Crazy Thankful

Ah, yes. Thanksgiving. That special time of year when we get really thoughtful about those who mean the most to us. Those we love, those we miss, those who make a profound difference in our lives...

It's really powerful when you think about it. 

Then, of course, the next day we open up the shopping mosh pit and beat the crap out of each other at Target trying to save $100 on a TV we don't need.

'Merica.

Thankful for Work Stuff
After so many years driving to hospitals for work, I now travel extensively to...wait for it...hospitals!

I know...huge change, but I'm actually thankful for that. Although nothing says "I'm blessed" like switching your commute from a car to an airplane.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Jay, you have a cool gig with a cool company and you get to do all of that traveling!

Sure, I'm thankful...that hotel rooms have irons...it's the little things.

Thankful for Work People Stuff

The really important part of Thanksgiving however, is remembering the people in our lives.

- The hiring managers that never get back to us with their feedback.

- The leaders who are afraid of social media. They keep me employed. 

- The wanna be executives who are so full of themselves they miss the point of leading.

- The executives who still think the world knows how good their organizations are because...well..."they're special!" See "permanent employment for Jay" above.

How About You
So many things to be thankful for this year. But most of all...I'm thankful that you all have a sense of humor.

Keep pushing friends...we're going to change the world if it kills us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Gratitude

"In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich."

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

  
I'm wrapping up one of the most hectic years of my professional life. The cliche that "change is constant" took on a whole new meaning for me as I experienced nothing but change after change after change. You probably did too...that seems to be the new normal. 


People
What strikes me at this time of year when we all seem to soften our hearts a bit and reflect; is that despite the challenges, stresses, and abundance of drama that found its way to me, I continue to be surrounded by good people who do really good work.

Quite honestly, I could only accomplish a fraction of the work that needs to get done without them. They are not distracted by the noise around them, or the crisis-of-the-moment, or any of the myriad fires that seem to pop up each day. They are steady and professional and effective.

That is a blessing few leaders ever get to experience, and I am grateful.

Network
Another significant part of my life that has come through over and over again this year is my network that stretches far beyond the walls of my company. Having an extensive network that you never connect with in a meaningful way isn't really a network at all. 

However, when that extra step is taken to move beyond a connection or a follow and those connections become phone calls, long discussions, or face to face meetings, only then can the real power of a network be realized. My network has been steady and professional and supportive.

That is a blessing few people get to experience, and I am grateful.

How About You
As you reflect on your work life at this time of year what comes to mind? Is it your task list, or projects, or never ending Inbox? Or, is there something else that deserves your time and attention?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.


 
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Leadership Failures...Not Me, Right?

19,500,000.

That's how many results Google provided when I searched for the phrase "leadership failures." Wow, we must suck.

I'm Not Buying It

With all due respect, I have not given up on the notion of good leadership. Yes, we struggle. I'm at the head of that line. But I for one believe it's worth it to keep trying, not because I have to, but because I actually believe leadership is a noble role.

Now before your eyes roll into the back of your head, consider this: How many times have you complained about a decision a leader made in your company, or social club, or sports team? How many times have you felt that you could do a better job than someone else in a leadership role? Have you seen leaders lose their way because the pressure of the job was too much for them?

Leadership isn't easy. There is often so much criticism directed at these people that we miss what the impact is on them as human beings.

Leadership ages people. Don't believe me? Take a look at the before and after pictures of American Presidents. Sure, that's an extreme example, but the reality is leadership can wear people out.

Nowhere To Go But Up

If then, the pit is so deep, it seems to me we only have one option: start climbing. With all of the chatter about failing and whether or not it is in vogue to openly discuss it, I say who cares. People are going to fail, and that includes leaders. That includes me.

But the true champions will keep pushing forward and try to improve. Even if it means they have to check their ego at the door. I hate it when I have to do that...but I've gotten pretty good at it.

How About You

So why in the world do we stay in these positions? What could possibly be the draw that brings us back over and over again? Easy, we have the privilege to help others do incredible things in their work every day. Now that is something to be thankful for.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.



photo credit #1  photo credit #2 

300

I'm  a big fan of milestones. They don't really do anything, nor do they last for more than a brief moment in time. But milestones represent important things in life. Sometimes they are a major accomplishment such as years of service with the same employer. Other times they are reached when college degrees, professional certifications, or a promotion comes through.

And sometimes they sneak up on you.

300...and Counting

This post is number 300 for NoExcusesHR. You have all been incredibly generous with your time to take a glance at these posts, and pass them along. I am very humbled by those actions and want to say a heartfelt thank you.

How About You
Many of you who read these posts are bloggers too. Others of you may be thinking about it but haven't quite taken that first step. I say Go For It! Just think, before you know it you'll be writing number three-hundred too.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.




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Power Post - Are You Thankful...Ahead of Time

A good friend of mine once gave a presentation on being thankful.  As presenters go, he did an effective job of addressing the regular issues related to the topic:  remaining humble, maintaining a positive attitude, and keeping your chin up.  It was solid throughout, until he turned the whole message, and how I now view the world, upside down.

He told me I should be thankful ahead of time.  Yes, that's right.  Ahead of time.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Now I'm all for staying positive.  In fact I think it's absolutely essential.  However, being thankful after good things happen (read here -> reach my goals) suddenly seems a bit self-centered.  Isn't my success built on the accomplishments of the team I work with?  Isn't my job as a leader to create an environment that allows that team to flourish?  So, being thankful after the fact isn't really being thankful at all.  It's being relieved.  That's not thankful.

HOW ABOUT YOU

Do you realize you are surrounded by the talent, creativity, and diversity of background and thought in your organization to make you successful?  Are you thankful before the work gets done; or, do you fall into the trap of simply feeling relief?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.