Over the years, I have witnessed an increasing lack of boldness in business environments.  It might not quite be called “fear”, but it is certainly an unwillingness to take reasoned risks.  I’m sure some feel that it is better for their career to stay safe (or not take any risks) than to challenge the status quo and act.  Some examples:

• Many individuals fear making a decision until they have obtained concurrence from a large number of other individuals – in essence, they seek to get many others in the boat with them before making a final decision – as a result, actions are delayed, important activities are stymied, and individuals become frustrated by a lack of progress while the true decision-maker is busy finding others with which to share the potential blame
• Some individuals in regulated roles (Quality and EHS, for example) live in fear of ever having to explain their actions to the regulatory inspectors – thus, there is a need to overdo everything such that no questions could ever arise – as a result, important changes do not get implemented, we sample/test where it is not needed, and we fail to utilize appropriate science to manage important activities of our business
• Some procrastinate making decisions by continually asking for new information, additional data, more meetings, etc. – these delaying tactics accomplish little and drive frustration for lack of progress

I think most companies and their senior managers thirst for individuals willing to be bold and accomplish key tasks, even when some risks exist.  By understanding and mitigating the major risks, we essentially defer action on things that pose very little risk.  I believe our senior managers see individuals willing to drive for results, willing to be bold, and willing to go where no one else will go as high-potential talent.  In short, I believe that by acting with boldness (e.g., taking some low risks, saying what others are afraid to say, and doing what others are unwilling to do), you will accelerate your own career.  Conversely, if you will never take a risk, will never speak up, and will only act when you have 100% confidence, I say that anyone could do that!  Be different and set yourself apart from the crown – act boldly!

Thanks for making this a better world.  Have an awesome and bold day!

 

The next time you are in a significant event (ballgame, birthday party, beautiful place, etc.) look around. See how many people are trying to capture the moment on a smart phone or camera.  I think you’ll be amazed at the number of cameras you will see.  It seems that in this day of handy-dandy smart phone capabilities coupled with a significant need to share life’s details on social media, everyone attempts to capture every memory on these devices.  And, in doing so, they risk missing the significance of the moment.  I was recently in a beautiful place and someone reminded everyone:

“Don’t get so caught up trying to capture everything on your camera that you forget to record the events and beauty on your internal memory card.” 

What this individual was doing was reminding us that there are some things that we must remember to capture in our memory. A camera will simply not do it justice.  Etching those great and one-time memories in your mind, your internal memory card, will allow you to bring back the moment forever in the future whether or not you carry that smart phone you now feel is so essential.  Someday, when I am old and gray (actually, older and grayer) and my memory starts to fade, I want to be able to recall those special events, such as my children’s weddings, newborn children, nature’s wonders, fun with friends, etc.  I am hopeful that I will etch those memories so deeply in my mind that they will never fade.  How about you?  Are you missing these big events because you are trying too hard to capture photos or videos you may never see again?  Don’t miss it!

Have a wonderful day! This could be our “best day yet… there is still a chance!”

 

Two of my colleagues recently shared the Ted Talk linked below on leadership.  The video is only around six minutes and definitely worth watching.  However, let me summarize it for you,

Drew Dudley is the speaker and made his presentation at Tedx Toronto 2010.  The key theme is that leadership is not found most commonly in the big things, but is more often seen in the small moments that can have a lasting impact.  Leadership is lived through daily, consistent, heartfelt influence that you have on others.  And, it is not necessarily limited to those we consider “in charge.”

Drew speaks of a time when a young lady he did not know came up to him and told him that he had completely changed her life.  He was puzzled and asked her how.  She related that when she first came to college, she was very apprehensive.  So much so that she wanted to go home even before her parents helped her unpack and left to return home.  They told her that they would honor her wishes and if, on the next day of registration for classes, she did not feel it was right, they would bring her back home. 

Well, she was in one of those long lines to register for classes and had decided that she could not do it.  She was within seconds of leaving the line and telling her parents she wanted to return home with them when this guy came up to her and said hello.  He had a bucket of lollipops in his hand and handed one to the guy next to her in line.  He told the guy to give the lollipop to the girl.  He did and she accepted it.  Drew then said to her parents standing next to her in the line, “Look at that!  First day away from home and she is already taking candy from a stranger!”  The girl told him that at that moment, she realized that there were people there that cared about her and that she would be OK.  She changed her mind and decided to stay in college.  She did, got her degree, and became a success.  She told Drew that that single, simple “lollipop moment” where he was just trying to make a difference in someone’s day made all the difference in her life.

Drew says he doesn’t even remember that moment.  He came to realize it that it is the everyday things that make a difference.  Drew goes on to say that we need to be intentional in creating those small, simple lollipop moments.  We never know when they might occur and who might be impacted, but striving each day to positively impact the lives of others can mean all the difference to them.

Take a look at the video to see for yourself.  You could possible change the life of someone today.  By being intentional, you are demonstrating leadership in a small, but hugely important way.  Striving to create a “lollipop moment” every day can impact the lives of 350 people in just one year.  And, if we can get 100 people doing this, we could create over 25,000 such impactful moments in our workplace every years.  Lollipop moments are examples of leading by example.  How about you?  Will you give it a try?

Thanks for your commitment and dedication to others!  It is great being on this journey with you!  Have a fabulous day!

https://www.ted.com/talks/drew_dudley_everyday_leadership?language=en

 

 

 

 

My wife and I recently took one of those trips you dream about for a lifetime… a cruise to Alaska. The entire trip was enjoyable and the sights were amazing.  One of the towns we visited in Alaska is the small town of Skagway (or as some spell it, Skaguay).  The town has about 900 permanent residents and is a grid of approximately 3 streets by 20 streets… a 15 minute walk anywhere in the town.  There is no doubt the town would have disappeared completely if not for the cruise ship industry.  I’ve heard it said that the most amazing politician in America is the mayor of Skagway who somehow is able to convince 4 – 6 cruise ships each holding 3000 passengers to stop in that town every summer day!

Skagway has an amazing history, amazing views in every direction, but really has little else to offer. Without the cruise ships, the town would have disappeared in the same way that many other Alaskan towns did after the gold rush of the late 1890’s.  But, Skagway developed a means to “sell what it has.”  The town offers shopping, gold rush memorabilia, gold rush history, and glorious views and tours in every direction.  So, despite being such a small town, it offers interesting enough value that cruise participants enjoy visiting for part of a day during their Alaskan visit.

Skagway offers a great example to us, as individuals, as well. Perhaps, we don’t have the education that others have.  Or, the lengthy credentials.  Or, an advocate in senior management.  But, we can “sell what we have” to enhance or advance our career.  We all have something unique that can provide value to others.  Some manage projects well.  Others, drive continuous improvement.  Still others can get things done that no one else can do.  Some always volunteer for the job or project than no one else wants.  But, you will find that every successful person has found that unique offering that brings value to the organization.

So, what is your unique capability, interest, or skill that makes you a valuable employee? What makes you special?  If you do not know, honestly ask others to help you identify it.  Solicit input from your supervisor or those you work with.  Be open to honest feedback, then, once you find it, capitalize on it.  Use that special uniqueness only you can offer in a way that makes you that person everyone wants on their team.  Don’t just blend in and allow yourself to wither away.  Find that “special sauce” and make it something everyone wants!

Thanks for all you do and have a spectacular day!

 

 

 

When you think of other people, what comes to your mind? Do you think of things that person did or will do?  Do you think of things that person said to you?  What comes to mind?  Take a look at a quote by Maya Angelou, an American author, poet, dancer, actress, and singer:

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou –

Do you agree? When I think back on people from my past, my first impression is how I feel when I think of that person.  For instance, some memories of people bring a smile.  Others, a feeling of regret, or dread, or sadness.  Take this challenge…. Think of your first grade teacher.  Is your first thought of what he/she said or did?  Or, do you think of how you felt being her student.  I believe the Angelou quote above.  I think our strongest remembrance of people is something deeper than their words or their deeds.  It is that feeling – whether positive or negative – that makes that first impression.

So, the next question, of course, is to consider that imprint we are leaving on those with whom we interact. What do others “feel” when they think of you?  According to Angelou, they probably don’t remember all the things you did or the words you said, but they will remember how you made them feel.  Is your imprint on others a positive one or is it negative?  It is not too late today to begin making that imprint a positive one.

Thanks for all you do! There is a chance that today could be our very best yet!  You just never know when that day might come, so be ready for it!

Back in the late 1890’s, gold was discovered in the Alaskan Klondike. It is said that approximately 300,000 individuals made the torturous trip to Alaska to seek their own piece of fortune.  One of these individuals was Henry Clark.  Clark, like so many others, dreamed of striking it rich like the others talked about down south.  The Klondike stampeders faced extreme conditions… bad weather, difficult terrain, and a constant struggle for supplies, such as food and medicine.  Clark found that one of the things plaguing fellow stampeders was vitamin deficiencies.  Scurvy, a result of vitamin C deficiency, was especially harmful.  Clark was a true entrepreneur.  When reaching Skagway, Alaska and seeing the severe effects of scurvy, his outlook completely changed.  He decided that instead of making the torturous trip across the mountains in search of gold, he would put to good use the rhubarb plants he had brought along.  So, he carved out a small piece of land in Skagway and began raising and selling his rhubarb.  Rhubarb is especially rich in vitamins, including vitamin C, and served as a remedy to many for the scurvy they suffered.  Clark became a rich man from his rhubarb.  And, in Skagway, to this day, you can see rhubarb growing all over town in yards, business lots, vacant lots, fence rows, etc.  Clark was opportunistic!  He was able to see things outside his field of vision and took advantage of the opportunity he saw.  He was able to see a need because his field of vision was broad and flexible.

We can learn from Henry Clark. Often, we become so focused on one goal or event or task, that we fail to see other opportunities around us.  Have you ever worked so hard and long on a project that, once it was completed, it no longer had the value you thought when you started?  We need to stay focused, BUT… we need to have a broad field of vision that allows us to see other, potentially more important, opportunities around us.  The thing we’re working on today might not be the most important thing we could or should be working to complete.

So, think about Henry Clark. Think about rhubarb.  What other opportunities are all around you that you might not be open to seeing?  Have you missed your chance for success because you were so focused on the forest (e.g., gold) that you could not see the trees?  Be opportunistic!

Have a fabulous and productive day! Remember, this could be your best day yet, so don’t miss it!

 

Perhaps, you feel that The Porch wears out the subject of character.  But, I think it is vital for a successful life as an individual and for success as a company, especially in the healthcare business.  Unless we can be trusted to do the right thing in the right way, we literally have no place being in this business.

Today, we look at three different, but related quotes by three different people.  All relate to our character.  See if any of these hits a bull’s-eye for you today:

1.     “What lies behind us, and what lies before us are but tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”  (Ralph Waldo Emerson) – Emerson is saying here that our character is more important than circumstances.  No matter what happens to us, good or bad, matters less than the person we really are.  Our character is vital to how we handle obstacles, how we manage victories, and how we treat others.  Nothing matters more, in fact.

2.     “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” (George Eliot [Mary Ann Evans]) – George Eliot, the pen name for Mary Ann Evans, is saying to us that we never run out of opportunities to live up to our potential… time only runs out when we breathe our last breath.  For many, the past seems to dominate our thinking and our attitude.  However, every day we have the chance to re-craft or re-invent ourselves.  It is only a matter of deciding that today will be different than yesterday… perhaps, the circumstances may not be different, but our approach to life and how we handle them, can be completely new.  In short, we have a new chance every day to re-form our character into something more impactful and more powerful.

3.     “Good character is more to be praised than outstanding talent. Most talents are to some extent a gift. Good character, by contrast, is not given to us. We have to build it piece by piece by thought, choice, courage and determination.” (John Luther) – Luther is saying that good character comes chip-by-chip… much like the work of a master sculptor.  Each day, and through each event, we reveal more and more of our true character.  And, to a significant extent, that is driven by the choices we personally make.

Were any of these especially meaningful to you today?  Have an outstanding day!

Today on The Porch, we contemplate one simple question:

“Who’s life is better today because of what you did yesterday?”

Today represents an opportunity for each of us to make a difference for someone else.  We have the ability to turn a bad day into a good one for someone else.  We have a chance to restore someone’s faith in a friend, a coworker, or even a stranger.  We have a chance to be a “giver” rather than a “receiver.”  We have a chance to reconnect with an old friend.  We have a chance to restore a broken relationship.  We have a chance to forgive.  We have a chance to do something we have intended to do, but just never found the time.  How will you make a difference for someone today?

So, in response to this question, what answer will you give tomorrow about today?

And, never forget, today could be your best day yet!  Be ready for it!

 

 

Following is a story told by JRD Tata, a French born aviator and visionary businessman.  This is….

The lesson that changed a man’s life

JRD Tata had a friend who used to say that he misplaces and loses his pen very often. He will use only very cheap pens so that he need not worry about losing them.

But he was worried about his carelessness habit.

JRD suggested to him to buy the costliest pen he could afford and see what happens.

He did that and bought a 22 carat gold Cross pen.

After nearly six months JRD met him and asked him if he continues to misplace his pen.

His friend said that he is very careful about his costly pen and he is surprised how he has changed!

JRD explained to him that the value of the pen made the difference and there was nothing wrong with him as a person!

 

This is what happens in our life. We are careful with things we value the most in our life.

If we value our health, we will be careful of what and how we eat;

If we value our friends, we will treat them with respect;

If we value money, we will be careful while spending;

If we value time, we will not waste it;

If we value relationship, we will not break it.

Carelessness is trait in all of us. But we know when to be careful!

Carelessness only shows what we don’t value.

Learn the power of value.

It will change the way you look at things in life.

What or who do you value?  I think this little lesson will help each of us take a fresh look at how we value our health, our friends, our money, our time, our relationships, and all other key aspects of our lives.  This might be a good time for some serious introspection.  How about you?

Thank you for making a difference in the world for someone else.  Have a glorious, “best day!”

 

A story:

Three old hunters were sitting around at the coffee shop. One said, “My dog has to be the best tracking dog in history.  Why, just the other day, he was able to track a rabbit that must have run over two miles through three pastures, a woods, and over the creek twice.  He stayed with the trail and, sure enough, the rabbit was sitting, out-of-breathe, at the end.  What an amazing dog!”

The second hunter said, “That’s nothin’. My dog can trail three rabbits at once.  The other day, he trailed three rabbits whose trails criss-crossed and covered over 10 acres of the bottom pasture, yet he stayed with them — all at once!  At the end, I found each rabbit in the brush at the end of its trail.  My dog kept the three rabbit scents separate across all that space and time.  He has to be the best ever!”

The third hunter jumped in and said, “Your dogs are amateurs! My dog can follow a rabbit trail across the interstate highway, swim the lake to pick it up on the other side, and will chase the rabbit back to me sitting on my back porch.  Well, he even picked up a trail that was two weeks old one day early in the morning and it took him till near dinner time to chase that rabbit back to the house!  No doubt in all the world, my dog is the best tracking dog ever!”

 

So, what’s the moral of this story? Of course, you probably guessed it already…. The first liar doesn’t have a chance!  When you are tempted to exaggerate the truth or embellish the facts or just outdo your friend, you must not go first!  You have to let all the other liars have first shot at the story, then you can simply top them all.

Have you seen this play out in the workplace? Sure you have.  It goes something like this… “My team did a great job on that last project.  They delivered on time and on budget.  Perfect execution.”  The second person jumps in with, “Yes, that was pretty good, I do admit.  However, I remember my team tackling a similar project last year and they actually finished the thing early and had enough budget left over to add that second module that has paid huge dividends.  I’ve never been prouder.”  Finally, the last person (actually, the smart one that waited until the end) says, “Yes, you both have pretty decent teams.  But, you have to admit you are still jealous of my team.  They have a reputation of outperforming every other team.  Remember that project last month?  They finished it in a day, actually made money doing it, and their efforts single-handedly caused our stock to increase by 25% in one hour!  You two probably wouldn’t even still  have your jobs if not for the great performance of my team.”

Sound familiar? Have a great day and remember, we need to be warriors, not worriers.