Not MY Job!

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.  There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it.  Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.  Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job.  Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.  It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.

If your organization or any part of your organization looks like this, you need to ask yourself why. In addition to the obvious, what needs to be developed, and nurtured? When you look at great teams, each member knows their responsibilities, trusts other members will carry out their responsibilities, and are able to anticipate the needs of the team. This does not happen by accident, but by design…so, leader…what’s your plan; or do you expect Anybody to do it? Just askin…

Be good to yourself…

Time To Look at the Donut...Not the Hole

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving weekend, I thought it appropriate to take a moment to ask the simple question, “What is it for which you are most thankful?” It’s really a simple question, but one I’m afraid we don’t ask often. Many times, as we’re trying desperately to increase, expand, develop, or simply sustain, we often lose sight of that which we have focusing on things that we want or need.

Hopefully this next week will offer time with family and friends and some precious time of reflective stillness.  I urge you to consider the bounty you have, the many blessings that surround you, generating a spirit of gratitude rather than a mindset of want.

So let me end with where it is I started…What is it for which you are most thankful?

Be good to yourself…

Yesterday you said, "tomorrow".

“Yesterday, you said tomorrow!”

I came across this little quote the other day and it’s been haunting me ever since. As leaders, we can’t afford to procrastinate, but as human beings we can’t help but to fall under its allure on occasion. Here are some things I’ve come to realize about procrastinating:

• Things NEVER get done by themselves 
• Simple things become harder… harder things just get harder the longer I wait 
• Rather than giving me more time, it ends up STEALING precious time from me 
• Sometimes I use “perfection” as an excuse versus getting started and improve as I go along 
• Fear plays a major role 
• Sometimes dreams are lost 
• Most importantly… I feel MUCH better after something is DONE versus having it hang over my head indefinitely 

My dad would tell me that the hardest part of ANY job is getting it started...

So my friends, what your excuse? What’s stopping you today? Remember today IS tomorrow’s yesterday…Get it done…you’ll feel better…promise…

Be good to yourself

No "I" in TEAM? REALLY???

Have to admit, I never really embraced the saying, “There’s no “I” in TEAM.” As a member of a TEAM shouldn’t I be asking:

• What can I bring to the TEAM?
• What can I contribute? 
• How can I support others?
• Who am I going to turn to when I’m not sure what to do?
• What can I do to help move the TEAM forward?
• What questions should I ask to help others think past the obvious?
• When should I be the leader of the TEAM…when should I be a good follower?
• How can I best be an asset to the TEAM? 
• If I take no ownership on the TEAM am I destined to wait for others to do something for me? 
• No "I" in TEAM...Wait a minute....

Be good to yourself…