Intentions, or Actions?
We all face a daily challenge of managing myriad activities to required or desired outcomes. It becomes even more complicated when many of these activities are delegated to us at the request of others. All of this leads to a growing execution gap. Trouble begins with our own view of these activities. Are they simply […]
Resolutions
It’s that time of year, again, when many set bold New Year’s Resolutions and most quickly let them fade away. Old habits and the relentless pressures of life and work conspire against keeping them. One of the problems with such annual resolutions is that while the days are many, the year is one big thing […]
Why Ask?
What’s the point in going to all the trouble of conducting a client survey? After all, both you and they can SEE the work you’re doing for them. Surely doing a good job is good enough and they’ll ask you if there is something extra needing attention. Isn’t that right? I suppose you’ve already guessed […]
It’s In The Contract
Is it, really? There was a time, in a place far, far away, where a contract consisted of a handshake. I’m fortunate to have had that experience (in Holland, to be exact), where business was transacted based upon the character of the two people who shook hands on a deal. But that’s another story…. Business […]
Create Something Special
How good do you want to be? Is average good enough? Or do you have higher aspirations for your life and career? How about becoming Great, World Class, or One-of-a-kind? Each level requires more: more skill, greater experience, enhanced training, boundless energy and, most of all, unyielding commitment and gritty determination. One need not look […]
Rejuvenation
I’m a grower at heart. After working for many years in horticultural production and marketing “in my prior life”, I always enjoy an opportunity to return to those green industry roots. (Pun intended!). Yesterday was such an experience. I first knew this rural Flagler County land as a working cattle ranch in the late 1970’s […]
Shortcuts
…usually aren’t what they seem! People are always looking for a quicker way, the fastest route to the desired result. That’s an entirely different mindset than looking for a more efficient way, the optimum route to the desired result. I learned this lesson as a kid, though I certainly didn’t realize it at the time. […]
First Things First
It’s really easy to get ahead of yourself. When the adrenaline kicks in, the impulse is to just charge ahead without the required focus to suit the situation. Enthusiasm is a good thing; however, unbridled enthusiasm can wreak havoc behind you when that first ride ends! It can also leave you bruised and unwilling to […]
Means to an End
Once a decision is made to take action, it’s crucial to consider how to approach the work. There are often multiple means to an end, but they are not all created equal. The methods chosen will greatly influence the lasting value that is created, or not. Three crucial questions will help a leader and team […]
No Pencil-Whipping, Please!
I heard a new expression this week at our annual Safety Symposium; it was new to me, at least, but the euphemism “Pencil-Whipping” is common enough that Google instantly returns multiple results, including definitions in the Urban Dictionary and Wiktionary. It conjures up an image for me of a Number 2 Pencil being worked feverishly, […]