A Walk Can Get You Thinking

Last night I did something I hope to do on a regular basis. I went for a good walk. That's right. I have a goal to exercise and get leaner, better looking! You know what I mean. I walked for about an hour. Boy was that an hour.

I processed so many things on this walk. First, I thought a lot about the reason I was walking. Then I thought about the things I used to enjoy doing but have little time for these days. Things like golf and going to the gym. I reminded myself these are things I have to make time for. So, I will work on it and let you know.

I think during most of the walk, I thought about being a business owner and the freedom and personal satisfaction that goes with being your own boss. I also thought about the challenges that go with it as well. But one thought consumed me. What can I do to enjoy more success? Have you ever had the same thought? I am sure you have.

For some reason, the answer to my question came to the light. I was hearing the words of Zig Ziglar. Yep, Mr. Ziglar. He always says "you can have what ever you want by helping enough people get what they want." Until my walk, his words appeared lost to me. But now, I was seriously entertaining the meaning of these words.

After much thought about what I want, I asked another question of myself. What do other people want? Obviously, the answer has a broad scope. So, I began to think about in it relative terms. I modified the question a little and asked myself what do I have or what can I offer that people want? Boy, that loaded me up. I am now on a mission to figure that out. Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, here is a little suggestion for you. Take a walk. And while you are at it, ponder these questions yourself.

Gardening Your Business

It seems like time is moving quickly. I heard that before and I am certain you have. What does it mean? Hopefully it means you are excited and filled with anticipation for what will come next – hopefully.

If you have tended your garden well things will begin to blossom very soon. It is the natural cycle of things. What blossoms this spring has much to do with your engagement or lack of engagement. If you have given the right amount of caring attention to your garden it will be beautiful. On the other hand if you have not…, you might have a garden full of weeds.

I know you get my point. Fortunately there is still time to plant the right seeds to give you the blossom you want. Sounds like as you sew, so shall you reap.

The time to act is now!

Distractions Never Quit - Arm Yourself

Here is something worth remembering as you prepare to embark on the journey to achieve your goals in 2010. You will have a few distractions.

Hopefully they will be the type to go away quickly. But if they are not, you’ll need to find a way to stay on track. How can you do that? It is not easy, but it may help to have a blueprint of where you intend to go or what you intend to achieve.

That sounds a lot like having written goals doesn’t? Okay, you win! That is what I am promoting here. Take the time to write down your goals for 2010.

I know you have heard it before, people who have written goals are more likely to achieve success. There are many reasons why this is true. I can think of one, can you? Imagine yourself going shopping at your grocery store. There are more than a few things you need to pick up. You may have a good memory but having a list just might save you some aggravation.

Consider what might happen if you don’t have a list and you run into an old friend you haven’t seen in a while. The chances are you are going to forget something you wanted to get. You don’t have a bad memory but you did experience a distraction – pleasant as it may be.

So, the list is analogous to writing down your goals. I know.., I know it is a bit of a stretch but hopefully you get the idea. Don’t let distractions push you off the track. If they try, you can simply pull out the goals you have written down and keep shopping for what you want. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Are You A New Creative Leader?

Below is a list of 5 traits of the new creative leader. They are found in the article "Why Are Creative Leaders So Rare," by Navi Radjou. The subject was a tip from Harvard Business Publishing's Management Tip of The Day.

So, Where Do You Stand?

Yesterday's leadership skills will not work in today's fast-moving and evolving world. Only creative leaders who are visionary and empathetic will succeed. Here are five things you can do to succeed as a creative leader:

1. Instead of commanding, coach your team and organization toward success.

2. Don't manage people, empower them. The know-how, experience, and solutions are often out there; it's a matter of helping people discover them.

3. Cultivate respect by giving it, instead of demanding it.

4. Know how to manage both success and failure.

5. Show graciousness in your management rather than greediness. Be humble about your successes and whenever possible, give someone else the opportunity to shine.

Being in the Dark

I am going to go out on a limb and make a guess that you enjoy the work you do. I certainly hope this is true. But I imagine there are times when you feel a little challenged doing all the things you must do to achieve a desired outcome. You are not alone.

Some of our days are better than others. You have a task and you get it down. But what about the other days…what could be going on? That is a question you may ask yourself. If fact, it is one of many questions you ask yourself each day and every time you do work. They are the same type of questions the people you work with ask themselves. If you are the boss, you may even be asking questions about your people. A question like – How can I get my people to be more productive?

The answer to many of your questions can be revealed with the Change Works System. Trust me, I know ignorance may be bliss, but it can also be costly. Can you afford it? Can your organization afford it?