Practice makes perfect. We have all heard this a time or five. The reality is, the more we practice something, the more we own it.
One of my favorite things to practice is having a conversation. So much learning takes place in a conversation it is important to me to make sure I own this skill. Much of the success or advancement of a conversation is a direct result of honing specific components within each dialog. Conversations are about asking questions, listening, participating. They are about exchanging ideas and being present. It's seeing something and saying something. Needless to say there is a lot to a conversation and its hard work to have a really good one. One of the most underrated pieces of a conversation is the name it component.
To see it is one thing. To name it is completely separate. Naming isn't just describing or telling, illustrating or explaining something. Naming is specific, your very own definition of what is happening through your lens. Naming is your words not your bosses or some fancy lingo you got from the company website. Naming it isn't calling out some buzzword or corporate slogan but a real authentic description of what is actual. Naming is content of what you see and the context of who you see it with.
We underestimate how powerful this single component can have on a conversation. Naming it is so crucial to uncovering what happens next, creating ownership and accountability, and giving you a platform to build on. Practice this single skill over the phone, on your sales floor, or with your kids. Take 20 minutes to name what is happening around you. View your surroundings through a new, unfiltered lens. Giving life to the world around you.
The result of your findings will amaze you.
Your ideas, thoughts and actions will be different.
Your conversations will forever change.
How you see the world has officially been altered.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Tell Your Story
Stories are incredible! I have met some pretty amazing story tellers throughout my life, all have had significant impact.
Stories connect the dots. We name things that come alive by our stories. They paint a picture or help make a statement. Some are lengthy and very elaborate, some are short but bold. Stories orchestrate, explain, even define what is happening.
Stories are the glue that hold together a series of thoughts or ideas, opinions or direction. They bring life to a screen, stage, book, magazine or radio. The creation of ideas, the culmination of studies, or repeated practice all help to produce excellent ones.
Stories make you lean into a conversation, sit up in your seat, or march for a cause. They inspire us to do better, give you education on the unknown. The best stories leave a lasting impression, something that you draw from days even years later.
Hone your story telling skill, you will have an audience. Practice it enough you will have a movement.
What's your story?
Stories connect the dots. We name things that come alive by our stories. They paint a picture or help make a statement. Some are lengthy and very elaborate, some are short but bold. Stories orchestrate, explain, even define what is happening.
Stories are the glue that hold together a series of thoughts or ideas, opinions or direction. They bring life to a screen, stage, book, magazine or radio. The creation of ideas, the culmination of studies, or repeated practice all help to produce excellent ones.
Stories make you lean into a conversation, sit up in your seat, or march for a cause. They inspire us to do better, give you education on the unknown. The best stories leave a lasting impression, something that you draw from days even years later.
Hone your story telling skill, you will have an audience. Practice it enough you will have a movement.
What's your story?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Think About It
We become what we think about.
I first heard that phrase almost ten years ago from an Earl Nightingale CD called "The Strangest Secret". My boss at the time, my first professional mentor, had given it to me after about three months on the job. He told me to listen to it and think.
I'm glad I listened.
Though Mr. Nightingale's recording was produced in the 1950's and a little rough on some details as it pertains to the current year, remarkably his message remains true, "we become what we think about". In a short 30+ minutes he offers many pieces of advice, all of which is built on this premise and everything is there for the taking as long as you believe it can happen. I imagine if I were to talk to any successful person on this planet (however you define success) they would probably share something similar. They set a goal or initiative in their heads and achieved it. There was focus on what was possible, not what could go wrong. Discussions had to be done with confidence, not with apprehension. Knowledge had no limits.
Perhaps you have something important to do this week, think about how successful you will be. Think about the impact you can have, the impression you can leave. Maybe there is an opportunity to share success with others, even amongst people you may not know, think about how to name this success and how it shows up for them. Think about what you are doing to drive success, today, tomorrow, or the day after. Really think about it.
Think about all that is possible, become all that is possible.
I first heard that phrase almost ten years ago from an Earl Nightingale CD called "The Strangest Secret". My boss at the time, my first professional mentor, had given it to me after about three months on the job. He told me to listen to it and think.
I'm glad I listened.
Though Mr. Nightingale's recording was produced in the 1950's and a little rough on some details as it pertains to the current year, remarkably his message remains true, "we become what we think about". In a short 30+ minutes he offers many pieces of advice, all of which is built on this premise and everything is there for the taking as long as you believe it can happen. I imagine if I were to talk to any successful person on this planet (however you define success) they would probably share something similar. They set a goal or initiative in their heads and achieved it. There was focus on what was possible, not what could go wrong. Discussions had to be done with confidence, not with apprehension. Knowledge had no limits.
Perhaps you have something important to do this week, think about how successful you will be. Think about the impact you can have, the impression you can leave. Maybe there is an opportunity to share success with others, even amongst people you may not know, think about how to name this success and how it shows up for them. Think about what you are doing to drive success, today, tomorrow, or the day after. Really think about it.
Think about all that is possible, become all that is possible.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Connections
Have you ever met someone that you feel like you have known forever? Instant connection. Instant biology, I mean chemistry. You immediately see who they are. You spend the rest of your lives together. Special connection.
Perhaps you re-connected with someone you have known forever and they helped to provide strength, wisdom, and guidance about your life ahead. You shared things, maybe things you have never shared, and the lens you view the world has forever changed. Life's gifts become more. Priorities change. Loving connection.
Maybe you have had a feeling of being someplace before, even though you have never stepped foot in those surroundings prior. A connection to a place that almost brings you to your knees and tears to your eyes. You feel at home, at peace. Spiritual connection.
There are millions of ways to connect with people, places, or things. Perhaps we take those connections for granted until they are taken away. Nothing replaces these connections, we just learn how to connect more. Think about your connections, how can you strengthen your existing and perhaps build new.
Perhaps you re-connected with someone you have known forever and they helped to provide strength, wisdom, and guidance about your life ahead. You shared things, maybe things you have never shared, and the lens you view the world has forever changed. Life's gifts become more. Priorities change. Loving connection.
Maybe you have had a feeling of being someplace before, even though you have never stepped foot in those surroundings prior. A connection to a place that almost brings you to your knees and tears to your eyes. You feel at home, at peace. Spiritual connection.
There are millions of ways to connect with people, places, or things. Perhaps we take those connections for granted until they are taken away. Nothing replaces these connections, we just learn how to connect more. Think about your connections, how can you strengthen your existing and perhaps build new.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Underdog
Not sure it is always fun to be the underdog.
The underdog gets forgotten once they lose. If they win they get called lucky. Statements like “I knew it” or “I told you so” come out in losses. Words like “surprised” and “unbelievable” get used to describe a victory. It’s a tough gig to be the underdog, not easy and certainly the more difficult path.
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) wasn’t supposed to make it very far in this year’s NCAA Men’s College Basketball Tournament. The Rams received a #11 seed and thought by many as not even deserving of an invitation to the tournament. The prize VCU got for getting into the tournament… one of the four “play-in games” to see how good they were. Not only did they win, they won big! They have continued to win big the past two weeks. Five straight victories and each game they have been the underdog.
VCU plays for the opportunity to go to the Championship on Saturday. HUGE!
See we forget the little guy. We play down to a perceived lesser opponent. We assume the favorite wins. We make decisions based on results, not effort. We make judgments on someone’s talent, not their heart. We pick TEAM’s based on history or legacy not how they show up or practice. We replace luck with skill. No thanks.
It’s about time we reconsider our thinking.
Fortunately for us, VCU reminded us of what is possible. Imagine what underdogs exist in your brackets. Who is the underdog in your tournament? What are the possibilities from your underdogs? What Cinderella will show up big for you next?
Think about what is possible for your organization, amongst your clients, or within your TEAM, there may be an underdog lurking.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Customer Appreciation
Your customers deserve to be appreciated. How do you make sure they are?
No matter the loyal ones, the new ones, the quiet ones, the loud ones or the ones somewhere in the middle, everyone deserves appreciation. The quality of appreciation will result in the quality of partnership. All too often I see transactions occur, no relationship. Or a business is advanced but no follow up. Or a lengthy customer is taken for granted and leaves to a competitor.
Think about the impact you have with the customers you interact with daily. Think about what is possible with those relationships. The least you can do is appreciate them.
Here's a couple of ideas...
It's the simple things that count. What if you created a post card with their favorite place, person, team, or quote on it and sent it as a thank you note. Share with them how much it meant to do business with them.
Add some tech. Follow this new business on Twitter (better yet get them started on Twitter and show them the impact this can have on their business), comment on their website or blog. Create your own video message to send them about any additional ideas you may come up with to help their business. Or highlight their business in your next write up, in your blog, or on your website.
Check in when they least expect. Send them a note after you read an article about their industry, forward a book you thought they may like, or deliver a coffee card from a new place close to their office. Keep it about them, their family, or their business & industry.
Millions of other possibilities. Anxious to hear yours. What ways do you show your appreciation for your customers today? How do you follow up with them? Where else can you show your appreciation for your customers?
No matter the loyal ones, the new ones, the quiet ones, the loud ones or the ones somewhere in the middle, everyone deserves appreciation. The quality of appreciation will result in the quality of partnership. All too often I see transactions occur, no relationship. Or a business is advanced but no follow up. Or a lengthy customer is taken for granted and leaves to a competitor.
Think about the impact you have with the customers you interact with daily. Think about what is possible with those relationships. The least you can do is appreciate them.
Here's a couple of ideas...
It's the simple things that count. What if you created a post card with their favorite place, person, team, or quote on it and sent it as a thank you note. Share with them how much it meant to do business with them.
Add some tech. Follow this new business on Twitter (better yet get them started on Twitter and show them the impact this can have on their business), comment on their website or blog. Create your own video message to send them about any additional ideas you may come up with to help their business. Or highlight their business in your next write up, in your blog, or on your website.
Check in when they least expect. Send them a note after you read an article about their industry, forward a book you thought they may like, or deliver a coffee card from a new place close to their office. Keep it about them, their family, or their business & industry.
Millions of other possibilities. Anxious to hear yours. What ways do you show your appreciation for your customers today? How do you follow up with them? Where else can you show your appreciation for your customers?
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Caring Is Underrated
Caring is so so underrated. Not enough people understand the impact caring has on who they are. Caring is the greatest human strategy on the planet! Caring is the greatest business/networking/sales/communication/marketing strategy on the planet. There is no flaw in caring too much, only not enough.
Caring is in our DNA, its something you are born with for sure, better yet its something you constantly develop over time. Sure we all have circumstance that gives us a baseline of caring, but how we further develop it is up to us. Your level of care is right there for the taking. We don't get lucky and have more care than others. We are not genetically more prone to care more than the person next to us. We don't win the lottery of caring. Caring is a choice. Caring is learned. Caring matters.
Caring is not saying that you do. Caring is not talking about it when everyone is watching. Caring isn't when times are good. Caring is not short term motivator. Caring isn't doing what you have to do. Caring is not standard. Caring isn't convenient. Caring is not telling people. Caring isn't showing up randomly. Caring is more.
Caring is when your Orthodontist shows up on a Saturday to put your braces on because she knows what a crazy schedule you have during the week. (Mine did this past Saturday and inspired this post! Thank you Dr. DeLeon!) Caring is telling everyone I know about my experience with Dr. DeLeon and posting amazing comments about her online. Caring is when your boss sends you an anniversary card thanking you for another awesome year of work. Caring is calling the customers that came in your stores the day prior and asking how we could serve them better. Caring is sending a congratulatory note to a recently promoted business leader in your community, somebody you don't even know. Caring is following the recent business account you just closed on Twitter. Caring is sending a thank you card to the husband/wife/partner/child/parent of your employee because you know how hard they work and how much time they dedicate to their job. Caring is learning a new language because it would better serve the community you work in. Caring is getting your server's name at a restaurant, remembering it and using it your entire stay. Caring is speaking up for what's right even when it's not the popular thing to do. Caring is asking how people are, about their family, or life outside, nothing else. Caring is asking for advice, counsel, or feedback. Caring is commenting on someones blog or website. Caring is responding to those comments regardless if they are good or bad. Caring is admitting that you made mistakes. Caring is hosting lunch with a group of peers so you can learn how to be better at what you do. Caring is reading a book as a TEAM and discussing how it relates to your business. Caring is spending an entire day with someone in another department to learn what they do and why they do it. Caring is enrolling in leadership classes unprovoked. Caring is calling somebody you admire and telling them so.Caring is launching a website called YouCare.com and posting videos, blogs, tweets, or Facebook comments that showcase what it means to care. Caring is teaching others to care, opening your very own University of Care. Caring is a million things more.
Trust me, caring is underrated. Everyone is so focused on where are we to this number or how many of that we made or we need more of this. It's all about the what, the now, the present. Caring is about why or how those numbers are or are not met.Caring is about reviewing history and looking to the future. Caring makes all the difference. You cant fake it, you cant buy it, you can only earn it. Caring is influenced by people, places, and things around you. Your level of care is directly proportionate to your level of personal accountability. The more you care, the more accountable you are, to yourself and others. The more accountable you are the greater your impact. Like I said, the greatest, most underrated human strategy ever!
How do you care?
Caring is in our DNA, its something you are born with for sure, better yet its something you constantly develop over time. Sure we all have circumstance that gives us a baseline of caring, but how we further develop it is up to us. Your level of care is right there for the taking. We don't get lucky and have more care than others. We are not genetically more prone to care more than the person next to us. We don't win the lottery of caring. Caring is a choice. Caring is learned. Caring matters.
Caring is not saying that you do. Caring is not talking about it when everyone is watching. Caring isn't when times are good. Caring is not short term motivator. Caring isn't doing what you have to do. Caring is not standard. Caring isn't convenient. Caring is not telling people. Caring isn't showing up randomly. Caring is more.
Caring is when your Orthodontist shows up on a Saturday to put your braces on because she knows what a crazy schedule you have during the week. (Mine did this past Saturday and inspired this post! Thank you Dr. DeLeon!) Caring is telling everyone I know about my experience with Dr. DeLeon and posting amazing comments about her online. Caring is when your boss sends you an anniversary card thanking you for another awesome year of work. Caring is calling the customers that came in your stores the day prior and asking how we could serve them better. Caring is sending a congratulatory note to a recently promoted business leader in your community, somebody you don't even know. Caring is following the recent business account you just closed on Twitter. Caring is sending a thank you card to the husband/wife/partner/child/parent of your employee because you know how hard they work and how much time they dedicate to their job. Caring is learning a new language because it would better serve the community you work in. Caring is getting your server's name at a restaurant, remembering it and using it your entire stay. Caring is speaking up for what's right even when it's not the popular thing to do. Caring is asking how people are, about their family, or life outside, nothing else. Caring is asking for advice, counsel, or feedback. Caring is commenting on someones blog or website. Caring is responding to those comments regardless if they are good or bad. Caring is admitting that you made mistakes. Caring is hosting lunch with a group of peers so you can learn how to be better at what you do. Caring is reading a book as a TEAM and discussing how it relates to your business. Caring is spending an entire day with someone in another department to learn what they do and why they do it. Caring is enrolling in leadership classes unprovoked. Caring is calling somebody you admire and telling them so.Caring is launching a website called YouCare.com and posting videos, blogs, tweets, or Facebook comments that showcase what it means to care. Caring is teaching others to care, opening your very own University of Care. Caring is a million things more.
Trust me, caring is underrated. Everyone is so focused on where are we to this number or how many of that we made or we need more of this. It's all about the what, the now, the present. Caring is about why or how those numbers are or are not met.Caring is about reviewing history and looking to the future. Caring makes all the difference. You cant fake it, you cant buy it, you can only earn it. Caring is influenced by people, places, and things around you. Your level of care is directly proportionate to your level of personal accountability. The more you care, the more accountable you are, to yourself and others. The more accountable you are the greater your impact. Like I said, the greatest, most underrated human strategy ever!
How do you care?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Worth The Call
Earlier this week I was reminded (yet again!) of the power a conversation has. When two people share a topic, each listening to and engaging with the others' words its a beautiful thing. Two parties asking questions and throwing out "what if" scenarios; building, advancing thoughts, and creating ideas. Solid! Our topics weren't revolutionary, nor were our solutions extraordinary, but a foundation was laid for what's next. It was that the conversation took place and advanced a partnership. The conversation leveraged strengths, tapped into creativity and emotion that created a series of discussions. Torches were lit, minds were ignited, ideas streamed; ultimately a momentum of success followed.
Oh yeah... these conversations started with a phone call. The partnership, the advancement, and the creation all came sight unseen. Worth the call?
Better yet, why wouldn't I make the call? Why wouldn't I make 20 (my goal each day) of these calls a day? The crazy thing is, all too often we pass up the opportunity to make the call.We have the time but we fill it with something else that selfishly ignites our mind, not others. We (You!) have an obligation to others to make the call. It's your parents, your kids, your peers, your Leaders, your boss, etc. We drive from destination to destination, what happens in between? We have breaks in-between meetings, or classes, or customers, what do we fill them with? We send emails instead of talk, we send texts instead of having a conversation, trust me its worth the call. Perhaps we don't know what to say. Perhaps we don't trust that on the other side of that conversation is success next. Perhaps we have to go out on an limb, engage, or be vulnerable. Perhaps, just perhaps, you can create, ignite, involve, engage, advance, or have success next. Trust me, it's worth the call.
What are you waiting for?
Oh yeah... these conversations started with a phone call. The partnership, the advancement, and the creation all came sight unseen. Worth the call?
Better yet, why wouldn't I make the call? Why wouldn't I make 20 (my goal each day) of these calls a day? The crazy thing is, all too often we pass up the opportunity to make the call.We have the time but we fill it with something else that selfishly ignites our mind, not others. We (You!) have an obligation to others to make the call. It's your parents, your kids, your peers, your Leaders, your boss, etc. We drive from destination to destination, what happens in between? We have breaks in-between meetings, or classes, or customers, what do we fill them with? We send emails instead of talk, we send texts instead of having a conversation, trust me its worth the call. Perhaps we don't know what to say. Perhaps we don't trust that on the other side of that conversation is success next. Perhaps we have to go out on an limb, engage, or be vulnerable. Perhaps, just perhaps, you can create, ignite, involve, engage, advance, or have success next. Trust me, it's worth the call.
What are you waiting for?
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Motivation... Inspiration...
Motivation. (Smile)
Where would we be without motivation? Motivation helps you create, it helps you achieve, it provides. Motivation is the next gear, the difference between winning the Championship and not. Motivation comes from something you read or hear or see or don't read or don't hear or don't see. Motivation comes from your boss, your peers, your mentors, your family, your priest, your Facebook friends.
We all need motivation. We all need a driving force, something that challenges us to be amazing, to deliver something beautiful. Motivation is a critical component to the success of people. Motivation works wonders, it keeps us focused, determined, and involved. Motivation is essential to the performance of the TEAM you lead, how you participate in their success. Motivation to study for a test. Motivation to climb Mt Everest. Motivation is strong, sturdy, and powerful. Motivation is essential.
Motivation is a great thing... for the most part.
The problem with motivation? It has an expiration date.
I argue that motivation, the act or instance of motivating, the state or condition of being motivated, something that motivates (dictionary.com), has a beginning and an end. It's a short, yet precise burst of energy. Not unlike a match that is struck, it ignites a flame, burns bright and emits heat, but eventually burns out. Motivation is a defined time frame in which greatness will occur. Motivation to sell more stuff, motivation to achieve goals, or motivation to deliver a project. Motivation is a sprint; OK maybe a 400 meter sprint, but a sprint nonetheless. You are motivated to read the rest of this blog because I just shook your definition of motivation and you want to know what I have to say next. Motivation is something you do, (shameless plug for last weeks post) dare I say a destination. It's how you start or how you finish, that is motivation. One must realize the impact of motivation, the need of motivation, the understanding of motivation.
What's beyond motivation?
Inspiration! (Bigger SMILE!)
Different story. Different level.
Where would we be without inspiration? Inspiration helps you to navigate, it helps you engage, it consumes. Inspiration is the internal fire within, it's your soul, an obligation. Inspiration is enhanced by something you read or hear or see or don't read or don't hear or don't see. Inspiration comes from people, books, things, music, art, history, rainbows.
We all need inspiration. We all need a purpose, an internal gauge that steers us forward. Something that engages others around you, that leaves places better than how you found them, or saves an entire species. Inspiration is a gift that keeps giving, a pay-it-forward way of life. Inspiration to change thinking. Inspiration to change humanity. Inspiration to eliminate racism. Inspiration is essential.
The distinct difference between motivation and inspiration is the timing. I would argue that one cannot be inspired without being motivated, however it is possible to be motivated yet not inspired. We may be motivated by money (often a common denominator) but is it what gets you up in the morning? Motivation to pay the bills, buy cool stuff, or create opportunity is certainly a part of our lives, but is it what inspires us daily? Inspiration has no expiration date, no beginning or end, no lifespan. Inspiration has a continuous flow, a trajectory of limitless potential. Motivation is the weekend sale, inspiration is the days in-between. Constant progression is inspiration. Completing training is motivation. Inspiration is the journey, its something you are. Your inspiration is the action that happens after something occurs, how you read, act, talk, or think differently (perhaps as a result of reading this blog) as a result of. Inspiration is the feeling, the belief, the duty. One must realize the impact of inspiration, the need of inspiration, the understanding of inspiration.
My ask... challenge the way you think about motivation and inspiration. Think of these words and the power they have the next time you hear or use them. Study the difference and what drives each, there are lessons to be learned. Share your thinking (with me perhaps), who knows what's next.
Where would we be without motivation? Motivation helps you create, it helps you achieve, it provides. Motivation is the next gear, the difference between winning the Championship and not. Motivation comes from something you read or hear or see or don't read or don't hear or don't see. Motivation comes from your boss, your peers, your mentors, your family, your priest, your Facebook friends.
We all need motivation. We all need a driving force, something that challenges us to be amazing, to deliver something beautiful. Motivation is a critical component to the success of people. Motivation works wonders, it keeps us focused, determined, and involved. Motivation is essential to the performance of the TEAM you lead, how you participate in their success. Motivation to study for a test. Motivation to climb Mt Everest. Motivation is strong, sturdy, and powerful. Motivation is essential.
Motivation is a great thing... for the most part.
The problem with motivation? It has an expiration date.
I argue that motivation, the act or instance of motivating, the state or condition of being motivated, something that motivates (dictionary.com), has a beginning and an end. It's a short, yet precise burst of energy. Not unlike a match that is struck, it ignites a flame, burns bright and emits heat, but eventually burns out. Motivation is a defined time frame in which greatness will occur. Motivation to sell more stuff, motivation to achieve goals, or motivation to deliver a project. Motivation is a sprint; OK maybe a 400 meter sprint, but a sprint nonetheless. You are motivated to read the rest of this blog because I just shook your definition of motivation and you want to know what I have to say next. Motivation is something you do, (shameless plug for last weeks post) dare I say a destination. It's how you start or how you finish, that is motivation. One must realize the impact of motivation, the need of motivation, the understanding of motivation.
What's beyond motivation?
Inspiration! (Bigger SMILE!)
Different story. Different level.
Where would we be without inspiration? Inspiration helps you to navigate, it helps you engage, it consumes. Inspiration is the internal fire within, it's your soul, an obligation. Inspiration is enhanced by something you read or hear or see or don't read or don't hear or don't see. Inspiration comes from people, books, things, music, art, history, rainbows.
We all need inspiration. We all need a purpose, an internal gauge that steers us forward. Something that engages others around you, that leaves places better than how you found them, or saves an entire species. Inspiration is a gift that keeps giving, a pay-it-forward way of life. Inspiration to change thinking. Inspiration to change humanity. Inspiration to eliminate racism. Inspiration is essential.
The distinct difference between motivation and inspiration is the timing. I would argue that one cannot be inspired without being motivated, however it is possible to be motivated yet not inspired. We may be motivated by money (often a common denominator) but is it what gets you up in the morning? Motivation to pay the bills, buy cool stuff, or create opportunity is certainly a part of our lives, but is it what inspires us daily? Inspiration has no expiration date, no beginning or end, no lifespan. Inspiration has a continuous flow, a trajectory of limitless potential. Motivation is the weekend sale, inspiration is the days in-between. Constant progression is inspiration. Completing training is motivation. Inspiration is the journey, its something you are. Your inspiration is the action that happens after something occurs, how you read, act, talk, or think differently (perhaps as a result of reading this blog) as a result of. Inspiration is the feeling, the belief, the duty. One must realize the impact of inspiration, the need of inspiration, the understanding of inspiration.
My ask... challenge the way you think about motivation and inspiration. Think of these words and the power they have the next time you hear or use them. Study the difference and what drives each, there are lessons to be learned. Share your thinking (with me perhaps), who knows what's next.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Something You Are
A couple of years back I learned a very valuable lesson, the difference between something you "do" and something you "are". I learned this in the context of coaching. Being a coach is something I am, not something I do. Since then it has been a never-ending journey to learn more about being not doing.
The fascinating piece is this learning applies to many other things. Whatever you study, craft, or author can be a result of who you are. What you practice, how you practice, or when you practice could become something you are. Your time spent with others or your conversations are possibly something you are. What makes all of this something you "are" vs something you "do"? I believe its intent. I believe its purpose. I believe its care.
Last week I had the honor to chat with several people inside and outside my business about why I write. It was so fascinating to hear people's personal stories of how one post or another "spoke to them" or how they found inspiration from reading. I received feedback on the "authenticity" and how reading it "felt like Craig". I was moved. Being an author is something I am, not something I do. My intent is not to write things that fix or state what is, but to ignite or challenge or think of what could be. My purpose is to engage an audience to challenge what's next and define it for themselves. My care is empowering people to see what is possible.
We have all heard the quote "it's not the destination, its the journey". Well something you do is a destination, something you are is a journey. Earlier on my life was all about destinations. Get there. Hit the target. Check it off the list. Move on. I was doing. Often times I would do because someone told me to do. Most of the time I'm not sure I even thought why I did what I did. Sure there was perhaps a motivation to get to the destination, but it never lasted. It had a beginning and an end, a short term satisfaction that left me with no real learning. As I have become a husband, a father, and a leader of others, all of a sudden the destinations don't mean as much. It's the journeys that I remember. The journeys provide a story, content that delivers education. They are inspiration, no beginning or end, limitless boundaries. Its the journeys of others or my own personal journeys that continue to challenge my thinking and expand my view. The journeys provide my intent, develop my purpose, and expand my care.
Your homework:
Who are you?
What would happen if your journeys (are) replaced your destinations (do)?
What is your intent or purpose or care providing your journeys?
How can you best share who you are?
The fascinating piece is this learning applies to many other things. Whatever you study, craft, or author can be a result of who you are. What you practice, how you practice, or when you practice could become something you are. Your time spent with others or your conversations are possibly something you are. What makes all of this something you "are" vs something you "do"? I believe its intent. I believe its purpose. I believe its care.
Last week I had the honor to chat with several people inside and outside my business about why I write. It was so fascinating to hear people's personal stories of how one post or another "spoke to them" or how they found inspiration from reading. I received feedback on the "authenticity" and how reading it "felt like Craig". I was moved. Being an author is something I am, not something I do. My intent is not to write things that fix or state what is, but to ignite or challenge or think of what could be. My purpose is to engage an audience to challenge what's next and define it for themselves. My care is empowering people to see what is possible.
We have all heard the quote "it's not the destination, its the journey". Well something you do is a destination, something you are is a journey. Earlier on my life was all about destinations. Get there. Hit the target. Check it off the list. Move on. I was doing. Often times I would do because someone told me to do. Most of the time I'm not sure I even thought why I did what I did. Sure there was perhaps a motivation to get to the destination, but it never lasted. It had a beginning and an end, a short term satisfaction that left me with no real learning. As I have become a husband, a father, and a leader of others, all of a sudden the destinations don't mean as much. It's the journeys that I remember. The journeys provide a story, content that delivers education. They are inspiration, no beginning or end, limitless boundaries. Its the journeys of others or my own personal journeys that continue to challenge my thinking and expand my view. The journeys provide my intent, develop my purpose, and expand my care.
Your homework:
Who are you?
What would happen if your journeys (are) replaced your destinations (do)?
What is your intent or purpose or care providing your journeys?
How can you best share who you are?
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Encore
You just knocked the ball out of the park! Proved to everyone you could perform on the biggest of stages! Executed when it mattered most! OUTSTANDING!
...What's next?
It's all about your encore.
If leadership is defined as how you act when nobody is looking, encore is defined as how you perform acoustically without a spotlight. It's about what you do when all the hoopla is over, the parade is gone, and the circus has left town. How you perform when all your energy is spent, your hot air let out, your adrenaline used up. Encore is what you have in store, next. It's not what you do, its what you are.That is your encore.
What's your encore?
...What's next?
It's all about your encore.
If leadership is defined as how you act when nobody is looking, encore is defined as how you perform acoustically without a spotlight. It's about what you do when all the hoopla is over, the parade is gone, and the circus has left town. How you perform when all your energy is spent, your hot air let out, your adrenaline used up. Encore is what you have in store, next. It's not what you do, its what you are.That is your encore.
What's your encore?
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Knowing
Confidence is an AMAZING thing! Having the thought of success next is exhilarating! Knowing that what is about to happen is exactly how you pictured it in your mind a million times over.... priceless!
Recently I had the opportunity to have a front row seat to a record setting performance. A hundred or so people embarking on a journey that would be one for the ages. Over the past several months this TEAM had worked hard to perfect their craft. They spent countless hours learning, studying, doing their homework. Strategies were built, game-plans were prepared. All was anticipated, the unforeseen was now understood. Their plans were executed fully. Exceptional results followed. They knew (I knew) it was exactly what was to happen.
Knowing feels good. It breeds confidence. It yields results.
Knowing isn't easy. It takes a lot of work to understand why or how things happen. Unfortunately not enough people do the work. Not enough practice their craft, study their audience, anticipate what is next. Far too many just show up and hope for the best. Believe me I met my fare share with this "hope strategy", I'm sure you have too. These people get by, never impress, never disappoint, just get on by. Guess what their results are. Guess how confident they are. Guess how good they feel.
Think about all the things you know, I mean really know, all your awesome specialties; how much time did you put into knowing that? How much effort did you put into the knowing? All the studying and practicing that allowed you to be the expert must have taken some serious time. That is the knowing I'm talking about. Being the very best at what you do when it matters most, that is knowing. Leveraging your talent when the stage lights are on, that is knowing. Seeing exactly what you know is possible is knowing.
Being a part of such a grand event was one of my career highlights. I saw TEAMwork, peers looking out for one another and the audience they were serving. Genuine, authentic, real work being done. Thousands of smiles being shared, enthusiasm oozing from throughout. Conversations were being had, coaching was real time and meaningful. Goosebumps. Exactly what I knew would happen, happened.
When the next opportunity to witness your very own Super Bowl happens, what will you know? What will your TEAM know? How do you know they know?
Recently I had the opportunity to have a front row seat to a record setting performance. A hundred or so people embarking on a journey that would be one for the ages. Over the past several months this TEAM had worked hard to perfect their craft. They spent countless hours learning, studying, doing their homework. Strategies were built, game-plans were prepared. All was anticipated, the unforeseen was now understood. Their plans were executed fully. Exceptional results followed. They knew (I knew) it was exactly what was to happen.
Knowing feels good. It breeds confidence. It yields results.
Knowing isn't easy. It takes a lot of work to understand why or how things happen. Unfortunately not enough people do the work. Not enough practice their craft, study their audience, anticipate what is next. Far too many just show up and hope for the best. Believe me I met my fare share with this "hope strategy", I'm sure you have too. These people get by, never impress, never disappoint, just get on by. Guess what their results are. Guess how confident they are. Guess how good they feel.
Think about all the things you know, I mean really know, all your awesome specialties; how much time did you put into knowing that? How much effort did you put into the knowing? All the studying and practicing that allowed you to be the expert must have taken some serious time. That is the knowing I'm talking about. Being the very best at what you do when it matters most, that is knowing. Leveraging your talent when the stage lights are on, that is knowing. Seeing exactly what you know is possible is knowing.
Being a part of such a grand event was one of my career highlights. I saw TEAMwork, peers looking out for one another and the audience they were serving. Genuine, authentic, real work being done. Thousands of smiles being shared, enthusiasm oozing from throughout. Conversations were being had, coaching was real time and meaningful. Goosebumps. Exactly what I knew would happen, happened.
When the next opportunity to witness your very own Super Bowl happens, what will you know? What will your TEAM know? How do you know they know?
Monday, January 10, 2011
Win The Day
“Be quick but don’t hurry.” – John Wooden
Speed. Pace. Tempo.
The world around us accelerating before our very eyes. Society moving faster and faster. Technology evolving at lightning speed. Communication is instant. All is important. Everything is urgent. YES!
Yes? Wait… What the…?
What happened to the “good ol’ days”? How about the “way things used to be”? What happened to “tradition” or “that’s the way we have always done things”?
Gone. Done. History.
Over the past week I have been reminded 1,000 times over my need to adjust my speed, increase my pace, and accelerate my tempo. Funny thing is I should know better. After all I obsess over the littlest of things. I constantly think about what’s next. Thinking. More THINKing. MORE THINKING! Like I said, I should know better, there it is right in front of me. My urgency affected by the “good ol’ days” or “the way we have always done things”. Not good.
Everyone has a speed in which they operate. A pace at work or at home. A tempo on the field of play or off it. Cities have a certain speed. Products have a pace. TEAMs have tempo. Fortunately for us all, it’s learned. Its behaviors reinforced by practice repeated. Controllable outcomes among coachable discipline. Simply put, if you practice fast, you play fast. Want to play faster, practice faster. My need to increase my speed, advance my pace, or pick up my tempo clearly were things within my control. How I practiced was how I played.
If knowledge is king, anticipation is the crown and initiative is the throne. We all seek out the knowledge but don’t always put ourselves in the best possible position to receive it. We prepare but don’t step up when it counts the most. If you anticipate why and initiate how, almost everything becomes controllable. If it’s controllable, you can practice it. Practice this repeated = success. Multiply that by the need to have everything now… and WHOA! Again, I should have known better.
Relentless. Impatient. Eager.
To my historians these three words all have negative connotations to them. They don’t allow you to savior the taste, follow the rules, or be logical. To my new historians this is normal, everyday life. It allows you to make the most of every moment, seeking out the future, now. Can we do things the way we always have? Yup, and we can always get what we always got. Good enough can become acceptable and status quo the norm. No thanks! Gimme momentum. Gimme progress. Gimme next.
WIN THE DAY.
Fast. Hard. Finish.
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