"My team
has seen many speakers over the years - but no one taught
them, inspired them, moved them the way you did."
-A.J.E. Senior VP, AIMCO
Best Present Of All!
by Brian D. Biro
As they so often do when I need
it the most, my two daughters, Kelsey and Jenna,
opened my eyes to what really matters. They
helped me awaken to the truly precious present.
At the time I had become so
swept up in my business that night after night as
my daughters prepared for bed, I'd stop off in my
office for "just a moment" to check my
voice mail before reading them a story and
tucking them in. The next thing I knew, I was
submerged in thirty new messages and my only
connection with my little girls was a silent kiss
long after they were sound asleep. My wife had
read to them, cuddled them, and told them how
much their mommy and daddy loved them.
One evening after many weeks of
this pattern, Kelsey and Jenna waited patiently
in my office doorway until I hung up the phone,
then ran over to tell me how much they loved me.
I picked them up onto my lap and hugged them in
the joy of the unexpected moment.
After a couple of tickles and
giggles, Kelsey looked up into my eyes and said,
"Daddy, we miss you."
Chuckling, I responded,
"Honey, I'm right here. I haven't been on a
trip in weeks."
"I know, Daddy. I meant we
miss you because it seems like you have more time
for voice mail than you do for us."
Her words, so innocently
spoken, shot straight through me. I had become so
accustomed to being busy that I had stopped being
present for my children. Being fully present
means that 100% of your mind, body, and spirit
are actually with the person you’re with,
where they are! All at once my children helped me
see that in our moments of fully present
connection we do more to help those around us
than any other gift we can offer.
How often does your response to
family, friends, or associates begin with
"just a minute," or "in a
second"? When your family or teammates seek
your attention, do you often view them as
interruptions rather than delighting at the
opportunity to share some precious moments? If
you find yourself falling into any of these
patterns, your focus is drifting into the past or
future. It's time to be present.
How? Listen completely before
formulating your responses, turn up your
tremendous powers of observation, and seek to
understand before seeking to be understood. Watch
your impact on others deepen and your enjoyment
of life soar. Being present is a choice.
It’s one that will explode your business,
deepen your relationships, and change your life!
"Thank you
for being so genuine and real! You have a true gift in
the way you communicate with others!" - T.R.,
Helzberg Diamonds
"Brian
Biro's presentation was GREAT! It made a lasting impact
on my future path. It is a presentation the entire firm
should experience." - Participant, Authur Andersen
"Our group
of two hundred executives were left literally speechless,
teary-eyed, empowered, exuberant, and motivated." -
J.B., Target Stores
