Blame

To blame or not to blame?  There are appropriate times to seek and place blame.  Like when lives have been lost or harmed, and when property is damaged.  But often in matters of somewhat less importance, but significant none the less, we try too hard to blame others.  Admirable is the notion of taking responsibility for ones’ action.  It is too easy to place blame, point the finger, or deny responsibility.  We all do it to some degree, but in highly visibly situations, on important issues and in teaching moments, great leaders pass on blaming others (even if somewhat justified).  The high road is one taken without blaming others and a wise choice to make.  Think about that at home in the example we set for our kids.  Unfortunately our younger generation seems extremely quick to lay blame.  Take responsibility for whom and what you are.  Pass up the finger pointing opportunity and lead by example.  Consider this quote…

“The search for someone to blame is always successful.”

      - Robert Half

Outside the Box Thinking

 Did you know that sticker burrs (yes like you find in a field of weeds) were the inspiration for the fastener we now know as Velcro?  Makes sense, but I sure would not have thought of it.  When we look at the familiar with fresh eyes we really open our minds to creativity.  I am not the most creative guy around but I try and look at business problems with an open mind.  It is very easy to get caught in a rut, to live with blinders on.  We tend to only see things within the parameters we are accustomed.  But wild ideas are often really very creative solutions.  “Thinking outside the box” is an overused phrase but it is a necessary way of thinking.  It does not come naturally.  We have to consciously force ourselves to see with fresh eyes and think outside of the box.

How will you see things this week?  

Kindness

In our hurried world I feel like we overlook the importance of kindness.  We easily forget the power of a simple kind word or gesture.  With so much technology at our finger tips it is important to remember that this is still a world made up of people with real human emotions.  Below are some great reminders about the importance of the simple art of heartfelt kindness.  Exhibit some genuine kindness this week.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”

-          Plato

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."

-          Leo F. Buscaglia

"The measure of a truly great man is the courtesy with which he treats lesser men."

-          Anonymous

"If you can't feed a hundred people, just feed one.”

-          Mother Teresa

The Lost Art of the "Blinker"

There is a nifty feature on automobiles and trucks that allows one to indicate, by a flashing light, their intention to turn or switch lanes.  These turn signals were invented in the early 1900’s and patented in 1938.  By the 1960’s they were pretty much standard on all cars produced in the US.  There is one in your car, I am sure of it.  Yes I said 1960, which is over 50 years ago.  I find it interesting, okay frustrating, that this device has been in place for this long and it still has not gained total acceptance within our society.  It is so simple to indicate to those of us around you what your directional intentions while driving.  In my experience the act of turning and switching lanes without the use of a “blinker” happens all too often.  Do we think that some people do not understand how to use the device?  Or are they simply too inconvenienced to flip their wrist or just a finger?  (Maybe they are just on their phone!)  I am thinking there may even be a law requiring the use of this device…

The use of the blinker, a lost art indeed…

(Not your typical leadership challenging MMM, but an important topic none the less, at least to me)

Your Word?

 Often we talk of others in terms of being able to take them for their word.  A common compliment is “He is a man of his word.”  Today let’s think about that concept by looking in the mirror?  Are you a man or woman of your word?  Can others take you at your word?  More importantly would you trust your own words?  Do you communicate with integrity and the intention to stand behind your word?  Words are powerful tools.  Trust is built on words supported by honesty and integrity.  Trust can be destroyed by words of deceit and misrepresentation.  Our word is one of the few things we have that we totally control, can’t be taken from us, and will always play a role in how we impact the lives of those around us.