I’ve been thinking off & on about the big story from last week. The Miners. I know I'm behind in posting, but life for me has happily been busy and even hectic- but time to catch up!
They can teach us SOOOOOOOO much. Not only the broad lesson about living life (family and such), but also about us as coworkers- crisis, -and leadership. While a full analysis and commentary would take chapter upon chapter; I want to touch upon just a few points rumbling through my head.
*As coworkers- there are reports there was some fighting at first. Then came, however, the realization –the acceptance that they all had the same goal. With a common purpose they focused on the goal (surviving until rescued) and by doing so they became a team. The pride and courage they showed as a result was AMAZING. When I first heard the group was arguing about the order they would leave this underground prison, I NEVER would have imagined the details. They argued who should have the HONOR of leaving last. The leader who kept them going was bestowed with that. Not a ‘me first’ by ANY means. WOW!
*Leadership: Now here’s a rich source for this heading (but I’ll keep it to a minimum); stories of the shift leader’s efforts will continue to emerge, I think. Turning arguments into resolve has to be credited to him. Not only did he manage to unify his team in this extraordinary crisis, he motivated them to rally together. This guy is my hero. He organized specified areas and schedules to keep all focused (and sane). Gathering resources like the lights on equipment to simulate day & night as much as possible; setting up exercise regimens (that helped the mind as much as the body), and other examples that DEFINE leadership as well as heroism. The examples these men set for us are nearly endless! Talk about handling a stressful situation and overcoming a crisis!!
*Even above the ground efforts of teamwork shone through. Finger pointing was almost no existent- instead, a focus on THE GOAL (getting them out alive). Various industries (including the likes of NASA) from countries around the world come together with the vision defined.
I can’t speak for others, but I can say I will remember these examples for quite some time, and try to emulate- to live up to this high bar these men set.
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leadership. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Business lessons and the new TV season:
No- really, I think there are some basic lessons here.
The Event……Hawaii 5-0…..The Mentalist…….and Lonestar:
The Event: Create interest and curiosity for the client or prospects. Make them want to know more. And give it to them, BUT leave more to answer…more opportunity to ….do business and provide more.
Hawaii 5-0: You remember something that was popular, that filled a need. This is something that you don’t see anymore, but you feel is still ‘needed’ –still somewhat relevant, and that would be popular if made available again. However, to make it truly relevant (current, you need to give it an update (makeover?) that brings it into “today.”
The Mentalist: You have a current ‘product.’ It’s popular, well liked – ‘used’ and talked about. As the saying goes- if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. But you want to continue your success and not grow stagnant. What to do? You build on the core of what brought you success (here= believable characters & solid stories) and bring newer ‘products’ (episodes) based on that core.
Lonestar: Simple= If you have all (or even just too much) hype to live up to—you will fail. Setting expectations is critical. There’s a lot to be said for under-promising and over delivering.
In general-- be aware of your competition (what else is on), and stand out (why watch one over another).
BOTTOM LINE—Never stop paying attention, and never stop learning—no matter the potential source.
The Event……Hawaii 5-0…..The Mentalist…….and Lonestar:
The Event: Create interest and curiosity for the client or prospects. Make them want to know more. And give it to them, BUT leave more to answer…more opportunity to ….do business and provide more.
Hawaii 5-0: You remember something that was popular, that filled a need. This is something that you don’t see anymore, but you feel is still ‘needed’ –still somewhat relevant, and that would be popular if made available again. However, to make it truly relevant (current, you need to give it an update (makeover?) that brings it into “today.”
The Mentalist: You have a current ‘product.’ It’s popular, well liked – ‘used’ and talked about. As the saying goes- if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. But you want to continue your success and not grow stagnant. What to do? You build on the core of what brought you success (here= believable characters & solid stories) and bring newer ‘products’ (episodes) based on that core.
Lonestar: Simple= If you have all (or even just too much) hype to live up to—you will fail. Setting expectations is critical. There’s a lot to be said for under-promising and over delivering.
In general-- be aware of your competition (what else is on), and stand out (why watch one over another).
BOTTOM LINE—Never stop paying attention, and never stop learning—no matter the potential source.
Monday, July 12, 2010
You pick the best title: “Timing is everything" -OR-“The right tool for the right job”
There have been many notable (famous) people who have faltered in one industry or another, - maybe a start up business even- only to move on to a different area in order to find success.
For instance before entering politics, Harry Truman had opened a haberdashery but it went bankrupt during the recession of 1921. In addition, Truman didn’t even earn a college degree.
I think the best example in Ulysses S. Grant. Having been in the army, he left to support his family in civilian endeavors. He labored on a family farm near St. Louis, Missouri, but it did not prosper. He was a bill collector in St. Louis. In 1860, after many failed business pursuits, he was given a job as an assistant in his father's tannery in Illinois. Ultimately, He returned to the military, where his legacy of leadership is best known. Even more than his actions as president, Grant is recognized for being the right man to lead the Union Army in the Civil War.
Some I have talked to say there are conflicting lessons, but I disagree. While figures such as Edison and Disney kept battling in the same “industry” (for lack of another term), others may not be as lucky to hit the right target for them.
So, while the obvious lesson is perseverance, the second is the one debated. I say it is about judgment, discretion, and even self honesty. The examples I noted above certainly did NOT give up. They DID however realize what was NOT working from them, and looked to where they COULD succeed.
Edison said “I have not failed. I've just found 10000 ways that won't work.” The thing is, Edison was where he should be. He knew WHAT he was working toward was for him. Even Walt Disney knew HE was on the right path already when he said “All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”
Looking at people like Disney & Edison – When my employer closed, I looked at my lay-off as the chance to be my own boss. I took a semi-hobby and worked to create a business. I took talent and experience to put into it: relationship building skills, promotions, time management, an entrepreneurial spirit Etc, Etc. Whether it’s the economy or the market itself, I now look to Truman and Grant as I look to move on from ‘self-employed’ to re-employed. To not recognize this would be a challenge to Einstein’s definition of insanity: “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
I will admit that my timing may have been off TWICE: Once in my start up, once in my seeking a new full time position given the economy and some hiring managers’ view of those who are unemployed. So be it.
Looking back at successes I have had, I know I can, like Grant, return and prosper. With an open mind that Truman inspires, I even look to a new industry that matches my skills. In that thinking, I do not have the arrogance of stepping in at the same level of my previous industry, but rather would expect and welcome a step back to prove myself, and my worth.
With all that in mind, I refer to a quote from Abraham Lincoln, for employers to consider: “If there is anything that a man can do well, I say let him do it. Give him a chance.”
That’s all I need.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/b/264/545
For instance before entering politics, Harry Truman had opened a haberdashery but it went bankrupt during the recession of 1921. In addition, Truman didn’t even earn a college degree.
I think the best example in Ulysses S. Grant. Having been in the army, he left to support his family in civilian endeavors. He labored on a family farm near St. Louis, Missouri, but it did not prosper. He was a bill collector in St. Louis. In 1860, after many failed business pursuits, he was given a job as an assistant in his father's tannery in Illinois. Ultimately, He returned to the military, where his legacy of leadership is best known. Even more than his actions as president, Grant is recognized for being the right man to lead the Union Army in the Civil War.
Some I have talked to say there are conflicting lessons, but I disagree. While figures such as Edison and Disney kept battling in the same “industry” (for lack of another term), others may not be as lucky to hit the right target for them.
So, while the obvious lesson is perseverance, the second is the one debated. I say it is about judgment, discretion, and even self honesty. The examples I noted above certainly did NOT give up. They DID however realize what was NOT working from them, and looked to where they COULD succeed.
Edison said “I have not failed. I've just found 10000 ways that won't work.” The thing is, Edison was where he should be. He knew WHAT he was working toward was for him. Even Walt Disney knew HE was on the right path already when he said “All the adversity I've had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles have strengthened me... You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”
Looking at people like Disney & Edison – When my employer closed, I looked at my lay-off as the chance to be my own boss. I took a semi-hobby and worked to create a business. I took talent and experience to put into it: relationship building skills, promotions, time management, an entrepreneurial spirit Etc, Etc. Whether it’s the economy or the market itself, I now look to Truman and Grant as I look to move on from ‘self-employed’ to re-employed. To not recognize this would be a challenge to Einstein’s definition of insanity: “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
I will admit that my timing may have been off TWICE: Once in my start up, once in my seeking a new full time position given the economy and some hiring managers’ view of those who are unemployed. So be it.
Looking back at successes I have had, I know I can, like Grant, return and prosper. With an open mind that Truman inspires, I even look to a new industry that matches my skills. In that thinking, I do not have the arrogance of stepping in at the same level of my previous industry, but rather would expect and welcome a step back to prove myself, and my worth.
With all that in mind, I refer to a quote from Abraham Lincoln, for employers to consider: “If there is anything that a man can do well, I say let him do it. Give him a chance.”
That’s all I need.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/b/264/545
Friday, June 25, 2010
Customer Service - Building Relationships and Business
"Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." -Dwight Eisenhower
There is a phrase in business - "internal & external customers (clients)". I have been building these internal relationships before I had even heard the phrase. To me it just made sense. These folks (sometimes department managers) Have their part in the company's overall operation as much as mine. I treat them like I want them to treat me. I don't bark at them- I have always tried to make them understand MY side, and the impact of the situation. In many cases, I became the 'go-to' even if I had a senior manager overseeing a project. This was simply because I could get things done. I earned the respect of these 'internal customers' because I respected them and worked with them. I have worked along side their people quiet often to learn THEIR side, and procedures. This has shown me how they interpret what WE do, and likewise how we can communicate better.
Now that is not to say I don't hold them accountable. In one specific situation, I would push when need be. But it was done with KNOWLEDGE. The other Dept head was defending his employee (as a good manager will), but when I pointed out some facts from what I learned, he had to concede that I was more right than wrong. A fix would be put in place and we would move forward.
Call it leadership or call it teamwork- I call it good business and just plain common sense.
Looking forward to putting that back to work.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/thomas-drake/b/264/545
There is a phrase in business - "internal & external customers (clients)". I have been building these internal relationships before I had even heard the phrase. To me it just made sense. These folks (sometimes department managers) Have their part in the company's overall operation as much as mine. I treat them like I want them to treat me. I don't bark at them- I have always tried to make them understand MY side, and the impact of the situation. In many cases, I became the 'go-to' even if I had a senior manager overseeing a project. This was simply because I could get things done. I earned the respect of these 'internal customers' because I respected them and worked with them. I have worked along side their people quiet often to learn THEIR side, and procedures. This has shown me how they interpret what WE do, and likewise how we can communicate better.
Now that is not to say I don't hold them accountable. In one specific situation, I would push when need be. But it was done with KNOWLEDGE. The other Dept head was defending his employee (as a good manager will), but when I pointed out some facts from what I learned, he had to concede that I was more right than wrong. A fix would be put in place and we would move forward.
Call it leadership or call it teamwork- I call it good business and just plain common sense.
Looking forward to putting that back to work.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/thomas-drake/b/264/545
Monday, April 19, 2010
With Apologies to the Rolling Stones.
You can’t always get what you want.
Over the last week or so I’ve been reminded of this wisdom in more than one way. Is it frustrating? YOU BET! We have all had a disappointment of the kind that made us feel ‘cheated’ or ‘robbed’ I’m sure.
Some are obviously harder to get over than others but, there is normally little choice- Time passes and drags us with it. Now, I have no magic spell to ease that pain- (Boy do I wish I did!!), we all have to find our own way through it. Sometimes it feels like you’re trudging through molasses, sometimes it’s a sprint. While some of my recent experiences are more like the former, one over the weekend reminded me of another line from the same song “you get what you need.”
Over the weekend I made a choice based on not only ‘gut instinct’ but on principles. Some others made a choice swayed by what it would look like to others (I feel -knowing what they’ve told me prior). I am in no position to criticize or condemn, by ANY means. I just had to do what I felt was the right thing, for ME.
One more quote to sum up my decision (not musical, but literaryinstead this time): “to thine own self be true.” With thanks to Shakespeare.
Over the last week or so I’ve been reminded of this wisdom in more than one way. Is it frustrating? YOU BET! We have all had a disappointment of the kind that made us feel ‘cheated’ or ‘robbed’ I’m sure.
Some are obviously harder to get over than others but, there is normally little choice- Time passes and drags us with it. Now, I have no magic spell to ease that pain- (Boy do I wish I did!!), we all have to find our own way through it. Sometimes it feels like you’re trudging through molasses, sometimes it’s a sprint. While some of my recent experiences are more like the former, one over the weekend reminded me of another line from the same song “you get what you need.”
Over the weekend I made a choice based on not only ‘gut instinct’ but on principles. Some others made a choice swayed by what it would look like to others (I feel -knowing what they’ve told me prior). I am in no position to criticize or condemn, by ANY means. I just had to do what I felt was the right thing, for ME.
One more quote to sum up my decision (not musical, but literaryinstead this time): “to thine own self be true.” With thanks to Shakespeare.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Hidden job market?
My opinion on finding the "hidden job market" is it's about luck. Luck of the "right" contacts who know before a job is posted or a need that could be solved by your hire/position creation. The other possibility is a cold call or well timed 'application'.
I had these happen twice. The 1st was when I applied to a job posting, and was called for an interview. At the end of the interview, I was told the job I applied for was filled, but there was just an opening created when someone quit. "Would you be interested?" led to a 2nd interview and hire. No ad was ever placed.
The Second instance was because of the fact I had stayed in touch with a former boss. He was aware I was looking at a possible move and asked to meet with me. He recruited me back- creating a new position in order to bring me on board. Sadly that company is now no longer with us. Closed up. Gone.
Man would I LOVE to recreate EITHER of those now!!!! So far I haven’t timed the cold call right, and friends either tell me there’s NOTHING on the horizon or worse, they are just trying to hang on to their own jobs!
But, I’ll keep plugging- keep trying. Polls, reports, and news stories show I’m far from alone.
hiredrake@yahoo.com or http://www.linkedin.com/pub/b/264/545
I had these happen twice. The 1st was when I applied to a job posting, and was called for an interview. At the end of the interview, I was told the job I applied for was filled, but there was just an opening created when someone quit. "Would you be interested?" led to a 2nd interview and hire. No ad was ever placed.
The Second instance was because of the fact I had stayed in touch with a former boss. He was aware I was looking at a possible move and asked to meet with me. He recruited me back- creating a new position in order to bring me on board. Sadly that company is now no longer with us. Closed up. Gone.
Man would I LOVE to recreate EITHER of those now!!!! So far I haven’t timed the cold call right, and friends either tell me there’s NOTHING on the horizon or worse, they are just trying to hang on to their own jobs!
But, I’ll keep plugging- keep trying. Polls, reports, and news stories show I’m far from alone.
hiredrake@yahoo.com or http://www.linkedin.com/pub/b/264/545
Friday, March 26, 2010
Ethics and Responsibility: Don't Leave Home Without Them
I was always taught that “if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything” - meaning know what matters to you, what you stand for (what you know as right or wrong. ) I (we) were told to take those values- those beliefs, and speak them proudly. MORE than that – LIVE THEM in your life; DEMONSTRATE what you believe through your actions. In doing all those things, you also needed to have some defense of your position. Sometimes it may be based on religion (Thou shall not steal). Other times there may be based on experience (I manage & lead people as I would want my ‘boss’ to treat me). Maybe it’s more historical (‘…all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…”). But NEVER was I told it was good to take a stand purely because ‘it was all about me’ and forget how it affects the rest.
To me the basis of my values- philosophies, was really about not doing harm to others, but rather how this position could help more than just you.
Sadly in my life, I have seen too many times where others either have ignored these teachings or were taught very differently. Too many people look at ‘what’s in it for me?’ Too many times have I seen those that care only about their outcome regardless even when others are harmed. Still worse is that with my own ears I have heard them justify rather than defend why they acted that way. The sounds of the two are most definitely different. Despite being confronted with this repeatedly in life- in school, at work, from celebrities or politicians; (are you nodding in agreement?); I still hold onto what makes me- well, me. So even when the odds are against me, I know I only have one choice.
Stand up.
To me the basis of my values- philosophies, was really about not doing harm to others, but rather how this position could help more than just you.
Sadly in my life, I have seen too many times where others either have ignored these teachings or were taught very differently. Too many people look at ‘what’s in it for me?’ Too many times have I seen those that care only about their outcome regardless even when others are harmed. Still worse is that with my own ears I have heard them justify rather than defend why they acted that way. The sounds of the two are most definitely different. Despite being confronted with this repeatedly in life- in school, at work, from celebrities or politicians; (are you nodding in agreement?); I still hold onto what makes me- well, me. So even when the odds are against me, I know I only have one choice.
Stand up.
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