Leadership Message: Renting Success – One Day at a Time

“Success isn’t owned, it’s leased and rent is due every day” – JJ Watt, Defensive Lineman for the Houston Texans

Well, 2014 is behind us, and the results of yesterday are just that. Now we stand at the beginning of 2015 with new expectations to meet and new challenges to face.  That’s why I chose this month’s quote from JJ Watt, the NFL’s defensive player of the year for the last two years

“Success isn’t owned, it’s leased and rent is due every day”. 

Like many of you, I enjoy watching a good football game. Yes, it’s great to cheer for your favorite team, and hometown support is an important element in winning.  But it’s leadership, teamwork, determination, hard work, practice, and execution that truly tips the sales.  All of these are required for you to have a chance of winning – and they are required every time.  Continue reading →

Unlocking Innovation through Change and Transparency

As recently published in Staffing Stream at: http://www.thestaffingstream.com/2014/12/29/unlocking-innovation-through-change-and-transparency/

When it comes to the labor market, it seems the tide is starting to turn. After years of conservative hiring plans, many leaders are once again looking to increase their headcount to meet rising demand. This is a critical moment for organizations, as we are more aware than ever that the success of an organization relies on the talent within it.

As Dr. Klaus Schwab, founder of The World Economic Forum, explains:

“Capital is being superseded by creativity and the ability to innovate – and therefore by human talents – as the most important factors of production. Just as capital replaced manual trades during the process of industrialization, capital is now giving way to human talent. Talentism is the new capitalism.”

One of the key reasons organizations are competing to hire top talent is to drive innovation. And not just the more traditional view of innovation as a driver for new product development. But innovation as a differentiator – both strategic and practical. Yes, strategic innovation is necessary to help companies evolve their offerings to maintain a market edge. Continue reading →

Politics Can Kill a Business

pol•i•tics
noun  /ˈpɑl•əˌtɪks/

a. the activities of the government, politicians, or political parties, or the study of these activities:
b. the activities of people who are trying to obtain an advantage within a group or organization: – Source:  Cambridge Dictionaries Online

I don’t know whether it’s the negative energy coming out of Washington these days or the inherent nature of so much change in this world, but it seems I’ve overheard numerous discussions lately about “Politics”.  Yes, I’ve had my share discussion around Politics of the governmental type, where in the ‘noble pursuit of public service’ upstanding men and women work together for the common good. To be fair, in today’s Politics there doesn’t appear to be anything “noble” or “for the common good” when it comes to our government these days.  But I digress…

Politics clearly exist outside of the government and in every form of our lives – in work, at schools, in social clubs, in community organizations.  And in the truest, purest sense Politics can be a good thing – where individuals with similar interests align together for appropriate representation within the larger group.  If done correctly, an effective and respectful political structure affords the opportunity for differing interests to find the appropriate compromise(s) that are necessary for the group to succeed. Continue reading →

No More Excuses

“People are always blaming circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they can’t find them, make them.”  –  George Bernard Shaw

Ever met one of those people who blame all of their misfortunes on others?  Who are quick to point a finger toward their workload demands?  Or difficult customers?  Or a challenging economy?  Or perhaps a management team whose decisions have challenging consequences?  Maybe it’s fact that these individuals don’t have the tools they need to succeed.  “It’s not my fault,” they often say or “What do you expect since I don’t have what I need to be successful?”

To be fair, it’s easy to fall in to this trap.  In today’s world – and certainly in the business environment – we are often asked to do the impossible if not the improbable.  Whether it’s bigger workloads or increased production quotas, additional management responsibilities or a budget that feels unrealistic, or even the customer that demands you deliver more for less, there are plenty of reasons to contribute challenge to current circumstances.  I have been guilty of throwing my arms up a time or two myself. Continue reading →

Letting Go

“I have gratitude for everything that has brought me to this moment.” – Jonathan Lockwood Huie

I stand today at a crossroads in my evolution as a leader.  One filled with overwhelming joy and excitement of the next role, but also with sadness at the one I leave behind.  I’ve been asked to take the reins of Manpower North America, the signature brand of our company.  A business that represents the core of what our company was built around – making a difference by bringing meaningful work to so many.  The opportunity is tremendous, and the team I will be working for couldn’t be more talented. 

As leaders, we all strive for growth in our professional career.  To be given new responsibilities.  To be entrusted with a new role.  To leverage our past learnings as we address new challenges and opportunities.  To want more – not -for the sake of greed, but to know what you are capable of; to have the chance to prove your worth, your value, and your contribution.  Continue reading →

Avoiding the Dust Storms

Zero Visibility Possible

 “Zero Visibility Possible” –  Road sign in New Mexico

Have you ever seen this road sign, or one like it? It’s a road sign from a state highway in New Mexico, one of several that alert drivers in that state to the dangers that occur when a severe dust storm occurs. Scary when you think about it – driving conditions so poor that there is literally zero visibility.

This is a driver’s worst nightmare – and gives cause to the term ‘driving blind’. No idea what lies ahead, and perhaps even more fear of what may come up from behind. Just the thought sends goose bumps up my back. 

For grins, I ‘Googled’ what to do when driving in a dust storm. As you would guess, advice all points to one logical approach: pull over, stop the car, and wait it out. The storm will eventually pass. Or at least you hope so, right?

Continue reading →

Focusing on the Right Things

“I don’t care how much power, brilliance or energy you have, if you don’t harness it and focus it on a specific target, and hold it there you’re never going to accomplish as much as your ability warrants.” – Zig Ziglar

Have you ever had that feeling of just being overwhelmed? Not knowing where to start, or what to do? Paralyzed at all that is in front of you and seemingly helpless to get it all done? Or perhaps you know what’s important and what needs to be done, but you can’t get past the frustrations created for you by others. You rail about others who ‘haven’t done their job’ or maybe you criticize the decisions that were made above or beside you.

I know I’ve been in this situation before – many times. In fact, I deal with both perspectives on almost a daily basis. We are human. And these reactions are human nature. I could easily spend the better part of my days complaining about all I have on my plate. Like so many of us, I wear multiple hats. And while your situation may differ, I am certain it is no less demanding. Screaming clients, difficult candidates, the frequent requests from your management, a proposal that needs to be written, a dozen phone calls to be returned, and at least a hundred emails a day to be answered. Continue reading →

Change the Reality of Perception

“That’s not how I said it!” – Amanda Wright, my daughter

If you haven’t noticed by now, there is a growing trend in using my daughter’s quotes for my message inspiration.  In many cases, her age and maturity provides us clarity to see through the fog of our own experiences.  In other cases, that same age and immaturity highlight the importance of learning from past experiences to become a better person, a better leader.

This week’s message is one based on the latter.  An opportunity to learn from wisdom not always gained at her age and inexperience.  But sadly so, a lesson so often missed by us – who can’t blame ignorance on a lack of age or experiences.  Read on and see if you agree. Continue reading →