Interview with Elyse Silleg
I first heard about MYT through its president, Art DeLorenzo. We were at a social function, where in talking to Art, I remember being struck by his upbeat, positive outlook on things, which he attributed to his work with MYT. I laughingly described it to his wife as the “aura” that he projected….we all had a good chuckle over my choice of words, but I in fact was intrigued . In September, 2010, I decided to try the program myself.
I was a little put off at first when I saw the numerous questionnaires we were asked to complete prior to the actual workshop, but I plunged in and answered all of the questions with what I hoped was honesty and candor….but so many questions! What would I learn about myself from the answers?
The day of the actual workshop just flew by. It was led by Shani Robins and Aneel Chima, each one a Ph.D, each with that same “aura” that Art projects. The day was packed with information, some things directed at an individual participant in response to a question, some to the group as a whole. Lots of interesting discussions, questions, suggestions, take-home material for reading and reference, plenty of opportunities for laughs and food…..all in preparation for the next six months, which would include dealing with “observers” (people we would choose to provide feedback) and monthly coaching calls with Shani and Aneel to discuss our Individualized Development Plan (IDP), based on their assessment of each of us from our responses to those pesky questionnaires.
Their assessment of me was so on target that I was stunned. I already knew my strong points which they corroborated. It was my weak area that they pinpointed, an area that I knew was an issue for me but which I had managed to live with and tolerate and, I thought, keep from adversely affecting my daily life. Their written assessment offered concrete suggestions for practices to help address and improve this area, while the monthly coaching calls with Shani and Aneel gave me an opportunity to discuss my progress (or lack thereof). Some conversations were general and other times we might discuss a specific issue that was troubling me that month. While both gentlemen were always encouraging, they were not there just as cheerleaders. A coaching session never ended without discussion of some new thought or interpretation, often helping me approach things from a different angle, always worthwhile.
I am still using the skills and approaches that I learned through MYT. While I have not attended another workshop, I often review the workbook and my notes from coaching sessions in order to help me when a difficult situation occurs in my personal or business life. The emotional self-awareness that I developed by embracing the program helps me in either place, and keeps me from slipping back into old reactions when faced with a problem. Shani and Aneel taught me to re-define success, and their guidance and encouragement have been instrumental in helping me develop and implement a new business venture. When our last coaching session ended and we (again) had to answer an extensive questionnaire, I was surprised that I did “worse” in some areas when we discussed the results. Shani and Aneel, however, were pleased…..my higher stress levels were indicative of my greater risk taking and willingness to bring change and flexibility into my life……and I’m still doing it with satisfying results.
The MYT program was a very worthwhile experience for me and I’d highly recommend it to anyone who is open to self- improvement (it only hurts for a minute to admit that we could all use some). There is something in it for everyone. While I don’t yet claim to have the ‘aura” possessed by Art, Shani and Aneel, I do feel a greater sense of calm and well being which I genuinely believe resulted from adding the lessons and philosophy of MYT into my daily life. The “aura” will, hopefully, follow.