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!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Pixie Rust
Disney is known for it's attention to detail. Always making sure every aspect of the Guest experience adds value, rather than undermines value.
In other words: Making sure everything is "show ready" for your guests creates Pixie Dust...if not, you risk having Pixie Rust.
The only way we can fend off the decay of every day wear and tear is to be vigilant on maintenance. Not just with our equipment and other "things" resources, but also with the most important resources we have - our human resources.
I often hear people ask about how Disney (and other like-minded "legendary" companies) achieve consistent excellence. Well, it doesn't come by accident. They do the hard and disciplined WORK of maintaining what matters.
That includes their people. Training every day (informally, in addition to the formal kind) accomplishes several things:
1. it keeps everyone's attention on what matters
2. it keeps everyone's skill level high
3. it builds a culture of discipline and excellence
4. it positions the entire team for success - in any circumstances
Talk about return on investment. The results speak for themselves at every world-class organization.
Funny how the wanna-be's complain that they can't seem to get those kinds of results, when all they need to do is execute on the right things consistently every day. Continuous improvement can help ANYone turn Pixie Rust into Pixie Dust.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
In other words: Making sure everything is "show ready" for your guests creates Pixie Dust...if not, you risk having Pixie Rust.
The only way we can fend off the decay of every day wear and tear is to be vigilant on maintenance. Not just with our equipment and other "things" resources, but also with the most important resources we have - our human resources.
I often hear people ask about how Disney (and other like-minded "legendary" companies) achieve consistent excellence. Well, it doesn't come by accident. They do the hard and disciplined WORK of maintaining what matters.
That includes their people. Training every day (informally, in addition to the formal kind) accomplishes several things:
1. it keeps everyone's attention on what matters
2. it keeps everyone's skill level high
3. it builds a culture of discipline and excellence
4. it positions the entire team for success - in any circumstances
Talk about return on investment. The results speak for themselves at every world-class organization.
Funny how the wanna-be's complain that they can't seem to get those kinds of results, when all they need to do is execute on the right things consistently every day. Continuous improvement can help ANYone turn Pixie Rust into Pixie Dust.
Think about it. But more importantly, do something about it...today!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Formula for Business Success: Follow and Improve
Everyone seems to be "getting back to basics" - and, for one, I'm glad. As long as the basics include a sophisticated look at long-term success.
To that end, I've been pondering how to simplify a formula for success without getting too simplistic. So far, here's what I've come up with:
Follow your heart (your passion) +
Follow your customer (their passion) +
Improve your skills (your product/services) +
Improve your relationships (engagement with employees/customers)
To me, based on what I've experienced/seen at world-class organizations all over the world, the overlap of all those things seems to equal "Success". Interesting how best-in-class companies lead by following - and are the best because they constantly get better. Pretty simple.
Maybe if leaders would take time to really get clear on these issues, they could take action in a way that paid off with growth and profits. Having this kind of a discussion with your team and your customers will likely reveal some pretty valuable insights.
Just a thought when pondering your own success.
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it - today!
To that end, I've been pondering how to simplify a formula for success without getting too simplistic. So far, here's what I've come up with:
Follow your heart (your passion) +
Follow your customer (their passion) +
Improve your skills (your product/services) +
Improve your relationships (engagement with employees/customers)
To me, based on what I've experienced/seen at world-class organizations all over the world, the overlap of all those things seems to equal "Success". Interesting how best-in-class companies lead by following - and are the best because they constantly get better. Pretty simple.
Maybe if leaders would take time to really get clear on these issues, they could take action in a way that paid off with growth and profits. Having this kind of a discussion with your team and your customers will likely reveal some pretty valuable insights.
Just a thought when pondering your own success.
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it - today!
Monday, July 13, 2009
First, Last, and LastING Impressions?
Recently thinking about some "common knowledge" aspects of human relationships - both personal and professional.
We've been reminded (ad nauseum!) about how important first impressions are. Ditto for last impressions. No argument there. First impressions establish a context and expectation while last impressions provide the last thing you see/hear about the experience when leaving.
What I don't hear much about is a little different take on developing an impression...how about the importance of making a lastING impression?
The lasting impression of any interaction usually occurs somewhere in the middle - between the first and the last impression. When talking with people - friends or customers - I find it very interesting that they will have a particularly good (or bad) experience in the middle of the interaction that really sticks with them. It seems like we'd invest a little more time crafting ideas for creating lastING impressions as some people do for first or last impressions.
That focused kind of effort is what sets apart the extraordinary from the ordinary.
Here's my personal priority:
1. Lasting impression: How can I really connect with them and add value in an unexpected way?
2. First impression: How can I make them immediately feel "at home" and ready for a special experience?
3. Last impression: How can I ensure they enjoy closure while still wanting to experience the interaction again (and be an advocate sending their family/friends to me as well!)
If more corporate training programs included this in their Orientation and Training programs, (and reinforced it all on the front line operations), their businesses would exceed expectations and really make a difference in the lives of their customers - both external and internal (employees). I mean, if we're making the effort anyway, who wouldn't want to make a lasting impression as well?
In these difficult times, connecting with people and making our impressions long-lasting just makes good (long-lasting) sense.
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it - today!
We've been reminded (ad nauseum!) about how important first impressions are. Ditto for last impressions. No argument there. First impressions establish a context and expectation while last impressions provide the last thing you see/hear about the experience when leaving.
What I don't hear much about is a little different take on developing an impression...how about the importance of making a lastING impression?
The lasting impression of any interaction usually occurs somewhere in the middle - between the first and the last impression. When talking with people - friends or customers - I find it very interesting that they will have a particularly good (or bad) experience in the middle of the interaction that really sticks with them. It seems like we'd invest a little more time crafting ideas for creating lastING impressions as some people do for first or last impressions.
That focused kind of effort is what sets apart the extraordinary from the ordinary.
Here's my personal priority:
1. Lasting impression: How can I really connect with them and add value in an unexpected way?
2. First impression: How can I make them immediately feel "at home" and ready for a special experience?
3. Last impression: How can I ensure they enjoy closure while still wanting to experience the interaction again (and be an advocate sending their family/friends to me as well!)
If more corporate training programs included this in their Orientation and Training programs, (and reinforced it all on the front line operations), their businesses would exceed expectations and really make a difference in the lives of their customers - both external and internal (employees). I mean, if we're making the effort anyway, who wouldn't want to make a lasting impression as well?
In these difficult times, connecting with people and making our impressions long-lasting just makes good (long-lasting) sense.
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it - today!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Making a REAL Hero
Lots in the news lately about the passing of several celebrities.
Unfortunately, these past few weeks have also seen the passing of several friends and colleagues of mine.
Over the past 30+ years, I've had the rare chance to work with scores of A-list (as well as B, C, and D-list) celebrities. Of course, during those years I have also worked with and spent time with numerous colleagues.
The swirl of comments from news folks as well as folks I know have included words like: "unspeakable loss" and "changed my life" and "my hero".
Maybe its because of all that "behind-the-scenes" time I spent with both groups - but I must say, when I think of words like "hero", I think of less superficial traits than simply being flashy, well-known or rich. I think of people who touch lives in a personal, meaningful, and lasting way. I think of people that share themselves in a way that changes someone else's life for the better. I think of people that are selfless, sacrificial, and focused on lifting someone else up - rather than themselves.
I haven't met too many "celebrities" that match that definition. They often are nothing more than sparkling packages that are empty inside.
However, I've been blessed to personally know several people that would meet the criteria of real heroes: Substance over style. Integrity over dishonesty. Real over fake. Truth over lies.
I am proud to say that I've known people who have lived these to their end...and really made a difference with their lives. They've led their lives in a way that led the way for others they personally touched.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to know them.
I'm grateful for the impact they had on my life and on the lives of others.
And I'm grateful for yet another reminder about what is really important in Life.
We seem to get signposts throughout our lives that put our life in perspective. We can review what we're currently doing and adjust our behaviors and direction for the better.
I hope you take THIS opportunity to test your priorities - and judge whether you are living the life that you are meant to live. Are you making the kind of difference you should be making? Are you leaving the legacy that you could be living?
People are counting on each of us to do the right thing at the right time in the right way for the right reason. We can be that person when we're needed most.
Yes...YOU can be that hero that makes THE difference. The REAL difference...not some empty illusion of heroism.
Think about it - but more importantly, do something about it...today!
Unfortunately, these past few weeks have also seen the passing of several friends and colleagues of mine.
Over the past 30+ years, I've had the rare chance to work with scores of A-list (as well as B, C, and D-list) celebrities. Of course, during those years I have also worked with and spent time with numerous colleagues.
The swirl of comments from news folks as well as folks I know have included words like: "unspeakable loss" and "changed my life" and "my hero".
Maybe its because of all that "behind-the-scenes" time I spent with both groups - but I must say, when I think of words like "hero", I think of less superficial traits than simply being flashy, well-known or rich. I think of people who touch lives in a personal, meaningful, and lasting way. I think of people that share themselves in a way that changes someone else's life for the better. I think of people that are selfless, sacrificial, and focused on lifting someone else up - rather than themselves.
I haven't met too many "celebrities" that match that definition. They often are nothing more than sparkling packages that are empty inside.
However, I've been blessed to personally know several people that would meet the criteria of real heroes: Substance over style. Integrity over dishonesty. Real over fake. Truth over lies.
I am proud to say that I've known people who have lived these to their end...and really made a difference with their lives. They've led their lives in a way that led the way for others they personally touched.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to know them.
I'm grateful for the impact they had on my life and on the lives of others.
And I'm grateful for yet another reminder about what is really important in Life.
We seem to get signposts throughout our lives that put our life in perspective. We can review what we're currently doing and adjust our behaviors and direction for the better.
I hope you take THIS opportunity to test your priorities - and judge whether you are living the life that you are meant to live. Are you making the kind of difference you should be making? Are you leaving the legacy that you could be living?
People are counting on each of us to do the right thing at the right time in the right way for the right reason. We can be that person when we're needed most.
Yes...YOU can be that hero that makes THE difference. The REAL difference...not some empty illusion of heroism.
Think about it - but more importantly, do something about it...today!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Ready, Able, and...Willing?
Just got through following up with a client's "Action Team", who are responsible for initiating a company-wide improvement initiative. In the past, the organization has fallen victim to "Program of the Month" problems and they've been working hard at getting things ready to roll out.
Here's the rub: they are starting to experience "project creep" - where deadlines begin to be missed and things start taking longer than anticipated.
I hate "project creep". There's rarely a good excuse for it. Reasons, yes - but no excuse.
In confronting the status of their process, we explored numerous issues. It turns out that this initiative is so critical (they need results now and they can't afford to attempt this again) that they are clinging to the dreaded "analysis paralysis" - they continue to gather data and opinions and ANYthing that will hone their confidence.
Another way to look at this is that they are doing ANYthing to keep from having to actually execute the plan, followed by being held accountable for the results. The reality is that additional information will only take them insignificantly small steps closer to the elusive "absolute certainty".
This is a common problem - especially in difficult times. It's human nature to resist accountability - because we forget that being held accountable for great results is so incredibly wonderful!
Bottom line: the team realized that 1. they were actually ready to execute, 2. they were able to execute, 3. they were not, deep down WILLING to execute (because of their fears).
The good news is that we were able to get to common ground and they are moving forward again according to schedule. (Have I mentioned that I love coming in ahead of schedule, under budget, and better than expected?)
I have found that most delays occur because people are not willing to act. They lack the confidence that they are really ready/able. I encourage you to take that leap. You have all the tools you need to navigate whatever "hiccups" are bound to arise. (Hiccups occur no matter how much preparation is done beforehand. Starting before it's all "perfect" just allows you to actually realize it earlier/better.)
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it - today!
Here's the rub: they are starting to experience "project creep" - where deadlines begin to be missed and things start taking longer than anticipated.
I hate "project creep". There's rarely a good excuse for it. Reasons, yes - but no excuse.
In confronting the status of their process, we explored numerous issues. It turns out that this initiative is so critical (they need results now and they can't afford to attempt this again) that they are clinging to the dreaded "analysis paralysis" - they continue to gather data and opinions and ANYthing that will hone their confidence.
Another way to look at this is that they are doing ANYthing to keep from having to actually execute the plan, followed by being held accountable for the results. The reality is that additional information will only take them insignificantly small steps closer to the elusive "absolute certainty".
This is a common problem - especially in difficult times. It's human nature to resist accountability - because we forget that being held accountable for great results is so incredibly wonderful!
Bottom line: the team realized that 1. they were actually ready to execute, 2. they were able to execute, 3. they were not, deep down WILLING to execute (because of their fears).
The good news is that we were able to get to common ground and they are moving forward again according to schedule. (Have I mentioned that I love coming in ahead of schedule, under budget, and better than expected?)
I have found that most delays occur because people are not willing to act. They lack the confidence that they are really ready/able. I encourage you to take that leap. You have all the tools you need to navigate whatever "hiccups" are bound to arise. (Hiccups occur no matter how much preparation is done beforehand. Starting before it's all "perfect" just allows you to actually realize it earlier/better.)
Think about it...but more importantly, act on it - today!
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