Bernadette ConnollyDiploma in Executive and Life CoachingPositive Success Group (PSG)Spring 2014

*Full Personal Review

*Introduction

*Aim of the survey –* To elicit information relating to ‘who I am’ and the impact I

have on others

*Survey prepared on Google Docs (Google Forms)*Introduction + 15 questions, sent by email*24 people invited to participate - family, friends, work

colleagues*21 replies received within 3 days at which stage survey went

off-line

*If you had a problem and needed to talk to someone would you consider

talking to me?

*18 participants reported DEFINITELY *3 reported MAYBE*responses included –*Definitely, always helps me find a solution

*Has a great understanding of many important issues

*For sure, you listen and don’t judge me and then somehow it doesn’t seem so bad

*Yes, because I’d feel understood, listened to, clearer about the situation, less concerned.

*How I approach new situations?

*With enthusiasm – 19 respondents*In an organised fashion – 12 respondents*With optimism – 11 respondents*With excitement – 10 respondents*Other – 3 respondents*“sometimes with a moment of reluctance, but once you

get started its impossible to pull you away.”

*“You are one of the most enthusiastic people I know, not just for yourself but for others too”

Would you consider me a good listener? If so in what way?

*Always there to listen to problems, no matter how big or small

* you always remember to ask me about things that are bothering me

*good at putting people at ease

* interested in everyone and show it by the way you talk and listen to people

*Even when you are up to your eyes you take time to listen to me whingeing

On a scale of 1-5 how independent do you think I am?

SCALE:*5 = very likely ------------------ 1 = very unlikely

RESPONSES:*15 respondents indicated 5* 4 respondents indicated 4* 2 respondent indicated 3

* Imagine you had to describe me to a total stranger …..

* Imagine you had to describe me to a total stranger –In a few words what would you say?

* A best friend you haven’t met yet!* Will give you ‘the shirt of her back* Has lived through many experiences;* Good at guiding someone through a confusing decision or tough time* Expects high standards from others and gives it herself* A loyal person to have in your life* Outgoing personality who communicates easily in any company* Always portrays a positive outlook on life (2)* Interested in life / very-much a people’s person (3)* Very pleasant and easy to talk to* A dynamic, positive person who never sees obstacles, only solutions.

Imagine that I promised to do something for you, or with you – on a scale of 1-5

how likely am I to keep my promise?

SCALE:*5 = very likely ------------------ 1 = very unlikely

RESPONSES:*18 respondents indicated 5* 3 respondents indicated 4* 0 respondents indicated 3, 2 or 1

* What is the most annoying thing about me in your opinion?

*You always seem to do everything perfectly, and everything seems to be perfect in your life, could make some people feel a little inadequate*Sometimes a little hasty to judge*Opinionated.*Your exuberance and enthusiasm can be somewhat

daunting, couldn't possibly aspire to your high expectations.

*What is the most annoying thing about me in your opinion?

*You take on too much sometimes / don’t prioritise your own needs / too helpful sometimes / too accommodating to other people*Hard on yourself, and being judgemental in relation

to status, and being the best, wanting the best. *You work too hard and you have so much to achieve,

Why?*You really don’t annoy me at all! *Maybe talking too much, but its not annoying really!

* If I could be represented as a ‘season’ of the year, or an ‘object’ what would that

be and why?

*Spring *Summer*A teddy / A security blanket*A weathervane*A cheetah*A mobile phone*A house*A lemon-balm plant

‘Me’ as a season: Spring and Summer

SPRING (6 respondents )

* Green shoots to follow / Best is yet to be

* Always hope and understanding

* Always ready to start something new

* Always look on the up-side / coming to life/blooming / new beginnings

* Opportunities for new growth/development

* Always open to new ideas / concepts

* A breath of fresh air / revitalising

SUMMER (4 respondents)

* Warm / welcoming/putting people in a brighter mood

* Warm and cheerful because you always have a positive outlook on life

* Long days means lots can be done

* Bright, warm, positive, full of life.

‘Me’ as an object…..

* Teddy-bear / Security blanket - Make people feel secure, comfortable and relaxed

* A Weathervane - Constantly changing direction and considering new paths

* A House - ‘You represent ‘home’ to me in a way that is comforting, protective, reliable, and my favourite place to be’

* A Mobile Phone - helpful, practical, sturdy, strong, multitasking, good at communication, good listener, easy to talk to , an asset to everyone.

* An Umbrella - Protective and caring

‘Me’ as an object…..

A Plant, like a Lemon-Balm* strong roots - grow deep into

the ground

* nice fragrance like you spread symbolically through care and actions

* beneficial health properties

* gives shelter to smaller more vulnerable plants

* can withstand change

A Cheetah: * great capacity for empathy* Fearless in the art of tough love* tell it exactly as it is but in a kind way* know exactly how to respond to

pain/hurt/suffering of others* Affectionate / Versatile* creative, intuitive and observant* respond quickly and instantly to

opportunities as well as dangers* Tendency to be solitary and territorial,

choosing carefully who you allow into your world

* Adapt to a changing environment – don’t get trapped in rigid thinking

* My Personal Values – Others opinions of their relevance to me (or visible in their

relationship with me)

Honesty

Integrit

y

Humour/fun/jo

y

Intuition

Creativit

y

Courage /

stren

gth

Optimism

Genero

sity of sp

irit

Resource

fulness

Energ

y/enthusia

sm/ze

st for li

fe

Ability t

o reall

y liste

n0%

10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%

100%

Agree Wholeheartedly Agree Somewhat Neutral / Not sureDisagree Somewhat Disagree Totally

* If I asked you to advise me about areas I could improve (in my relationship with

others) what would they be?

*Understand that not everyone is as positive as you, or can get things done as easily as you seem to be able to*Not imposing your opinion on others*Be more mindful of listening – a 1-1 conversation can sometimes be

one sided and in a group you sometimes want to carry on talking*Self-care – making sure you mind yourself (2)

* Areas for improvement (continued)

*Don’t expect others to think or feel the way you do*Let others have their pace and schedule of growth*Remember that you can’t fix everything*You need to be more assertive about ideas you have

in work and not be ruled by others *Can’t help you here, sorry / wish I was more like

you / nothing seems to be a problem

*Would you be comfortable bringing me along to a gathering, where I don’t know anyone

else?

*20 respondents reported ‘Definitely would’ * 1 respondent reported…

“Of course, but the difficulty would be getting you to stop talking to everyone so we could leave the party!”

*Any other comments?

*You will make a terrific life coach!

*Have confidence in yourself as a coach.

*Working with people is definitely the best area for you to work because you make such a positive impact on all those who meet you.

*You have a wonderful gift to bring out the best in people, to really hear client's stories and make a positive difference to their lives.

*What would you consider to be my strengths?

* What I have learned from the results of this FPR…

*That others might not be as enthusiastic or optimistic as me – I need to bear that in mind and respect others point of view*I’ve learned a ‘real’ awareness of the impact I have on others*I learned to challenge my fear of seeking feedback from

people that I believed may tell me something I didn’t want to hear *That I am not ‘perfect’ but that I am ‘enough’*That I have some very special qualities that I should be proud

of and thankful for

* The benefits to ‘me’ of completing this exercise

*I learned to accept feedback, both positive and negative. I realise the benefits of feedback to my personal and professional growth and development. *I’ve gained insight into how I communicate with

others on a 1-1 basis and in groups, and am now more conscious of the effect I have on others.*I had to be open to new interpretations which

challenged my assumptions about myself

* What I will do with the information…

*I intend to ‘seek first to understand, then to be understood’*Practice my listening skills / Stop trying to fill the spaces

with chatter*Celebrate the positives – bank my success!*Accept myself and the compliments that I receive*Accept negative feedback as a lesson for improvement and

not take it too personally*Be more aware of my own needs (self-care)*Practice engaging in ‘wholehearted living’………..