Thursday, December 29, 2016
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Thursday, November 17, 2016
My father was a dreamer. He and mother were also overachievers. Dad was the Director of Marketing for what was at that time the largest pleasure boat manufacturer in the world. My mother was years ahead of her time. At age 16 she began her study of Veterinary Medicine and became the first woman to become a licensed veterinarian in the state of New York.
While Dad had big dreams for himself, he also had big dreams and high expectations for his two sons. Dad’s plan was that my older brother would become a famous lawyer like Clarence Darrow. For me, because I was studying journalism and broadcasting, his intent was that I would be the next Tom Brokow. He wasn’t kidding! Growing up in a household with such high expectations certainly had an impact on me. But something happened. As I grew older I dreamed less and less.
Why do we stop dreaming? Comedian George Carlin speculated one reason when he said, “Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don't have time for all that.” I believe Carlin had it right. It is the obligations and pressures of life that crowd out our dreams.
While Dad had big dreams for himself, he also had big dreams and high expectations for his two sons. Dad’s plan was that my older brother would become a famous lawyer like Clarence Darrow. For me, because I was studying journalism and broadcasting, his intent was that I would be the next Tom Brokow. He wasn’t kidding! Growing up in a household with such high expectations certainly had an impact on me. But something happened. As I grew older I dreamed less and less.
Why do we stop dreaming? Comedian George Carlin speculated one reason when he said, “Some people see things that are and ask, Why? Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not? Some people have to go to work and don't have time for all that.” I believe Carlin had it right. It is the obligations and pressures of life that crowd out our dreams.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Commit to Reflect and Reward:
Once the task is completed, stop and observe what has been accomplished. Take some time to enjoy the “fruits of your labor.” Allow yourself to feel a sense of triumph and pride. Next, evaluate what you have learned and decide what you will do differently next time. Conducting a postmortem will improve your future performance. Finally, what was the nice thing you had planned to do to reward yourself, your family or your team? This “reward time” is where you celebrate the great work done by all. Having a reward planned before you at the start is also useful throughout the process to provide motivation and encouragement when things are not going well.
Once the task is completed, stop and observe what has been accomplished. Take some time to enjoy the “fruits of your labor.” Allow yourself to feel a sense of triumph and pride. Next, evaluate what you have learned and decide what you will do differently next time. Conducting a postmortem will improve your future performance. Finally, what was the nice thing you had planned to do to reward yourself, your family or your team? This “reward time” is where you celebrate the great work done by all. Having a reward planned before you at the start is also useful throughout the process to provide motivation and encouragement when things are not going well.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Commit to Set “Time Frame” Goals:
A strategy requires deadlines as well as interim dates for progress checks. Determine a completion date for every component of the project. Remember that some dates established at the beginning of the project will be unattainable and will need to be adjusted because of unexpected delays.
A strategy requires deadlines as well as interim dates for progress checks. Determine a completion date for every component of the project. Remember that some dates established at the beginning of the project will be unattainable and will need to be adjusted because of unexpected delays.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Commit to Manage Distractions and Interruptions:
Many articles have been written on how to eliminate and avoid distractions and interruptions. Unfortunately, elimination and avoidance does not work. Distractions and interruptions will come. It is our job analyze them and determine their importance. Based on your goals and objectives, decide if something should be dealt with immediately, set aside with a future date assigned, or simply ignored.
Many articles have been written on how to eliminate and avoid distractions and interruptions. Unfortunately, elimination and avoidance does not work. Distractions and interruptions will come. It is our job analyze them and determine their importance. Based on your goals and objectives, decide if something should be dealt with immediately, set aside with a future date assigned, or simply ignored.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
Commit to Plan a Strategy:
The strategy is best planned with the participation of everyone who will be involved in the project. Write down the steps necessary to be successful and who will be responsible for each part. Also, predetermine interim points along the way to evaluate progress. Be ready to make changes. While we anticipate obstacles, we will inevitably face unexpected detours.
The strategy is best planned with the participation of everyone who will be involved in the project. Write down the steps necessary to be successful and who will be responsible for each part. Also, predetermine interim points along the way to evaluate progress. Be ready to make changes. While we anticipate obstacles, we will inevitably face unexpected detours.
It is normal to be afraid when we experience something for the first time. It is not a new phenomenon. The philosopher Aristotle wrote 2300 years ago, “You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.” Author T.S. Elliot takes it a step further when he writes, "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
We all have to fight fear when something is unfamiliar, but the grace of courage is available to all who are willing to try.
We all have to fight fear when something is unfamiliar, but the grace of courage is available to all who are willing to try.
Have you ever heard of a running marathon where 5,000 people start the race but only one finishes? According to the BBC it happened recently in England. The report says that, “Thousands of runners who took part in the Marathon of the North races have been told the course they followed was 264 meters short. Competitors … took a wrong turn in the Sunderland events because marshals were standing in the wrong positions. Only the winner of the full marathon completed the full distance. Only the lead athlete followed the correct route through the Sheepfold area near the Stadium of Light. Unfortunately, the second and third placed runners were not within line of sight of the leader and lead bikes and vehicle. This resulted in all those who followed taking an incorrect route through this section." This story illustrates just how easy it is to get off course.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
The Respect / Contempt Continuum
Author Gary Thomas says, “Contempt is conceived with expectations. Respect is conceived with expressions of gratitude.” Our attitudes about everyone fall within the respect / contempt continuum. On one extreme there are those we revere and on the other there are those we distain. To better understand respect it is best to consider what contempt is all about and to consider the frequency we may be engaging in it.
Author Gary Thomas says, “Contempt is conceived with expectations. Respect is conceived with expressions of gratitude.” Our attitudes about everyone fall within the respect / contempt continuum. On one extreme there are those we revere and on the other there are those we distain. To better understand respect it is best to consider what contempt is all about and to consider the frequency we may be engaging in it.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
The Contempt Cocktail
Contempt focuses on weakness. To make a contempt cocktail go to the cupboard and take one part disgust and one part anger and mix them together. Disgust and anger are at the center of every contemptuous thought. How much of a problem do think contempt is in your relationships? Now, before you conclude that we never treat others with contempt, look with me at some thoughts, feelings, and actions, akin to contempt, that were eye opening when I considered them:
Contempt focuses on weakness. To make a contempt cocktail go to the cupboard and take one part disgust and one part anger and mix them together. Disgust and anger are at the center of every contemptuous thought. How much of a problem do think contempt is in your relationships? Now, before you conclude that we never treat others with contempt, look with me at some thoughts, feelings, and actions, akin to contempt, that were eye opening when I considered them:
- Passing judgment without all the facts
- Comparing ourselves to others
- Focusing on someone’s failings or defects
- Pointing out a persons lack of status
- Devaluing, or creating distance with another
- Speaking with sarcasm or being openly hostile
Thursday, September 29, 2016
The Discipline of Showing Respect
Being respectful of others does not come naturally. It is something that has to be taught. It was the Reverend Billy Graham who said, “A child who is allowed to be disrespectful to his parents will not have true respect for anyone.” In this regard I was fortunate to have been taught respect in my childhood. I remember on one occasion when I was protesting to my father about something my mother wanted me to do. In my frustration I referred to her as “she.” He made it crystal clear, right there and then, that I was never to refer to her as “she” but only as “mom” or “mother.” Throughout my childhood, he insisted that I open the car door for her, never precede her into a room and never begin eating until mom had raised her fork. His training really did teach me to be respectful of others.
Attitudes of respect that we fail to learn growing up at home come more harshly when we enter the real world. For some of us respect was taught to us by a teacher or coach, some learn it in the military and some from their first boss. No matter the teacher, respect has to be learned.
Being respectful of others does not come naturally. It is something that has to be taught. It was the Reverend Billy Graham who said, “A child who is allowed to be disrespectful to his parents will not have true respect for anyone.” In this regard I was fortunate to have been taught respect in my childhood. I remember on one occasion when I was protesting to my father about something my mother wanted me to do. In my frustration I referred to her as “she.” He made it crystal clear, right there and then, that I was never to refer to her as “she” but only as “mom” or “mother.” Throughout my childhood, he insisted that I open the car door for her, never precede her into a room and never begin eating until mom had raised her fork. His training really did teach me to be respectful of others.
Attitudes of respect that we fail to learn growing up at home come more harshly when we enter the real world. For some of us respect was taught to us by a teacher or coach, some learn it in the military and some from their first boss. No matter the teacher, respect has to be learned.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
What About Really Difficult People?
I use the term “really difficult” because, I hate to break it to you, most of us are “difficult” in some way or another. Thankfully, most people do not fall into the “really difficult” category. Unless we have some level of authority over a person, and can deal with their dysfunction directly, we are left with just a few options. Here are my thoughts:
Directive: Avoid drinking the contempt cocktail (disgust plus anger). Actively practice expressing respect.
I use the term “really difficult” because, I hate to break it to you, most of us are “difficult” in some way or another. Thankfully, most people do not fall into the “really difficult” category. Unless we have some level of authority over a person, and can deal with their dysfunction directly, we are left with just a few options. Here are my thoughts:
- Find at least one (hopefully more) redeeming quality and focus on it/them.
- Set boundaries such as limiting time spent together to only essential matters.
- Don’t expect them to ever be different.
- Fight the natural inclination of feeling contempt.
Directive: Avoid drinking the contempt cocktail (disgust plus anger). Actively practice expressing respect.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Respect or Contempt.
It is Our Choice.
Respect really does not come naturally. Confucius said, “Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts? So how do we express respect toward our coworkers, boss, spouse, children and friends? Here are ten recommendations:
It is Our Choice.
Respect really does not come naturally. Confucius said, “Without feelings of respect, what is there to distinguish men from beasts? So how do we express respect toward our coworkers, boss, spouse, children and friends? Here are ten recommendations:
- Listen carefully to people.
- Look every person in the eye.
- Avoid making assumptions by getting all the facts.
- Allow people to make mistakes.
- Ask people questions about their life.
- Choose to produce excellence in your work environment.
- Receive criticism graciously.
- Be an all-weather friend that people can count on.
- Greet people warmly and enthusiastically.
- Follow through on the commitments you make.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Thursday, August 25, 2016
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Jack Welch, the former head of General Electric (who worked his way up from the shop floor to lead one of America’s most successful companies) says it this way, “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.”
So, what is your vision? What do you see? What do you think about that could be or should be?” Before you make any plans spend time seeking vision. Like John Lennon: IMAGINE.
So, what is your vision? What do you see? What do you think about that could be or should be?” Before you make any plans spend time seeking vision. Like John Lennon: IMAGINE.
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Your Vision will be Challenged
I have seen all too frequently people with vision face serious opposition. Vision has a way of making controlling people nervous and insecure people angry. A most recent example of this is 15-year old Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenager shot in the head by the Taliban, for promoting “Western thinking.” Thankfully she recovered and has courageously returned to school. She is not alone. Only a few hundred years before scientists were threatened with retribution, even death, for envisioning “ridiculous” things like the earth being round, and that the sun was at the center of our solar system. Author Chuck Swindoll asserts, “You haven’t really led until you have become familiar with the stinging barbs of the critic. For the leader, opposition is inevitable.”
I have seen all too frequently people with vision face serious opposition. Vision has a way of making controlling people nervous and insecure people angry. A most recent example of this is 15-year old Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenager shot in the head by the Taliban, for promoting “Western thinking.” Thankfully she recovered and has courageously returned to school. She is not alone. Only a few hundred years before scientists were threatened with retribution, even death, for envisioning “ridiculous” things like the earth being round, and that the sun was at the center of our solar system. Author Chuck Swindoll asserts, “You haven’t really led until you have become familiar with the stinging barbs of the critic. For the leader, opposition is inevitable.”
Thursday, August 4, 2016
What Vision Looks Like
Nolen Rollins, in his popular GPS Life Journey curriculum says, “Your vision is usually a series of descriptive (specific and clear) bullet points or statements, rather than one long narrative.” Rollins uses the example of someone who felt called to mentor troubled teenage boys, and describes their vision bullet points like this:
Nolen Rollins, in his popular GPS Life Journey curriculum says, “Your vision is usually a series of descriptive (specific and clear) bullet points or statements, rather than one long narrative.” Rollins uses the example of someone who felt called to mentor troubled teenage boys, and describes their vision bullet points like this:
- I envision being trained on how to mentor young men.
- I envision building strong, healthy relationships with troubled teenage boys.
- I envision a multiplying effect as many of these boys will mentor others in the future.
Thursday, July 28, 2016
How to Practice Vision
When I coach business people and individuals on the importance of vision, I tell them to start their visionary thoughts with the words “I see…” “I see…” statements are followed by vision thoughts that are:
- Intense – vision invokes strong feelings.
- Personal – vision is unique to the one envisioning.
- Vivid – vision often takes on the properties of a mental picture.
- Passionate – vision is something that we must do.
Thursday, July 21, 2016
Beginning to Dream
Michael Hyatt wrote an article describing his journey of taking a struggling company from an “ash heap” to a place of success. He acknowledges his natural bent to think too small. He says, “Through the years, I had learned that if you think about strategy (the “how”) too early, it will actually inhibit your vision (the “what”) and block you from thinking as big as you need to think.”… “The problem is that people get stuck on the how. They don’t see how they could accomplish more, so they throttle back their vision, convinced that they must be “realistic.” Taking Hyatt’s advice, to dream big we need to discipline ourselves to focus more on the “what” instead of the “how.” The level of discipline to do so varies from person to person depending on their personality type. As an example, I have to be very disciplined because I am a strategic thinker. I have to resist the temptation to jump prematurely to strategy. People with personalities different from mine find it easier to focus on the “what” and avoid jumping to the “how.”
Michael Hyatt wrote an article describing his journey of taking a struggling company from an “ash heap” to a place of success. He acknowledges his natural bent to think too small. He says, “Through the years, I had learned that if you think about strategy (the “how”) too early, it will actually inhibit your vision (the “what”) and block you from thinking as big as you need to think.”… “The problem is that people get stuck on the how. They don’t see how they could accomplish more, so they throttle back their vision, convinced that they must be “realistic.” Taking Hyatt’s advice, to dream big we need to discipline ourselves to focus more on the “what” instead of the “how.” The level of discipline to do so varies from person to person depending on their personality type. As an example, I have to be very disciplined because I am a strategic thinker. I have to resist the temptation to jump prematurely to strategy. People with personalities different from mine find it easier to focus on the “what” and avoid jumping to the “how.”
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Vision is a picture of what we believe the future will look like. It is a reality that we anticipate and a belief about what should be. While I have led organizations and individuals through the steps of strategic planning for some time, the issue of vision is a more recent discovery for me. I have learned that while an organization or person may have a plan for success, if I have them place a greater focus on vision, their strategy becomes better and they are more successful.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Can You Imagine?
Perhaps the most beautiful and yet haunting song of the 1970’s was John Lennon’s, “Imagine.” I first heard it in the same place I heard all music of that era, driving in my dune buggy. What I did not know at the time was that it was inspired by a Christian prayer book Lennon had been reading. According to a published interview, Lennon said he envisioned a peaceful world, “not without religion but without this my God-is-bigger-than-your-God thing…” Whether you embrace Lennon’s view of utopia or not, there is no denying that the man and his composition were big on vision.
Perhaps the most beautiful and yet haunting song of the 1970’s was John Lennon’s, “Imagine.” I first heard it in the same place I heard all music of that era, driving in my dune buggy. What I did not know at the time was that it was inspired by a Christian prayer book Lennon had been reading. According to a published interview, Lennon said he envisioned a peaceful world, “not without religion but without this my God-is-bigger-than-your-God thing…” Whether you embrace Lennon’s view of utopia or not, there is no denying that the man and his composition were big on vision.
Thursday, June 30, 2016
It Began With a Mouse
If you tour a Disney property you will eventually come across this slogan. “Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.” As one who believes that every person on earth was created with a God-sized purpose, I know that whatever your dream is that “All things are possible…”
Directive: Tell life to “take a number.” Set aside time to dream and envision your future. You will never be the same.
If you tour a Disney property you will eventually come across this slogan. “Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.” As one who believes that every person on earth was created with a God-sized purpose, I know that whatever your dream is that “All things are possible…”
Directive: Tell life to “take a number.” Set aside time to dream and envision your future. You will never be the same.
Thursday, May 19, 2016
Dreaming is About our Vision of the Future
When I coach someone through the GPS Life Journey I encourage them to dream and envision their future. Here is what the GPS curriculum says about dreaming and visioning. “Your vision is where you are going. It is where you need to go to fulfill your mission. It describes what the future will look like when you accomplish your mission.” “You should be very passionate about your vision. It should bring great excitement and a sense of anticipation into your life.” Those who participate in the sessions set aside time to dream and envision their future. It may start slowly, but they begin to dream again.
When I coach someone through the GPS Life Journey I encourage them to dream and envision their future. Here is what the GPS curriculum says about dreaming and visioning. “Your vision is where you are going. It is where you need to go to fulfill your mission. It describes what the future will look like when you accomplish your mission.” “You should be very passionate about your vision. It should bring great excitement and a sense of anticipation into your life.” Those who participate in the sessions set aside time to dream and envision their future. It may start slowly, but they begin to dream again.
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Keep Your Eye on the Ball
Every yard gained in the red-zone comes with great difficulty. We all face our own 300 pound linemen in the form of being disappointed with life, tired and wanting a rest, having lost our vision for the future and an array of other formidable enemies. Going all the way in life is not easy. Some tragically stop having made it 80% of the way. Don’t wimp out on the last 20 yards. Remember, you have a secret weapon. It’s your natural ability that is now combined with experience and influence. As my friend leading the seminar told us, “You have leverage!” So, take it and change the world!
Every yard gained in the red-zone comes with great difficulty. We all face our own 300 pound linemen in the form of being disappointed with life, tired and wanting a rest, having lost our vision for the future and an array of other formidable enemies. Going all the way in life is not easy. Some tragically stop having made it 80% of the way. Don’t wimp out on the last 20 yards. Remember, you have a secret weapon. It’s your natural ability that is now combined with experience and influence. As my friend leading the seminar told us, “You have leverage!” So, take it and change the world!
Thursday, April 21, 2016
We Have Enemies: The first enemy is ourselves. We are our own worst enemy when we fail to properly process our despair, decide to take a long nap or stay vision-less and apathetic toward the future.
Friends and associates can also hold us back. Sometimes they become uncomfortable when we are willing to take reasonable risks that they are not willing to take. They may try to discourage us in order to remain comfortable with their own state of mediocrity. This is a great contrast to those in our life who encourage us when we make difficult decisions. Those are our real friends.
There is also spiritual resistance. This kind of resistance is unseen but clearly felt. The Apostle Paul described it in the Bible when he wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Paul make it very clear that we deal with a warfare that is not against people, but against the spiritual powers that operate behind the scenes through people.
Friends and associates can also hold us back. Sometimes they become uncomfortable when we are willing to take reasonable risks that they are not willing to take. They may try to discourage us in order to remain comfortable with their own state of mediocrity. This is a great contrast to those in our life who encourage us when we make difficult decisions. Those are our real friends.
There is also spiritual resistance. This kind of resistance is unseen but clearly felt. The Apostle Paul described it in the Bible when he wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Paul make it very clear that we deal with a warfare that is not against people, but against the spiritual powers that operate behind the scenes through people.
Thursday, April 14, 2016
We lose vision: Helen Keller is quoted as saying, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight, but no vision.” Only months before her second birthday Helen became blind and deaf as the result of sickness. However, she defied the odds and became a popular author and lecturer. Although she lacked sight and hearing, she had a clear vision for her life.
It is easy to lose our vision for the future when we plod through life trying to make a buck and meet the needs of those around us. Life can become drudgery, predictable and inward focused. Unlike Helen Keller, we might decide to play it safe and live an apathetic life. While it may not be possible for some to regain sight, with effort, everyone can regain vision and hope for the future.
It is easy to lose our vision for the future when we plod through life trying to make a buck and meet the needs of those around us. Life can become drudgery, predictable and inward focused. Unlike Helen Keller, we might decide to play it safe and live an apathetic life. While it may not be possible for some to regain sight, with effort, everyone can regain vision and hope for the future.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
We are tired and believe we deserve a rest: I will not deny that on occasion the press of life gets so great that we legitimately need a forced rest. Most of the time, however, we are like a long distance runner who “hits a wall.” Marathon runners reach a point half way through the race where they believe that they can go no further. Everything in them wants to stop. Runners have learned, however, to push through this phase of the race. Seemingly, from out of nowhere comes a burst of energy, the wall crumbles and they are able to finish the race.
It is that way for those of us in the red-zone, as well. Yes, we are tired, but just on the other side of our desire to rest there is a burst of energy that will take us all the way into the end-zone. F. Scott Fitzgerald said it like this, “There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired.” Don’t buy into the lie of the latter.
It is that way for those of us in the red-zone, as well. Yes, we are tired, but just on the other side of our desire to rest there is a burst of energy that will take us all the way into the end-zone. F. Scott Fitzgerald said it like this, “There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired.” Don’t buy into the lie of the latter.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
We carry disappointments: Life takes its toll. If we lack a right perspective, disappointments and setbacks accumulate over time and can cause depression and an inability to have hope for the future. Franciscan author Richard Rohr put it this way, “Until we walk with despair, and still have hope, we will not know that our hope was not just hope in ourselves, in our own successes, in our power to make a difference, in our image of what perfection should be. We need hope from a much deeper Source. We need a hope larger than ourselves.”… “This very journey is probably the heart of what Jesus came to reveal.” I agree that when it comes to processing disappointments it is more about where you process them than how you process them.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
What’s all this Resistance?
As we work our way through the red-zone we will encounter resistance. In football, it comes in the form of 300 pound linemen who are determined to push us back. In life it comes in four forms:
As we work our way through the red-zone we will encounter resistance. In football, it comes in the form of 300 pound linemen who are determined to push us back. In life it comes in four forms:
- We carry disappointments
- We are tired and believe we deserve a rest
- We have lost vision
- We have enemies
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Every Yard is Gained with Difficulty
Even with leverage the way forward is not easy. Nothing meaningful and significant has ever come easily to me and I suspect the same is true for you. Any large goal whether in business, family or marriage comes at a price. In an interview, the late Steve Jobs, speaking about passion, said he would have never accomplished much at Apple unless he had been passionate about it. Personally, I have found that passion is an inward drive that tells me what I “must do.” It is the energy that gets me back up when I fail in an attempt to accomplish something meaningful. Equally important to leverage, passion is an essential component in penetrating the red-zone.
Even with leverage the way forward is not easy. Nothing meaningful and significant has ever come easily to me and I suspect the same is true for you. Any large goal whether in business, family or marriage comes at a price. In an interview, the late Steve Jobs, speaking about passion, said he would have never accomplished much at Apple unless he had been passionate about it. Personally, I have found that passion is an inward drive that tells me what I “must do.” It is the energy that gets me back up when I fail in an attempt to accomplish something meaningful. Equally important to leverage, passion is an essential component in penetrating the red-zone.
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Prepared for the Red-Zone
At a recent seminar the presenter talked about how life can prepare us to have our greatest impact in our second half. What he presented I have put in the form of a mathematical equation: Raw Ability + Gained Wisdom + Influence or Position = Leverage. Raw ability is the gifts and talents we are born with. Gained wisdom is what we learn over the course of our life. Influence or position is the recognition by others that we are competent. Added together we get leverage. Leverage is our total-self which is expressed in our increased ability to influence and bring about change. I would argue that leverage is one of our greatest asset in successfully penetrating the red-zone.
At a recent seminar the presenter talked about how life can prepare us to have our greatest impact in our second half. What he presented I have put in the form of a mathematical equation: Raw Ability + Gained Wisdom + Influence or Position = Leverage. Raw ability is the gifts and talents we are born with. Gained wisdom is what we learn over the course of our life. Influence or position is the recognition by others that we are competent. Added together we get leverage. Leverage is our total-self which is expressed in our increased ability to influence and bring about change. I would argue that leverage is one of our greatest asset in successfully penetrating the red-zone.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Your Secret Weapon in the Red-Zone
Football offers a good analogy that is relevant to life. In football, the “red-zone” is where you are about to score a touchdown, but gaining additional yardage is harder. When you are in the red-zone, you are somewhere between your opponents 20 yard line and the end zone. You have marched your team as far as 80 yards down the field. You can see, feel and taste the end zone. For the average professional team, 50% of the time they will not make it through the red-zone and make a touchdown.
Why is it possible to make it successfully 80 yards and not the final 20 yards? The reason is that in the red-zone the opposing team has a distinct advantage. They now only have to defend 10 yards of the end-zone and from one to 20 yards of the playing field. This short field gives them added resources to put up resistance. That increased short-field resistance is what makes the pathway through the red-zone so difficult.
Football offers a good analogy that is relevant to life. In football, the “red-zone” is where you are about to score a touchdown, but gaining additional yardage is harder. When you are in the red-zone, you are somewhere between your opponents 20 yard line and the end zone. You have marched your team as far as 80 yards down the field. You can see, feel and taste the end zone. For the average professional team, 50% of the time they will not make it through the red-zone and make a touchdown.
Why is it possible to make it successfully 80 yards and not the final 20 yards? The reason is that in the red-zone the opposing team has a distinct advantage. They now only have to defend 10 yards of the end-zone and from one to 20 yards of the playing field. This short field gives them added resources to put up resistance. That increased short-field resistance is what makes the pathway through the red-zone so difficult.
Thursday, February 25, 2016
Eight Attributes of a Great Leader # 8
Are you a Chairman, President, CEO, Pastor, department head or project leader? If you are or aspire to be, there are several highly critical attributes of good leadership. From my experience I have learned that great leaders possess eight qualities:
8. Establish the organizational culture.
Not unlike a parent, great leaders lead by example and establish the organization’s culture. This
includes how we treat coworkers, appropriate language, elimination of
gossip, putting internal and external customers first, a serving state
of mind, and appropriate attitudes in the work place.
Ok leader, how do you measure up against this standard? If it is missing from your present management style, include it today and you’ll begin to see results tomorrow. (Conclusion)
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Eight Attributes of a Great Leader # 7
Are you a Chairman, President, CEO, Pastor, department head or project leader? If you are or aspire to be, there are several highly critical attributes of good leadership. From my experience I have learned that great leaders possess eight qualities:
7. Constantly checks progress against the plan.
Great leaders work from a written strategic plan no matter how small the project. They constantly measure their progress in achieving stated objectives. They are flexible and adjust the plan as needed.
Ok leader, how do you measure up against this standard? If
it is missing from your present management style, include it today and
you’ll begin to see results tomorrow. (To be continued.)
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Eight Attributes of a Great Leader # 6
Are you a Chairman, President, CEO, Pastor, department head or project leader? If you are or aspire to be, there are several highly critical attributes of good leadership. From my experience I have learned that great leaders possess eight qualities:
6. Seek outside mentoring.
Whether
through a trade or professional association, consultant or management
coach, great leaders seek the advice of experts so that they can be
their best. This view from the outside will help the leader see what‘s needed and the next steps more clearly.
Ok leader, how do you measure up against this standard? If
it is missing from your present management style, include it today and
you’ll begin to see results tomorrow. (To be continued.)
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Eight Attributes of a Great Leader # 5
Are you a Chairman, President, CEO, Pastor, department head or project leader? If you are or aspire to be, there are several highly critical attributes of good leadership. From my experience I have learned that great leaders possess eight qualities:
5. Value the input of his/her team members.
Many times the best ideas and greatest wisdom comes from those working in the trenches. Great leaders ask their team what they think and take their ideas seriously.
Ok leader, how do you measure up against this standard? If
it is missing from your present management style, include it today and
you’ll begin to see results tomorrow. (To be continued.)
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Eight Attributes of a Great Leader # 4
Are you a Chairman, President, CEO, Pastor, department head or project leader? If you are or aspire to be, there are several highly critical attributes of good leadership. From my experience I have learned that great leaders possess eight qualities:
4. Give responsibility only with authority.
Team members need authority and independence to make decisions. Without authority they will be unsuccessful and become frustrated and discouraged.
Ok leader, how do you measure up against this standard? If it is missing from your present management style, include it today and you’ll begin to see results tomorrow. (To be continued.)
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Eight Attributes of a Great Leader # 3
Are you a Chairman, President, CEO, Pastor, department head or project leader? If you are or aspire to be, there are several highly critical attributes of good leadership. From my experience I have learned that great leaders possess eight qualities:
3. Affirming those serving with him/her.
Leadership tells team members about their positive qualities and praises their accomplishments. Such affirmation will raise the team’s performance to the next level. Great leaders place people ahead of results, direct their improvement, and deal with workplace problems swiftly.
Ok leader, how do you measure up against this standard? If
it is missing from your present management style, include it today and
you’ll begin to see results tomorrow. (To be continued.)
Thursday, January 14, 2016
Eight Attributes of a Great Leader # 2
Are you a Chairman, President, CEO, Pastor, department head or project leader? If you are or aspire to be, there are several highly critical attributes of good leadership. From my experience I have learned that great leaders possess eight qualities:
2. Chief cheerleader of the vision.
Great leaders keep the vision focused. They motivate and by sharing their enthusiasm, they create enthusiasm among their team.
Great leaders keep the vision focused. They motivate and by sharing their enthusiasm, they create enthusiasm among their team.
Ok leader, how do you measure up against this standard? If it is missing from your present management style, include it today and you’ll begin to see results tomorrow.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Eight Attributes of a Great Leader # 1
Are you a Chairman, President, CEO, Pastor, department head or project leader? If you are or aspire to be, there are several highly critical attributes of good leadership. From my experience I have learned that great leaders possess eight qualities:
1. Highly visible.
A great leader takes the time to get to know those who are working for him/her. More then having an open door policy, they circulate through their team several times a day encouraging, clarifying, and affirming them.
A great leader takes the time to get to know those who are working for him/her. More then having an open door policy, they circulate through their team several times a day encouraging, clarifying, and affirming them.
Ok leader, how do you measure up against this standard? If
it is missing from your present management style, include it today and
you’ll begin to see results tomorrow. (To be continued.)
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