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Category: Leadership
What our favorite teachers and coaches know
Early in my coaching career, I remember my mentor, Bob, saying, “People won’t remember what you say…they will remember what they do.” This past week I observed a powerful example of this motto being played out.
About 3 weeks ago, I read a book to my 3-year-old grandson, Josh. It was entitled, “The Hungry Caterpillar”. As you might suspect, it was the story of a caterpillar gradually turning in to a butterfly. It is quite an incredible process. We wanted Josh not just to know the process, but also experience it.
We purchased a “butterfly garden” kit. Contained in the kit were 10 larvae in specially prepared cups. The larvae ate the food in the cup and started growing. They kept growing. Josh was euphoric as he observed the metamorphosis take place. The cocoons were formed and they started to wiggle, and last Saturday we all experienced the main event: The release of the butterflies. Freedom!
Having been so actively involved in the growth of the butterfly garden, Josh now reads his caterpillar book with a new perspective. He has experienced the process, and therefore understands it at a much more instinctive level.
What Josh learned is what we all need to remember: If we want someone to grow from our teaching or coaching, get them actively involved in the “doing”. We can then create true learning.
Accountability is keeping our word
What happens when we “bite off more than we can chew”? We have to face the music.
When I was in 5th grade, I played the trumpet. The band teacher had planned a recital to be performed in front of the whole school. I was asked to play a specific piece, and I accepted the assignment. I did so with little knowledge of the song. That was a mistake.
As I began practicing the piece, it quickly became clear that the song was very hard and beyond my skill level. I kept trying and things seemed to be getting worse. Not wanting to make a fool of myself in front of the whole school audience, I decided to back out. Before I bailed I told my mom. She didn’t cut me any slack, and said, “Stephen, you gave that man your word and you must keep your word.” I replied, “But mom, I’ll make a fool of myself.” Mom responded, “Well I guess you”ll just have to make a fool of yourself. If you commit to something, you must follow through.”
The day of the dreaded event came, and I still couldn’t play the piece. With no alternative, I got my mind in the right place, and began by handing the accompanist her part. I let mind my mind float into another zone. I played the song beautifully and to perfection. I could’t believe what was coming out of that horn.
Thanks to Mom for challenging me to be a person on my word. When we do what we say we will do, we gain confidence and earn respect. A leader guides someone to a place they would not go on their own.
Use the power of the written word
It was in the early 1990’s, and I was reading an article about James Michener, the most popular historic fiction writer of that time. The article showed a picture of Mr. Michener seated at his desk in front of an ancient Underwood typewriter doing his work. Word processors were widely available by that time, and most of his books were over a 1000 pages. In spite of that, he chose to use his old manual typewriter to write. Hmmm…
A few months later I stopped by a typewriter repair shop to pick up a couple new ribbons. As I was making the purchase, I asked the store owner why James Michener used a manual typewriter. His answer came quick and was very simple. “Feeling”. Novelists like to put a lot of feeling into their writing, and working on a word processor can blunt that effort. This answer intrigued me, and heightened my respect for the power of the written word.
So what does the “power of the pen” mean to us? One benefit is stronger business relationships, which means we improve our ability to create and keep customers. For 20 years I was a leadership training facilitator. I would often write a note on a 3×5 card in the spur of the moment to class members. It was quite common that years later I would encounter an alum from my class who carried one of those 3×5 cards I had written to them.
The Declaration of Independence shows us that when you put a pen to a blank sheet of paper, great things can occur. Go ahead. Try it. Go to a quiet place, put on your “thinking cap”, grab a pen and sheet of paper, and let your mind flow. It could be an idea or simple note of encouragement or appreciation. Make a bigger impact!
The most important part of a vision
We’ve heard the expression, “I’m living a dream”. Having an exciting vision and making it happen can keep our spirit alive. One characteristic I have always found in a great vision: The fulfillment of a great vision leaves the world a better place.
In 1949 (the year I was born), Gerry Lerner invented “Mr. Potato Head”. Before you could play with Mr. Potato head, you needed to buy a real potato. It was a popular toy, and the kids liked it. Parents didn’t like it as much. You see, playing with real potatoes is a mess!
In 1964, someone came up with the idea of making the torso of Mr. Potato Head out of plastic instead of a real potato. Hygiene and child safety were key issues. The change to plastic was a success, and sales increased dramatically.
Fast forward to two weeks ago. My wife and I were playing with our grandchildren (ages 1-5). The activity was each person designing their own Mr. Potato Head. The kids imagination went wild. We role played. We laughed. It was silly fun and we were so connected with the little ones. Playing with Mr. Potato Head is our favorite activity with the grandchildren. 77 years ago Gerry Lerner had a vision. 62 years ago someone improved on his vision. Today, Mr. Potato Head lives on, and without a mess to clean up!
Whatever your vision or purpose, think in terms of what you will leave behind. Knowing and believing in our legacy can give us more energy, enthusiasm, and desire to stick with it. We can live with a daily sense of purpose and make a difference!
Get the strongest start to the new year
Jim Rohn was an entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker who became a world-wide expert on personal development. He started as a high-school dropout. In his early 20’s he hired a mentor, Earl Shoaff. One of the first questions Mr.Shoaff asked him was how many books he read a year. The truth was, he read very little. “That’s not a good answer!”, Shoaff said. From that point on, Jim Rohn decided that he would be an avid reader. His mentor knew the truth: High achiever’s read a lot!
Over and over again I find this to be true. Think of the most successful people you know in this business world: Most likely they read whenever they get the chance. When they are driving, they are listening to books or some other form of audio education.
I was reminded of this truth just this week. A client of mine reads constantly. While reading in a spare half hour while waiting for his car to be serviced, he re-acquainted himself with an important management practice that he was falling short on. After further thought, he realized that his management practice of holding a 15-minute team meeting each morning needed to be revived. He remembered that his team was most productive during the COVID outbreak. This daily habit was a critical factor. He began this week with absolute confidence that bringing these meetings back will help lead them back to peak performance.
Bob is an avid reader and he knows the payoff of keeping up with his reading. Are you keeping up with your reading? Are you reading enough? With the New Year about to be started, what is your reading commitment?