Who Do You Love?

I recently asked this question of the people I work with. Specifically, “Which clients do you love the most?” More interesting than the answers to that question was the speed in which everyone was able to respond. There was virtually no hesitation as grown men and women – some road weary and hardened by the world, were able to freely and easily proclaim their love of particular clients. I didn’t ask why they loved the clients they chose – but none could resist signing the virtues of those who had earned their affection. The reasons were as varied as, “They always pay on time” to “They get us and it’s always a pleasure to be with them.” When they spoke, they pitched forward on their toes, appeared lighter on their feet and a sparkle danced in their eyes. As they continued to speak of these exalted clients they almost seemed giddy – certainly confident and overwhelmingly pleased.

Now, to me, that looked a lot like love. Unfortunately my follow up question didn’t elicit as much frivolity.

“How much time do you spend with those you love?”

The swift wind that had filled their sails moments earlier had just been zapped, their magnificent sailboats stalled at sea as the air visibly deflated from their chests.

Excuses were mumbled over tightened lips – but it didn’t really matter what the reasons were, the result was the same. Neglect. Everyone one of them knew that love suffering from neglect could easily go away. It may be sudden or gradually – but it is inevitable.

Whether it be clients, employees, colleagues, family or friends – are you spending enough time with those you love? If not, start – because fundamentally there is nothing that you could possibly be spending time on that is more important or worthwhile than the people you love?

There are two ways to remedy this. First, shift your priorities to spend less time on the “burdens” and more time with those you love. Second, simply love more. Whether it be clients, employees, colleagues, family or friends – lead with a loving heart.

Four Steps to Improvement

Why make things more complicated than they have to be?

Here are four simple steps to take in order to make improvements in virtually anything you pursue.

1. Know your outcome
2. Take action
3. Notice if it’s working
4. If it’s not working try something else
   

Oversimplified?

Not really.

Stick to it and accomplish things.

Fight it and risk wallowing in mediocrity.

Valuing Liberty

Leader of the free world and Super Power are lofty self-proclaimed titles for a relatively young nation. The character of the American citizen is unusual. We are brash, aggressive, driven, inventive, curious and compassionate. But should we act as disciplinarian. The stern parent of a reckless world. Absolutely.

We are not a perfect people. No nation possesses perfection. Our form of government and its leaders, like our citizens are flawed. We are a forgiving people, blessed with great compassion. Our history has earned us the role we play on this increasingly smaller planet. Although we have foibles, our founders and our elected leaders, the men and women we have put into the decision and influence making positions, whether through the ballot or through public interest, have sustained, tweaked, fiddled and continued to improve a very basic principle that has served humanity well. All men are created equal. Liberty and freedom bring out the best of people’s minds and abilities. The consequence is that it can also bring out the worst, which is why such a high price is placed, justly on values.

Values are intimate to each human being. However all citizens of a community must share some unifying values, whether that community be a family, a corporation, a nation or the world. The people of the United States of America value life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Our constitution is our guide. Like the Bible and many other great works, the contents are open to interpretation. America also values the right to debate, to criticize and to disagree. Many of our citizens have lived with our freedom for so long that they forget, sadly, that much of the world does not have it in the dawning years of a new millennium.

Until the entire world can appreciate freedom and is united in defeating oppressors of that inalienable human right, someone must stand up for it consistently. Because we are the freest of nations we must defend all other nations and people pursuing liberation regardless of its tactical importance to our national security. For the biggest thereat to our national security is the loss of liberty. That is why the words of John F. Kennedy still ring true today and should serve as a reminder until the world achieves peace.

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

If we do not believe those words today we are not entitled to the freedom our predecessors fought so hardly for and we should be ashamed.

Four “Must Haves” to Earn a Successful Organization

There must be a strong leader AND pervasive leadership.

Charisma is not leadership, although it can act as a helpful tool to quickly gain the acceptance of an audience. Effective leaders share a passion for and a record of accomplishments. Strong leadership is demonstrated daily by a person or a group of people who are honest, forthright, markedly visible and approachable. They fulfill their need to be out in the field regularly. If not actually walking on the frontlines then they talk with people who work there, both in “town hall” meetings and in one to one settings. They remember that just as the shepherd is there for the benefit of the flock, leadership is there to serve the people.

The organization must have a repeatable compelling vision and sense of purpose.

If possible it should be a clear and concise singular vision. Every activity that the organization tackles must be able to foster a closer linkage to that compelling vision. It must be memorable and repeatable so that every message, action and strategy supports the purpose with their obvious connections. The clarity of the vision should be worded and marketed in a way that others can understand it, support it, be excited by it, be growing some passion around it, and be inventive in discovering other ways to achieve that purpose.

There must be a sense of overwhelming optimism.

The compelling vision is not only the day to day here’s what we need to do and why, but the over arching here is our place on earth, here’s our legacy, here’s the good that we wish to do. Living that is what creates a legacy. Knowing that is what helps create positivism. That positive approach has to be all encompassing. Tolerance of rampant apathy or negativism is a weakness. If optimism is not visible in practice, alarms should sound and priority given to overcoming whatever the obstruction may be. This does not forego the crucial role of devils advocate and challenging viewpoints -- but to leave negative feelings or remarks unchecked, even in the simplest day-to-day transactions, is to enable the contagion. Counter the virus with positive encouragement and recognition.

There must be a regular diet of meaningful recognition.

Positive reinforcement, thanks and praise are the nutritional components of a healthy workforce, the helium that lifts the balloon to new heights. It is a currency that many organizations are afraid of spending; yet its value can be limitless. Without it or withholding it until the perfect moment can result in at worst, a bankruptcy of human potential, and at best, leave people with a feeling of emotional deficiency. All people want to do a good job, regardless of which motivations they declare to be driven by; the rewards of learning new experiences, enhancing important relationships or legacy building, people will respond to those who notice what they have already contributed with even greater performance.

Discovering Your Passion for Excellence

Exceptional human achievement fascinates me. Helen Keller, Carl Lewis, Christopher Reeve, Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, the band of Patriots that helped found this great nation, you and me -- all filled with potential. The people mentioned above are recognizable to most, but there are billions of others just like them on this planet, and they all have something in common ... a passion.

We all have a passion for something, whether it is for golf or little league, cooking or writing, acting or reading. Wine connoisseurs and bottle cap collectors abound.

What’s your passion?

Can you see it? Most of you can.

What do you want to do with it? What do you envision? What do you want to accomplish?

Those are harder questions for many. Maybe you’ve got the answers. Now...what are you actually doing? Is there determination in your eyes -- has your pulse quickened?

They say we can’t solve world hunger.
The truth is we can.

They say good things happen to those who wait.
The truth is, the better rewards go to those who make things happen.

They said walking on the moon was a crazy idea.
They were right -- but we did it anyway.

They say, “can’t”,
we say, “can”.

They ask “why?”
we ask, “why not?”

They say, “if only…”
we ask, “what if...?”

They are challenged.
We challenge.

They are the passengers,
and we are the drivers.

Are you are too tired?
Work too hard?
Feel the world has been unfair?
Do you frequently ask, “why me?” with a bovine expression painted across your face?

Sadly, you are not alone. But if you know what you want -- then dream about it -- talk about it, and do it.

Look around. Working alongside of you is one of the most talented people in the entire world. They bring something that no one else does.

Do you know what it is? Find out. Learn from them. Share ideas and dreams, and once you discover what it is, what that special gift they bring to us is -- tell them. Let them know you see it. Because the truth is most of them aren’t even aware of what they have.

Organizations grow, but do they mature?
Are we enlightened enough to know what’s going on -- to understand where we are headed?
To not only find, but also to use the tools needed to build our future?

Some people are already there. They’ve got their sleeves rolled up and they’re lending a hand. These are the people who don’t watch the clock, but they do set the pace.

What about you?
Can you be counted on?
Do your actions match your words?
Are you positive and proactive and professional in everything you say and do?
Do you create problems or do you create solutions?

Ask that person working alongside of you; they’ll tell you.
But what if they tell you something you don’t want to hear?
What if they tell you the truth?
Thank them -- wholeheartedly. Then roll up your sleeves and get to work. Learn more. Take classes; attend workshops. Find a mentor -- be a mentor. Share.

Some of you think -- but I’m too busy or there’s not enough time. Friends, time is the great equalizer. It’s one of the few manmade instruments that are equally distributed in nice, easy to swallow increments.
You can take 24 hours,
or you can take 1,440 minutes,
or 86,400 seconds.
The portion is up to you.

The world provides so many resources and tools to each of us. Naysayers, smirk or gawk if you must. But while you smirk and gawk and make protestations -- the person next to you is learning and growing. They are developing themselves and helping others along the way; and before you know it, they will no longer be sitting beside you, because these types of people don’t sit in one place for long. They know that increased learning leads to increased earning. Not just financial rewards; they earn accolades and respect and satisfaction.

So, do you want to sit or stand? Walk or run? The decision is yours. Reach in, deep inside, and find out what motivates you. Set your goals. What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. And achieve we must. If you’re tired -- rest. But don’t stay out of the action for too long, because as you rest, others work, and practice, and perfect their dreams. Don’t be left behind.

Be leaders.
Be learners.
Be coaches.
Be students.
Be mentors.
Be mentioned.
Be proud and finally,
be passionate.