Gratitude

As I sit here it is between Christmas and New Years...a time where many of us reflect on the year and our lives.  I am no different.

However, I am not reflecting on things I want, desire or wish I had.  I am reflecting on all the wonderful things I do have - a great wife, beautiful children who make me laugh everyday, extended family who love me and I them, fantastic friends, good job and nice home.

And so much more...

We often do not think of these things that bring so much richness to our lives as we search for other things we yet have.  That's a little bit sad.  By not thinking of the great, wonderful things we have - no matter how small - we are missing out on a peaceful life.

Running water - I am so grateful for this.  Can you imagine being one of the millions around the globe who must walk miles to get water - and it may not even be fresh water?  I am so grateful that all I have to do is to walk to a faucet, turn it and instantly I have either cold or hot water - my choice!

Laughter - I am grateful that I have so much laughter in my life.  Many cannot say this and many can't actually hear it if it is happening around them.  Oh...what a tragedy.

My wife and family - I am blessed.  A wife that is beautiful inside and out and three wonderful daughters.  I also have many brothers and sisters - and we all get along.  Not everyone can say that.  There is little to no strife in my household - I am very grateful.

There are many things each day to be grateful for - shoot just waking up is something - Although I understand that some individuals wish they didn't wake up this morning.  We all should get into a habit of listing three things we are grateful for each day.  They can be big philosophical things like finding a relationship with our creator or something seemingly small like the wonderful taste of a Butterfinger candy bar.  Both bring joy to one's life...

Recognizing things to be grateful for brings peace to your life - at least it does mine.  It makes me a better father, husband, leader...person.

Try it...write down at least one thing if you can't list three things each day that you are grateful for.  Keep it in a journal, notebook, on your phone...somewhere you can go back and review occasionally.

It will change your heart...

Dance (work) like no one's watching

I actually typed the title to this post over a year ago and then stepped away from it.  As I signed back into my account I saw this and realized I never wrote anything but the title.

Weird

But ok

I am assuming I typed the title so that I would remember to write on it.  "Duh"...as my daughter would say.  Why else would I type it!?  😀

Everyone knows the quote...

"Dance like Nobody's Watching."

But...

"Work like Nobody's Watching"?

Not something you hear everyday.  And what does it actually mean...when you work don't you want people to notice...to be watching.

Yes...but...

By working like no one is watching you are able to work uninhibited...you don't mask you energy and positivity...you take risks that you wouldn't otherwise.

You have fun!

And all of this allows you to perform at a higher level than you would if you are looking over your shoulder...wondering what people are thinking.

YOU DON"T CARE WHAT PEOPLE ARE THINKING

People will then start to recognize what you are bringing to the business and help you move ahead further - if that is what you want.

So go dance...even at work (especially at work!)

(In the back of my mind I think I have read a book on this subject in the past - perhaps that is why I typed the title a year ago.  I would love to credit the source but I couldn't find the book...even on google.  If I do...I will come back and give credit.)

5 Frogs

5 frogs are sitting on a log. 4 decide to jump off. How many are left?

Answer: 5.

Why?

Because deciding and doing are not the same thing.

I saw this on twitter the other day - Nicky Gumbel's page - and thought it was actually very profound.

What do you think?

Thank You Chris Barez-Brown

I concur...

Leadership - Relationships

I've been thinking a lot about Leadership lately for many different reason and I keep coming back to...


It's all about Relationships.


The Relationships you have with others on your team


You do not have to be the smartest person in the room but if you can build Positive Relationships you can be successful and get to whatever it is you want to get to - and get to it in the right way!


Just a thought to process...

ROI

ROI - Return on Investment…right?

Not so fast my friend!

What if ROI stands for Return on Inspiration?

What if we evaluated everything we do on a Return on Inspiration – how we, as leaders, inspire those around us.  How we, as leaders, create an environment that inspires others to find the motivation that dwells within them and give that magical discretionary effort – the extra effort given, not for pay or status but because of the why…the cause, belief and purpose the leader communicates.

Wow!

So instead of reflecting the overall satisfaction of our customers, OSAT (a measurement of customer service) is now a measurement of ROI – Return on Inspiration!

Instead of Customer Connection Shops (Mystery Shops) reflecting the level of service our secret shoppers experienced in our stores they now reflect the ROI – Return on Inspiration the shopper experienced from the store team!

How exciting would our stores be if we all were immersed in an atmosphere of inspiration – led by the leader who has communicated a vision that motivates, excites and inspires?

How can this happen?  It happens when the leader discovers his or her why – cause, purpose and belief – then communicates the heck out of it – EVERYDAY – in the four walls of the store.  Every associate then can communicate the why and is motivated by it.  The associates then work or the How – how to get “the why” into reality – and the What – what happens to accomplish “the why” – the cause, purpose and belief.

I LOVE IT!

ROI – Return on Inspiration!

I would love to work in an environment where the purpose is well defined by the leader.  I’ll figure out a way to execute and achieve “the why” – and I’m sure you will too – once the leader…

Inspires!

(thanks to Joey Reiman for introducing this idea in his book "Purpose"

PJ Fleck

“I told you before, I’m not a head football coach to win. I’m here to produce win-ners, and I’m here to affect communities and serve the game as much as we can. That’s what our players have done all year. That’s why they’re a champion. Not because we have the best players. Not because we have the best coaches. Not because we have the best facilities. It’s truly because we have the best people. And it just goes to show the power of people. They were crazy enough to hire me, and then from there, I got people who were crazy enough to coach for me, and then we found players crazy enough to play for them and me, and to believe in this row-the-boat vision. And we’ve come a long way. Again, it’s for our community. It’s for the ’66 team, for the ’88 team, the ’16 team, past Broncos, current Broncos, future Broncos.