The first half of 2011 is almost over, and many of us may be reflecting on our personal performance since January, and the strategies we will adopt for betterment throughout the rest of the year so we reach our goals. I saw someone encouraging another recently and thought to myself that they were a ‘Dream StEEler’, and this sparked more thought.
When someone tells you their idea for becoming successful whether in their personal, social or professional there can be a host of reactions, several of which I suggest below (or can think of at present):
- Platitudes such as “Everything will be alright!”
- Encouragement such as “Good on you!” or “You’ll do well.”.
- Warnings such as “It’ll never work.”, “It’s never worked before/it’s too difficult.” or “Why try?”.
- Reality checks such as “You need more talent.”, “Are you sure you can/will stick with it?” or even Why you?”.
- Probing questions such as “How do you plan to .....?”. “What will you do if .....?”.
- Exploration statements such as “Let’s see how we can make this work for you.”.
Some of these reactions are the tools of ‘Dream StEAlers’, whilst others are utilised by the ‘Dream StEElers’.
‘Dream StEAlers’ will take a person’s idea, dream, aspiration, goal and crush it with what they say about it. They don’t believe that someone else can reach the heights, and their alternative route is down. On the other hand ‘Dream StEElers’ will examine the idea brought to them and be realistic about its merits and attainability, suggest other ways that might work, and encourage the pursuit of the dream. They are the people who champion others, are able to see greater possibilities, and help the individual do so too.
Everyone needs a ‘Dream StEEler’. Can you be it?
Very good and to the point. Yes unfortunately, in life we will have both Dream Steelers and Dream Stealers using an accounting analogy for every debit there is always a credit. As people and I believe it comes with maturity and experience you get better at surrounding yourself with positive people. Having said that once in a while I like the negative talk so I can go on and prove it wrong.
ReplyDeleteYes, It's a very good idea to use negative comments as stepping stones. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to do that and become deflated. Though some people eventually learn to react differently. It can be a challenge.
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