Organizational behavior Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Organizational behavior Analysis - Essay Example What made our group more successful in carrying out the project was how each member discussed and listened to everyone’s opinions. For instance, during the choice of places where an interview was to be carried out, all members would lay down their suggestions. Everyone would emphasize why his or her ideas were appropriate while others would oppose, but we would all come into consensus after considering the views of the majority. Despite the achievement of the group all group members would have practiced more commitments in the meetings. If all the members would have attend the meetings held in the school library, there would be a great team impact on the project. For instance, there would be huge contributions to the ideas fostering good progress on the project. There are other weaknesses that I observed in our group which I have reasons to believe would make the group more effective if they were observed and tackled. The weaknesses were relative to a number of concepts. The first one was motivation. Motivation is an act of giving a person a reason to do something in a particular way. According to my observations for the group, the members did not have enough motivation especially when it came to attending meetings. There were those who failed to attend some of the meetings held in the school library. The second concept was emotions. This is any strong feeling of anger, love, hate, joy, or fear (Fugate and Kinicki 81). Some of the members would sometimes get into a negative emotion such as hate, fear and anger. This usually happened during debates on issues involving group activities. For instance, it happened that any issue or idea would be placed at a platform were a number of the members would either oppose or propose. In most cases, those opposing an issue would lose to the proposing side. This would bring

Merger Mellon Financial and Bank of New York Case Study

Merger Mellon Financial and Bank of New York - Case Study Example How the two companies deal with the purchase and how the purchase is being reported to the public is what differ one term from another. Acquisition is when a firm takeover another firm (the target), become the only owner and its stock would still be traded unlike the target company. On the other hand, â€Å"mergers of equal† is when two companies seek the benefit ofbecoming one single company and neither is acquiring the other. Usually both companies are about the same size and shareholders would surrender their shares to be given in return the shares of the new single entity. Prior to the integration, a proper due diligence must be conducted before negotiating and closing the deal.Mergers are governed by each state’s law.The board of directors of the companies and the shareholdersmust approve the merger of equal first before it is put into action.After the approval is given, acommunication ground should be established and an integration process should be taken to combine the two business units systems in one new system. First, a merger integration committee (MIC) should be formed. The responsibility of MIC is to arrange and organize the integration process and to prepare the proposal for shareholders’ considerations. MIC considered being the main player in executing the merger not to mention being the coordinator for a harmonic and smooth integration as well as a value added post-merger success. The MIC should have weekly meetings to solve any issues that are notgoing as scheduled. In the case of the merger of equals of Bank of NY Mellon, the largest security servicing firm, the integration committee dedicated a lot of efforts so it will not be surprised by any chance. It dealt with the business lines in two methods in which it hired representatives to help in executing and request detailed reporting in weekly basis. The vision and objectives of the merger should be served through selecting the best possible Integration plan and team.The value of the new organization can be created through th e ability of taking tough decisions, which occurred during the shift of the administration, the procedures the technologies, the system not to mention the culture to implement the new organization vision. Changes made usually include the leadership structure (executives and board members) as a redistribution of positions and authority is likely to occur. The integration plan includes integration of strategy, reporting, people, procedures and culture. The administration style is the one who design and create the culture and the behavior which is one major part of the due diligence taken prior to the merger. As change is a critical part for any organization, Integration efforts of systems and servicesfirst require evaluating the speed of change (whether it is radical or not). It is crucial to dedicate theneeded time to complete processes. Second, it is important to maintain the customer focus during the integration and not to neglect it. Moreover, a clear intensive communication must be insured from an early stage internally and externally. Internal communication can be established by maintaining optimism and positivity among each employee toward the new transformation that has been brought by the merger. 2. List the five key risks and related controls the newly merged company faced during the integrations phase. Please consider the strategy considered by management of both companies during the negotiations? Culture risk; Culture is the set of values, beliefs, behaviors, assumptions shared among employees of a certain entity.It is what effect and influences the actions of the people within the firm, explains attitudes and why people behave in a certain pattern. It is taken for granted for people from the insideas it

Health & Social Care Essay Example for Free

Health Social Care Essay Physical abuse is classed as the hitting, shaking, choking, biting or other physical attack on an individual. It can lead to bruising, cuts, scratches burns, fractures and internal injuries. As well as these more immediate injuries, there can also be longer term ones. Someone who is being physically abused may show signs of it, but they may not be noticed by others if the victim is hiding the abuse. Signs and symptoms of physical abuse are cuts, brusies, burns grip marks, unusual pattern or location of injury, depression, fearfulness, withdrawn and anxiety. Sexual abuse Sexual abuse involves any sexual behaviour directed toward an adult without that adult’s knowledge and consent. Sexual abuse can happen to people of all ages, including the elderly. Sexual abuse is a way that a person tries to have control over someone and has nothing to do with consenting sex between adults. Sexual abuse is another form of physical and emotional control of one person over another person, and it has nothing to do with consensual sex between adults. Read more: Explain the roles of different agencies in safeguarding and protecting individuals from abuse  essay Signs and symptoms of sexual abuse are pain, itching or bruises around breasts or genital area, torn stained or bloody underclothing, sexually transmitted diseases, vaginal/anal bleeding, depression, withdrawal from regular activities, fear and anxiety. Emotional/psychological abuse – Emotional abuse can be as painful and damaging as physical abuse because it diminishes an adult’s sense of identity, dignity and self-worth. Emotional abuse is when a person is verbally assaulted, insulted, yelled at, threatened or humiliated by someone close to them or by a caregiver. The abuser often confines a person or isolates them by preventing them from having visits from family and friends or by denying them the chance to attend doctor or other personal care appointments. Signs and symptoms of emotional/psychological abuse are depression, fear, anxiety and behaviour changes when a carer enters or leaves a room. Financial abuse – financial abuse involves the improper, illegal or unauthorized use of an adult’s resources for the benefit of another. Signs and symptoms of financial abuse are unpaid bills, no money for food, clothing, or medication, unexplained withdrawal of money from someone’s bank account, family member or representative refuses to spend money on the adult’s behalf, possessions disappear, family member or another person forces an adult to sign over Power of Attorney against their own will. Institutional abuse – Institutional abuse refers to mistreatment of someone living in a facility for older persons. This includes nursing homes, foster homes, group homes, or board and care facilities. For example the abuse refers to the ‘home’ and staff having set meal times, set places a resident can eat their meals, a certain time everyone must get up Rigid, routines, Inadequate staffing, Insufficient knowledge base within service etc. Signs and symptoms of institutional abuse could be Inability to make choices or decisions, agitation if routine broken, disorientation, patterns of challenging behaviour. Self neglect – Adults are neglected when a caregiver does not provide the essential daily living needs of an adult dependent upon them, for things such as food, clothing, shelter, bathing, medication, health care, and doctor visits. Self-neglect happens when an adult can no longer take care of their own basic daily living needs. Signs and symptoms of neglect and self-neglect are malnourishment, dehydration, confusion, inappropriate clothing, under or over medication, skin sores, poor hygiene, absence of required aids, canes and walkers. Aiii / Aiv) If someone makes an allegation of abuse to you, the first and most important response is that you must believe what you are told. You must reassure the person that you believe what you have been told also reassure them that it is not their fault and that they are in no way to blame. Once youve reassured the person that you believe them, you should report the allegation immediately to a senior member of staff. Make sure you then make an accurate record of as much detailed information. Av) If the abuse is physical, no attempt should be made to clean anything such as clothes or residence. The client should be dissuaded to wash. Other people should be kept out of the way. With financial abuse, evidence could be paperwork such as bank statements so these should not be thrown away. You should only remove anything that could be evidence if you suspect the abuser might dispose of it before the authorities can see it. Avi) The national polices that relate to safeguarding and protection from abuse are the safeguarding board, the social services. The child protection agencies like the NSPCC Childline. The H.uman rights act 1998 and the Equalityact of 2000. Avii / Aviii) Different agencies and professionals play critical roles when involved in safe guarding individuals for example, Medical professionals such as GP, AE staff, nurses, doctors they can examine, diagnose treat, they can record. The local authority Social Services would carry out an assessment of needs. Safeguarding Team, within Social Services dept investigates and ensures safety, work with other agencies such as police. A Safeguarding Protection Officer would lead the Adult Protection Alert. Police to investigate/prosecute, to work with other agencies, to provide support to victims, to raise awareness of crimes, crime prevention. Care Quality Commission to regulate inspect care providers. Independent Safeguarding Authority. Aix) When seeking advice, support and information to help care workers understand their role in safeguarding good sources would be social workers, advocaces, further training, management, relevant laws and policies, CQC guidelines, care plans including risk assessments.

The Role Of Mass Media In Gender Roles

The Role Of Mass Media In Gender Roles Gender roles are very significant to an individual as they determine whether someone is male or female and therefore it can be said to be the attitudes and behaviors that a particular society expects from an individual or member of that society. The gender roles within different communities may vary depending on the expectations that a particular society expects of its individuals. For instance the gender roles that the society expects from its citizens has tremendously changed over the past decade and such changes have really affected relations at work, home, school and all Americans at large. This paper seeks to expound on the role of mass media in the development of gender roles. When talking about gender role formation and development, clear and precise definitions of the term sex or gender, need to be perfectly known and what makes sexuality to differ from gender roles is that the latter is usually influenced externally through various social factors while the expression sex represents the actual physical composition of individuals that describe them as male or female. Gender role mainly occurs during the childhood to the adolescence phase and what one chooses affects him/her throughout his life. At times situations may arise where one is not at peace with his identity. The strongest influence for the formation of gender role are the parents as they are our first teachers on earth and are the ones responsible for teaching children basic things such as walking, talking also attitudes and behavior for instance they tend to allow the boy child to try different things unlike the girls as there is fear for their safety Peer pressure can also contribute to reinforcing the traditional gender roles. This clearly arises when children tend to tease those that that are not fitting to the usual traditional roles which they are normally exposed to. For instance it is vividly clear that a girls color is pink therefore a boy spotted having a pink item will be teased therefore being forced to hate the color Mass media and gender roles formation Introduction Television for a long time has been a tool in promoting the stereotypes of gender roles and tends to show them as being natural. The television industry is usually male dominated therefore most of what is produced tends to take a male perspective therefore bringing about male gaze. Through such productions girls get to learn that this is a mans world and hence they get to change their personalities. It is a very powerful and highly influential means to make and communicate gender equality and gender culture of society are mass media technologies which have become an essential part of individual daily lives and culture in the world over (Craig, 2003, p.93). The mass media are able to genuinely make legal gender ideas and philosophy shaped by gender politics and beliefs, and to increase the likelihood or chance of their reception by the general audiences. The mass informs and also gives great pleasure and full entertainment. It is a dominant influence in distinguishing the roles of men and women in a civilized world. Morley in his work opines that, The younger generations are especially influenced by its depiction of gender roles. Even though television has improved very well in its representation of gender, women are still stereotype in conventional roles, and under-represented, while men are revealed or seen as dominant figures (Lawrence, 2004, p.28). Generally, women are known to be mothers whiles men are depicted as the bread winners of the family. Advertisements by the mass media In mass media advertisements, sex stereotyping tends to be at its greatest because the intended audiences are normally either male or female. Men are seen in further occupations than women; women are seen generally as house-keepers and mothers. Men have greater possibilities to be seen advertising car companies or marketing products; women are mostly advertising household products. Men are more likely to be shown outside or in a big business backgrounds; women in domestic settings. Men are more often seen to represent authority. Craig writes, As far as advertisement is concern, with older men gaining more authority than the younger men, at the same time as women seem to fade away. Television and radio commentary represent the interpretations of what is actually seen by the initiator of the TV or radio program me (Craig, 2003, p.82). These commentary or voice over is the tone of power or authority. A recent figure shows that television commentary majorly male. Even though the number o f female voice-overs in recent years has been on the rise, women still engage in their regular, domestic products and feminine care products advertisement. Male voice-overs are more likely to be linked with a far wider variety of products. Influence of TV gender images There is a general agreement that the mass media act as very significant agents of interaction, in cooperation with the family unit and peers, and it contribute to ensuring the gender roles are shaped effectively. Without doubt, at individuals level, it is normally learnt to be male or female this does not come naturally and the mass media helping in making such roles seem as if they are normal. And there is no doubt that the mass presents influential, compelling images of gender. It has been shown that many male individuals spend most of their time with male role-models on the television. But television as a means of socializing is not accountable for shaping the gender roles of individuals. There is abundance of instances of gender-typed conducts around the world today. An exceptional involvement of the television may be to present clear examples of models seen in a larger world than that which is more honestly experienced domestically and the locality. Wherever they get their tho ughts from, by the age of about eight, it seems that most kids develop precise and definite stereotypes about what the sexes can perform or cannot accomplish. Most individuals tend to see the mass media as unavoidably socializing children into customary stereotypical roles, because of the commonness or popularity of such images on the television and the importance attribute to them by children (Donna, 2010, p.35). On the other hand, such records tend to overrate the power of mass media and underrate the multiplicity of ways in which people; mostly children tend to handle their lifes experiences. Most television images of boys, girls, men and women are more different and less clear-cut than such arguments suggest. In the world today, the television offers conflicting images which can be understood in several ways, and viewers are far more dynamic interpreters than the inactive recipients suggested by such records. Craig states that, The prospective influence of the television may be greatest during teenage years (between 12 and 18), since at this phase gender plays such a significant role in social life. At this juncture prevailing gender pictures on TV may tend to strengthen and support traditional expectations among adolescents, thus bringing to mind role variances (Craig, 2003, p.90). Some individuals speculate that the space between a teenager self-concepts and highly fascinating media images may occasionally induce personal uncertainty. In a nutshell, although there are enormous gaps in our understanding of developmental factors, the developmental point of view gives emphasis to the problem of talking about the weight of television on a growing kid in general. And the critical significance of the family should not be ignored, either. It would be improbable for children not to be subjective by the contradictory ways in which their parents use the television. In some families in which the g ender roles are basically traditional, the television may tend to serve to strengthen such gender roles. In this way TV most definitely plays a very vital role in the building of gender roles. Despite the fact that there is little uncertainty that TV presents largely conventional gender photos there is this mixed evidence about the effects of such images or pictures on gender thoughts and behaviors? It is quite hard and extremely difficult to cut off the role of mass media (TV), since people are influenced by their entire environment, even though there is reasonably widespread acceptance that over time, still yet the mass media seems possible to influence peoples thoughts concerning gender roles. The watching of television by individuals may tend to contribute to gender role development and/or strengthening amongst children and teenagers, and some associating stereotyping of gender roles with profound TV spectators. On the other hand, there is proof that opposing stereotypical portr ayals do appear able to influence the perceptions of most kids, but in general such portrayals are uncommon. In summary, the influence of television gender images or pictures on kids is not very beyond question, partially because they have not constantly been well designed. Rheingold writes, There is a modest relationship between presentation patterns and gender stereotypes. There is not much confirmation yet for any great impact of the mass media (TV). Kids are not inactive recipients of images shown on the television (Rheingold, 2000, p.447). Their open feelings to gender role play a significant part in understanding the meaning of images of gender on the television. Conclusion From the above findings it is clear that there are various factors that bring about gender role formation and these factors are rooted within the society and are passed on from one generation to another. The media has also been a factor in bringing about gender roles as it tends to focus more on the ancient stereotypes that cover the boy and girl child roles in the society hence bringing about the inflexibility in the gender roles Conclusively, there is proof that a stereotypical view of gender role may weigh greatly on the viewers, particularly young viewers. There is also clear evidence to show the effect of television messages on young viewers. On the other hand there is indication to show that there is a strong potential correlation with stereotypical ideas. The ideas of conventional or long-established roles of the genders are very deceptive. So as to ensure a change in the gender roles there should be campaigns against stereotypes that surround gender roles

The Dynamics of Marxism Essay -- essays research papers

The Dynamics of Marxism   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Human relationships have always been dynamic. Change and adaptability have gone hand in hand with the passing of time for human society. Karl Marx’s views on Industrialization and the bourgeoisie had a major impact on how we view our industrial alignment today. Marx and Engel’s The Communist Manifesto gives broad views on the subject of the middle class and how they fit into a society that was ruled by feudalism and aristocracy. Capitalism becomes a major topic in a socialist-based society that underwent many changes as industrialization progressed. A government must be dynamic in its nature reflecting the change in society. At times aristocracy has refused to allow society to adapt to the changes that the bourgeoisie have gone through. Charles Dickens’ â€Å"Hard Times† offers a distinct view of the conditions of middle-class worker during this period of change. Revolution of the working man is discussed and many principles are brought out to dictate the way that many of these workers were treated during this time. Karl Marx’s theory of economic evolution addresses some of these points that are brought out in â€Å"Hard Times.† Marxism and economic theory of Marxism was formulated in the 19th century. Karl Marx is said to be the greatest thinker and philosopher of his time. His views on life and the social structure of his time revolutionized the way in that people think of socialism. He created an opportunity for the lower class to rise above the aristocrats, but failed due to the creation of the middle class. Despite this failure, he was still a great political leader and set the basis of Communism in Russia. His life contributed to the way people think today, and because of him people are more open to suggestion and are quicker to create ideas on political issues. Marx is unique from other philosophers in that he chooses to regard man as a human being, not a piece of meat. He believed that a man’s struggle comes from man’s awareness of himself as an individual and as something separate from nature. He sees that history is just the story of man creating and re-creating himself, and that a â€Å"god† has no part in it. This is a major reason why he left his C hristian background behind and converted to Communism. Marx also says that the more a man works, the less he has for himself. These views support his arguments... ...lutionized a nation with his in-depth analysis of a society that was having industrial success, but being torn apart socially at the same time. He did not want industrialization to go he wanted the socialist to wise up with their thinking. His impact on England shows, but he also had impact on other countries. His views carried over into other powerful countries such as the Soviet Union and China. If it were not for Marx, the then Soviet Union and China would not be the same as they are today. They would positively be operating through a different government today. Karl Marx is considered to be a revolutionist of England and the father of Communism. Some may question his views and possibly his religious beliefs, but he can still be labeled a revolutionist. â€Å"In these troubled times, to believe in the possibility of helping to make the world a better place, and to commit ones life to that, makes one a revolutionary (Le Blanc 44).† Karl Marx exemplifies many of the quali ties that we have found in many revolutionists that have changed the world that we live in today. His views are still cherished by many European minds and taken heed when creating structure in society.

Televised Executions Essay -- Ethical Issues, Death Penalty

In recent years, more and more people have become aware of crime and murder. It is something that has affected them, their families and neighborhoods. Just about everyone in the world knows someone who has become a victim of murder, rape, and or robbery. In most cases the suspects are heartless and have no remorse in regards to the crime they committed. Some individuals are repeat offenders who have received a slap on the wrist from the justice system or only faced small jail time. A recent report by the Senate judiciary Committee, called America the "most violent and self-destructive nation on earth", and it was noted that violent crime in America had increased by 516% since 1960 (Economist, 1992). Many individuals have tried to come up with solutions and scare tactics attempting to deter those who commit crime. It appears that solutions are failing. One author has his own theory of deterrence. George Bryjak the author of â€Å"Why we should all watch Executions† believes that if the justice system televised executions to the public, this would deter individuals from committing crimes. Bryjak stresses his point saying: â€Å"deterrence relies on theory that people will refrain from participating in homicide or crime if they perceive the threat of swift and certain punishment, the death penalty could be made a more effective deterrent if executions were televised and reached a larger audience on a regular basis† (Bryjak, 2001). Bryjak appeals to readers in a serious tone and makes very valid points for his reasoning. Bryjak’s thus fails to provide sufficient evidence on some of his reasoning to convince readers on his position. In the article, Bryjak reaches the heart of his readers by reminding them of the man wh... ...e author doesn’t convince readers by simply saying â€Å"executions should be public spectacles† that this would deter crime. The author even presents credible evidence from those who oppose; Bryjak even agrees they make his position look bad. The author doesn’t refute that people are going to commit crimes regardless if they watch someone get executed or not. Research shows individuals are threatened everyday with the consequences they can face for disobeying the law, yet there still appears to be an increase in crime and violence. Many that commit crimes are aware of the possibility of receiving the death penalty if sentenced, however many individuals still continue to commit acts of murder. The article is entitled â€Å"Why we all should watch executions† and I don’t think Bryjak persuaded readers on why they should watch but more so on why there should be executions.

Heart: Definition and Life Essay

What is your definition of success? Before you can achieve success, you need to define what success means to you. Unless you have a clear vision of what success is to you, you cannot work towards it. Success means different things to different people. For some, monetary reward is a measure of success. Yet others have multiple definition of success. 1. The Different Areas They measure it across a few areas. It can be career, health, spiritual, emotional, time or financial. As an example, one can be successful in one’s career but not emotionally. Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive – so you can add areas that are relevant to you. To find your own definition of success you need to dig deep within yourself and question your values in life. What are your strengths andweaknesses? What are the things that are important to you? By answering these questions you can then come closer to your own definition of success. Be aware that this can be a long process. You may not get the answers so quickly. But it is alright. Define your measure of success, one at a time. Let’s take your career as an example. What would your definition of success be for your career? To make the managerial level by a specified time? Then dig deep to see what are your own strengths and weaknesses. Which would help you achieve it. Which of your weakness is a barrier, and does it go against your values? For me, I value time with my family. However, my work requires me to work late nights and long hours. I will need to adjust my own definition of success. Which would take priority? 2. It Is A Journey When defining your success, remember this important thing. Success is a journey. It has multiple peaks and not one ultimate pinnacle. One success builds on another. Setbacks and mistake will also help you build success. At different periods of your life, success is defined differently. In our career, at a more junior level, your success can be defined by exceeding your job requirements or getting a promotion. Or success can be defined in a few respects. They can be: 1. Your relationship with your boss; 2. Your relationship with your peers; 3. Your dealing with other departments; and 4. Your learning curve. You may add other areas as you move up the corporate ladder. One of my definitions of success in my career at this point – is the number of staff I mentor to higher levels within my industry. When they achieve a certain level of skills and knowledge and are respected by clients, business partners and industry peers – I have achieved some amount of success as far as my career is concerned. Therapists Spill: My Definition of Success By MARGARITA TARTAKOVSKY, M.S. In the fall, clinician Joyce Marter and her husband hosted their friends for a dinner party at their Chicago home. Among the couples — all in their 40s with school-aged kids — conversation turned to the adventures of parenting and the tricky stage of adolescence. This sparked a dialogue about how they gauge success. Marter’s knee-jerk reaction was to say that success excludes dicey circumstances such as driving under the influence or dropping out of school. â€Å"Thankfully, I quickly regrouped from this position of fear-based and judgmental thinking and realized I do not truly believe any of those experiences or other life challenges mean somebody has failed or is not successful,† she said. Hardships make us human and give us the opportunity to grow, she said. None of us is perfect or remains unscathed in life. Marter’s guests offered myriad definitions, everything from education to prosperity to resiliency to health to happiness. So what is succes s? What does being a success look like? Below, Marter and other clinicians spill their views on success. According to Marter, also owner of the counseling practice Urban Balance, success is authenticity and mindfulness. Success is to live life openly, authentically, and lovingly in a way that is aligned with the highest good of self and others. Furthermore, when one is mindfully rooted in the present moment and engaged in relationships and work that promote a loving growth of human consciousness, one is joyous and prosperous. And so, this is my wish for myself, my children and for all humankind. Christina G. Hibbert, Psy.D, a clinical psychologist and postpartummental health expert, summarized success in three words: faith, love and joy. To be successful in my work means that I am able to touch others’ lives, to help them know they are not alone, and to impart some bit of joy or wisdom that will leave them better than before. To be successful in my family means to love — to listen, to say I’m sorry when I’m wrong, to encourage, uplift, and to always strive to give the best of my time, talents, and heart. To be successful as a human being means to continually examine myself, my motives, and my works; to connect spiritually, listen to what my Creator has in mind for me, and trust the process — to be open to learning and improving, and willing to share myself and serve gladly. I guess overall, for me, success = faith, love, and joy (my three-word motto) — striving to do and be my personal best in work, family, and as a human being, forgiving myself when I’m not, picking myself back up, and diligently pressing forward again. For Deborah Serani, Psy.D, a clinical psychologist and author of the book Living with Depression, success lies in the everyday, in the journey from setting a goal to realizing it. For me, success is when I set a realistic goal, enjoy the journey as it unfolds and dwell in the momentary satisfaction when it all comes together. From cooking a new recipe, to learning a new yoga pose or taking a challenge that stretches my comfort zone, it’s the entire experience that offers me a sense of well-being. Success can be found in little things and big things. The key is to enjoy the ride once you set out on your material or existential destination. Ryan Howes, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist and author of the blog â€Å"In Therapy,† also prefers to focus on the flight, instead of the landing. I try (really, really try!) to view life as a journey rather than a series of goals to be attained. I always feel less stressed and better able to focus on today when I’m in that mindset. With that framework, I try to view success as something to which I aspire rather than a goal with a finish line. For me, success is achieving a healthy balance between the most important areas of my life. These include family and social relationships, occupational pursuits, hobbies, diet, exercise, rest, my spiritual life, and the continued pursuit of self-understanding. I don’t think I’ve achieved this balance yet, as I only seem to maintain focus on one or two areas at a time. I may never find a way to keep all these plates spinning at once, but I will try for the rest of my life! Jeffrey Sumber, M.A., a psychotherapist, author and teacher, described success as a triumph over trials and fear. Success is overcoming challenges internal and external that at one time felt impossible or overbearing but with hard work and discipline I was able to rise above the fear or anxiety. For most people success is a shifting concept, which transforms over time. It’s been for John Duffy, Ph.D, a clinical psychologist and author of the book The Available Parent: Radical Optimism for Raising Teens and Tweens. Today, his view includes being of service to others and being satisfied with his life. My definition of success has shifted greatly over the years. I used to think I had to accomplish something that others deemed â€Å"great† in order to consider myself successful. Today, I find success in happiness, kindness, and helpfulness. I find success in loving, connected, available relationships, in my family and elsewhere in my life, including my relationship with myself. In order to feel fully successful, I feel I need to continue to find new ways to reach out to others and give of myself. Finally, I don’t think I could ever feel successful without a degree of happiness, contentment and humor. Success has many faces. The definition just depends on who you ask. And that’s the magic of success: You get to figure out what it looks like for you. Subject: Mentoring tips on definition of success In the next message to the electronic community I will ask participants how they define â€Å"success† for themselves. Here are examples of how this question was answered by a group of successful teens and adults with disabilities. These responses might provide some inspiration as you interact with the teens in our community. To me, having a successful life is being able to do things independently for myself and not always have someone there to do things for me. It’s achieving my goals on my own terms and at my own pace. (high school student with a mobility impairment) Success is a relative term. If you achieve what you want to and are happy, then I think that is success. It could be applied to life in general or to individual tasks in life. (college student with a mobility impairment) My definition of success is achieving personal goals, whatever they may be. Some goals are considered small by some people and enormous by others. What matters is that they are personal; each individual has his/her own formula for personal success. (college student who is deaf) I remember what my high school voice teacher told the class as we prepared for our senior solo. She said, â€Å"Success comes in CANS, and failure comes in CAN’TS.† (speech language pathologist who is blind) Succeeding is accomplishing my dreams. However slowly I am moving toward that, to some degree I am succeeding. (high school student who is blind) Even though you might not have obtained that set goal, you are successful if you tried your best. (college student with a brain injury) To me, success is being able to do whatever it takes to lead a productive life. (young person who is blind) Success? That’s an easy one. BE HAPPY. (high school student with a learning disability) What’s Your Definition of Success? ————————————————- Success is a tricky sucker to define, isn’t it? Society as a whole tends to judge success by status and material wealth, but I think we both know that’s utter bollocks. I’ve worked with some fabulously wealthy yet unhappy people and you cannot ever really define an unhappy person as a successful one. My Definition Of Success If asked me for my definition of success it would simply have been, â€Å"somebody who is happy†. As happiness is at the top of everybody’s wish list, then by default it must define an element of success when an individual achieves it. Last week I was working through the core values process with client, Courtney Townley. One of the most crucial elements of a value elicitation is understanding what the client means by the words they give me. Too many values are open to interpretation and may mean different things to different people. So to presume that just because I think success equals happiness that other people must think the same is arrogant and stupid, which isn’t a good combination for a Life Coach. One of Courtney’s values was unsurprisingly enough ‘success’. I asked her what she meant by the word and she was really struggling to come up with an answer. We did the values exercise anyway, but I asked her to think about what success meant to her and to e-mail me the answer so I could get a better understanding of what we were aiming for. Her response was awesome and makes my job very worthwhile. I immediately asked her if I could include it in a blog post and she graciously agreed. Courtney’s Definition Of Success â€Å"Tim, You probably thought I forgot my homework assignment? I didn’t. I chewed on the question all week: †what does success mean to me?† I wrestled with the question a lot, found it intriguing and much more complex than I initially though it would be. First, I answered the question that success to me is living a balanced life full of happiness, but as I dug deeper I didn’t like that answer so much for two reasons. 1. I do believe that happiness is ultimately a choice regardless of the situation. 2. Some of the most rewarding/successful experiences of my life happened at a time when my life was completely unbalanced. So I chewed and chewed some more. Finally I was able to digest this better: I define success as listening to that subtle voice within, what I perceive to be my truth talking, and obeying by saying YES†¦ despite the sacrifice, hard work or difficulty that may result. I feel most successful when I honor my authenticity (which is probably why is it one of my top values). On the other hand, I feel most unsuccessful when I am a slave to someone else’s agenda or working to build someone else’s dream rather than my own†¦which is probably why I have been self-employed for the past 8 years. I feel most successful when I am honest about who I am (the good, the bad and the ugly)†¦.talented and powerful and at the same time fearful and imperfect, and charging forward without getting too caught up in any one characteristic of myself, and without being too attached to the outcome of what I set out to do. I do it because my heart told me to do it, I don’t do it because I am certain of where it will lead me, which is exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. You said to me last week that everyone has fear, but because some people have confronted their fear more often, it seems that it is more natural for them to move into action without getting paralyzed by the fear. That was a huge â€Å"Ah-Ha† moment for me†¦..success is making a HABIT out of acknowledging the fear and resistance, but moving forward despite it. Success is saying YES to my journey, YES to my life’s adventure, YES to my heart’s song and knowing full well that does not mean it will always be comfortable, balanced, easy or pain free, but I do know it will be RICH and REWARDING and SIGNIFICANT beyond measure for me. I know if it is all of those things for me, my truth will also touch others, which will build even more success! To feel successful I know I need (based an my history of success) to dig both feet in deeply to my endeavors, be fully committed to my choices and finish what I start. Hope that gives you a little insight:) Courtney† Is she kidding me? It gave me a huge amount of insight into what makes Courtney tick. It’s one of the most important answers that you can figure out. Right now. How do you personally define success? For you. Take into account all of your current responsibilities, your strengths, your trials, your season of life and your dreams†¦ Whether it is defining your success as a parent or a business owner or anything in-between, I think we could avoid so much heartache, disappointment, sense of failure and the chronic epidemic of comparisons if we realistically answered this one question for ourselves.