Archive for August, 2006

Effective leaders understand that relationships are the key to success and the development of authentic relationships takes time. The following story illustrates the magic….

Once the Chinese Bamboo Plant is planted, there is no visible growth for up to five years, even under the most ideal conditions. Then, as if by magic, it suddenly begins growing at the rate of nearly 2.5 feet per day, reaching 90 feet within 6 weeks!

Commit to the daily discipline of developing authentic relationships and watch the quality of your life soar!

And remember, it’s all about the relationship.

“Who we associate with” and “what we think of” are keys to our direction in life. If you think negative thoughts, it’s nearly impossible to achieve positive results. Also, if you associate with turkeys, you most likely will never soar with the eagles.

The following poem is a great example of the results of both a positive and negative attitude…

The Man Who Sold Hot Dogs

There was a man who lived by the side of the road and sold hot dogs.
He was hard of hearing so he had no radio.
He had trouble with his eyes, so he read no newspapers.

BUT HE SOLD GOOD HOT DOGS.

He put up signs on the highway telling how good they were.
He stood on the side of the road and cried, “Buy a hot dog, mister?”

AND PEOPLE BOUGHT.

He increased his meat and bun orders.
He bought a bigger stove to take care of his trade.
His son came to help him out.

BUT THEN SOMETHING HAPPENED.

His son said, “Father, haven’t you been listening to the radio?
Haven’t you been reading the newspapers?
There’s a big depression.
The European situation is terrible.
The domestic situation is worse.”
Whereupon his father thought, “Well, my son’s been to college, he reads the papers and he listens to the radio, and he ought to know.”
So the father cut down on his meat and bun orders, took down his advertising signs, and no longer bothered to stand out on the highway to sell his hot dogs.

AND HIS HOT DOG SALES FELL ALMOST OVERNIGHT.

“You’re right, son,” the father said to the boy. We certainly are in the middle of a great depression.”

Author Unknown

Following for your reflection…

• “Surround yourself with dream makers, not dream killers.”
• “Follow the trail to your dreams, not the path of others’ expectations.”

And remember, you are in charge of your attitude.

• Our words can soothe a troubled mind or keep someone awake all night.

• Our words can heal hurt feelings or break a heart.

• Our words can lift a spirit or sink a soul.

• Our words can give wings to a dream or ground it forever.

Research has proven that words affect every cell of the human body. The most effective leaders filter thoughts through their hearts before they become words. Much too often we let the “venom” slip from our mouths before thinking, letting emotions dominate our intellect. Compassionate leaders have a PhD in communication - they P reserve human Dignity.

And remember, it’s all about the relationship.

I recently had a disturbing conversation with a close friend who has been employed by a Fortune 500 company for thirty years. Upon asking the question, “How are things at work?” this individual replied, “Not good.” The obvious next question was, “Why?”

The rest of the conversation was a case study on how bad things were at the company that he and thousands of others formally referred to as one big extended family. Probing further, I asked how he felt the majority of employees would respond to the following three questions:

• Do you enjoy coming to work?

• Do you trust management?

• Do you feel appreciated?

His immediate response: “My feeling is that the majority of employees, for certain in my department, would answer “NO” to all three questions.” He concluded with the following words, “I love this company, but we are headed for disaster. My main goal is to make it to retirement.” What a tragedy!

As one who works with organizations to develop leaders and winning teams, I must confess that this conversation is more the rule than the exception. This company, like many others, has lost touch with reality and is making the deadly sin of focusing only on the bottom line. This insensitive handling of peoples’ hearts and souls has destroyed the loyalty that was once the heart of its caring culture and is a powerful example of what happens when all focus is placed on bottom line results. Arie De Geus, in his enlightening book The Living Company, shares some powerful findings as to why companies die young:

“Companies die because their managers focus on the economic activity of producing goods and services, and they forget that their organizations’ true nature is that of a community of humans.”

What is the solution to this terrible problem? The heroes are the few servant leaders who realize the worth of people, who understand the power of love and compassion and place the well being of employees above the daily value of their stock. These men and women understand the wisdom of serving others and the positive influence that compassion has on the balance sheet.

I feel passionately that servant leadership is the “High Touch” solution to most of our problems in the work place and home place. My hope is that many will respond to the call for more effective servant leaders. If this occurs, thousands of people will achieve their dreams and, most importantly, will understand that there is hope for the future!

And remember, it’s all about the relationship.

A Legendary Leader…

• Is trustworthy.

• Encourages open and honest communication. They solicit and value others’ opinions.

• Shows appreciation for the efforts and contributions of others. They are team players.

• Treats others with dignity and respect.

• Has a strong work ethic. Expects excellence from self and others.

A Legendary Leader possesses the talents that inspire others to dream, risk, believe, and achieve.

The following words - written by an Anglican bishop in the 11th century – were found in the crypts of Westminster Abbey…

“When I was young and free my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it, too, seemed immovable. As I grew in my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realized: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed my world.”

Looking in the mirror of truth is good advice. One of the basic truths in life: The only one you can change is you and by changing yourself, you have the greatest impact on others. Quit trying to “fix” others and work on being the best you can be. It requires the least amount of energy and is the most cost effective investment that you will ever make.

And remember, it’s all about the relationship.