Jaime Chambron's Impact Oceans

Being Prepared for the Unexpected

2010-02-14T19:19:00.002-06:00

This post I dedicate to my favorite sales guru, Debbie Mrazek, who shares some tips on what to do when the unexpected happens. Though she tells the tale from a sales angle, the same is true for anything in life.

Day in and day out, things happen that we don't expect - both bad, but then good for us. Are you prepared for when the unexpected happens? What do you do. Debbie thinks you may

* Scream, grit your teeth, be a grump

* Proclaim that the world is out to get you

* Kick the cat... (you better not! :))

or,

* Embrace it, look for the good - make lemonade

* Consider it a lesson

* Create something new

Hopefully you are on the positive side of the coin (I always tell people I look to take the high road in all situations). So here are Debbie's three tips to make sure you are prepared for the unexpected:

1. Be not afraid - keep positive

2. Be creative - stay in action - try something different

3. Be open to the good or even the GREAT possibility that can

come from it

What about you - what do you do to embrace the unexpected? Anything happen to you recently you want to share?

Your 2010 Core Values?

2010-01-30T12:22:00.003-06:00

Either as a leader or individual, we all make choices that impact our lives, our families, our businesses. We typically make decisions based on core values we live and breathe every day. Do you consciously know what your core values are that drive your decision making process?

In 2010, think about setting core values for you and/or your teams. Here are some examples of values you can embrace this year:

Collaboration
Integrity
Quality
Speed
Innovation
Excellence
Accountability
Inspiration
Empowerment
Alignment
Teamwork
Ballance
Respect
Openness
Integrity
Unity
Agility
Commitment
Confidence
Enthusiasm
Responsible

So what are you making your top three values in 2010?

Consider Changing Up Your Leadership Style in 2010

2010-01-24T20:02:00.002-06:00

Welcome to 2010! (a few weeks late for me - hey I'm still enjoying my 3 honeymoons)

As I settle into the new year now and start to "pick up house" (both literally and figuratively) I begin to catch up on all the great emails, Tweets, Facebook status reports and more. I have been so out of the loop of what has been shaking (I overlook one of my great friends in Dallas has changed her status from "dating" to "engaged" on Facebook - I guess my newly wed husband can keep a secret) I find a wonderful interview of the CEO of my day job, SunGard Data Systems.

Even if you don't change anything about your leadership style, you need to read this article.

In summary, this is what I love about what Cris divuldges in his interview with the NY Times

1. Leadership is about Collaboration not Top Down Management
You can't do everything yourself, and you dictating what to do will turn your team away looking for a new job. Today you have to foster collaboration within your team, no matter how small or big. Cris knew he needed an infrastructure in place to facilitate collaborate (especially since SunGard is a global company with thousands of employees), so he selected a tool called Yammer to facilitate internal collaboration (think of it as Twitter/Facebook for the enterprise).

2. You can teach Skills, you can't teach Values nor Intellectual Curiosity
I was intrigued by what Cris looks for in interviews - it's not skills but values and intellectual curiosty. While we all have a resume long of skills and achievement, we probably don't list why we choose to do what we do, nor what we love to learn about or try. To help with values at SunGard, for example, Cris and each business unit CEO communicates the values we live by to help each employee make choices. It helps to have corporate values employees make decisions against.

3. The skills he looks for isn't Programming nor Business Planning, it's Sales, Writing and Time Management
So while many of us list all the certifications we have - PMP, J2EE, CPA, etc. - in the end, it's not the hard skills Cris looks for, it's the soft side - sales, writing and time management. I completely agree on time management, it peeves me when someone doesn't get something back to me when they say they will or I hear a member of our team not deliver on time and comes up with a number of excuses why. Time management is very important and I learned early, especially in the role I am in today, that you can't do everything everyone expects of you immediately, so you have to learn how you work to set and communicate appropriate expectations on when you can, or cannot, deliver. Hence, time management and communication (writing) are key (and more so writing today since everything we do is over email or Facebook).

So are you a leader tired of doing everything on behalf of your team? Missing dinners with the family? The team not making the right choices nor have the right skills? Should you update your resume to highlight your core values or what you are intellectually curious about?

In 2010, consider putting in an infrastructure to foster collaboration, develop and measure core values to live by and work with your team on sales, writing and time management skills.

What else can we as leaders do in 2010 to continue to deliver great things to our clients?

The Seven Deadly Sins of Networking

2009-09-06T12:16:00.004-05:00

Kevin and I were recently invited to be guest speakers for the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce (DJCC) monthly meeting. After sharing some wine with our good friends Emily Hoad and Doug Lemme, current leaders in the DJCC, we knew we wanted to help our young professionals improve their networking skills. And hence, the Seven Deadly Sins of Networking were born!

Fortunately, other international trainers within Junior Chamber International had already harvested educational materials and activities to help others improve their networking skills.

So what are the seven deadly sins of networking, you ask? They are as follows:

Unprofessional Image - Under dressed for the occasion
Lack of Preparation - No goals set re: who to meet, how many new contacts to make, etc.
Staying within Your Comfort Zone - Go to an event and just hang out with friends
Talking About Me - Not letting the other person get a word in
Lack of Focus - Not listening and paying attention to things like Blackberry, iPhone, etc.
Poor Business Card Etiquette - Giving your card versus asking for the other's
Lack of Follow Up - While you may not need the contact today, you still don't try to build the relationship post the meeting

It was great to see attendees identify where they "sin" and look for ways to improve. And, most sinning, as I would expect, occurred outside of the networking event - either lacking any preparation/goal setting for the event or following up with contacts made.

The biggest thing professionals need to remember that "networking" is a mindset, not a skill set. Mind over matter to get out of your comfort zone, prepare and meet new people to meet your long term goals. Also remember that you need to be building your network when you don't need it as a network matures over time and won't grow over night.

So where do you sin the most? Are there networking sins we are missing? What do you recommend people do to begin to improve to become networking saints?

Shortest Distance

2009-09-05T20:05:00.002-05:00

I guess it has been a while since I have been inspired to blog! A wedding in planning has been interfering, I swear!

The last eight months at my job have been exciting and invigorating - new leaders, new life, new ideas to help us get to the next level as an organization. One new mantra I am taking into practice that our new CTO has brought to the table is "shortest distance". I.e. get rid of all the layers of people and bureaucracy that help turn a customer need into a solution.

So that got me to think - am I doing everything I can via the shortest distance at work and in life?

What about you - what layers can you get rid of to move towards delivering in the shortest distance - I would love to hear your thoughts.

Are You Ready for 2009??!

2009-01-11T18:40:00.002-06:00

2008 is over, thank goodness! But are you ready for new ups and down for 2009?

We cannot predict what is to come and if we are or are not clear of the housing/finance/auto bubble and industry impact trickle effect. However, we can ensure we have ourselves prepared for any curve ball that comes our way this year.

1. Make Sure Your Personal Brand Channels are Up to Date
Is resume up to date not just on your computer but on all the job boards? Is your LinkedIn profile accurate of your recent accomplishments and what you want to tackle next? Blogging or involved in list serves that represent what you enjoy doing for a living? Get your "Personal Brand" house in order ASAP!

2. Deliver Quality, Accountable and On Time Work
You need to set yourself ahead of the pack. The first step to doing this is being proactive in delivering quality work that is on time and within budget. Underperformers will be the first to go when any RIFs happen.

3. Know What Your Boss Expects of You
When did you ask your boss if you are doing what he or she expects of you? What about doing thing that will help him or her continue to build and grow the business or team you are on?

These are just career suggestions to keep you intact or prepared for the unexpected. People are getting RIF'd that are over achievers, so watch out for yourself in these tough times first and foremost.

Why Aren't You Following Your Passion?

2008-09-28T16:04:00.003-05:00

Gary's presentation at Web 2.0 should inspire you to find the time to focus on what you love most to succeed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhqZ0RU95d4&feature=related

Why aren't you following yours?

Leader Selection Savvyness

2008-09-07T10:42:00.004-05:00

As we have witnessed these last few weeks in national politics, who someone picks to lead has huge implications on the person who picked them, and if progress will truly be made.

So how do you pick and introduce the right person or people to lead a critical project or program so you don't hurt your credibility and set a positive stage for this new leader to make progress?

1. Already Proved to Walk the Talk
You can't risk bringing in someone to lead a critical project that doesn't have the right reputation for execution and follow thru across your company. If you bring in someone from outside your company this person will need to show they have done what you are looking to accomplish via another company.

2. Team Assimilation
Either promoting someone from within to lead a new role, or bringing someone from the outside in to make progress may ruffle some feathers. Especially if there are more senior staff who feel like they deserved the lead role. Have small retreats or meetings to bring the new into the fold of the existing team and if needed bring in an outside facilitator for this "assimilation" meeting.

3. Socializing The New Leader
You need to let your peers and other organizations within your company know about your new leader, why they are qualified to take on the leadership role at hand, and help the new leader make connections that will accelerate getting the job done.

Remember these aspects when you look to pick someone to lead your next big initiative.

Time - Over, Under or Just Right?

2008-08-31T14:06:00.002-05:00

Rambling.

Speaking too fast.

Letting the audience keep you off topic.

Are you tired of delivering presentations that never make it within the time alloted? Here are some things to think about the next time you get ready to deliver a powerful punch.

1. Plan For The Time Allocated
As you map out your speaking points, do you note how many minutes you want to spend on each topic? You should have this outlined before you start your presentation so you can note where you want to be about every 10-15 minutes in the conversation so you can check to see if you need to speed up, slow down or cut out a topic to ensure you get to end on a high note.

Also, as you pull together your content, make sure the content you have will allow you to stay on track of the time outline you mapped out.

2. Getting Thrown Off the Presentation Path
How are you going to handle questions during the presentation? You should figure out in advance if you are going to entertain questions during the presentation or at the end. What if you get a question during the presentation that could take you completely off topic - entertain it or ask for the person to come up to you after the presentation? Think about how you want to handle this before begining your delivery. Also try to second guess the questions that may come up so you can have answers prepared.

3. Not Enough "Meat" To Fill The Time?
You don't want to get stuck in a presentation situation where you don't have enough content to have people leaving your session asking themselves "where was the beef?". If you find you are short on content find a few ways to add in interactive components such as a hands on activity, open question for debate, or survey for the audience to go through with you to take up some time.

It's critical to stay on time, on topic and with enough content to keep an audience wanting to come back to you for more.

Becoming An Expert In the Web 2.0 World

2008-08-24T09:22:00.004-05:00

Now that most of us obtain our information via the Internet, credible or not, versus printed magazines and newspapers, it's key that if you are going to position yourself as an expert in your field that you know how to leverage the Web to your advantage.

1. Blog, Digg, Repeat
It's critical you have your own blog now adays, and not thru your employer. Many people often have multiple blogs focused on different niches (for example, I maintain a second blog - http://www.serviceorientedinstitution.com/ - to focus on facilitating change in education by applying technology) Blog often, but only when you have something to say - don't force it out of you. Once you complete your blog post, digg it to obtain further exposure. Then repeat for your next great idea or piece of advise.

2. Consistent Professional Profile on Public Social Networking Sites
With so many "networks" to join today, I now only have 2 I maintain regularly - LinkedIn for business and Facebook for personal. Because I want to have some fun with the internet, yet don't want employers to see, I ensure my LinkedIn page is my professional, public facing presence, and my Facebook one private, only allowing friends in to view.

3. Find Networks to Give Advice Thru
There's more than just blog tools where you can create your own blog now. Our traditional printed publishers typically have an online presence today. Other networks and creative forums for providing information and advice now exist (such as http://www.ideablob.com/). Google for either your favorite publications or topics and see if the editors of those forums will let you post as a writer, blogger or forum contributor. Many will want your time for free, but will provide you access to their readership, which could be a few hundred thousand or more.

Remember, this is just like building a network - you build it when you don't need it, so when you really do need it it is there and ready for harvesting.

You will never know when someone sees your virtual posts and wants you for their next great project.

Virtual Communication Ettiquette

2008-08-11T19:48:00.002-05:00

1. Email is still a business document. Make sure it is grammatically correct, spelling error free.

2. Be brief and to the point in email.

3. Call the person or hold a meeting when you can't get something resolved after 1 email exchange.

4. If holding a conference call acknowledge who joins, even if the beep comes in after the call started - you never know if a competitor or someone you are talking about accidentally dials in.

5. Build a rapour with someone (face to face, over many phone calls or conversations) before hitting them up with an informal communication.

Do You Ever Reach the Light?

2008-08-10T20:20:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it's almost 2 months since my last post!

Between higher education system go live season (must have new portals and technology ready for the kiddos to register for classes on day one, ya know), and enjoying the HOT summer with many excursions to get out of the heat, it's time to get back to making time for blogging.

And that's it.

We will never reach the end of the tunnel.

There is always more to do, more to accomplish.

How fast do you want to go and what will you make time for?

That's up to you - you drive your journey (or as my colleague Michelle Johnston says, you Architect Your Work)

Don't let it architect you.

Personal PR Inside the Corporation

2008-06-22T09:01:00.004-05:00

Even if you are not an independent consultant or run your own business, personal PR is still important to advance your career and stay in the minds of others to take on new initiatives.

How do you go about staying top of mind in a positive light without bragging or brown nosing within the corporation? Here are some tips to help stay ahead:

1. Be pro-active with your boss and everyone you work with, including clients
Don't let an issue get to him or her without fair warning. Help him or her stay abreast of the great things you and/or your team is doing, and what needs to be improved.

Also stay on top of requests from others. If you can't help someone within 24 hours let them know you can't help till X date and either set a date to help and put it on your calendar or delegate to someone else to get to it. Remember you don't always have to delegate down, but to your peers and up to your boss.

2. Be a problem solver, even if it is not your problem
My boss reminded our team of a book called "The Oz Principle" which is about being accountable for not just your actions, but for the organization at large. So if you see a problem that may not be yours but indirectly impacts you or your organization, see if you can help to solve it. If anything it will get folks in other divisions see you be proactive in trying to solve problems that impact the organization.

3. Find initiatives that synergize with your interests
If you feel like you are not maximizing your talents, see if there are other ways to get involved in itiatives in your organization or other groups. Talk to your boss to see if he or she can help you navigate ways to connect with others.

4. Recognize and congratulate others in your company
Get a "congrats" from someone? Remember to thank them. See someone get promoted or rewarded for something great they did recently? Send them a person note congratulating them on what they did.

5. Stay On Top of Initiatives to Promote Your Team
Be it an internal recognition program to nominate members of your team for or a marketing initiative to gather case studies of wins in the field, remember, if not selected, to always submit people, artifacts and ideas.

6. Be Professional
No matter how laid back your company is, or stressful and finger pointing a situation may become, remember to always take the high road and look at situations via the facts for lessons learned and ways to improve. Keep out the emotions.

Pay It Forward

2008-06-18T15:28:00.000-05:00

The banker reached into the folds of his gown, pulled out a single credit note.

"But eat first — a full belly steadies the judgment. Do me the honor of accepting this as our welcome to the newcomer."

His pride said no; his stomach said YES! Don took it and said, "Uh, thanks! That's awfully kind of you. I'll pay it back, first chance."

"Instead, pay it forward to some other brother who needs it."

- in Between Planets by Robert A. Heinlein

Earlier this week I helped a friend with her MySpace page. Tomorrow I will be helping with an event's logistics. I am sure there is more to do. I get nothing in return (other than some wine).

When was the last time you did something for someone and expected nothing from it - no reward later on, no membership in an organization due to the "obligation" of volunteering - nothing.

Find something you can give this week and pay it forward. Need an idea? Here are a few I've either done or have seen others do:

1. Provide a Free Meal

Chief Viewzer (CEO) of Viewzi Brandon Cotter provides his team lunch every Friday. He even invites others he knows in the community to join him at these home cooked meals.

2. Find an Organization to Give Your Time

Find a group, homeless shelter, boys and girls club, anything else that you are doing just to give back, not to get somewhere else in society.

3. Find a Group to Donate Money To

Even though most organizations need people's time to help them accomplish their mission, many are in need of additional funds. $25 can go a long way. Google on something in society you wish was better and you will probably find an organization already trying to do so. Give to them.

4. Bring Someone at the Office Flowers

It will brighten their day.

5. Do You Really Need That?

Have books, clothing or other household goods collecting dust? Donate it now.

We all get stuck in a rut to show up at work and run family errands. Do something for yourself by giving relentlessly to someone else.

But remember, those you help have to now help 3 other people versus paying you back.

Disappointment

2008-06-17T16:19:00.001-05:00

No matter how much a situation just ticked you off, don't try to get revenge.

No matter how upset you got over not being selected for something, shrug it off and find a bigger and better project to be involved in.

If there is an issue that is frustrating you, but you know you can do something about it, then go do something about it.

Every day we each face something that disappoints us. Those that can roll with the punches, stay positive and see the silver lining in these occurances will be leaps and bounds ahead of the naysayers.

What Makes You Want to Take Charge?

2008-06-16T16:03:00.002-05:00

Some who have a "desire to lead" have this desire due to having a greed of wanting more in life. If that is what you want, is "leading" the way to get you more?

Others have a "desire to lead" to make change, solve a problem.

So what causes you to get to a point where you are tired of following someone else to solve the problem and want to take the helm?

Here are some things to think about the next time you are approached to take the "lead" on something new:

1. Are you skilled to solve the problem at hand?

2. Are you interested in the problem enough where you would do the work unpaid?

3. Do you "gel" with the people you would be working with and leading?

4. Do you have a vision to get from today to tomorrow?

What makes you want to take a lead on something? Drop me a comment!

The Bluebird

2008-06-15T18:35:00.003-05:00

It's Friday afternoon, 4:30 PM.

Yup, you guessed it. A whole new file to process comes in and your boss tells you it is due before you leave today. You know processing will take over an hour and you are in a hurry to get to your son's Friday Lights football game.

What do you do?

1. First, set an environment with your boss when you begin to work with him or her on your normal work hours. If there are days where you need to leave early let him know at the beginning of the day.

2. Ask your boss, or who ever gave you the file, why it is needed so fast. Will it really be a problem to get to it first thing Monday AM?

3. Is there someone else who could complete the work, especially someone in a different timezone who still has a few more hours in their day?

4. As a last resort, refuse with explanation and let your boss be aware of the situation. Why? You don't want to get into a habit of being a "sucker" for last minute work as this will not be the last. Set your parameters now for people to respect you later.

Gettin Physical

2008-06-14T20:04:00.003-05:00

In preparing to deliver one of your most impactful speeches you need to remember not just what you are saying, but also, the physical parts to the speech. What do I mean by physical? Movement - hand gestures, walking around the stage, eye contact and anything else you do with your body.

Sometimes you can have too much, or, too little physical items built into your speech. Here are some tips:

1. Only walk to a different part on stage when you are changing gears/topics.

2. Use hand gestures that add to the conversation and help you make a point, versus distract from what you are saying.

3. Even though you may want to look "above" the audience, make it a point to make eye contact with different audience members throughout the conversation.

Remember to build in these aspects to your speech so they are rehersed.

Meetings That Matter

2008-06-08T09:20:00.003-05:00

Do you often feel like you just lost an hour of your life when you enter a meeting that doesn't serve a purpose, bring an item to closure or help make progress for you or your organization?

What if you held a meeting like that, would people want to come to more of your meetings?

Here are some tips in getting through organizing what could not just be a tough meeting, but a tough meeting that could get you somewhere within your organization.

1. Publish an agenda
This includes purpose of meeting, goals and objectives. Make sure there are tangible things coming out of the meeting.

2. Take notes
Capture conversation, outstanding open items and action items. Determine when you are going to meet again and potential topics for the next meeting.

3. Know when to cut off conversation
Topics could get heated and dominate the conversation. Know when to "take something offline" so that you do not keep people beyond the time you set for the meeting.

4. Don't let a meeting run over
Stay to the schedule you proposed.

5. Recap action items/next steps before closing the meeting
Make sure everyone knows what is next.

Even though we think everyone knows how to properly organize and run a meeting, we don't.

Remember, only organize a meeting to make progress, not give status reports.

Calm Leadership

2008-06-07T13:53:00.003-05:00

What type of leader attracts you more to follow:

The "in your face", bold, brash, reactive, the "sky is always falling leader", or
The cool, calm and collected leader who takes everything in stride?

A few of us reflected on this topic the other night as we replayed the "Clinton versus Obama" campaigns of weeks past, as we saw the more calm Obama keep a collected course through the elections. I think it is fairly obvious which side of the spectrum each presidential candidate leans (ok, maybe Hillary is somewhere in between, but I think you get the point).

Why are we attracted to calm leaders, and why more often then not female leaders in particular aren't as "cool, calm and collected" as their male counterparts? Is there something inherent to our chemical makeup or did we miss some sort of training along the way?

Our Attraction to the Calm?

Think about it - would you rather be led by someone who can hold their composure in tough situations or blow their top off?

Why Different?

This is due to nature at work - men and women have different chemicals and parts of the brain triggered in tough situations that come up as a leader.

So if you find you are more of an "on fire" passionate leader pushing the envelope maybe a bit too much, how do you go about calming your presence when your body wants to react differently? Here are some tips in calming your approach to leading:

Smile - Be Happy and Positive
Count to 10 - Calm Down Before Doing, or Saying, Anything
Think Before Reacting - Be Strategic Before Making a Tactical Move
Don't Jump to Conclusions - What Does Assume Do?
Keep the Fire Inside - Put That Energy Towards Your Next Project
Have a Coach/Mentor to Bounce Approaches/Ideas - They've Been There
Align Your Actions with Your Values - Consistency Re-enforces Your Leadership Message

No matter how well our intentions may be, peers and followers around us may not be ready for an "in your face" type of leader, at least, not today.

The Art, and Science, of the Jockey

2008-06-03T21:36:00.005-05:00

As the democratic primaries come to a close, and a fun day of ensuring my team's hard work and thought leadership doesn't get stolen by others, I thought it was time to post on...

The Art, and Science, of the Jockey

No I'm not talking about becoming a sports athlete, but a business athlete.

What can help you stand out as a great business jockey of all time, versus just being one of the pack? Here are 10 tips to help you win at office politics.

The Art
1. Build Connections
You never know when someone in your company you meet can help position you and/or your team for great things. Or, you help them.

2. Establish Trust via Delivery
Harvest references.

3. Position "The Other" to Be Part of the Solution
Don't squash the other guy, instead, take the lead on collaborating with the other.

4. Determine Your Allies and Enemies
Nurture the Allies. Try to make the enemies your friends even if it hurts.

5. Guess the Counter Play from "The Other"
Good athletes compete. Great athletes second guess the upcoming moves of "The Other" to stay ahead.

The Science
6. Know Your Team's/Business Unit's Statistics
How has your business grown over the last year? What are you tactically doing to continue to grow?

7. Tout What Your Team Does
If you have truely done something before you say you have, prove it.

8. Calculate Your Next Move
How will you ensure your team stays ahead? What's the plan to stay the course?

9. Stay In Shape by Creating New Opportunities
Or what is known as "blue ocean strategies".

10. Don't Over Do It
You need to rest and jockey in moderation, otherwise you'll burn out and lose the art and science of it all.

Are you ready to play?

Do You Nurture Or Throw Into the Fire - Or Do You Even Know?

2008-06-02T00:04:00.007-05:00

After chatting with one of my managers from a long week of trying to determine how we are going to staff all the work we have to accomplish this summer (which is a wonderful problem to have!), we embarked on a great conversation about "nurturing" new hires versus the proverbial "throw 'em into the fire".

If you are a manager, or an independant entrepreneur getting ready to hire contract workers, do you realize and know how you bring up to speed new people working for you?

Nurturers:

Give new hires a plan from day one

Meet with new hires regularly to ensure questions and needs are met

Provide clear goals and objectives

Fire Throwers:

Provide a few recommendations on how to get started

Expect a new hire to come to them when needing help

Has the new hire create their own plan and objectives

So are you more of a nurturer or fire thrower? Even if you are one versuses the other, there's a trick - it's not how you want to bring someone up to speed, but more so about how your new hire needs to be brought into your team's culture.

For example, more junior resources need to be nurtured where more senior can be let loose. Or, you have a particular project at hand you know how it needs to get done versus a new opportunity looking for someone new to look at tackling it from a different perspective.

It's important as you grow your team, and your self as a manager, that you learn how to manage and cultivate a diverse team of talent and experience, where you are capable of sensing which type of ramp up you need to deliver and then knowing how to deliver each method.

So when you look to bring on a new person remember to

Recognize what you need to have accomplished in the first 3-12 months

Understand the strengths and experiences of the new hire to tailor your ramp up style to him or her

Did Gaming Nurture My Leadership Style?

2008-06-01T10:24:00.002-05:00

Though I'm not a millennial and did not grow up on MMORPGs (Massive Multi-Player Online Role-Playing Games), I did however grow up on Atari, Nintendo and other gaming devices. As an only child and independent learner, these devices kept me entertained for hours on end, and out of trouble.

Did gaming help me hone my strategic skills?
Did gaming teach me how to be responsive, faster?

A few business professors recently studied this and began to forecast how the future business world may be more like a MMORG due to the environment being more dynamic and game like, requiring tomorrow's leaders to

Have speed
Be risk takers
Accept leadership roles as temporary

I found the last comment interesting. It means title will no longer entitle you to always take the lead, or not take the lead. It means peers/employees of the company select who will be a leader for a project or initiative, but it's not permenant and others will have a chance to lead as well.

I believe that is already happening in many companies - for example where I am we have different types of governance and advisory councils for different types of projects and peers/others select "who" will take the lead either till the next year or when that project comes to completion.

This made me ponder on if we are just trying to morph corporate america into a world millennials could live in. What do you think?

Should we be educating more junior colleagues on the ins and outs of the "corporate game" to help achieve what one wants to do and/or accomplish while in a career for one company?
Is the "game" a new, more modern, acceptable term for what we know as today for "politics".

Now if only Zelda or Mario could lead corporate america...

Do Your Employees Know What is Expected of Them?

2008-05-31T12:28:00.003-05:00

As a new manager, or someone jumping into a new role with direct reports, do those that now work for you know

What to deliver to you to keep you up to date on what they are doing?
When and how to raise issues to you?
What they are measured on for performance feedback/raises/promotions?

Even if you have been leading your team for a long time, would each one of them be able to tell you that they know exactly what you expect of them? Probably not, and unfortunately, this is fairly common in business for a number of reasons, including:

There is too much to do and you don't carve out time to set appropriate expectations
The business goals or their role has changed, but expectations have not
There aren't clear expectations at your level or higher that you can map back to your organization
Annual performance reviews aren't the norm

To ensure your team is norming and performing in a direction you need to take them, setting expectations is key to getting the job done. Here are some tips to ensure you set clear, measurable expectations to make progress, versus, expectations to check off the to do list.

1. Have Report Take First Stab at Documenting Expectations
Let your team be in control of their destiny, and help you understand where your team is coming from, before laying down the goals you expect.

2. Map Corporate, Business Unit and Your Expectations to Your Reports
How do you plan to meet your expectations if your reports aren't in some form of alignment to help you meet your goals? Areas typically mapped include

Quality
Revenue/Amount Produced
Cost Control
Responsiveness

3. What Are Your Reports Expecting of You?
Make sure you know what they expect of you in case you need to change anything you do or convince them of something different.

4. Behaviour
Related to responsiveness, set expectations on returning emails and phone calls, being at meetings, and ettiquette on things like email.

5. Review Often
Sometimes once a year isn't enough if you are noticing issues early in the year. Have informal reviews when needed and "tweak" - expectations though a solid foundation for measuring a person's performance, can be modified through the year.

6. Set the Example
Do what you expect of your team. Otherwise you'll be the "pot calling the kettle black".

Surround Yourself with Connectors

2008-05-27T08:05:00.004-05:00

No not technology, silly!

People who like to help connect others.

When was the last time someone at a networking event or meeting offered to connect you with someone?

When was the last time YOU offered to connect someone?

Find groups and venues where connectors thrive!

Does Character Mean More Than Experience in Obtaining a Leadership Role?

2008-05-26T14:59:00.005-05:00

In sifting through my Google filter on leadership and public speaking postings today, a letter to the editor about our next great presidential race got me thinking

"What will help you reach a dream leadership role faster: your experience, or, your character?"

Having both helps to seal the deal. But, how do you get "there" when you don't have the experience?

For example, I've noticed that people hiring a new leader, say VP of some division, may not hire someone who was VP of that type of division at another company (maybe due to the price tag of hiring someone away from a great job), but instead a manager or director who is aspiring to be in that role and has the character to fill the VP shoes with a bit more elbow grease.

From this perspective, is your character at work and in your professional networks outside of the office positioning you for that next career move? Here are some things to think about to ensure your character glows so that you are ready to seize the next opportunity that comes by, so you don't miss it.

1. What Do You Mean By "Character"?
What is meant here are the characteristics you display to others that make who you are you from the perspective of leading others. You most likely have a number of wonderful characteristics and a few, you or others may perceive, as negative traits that make up your overall character.

Many have written about "what characteristics make up a great leader" and I boil these down to the following:

Honesty
Passion
Discipline
Courage
Competence
Creativity
Visionary
Inspriational

2. Are You In Touch With Your Positive and Negative Leadership Traits?
Out of the above set of leadership characteristics, which do you feel you are great at, and, which do you believe others see you being great at?

3. Are You Wearing Your Traits On Your Sleeve?
Even though you believe you are great at say 6 leadership characteristics, what if your colleagues only see you flex your muscle at 3 of them? Find opportunities to show how you glow in all areas - how others perceive you are as a leader is only via how they observe you.

4. Turn A Negative Into a Positive
Is there a trait you believe you are weak at? Find 2-3 things you could over the next month to improve that trait and show others you are good in that area. Weave it into your routine somewhere such that you get to show that trait to others once a month.

5. Keep A List of Leadership Traits With You At All Times
Many of us have little tools to remind us of things we should weave into our day - why not post a leadership character list next to your computer at the office as a conscienous reminder that your peers and team are always looking up to you?

Engineer to Leader Series: Does It Make Financial Sense?

2008-05-24T08:53:00.003-05:00

In the last week I've had a number of people ask "who do you want to meet", and, in all honesty, I was very flattered to have others helping me in connecting with others I believe I can help in achieving their dreams. Of course that got me to think, out of a plethora of people reading my blog and know me, who is my target audience?

Engineers, who else! But not engineers who want to just be an engineer any more - those that strive to lead a group of engineers, or build the next Microsoft.

Hence, I introduce the "Engineer to Leader" series, which will soon be followed with a few offerings to coach and guide an engineer's first time being a manager or entrepreneur. Think of it as having an outside confidant you can go to when you don't know what to do, yet don't want those that work with you not know what you don't know.

So what do I mean by "does it make financial sense?" I've noticed with new managers who think they have the next best idea since sliced bread and jump into building the idea, or believe they should send the whole team to cutting edge training in Europe - did they think through their budget, priorities and business case before jumping in?

As a manager, here are the top 5 financial things you need to do or get access to to help you make better decisions for the people you lead in spending that next dollar or investing that next minute:

1. What's your spend budget for the year (outside of salary/benies for your team) and do you have to ask/justify using it to your boss before spending?

2. Are you a cost or profit center?

3. What are your financial goals for the year? (both your division's all the way up to corporate)

4. Is your budget restricted in any way - i.e. up to x% or $y can be used for overhead travel?

5. For opportunities to build a new product or gain a new skill, what is the business case for this investment (i.e. I spend X today but will generate Y revenue in 1,3,5 years?)

We'll talk more about determining what to "invest" in (because it is more than just spending money) in a future post.

So, are you on target to stay on budget for 2008?

Re-use, Re-use, Re-use - Did I Say Re-use?

2008-05-17T13:24:00.003-05:00

I love to get infront of clients and help them understand the value and break down the complexity of my world of technology - which on the surface looks to be a bunch of hype, acronyms and other mumbo jumbo, but really does add value and make sense once someone breaks it down logically.

In doing this often, and I guess well, I have become a "go to" for the sales and business development teams to have me come in and speak in front of prospects as an SME on what we do and how my technology world fits into the bigger picture. Unfortunately, I am sometimes called in last minute for these presentations and only have 2-3 business days to prep.

So how do you ensure you aren't creating every presentation from scratch and scrambling to get an impactful presentation delivered in a way that keeps your credibility, and invitations to speak at more events, up?

Build a master, re-usable deck for your business/area of expertise. How? Read on for a few tips to make this reality.

Make it Professional
As I work with more and more colleagues, one word continues to be re-iterated to me on the delivery - "professional". What does that mean? First, it means I deliver a powerful message that quickly communicates

Why Am I Here?
What Do I/We Do That Would Be Of Interest To You?
What Is The Value Of What I/We Deliver?
Showing You How Others In Similar Situations Have Gained Value From What We Do
Next Steps And/Or Closing Business Case

Second, it also means the presentation is polished and consistent. No grammatical errors. Text aligned. Polished graphics vs. clip art. Little to no bullets.

Intro Grabbers
Do you have one or more sets of slides that are "intro grabbers"? For example, I walk through a few slides that explains a "what if" - starting with the complex, chaotic world many of our clients are in today but then walk them through a "what if" we started from ground zero differently and how would that look to change their world.

I've also seen other intro grabbers like "what's in a number" to get people trying to guess what the "2" means on your slide, to many other tid bits and snippets to set up the conversation. These can often be entertaining, or, cause an emotion in the audience to want to listen to more of what you have to say.

If anything, your intro grabber needs to represent you, and is often your first, and only shot, to build instant credibility with a new audience in a matter of seconds.

Generic Agenda
If you think back through the last few presentations you have done, they have probably been similar in flow with some tweaks to the key messages and content for the audience you are talking to. Have it be your general agenda/framework you use for all your presentations and tweak along the way.

Get a Graphic Designer for Key Slides with Changeable Text
Don't use clip art. You most likely have some impactful messages you need to get across, and wouldn't you want the right image that fits your style and message? No matter if you are in a large, small or serve as an independent consultant, you should have a presentation style guide with a consistent font, background and color template to use such that if you need to get a new graphic designer to help they stay consistent within the bounds you already created. Ideally your presentations should have a similar look and feel to other marketing collateral, including your web site.

Testimonials & Case Studies
People already love what you have done for them, don't they? Capture all your testimonials and case studies as you complete projects, not months later in the 9th hour. You can always add new case studies and then select the 2-3 relevant ones to deliver during your next presentation.

Time to Customize - Do Your Homework
In your flow of slides and graphics, you should have slides that you can "customize" to who you are delivering to. So when your graphic designer leaves you their work, you should be able to modify and move around the graphics if needed so you aren't having to pay $$/hour for someone else to do what you can do (and again, what you are probably doing at midnight).

What should you look to customize?

Information on your client's environment - in my case its the names of different applications they have inhouse. Or, it could be how their organization is structured.
Facts and figures on your client and/or the city/state they are in - for example local laws, current news and other related local topics. One speaker notes that she goes to the U.S. Census Bureau Web site for demographic information to weave into her conversations.

You never know when you finally get that break to be in front of 5000+ people or be invited to a major executive level conversation to present. So, get your "master deck" together now so you aren't scrambling in the 9th hour when the opportunity arises to deliver.

Of course you can't do this alone - you need someone outside of yourself to test the messaging and most likely a graphic design to add some shine. I am fortunate at the day gig to have a wonderful marketing director who coaches me on the messaging. She has a graphic designer that then helps ensure the presentation is polished and professional graphicly.

Do you need assistance with your next presentation? Give me a shout if you do!

Top 10 Speaker Faux Pas to Avoid

2008-05-10T22:14:00.006-05:00

In Lisa Braithwaite's recent blog post, Lisa highlight a few "no nos" for speakers. I've incorporated her list into my "Top 10 Speaker Faux Pas to Avoid":

1. Fidget

2. Reveal You Made a Mistake

3. Read the Slides

4. Deliver in Monotone

5. Mumble

6. "Like...like....um..um..like...um....."

7. Go Over Your Alloted Time

8. Lack Energy

9. Stare Off Into Space

10. Keep The Bluetooth IN Your Ear!

Leadership Program Examples from the World

2008-05-04T09:13:00.003-05:00

After reading an article this morning on a wonderful leadership initiative in Namibia, Africa, I thought I'd do a quick review of some exiciting leadership programs and initiatives from around the world.

Namibia Provides Leadership Training to School Principals
It's a train the trainer program on vision, empowering and building strong teams with ways to build and improve the skills of teachers involved.

South Eastern Europe EU Leadership Programme
A "boot camp" of sorts to engage young professionals in being leaders in the South Eastern Europe region.

Asia Young Leaders in Governance Initiative
What I found interesting with this program is that it not only has a focus on building "leadership skills" (systems of thinking for transformational change, conflict resolution, negotiation, team building, cross-cultural communication), but also "leadership values" (gender, anti-corruption, people's rights).

Central America Leadership Initiative
Yet another great initiative, and again, with a focus on "value based leadership" in terms of how one would define a "good society" to live within. What is exciting about this program is that fellows leave with a project to tangibly impact the Central American region.

I hope these inspire you to think globally, create opportunities to build great leaders and to continue to look around the world for ideas.

Any concepts from these inspirational world examples you could apply to impact your ocean?

Carmine's Webinar on Presenting Like Steve Jobs

2008-04-26T18:37:00.006-05:00

In case you missed the webinar this week, here is a link for your viewing pleasure to it.

If anything, archive this and review before embarking on your next speech!

https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/286144831

In case you don't have time, here are some key points:

1. Most presentations are poorly structured, so take the time to structure first versus diving in and creating your presentation. Most presenters fail to plan.

2. "I'm not charismatic like Steve Jobs" - well neither was Steve back in the 80s. You have to start somewhere and practice - charisma can be gained.

3. Jobs' presentations are to inspire, not deliver information and facts.

4. Plan on paper first. Sketch it out versus opening Power Point.

5. What's the story behind what you are speaking about? Problem it solves? How different? What facts and visuals will back up the presentation?

6. Set the theme for the presentation - say a catchy headline and then the very first words delivered. Remember to wow your audience and bring in your own personal enthusiasm.

7. Provide a roadmap.

8. In delivering virtually, boost your energy and deliver like you would live so to show that enthusiasm digitally.

9. Make numbers meaningful - i.e. put the number in perspective and context. Number per day? What it means to the market? What about to the end user, business, etc.?

10. Build up to the "wow" moment - the one key scene for people to walk away and remember. This creates an emotional connection with the audience.

11. Avoid death by Power Point and Clip Art! Keep it simple with little to no text and one image.

12. Reherse. By the way, don't be glued to a script but outline.

13. Lastly, don't sweat the small stuff. The audience expects flaws as we are all human. So if you forget a point, the demo doesn't work or the wrong slide comes up, don't sweat it and keep delivering.

Nervous?

2008-04-20T23:50:00.003-05:00

No script.

Only 3 dress rehersals.

Over 5000 people awaiting you to say just a few things to make or break you for the rest of the conference.

You are the second presentation, following the Key Note and your CEO.

No pressure, right?

After my most recent, and probably largest "live" audience I have been in front of yet, I thought it would be great to reflect on tips to help you get through your next "big" presentation, no matter how big or small your audience or speech.

1. Butterflies Never Leave
I still remember shaking my knee franticly behind the podium at the White House almost 10 years ago, though I stay focused on delivering influencial words as no one would notice the leg.

This time, my heart raced. It raced until I said the first few words and then calmed. But it raced again a few minutes before I knew my next turn to speak was coming.

Butterflies never go away, well, until you are done and hear the audience applaud. You have to hang tight and thing about the conversation you are about to have with the audience and how you are the expert. They are here to hear your advice.

2. Complete Your Script Then Chuck It
You do need to develop a script to figure out the right flow of conversation, especially if you are interacting with a few people on stage. But once you have the flow down pat, kill the script.

By this I mean now focus on key words or concepts you want to relay, but forget about memorizing the exact lines - that will throw you a curve ball if you all of a sudden forget the next line on stage when you only practiced twice.

You are the expert, right? So if you have the essence of your conversation at hand the "script" should come naturally.

3. Roll with the Punches
No one is perfect and something, at least 1 thing, will choke. Be ready to roll with it - either don't highlight you just choked, because the audience won't notice, or, if a colleague on stage bites it, help him or her out by saying some lines that could trigger the continuation of the dialogue to get the conversation back on track.

In the end your audience is expecting to be entertained, taught something, or moved to take on a call to action, or all three.

Show 'em what you got and make them want to hear more from you in the future.

More on Getting Over Your Public Speaking Fear

2008-04-09T22:07:00.002-05:00

Since I'm in a mad dash to head out to the big week, I'm short cutting my advice to re-post a few good articles from over on public speaking woes:

BNI's "Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking"

Peter LaMotte's Blog Post On Getting Over the Fear

Manager versus Leader Part Duo

2008-04-08T23:45:00.003-05:00

Previously I blogged about the traits of a manager versus a leader. Today I was reminded of another comparison from The Source of Leadership.

In the recent note, David references the 12 distinctions between a manager and a leader Warren Bennis published almost 20 years ago:

Managers administer, leaders innovate
Managers ask how and when, leaders ask what and why
Managers focus on systems, leaders focus on people
Managers do things right, leaders do the right things
Managers maintain, leaders develop
Managers rely on control, leaders inspire trust
Managers have a short-term perspective, leaders have a longer-term perspective
Managers accept the status-quo, leaders challenge the status-quo
Managers have an eye on the bottom line, leaders have an eye on the horizon
Managers imitate, leaders originate
Managers emulate the classic good soldier, leaders are their own person
Managers copy, leaders show originality

So, are you a leader or a manager today? What are ways you can evolve yourself into displaying leadership characteristics if you do not already? Can you be both a leader and a manager simultaneously, and do you need to to be successful?

Stay tuned for more on this topic.

Getting Pysched, and Staying Energetic, for The Big Conference

2008-04-06T13:21:00.003-05:00

It's that time again, conference season! It's not just any season, it's when the "big one" occurs - over 8000 higher education administrators, technologists and leaders convene to learn about, this year, measurable performance.

As I get ready to head out on my first flight tomorrow (for a partner conference, not the big one just yet) I thought I'd share some "just before you go" tips to make sure you are ready to deliver a powerful presentation, make new connections and to enjoy the conference experience overall.

1. Review Your Outline/Speaking Notes on Your Flight Out
Before leaving for your flight make a print out of your presentation and speaking notes/out line. While en route you can review the outline and practice by closing your eyes, imagining yourself delivering the speech and mouth the words. You want to make sure you have your main talking points and flow of conversation memorized by now, so the flight out is the time to polish your message.

2. Smile
It really is contagious. Before, during and after speaking remember to smile - it will make you approachable. If you have people presenting with you remind them to smile. It can be as simple as what an executive gave me once to make sure I was ready - a sticky note with a smiley on it while awaiting in the wings to go up on stage.

3. Do Your Daily Routine
Basically make the time to exercise, eat and sleep like you normally do, or better than normal. Don't stay up late or drink a lot if you know you have to be on top of your game the next day.

4. Focus on The Conference
If there is work lurking over your head you are to do while you are at the conference, it can wait (make sure you set that expectation with others). Or, you can delegate it to someone else. Thinking about other items, be it email, the next proposal, etc. will distract you from making the most out of the conference you are at.

5. Spend Time With People
Usually the event you are at only happens one time a year. Make sure you take the time to connect with new colleagues and clients and re-connect with old. Hear what they have to say, not just about what you presented, but other topics, themes or "what they wish they heard about". Be open to constructive (and not so constructive) criticism.

If anything, relax and have fun with it!

From Fear to Failure, In Public Speaking

2008-04-03T22:00:00.005-05:00

Looks like this is the month of failure. Or shall we say fear turning into failure.

So, here are more tips and tricks on getting over that fear to be a grand success:

From Al Coddington:

"Possess the Venue" - own the room, move around and run this show
Determine the need your audience has and answer it during your delivery

From Dr. Ivan Misner:

Prepare
Talk about the things you know best
Use visuals
Remember you are the expert
Be creative

And in most tips and tricks by the experts - practice.

PS - If you happen to have a speech you feel like you failed at, do not worry. A few days later reflect on what needs to improve and steps to take next time around, and then find the things that went great - what represents you - to do next time. Remember to be yourself when you speak in public, not someone else.

Failure Part 2 - Try Something New

2008-04-02T23:56:00.003-05:00

Ironicly, April looks to be the month of "try try try, it won't matter if you fail" conversation among leadership writers and coaches. The following came through today from "The Daily Source":

"Look for ways to experience failure. Only through failure do we grow, and we just aren’t letting ourselves fail enough. We are stunting our growth. As leader or prospective leader, you likely don’t fail very often. How about trying something new? Go run a marathon. Try-out for a local theatre production. Take the most challenging class you can think of. Buy a canvas and some paint and try to paint a masterpiece work of art. Start to get comfortable out of the band of success."

I'm writing a fiction novel.

What are you doing to stretch yourself?

What Are You Afraid Of?

2008-04-01T21:56:00.002-05:00

Failure?

Public opinion?

Or worse, success?

Be it a monetary set back, or a public image set back, what are you waiting for to focus on achieving your goals? If you are driven to deliver on what you are passionate about you really have nothing to lose other than missing opportunities to focus on what you love.

So, what's that obstacle in front of you that you need to confront, tackle and just get over to make your dream reality? Here's my formula to overcoming fears that could be keeping you away from your goals:

1. What is your fear?
Write it down. Read it. Understand it - why does it exist? Where did this fear first arise? How does it come up for you? What are the underlying characteristics of this fear?

2. Imagine going through that fear.
What if you hit that fear - how will that really play out? Imagine it happening to you and the different ways it could go. Is it all that bad?

3. Brainstorm ways to remove or get around your fear.
It's time to play real life "choose your own adventure". What things can you do to get around the obstacle, or, remove it completely? Can someone help you get through or around these fears? Prioritize these ideas in a manner where you can begin to try the first one to three easily to see if it helps you jump over that fear.

For readers that know me very well you know that I originally had a fear of public speaking. My knees would quiver. I couldn't remember what I wanted to say. My delivery was rigid, mechanical and un-life like.

This fear is not completely gone, but I have brainstormed ways to get through and around the fear. For example lots of practice, envisioning a flawless delivery over and over in my head, or only talking on topics I know backwards and forwards.

It's time to get over your number one fear keeping you from making progress - identify and tackle it!

Only 3 Quarters to Go - Are You Making Progress?

2008-03-31T21:36:00.004-05:00

Guess what folks - Q1 (or QX if your fiscal year doesn't start January 1) is officially over.

Did you make progress in Q1? Before we get half way through 2008 you should take a few minutes, right now, to reflect on three things you accomplished in helping you move towards achieving your goals, and set your sights on three things you want to accomplish in the next quarter.

For example, the three things I am proud of accomplishing this quarter are:

Starting this blog
Taking a creative writing class to begin my novel
Putting a fork in projects I am no longer passionate about

What's up in Q2 for me?

Launching another business concept I'm passionate about
Getting another blog up (for the day gig)
Completing 30,000 words (half) of my novel

Life's short. Live your dreams. Know when to hold 'em, and when to fold 'em.

And lastly, be progress.

So what did you accomplish last quarter and looking to accomplish in the next? Feel free to comment and share to help inspire others who read this blog on focusing on living their dreams.

April 23 - Present Like Steve Jobs Webinar with Carmine Gallo

2008-03-30T09:47:00.002-05:00

I thought I would share information on an upcoming webinar you should consider attending:

How to Deliver a Presentation Like Steve Jobs
With Carmine Gallo & James Hilliard
Apr 23, 20081:00 p.m.
Eastern / 10:00 a.m. Pacific

PS - Don't forget to check out my blog rendition of Carmine Gallo's 10 tips to speak like Mr. Jobs.

PPS - This is a wonderful example of leveraging a hot topic for further marketing/promotion.

Manager versus Leader

2008-03-28T23:11:00.007-05:00

I read a "what do you think" blog post on the Center for Leader Development blog today about the fine difference between "leader" and "leadership". That got me thinking about the fine difference between "manager" and "leader" and how it relates to effective leadership (and I'll converse more on leader versus leadership on later posts, stay tuned).

People who work with me know that I hate being called, or calling my leaders, managers. Yes, it is probably in the HR book that they have to be called managers because they have subordinates, but, I want people to feel like they are enablers of others that follow them in executing to reach common goals and objectives.

Hence, I avoid using the word "manager" at all costs when I talk about my team and instead use "leader". Wouldn't you rather work with someone known as a leader versus a manager?

So here's the catch on being known as either - to become known for leading the pack and managing the ship operations to get desired results, you need to be good at both leading and managing, no matter what title you have.

Are you a manager or a leader? Or both? Do you see things differently?

I've linked below some more sites and commentary on manager vs. leader to help you further develop your point of view on the difference, if any.

Mulhauser Consulting on Management versus Leadership Skills

Changing Minds Leadership versus Management (great table comparison referenced below)

PS - You do not have to be a manager to be a leader. And, I'd love to see all managers be good leaders, but that doesn't always happen.

Rhetoric and Speaking Style - What's Yours?

2008-03-27T08:50:00.004-05:00

Since campaign season involves lots of great, and not so great, orations, it's time to take a brief look at speeches this season so to learn some tips to apply to your own speeches.

After reading the article on how Obama changed up his speaking style and rhetoric between different events, and that the "style" had more impact on the listener then the words themself, have you ever paid attention to your style and thought about changing the style of delivery based on who you are talking to?

1. Know Your Audience
Remember, I blogged about figuring out your audience recently, so click here for a refresher. Knowing your audience is key in determining what kind of speaking they will be receptive to.

2. Match Your Speaking Style to Your Purpose
Are you trying to inspire the audience? Tell them you are the person or company they can rely on? Or? The purpose behind the speech will help drive you to "how" you will deliver the words behind the purpose. Dr. Kevin Fleming post a great article that dives into this topic further.

3. Who's Speeches Do You Like?
Do you even know who you like to listen to speak in public? It doesn't have to be someone famous, but could be your boss, your company's CEO, a mentor, etc. What do you like about his or her speaking style? Can you detect changing styles based on who he or she is delivering to? Could you incorporate it into how you deliver? If you have a connection with them maybe you can ask him or her for a few tips to help improve your own delivery.

So how are you going to deliver your next speech differently?

Engaging Presentations = Great Story Telling

2008-03-26T10:21:00.004-05:00

You may or may not know that I've embarked on yet another "American Dream" and started to write my first novel.

I typically teach myself new skills, but I decided this time I would seek appropriate advice on how to write a novel (you can learn more about the wonderful program at SMU here - yes, I've lowered my standard in going to the "Harvard of the South" for once, but this program in particular is worth it).

So why am I telling you this? How does this relate to you and presenting? Well, even though one goal of taking the class is to get published, another underlying goal is to apply the tools of novel story telling to something I do on the day job - presenting.

So while we may not have 20 hours, let alone one hour, to captivate the audience with the hero, introduce the mentor, hit a low, find the climax and have a compelling epilogue, there are some basic novel components to think about applying in creating your next award winning presentation:

1. Know Your "Hero"
C'mon, I present on concepts, products or services, right? But do you really know "the hero" behind what you are presenting. Basically, do you have your own "reference" - content, examples, etc. you can reference as background material in talking passionately about what you are presenting?

What are the 12 events that got that concept or product to where it is today? What are the pros, cons? Who are the people behind making the great "thing" you are describing to your audience? You'll never use this content in slideware or talking note, but is good information to have in the back of your mind as you put your presentation together.

2. Deliver In Acts
Most stories are delivered in 3 acts - beginning (setup of location/characters), middle (confrontation with the problem at hand) and end (resolution of the problem). So in your next presentation prep, break your script down into three acts to help develop more intriguing content to engage your audience.

For example, in "act 1" do you tell any compelling industry facts or figures? Trends? Where you or your company has been - the world we have been or are in today? Presenters often forget the criticality of setting up the story to hook in the audience.

In act 2, confront the problem your product, service, concept, whatever, is going to solve, but confront the problem head on. Why is it an issue for your audience? What are the things that could help solve it? I believe many presenters don't engage the audience enough in understanding the problem and root causes up front to keep them interested in hearing the solution 10 to 30 minutes later.

In act 3, solve the problem. But don't just give the answer - unravel it like a story teller. What is all the hard work and effort to reach the solution? How do we get back to our "home base"? How is this going to improve things for the audience listening to us?

3. Tell It From the Heart
Again, it's about being passionate about what you do - steer clear of presentations your not bought into and focus on talking about what you love. It may be the people you represent, a technology you sell or a great concept your pitching. But make sure you love it to convince others to love it with you. Otherwise, don't bother.

You can learn more about the structure of a story via the book I am currently reading, The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler.

Since I'm only in Novel 1 expect to learn more on how to apply story telling to your next presentation to "wow" your audience.

Focusing On Getting The "Right" Things Done

2008-03-24T21:00:00.005-05:00

I don't know about you, but in today's world of email craziness, crackberries beeping constantly, and immediate, if not 24/7, access to information and people anywhere, it's hard to get tasks accomplished. To boot, we've all become victim of bad habits - from checking email frequently to getting caught off guard surfing the net not just for 10 minutes but for 2 hours.

And, our to do lists keep growing because we don't know when to finally say 'no' to one more thing to pile on top of the list. You mean well, heck I mean well in wanting to help someone or get something done, but when you fail to deliver it doesn't bode well.

So how does anyone stay focused to make progress today? Here are some tips and tricks from what I do and what I've observed my direct reports, peers and managers do:

1. Block That Outlook Calendar
Don't get caught up in meeting hell, especially back to back meeting hell. You know you typically have something to do after a meeting - make sure you plan the time to focus on the follow up from the meeting or get the follow up action carved out in an open time on your calendar. I typically block half my day for "getting things done" leaving the other half for meetings and catching up with colleagues.

2. Set Appropriate Expectations
Can you really turn around something in one hour? In a day? Ensure you are communicating when you can really get something done, and if you need to slip something due to the unexpected, immediately let the other know you are delayed.

3. Start Your Day Listing
Because our to do list is just overwhelming, begin your day planning your to do list, in order of priorities, so that by the end of the day you can feel like a rock star in all the progress you have made that day.

4. Learn to Say No
Do you really need to do what someone just asked you to do? Don't know? Think about if it gets you to any of your end goals for work or life - if it doesn't, then pass or delegate. Remember, you are going to have to give up doing something else to take on that "one more thing" you think you have the time for. Refer to my Opportunity Mojo series for further help in this area.

5. Be Your Own Personal Project Manager
Everything you tackle in life is a project, so, why not leverage project management tools to help you ensure you are balancing what you need to accomplish. This means becoming a good estimator of tasks, scheduler and resource planner. Remember, you can always hire people to do the things you don't like to do without having to own your own company - from maids to dog walkers to virtual personal assistants.

Changing your habits are probably next to impossible, but you can do it if you just incorporate one tip or trick at a time to be more responsive and focused in meeting your end goals.

Remember to prioritize and focus on the tasks to get to your end goals, period.

Presenting Step 1 - Do You Know Your Audience?

2008-03-23T16:40:00.003-05:00

In reflecting on my public speaking career, when I heard about the opportunity to either submit a proposal or was asked to present, I often jumped right into documenting "here's what I know and can deliver" and started outlining the overview. In recent years, however, I've realized that my "marketing" hat needs to come on first and foremost before dumping my knowledge into Microsoft.

In a nutshell, I needed to understand my audience - where they are in their career, expectations, why bother coming to see me, etc. - before finalizing a title and description.

Below is a simple questionaire you can use as a tool to research who you are about to meet to help better focus what it is you will present to an audience you have probably never met in your life.

You probably do not have all the answers to the below yourself, so do your homework with event organizers, who asked you to speak, colleagues who have presented to this audience before, a potential attendee or two and internet surfing.

1. Who is the target audience?

estimate age range
estimate career level/experience
particular geographic area
particular career field
general title(s) at companies
general responsibilities at work

2. What are the top three reasons why the audience would attend a presentation like this?

3. What are the top three things the audience is expected to leave with (knowledge, call to action, handouts etc.)?

4. What 10 words related to this presentation would "resonate" with the target audience (this is to encourage them to attend if they saw the word in the title or description of the presentation)?

5. What are 5 words to avoid?

6. What 2-3 things matter most to the target audience in terms of speaker credibility?

7. How will this session be marketed?

8. How good/bad were previous speakers/presentations to this target audience on this or similar topics - did the speaker/conversation meet or surpass expectations?

Have any other questions or thoughts on tuning into your audience? Feel free to email me or add a comment below.

What's Your Opportunity MoJo? Part 4 - Impact!

2008-03-08T10:08:00.005-06:00

We've looked at 2 of the three components in helping you decide if "this opportunity's right for you". So, let's look at the third - impact.

First, you are probably wondering "what do you mean by impact?" Great question. This is really an "eye of the beholder" characteristic - YOU need to define what you mean when you think impact.

For example, does "making an impact" mean to you:

Influencing a person
Changing a system
Becoming recognized or remembered for something

Once you pinpoint the number one "what" it is you want to impact, you then need to further define "what" is, such as

What is it that you want to do to make that impact?
Is there a target domain/audience?
What do you want the end results to be?

For example, for a long time I've personally wanted "impact" throughout my lifetime "education". That's a bit too broad to really feel a sense of impact and accomplishment. So I've had to peel back the onion over the years and ask

Is it the "system" I want to impact, or the "people" in the system?
Is there a particular domain of education I am more interested in changing then others?

I've finally honed in on 2 areas for impact

Making the educational process more efficient and effective (which I am lucky to do at the day job)
Helping motivate girls to get educated so to open their eyes to the world ahead of them (which is part of side projects I work on)

I'm cheating a bit as I have 2 impact areas (remember, overachiever here), but these are at least well defined reference points I have to help determine if the next opportunity that comes my way is something I want to jump on, or not.

What do you want to impact today, tomorrow and in the future?

PS - Small things do matter. Read The Tipping Point on how little things can make a big difference.

What's Your Opportunity MoJo? Part 3 - Passion

2008-03-06T16:55:00.003-06:00

So do you do what you love every day? Or, do you love what you do every day?

Better question - do you know what you love to do?

Even better - do you know what you don't love to do?

No matter what you answered above, you need to build a "passion list" you can reference to help you with determining if you want to take on an opportunity or not. Let's start.

1. Write down the 20 actions that come to mind that you do daily/weekly/month to "be productive" (i.e. volunteer, generate income, etc. - we are not talking about brushing your teeth or cleaning house) Examples may be "operating a website", "cold calling", "managing a team", etc.

2. Write down up to 20 more actions that you don't do today but wish you did or could try.

3. Order your list by most passionate activity up top, least passionate on bottom.

4. Review and update your list periodically - either every time a new opportunity comes your way or once every 3-6 months.

Now that you have your list, and a new opportunity, you now need to ask the following:
1. Is that opportunity within the actions on your list? If it is not would it fall above anything on your list? If so, add it.

2. Where on the list does this activity fall - somewhere high or low?

3. If you thought through taking this on, is there an activity lower on the list you can stop doing today so to replace with the new activity?

So, what is number one on your list?

What's Your Opportunity MoJo? Part 2 - MONEY!

2008-03-04T22:57:00.003-06:00

Ok, for some (many) you are probably thinking this is about "how much can I make as fast as I can make it"?

Well, no, not really.

First, believe it or not, not everyone wants to be like Donald Trump and focus on making more and more money. However, most people want to be able to make a bit more money then they need to live "comfortably" from their point of view, and thus, buy and do what they please.

So, what do we mean when we analyze an opportunity from the money aspect?

1. What are your true monetary goals in life?
You need to first come to grips on what you realistically want. We all cannot be as fortunate as Bill Gates or Oprah, but there are many people living their dreams on much less. So, what do you need today and in your future, and are you on track? If you don't really know and don't want to do the analysis it may be worth obtaining a financial advisor to help as they can often take the "emotion" out of making financial decisions for you. I recommend Fox & Company as they are not tied to any particular financial institutuion's products to sell.

2. Will your "hourly commitment" to doing X bring you what you believe you are worth today?
Most of the time, if we are looking at new opportunities from a money perspective we try to determine if this opportunity will turn a profit of at least 20% or more of what I get today.

3. Will your "hourly commitment" to doing X bring you what you believe you will be worth in the future?
This is analyzing an educational investment - be it going to school or volunteering to do something or taking a job at a lower pay to get you somewhere bigger in the future.

4. What do I lose hourly by taking this opportunity on?
Say this is not a new job, but a new side project you want to turn into profit some day. What are you losing by taking this project on - time to invest in education? another project? free time? There is monetary value there - figure it out before making your decision.

Quick tip - Do you *really* know your hourly rate today? Most of us work more than 40 hours a week (some lucky people work less). Track the time you work over the next month and determine your real hourly rate - that may open your eyes to being open for a new opportunity.

We all should love what we do, but, if we can time box certain things and still make the same amount of money, or, open up time to have a side project and make more money, wouldn't you do so?

Up Next: Finding Your Underlying Passion

What's Your Opportunity MoJo? Part 1

2008-03-03T19:31:00.008-06:00

A few weeks ago I posted a poll posing the question:

"What is the #1 Factor in You Deciding to Seize an Opportunity?"

There were only 3 choices - money, passion, impact - and the results, at a high level, show that we tend to lean on emotional factors versus logic.

This week is a 5 part series on what we mean by analyzing money, passion and impact to seize an opportunity, how each factor needs to be thought through, and then how all 3 pieces fit together to help make a final decision to say "yes", or "no".

The goal of this series is to provide you a quick, high level framework to help you determine if a new opportunity is right for you, right now.

If you are an overachiever or someone who typically over commits themself due to everything sounding "so great to be part of you can't miss it" but lacks saying no to things that come your way or the longer term follow through to the commitment, this week is for you!

Part 1 - Opportunity Knocks, Now What?

You've just been presented with a wonderful opportunity to make a ton of money, or live your passion every day, or, become that rock star you've been dreaming of becoming so you can be in the same lime light as Bill Gates, Oprah, or even, Tony Robbins. Or maybe the opportunity that delivers all three to you - rock stars usually get money too, yes?

The first thing to do is to refer to your current opportunity triangle. You don't have one, you say? Well, let's get started then.

1. Draw a triangle.

2. In the middle put the one word that describes what you enjoy doing every day or would do every day of your life if it achieved for you the money, impact and avenue for passion you do or wish to live. Sample words may be "mentor", "build", "sing", "write" etc.

3. Each point of the triangle represents money, passion and impact, respectively. At each point now put a different word for what you would be willing to do for

Obtaining money, but not delivering on passion or impact

Focusing on a passion, but not obtaining money nor delivering impact

Delivering impact, but not obtaining money nor following a passion

4. Now determine which factor on the "opportunity triangle" do you weight the most today.

Everyone's triangle is unique to themselves. You should find, however that your highest weighted point or what you want to do will change over time. Mine that represents today is below.

Over the next three days we'll further work through what each point is and how to use that point to analyze a yay or nay decision on your current opportunity to evaluate.

Up tomorrow - Gettin dirty with money money money money, money

Is Your Glass Half Full, or, Half Empty?

2008-03-02T14:11:00.003-06:00

I don't know about you, but there are days where everything seems to be half empty, or more like, everything I respond to I react with a "half empty" response vs. a "half full" response, like:

"Why did you do this?"
"What were you thinking?"
"Do you not appreciate what I do?"

There could be other matters at hand causing you to not be yourself (bad situation at home, lack of sleep, biological factors). So, how do you get yourself out of the "Half Empty" response mode so to focus on always being "Half Full" (if not completely full!):

1. Run away. Literally. Stop looking at your email, or the office desk, and run out of the office. Go ON a run - at the gym, around the block - do something. If you are at an office where face time is precious, then go run to a coffee break or do something to get your mind off of work for 10-15 minutes.

2. Don't react to anything for the rest of the day. Most like you need to sleep on how you should decide on some issues. You potentially woke up on the wrong side of the bed and just need to give it another day of rest before reacting. Don't let others know the bed gotchya.

3. Do something productive to check a task off your list. Accomplish something to make you feel good for the rest of the day.

4. Run away from others that get "fired up" like you do. A snow ball is waiting to happen - avoid it at all costs.

And remember...

"You have to be positive every single day. You have to put effort into it daily, because no one else is going to do it for you." Donald Trump

Concept MEL

2008-03-01T12:29:00.004-06:00

No, MEL is not an ode to one of my great friends of all time (sorry if you are reading Mel, but this isn't about you), but MEL is a simple concept I instilled in my team 8 months ago, in that, no matter what role you play on a team - from individual contributor to manager to executive, that you need to live and do MEL every day to make waves.

So, what is MEL?

Managing the Business
Empowering for Excellence
Leading for Growth

Let's look at each aspect a bit further and how it applies to you no matter where you fit in your organization:

1. Managing the Business
Why are you making that investment? What are the goals you need to manage to achieve over the next 12 months?

Executives: Have you defined the vision for the next year and communicated the goals you want to set to achieve the vision? How are you tracking to your goals and what tools/dashboards do you provide your team, and yourself, to measure goal attainment so to proactively respond to red flags in achieving the goals.

Managers: Are you making decisions based on the goals in front of you for the year? Have you broken the higher level goals into your team's action plan? You are the guiding light for your individual contributors - continuously make sure they know what you want out of them.

Individuals: Do you know what you need to do to help your team achieve the goals for the year? Do you know what you need to know to deliver, and thus, continuously learn? When was the last time you asked your manager "how can I help you achieve our goals"?

2. Empowering for Excellence
Are you carving for yourself or your team ways to deliver excellence? Getting rid of obstacles preventing your team from being excellent? Are you an "excellent" role model?

You need to start by defining what "excellence" means to you and/or your team and live it, no matter where you fit in the organization.

3. Leading for Growth
This comes down to everyone, no matter the level, contributing towards two things

Continuous business improvement (becoming more efficient)
Harvesting new opportunities (innovation)

You need to make sure mechanisms are in place to become more efficient and to identity and build on new opportunities.

As you embark on embracing MEL, there is one more think to remember - keep it simple, silly. For example, those above me set 2 goals, yes only 2 goals, for my team to achieve this year - a revenue goal and utilization goal. That's it - bottom line goals.

So what are you waiting for - Manage, Empower and Lead today to achieve your goals for 2008! 2 months are already past you.

Present Like Steve Jobs, and Then Some!

2008-02-26T13:56:00.005-06:00

So first, I love communication coach Carmine Gallo's recent Business Week article that distilled Steve Job's opening "show" at Macworld into 10 key elements. Let me take a moment to review those 10 elements and point out further ways to expand and incorporate these elements into your presentations:

1. Set the tone
Ever start a presentation with a video clip that loosens up the audience with something funny or grabs their attention with something moving? Have a marketing campaign leading up to the event that helps to set the tone?

2. Demonstrate enthusiasm
The best way to do this is to be yourself. How do you typically show you are enthusiastic about something?

3. Provide an outline
I remember my early days of public speaking - the rigid "here are the three things I am going to talk with you about today" <...content content content...> "to recap, here are the three things I just talked with you about today". Ok, things aren't so rigid in the real world. But it is very important to bring home what got them hooked in the beginning.

4. Make numbers meaningful
So another way I have seen, and started my own, presentations is to throw up a bunch of random numbers to have the audience "guess" at what the heck those numbers mean before you explain to them what they are. Make em relevant. Make em interesting. And those numbers will stick in the audience's heads for a while.

5. Try for an unforgettable moment
Again, video clips, they are wonderful. What about a snippet from a movie? TV Show? YouTube? Also, see "Give 'em a show" below.

6. Create visual slides
This is definitely the hardest elements of them all to get used to. You're used to bullet point slides, some fun Microsoft clip art and if you're like an architecture diagram (ICK!). Typically you need others to help you here because you are an "expert" in what you are presenting on, right, not a graphic designer or illustrator. The best coaching I've received in this area to date, especially for complex topics to communicate, is to list out all the attributes and ideas you want to communicate - in one slide - and then begin to sketch with a theme how you can relay those ideas and concepts via an image, vs., a bulleted list of stuff (bor-ing).

7. Give 'em a show
Back to videos. They can be great, especially if you are not a great actor but know someone else who can leave an impression. For example, in presenting to a sales team once to try to convince them to "sell things differently", I decided that I was not going to be the center of the video. Instead, it was going to be one of their leaders that they respected (and who, by the way just happens to be funny). What was the end result? People remembering the red and blue pills I sold them on for months to come.

8. Don't sweat the small stuff
Remember the bigger reason why you are delivering, and why, people are there to listen to you.

9. Sell the benefit
Why am I sitting here to listen to you for 10, 20, 30, 60, or even, 90 minutes? Sell me often, and sell me up front, on why I am going to give up this time to hear what you have to say. And always end the conversation with a compelling "call to action" - though don't always close a presentation with "now buy our X" but instead have the audience think about why they need X.

10. Reherse, reherse, reherse
Sound familiar?

By the way, it is very valuable to have a presentation coach or mentor to help you, especially for conversations that are critical to have with a huge audience.

At the day gig I am very lucky to have a marketing director where one of her responsibilities is coaching us executives on polishing our presentations - from reducing complexity to the flow of the message to the graphics and more.

Lastly, it is good to find and follow presenters you admire so to incorporate their techniques into your delivery. For example, I also work with some amazing senior executives that I observe their presentation often so to incorporate some of what I like of their presentations into my own delivery. Flattery, eh?

If you are a technologist or engineer by education, you are used to, if not love, diving into the detail to explain how something works. But let's face it, not everyone wants the detail, nor, will they get it like you. You need to simplify and, more importantly, know what your audience wants and focus on delivering to that need.

So where are you in getting ready for your next presentation?

Make it a tidal wave of a presentation! Need help? Drop me a line.

Practice, Practice, Practice - Another Step in Getting Started

2008-02-24T15:23:00.006-06:00

OK, so my first post was on jumping in and getting started. You are probably saying, "Thanks Jaime, I've started, now what?"

Practice.

What, no executing a marketing plan? No putting up a web site? Not finding my first customer?

I'm not saying don't do that, but to get from starting with a good concept and becoming known for a great business, you have to "do" it. That may mean:

1. Giving away something to friends, family, or close colleagues/people you know to get feedback on what you "do".

2. Hold a free seminar, overview, or provide samples to a target audience.

3. Deliver it to yourself.

4. Deliver it to an organization that caters to your target audience (for example a Junior Chamber if you are targeting young professionals, Women in X if you are targeting a female audience, etc.)

5. Start small.

You will learn early on that you have to balance the time you spend planning vs. executing. You will find that planning is needed to save time in the long run, but you don't want to over do it. There will be peaks and valleys on when you will have more bandwidth to plan versus when you have so much business coming at you that you have to focus on executing.

For example, at SunGard Higher Education I apply agile software development methodologies in leading the priorities of a blossoming business (software development methodologies have a lot of great frameworks that can be applied to any business). At the beginning of every week my leaders and I gather to go through our "punch list" of what's on our plate that we either have to tackle this week (execution) or would like to tackle to help in building the practice (planning and marketing activities).

Some weeks we have so much coming at us that we are just executing on the opportunities on our plates. Sometimes we have a bit of down time where we can do more planning and strategic work around packaging and marketing our services. Or, in our down time we focus on practicing - such as learning new skills to help in providing best practices and recommendations to our client or building a new piece of technology to gain that skill while having a new asset to offer a client.

I talk more about practicing what you do, and why, to get and stay ahead at my HubPages blog "Learn to Lead Early and Get Ahead!!" (yup, there is more of me out there!)

As Nike says, "Just Do It". Shouldn't you?

Define Your Leadership Style

2008-02-22T18:00:00.004-06:00

I've realized that the leadership traits I brush up against that I like in working with colleagues and others rub off on me. This is how we build and evolve our own leadership style over time to lead your peers and organizations to make the impact you are looking to make.

How do you know you are evolving your leadership style so to become, and continue to be, a great leader?

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself to stay on top of your leadership game:

1. What are your leadership traits today?
You have to start by knowing where you are today, yes? Document what you believe defines your leadership style. Some of mine are as follows:

Physical - Not concerned about being overworked
Emotional - Self awareness, ambition
Social - Listener, Takes initiative
Intellectual - Knows how to delegate, explore new ways of doing things
Communication - Communicates passion to others
Experience - Give responsibility to followers
Trustworthy - Caring

Not sure what traits make up your leadership style? Check out the American Library Association's leadership traits page for food for thought.

2. Where do you want to improve?

Is there an area you are lacking in leadership wise that you feel is important to the style of leader you want to exude in front of others?

For me right now it's about being more positive and encouraging to those I lead, both up and down, along with displaying more professional verbal and non-verbal traits that I'd like others that I lead to emmulate.

3. Are the people you surround yourself with great leaders?

If they are, pick out leadership habits you'd like to try on for yourself. If you are not, you need to find new colleagues to work with!

There are a number of people both on the job and off that I work with who I admire for their leadership skills - being able to articulate vision to a wide audience and being positive influencers are what I surround myself with daily because those are areas I am working to further develop.

4. Do you have opportunities to practice developing leadership traits?

Is there an organization you volunteer with where you can try something new out vs. on the job? Are there small projects you can try something out at?

For me, I did this some years ago as the president of a local chapter of Junior Chamber International. Even though I was not in the mind set to "figure out what I wanted to practice" I just did - found ways to show volunteer appreciation and lead the team to have high quality and well run programs through the year.

5. How well did you lead today?

Reflect on situations where you applied your leadership skills today. What went great and what can use further refining?

For me today I reacted to quickly to a few situations I probably should have sat on longer (or should have slept first before responding). Email is a dangerous tool for leading remote colleagues. So, less email, more phone calls.

If you are not making the impact you believe you should be making ask the above questions and evolve.

If you need assistance putting an action plan together to define and improve your leadership style, drop me an email.

Unwritten Rules

2008-02-20T21:00:00.003-06:00

When a leader you respect is about ready to lay it on you, but instead counts to 10, you know you just had a "coaching moment".

The other day I passed up the "where is the list of expenses that are approvable, then those that are not"? And well the answer was "there will never be a list".

What does that mean, you ask?

It means us, as leaders, need to decide based on what is written, and what is implied, how to live by what is written. Interpret as we need to to ensure we get the job done, meet our goals, and ensure those that work with us are motivated to stick with us, and meet their goals.

PS - Underlying lesson to those of us being leaders - don't get mad in front of your colleague or team who just frustrated you. Count to 10. Calm down. Coach on how to improve/do things the way you want them to be done. Then get even. :)

Showing, and Feeling, Appreciation

2008-02-19T16:40:00.005-06:00

As many of us either move up the ranks or go out on our own, we forget what it is like to be appreciated because instead of us getting the "at a boys" from managers as an individual contributor, we get the "now look what you did" from clients.

So, how do you coupe and make sure you and/or your teams feel great about what they are doing beyond material compensation (that is a starting point, by the way)?

Giving Appreciation

When you are out on vacation and have others manage the helm, send them a snail mail card when you return thanking them for keeping things afloat while away (I highlight snail mail because email is overrated for this type of activity)
At unexpected times tell colleagues to leave early
Take the team out for lunch or happy hour
Compliment colleague in front of peers or other leaders within the company
Promote promote promote (I don't mean promote by levels, I mean promote with peers the quality and capabilities of someone that deserves recognition)

Feeling Appreciated

Tell someone how much you appreciate them ('nuff said)!

So, who have you appreciated today?

What Can I Do for You Today?

2008-02-18T14:07:00.006-06:00

When was the last time you asked someone "What Can I Do for You Today?" Or any of the following:

"How Can I Better Serve You?"

"How Can I Help?"

"What Could I Do Differently for You?"

These are questions you should ask frequently to friends (yes your friends will love you!), colleagues, those you manage, and those that manage you. This is a great way, inadvertently, to coach, and to be coached as well.

This is also good to do when you are feeling down or not making any progress on anything. Helping someone else make progress will make help you out of a rut because you are making progress, just on something different. And remember the connecting conversation from yesterday? This is a bit of an excuse to re-connect with someone.

Of course, once you ask that question be ready to commit and do what you say you are going to do.

Now who are you going to ask today?

Connect the Dots, Continuously

2008-02-17T20:42:00.006-06:00

Today I reflected on how I enjoy "connecting the dots" - be it connecting people with one another for business or personal reasons, or linking business ideas with other concepts to execute. In dusting off a book I received at an Executive Leadership Forum a few years ago called "Connecting The Dots" by Cathleen Benko and Harvard Professor F. Warren McFarlan, I was reminded of why we often look to connect the dots:

"Aligning Projects with Objectives in Unpredictable Times"

I hate to say it, but aren't we always in unpredictable situations? Shouldn't we always be looking to align our projects with objectives we want to accomplish, and thus, always look to connect the dots?

Are you connecting the dots for both yourself and your business/organization you either manage or work within? Here are some tips on making those connections to create tidal wave results:

Connecting the Dots for Yourself

Document your strategic goals/objectives for your life.
Review the list of things you do for yourself/not for your organization.
Does each activity you do for yourself map back to your personal strategic goals and objectives? If not, can you stop doing it? If it does link back, can you find other things to link it to so to make a bigger impact?
Who can you connect with, or what can you add to your activity list, to help accelerate meeting your goals/objectives?
Make it a weekly or monthly goal to connect with someone new and help make a connection for someone else via an introduction.

Connecting the Dots for Your Organization

What is your organization's strategic vision and mission? If you don't know it go find out what it is or recommend getting this figured out asap!
Review the projects and activities you are working on.
Does each project/activity take your organization one step further to meet the strategic vision and missiong? If not can you stop doing that project/activity? If so is there a way to accelerate the project?

Even though this may seem like a "new year's resolution" alignment process to go through, in actuality you should be doing this type of alignment much more frequently - once a month if not once a week.

Why not begin to ask yourself the above questions when you plan out your goals and objectives for the week?

If you can continuously connect the dots with yourself and for your organization you will be in a much better position for the uncertainty faced every minute.

Getting Started

2008-02-16T19:15:00.007-06:00

"You don't have to be great to get started, but you do have to get started to be great."

Debbie Mrazek, The Sales Company

Only one word can describe Debbie - amazing. I've always appreciated her opinion, and this quote of hers comes to mind often.

So, turning the wonderfully young age of 30 almost a year ago jolted me to "get started" on what I wanted to be known for being great at. Though I knew I started already, but something wasn't quite right. Instead of jumping right in at what I wanted to be great at, I found myself diving into a process of asking myself a series of questions around

Who am I?

What am I doing?

Am I where I want to be?

Am I focused on my passions?

Am I leaving the legacy I dream?

Am I a role model for others?

Am I making an impact?

And quickly I realized that in about 50% of my life I was exactly where I wanted to be - building a growing business with amazing potential and colleagues, plus am extremely happy with the people I have come to surround myself with since moving to Dallas. (Yes, I am an overachiever - for many this would be 100% fulfilling, not 50%.)

But 50% was missing. Or more like the other 50% was cluttered with things I either didn't care much about any more or cared about for the wrong reasons, which unfortunately began to affect others, or took me far off my unique path. It wasn't me nor what I wanted to be known for doing.

However, I did not know what was missing, or better yet, should be the remaining 2-3 things I start to focus my energy on. So I couldn't really get started to be great, yet. Instead, I began a process of self discovery and exploration. I read books. I dabbled in different things to see if the glove fit.

By asking the above questions in different contexts I began to see patterns around what has been missing that I want to be known for being great at:

Motivate Others to Make an Impact

Thought Leadership on the Soft and Hard Side of Technology

Making an Impact on Education and Children

So almost a year later, just weeks before turning 31, I have honed in on the 50% that is missing that I want to be great at. Part of what's next is getting through the de-clutter process and setting realistic goals for 31.

So get started to become great. I have.