November 25, 2013 Focus Point

Barriers, Opportunity, and Thanksgiving

"Character, not circumstance, makes the person." ~Booker T. Washington

"When Opportunity comes, it's too late to prepare." ~John Wooden

"Success is not where you are today, it is what you had to overcome to get there." ~Booker T. Washington

Barriers are of two kinds: Those that come along by themselves and those that we bring upon ourselves. In some cases you may not even have two consecutive days without some kind of barrier. The only person who has no barriers are those who do nothing. Anyone moving forward is going to face the challenge and resistance that comes as a reality of living in this amazing world. The difference in successful people that you and I can learn lessons from is that they overcome their setbacks and move forward anyway and in spite of them. They are overcomers they overcome the setbacks, barriers, and road blocks of life. They are successful not because they had less of them than the next guy or gal, but rather it is the attitude in which they approach them. The very setbacks that stops one person, for the motivated overcomer it becomes a stepping stone to higher ground and an opportunity to grow.

Think in your own life of some of the most rewarding times and successes that you have had. Were there challenges along the way? But you made it anyway! I guess in this case we should also give thanks for the barriers and roadblocks in life.

Every day each person on earth has new opportunities to grow, create, and become a better person more suited to assist others in their journey. This week I would like to give Thanks to the people in my life who inspire me to stand a little taller and to do a little bit more and who encourage me to become my best self.

November 18, 2013 Focus Point

The Law of Timing

"When to lead is as important as what to do and where to go." ~John Maxwell

"The only limits in our life are those we impose on ourselves." ~Bob Proctor

"It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn." ~B. C. Forbes

"It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get back up." ~Vince Lombardi

1- The wrong action at the wrong time leads to disaster.

2- The right action at the wrong time brings resistance.

3- The wrong action at the right time is a mistake.

4- The right action at the right time results in success.

I recently had a conversation with an individual who related an experience. It was a difficult time with lots of demands and pressures, and on top of all of that she was working towards getting licensed as a Real Estate Agent. One particular day found her exhausted and deflated. "Will I ever make it? Will I be able to pass the test?" You understand the normal questions that we ask ourselves when times get tough. She was about to give up on herself and her goal, but just then it happened. She answered a phone call from a person who was also working on her license at the same time. "Let's do it together." Together they studied, worked, traveled, and became great friends. Together they were able to pass the tests, become licensed, and accomplish their goals. What if this person's friend had put off calling for another week or two, the outcome may have been very different. The Law of Timing was at work.

In John Maxwell's book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership we see that the law of timing is what led Jimmy Carter to be President of the United States. In 1976 Americans were ready for new blood, and a new view and voice for Government. January 20, 1977 James Earl Carter was inaugurated as the 39th President of the United States. But as the window of timing came, it also went away. In the 1980 election, Carter faced a devastating defeat in that he won only 49 electoral votes against Ronald Reagan's 489. Maxwell believes that with Carter's lack of experience and tenure in politics that his initial win in 1976 was a remarkable point in the timing in America and that at no other time would he have even had a chance.

The Law of Timing is real, and at work in our lives.

November 11, 2013 Focus Point

Character, Integrity, and Service

"My fellow citizens of the world: Ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man." ~John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address, January 20, 1961

"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." ~Nathan Hale

"Duty is never worthily performed until it is performed by someone who would gladly do more, if only they could." ~Unknown

"Real character and real integrity is found in the things that you do when you think that no one else is watching." ~Stephen Covey

When we think of those who are our Veterans we think of Service. We think of Commitment, Discipline, and Character. I am so thankful for our country, I think of the lyrics of an old song: "I am proud to be an American where...... I know I am free." I am so thankful for those brave men and women who have given so much, who have given of their time and a portion of their life to serve our country. To protect and ensure our freedoms. As the song continues: "I will gladly stand up." Thanks to each of you my fellow Americans who Stood Up. As we know, all gave some. And some gave all. The ultimate gift and sacrifice that anyone can give.

This week: Salute your country's flag and thank a Veteran. 

November 4, 2013 Focus Point

Let Go of Discouragement, Setbacks & Offenses

"Remember you will not always win. Some days, the most resourceful individual will taste defeat. But there is, in this case, always tomorrow - after you have done your best to achieve success today." ~Maxwell Maltz

"Yesterday ended last night." ~John Maxwell

"Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm." ~Winston Churchill

Discouragement can get the best of all of us at times, the feeling that you cannot go forward another step. In John Maxwell's new book Sometimes You Win, Sometimes You Learn, we gain understanding that: Even though losses and setbacks really hurt and are not pleasant, they actually become our opportunities to gain some of our most valuable insight and the necessary direction to move forward even stronger.

When you get bumped around by someone else either on purpose or by accident, do you act or react? Robert Rohm states the following: "I see people every day, especially in traffic, who just do not let anybody get away with anything. They are ready for offenses to come so they can react in a way that lets other people know that they won’t tolerate being treated that way." There really are multiple opportunities to get offended on a daily basis. Maybe the real questions are: Do we give people the benefit of the doubt? Do we remember that even though they may say or do the wrong thing, they really meant to both say and do the right thing? Do we act or do we react? Easy concept to grasp and more difficult to apply.

November 2013 Leadership Connect

Change Your Paradigm And Get Results That Stick!
How is their: Attitude, Relationships, and Willingness to be a Team Player?

"All things are difficult before they become easy." ~Persian poet Saadi

" Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." ~Henry Ford

"How do you have motivated people? Hire those who are motivated themselves." ~Unknown

When you are interviewing people or bringing them on staff, always check the attitude first. You need someone with skill and attitude both, but if they do not have the attitude it will not matter how good their skills are. They may not be the quality you are looking for. If they have a great attitude but lack some of the skill, well, then you can teach and train them in those areas, and a person with a good attitude will also be more likely to be teachable.

Another important area to consider when bringing someone on staff is how are they at working with people? Studies show that 85% of success in life and in work, is directly related to a persons ability to work well with other people. In other words they are able to connect and work effectively with others. They have a sense of what needs to happen in order to work smoothly with their team, resolve conflict, and accomplish the company's mission. Only 15% of success in work relate to skills.

Next area is teamwork. When I think of teamwork, I think of a group of individuals who have many differences in their skills, talents, interests, personalities, and so on. But they are one in purpose, vision, and commitment. Being different as individuals, but the same in purpose and commitment now makes a group of people united as a team. As the saying goes; "You can lose with good players, but you cannot win without them." These are the kind of people who are adding value to co-workers, supervisors, and the company. They are the kind of people who pick up trash off the floor on their way out to lunch, they take ownership and responsibility. This is the person you want to hire.

October 28, 2013 Focus Point

October 28, 2013
Focus Point

Discover Yourself

"A discovery is said to be an accident meeting a prepared mind." -Albert Szent-Gyorgi

When Christopher Columbus discovered a new world, he had to first leave the old world and all of its securities in order to discover what lay ahead.

There is a baseball analogy that says: "You have to take your foot off first base in order to get to second base." There are many people who have dreams and ideas but they are never secure enough to let go of what they know so that they can receive what they could have. Sometimes we lose what is best for us if we do not take a risk.

I encourage you to discover what it is that is your inner most desire, and start moving towards it. Be a "make it happen kind of person" and it will happen. I believe now more than ever before, that our personal growth and willingness to change when necessary, will drive our opportunities in life, advancement in our work, success in working with people for a win-win, and so forth.

What is it that is just waiting to be discovered by YOU?

October 21, 2013 Focus Point

October 21, 2013
Focus Point

Win Big With Your Next Client, Customer, Co-Worker, Friend

There are book shelves full of books that teach people how to relate with others and to win them to your way of thinking. I hope this week to share a few ideas that you can put into practice immediately. In all that you do in working with people remember: Motivation is to move someone for mutual advantage. Manipulation is to move someone for personal advantage.

1. Compliment others. Take the opportunity as often as you can to give and share a compliment, make it a way of life to compliment others. Amplify the impact by complimenting people in front of other people. Compliment often, quickly, sincerely, and on purpose, and people will love working with you.

2. Listen actively. The fundamental cause of nearly all communication is that people listen to reply rather than to gain understanding. David Burn, a medical doctor and professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, says: "The biggest mistake you can make in trying to talk convincingly is to put your highest priority on expressing your ideas and feelings. What most people really want is to be listened to, respected, and understood." You can add tremendous value to another person by listening to understand, rather than to reply. How can we add value to someone if we do not know what it is they value? And how can we understand what they value if we do not listen?

3. Encourage them.  Norman Cousins said: "Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside of us while we live." Help people become all that they can be, help them discover their strengths and gifts. True motivation is stretching a person outside of their comfort zone, but not outside of their gift zone.

October 14, 2013 Focus Point

October 14, 2013
Focus Point

Clarity Is More Powerful Than Assumption!

If there is one thing that we know in absolute truth, it is the fact that the things we assume are wrong most of the time.

Robert Rohm teaches the following: "Assumption is the poison that kills personal and business relationships, derails success, and tarnishes almost everything that it touches. That is because when you assume something, you are simply taking a guess at a situation. It is like shooting in the dark. It is impossible to read someone else's mind, and it is impossible for someone else to read your mind. The wise thing to do in any situation is to take just a second to gain clarity. Assumptions are dangerous and will get you into trouble! If you want to assume something, just assume that what you are assuming is probably incorrect. That assumption will be correct most of the time!" 

We can gain tremendous insight and clarity by learning how to ask effective questions, such as: "Here is my understanding about the situation...Am I correct?" or "This is what you are asking me to do, am I hearing you correctly?" 

The main problem that occurs in communication is the illusion that takes place. Meaning, you say one thing, but your listener hears something else. Whenever there is some confusion or misunderstanding, having a simple conversation will eliminate the unknown factors so that everyone can see what is taking place with much more clarity and detail and to help remove barriers to communication.  

October 7, 2013 Focus Point

October 7, 2013
Focus Point

What Are You Attracting?

Think of the most influential and kind hearted people that you know. I am willing to bet that they have an attractive spirit, in other words they are beautiful on the inside. Isn't it amazing how much you can accomplish in life when you try hard and like the saying goes, "put everything you've got, into everything you do"? And in the process you become more valuable and attractive.

John Maxwell believes that most people want to be attractive, but that they do not understand what it really means. You see, we try so hard to be attractive on the outside, but the REAL attractive people have a great attitude and become both beautiful and attractive on the inside. This in turn makes them more beautiful on the outside.

A Second thought on attraction is: What are you attracting into your life? Experts teach that we are as if a magnet attracting people, circumstances, books, and events into our life based on what we think, the way we talk, and what we give attention to. A few thoughts to consider: What do we wish to attract into our life? And, what are we actually attracting into our life by our thoughts, words, and actions?

October 2013 Leadership Connect

Conflict Management

Imagine the amount of dollars companies in America spend on conflict resolution! No matter what part of our life, there will always be some sort of conflict. I do not believe that we can reduce it all together, I believe that it is an aspect of life. But I also believe and know to be true that we can minimize it a great deal and, (here's the key), become more effective in handling it when it does come.

According to John Maxwell, Intelligence is a great start. There are different kinds of intelligence. There is mental intelligence or IQ, there is relational intelligence, but emotional intelligence is what allows us to connect with people. And to connect with other people is to be a success in life. Emotional Intelligence allows you to do well with others and yourself. It allows you to feel the situation. You can feel what others feel, which allows you to know what they know so that you can add value to them. You not only hear what is being said and see what is being done, but you feel the context of what is being said and done and the situation in general.

Nothing perhaps is a greater asset than having Emotional Intelligence in being successful with other people. And when you are successful in working with people, you can become very effective at cutting off conflict before it starts because you will have the other person's interests and needs in mind. When people feel heard, understood, and listened to, they quickly become more agreeable.

Next time you have an employee question policies, rules, authority, or otherwise, give thought to what is behind the words they use. Consider their feelings and how you can meet the true and deep needs inside, the needs that most people overlook and ignore. I know that you will be a success with people as you put more energy into your conversations and practice having emotional intelligence with those you lead.

15 Laws of Growth

September 30, 2013 Focus Point

September 30, 2013
Focus Point

Is Your Mind Wandering?

It happens to all of us: You are working away at a project and the next thing you know, your mind is somewhere else. I recently read an article by Dan Goleman where he discussed the fact that our minds wander on average 50% of the time. Harvard Researchers found that often times when we are doing something, we are actually thinking of something else. This is called the Thinking-Doing Gap. The biggest gap and disconnect unfortunately is at work. The following are ideas to help sharpen our focus and increase productivity.

First, start with your digital communication such as any social media site or other websites that are not pertaining to your work. Anything that is not vital to your work and production, close it down. Also ask yourself: How can I more effectively manage time in my e-mail and inbox?

Secondly, invest 5 minutes in the morning to prioritize your tasks of the day. Practice the discipline to start with the most important item, resisting the urge to jump from task to task, but rather complete the first before moving to the second and so on. If you only accomplish two of ten tasks IF they are the most important, you are operating at 80% efficiency.

Third, invest 5 minutes at the end of the work day to review your work and make note of adjustments for the next day. Focus is a great word, don't you think? I believe that focus will clear your mind and give you more energy.

For more great ideas read: Focus, The Hidden Driver of Excellence by Dan Goleman

September 23, 2013 Focus Point

September 23, 2013
Focus Point

Head, Heart, Hands.

To get the most out of life, help someone else. Like the saying goes: "You have never really lived until you have done something for someone else who can never repay you."

People are insecure so give them confidence. They like to feel special so sincerely compliment them. They want a better tomorrow so show them hope. They lack direction so help them navigate. They are sometimes selfish so fill their needs first. They get low emotionally so encourage them. They want success so help them out. What people say, what people do, and what they say they do, are all entirely different things.

You help people with your Head by something that you know, in terms of your knowledge and understanding. If you do not understand people, you cannot help them. You help people with your Heart, by the way you feel towards them. If you do not love people,  you will not help them. And with your Hands you carry out the action of helping them.

Albert Einstein said it this way: "Strange as our situation here upon earth, each of us comes for a short visit not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to define a purpose. From the standpoint of daily life however, there is one thing that we do know, that man is here for the sake of other men."

Have the best week of your life by helping someone else!

September 16, 2013 Focus Point

September 16, 2013
Focus Point

John Wooden's Strategy To Find Happiness.

This is Excellent, Excellent, Excellent!!

As part of my own leadership and speaker training, I have been able to learn about the life of one of the great men who has lived on this earth. As the top division one basketball coach for UCLA, he not only coached his players on the court but also in life. Following are 9 promises that he worked everyday to live by. I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I have.

Promise Yourself To:

1. Talk of health, happiness, and prosperity as often as possible.

2. Show all of your friends that there is something special in them that you value.
3. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best from yourself and others.
4. Be just as enthusiastic about other people's success as you are about your own.
5. Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
6. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to greater achievements in the future.
7. Wear a cheerful appearance at all times and give every person that you meet a smile.
8. Give so much time improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
9. Be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit trouble to press on you.

At age 92, John Wooden was still working on improving his life and his character. He was a guy who led himself before trying to lead someone else. He passed away at age 99 in 2010, but his values, teachings, and influence live on.

September 9, 2013 Focus Point

September 9, 2013
Focus Point

Enhance Your Greatest Asset, YOU

I recently saw a large motivational picture on the wall encouraging people to take the time to sharpen their saw. Imagine a man working at cutting a large tree with only slow progress and a second man who takes the time to properly sharpen his saw and from such, has more success.

In his book The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People Stephen Covey teaches that there are four areas of renewal in our life.

1. Physical Dimension which includes: Exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management.

2. Spiritual Dimension which includes: Value clarification and commitment, study and meditation.

3. Mental Dimension: Reading, visualizing, planning, writing, etc.

4. Social and Emotional Dimension: Service, empathy, synergy, intrinsic security.

The process of self-renewal to the person who does not understand its value can appear to take away from activities that would move him or her forward more rapidly. But experience shows that it will actually help you and I to work more successfully and refreshed with a renewed determination and vision. When we take time for ourselves in each of the four areas we become more balanced and effective in prioritizing. It helps us to become more self aware and grow into and upward spiral of growth and change. As we learn, do, and commit within this pattern we form good habits. It truly is amazing what the small and simple things will do for us. Bruce Barton said it well: "Sometimes when I consider what tremendous consequences come from little things, I am tempted to think there are no little things."

To consider: What can I do today and this week to renew myself?

September 2, 2013 Focus Point

September 2, 2013
Focus Point

Pearls Have Value

Pearls are formed when a grain of sand gets inside the shell of an oyster and becomes an irritation. In its effort to ease the irritation, the oyster begins to secrete a liquid that coats the grain of sand and over a period of time this process eventually leads to the creation of a pearl, something of substantial value.

Trees can actually grow a stronger root system in windy areas, of course if the wind is too powerful the tree can be uprooted. What great truths we can learn from nature. Opposition, challenge and irritation is what actually makes you and I stronger. Peter Marshall observed: "When we long for a life without difficulties, we must be reminded that, oaks grow strong in contrary winds." Therefore the opposition in life is connected directly to our growth, but if we create additional problems or opposition for ourselves it can be damaging just like a wind much stronger than what the tree can handle is uprooted.  

Robert Rohm teaches about opposition: "If the things that irritate you today are the same things that irritated you five or ten years ago, then it is evident that there has been no growth in that area of your life. And, it is a fact that if you try to avoid them, you will not have the stamina and ability to conquer other mountains you will face in your life. When you face an irritating person or situation in your life, tell yourself: This is a test. This irritation was sent my way to help me grow to be a better person. Avoidance will only stunt your own growth."

To consider this week: What obstacles are in front of me, and how can I use them not as stumbling blocks, but as stepping stones?

August 26, 2013 Focus Point

August 26, 2013
Focus Point

How To Have Job Security & Make Your Boss Love You!

This is such an exciting topic. I love to see people encouraged in their jobs and to feel love towards their daily work and the company. Many have found the following to be powerful in learning to enjoy and become more effective in their work, and for supervisors to determine who should stay, who should go, and who should be moved to another area within the company.

1. Show a sense of urgency

Do things the right way. When you face a "lazy streak" avoid the urge to take "easy street".

2. Show a positive effect

Are your co-workers excited to see you at the beginning of the day, or do they duck into the ladies restroom when you walk in the door? Do your thoughts, words, and actions lift and build others?

3. Show a willingness to do more

Beat 50% of the competition for your job by working hard. Beat 40% by being a person of integrity. Do you pick up paper or trash off the floor, even in someone else's area or space?

4. Show unique skills that you bring to your company

Along with the skills that you offer, this also includes the willingness to grow and change. Not either or, but, both. When you walk in the door on Monday morning do you feel like you are working a job or fulfilling a mission with purpose?

Dr. Wayne Dyer said it well. "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change".

To consider this week: What are the wonderful things about my job that I was attracted to in the beginning? How can I add more value to my co-workers and to my company?

August 19, 2013 Focus Point

August 19, 2013
Focus Point

The 3 self defeating C's. Criticize, Complain, Compare.

Criticizing is all about what we think and feel about others. Have you ever been around someone who just accepts you for who you are? Even through all of the mistakes you make, they are someone who remains solid and a person you can count on. Contrast that relationship with one where all they seem to think about and talk about is what is wrong with you and others.

When you make positive changes in life you may get criticized for it. But pressure from other people who do not have your best interests in mind, and to whom you have given no permission to speak into your life should never have power to deter you from following your heart and creating the future which you desire. John Maxwell said it this way: "If you don't try to create the future you want, you must endure the future you get."

Complaining is much the same as to criticize, but more pointed towards circumstance and situations. The traffic is horrible, it's too hot, it's to cold that's not fair, and so on. To avoid the temptation to complain, when you realize that something bothers you first decide if it is something you have control over. Much of what people worry or complain about they have absolutely no control over and it is wasted energy at best, and really a detriment to their forward progress at worst. If you do have control over the situation, then the only answer is to go to work.

Comparing is when you measure yourself to others, or your stuff to their stuff, your job to their job, your car, your house, your toys (or lack of toys), your face, etc. The problem here is that in your mind you start to form judgments and really measure people by their stuff. If they have more or better than you, well, you feel jealous. If you find that you actually have more than them, then you feel that it makes you better than them. It is judging people by what they have rather than by who they are. The only comparing that should be done is your current performance and behavior against that which you desire to have, do, or become.   

When a person has been in difficult situations or had people harm them in some way, and you would think that they have every right to criticize, complain, or compare, and yet they do not, you know you have found a true friend. Because this kind of person is rare to find, they are someone you can count on, and they will always stay true.

August 12, 2013 Focus Point

August 12, 2013
Focus Point

Plan, Do, Check, Adjust (PDCA)

Thank you for reading the message this week. Whether you are the president of a company, run a small business, perhaps you are a leader in your company or part of a team within the company that has a great vision and purpose, or maybe you are retired from your work altogether, or work and build with people in your community or in political matters. Maybe you are a leader in your church. Regardless of your station in life, or the project at hand, I believe that the ideas here will assist anyone in accomplishing big important tasks in life.

Planning: Prior planning prevents poor performance, right? Planning is such a necessary step to an effective project. From my experience some people are gifted in planning and effective preparation. While others are more gifted in the doing. But the most successful people are balanced in both areas. They take the time and energy to plan properly, but they also don't fall in love with it so much that they want to stay there and keep planning to put off or delay the doing. At the same time they know that by jumping directly into action may cost more time, energy, and resources down the road because of the high chances of poor performance that are most certain to come from the lack of planning. Brilliant ideas that come to a person is no substitute for lack of planning and preparation.

Doing: Is the action that must take place in order to move the project forward.

Checking: I believe that this step is absolutely vital. There is no real sense pursuing something that is not working effectively. By checking on progress and exactness you become aware of what needs to change in order to become even more effective.

Adjusting: Is to actually put the changes into effect. If you feel the same way I do, you value your time, energy, money, and resources. The more quickly you can identify and make needed changes, the quicker you can meet your standard of excellence.

To consider this week: Do I PDCA my Life?

August 5, 2013 Focus Point

August 5, 2013
Focus Point

A Bend In The Road Is Not The End Of The Road

Have you ever had a time in your life when everything was going well and then all of a sudden, and it seems out of the middle of nowhere, everything changes?

When circumstances are not favorable, when someone else harms you, when your dreams are dashed in front of your face, and when you are not sure if you have what it takes, take a step back and clarify your purpose and determine if your daily actions are taking you in the direction of that purpose. It is hard to see the picture when you are in the frame, so take a step back, take time to evaluate and look from different angles.

Nick Vujicic teaches: "You need to determine what it is in life that you can control and what you cannot control. The things you can control, start making changes in those areas today. It is about turning obstacles into our next opportunity. It is about having a purpose stronger than fear, because a clearly defined purpose will offer courage to keep trying."

That which we persist at doing gets easier, not because the nature of the thing has changed but because our ability to do it has increased. Any achievement worth pursuing will almost always, if not always, have challenges along the way. And so when you face a major bend in the road ahead it will require adjustment indeed, but it does not mean that the road has ended, and it may in fact be the start of your next great opportunity. You see, some people think that you just have to live the life that you are dealt. I believe that you can shape your life according to your desires.

To ponder this week: A bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you miss the corner.

Making Sense of the People Puzzle in Life!

July 29, 2013 Focus Point

July 29, 2013
Focus Point

Avoid The Summer Slump

In sports the slump can be a dry spell that starts with one player and moves through the entire team affecting their level of success. The summer slump is something that affects not only players in sports, but can affect us in our own personal life and business as well. Robert Rohm said it well when he taught on this topic: "It usually begins when we just don’t feel emotionally, mentally, or spiritually as well as we would like. We find ourselves restless and empty, trying to find something to fill that void that is inside of us. We may find ourselves looking frantically to other people to help make us feel better. And yet, we know that our own happiness and well-being does not lie in the hands of another person."  

You may try to avoid or ignore the situation, but if you are in the slump, you must first become aware so that you can build and overcome. One thing to remember is that "tough times do not last, but tough people do." If you are experiencing the summer slump there is no need to feel ashamed, but rather focus on your most important vision and mission in life, and put energy toward helping other people achieve their hopes, dreams, and goals.

Below are a few points from Mr. Rohm as he continues.

1. Act As If. Act as if things are better, doing this helps put your feet on the right path.

2. One Day At A Time. Focus on each day as it comes, make the best of every situation and opportunity. You cannot change yesterday nor are you promised tomorrow. Live today to its fullest, for today is the first day of the rest of your life.

3. Trading Places. Even on your worst day, there are millions of people in this world who would love to trade places with you. No matter how tough it is, there is always someone who has it worse.

4. Easy Does It. When you are feeling down, don't be to hard on yourself. Just know and remember whatever it is you need to accomplish, keep trying and you will get better.

With all of the loud outer voices in the world demanding your time and attention, remember to listen to your inner and most important voice. Sometimes it just really helps to take a break from the normal routine, sit back and refocus on the very most important things in your life. Take time to consider the beauty and wonder of life, with all of the excitement, laughter, and fun times. Remember how sweet the gift of life really is, that it is short and comes with no guarantees. 

July 22, 2013 Focus Point

July 22, 2013
Focus Point

Are Your Relationships Real?

On a daily basis everywhere we go, everything we do, we are working and communicating in some way with other people. In fact even yourself you cannot escape, for where ever you go, there you are. Our hope in working with others is for positive outcomes to serve them, but also to get what we want as well for a win-win. One powerful point to remember: Manipulation is to move someone for personal advantage, while Motivation is to move someone for mutual advantage.

Your ability to communicate clearly, give direction specifically, listen intently, offer advice at the right time with true intention of the other persons interests, and to be effective in conflict resolution, will make or break you. Now there are some who would just rather not have to "deal" with people at all, but I cannot think of any job or business that exists that you do not have to work with people. In fact every company has 3 basic functions. 1. Marketing, 2. Sales, and 3. Fulfillment. Each of these areas require connecting with other people.

In John Maxwell's work The Ten Commandments of Handling Conflict he teaches 10 key points as follows. (For full detail on each point please visit my blog at trentwhite.blogspot.com )

1. Obey the 101% Principle, in finding the 1% that you agree on and give it 100% of your effort

2. Love people more than opinions
3. Give others the benefit of the doubt
4. Learn to be flexible
5. Provide an escape hatch for the other person in the conflict
6. Check your own attitudes
7. Don't overreact
8. Don't become defensive
9. Welcome the conflict
10. Take a risk

There are days and times when you may feel like Charlie Brown when he said: "I love mankind, it's people I can't stand." Every person wants success in their work and profession, and every company wants to increase bottom line profits. Therefore, when there is conflict we must overcome, when there is misunderstanding we must clarify, when tempers flare we must remain calm and think clearly.

My encouragement this week is to grow in areas of relationships and give thought as to why the other person thinks, feels, and behaves the way they do.

John Maxwell on Relationships and Conflict Resolution

1. Obey the 101% Principle.
What’s that? “Find the 1% that you agree on and give it 100% of your effort.”
Writer Cullen Hightower said, “There’s too much said for the sake of argument and too little said for the sake of agreement.” The first and best response when conflict emerges in a relationship is to actively search for the areas where you already agree. It’s the quickest way to start moving the conflict toward resolution.
2. Love people more than opinions.
Do you know anyone who does the opposite? How much conflict does he or she experience in life? It’s my belief that anyone who loves his opinions more than his friends will defend his opinions and destroy his friends. Focus on the relationship over and above the issue, and you’ll keep the lines of communication open.
3. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
I’ve often said that to handle yourself, you should use your head. But to handle others, you should use your heart. It’s natural to do the opposite: To let ourselves off the hook while we demand perfection from others. Assume right motives from the person you’re in conflict with. This defuses defensiveness and allows you both to focus on solving the problem at hand.
4. Learn to be flexible.
Thomas Jefferson famously said, “In matters of principle, stand like a rock. In matters of taste, swim with the current.” Ask yourself two important questions: “Does this really make a difference?” and “Will I care about this tomorrow?” If you answer “no,” then perhaps you can compromise on your position.
5. Provide an escape hatch for the other person in the conflict.
Years ago, in their policy for dealing with angry customers, Enterprise Car Rentals urged staff to “never let the customer lose face.” It’s tempting in a conflict to try to argue the other person into a corner, to try to force them to agree with you. But it’s more realistic and effective to gently persuade them, so they can compromise without feeling like they’ve lost.
6. Check your own attitudes.
It’s been said that if Joe has a problem with Paul, and Joe has a problem with Karen, and Joe has a problem with Samuel, then maybe Joe is the problem. Is conflict a frequent part of many of your relationships? Perhaps it’s time to take a look in the mirror and see if your actions or attitudes are the cause of the recurring conflict.
7. Don’t overreact.
When conflict arises, it’s important to keep it in perspective and react appropriately. How big of an issue is it, really? Does your reaction match it in intensity? If not, then you might be responding to an underlying issue or something from your past. I believe that when my response is more intense than the issue at hand, then my response is often about something else. That’s something I need to resolve with myself.
8. Don’t become defensive.
Contrary to how it makes us feel, most conflict is not directly about us. Instead, it’s a problem to be solved by two or more people. Avoid the blame game, and you’ll have a clearer head for approaching the problem logically.
9. Welcome the conflict.
In spite of our best efforts, we will all have conflict with other people, because they’re not just like us. They have different personalities, beliefs, and desires, so there will be disagreements and misunderstandings. Rather than running from conflict, or reacting with horror when it comes up, focus on resolving it together and making it a learning experience. It’s been said that conflict can give you either ulcers or understanding.
10. Take a risk.
This is the hardest part. When faced with the potential for conflict, we may be tempted to disconnect and distrust. We think that will avoid pain. But the reality is that everyone in relationship gets hurt. I made the decision a long time ago that I would rather risk being hurt than keep people at a distance. So I choose every day to be vulnerable with others, to believe the best about them, and trust them.

July 15, 2013 Focus Point

July 15, 2013
Focus Point

An Enemy Called Average

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to sit back, slow down, do just enough to get by? It is within human nature to desire to create, achieve, and make progress. But you have to stay on task because it is always easier to do less rather than more, to put off what you don't feel like doing until tomorrow, and to let someone else do what you should be doing, and so forth.

Many towns and cities in America have a street by the name of Easy Street, and the ones that I know of, go a few blocks and you guessed it, a Dead End. I believe in life when we take Easy Street, or take the easy way out we are headed for a dead end. It takes courage to rise above the norm, it takes persistence to go for the unpopular, it takes discipline to do what should be done, when it should be done even when you do not feel like it. It requires less thinking of yourself to pick up a piece of trash off the floor in someone else's work area. Any fish can swim down stream, but it takes effort to swim against the current. The enemy for many people is allowing procrastination, mediocrity, complacency, going with the flow, and being content with average, to take over and take control. Most people just live life, but the happy and successful people lead their life. John Mason said it well: "There is something within each of us crying out to be above average."

A man told a story about when he was a young boy, he came home to his mother with school grades that were less than what she knew he was capable. She said; "David, if you settle for mediocrity you are the top of the bottom and the bottom of the top. You can do better than this."

Every person wants to be happy and content in life, and interestingly enough it takes getting out of your comfort zone to make it happen. John Mason also wrote in his book An Enemy Called Average “Be the whole person you can be. Don’t settle for anything less. Don’t look back. Look forward and decide today to boldly take steps toward the very best plans for your life.”

My encouragement this week is to rise above average by doing what you should do, when you should do it.

Transform your Organization with Leadership Training!

July 8, 2013 Focus Point

July 8, 2013
Focus Point

Accomplish More In Life With Optimism

What a wonderful word don't you think? Optimism allows you to look at the bright side of life, it is the size of your spirit and the courage of your character. Optimism allows you to accomplish in life that which a pessimist would never dare. It allows you to forgive yourself of past mistakes and move forward, to come back after failure and try again, to keep on moving forward even when circumstances do not change right away. It allows you to try new things with renewed vigor rather than sour disbelief from past failures. It breathes life and hope into your life. It truly is amazing what you can see in life once you know what you are looking for.

Now a few words of caution. Optimism is not an excuse to pursue unrealistic goals. It does not justify being irresponsible. It does not change immediate circumstances and will not bend the laws of nature. Optimism is not a remedy for lack of preparation, for preparation is the foundation of all success, and having a positive outlook alone does not reduce the need of preparation. Optimism is not a manipulation tactic to get your own way. And finally, it does not guarantee quick results. You can make a change in an instant in your mind, but it takes time, preparation, and hard work to follow through on the action necessary to change circumstances.

Martin Luther King said it well: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Our optimism is such a powerful thing in life, and it would seem that every person has a natural response to one side or the other. Either they are more naturally an optimist or a pessimist. But in the end you must understand that it is your choice. It is a choice that you and I make on a daily basis, even moment to moment. To some it comes very easy and natural, and to others with more challenge and difficulty, but still a choice none the less.

A story was told of a man who was naturally negative and would gravitate to pessimism as a natural response. Thank goodness he became aware of his need to change early in life. By controlling his thoughts and environment, he was able to learn how to be more optimistic and give himself encouragement. This in turn effected his success in life. And if one man can, any man (or woman) can.

July 1, 2013 Focus Point

July 1, 2013
Focus Point

The 30 Second Rule

I have recently had the opportunity to learn about the 30 second rule, and I truly believe that this one practice alone will make a tremendous difference in our effectiveness in working with people. There are so many practices, but this one thing will make all of the difference in your awareness of others, help you learn more about them, and increase your success and influence with them.

The next time you make contact with someone, begin by giving them your undivided attention during the first thirty seconds. Hit them with the Triple A Treatment by giving them attention, affirmation and appreciation. You see, when most people meet others they search for ways to make themselves look good. The key to the 30 Second Rule is to learn to reverse this practice and make the other person look good, and feel even better. William King said it well when he said it this way: "A gossip is one who talks to you about other people. A bore is one who talks to you about himself. And a brilliant conversationalist is one who talks to you about yourself."

Never underestimate the power of motivation and encouragement to others. It will inspire them to improve in every single aspect and pursuit in life. It will help employees work smarter, harder, and more effectively. It will help family members get along. It will help team members appreciate different points of view. It will help anyone in a supervisor position to remember that those they lead have insight to offer.

June 24, 2013 Focus Point

June 24, 2013
Focus Point

Before You Speak, THINK

I recently read a story of a father playing with his young daughter in the yard. The father picked up a dandelion that had gone to seed and turned into a white puff, and asked his daughter to blow on it. Sure enough all of the little seeds blew everywhere and they laughed together at how easy it was for them to scatter in a hundred different directions. Then the father asked her to go pick them all back up. She looked at her father as if he were crazy, and said "I don't know where they are!" Then the father taught an important lesson about the tongue. He told her that once we let words go out of our mouths, they are like the scattered seeds; we cannot get them back, no matter how hard we try.

This weeks message is to inspire our hearts in relation to the words that we use. Is what you say True? Withholding information, misleading others with our words, or a lie of course, takes a person away from truth not toward it. Does what you say Help others by lifting and building them? Is your communication Inspiring? Does it breath belief and encouragement into the lives of others? Is it Necessary, or best left unsaid? And finally is it Kind?

I believe that we can help create the environment around us by the words that we use and the tones which we choose. One day you will be only a memory for some people, do your best to make it a good one.

This week let's THINK. Is my communication:

True?

Helpful?
Inspiring?
Necessary?
Kind?

June 17, 2013 Focus Point

June 17, 2013
Focus Point

Fear Cannot Stop You If You Don't Let It!

In life it sure seems like the ugly fear thing really has its place and tries hard to slow us down or stop us. But it only has power over our decisions if we allow the fear to turn into a power that starts to control the way we think and what we do.

In Denis Waitley's book Seeds of Greatness he shares from a study done by The University of Michigan about fear. The study shows that 60% of our fears are unwarranted, 20% have already happened, 10% are so petty that they don't really effect us. Of the remaining 10%, only 4-5% are real and justifiable and even half of those are things that we cannot control, so only 2% are relevant. I believe this information can offer a perspective that will help each of us push through our fears to accomplish the great and wonderful things that we hold in our hearts.

Fear can be the thief of your goals in life if you let it. More people lose their drive, sense of urgency, and positive feeling for life because of fear than anything else. Moving forward, upward, and onward does not mean that you have no fear but rather that your pursuits are more important to you than whatever fear you are feeling at the time.

I believe that Purpose, Discipline and Initiative will make all of the difference in how you handle fears in life. Your purpose will give you a direction to travel, and help you clear distractions and stay focused on the most important parts in your life. Discipline will help you to accomplish the small but important tasks that lead to greater success, and uniquely enough action actually reduces fear as well. Having initiative will give you the energy to move more quickly and therefore accomplish more each day. Ideas are born of initiative, success in life moves forward because of initiative.

This week lets you and I push through the fear and become unstoppable.

June 10, 2013 Focus Point

June 10, 2013
Focus Point

Encouragement is the Oxygen of the Soul.

Everything that we do in life we are working with people. Family, community, non-profit organizations, our work or profession, church, and so forth. By understanding people and what the fuel is that drives them, we will be more successful in working with them. I believe that encompassed in helping people to feel encouragement is also the expectation that we set for them and the environment that we help to create for them.

Your expectation and feeling that you have towards people will make all of the difference in the whole experience. People will rise to the expectation that others place in them. If your expectation is low, they will rise only to that level, if your expectation is high then they will rise to that level as well. Like a rubber band each of us are more productive and useful when we are stretched. Remember the old saying? "Treat people not as they are but as they can become." Sometimes a task at hand or a goal that is set may take you outside of your comfort zone, but many worthwhile achievements do in fact take you outside of your comfort zone but are still completely within your capabilities.

Environment is all about helping people to feel and to be their best. Regardless of the part you have within your organization, you can help to shape, mold, and create an environment that encourages growth. Listening to new ideas, positive thinking and talking, (to include staying away from the gossip game), and the willingness to accept change.

Encouragement is the fuel that will drive your life, your work, and any organization that you are a part. It is the oxygen that will breath life into everyone you work with and the tasks that you pursue. It's the choice that you make to look at the glass as half full rather then half empty. It is a skill that is learned as much as an attitude that is held.

This week let's you and I offer Encouragement to others.

Remember. Whatever it takes you can learn!

June 3, 2013 Focus Point

June 3, 2013
Focus Point

Knowing, Growing, Sowing.

Knowing is about understanding what direction you are going in life and if it is in harmony with where you would like to go, and if not what necessary adjustments do you need to make. To discover your purpose you need to grow in your self awareness. Meaning, you are able to identify what you enjoy doing the most and become aware of any changes needed. So knowing is to Know your Purpose in Life, and once you know what your purpose is, you will find your place in life. This sort of direction will lead you to the kind of life you were "born to love" as Bruce Wilkinson teaches.

Growing is quite simply improving on a consistent basis in the areas of interest. As Maxwell teaches in his book The 15 Laws of Growth: To become a better person you need to grow in your character. To become a better spouse or parent you need to grow in your relationships. To advance in your career you need to grow in your skills. To achieve your financial goals you need to grow in your knowledge about how money works. To enrich your soul you need to grow spiritually.

When you think of growing, think in terms of Growing to Your Maximum Potential. Part of what expert Jim Rohn taught was to always be a student. Whether at a seminar, in church, at lunch with a friend, reading a book, even listening to the lyrics of a song, look for the lessons that are worthy of your attention. Be a constant student. The good news here is that anyone can grow and we can start at anytime. The bad news is it will require new ideas to think about and new habits to act on. Grow everyday, your inner soul will thank you.

Sowing is about what you do for others. There are many who suffer from ill health, tough relationships, trouble in their finances, and so forth. There are opportunities everyday to sow seeds of good and service in the lives of others. Sometimes you may feel that your service is small and makes no difference, but we all know the impact of a smile or a well directed compliment. The New Testament teaches that whatever we sow, we shall also reap. The trick is to help others not for our own benefit, but with the proper intention to add value to them. Sowing Seeds in the Lives of Others.

This week let's Know, Grow, and Sow! Because it works and it's worth it.

May 27, 2013 Focus Point

May 27, 2013
Focus Point

The Truth About Mistakes and Failing.

This week I would like to share a few thoughts on the mistakes that we make, and failures as they relate to everyday life. Michael Jordan says, "I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. What I cannot accept is not trying". I believe this is powerful insight that we can consider. Since our attitude, perception, and response to mistakes drive our effectiveness, it is important to learn how we can move forward in spite and because of them. Like the old saying: "Pain is inevitable, misery is optional".

Mistakes and setbacks can be great tools for learning. In other words, if you think of mistakes as personal and perceive them wrongly this way, then you will never try anything that is outside of your comfort zone, which takes away all possibilities of success. So more helpful is to see them as a normal process of life and as the seedbed for everything good that we have today. In fact, almost every good thing we have today was birthed out of some kind of tragedy, mistake, or failure along the way. Take a look at medicine, our means of travel, technology, etc. Each wonderful invention came along to aid in something that was once a problem or a past failure.

Minimizing mistakes and less effective choices is always the best route to go. Learning from other people's mistakes is the next best thing, and learning from our own mistakes when we do make them and fixing it so as to not repeat it again is the next best thing.

Unless it is a choice that would degrade our character, integrity, or moral standing, I believe we would do very well to follow this advise from Theodore Roosevelt: "In most situations the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing you can do is the wrong thing, the worst thing you can do is nothing".

Accept mistakes not as failure, but as feedback.

May 20, 2013 Focus Point

May 20, 2013
Focus Point

The Power of Momentum

I had the opportunity recently to learn new information and insight about the law of momentum. It's all about the concept of getting an airplane off the ground. The amount of energy and fuel required to get an airplane going down the runway at 85 miles per hour, off the ground and into the air was 10 times that of what was required for that same plane to cruise at an altitude of 30 thousand feet going 400 miles per hour. A train going at full speed can bust through a 5 foot thick cement wall with reinforced rebar, but the same train at a stand still with a small block placed in front of the wheel will not be able to start moving.

From this example and the understanding of basic laws that govern the universe and the world in which we live, we also know that there are laws that are in place in life. And just like gravity they work and operate in our daily lives, whether or not we understand them, believe them, or even accept them. Laws are something that you can count on staying the same, they work in exactness, they are immovable. You learn and "obey" the laws, you advance in life, you ignore the laws and things continue to be points of frustration.

The majority of people in life, much like a plane on a runway, go at a speed that is fairly fast but never quite fast enough to actually lift off. And they repeat this their whole lives. And so the key here is to learn the laws that govern real life success. Earl Nightingale defines success as: "The progressive realization of a worthy ideal". You cannot make corrective changes in life until you change your daily habit. Therefore, by determining what your personal desire for success is and by applying the laws properly in your daily habit, forward progress is made.

What areas in your life do you desire our friend, momentum to work for you and with you?

May 13, 2013 Focus Point

May 13, 2013
Focus Point

Turning Experience into Insight.

We have them all day, everyday. In fact by noon we probably have several. I am referring to Life Experiences. And the only way to turn these experiences into insight and building blocks for the future is if we take time to reflect. Let me explain.

Theodore Roosevelt said: "He who makes no mistakes, makes no progress." But if we make the same mistakes over and over we also make no progress. John Maxwell teaches: "Never pay twice for the same mistake." So the goal here is to be able to learn and grow from our experiences and setbacks to the point that they become building blocks for the future. We remember the expression that history repeats itself, and so if we do not learn from the past we are doomed to repeat it right?

I invite you to try an exercise that will last for 7 days. What if every day this week you would take ten minutes or so at the end of the day, and think through every single event and conversation both positive and negative. Make mental note of what you would do differently if you had the chance to do it over again. In addition to mental notes, also take a pen and paper and take further notes on areas where you feel you did well, and areas you feel you would like to improve. This process is called reflection and can be a very effective way to process the events and experiences that happen each day.

The trick is understanding that what separates average achievers from high achievers is their perception of and their response to mistakes and failure, and that it is all based on a daily habit of processing the events in our minds, so that we can in fact be more effective on the next go around. Yesterday ended last night, and we have a new day and a fresh start everyday. Life may happen automatically, but we can only turn Experience into Insight if we take the time to Reflect.

May 6, 2013 Focus Point

May 6, 2013

 

Focus Point

Stop Thinking Can I? And Start Thinking How Can I?

Have you ever met someone who just seems to have a spark in their eye and a bounce in their step? Do you remember the expression: Everything they touch turns to gold? We may look at someone like this and wonder, how in the world do they do it? How do they keep it all together?

John Maxwell teaches that it is impossible to put it all together all at once. So before you try to put everything together, just put something together, and when you get good at putting something together, then one day you will be able to put everything together.

One of the most important things that you and I can do to achieve the success that we want, is to control our thinking. We need to learn to think: How Can I? and forget the nasty stinking thinking of: Can I? or worse yet: I Can't. See, when we ask a reinforcing question such as: How Can I? then at once our mind goes to work and starts to think in terms of possible solutions and manifests them by way of ideas. Our subconscious mind is so powerful that it has most all of the answers that we will ever need, but we have to learn how to tap into its potential and draw from it. I believe that we can overcome challenges and setbacks and become better after the dust settles a bit, if we learn to ask the right questions.

Now, on the other hand when we think in terms of: I can't, our mind stops dead in its tracks. It has no occasion or expectation to rise to, so what does it do? It shuts down and will never think of a solution, because we are not asking it for one. And so our subconscious mind is where the answers are, but it must receive permission from our conscious mind to go to work, and we activate this process by way of our thinking.

You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction in an instant. Say yes to the right things, say no to the wrong things, and stay in control of the most important things.

This week, let's think in terms of: How Can I? and take note of the ideas that come.

Remember. Whatever it takes you can learn!

 

April 29, 2013 Focus Point

April 29, 2013
Focus Point

 

How to increase Influence with people.

 

Last week we discussed what leadership is all about. This week we will discuss how to grow in our influence with people. First of all I want to share that this is totally a learnable skill. The John Maxwell Group teaches leadership and growing in influence all around the world to people in all walks of life, and in all kinds of different businesses, and professional settings. It is so wonderful that people are learning, changing, and growing in their leadership and their influence with people, and reaching higher levels of success in life. So this is good news. It means that you and I can learn to grow in our leadership ability and we do this by increasing our influence with people, and we increase our influence with people by intentionally adding value to them. You and I can wake up every morning and determine who and in what ways we will add value.

 

There are endless ways to add value to another, but the foundation of it all is to Identify and Relate to people. By asking questions and listening, we can quickly begin to identify and relate with anyone. People will always remember others who have cared enough about them to identify, relate, and help them in some way. You will get an even greater impact by 10 to 1 if you are the first to help. You will go from someone who has helped, to the one who was the first to help, and you will always hold a special place in this person's heart.

 

How would the environment change in your home, church, and at work if you asked questions and listened and became the first to help?

 

Growing in influence with those around us takes time and effort. Our physical bodies grow automatically. We even experience life automatically, but our minds, skills, and attitudes only grow if we are intentional about it, and anyone can choose to be intentional.

 

To ponder this week: Increasing our influence is simple and basic, both to understand and to do, but it does not happen automatically.

 

Remember. Whatever it takes you can learn!

 

April 22, 2013 Focus Point

April 22, 2013
Focus Point

 

What is Leadership anyway?

 

If you lead people then you influence people and that's a fact. If you have little or no influence you will not be able to lead effectively, if at all.

 

I think we hear many different ideas and opinions about what leadership is and how we grow in leadership. Today I would like to simplify it for all of us. Leadership is Influence, nothing more and nothing less. It means that we are leading people who are following of their own will and choice. We remember the wonderful leadership proverb: "He that thinketh he leadeth, and has no one following him, is only taking a walk." Do you know anyone taking walks? I sure do. They are microwave pop tart leaders, and even though they have a position and people call them "leader", they really have no influence with their people. Have you ever had this kind of supervisor or boss? Have you ever been this kind of supervisor or boss at times? Me too.

 

To be a REAL leader, we do not manipulate, use greed, money, or position to get people to do what we want. This sort of tactic may work for a time, but your people will do just enough to get by. They will not give you their very best unless you have influence with them. So with the exception of maybe the military, you and I must learn how to gain influence with people, and although the results do come quickly when people apply the material that we teach here at the John Maxwell Group, they do not come overnight, nor do they come automatically. We do not want to be microwaved, we want to be in the slow cooker. We are in it for the long haul, we want to become the right kind of leader for the right reasons. Like Margaret Thatcher says, "Being in power is a lot like being a lady, if you have to tell people you are, you are not."

 

I invite you to start today. Commit to yourself that you will not retire for the day until you have done something for your own personal growth, and then do it again tomorrow. Develop a daily habit of growth, and one day you may find yourself asking not "how long will this take" but rather "how far can I go".

 

This week, lets you and I understand what leadership really is and why we need both the attitudes and the skills of leadership in order to move to the next level.

 

Remember. Whatever it takes you can learn!

April 15, 2013 Focus Point

April 15, 2013
Focus Point

 

Choose, Change, Create

 

I call these the 3 Good C's, we will discuss the 3 Bad C's another day.

 

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to say yes to things? The door bell rings and we say yes, the telephone rings we say yes, to the local sports program we say yes, volunteer here, there, and everywhere, etc. you get the idea. It is easy to say yes. What is hard and takes courage is learning how and when to say no, learning what fewer but more important things truly fit into our highest priorities. Peter Druker said it best. "There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all."

 

1. Choose
I invite you to take a few minutes and review the last 7 days in your calendar and determine what items and activities that you should have said no to, which ones did not fit your highest purposes and that were less effective, and time burners. Also consider which items should have been delegated. This process helps us to become aware of where our time is going, and becoming aware is the very first step to making any sort of change.

 

2. Change
Now look ahead in your calendar over the next 7 days and in the same way eliminate and delegate. This action allows us to make changes and adjustments where needed. By doing this, we are looking for the very best activities and actions in the future days and weeks that we will invest our time in. The ones that only we can do and the ones that will best serve our purpose. Change involves unlearning many things, learning new things, and the creation of new habits.

 

3. Create
By becoming aware of our life, and where our time is going we can now become more focused on the work and action that will produce the results that we desire. I believe that we were created to create. See, it's not about doing more stuff, it's about doing the right stuff. It's not about over achieving, it's about super achieving. Peter Druker also said, "Efficiency is doing things right. Effectiveness is doing the right things." Can I ask you two questions? What are your two or three strategic priorities? And, is the action that you take each day leading towards these priorities?

 

This week lets you and I Choose, Change, and Create. Let's create the life that we were born to Love!

 

Remember. Whatever it takes you can learn.