What You Bring

It comes naturally for some...and for others it's a struggle that requires thoughtful, intentional effort. It can build upon itself and push us even higher. Or, it can be so draining that we need to literally take a break and rest.

We've all been around people who show it consistently in their work. People are drawn to them, they want to be around them, work for them, go the extra mile for them.

You know the type. The room fills with energy the moment they arrive. Their energy level always seems to be so high, yet their loud voice and broad smile are sincere. What's up with these people?

More Than Attitude
Those positive leaders that seem to "have it all together" are not flukes. They aren't just naturally taking risks, going out of their way to support the team, or treating everyone as if they are as important as the CEO.

Every. Single. Time.

Their actions are based on a conscious decisions to be positive. It's as if they've not just talked about doing the right thing, they've internalized that mindset so it looks and feels natural to those around them.

More Than Just Energy
How does it happen? Isn't that massive focus on energy all the time absolutely draining? Oddly enough, that energy spreads. 

If you watch closely you can see the reaction among the team, and watch it grow. That, in turn, comes back to them. 

It is a cycle that is positive, impactful, and helps to create corporate culture beyond the programming and "models" that seem to dominate contemporary work.

How About You
When was the last time you made the decision to be a positive, high-energy force of nature in your workplace? You absolutely can do it. Ask those role models in your organization how they do it...and copy them. (Here's an insider tip...they're copying their role models too.)

What you bring can make a huge difference.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Apex Predator

I'm a super competitive guy. I like to win. I push myself hard at work, in my workouts, and in how I try to cram two lives into just one. I like the pressure to differentiate myself, my company, and my clients from the competitors in their respective markets.

I like to win.

Every time.

Winning Without Being A Loser
Part of winning is making sure I try to help everyone on my team win. This is no small task. Think about the people you work with and how they (read here --> many) are slow to accept change. 

Some may be early in their careers and don't want to make a mistake. Others may be long-tenured but still cling to the prehistoric notion that a command and control leadership style actually garners credibility in 2015.

Whatever obstacles we confront, it is essential that we try to include everyone. Candidly, not everyone will make the journey with us. It is easier to accept this reality when we know we've done our best to be inclusive.

Winning Comes in Threes
When you commit to winning you can not simply state you want to win and expect to get a good result. It requires courage and thick skin (particularly when hearing the criticism from those that want 'everyone' to win --> impossible, by the way.)

Let's take a look at my big three:

1. An endless supply of enthusiasm
Are you the one that everyone knows is fired up...all the time? Can you be relied on to jump in front of a group of people and get them engaged on a new project, strategy, or set of business tools?

If not, what the heck is going on? It's up to you to change your organization for the better. No one else. That means you must be the one who is out in front.

2. A willingness to take risks
Are you the one that is pushing to try new things and challenge the status quo? Or, do you wait for "approval" for everything and make sure each issue is so "safe" that you never take a step forward? 

If so, what the heck is going on? It's up to you to create a culture where innovation and creativity are normal. If you're not role modeling this behavior who is going to do it?

3. An ability to execute
Progress never occurs when we "wait and see" or "take a closer look at something." Do these phrases sound all too familiar? Is it suddenly uncomfortable reading this post?

If so, what the heck is going on? You must be the one leading...you must be the first one through the wall...you must make decisions and move forward.


How About You
Do you want to be the apex predator in your industry, organization, and life? 

Reality check...the only thing stopping you is you. 

Get yourself fired up, take some risks, and above all else execute more effectively than anyone you've ever seen. 

In the end...you're going to make a world of difference.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Living A Fantasy

So I’ve been thinking about how the pieces of my world fit together. The fantasy I cling to is that I have it all figured out. Fantasies are rarely accurate though...

Fantasy #1 - Work

Over the years I've continued to bring a high degree of energy and enthusiasm to my work. I get fired up about the projects I’m leading, the clients I work with, and the colleagues that make it all so special. Helping organizations move from their same-old-comfort-zone into a contemporary power house is absolutely terrific.

But not all of the work is a utopian nine to five dream come true. There are unexpected roadblocks, technology challenges, political hand grenades that get tossed from out of nowhere, and the simple reality that change often scares the old guard to death (read here —> too threatening to their power.)

Fantasy #2 - Personal

I also bring a high degree of energy to my personal life. I don’t seem to have much of an “off switch” when it comes to my world. Each day is an opportunity to push harder than the last…to challenge myself to be better…and to squeeze in one more workout when I’m feeling worn out. 

From the outside it probably looks like I’m in high gear every minute…and I guess for the most part I am. But that doesn’t mean all of those smiles, positive outlooks, and loud jokes equate with internal peace. Peace can be an elusive target.

Maybe there really is more to each of us than what we show on the outside?

Beyond the Fantasies

So how do we find the balance point? When does the line between fantasy and reality come into view? The challenge of embracing a fantasy mindset, for me anyway, is to keep myself focused on how I want to role model behavior for those around me. A positive attitude and nonstop enthusiasm go a long way publicly (and a long way privately too.)

Conversely, how do we integrate all of the other issues swimming around inside our heads (and hearts) and maintain the high octane leader persona everyone expects?

How About You

Don’t stop striving to make your fantasies a reality. I don’t care how hard it gets. My energy, enthusiasm, and dreams about the future fuel me at every step. What fuels you?

I’d love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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