I had one of those moments recently. You know… one of those moments when you just could not remember something that is so basic that there was no way you could ever forget. I struggled trying to remember for a few minutes, then, in frustration, looked it up on my phone. Two thoughts hit me… First, I hope no one saw me or I extremely glad that this was the quiet moment it was.  Fortunately, it was not some question that another person had asked. Thus, I didn’t have to be embarrassed by my memory lapse. Second, is this an early sign that I am quickly heading toward an Alzheimer’s diagnosis? There has to be a “first sign” and, perhaps, this was it for me. This thing I was trying to remember is so familiar that, honestly, no one would believe that I could not remember it unless there was something wrong with me physically. I can remember the score at halftime of a basketball game 45 years ago and could not remember this? OK, so the moment passed and I have not experienced anything similar since.

There are so many good things in my life that I truly never want to forget. I remember that day in May a few years ago. It was a perfect day, sunny and 75 degrees. That was the day my daughter was married. Every part of that day was wonderful and I have tried very hard to etch its details in my mind in a place that can never be erased. Or, I remember holding each of my grandchildren for the first time. That look of pride on my son’s face when he handed me his first daughter occupies a special place in my memory. Or, I remember the excitement in my younger daughter’s face when she showed us her engagement ring and told us that she was marrying the love of her life. Or, the joy she expressed when telling us she would soon be a mother.

I remember my own wedding day and how beautiful my wife looked as her Dad walked her down the aisle. And, I remember how proud we were of our first home… a 12 x 52 foot mobile home with shag carpeting and a barely adequate heating system. I remember our first house, our first (and second and third) child being born, and the agony of moving away from friends. I remember the joy each time we reunite with those same friends several times a year for over 30 years.  I remember childhood memories, sporting achievements, my first hunting and fishing experiences, and family members now long gone. I remember our first new car, but recall that our first big purchase was a stereo system. I remember so many wonderful times together with the love of my life over our 40 plus years as a married couple.

Is it possible to store these wonderful memories in a place so protected that they will always be with me? I heard an old song on the car radio this morning as I drove to work. It was “Gentle on my mind” by Glen Campbell. You probably know that Campbell has been in the news over the last couple of years with stories detailing his own personal struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, he can no longer perform concerts. There is a line in that song that struck me this morning:

“That keeps you in the back roads; By the rivers of my memory and keeps you ever gentle on my mind.”

I’m hoping that somehow, someway, no matter what physical ills may come my way in the future that I can keep these special times and memories “… in the back roads by the rivers of my memory.” Please, God, allow me to keep these good times etched in my memory. I realize that we cannot predict what may come in the future, but I ask that you allow these sweet and wonderful memories to remain.

Most of us know of or have heard of Dr. Seuss.  He was an American writer famous for creating dozens of children’s books.  He once said, “I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells.  Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.  Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.”  There is meaning in his words for us in industry, as well.  It is so easy for us to get in that rut of doing things the same way at the same time every day.  We do and say what others expect.  We stay in “character” because, after all, we are who we are.

But, just for today, the challenge is to look at life “through the wrong end of the telescope.”  Step outside your box and see what your world looks like from there.  What do others see when they look at you?  How can we look at our problems differently?  How many other ways can we imagine to solve our problems?  What would we do if the wanted to create this problem?  Looking at problems in this way might just help us find an answer we never expected to find.  Here are a few other quotes from Dr. Seuss:

1. “You have brains in your head.  You have feet in your shoes.  You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.  You’re on your own, and you know what you know.  And you are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” – Is today the day you need to make that decision you’ve delayed?  What can you do to resolve that issue in your group?  Is there a new direction needed?
2. “Don’t cry because it’s over.  Smile because it happened.” – There is always a “what’s next.”  When we linger in the past too long, we just might miss something great.
3. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It’s not.” – Don’t you just hate it when you know that it’s you that needs to take action… that others are looking to you to make a difference?  It honestly may not get better unless you do.

Think about what Dr. Seuss might be saying to you or us today.  And, at the end of the day, we might think about one more thing he said, “Today was good.  Today was fun.  Tomorrow is another one.”  Have an awesome day!

Today, we look at three quotes from Ben Franklin and examine how they apply to what we do”

1. “Well done is better than well said” – I do enjoy this quote!  Most things are easier said than done.  Anything is possible, if you don’t have to do it yourself.  Individuals often confuse effort with results.  All derivations on the same theme.  We create credibility with results.  Words may impress for a short time, but the failure to act soon erases those same words.  OK – time for some self-assessment…  Honestly, are you more prone to be one that talks a good story or one that finishes a good story?  Is it time for a mid-course correction?
2. “Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment” – How did Franklin know in the mid-1700’s that people in 2015 would still have a problem speaking before thinking?  There are times when it is best to take a loss and walk away.  We typically feel the need to get in the last word – how many times has that “last word” cost you a friend, made a new enemy, or created division rather than unity?
3. “You may delay, but time will not, and lost time is never found again” – Today is the only day we’ve been promised.  We are trading a day of our life for what we do today.  Today may be the only chance in history we get to make a friend, change a life, right a wrong, or accomplish something amazing!  Why not promise that today we will each do something remarkable?  If you can’t think of anything, do something nice and totally unexpected for someone else.  If you do that, this day will not be wasted or lost.

Let’s make this an amazing day!

During the holidays, I took some time to read the Christmas cards and letters we received this year.  The custom of sending Christmas cards to share highlights of the past year seems to be waning some as the number we received (and, frankly, send) has decreased over the years.  Nonetheless, I made a few observations about these cards and letters that I thought might be worth sharing.  I would expect that many of you have observed similar things and had the same thoughts, at one time or another.  So, here are my observations (all of the examples I use below are true, believe it or not):

1. There are some things that simply do not need to be shared – We receive one letter every year that always amazes us.  In it, this family takes several pages to describe the excruciating details of their health adventures.  For example, one year, we heard about how many times “Mother” had a rash on her back.  They talked about visits to specialists to diagnose rare diseases and we received a detailed history of the location, size, and shapes of moles removed for the year.  Really?  Who in their right mind would ever think that this information should be included in a Christmas letter sent to dozens of people?  Can we keep it simple and at a very high level?  (I hope I didn’t catch any of you doing this.)
2. Honestly, no one wants to hear about your fabulous vacations or new convertible – I love this one!  I have actually seen individuals write Christmas letters to “friends” that they know have been without a job for months and talk about their fabulous vacation to Europe or their new sports car that “they only use on sunny days.”  Can you not think about what you are writing?  Wow!  When I get one of these, I want to write back something like, “Well, this was another rough year.  I am hoping to get my teeth back soon, we eat oatmeal for every meal, and we give blood often just to get the cookies they give away.”  Oh, well….
3. We love hearing that your kids are doing well, but hold back on the hype, please – We receive one letter from a family that we fight over.  Literally, when we get their letter in the mail, my wife and I fight to read it first!  One year, they talked about their “lean, mean, straight A machine..” son.  We also hear how their other son “has been told by many that he might be the most wonderful person ever born.”  Can you believe someone would actually write that?  Maybe you can see why we fight over that one!
4. Hearing from many of you brings back wonderful, happy memories – On the other hand, some of these letters and cards bring me to tears.  They help me remember some of the happiest times of my life.  I think of one friend in Michigan that died a couple years ago.  She was a gem and spent her entire life serving others.  But, she also provided some of the funniest memories of my life.  I’m almost laughing out loud right now just thinking about one incident involving Mary.  I miss her!  I think of friends that I haven’t seen in 10 or 20 years.  I remember times when their kids were playing with ours.  Truly, these letters are worth reading and the memories are worth having.
5. Hearing from you inspires me to take much overdue action – And, the letters I have read this year are inspiring me to action.  I haven’t seen one of my friends in a few years.  He has probably made me laugh more than any other single person in my life.  He had me laughing again over the holidays when I called him.  In 2016, I am committed to visiting him.  There are others that I have promised myself to write, call, or see.  I might not have another chance.

So, did you have any of these same reactions reading letters and cards you received this past season?  I would also say that each of us has a friend or two or ten that we need to connect with in a more consistent way.  Is there a friend here that you need to take to lunch?  Let’s not someday regret losing time with someone that cares for us or that we have befriended.

Have a great and terrific first new workday of 2016!  Let’s make this “our best year yet!”

 

Today, I look at some quotes from A. A. Milne, the author of Winnie the Pooh books.  I am a rather new fan of the sayings contained in Winnie the Pooh.  Had I known the wisdom contained in Milne’s books, I would certainly have exposed my own three children to them.  But, I have another chance with my grandchildren, so they will be getting a steady dose starting soon.

Milne’s quotes apply very well to life in general and the things we experience in our world every day.

1. “People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” — When you enjoy what you do, it does not seem like work.  In fact, our work, especially when things go as we plan, can be fun and enjoyable.  It can also seem that we can easily work hard all day, yet accomplish nothing.  Some of the greatest inventions or greatest works of art required years of day-by-day progress.  When it seems that you are not making progress with your work, your hobbies, your rehabilitation, your kids… whatever the task, remember that progress occurs item-by-item, day-by-day, success-by-success.  Don’t give up!

2. “You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” — I hear individuals say to me at least weekly, “I sent him/her an e-mail and need an answer before I can go to the next step.”  Sometimes, you make greater and faster progress when you go see the person face-to-face.  As Pooh says, “You have to go the them sometimes.”

3. “It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn’t use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like “What about lunch?” — Don’t overuse the language.  As someone once said, “The best solutions are often the most simple ones.”

4. “If the person you are talking to doesn’t appear to be listening, be patient. It may simply be that he has a small piece of fluff in his ear.” — Patience is a virtue.  It is easy to jump to conclusions about someone – that is, until you know what they are going through in their lives.  Before you place blame or become frustrated with others, first put yourself in their shoes.  When you know the real story, their actions may be totally understandable.

5. “When you see someone putting on his Big Boots, you can be pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen.” — We are all in a Great Adventure.  It can be an exciting time, but there are challenges occurring every day.  Are you up for the challenge of a Great Adventure or are you just trying to get through the day?

The question for today is, “Will you put on your Big Boots or will you go hide in the forest?”

Will Rogers was an American author, actor, and commentator from the 1920’s and ‘30’s.  He was known for his witty, but insightful thoughts on life, success, and surviving during tough times (e.g., the Great Depression).  Some of his sayings can be applied very well to us today:

1. “You’ve got to go out on a limb sometimes because that’s where the fruit is.” — We cannot live in a ‘zero-risk’ world.  Every day we take numerous risks – driving a car, eating food prepared by someone else, making decisions.  Though we should never take undue risks, we often need to be more aware of the risks and balance them against the possible rewards.  In other words, sometimes we cannot get to the 95 – 100% confidence point for a key decision.  Sometimes we have to make a decision based on being at the 75% confident point.  In these cases, be aware of the risks, mitigate what you can, and move forward.  We might not get that apple unless we stretch ourselves a bit.
2. “Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.” — The reason older individuals seem wiser sometimes is that they have a lot more experience to draw upon.  And, unfortunately, some of that experience was painful.  We need to understand that mistakes will occur.  When they do, we need to use them to learn.  Several years ago, I was told a story about an individual that made a mistake that resulted in a loss of $2MM worth of product.  The head of manufacturing asked the department manager to bring the individual involved in the mistake to his office.  The department manager said, “OK, I understand.  You plan to fire this person, right?”  The head of manufacturing responded, “No, of course not.  I just want this person to know that I trust that such a mistake will never happen again.  This individual, my friend, will turn out to be the best employee we have, if he learns from this.”  Of course, that individual did become a star performer at that company.
3. “If you want to be successful, it’s just this simple. Know what you are doing. Love what you are doing. And believe in what you are doing.” — When I think about this quote, I am trying to think of anyone I know that is successful that did not know, love, and believe in what they were doing.  There may be examples, but they would be rare.  So, what does this say about you?  Are you destined for success or do you need to be thinking about next steps?
4. “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” — Complacency is an enemy.  I’m reminded that “if you think you are humble, you are not.”  Once we think we have accomplished it all, we are doomed.  Let’s adopt the mindset that anything we do can be improved.
5. “Never let yesterday use up too much of today.” — Today is the only day we have or can count on.  Though things may have not gone well yesterday, lingering there can ruin today.  If the past is keeping you from doing your best work today, it is time to move past it. Early in the new year of 2016 is a great time to focus on the future, not the past.

I believe that if we are successful and happy in our personal lives, we will be successful and happy in our work life.  And, if we are, we’ll be able to focus and do our very best in every aspect of our lives.

Have a terrific day!  There is still that chance that it might be a Top 10 day.

My wife is a very funny girl!  I am very happy to announce that I have been promoted to Senior Vice-President —– AT HOME!  My wife ceremoniously made the announcement to me the other day and that I would still be reporting to her.  Yep, she just cracks me up!  Anyway….

I thought it might be helpful to highlight a few helpful hints regarding workplace courtesy.  These “suggestions” come from a number of sources, hallway talk, complaints from others, etc. — these are consensus issues, not simply issues observed by any one person.  I know we all see issues from time-to-time that can be frustrating.  However, by doing these simple things you can be seen as someone that is professional, courteous, and a good person to work with.  Anyway, take these or leave them….

• Be on time for meetings and scheduled events – no one enjoys waiting for someone that routinely disrespects the time for others
• Start meetings on time – don’t wait for the chronically late individuals to arrive – perhaps, they will realize that they need to be on time in the future – and, when someone does arrive late, don’t “reward” them by wasting the time of everyone that arrived on time to help the late individual get caught up
• Return calls – it is disrespectful to routinely “forget” to return phone calls
• Answer e-mail questions – I do realize that e-mails can pile up, but please try to respond in a timely fashion whenever possible (for some individuals, I owe an apology on this one — I can be distracted occasionally and not provide input when asked – I am truly sorry about that and will work on improvement in this area)
• Don’t waste the time of others – sometimes, it is perfectly fine to discuss the events of the weekend, etc., but just be sensitive when someone appears very busy or seems to be distracted because they may be operating on a deadline
• Don’t perpetuate negative news – please realize that you drag down others when you continually are the individual with a negative attitude or frequently pass along negative information
• Treat others with respect at all times – even when you disagree with others, they still deserve to be treated properly
• On conference calls, announce who is attending the meeting – it is always helpful to know who is attending a meeting
• Dress and groom appropriately for the event/meeting/occasion – yes, believe it or not, people notice
• Use e-mail carefully – there is rarely a need to use all CAPS, copy “all”, or involve the masses – additionally, never say anything in e-mail that you would be uncomfortable reading about in the newspaper
• Respect others while on conference calls – if you have an office, please shut your door when on a conference call – if you sit in an open area, either speak softly or reserve a conference room or borrow an office for conference calls
• Clean up after yourself – if you make a mess at the coffee machine, clean it up; if you have lunch or make a mess in a conference room, clean it up
• Thank those that support you – if you rely upon someone else to make travel arrangement, arrange meetings, make copies, or do anything else to make your job better or or easier, take the time to say “thanks”

And finally, remember the motto used in a previous post, “Work hard, play harder, and sleep fast.”  Today is the only day we are promised.

What other suggestions can you provide?   Thanks and have an awesome day!

A friend recently shared with me the following quote (author unknown) she received from the Business Management Daily:

“I watched a baseball team’s jubilance after the final out of the World Series.  How these adults leapt, cried, danced like children.  And I asked myself what pinnacle in my life would make me behave as silly as that… and why I’m not striving for it right now.”

Did reading this quote stop you in your tracks?  Oh, how easy it is for us to get into that comfortable rut and just stay there…  up with the alarm; grab the coffee; make sure the kids have their breakfast eaten and day lined up; shove the dog out the door; go to work; finish that report; rush home through traffic; grab dinner on the way home; wonder when you’ll get the lawn cut; etc., etc., etc.  Then, go to bed, wake up, and start all over again.

Please accept some advice from one of your “elders” today.  I’ve been in industry now for nearly 37 years; been married for 40 years (all happily, I might add!); have seen all three of my children married with their own children; and I wonder where all the years have gone.  It happened like a flash!  Just one blink and the time was gone!  I do have to say that I have enjoyed and savored every minute (almost) and do not have any serious regrets.  But, I am saying to you that still are either early or in the middle of your careers, don’t forget to dream, then chase after that dream.  What do you do that provides the greatest satisfaction in your job, or life, and what are you doing now to enhance that?  Are you thinking “big enough” when it comes to dreams or are you merely satisfied to remain in that rut and count the days rushing by?

Do you have a dream?  Do you have a goal in your life?  Have you even considered what pinnacle in life would make you accept a pie thrown into your face or a soft drink poured over your head — and be happy about it?  I’ll share one more quote from my friend’s source:

“You should follow a dream until it dies — and then, go just a little bit farther.”

Today could be our best day yet!  Make it a great one!

Josh Billings once said,

“The usefulness of a small postage stamp is in its ability to stick to one thing until it gets there.”

Notice that the utility of a postage stamp is not sticking until it gets off to a good start, or sticking until it gets near the end, but sticking until it has finished its complete job.  How often have you seen someone do great work to get a project off to a good start, make good progress during the middle of the project, but fail to complete the job at the very end?  I heard of a man once that built his own house.  He did a great job doing most of the work himself.  During the period of several months, the infrastructure was complete, the frame was completed, the roof was finished, the sheetrock finished, all electrical and plumbing work done… all on schedule and on budget.  Finally, the house was close enough to finished for the family to move in.  All he had left to do was complete the final finish and trim work (molding around the doors and windows, backsplash in the kitchen, a few odds here, a few ends there).  The home was 99% complete and well done.  But, because the final details were not complete, the house (e.g., job) was not complete.  He procrastinated several months to finished those final, small details.  And, those final details make the difference between a beautiful home and one that appears undone and not finished.

I worked with an individual once that often asked, “What do you mean by complete.”  He asked this because to some, complete meant that they had started the process by completing necessary paperwork (never mind that the work had not been finished).  He asked this because to others, complete meant that “my part” is complete, despite the fact that other actions were needed before the total project was complete.  We need to adopt the definition of complete to mean that everything is done and the work is totally finished.

Are you persistent to the end?  Do you lose momentum and motivation when most of the work is done and fail to complete the final details?  Those are the very details that others often notice or that might define the final quality of your work.  Let’s resolve to remain persistent “until we get there.”

Thanks for everything you do day-in and day-out.  The grind of the details of life is a challenge to maintain, but worth it in the end.  Have a terrific day!

 

 

First of all, let’s take a look at some definitions around the study of rigamarology:

1. Rigamarole = a long, complicated, and annoying process; confused or meaningless talk; a complex and sometimes ritualistic procedure (yes, this is in the dictionary, look it up!)
2. Rigamarology = the study or dedication to rigamarole
3. Rigamarotocol = documented set of meaningless activities or non-value added steps

Growing up, I often heard my father use the term “rigamarole.”  I came to understand that this meant meaningless steps or activities.  As you see from the definitions above, rigamarole describes perfectly what we attempt to eliminate when we pursue continuous improvement, whether at work or in our lives.  A key element of continuous improvement is to identify and eliminate waste in all its forms.  We also attempt to simplify existing steps and activities that no longer add value.

So, why do we put up with rigamarole in our lives?  It could be that it is easier to continue doing what is wrong than taking the effort to make it right.  Or, it could be that we just have not stopped to intentionally consider how things could be better.  Or, it could be that we actually invented the rigamarole that plagues us.  For whatever reason, why continue allowing our lives to be complexified (yes, another new word for today) for no good reason or for no added value?

My challenge to you is this….

Begin asking yourself these questions, “What value is being added by this step or activity or report or meeting?  How will the company or my life be better as a result of this?  Would our customers or patients pay extra for this?”  When you catch yourself asking these questions and providing an honest answer, you will be amazed at how many non-value added activities (e.g., rigamarole) you encounter in a day.   A key element of our future success as individuals or an organization is helping to drive out these non-value added activities.  We must help our organization avoid a dedication to rigamarole and eliminate clutter in our lives.

If you could eliminate one item of rigamarole today, what would it be?  Now, put your thoughts to action and go do it!  Have a great day!