Accelerating Excellence with Del Gilbert

"Learning to communicate skillfully will rapidly improve every area of your life." - Brian Tracy Communication is one of life's most important skills. Why? Because we communicate 80% of our waking hours. Today, we suffer from information overload. Most communication is simply a data dump. Learn how to structure your communication in a way that is easy to understand. In episode #135 of the Accelerating Excellence with Del Gilbert podcast, you learn to how to communicate in a way that is easy to follow and easy to understand. If your communication is clear, you'll be regarded as an expert.

Let's be honest. Most presentations are boring. How many times have you wished a presentation would go longer? Developing the skill of delivering a compelling presentation will set you apart in the marketplace. Most people refuse to give a presentation. If they are 'forced' into it, they just want to "get it over with!" I want you to get good! When you deliver a tight, cohesive, and compelling presentation, you have an opportunity to positively impact your audience and make their life better in some way. In this podcast episode, I share 7 ways to create and deliver an excellent presentation that will positively impact your audience and create a positive impression for you.

“Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all your energies on a limited set of targets.” -Nido Qubein Most people live lives of constant distraction, never giving their full attention to one person or project. They're diffused and distracted. They dabble and dawdle.  Years ago, having a high IQ was a competitive advantage. Cal Newport, the author of the book Deep Work, has said, "Focus is the New IQ." Today, amidst all the distractions, if you can develop the ability to singularly focus on a task for a sustained period, you will have a competitive advantage. Nobody has achieved anything worthwhile without the ability and discipline to focus. Every great musician, athlete, or author has needed to give their singular attention to one thing, often and for extended periods.   Your ability to do great work, master a skill, and experience success is directly proportional to your ability to concentrate. And your ability to concentrate is directly proportional to your ability to eliminate distractions.

“Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things.” -Peter Drucker Years ago, I taught workshops on time management and maximum productivity. But a fulfilling life doesn't mean getting the most done in the shortest amount of time. Efficiency is about completing tasks with minimal wasted time and resources. But what if you are efficient at something that doesn't need to be done at all? Effectiveness means focusing on your highest priorities and most important values and taking action on the things that have the greatest impact. In this podcast episode, I share 7 Practices for Personal Effectiveness. I'm confident that following these Practices will help you focus on what matters most to you, reduce the complexity in your life, and give you more peace of mind.

We all feel we have too much to do and too little time. Consequently, we feel overwhelmed and stressed. But you can: Have your act together Stay on top of things Feel in control Meet and even beat deadlines But you can't wing it. You have to have a system. In this month's podcast episode, I share a simple system for capturing and determining the priority of all your tasks.  This system is easy to use regardless of your job, season of life, personality, or whether you prefer a paper or electronic system. I trust you'll find my High-Performance Workflow helpful as you navigate your roles and responsibilities.

We all have responsibilities and obligations, but I'm convinced that life is also meant to be enjoyed. Too many of us are so 'busy being busy' or leading lives of distraction that we don't pursue things that bring us true enjoyment. In this podcast episode, I share 7 ways to enjoy life. I hope you'll give it a listen. Remember, if you aren't enjoying life, others won't enjoy you!

Our emotions can either hurt us or help us. Research shows that 80% of career success comes from Emotional Intelligence, not IQ. How you handle yourself in the workplace goes a long way in determining career success. And how you manage yourself in your personal life will go a long well in determining the quality of your life and your relationships. In this podcast episode, I share the key action that will make your life better and make you better at life. 

In strength training, a strong core enables muscles to work in harmony and leads to better balance and stability. Stability is essential whether on the playing field or in regular activities. Similarly, strengthening your C.O.R.E. emotional muscles provides stability for you emotionally. In this podcast episode, I explain how Confidence, Optimism, Resilience, and Enthusiasm provide emotional stability and lead to greater well-being.

This month's podcast episode is How to Discover and Develop Your Strengths. My life took a dramatic turn for the better when I discovered my area of giftedness at the age of 43. I want you to experience the benefits of identifying your strengths too. 

"This is the true joy of life; to be used by a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; to be thoroughly worn out before being thrown on the scrap heap; to be a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that life will not devote itself to making you happy.” - George Bernard Shaw Too many people today are diffused and distracted. Too many people are on auto-pilot and are 'busy being busy'.  I encourage you to focus on the person you want to be. I share Make Your Life Count: 5 Ways to Live on Purpose in this podcast episode. I hope you will give it a listen.

"The ability to work well with others is as purchasable a commodity as coffee and sugar. And I pay more for that ability than any other under the sun." - J. D. Rockefeller J.D. Rockefeller said that quote when he was the wealthiest person in the world. You can teach people processes, procedures, and technical skills. But teaching someone to work well with others is very challenging. In this podcast episode, I share 7 Ways to Work Well with Others. I hope you will give it a listen.

"Your life today is the result of all of the choices you've made in the past. When you make new choices, you create a new future." - Brian Tracy You possess the power of choice.  Your destiny is made up of daily decisions. You are free to choose your path and take control of your future. The decisions you make every day impact the quality of your life. Your decisions today will follow you into tomorrow. In this podcast episode, I share 20 Choices That Will Make You Better at Life and Make Your Life Better. I hope you will give it a listen.   The game of life is simple and comes down to this: make better choices.

"Change is inevitable, except from the vending machine." - Steven Wright A key skill in the marketplace today is adaptability. For organizations to thrive, they need to adapt to constantly changing conditions. If you resist an inevitable change, you'll become frustrated, stall your career, and hinder organizational progress. You can't drive or thrive through life looking in the rearview mirror. In this episode, I share practical tips to make change work for, not against, you.

In sports, you can either play not to lose, or play to win. In life, you can either let things happen or make things happen. Play offense, play to win. Don't think survive, think thrive. Think big. Live life full out. In this podcast episode, I share ways to be proactive and play to win in life.

In sports, you can either play not to lose, or play to win. In life, you can either let things happen or make things happen. Play offense, play to win. Don't think survive, think thrive. Think big. Live life full out. In this podcast episode, I share ways to be proactive and play to win in life.

I've been thinking about how life works and am fascinated by the 'laws of life'.  For example, take the life principle Consistency Beats Intensity.  Which leads to better results? Exercising moderately 30 minutes a day or intensely for several hours on a Saturday. Practicing piano 20 minutes a day or an hour every Sunday. Reviewing your study notes a little each day or ignoring your notes and then cramming for the test the night before. In this month's podcast episode, I share 7 Life Principles to Live By. 

Just like the battery on a smartphone, all day long you are expending energy. At the end of the day, your energy is near depletion. And just like the battery on a smartphone, you need to take time to recharge, refuel, and replenish. High performers know the importance of energy management. You want to be in a position to encourage, inspire, and energize others. You can't give away something you don't have. And if you aren't enjoying life, others won't enjoy you! In this podcast episode, I share 5 areas of personal replenishment that will help you be your best every day. 

Here's a powerful combination: be very good at what you do and be easy to work with. There is a saying in Human Resources circles; People are hired for their technical competence and fired for their interpersonal incompetence. We want to do business with others we know and like. In this episode, I share 5 Ways To Increase Your Likeability. When you do, you'll experience more professional and personal success.

The ride from being laid off to building a successful business has been filled with ups and downs, highs and lows. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I've grown as a person and have learned many life principles along the way. In this episode, I share with you 7 life lessons I have learned while building my business. You can apply these lessons to any area of your personal and professional life.

If you develop mastery in your field of expertise and combine that knowledge with great relational skills, you'll be the whole package. In this episode, I share with you three ways to develop mastery in your profession and three ways to increase your relational intelligence. I am confident you will find this episode practical and inspiring.

There are two parts to high-performance in the marketplace: job expertise and positive behaviors. In this episode I detail 7 Positive Behaviors, when added to your expertise, will make you uniquely valuable. Job competence and positive behaviors is the dynamic duo!

In this podcast episode, I share with you some practical ways to set yourself apart from the crowd. Becoming E.L.I.T.E. means living at a higher level. It's creating higher standards and expectations of yourself. Give this podcast a listen and start sculpting yourself into a stronger, more capable person. Excellence is more fun than mediocrity. Normal is overrated.

In this podcast episode, I conclude the 2-part series on 12 Ways to Increase Your Happiness. We all have responsibilities, make mistakes, and experience setbacks. Even so, life is meant to be enjoyed and lived to the fullest. This podcast episode will focus on moving toward fulfillment and general well-being. 

When we think of happiness, we think of something temporary. In this podcast episode, what I mean by happiness is something deeper. Something stronger. It's a happiness that is longer lasting. What I am talking about is not a momentary mood but rather overall life satisfaction, fulfillment, and well-being. 

Most presentations are uninteresting, hard to follow, or are a big data dump. In this episode, I share key insights to help you stand out from the crowd when you deliver your next presentation. You will learn how to structure your presentation so you are easy to follow, easy to understand, and hard to forget.

In this episode, I deliver a keynote address that I regularly deliver at conferences, From Overwhelmed to Overflowing: 3 Ways to Make Your Life Better and Make You Better at Life. I will share with you healthy ways to view yourself, others, and outside events that affect your life. I think you'll find the podcast practical and inspiring.

Look at any part of your life in which you are consistently effective and you will find that certain habits help make that possible. In this podcast episode I share with you 7 daily practices that will help you live with purpose and enjoyment.  It's not about how high you jump, but how straight you walk. Consistency beats intensity any day of the week.

Most people deal with a lack of confidence, not over-confidence. But lack of confidence hinders: - your ability to perform at your best - your willingness to try new things - your ability to bounce back strong from difficulties In this content-packed, 20-minute episode, I share with you 7 practical ways you can build a healthy self-confidence. Competence AND Confidence are the key ingredients to peak performance.

Planning and knowledge don't mean a thing if you don't execute. Action is everything.

Many managers today tolerate poor behaviors and attitudes because of the tight job market. But this hurts the organization's culture and discourages high performers.  In this episode, I share why you should step into difficult conversations and address problem behaviors and attitudes.

You have to make a decision; Do you want to impress others or impact others? True happiness and fulfillment come from making a positive difference in the lives of others. In this podcast episode, I share 3 practical ways you can become a person of influence. Other people need you to step up big.

The good thing about life is that it comes at us one day at a time. Do your best to live in day-tight compartments. Focus on living each day well. In this episode, I share with you 3 simple ways to set yourself up for success every day. 

We work best and are happiest when we are on a mission. When we are working toward something important to us. There is joy in the journey. There is fulfillment in living with intent and purpose. In this podcast episode, I share 3 Powerful Reasons to Set Goals. No one achieved greatness by wandering around. 

To procrastinate simply means to not do something that you know in your heart should be done.   Procrastination causes undue stress, hinders our potential, and negatively affects self-belief. What separates high-achievers from everyone else is that high-achievers don't wait until they feel like doing something. They get in motion. In this 100th episode, I share three powerful strategies to overcome procrastination and become a person of action.

According to the dictionary, the word simplify means: to make plainer, clearer to make easier to use to make less complex or complicated A few years ago, Apple was worth more than any company in the world. And you could fit all of their products on a normal-sized table. In this episode, I share three ways you can get lean and mean in several areas of your life.

Communication is life's most important skill. If you become a great communicator, you can rapidly improve every area of your life. Clear communication enhances your influence, your marketability, and your relationships. In this episode, Del shares 10 ways to become a clear, confident, and compelling communicator. Key Points 1. Be Clear2. Be a Simplifier3. State Your Purpose Up Front4. Layout the Agenda5. Speak in the Positive6. Use the Rule of 37. Use Stories, Analogies, and Quotes8. Focus More on How Than What9. Use Full Sentences in Email10. Read Your Emails Out Loud Before Sending  

Many businesses experience internal competition, department silos, and internal conflict. Don't compete against yourself!  Learn how to get everyone on your team pulling in the same direction. Then you will be able to achieve great work, meet challenging goals, and provide a positive environment. In this episode, Del shares 10 ways to build a mutually-supportive, high-performing team. Key Points1. Promote the Abundance Mindset2. Create a Compelling Vision3. Build Trust4. Make Differences Work For You5. Establish Key Performance Indicators6. Encourage Debate7. Require Loyalty8. Establish Ground Rules9. Build a Culture of Accountability10. Celebrate Wins

Conflict is a fact of life. Anywhere there are people, there will be conflict. The key question is, 'How do you handle conflict?'. In this podcast episode, Del shares 10 ways to work through conflict constructively and be a peacemaker. Key Points 1. Think win/win.2. Respond rather than react.3. Give others the benefit of the doubt.4. Seek first to understand.5. Speak the truth in love.6. Never have a public feud.7. Always take the high road.8. Decide to be unoffendable.9 Aim for reconciliation.10. Focus on doing your part well.

Strong interpersonal skills help to build healthy personal relationships. And because every business is a relationship business, solid relational skills lead to professional success. In this podcast episode, Del shares 10 simple ways to be 'People Smart'.  Key Points  Adopt the abundance mindset. Make a great 1st impression Remember and Use Names Be Others-Oriented Build Rapport Be a Good Listener Build Others Up Adapt to Other Personality Styles Keep a List of Key Relationships and Stay in Touch Treat Everyone with Dignity and Respect

In this podcast episode, I share 10 simple interviewing and hiring practices that will allow to hire smart to get the right people on the bus. Key Points  1. Hire for attitude, train for skills. 2. Consider chemistry 3. Ask Behavioral Based Questions 4. Ask the Candidates the Same Questions 5. Follow the 80/20 rule 6. Get Others Involved 7. Check the Candidate's social media 8. Use Your Intuition at the End of the Process 9. Think Out of the Box 10. Make Your Default ‘No'      

Your company can deliver exceptional service, even in this challenging environment.  In this podcast episode, I share 10 simple service excellence practices that will allow everyone in your company to focus on the reason your organization exists; to serve the customer. To download the 10 Best Practices in Customer Service resource guide, CLICK HERE.

Many people are distracted and diffused. In order to be effective and achieve great work, you must be intentional, focused, and disciplined. In this podcast episode, I share 10 practices that will enable you to work with greater effectiveness, execute on your highest priorities, and deliver superior results.  To download the 10 Best Practices to Enhance  Your Productivity resource guide, CLICK HERE.

Giving a presentation should not be something to dread or to get through. Look at it in a positive and confident way. It's your opportunity to make the world a little better place. With these 10 Best Practices for Delivering a Dynamic Presentation, you will be better able to influence, engage, and inspire others. To download the 10 Best Practices for Delivering a Dynamic Presentation  resource guide, CLICK HERE.

Working through a conflict effectively with another person takes planning, skill, and the right attitude.  In this episode, I share with you a simple and practical model to help you navigate conflict successfully. It's much more rewarding to resolve a conflict than to dissolve a relationship. To download the How to Resolve a Conflict with Another Person  resource guide, CLICK HERE.

If you don't go out on a limb, you'll never get the fruit. And if you are afraid of criticism, you'll never make a difference. In this jam-packed podcast, I share 3 practical ways you can overcome your fears and open up a world of possibilities and potential. To download the 3 Ways to Overcome Fear  resource guide, CLICK HERE.

Right thinking leads to right actions which lead to right results. Your thoughts either hurt you or help you. They either become a source of your limitation or your liberation. In this jam-packed 18 minute podcast I share how you can change your mind so you can change your life. To download the The Power of Right Thinking  resource guide, CLICK HERE.

Every day is a gift and a unique opportunity to thrive.  It's easy to get overwhelmed thinking about all the days in the future and all we have to do. But all you have to do is live this day well. Think of living life in day-tight compartments. In this jam-packed 18 minute podcast I give you 10 practical ways you can make the most of each day. To download the 10 Ways to Make Each Day a Masterpiece  resource guide, CLICK HERE.

There are two parts to job success: job competency and winning behaviors. A great way to intentionally build a winning work culture is to create crystal clear behavioral expectations. In this episode, I walk you through the process of creating high behavioral standards for all team members. People live up or down to expectations. Design high workplace standards and give every team member something to live up to! To download the How to Create a Winning Work Culture  resource guide, CLICK HERE.

Many people act like their purpose in life is to arrive safely at death. But you are put on earth for a reason. In this podcast episode, I will share with you how you can live a happy and exciting life by fulfilling your purpose and maximizing your potential. To download the 7 Ways to Unleash Your Potential resource guide, CLICK HERE.