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!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Getting Experienced...In A Good Way
As a collector of quotes - and life experiences - I just came across an aphorism by Louis L'Amour that is my current favorite: "You can't learn anything from experiences you're not having".
So much meaning. So few words.
Business life is too often full of mere talk. People analyze and study and discuss and have meetings and argue and write reports and present and talk some more...and wonder why nothing gets done!
In order to get new results, we have to "do new". "New" requires learning. Learning requires engagement. Engagement requires action. In short: Having experiences.
Ironically, the most successful people are those that take action before there's a 99% chance of success. They leap earlier - 80%? - and learn along the way. This earns them a competitive edge.
The key? That edge is NOT just the results of the action. What creates the real edge is their experience...what they gained from actually taking action.
It's an edge that can be realized no other way.
So, connect the dots for yourself this year. Step out in a way that you never have before - and experience more...learn more...grow more.
You'll soon see it makes all the difference in the world.
And your world will never be the same.
Isn't that what you want? A better life?
Go out and get some more experience...in a good way! ;)
Think about it, but more importantly do something about it...today!
So much meaning. So few words.
Business life is too often full of mere talk. People analyze and study and discuss and have meetings and argue and write reports and present and talk some more...and wonder why nothing gets done!
In order to get new results, we have to "do new". "New" requires learning. Learning requires engagement. Engagement requires action. In short: Having experiences.
Ironically, the most successful people are those that take action before there's a 99% chance of success. They leap earlier - 80%? - and learn along the way. This earns them a competitive edge.
The key? That edge is NOT just the results of the action. What creates the real edge is their experience...what they gained from actually taking action.
It's an edge that can be realized no other way.
So, connect the dots for yourself this year. Step out in a way that you never have before - and experience more...learn more...grow more.
You'll soon see it makes all the difference in the world.
And your world will never be the same.
Isn't that what you want? A better life?
Go out and get some more experience...in a good way! ;)
Think about it, but more importantly do something about it...today!
Friday, November 20, 2009
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!
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!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
I Believe Too!
Just came across a wonderful quote by John D. Rockefeller that covers volumes in one paragraph. Definitely worth reading - and re-reading - to get the full value. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did (and continue to)...
“I believe in the supreme will of the individual and in his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that every right implies a responsibility, every opportunity, an obligation; every possession a duty. I believe that the law was made for man and not man for the law; that government is the servant of the people and not their master. I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but it owes every man an opportunity to make a living. I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living and that economy is a prime request of a sound financial structure, whether in government, business or personal affairs. I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that a man's word should be as good as his bond; that character-not wealth or power or position- is of supreme worth. I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross (waste matter) of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free. I believe in all-wise-and all-loving God, named by whatever name, and that the individual’s highest fulfillment, greatest happiness, and widest usefulness are to be found in living in harmony with His will. I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over might.”
Every sentence = pretty deep stuff. The question now is "What do YOU believe"? and "Are you living your life in way that reflects that?"
And, most important, "If not, why"?
Think about it - but more importantly, do something about it...today!
“I believe in the supreme will of the individual and in his right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I believe that every right implies a responsibility, every opportunity, an obligation; every possession a duty. I believe that the law was made for man and not man for the law; that government is the servant of the people and not their master. I believe in the dignity of labor, whether with head or hand; that the world owes no man a living but it owes every man an opportunity to make a living. I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living and that economy is a prime request of a sound financial structure, whether in government, business or personal affairs. I believe in the sacredness of a promise, that a man's word should be as good as his bond; that character-not wealth or power or position- is of supreme worth. I believe that the rendering of useful service is the common duty of mankind and that only in the purifying fire of sacrifice is the dross (waste matter) of selfishness consumed and the greatness of the human soul set free. I believe in all-wise-and all-loving God, named by whatever name, and that the individual’s highest fulfillment, greatest happiness, and widest usefulness are to be found in living in harmony with His will. I believe that love is the greatest thing in the world; that it alone can overcome hate; that right can and will triumph over might.”
Every sentence = pretty deep stuff. The question now is "What do YOU believe"? and "Are you living your life in way that reflects that?"
And, most important, "If not, why"?
Think about it - but more importantly, do something about it...today!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Who's YOUR Most Loyal Customer?
I just returned form delivering the Pre-Conference workshop for the Society for Human Resource Management's Strategy Conference in Phoenix. We visited several world-class operations - including the Westin (one of the upscale Starwood hotel brands), Cold Stone Creamery (making ice cream buying a real experience) and the famed Mayo Clinic.
During the visit to the Mayo, several professionals spoke to my group revealing the best practices that have created the Mayo reputation/brand. The Chief Human Resource Officer, the Human Resource Manager, and the Operations Manager all shared amazing information that, according to the attendees, was extremely helpful from an operational standpoint. The interaction that made the most memorable impact was when a "customer" volunteered to share his experience with the group.
This patient just happened to overhear that our group was going to be there and offered to recount how he was treated during his liver transplant...just 5 WEEKS EARLIER. He went on about how the clinical aspects were over his head, but every Mayo employee he worked with took the time to, not only educate him so he could make the best choices - or execute his multiple procedures and surgery impeccably, but that they interacted with him in a way that made him know they CARED.
Tragic that experiencing the "care" in "health care" is so rare these days.
This "customer" went out of his way to prepare, drive out, and stand in front of a group of strangers to brag about an organization he is loyal to.
Impressive. That spoke volumes to everyone in the room. Passionate customers who are justifiably loyal usually have that affect.
Mayo earns that loyalty - and reaps the benefits as well.
The question is: Who is/are YOUR most loyal customers? Are they sacrificing to be an advocate for YOUR company? Have you EARNED that commitment?
Think about it - but more importantly, do something about it...today!
During the visit to the Mayo, several professionals spoke to my group revealing the best practices that have created the Mayo reputation/brand. The Chief Human Resource Officer, the Human Resource Manager, and the Operations Manager all shared amazing information that, according to the attendees, was extremely helpful from an operational standpoint. The interaction that made the most memorable impact was when a "customer" volunteered to share his experience with the group.
This patient just happened to overhear that our group was going to be there and offered to recount how he was treated during his liver transplant...just 5 WEEKS EARLIER. He went on about how the clinical aspects were over his head, but every Mayo employee he worked with took the time to, not only educate him so he could make the best choices - or execute his multiple procedures and surgery impeccably, but that they interacted with him in a way that made him know they CARED.
Tragic that experiencing the "care" in "health care" is so rare these days.
This "customer" went out of his way to prepare, drive out, and stand in front of a group of strangers to brag about an organization he is loyal to.
Impressive. That spoke volumes to everyone in the room. Passionate customers who are justifiably loyal usually have that affect.
Mayo earns that loyalty - and reaps the benefits as well.
The question is: Who is/are YOUR most loyal customers? Are they sacrificing to be an advocate for YOUR company? Have you EARNED that commitment?
Think about it - but more importantly, do something about it...today!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
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!
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!
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!
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