12.21.2015

Merry Christmas!

Wise mean still seek Him!  And we know from the MMM that we are always seeking wisdom, right?  May you and your family have a truly blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year! 


The MMM will take one week off and return on Monday January 4th of 2016.  How about those New Year resolutions?

12.14.2015

Positive Feedback


Are you complimentary when you receive good service?  Do you provide a lift to someone by acknowledging their smile or positive outlook?  You might be surprised the difference you can make in someone’s day, and their job performance, by simply being complimentary.  When a hotel clerk greets you with a smile and helpful attitude make sure they know you noticed.  When the dry cleaners employee is prompt and professional genuinely thank them.  When your dining wait staff is especially efficient give them a compliment and maybe even a larger tip.  People that serve others for a living are often mistreated, do your part to change that.  If they are doing a really exceptional job go out of your way to let their boss know.  Positive feedback is a great motivator and can change someone’s day, maybe even their future!

Pay someone a genuine compliment today and have a blessed week!
 
 

12.07.2015

Wisdom

The MMM has often addressed wisdom and our ongoing pursuit of it.  I have also written about how impatient we are as humans.  Impatience and wisdom don’t go well together.  Consider the following which addresses both points…

Wisdom is not proven by argument or debate.  Wisdom is proven over time.  Some people adamantly proclaim that their opinion is best.  Regardless of how convincingly these people defend their viewpoint, time is the best judge of their wisdom.  The result of a practice proves its validity, not how loudly it is promoted. 1

 Be wary of those who seek to have their own wisdom acknowledged before it can be proven over time.  Also, be patience with your own understanding of wisdom. 

 Have a blessed week.

1 – Taken from: Experiencing God Day-By-Day, Henry T. Blackaby and Richard Blackaby

 

11.30.2015

Life Is Hard


When I hear somebody say that life is hard, I am always tempted to ask, "Compared to what?" 
       --Sydney J. Harris

This is a very thought provoking quote.  Life may be hard.  I don’t think we have any real right to complain about that.  We are not promised otherwise, but it is not always hard.  Actually, most of us are incredibly blessed.  When we think life is too hard what exactly would we like it to be?  I know, there a lot of easy answers to that... trouble free, healthy, stable, happy, comfortable, and less challenging.  But that is not life is it?   

11.23.2015

Beginnings


The Monday Morning Minute was born eleven years ago this week.  It began as an encouraging internal communication at Fleetwood Retail Corp., a former employer that that is long since gone.  Since then it has grown to a more widely distributed communication where I try to start the week with a challenging or encouraging thought.  People need a jump start on Monday morning to get back into a work mode.  We all need some reminder about our leadership roles in life as we begin each week.  More importantly, we must continuously learn and grow.  Some of you have been along for the ride from the very beginning, others have joined more recently.  Many of you I know, some of you I do not.  Whatever the case, I hope you get a little something from my shared thoughts each Monday morning.  I hope that you gain at least a slightly different perspective for your week.  I look forward to many Monday Morning Minutes to come…


Have a blessed Thanksgiving!    

11.16.2015

Integrity


The MMM has on more than one occasion focused on the importance of integrity.  Reputations and relationships rise and fall based on integrity or the absence of it.  I try to live a life where integrity is not only important to me, but also clearly visible to others.  Integrity is one of the greatest keys to leadership, not to mention one of the finest qualities we can pass on as parents.  People recognize it when you operate with a foundation of integrity.

In looking for people to hire, you look for three qualities:
integrity, intelligence, and energy. And if they don't have
the first, the other two will kill you.

--Warren Buffet

Warren Buffet sums it up nicely.  But don’t limit seeking those qualities to just when you are hiring.  Look for integrity in people that you develop relationships with in all aspects of life.  So many great qualities are found where there is a solid base of integrity.

 

11.09.2015

Perspective


Two weeks ago I sat through an entire Longhorn football game in the rain.  Call me crazy, but it was fun.  My wife wisely chose this particular game to miss, and she watched from the dry warmth of our home.  We both witnessed the same game, but our perspectives were very different.  Perspective is a powerful thing.  The viewpoint from which you experience life has a significant impact on how you feel about it and react to it.  Foreign tragedies don’t impact us the same way as those that take place on US soil.  Even locally, crimes across town just don’t seem as real as those in our neighborhood.  The same can be said for the struggles and victories we face daily.  A good balanced perspective can keep you from going too far to one extreme.  All you have to do is put your situation into a broader perspective.  It is probably not near as bad, or near as good, as you might think!

 Have you ever sat on the porch of a beach house and watched a storm roll in over the horizon?  It can actually be a beautiful sight.  But if you are in a small boat well offshore seeing the same storm, beautiful is probably not be the adjective that would come to mind.  The power of perspective...

11.02.2015

Leadership Balance


The challenge of being a leader is walking a fine line that requires incredible balance and sensitivity.  Great leadership qualities can’t be taken to extremes, they have to be balanced.  The challenge is to be…

·       strong, but not rude

·       kind, but not weak

·       bold, but not overbearing

·       humble, but not timid

·       proud, but not arrogant

 
Successful leaders are good at balancing these qualities.  How about you?

10.26.2015

Attitude


I have written before, as many have, about the importance of attitude.  Most such writings focus on the power of a positive mental attitude.  Rightfully so, much credit is given to the strength of a proper attitude.  The power of positive thinking is a popular concept and a valid one.  What about the power of a bad attitude?  Think about the impact of a negative attitude?  What is the cost of having the wrong mental attitude?  Consider the thoughts of the third President of the United States.

 Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude
from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the
man with the wrong mental attitude.
                                                        -Thomas Jefferson

10.19.2015

Courteous


What does it mean to be courteous?  Are we always courteous to those around us, home and work?  It seems so easy to be discourteous in the fast paced world we live in.  Consider the definition.

Cour - te - ous
Adj. Characterized by gracious consideration toward others. 1: exhibiting courtesy
and politeness; "a nice gesture" [syn: gracious, nice] 2: characterized by courtesy
and gracious good manners.


Gracious consideration!  Think about that the next time traffic is frustrating you, or the guy in front of you at Starbucks is ordering 12 drinks!  Think about being intentionally courteous, it is a simple behavior that can positively impact your relationships on an everyday basis.  Think about it in the business world and perhaps even more importantly at home.  For some reason we easily forget to be kind and courteous to those we love.  
Be courteous this week!

10.12.2015

Uncertainty


Life is filled with uncertainty. Like the line from a Rascal Flatts song, “Life’s like a novel with the end ripped out”, we don’t know how it is going to end.  We don’t even know what tomorrow will bring.  The only thing promised is the moment of the here and now.  That can be a little frustrating for those of us that are type “A” controlling and planning people.  It just seems like there is something in the way we think that makes us want to be in control and plan towards a specific outcome.  While there is nothing wrong with that, we must understand that ultimately we are not in control.  God has a plan for our lives and if you want to hear Him laugh just tell Him YOUR plan.

 You can’t jump ahead to read the end of life’s novel, but you can enjoy the read and know that a great ending is coming.

10.05.2015

Leadership


Positions and titles can cloud the judgment of leaders.  Often when leaders reach a certain level, or status, they seem to think they are required to independently have all the answers.  It is like they believe that with the title comes the obligation to immediately have the correct answer to every question.  They put undue pressure on themselves to respond with authority, even when they may not be confident of the answer.  Great leaders do not fall in the trap of this kind of thinking.  They know that quality leadership requires a decision making process.  That process may require time, and it may involve other resources.  Good decision making does not come as the result of a title or a position, but is the result of experience, wisdom, and thoughtful processing of the circumstances.  Making the ultimate decision is different from feeling like you must have an immediate answer in every circumstance.  Great leaders are always prepared to step up and make a decision, but in doing so, they know they don’t have to respond immediately or have all the answers themselves.  They know to consult experts, conduct research and fully consider all options.  Our responsibility as leaders is to make sound, well thought out, and rational decisions, not to simply provide an answer.

 

9.28.2015

Do Not Wait...

"Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along."     ~Napoleon Hill

I write this MMM as a reminder to myself about the importance of just getting started.  This is an area of weakness for me.  I want things to be just right before I start.  Having some control and feeling totally prepared are important for me. I want to be comfortable with a big step before I take it.  The problem is that I will never get far if I continue to think like that.  Sometimes you just have to go for it.  You have to at least get started.  We cannot always wait until the stars are aligned in order to make change happen in our lives.  So I am reminding myself, and all of you, don’t wait.  The time may never seem perfectly right.  Just get started.  The right tools will come along.

9.21.2015

Momentum Breaker:Dishonesty - Momentum Maker:Character

Character is the sum total of a lifetime of everyday choices.  It is not built overnight, but it can be destroyed in a minute by dishonesty.  We make choices each and every day which either build, or destroy, our character.  Many of you have heard me say “Do the right thing, even when nobody is looking!”  It is a matter of integrity and it builds character.  A trustworthy leader has a much easier time generating momentum than a leader with a reputation of being manipulative and deceitful.  Great leaders know how to build positive momentum.

A portion of this MMM was taken from an article by John C. Maxwell.  

9.14.2015

Consider Your Impact...


We all impact the lives of those around us.  It is inevitable, as is the way that people impact our lives each and every day.  Our challenge is to impact people positively.  The greater challenge is to proactively impact people positively.  Never underestimate the impact you have on others just during normal daily encounters.  Try to intentionally have a positive impact during those encounters.  We all have gifts and we should strive to use those gifts in order to beneficially impact those around us.  Consider all of the uplifting ways you might be able to impact people during your day.

  • Encourage
  • Support
  • Console
  • Share
  • Pray for
  • Advise
  • Teach
  • Listen

Consider your impact on those around you, and do so positively.  What will your impact be today?

 

9.07.2015

Happy Labor Day!


Welcome to fall, football and back to school.  Good bye summer.  It is that time of year. 
Hope your Labor Day holiday is blessed. 
 
The MMM returns next week… 

 

8.31.2015

Leadership - Part 2


We are all leaders.  Some of us are formal leaders with official titles; others are more informal leaders with influence.  We lead at home, church, in our community and at work.  We lead our children, our peers and our employees.  If you do not consider yourself a leader, think again.  Don’t ignore an opportunity to influence those around you.  Below are some of what I believe to be keys to outstanding leadership.  Embrace these and be a great leader! 


  • Hope - Great leaders give people hope for a better tomorrow.
  • Consistency - When followers never know what to expect from a leader they will stop expecting anything.  (see last weeks’ MMM)
  • Influence - People do not respond well when pushed, forced or directed.  They respond best when influenced by leaders they respect. 
  • Honesty & Trust - Trust and honesty are established when words and actions match up.
  • Accountability - Understand that followers need to see leaders who are willing to be accountable. 
  • Humility - As leaders we should be concerned with what is right, not if we are right. 
  • Respect & Caring - People do not care what you know until they know that you care. 


8.24.2015

Leadership


I am huge on consistency. To me it is a valued trait in leadership and life!  Steady and consistent leadership develops loyal followers. Consistency maintains calm and stabilizes expectations.  It means that when the question is the same, the answer is the same, no matter if the names and places change.  The answer is the same no matter the emotional, financial or legal implications.  Dependable answers and responses create a stable environment where expectations are clear.  This does not mean that different situations may not require different responses.  It does not mean that business circumstances can’t dictate changes in policy.  It does mean however, that people know what to expect from their leader.  John Maxwell says “If people do not know what to expect from a leader, they will come to expect nothing.” 

As leaders we should want people to know what to expect from us.  Great leaders have sound values and convictions.  Those things do not change and therefore they are consistent in their leadership.  A great leader is the rock of consistency for their team, followers, business or family.


8.17.2015

The Journey

We have all heard the saying... "Life is a journey not a destination."  It is a great concept to keep in mind every day.  All too often we want things to be finished, resolved, and complete; we are such an impatient society and so focused on the final result.  All the events and aspects of our lives are part of an ongoing change, a journey, not a destination.  Sometimes we need to be reminded to enjoy the journey! 

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon—instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today."
Dale Carnegie

Enjoy the journey, today...


8.10.2015

The Blind Spot


I am a fan of the leadership teaching and the writings of Dr. John Maxwell.  I recently read a great article of his regarding “The Blind Spot”.  He began with the following definition.

 
The Blind Spot – An area in the lives of people in which they continually do not see themselves, or their situation, realistically.  This unawareness often causes great damage to the people and those around them.

 
It is true, isn’t it?  We get so incredibly caught up in our own world that we cannot objectively see our situation.  It is like we have blinders on regarding our own behavior and surroundings.  Have you ever heard someone say “Can’t they see what they are doing?” or “Don’t they know how they are being taken advantage of?”  It is easier to spot negative circumstances or behaviors in others than in ourselves.  The challenge is to look at ourselves and our situations as objectively as possibly.  It is much easier said than done.  It requires the relaxing of one’s defenses, and the willingness to be vulnerable, but it can help you avoid harm to yourself or your business as well as some potential embarrassment.  Think about it; are you aware of your blind spots?

 

8.03.2015

Leadership – Respect & Caring


People do not care what you know, until they know that you care.  That may be a John Maxwell quote, but I have heard it from multiple sources.  Team members and followers respond better when they know that leaders genuinely care.  In addition, people respond even more positively when treated with respect.  Respect is a fundamental right that all people are entitled to.  As leaders we do not get to trample on people and forget the respect they are due as humans.  Basic caring and respect for others are great traits for true leaders.  There are many leaders who do not possess these characteristics; they may appear to be successful, and may be some of the time, but over the long haul they will not maintain loyalty.  Ultimately they will not be respected.  Our goal as leaders is to move people towards a common goal.  People tend to be more willing to move when they feel cared for and respected.  Goals are reached more easily when all members of a team respect one another, leaders and followers alike.  Make sure you lead with caring and respect…

 

7.27.2015

Being Wrong


It’s okay to be wrong, everyone is, and it is important to admit it when we are.  More importantly however, is the need for leaders to allow those who work for them to admit their mistakes.  Good leaders know to give people permission to be wrong.  Most people don't admit their mistakes because of fear. They're afraid they won't be forgiven*.  Good leaders let their followers know that it's okay.  Great leaders even share their own stories of failure.  It shows they care and allows them to be human.  This permission to be wrong leads to stronger relationships between leaders and followers.  There are few guarantees in life, but making mistakes is one of them.  Allow yourself to be wrong and admit it.  More importantly, allow those around you to be wrong and admit it too!

* Parsley, Brian, Admit You’re Wrong (brianparsley.com)

7.20.2015

Judgement

It is far easier to judge others than it is to judge oneself.  Too often we fall into the trap of judging others, without even knowing the full story of their circumstances.  Think about the times you may have said “They should not have” or “I can’t believe they did that”.  Why don’t we look at ourselves with the same level of scrutiny?  Wouldn’t it be healthy to be more objective about our own behavior?  If we desire to be intentional about our lives then we need to be more critical of ourselves in order to look for opportunities to improve.  Don’t waste energy on judging others.  Judge yourself first…

7.13.2015

Laugh, Think, Cry


“To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.”

-       Jim Valvano, ESPYs speech 1993

 
Jim Valvano was dying of cancer when he gave this speech.  If you have never heard this speech you need to.  (Easy to find on You Tube)  His words of wisdom make up one of the most moving speeches of all time.  It is powerful, motivating, passionate and emotional.  What if we all really experience all there of things daily?  He is right we would have something special. 

 
Laugh, think and cry today…

7.06.2015

Never Stop Learning


Do you think people really mean it when they say that they learn something new every day?  They should.  Too often we treat the learning process as something with a specific end.  We tend to say we "went to school" or "received an education", those statements are past tense and make it sound like we are done with learning!  In fact we hardly begin learning about life until after we are finished with our formal education.  We need to think of our education as an ongoing process, not something that we have completed in the past.  We really can learn something new every day and we should. 

 

What will you learn today!

 

6.29.2015

Wisdom

If you have been reading the MMM for very long at all you know that wisdom is frequent topic.  I think we always seek wisdom but seldom fully grasp it.  It is a character trait that we strive for, yet it is one that is hard to even define.  Here is a great quote that provides a great example of one facet of wisdom.   

“Wisdom is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech.”

It is true, there is often a fine line between saying what is on your mind and knowing when to carefully say something at all.  Wisdom can make the difference.


Be wise this week…


6.22.2015

Who Am I?

I lost my dad way too early,
Who am I to doubt it was part of God’s plan?

His mother lived to age 98, why couldn’t he?
Who am I to question God’s timing?

He loved my mom and all of us so dearly,
Who am I to ask God why we don’t have him anymore?

He was married for 50 years, had nine grandchildren and a great grandchild,
Who am I to not thank God for the time we did have?

He had wood to carve, golf to play and trips to take,
Who am I to ask God why not?

He was kind, loved and respected,
Who am I to ask God why him?

For his disease there were no more options,
Who am I to ask God why no cure?

There were things I had not done or said,
Who am I to ask God for more time with him?

I never heard a bad word spoken towards him,
Who am I to ask God why not someone else?

He deserved so much more,
Who am I to question that God knows what he truly deserved?

I lost my dad far too soon,
Who am I to question God’s plan?


Barry D. Blanton
In loving memory of Don Blanton
January 6, 1935 – June 23, 2007

(Eight years tomorrow I lost my father here on earth.  This MMM is repeated from one originally issued 07.02.07.  It will continue be repeated as long as I write MMM’s on the Monday closest to the anniversary of the passing of my father.)


6.15.2015

Action (part two)

"A failure to believe always results in a failure to take action.
A failure to take action results in a failure to achieve."
    – Keith A. Craft

I found this quote after I wrote the MMM last week.  It gets to the heart of the matter regarding action.  I find it curious that Keith Craft connects a failure to believe to the lack of action.  He is right; often our fears, insecurities and past failures deter us from taking action.  The only way to restore confidence is to believe and take the first step of action,  because if we don’t the consequences can be serious.
 
When we fail to take action…
  • Plans fail
  • Projects flounder
  • Dreams die
  • Problems fester
  • Relationships stagnate
 
What is there in your life that is just waiting for you to take action?

6.08.2015

Action


The importance of simply taking action is critical to growth and progress.  Nothing happens unless an initial step of action occurs.  Action, initiation, implementation, these are the starters of all good things; they are also the foundation for success.  Great ideas can be talked about and theorized at great length, you have to do something to make them a success.  This is an area of weakness for me, I have a lot of great ideas in my head that I have failed to act upon.  It takes action and movement for good concepts to be turned into reality, and reality into success.  The more action steps we take the higher likelihood we grow and our goals are realized.  Consider this quote from the very successful Conrad Hilton.


“Success seems to be connected with action.  Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes but they never quit.”
--Conrad Hilton 

6.01.2015

The Elusive Truth

 It seems hard to find the truth these days. For some reason honesty and being forthright are rare traits. It is really not anything new; the Bible is full of stories of lies and deceit.

 Why is the truth so hard to find?  In Deflate-gate, in a local bond election, in the Benghazi investigation, and in criminal and civil trials, every day the real truth eludes us. People tend to bend the truth for their own good and or gain. We seem to always have an angle or a personal viewpoint that we believe is more important than the actual truth. Having multiple versions of the truth is risky and most always has consequences.  Honesty truly is the best policy. We should all try to be a little more forthright.

 

5.25.2015

Memorial Day


Yes it is about the start of the summer, with beer, BBQ and upcoming coming trips to the beach.  There is baseball, watermelon and the kids being out of school, but don’t forget the true meaning of the holiday.  People have died serving our country and defending the freedoms we enjoy and this day is set aside to remember and honor those sacrifices.  Take a minute to think about that.  Make sure your children or grandchildren understand the price of freedom and the reason for the holiday.

 
Have a blessed and happy Memorial Day!

5.18.2015

Ironman


Four years ago I witnessed and volunteered at the inaugural Ironman Texas that is held in The Woodlands. Just this last Saturday was the 5th Ironman Texas. For those of you not familiar with an Ironman event, it is an endurance race where participants do a 2.4 mile swim, then 112 miles on a bike, followed by a full marathon (26.2 miles).  It is a total of 140.6 miles that has to be completed in 17 hours.  This accomplishment is absolute proof that your body can be pushed to limits beyond what you know.  The pros do it in just over 8 hours.  The bulk of finishers are in the 11 to 14 hour range and there are people crossing the finish line until the end.  Participants come in all ages, sizes, weights and nationalities; they all have a personal goal and their own reason for taking on the challenge.  It is inspiring to watch and even better to be actively involved.  Each year we have a volunteer group that mans a run aid station for over 14 hours.

 I think there are a couple of lessons here…  First and foremost, you can do things physically and mentally that you never dreamed possible.  Never underestimate the power of determination and training.  Secondly, the power of inspiration is a very real thing.  Very few things in life feel as good as personal accomplishment.  It does not have to be an Ironman, in fact most of us regular folks will never do one of those, but we have our own opportunities to set goals.  We can do something that we have never done before.  We can push ourselves mentally and physically farther than we ever imagine…

 Is it time for you to set some new goals?  Based on what I witnessed this weekend, there is no doubt you can do it if you set your mind to it!

 

5.11.2015

Change


Jerry Jeff Walker sings a song entitled Too Old to Change.  I recall being in my mid to late twenties and thinking that song applied to me.  I had this notion that I was who I was and not likely to change much, people around me just needed to accept that.  At that point my song title should have been Too Stupid to Change.  Maybe it still should be!  We are never too old to change, we are however, often too hard headed to change.  In fact we do not grow as people if we do not change.  We must change to develop and improve ourselves.  I know this better now, even if I am still not very good at it.  Life is all about change and how we accept, embrace and adapt to it. 

 
Don't be too old (stupid) to change!

 

5.04.2015

Patience and Preparation


We have become a very impatient people.  I should know because patience is a serious weakness of mine.  We are impatient in lines at the grocery store and in traffic.  We are impatient with doctors healing our illnesses and lawyers solving our problems.  Most importantly, we are impatient to achieve, in both our goals and our definitions of success.  Consider this quote…

“Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation”

-       Robert H. Schuller

We do not want to spend the time it takes in preparation to achieve.  It does not matter what you want to achieve, it will require preparation.  Whether it is financial success, good grades or athletic prowess, you have to be willing to devote hours and hours of not so glamorous preparation.  It may not be fun, and it will be hard work, but the rewards of achievement can be spectacular!  But we cannot be impatient about it.

4.27.2015

Respecting Relationships


Our relationships with others are an important part of our life and the world we live in.  Sure, how those relationships work and thrive has changed over the years.  Email and social media has modified how we interact but it is still a relationship world.  There is nothing more important than face to face interaction to cultivate a relationship.  But the immediate gratification and constant communication aspects of our society can negatively impact our relationship time, so can our just plain bad habits. 
 

Here are a few ways that you may be undermining a relationship when carrying on a “live” conversation.

·         Constantly looking at your phone

·         Lack of eye contact

·         Interrupting

·         Being late

·         Poor listening

 
These are obvious, and we all know better, but how many of these do you still do?  Value the time spent in face to face conversation with others.  Respect that relationship!

 

4.20.2015

Are You Watering Your Grass?


When was the last time you made an intentional effort to improve your circumstance or better yourself?  We often covet other people’s jobs, lives or situations.  It is the old “grass is greener” theory.  The fact is that our grass is in our control.  It is our yard to work and play in.  Consider this…

"It is a myth to think that grass is greener on the other side. The truth is...the grass is greener where you water it."

-Keith A. Craft

 

Don’t spend your efforts on the lawn across the street.  Do what you can to make your lawn more enjoyable; join a networking or peer advisory group, read a self-help or leadership book, become active is a trade organization, take continuing education classes,  or a Bible study group at a church. 

 

Quit worrying about the grass being greener elsewhere, water your own grass!

4.13.2015

The Willingness to Lead


Successful leaders must be willing to lead.  That may seem like a statement of the obvious.  Many people aspire to be leaders, others consider themselves leaders, but are they truly willing to lead? 
 
To become an intentional, respected, servant leader one must be willing to lead.  I use the word willing because it implies a desire to change, to do what it takes.  One does not simply become a true leader because of their age, status or title.  Leadership requires work and is developed over time.  It requires a willingness to change and adapt.  Successful leaders understand themselves as well as their followers, and they adjust accordingly.  They are intentional about reading people and analyzing situations to determine the best course of action. That approach is about the greater good of the project or organization, not the individual good of the leader.  Great leaders are willing to acclimate to personalities, circumstances and challenges.   

 Are you willing to lead?       

4.06.2015

Responding to Setbacks

How do you respond to a setback? Consider this quote…

“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”    - Babe Ruth

What if we viewed each setback we encounter as moving us closer to an accomplishment?
• Every rejection brings me closer to my next sale.
• Each time I make a mistake I am getting closer to perfection.
• Every bad run or workout I have gets me closer to my fitness goals.
• Each time I have to counsel an employee or a child brings them closer to their capabilities, and strengthens me as a leader and parent.
• Every piece of negative feedback helps me adjust and perform better.
• Each bad day I have just means the next one will be better.
• Every time I say I am sorry teaches me a lesson and provides the opportunity to not have to say so again.

How will you react to a setback this week?