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Name of author Rick Baker, P.Eng.

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Thought Tweet #819

by Rick Baker
On Sep 5, 2013

Thought Tweet #819 Errors only become long-term limiting when we choose to give them that power.


The Thinking Behind The Tweet

We cannot practice what we don't know how: we cannot teach what we don't know how.

But, do not expect your teachers will be masters: knowing how and doing are 2 different things.

Mastery of task is rare; even the most skilled make errors; errors define near-term limits, however, the limits do not have to be long-term limiting.

Errors only become long-term limiting when we choose to give them that power.

 

Tags:

Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude | Solutions & Opportunities | Thought Tweets

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Entrepreneurs: Driven to Construction; Driven to Distraction.

by Rick Baker
On Sep 5, 2013

Strong entrepreneurs and strong salespeople see more opportunities.

I have witnessed this phenomenon repeatedly. It's like entrepreneurs and salespeople have RADAR that lights up continuously, identifying other people's problems, solutions to those problems, and underlying opportunities. Strong entrepreneurs and strong salespeople carry a mixed blessing with them, wherever they go. The ability to identify opportunities for improvement is part of the mixed blessing. The other part is the inability to maintain focus.

For some entrepreneurs and salespeople the inability to focus is so prevalent it removes concrete action and the ability to be on task...and worse...it often removes the ability to succeed.

Discarding ideas: that's a skill.

Ignoring opportunities: that's a skill.

For entrepreneurs and salespeople, these are essential executive-function skills. They can be summed up in one word - Focus. Focus is a major challenge for the strongest of entrepreneurs and salespeople. There are a number of reasons why it's a major challenge. To begin, strong entrepreneurs and salespeople are different breeds of cats. They often describe themselves as having ADD or some other affliction that causes them to be agitated, distracted, and unable to focus. On top of that, they are naturally curious people. Shiny opportunities always catch their attention...even when they are supposed to be focusing on the task at hand. Many entrepreneurs are fascinated by ideas [some thoughts on Ideation]. This too can work against focus and concentration.

While the best entrepreneurs and salespeople are driven to construction, they are also driven to distraction.

This must be addressed.

The best way to address it...

Take Talent to Task.

Don't fight to change gifted entrepreneurs and salespeople.

Make use of the entrepreneurs' and salespeople's strengths.

Cover their weaknesses with the strengths of other people. 


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Thought Tweet #819.5

by Rick Baker
On Sep 5, 2013

Thought Tweet #819.5 Motivation def'n: a dissatisfaction that reflects your interests. 

 

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

When you feel dissatisfaction, step back and identify the interest that is at the root of your dissatisfaction.

Then you know your motivation.

Tags:

Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich | Thought Tweets

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Thought Tweet #818

by Rick Baker
On Sep 4, 2013

Thought Tweet #818 Does wealth breed generosity or does generosity breed wealth?

 

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

It depends on how you define 'wealth'.

Tags:

Beyond Business | Thought Tweets

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Delegate Self-Motivation

by Rick Baker
On Sep 4, 2013

One of my early bosses advised me: Management is Motivating Mediocrity.

While I like the alliteration, I do not accept that advice.

I think we should not take the burden of motivating other people on our shoulders. That's a strategy doomed to fail. People are self-motivated...always. Their self-motivation applies whether or not we like the direction it is taking the person. And, poorly-directed self-motivation is rampant in business.

Leaders must create situations where people can self-motivate in directions that are aligned with business goals.

Leaders must delegate self-motivation and make sure they don't demotivate while they are delegating.

When delegating a task to a person allow the person to embrace accountability for 2 things:

  1. responsibility for self-motivation for full performance of the task and 
  2. responsibility for communicating about performance of the task.

Take the task off your To Do List, literally and figuratively. Know the person has accepted full responsibility and full accountability. Create a process that will ensure both you and the person know how and when communication will occur...that is: (1) the person (not you) will lead the communication and the communication will be planned and concise and (2) the communication will occur at your next 'team meeting'.

This advice also applies when you delegate authority for many tasks to a person, i.e.,  when you delegate tasks that will be performed either by the person directly or by people on the person's team. 

Tags:

Delegation & Decisions | Leaders' Thoughts

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Thought Tweet #818.5

by Rick Baker
On Sep 4, 2013

Thought Tweet #818.5 Shared, or at least compatible, Values & Vision, allow people to align their focus toward common goals.

 

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Another 80-20 Rule: make sure you score at least 80% common ground on Values and Vision.

If you and your partners and key players do not share common Values & Vision ground then, sooner or later, your business life will be stressed and struggled.

We have seen this time after time. 

Tags:

Goals - SMARTACRE Goals | Thought Tweets | Values: Personal Values | Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

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