Joyce Weiss

I work with organizations and individuals who want to kick conflict and chaos to the curb - Queen of Conflict Resolution and Communication Coach

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An Inspirational Story About Hope to Power Your Life

Did you ever meet a stranger who shared an inspirational story that put a smile on your face?

This post is about a server I met in a hotel in Lisbon, Portugal.

My husband and I arrived at the hotel a few days before going on a Viking Riverboat Cruise on the Duoro River.
We were starved and decided to get lunch at the hotel before exploring Lisbon.

Our server seemed pleasant and took our order. We didn’t know that our conversation would be so heartwarming.
Those of you who know me realize that I believe in the power of questions. As a communication coach, I understand how asking the right questions increases the chance of clients going deep and finding answers on their own.

The Question Joyce Asked that Created this Inspirational Story inspirational story

I asked Antonio, “Have you always lived in Lisbon?” He smiled and said, “No, I was born in London and discovered an important lesson while taking a train to work in London.” I said, “What lesson did you learn, Antonio?”

Antonio described the passengers’ faces while riding on the train. They were sad, exhausted, and lackluster.
He told us that people usually talk about the lousy weather and how it negatively impacts them.

This was when Antonio got his “aha moment!” He asked himself if he was living his what if.

  • What if he left London to explore a better life?
  • What if he could look for different opportunities?

He went home and shared this revelation with his mom. She understood totally and felt the same way.

More Details About Antonio’s Inspirational Story

Antonio heard that there were many opportunities in Lisbon. And he decided to spend the summer finding out for himself.
On his first day on the job at the hotel, his new colleagues were welcoming. Additionally, they invited him to join them for a drink after work. 

Antonio immediately called his mom and said, “What’s wrong with these people? They are too friendly, and I don’t trust them.” His mom told Antonio to accept their invitation and make the most of the evening.

This was the beginning of Antonio’s new and happy life. People love living in Lisbon, and their smiles and passion for living are proof.

Antonio found out that the “what if” question he asked himself in London opened up a new world for him. He is extremely happy working and living in Lisbon. He now has a new question that he asks himself: What’s next? 

He is thinking of many new options that he has never seen before. The great news is that his mom just joined him and feels the same way about her life.

Joyce’s Thoughts About Antonio’s Inspirational Story

I immediately asked Antonio if I could interview him for my blog. I will include the interview in a future article.

What about you? How would you answer the following questions:

  • Am I living my what if?
  • What do I need to change to find new opportunities right in front of me?
  • What’s my what next?
  • Am I open to discovering new possibilities for my future that I never saw before?

I am asking myself the same questions. Additionally, it’s exciting to discover opportunities right in front of my nose. 
You will hear about these new ideas in future articles! 🙂

Let’s Stay Connected

Please comment about this week’s post.  How does it resonate with you?

You can share in the comment section or send me a private email HERE.

Let’s resolve any conflict you are experiencing during a complimentary 20-minute laser-focused coaching call.  

Here’s my calendar. 

Let’s reduce your inner stress!

I coach individuals and small groups to feel comfortable using their voices without losing their cool to feel heard and respected.

Are you {or your direct reports} ready to explore working with me as your private coach?
Call me at 248.681.5831 or send an email to discover how easy this process is.

Here’s the link that describes packages that fit anyone’s budget and schedule.

Until Next Time, Be Well and Happy!

Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP, CVP
Conflict Resolution and Communication Coach
Queen of Conflict Resolution

P.S. Please share this post on your social media. As a result, other growth-minded people can reduce their high drama and inner stress. We made it easy for you. The shareable social media links are below. 

Subscribe to my youtube channel for more tips and strategies for you or your direct reports to get great results

You’ll find playlists on dealing with bullies, tough conversations, and interviews with thought-provoking Department Managers and Leaders and leaders.

Thanks for reading, and remember: You get what YOU tolerate!

 

 

 

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Joyce Weiss’s High Drama on the Bike Trail

Are you ready for a story about high drama on the bike trail?

Imagine that you actually take some time for yourself.  A bike ride sounds like a great idea.  You’re ready to feel free with the wind in your hair.  It’s time to reflect on your day.  Or you just want to have a powerful workout.

That was my intention. And I looked forward to some alone time. I pumped up the tires. Additionally, the water bottle was filled.  And put on my helmet and sunscreen. The day was mine.  I was ready to enjoy a beautiful Michigan summer day.  

Until… the high drama happened on the bike trail.  Four bike riders were heading towards me.  They took up the entire bike path.  I couldn’t go around them. This occurs all the time on bike trails.  Usually, when a group of bike riders sees someone coming towards them, they go in a single file.

Not these bike riders! They didn’t let me pass.  They started laughing at me saying, “What are you going to do little lady?”  Yes, they bullied this conflict resolution coach.

high drama

You’ll hear what I did soon.  I promise!

I’ve told this high drama story at least 10 times. In fact, I asked friends and relatives what they would do. The answers were diverse.

What Would You do if You were in my Shoes? And Experienced This High Drama?

  • Get off your bike?
  • Go into the trees and let them pass?high drama
  • Say something in a humorous way?
  • Start yelling about their rudeness?

Please respond and let us know in the comment section. 
I’ll send a copy of my book, Take the Ride of Your Life! to the first two people who comment.  

Joyce, Tell us Already.  What Did You do During this High Drama on the Bike Trail?

I reacted without thinking.  This is something that is a natural reaction during stress.  

The following words fell out of my mouth:  “You’ve got to be kidding me! You want me to get off my bike instead of the four of you riding in a single file?” These words fueled the fire. They continued laughing and started saying sarcastic comments about my attitude.

Lessons Learned From This High Drama on the Bike Trail

It took me a long time to calm down.  My heart was pumping very fast.  I felt angry and scared.  Bike riders are usually very courteous.  I was totally caught off guard this time. 

Life is about learning from mistakes.  This lesson is an easy one to recognize.  It’s NOT easy to execute. As I reflect on this high drama, silence would have been the best response.  They were jerks.  What good did it do for me to speak to them? Nothing!

Silence is a powerful tool.  It helps us stay in control. And not say something we wished we didn’t say.  It’s an act of strength.  I’m not talking about not feeling heard. This is another issue that I address in everything that I do.

Let’s Stay Connected

Please share your thoughts about this week’s post. What parts resonate with you?  How would you have responded to this high drama?
You can share your thoughts in the comment section or send me a private email HERE.

Remember, the first 2 people who comment on this blog post will receive a copy of Take the Ride of Your Life!

Until Next Time,

Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP, CVP
Conflict Resolution and Communication Coach
Queen of Conflict Resolution

P.S. Please share this post on your social media.  As a result, other growth-minded people can reduce their high drama and inner stress.

P.P.S. I’m the Human Resource Professional’s Partner. I coach employees and managers so that they feel heard and respected.
This means they are confident to use their voice – without losing their cool.

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Video #12: David’s Inspirational Story from Take the Ride of Your Life

Do you want to hear how I found inspirational stories from people who overcame obstacles and became successful?
I will be sharing a few of the stories from my book, Take the Ride of Your Life in the next few videos.

Welcome to video #12 in the series Secrets from a Trainer How You Can Engage Your Audience.

 Here’s David’s Inspirational Story

David, an accountant, related this story: “As a boy, I knew my father was proud of me. Unfortunately, he didn’t know how to show
There wasn’t a whole lot of positive attitude in my house,” David remembered. The dictum, “You must behave,” was drilled into him and his siblings time and time again.

“In school, I was the class clown. I couldn’t talk at home,” he said, “so, I had to express myself elsewhere.” David was around ten or eleven years old when he learned how to ride a bike. “Some friends taught me. I used a neighborhood boy’s bike: I didn’t have one of my own. I fell and got up again right away.

I felt good whenever I was on a bike as if anything was possible.” David’s wife has helped him focus on keeping a positive attitude.
Before they were married, she told him: “I won’t marry you if you become like your father.” Today, David is grateful. “I don’t want to
raise my kids the way my father raised me.”

Today’s Lesson From David’s Inspirational Story

  • What lessons did you learn from your childhood?
  • How can you create your own inspirational story?
  • How does David’s story speak to you?

Stay Connected with Me

Add a comment to my blog if you relate to David’s inspirational story.  What lessons can you use from your childhood?

You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my readers! 🙂  You are always welcome to send me a private email
with concerns that you are experiencing at work.

Here’s a Special Offer for my Readers Joyce Weiss | Career Coach | Corporate Communication Strategist

Buy a copy of Take the Ride of Your Life and I’ll send you the 2nd book with my compliments to give to a friend or colleague for free.  You will receive 2 autographed copies.  I will write, “A gift to you from ____” on the free copy.  Sound good?

You will receive two of your own copies of Take the Ride of Your Life for the price of one book.  It will only cost you $22.00 (retails for $47 which included 2 books, tax, postage, and handling.)

Please send me an email and I can call you with your payment information plus you can tell me who to autograph your book and your friend’s book on the call.  If you would rather call me on my cell, please do 248.310.6998

You will also receive my best selling booklet, 19 Secrets for Successfully Navigating Life’s Potholes, Ruts, and Obstacles.

Click HERE to see chapter titles and more details about Take the Ride of Your Life.

Here are the Links to the Videos in Secrets to Engage Your Audience

Video 1
arrive early

Video 2
sit with your audience

Video 3
how to use humor

Video 4
using props

Video 5
danger:  don’t be boring

Video 6
movement exercises

Video 7
evaluations

video 8
why I talk about conflict

Video 9
why I became a career coach

Video 10
handling push back from the audience

Video 11
how to find your story

Until next time,

Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP
Career Coach and Communication Strategist

Have a great week.

Remember, YOU Get What YOU Tolerate!

P.S. Career Advancement is like riding a bike. Shift Gears from coasting to owning the road!

 

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I want to know how are you doing during these challenging times

Hi everyone.

I decided to write a brief message to check in with my loyal readers and to see how you are all doing.  This is a real test for all of us on how we cope with these changes.  Those of you who know me, know that I don’t hold back.  It’s been a challenge for me to listen to some people complain about canceling trips, hair appointments, and of course, meetings.  We all have to deal with this. All of us are inconvenienced and have to deal with things that are beyond our control!

I realize that we have different coping methods.  This is not a judgment on my side.  I am observing how others deal with stress and I must admit that it’s refreshing to see that most of us are doing a damn good job.  I do what I can to control myself when I hear others complain about how inconvenienced they are for the smallest things.

Hey, I coach others on how to understand their triggers and to control how they react.  We are all being tested right now, and are scared, frustrated, worried, etc.  We are not alone in this area.  I feel my role in life is helping others resolve their conflict.  We can’t resolve these things right now because of all the uncertainty.  BUT we can still do our best to appreciate our families, friends, coworkers, healthcare professionals and of course first responders.

Please share with me some of the complaints that drive you crazy from people who are acting selfish and NOT looking at the big picture – the health of our nation and the world.  This is the real deal.

This is what I’m doing to stay sane

  • I live in MI and walk as much as I can outside as long as it’s warmer than 32 degrees.
  • Organizing my office which has been a huge stress release for me.
  • I spend time on zoom meetings with coaching and speaking friends discussing ideas on how to help our clients during these times.
  • The one rule during these meetings is not to discuss the Corona Virus.  We all agree that these online meetings help energize us.
  • Last week my family including our kids and grandkids met online during a zoom meeting.  We laughed and just talked like we always do when we get together.
  • Preparing new recipes – some were great :).  This has been a very positive experience since my husband and I have more time to be creative in the kitchen.

I have 2 questions for you.  I encourage you to answer in the comment section or send me a private email.

  1. What are you doing to stay sane?

  2. What stories can you share about people who just don’t get how important it is for us to listen to the scientists and doctors?  I’m sure that you know others who complain about these inconveniences that we are all experiencing.

In a perfect world, I would love to speak to all of you on the phone to hear your answers.  Obviously I care about all of you and if you want to set up a time just to say, “hi” let’s schedule a phone call or send me an email HERE.  Hey, we are all home for a few weeks anyway.

The quote below describes how I’m feeling right now.  Hope it helps you.  Remember, Cicero said, “Where there is life, there is hope. ”

motivational quote

I watch the news like most of you do to stay informed.  The challenge is that the news is full of very frightening statistics.  We must – I repeat, we must find time to take care of ourselves and loved ones right now more than ever.  We know that this too will pass.  Until it does, let’s stay connected.  I want to hear back from you.  Please let me know how you are doing.

I hope that you are all safe, strong, and do what you can to stay as healthy as possible both mentally and physically.  Again, please reach out to me, let’s talk just to connect in real-time.

Joyce Weiss, M.A., CSP
Career Coach and Communication Strategist

 

 

Contact Joyce

Email: joyce@joyceweiss.com
Phone: 248-681-5831