Mile High Karate Events
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Mile High Karate visits Norton Elementary
Last week Mr. Burger and I spent 4 wonderful days at Norton Elementary teaching our "kids of Character" program to the PE classes. Kelly Holl, the PE teacher at Norton, really has a great group of kids and we were able to cover things like the 7 Magic words, Personal Responsability, and the 3 rules of concentration.
We had a lot of help from our families, the Oakes, Hickeys, Johri's, and probably some that I forgot, with the classes and we made a huge impact!
We had a lot of help from our families, the Oakes, Hickeys, Johri's, and probably some that I forgot, with the classes and we made a huge impact!
LeadershipIn Times of Crisis
This seems really relevent right now.
"Leadership can be thought of as a capacity to define oneself to others in a way that clarifies and expands a vision of the future."
- Edwin Friedman
Leadership during times of crisis is the ultimate test for any leader.
More than at any other time, when crisis hits, a leader must take action; get engaged and become highly visible to all team members.
A leader’s greatest challenge is in managing the fears, doubts and worries of the team. During times of economic, political or community crisis, it is the leader who others will look to for guidance, strength and reassurance.
When people look to their leader, and the leader is no where to be found, it only intensifies any existing feelings. Fear can quickly turn to panic.
What a leader says during tough times is certainly important, but of even greater importance is what a leader does. Behavior is always more believable than speeches. Leaders in times of crisis, walk the walk.
In order to maintain a loyal and product workforce during times of crisis, a leader needs to identify clearly what the concerns of the employees are.
An astute leader will ask questions such as:
“What’s keeping my employees up at night?”
“What would be the most meaningful thing I could do to alleviate the fears or worries of my employees?”
”Does my team have the knowledge, training and resources to pull through these difficult times?”
What is in the way of my employees being fully engaged in our recovery and/or long-term success?”
Taking this one step further, why not take action and ask your employees some open-ended questions to get them more focused on being part of a grand solution?
Ask: “How can we create new revenue streams for the company and/or improve the level of customer service we deliver?
Do not make the mistake of thinking your goal as a leader is simply to “satisfy” your employees. That is definitely not the goal here. You need employees who are more than just satisfied. You want employees who are 100% engaged, loyal and committed!
Loyal employees will walk through fire for their leader and the organization. Satisfied employees will still leave you as soon as they get a better offer.
Economic crisis impacts everyone, no one is exempt. When the economy is in a downturn, jobs are lost and people get scared. As a leader you should talk openly about why it’s more important than ever that every single member of the team become as valuable to the organization as possible.
When people come to you asking if their job is at risk, answer them in a supportive yet clear manner.
You might say something like, “If everyone were indispensible to the company, no one would be at risk – so that should always be the goal of every employee, regardless of whether we are experiencing tough times or not. Make yourself invaluable to the team. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen in the future because I don’t know, but if we ever do have to cut staff, I will be the first to fight for those members of this team who I deem as our most highly productive and committed employees.”
Refer to this “take action” approach as the best job security program you could ever recommend, or just emphasize that it’s a smart career planning strategy.
An honest and credible leader will make no promises. He will be upfront as to what the challenges are and what is required of every member of the team.
Let your team hear from you often; let your own behavior set the example you expect your team to follow, and be the first to encourage others and recognize those doing great work.
Working together, your team will make it through the tough times and they will always remember it was you who led them through times of crisis, on to happier days.
"In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."
- Eric Hoffer
"Leadership can be thought of as a capacity to define oneself to others in a way that clarifies and expands a vision of the future."
- Edwin Friedman
Leadership during times of crisis is the ultimate test for any leader.
More than at any other time, when crisis hits, a leader must take action; get engaged and become highly visible to all team members.
A leader’s greatest challenge is in managing the fears, doubts and worries of the team. During times of economic, political or community crisis, it is the leader who others will look to for guidance, strength and reassurance.
When people look to their leader, and the leader is no where to be found, it only intensifies any existing feelings. Fear can quickly turn to panic.
What a leader says during tough times is certainly important, but of even greater importance is what a leader does. Behavior is always more believable than speeches. Leaders in times of crisis, walk the walk.
In order to maintain a loyal and product workforce during times of crisis, a leader needs to identify clearly what the concerns of the employees are.
An astute leader will ask questions such as:
“What’s keeping my employees up at night?”
“What would be the most meaningful thing I could do to alleviate the fears or worries of my employees?”
”Does my team have the knowledge, training and resources to pull through these difficult times?”
What is in the way of my employees being fully engaged in our recovery and/or long-term success?”
Taking this one step further, why not take action and ask your employees some open-ended questions to get them more focused on being part of a grand solution?
Ask: “How can we create new revenue streams for the company and/or improve the level of customer service we deliver?
Do not make the mistake of thinking your goal as a leader is simply to “satisfy” your employees. That is definitely not the goal here. You need employees who are more than just satisfied. You want employees who are 100% engaged, loyal and committed!
Loyal employees will walk through fire for their leader and the organization. Satisfied employees will still leave you as soon as they get a better offer.
Economic crisis impacts everyone, no one is exempt. When the economy is in a downturn, jobs are lost and people get scared. As a leader you should talk openly about why it’s more important than ever that every single member of the team become as valuable to the organization as possible.
When people come to you asking if their job is at risk, answer them in a supportive yet clear manner.
You might say something like, “If everyone were indispensible to the company, no one would be at risk – so that should always be the goal of every employee, regardless of whether we are experiencing tough times or not. Make yourself invaluable to the team. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen in the future because I don’t know, but if we ever do have to cut staff, I will be the first to fight for those members of this team who I deem as our most highly productive and committed employees.”
Refer to this “take action” approach as the best job security program you could ever recommend, or just emphasize that it’s a smart career planning strategy.
An honest and credible leader will make no promises. He will be upfront as to what the challenges are and what is required of every member of the team.
Let your team hear from you often; let your own behavior set the example you expect your team to follow, and be the first to encourage others and recognize those doing great work.
Working together, your team will make it through the tough times and they will always remember it was you who led them through times of crisis, on to happier days.
"In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."
- Eric Hoffer
Sunday, February 1, 2009
February is Here to stay
Can you believe that January is over? I can’t, this month has been very exciting for us at Unlimited Success. We’ve had a great belt test, our leadership team is growing by leaps and bounds, and we’re getting ready for our Valentine’s Day Lock-In!
The parent's night out is FREE, just send money for the kids to buy pizza & Drinks (1.50/slice, and 50 cents/drink)
Our word of the month is Positive Self-Talk
"Winning Black Belts learn to control their “inner dialogue.” They create a supportive conversation with themselves that support their goals and their energies. "
We're also going to spend ALOT of time this week on R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Not the Aretha Franklin song, but how we interact with one another.
Respect is defined as:
1. A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem.
2. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem.
3. Willingness to show consideration or appreciation.
As a parent, I feel it is important to be addressed as sir or ma’am. Not because I like to feel old (my body tells me that), but as a way to have my kids show a level of appreciation to the things that we give them.
From a martial arts perspective, we need to show respect/appreciation/esteem to others as a way to interact with them on a level playing field. Showing respect to others has a direct benefit. Respect is shown back to you. This increases YOUR self-esteem, YOUR self-respect, YOUR motivation to succeed.
Please help us discuss respect to your kids; expect them to show respect by saying sir and ma’am. YOU’LL love how YOU feel!
The parent's night out is FREE, just send money for the kids to buy pizza & Drinks (1.50/slice, and 50 cents/drink)
Our word of the month is Positive Self-Talk
"Winning Black Belts learn to control their “inner dialogue.” They create a supportive conversation with themselves that support their goals and their energies. "
We're also going to spend ALOT of time this week on R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Not the Aretha Franklin song, but how we interact with one another.
Respect is defined as:
1. A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem.
2. The state of being regarded with honor or esteem.
3. Willingness to show consideration or appreciation.
As a parent, I feel it is important to be addressed as sir or ma’am. Not because I like to feel old (my body tells me that), but as a way to have my kids show a level of appreciation to the things that we give them.
From a martial arts perspective, we need to show respect/appreciation/esteem to others as a way to interact with them on a level playing field. Showing respect to others has a direct benefit. Respect is shown back to you. This increases YOUR self-esteem, YOUR self-respect, YOUR motivation to succeed.
Please help us discuss respect to your kids; expect them to show respect by saying sir and ma’am. YOU’LL love how YOU feel!
In Down Economy, Spirits are Up at Local Karate and Martial Arts Center
Allen – CNN reports that 8 out of 10 Americans are feeling stressed as a result of the faltering economy and their personal finances – resulting in headaches, depression, insomnia and other debilitating symptoms. But the dozens of students at Mile High Karate are learning how to relieve their stress and lift their spirits. With their practice of karate, arnis, yoga and Zen meditation they have the tools to calm their minds, strengthen their bodies and cultivate a positive attitude despite the economy.
Says David Brothers, who seen many co-workers laid off due to the economy, “The one bright spot has been the fact that my children and I train at Mile High Karate. The Karate and meditation in particular have helped me stay healthy and focused on what I need to do to weather this storm. I’m not wallowing in sorrow or sitting around getting
fat.”
For almost a dozen years Mile High Karate has helped thousands of people learn to control stress, lose weight, learn self-defense and build more energy and vitality. In normal times the center has remained busy and popular. But with the country’s economic woes and housing crisis now hitting the Dallas-Ft.Worth region hard, people have a greater sense of urgency as they join the center’s stress-reduction and fitness programs.
Mark McGee, head instructor at Mile High Karate, describes getting, “A lot of people coming in who are fed up with all the negative news and daily hardships that they have no control over. They want to keep their spirits up, and they recognize they can still take control of something very important, which is
their health and well-being.”
Nick Burger, a long-time student and now instructor of karate at the center, describes Mile High Karate as a traditional martial arts center where “You learn to be more mindful, less attached to material goods, and more wise and compassionate to both yourself and others”.
Just as the center teaches compassion to its students, it demonstrates it as well. For example, any members who suddenly lose their jobs or become underemployed can continue taking classes for free for up to three months – and they don’t owe anything when they return. And during the gas shortage, members were advised not to worry about missed classes because they could make up the classes any time at no charge.
Classes are offered at MIle High Karate are held five days a week for kids aged three and up, and adults of all ages. You can schedule a free introductory tour and class by calling Mile High Karate at (972) 390-7161 or visiting www.unlimitedsuccessma.com and clicking on classes.
Says David Brothers, who seen many co-workers laid off due to the economy, “The one bright spot has been the fact that my children and I train at Mile High Karate. The Karate and meditation in particular have helped me stay healthy and focused on what I need to do to weather this storm. I’m not wallowing in sorrow or sitting around getting
fat.”
For almost a dozen years Mile High Karate has helped thousands of people learn to control stress, lose weight, learn self-defense and build more energy and vitality. In normal times the center has remained busy and popular. But with the country’s economic woes and housing crisis now hitting the Dallas-Ft.Worth region hard, people have a greater sense of urgency as they join the center’s stress-reduction and fitness programs.
Mark McGee, head instructor at Mile High Karate, describes getting, “A lot of people coming in who are fed up with all the negative news and daily hardships that they have no control over. They want to keep their spirits up, and they recognize they can still take control of something very important, which is
their health and well-being.”
Nick Burger, a long-time student and now instructor of karate at the center, describes Mile High Karate as a traditional martial arts center where “You learn to be more mindful, less attached to material goods, and more wise and compassionate to both yourself and others”.
Just as the center teaches compassion to its students, it demonstrates it as well. For example, any members who suddenly lose their jobs or become underemployed can continue taking classes for free for up to three months – and they don’t owe anything when they return. And during the gas shortage, members were advised not to worry about missed classes because they could make up the classes any time at no charge.
Classes are offered at MIle High Karate are held five days a week for kids aged three and up, and adults of all ages. You can schedule a free introductory tour and class by calling Mile High Karate at (972) 390-7161 or visiting www.unlimitedsuccessma.com and clicking on classes.
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