Black cat
“A black cat crossing your path, signifies that the animal is going somewhere.” Groucho Marx To some people a black cat crossing their path carries a similar outcome to breaking a mirror. Superstitions are illogical. People do, however, knock on wood. Superstitions in the modern-day are generally harmless. We don’t burn witches any more. Giving inaccurate meaning to observations, however, is unfortunately not uncommon and not harmless. Decide that Mary is a superstar or that Joe is a bum and the tendency is only to see that which validates what we already...
read moreThere is a problem, percolating
Problems and procrastination tend to go together pretty well. Particularly if the problem is not too big – yet, and has some factors that make for difficult interpersonal dynamics. It is easy to let it slide, to get to it later. Then later becomes even later. While later is becoming even later, the issue escalates. More people get involved. The situation grows way out of proportion. Tempers flare. Now your choice about dealing with it is gone. The opportunity to deal with it on your terms, in your time is gone. There is absolutely no science in this prediction, yet I think that 70% of...
read moreKeep the good and add womens boots
WESCO (Westcoast Shoe Company) in Scappose, Oregon was the starting point for our Fall 2012 Northwest Motorcycle tour. WESCO has been in business in Oregon for 94 years and four generations of family leadership. “We built our reputation on leather and trust.” The company began in the logging camps of the Northwest where founders measured feet and made custom boots for loggers. They built a legacy by building tough, comfortable boots for working men – loggers, railroad engineers, linemen. There are 155 steps from leather to a finished handmade boot. All done in America and...
read moreThe Animals were right
Quality of relationships remain a currency of leadership success and overall happiness in life. Song lyrics take on different meaning at different stages of life. They also frequently lend an understanding to life and leadership. A good example lives on in the history of Eric Burdon and the Animals, a personal favorite. “I’m just a soul whose intentions are good, oh lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood.” Good intentions are a starting point and we know ourselves by our intentions. More important, however, is that others know us by our actions. The most...
read moreStop trying to win
Competitiveness drives accomplishment. A game is not much fun without a score, a winner and a loser. Preparing, showing up, competing to win is exciting, rewarding and profoundly satisfying – particularly when we win. We learn to compete early in our lives competing for mom and dad’s attention, toys from siblings and playmates. It expands with little league, school sports, band competition. The quotes abound: ”Second place is the first loser.” ”Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” and a personal favorite - ”Sure there...
read more…Now validated by Harvard Management Update
For years and with well over a thousand leaders I have shared my Golden #1 Rule of Employee Motivation – Hire motivated people and don’t do stupid things that demotivate them. Now Harvard Management Update validates my Golden Rule and lists 8 ways to break it. So, take a minute and make a list of the most demotivating leader/manager behaviors that you have experienced in your career. Write the following sentence at the bottom of the page: I will not do any of these things to anyone else, ever. Sign your name. Want to be a leader that top people will follow? Stop passing on bad...
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