BE CHARISMATIC

Mark Kramer, an awesome leader and friend suggested I reflect on the 10 Qualities of Charismatic Leaders as part of his response to my One Word exercise two weeks ago.  This is a July 10, 2012 column from Jeff Haden that appeared in Inc. Magazine. 

 

If you slow down - and you may have to slow yourself down multiple times to retain your focus - this is incredibly powerful advice.

 

1.  They listen way more than they talk.
Ask questions.  Maintain eye contact.  Smile.  Frown.  Nod. Respond--not so much verbally, but nonverbally.  That's all it takes to show the other person they're important.  Then when you do speak, don't offer advice unless you're asked.  Listening shows you care a lot more than offering advice, because when you offer advice in most cases you make the conversation about you, not them.
 

Don't believe me?  Who is "Here's what I would do..." about: you or the other person?
 

Only speak when you have something important to say--and always define important as what matters to the other person, not to you.

2.  They don't practice selective hearing.
Some people--I guarantee you know people like this--are incapable of hearing anything said by the people they feel are somehow beneath them.
 

Sure, you speak to them, but that particular falling tree doesn't make a sound in the forest, because there's no one actually listening.
 

Remarkably charismatic people listen closely to everyone, and they make all of us, regardless of our position or social status or "level," feel like we have something in common with them.  Because we do:  We're all people.

3. They put their stuff away.
Don't check your phone.  Don't glance at your monitor.  Don't focus on anything else, even for a moment.
 

You can never connect with others if you're busy connecting with your stuff, too.
 

Give the gift of your full attention.  That's a gift few people give.  That gift alone will make others want to be around you and remember you.

4.  They give before they receive--and often they never receive.
Never think about what you can get. Focus on what you can provide.  Giving is the only way to establish a real connection and relationship.
 

Focus, even in part and even for a moment, on what you can get out of the other person, and you show that the only person who really matters is you.

5.  They don't act self-important...
The only people who are impressed by your stuffy, pretentious, self-important self are other stuffy, pretentious, self-important people.
 

The rest of us aren't impressed.  We're irritated, put off, and uncomfortable.
 

And we hate when you walk in the room.

6. ...Because they realize other people are more important.
You already know what you know.  You know your opinions.  You know your perspectives and points of view.
 

That stuff isn't important, because it's already yours.  You can't learn anything from yourself.

But you don't know what other people know, and everyone, no matter who they are, knows things you don't know.
 

That makes them a lot more important than you--because they're people you can learn from.

7.  They shine the spotlight on others.
No one receives enough praise.  No one.  Tell people what they did well.
 

Wait, you say you don't know what they did well?
 

Shame on you--it's your job to know.  It's your job to find out ahead of time.
 

Not only will people appreciate your praise, they'll appreciate the fact you care enough to pay attention to what they're doing.  Then they'll feel a little more accomplished and a lot more important.

8.  They choose their words.
The words you use impact the attitude of others.
 

For example, you don't have to go to a meeting; you get to go meet with other people.  You don't have to create a presentation for a new client;  you get to share cool stuff with other people.  You don't have to go to the gym; you get to work out and improve your health and fitness.
 

We all want to associate with happy, enthusiastic, fulfilled people.  The words you choose can help other people feel better about themselves--and make you feel better about yourself, too.

9.  They don't discuss the failings of others...
Granted, we all like hearing a little gossip. We all like hearing a little dirt.
 

The problem is, we don't necessarily like -- and we definitely don't respect--the people who dish that dirt.
 

Don't laugh at other people.  When you do, the people around you wonder if you sometimes laugh at them.

10. ...But they readily admit their failings.
Incredibly successful people are often assumed to have charisma simply because they're successful.  Their success seems to create a halo effect, almost like a glow.
 

The keyword is "seem."
 

You don't have to be incredibly successful to be remarkably charismatic.  Scratch the shiny surface, and many successful people have all the charisma of a rock.
 

But you do have to be incredibly genuine to be remarkably charismatic.  Be humble.  Share your screwups.  Admit your mistakes.  Be the cautionary tale.  And laugh at yourself.  While you should never laugh at other people, you should always laugh at yourself.
 

People won't laugh at you.  People will laugh with you.
They'll like you better for it -- and they'll want to be around you a lot more.

   

Remember...

 

You Are An Intentional (Charismatic) Leader.

I DID IT - DID YOU?

Last week I encouraged you to ask 5 people to define you with one word.  Did you do it?  I did.   I actually asked more than five people.  They were business peers, clients, friends and family.  Here is what I learned (and then what they said):   1.  I appreciated many of the words they used to define me.  I thanked everyone who responded.   2.  I found the words that seemed negative to be slightly more helpful in focusing my behaviors moving forward although the affirmation of what I'm doing "right" was great.  (People who do not understand what truly motivates me might find these most interesting.)   3.  I would agree with all the words to a degree.   4.  No one said the word that I would like people to use to define or describe me. (No, I'm not sharing that except possibly 1:1.)   For the purpose of motivating you to try this exercise I share the responses to my request.  Here is how others describe me, in order of response (some people gave two words):   Imaginative Gracious Loyal Focused Hardworking Revolutionary Go-getter Impulsive or impetuous (I get to choose) Perfectionist & Distracted (Someone I respect recently encouraged me to focus more on MANAGEtoWIN and this second word validates his advice.) Intense Driven   I encourage you to try this exercise.  It can be awakening and an encouragement to focus more on what is most important to you.     Remember...   You Are An Intentional Leader.     David Russell, CEO Success With People, Inc. MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.

 

MEETING IDEA

You can do this as an individual, as I did.  You can do this as a group.  You can do this exercise with clients...  You can alternate how you do it quarterly...  There are lots of options.   (I gave you a meeting idea last week...)   The bottom line:  Try this exercise if you are willing to consider the feedback and if you will ask people who will be candid.   Here is the email I sent out (you can certainly draft your own):   I'm doing an exercise of defining myself and would like your input.   If you were to describe me in one word, what would that word be?  It's up to you to provide any explanation.  Please be totally candid and give me the word that first comes to mind that describes me to you, even if it may not be encouraging.   Thank you!   Let us know if you need any help.

Describe or Define You

"...He is a super tech.  He seems to know everything."

 

"...She is a great leader.  Her passion motivates others to achieve great things."

 

"...He is always late."

 

"...She means well, but she constantly has to fix work on tickets she closes out."

 

I heard Karen Hallberg recently challenge an audience to consider what describes you versus defines you.

 

Being known as a "super tech" or "great leader" is good, but is it really how you want to be defined when you are not in the room or after your life is over.

 

On February 13th of this year my older brother lost his battle with leukemia and other cancers.  One word that defines him is COURAGEOUS.  He fought the cancers for over 13 years. 

 

At his funeral service I chose to further define him by other words:  Loving and accepting.

 

What defines you?

 

How do you remind yourself about the way you want to be defined so that it affects your behaviors daily?

 

Like a mantra or dictum - should you read it aloud or repeat it each morning?

 

I suggest most of all, you need to define YOU in-writing.

 

Defining your business is POWERFUL.  It strengthens your company culture more than a description.  It relates to your company values, mission, vision, and Always/Never Standards.  It says, "This is who we are" instead of "This is what or how we do..."

 

It sounds so simple.  However, some of you may think I just wasted your time.  If you think this is garbage, then look below for a simple exercise that will prove you wrong.

   

Remember...

 

You Are An Intentional Leader.

 

 

David Russell, CEO

Success With People, Inc.

MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.     

20 Mile Failure

Before I forget...  if you are not already registered for our 20 Mile Challenge webinar series, then register today for our March 19th webinar when Paul Dippellof Service Leadership will be adding his thoughts on how to apply 20 Mile Challenge performance metrics as we wrap-up the First Discpline.

Two months are gone today for 2013.  Wow.  That was fast.  Are you methodically achieving your 20 Mile Challenge each week to make this year your best ever?

Or like Robert Falcon Scott, the explorer competing with Roald Amundsen to be first to discover the South Pole, are you...

   - Missing sales targets

   - Still struggling with staff productivity

   - Continuing to lack focus on key objectives

If you are frustrated in any of these three areas then 2013 may turn out to be your 20 Mile Failure.  But, you say, "That's not me!  We are rockin'!"

GREAT!  Either way, there are still challenges ahead.  Here are some simple suggestions based on my 20 Mile Challenge webinar last week:

1.  Listen to our webinars.  It is too late to view our 20 Mile Challenge webinar live and the limited release of the recorded version unless you are one of our LEADERSHIP Essentials Academy members, but you can subscribe to our FREE audio version (or join our Academy for the videos and notes).

1.  Start iTunes

2.  Go to File / Subscribe to Podcast

3.  Enter this link: 

http://www.managetowin.com/20mc-podcast/rss.xml

2.  Complete the homework.  We applied Jim Collins' GREAT by Choice conclusions to developing and sustaining a 10Xer Company Culture in last week's webinar.  I recommend you discuss the three applications of Amundsen's philosophy with your team. 

     -  Identify 1-3 areas of your strengths
     -  Identify 1-3 areas of your weaknesses
     -  Schedule one action you can realistically take over the next 90 days to improve in each of those areas

BE REALISTIC.  It is better to get one action done well, then three actions attempted poorly.

Remember...

You Are An Intentional Leader.

David Russell, CEO

MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.

New UI For MANAGEtoWIN

We are committed to providing our Clients a reliable, easy-to-use talent management system for their leaders, employees, contractors and volunteers.  As part of our ongoing efforts to improve service and increase uptime, we updated MANAGEtoWIN with a totally new generation navigation upgrade.

The new look is very clean, fast, and appealing.  As part of this upgrade the Compensation Detail sub-section has been totally redesigned and rewritten to remove Silverlight coding.  This is where compensation is automatically calculated.  The result is significantly improved speed and an easier user interface.

These changes require all MANAGEtoWIN users to access their account in IE 9 or higher, or Firefox 18.  MANAGEtoWIN also works on Chrome and Safari and those platforms are as extensively tested as IE.

We hope you appreciate the new changes.  Feel free to contact us with questions or comments.

FREE Video/audio for 10Xer LEADERS

Did you miss this week's webinar discussing how I recommend you apply the principles in Jim Collins' book, GREAT by CHOICE as a ConnectWise partner?

Through this Sunday evening view the recorded versions on YouTube:

February 19, 2013

Managed Service Provider 10X Company Culture

  

Are you too busy to watch the video?

Follow these instructions to subscribe to our FREE audio tracks from all of our 20 Mile Challenge webinars (three so far) (or join our Academy to also share the videos and notes with your team).

1.  Start iTunes

2.  Go to File / Subscribe to Podcast

3.  Enter this link: 

http://www.managetowin.com/20mc-podcast/rss.xml 

For more information on our services visit:

20 Mile Challenge - coaching for ideas and accountability, plus be in our 20 Mile Challenge book to be sold on Amazon

  

LEADERSHIP Essentials Academy - recorded 20 Mile Challenge sessions, 2-day leadership training workshops, and much, much more

 Do not settle for "good."  Be GREAT.  Join us to experience your game changer.

P.S.  Would you like a free 15 minute consultation on what might be your 20 Mile Challenge?  Email Tasha to schedule a conversation.

Sincerely,

David

 PLEASE NOTE:  Our 20 Mile Challenge program is not endorsed by Jim Collins. 

Disagree with Collins

Do not miss today's 20 Mile Challenge webinar at 1:00 p.m. PST

Jim Collins is brilliant in his analysis of GREAT companies, yet in the 2nd Step of our 20 Mile Challenge where we apply his conclusions with clients there is one area where I disagree.

On page 38 of GREAT by Choice Jim Collins asks readers, "What can you do to turn your weakest 10Xer behavior into your strongest?"

I think that is the wrong question, but first some context.

In our 2nd Step Webinar - How to Become a 10X Leader, we walk through Collins' three behaviors of a 10X leader:

1.  Fanatic Discipline

2.  Empirical Creativity

3.  Productive Paranoia

It is too late to view our 20 Mile Challenge webinar live and the limited release of the recorded version unless you are one of our LEADERSHIP EssentialsAcademy members, but you can subscribe to our FREE audio version (or join our Academy for the videos and notes).

1.  Start iTunes

2.  Go to File / Subscribe to Podcast

3.  Enter this link: 

http://www.managetowin.com/20mc-podcast/rss.xml

We also explore Collins' Level 5 Leader core for these behaviors.

Where do I disagree with Jim Collins?  Based on my work with ConnectWise partners and other Clients, the results are clear:  You will achieve more by developing your weaknesses only to a level where they are competitive - or drop them altogether, if they are products, services or employees who will never meet your standards.

Instead, focus on developing your strengths further to achieve your dreams.  For more insights, listen to the free podcasts or subscribe to our services.

Remember...

You Are An Intentional Leader.

David Russell, CEO

Success With People, Inc.

MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.     

MEETING IDEA

Here are some discussion ideas for you and your team: 1.  Which of the three 10Xer behaviors are our strength as a company and the three most important reasons why? 2.  What is the possible increase in profit, marketshare... of further leveraging our strengths to grow? 3. Why are the other two 10Xer behaviors our weakness? 4.  What would it take to develop our two weak 10Xer behaviors to a level where they are competitive versus the cost / benefit of eliminating them? 5.  What three actions can we take as a pilot for 30 days and if successful, extend to a 90 day pilot to focus more on our strengths and improve in our areas of weaknesses? 6.  OPTION:  Go through this same exercise for each person individually.

REARVIEW MIRROR

REARVIEW MIRROR

You are racing as fast as you can to "success." In your rush, what did you miss that might be important?   What "roadkill" is in your rearview mirror?   1. Did you miss one of my first two 20 Mile Challenge webinars? Watch them on YouTube only through Sunday:   Transform an Unpredictable Future Into Your Destiny How to Become a ConnectWise 10X Leader   2. Your spouse.   3. Your kids.   4. Relationships with extended family and friends.   Example: Joe Cram of Solid Networks is one of the most successful MSP's I know. He is a workaholic, yet when I have had access to his calendar I regularly see him set aside time to spend with his family. This is very wise.   Consider this leadership lesson from the apostle Paul in one of his letters to Timothy:   "If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?" Replace the words "God's church" with the name of your business or team of people you manage.   How can we experience meaningful work if we have abandoned our family?   If you are honest in assessing your work/life balance, then Paul's challenge to consider what roadkill is in your rearview mirror is chilling.   There are two things we can leave behind when we die:   1. Our impact on other people, be it positive or negative. For instance, if we take care of our clients but forsake our personal relationships then we are fools.   I have made that mistake. I speak from a painful past.   2. Our impact on the beneficiaries who will control our assets and invest them after we are gone. (Will they do what we want?)   As we approach the halfway mark of Q1 2013, please spend some Sanctuary time this weekend making certain you are on the "right road" for success, however you define that to be.   If you need a sounding board to define your 20 Mile Challenge this year - the discipline and focus to achieve something meaningful without killing yourself, then email me to schedule a brief conversation.   If you are reading this newsletter then we are on a journey together. Maybe we can both benefit from a 15 minute conversation.   Remember...   You Are An Intentional Leader.   David Russell, CEO Success With People, Inc. MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.      MEETING IDEA   When my brother had his "I'm Still Here" party last week I was asked to speak. I was not very prepared, because no one said I was expected to communicate.   My primary point was that I envied my brother for some of the positive attributes of his life. Really, it is just one thing that he has done very well: Relationships.   No, he was not perfect, but he and his wife adore each other, and he has many close personal friends.   Here are some discussion ideas for you and your team:   1. What "roadkill" is in your rearview mirror professionally, or personally due to the way you are pursuing your career?   2. What are the three most significant live experiences in my roadkill that I would like to change? (You may want to ask this question as a team rather than individually.)   NOTE: Focus on the "disease" not the "symptoms." Changing behaviors may give the illusion of fulfillment, but you have to do the hard work of understanding what is motivating your behaviors to truly develop new, meaningful behavioral change.   3. What three steps can we take to stop increasing our roadkill in these areas?   4. How do we pilot something for one month, and then continue with pilots to explore ways to heal our "diseases" and clear up our "symptoms?"   Contact us if you need a sounding board.

ONE THOUSAND STEPS

This Tuesday, February 5th, I will do my second of 20 FREE webinars for the 20 Mile Challenge based on my leadership teachings and Jim Collins' latest book, GREAT by Choice. I hope you join us!

 

My brother Phil has been on his own "20 Mile Challenge" for over 13 years. He has been battling leukemia. Recently he was told by his doctors that the battle is over. The cancer has passed through his skull to his brain and his time is short - weeks or months.

 

I love my brother, but this note is about you. It is for leaders everywhere who have the blessing of my brother's reminder to live life to its fullest by positively impacting the lives of others.

 

One of Phil's many writings is One Thousand Steps. You can find it on my blog. Here is a paragraph to ponder:

 

"Through the lens of history, our heroes are men and women who trod roads and trails less traveled, roads and trails full up with uncertainty and shadow, but who did so with great vigor, even in the midst of anguish, pain, and doubt. In the end they and countless others gave truth to the coinage 'There is no free lunch,' for every day begins with one thousand steps, and ends with one thousand more, with many thousands in between."

 

1. My brother was in awesome health, a strapping 205 pounds. "Overnight" he was diagnosed with leukemia and lost 50 pounds in one month. 

 

What is your 20 Mile Challenge so when the unexpected hits you have peace that you have accomplished what is truly most important rather than just urgent in life?

 

2. My brother's greatest gift is relationships. There was an "I'm Still Here" party for him last Saturday. The meeting hall was jam packed with about 100 people. The stories were about how Phil had touched their lives in business, at church, and in their personal lives. He was shocked at the turnout as people flew in from all over the country to say goodbye to their friend and family member.

 

If you do not define your 20 Mile Challenges then your thousand steps may be taking you to destinations that only live with you, instead of after you are gone from this earth. Is that really what you want?

 

3. "There is no free lunch." Either you have the discipline to pursue a clear path, or you die on the journey like Robert Falcon Scott, the loser of the race to the South Pole.

 

"...for every day begins with one thousand steps, and ends with one thousand more, with many thousands in between..."

 

I know far too many ConnectWise partners and other executives who are not fully developing their strengths as leaders. Whether you participate in our programs - the 20 Mile Challenge or LEADERSHIP Essentials - or you work with someone else, please focus yourself to make the most of your time.

 

You will always have new opportunities to make money, be admired, or play.

 

You will never have another opportunity to live the moments of today in ways that change the lives of others forever - your spouse, children, friends, people in your community, your coworkers, and clients.

 

Do NOT let another year go by. Commit to develop your strengths as a leader in a disciplined program. Carpe diem!

 

Remember...

 

You Are An Intentional Leader.

 

David Russell, CEO

Success With People, Inc.

MANAGEtoWIN, Inc. 

 

MEETING IDEA

I apologize if this is a bit heavy challenge leading into your weekend. My only suggestion is that you discuss this with your leadership team, spouse, mentor...   1. If I were to be diagnosed with cancer today, or die in an accident, have I accomplished what is truly important to me in life?    2. Are my relationships with the people I love as strong as they could be?   3. How many people do I have as really close friends, and am I investing enough time in those relationships as an individual and a couple (if you are married)?   4. What will be my legacy?   Contact us if you need a sounding board.

   

One Thousand Steps

This is a writing by Philip Russell, my brother, that is especially meaningful to him at this time.  I hope you enjoy it also.

In the early frames of the film “Hoosiers”, coach Norman Dale (the actor Gene Hackman) is shown driving in a late 40’s Buick over the long, straight, and mostly flat farming two-lanes of central Indiana, searching for a small town that holds his uncertain future.  He sips coffee from a thermos and travels throughout the night and into the next morning towards a small school in a place that is full up with mystery, potential, and the vastness of the open plains.

He is completely alone.  Every junction that he comes to must be navigated, so that his journey may continue, for the roads are foreign, exotic in their profound emptiness.  Upon arriving at the town of his intent, he knows that his journey will begin anew, and that the mystery will deepen.  He plunges in, inviting the unknown, the darkness, the rhythms of the heartland, and in the end is triumphant.

Triumphant, for the space of one breath.

Then, no matter what thousand steps he has taken to achieve his triumph, he must start again.

Every day we begin with one thousand steps towards our desires, our heartbeat.  Those one thousand steps are as the beating wings of the myriad Canadian geese flying overhead, trumpeting their passage,  as they power through their migrations, back and forth over the days and years, never questioning  the great enthusiasm , no matter how dangerous each mile, each step  that is before them.

Through the lens of history, our heroes are men and women who trod roads and trails less traveled, roads and trails full up with uncertainty and shadow, but who did so with great vigor, even in the midst of anguish, pain, and doubt.  In the end they and countless others gave truth to the coinage “There is no free lunch.”, for every day begins with one thousand steps, and ends with one thousand more, with many thousands in between.

Who among us is so smug as to take every small step for granted?

It is a bright day outside, beginning it’s long, slow, ambling slide into the early evening.  The roadway is dappled with shadows from the reaching oaks, pines, chestnuts, and cypress above us, and in the distance we can see the bright reddening sky of the eclipsing night advancing upon us, yet we are brimming with hope.

Hope that we wake upon the following day to one thousand beginning and uncertain steps.

Hope abounding and everlasting, Inshallah.

I often drive upon small country roads barely Texaco road-map visible, riding in an old truck with a bent cam and rattle-trap suspension singing to me that it matches my years, and is as equally disappearing – but no less willing to try again at the beginning of each new dawning day.

Amen

A "MUST" FOR THIS WEEKEND

This is a "must do" for this weekend, if you have not already scheduled it.

 

Today is January 18, 2013. Before you know it, the date will be December 31, 2013.

 

Here is what you must do BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE: Reflect

 

1. Remove yourself from all distractions for 30-60 minutes.

 

2. Ask yourself candidly, specifically what have you done during these first three weeks of 2013 to transform your leadership style, your key managers, your employees, your Client experience, and your personal life from "good" to GREAT?

 

Too many leaders have done next to nothing in one of two areas:

 

- Defining how to move from good to GREAT.

- Following through on their definition of GREAT.

3. Here some areas to consider for review, written in first-person:

 

1) My spiritual growth

 

2) Development of my leadership skill

 

3) How to exceed the expectations of my managers

 

4) Systems to fully engage employees

 

5) Steps to improve our Client experience

 

6) How I am living the life I want to live before it's over

 

7) What I am doing for others to add meaning to my life

 

I recommend you Reflect on this list, or your own list, weekly starting this weekend through 2013.

 

Do you need accountability? Most of us do, particularly on a "march" to be GREAT.

 

If "yes," then contact us to learn more about our cost effective coaching program. It is NOT therapy, but two working calls monthly with accountability. You cannot lose in this program.

 

And do not miss our FREE biweekly Tuesday webinars - The 20 Mile Challenge for ConnectWise Partners. Register here to learn how to be GREAT.

 

Do NOT let another year go by. Carpe diem!

 

Remember...

 

You Are An Intentional Leader.

 

David Russell, CEO

Success With People, Inc.

MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.    

 

 

MEETING IDEA

Here is how I would try this out if our roles were reversed:     1. Pilot this exercise weekly as an individual for 2-4 weeks.    2. If you feel it is helping you focus better on what is most important, then train your leadership team / managers on it. Hold them accountable for a pilot period of four weeks.   3. If your leadership team / managers realize the value of this "self-accountability," then have them train their people to do it too. Hold your managers accountable to continue this process and hold their people accountable to it too.   4. This is part of our 3 Strands process of weekly accountability to your key goals that we teach our Clients.   Contact us if you are interested in more information.

NOT PERFECT

I hope you worked on your Big Hairy Audacious Goals or Miracle Goals last month as I encouraged. (See my blog.)

 

We all want perfection. We try to define it. We strive for it. We get frustrated when we cannot achieve it.

 

But what if, as John Eldredge says in his recent book Beautiful Outlaw, we are not designed to be perfect? If we want to be honest about life, this is true. Humans are "perfect" in the sense we can be complete physical, emotional, spiritual beings... but not as people without flaws.

THE QUESTION: How does this affect the way we lead others?

 

This is significant because we cannot accept poor work, uninspiring relationships with our team, and weak client experiences yet we cannot be "perfect" on our own.

 

Here are some ideas on how to overcome our imperfections to enjoy work more and be the best we can be:

 

1. Work together. Other people's imperfections are different than yours so by working with others who are different than you - and have different work/life experiences - you compensate for the gaps in your wisdom.

 

This is why we strongly encourage you to coach like we have in our 20 Mile Challenge coaching program. Then you can be guided by an expert and held accountable to achieve GREAT.

 

2. Slow down. You have "climbed the mountain of success" even if you have only achieved what feels like a "few steps from the bottom." Slowing down gives time for perspective and gap analysis. It helps you avoid slipping back to the absolute bottom!

 

Often you identify a less risky, "better" way to do something. Tasha Hepburn, MANAGEtoWIN's VP of Sales hammers me on this from time to time. (This is the hardest one for me.)

 

Slow down... just do not stop. This is another good reason to invest in a coach. For instance, when one of our coaches helps a Client avoid just one mistake we often have saved the Client more than one year's coaching fees.

 

3. Expect Problems. Our first session of The 20 Mile Challenge for ConnectWise Partners is focused on How to Transform an Unpredictable Future into our Destiny.

 

You may not know exactly what is going to happen, but you can be confident there will be problems. You have heard of Murphy's Law? ("Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.") Well, many of us can argue that Murphy was an optimist.

 

The key is to identify potential problems and plan for them so you can race through a disaster with minimal damage as a star athlete moves through the opposition to score.

 

Again, a reason to invest in a coach. The experience of our coaches helps you avoid the full cost of problems, and often avoid many issues altogether.

 

These are 3 steps to compensate for our imperfection. One simple conclusion is to get a coach. I often have one. Being coached helps me lead our people and live a life that is much closer to GREAT than I would ever achieve on my own.

 

To be candid, a great coach has been the most profitable "insurance policy" / investment I have ever made. My coaches have significantly improved my life and career.

 

Remember...

 

You Are An Intentional Leader.

 

David Russell, CEO

Success With People, Inc.

MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.   

 

 

MEETING IDEA

Here is one approach to considering how to achieve "perfection" as a team of imperfect people:   1. Attend our FREE webinars about the 20 Mile Challenge whether you are a ConnectWise partner or not. They will be happening about every two weeks leading up to IT Nation in November.   NOTE: I would love to have our experienced coaches help you really GROW your business, but if you are not ready for that type of growth personally and professionally then at least attend the webinars.    The 20 Mile Challenge webinars are produced once for the public and our LEADERSHIP Essentials Academy members can download the audio files and watch the videos multiple times... plus get training on how to become great leaders.   2. Meet with your team to make a list, in order of most perfect to least perfect, of the ten most significant aspects of your business. Have regular discussions about the unexpected problems that could affect each item on the list and decide how to prepare for it, if you want to prepare at all. Again, consider a coach who has "been there, done that." A great coach can help you avoid many problems.   3. Slow down? Yes, we all want to expand our success faster, but have a candid discussion with your team about where you can slow down. It may be as simple as writing a newsletter a week in advance (ouch!). More often it involves significant decisions that are getting pushed back again and again.   Contact us if you are interested in more information.

B.H.A.G. vs. M.G.

*Watch for our 20 Mile Challenge for ConnectWise partners, a FREE webinar series that begins in January 13. It will help you become what Jim Collins' calls, GREAT By Choice (buy his book).

Most people do a poor job of setting goals. Even more struggle to follow-up on them. 2013 can only be your game changer if you do two things well:

1. Set clear, measurable goals and pursue them relentlessly to completion. (I teach this and it is in my book, The Company Culture Challenge - Goals That Work). These are goals that you achieve in 2013. For instance, you want to increase revenue to $10 million. You do NOT set the goal at $10M and then be satisfied with $9.5M. Set your 2013 Goals That Work at realistic stretch numbers.
2. You need a B.H.A.G. or M.G. Jim Collins coined the term, B.H.A.G. for Big Hairy Audacious Goal. This is the ultimate stretch goal that you rally your people around.

Last Friday we had an all-day Leadership Team meeting. I laid out an M.G. for our company that would grow our revenue 2.5X, but our recurring revenue 20X in 2013. I believe we will achieve the goal... by the grace of God.

I have observed a B.H.A.G. can be an ego trip for many people, no matter what their spiritual journey may be. I am not thrilled with the acronym, but during our meeting I suggested to my team that our goal is an M.G. - Miracle Goal. It will only happen with God's blessing.

I encourage you to set a B.H.A.G. or M.G. with your team. (And send me your idea for a better name than Miracle Goal if you have one...). Rally your team. Ride the river rapids of your business through 2013 to incredible success. YOU CAN DO IT.

P.S. Have a blessed Christmas! Laugh so hard that you cry. Dance like no one's looking. Be deeply thankful for the gift of each moment and relationships. I appreciate you and sincerely hope 2013 is your best year so far in your life's journey.

Meeting Ideas

I encourage you to set your goals as a team for your company. Group input is valuable, even if you are developing through email. However, the B.H.A.G. or M.G. comes from a visionary - it might be you, or a member of your team.

Do not let your ego stop a member of your team from defining a great Big Hairy Audacious Goal or Miracle Goal.

Here is one approach to developing 2013 goals that will rock your world in positive ways:

1. Follow the Goals That Work process to define your company objectives and cascade key goals throughout your organization.
2. Come up with a B.H.A.G. or M.G. What would you have to achieve to make your company financially secure, employees on fire for what you do, and/or provide an incredible client experience?

What is your inspiration that everyone can share? "I will be rich" is not inspiring to others or sustainable. What can you define and then provide an atmosphere for your people to motivate themselves to achieve it? "They should be happy to have a job" is not motivational. What will you do on a daily or weekly basis to pursue your Big Hairy Audacious Goal or Miracle Goal? "I will work that out later" is a plan for failure, not success. How will you recognize progress in ways your people prefer? "That's not important" or "Gift cards for anyone who does something I like" is a mistake. How will you celebrate victory? "The way I like to celebrate" will end your success early.

Contact us if you need help. There is too much on the line to pursue a B.H.A.G. or M.G. haphazardly. Our experience and ability to provide additional ideas and accountability can provide the additional lift you need to succeed.

WAiTING

When you approach one of the lines at the store, do you try to choose the one that will go the fastest and then keep watching the other lines to confirm you made the right decision?

 

When you drive in traffic, do you try to figure out which lane is going the fastest, but before moving over try to remember a car in another lane so you can make certain your lane is better?

 

When trying to push your company to greater success, do you have a habit of moving too fast, too early, or without fully considering the risks?

 

Are you thinking these are dumb questions - OF COURSE I DO (you think), everyone does that!

 

Actually... some people do not.

 

Great transformational leaders wait to get things right rather than be hasty and miss "the way."

 

The balance of pushing hard for results and waiting for near-term perfection, as in completeness, is challenging to say the least.

 

Yet the skill of waiting, in contrast to the habit of procrastinating due to laziness, can be one of the best competencies of a GREAT leader.

 

Consider the Meeting Ideas below for one approach to learning how to wait for wisdom.

 

WAiTING... not a typo. The little "i" is pointing out the way GREAT leaders make their best decisions. They do it by keeping their ego in check, balancing their wisdom with the ideas of others.

 

P.S. There are many holidays this season. I hope you make the time to be thankful and have a lot of healthy laughter no matter what you are celebrating.

 

Remember...

 

You Are An Intentional Leader.

 

David Russell, CEO

Success With People, Inc.

MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.

MEETING IDEA

Are you upset because you had to WAIT until the Meeting Ideas for thoughts on how to wait for wisdom? (I had to ask...) Proverbs 19:2 says, "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge nor to be hasty and miss the way."   Here is one approach to developing a habit of waiting for wisdom:   1. Depending on your spiritual beliefs, meditate or pray with an open mind on the decision for three days. Do NOT ask for a specific outcome. Instead ask for wisdom, that the right "door" be opened, and the wrong paths be blocked. You will get an answer of go, stop, or wait. Any answer is good. Accept the answer adn move on.   2. Before making any major commitment... write down in clear, specific ways the seven most significant risks the decision will create. Can you and/or your company survive one or more of those risks?   3. Create an extremely candid list of pros and cons to making the decision one way or another. Meet with two people strong enough to say you are wrong and one person wise enough to say you are right - three people total. Consider the counsel of these people in light of your conclusions from #1 above. These counselors, no matter how wise, do not necessarily overrule what you feel your Greater Power is encouraging or even requiring you to do.   4. Too often as leaders we think go / no go, yes / no, right / left... when the best option is something in-between. Work with others involved in the decision to develop seven alternative approaches and weigh the risk/rewards of those options. Repeats steps 1-3 if necessary.   5. Once a decision is made, implement as a pilot to limit risk. Jim Collins puts it another way: Fire bullets first and cannonballs later, once you have zeroed-in on your target. Long-term survival is paramount (most important). Make certain you still have enough resources to stay in the game competitively.

GOOD INTENTIONS

The business owner cashes a company check even though that day there are not company funds to cover it. However they cash it at one bank because they know the next day funds from credit card transactions would clear in the issuing bank.

 

The project manager commits to a timeframe they know is virtually impossible.

 

The hiring manager stretches the truth to motivate a job candidate to join their company.

 

The marketing person writes a benefit about their company's solutions that is not totally true.

 

The sales person... lies all the time, but feels the statements are minor embellishments.

 

Each of these people have "good intentions," although clearly some have more integrity

than others.

 

No, I am not sharing something you told me recently. This is a history of people I have worked with, for and been myself over the last 36 years in business.

 

THE CHALLENGE: How do you make the best decisions instead of ones that lead to failure? How can good character be a consistent standard in your company - a boundary that cannot be crossed?

 

1. Have clear company values and enforce them, like my client who fired someone for failing a drug test for marijuana.

 

2. Develop a habit of making decisions, using words, taking actions, and responding to others based on your company values. For instance you could say,

 

"Well, based on our company value of _____, I think we should do _____________." Or,

 

"What do you think we should do based on our company values?"

 

3. Slow down your speech and actions to consider them against your values. (Not the same as #2. You can do #2 too fast with good intentions and still lack the character you want to demonstrate. Unfortunately I know this from personal experience.)

 

I could go on, but you get my point... right?

 

P.S. There are many holidays this season. I hope you make the time to be thankful and have a lot of healthy laughter no matter what you are celebrating.

 

Remember...

 

You Are An Intentional Leader.

David Russell, CEO

Success With People, Inc.

MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.

MEETING IDEA

It is too easy to cross the line from good intentions to lack of character. Here are some ideas to help your company better live out its values:   1. When explaining your decision say, "Well, based on our company value of _____, I think we should do _____________."   Or,   "Well, based on our company values, I think we should do _____________."   2. When working with your people, challenge their thinking by asking, "What do you think we should do based on our company values?"   3. Before your next team meeting, ask your people to come wiht a story about how they lived out one of your values. Have a prize for each inspiring story. (One client recently had all 15 techs provide great stories.)   4. Role play with people with situations that test your company values. (And job candidates!)   5. Most of all, live your values consistently. This is the biggest challenge. Get this one right and many of your people will follow your example. Focus on yourself first, and be encouraging with your accountability with others second.

 

STOP SEX SLAVERY

We have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  I hope you and your familiy are blessed.

Unfortunately there are girls as young as 4 years old trapped in sexual slavery - in America and worldwide.  Often just surviving each day is challenging for them.  Let's give them more to be thankful for.  Let's stop this abuse.

Please take a moment to read about EmancipateME, a nonprofit I have formed to end sexual and labor trafficking of young children.  Consider a donation.  I hope you encourage other people in your network to join us.

There is no reason a young child should be raped 4-15X nightly.  We can help stop the majority of these crimes if we work together.  We can do this! 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
 

SECRET WEAPON

Many of you are going to blow this off... too bad.

What is a CRUCIAL leadership secret weapon?

Consider the recent video of President Obama speaking to a crowd of campaign supporters. Rather than debate his sincerity, ask yourself why people are moved by it. Just this week I was buying a rose for my wife when a guy I did not know started talking about how wonderful the President is because of this video. He brought it up out of the blue as though no other president had done this.

What was one key way President Abraham Lincoln applied his faith to overcome unsurmountable challenges and motivate his enemies to work with him?

Ask yourself why Mother Teresa was able to start her career serving the poor as an individual and would move on to start the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation, which in 2012 consisted of over 4,500 sisters and is active in 133 countries.

How did Alan Mulally turn around Ford Motor Company, even avoiding the bankruptcies of their key rivals, GM and Chrysler?

Lastly, as a historical reference, when David was faced with his greatest challenges before and after becoming king of Israel, what did he do?

Part of the reason all of these leaders achieved their objectives is because when faced with their greatest challenges they praised others.

As we approach Thanksgiving next week I encourage you to develop a habit of sincerely thanking others without adding a correction, constructive criticism, etc.

Just praise sincerely. The words, "I appreciate you" have incredible impact when stated sincerely with nothing else added.

Sincere praising is a great habit to develop. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

Remember...

You Are An Intentional Leader.

David Russell, CEO

Success With People, Inc.

MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.

 

MEETING IDEA

The skill of praising people sincerely is a game changer. Here are some questions you could ask your team, and answer yourself, at your next team meeting: 1. What is one thing you sincerely appreciate about the person to your right? 2. What is one thing you sincerely appreciate about one of our Clients? 3. When was the last time you told that Client you appreciated that about them, and what did you say? 4. What are the top three "things" you are most thankful about as you work for our Company? 5. (Work through your top vendor list.) What are we most thankful about this person and the way they support us? When is the last time we told them this and what did we say?

LINCOLN TOP THREE

President Abraham Lincoln is a legend in leadership.  On November 9 the movie, Lincoln, will be released to theaters.  What were his TOP THREE leadership attributes?  He had a lot of them, but what can I argue are his three most significant? 1.  Faith.   President's Lincoln's faith in Jesus not only enabled him to have a vision for America's future, but the humble spirit, people skills, and perseverance to achieve his unique destiny. QUESTION:  Whatever you believe about God, are you applying your faith to pursue meaningful work so that people's lives are changed for the better even long after you have left your current career position? Our lifetimes are relatively short.  Enjoy the personal fulfillment of demonstrating what you believe through your actions daily. Without his faith, President Lincoln would have never been President. 2.  Truth.  President Lincoln lived his life based on truth.  He set aside emotions to engage reality.  He engaged his enemies because he needed them to succeed.  He hired people as government employees because he needed their support.  He shortened his speeches to give the press less opportunities to misquote him. QUESTION:  What emotions or ego could you set aside to better relate to superstar employees, high-paying clients, or your spouse / loved ones? And you thought this newsletter would not be challenging... 3.  Love.  No matter how abused President Lincoln was from his Cabinet, wife, the press, and the public, he looked beyond their poor behavior to see what was good in them and hope for a better future. He gave everything he had for them...  and for us. QUESTION:  Unforgiveness is only a burden to those who cannot or will not forgive.  What are you missing in your career and personal life because you cannot see beyond someone else's poor behavior? Jesus only gave one "commandment:"  "Love one another.  As I have loved you, love one another.  By this people will know you are my disciples, when you love one another." NOTE:  He was talking to his "superstars," yet still had to repeat himself three times! Someone once said, "Hurt people hurt people." Think about it:  Would the world be a better place if more of us consistently demonstrated a gentle faith, acted in truth, and expressed love to other people?  It would have to be.  Yet this process of transformation starts with leaders like you... and me. I am confident Lincoln, the movie, will still be excellent.  I hope you join me in enjoying the film.    Remember... You Are An Intentional Leader.       David Russell, CEO Success With People, Inc. MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.

MEETING IDEA

Again, I encourage you:  Movies are a great bonding experience for a team to explore.  Why not attend as a team during business hours, or ask people to attend the movie and come prepared to discuss it. TIME Magazine did a series of articles on the movie.  You might want to ask your people to review and discuss that information too. Here are some quick ideas for discussion. 1. (Might be too personal - make it optional) What are three ways as an organization you demonstrate your faith in a manner that is consistent with our company values? 2. Name the aspect of your work that is most meaningful to you. 3. What would you change in your job so your work would have a more significantly positive impact on our Clients? 4. Where can we be more truthful with our Clients? 5. How can we be more truthful with each other? 6. How can we "love" our Clients professionally so they know we value their business more than our competitors do? 7. Personal question not to be discussed: Discuss with a friend who is strong enough to point out where you are wrong - and you are reasonably confident they will be correct: What am I unwilling to forgive in a personal relationship that is holding me back from fully loving someone else? Send me your team's thoughts on the movie. I'd love to consider your conclusions.

LINCOLN

On November 9 the movie, Lincoln, will be released to theaters.  Why did this man want to be president of the United States?  He was a failure in business, in debt, his wife was not only a nut but a mean person too, his son died, people made fun of him, and a long list of other reasons not to bother. Yet he is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, president Americans have ever had. Next week I will explain the most important things I think we can learn from President Lincoln about leadership.  Below is what history says is why he wanted to be president. Today there are three things I want you to learn from the movie's director, Steven Spielberg, and the star actor who plays Lincoln, Daniel Day-Lewis. 1.  Great leaders see beyond crisis to resolution, and then set aside their ego to achieve a greater good.  It is reasonable to question whether President Lincoln would have been so memorable if he had not been forced to lead through the greatest crisis to ever face America. QUESTIONS:  How well do you see beyond your challenges to resolution?  How well do you comprehend how to make people work together who may not even like each other?  How well do you invest your financial, social and intellectual capital so you can stay in the game long enough to win? 2.  When Spielberg approached Lewis to take on the role, Day-Lewis agreed on one condition:  He wanted to wait one year.  At first, Spielberg was "sad" because of the delay, but later realized Day-Lewis' delay was a "masterstroke."  The talented actor shrewdly invested a year to become the Lincoln he believed the man was. QUESTION:  What would have happened to your greatest opportunities if you had waited a longer time than others would for Providence to guide you? Tomorrow I will share with you the fulfillment of a dream of mine that has spanned over 30 years, yet it is arguably the first time I have allowed Providence to lead rather than me to run ahead. 3.  "All during the picture" Spielberg called Day-Lewis, Mr. President.  Spielberg also wore a business suit every day.  It set the tone and reaffirmed who they were during those hours of their lives together. QUESTION:  Remove all your technical, environmental, and human distractions so you can truly consider truth.  What aspects of your behavior is negatively affecting your company, employees, clients, and the thousands of lives they touch? How can you develop new habits so you can be the awesome leader you were designed to be? Get feedback from people you trust, but wisely weigh their counsel.  Consider our LEADERSHIP Essentials Academy or Service to gain systems to build a stronger company culture. Lastly, why did Abraham Lincoln want to be President of the United States? I believe if you look at the full historical record, he felt called by God to serve his fellow man in ways that were beyond him as a mere human.  Unfortunately I expect Spielberg to downplay or even eliminate Lincoln's Christian faith from this movie, just as Hollywood did with their wonderful film - Amazing Grace - about William Wilberforce, who was equally motivated by his faith to stop slavery. I am confident Lincoln, the movie, will still be excellent.  I hope you join me in enjoying the film.    Remember... You Are An Intentional Leader.       David Russell, CEO Success With People, Inc. MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.

MEETING IDEA

A movie is a great bonding experience for a team to explore.  Why not attend as a team during business hours, or ask people to attend the movie and come prepared to discuss it. TIME Magazine did a series of articles on the movie.  You might want to ask your people to review and discuss that information too. Here are some quick ideas for discussion.  1.  What is our dream beyond our top three challenges? 2.  What are three paths to our dream, and the step-by-step path to get there? 3.  What are the five biggest challenges we have to overcome, in order of significance? 4.  How can we work more effectively together to achieve our dream? 5.  Specifically, how will achieving our dream affect the lives of our employees, clients, and the people whose lives they touch? 6.  How can we invest part of our time strategically over the next year to have a GAME CHANGING, totally transformational experience in our company?  (Our LEADERSHIP Essentials Academy is one option.) 7.  What behaviors need to change in our leaders to improve our company culture?  Send me your team's thoughts on the movie.  I'd love to consider your conclusions.

COMFORT ZONE

One of my clients, Solid Networks, is a top infrastructure player in Northern California for Cisco.  It may interest you that part of their interviewing process is focused on getting job candidates to feel comfortable and thus open-up more with their people. This is very consistent with what I teach about organizing your interview process to get candidates to talk "outside of their script" so you really understand how they behave on the job. Their idea works this way: 1.  Promote your openings and collect resumes. 2.  Invite qualified candidates to visit your offices for an after-work reception. 3.  Have your employees mingle with the attendees WITHOUT their company-branded shirts on.  They do not lie to someone who asks if they work for the company, but they try to talk with people as just another attendee. THE GOAL is to get job candidates to be candid and real in their interviews, not pitching you and posing an unnatural behavior you will not see if they are hired. Stop hiring Dr. Jekyll and getting Mr. Hyde. Try this idea one time to see how it works.  It is great for companies that are considering hiring more than one person at a time and where your people want to participate in the process.    Remember...

Be an Intentional, Systematic, Servant Leader.

David Russell, CEO

Success With People, Inc.

MANAGEtoWIN, Inc.

MEETING IDEAS

I explained the idea above, so your meeting idea is to discuss how best to implement the idea for your test event.  Here are some tips that may help your event be a success: 1.  Have it at your offices, not another location.  You want to introduce your job candidates to their working environment. 2.  Decide how much, if at all, you want to qualify the candidates before inviting them.  It is simply a resume review, or do you want to do a phone interview first?  Or nothing at all? 3.  Appoint one person to manage the event.  Clean-up the place.  Get good food - not fattening, sugary garbage.  Barbecues are great.  Some companies like to have beer to loosen the tongues of job prospects whereas other firms realize the alcohol may encourage their people to talk too much.  Do something that is consistent with your culture. 4.  Meet with your people to explain your "ground rules" - the behavioral expectations you have for them at the event. 5.  Measure the results of the event by how many insights did you get that would not otherwise have so easily occurred that resulted in a new hire, or something equally valuable - disqualifying job candidates due to their candor.