In Tero's time management class we ask people to look at the record of their spending, and what they have spent their time on in order to understand what they value most. Reflecting on those two things is a reality check. They tell us what we really are all about, not just what we think we are all about.

The end of the traditional calendar year is perfect for this kind of reflection. It is a time full of potential, an opportune time for us to get real with ourselves. In understanding what we have been about, we can begin to plan what we wish to continue to become. This month's eZine is dedicated to your reflection and your potential.

The article illustrates a moment of personal enlightenment and courage in the life of someone facing great challenges.

The professional development activity asks you to find something in this month to commemorate with others in the form of a toast. Recognizing the good around us is a first step in cultivating more of that for us!

The resource section provides you with a link to Tero's most recent IMPACT newsletter. Click on the link for relevant articles about serving customers, improving memory, outsourcing and a word search challenge.

The sidebar is our personal Tero reflection we wish to share with you. We have highlighted the memorable events of our year, and encourage you to do the same, personally and in your businesses.

The inspiration we hope will light the way to seeing potential in every moment going forward.

On behalf of the Tero team, we wish you a reflective and productive year's end! As you celebrate your accomplishments, and chart out your course for what's to come for you, please know our thoughts and best wishes are with you!

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Ask Tero

This section contains questions asked of the training professionals at Tero. Do you have a question for Tero? Let us know! If there is a topic or question you would like to see addressed in a future eZine, please make suggestions so we can give you the resources you need. Thank you for the continued responses we receive each month.

Question: I messed up on a handshake. Can I redo it?

Tero says: Reflecting on your handshake is great. Most people are unconscious about the interaction due to the adrenaline we have as humans in social situations. Most never think about what someone may receive from them in the interaction. A good handshake begins with eye contact, shoulder to shoulder posture, and then a web to web shake. If you make yourself conscious, slow down, and be present, you will not be as likely to mess up. If you do mess up just finish, continue to give eye contact and attention but do not apologize, draw attention or attempt to do over.

Question: What if my hands are sweating, should I still shake hands?

Tero says: Yes. Remember that anti perspirants work on hands and foreheads, too. The actual hand connection is not what the handshake is about. The greeting is effective when we are consciously present and paying attention to the other person. Don't sweat having sweaty palms!

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Feature Article - The Power of Untapped Potential

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters when compared to what lies within us."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have you ever had one of those life-changing experiences that made you realize there is a world of untapped potential out there? What about the wealth of untapped potential within yourself?

Helen Keller, renowned author and teacher recounts her moment of enlightenment.

The most important day in all my life is the one on which my teacher, Anne Mansfield Sullivan, came to me. I am filled with wonder when I consider the immeasurable contrasts between the two lives, which it connects. It was a day in March, shortly before I turned seven.

On the afternoon of that day, I stood on the porch, dumb and expectant. I guessed from my mother's constant activity that something was about to happen, so I went to the door and waited on the steps. I did not know what the future held of marvel or surprise for me. I had been angry and bitter for weeks.

I felt approaching footsteps. I stretched out my hand thinking that it was my mother. Someone took it and held me close in her arms.

Click here for the full article

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Professional Development Activity - Toasting

The toast, which combines both public speaking and etiquette - probably two of the things most feared by the general population, is also the way we elevate a dinner to an occasion. It is a lost art, and the host that masters the art of the toast will never be forgotten. Here are a few guidelines on how to make a great toast.

There are two traditional toasts given by the host.