Invisible Boundaries

Balance.
Crossing the line.
Setting expectations.
Role clarity.

Boundaries.

Work/Life Boundaries at Work
Okay, I need to say right away...I struggle with this. In my mind, I need to be available, on-call, and ready to jump into the action at any moment. That's what leaders do, right? 

We're available!

We've decided to forgo a large part of our personal life for the greater good of the organization!

We're role models of leadership effectiveness!

Well, I do love being all of those things...but I'm learning that I don't love being all of those things, all the time.

Boundaries at Home
Where is the balance point between committed leader, and committed person outside of work?

Where is that fine line that separates "dedicated" from hurtful intrusion? 

Is there a sign I should be looking for; or, perhaps that sign comes in the form of a tangled plan that is influenced by our work?

There is no easy answer. One of the thrills of leadership, for me, is the action and drama and sudden intensity that requires a savvy response as the "world" is getting all worked up. But when that world is always worked up it can begin to negatively impact our personal lives.

That's not good...for us as people, or as leaders.

How About You
How do you find the 'life balance' that integrates all of your responsibilities? Where do you draw the lines that ensure you don't give too much of yourself away?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Comfort Betrays

"I didn't see that coming."

"I'm not sure how that happened...everything was working so smoothly."

"What do you mean we're not on schedule?"

(Near) The Top of My Game
I have been unbelievably blessed in my career. I have grown as a professional, as a leader, and ultimately as an executive. Looking back it is clear the opportunities I've had, and the organizations I've worked for...and still do today...have been a #HealthcareHR guy's dream come true.

...and that is part of my struggle.

How many of us continue to push ourselves when things are going well as compared to when we are hungry for success? Is that even possible? Compare the boxing champion who is at the top of their sport with the #1 ranked challenger in the world who wants to take that title away so badly.

How does the champion keep the competitive fire burning?

What are the steps the champion builds into their routine to ensure sustained success?

You + Team
I don't believe there is a magic formula. There isn't a secret to success that is out of reach.

For me, it comes down to a simple plan:
- develop personal habits that drive success (document and repeat them each day)

- build an accountability team that isn't afraid to challenge you to improve

Software won't do it. The latest app won't do it. Listening to self-improvement "gurus" for hours and hours won't do it either.

You have to do it. Get focused. Develop the habits that work for you. Build the team you need. Get started.

...and sustain it.

How About You
Has success crept up on you, and now you have more at risk than ever before? 

This is not a crisis...this is a chance to maintain your competitive edge. This is how you're going to stay sharp, and effective, and continue to think bigger.

What's next for you?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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The Grind

What do you think of when you hear the phrase "the grind?" Is it how you feel about your job? Is it the burden of life in general? Is it a faux commitment to fitness? 

I'm guessing you didn't feel good about it.

The Grind Can Fuel
If I were to answer those questions honestly, I would admit that sometimes I fall into the negativity trap associated with the grind. I hate that.

What happens most of the time however, is that the grind becomes fuel for me. It moves from another lame excuse about "how busy I am" and "that life is so hectic" and moves me to look at things differently.

Without the pressure of "the grind" I wouldn't take risks.

Without the need to deliver I wouldn't try new things.

Without the constantly changing business world, I would just be another boring leader who thinks talking about work versus actually having to deliver as an executive is "the grind."

The Grind Can Drain
There is a dark side to the grind...one that can overwhelm, exhaust, and wear us out. The biggest risk of this grind is that we believe it is permanent.

Let me say that again...the biggest risk is that we believe the negative grind is permanent.

It's not. Ever.

Work can be frustrating, so what?
Life can be frustrating, so what?

How About You
Important things are supposed to be difficult some of the time. 

That stress can be turned into energy to do things you never thought possible. That pressure can be focused on new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways to take you, and your organization to a new level of performance.

How are you going to embrace the grind today and make a difference in your world?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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This Is Not the Edge of the World

The rollercoaster world of work is...

exhausting.
exhilarating.
maddening.
exciting.
frustrating.
rewarding.
the worst.
the best.

No matter what it is for you today, remember you're not living on the edge of your world. It's just the thrill of the ride. Hang on tight in good times and bad, and embrace every minute.

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Developing Internal Blogging Teams

So, you've finally decided to execute on a robust employer brand strategy. Your career site is actually a real site, not just a job list, you're pushing content several times a week and distributing it across multiple dedicated HR social channels.

Well done!

But you're still missing out on a great recruitment, retention and recognition opportunity.

Our People...Our Most Important Asset
So many leaders talk about how important their people are, yet I rarely see those same "important" people writing about their experiences at work. 

We tell stories about them, that is a cornerstone of any good plan. However, when was the last time you saw the actual employees telling their own story?

It's not as risky as you might think

Plan...then Execute

There are several basic steps that will serve as the foundation of your internal blogging team structure.

1 - Identify several employees who have an interest in building their brand, supporting the organization, and aren't shy! Align the team members with your organizational needs (recruitment, expansion, growth.)

How do you find them? Ask!

2 - Meet with the employees and describe your goals, do's and don'ts, and reinforce that they are not uploading content, formatting, or publishing. HR handles all of those pieces. They simply need to send an email "post" to you each month.

How do I support them? Stay connected, meet for coffee, and talk through their challenges!

3 - Make sure your bloggers have up to date LinkedIn profiles, twitter accounts, and hopefully, Instagram accounts as well. If you're going to be a blogger...you need to be in the social media space!

How do I make sure this happens? Meet with them and get them set up on the spot!

How About You

I've had tremendous success using this strategy, and you can too! It doesn't matter if you're a blogger or not. The goal is to differentiate your organization from the competition. Additional benefits include helping you to create a culture that truly recognizes and showcases your employees! Now, what are you waiting for?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

I Saw, Today

I saw commitment today.

I saw dedication to patients.

I saw a team completely focused on a goal.

I saw preparation.

I saw real-time accountability.
I saw transparency.
I saw energy.

I saw follow through.

I saw transparency.

I saw communication.

I saw passion.

I saw priorities.

I saw teamwork.

I saw action.

I saw results.

How About You
What did you see today?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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Indefatigable

Persisting tirelessly.

I love the word indefatigable. I want to be that...every day...in everything I do. It is a word that needs to become part of who I am as a father, partner, friend, leader and person.

I want to, somehow, be everything. Is that even possible? My rational mind says absolutely not. But right now, I don't care. I want to think bigger than I ever have before. I want to believe that I can push myself...enjoy every step of the journey...

...and be everything. 

Foolish Path
The practical voice in my head says I'll wear myself out, or I'll get too stressed, or I'll not be able to keep up with my growing list of responsibilities.

But, since when has a "practical voice" ever led to a breakthrough life? I'll tell you when...

Never.

"Is wanting to explore a new awareness of my world...the whole world...a bad thing? Is this actually a foolish path to follow; or, is it the path that each of us wishes we had the courage to pursue?"

New Path

I'm not entirely sure what this looks like. I'm not even sure I can pull it off. But why shouldn't I try? Why shouldn't I challenge the ingrained societal messages about going too hard in life? Why shouldn't I say I'm going to make up my own set of rules, and the world can deal with it?

That feels like the path for me.

I don't want to be just another #HealthcareHR leader.

I don't want to be just another consultant.

I don't want to be just another good guy.

I want to spend my life kicking ass in every way possible. 

How About You

How hard do you push? How much is too much? When do you challenge yourself to take your entire life, not just your career, to a whole new level?

Maybe today is the day to answer those questions?

I'd love to hear from you.

No Excuses.

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