FaithRalston.com

December 2007

Greetings!

'Tis the season of giving - and like me, you may be pondering your choice of gifts for friends and relatives. The decision is easy when I think about my Aunt Ruth who loves books - but more challenging for my sons who appear to have everything.

In This Issue

• You are invited...WORKSHOP
• Your Talents Are A Gift!

PLAY TO YOUR STRENGTHS WORKSHOP

Location: Best Buy World Headquarters Campus

Address:
7601 Penn Avenue So.
Richfield, MN 55423

Pricing: $145 Awesome Women members; $195 non-members

Open to public - both men and women welcome!

Register online or call Chris Bedwell at (763) 783-9200.

In this session, you'll learn the 4 Meta Talents essential for project and team success. You'll discover your top talents and the value you bring. You'll identify ways to find your "sweet spot" - or where your talents line up with the needs of your organization and opportunities around you. Leveraging your talents helps you work better with others, expand your career, and feel valued and appreciated at work. You'll enjoy the projects you're working on, contribute your best, and make a bigger impact!

Whether you're self-employed, working for an organization, or planning a career move, leveraging your top talents is the one thing you must do to be successful.

Click Here to Register


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Your Talents are a Gift!

The act of gift-giving invites us to consider the needs and desires of others, as well as timing and resources. Finding just the right gift for each person is what creates the magic.

This season I'd like you to see your talents as a gift.

1. Consider what others need

Appreciate the value of your talents. Are you a gracious hostess? Then recognize the gift of ease you offer to guests who come to your home. Do you handle meticulous details and keep things in order? Then value the clarity you bring to others who need your organizational skills. Do friends seek you out when they need a shoulder to cry on? Then recognize the refuge you provide to others in the storms of life.

2. Wrap up your talents

Once you know your talents, take time to package them. Give your talents an enticing name. One business entrepreneur named Audrey set up her business and called it 'Organized Audrey.' She helps busy professionals organize every aspect of their lives and get more done. Another professional started to dress professionally so she'd be taken seriously for a promotion. Whether it's naming, clothing or branding - take time to share your talents with style.

3. Deliver with care

When you present someone with a gift, you don't just hand it to them. No! Instead, you wait for the right moment. You are sensitive to timing. You want your gift to be well-received. It's the same with your talents.

Before sharing your talents, consider the circumstances. Is this the right time and place to critique another's idea? Does the individual want your advice, editing, help or suggestions right now. Does it serve them? It's often a good idea to ask before sharing your talents. Simply asking, "Would you like to hear some of my ideas?" paves the way for your insights to be heard.

Remember, the best gifts keep on giving.

When you share your talents wisely you also benefit. Others' gratitude and appreciation fill you up. The joy you feel is the greatest gift of all. This season, take a moment to recognize and appreciate your talent gifts.

Enjoy the season and have a great month!

Faith

Topics

• Managing Talents and Career