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Labyrinth News
'Are you getting what you want for Christmas?'
Issue 14
December 2008 In this issue
So what’s in this issue?
Some of you may remember our newsletter at this time last year and how I used some planning techniques to get my Christmas dinner on the table on time! Well this year I am trying to manage Christmas expectations.
A new programme
Let me introduce our new 'ILM Influencing Others Endorsed Award'. Recommended reading
I have just read a cracking book that I thoroughly recommend. It may just help you get what you want this Christmas.
Welcome
Happy holidays. Much as I love this time of year, it can be a struggle. Yes, it's great to have some time with the family and a welcome break. And if you have little ones, they certainly have fun. But for many of us the stress began a good few months ago. In our house, this annual problem seems to arise in trying to manage different peoples' expectations (including twin boys and various loved ones). This year, I decided it would be different; I would be calm by Christmas. How? By a bit of 'try it and see' and some applied logic! Read on to hear the results (so far...). 
Susan Corlett
The Learning Labyrinth
An ideal Christmas
So who am I trying to keep happy this year? Well, there are my 5 year old twin boys, my Great-Aunt Jean, my partner and of course me! My boys have been getting worked up into a frenzy of excitement, not helped by being bombarded by adverts on TV with the latest must-have toys. Is it to be Power Rangers or Ben 10? They think that a combination of whinging and hassling will get them a result. So what should I do? I can tell that these things are really important to them 'I must have that' (sob), 'I neeeeed it' (wail). So I need to get on their wave-length. I must be sensitive and understand what they really want. The best approach is to discuss with them what they would really like (the top 3 toys) and how they can get them for Christmas (based on good behaviour of course). So this weekend we have written a letter to Santa saying what they would like in return for being angelic. They know it is in their control as much as two 5 year-olds can and so far so good. Who's next?
My Great Aunt Jean, having mentioned at Easter that she will be 'free' at Christmas, has now remained silent on the matter. Its like seeing who will blink first and the clock is ticking. What do I do? Resist, hold off, and match her silence with my silence? How long can I keep this up and what is the benefit, after all I need to know.
So taking the adult approach, I consider what she would like to hear. She would like an invitation but knowing her as I do, it has to be sincere, heart-felt and done in a way that will make her feel important. Another task for the boys. A festive card, inviting their FGA (Favourite Great Aunty) to Christmas. I have also added all the specific detail that she will need - history has taught me never to assume anything, so time, date, plan, RSVP details all went on too. Another job done, RSVP back (to the boys) and another box ticked. Last of all;
 Paul, my partner. What does he want? No visitors, no plans, just a spontaneous 'lets go with the flow'. Can be a bit tricky at Christmas. He also demands a goose. I am not keen but he says he will cook it. So the goose. What does he want to hear? Well I know he would definitely prefer 'a let's see' rather than a 'no'. So we have agreed to go to the butcher this weekend to see if we can get a goose large enough to feed 8. I am going to let him make the decision. If there isn't a goose big enough, then he can say so.
So all in all, not a bad start. A couple of weeks to go. Kids know what toys could be on their way to them, Great Aunt Jean is feeling good and Paul may just get his Goose for Christmas and I can relax just a little knowing I have given everyone a bit of what they want.
The key with all these situations is being more willing to adapt to others' needs, and limiting my conceptions about how things should be. After all, we all see the world in a slightly different way. Introducing our new Influencing Others Programme
Influencing others and making the right decisions is a key role for any manager. We have designed a development programme that is accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) that will help all managers and leaders with influencing and decision making. The programme includes an on-line profile that will help understanding of influencing and decisions making at a deeper more individual level.
Click here to find out more about our ILM Influencing Others Endorsed Award.
Recommended Reading
On the subject of influencing, I have just read a cracking book called 'PERSUASION: the art of influencing people', by James Borg. Why not put it on your Christmas list?
Need some Christmas inspiration for the kids? (Or just as confused as I am...)
Struggling to identify those must have toys? Click here to find out the 'Top 10 Christmas gifts for 2008' as recommended by the Toy Retailers Association.
How can we help?
We would love the chance to discuss how we can help you achieve even more in 2009, so either give us a call on 01273 671488 or send an email to
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Wishing you a happy holiday and a successful 2009! Everyone at The Learning Labyrinth
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