ELEPHANT ALERT!

Nothing beats momentum. When the thrust of energy moving forward is strong, obstacles become smaller and inconsequential. What percentage of time does your team feel like it can achieve anything? Increasing the “momentum percentage” is a top leadership priority.

Yet, guess what approach too many people bring to business?

Here’s the elephant in the office: Some people try to build momentum by focusing on momentum-killers, such as problems, what’s not working, and blame. This approach is rationalized because “the facts must be looked at clearly.”

But why position facts so they drag like anchors on progress?

STOMP THE ELEPHANT

A friend shares, “It’s crazy. I’ve got people around me who point out all the places we’re successful, all the things we’re doing well. But I’ve always felt I had to sit on the ‘reality train’ and focus on where we’re coming up short. I realize I can do a lot better job of looking at the same facts – but in a way that builds momentum.”

Every person reading this blog knows that perspective is reality. Yet, why wouldn’t one choose a perspective that creates a healthy, more productive reality?

A Cincinnati company is building the population of leaders within their organization who can address reality in a way that builds the belief (and capabilities) that they can achieve even more. This naturally leads to achieving more! They just landed the largest contract in their history – and are now more strategically positioned in the market than ever before.

Even though they’re dealing with the same economic facts as their competitors, their reality is different. They are mastering their focus, which means they’re mastering their perspective.

What sort of momentum do you and your team have right now? What train are you riding?

Where will you lead – where will you stomp elephants – today?

ELEPHANT ALERT

During a leadership training three months ago, Jim shared how his life was becoming increasing hopeless, leaving him with an overwhelming sense of being out of control.  He said there were days he was so discouraged, he could barely get out of bed.  He shared that he dreaded going to work…where he was sure he did more harm than good. 

Jim admitted that the only reason he came to the leadership training was that he was desperately seeking some kind of a “magic cure.” 

Here’s the Elephant in the Office:  Many people are waiting for a magic cure, or worse yet, they’re waiting for someone else to tell them how to fix their life.

STOMP THE ELEPHANT

Twelve weeks after the training, still using concepts he’d learned, Jim stated he had discovered something important - he now saw clearly that he had spent years digging his very own “hole of despair.”

“For years I was continually upset by all the things that weren’t working in my life.  I would ruminate about all of the boring and wasteful meetings I was forced to attend.  My forehead creased as I worried about all of the impossible deadlines.  When I woke up in the morning, I was already mad that I had so much to do…mad that I wasn’t appreciated…mad that my wife and kids were an endless hassle…mad that I never had time for myself.  Each day, I’d come home more discouraged than ever.  I kept asking myself, ‘why is my life going so poorly?’  I had dug a hole of despair so deep that I could no longer see any light.”

“What I now know is that I can keep digging a deeper hole or I can start filling it up.  I was waiting for someone or something to come along and fix my problems.  Had I continued, it would have been a very long and dangerous wait.  I now realize that my life, health and happiness depend on the tiniest leadership moments.   I have started to build a very strong awareness muscle.  I now realize that every single one of those moments is a choice… A choice to focus on my blessings: the things that are going well, the things I want to improve on, and the people I want to serve.   Leadership by leadership moment, I have a long way to go, but I’m starting to see some light.”

Jim’s story reminds us of an important lesson: We all know there is no magic cure. But there is something that works every time. We can purposefully choose our focus and our direction in each and every leadership moment.

What are you doing with your leadership moments today?

Where will you lead – where will you stomp elephants – today?

ELEPHANT ALERT!

A friend sent this: “The only thing we have to give that is new is the growing edge of our lives.  Everything else is old.”

What are you giving others? And are the people in your workplace bringing a fresh and new version of themselves each day? Or is it a bit like the summer TV season: full of re-runs?

Here’s the elephant in the office: Daily workplaces are exposed to the “business as usual” scourge: people coming to work and thinking they already know everything – especially other people and their ideas.

Have you ever caught the contagion? Its symptoms include focusing on what we don’t like about people and things, arrogant and defensive attitudes, conversations about what’s not working, and the folly of trying to outsmart problems. When you model these behaviors you become outdated.

STOMP THE ELEPHANT

We just completed a session in Ecuador. And I wish you could have been there to meet Humberto.

Humberto models leadership in many ways, including his immunity to the “business as usual” scourge. He’s been working in his industry for 43 years (that’s not a typo). And yet you won’t catch this man yawning, not listening, being defensive, or putting his nose in the air. Instead, Humberto sits on the edge of his seat; he asks questions; he laughs; he engages with passion – and he delivers great results.

You won’t get re-runs with Humberto because he models his ever-growing personal edge.

Become immune to the “business as usual” contagion by asking yourself: In what ways will I be a student today? Where will I set down assumptions and collect new data? What will my growing edge look like to others?

Where will you lead – where will you stomp elephants – today?

ELEPHANT ALERT!

Is it possible the difference between succeeding and falling short of your goals comes down to one characteristic? There are many success variables – but one is more important than all the rest.

Observe the people around you: What percentage of the time are they bringing their ‘A’ game? Giving their best effort?

Here’s the elephant in the office: “It drives me crazy,” said my neighbor. “There’s a small group of us at work who give the job our all. And then there’s a whole bunch of people who seem to be going through the motions. It’s like life is just a dress rehearsal for them.” He shook his head. “What are they waiting for?”

STOMP THE ELEPHANT

The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t isn’t just talent. And it certainly isn’t luck. The key characteristic is this: Successful people always bring the best version of themselves to the game.

A friend named Jay recently started his own business. Within a year he’s not only profitable – his biggest challenge is managing the rapid growth. I asked him, “What’s your secret?”

His answer inspires: “I show up. It’s that simple. Every day, in every meeting, I give my all. It surprises me how many people come to the dance – but don’t dance.”

What’s on your schedule today? If you’re like most, you’ve got little or no time to prepare. How will you ever be successful? Try this: Before each meeting, ask yourself this question: What will I do to be the best I can be? Then engage. Dance. Show up. Be on a roll. Contribute. Drink it up.

Dress rehearsal is over.

Where will you lead – where will you stomp elephants – today?

ELEPHANT ALERT!

My wife and I recently returned from some work in Aruba. Splendid! Joy! Incredible! The trip exceeded all expectations…and then: during a lay-over in Miami, I splurged and bought one of those double-mocha-frappa-latta-venti-foofoo drinks. The perfect way to wrap up the trip.

Needing to use the restroom, I set my drink next to my wife and our carry-on luggage. Gone just a few minutes, I returned…to find my drink gone!

My wife, engrossed in a novel, was equally surprised. Immediately we found the culprit: just feet away the custodian was pushing his waste basket – with my drink at the bottom.

Here’s the elephant in the office: Too many people have incredible jobs, work with amazing people, earn stunning incomes – and they still take the double-mocha-frappa plunge.

STOMP THE ELEPHANT

I don’t purchase expensive drinks often. I had a right to be angry – right? I stewed. I mumbled. My spirits plunged…until I woke up and did a cost-benefit analysis. Was I willing to throw away all that was experienced and gained on this trip in exchange for being angry over a stolen coffee?

As a friend told me later, “Here’s five bucks. Get over it.”

What small, stupid error has someone else committed that is robbing you of the satisfaction you deserve? Is your anger and the “I-will-never-forget” attitude paying you a high dividend?

If you could put a price tag on what it’s costing you to carry a grudge or to resent someone else, what would the cost be? And what would be the benefit of letting it go?

When we stomp the elephants in our life we can move ourselves to the “benefit column” any time we want to.

Where will you lead – where will you stomp elephants – today?

WHAT APPEARS TO BE

Do you encounter a negative attitude or two during your work day? Most of us have the ability to dodge a "distasteful" remark or behavior. But what happens when there is nothing but mud around you?

Do you contribute to the grime you encounter during the day – or do you make your day shine?

WHAT MIGHT BE

A scowl, a poisonous tongue, eye rolling, words muttered in a whisper – the list of toxic behaviors is long. And some have formed habits with them.

“They must pay,” is the thinking of some. When someone does us wrong, some people move to deliver a consequence. “They must know that what they did is wrong,” goes the thought process, so bad is corrected by bad…and the bad perpetuates.

WHAT CAN BE

There is an alternative.

A friend, Allyson, shares, “At my daughter’s school they have "Opposite Day." If someone treats you badly, you do the opposite: you treat them well. It sounds corny,” says Allyson, who then smiles and finishes, “but it works.”

Most humans, when receiving a “low road” message from another, respond by taking the low road in return. Stress and disappointing results are the norm for such people.

There is something remarkable about the human spirit – and it’s important to note: when we receive a “high road” message from someone it almost always invokes a high road response. This is when lives and results change.

Could today be an "Opposite Day"? Could today be the point when you show the world that you can be headed toward the low road with someone – and take the high road instead?

What is the difference between what “might be” and what “can be”?  You decide.

WHAT APPEARS TO BE

Okay, it may be impossible to know exactly what is going to happen tomorrow. But consider the possibility that there is one thing you can predict accurately – and consider that this will give you the advantage you need to be successful.

WHAT MIGHT BE

What was today filled with? Difficult conversations, people who don’t seem to change, difficult decisions, growing financial pressures, and idiots who “just don’t get it” fill the days of most of the people around us.

Do you know anyone who goes through life with an “it’s going to be another one of those days” approach? Have you noticed how these people make little progress – in delivering improved results, building stronger relationships, and moving their career forward?

WHAT CAN BE

That’s because they don’t do what a friend named Ron does. “I believe that today’s challenges are tomorrow’s experiences. And this allows me to continuously improve, day after day.”

It might be a coincidence that Ron works for the leading glass producer in the world – but given his approach, perhaps not. Because Ron approaches everything today as a resource for tomorrow, Ron is going somewhere.

Tomorrow, this much is certain: you’re going to move through it with the experiences of today. Will those experiences reveal that you dismissed challenges as hardships – or used them as opportunities to learn, grow, celebrate and succeed? Is your “Awareness Muscle” strong enough to observe, assess, and plan your own effectiveness?

Go ahead, make a prediction. What will your tomorrow look like?

What is the difference between what “might be” and what “can be”?  You decide.

WHAT APPEARS TO BE

Do you have the guts to find out how good you are? Or do you put off the toughest part of your job (the conversations that require telling the truth or addressing the nasty problem that smells worse every day, etc.), and thus delay discovering your potential?

WHAT MIGHT BE

A friend shared: “If I would do the things I put off, I think I could grow exponentially the enjoyment I get from my job.”

How grossly is this person undermining his potential? What opportunities is he missing as he avoids what’s necessary?

Do people dodge “the tough stuff” because they don’t have the necessary leadership skills – or because they don’t want to be uncomfortable?

WHAT CAN BE

I recently took my 10-year-old daughter skiing for the third time. Barely able to navigate the green runs, she declared she wanted to “do those bumpy things.” Cautiously, I coached her as we neared the ominous terrain.

It takes guts to ski the bumps. They’re deep. They’re intimidating. Most people chicken out, and leave the mountain wondering, "What if?"

Within moments of approaching the obstacles, my daughter said, “Let’s go, Daddy!” and she was gone. 30 feet later she crashed, scattering both skis. But instantly, she stuck her head up and declared, “I’m okay!” Then, she snapped in her skis and started down again.

I could only stare and ask, ‘Am I that courageous?’

Finding out what you’re capable of means PROACTIVELY taking on the toughest parts of your job. Today, where will you assess what needs to be done – and then point your skis towards the bottom of the hill…and make it happen?

What is the difference between what “might be” and what “can be”?  You decide.

WHAT APPEARS TO BE

In 1987, 61% of workers said they were satisfied with their jobs. In 2006 that number was down to 47%. (Conference Board) See a trend?

Have you decided if you’ll be satisfied with your job in 2008?

WHAT MIGHT BE

It’s crazy: countless people have already decided they won’t like their job in 2008. Like a computer that has a default setting, these people have programmed themselves with a “work sucks” attitude.

And because our vision creates our perspective, and perspective is reality, work sucks for these people.

Do you enjoy throwing away 250 days each year – before they even happen?

WHAT CAN BE

Spread the word: work doesn’t have to suck. If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you are a part of the minority that realizes a person doesn’t have to allow the circumstances in their life to determine the quality of their life. Which means, of course, that you’re more effective at changing the circumstances in your life.

Here’s a wild idea:

1. Make a prediction of how many “on-a-roll” days you will have at work – the days you will be satisfied with your job.
2. Tell a close friend your goal.
3. Create a plan to operate on-a-roll while at work. (Hint: powerful questions are key.)
4. Strategically place a note pad in your car. At the end of the workday assess whether you were on-a-roll that day or not.
5. On December 31, 2008, celebrate your success.

Deliver on the idea above, and be assured of this: you will become more effective at EVERYTHING you do.

In advance, congratulations from The Tall Guys for making 2008 the year people discover the greater you.

What is the difference between what “might be” and what “can be”?  You decide.

WHAT APPEARS TO BE

For many, the end of the calendar year is a favorite time of year. Words like peace, joy, renewal and gratitude abound. And for many there’s a “calm.”

WHAT MIGHT BE

But lurking just beyond those days of respite is 2008. And with it, the promise of greater intensity, increased competition, and a faster pace.

All too often the “Holiday Spirit” is a one-week pit stop on a 52-week speedway. As a result, peace, joy, renewal and gratitude are experienced only once a year.

Is it possible that by experiencing these qualities only when the conditions are right – once a year – that we’re forfeiting our life?

WHAT CAN BE

Every person reading this knows the circumstances in our life do not determine our attitude, our spirit. The magic lies in our response. This means that regardless of the intensity and pressures inherent in the days ahead, we can still choose to have any spirit we want.

What is your Holiday Spirit? And what would it be worth if you could feel it every day?

Take the “Holiday Spirit Challenge” and watch what happens to your control. Paste these questions strategically in your 2008 calendar – perhaps each month. 

1. How effectively am I determining my own spirit?
2. What are some examples where I’ve remained bigger than the circumstances in life and determined my own spirit?
3. What can I focus on that will assist me in feeling greater peace, joy, renewal and gratitude?
4. What are the greatest rewards I receive by sustaining a year-round ‘Holiday Spirit’?

We’re not proposing you dress up like Santa in June. But consider the gift you’ll give yourself as 2008 reveals itself as the year you mastered your attitude.

And Happy Holi-year from The Tall Guys.

What is the difference between what “might be” and what “can be”?  You decide.