Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / The Best Lies

Day 36
"The best lies are full of truth,"commented Mark Driscoll during his guest talk at Saddleback Church on June 9th.

As you work on accountability in your organization, consider the mistakes your leaders and team members can make by making decisions based on misinformation ("lies").

• Get upset at a coworker or client due to misunderstanding part of the facts.
• Make the wrong technical decision because of missing one piece of data.
• Hire an employee who will not work out because you overlook a problem.

The list goes on, but it may help you build more positive, stronger accountability in your organization if you increase your expectation that "the best lies" occur because we:

1. Make assumptions.
2. Hear what we want to hear so we tune out negativity.
3. Move too fast, instead of a Goldilocks Schedule (not too fast, not too slow...)

RECOMMENDATION:  Work harder at pausing to reflect (Sanctuary) rather than rush to judge or make critical decisions.  This does not mean you should postpone decisions unnecessarily.  The key is to understand the facts and what you do not know. 

Accountability is the glue that holds your organization together and fuels its growth.  A little extra effort to confirm, rather than assume, you are making the best possible decision is a wise habit to develop.

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

MANAGEtoWIN Launches "No Bad Bosses" Indiegogo Campaign to Revolutionize Leadership

Through this unique Indiegogo campaign, MANAGEtoWIN founder and "Leadership Guy" David Russell seeks to improve the culture and leadership of businesses everywhere, one bad boss at a time.

San Francisco, CA (CRANBERRY) June 18, 2013 – David Russell, author, "Leadership Guy" and CEO and founder of MANAGEtoWIN, announces the "No Bad Bosses" Indiegogo campaign launch.  Designed to rescue employees from bad bosses everywhere, Russell hopes the campaign will raise awareness of the global bad boss epidemic and fund his team's cure to transform bad bosses into great leaders. 

Unlike most Indiegogo campaigns, the "No Bad Bosses" campaign is not asking for funding for a prototype, but rather rewards supporters with proven services that improve their business or career.  MANAGEtoWIN's LEADERSHIP Essentials system has been refined over the past 11 years, and has been used by clients since 2006.  Clients have been successfully using MANAGEtoWIN software since 2008. 

"We challenge you to stop accepting bad bosses everywhere, including yourself," explains MANAGEtoWIN CEO and founder David Russell.  "Almost everyone can be a better leader. The more people use our solutions, the more powerful we can make them to help you achieve your dreams. Support our efforts to rescue employees from bad bosses and encourage leaders who have been procrastinating about improving their leadership systems to finally take action."

Offers for the Indiegogo campaign include the option to purchase a one-time perpetual MANAGEtoWIN license, a seven-day Maui, Hawaii LEADERSHIP Essentials Academy trip, "No Bad Bosses" buttons and t-shirts, leadership books and software packages, and specialized training and highly-intensive one-on-one help from David Russell himself.  To learn more, or to support the "No Bad Bosses" Indiegogo campaign, visit http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/no-bad-bosses/x/3639841.

“If you haven't already done so, talk to these folks.  The LEADERSHIP Essentials Academy, software, methodology and approach are second to none.  Truly, David Russell and his team are not to be missed if you’re looking to improve your business, processes, culture and your bottom line," says Jim Umenhofer, CEO of Matson & Isom Technology.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Return on Accountability

Day 35
Luis Alvarez, of Alvarez Technology Group, reached out to me in late April to say he had just returned from his Ingram Micro VentureTech Networkconference and everyone wants more accountability in their business.

This creates two questions:

1.  What you going to measure to improve accountability for meaningful results?

2.  What is your Return on Accountability, or "R.O.A." as Luis coined the term?

This Thursday at 10:00 a.m. PST I am doing my first Return on Accountability webinar, sponsored by Autotask.  I encourage you to join us.

Luis and I are working on a pilot program to improve accountability in managed service provider and IT service provider organizations.  We plan to start the pilot in July so we can report on the progress these companies are making during the Fall industry events.  Let me know if you want to learn more.

Today is Monday!  I hope you all had a wonderful Father's Day weekend.

1.  Have you had your Sanctuary time to consider your results of last week and plan your BOLD MOVES for this week?

2.  Have you reviewed your 3 Strands of last week and defined your 3 Strands for this week?

3.  Are you using the daily W.I.N.?  Then how did you do last Friday, and what is your plan for today?

4.  Hold your people accountable to the discipline of a weekly 3 Strands and daily W.I.N.

It may be a time of relaxation for others, but we "tortoises" are going past the "hares" while they are resting this summer.

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / 3 Strands / W.I.N. Tip

Day 34
I have one employee who has struggled with our 3 Strands system.  This is surprising because for most people the 3 Strands is easier than a daily W.I.N....  

The challenge for this employee is his 3 Strands seems to overwhelm him a bit.  He does not make much progress on Monday.  This puts additional "fear of failure" pressure on him on Tuesday.  By Wednesday he is totally behind and gives up trying.

The past result:  He gets down about his lack of performance and failing the team.

The remedy:  We agree on what he will work on each day at the start of his day.  I touch base with him around midday to see how he's doing, and at the end of the day.

The NEW result:  He is VERY productive.

Soon we will restart the 3 Strands system for him, but always continue with the daily W.I.N.  Why stop something that is working so well?

It is Friday!  Another day to be thankful...  and hold yourself and your team accountable so they are fulfilled in their careers (not short-term jobs) with your company.

What needs to happen for you and your team to complete your 3 Strands?

How are you doing with your daily W.I.N.'s?

Have you scheduled your Sanctuarytime before Monday's start of business to confirm this week's achievements and plan your next BOLD MOVES?

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Clean-up Time

Day 33

Yesterday I emailed you some thoughts on Binge Leadership.  Now it is Clean-up Time.

Here is one simple way to hold yourself accountable to cleaning-up some of the mess of Binge Leadership:  Take a moment of Sanctuary - a break without email, cell phone interruptions, no computer - to consider without bias:

What is one idea or project that is taking time and resources that needs to be postponed, or dropped altogether, BECAUSE it is not building on our core strengths?.

WARNING:  I learned the hard way that leadership is NOT the initiative to drop.  The systems you have to better hire, manage, develop, and retain - yes, systems to keep your people (you actually have to do something regularly) affect every line item in your financial results.  

If your leadership systems are lacking, then continue to work it.  Maybe you need to start something in this area instead of that "great idea" you had a month ago that is going nowhere significant.

It is Thursday.  Where are you with your 3 Strandsfor the week?  How about your daily W.I.N.?

And, how are your employees doing?

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Be on a Mission

Day 32
In my book, The Company Culture Challenge, I pose a question from Dan Polatta:

Do you have a mission statement, or are you on a mission?

Let's keep building on our assessment of our leadership:

Last Friday:  Are you the Chief Energy Officer of your company?  If not, why?

Yesterday:  Are you a Coach and Challenger for your people?  If not, why?

The two most important things we do as leaders are:

#1:  Give people meaningful work to do that touches their heart, and thus motivates them to do their best.  You want them on a mission to improve...

#2:  Value people as members of our team.

As you reflect on your leadership style this week (and beyond), here is one simple way to touch people's hearts more effectively so they motivate themselves to be their best:

Have great, true stories of your clients whose lives are improved by your products and services...  and be able to explain how each person in your firm contributed to that client's success.

This is easy for my team.  We help Bad Bosses become GREAT Leaders.

How can you focus your employees on how their work is making the world a better place?  Be on a mission.  It is more fun, inspiring, and fulfilling for everyone on your team.

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Challenger - Coach - Creator

Day 31
Last Friday, I encouraged you to consider how leaders are Chief Energy Officers.  Let's build on that to reflect on the types of people with whom we interact.

I was watching an 8 minute TEDx presentationby Mo Fathelbob, former CEO of EO, where he talks through his adaptation of the Karpman Drama Triangle.  Mo's version looks like this and it struck me as an interesting thought for the week:

 

 
Every day this week and beyond we will interact with people whose motivations are not as easy to discern as we may believe.  For instance, Transactional Analyst Claude Steiner suggests:
 

     The Villaindoes not really have a valid complaint.

 

     The Herois not really helping.  (They are enabling or doing the work for the Victim either out of partial self-motivation or desire to see the Victim fail.) 

     The  Victim is not really as helpless as he feels.

Mo changes the diagram so we have a:

     Challenger, instead of Villain, who challenges us to be better.

     Coach, instead of Hero, who asks us questions rather than gives us answers or does our work for us.

     Creator, instead of Victim, because when we are coached an challenged, then we create ways to succeed.

I agree with Mo.  Be a Coach and a Challenger, not an Hero or a Villain.  Create a working environment where your people are inspired to solve work problems themselves, alone or with others.

It's Monday!  We have the blessing of a NEW WEEK!

1.  Sanctuary:  Have you reviewed your 3 Strands from last week and defined them for this week?

2.  Preparation:  Is there anything you need to do to prepare to review your team's 3 Strands from last week;  if you are using them, their daily W.I.N. from last Friday;  and their 3 Strands for this week and W.I.N. for today?

Positively hold yourself and your people ACCOUNTABLE and it will be a great week.

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

 
Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Chief Energy Officer

Day 30
I am listening to Tony Schwartz's book, The Way We're Working Isn't Working.  The term, "Chief Energy Officer" is from his book.

I recommend you buy this book:  Listen to the audio and buy a hardcover copy to highlight the key insights you want to remember.

Do you want to see my highlights?  Let me know...  maybe we should setup a community post where we can read books together and share insights.

As we close out the week and you head into your Sanctuary time, please consider how your energy as a leader affects others.

Does your enthusiasm, sincerity and humility lift up others?

Do you see capacity in people that those people do not see in themselves?

If so, how are you motivating your people to be the best they can be?

NOTE:  Great energy is an asset, but you also need systems to transfer your energy and wisdom to others.  That's what we teach you and/or help you implement in our LEADERSHIP Essentials Service and Academy.  We can help anyone become a more effective leader.

 

It's FRIDAY!  Bummer... we still have a lot of work to do.  Ha!  Do NOT let that stop you from closing the week strong and then having the discipline to enjoy the weekend without working on "stuff from the office."  Make love.  Dance like no one's looking.  Have an adventure outdoors.  Laugh until you cry.  Seize the day!

Please schedule time between late today and early morning on Monday for Sanctuary.  This is your timeof personal accountability.

1.  Did you complete your 3 Strands and if you are using it, your daily W.I.N. for this week?

2.  Did your people complete their 3 Strands and daily W.I.N.?

3.  What are the 3 Strands and daily W.I.N., if you are using the daily process, that will make the second week of June even more AWESOME that your first week?

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / What's Your FTE Dev Plan?

Day 29
According to a statistic in the June issue of Inc. Magazine, 62% of businesses say their employees ("FTE" = Full Time Employee) lack crucial development skills.  

Why is that?

No plan.

We advise our Clients how to write a strategic plan for the success of each employee.  Do each of your employees have a strategic plan for their success?

Think how engaging this is.  You have a business plan.  You have a technology plan, a sales plan, a marketing plan...  but what about your people?

They need a plan for success too.  Why?  Because they are responsible for achieving all of your other plans!

Within each of our annual team member strategic plans, there is a 2-3 year career path defined so your people are constantly GROWING even if they are not

going up a corporate ladder.

The first year of the career path is part of their current year goals.  The subsequent years are a sub-section of the employee's strategic plan.

If you have employee soft skill or technical skill... or any type of skill issue, then work with them to define a career path of growth so they can develop the skills they need to be a superstar.  Then follow through with encouragement and accountability.

We teach this in our LEADERSHIP Essentials Service and Academy.

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / No Pain No What?

Day 28
You've heard the old saying, "No pain.  No gain."  How many of us are in pain - working too many hours, each day seems to end with more work than when we started, the business is not working the way we would like, employees are a pain, the boss (partner, Board, coach, spouse...) is a pain, and so on?

Well...  we only have total controlover one thing:  Us.

As the old Pogo comic strip, by Walt Kelly, concluded:  "We have met the enemy and he is us."

Often our biggest "pain" is ourselves rather than others or our circumstances.  We need to better manage ourselves to make other issues diminish.

RECOMMENDATION:  Find a balance between accepting a certain amount of "pain" to achieve consistent gain, but do not neglect what is truly most important:

1. Relationships
2. Health
3. Experiencing the wonder of nature while you can

Politely say "no" to more activities to increase your focus on what is truly most important.  And... as you lead your people this week to achieve their 3 Strands and daily W.I.N.s, take time to:

1. Give sincere, specific appreciation
2. Sincerely encourage everyone, not just those whom you like  
3. Enjoy at least one meal or coffee/tea break, or walk outdoors with a coworker to check to see how they are doing

STAY FOCUSED.  Achieve your 3 Strands and daily W.I.N.s, and hold your people accountable to do the same.

But remember... all pain is no gain.

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader -because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Ready to Sell?

Day 27
In the June issue of Inc. Magazine, columnist Norm Brodsky encourages entrepreneurs to build our businesses to sell, even if we have no plans to sell.  

This is because opportunities to sell our business often occur because we suddenly need to sell it, or an unexpected suitor appears.  In both situations there is no time to improve your financials and market share so you can maximize your selling price.  This is work we must do every day.

Accountability is working ON your business versus IN your business.

The simple work of having clear, measurable annual goals AND THEN following up with the 3 Strands - both yours and those of your direct reports - for weekly accountability is crucial for your company.  This discipline enables your company - and your people - to grow each year.  (The daily W.I.N. helps too!)

It is Monday.  Here is your accountability check-off list from me.  Let's make this an awesome week!

1.  Sanctuary:  Have you taken time without interruption to review your 3 Strands from last week and define your 3 Strands for this week?

I have, and I AM EXCITED!  (You will find out next week why I'm so jazzed...)  Go for it!  Hold yourself accountable first, and then your people to accomplishing their 3 Strands from last week and defining really meaningful work to do this week.

2.  Daily W.I.N.:  If your people are doing a daily W.I.N., then it is time to hold them accountable for Friday's accomplishments and to get something awesome done today.

3.  Ready to Sell:  I suggest you set aside 30 minutes this week to consider Norm Brodsky's advice.  What three things could you do a little bit better - that are consistent with your 2013 goals - that would increase the valuation of your company by year-end?

Draft a definition of those three actions.  Discuss them with your team leaders and mentors/coaches.  Schedule work on them.

Stay focused.  Summer is a time for a wise, patient, focused "turtle" to intentionally, systematically plod past the "rabbit" who lacks balance in scheduling time for work and personal time to end the school year, vacations, fun in the sun, and whatever...  (I'll relate back to the rabbit again on Friday.)

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!  Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / NO SLACKERS

Day 26
Is the end of the week.  I suggest you focus on the theme of NO SLACKERSas you push through today's priorities into the weekend and your Sanctuary time to consider how you and your team are doing.

Although over 100 studies have shown that 80% of our employees are NOT fully engaged, as Systematic Leaders we want to have 100% of our employees passionate about achieving results that improve the lives of others.

We teach the core essentials of how to engage your employees in our LEADERSHIP Essentials Service and Academy programs.  Employee engagement is an ongoing process that has HUGE bottom line returns.

Our focus this morning is to ask ourselves:

1.  Who is fully engaged? What must I do to validate their belief in what we are doing so these team members have even greater impact on our organization?

2.  What people are not fully engaged? What can I do to create an environment where they can better motivate themselves to achieve more?

3.  Review the email submissions of 3 Strands and daily W.I.N.'s of your people.  Are you or they not fully maximizing this system?

By this I mean, are you really focusing people on achieving their annual goals and the most important activities, or is this system just becoming another to-do list where critical objectives are not being completed?

I am NOT saying the 3 Strands or daily W.I.N. reports need to be written in greater detail.

Okay...  it's FRIDAY!  Please schedule time between late today and early morning on Monday for Sanctuary.  This is your time of personal accountability.

1.  Did you complete your 3 Strands and if you are using it, your daily W.I.N. for this week?

2.  Did your people complete their 3 Strands and daily W.I.N.?

3.  What are the 3 Strands and daily W.I.N., if you are using the daily process, that will make the first week of June FANTASTIC?

Let me know if you need help.
 

Thank You.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Big Idea

Day 25
Welcome to Wednesday!  This week it's the "new Tuesday" due to the holiday for some people.  

Have you looked at your 2013 goals to confirm you are on track?

How is your 3 Strands and, if you are using it, your daily W.I.N. working so far this week? No, it is not too early for accountability.

Yesterday in our 20 Mile Challenge webinar we discussed Jim Collins' approach of pursuing new BIG IDEAS with bullets instead of cannonballs.  The concept is to try a lot of things, but do so in a way that is low cost, low risk, and low distraction.

I recommend you watch the webinar(FREE to everyone through Sunday;  after that it's only available to our LEADERSHIP EssentialsAcademy members.

Or download the audio version when it is posted later today:  

       1.  Start iTunes

2.  Go to File / Subscribe to Podcast

3.  Enter this link:  /20mc-podcast/rss.xml 

You can register for this free series at this link.

I think the information based on this chapter and how Collins' summarizes the rise of Apple from the ashes of death is worth the cost of his entire book, GREAT by CHOICE.

My point:  What's your BIG IDEA, and are you pursuing it systematically and wisely?

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / No Excuses

Day 24
It is the day after Memorial Day, a three day weekend.
The kids will be finishing up school.
There are year-end parties for my children's class(es).
Summer is almost here...

Folks, the Systematic Power of leadership systems is that you follow your systems regularly to achieve outstanding results.

No excuses, personal or professional.  Stay focused.

It is a NEW WEEK and we are blessed to have another day to live life to its fullest!

So, "let's do this thing" called LEADERSHIP!

1.  3 Strands:  How did you do on your 3 Strands last week?  (I completed my two.)  I sincerely hope you were successful.

What are your 3 Strands for this week?  CONFIRM:  Are your 3 Strands helping you achieve your Goals That Work (clear, measurable, annual goals) for 2013?

How about your direct reports?  Are they completing their 3 Strands?  Do they relate to their annual goals?  Are they truly challenging enough, or are people coasting?

2.  Daily W.I.N.:  If you are using a daily W.I.N. system then follow the same drill as for your 3 Strands, but the focus is on daily objectives.

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Sinal's Reminder

Day 23
Sinal Patel, our superstar LEADERSHIP Essentials consultant, reminded me recently:

A company's client experience will never exceed their employee experience.

Why?  Because if your employees are not fully engaged then your client experience suffers.

Think about whether you need to improve your employee hiring, management, development or retention systems during your Sanctuary time this weekend.  Email me if you want to discuss our programs to help you.

It is the end of the week.  Work hard to close out your important tasks today and make certain your team is completing theirs.

1.  3 Strands:  Did you get them all done?  How about your people?  Be an encourager, but firm on accountability equally with yourself and your people.  Before you leave today, draft your 3 Strands for next week - a four-day workweek for most people.

CONSIDER:  Are your people fully engaged in the 3 Strands process, serving their peers, and providing a consistently incredible experience for your clients?  If not, then why wait to take action?

Your company's client experience will never exceed your employee experience.

2.  Daily W.I.N.:  If you are using the daily W.I.N. system personally or with your team, then take some time to consider how well it is working for you.  I sent tips in my last email.   am writing a book for a client to use as a business card.  This is the second one I have written for them.  I want to make a lot of progress - at least 50% done, if not more because we have a fairly detailed outline. 

CONSIDER:  Are your people accomplishing significant tasks daily?  Anyone can look busy.  Are they getting the important stuff done?  What can you do as a pilot this next week to confirm your people are truly focused on critical activities without micro-managing them?

Your company's client experience will never exceed your employee experience. 

3.  Celebrate Memorial Day.  We are free in America because others gave their time, energy, resources, and even their lives.  We are very blessed.

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank You.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / W.I.N. Tip

Day 22
Q:  What makes a daily W.I.N. (What's Important Now) different from a to-do list?

A:   A to-do list never dies.  When you do not finish something on your list, or if you never even start it, the to-do just stays there day after day...  into eternity.

We do not allow that with a daily W.I.N.

Write each W.I.N. statement like you would a 3 Strands or Goals That Work objective - clear and measurable.

Therefore if yourto-do list looks like this...

1.  Update the employee handbook

2.  Create a PowerPoint presentation for Jones & Company

3.  Post something on my blog

Then yourW.I.N. for that day might look like...

1.  Complete 25% of my editing of the employee handbook

2.  Complete the draft of written copy for the Jones & Company PPT

3.  Post something on my blog

Also, hold yourself accountable to the previous day's W.I.N. before defining the new day's W.I.N.  Complete each action fully and celebrate your W.I.N.!  (Have a jelly bean.  President Reagan loved them.)  Personal accountability is a big part of the Systematic Power behind a daily W.I.N.

The process above applies to your 3 Strands also.

Let me know if I can help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Start Early

Day 21
Today's accountability is simple:

1.  Review your 3 Strands for this week to make certain you are on track to achieving them.  Yes, it is only Tuesday, but I will finish one of my two 3 Strands today.  You may be in a similar situation where this is possible.

2.  Update your W.I.N. from yesterday and define it for today.  This is not a carry forward to-do list!

3.  Get up 30-60 minutes earlier for one week.  Pilot this new lifestyle for one week because you are struggling to find time to work on your most important objectives.  Do NOT get caught in email...  Use this time to work only on your 3 Strands or W.I.N.

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Get Closer

Day 20
Welcome to a new week!

Have you had your Sanctuarytime to confirm your key achievements last week?

• 3 Strands and 
• Your W.I.N.'s from last Friday?

Are you set for this week?  It is time to "sharpen your ax."  There is a lot of tree cutting to do.  :)

As you look at your calendar for this week, I suggest you do one thing very intentionally:  Consider the people on your team, primarily your direct reports but maybe others.

Is there someone who could use your attention this week?

• A review together of their 3 Strands or W.I.N. because they are not fully leveraging this focus exercise for their success.
• A cup of coffee, meal, or other time 1:1 to confirm they are fully engaged.
• A project meeting to make certain all the details are being covered.
• A creative meeting to explore new ideas.
• Encouragement

The bottom line when you meet with this person:  What does she or heneed?  

The meeting is not about you.

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Past Halfway

Day 19
We are now past halfway through calendar Q2.  That is about 38% of our 2013 plan.

How are you doing?

Are you shocked that almost 40% of another year is gone?  I am.  Of course, we adopted a sibling group of four young kids last year so my life is a blur...  :)

During your Sanctuary time later today, over the weekend or early Monday morning, I encourage you to consider whether you are developing the habits...  actually let's say the disciplines to truly be all that you are designed to be.

These disciplines do not have to be complicated.  As you move beyond the basics of a 3 Strands, daily W.I.N., and Sanctuary breaks for refreshment and refocusing, the specifics of how you focus may be quite different than someone else's.

This is because the specifics of your disciplines should align with your natural strengths.

Accountability:  It is the end of the week.  This is your time for personal accountability.

1.  3 Strands:  How are you doing with your 3 Strands this week?  Did you review them daily or at least every other day?  Will you complete them all?  (Maybe you only set one, which qualifies as "all.")

2.  W.I.N.:  If you are defining a daily W.I.N. (What's Important Now), how did you do?

Remember:  Your 3 Strands and daily W.I.N.s are notto-do lists that live on forever.  They are "magnifying glasses" to focus your full power on completing your most critical objectives on a timely basis.

3.  Sanctuary:  There are two parts to Sanctuary:  (1) Daily breaks from your desk to stretch, exercise, get a healthy snack, and clear your mind;  and (2) your weekly self-accountability to confirm you are completing your most important work and defining your critical objectives for the upcoming week - professional and personal.

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.

Daily LEADERSHIP Tip / Did Not Check

Day 18
The key discipline of the 3 Strands system is a daily review your 3 Strands for accountability, and if necessary, to readjust your focus to achieve what is truly most important each week.

How did you do last week?

I did not do very well.  Typically I'm pretty good at reviewing my 3 Strands daily, but not last week.  Although I had good intentions, each time I planned to review my 3 Strands something distracted me.  "Good intentions" do not achieve great accomplishments, although they may play a supporting role.

The result is I fully completed one strand and only part of my two other strands for the week.  If a "cord of three strands is not easily broken," then the climbing rope I am using to scale my mountain was pretty frayed last week.

My clients also fail to achieve their key objectives in weeks where they do not hold themselves accountable to focusing on their 3 Strands on a daily basis.

Most weekly disciplines require daily work to be successful.  A similar way your annual goals are not accomplished just once a year, but are achieved through a process of activities during the time period of the goal.

In brief, if you have not already done so, review your 3 Strands of last week.  Hold yourself accountable- Did you complete each one with excellence?  If not, then what are you going to do this week to better focus on what's truly most important?

After you hold yourself accountable to last week's 3 Strands, then define your 3 Strands for this week.

If you are unfamiliar with my 3 Strands system, then visit my April 15th newsletter in my blog for a brief overview, or email me for a more complete explanation.

Let me know if you need help.

Be a Systematic Leader - because inconsistency hurts

Thank you.