Sinek, the author of Start With Why, provides a deep look into what creates the most effective teams and more importantly, what keeps them working together, even during the most difficult of times.

This is one of those books that will take you a little bit longer to read because so many thoughts require you to take another look, just to make sure you understood the power behind them.  A phenomenal effort by Sinek, Leaders Eat Last not only looks at the dynamic of the team but of the individuals that make up that team.

What really sets this book apart is Sinek’s unique look at why some people make good leaders and others don’t and the “why” behind the results they get.  In this post, the final of four, I will attempt to capture the basic thoughts of the eight parts of the book.

PART 7:  A SOCIETY OF ADDICTS

AT THE CENTER OF ALL OUR PROBLEMS IS US – A very enlightening chapter that explains a lot about some of the cultural problems we are facing and how they translate into the way we lead.  Our desire for immediate gratification has taken many of us off our A-game.  

Sinek makes a great observation when he says, “Leadership is about taking responsibility for lives and not numbers.  Managers look after our numbers and our results and leaders look after us.”  Seems like we currently have a shortage of leaders.

AT ANY EXPENSE – The demand for results, and achieving them now, has thrown us completely out of balance.  Dopamine is a good thing when taken in moderation.  Unfortunately, the recognition for achievement had created an addiction that is as contagious as the plague.  

I have to go back to one of the statements I made in an earlier post.  We have moved from a collaborative to a competitive culture and the desire, and demand, to keep up with the Jones’ has resulted in a somewhat overlooked epidemic of dopamine addiction.

THE ABSTRACT GENERATION – This chapter really hit home for me.  I have often described Generation Y as the entitlement generation.  I don’t know that I would go back on that statement entirely, but I do have a very different perspective after listening to what “Simon says.”

Our culture of immediate gratification has created a generation that expects things to happen now – so why wouldn’t they expect that?  The difference is that I understand more of the why behind their actions and attitude and realize that success will not come from changing them, but from embracing them and using the strengths they do bring to the table.

PART 8:  BECOMING A LEADER

STEP 12 – An interesting comparison the the alcoholics anonymous 12 step approach to recovery.  The great point made by Sinek here is that service is the key to breaking the dopamine addictions in our organizations.  Serving puts the real focus back on the people and not on the numbers and the interesting thing is that focusing on the people has actually shown to produce the numbers.

SHARED STRUGGLE – This was a great chapter!  The idea is that we ultimately perform our best when we are backed into a corner and have no other choice than to depend on those around us to get through the current challenge.  The power of working collectively as a team, sharing in the struggle, has a special way of bringing out the best in us.  Oxytocin anyone?

WE NEED MORE LEADERS – How about this gem from Sinek: “Leadership is not a license to do less; it is a responsibility to do more.”  We have lots of “leaders” in our lives, unfortunately not all of them are leading.

Sinek continues to finish strong, suggesting that leadership is about “committing to the well-being of those in our care and having the willingness to make sacrifices to see their interests advanced so that they may carry our banner long after we are gone.”  And then closes the book with what I consider a very powerful “call to action” for all of us …

LET US ALL BE THE LEADERS WE WISH WE HAD

– Simon Sinek (TWEET THIS)

We were honored to have Simon join The Platform Builders on a call this week as we wrapped up our mastermind study on the book.  All I can say is WOW!  He added so much value to our tribe in just a short while.  One golden pearl of wisdom and inspiration after another.  There will several takeaways but I will leave you today with this one, “True fulfillment comes from serving those that serve others.”  (Tweet This)

That statement came along with the story of his trip home from Afghanistan on a Military flight in which he shared the back end of the plane for nine hours accompanied by only the flag draped casket of a fallen soldier.  His reflection … “You want to talk about a life impacting experience that puts things in perspective!”  We still have much to hear from Mr. Sinek and I for one, can’t wait!

• Click here to read part 1
• Click here to read part 2
• Click here to read part 3

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Barry Smith  3/28/14   photo courtesy of amazon   © Building What Matters 2014

The post Leaders Eat Last – Part 4; Serving Those That Serve Others appeared first on BUILDING WHAT MATTERS.COM.

I’m not big into playing the blame game, but because I am in the group that I hold partially responsible for the predicament we are in, I will go ahead and bring it up.  If you are in your 40’s or 50’s, you (we) may have dropped the ball when it comes to the influence we had on the 20 and 30 somethings.

Admittedly I am speaking in broad generalities here, but nonetheless, somebody fell short in teaching leadership skills to the millennials and seeing how we raised them, I guess that makes it us.  Enough said on that, it’s time to look forward and not back.

In my travels to Orlando and Las Vegas over the last three weeks, I encountered two 22 year olds that really impressed me.  This will be a two part post to introduce you to a couple of kids (I can say that because my own kids are 21 and 23) that proved to me that we will indeed, have some solid individuals taking care of us one day.

Sometimes I just walk and think.

Let me introduce you to Ben.  Ben works as a server at the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas.  My wife Michelle, was in some classes so I decided to do what I sometimes do, go walk and think.  If you ever have been on the Las Vegas strip, you know how hard it can be to think.  I decided to stop and get some lunch and Hard Rock seemed to be as good of a choice as any.

I got seated and then this younger guy comes over to me and sits down at my table and says “Hi, I’m Ben, what can I get for you.”  His demeanor alone, told me that he was an A game player.  Very self confident and looked me right in the eye when he spoke to me.  You don’t always see that anymore.

He made me feel like I was the only guy in the place.

He was busy, but made it a point to check in on me every time he went by my table.  I was by myself and I am sure he knew that I was not going to be a big ticket item in his section, but he continued to treat me like I was the only guy sitting out on the patio.  I am alwys intrigued by these young “go-getters” and I struck up a conversation with him.  I wanted to know what made this guy tick.

Turns out that his family had a restaurant back in New York that he started working at when he was 16.  Seven months ago he headed west in search of among other things, some nicer weather.  I asked how he got such a good job so quickly being a newbie in town and his response told the whole story.

He had filled out the on-line application for Hard Rock but knew that a face-to-face meeting could make a bigger difference in getting the job.  He intentionally wandered  into Hard Rock one day and was able to speak with a manager.  The manager was immediately impressed and he had his second interview during the same visit.

Shortly thereafter, he was invited for a third interview and a week later was going through orientation.  So what is the point of all this?  Well to me, it’s pretty simple.  Ben decided to happen to life and not wait for life to happen to him.  (Tweet This)  I wonder how many other applications sat on a hard drive while the applicants sat on their couch waiting for a call.

I will never forget that meal.

Ben said he loves the interaction with his customers as much as any part of his job and his actions definitely supported that.  I think most would agree that going out to eat is more about the experience than the meal and Ben made mine memorable.

At only 22, I asked him what he wanted to eventually do, what were his big aspirations?  His response; he wants to eventually get into fine dining.  I didn’t think about it at the time but I would guess it is partially because he will have the opportunity to make someone’s night out a memorable experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

My guess – Ben will be exceeding expectations in some really nice dining establishment someday and probably sooner than later.  Ben was one of those individuals that you can just tell will achieve his dreams.  Ben, at 22, was leading by example in his respective industry, and making a difference in the lives of those he serves.

THE QUESTION:  Do you have clarity on what it is that you want to achieve?

THE CHALLENGE:  Do something today that will get you one step closer to reaching that dream.

Later this week I will introduce you to Stephanie, who works in the world’s largest Marriott.

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The post Raising The Bar For Generation Y – Part 1 appeared first on BUILDING WHAT MATTERS.COM.

This month we are masterminding through The Men Who Built America, a DVD produced by the History Channel along with Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill to compliment the mini-series built around some of the great early leaders and entrepreneurs that help build the United States into a world power at the end of the 19th Century.

If you don’t know the back story on how these two connect together, Napoleon Hill was commissioned by Andrew Carnegie to study the most successful people and find out what resulted in their success.  The men who built America were among many of the 20,000+ that Hill interviewed over the twenty year period it took him to write the book.

This month we are going take a look at Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, JP Morgan and Henry Ford.  In this, the final of four posts, we will take a look at Henry Ford.

Ford set himself apart from the other men who built America buy focusing his efforts on the people.  He paid twice the average wage and wanted the average working man to be able to afford an automobile.  Amazed at how machines worked, Ford used his vision to transform the auto industry.

So how did a man that began his business career under the challenges of poverty, illiteracy, and ignorance become “one of the men who built America?”

I Think I Can, I Think I Can, I Think I Can

AUTOSUGGESTION

“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right!” – Henry Ford

Ford Motor Company was actually Ford’s third automobile venture.  The first two failed miserably yet Ford refused to give up.  He continued to believe that he could successfully manufacture automobiles at a profit and at the same time, do what no one else had done, make them affordable.  His vision was strong enough to become reality.  He refused to give in to negative talk and literally convinced himself that it could be done through the power of autosuggestion.

1+1=3 … Sometimes More

POWER OF THE MASTERMIND

“If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person’s point of view and see things from that person’s angle as well as from your own.” – Henry Ford

Ford’s most outstanding achievements began when he formed acquaintances with Harvey Firestone, John Burroughs, and Luther Burbank, well known thought leaders at that time.  Ford realized that not only could he gain knowledge from spending time with big thinkers but the interaction in itself, was increasing his ability to retain information and think better himself.

If Only I Would Have Known Before It Was Too Late!

SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

“Coming together is the beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” – Henry Ford

Ford had great vision but lacked the knowledge, in multiple areas, to make his vision a reality.  What Ford did know, was that by surrounding himself with the right people – the people that had that knowledge, he could achieve anything he wanted.  He continued to do this throughout his career and when faced with the issue of not knowing, simply found someone who had the specialized knowledge he was looking for and added them to his team.

Napoleon Hill said; “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” (Tweet This / Share on Facebook / Post to LinkedIn)

Hill was right, our success will come from continuous effort and struggle.  The difference comes in how we take on the struggle.  Ford found ways to reduce the struggle by bringing those to his team that could provide the “right” kind of effort.

Here is an important question:  Are you trying to do it all on your own or are you enlisting the help of others through collaborative relationships?  The answer might just predict your success or failure in that endeavor.  Who can you add to your team that will take you to the next level?

• Click here to read Part 1 on Andrew Carnegie
• Click here to read Part 2 on Thomas Edison
• Click here to read Part 3 on JP Morgan

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One of my favorite is “The Santa Clause” starring Tim Allen.  There is a scene in the movie where Allen is at the North Pole and tells one of the elves; “I see it, but I don’t believe it.”  She replies; “You’re missing the point, seeing isn’t believing, believing is seeing.”

I have seen so many blogs written about goal setting and New Year’s resolutions.  Hey, nothing wrong with that and most of them if applied and followed will no doubt, net positive results.  I want to put a little different spin on it.

I think that most people fail at reaching their goals because they need to see them to believe them.  What is we believed they would come true before even beginning that “Day 1” activity.  I don’t know if this is true or not but I have heard one of my mentors refer to January 10th as National Quit Day.  The average day that most people quit their New Year’s Resolutions.

For the sake of this post, I will assume this is true.  Why do most people quit less than two weeks into what they saw as their goal for the new year?  Simple, if you buy what I am selling – they have not seen any change and therefore don’t believe it will come true.  End of story!

I am taking a little different approach this year.  I have my goals and a plan to achieve them, but I have simply accepted the fact that they will happen.  This may sound a little far fetched and that’s OK.  My mentor John Maxwell, once told me that; “What other people are saying about you is none of your business.”  Good advice as far as I am concerned.

So I am sure you would like to know how this works.  Well, here is my take.  I have been working hard on building my business for over two years and I am seeing the results of doing the things that required believing before seeing.  I am not going to pretend that my own self-limiting beliefs have not taken me to some lows along the way, but I do believe.

I know that there will always be bad with the good, but accepting that allows me to move past the challenges knowing that they will always exist.  Believing that good will happen and then watching it happen reinforces my belief that this will be my best year ever.

If you think about it, there are many things in life that really require believing before seeing.  Things like love, joy, peace and happiness.  Really, put this to the test – if you get up in the morning believing that you are going to have a great day, you will.  If you wait to see something good happen before you put a smile on your face … well, good luck with that!

“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” – Henry Ford (Tweet This / Share on Facebook)

My hope for you today, and really the rest of this year, is that you can find some truth in the idea that believing is seeing.  So a simple question for you to ponder today; “What do you believe will happen this year?”  

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The post Believing Is Seeing – What Do You Believe 2014 Holds For You? appeared first on BUILDING WHAT MATTERS.COM.

This manifesto is the result of thoughts and concepts compiled over the last two years and that were used in creating my 5 Pillars of Influential Leadership.

In everything that I do, I try and add value and provide a way forward.  This manifesto provides a teaching technique similar to that which I used earlier this year in Guatemala with the John Maxwell Organization.  I was part of a team of about 150 coaches that trained over 20,000 Guatemalan leaders in the areas of leadership and personal growth.  We literally watched a Nation change that week and I want you to have this same opportunity!

Back to the definition.  I would like to better describe the “why” behind this manifesto based on the definition above.

A PUBLIC DECLARATION OF INTENTIONS

Clearly publishing a document on Amazon makes it public, but I would like to better address my intentions.  The intent of this manifesto is to provide a resource that is user friendly and easily put into use by following simple instructions and guidelines.  This manifesto is intended to be used by anyone that is currently facing any number of the challenges that I have identified.  It can be used one time or numerous times depending on the needs, desires and commitment of the reader.

OPINIONS

We all know about “opinions.”  I would rather describe my opinions as thoughts based on my personal experiences over the past 48 years on this earth, 30 plus years in the business world, 26 years of marriage, and as the father of two sons currently attending college.  I have drawn conclusions (ok – opinions) based on my experiences and trust me, I have had as many bad as good.  My hope is that you can learn from these experiences.

OBJECTIVES

My objective is simple.  To provide a tool that you can use to improve your personal or professional life.  Ideally, this would include your friends, family and your team at work.  I have seen this work!  It is important to know that this manifesto will not solve your problems or eliminate the challenges that you are currently facing.  That has to come from you.  This manifesto will however, provide you a way to accomplish that.

MOTIVES

My motive is also simple.  As stated before, this works.  I have used this in my own life to move the needle.  To improve my attitude.  To overcome adversity.  To not only change my circumstances, but change myself.  Have you ever had something you thought was really cool and you couldn’t stand the thought of keeping it to yourself?  You just had to share it with others.  Well, that’s what I am doing.  I want you to have it and use it.  My compensation is knowing that it made a difference in your life and hopefully in the lives of those around you. If you feel inclined, an amazon review would be much appreciated.

No up-sell or hidden agenda here.  I simply want you to experience the success that I have using this.  I encourage you to share it with as many people as you can.  There are no additional things to buy and you don’t even need to go anywhere.  Although it has been framed to be used in a group setting, the principles also apply to an individual.  So go on, check it out.  Trust me, you have everything to gain and really nothing to lose.

A very simple challenge today:  CLICK HERE

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Click here to listen to the encore presentation as John Maxwell shares how to “Influence through Connecting”

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Rarely do I read a book in which I am not familiar with the author or the content.  In the case of Give and Take, I’m glad I did.  Grant has taken a very unique look at the difference between givers and takers and how different paths lead to different results.

This will be the final of three posts in which I will briefly summarize each of the nine chapters.  Grant suggests that most people fall into one of two categories; givers and takers.  Matchers are the in-between group and operate on the principal of fairness and strive to preserve an equal balance of giving and getting.

CHUMP CHANGE – Overcoming The Doormat Effect

In chapter seven, Grant shows how to avoid the three major traps that plague many givers in relating with other people: being too trusting, too empathetic, and too timid.  He describes how to avoid these risks and overcome them by acting less selfless and more otherish.

Speaking from my own shortcomings, always seeing the good in people even when it resulted in making the wrong decision, I can see how by doing this we can become doormats.  We believe that at heart, people are good or are trying to do good.  Unfortunately, this is not always true.

In short, we can be givers but at the same time be assertive for what we believe will improve ourselves in the effort to become better givers.  Thus we can work on our own forward movement while still maintaining a giver’s attitude.

THE SCROOGE SHIFT – Why a Soccer Team, a Fingerprint, and a Name Can Tilt Us in the Other Direction

Did the chapter subtitle get your attention?  Chapter eight has Grant telling a few stories showing how takers begin to change when they see how giving can make a difference.

This can happen when the givers and takers meet on common ground, such as a soccer field. There is a sense of community when we hold common interests in each other.  That common interest can actually create a shift in the takers when “giving” will benefit the community they belong to.

Not enough room to share the entire concept here but this I know; the Reciprocity Ring can be a real life changer.  What’s a Reciprocity Ring?  C’mon now, I know I should be generous, but I can’t give everything away!

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

Grant closes the book by restating the idea that if you “focus attention and energy on making a difference in the lives of others, success might follow as a by-product.”  He has definitely proven his point.

He sums it up like this (at least from the perspective of a giver); “Whereas takers view success as attaining results that are superior to others’ and matchers see success in terms of balancing individual accomplishments with fairness to others, givers are inclined to characterize success as individual achievements that have a positive impact on others.”

This book has really opened my eyes to the logic that sits behind our “giving.”  These three chapters have shown how there is still hope for the takers in the world.  Grant asserts that most of us are matchers which has helped me come to the conclusion that the real difference makers in this world we live in are the Self-Confident Givers.

This is just me theorizing from my takeaways from the book but I believe the givers that suffer from low self esteem are likely to be the doormats while the self-confident givers are the ones that will become more otherish and succeed.  Just a thought!

I am going to stick with the same question I had last week.  Why?  Because I think you might just answer it a little more intentional this week – “What are you currently doing to empower those around you and what are you doing that tell them that you believe in them?”  It will be the self-confident givers that take you and your team to the next level.

• click here and take The Give And Take Assessment.
• Click here to read Part 1
• Click here to read Part 2

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The post Give And Take – Part 3: Even Takers Can Be Generous appeared first on BUILDING WHAT MATTERS.COM.

I have had the blessing of hearing John Maxwell speak during each of the last three days and one of the things he talked about was the idea that when opportunity knocks it’s too late to prepare.

I have heard that before and I have written about it before and the essence is that we need to be ready when opportunity knocks, so invest your time wisely and in the things that you spend your money on.

That’s good advice and the concept has been part of my thought process in planning my days.  Where you invest your time and where you spend your money are going to directly correlate to your level of success.

Seeing an opportunity and acting on it went to a new level for me today.  After John Maxwell opened today’s event in Orlando, Nick Vujicic took the stage.  If you are not familiar with Nick, he is the young Australian man born with no arms and no legs.

I have read his book Unstoppable and watched several of his you tube videos that have been viewed by millions.  But to see Nick live was an experience I will never forget. Nick’s passion to make a difference in the lives of others is unbelievable.

A guy who tried to take his own life at the age of 10, Nick now travels the globe under the mantra of “no limbs, no limits” sharing his story of overcoming what most would consider insurmountable odds, to inspiring changes that are impacting millions to overcome theirs.

What sort of opportunities do you think a person with no arms and no legs had before Nick saw his?  Last time I checked, I don’t remember anyone with no arms and no legs in our history books.

Clearly history is being made with the movement that Nick has created.  Nick’s first book, Life Without Limits, really sums up my new thoughts on opportunity.

I see it like this; if a man born with no limbs can create a platform that has already reached over a billion people and whose story has changed entire cultures, who are we to think that there is any limit on what we can achieve!

I have some new thoughts on preparing for opportunity and it goes something like this: If you have the ability to do something that you have never done before, in a place you’ve never been before with people you’ve never met before (just like Nick does several times a week) then you probably have the ability to do just about anything.

The challenge comes from seeing the opportunity.  My previous thoughts about being prepared for opportunity were structured around reading constructive material and spending time with people that can lift you up.  I still think those are important, but I have added something new to my list.

What about preparing by removing the limitations that you have about your potential and what you can do.  Do you really think your limits are greater than what Nick has faced?  My friend, mentor, and the President of the John Maxwell Team, Paul Martinelli, occasionally claims to be an assassin of limiting beliefs.  I can tell you first hand he is and eliminating some of those beliefs has changed my life.

What are the limiting beliefs in your life?  Why do you believe they are true?  Because someone told you they are?  Do you think anyone ever told Nick he couldn’t …?

It was an amazing day for me that also included hearing Les Brown on stage and Les says there is greatness in all of us.  I think he is right, but the majority of us will never reach out potential because of the self limiting beliefs that hold us back.

A loaded question for you today – “What are the limiting beliefs that are holding you back from seizing that opportunity that you have been missing?  There is greatness within you, and it’s time for you to start living it out!

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Among several significant points, Treasurer brings home the idea that to be an influential leader, we must influence the opportunities that others are provided.  When we use the resources that we have to create opportunities for others, “open doors” if you will, we are setting an example of what great leaders do.  They develop more leaders.

Simple in concept, but deep in execution, opening doors for ourselves, others and our organization result in growth and success.

Treasurer starts the book off with a brilliant example of the wisdom found in the words of a child.  He tells the story of his five year old son sharing his excitement of being the class leader that day.

Of course Dad wanted to know all about it “… what did you get to do as the class leader?” In the words that could only mean the world to a five year old, “I got to open doors for people!”  Treasurer sums up the backbone of the book by stating “In a matter of fifteen seconds, with seven simple words, Ian clarified what’s most important about leadership.”

The idea behind this book is brilliant.  We all know that most people, when asked, want more than just a paycheck from their job.  They want an opportunity.  Treasurer gives five basic elements behind the opportunities that workers are expecting:

• growth and personal development
• career fulfillment and enrichment
• acquisition of new skills
• financial gain and other rewards, and
• greater access to leadership roles

My take on this is that leaders need to create an environment that is conducive to opportunity.  As he describes it … “Open-door leadership is about noticing, identifying, and creating opportunities for those being led.”

John Maxwell met with the government officials of Guatemala earlier this year and asked the President this question, “Will your people be better off after you leave office than they were when you took office?”  I would add that creating opportunities is not only open-door leadership, but transformational leadership as well.

If I had to choose one quote from this book to share it would be this.  Treasurer is making the point that opportunity should be the focus of leaders and that opportunity attracts and excites employees more than problems do.  He states, “Leaders would be better served to talk about what get’s them up in the morning instead of what keeps them up at night.”

That statement in itself is worth ten times the price of the book.  How often do we focus on the problems that keep us up at night?  I am not just talking about our professional lives, but our personal lives as well.  What if our focus was on the opportunities that are in front of us?

Far too many takeaways from this book to try and squeeze into a single post but I will share one more thought and leave the rest of the reading up to you.  Treasurer makes the point that people want to know that you care.  Are you telling those you lead that you care by the way you lead them?

Treasurer makes this comment, “You know that people aren’t just “resources”; they are the coach of the local soccer club, lay minister at the church, active alumna at the state college, recently widowed husband to a wife who died after a long battle with breast cancer, and father to three heart broken kids.”

So I leave you with this question today; “What is the value of providing an opportunity to someone that only you have the power to provide?”  Remember, someone may be asking themselves that question about you someday.

One final thought … Read this book!

To find out more on Bill Treasurer and Giant Leap Consulting click here

For more on “Leaders Open Doors” click here

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The post Leaders Open Doors – What Opportunities Are You Creating? appeared first on BUILDING WHAT MATTERS.COM.

If you have been following me for a while, you probably know that I transitioned from a 30 year career in Construction to become a coach, speaker, trainer and author focused on Communication, Growth and Leadership.

Part of the reason I chose this change was because I want to create a legacy that will be remembered and I want to make a difference “that makes a difference.”  One way to do that is to be a FRED.

My wife and I recently took a trip to Oahu to visit our oldest son Scott, who will be graduating from the University of Hawaii in December.  On the flight over I read Mark Sanborn’s “The Fred Factor” and on the return flight finished the sequel, “Fred 2.0.”

This is the second of three posts on Fred 2.0.  For those looking to read Fred 2.0, I would suggest reading the original first.  You really need to know the story behind Fred to appreciate what Sanborn delivers in 2.0.

Sanborn gives a pretty good summary of the book with the subtitle, “New Ideas On How To Keep Delivering Extraordinary Results.”

In a nutshell, the original Fred was Sanborn’s postman, and Fred went over and above to be more than just ordinary.  Fred’s commitment to “going the extra mile,” was Sanborn’s inspiration for the first book.

In 2.0, Sanborn takes a deeper look at the four basic Fred principles:

1. Everybody makes a difference.
2. It is all built on relationship.
3. You can add value to everything you do.
4. You can reinvent yourself continually.

Through these three posts, I will give a key thought from each of the books’ 15 chapters.

CULTIVATE YOUR CREATIVITY

Sanborn suggests that our first choice in doing things is typically “the way they’ve always been done.”  He goes on to suggest ten ways we can spark our creativity every day.  My favorite – “If you don’t know, ask.”  Asking curious, challenging and open ended questions, usually results in an answer that has some creative value.

DEVELOP YOUR DIFFERENCE

More specifically, “Discovering Your Signature Difference.”  How do we do this?  Sanborn suggests asking these questions:

1. What is your unique style?
2. What are your signature strengths?
3. What are your true passions?
4. What do you want to be remembered for?

BUILD BETTER RELATIONSHIPS

Sanborn provides six steps to building better relationships:

1. It isn’t enough to build relationships if you don’t maintain them.
2. It doesn’t have to take much time.
3. Friendliness is a choice, not a response.
4. Employees rarely treat customers better than their employer treats them.
5. Nice isn’t enough if you’re not competent.
6. Relationships aren’t built in a day.

ELEVATE YOUR EXPERIENCE

One great way to make a difference is the make the experience more memorable.  Here are 4 elements to consider when influencing someone:

1. They are surprised – in a good way.
2. They are happier after the experience than they were before.
3. They feel like they’ve received value.
4. They want to tell others about their experience.

Sanborn provides a great acronym to think about: C.A.R.E.: Create A Rare Experience

RENEW YOUR RESOLVE

Honestly, we all might want to be a FRED, but it takes intentionality to stay a FRED.  Sanborn gives us five ways to remind ourselves to be a FRED.

1. Stamp it into your memory – literally.
2. Let Fred become music to your ears.
3. Learn from the Freds of the past.
4. Recognize the Freds you encounter each day.
5. Review regularly.

The basic logic here is that we can all step our game up.  Even if it is just a little bit, we can still make a difference in someone’s life today.

My question for the day; “How can you take the ordinary, make it extraordinary and make a difference “that makes a difference” in someone’s life today?”

Click here to read Part 1 of Fred 2.0

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JOIN ME ON A FREE CALL INTRODUCING “THE 5 PILLARS OF INFLUENTIAL LEADERSHIP” ON MAY 23RD

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Barry Smith    5/15/13   photo courtesy of michaelhyatt.com    © Building What Matters 2013

The post Fred 2.0 – Part 2: How To Be A Fred appeared first on BUILDING WHAT MATTERS.COM.

So a few simple questions … Who are you hanging around and what are you reading?

Let’s be honest – we are a product of our environment. There is really no way around it.  If you feel like there is more to life and you just can’t figure out what it is, it might be due to the fact that there is only so much visible in the environment you are currently in.

Now comes the hard part – you need to change your environment or you need to change your environment.  In other words, you can be an agent of change within the environment you are in or you can find another environment.

In either case, the choice is yours.  I just spent a week on the Island of Oahu and I saw all kinds of environments.  Most of the Island is very conducive to the growth of vegetation.  Lots of sun and lots of water.  The result; lots of greenery.

I also saw parts of the Island that were run down and it appeared that poverty was in full force.  No bad on the state of Hawaii – most communities have representation of all these types of conditions.  It’s just the way things are.  But it was very clear that some were thriving and some were simply surviving.

So like I said, it’s all about our choices.  Are you currently in an environment that provides INSPIRATION and SECURITY?  Do you live in FEAR because of the EXPECTATION that FAILURE is not an option?

Does your work CULTURE allow for BALANCE between your business and personal life? How would you rate employee ENGAGEMENT and MOTIVATION?  Is the concept of TEAMWORK helping to build MORALE?

Is COMPETITION so fierce within the organization that you have to RISK your QUALITY of work in search of SUCCESS and VICTORY?  Are you RESPECTED for THINKING that CHANGE means OPPORTUNITY?

On May 23rd, at 8:00 pm ET, I will be hosting a free call introducing “The 5 Pillars Of Influential Leadership” Coaching Program.

This will be a content filled call that will not only teach you about influential leadership but also about leading an intentional and successful life.  The words in capitals above are topics within Pillar #2 – Environment.

This is the second of five posts related to the 5 Pillars that will go out prior to the call on the 23rd.

For more information and to register for the free call CLICK HERE.

To see the first video on Pillar #1 – AWARENESS click here

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Help support us by clicking here and Liking our facebook page

Barry Smith    5/13/13   photo by author   © Building What Matters 2013

The post Are You Thriving Or Surviving In Your ENVIRONMENT? appeared first on BUILDING WHAT MATTERS.COM.