tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64573875976182630052024-02-20T01:37:42.287-08:00Leadership LessonsMichelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-60726239185286919372012-05-15T10:53:00.000-07:002012-05-15T10:53:05.601-07:00Integrity<span style="color: #fff2cc;">Integrity - <span id="hotword">adherence <span id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">moral</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">and</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">ethical</span> principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.</span></span><br />
<span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Sometimes when people are in the spotlight, the details are difficult to see. Like stage actors, their costumes may appear to be beautifully tailored, but in reality, may be hot-glued together.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Like a politician holding up family values, while taking care of a pregnant mistress.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Like a leader, recruiting for company B while dishonestly collecting a leadership check from company A.</span></span></span><br />
<span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">We put people on pedestals and sing their praises, but do we really know who they are? Do their actions really go with the hype?</span></span></span><br />
<span><span name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">If you are a leader, ask yourself, "Are my actions moral, ethical and honest?"</span></span></span>Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-76509543250816330022011-05-02T09:11:00.000-07:002011-05-02T09:11:11.959-07:00Wine into waterI came across an illustration (unfortunately I can't seem to find it again...) about a town that decided to celebrate by toasting together. Everyone was to bring their best bottle of wine to pour into one huge container to share. When it came time to celebrate, there was nothing but water in the container! Everyone thought that they could just bring water and it wouldn't be noticed when it was poured in with everyone else's wine.<br />
As part of a team, are you bringing your best wine? Or are you just bringing water? Are you relying on the rest of the team to make up for your lack?<br />
As a leader, are you bringing it? Or watering it down? Or just passing it along without contributing anything?<br />
Now, I am all for not "re-inventing the wheel", but you still have to bring something to the table. You can't just pass along information - an auto-responder can do that - no person necessary. You have to personalize it and make it relevant for you and your team. You even have to test it yourself - just because it plays on the coast doesn't mean it will be successful in the midwest.<br />
What is your team going to toast with? Wine or whine?Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-51846910850668254672011-04-20T13:44:00.000-07:002011-04-20T13:44:02.942-07:00April showersI love April showers.<br />
Wait, I mostly love April showers.<br />
Ok, I love the occasional warm, light shower maybe 2 or 3 times in April (as long as it doesn't mess up my plans).<br />
What I do enjoy is the fresh smell after a nice rain, the grass turning green, and the plants starting to bud and bloom after a long, cold winter.<br />
What I don't enjoy are the torrential rains, flooding, wet basements, satellite going out and changing plans.<br />
But here's the thing- the rains are going to come in the spring regardless of anything I do. But I can make a plan. I know the rains are coming, I just don't know how much. I can hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.<br />
Is your leadership like riverfront property? Each spring you start to sweat when the rains come down and the river rises? You get "closer to God" as the water inches toward your home and everything you own?<br />
Or do you anticipate the rain? Build your home above the flood stage? And not sweat the showers?<br />
Good leadership requires preparation - and a Plan B (maybe even Plan C). Enjoy the rain. Anticipate it. Even look forward to it. Because after the showers, come the flowers.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-68443192631137268932011-02-25T14:55:00.000-08:002011-02-25T14:55:40.003-08:00Light my FireI just finished reading a very insightful book "Opportunity Screams - Unlocking Hearts and Minds in Today's Idea Economy" by Tom Asacker. Of the many, many thought provoking ideas presented, one that struck home with me personally was about passion.<br />
I sell products (maybe you do, too). The products are great, but there are lots of similar items in the marketplace. My products will never be the cheapest. They will never be the most cutting edge. So what chance do I have to run a successful business? It's passion. It's what I believe that my products can bring to enhance the lives of my friends and family. It's how I help others improve how they see themselves and their lives.<br />
But, lately, the "cares of life" have gotten in the way of my personal passion for my products. Now, I still run a good business, and lead a great team. My passion for my team has never waned. But how much better could it be? How much more could there be if that passion were allowed to run wild? If the flame burned that much brighter?<br />
Have the cares of life dimmed your passion? Do you believe in your mission? Do you know what your mission is? Are you genuine? And authentic?<br />
What will it take to light your fire?Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-38256781859195763492011-02-14T12:11:00.000-08:002011-02-14T12:11:29.343-08:00It's about themOne of my leadership activities is being a business coach. I help others identify their goals and plan strategies to achieve their goals. Very often, the initial coaching goes something like this-<br />
"What are your goals?"<br />
"These are my goals."<br />
"What do you need to do to achieve these goals?"<br />
"I need to do a,b,c."<br />
"When do you want to have these goals achieved?"<br />
"By this date." And then off they go. OK- so there is more, but this boils it down to the essentials.<br />
Next coaching (after they have actually done some of the steps) sometimes goes like this-<br />
"No one will a or b."<br />
"What was their objection?"<br />
"I asked them to a or b for me, and they just said no."<br />
"What did you offer them?"<br />
"I offered them a or b and they said no."<br />
"What was in it for them?"<br />
"I didn't even get to tell them because they said no."<br />
"So why would they want a or b?"<br />
"Because... I don't really know..." Exactly!<br />
Leaders know that the best way to close the deal is to find the need, then fill the need.<br />
Are you just asking for a favor? Does what you want have anything to do with their decision? Will they just do what you tell them to do, because you told them to do it? (Oh, how I wish that were true!)<br />
You have to take <em>you</em> out of the equation. What do you have to offer them? Who's need can you fill? Do they really want or need what you are offering? By filling their needs, you will ultimately meet your goals. You will experience less rejection because you are not offering until you know if you have anything of value for them.<br />
Find their need. Fill their need. It's not about you, it's about them.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-80790532062421972132011-02-10T15:14:00.000-08:002011-02-10T15:14:39.299-08:00Have you just gotten lazy?The pace at which you can work at leadership has an ebb and flow. The seasons change in your personal life. Your business has peaks and valleys. Things just change.<br />
When your leadership is in a growth faze, you look for ways to streamline your activities. You delegate, you cut out some activities, you only work with your "A" people.<br />
So what happens when you're not growing? First, you catch your breath. You take a few minutes to rest. Then, do you hit the ground again? Or do you keep resting? Do you forget to do the things that put you into growth mode? Is the comfy couch, or other parts of life, just so much easier?<br />
Be a leader, or don't. But being a "lazy leader" is really just being a bad example.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-85644835454564197142011-02-06T19:33:00.000-08:002011-02-06T19:33:34.597-08:00What's holding you back?Several years ago, I heard a speaker talk about the "fear of success". The idea being that some people are afraid to really do well. Afraid others may think they have too much. Afraid of the fame, the money, the promotion. Really? I think most people would say, "bring it on!"<br />
I believe the majority of us are really afraid of failing. We may put things off until the last minute, so that if we don't meet a goal, we can blame our lack of time. We may rely heavily on others, so that if the other person fails, they can be blamed. It isn't our own fault that we don't succeed.<br />
Because what happens if we do give it our all?... and fail? Who wants to admit that they just don't measure up? That they failed? That they are responsible? That they gave it their all, and still didn't cut it?<br />
Good leaders do what they know should be done. Even when it's hard. Even when they're afraid. Most of the time. Do we occasionally hide our heads in the sand? Or try to avoid a difficult situation? Sure. The good ones just don't let it hold them back.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-57203687500608411042011-01-19T11:53:00.000-08:002011-01-19T11:53:27.837-08:00Head of the HouseMy husband is the head of our house. Now before you get your feathers ruffled or go all "women's lib" on me, let me explain my viewpoint.<br />
My husband knows he's the head of our house, because I told him he could be. I have no doubt that any decisions he makes for our family, take my best interests to heart. Does that mean that I don't make any decisions? Hardly. Anyone who personally knows me, knows that I make a ton of decisions. Does that mean that we always agree? Of course not. Sometimes, I even need to remind him of factors he may not have considered.<br />
Have you ever tried to "co-manage" or "co-chair" something? And either no one wants to make the final call, or both people want to make a different call? Isn't it frustrating? Have you ever noticed how much easier it is when one person takes the lead? And the other takes a supportive (but equally important) role? That's exactly why my husband is the head of our house.<br />
Having a good relationship with anyone takes 2 important steps: choice and compromise.<br />
Choice - we first need to carefully choose who we go into business with, who we make babies with (men and women), who we trust. All too often, we leave choice to "chance". Don't be afraid to ask tough questions. Taking extra time up front can save you a life-time of problems later. You have to be confident that the other person will live up to your expectations.<br />
Compromise - Once you've made a good choice, compromise can keep you in business. There are very few times that any decision is life or death. Extending an olive branch can go a long way toward a good relationship. Sometimes, it's nice not to be the one making all the decisions. It can be a lot of stress to handle the pressure alone.<br />
Will these 2 steps change the world? Probably not. But could slowing down and taking time to make good decisions and looking to the other person's point of view change <strong>your </strong>world? It might.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-88012716281661792062011-01-07T12:15:00.000-08:002011-01-23T08:30:05.173-08:00RulesI am a rule follower. I like rules. I think rules help to avoid a lot of problems. They provide clear expectations for appropriate behavior. They bring a certain civility to life.<br />
That being said, I think I'm a dying breed.<br />
Almost every day I see people breaking traffic laws (texting, running red lights, causing grid lock, speeding through school zones). These things are illegal and downright dangerous. And don't even get me started about how awful people are when dropping off and picking up at school.<br />
I have recently had conversation with a couple people who are dealing with bad employee behavior. The employees do not like some changes that have occured within their respective companies. (On a side note- companies often have to change due to economic or industry factors just to keep their doors open.)<br />
Instead of adjusting to the changes or forming a plan to make the changes work in their favor, they have chosen behaviors that are unethical and damaging to their company and, ultimately, themselves. Some of the actions include coming in late or leaving early (but not changing their time card), not waiting on customers in a timely matter, taking extended lunches & smoke breaks, trash talking their company, complaining to co-workers...the list just goes on.<br />
So what do they accomplish by breaking the rules their company has set? Customers will not want to frequent the business. Sales go down. Commissions go down. Morale goes down. Ultimately, the employee will quit and blame the company, or they will be fired for not doing the job they agreed to do (and blame the company).<br />
Do you not like your job? Then do something different! No one is holding a gun to your head. That may mean go do something else, or it may mean that you have to come to terms with the expectations and step up. Either way it is NOT okay to do a bad job or break the rules because you are not thrilled with the situation.<br />
"The time is always right, to do what is right." Martin Luther King, Jr.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-67451031118266357142010-12-17T10:24:00.000-08:002010-12-17T10:24:52.668-08:00When you lose a leadership titleSometimes it happens that you have been in a leadership position and then you're not. So then what? It kind of depends on why you no longer have your title...<br />
Perhaps you are moving on to another leadership role. Yay, you! Your job is to gracefully welcome the new leader as you move into your new position. You also need to let your team know how much you have valued them, and what a great asset they will be for the new leader. Be gracious and don't burn any bridges.<br />
Maybe you are retiring. This brings about many life changes. Try to focus on being able to devote your time only to those things that bring you joy. Yes, you may feel some loss. After all, your leadership title may have defined you for a very long time. But think of the possibilities! You have so many new opportunities open to you.<br />
Maybe you "lost" your leadership title. Sure you can sit and wallow and blame this or that, but what does that get you? You need to decide if you really want your leadership title back - enough to go do the things that got you there to begin with. Are you willing to be a leader, even without a title? Then the question is: "Are you a leader in title or action?"Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-29247222602227344712010-12-08T08:43:00.000-08:002010-12-08T08:43:43.818-08:00Stop with the insults.When did it become OK to insult others while we express our own opinions?<br />
I see it all the time- in politics, on television, and on the internet (especially on blogs).<br />
Don't get me wrong- I am all for standing up for what you believe in. But just because it's what you believe, doesn't mean it's what someone else believes, or what I believe, or that it's OK to bash people over the head.<br />
I've recently been following a couple of "hot" topics online. The group has some very valid concerns. The problem is that in the heat of the issue, several have resorted to personally insulting those that may have a differing opinion. They've all but said, "You're ugly and your mother dresses you funny". Just because someone doesn't agree with you, doesn't make them wrong (any more than it makes you right). Some have even reminded me of the "preacher" at the farmer's market, who stands on his soap box shouting at people that they are all going to hell. Seriously, who is he reaching with that message?<br />
We need to communicate our frustrations without personally attacking people with a different opinion. Discuss the issues, not the feelings. Offer a solution, not an insult. When you result to insults, you actually water down the point you are trying to make. You anger & frustrate others, and often alienate as many as you convince.<br />
STOP! Re-read before you hit "send". What is your post really saying?Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-27435255734589632952010-11-30T07:34:00.000-08:002010-11-30T07:34:55.965-08:00Bring it on!I have now officially attended my first cheer competition. I am already a veteran "dance mom", and there are some similarities between cheer and dance competitions (most notably the moms living vicariously through their children... but I digress). As I watched the competition, I could compare the teams as far as which ones stayed together, how many stunts were dropped, and whether I personally liked the choreography. I was at a loss, however, in comparing difficulties of skills. I knew that our team had a tough routine (so I had been told), but it was difficult for me to compare.<br />
I couldn't help but notice when a team dropped a stunt - it's like watching a skater hit the ice - it's hard to miss. Because I am familiar enough with the potential injuries that happen when a stunt falls out, I sat, not hoping for other teams to fail, but for our team to "hit" with greater difficulty. I wanted our team to win because they were the best, not because other teams had a rough day.<br />
I think many have forgotten this in real life.<br />
In politics, each party hopes for the other to fail, so that they look better. Instead of working together, they work against one another. The problem in that, is that we are still one country. When one party fails, the country fails. It used to be that once a president was elected, it didn't matter who you voted for, this was your president. You got behind him, supported him, because he was leading <em>your</em> country. Now, at any given time, about half the country is working against the president, or the party in the majority.<br />
In real life, you have got to understand that working with a team, a group, a family, with anyone - can accomplish so much more than struggling by yourself, or working against others.<br />
Win because you tried your hardest and did the best, not because others failed.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-50207967484181058152010-11-23T09:25:00.000-08:002010-11-23T09:25:15.842-08:00Psychic VampiresPsychic Vampires. Chances are you know at least one. You know who they are... the ones that are always complaining... always have some crisis happening... always in the middle of some kind of drama...<br />
Hopefully, you try to avoid these people at all cost (and hopefully, this is not you). But sometimes they are more difficult to avoid .<br />
With the holiday season upon us, I have just a few words of advice:<br />
1- Keep time with the Psychic Vampires short.<br />
2- Avoid "hot" buttons. Topics, old wounds, etc. that don't need to be brought up.<br />
3- Always have an escape route (whether that means another room, a walk outside, an errand to "pick up ice", or another obligation).<br />
4- Look for the good. Whether it's your health, that you have enough food, a warm place to be or that you can be together with the non-Psychic Vampires, ENJOY those things. Don't dwell on the crummy parts.<br />
And maybe a garlic necklace wouldn't hurt - that tends to keep everyone away!Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-37250486622360362922010-11-18T14:50:00.000-08:002010-11-18T14:50:24.283-08:00Plan B... Plan C..."The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." Robert Burns<br />
<br />
"Life is all about how you handle plan B." Suzy Toronto<br />
Leadership is all about how you handle plan C and D.<br />
<br />
We can plan. We can forecast. We can insure. We can control some things. But, stuff happens. For instance, just this week, I was part of a fantastic Holiday Open House event. There were displays, prizes, activities, food, etc. It was well attended, we had great feed back, we did solid business, but we had one "oops". We had planned for an additional activity. I had personally prepared much of the supplies. Somehow or another, part of the supplies didn't make it to the venue. What to do? Freak out? Try to put together more supplies at the last minute - during the event? We chose to let it go for this event. We put it away. Of course, we will try to re-work the supplies (when we find them). But we couldn't let one "oops" color what turned out to be a terrific event. And you know that others looked to me as to how to re-act. We were calm, cool and had a great time. Plan C.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-34240645877837393102010-11-09T12:03:00.000-08:002010-11-09T12:03:06.820-08:00Secret to leadershipThe secret to leadership is simple: Do what you believe in. Paint a picture of the future. Go there. People will follow. ~Godin<br />
<br />
Do you lead a company, a family, a church, a group of volunteers or a community? Do you believe in what you do?<br />
Do those you lead share your vision? Have you shared your vision? Can you share it clearly?<br />
Are you doing what you need to do, regardless? Even when it's hard? Even when no one is looking?<br />
<br />
Don't just talk the talk. Walk the walk. There's a difference between telling others what to do and inviting them along the journey with you.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-42565023104966980512010-11-04T07:47:00.000-07:002010-11-04T07:47:10.945-07:00Franchise opportunityAs I read several blogs and forums relating to direct sales, I'm fascinated by those who complain, complain, complain. They want something, they get it, but they want it different. They sign on to a company, but don't like how the company dictates this or that.<br />
Direct sellers - imagine you owned a franchise... let's say "Subway" (Subway is a registered trademark & only being used as an example). You have your location with the pretty sign, all of your food is purchased through your company, you have a fairly standard menu and you get to choose to participte in national advertising and pricing. And, you have to sell a significant number of sandwiches to retain your franchise.<br />
As a customer, I know that I can walk into any Subway and get a BMT that tastes almost identical to any BMT I purchase at any other location. I know what I'm getting.<br />
So what if Subway franchise owners put the name on the door but didn't follow franchise rules?<br />
As a customer, I may have a bad experience and never go back to any Subway. Maybe 1 Subway offers cheesecake, and then I'm disappointed with the others who don't. Maybe my BMT has half the meat, or a different combination of meats, or uses a different supplier, so I don't know what quality I'm getting. Maybe my sandwich is on plain, sliced white bread (horror!).<br />
As the franchise owner, why would I stray from the plan? Would I try to do my own tv ads, knowing that I can't use the trademark in them (even if I don't care for Jarrod)? Would I put my sandwiches on Ebay or Craig's list - calling it "catering" - even though my agreement says it must be done through my store? Is it "fair" for the company to not allow me to deviate from the plan? What if the franchise owners request cheese soup for the menu, Subway provides it, but complain because they wanted "Wisconsin" cheese soup? Because I don't like something does it make it OK for me to not honor my (legal) agreement?<br />
I have 2 thoughts:<br />
1- The company invests a lot of time, money, study & effort to provide franchisees with a quality product and plan. They need to protect their brand to ensure consistency throughout their company. Do they sometimes have a bad idea? Sure. I've seen the menu change quite a bit over the years. Do they have shipping problems? More than once, my sandwich has missed tomatoes (or lettuce) due to shortages nationally, shipping problems (high gas prices) or just over-selling the product ordered. How arrogant, or ignorant, would someone be to think that they could do everything better than a huge team providing them with their franchise opportunity? And how much more work would it be?<br />
2- If you're so much smarter (better, faster) why aren't you running your own company?Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-6392175440910755052010-10-26T05:41:00.000-07:002010-10-26T05:41:21.170-07:00Job fairAt a recent event, it was my job to greet and check everyone in. This was a scrapbook event where I also get to be the MC. To add some fun, I was wearing blue fairy wings and blue "Cindy Lou Who" hair extensions. Across the street from our event, was a job fair.<br />
Now picture a man in a shirt & tie, about 40ish, looking me up and down and slowly asking, "Is this the job fair?" Really? Did he think I was the job fairy? Although we do have some great opportunities available, you could see that he was relieved when I told him that the job fair he was looking for was across the street.<br />
What a difference a few words make. Had he asked, "Could you direct me to the job fair?" or simply, "Where is the job fair?" it would not have seemed so absurd.<br />
Think about how you phrase things. Think before you speak. E-mails & texts give you the opportunity to stop and review what you are saying (although without conveying emotion or tone).<br />
In one of the current political ads running (I am not endorsing anyone here), a man states that his representative fought "tooth & tongue" for his situation. Isn't that supposed to be "tooth & nail"? Did the representative lick the bad guys into submission?<br />
Have you ever mixed up a metaphor? Let your mouth get ahead of your brain?<br />
Feel free to share. I'd hate to think that I'm the only one. Oh - and the guy looking for the job fair.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-18189999813847975372010-10-25T09:15:00.000-07:002010-10-25T16:26:14.414-07:00Price vs. valueEverything has a price. Now before you dismiss this topic as one only for direct sellers, think about the services you and others pay for, or the personal cost of time, if you lead volunteers or family.<br />
So let's talk about the cheapest price. Is it you? Is your product or service the cheapest around? Chances are "no".<br />
So what do you sell besides price? Anything? How about your response time? Your customer service? Your personal attention? Your time-savings? Your dependability? Your personal commitment? Your VALUE?<br />
You will never win on price (unless you're the size of WalMart).<br />
Look at your VALUE. What do you offer that makes price less important? You've got to know what you have to offer besides the cheapest price or you'll end up closing up shop.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-70726725811284485812010-10-13T09:56:00.000-07:002010-10-13T09:56:32.688-07:00What does your sign say?I've been reading a blog by media guru Jen Fong (<a href="http://www.jenfongspeaks.com/">http://www.jenfongspeaks.com/</a>) who used a quote yesterday by Mary Kay Ash …"picture everyone with a sign around their necks saying ‘Make me feel important.'" In it, Jen encourages leaders to friend their teams on Facebook. This can help leaders keep connected to their teams and gives opportunity to offer support & recognition in a most timely way.<br />
So it made me think... What signs do you see?<br />
"I'm confused."<br />
"Do you even know my name?"<br />
"Spinning my wheels."<br />
"Losing my enthusiasm."<br />
Replace every one of those signs with "Make me feel important." Then do it.<br />
And don't think you're off the hook because no one seems to see <strong>your</strong> sign. All the more reason to do it. You can look at it as "pay it forward" or just what you're supposed to do. But do it.<br />
What do you do for others to make them feel important?Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-82267580167081112072010-10-08T10:51:00.000-07:002010-10-08T10:51:22.835-07:00This too shall passHave you ever thought about how a small action can create a huge (and sometimes unexpected) reaction?<br />
Take a moment to watch this video by OK Go, "This Too Shall Pass". It clearly illustrates this point.<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qybUFnY7Y8w</a><br />
Pretty cool, huh?!<br />
So much happened because of one push... or did it? Imagine the preparation that went into this video. Imagine the testing of props (did you notice the pile of crashed televisions in the background?). Imagine how many times things didn't work. Imagine the team effort required to ultimately achieve this feat.<br />
What would your video look like, right now?<br />
A few dominos falling over?<br />
Maybe a few coordinated events?<br />
Dusty dominos that were knocked down some time ago?<br />
A blank screen?<br />
Whatever is holding you back - this too shall pass. Help it along. Set up your dominos. Knock them down. Do it, again. Add some more.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-46877180462340022072010-10-06T11:06:00.000-07:002010-10-06T11:06:25.308-07:00One thingHave you ever been in a slump? Maybe the market is down, your industry has changed, your company is having "issues" or you've had personal changes (birth, death, divorce, move, etc...). Whatever the reason, you've been in a hole and you just can't seem to get out.<br />
It can take just one thing to turn everything around. Oh- you want to know what that "one thing" is? Sorry- there is no magic answer because it's different for everyone. In business, it tends to be an increase in productivity. You're starting to meet some people, schedule appointments and you can see that things are starting to happen (even if you're not reaping the rewards, yet). Several years ago, as a realtor, I heard it said that "Realtors don't die, they just become listless." That same thing applies to most business. People with appointments on their calendars don't quit. They just don't.<br />
What do you need to do to fill your calendar? Do calls not seem to be working? Get out where your customers are. Meet other professionals in your field and network to see where they are meeting people. Meet professionals in a sideline field. You may have information you can both share and benefit from.<br />
Does that "one thing" solve everything? No. But it can help propel you to the next "one thing" and the next... and the next.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-76639185339925537682010-09-28T10:03:00.000-07:002010-09-28T10:03:36.104-07:00Ike DitzenbergerIke Ditzenberger is like a lot of other 17-year-old American football players. He dreams of playing college football. He attends daily practices. Most of the time he toils away in offensive drills. Then, on rare occasions, Ditzenberger runs into the limelight with aplomb. The description could fit thousands of American teenagers, except for one crucial detail: Ike Ditzenberger has Down Syndrome.<br />
<a href="http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/Down-syndrome-football-player-scores-TD-in-Washi?urn=highschool-272803">http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/blog/prep_rally/post/Down-syndrome-football-player-scores-TD-in-Washi?urn=highschool-272803</a><br />
<br />
As a leader, you may have several "Ikes" on your team. People who may not have all the skills, but their heart is in what they do. They are not your starters, your star quarterbacks, but they are there every day, with their equipment on.<br />
A coach alone cannot make a moment like this happen. But he has tremendous influence over the team that rallies around this young man. And in the course of how this team supports Ike, a rival team allowed him to have his moment to shine. And as all these young men showed such kindness, every one who watches this truly tender moment cannot help but be touched by the generosity and character of these teams.<br />
Your question then is, will you rally your team to support the non-all star players, or will you keep "Ike" on the bench?Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-57255573628278175872010-09-27T10:31:00.000-07:002010-09-27T10:31:15.887-07:00Sour milkConsider for a moment that your product is milk. You may be in direct sales, retail sales, ministry or work with volunteers... but today your product is milk.<br />
Now, people can buy milk in lots of places- grocery stores, convenience marts, superstores, etc. Where they purchase may be based on convenience, price, loyalty to good service, or another personal connection. That doesn't mean that they may occasionally pick up milk somewhere else. Or that they won't change where they pick up milk at some point.<br />
But, what happens when someone picks up milk that's spoiled?<br />
Some people are just annoyed, throw it away, and never think twice about it.<br />
Some will return the milk and make sure the new one is fresh.<br />
Some will stop buying milk at that particular location, thinking that one location is not staying on top of things.<br />
Some will stop shopping at that chain of stores, thinking that there must be a problem at the distribution level. That maybe their company is not putting out quality products.<br />
And some may stop drinking milk all together. Imagine a thirsty athlete who pours a big glass of milk and starts chugging... getting halfway through the glass before tasting the sour flavor and unappetizing texture... ick! He may not drink another glass of milk for quite a long time. And when he does, he will be much more cautious before taking a drink.<br />
How does this apply to your situation? The sour milk may or may not have been your fault, but chances are, it effected your bottom line. Maybe you even know where the sour milk is coming from, is there some way you can improve the situation? No matter how far removed you are from the sour milk, you still sell milk.<br />
How many people heard about that one gallon of sour milk? People almost never talk about the fresh milk they picked up, but will shout from the rooftop if they bought sour milk. One gallon can effect your business, your relationships, your image, your INDUSTRY.<br />
Keep it fresh.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-9389439039122273822010-09-23T05:26:00.000-07:002010-09-23T05:26:14.116-07:00Don't get your panties in a bunchHave you been in your leadership position for so long that you are surrounded by "yes" men? No matter what you say, or do, no one really challenges you? There are a couple of possibilities...<br />
1- You have been surrounded by the same people for too long. The same people, doing the same things, the same way, blah blah blah... That means it's time to shake things up, get some "new blood" around you.<br />
2- You have separated yourself from the "new blood". You may feel that you've done your time, that new people cannot possibly have an informed opinion, and how would they have any idea what it is that you do, anyway? You've been in this leadership position for years (maybe decades) and who are they to question your authority?<br />
You are missing opportunity.<br />
When you lead new people, they bring a fresh perspective. They want to know what you do to be successful. They bring their own set of skills and resources to the table that can be a huge asset to your organization.<br />
If you have not been working and growing as a leader for a while - maybe you've been coasting on past success - this can get uncomfortable. All of a sudden, you're being challenged and questioned and you might realize that you haven't been practicing what you preach. It makes you squirm.<br />
Instead of getting your panties in a bunch, take a look from that new perspective. You may just find that getting your feathers ruffled actually pushes you to be a better leader. It can be your opportunity to grow and bring others along side you. And, it's got to be better than walking around with a wedgie.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6457387597618263005.post-89834390138575919962010-09-21T06:06:00.000-07:002010-09-21T06:06:46.627-07:00Tennis shoe leadershipIt's been said before, but Nike popularized the saying "just do it". Don't over think it, don't procrastinate, just do it. No excuses, put on your shoes, just do it.<br />
You're a leader. What are you modeling? Just do it.<br />
Quit making excuses, there are action steps you need to take, just do it.<br />
Are you still reading? Get up. Just do it.Michelle Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03703245596900827658noreply@blogger.com0