Give up the ghosts...

Everybody has situational or psychological baggage that follows them around or slows them down. Best to jettison it.

 

They can be bad memories.

   They can be the things we fear.

      They can be things we need to learn.

         Or things we should leave behind once and for all.

 

I’m not saying any of those are easy to get rid of – but they all should be considered when trying to be our best selves. Because they all have the potential to weight us down and hold us back. Some started long ago, introduced by forces we didn’t understand. Like being afraid of the boogieman in the basement or the dark places in the closet – it’s not easy to stare them down and overcome the effect they have on us. Like stuff we failed to learn but now must go back and learn – there’s no shame in learning, no matter when it occurs. Like things we did that in hindsight now embarrass us – be open and candid about them and don’t repeat them. Or things we said, or someone said to us, that now seem ill-considered – it’s never too late to say you’re sorry. If you want to be all you can be, make peace with your past so you can fly into the future today.

 

Chloe Anthony Wofford “Toni” Morrison (1931–2019): American novelist (The Song of Solomon); winner of the Pulitzer Prize (1987), and the Nobel Prize in Literature (1993). 

Be a role model...

The future belongs to the children. Get involved in showing them what their future could be.

 

Role models

    Are the pictures

        That young people

             View to see their future.

 

Get involved in being a role model for others. Especially young people. They need to see role models in whatever careers they may choose, just so they can picture themselves doing those jobs someday. The more they see, the more they’ll have to choose from. Make time to volunteer in your local schools, talking to kids in grades 5-12 – paint a vivid picture of what you do so they can begin to think about what excites them. Talk to your supervisor or the head of your company – let them know what you’re planning and get others involved – the more the merrier. Every middle school I know of is looking for people from all walks of life to do this – the more diverse the better. That way, every child can see first-hand all of the professions and careers available and start to think about what they might be. Sure, they could look things up online and watch videos – but there’s nothing better than seeing and listening in-person. Get involved in giving young people something to dream about. Be a role model today.

 

Sally Ride (1951–2012): American astronaut and physicist. She was the youngest American astronaut to have flown in space, having done so at the age of 32.

Show up...

Nothing happens if you don’t show up. But once you do, anything can happen.

 

Participation requires your attendance.

   Participation requires your active engagement.

       Participation requires your complete involvement.

            Because participation is always about being all in.

 

Our days are filled with opportunities – the challenge is to make the most of them. Some are easy: filled with stuff we’ve done before that we can do again. Some are ambiguous: not enough information makes it hard to get started correctly. Some are confusing: best to get clarification before starting. Some are ambitious – full of things that make you stretch. Some are hard – beyond our capabilities but filled with opportunities to grow. And some are crazy – look at those from every angle. But all require you to show up and give it a shot – being there, paying attention, working hard, asking questions, and staying flexible can not only get things done but also open doors for you. Once you show up, you’ll never know how far you can go unless you try. Think of all the things you’ve been involved in and how those have impacted your career. And what would have happened if you didn’t get fully involved in them. Don’t dismiss any of them without taking a good look. You, and only you, are responsible for showing up. Do that every chance you get today.

 

Tina Turner (1939–2023): American-born Swiss singer noted for her "swagger, sensuality, powerful gravelly vocals, and unstoppable energy". 

Be optimistic...

Sometimes things don’t go our way. That’s when we need to shake it off and put on our positive attitude. 

 

Good and bad things happen.

   Don’t take any of them personally.

       Those one-time occurrences do not change

            Who and what you are in the overall scheme of things.

 

It’s best to hire people who do not let good or bad things go to their heads. Behavioral questions can help find out how applicants have acted in past situations and pre-hire assessments can determine how they might act in the future. The one I like best tests for general optimism – it determines whether they’re innately resilient, flexible, open, and hopeful. Because as much as managers want to create positive work environments, stuff happens that can create anxieties and disappointments. In those, each of us is responsible for our reactions and bouncing back. While I realize how hard it is to shake off perceived or actual slights, those are when our reactions leave lasting impressions. You often can’t change what happens, but you can always maintain your attitude about them and how you approach the future despite them. And that’s what people will remember. Whatever happens, look on the bright side today.

 

Amy Tan (born 1952): American author of The Joy Luck Club as well as other novels, short story collections, and children's books.

Plan carefully...

People think they can rely on talent. But it takes more than that to be successful.

 

·      Lots people have talent.

·      Not all have the rest of what 

·      It takes to really be successful.

·      Attitude and confidence are the rest.

 

I’ve learned the hard (and scary) way that being successful means combining talent (knowledge and skills) with well-calculated risk taking. As much as we studied and planned for the opening of the Mirage, the volume of hiring and training was nearly unnerving – having a strong team and a great plan helped us get through those frightful moments. Negotiating landmark partnership agreements with a Union and in an industry that had no history of labor-management cooperation seemed foolhardy – but both sides committed to trying and it worked. Developing systems to support data-driven decision making before computers were able to do that was scary – but partnering with developers who applied their expertise to our vision made it happen. And deciding to be a paperless HR office when everybody said it was impossible seemed foolhardy – having a great team with the guts to try made it happen. I am rarely the smartest guy in any room nor fearless – but a well thought out plan combined with a skilled and willing team can overcome the scariest of challenges. So, when faced with daunting challenges, start with a vision, do your homework, develop a plan, surround yourself with great people, take calculated risks, and give it your all. Combine your talent with that kind of nerve today.

 

Georgia O'Keeffe (1887–1986): American modernist artist. She was known for her paintings and has been called the "Mother of American modernism".

Don't make things worse...

Nobody likes problems… but everybody has one every now and then. Better than dwelling on them, look for a solution.

 

·      Problems 

·      Are everywhere.

·      Solutions, not so much.

·      Be a finder of solutions today.

 

Problems – big and small, seem to be everywhere. While most things go right, some do not. It’s no wonder so many people walk around looking and feeling down. And since misery loves company, we often run to tell our colleagues or bosses that we’ve discovered one. That’s a mistake because most people don’t appreciate someone pointing one out to them – last thing they want is another problem. If you encounter one, look for a solution and become an advocate for it, or better yet just fix it. Leaders should coach their peeps how to find and be part of a solution to the problems they face. And when they do, they should be celebrated. Finger pointing is easy; finding a solution is harder. But everyone respects and remembers those who work on doing what’s needed to fix problems. Look around – you’ll probably notice that the people who get promoted are the ones who, whatever the problem, are part of the solution. There’s a lesson in that. Be a problem solver today.

 

Elizabeth Stamatina "Tina" Fey (born 1970): American actress, comedian, writer, producer, and playwright.

A little patience goes a long way...

They say patience is a virtue. But being patient is often easier said than done.

 

·      Having patience is

·      The ability to tolerate

·      All kinds of circumstances.

·      It’s a form of perseverance in 

·      The face of unexpected problems.

 

I’ve spent time trying to figure out the soft skills that supervisors must have to be effective. Things like communications, coaching, and handling difficult conversations. And performance management, servant leadership, and emotional intelligence. And even planning for change. But the more I think about it, maybe another one, right up there with all the rest, is the ability to be patient when the unexpected occurs; to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, mistakes, or uncertainty without getting angry or upset. Some of the best leaders I’ve known had the ability to remain calm in the face these kinds of things, and to let people learn from their mistakes or missteps without being judgmental or critical. I believe they’re able to remain calm in those situations by being keenly aware of their own emotions and what others are going through, and their focus on coaching people to help them discover what they need to know.  They’re like the best teachers you had in school who let you experience the thrill of learning. Be the patient leader your employees can rely on today.

 

Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790): American writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher.

Take charge...

Did you see Martha on the cover of the Sport’s Illustrated swimsuit issue? She’s obviously not finished changing.

 

·      Circumstances

·      Often drive change.

·      The question is whether

·      We are prepared to consider

·      Them with an open heart and mind.

 

There’s a point in each of our lives or careers where we’re faced with the question – “are you ready for something else or have you had enough”. A friend called the other day – said he’d had a good run with his current company, was able to coast for a while, and was thinking about taking the summer off to recharge his batteries; turned in his resignation and looked forward to taking it one day at a time. We all feel that way sometimes. But then he got a call offering something new and exciting, and the possibilities started energizing him like the 220 line that is hooked up to my new electric car’s battery. A power surge of possibilities. There’s nothing worse than being stuck in a rut but guess what: you have the power and the right to change that. You can re-charge your current circumstances or you can look around at new ones; don’t ever think you can’t. Because when you’re through changing, or even think you are, you’re through. The choice is yours today.

 

Martha Stewart (born 1941): American retail businesswoman, writer, television personality, and founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

Lighten up...

 

This quote, written more than 2300 years ago, is something every leader should take to heart. As in, lighten up.

 

·      There’s no

·      Good reason

·      Not to laugh a

·      Little with the peeps

·      You work with every day.

 

Some of the best memories from all my years of working were times we laughed until we cried. Being the shortest executive meant getting my share of jokes - it was not uncommon when I took the stage at supposedly serious business meetings for someone to shout that I should stand up. One time a group from the horticulture department rigged a speaker in the plants on stage and started whispering to me while I spoke: I wasn’t sure what was happening, but the rest of the audience was in on the joke, and everyone got a good laugh. I was a good sport and enjoyed the joking around – work is serious business and a little levity at the right moment is good for everyone. Of course, you never want to make anyone uncomfortable, but self-deprecating humor, the ability to laugh, and mixing a little foolishness with your prudence are good ways to make people comfortable and build relationships. Share some good laughs today.

 

Quintus Horatius Flaccus (December 65 BC – 8 BC): Known in the English-speaking world as Horace, he was the leading Roman lyric poet during the time of Augustus Caesar.

Let people know you appreciate them...

I’ve known lots of people who work well into their later years because, as they say, ‘they still get a kick out of it’. I feel the same way.

 

·      Appreciation

·      Is always welcome.

·      Without it, like flowers

·      We tend to wilt ‘on the vine’.

 

People like working where their efforts are recognized and appreciated. Leaders should spend part of each day walking around and talking to their employees, noting the many good things they do, listening to their stories or questions, providing coaching when needed, and providing input they might not otherwise get. By being out there, leaders gain acceptance, trust, and respect from the people that work for them; in return leaders learn everything they need to know about their businesses and customers. In these exchanges are contained the employee relations’ seeds that help leaders to know and trust their employees and promote loyalty and retention in return. Don’t wait until an employee retires to tell them how much you appreciate their efforts – let them know every day how you feel about them while they’re still there. In work, as in life, there’s nothing better than getting flowers while you can still smell the fragrance. Let employees know you appreciate them today.

 

Lena Horne (1917 – 2010): American dancer, actress, singer, and civil rights activist.

Don't stifle the good in others...

Nobody likes to be micromanaged. Managers must learn to let go of that practice - don't stifle the good things your people can do.

 

·      Hire right,

·      Train right,

·      Let employees

·      Take responsibility.

 

We all know managers who feel the best way to get something done right is to do it themselves. So, they micromanage. And wonder why nobody takes initiative and morale is low. Or why good employees quit. Companies must encourage the use of appropriate management styles, set standards and practices, coach employees to achieve agreed-upon objectives, and catch people doing things right. Bottom line: managers who learn to let go unleash morale, motivation, creativity, trust, loyalty, and happiness in the people they manage. And that leads to better performance, quality, and customer satisfaction. And that leads to improved results and profitability. All of that because managers let go of the unnecessary controls that stifle people’s ability to be the best they can be. That doesn’t mean letting go of standards, objectives, or results… because if they do this right, their employees maintain and exceed those. It’s about responsibility and accountability – give your employees the freedom to do what’s right and they’ll be motivated, productive, creative, efficient, and happy today.

 

Thích Nhất Hạnh (1926 – 2022): Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, peace activist, author, poet and teacher, known as the "father of mindfulness”, and for being a major influence on Western practices of Buddhism.