The One Thing - The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results

The One Thing

There is a significant difference between being busy and being productive. How often, at the end of the day are we amazed at how exhausted we are and how little we accomplished? Now, can you imagine how much more vitalized, energized, and enthusiastic we would be if we ended the day exhausted, but could look back and see at least one major accomplishment completed? How much more motivated and excited would you be for the next day ahead of you?

Multiple psychological studies have been done over the years, to understand the value of and insight into “multi-tasking”. The studies show what wise men and women have been telling us over the centuries. There is a Russian proverb that tells, “If you chase two rabbits…you will catch neither one.” Circus lion tamers know this secret as well. Why do you think they go into the ring/cage with a chair pointed at the lion? Well, the lion is force to account for all four legs of the chair pointing at them, and thus they are more sedate as they cannot figure out which one to attack.

In this book, Gary Keller and Jay Papasan help the readers lean the value of and how to help direct your work in a more focused manner so that you can learn to accomplish great things. The concepts and ideas are simple, but putting them into practice takes self-discipline. We live in a world where most work environments throw multiple tasks, duties, and responsibilities at each of us. We are often bombarded with email, phone calls, instant messages…all seemingly demanding our immediate attention. When we are pulled away from fruitful tasks, it takes time to re-gain focus and make progress towards the items that are really important.

No matter your profession or station in life, the ideas and concepts in this book are helpful. Read the book, learn, absorb, and put it into practice. You will not be disappointed.

Extreme Ownership - How U.S. Navy SEALS Lead and Win

Extreme Ownership - How U.S. Navy SEALS Lead and Win

Okay, so, I bought this book six months ago…and I let it sit on my night-stand gathering dust. I was concerned that if I read the book, it would cause such great conviction of my missteps in learning and practicing leadership that I would disappointed in myself and my weaknesses. In reality, after reading the book, I can say it has the complete opposite affect. The way Jocko Willink and Leif Babin take the reader through their experiences and how those experiences apply in our lives outside of the SEALS Teams, makes the book very relate-able.

The stories shared show an unmistakably humble and teachable attitude from both of these men! The have a way of connecting, encouraging, and helping the reader find their own drive, determination, and discipline. Concepts like “Commander’s Intent”, “Decentralized Command”, “Keep things Simple”, and of course, “Extreme Ownership” are clearly explained, fleshed-out, and coached within the pages of this book.

These authors recently published a follow-up book called, “The Dichotomy of Leadership”, which is now on my shopping list as the next book to acquire. Also, Jocko Willink has a podcast where he takes the listeners through stories and personal accounts of many who have served in various militia over the years. This podcast has been among the top influences in my life over the past year. I would recommend both books and the podcast to anyone who is interested in understanding the simplicity, yet difficulties of great leadership.

Are you a Generous Leader?

Image from Generosity Quotes page on Pinterest

Generosity comes in many forms. You can be generous with money, time, talent, or many other areas in your life. What drives generosity? Must there be an abundance in your life before you can be generous? How do you learn to become a generous leader? Here are a few things to think about.

1) Generosity begins with being grateful for your station in life. If you are reading this, it means that you have wonderful things in your life for which you should have gratitude. You have a means to pay for internet access, you have access to technology to be part of the digital world, you have been taught to read and comprehend. Most of you will have close family and friends…people who care for and about you. Take the time to consider things for which you are and/or should be grateful.

2) Put people first. I know that in my hectic life, I can get lost in my immediate circumstances and surroundings. It is important to break away from the focus on yourself and find ways to serve others. An act of service does not need to be big, and should not focus on drawing attention to yourself. Try sending a note of encouragement to someone who is on your mind right now.

3) Do not allow the desire for possessions to control you. First and foremost, live within your means. If you find your desire for possessions outpaces your ability to pay, one of two things are likely to happen. Debt will become a burden that weighs down every aspect of life, or bitterness will creep in because you believe you should have something that is out of reach.

4) Regard money as a resource. There is a strange principle with money, but it seems that if you hold it too tight, it will allow bitterness, greed, and self-centered desires drive your decisions. Clearly, in our economy you need money to engage with life. The availability of money in your life should have an influence on your decisions, but let it not be the final arbitrator as to whether or not you will be generous towards those you lead and care about.

5) Develop a habit of giving. It is uncommon, that if someone is not generous when they have little, that a switch will go off in their lives and they will automatically become generous when there is abundance. Giving is a habit that is developed and matured over time. Just like all other leadership skills.

So, here are some questions to ponder

• Are you a generous leader?

• Do you continually look for ways to add value to others?

• To whom are you giving of your time?

• Are you pouring your life into others?

• Are you helping those who cannot repay you in return?

A few years ago, I was struggling with some significant issues in my life. I did not have the means to pay for counseling or a life coach. I sought out Christian counseling that was of no cost, but these organizations were so inundated with others they were helping, they did not have any availability for 6+ months. So, I reached out to an old friend, who had been a manager/leader for me in a past occupation. This friend graciously agreed to meet with me once a month in a local eatery, where we would work through things in my life. We started with professional topics like leadership, and what it looks like to be a good follower. He coached me through tactical and strategical approaches to my career. Through the building of our relationship, he also encouraged me in matters outside of work. This man has been an example of true generosity in my life. I have not asked him for a dime…but I am sure he would give me the shirt off his back. I have offered to buy him coffee, and he insists that it is not necessary. This man is an example to me, of a truly generous leader!

Do The Right Thing - How Dedicated Employees Create Loyal Customers and Large Profits

Do the Right Thing - How Dedicated Employees Create Loyal Customers and Large Profits

Many of you have heard or read about the great customer service provided by Southwest Airlines. This is a company who has and continues to set the standard in caring for their passengers. My experience with Southwest Airlines has always been positive. The ticket agents, gate agents, flight attendants, and pilots have provided me with consistent, friendly, and patient services.

I can vividly remember a time where I was dealing with many things in my mind. As I approached the baggage check-in area, I was ill prepared. Unfortunately, my attitude was not great when I spoke with the Southwest agents. Even through my poor attitude, they were undeterred and proceeded to coach me through what I needed. I ended up apologizing to both the agents and they graciously smiled accepting my apology.

Do you want some insight into why Southwest Airlines is so customer focused, and what drives them as their employees set standards that consistently exceed passenger expectations? Then you need to read this book. James F. Parker was the CEO of Southwest Airlines from June 2001 through July 2004. Before that, in 1986 he joined Southwest Airlines as General Counsel. James guided Southwest through the toughest economic turmoil, in the airline industry, during my life-time…the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001 and the subsequent fear of ongoing air travel. Through that time of upheaval in our nation, Southwest continued to care for their employees and customers. Although the finances were tight, all salaries and bonuses were fully paid on-time for the full-time employees who were not executive level. Southwest was also the only major airline that managed to stay profitable during that stretch of difficulties.

Earlier this year (January 28th, 2019), James died unexpectedly in his home. We have all lost a great leader, and I can only image how difficult it must be for those who were close to him.

Read this book, learn the lessons of doing thing the Southwest Airlines way. The concepts apply to any industry, but how those concept are manifest will be unique to each company.

Focus in Leadership and in Life

Picture acquired from LeadershipWatch

For years, we have been told that the ability to multi-task is essential for success in the workplace. Some leadership “experts” have likened multi-tasking to spinning plates on the end of long sticks. We have been told that the more plates you can spin, the more impressive you are as a professional. Then, after we have multiple plates spinning, we are stuck in a situation where we have to keep them all spinning all the time or we and our career like the plates will come crashing down.

Now, as I read more about leadership and personal development, I am seeing evidence from real-life scenarios and psychological studies which have proven that multi-tasking is the worst thing you can do for any kind of real, long lasting development. “If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.” Think about that for a moment (seriously, pause for a couple of minutes ponder the ramifications). Have you ever wondered why it is that circus lion trainers take a chair into the cage with them? When all four legs of a chair are facing the lion, the lion is trying to focus on all four legs of the chair. This causes the lion’s brain to be overwhelmed and he cannot focus on his strength…killing the prey that is in front of him.

John Maxwell, provides a recommendation on seeking to be focused in life and leadership. He has a formula or perhaps what should be called a ratio of how to focus your time as a leader.

• 70% - Focus on your strengths

  • Everyone has areas of incompetence. Pursue your areas of strength rather than weaknesses.

• 25% - Focus on new things

  • Spend time learning about new things that relate to your strengths. This is where you will find tremendous growth

• 5% - Focus on areas of weakness

  • It is unavoidable that you will need to address areas of weakness. Seek to minimize the amount of time spent here

Something to consider…have you been majoring in the minors? Do you spend so much time in your areas of weakness that you lose sight of your strengths? Here are some further thoughts to consider in gaining more focus:

• Work on yourself - You are your own greatest asset and detriment. What are you doing to help yourself?

• Work at your priorities - List them out 3 or 4 priorities, and be clear. You are the only one who can fight for your priorities.

• Work on your strengths - As you follow the formula listed above, you will see tremendous growth

• Work with your contemporaries - We are all in work groups, each individual has their own strengths. You cannot be effective on your own.

Are you unsure of your strengths? Perhaps you can ask a trusted colleague. Consider purchasing, "StrengthsFinder 2.0”, better yet see if your whole team can get a copy. Go through the questions and compare/contrast the results.

It is up to you, on how to best focus your efforts in leadership and life. I have found it better to learn from those who have gone through the struggles and are willing to share their insights. Find a mentor, read a book, connect on LinkedIn with a leader whose thoughts and opinions you trust. You will find that the more you focus on your strengths in life and in leadership, the more success you will achieve.

The Heart of a Leader - Insights on the Art of Influence

The Heart of a Leader - Insights on the Art of Influence

Are you a busy person, leading people who are growing as professionals or individuals? Ken Blanchard has assembled 90 snippets of insight into ways to influence yourself, and those around you.

In less than five minutes of reading a day, you can receive insight to be pondered and considered as you seek to influence those given into your care. Authors like Ken Blanchard teach us that leadership is more about influence and giving greater considerations to those whom you lead than you give for yourself. As you read each entry, take to heart the lesson. Seek to apply your learning, every day. You will find the items taught and shared in this book are pertinent and timely.

DRiVE - The Surprising Truth About What Motivates us

DRiVE - The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us

As you lead, what are you doing to help motivate or inspire those around you? Do you know or understand the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic motivation and how to apply each? Are you aware of how ideas around motivation have progressed through the ages?

Daniel Pink takes the reader through the foundations of human motivation. As he progresses through human development, Daniel explains how motivational triggers have shifted into our modern times. The readers gets a glimpse into the science of how motivation may provide different responses than we are taught. Yet, so many leaders in organizations, families, and schools have struggled against what has been learned through psychological studies that are decades old.

When you read this book, think about how it applies to yourself first. How are you motivated and would these tools that are taught have any effect on you? Then think about the tasks and duties that you are handing out to individuals and how others will respond to the motivators you are providing.

Discernment in Leadership

DISCERNMENT - Image from Pastoral Ponderings

Discernment - The ability to judge well.

John Maxwell states that discernment can be described as the ability to find the root of the matter. He also notes that discernment relies on intuition as well as rational thought.

When making decisions, if we wait until all of the possible information is available, we will find ourselves behind the competition or delivering late on proposals. We need to be willing to use intuition along with the information available at the time when we make decisions that will affect those around us. These decisions will not always be flawless, but the more we step out and practice decision making in this manner, we will increase our ability to discern the right direction.

Here are some thoughts about maximizing the effectiveness of discernment in our own lives:

1) Seek the root of an issue - In many cases we may not be able to get a complete picture, so take the information available and exercise discernment in the decisions that must be made. “Organizational effectiveness…lies in the blend of clearheaded logic and powerful intuition” - Henry Mintzberg

2) Enhance your problem solving - A great way to develop and grow your ability to discern is to work and focus in your area of strength. Do not try to have all the answers to all the problems.

3) Evaluate your options for maximum impact - “Never ignore a gut feeling, but never believe that it’s enough” - Robert Heller

4) Multiply your opportunities - Be willing to follow your instincts, based upon your previous experiences. Are you willing to trust your intuition as much as you do your intellect and experience?

Do you have a mentor, leader, or historic hero in life whose discernment you trust and admire? Study those individuals, read their biography, pay attention to the reasons behind their conclusions. Ask them questions to glean from their insights. Through it all, listen to your gut feelings, they are trying to tell you something.

UNBREAKABLE - A Navy SEAL's Way of Life

UNBREAKABLE - A Navy SEAL’s Way of Life by Thom Shea

We all have an internal dialog. Unless, we learn to direct that internal dialog we can find ourselves giving up when we should be persevering. When we engage our internal dialog, we need to be careful what language we listen to, and what words we use. I have found, that often in my internal dialog, I will say things that are derogatory, demoralizing, detrimental, or demeaning (you are not good enough, you just cannot do that, you are in over your head, you are a fraud, It’s too hard, etc.). If I were to speak these words to a friend, they would likely disavow our our friendship, and rightfully so. So, why do I accept this language when I speak it to myself? Are you accepting or listening to this kind of internal dialog? I understand that there is value in being our own worse critic, but why not use words that stir up responses like determination, grit, drive, and hunger for greatness?

Not only do we need to ignore the negativity that can come from internal dialog, but we also must avoid listening to words like “try”, “believe”, and “hope”. At least avoid them in the sense of how they are commonly used in today’s vernacular. For example, when we use the word “try”, we give ourselves a way out of fulfilling a commitment. Think about it, “I will try to get that report to you by the end of the day.” Does that comment convey commitment, or would the recipient of that statement have full confidence you are committed to the goal? In the above example, replace the phrase “will try to” with “believe I will”, or “hope to”. Again, would you be confident in the outcome if someone made that statement to you?

Thom Shea, walks his reader through the importance of internal dialog in this well written and extremely engaging book. The original intent of the book was to present lessons in life, and 13 challenges to his children, when he was away on deployment for our nation, in case he did not return. He and his wife wanted to make sure that their children would fully understand Thom’s heart for his children. These 13 challenges, can be incorporated into anyone’s life. I have made it through lesson 1, but only after multiple re-starts. It all begins and ends with your internal dialog.

I highly recommend that others pick up the book, read it cover to cover, address your internal dialog, work through the challenges presented. Listen to Thom Shea’s podcast UNBREAKABLE, visit the website Adamantine Alliance, follow Thom Shea on social media. I guarantee, if you are seeking personal and professional growth, you will not be disappointed.

Courageous Leadership

By Jona Lendering - Livius.org Provided under CC 0 license (notice under the photograph in the description page of the photograph)., CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73611308

Today, I am sitting here asking myself…do I have courage in how I lead? Courage, like any other part of leadership is a choice…a decision…something you practice in order to improve. Eddie Rickenbacker (WW I Ace Fighter Pilot) stated, “Courage is doing what you are afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you are scared.”

For those of us who are interested in the lessons learned from military greatness, we see that many military leaders were in the line of fire, encouraging their troops in battle. We can read about how George Washington, at the Battle of Monongahela, rode forward to take charge of the troops. He had two horses shot out from under him and his jacket had four bullet holes. We can read about the courage of King Leonidas and his Spartan warrior, at the Battle of Thermopylae (the inspiration for 300).

Not all of us are destined to be great military leaders, but we are all in a position in our family, neighborhood, or job to lead others. Courage does not mean that bold decisions need to be made every day, but it does mean acting on what is right, in the face of what feels fearful. Here are some things to keep in mind as we strive to make courageous decisions.

1) Courage begins with an inward battle. Remember, it is not the absence of fear that defines courage. Courage is doing the very thing that stirs up fear in your heart

2) Courage is making things right, not just smoothing them over. Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Being courageous means that you are dealing with principles and not perception. A courageous leader is more focused on the potential outcome of the decision than they are on appeasing others.

3) Courage in a leader, inspires commitment from followers. Like in the examples of George Washington and King Leonidas, when a leader displays courage it inspires those whom they lead.

4) Being courageous will expand your horizons.. I am told that those who face the fear of something like sky-diving, often realize that the fear of sky-diving is worse than the act itself. Once the fear has been faced, it opens up their minds to the idea of exploring more ways to conquer their fears (perhaps it is time to give sky diving a try).

This post is as much to encourage me in being a courageous leader as it is to help others face their fears. If I am honest, not a week goes by without being presented with multiple opportunities to show courage. What am I going to do with the next time I am given a choice to be courageous? Am I going to lead, focus on principle and potential or will I abdicate and let others fill the gap that was meant for me?