It seems we're all seeking "the easy way out". Short cuts. Cram sessions. Work arounds. The quest for "easier" can be a good thing - but not always.
Striving for improvement often makes things easier, but we shouldn't confuse the two. Focusing on consequences can help give a bigger/better perspective.
It's easier to stay in bed all the time - but then your muscles will atrophy.
It's easier to skip brushing your teeth - but then they'll rot out.
It's easier to not go to work - but the you'll lose your job...and your income...and your home.
Yes, there can be actual value from struggling/working for something. These days, building discipline and extraordinary effort is not considered very sexy, but it is the backbone of accomplishing anything worthwhile.
Rather than focusing on making things easier, the better approach is to focus on improving things overall. Think about things holistically: How will a particular action (or lack of action) affect all related dimensions. Your business = your employees, your customers, and your financial/operational results? Your life = your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual results? Unless ALL aspects are considered, a decision can't truly be considered the "best" decision.
Bottom line: Is it worth it? Pain versus payoff? Here's something to consider: Rather than lowering your sacrifice to ease the pain, what if you raised the payoff goal to make the effort worth it? I've discovered that making the extra effort (raising the payoff) always results in bridging the gap between average results and amazing results.
And I know you are much more interested in amazing, eh?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
Impression or Impact?
You may have heard the sayings - they all make the same point:
All sizzle but no steak.
All hat and no cattle.
All talk and no action.
All style and no substance.
Question of the day (week/month/year) - Are you making an Impression or an Impact? Isn't it intriguing how some people are busybusybusy trying to create a short-term fake "buzz" when they could invest that same effort into developing a REAL long-lasting impact instead?
Impressing people may generate attention - at least for a little while - but they rarely last more than a season. It's kind of like the difference between celebrities and stars. One of my Disney jobs included working with "Talent" for special events. It's interesting how some people have temporary fame - they are hot for a while, then when it becomes obvious they are not talented (or talented in only one thing that loses favor) - they fade away. They might make a interesting first impression, but there's no depth to keep our attention. So they lose significance.
Creating an impact is about making a difference. Being memorable for more than just getting attention - it is about making something that matters. True stars stay interesting for years. They develop and contribute in ways that continue to add value to the productions they are involved in. Typically, they are more than good looks and a great agent - they are constantly improving their craft, or selecting projects that add value, or just plain give back to others.
Trust me, word gets around. (As it does about each of us.)
Making an impact isn't complicated. Focusing on being "on-purpose" and (daily) building something of value is what gives life more meaning.
And who doesn't, ultimately, want a life that makes a meaningful difference?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it..today!
All sizzle but no steak.
All hat and no cattle.
All talk and no action.
All style and no substance.
Question of the day (week/month/year) - Are you making an Impression or an Impact? Isn't it intriguing how some people are busybusybusy trying to create a short-term fake "buzz" when they could invest that same effort into developing a REAL long-lasting impact instead?
Impressing people may generate attention - at least for a little while - but they rarely last more than a season. It's kind of like the difference between celebrities and stars. One of my Disney jobs included working with "Talent" for special events. It's interesting how some people have temporary fame - they are hot for a while, then when it becomes obvious they are not talented (or talented in only one thing that loses favor) - they fade away. They might make a interesting first impression, but there's no depth to keep our attention. So they lose significance.
Creating an impact is about making a difference. Being memorable for more than just getting attention - it is about making something that matters. True stars stay interesting for years. They develop and contribute in ways that continue to add value to the productions they are involved in. Typically, they are more than good looks and a great agent - they are constantly improving their craft, or selecting projects that add value, or just plain give back to others.
Trust me, word gets around. (As it does about each of us.)
Making an impact isn't complicated. Focusing on being "on-purpose" and (daily) building something of value is what gives life more meaning.
And who doesn't, ultimately, want a life that makes a meaningful difference?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it..today!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Digging Deeper. Going Farther.
There's a whole lotta talk going on these days. Talk about being different and better. Talk about engaging employees and customers. Talk about leadership excellence and operational effectiveness and strategy and tactics.
But very little results. Why is that? What do proven winners do differently to achieve those outcomes?
Well, the operative word is: DO!
When it comes down to separating the ordinary from the extraordinary, the key is consistent execution. Those who succeed eventually stop talking and start doing.
How do they do that, when it's not always clear about what to do?
In order to get to the root issues (and, therefore, the root actions required), world-class leaders don't just talk superficially about what makes their business different and better. They dig deep and get into the details of their unique target market and confront the difficult work of knowing their customers, their industry, and themselves.
[Pop quiz: What is the one thing that you do better than anyone else? What - specifically - makes you different than the many other options your customers have? And why should your customers really care? Hint: Your competition probably know this. You had better make sure your customers do too!]
Then, using that valuable information, world-class successes build the discipline (not a sexy or comfortable word so most business/self-help books shy away from this) to consistently implement - in alignment with what their customers want most and what they do differently/better than anyone else.
Simple, but not easy. Take the time to dig deeper this week - so you can go farther than you've ever gone before. You, and your customers, deserve that.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
But very little results. Why is that? What do proven winners do differently to achieve those outcomes?
Well, the operative word is: DO!
When it comes down to separating the ordinary from the extraordinary, the key is consistent execution. Those who succeed eventually stop talking and start doing.
How do they do that, when it's not always clear about what to do?
In order to get to the root issues (and, therefore, the root actions required), world-class leaders don't just talk superficially about what makes their business different and better. They dig deep and get into the details of their unique target market and confront the difficult work of knowing their customers, their industry, and themselves.
[Pop quiz: What is the one thing that you do better than anyone else? What - specifically - makes you different than the many other options your customers have? And why should your customers really care? Hint: Your competition probably know this. You had better make sure your customers do too!]
Then, using that valuable information, world-class successes build the discipline (not a sexy or comfortable word so most business/self-help books shy away from this) to consistently implement - in alignment with what their customers want most and what they do differently/better than anyone else.
Simple, but not easy. Take the time to dig deeper this week - so you can go farther than you've ever gone before. You, and your customers, deserve that.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Passion Over-rated?
How many times have we heard "Follow your passion"? Obviously, immersing yourself in whatever jazzes you is a good thing...BUT...the most successful people realize that it isn't the only thing. Passion alone is over-rated. Think of it this way: Passion is fuel. Fuel by itself can be either unproductive or downright dangerous. What else is important to leverage your passion for success?
One additional/required consideration is focus. Unless you have sufficient focus on how your passion best adds value to others, you are not likely to get the results you ultimately desire. Focus allows you to target your energy, like a water hose with a nozzle on the front - gaining power as the stream of water is channeled in a specific way. Adding focus gains you the time lost by pursuing other unrelated tasks.
Another ingredient is consistency. Success is never a result of inconsistent execution. Adding the discipline of daily effort towards a singular goal is what builds upon each previous effort. Passion can wane - even with activities we are passionate about. "Priming the pump" during those times of lower energy (challenges/set-backs) will generate momentum that average people will never achieve.
Finally, nothing happens - regardless of passion - until you take action! People often talk about what they are passionate about...but never actually do anything about it. The natural consequence is no results. Instead, once you have identified the basic direction of your goal, begin! Hone/fine tune as you learn - but take action. This is what brings your passion to life!
Passion + Focus + Consistency + Action = Results.
Missing something in your results? Then do a check-up on one of the four elements that ultimately create the results you're hoping for - and adjust as needed.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
One additional/required consideration is focus. Unless you have sufficient focus on how your passion best adds value to others, you are not likely to get the results you ultimately desire. Focus allows you to target your energy, like a water hose with a nozzle on the front - gaining power as the stream of water is channeled in a specific way. Adding focus gains you the time lost by pursuing other unrelated tasks.
Another ingredient is consistency. Success is never a result of inconsistent execution. Adding the discipline of daily effort towards a singular goal is what builds upon each previous effort. Passion can wane - even with activities we are passionate about. "Priming the pump" during those times of lower energy (challenges/set-backs) will generate momentum that average people will never achieve.
Finally, nothing happens - regardless of passion - until you take action! People often talk about what they are passionate about...but never actually do anything about it. The natural consequence is no results. Instead, once you have identified the basic direction of your goal, begin! Hone/fine tune as you learn - but take action. This is what brings your passion to life!
Passion + Focus + Consistency + Action = Results.
Missing something in your results? Then do a check-up on one of the four elements that ultimately create the results you're hoping for - and adjust as needed.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
80% and GO!
Think about it: The first time you do something is all about learning. You tend to get the biggest insights about what NOT to do.
This can be either disturbing or encouraging.
Most often, when something is important to them, people tend to plan and wait and plan (and plan some more) until they think everything is perfect.
It never is.
Naturally, we get better every time we experience something. So, what's the better solution to getting really good at something that is really important? Jump in and experience it as QUICKLY as possible as OFTEN as possible until you hone & fine tune it to your ultimate goal of excellence. We have to get past the "I'm not 100% sure what I'm doing" phase and to the much more profitable (and enjoyable) "I know what I'm doing" phase - quickly - to gain a competitive edge.
At Disney, we used to call this "80% and Go". It meant that when we were about 80% sure it was the right thing to do, we initiated action - even if we weren't quite sure of the details. The plan was to be hyper-aware of the feedback/learning you get at every step and adjust as best you can in the moment. Some Fortune 500 companies call this "rapid iteration". It simply means "the way to develop mastery is to do it as fast and as often as possible and learn your way to success".
What things are YOU planning/waiting on today?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
This can be either disturbing or encouraging.
Most often, when something is important to them, people tend to plan and wait and plan (and plan some more) until they think everything is perfect.
It never is.
Naturally, we get better every time we experience something. So, what's the better solution to getting really good at something that is really important? Jump in and experience it as QUICKLY as possible as OFTEN as possible until you hone & fine tune it to your ultimate goal of excellence. We have to get past the "I'm not 100% sure what I'm doing" phase and to the much more profitable (and enjoyable) "I know what I'm doing" phase - quickly - to gain a competitive edge.
At Disney, we used to call this "80% and Go". It meant that when we were about 80% sure it was the right thing to do, we initiated action - even if we weren't quite sure of the details. The plan was to be hyper-aware of the feedback/learning you get at every step and adjust as best you can in the moment. Some Fortune 500 companies call this "rapid iteration". It simply means "the way to develop mastery is to do it as fast and as often as possible and learn your way to success".
What things are YOU planning/waiting on today?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Leader's Pathway
There is one primary measure of a leader: Do they have followers? It's been said that a leader without followers is just someone out taking a walk. Trite sayings aside, what does a good leader do that others do not?
The three things that set a good leader apart from "wanna-be's" is that he/she:
1. Knows the way - An effective leader has done the research to understand how long-term success works. They focus not only on getting results, but how they achieve those results. Building a working knowledge of operations, finances, and people (both employees and customers) lays the foundation of "getting the tools in the toolkit".
2. Goes the way - Having tools is nice, but it doesn't accomplish anything unless the tools are taken out and utilized. Followers universally expect their leaders to have integrity. In addition to knowing how things should be, a good leader "walks the talk" - being an example of how to actually do the right things right - and achieve sustainable success. Someone once said: "You can read all the books in the world about swimming, but unless you actually get in the water, you probably won't be much of a swimmer." Leaders actually perform.
3. Shows the way - In addition to knowing and doing, a great leader develops others along the way. While the primary responsibility of a leader is to help others accomplish goals, growing other leaders in the process is what leaves the longest-lasting legacy. Making a difference in what you can do is good. Helping multiplied leaders make a difference (domino effect of developing leaders who, in turn, develop additional leaders, and so on) is the measure of truly great leaders.
Which kind of leader are you? What path are you on? What legacy are you creating?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
The three things that set a good leader apart from "wanna-be's" is that he/she:
1. Knows the way - An effective leader has done the research to understand how long-term success works. They focus not only on getting results, but how they achieve those results. Building a working knowledge of operations, finances, and people (both employees and customers) lays the foundation of "getting the tools in the toolkit".
2. Goes the way - Having tools is nice, but it doesn't accomplish anything unless the tools are taken out and utilized. Followers universally expect their leaders to have integrity. In addition to knowing how things should be, a good leader "walks the talk" - being an example of how to actually do the right things right - and achieve sustainable success. Someone once said: "You can read all the books in the world about swimming, but unless you actually get in the water, you probably won't be much of a swimmer." Leaders actually perform.
3. Shows the way - In addition to knowing and doing, a great leader develops others along the way. While the primary responsibility of a leader is to help others accomplish goals, growing other leaders in the process is what leaves the longest-lasting legacy. Making a difference in what you can do is good. Helping multiplied leaders make a difference (domino effect of developing leaders who, in turn, develop additional leaders, and so on) is the measure of truly great leaders.
Which kind of leader are you? What path are you on? What legacy are you creating?
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Life/Work Lessons From The Front Line
A colleague recently shared some remarks made by a career soldier:
1. Remember, if the enemy is in range, then you are too.
2. All cover is temporary.
3. Above all, remember your mission.
4. When in battle, soldiers are less focused on winning for the country than fighting for their buddy/team.
These simple statements hold profound truths that apply to our work - and our personal lives.
1. The closer you get to engaging any activity, the chances of danger/failure goes up. Talking about taking action is risk-free because you aren't really doing anything other than talking. Of course, you gain nothing as well. Real living requires stepping forward and confronting the challenge. Remembering that those situations can "bite back" is critical. Choose wisely.
2. When colleagues/friends offer help, they expect it will be for a specific window of time. No one wants to be left hanging or obligated for long-term support when it should only be a temporary situation. To make the best use of their support - and not wear out your welcome - plan, coordinate and execute accordingly.
3. Life and work are full of distractions. It's easy to get focused on the many micro details and lose track of the macro big picture of why we're doing what we're doing. Reminding ourselves of our ultimate purpose/goal is critical in making the most of our time and resources. It's all about priorities.
4. Workers that are part of an organization aren't necessarily loyal to the company - they are more connected with the people they work closely with inside the company. Anyone who wants to create a culture of loyalty must create an environment that is conducive to people engaging each other at the team level.
As you enjoy this holiday weekend, consider the value these insights provide and thank a veteran for keeping us safe/secure enough to be able to focus on life and career.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
1. Remember, if the enemy is in range, then you are too.
2. All cover is temporary.
3. Above all, remember your mission.
4. When in battle, soldiers are less focused on winning for the country than fighting for their buddy/team.
These simple statements hold profound truths that apply to our work - and our personal lives.
1. The closer you get to engaging any activity, the chances of danger/failure goes up. Talking about taking action is risk-free because you aren't really doing anything other than talking. Of course, you gain nothing as well. Real living requires stepping forward and confronting the challenge. Remembering that those situations can "bite back" is critical. Choose wisely.
2. When colleagues/friends offer help, they expect it will be for a specific window of time. No one wants to be left hanging or obligated for long-term support when it should only be a temporary situation. To make the best use of their support - and not wear out your welcome - plan, coordinate and execute accordingly.
3. Life and work are full of distractions. It's easy to get focused on the many micro details and lose track of the macro big picture of why we're doing what we're doing. Reminding ourselves of our ultimate purpose/goal is critical in making the most of our time and resources. It's all about priorities.
4. Workers that are part of an organization aren't necessarily loyal to the company - they are more connected with the people they work closely with inside the company. Anyone who wants to create a culture of loyalty must create an environment that is conducive to people engaging each other at the team level.
As you enjoy this holiday weekend, consider the value these insights provide and thank a veteran for keeping us safe/secure enough to be able to focus on life and career.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
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