The "Pucker Factor"

We all go through good times and bad times.  As service providers, it is easy to give good service when things are going well - plenty of time, plenty of resources, low stress.  Easy.

However, what about when things get busy?  Crunch time?  When the pressure hits?  When "the pucker factor" goes up? 

Here's a tip practiced by world-class success stories: Prepare in advance.  Communicate about the ways you can make your customers feel welcome and special when things are easier.  Invest the time and effort during the good times on exploring how to exceed expectations when conditions are at their worst.

When your customers will need you the most.

And you'll have the least resources (time, energy, etc.) to serve them.

Yes, it's difficult to sacrifice your precious down time.  It requires discipline and extra effort.  Discussing the tough moments in your operation isn't enjoyable.  It can sometimes even be painful.  But talking about it in the midst of the hectic times never results in effective and efficient solutions.  No one "gets the chance" to fix the problems during those times when all you can do is survive.  Even though you can predict the naturally-occurring heavy demands on your organization, how much time do you take to thoroughly prepare for that dynamic - like a lunchtime rush that hits every day at the same time?

Thriving requires strategic discipline.  It demands commitment and foresight.  You have to earn it.  Being the different and better choice takes setting aside the opportunity now to resolve the anticipated challenges that will arise in your future.

Well, at least that's what the most consistently successful world-class organizations do.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

If You Can't Get Out Of It, Get Into It!

Life is FULL of things that we wish we didn't have to deal with. 

The question is: If this (painful) action is truly inevitable, then what can you do to minimize your suffering?

According to the most successful/happiest people, once you have exhausted any creative attempts to resolve the situation, the most logical next step is to simply accept that the uncomfortable experience will be happening.  Once you overcome any denial, there are actually TWO options that put you more in control of the negative situation, and can help make the most of it:

The first is: Initiate the action as soon as possible to get through it quickly.  This approach allows you to get the pain over faster.  Why put off dealing with it?  No sane person enjoys pain, and putting it off only adds more suffering.  The dread of anticipation actually magnifies the pain and prolongs it.  The wiser approach is to "rip off the bandaid" rather than drag it out.  The sooner you start, the sooner you finish.  Plus, you avoid all the painful "angst time" as a bonus!

The second is: Find/create enjoyment in the midst of it.  As bizarre as it sounds, this is actually pragmatic.  Minimizing the damage from a negative experience is a self-preservation effort.  Focusing your attention to any beneficial aspects of the situation - whether it is bittersweet "good for you" value or actual enjoyment of some kind - is better than the alternative.  Once you have learned your lesson, any additional suffering is a waste of time and unnecessary pain.  Again, pragmatic and logical.

The good news is that you can use BOTH tactics in every situation.  But it requires the courage and discipline to boldly take that first step.  Take control.  Be accountable.  Face life head-on - and you will have a better life as a result.

Think about it.  But more importantly, do something about it...today!

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:

• 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.

Bottom line: All these great memories are the result of you initiating (or at least responding to) whatever the NEW activity was. If you hadn't been open to trying that new experience or had the courage to take those steps to be involved, you would not have those memories.

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!

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!

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!

Special Forces Biz Secrets

We've all heard about the Special Forces teams that confront the most important missions our country faces for the ultimate safety and security of our citizens. General William H. McRaven recently outlined the six keys to success of those critical teams when the highest stakes are on the line. They are just as relevant for YOUR business operation.

Simplicity - Complicated rules and regulations only create confusion. Complicated doesn't get implemented consistently and isn't sustainable. Do the difficult work up front to distill your goals, roles, and responsibilities down to their essence.

Security - Teams that are insecure focus on "not losing". They become risk averse. When employees feel safe and secure they open up and begin to develop and grow - becoming more cohesive and stretching their innovation efforts.

Repetition - There's a common saying "practice makes perfect" - this is a lie. The truth is that "practice makes permanent". Not only must you make time to practice (so your efforts become automatic) but you should practice in as realistic a way as possible. Sloppy practice creates sloppy habits - and ultimately, sloppy results.

Surprise - Telegraphing your intent to the competition only allows them to prepare for you - making your efforts more difficult and your results less effective. Consistently aim to change the game. Break new ground and amaze your industry (and your customers) in the process.

Speed - Being first to market is a huge competitive edge. Making the first (well-timed) move allows you to set the terms for engagement. You're then competing on your terms.

Purpose - Having a reason why creates a reason to try (harder, smarter, etc.) A compelling Vision based on worthwhile Values makes the difference between a team going through the motions or passionately driving for world-class excellence. Everyone wants to dedicate their lives for a purpose.

Discuss how your team measures up regarding these issues and consider how you can improve for better results. Create your own elite "Special Forces" team and make a real difference!

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

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!

Where Do You Go Right?

After a life stumble, we often hear someone say "Where did I go wrong?" Good to do. Obviously, making mistakes is not the preferred outcome - but it happens. Repeating a mistake, however, is a completely unnecessary waste. If we are paying attention and care enough to make the effort, we can learn from every mistake we - or others - make...and forgo that avoidable wrong.

Another question - rarely asked - is equally important: "Where did I go right?" Examining successful decisions (ours or others) actually help us repeat success.

Consider this: In every success story, there is a moment when things shifted for the better. The successful person did something differently to start down a different road leading to a better result. Here's the bottom line - and it is pretty simple:

• If the path you are currently on is not leading to the ultimate goal you want, then you must change what you are doing to achieve what you desire. You may not know exactly what to change, but you DO know that life as usual is not it, so your "do nothing/the same" option is NOT the right one. (If you don't know what you want, then THAT just became your new task.)
• The longer you stay on your existing path, the longer you are moving in the wrong direction. (The whole "where did I go wrong?" thing - yes, you just answered that question. You're choosing it every day you stay on your current path.)
• You must take action to see the results. Planning is nice, but it doesn't count as an action step in regards to actually improving. Yes, taking action risks failure (that is why most do NOT take sufficient action), but by definition, the path you're on is failing you already.

The real question then, is not "Should I do something differently?", but "What should I do? (experiment with whatever needs improving until you start seeing results) and "When should I do it?" (Now. It's the first step that keeps most people from optimizing their results. Once you've taken that first step, the second becomes easier, and the third easier still - until you break through to become part of the successful group that began doing things right.)

You have the choice to make NOW the answer to the question: "When did I go right?" All it takes is that first step. Are you choosing to take it, or continue settling for less in your life?

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

The Alternative To Change

If you don't like change, I understand. But you're going to like mediocrity a WHOLE lot less.

The real problem with change is, despite what many claim, it is NOT always good. In the real world, we've all been burned by change at one time. So, what's the alternative? Don't focus on change - focus on improvement!

Here's the TRUTH about legitimate improvement in your life:

1. The definition of "improved" is determined by YOU.
2. Improvement, by definition, must be different...but different in YOUR direction!

Bottom line: All improvement requires change, but not all change is an improvement.

Are you clear about what you want that is different/better? If not, invest some time to figure that out. (Today would be good.)

Are you willing to take action and DO what is required to create that improvement? If not, then prepare yourself for a life of pain and disappointment. Regardless of what all those foolish Secret/Name It, Claim It fad philosophies claim, it doesn't happen by magic...and no one will do it for you. (The good news? The effort is worth it. Really!)

Here's an interesting factoid to consider: Have you noticed that only about 5% of people who make New Year's resolutions see them come to fruition? What percentage of people do you consider to be truly successful in life? About 5%? Do you think there's a connection? I believe in both cases, it's simply because the successful people are clear about what they want/what direction to move in order to improve, AND they invest the required effort to achieve their goals. That's not always fun or sexy, but it works at Disney and other world-class companies, consistently. (Yes, ANYone can be successful!)

Are you setting the stage for an improved new year? If not, why not?

How will 2011 be different/better than 2010 for you? What will YOU do differently/better to actually make your goals a reality this time? (Hint: The best time to start is NOW!)

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Getting Extraordinary with Ordinary

I'm not much into formulas. I'm not a number-crunching/stats kinda guy - over and beyond the bottom line "what are the results?" type. However, after many years of talking with other leaders about what it takes to get superior results, most are stunned to hear what I have found while working with dozens of Fortune 500 companies:

Ordinary tactics + discipline = Extraordinary results.

Let me explain:

Have you noticed that when you read about what world-class companies say they do to achieve amazing outcomes, you (like most professionals) think "well, that's obvious" or "that makes sense"? Most of what these outstanding businesses do is not super-secret, mysterious proprietary strategies or tools. They follow a path to success that has been followed by many other consistently successful companies before them. the have leaders that are role models. they engage their employees in working together effectively and in creating innovative solutions. The exceed the expectations of their external customers by attending to the details that they care most about throughout their entire experience. they focus on low/no cost investments that make good business sense for the long-term.

Then why isn't everyone getting world-class results as well? They don't (sufficiently) focus on the "ordinary" discipline of consistent implementation. They fail to be consistent/fair in their accountability of behaviors. They don't take the risk of being courageous enough to be transparent in how they face the truth/reality of their individual and team performance. Ordinary "do the right thing" effort has, unfortunately, become uncommon.

It's easier to talk the talk than to walk the walk. It's easier to write a bonus check than to have a thoughtful token of appreciation. It's easier to entertain the idea of success rather than experience the sacrifice required to achieve it.

There's nothing extraordinary about proven strategies - we know what to do. If we're not getting the results, it's because we simply fail to:
- take a cold, unblinking look at ourselves
- take the time to identify root causes and the natural consequences
- invest in building healthy, long-term working relationships
- won't consistently make the constantly-required behaviors that lead to the results we desire

Those who want the easy way out always balk at this truth. It's not sexy or "business as usual". But it is simple - and what has been proven to work. Just look at those renowned organizations who are experiencing consistent success. What works - works!

So if you want extraordinary results, simply look to proven (ordinary) tactics and the tried and true (ordinary) discipline of implementing those tactics. If you need help, go out and get it, but no one achieves real success until they bridge this gap. NO one.

So, you want to be a SOMEone, or a NO one?

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Not Just Hardware

I just returned from serving as a judge for the Singapore Experience Awards - an event that honors the best business practices (and results) of organizations across industries throughout Singapore. While the visit to Singapore was excellent as always, this particular trip provided an interesting new insight.

An executive of a large international technology corporation mentioned that their renowned success throughout the world was not the result of their amazing hardware, but of what he called "heartware" - the passion of his engaged employees. He recognized that without their passion for innovation and executing their plans to the highest standard, their products would simply be more in a market of mediocre "things".

Interesting that, in a land that is so well known for how they embrace technology, they have the strategic wisdom to place a premium on what actually creates that technology.

A rare insight we could all benefit from, I think.

Consider all the competitors in your industry. For the most part, you all have access to the same resources - offices, office supplies, computers, raw materials, time, etc. What typically determines the outcomes of an organization is how they utilize those common resources. The best do so in decidedly UNcommon ways.

When was the last time you focused on upgrading YOUR "heartware" at work? By shifting how you select, train, communicate, and reward your team you can transform what you achieve with your resources. Or, as Walt Disney once said "taking ordinary resources and creating extraordinary results"...to optimize your competitive edge.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

How Many Days Have You Lived?

I was working with a client organization the other day and saw a sign in the machine shop. It was one of those typical signs that state how many days the team had gone without an accident. During my conversation with the shop manager, we discussed the previous day's leadership workshop on aligning Values, Talent, and Vision and how it related to the common safety sign.

People keep track of things that are important. Things like safety. Why then, do we not measure other things that are just as/more important?

For example, the client's safety sign read "123 days without an accident". Why don't we have a sign in our homes that read "18,250 days that I haven't died?" Unfortunately (or fortunately), we can't have a sign with the number of days we have left in life. I'd bet that would be a sign everyone would pay attention to.

Maybe I was wondering about this because I had just gotten news of the unexpected death of a friend's husband. We don't often think of how many days we've been alive - or that those days are numbered...somewhere. Maybe we should. How would that change our results in life?

Imagine instead if we had a sign that measured how many days we really lived! This was the discussion I had with the manager. "What if people were focused on what was truly important to them (Values), and what they were best at doing (Talent) that propelled them forward towards a goal that was compelling and desirable for them (Vision)"? As their leader, his job is to help them make that happen.

That is ALL of our jobs: To identify those things and take action to see that we stay on course. Every day.

Wouldn't it feel GREAT to add a new number each day to your sign "How Many Days I've Really Lived = X"??

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Problem, Challenge, or Opportunity?

Today I heard some people having a heated discussion about whether it was better to refer to a situation as a "problem" or an "opportunity".

What a waste of time.

The REAL issue isn't the terminology - it is the fact that, typically, all they do is talk. That's a common situation that most people/businesses are in today. Here are some practical distinctions I make that I've been told by clients is helpful:

Definition of "Problem" = Anything that is unacceptable to you. The degree of your problem is the degree of unacceptableness. REALLY unacceptable = BIG problem.

Definition of "Challenge" = A problem that you are willing to face/fix.

Both "Problems" and "Challenges" are "Opportunities". The truth is: We have almost unlimited opportunities each and every day. You can choose to have one less soda a day and lose about 15 pounds a year. You can choose to wake up 30 minutes earlier each day and invest that time strategically considering your future. You can choose to take the 5 minutes immediately after reading this blog to call a friend or family member and tell them how much you care about them or to ask forgiveness/forgive them to enhance your relationship.

Every day. Every hour. Every minute is an opportunity.

The question is: "Will you take action"?

Merely talking about definitions of words and other concepts without acting on that discussion to add some kind of value is a complete waste of energy. Calling something a "problem" isn't what creates negativity/defeat. Failing to do anything constructive about the problem is what keeps it a problem - and retains the negative consequences.

Solution? Commit to do more than talk about what needs to improve. Take action to achieve something of substance that means something at the end of the day.

Just a suggestion...you could start with that phone call...

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Pixar Magic Can Be YOUR Magic!

You may have heard about Pixar's recent accomplishments: Record-breaking attendance for IMAX; Unprecedented 11th straight #1 box office opening week. Stunning!

The interesting thing is that Pixar is not achieving this by accident. Here are the steps that YOU can follow to get the same amazing results:

Begin with Your Story. What are your foundational Values? Your primary Vision? The deep-down wants of your Customer? With Pixar, EVERY decision is measured against these three things. Until you clearly identify and communicate these issues, you WILL waste time, effort, and money.

Set the Stage. Innovate rather than imitate. Your organization is unique. Don't copy what other world-class companies do. Instead, copy how they THINK - and then apply that process to your unique situation. Continuous improvement by doing what makes the most sense for YOU is the key.

Recruit the Cast. Taking your business to the next level is achieved only via your employees. In addition to the "stars" that are thew role models for your business, consider actively engaging those who are unhappy with your current outcomes. For Toy Story 3, Pixar gathered all the "black sheep" who had been complaining about how things needed to be improved and put them to work to accomplish that task. Give your malcontents a chance to "put up or shut up"!

Now, go out there and do something unprecedented!

Think about it - but more importantly, DO something about it...today!

Measuring Time = Measuring Life

It is a common tradition to take stock of our lives every New Years. Seems natural - the beginning of a new year and all. But assessing our life just once a year also seems way too long between reviews. Not nearly enough feedback in between checks.

So I started doing a mid-year check-in with myself as well (about this time of year.) That's when everything started to change for the better. Started seeing some improvements over the once-a-year reviews. So I started once a quarter. Then once a month. Then once a week.

Now I conduct once a day assessments of where I am and how am I moving forward RE: my big life goals/bucket list.

Don't get me wrong - I'm NOT a number-crunching, "sadistics" kinda guy. Still not. Quite the opposite. Plus, it always weirded me out when people focused so much on measuring things in their life. Many people get so focused on the measuring process, they take their attention away from the real life-living part. What a shame.

But I came to realize that measuring something doesn't make it less "natural" - as long as the reason for measuring it stays the primary focus. The point is that, once I identify a goal (or goals) that are aligned with my values, talents, and passion (my purpose), then the more I stay aligned with that path, the more fulfilled I will be as ME.

It's really all about making more (often) informed choices. When is that ever a bad thing? Plus, seeing changes in the direction of your goal - even small improvements - is encouraging, and motivates me to stay the course/make even more improvements.

Not a bad tactic, actually.

It takes some getting used to, but it can actually make a transformative difference in the amount of LIFE you have in your life.

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

When In The Midst Of The Storm

Recently, it seems like nearly every client, colleague, and friend has been overwhelmed by unexpected circumstances. Sometimes the challenge has been out of left field, sometimes the challenge has been more intense or longer-lasting than expected...but either way, they are struggling to manage.

Sometimes, Life has a way of ganging up on you, eh?

This past month has been a challenge for me as well. A "perfect storm" of previous commitments, professional challenges, and personal set-backs. Sometimes it can knock the wind out of you - leave you reeling for a moment. A setback like this can be painful, but it can be an attention-getter when you desperately need one.

When things in our environment are so dynamic, it is dangerous to be inflexible in anything except your values and The Truth. The saying that "good always triumphs over evil" is only true in the longest term. Short term, the ugly truth is that evil sometimes wins...temporarily. The key is getting through the temporary times.

Here is what I've found to guide me (and other clients/colleagues/friends) through these temporary trials: The "A List"...

1. Accept the pain/circumstances: Denial only prolongs the process. It IS happening - and time (nor any connected circumstance) isn't stopping. Grow up and face it with courage NOW or a messy "domino effect" will make it worse. (Yes, it ALWAYS makes it worse...)

2. Assess the root cause(s): Objectively review your circumstances and YOURSELF to get at the root cause of the problem. Look for trends/patterns. What is REALLY causing the pain right now? Could it be the natural consequences of YOUR actions? (or LACK of action?)

3. Adapt to the new situation/challenge: What was is no longer what is. Let go of the past and embrace a new now to establish today's starting place to make progress towards your goals. No, your goals don't have to change, necessarily (if they are still worthy), just your approach to achieve them. Maybe there's ANOTHER right answer that will get you there?

4. Action your way through towards your goals: Thinking/talking about your intentions get you NOWHERE. As overwhelming as it may seem, you can take a step NOW...even a baby step is progress. Baby steps, multiplied by consistent effort often turns to momentum and larger steps.

If you've experienced a painful set-back, you have my condolences. Take a moment to grieve (Accept) and then commit to the rest of the process. There IS hope...even in the midst of the pain and confusion. Focus on your goals and the process and soon you will be out of the maelstrom.

Take a deep breath, and begin. Now.

Think about it, but more importantly do something about it...today!

No Longer Waiting For A Good Opportunity

Well, it's FINALLY 2010. A clean slate. A fresh start. A new beginning.

Then why are so many people...just waiting?

I was talking with a client about his plans for growth in 2010. After he described a long list of ways they were planning to position themselves and gain market share, I asked him what he and his teams were currently doing to accomplish those goals. He stated that they were watching and waiting for more evidence of a turnaround before they took any action.

I believe the opportunity is already starting to slip away.

One of the traits of world-class success stories is they LEAD the market. They initiate trends. They take action and gain while "wanna be's" wait for "proof" or for some kind of assurance that their plan will gain BIG results with minimum risk.

Funny thing about business (and just about any other aspect of life for that matter)...low risk almost ALWAYS results in low rewards.

Intent means nothing until it is acted upon.

Once there is a good understanding of the customer, your team/resources/strategies, and the competition, every moment of "waiting" squanders your potential. Your competitive edge diminishes. You leave the window of opportunity open for your competition.

Sounds like a foolish way to begin a new decade.

Do New: Stop waiting for opportunity and MAKE opportunity instead!

Think about it, but more importantly - do something about it...today!

The Hidden Side of Success

Just wrapping up the next phase of who-knows-how-many-phases-it-will-take conference calls with my publisher exploring the many steps of the process in getting a book actually published. Seems vaguely familiar to most transformation efforts I've led over the years.

At first, you walk into the brand new (to you) situation and get hit with a tidal wave of new information. Despite years of wide-ranging experience, it's not what you know that causes potential problems. It's that you don't know what you don't know.

Of course, knowing that gives you an advantage.

The key to success is to explore what is, at that moment, hidden to you. Data. Information. Relationships. Opinions. Perspectives. Blind spots. Misunderstandings. Assumptions. Hidden agendas. Ego. Fears. Untapped potential. Hope. Courage. Heroism.

There are always clues - and solutions - hidden inside the organization. The secret is rooting it out. To do this, you need to actively go to where the answer hide. Almost always where the employees and customers meet.There are two rules when exploring these uncharted territories: 1. Follow the money (the measurement of value), 2. Follow the time (the measurement of priority) and 3. Follow the customer (external and internal - employee) experience (the measurement of relevance).

Secrets never are discovered in an office - only out where real life happens.

So, my goal for learning this publishing process is to, at every step, keep my ears and eyes open to everything that is happening. Ask questions and listen/learn. Expect to be surprised - and to uncover unknown challenges. Keep the big picture in mind, and have the courage and tenacity to keep climbing that mountain.

Eventually, the view gets clearer...and the air gets cleaner......and the goal is achieved.

What challenge are you facing right now? Are you really following the clues or your predetermined expectations?

Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!

Sowing (and Reaping) O.A.T.S.

Ahhh...the beginning of a new week. Always seems to be both a wide-open seven days of possibility and, at the same time, not enough time to complete the ever-growing list of "things I've got to do". While planning for the week may seem intimidating, it becomes MUCH easier when you have a system to follow. One such approach is the OATS formula:

O: Objectives - First identify what your goals are. What results do you want to achieve by the end of the week. Write them down and rank each one.

A: Activities - For each goal, write down what you need to actually do (think behaviors) to bring each objective to fruition. This is the "Who" part of the formula.

T: Time - The "When" part of the formula is not only establishing a deadline, but also estimating how much time each goal/action will require. I try to add an extra buffer to allow for unexpected developments. If the unexpected development is that nothing unexpected came up, then my unexpected development is that I have extra time to accomplish new adventures!

S: Schedule - Once you have the previous details in place, you can place them appropriately in your calendar. Take into consideration when you do your best work (we all have different preferences/bio-rhythms, etc.) One tough obstacle is that few people place as high a value on time commitments to themselves as they do to commitments made to others. Make yourself and your plans a priority!

Simple and to the point. Try it out and see if this works for you. If you sow your OATS now, you'll be reaping that investment into you (and your life plans) soon!

Think about it - but more importantly, do something about it...today!

What It Means To Earn Life Experience

Just thinking the other day about why some people have poor judgment. I mean, we all make mistakes - at times, even stupid ones, but why do some people grow and others wallow?

Well, it occurs to me the "normal" path that leads to growing as a person includes the following:

Burned - We either watch someone else get burned or we ourselves get burned - suffering the natural consequences of a bad choice. This experience is not a bad thing. It gets our attention. It gives us motivation to NOT repeat that mistake. If a mistake doesn't hurt, then we are sick, and in dire need of professional help. As I like to say: "The truth only hurts when it has to." If the truth hurts, then DO something about it. Change so that the honest truth feels GOOD.

Learned - After having a bad experience, healthy people (when they are paying attention) actually learn something. They connect the dots between the cause and the effect. They start to see the possible ramifications of certain actions (or certain LACK of action). Once you know, you cannot UNknow. Again, this is good. This is growth.

Turned - Learning does not change anything other than knowledge. That is only internal. To actually "bring that insight to life", we must implement. Knowing and Doing are two very different things. We all KNOW we should eat better and exercise, but how many actually DO it? Unless there is sufficient motivation for taking appropriate action, it is as bad (possibly worse?) than not knowing at all.

Earned - If a person takes appropriate action on a new (valid) insight, in the right way, then they will receive the natural consequences of that action - benefits and rewards. Of course, the act of implementing puts us all back in the cycle again - exposing ourselves to the possible pain of getting burned with a future misstep.

[Sidebar: Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know you can learn from pleasant experiences also - not just being burned. I just couldn't find a rhyme that matched the concept - so we all just have to deal with the disappointment of it not fitting in a tidy little package.]

For the best results, we can all focus on:

1. Taking appropriate risks - be willing to fail in order to optimize potential.
2. Stay aware of what is happening around us so we can connect the dots for improvement ideas.
3. Exercise the discipline to change behaviors. Consistent behaviors = consistent results.
4. Reap the benefits of the improvement - reinvest in future growth. Enjoy some too!

Think about it - but more importantly, do something about it...today!