ARE YOU SCATTERED, UNFOCUSSED, DIRECTIONLESS, THIS POWERFUL ACTIVITY IS A CATALYST TO YOUR SUCCESS.

• What gives you long term vision and short term motivation?

• What causes you to avoid living life aimlessly?

• What gives you tracks to run on, while providing focused direction for your life?

• What is the activity which most successful athletes and business people do fanatically, that gives them fuel in the furnace of their life to ultimately reach success?

If you’ve said “GOALS” is the answer to each one of these questions, you are correct. I’ve been studying what goals can do for a person and a leader, and have concluded that no matter how you go about setting them, they are by far the one exercise that are worthy of your time, every time. If you will focus them like a laser and chunk them down with bite sized doable actions, you can do, be, or accomplish almost anything you put your little mind to. That is, if it doesn’t take a particular skill, like say . . . staying on key or being able to see colors. Goals provide for your life pure:

• Direction

• Purpose

• Enthusiasm

• Meaning

• Motivation

• Mission

If this is the case, then why in the world don’t they teach this powerful tool, GOAL SETTING, in college? When you study profoundly accomplished people, you will discover unequivocally that, they were goal setters. A world renowned fanatical goal setter, Brian Tracy discovered it is the catalyst which will engage the mental acuity to then process which action is needed when, to reach your destiny. He also learned that by writing them down, you raise the likelihood of reaching them. He then took it to the extreme and wrote 10 to 15 goals daily. By doing this, you can pretty much be assured of your chances of accomplishing them, because they’ll be planted in your minds-eye. A very powerful tool! As a result, I’ve joined him, and are journaling my goals daily. Want to join me? Go to any upscale discount store such as: TJ Max or Ross, Dress for Less and find yourself an inexpensive, but sharp looking journal for yourself, one you’re not ashamed to be seen with, and begin fanatically goal setting today. Join me in becoming a goal setting fanatic and write them without reviewing what you previously wrote the day before. To further the likelihood you’ll reach them sooner, then write one to three things next to each goal that you can take action and do immediately.

Now, stay tuned. I’m in the process of developing a fun program called “I’m Becoming a Goal Fanatic!” which will encourage these efforts as we join with others who want to be fanatical about accomplishing great things, and making their mark in this world! I’d love to hear how it’s going with you as well. Comment any time on your goals, after any post, and let us know your progress! I invite you to be the encouragement to others.

FIVE CONCRETE STEPS, AS A BUSINESS OWNER, TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

Be a Unique Leader That Continues to Build Your Business During the Holidays. In Fact, Why Wait for January?  Set Those Powerful Goals, and Kick-Start Your Momentum For 2011 Now!

Here are 5 helpful tips on staying sane, while continuing the business building momentum, even during the times when everyone else is taking a break, or slowing down during the holidays.

1. KEEP BUILDING: Don’t slow down, keep an even pace by making sure you write out your business goals at the beginning of each week. Then, aggressively follow them.
2. DO TWO NEW MARKETING MANEUVERS during the holidays. For one of them, be sure to either send a Thanksgiving, or a Christmas card to all your customers, and potential leads. Have you heard of Send Out Cards? If you haven’t, let me know and I’ll hook you up with a great representative. Then you’ll be set up for birthdays, anniversaries, and any other significant occasion. And, it’s automated!
3. DO THOSE DREADED ACTIVITIES FIRST: We all have things we absolutely hate doing! Each week, first thing Monday morning, do those activities that you disdain and try to avoid until you absolutely have to do them. They will then be out of the way. As a result, the rest of the week will all be downhill. In fact, you will be able to pick up and build momentum, which will create the inertia needed to increase your motivation and drive, instead of draining you because they’re haunting you all week long. We usually put these activities off as long as we absolutely can, allowing them to fester with consternation and dread at the very thought of them. In fact, instead of allowing them to consume you to no end, getting them done and out of the way will revive and inspire you for the rest of your to-do-list. You do have a list, right?
4. BE AN INTENTIONAL LEADER! GO AHEAD, SET A BIG GOAL: Between now and January 1st. set a goal that will make you inspired and full of vision when you meet it. Start telling yourself the opposite of what everyone else is saying. Set it in your mind that “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me“ and just do it!
5. FIND SOMEONE TO RUN WITH: Help someone else stay motivated and on track, by instigating a nice friendly, healthy little competition. You’ll keep each other going and accountable! The key is, don’t give yourself a way out. No excuses, no blame-shifting, just take responsibility, and keep the fire going.

Here’s to your leadership, and your business! Keeping inspired and motivated, no matter what comes your way, is a challenge, but I’m confident you can do it. Give yourself a little credit, and by all means give us a report when it’s all said and done! And, STAY TUNED for a BIG announcement that will help you GROW YOUR BUSINESS in a really BIG WAY!

MOTIVATING EMPLOYEES IS LIKE TRYING TO TAKE SPOTS OFF A LEOPARD!

Leaders, You Can Create a Culture Where Employees Are Motivated!

When I’m asked to provide a “Motivational Training” for a company red flags appear in my mind. First off, you cannot motivate anyone, but you can create the kind of work culture where they tap into their own motivation, and more importantly, aren’t demotivated. Instead of adding something to your leadership or style, most often what is needed is to eliminate something, those road blocks and detours that suck the life and vision from employees. What you can do is set-up environments and training that engender success, where their personal “mojo” isn’t stamped out or suffocated. What do I mean by demotivators?  Some examples are:

• Creating rules for the whole office, instead of approaching and correcting the one violator
• Playing favorites
• Expecting “group think” where everyone knows they must agree or be counted a covert.
• Undermining their ideas by adding small touches of your own to them.

These and more will bind up an employees vision and energy, but the greatest culprit is not understanding each employees natural motivators and demotivators.

Example

For instance, Jason, a “High C” (according to DISC), is a quality control, analytical, creative, deep thinker type person; think of an engineer, or banker. He works best in a quiet, contemplative environment where he can process his thoughts and take into account all the facts before making decisions.

1. He needs time to review, organize, calculate, process, and reflect on the cost of a particular decision before being forced to come to a conclusion.
2. Consistency and stability connote peace and security, therefore allowing him to be at his best. Change and chaos deplete his energy and ability to work effectively. The kind of change I’m talking about is as simple as moving the office furniture, or changing a system of operation. Am I saying you can never do this? No, but there are ways to effectively prepare him to accept and adjust to change that will make it easier on him, not stealing his attention or motivation.

How can this information empower you as the leader?

It helps you help Jason by:

• Finding Jason a room or cubicle away from the hustle and bustle of the front desk, or lobby area.
• Placing him where he isn’t caught by the drama of the office, by being close to those who may ask uncomfortable questions of him, which is nearly anything personal.
• Minimizing unnecessary change.
• Valuing his view of quality control, while at the same time taking into consideration his concerns.

And lastly, providing a training on DISC so that colleagues understand and respect the differences in motivation and behavior so there is a collaborative effort and culture in the office instead of finger pointing, blame, estrangement, independence or negative competitiveness in the  culture.

What this example depicts isn’t changing the person, but understanding and working with his natural bent so that you’re eliminating any obstacles that impose on his natural motivation.  Something a superior manager/leader will take into account. By taking the time to understand and value the differences in your employees, you have the power to create a positive, even energized environment where they can then tap into their own motivation.

Your Coaching Action Plan:

1. Discover your employees differences by either providing a training on DISC, or some kind of behavioral style system. Next, put it to work for you. You may have the knowledge of DISC, but it’s worthless without implementation.
2. Next, take the time to learn what is demotivating each employee.
3. Once you have this information, involve them in creating new or revised systems of operation, that will lend toward greater energy and better work habits.

Need assistance with any of the above, contact Sue to learn of the programs, trainings and materials she has to support you and all your efforts.

WHAT DO ALL SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE HAVE IN COMMON?

Have You Had a Setback, a Failure?  Have You Been Knocked Down, Laid Low?  Then You Need This!

As a business owner, if you try something new, there are only two possible outcomes, you FAIL or you SUCCEED.  The difference with successful people is that they keep on trying.  Let me ask you, are you success oriented? DO YOU EXPECT TO BE A SUCCESS?

There was a study of 500 of the most successful people, and they discovered in researching them that they had at least one major thing in common;  They always expected that one day, regardless of what was currently happening, they would succeed.  In other words, when they experienced failure, they saw it as a step toward success, or one more lesson learned on the road to success. Brian Tracy says that successful people are action oriented.  And, “It’s not failure that holds you back,”  Tracy says, “it’s the fear of failure.”  This video takes you to a page filled with inspiration and motivation.  Keep watching until it connects, refreshes, and renews in you as a leader, with the will to win, and the motivation to succeed.  It’s what I do when I need a boost.  And if it works in renewing my confidence, I know it will for you.  Here’s to your success!

Understanding How To Recruit, Retain, Motivate, and Work with our Generational Differences.

During these uncertain times of economic upheaval, in an inconsistent business world, where mergers, downsizing and layoffs are a common trend. Those organizations that recognize that the key differentiator is people, are the ones that will remain and even thrive. They will be the ones to make history instead of “BE” history. I believe that the dominant factor in those who are successful in working with people, are those that gain the tools that will assist them to understand, recruite, retain and motivate people. One such tool to expedite this process is, a clear understanding of the impact of each person’s generation. It is imperative that as a leader we learn to know how and why we act and react the way we do, and be able to distinguish the difference between each cohort’s values and preferences. Lastly, successful organizations then take this knowledge, and translate it into a workable strategic plan. They are the top organizations that will continue to be relevant and prosper. Do you know why the younger adults in your work environment live at the tip of their fingers IMings, twittering, and loitering on facebook?  Do you understand the Gen “X” cynicism, and the need to create a of trust before you can bring them fully on board?  Are you honoring those of the Traditional Generation in your midst, giving them classes on technology at their level?  And do you provide clear instructions in a polite, timely manner?  These are just a few of the critical successes factors that will increase your emotional intelligence, and give you the edge in working with the four generations currently working in the same company!

There is one caution that I have in all this. You have to realize that any time you are attempting to place people by groups, you cannot help but use general stereotypes to categorize them.  This means I run the risk of someone being offending by over-generalizing.  Maturity connotes that you may not fit certain stereotypes, because you have consciously worked to eliminate those particular weaknesses that tend to be indicative of a particular generational cohort.  Therefore, not everyone fits perfectly into the square boxe of their particular cohort. Understanding the dynamics, communication preferences, responses, and motivation of each generation is information that should be used for the explicit purpose of understanding, give grace, recruiting, managing and encouraging the people you encounter every day.

Want to learn more? There is a fun, and informative workshop coming up in September called “Generational Tsunami in the Workplace” that will provide you with these exact tools.  For more information, and to sign up, go to the “Events” page of this website to learn more.