2011 March

The unexamined business isn’t worth owning!

Recently, I was reminded of this powerful quote by Roy H. Williams, author of The Wizard of Ads. He said, “Socrates was right, ‘The unexamined life is not worth living’… He could just as easily have said, ‘The unexamined business isn’t worth owning.””

With the fast pace of business, it’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day routine. There’s so much to get done in such a short period of time! Trust me, I understand the feeling!

But as leaders we really need to step back every now and then and take a look at our businesses. I’m not talking every day—maybe once a week or once a month is right for you. However you decide to go about examining your business, I find it helps most to get a fresh perspective. Talk to customers and associates for their feedback. They can help you determine what areas are water-tight and what areas may have a leak.

But most importantly, take action when you find those leaks! Don’t let them get worse, but instead decide on a course of action right away.

You’ll find that a frequently examined business is a healthy one, because even small maintenance here and there makes a big difference in the overall health of your company.

Well, the same goes for the unexamined leader!

As Servant Leaders, we owe it to our associates, our businesses, and ourselves to continuously ask: “How am I doing as a leader?” We need to face our challenges and find out how we can be better at what we do. What are our strengths and weaknesses? What changes need to be made?

But most importantly, what small, attainable steps can be taken to make sure these changes are successful? It seems like this is where most folks fall off track. Be realistic with yourself here! You can’t go from being a non-runner to doing a marathon in one week—it takes lots of short, slow sessions to build your endurance.

The same goes for goal setting. Don’t set yourself up for disappointment; set yourself up for success!

Joe

Action Plan: Are you willing to evaluate yourself honestly and take some small steps this week?

Well, spring is officially here!

 It doesn’t seem like it yet, but the average temperature is rising. And after a long winter of cold and way too much snow, I’m glad we will soon be seeing signs that the weather is warming up. It reminds me that winter isn’t permanent and before I know it I’ll be out boating, grilling, and taking trips up to the family cabin. Also, this time of year always seems to bring about an urge to do some spring cleaning.
You know, how every now and then it feels so good to purge some clutter from your desk? It’s almost like a burden is lifted and you can concentrate better. And in my case it feels like it allows more creativity to stream in.
Now, I’ll admit it, when I first sit down to clear things out of my space, it feels like a monumental task. I really don’t look forward to it. But I know the reward out-measures the few minutes of “ick”.
Similarly, it’s good to take the opportunity to do some spring cleaning in other areas of your life. Set aside at least ten to twenty minutes this week to just think, without distraction. What’s working for you as a leader right now? What’s not? What parts of Servant Leadership do you have down? In what areas are you lacking? Now is a great time to purge any bad habits and welcome in some new ones. And just like the feeling you get with a clean desk, your mind will be free from burdens and open to new possibilities!
Action Plan: Time to get cleaning!

Education is the food for success!

I just finished reading Rascal: Being a Person of Unique Character. The book describes “a rascal” as a trend setter, movement starter and decision maker who makes decisions based on the big picture and all available information, not public opinion. Near the end of the book, there is a Rascal Quiz. The quiz asks something like 135 questions. With each question, you rate yourself from “Never me” to “Always me” to “Discover your Rascal Score.” Through these questions, you are led to experiencing self-education.

Are you thirsty for knowledge? Do you crave it? Having an open and courageous mind can free you from life’s troubles that come your way. Self-taught people have the amazing ability to create, because they take the best and discard the worst of everything they read. It’s OK to begin a book, skim a few chapters and discard it if its contents are not relevant to you right now. We can’t learn unless we are ready, and sometimes we are seeking certain types of information. In these instances, it’s OK to set books aside while in search of specific content you are needing right now. Never throw a book away because you may need it later as your journey grows.

If you are on a journey of wanting to better understand your co-workers, boss or teenagers, keep reading. If this is not your journey at this time, my wisdom ends here. Bottom line is this: You are in control of your own destiny and the quickest way to grow is the old-fashioned way—slowly and deliberately through self-education and focus.

Joe

ACTION PLAN: Next week we have openings on March 21st (5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) for Teen Bootcamp! Adults only. Get to know your teen all over again. The mind of a teenager is revealed and how to tap into it. March 24th – an Introduction to the About Me Card System for Business (7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.). These are short, free seminars on 21st century communications based on Servant Leadership. Click here to hold your spot!  Click here!

Servant Leader guru, Jim Hunter, in Green Bay for FREE event!

I am very excited to announce that Jim Hunter, international author and speaker, will be at the Meyer Theatre on March 31st. As many of you know, I had the good fortune to be coached over the years by Jim through his 10-year relationship with Festival Foods. Festival Foods is paying for Jim to appear in Green Bay for this free event. You just need to RSVP. Click here for more information −  www.aboutmecard.com  The Meyer Theatre is filling up!

The morning will kick off at 7:30 a.m. with an hour of social networking. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a muffin while being in the company of others wanting to learn more about the Servant Leadership movement. Jim will get the event rolling at 8:30 and will speak for about an hour. His presentation will be followed by a panel discussion involving companies in various stages of integrating Servant Leadership into their organizations. Other panel guests will include Tom Thibodeau, Director of the Servant Leadership Master’s program at Viterbo University.

Servant Leadership is not some soft, let’s hold hands and sing campfire songs kind of movement. It takes real guts and a spirit of respect and integrity to begin creating a Servant Leadership culture within your four walls. Servant Leadership, for those new to the movement, consists of two words and I would like to define each one for you. Servant: Meeting the legitimate emotional and physical needs (not wants) of those you lead or who are in your care. Leader: the ability to positively influence a group of people to willingly work together toward a common goal. You do not want to miss this wonderful opportunity! Servant Leadership is something that you can bring into your workplace and into your home.

Join us for an inspiring morning of learning and camaraderie!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: If you are interested, please click on the link provided for more information and where to RSVP!

How Do You Make Your Money?

Danica and I went out for dinner the other night and at the restaurant we met a gentleman who cleans company parking lots. He explained that the waste that is generated from people parking in the lots goes straight to the rivers through the storm sewers. His company cleans parking lots every day to make sure all waste is disposed of properly. Furthermore, he explained that the parking lot is your first impression of a business. I agreed it certainly was!

I am simply amazed at how people make a living. Danica and I started looking at other items we use and take for granted: shoe laces, awnings, street lamps, concrete sales, or how about golf tees! I heard that there are only three golf tee manufacturers in the world. One is located in Florence County. Hey, someone’s got to do it! I take nothing for granted. Thank you to all of you whose jobs may be overlooked or misunderstood. Thank you for showing up and serving our needs—whether we realize those needs or just take them for granted!

Joe Kiedinger

ACTION PLAN: Take nobody for granted today!