One of my greatest disappointments - and frustrations - is how people view the success of legitimate world-class organizations. I often hear how "normal people" can't possibly hope to achieve the amazing results of such industry leaders because of some supposed "special" abilities, resources, people, or circumstances that all others do not have.
To that I say "What a load of garbage"!
Working directly with dozens of Fortune 500 companies, I have seen first-hand exactly what they do (and don't do) to achieve the outcomes that everyone marvels at, and one thing has become evident: Other than some technical patented widget/process/design, they all have the same access to resources as you or anyone else.
An outrageous claim? I challenge anyone to identify one thing they have that you don't (besides the scale that results in success over a period of time). They have offices, computers, paper, phones, budgets, products, customers, employees, leaders, money, time, etc. Just like you do.
The only significant difference is the WAY that they utilize those resources.
They have better results than anyone else because they approach all the same issues that you have (leadership, teamwork, passion, time management, creativity/innovation, hiring, training, communication, recognition, etc.) BETTER than anyone else. Period.
The other thing world-class companies do consistently better than anyone else? How they implement.
If you examine every huge success and you'll discover a series of actions that created the ultimate outcome.
All do-able (they proved it by doing it - with NO superhuman powers.)
All started with a first step (which was followed by every other step until they succeeded.)
The truth is that ANYone can attain world-class results...IF they improve HOW they approach their business. Stop working harder on things that don't optimize your potential and start adapting proven success practices - then improve them daily to stay on your A-game.
Want help? Go to http://www.smallworldalliance.com/ for proven results.
Think about it. But more importantly do something about it...today!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Friday, April 20, 2012
Good Memories Are Built
Think about all your fondest memories. Your first kiss. Your favorite vacation. The time your life changed for the better.
Imagine what it would be like to NOT have those memories.
Imagine what it would be like to have MORE fond memories.
So, what causes these valuable "I'm a better person because I experienced that" memories?
To figure this out, let's break it down:
And what a shame that would be. Especially since enjoying those memories are simply a result of something YOU control: Actively trying something new.
So, you want more memories? You want a fuller legacy? Get more active. Consider those dreams you've had about visiting a special place or connecting (or re-connecting?) with someone or attempting that new thing that you've always wanted to try. Those memories won't happen until you take that first step.
And there's no time like the present to create more good memories. (You're worth it!)
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Imagine what it would be like to NOT have those memories.
Imagine what it would be like to have MORE fond memories.
So, what causes these valuable "I'm a better person because I experienced that" memories?
To figure this out, let's break it down:
- You recall them because they are significant.
- They are significant because you were involved.
- You were involved because you opted to be actively engaged in the activity.
- You were actively engaged because you took the risk - the first step - in embracing whatever (and wherever) that activity would take you.
And what a shame that would be. Especially since enjoying those memories are simply a result of something YOU control: Actively trying something new.
So, you want more memories? You want a fuller legacy? Get more active. Consider those dreams you've had about visiting a special place or connecting (or re-connecting?) with someone or attempting that new thing that you've always wanted to try. Those memories won't happen until you take that first step.
And there's no time like the present to create more good memories. (You're worth it!)
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Whatchu Lookin' At?
I recently had an odd experience while walking my dog. We were in the back yard playing fetch with her favorite ball when I threw it and it bounced off a birdbath and ricocheted into a flower bed. My dog proceeded to run around, sniffing, and looking (unsuccessfully) for the ball in the wrong part of the yard.
She's not the smartest dog (we refer to her as our "special needs dog"), so wanting to help her out, I walked over to her, got her attention, and energetically pointed to the bushes where the ball was saying "Look!"
Well, she looked alright. At my pointing finger.
Over and over again. Me saying "Look! Get it! There it is!" followed by my dog, consistently, keeping a laser-fixed stare at my finger.
I realized that the action of my hand/finger moving towards the target (her favorite ball) actually distracted from her prize. She was so fixated by my pointing, she failed to see the more important thing I was pointing at.
Then I thought how people sometimes get the same way. Instead of looking at the valuable prize (wisdom, insights, etc.) we often get so enamored with the pointer (a brilliant expert, a dynamic speaker, etc.), we miss what they are working so hard to point towards.
Bottom line: Those people/things in our lives that provide direction are usually not the answer. They are merely pointing to the answer. It is up to us to look in the right direction for the actual insight itself. If we fail to do this, we will fail to get that prize we ultimately desire in life.
And it's almost always better than a slobbery old ball.
So, where are YOU looking these days?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
She's not the smartest dog (we refer to her as our "special needs dog"), so wanting to help her out, I walked over to her, got her attention, and energetically pointed to the bushes where the ball was saying "Look!"
Well, she looked alright. At my pointing finger.
Over and over again. Me saying "Look! Get it! There it is!" followed by my dog, consistently, keeping a laser-fixed stare at my finger.
I realized that the action of my hand/finger moving towards the target (her favorite ball) actually distracted from her prize. She was so fixated by my pointing, she failed to see the more important thing I was pointing at.
Then I thought how people sometimes get the same way. Instead of looking at the valuable prize (wisdom, insights, etc.) we often get so enamored with the pointer (a brilliant expert, a dynamic speaker, etc.), we miss what they are working so hard to point towards.
Bottom line: Those people/things in our lives that provide direction are usually not the answer. They are merely pointing to the answer. It is up to us to look in the right direction for the actual insight itself. If we fail to do this, we will fail to get that prize we ultimately desire in life.
And it's almost always better than a slobbery old ball.
So, where are YOU looking these days?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Fatal Benchmarking Mistakes
Much has been said of benchmarking – the act of looking to best-in-class companies and measuring yourself against their methods. Of course, the expectation is to gauge how you compare with industry leaders, identify where you can improve, and adjust your methods to achieve those same best-in-class results. Most fail because they are going about benchmarking in the wrong way.
The second most common mistake is to simply adopt what the benchmark is doing. This often fails because your culture and/or circumstances are different than the benchmark organization. The better approach is to adapt their methods so they make sense in your unique situation. Consider how you can improve the best practice by tailoring it to your business.
But the biggest mistake, by far, is that people tend to focus only on the benchmark’s tactics. Attempting to copy present-day actions will certainly help – but only in the short term. The problem with this approach is that legitimate industry-leading organizations are continuously improving. To adopt a best practice and stick with it will only ensure that your competition will eventually pass you by. A fatal mistake.
The key characteristics of world-class companies that make them different and better are not just what they do – but how they think! Why do they consider things the way they do? What are the priorities? What are the non-negotiables? How do they create consistency when circumstances are constantly changing? How do they deal with all the swirling details that we all have to juggle and, with essentially the same resources, achieve better results?
When you benchmark the right way, you gain insights that matter – and that make a long-lasting improvement to the health of your business. The choice is yours: tap into the solutions that will spark your sustainable breakthrough or adopt a short-term approach that will struggle to gain traction and will ultimately fail.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
The second most common mistake is to simply adopt what the benchmark is doing. This often fails because your culture and/or circumstances are different than the benchmark organization. The better approach is to adapt their methods so they make sense in your unique situation. Consider how you can improve the best practice by tailoring it to your business.
But the biggest mistake, by far, is that people tend to focus only on the benchmark’s tactics. Attempting to copy present-day actions will certainly help – but only in the short term. The problem with this approach is that legitimate industry-leading organizations are continuously improving. To adopt a best practice and stick with it will only ensure that your competition will eventually pass you by. A fatal mistake.
The key characteristics of world-class companies that make them different and better are not just what they do – but how they think! Why do they consider things the way they do? What are the priorities? What are the non-negotiables? How do they create consistency when circumstances are constantly changing? How do they deal with all the swirling details that we all have to juggle and, with essentially the same resources, achieve better results?
When you benchmark the right way, you gain insights that matter – and that make a long-lasting improvement to the health of your business. The choice is yours: tap into the solutions that will spark your sustainable breakthrough or adopt a short-term approach that will struggle to gain traction and will ultimately fail.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Friday, March 30, 2012
The Key To Progress
We all want to achieve better results. There are hundreds (thousands?) of books and "experts" out there selling how "attitude determines altitude" - and other ridiculous babble. Let's be clear: No one ever got better results simply because they went to their internal "happy place". Puh-leeeze!
The simple truth is that nothing ever improves without action! The ONLY way to realize progress is to move. Do. Initiate. Start. Act!
Here's proof: Think about the times you've been most productive in your life. Even a simple example like spring cleaning.
What gets the best results?
1. You identify the criteria for what you want to keep and what you want to remove.
2. You get in motion. Every moment you are grabbing something and then not letting go of it until it ends where it will go. Trash. Sell. Donate. Store. Keep. It doesn't matter what you grab - what matters is that you DO something.
And keep at it.
No painful, drawn-out mulling. Grab object. Consider criteria. Place in proper category.
Decide. Action. Decide. Action.
Very soon, things begin to shift. Yes, things don't always look pretty at the beginning, but soon you see progress...which becomes motivational...and, ultimately over time, results in achieving your goal.
Not because of some complicated "secret" or "intention" (puh-leeze!) But because you took that first step.
Followed by the next step. And another and another.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
The simple truth is that nothing ever improves without action! The ONLY way to realize progress is to move. Do. Initiate. Start. Act!
Here's proof: Think about the times you've been most productive in your life. Even a simple example like spring cleaning.
What gets the best results?
1. You identify the criteria for what you want to keep and what you want to remove.
2. You get in motion. Every moment you are grabbing something and then not letting go of it until it ends where it will go. Trash. Sell. Donate. Store. Keep. It doesn't matter what you grab - what matters is that you DO something.
And keep at it.
No painful, drawn-out mulling. Grab object. Consider criteria. Place in proper category.
Decide. Action. Decide. Action.
Very soon, things begin to shift. Yes, things don't always look pretty at the beginning, but soon you see progress...which becomes motivational...and, ultimately over time, results in achieving your goal.
Not because of some complicated "secret" or "intention" (puh-leeze!) But because you took that first step.
Followed by the next step. And another and another.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Priority: Plan or People?
No one argues that having a plan is important to the success of any business. As the saying goes: "Plan the work, then work the plan".
But in this world of limited development resources and finite time, it is vital to prioritize our efforts to ensure the very best results. So in the midst of the battle for your attention, which should be the default choice when the line is drawn in the sand?
Develop your Plan or develop your People?
World-class companies have an insight about this dilemma. They've seen how circumstances constantly shift and change - requiring our plans to adjust as we go. Sure, the general direction of our strategy may remain the same, but the fact that we have to evolve the plan in order to stay relevant is an indicator - much of what we plan never happens because of future adjustments. Arguably, the time/energy invested in those parts of the plan that evaporate is wasted. So, the answer is:
Develop your People!
Here's the reason: A team of "robots" waiting to be told what to do when circumstances call for changing the plan is always a losing proposition. If we develop our team so that they can adapt to any situation; they can work together effectively despite the ambiguous circumstances, and create value. Then you have a resource even more valuable (because they execute) than a well-intentioned plan. In fact, they can be trained to actually develop plans and make relevant/in-the-moment decisions as they encounter the unpredictable forces of your hyper-competetive workplace.
Plans are vital - however People trump the Plan every day of the week. So do both - but place the priority on your people. An A-Team will always find a way to achieve the extraordinary.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
But in this world of limited development resources and finite time, it is vital to prioritize our efforts to ensure the very best results. So in the midst of the battle for your attention, which should be the default choice when the line is drawn in the sand?
Develop your Plan or develop your People?
World-class companies have an insight about this dilemma. They've seen how circumstances constantly shift and change - requiring our plans to adjust as we go. Sure, the general direction of our strategy may remain the same, but the fact that we have to evolve the plan in order to stay relevant is an indicator - much of what we plan never happens because of future adjustments. Arguably, the time/energy invested in those parts of the plan that evaporate is wasted. So, the answer is:
Develop your People!
Here's the reason: A team of "robots" waiting to be told what to do when circumstances call for changing the plan is always a losing proposition. If we develop our team so that they can adapt to any situation; they can work together effectively despite the ambiguous circumstances, and create value. Then you have a resource even more valuable (because they execute) than a well-intentioned plan. In fact, they can be trained to actually develop plans and make relevant/in-the-moment decisions as they encounter the unpredictable forces of your hyper-competetive workplace.
Plans are vital - however People trump the Plan every day of the week. So do both - but place the priority on your people. An A-Team will always find a way to achieve the extraordinary.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
WWYCW?
Have you ever noticed how often companies seem to focus on the wrong things? For example, look at any company's policy/procedures and ask yourself the question: Is each one of these bureaucratic hoops to be jumped through for the benefit of the customer...or their company?
We've all seen the little rubber wrist bands with acronyms - standing for a wide variety of thought-provoking causes. Here's an acronym that reflects a cause that all successful business people are passionate about:
WWYCW?
It actually has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is What Would Your Customer Want? This is critical guidance when faced with solving a problem or making any decision during your work day. If your customer is always the center target of your focus, and you take into consideration how your decision/action will affect them, then you are already well beyond what "ordinary" businesses do. You become different and better!
The second meaning is the next most important meaning - What Would Your Competition Want? Make no mistake - your competition wants you to be average, predictable, slower, less attentive, less engaging, less efficient, more greedy, more selfish, and less thoughtful about your business. The reason is so you will make it easier for them to win in your industry. The reason it's important to know what your competition wants is so you can do the opposite! They want you to zig? Then you should zag!
Just a quick reminder about two things to consistently consider to achieve consistent success. (Feel free to make some bands if you'd like!)
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
We've all seen the little rubber wrist bands with acronyms - standing for a wide variety of thought-provoking causes. Here's an acronym that reflects a cause that all successful business people are passionate about:
WWYCW?
It actually has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is What Would Your Customer Want? This is critical guidance when faced with solving a problem or making any decision during your work day. If your customer is always the center target of your focus, and you take into consideration how your decision/action will affect them, then you are already well beyond what "ordinary" businesses do. You become different and better!
The second meaning is the next most important meaning - What Would Your Competition Want? Make no mistake - your competition wants you to be average, predictable, slower, less attentive, less engaging, less efficient, more greedy, more selfish, and less thoughtful about your business. The reason is so you will make it easier for them to win in your industry. The reason it's important to know what your competition wants is so you can do the opposite! They want you to zig? Then you should zag!
Just a quick reminder about two things to consistently consider to achieve consistent success. (Feel free to make some bands if you'd like!)
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
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