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by Rick Baker
On Dec 7, 2016
We must never forget, the DNA of our greatest weaknesses lurks within our greatest strengths… and vice-versa. The fine line separating strength from weakness may be as thin and fragile as humility. Or, when humility isn’t present, perhaps, strengths resist the temptation to become weaknesses as a result of some other tempering wisdom.
Regardless, strengths and weaknesses are close neighbours and they are reliant upon the direction of thought and action. Thoughts and actions aligned with true goals, long-term goals aligned with personal values, bring strengths to the forefront. Conversely, thoughts and actions that stray from the paths paved by true goals and personal values are the bad habits that grow weaknesses.
To a degree, at least a material degree and possibly a huge degree, our strengths owe their existence to our thoughts.
And, to a degree, again at least a material degree and possibly a huge degree, we possess the ability to choose our thoughts.
So, we have the ability to choose our strengths, first in our thoughts then in our actions.
When we fail to choose our strengths our indecision gives life to our weaknesses.
Our strengths and their related good habits are the consequences of the good choices we make. Our weaknesses do not have to wait for our choices. Our weaknesses may be the consequences of bad decisions or they may arrive on the backs of our bad habits of indecision.
by Rick Baker
On Nov 24, 2016
People only do 3 things: when you get right down to it people only do Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things. People judge themselves continuously…they know right for them, wrong for them…i.e., they know their Good Habits from their Bad Habits. And, everyone knows it is difficult to jump from Bad Habits to Good Habits. When we try to do that, most times we fail. To bridge the gap between Good Habits and Bad Habits people need to do New Things…new actions. To create change: forget the Bad Habit ever existed, introduce the Good Habit, and then focus 100% on the New Things.
Most people do not take the time to understand the most-important things about themselves. Most people do not make a habit of analyzing, I mean really thinking about, their personal values, their personal goals, and the people-things that impress them the most. Most people do not think about how these personal things are intertwined with everything they experience during their workdays. As a result, most people have a much more difficult time at work than is necessary.
Most people enjoy a variety of games: sports games, card games, board games, etc. Most games are governed by many well-defined and detailed rules. Most people embrace rule-laden games. Yet, often people resist the rules of business. Why is that? The answers to this question provide the master keys to converting strategic business thought into successful business action.
Facts about Bosses:
- in general, bosses do not like it when people bring problems to them and
- if they have to choose between problems and solutions then bosses much prefer to see and hear solutions.
People should not be annoyed by their problems or afraid to use the word ‘problem’. Instead people should understand, for every problem that visits them they can come up with 2 solutions and, from time to time, they will uncover opportunities where they used to see the problem.
by Rick Baker
On Nov 14, 2016
- Know how to communicate the essence of the role, seek simple descriptions; avoid lengthy series of tasks and responsibilities
- Magnetic job postings - show your difference...less is better than more
- Discuss the good, the bad, and a little taste of the ugly; be open and candid, open the door for trust
- Share Thoughts about Vision - everybody has dreams of a better future; don't just talk - ask and listen
- Talk about Values: courageously paving the path for Culture; again, don't just talk - listen
- Talk about money: confidently setting the proper 'money pace'...and listen
- Talk about boundaries: introducing master rules, with conviction; consider differences but know where lines must be drawn
- Talk about talents: illustrating true curiosity...everyone has talents; few truly understand their talents
- Share stories - about best bosses, role models, mentors and heroes, especially heroes
- Discuss hobbies - understand how hobbies parallel and/or cross business know-how
by Rick Baker
On Nov 9, 2016
When you aim to give people more than they expect…
- You must be ready, willing and able to go the extra mile.
- You must embrace Napoleon Hill’s ‘QQS’ principle: deliver more Quantity and Quality of service and do it with a winning Spirit.
- You must seek out problems, knowing you can solve them because you know how to take advantage of new technologies.
When you aim to give people less than they expect…
- You must be ready, willing and able to drive hard bargains.
- You must be prepared to lie, cheat and steal.
- You must be wary of the inevitable reciprocation that is sure to come your way.
When you aim to give people exactly what they expect…
So -
- What are your Values?
- What do your clients value?
- What value will you deliver to your clients?
by Rick Baker
On Sep 26, 2016
While watching some of the U.S. Presidential "news coverage" a few things came to mind...
Talk is Cheap. That's a saying, which carries some wisdom. Verbal messages can provide immediate gratification to audiences. And that gratification may carry through to election day. On the other hand, as George H.W. Bush found out the hard way, people do more than "read your lips"…not everybody…not all the time…but, many people grasp the messages presented to them and cling to them with the intent of holding political leaders accountable to their words.
When you are a politician - even if people don't hold you accountable, chances are very good the media will…sooner or later…probably sooner…and probably with a vengeance.
During recent decades, we have experienced two trends:
- The media is digging deeper into politicians’ personal and career lives, going to extremes such as pulling paparazzi on politicians’ family members. No politician is protected from the media bulldogs…not even the U.S. President.
- Politicians are becoming increasingly more adventuresome, doing bizarre things and taking [what most people would describe as] absolutely outrageous chances. Political leaders’ ‘violations’ range from bigoted slurs to abuse of power and privilege.
What a combination: increased media scrutiny coupled with leaders behaving outrageously.
Something’s got to give.
One way or another, some day, something will give.
Here’s a thought – Wouldn’t it be nice if leaders decide to give up the outrageous behavior. Then they could concentrate on productive behavior, the media could provide more-positive reporting, and we could focus our attention on more-constructive news and more-valuable knowledge.
by Rick Baker
On Sep 22, 2016
We enjoy solving sticky problems.
Wrestling down sticky problems until they give up their solutions - that's where our people and our family business are at their best.
- we are invigorated by the challenges of new things,
- we are excited about the opportunities that we know rest closely with problems, and
- we enjoy testing and stretching our imaginations.
Certainly, we know we are curious and we know we enjoy new challenges. And we know curiosity leads to innovation and creativity...and interesting experiences...and adventures...and these things help bring new product and service ideas to life.
We enjoy positive feedback from the people we work with and for. Positive feedback about our work energizes our enthusiasm. But, for us, there’s more value in work than generating solutions and receiving gratification from positive feedback.
We enjoy solving sticky problems:
- Curiosity is an important part of our lives – we see value in curiosity – we are driven by curiosity and have embraced it as one of our personal Values. So, Curiosity is also one of our corporate Values.
- Problem-solving mastery is an important part of our lives. We were naturally skilled at mathematics and we were drawn to math and engineering education. And, for us, engineering education provided the opportunity learn and develop problem-solving skills.
- Solving problems opened the door to finding opportunities [opportunities ride on the wings of adversity] and opportunities lead to new solution-techniques, products and services.
Relentless curiosity combined with a huge desire to solve problems – that describes us.
It also explains why…
We enjoy solving sticky problems.
Footnotes:
- Sticky Problems have two forms: people problems [interpersonal issues] and technical problems [information management/processing, including information essential to product design].
- Our family company, Spirited Leaders, focuses on helping business leaders solve sticky leadership problems: interpersonal issues are at the core so solutions for people are the goal.
- Our family company, NeuStyle Software & Systems, focuses on solving sticky technical problems: information management and processing is at the core so software and digital solutions are the goal.
- Spirited Leaders' motto - Inspire People - Influence Action - Grow Wealth!
- NeuStyle Software's motto - Anything's possible when it's digital!
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