is a difference between a dream, a vision, and goals. To make your vision comes true, you have to do something. Otherwise, they are only dreams.

Vision goes hand in hand with committed action. Visions are always based on giving and creating, not on getting and having. The journey toward our plans, goals, and visions is just as important as the destination itself. The journey is what builds our patience, faith, endurance, and self-discipline – our personality.

Sometimes we can’t see the wood for the trees, but you are equipped with gifts and talents to achieve our visions. The dreams that you have are there for a reason: to be realized as a part of fulfilling your life purpose.

As your journey begins, make decisions that are in alignment with your vision. This may not always be easy, you may become abundantly aware of how things are in contrast to the vision you’ve created.

Choose and improve your strategy, wisely. Vision and strategy are both important. But there is a priority to them. Vision always comes first. Always! If you have a clear vision, you will eventually attract the right strategy. If you don’t have a clear vision, no strategy will save you.

 

 

 

Step by step

 

Goals quantify and define the steps you must take. They are the signposts that let you know you are moving in the right direction. I recommend using a special format for your goals; the SMART-Format for well-formed goals. It helps you ensure that the goal you are setting is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.

 

 

 

State the goal in the positive

 

Describe the present situation and compare it with the desired future goal.

  • Where are you now?
  • Where do you want to be?
  • What do you want?
  • State your goals in the positive and describe what you want to achieve instead of what you want to avoid.
  • What are you going toward?

 

 

 

Use sensory-based evidence to define your goal

 

  • What will you see, hear, feel, etc., when you have it?
  • What steps or stages are involved in reaching this goal?
  • Engage all of your senses in this description process to employ more of your brain and nervous system.
  • Breaking down your goal into manageable steps makes it easier.
  • What are the sizes of the behavioral chunks? Could the size possibly overwhelm you?

 

 

 

Specify the goal in a compelling way

 

  • Is the goal compelling?
  • Does it pull on you?
  • Make it a compelling future representation that’s dissociated.

 

 

 

Double-check

 

Make sure that your goal works for you in all areas of your life.

 

  • Is the desired goal right for you in all circumstances of your life?
  • Is your goal appropriate in all your relationships?
  • What will reaching your goal gives you that you do not now have?
  • What will reaching your goal cause you to lose?
  • Is your goal achievable?
  • Does it respect your health, relationships and other relevant areas of your life?
  • Pay attention to how your whole self responds to the question in terms of images, sounds, words, and sensations within you.

 

 

 

Self-initiated and maintained

 

  • Is the goal something that you can initiate yourself and maintain?
  • Test your goal by asking if it is something that you have within your power or ability to do.
  • Is it within your control?
    Your goal must be something that you can initiate and maintain. It must not be something dependent on other people. Make sure that your goal reflects things that you can directly affect.
  • Is it self-initiated and maintained?

 

 

 

State the context of the goal

 

  • Where, when, how, with whom, etc. will you get this goal?
  • Is your goal appropriately contextualized?
  • Test your goal by applying it to relevant contexts.
  • Readjust your goal until it fits.

 

 

 

State the resources you need

 

  • What resources will you need to reach this goal?
  • Who will you have to become?
  • Who else has achieved this goal?
  • Have you ever had or done this before?
  • What prevents you from moving toward it and attaining it now?

 

 

 

Evidence procedure

 

  • How will you know that your goal has been realized?
  • What will let you know that you have attained that desired state?

How about a vision board?

 

A vision board is typically a poster board on which you paste or collage images that you’ve torn out from various magazines.

A vision board intends to program your subconscious mind. When you surround yourself with images of who you want to become, what you want to gain, where and how you want to live, or where you want to go on vacation, your subconscious mind wants to match those images and those desires.

 

 

 

 

How to make a vision board in 5 steps

 

Step 1

 

Organize a big stack of different magazines, poster board, and glue.

 

 

Step 2

 

Let yourself have fun looking through magazines and pulling out pictures or words or headlines that you like.

 

 

 

Step 3

 

Examine the images and begin to lay your favorites on the board. Put away any images that no longer feel right. While you lay the pictures on the board, you’ll get a sense of how the board should be laid out. Find your way, how to organize your vision board.

 

 

Step 4

 

Glue the images onto the board.

 

 

 

Step 5

 

Choose a place for your vision board where you will see it often.

 

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (It is up to you whether you enter personal data) or by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). Otherwise, you may reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore, you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

 

 

 

Message

 

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How about your personal vision?

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This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: March 7, 2002
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 22nd, 2022
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T: RR
#143

Do you have a mentor?

Apr 22, 2019 | Coaching & Training, Personality

Do You Have A Mentor?

A mentor is a trusted counselor, a wise, loyal, and supportive guide, an adviser, or a coach.
Think Twice Before You Do A Media Interview

Mentoring in Berlin

 

Almost every successful leader had a mentor. What is important to keep in mind, what makes a good mentor? Learn how a mentor can support you.

Overview

What I need is someone who will make me do what I can.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is a mentor?

 

A mentor is a trustworthy consultant, a clever, loyal and supportive companion, a consultant, trainer or coach. Ideally, a mentor is also a role model and confidant. He has gained relevant practical experience.

This is usually a kind of sponsorship between a young, promising executive (the mentee) and an experienced manager (the mentor). For this working relationship to work, there must be complete trust between the partners involved. Also, the mentee must be willing to accept suggestions and deal constructively with feedback. Mentors also point out risks and potentials if they want to promote their protégés. And do you also have a mentor?

 

 

 

Do you have a mentor?

 

You benefit from a mentor because he or she can provide you with the experience of many years within a short period. Mentees learn what the mentor has experienced and done and how it worked for him. This saves you detours, time and effort because you can learn from his mistakes and successes and do not have to make unnecessary mistakes.

 

Typical functions of a mentor:

  • He offers the mentee insights into an area.
  • Promotes the necessary skills.
  • He incorporates both elements of coaching and counseling.
  • Supports mentee development by sharing experiences, resources, and networks.
  • Encouragement to leave the comfort zone and develop further.
  • The mentor encourages one to think for oneself.
  • He provides constructive feedback.

 

That sounds too good to be true? Almost every successful personality had a mentor who played an important role.

 

 

 

Which success can be achieved all by itself?

 

Almost every successful executive can refer to a mentor who has played an important role. There are many examples of how important a mentor can be. The term “mentor” comes from The Odyssey. Odysseus asked his friend Mentor to watch over his son Telemachus while Odysseus was in the Trojan War. Mentorship existed long before Socrates cared for Plato, who cared for Aristotle, who cared for Alexander the Great.

I greatly appreciate the experienced support. If I hadn’t had mentors, I wouldn’t be here today. The guidance I have received from experienced men and women has made an enormous positive difference in my life. Intelligence is learning from experience and I don’t have to make every mistake myself. Others have encountered problems, made mistakes and learned from them.

Search for role models you can look up to and people who are interested in you. If we just take the time to ask them, they often like to share what they have learned.

In mentoring, the immediate supervisor is indirectly involved. Although she or he can make suggestions to the employee on how best to use the mentoring experience, the supervisor has no connection to the mentor, and they do not communicate at all during the mentoring relationship. This helps maintain the integrity of the mentoring relationship.

Mentoring programs have been popular for some time and differ from classical coaching.

 

 

 

The differences between mentoring and coaching

 

 

Coaching (and training)

 

Coaching and training are more task-oriented. The focus is on concrete topics such as more effective management, targeted and effective communication and strategic thinking. This requires an expert who can teach the coachee how to develop these skills.

A coach can work successfully with a coachee for a short time, perhaps only for a few sessions. Coaching lasts as long as necessary, depending on the purpose of the coaching relationship.

Business coaching aims to improve an individual’s performance in the workplace. The aim is either to improve existing skills or to acquire new skills. Once the coachee has successfully acquired the skills, the coach is no longer needed.

Coaching can be done on nearly any topic almost immediately. When a company tries to coach a large group of individuals, there is certainly a lot of design involved in determining the competence field, the expertise required and the assessment tools used, but this does not necessarily require a long lead time to implement the coaching program.

The superior of the coachee can be a critical partner in coaching. He or she often gives the coach feedback on areas where his or her employee needs coaching. The coach, on the other hand, does not reveal any details from the coaching.

 

 

 

 

Mentoring

 

Mentoring is more relationship-oriented. It aims to create a safe environment in which the mentor shares all the issues that affect his or her professional and personal success. Although specific learning goals or competencies can be used as a basis for building the relationship, the focus goes beyond these areas and includes things like work and life balance, self-confidence, self-awareness and how personal life affects the job.

Mentoring takes time to succeed. It takes time for both partners to learn from each other and create a climate of trust that creates an environment in which the mentee feels safe to share the real problems that affect his or her success. Successful mentoring relationships often last from nine months to one year.

The goal of mentoring is to support the individual not only for the current job but also for the future. This also distinguishes the role of the immediate superior from that of the mentor.

Mentoring requires a preparatory phase to determine the strategic purpose of mentoring, the form and focus of the relationship, collaboration, and specific components.

 

 

 

When to consider coaching and when mentoring?

 

What all types of coaching and mentoring have in common is that they provide a tool for analysis, reflection, and action that makes it possible to be successful in a field.

 

 

 

When to consider coaching

 

Criteria:

  • When it comes to the development of specific competences.
  • To learn how to deal with a new role.
  • When talented people want to work on a topic because they do not meet their expectations or those of the company.

 

Here you will find further examples of the application of coaching.

 

 

 

When to consider mentoring

 

Criteria:

  • When a company is seeking to develop its leaders or talent pool as part of succession planning
  • The long-term process to remove barriers that hinder success
  • Access to the network of the mentor is helpful

 

Do you want a mentor?

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

P.S.

 

Do you have a mentor? Are you a mentor?

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Do you have a mentor?

Do you have a mentor?

Apr 22, 2019

Almost every successful leader had a mentor. What is important to keep in mind, what makes a good mentor? Learn how a mentor can support you.

read more
Read more

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 21, 2001
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 22nd, 2022
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#565

Are you a hero or a mere dreamer? Start doing and stop dreaming.

Apr 20, 2019 | Creativity, Decision Making, Personality, Vision

Are You A Hero Or A Mere Dreamer?

Dreaming isn't enough without action
Are You A Hero Or A Mere Dreamer?

Hero or dreamer?

 

Having a dream and being a dreamer are two different mindsets. It is time to realize your plans. Dreaming is a good starting point for a challenging journey. But it isn’t enough without action. Be a hero, because we need a lot of them!

Overview

You are stronger than you may know.

Karsten Noack

Walk your talk

 

Dreaming is a good starting point for a challenging journey.  Wishful thinking and voluntary daydreaming can occasionally make dreams come true. Unrealistic projects, improbable ventures, and unfeasible missions can sometimes be achieved through conscious dreaming. At times, dreams can be an inspiration and generate creative reflections. But dreaming isn’t enough when no action follows. Wishful thinking is hoping for something and waiting for someone else to make it happen.

 

 

 

Start doing and stop dreaming

 

There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.

Douglas Everett

 

 

Having a dream and being a dreamer are two different mindsets. Dreamers are drifters, just floating through life with no real plans. One who has a dream is a door on the path towards achieving their goal.

Failure is not the opposite of success, inaction is. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. Today! Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.

 

 

 

 

A dreamer may become a hero

 

Choice of action over wishful thinking. Action separates the heroes from the cowards, the achievers from the complainers, the successful from the mere dreamers, the happy from the envious. Actions separate those who rise to the challenge of their goals from the passive ones. So many are stuck in wishful thinking and hide behind excuses instead of speaking up and doing something to make the world a better place. Everyone needs something to aim for. It doesn’t matter if you call it chaos he or a goal. It makes us human, it helps us to realize our true self. We grow with our tasks and challenges.

 

 

 

How about you?

 

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.

Henry David Thoreau

 

Are you a mere dreamer, a wishful thinker, or a hero? It is your decision! Make a positive difference. And just as a reminder: Your values are your WHY, your actions are you HOW and your goal is your WHAT. Be a hero, because we need a lot of them!

 
Travel Companion

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may interest other readers in the comments. Are you looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training, or consulting, for organizational questions and to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (It is up to you whether you enter personal data) or by e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). Otherwise, you may reach me by telephone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 and mobile phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany, then. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will call you back as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. Therefore, you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees, and getting to know me. If this suits you, I look forward to working with you.

 

 

 

Message

 

I have read and accept the privacy policy.

Remarks:

In the address bar of your browser, the URL should begin with "https://www.karstennoack.com/...". This indicates a secure connection (SSL). Whether you enter your real name is up to you.

Related articles

 

P.S.

 

What do you think about that article?

Articles

Speech is power: Make a positive impact!

Make an impact! Speech is power. And with that great power comes great responsibility. I train and prepare you for your speeches and presentations.

Read More

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

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Are You A Hero Or A Mere Dreamer?

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: March 17, 2006
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 22nd, 2022
Translation: ./.
German version:
K:
H:
T: RR
#183

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