High Performance Leadership

This is probably get some disagreement. We've come to rely so much on one particular trait of business, probably even more than price. Convenience. We make so many decisions based on how EASY a transaction is. It's so much EASIER than ever before and we've all been spoiled by click-and-ship that anything with any friction whatsoever gets passed over. That's an understandable decision, but not always the best one. Convenience is great, but no substitute for quality. Hamburgers are convenient but wouldn't you rather eat a steak? (please excuse me my vegetarian and vegan friends.) Social media is convenient but how about the depth and richness of a long face to face conversation with a dear friend? I advocate that we consider other measures in our important decisions. Measures other than convenience: Quality Durability Care Beauty Drama What would you add to the list? Convenience is a poor measure of quality.  Let's consider everything else that makes business -- a...

How are you at keeping your commitments? I don't need to convince you of the benefits of keeping promises, even (especially) promises to yourself.  One of those commitments could be to time and how you use it. Setting aside time for what is important. Knowing that in order to focus, you'll need focus time, and that means both scheduling it and protecting it. True commitment to time takes courage.  How do you feel about that? -- doug smith  

Would you like to be an instant coach? Ask someone about their goals. You'll be doing them a favor. Bonus points: listen without judging. Paraphrase. Ask more questions. Stay helpful, encouraging, and challenging. Above all, stay curious. Now you're coaching. -- doug smith 

Facts matter. We should pay attention to data. And, we should remember that data isn't the whole game. Data is a poor indicator of feelings.  Feelings matter. People will believe that they matter when leaders show them that their feelings matter. That's not always easy and it can even be counter-intuitive if you're an analytical sort like me, but it is necessary. Facts matter. Feelings matter. And, more often than we might care to admit, people decide based on how they feel. How do you feel about that? -- doug smith

If a goal doesn't make you happy, let it go. -- doug smith 

We can always imagine a better future and that's a great start to getting there. That's the fun part.  The hard part is the work. But you know that already. Set the goal, identify the plan, then get started. No one else is going to do it for you. -- doug smith