Lessons Learned in the Little Moments of Life

Below are some of my recent posts that seem to have resonated with others on LinkedIn. I find it interesting, and inspiring, that the posts where I have shared insights obtained in the quieter moments of real life have touched many more people than occasions where I share the insights of others.

My wife often advises me to “keep it real”, not just on social media but in every interaction in life. Her advice, as usual, is on point!

Thank you to all who take the time to read what I share and thank you to those who go a step further can contribute their thoughts, feelings, and insights. You have all inspired me to give more and continue to contribute to this amazing community on LinkedIn. 

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Learning

I? am often asked, “How do you have time to read as much as you do”. Truth is I? utilize Audible, audio books and podcasts are my primary sources of learning.

When you begin using audio media you realize how much deadtime you really have in a day. Commuting to and from work, walking the dog, working out etc.

Once listening becomes your norm you can even listen faster than normal, a 3-hour book can be shortened to two hours.

Here’s to learning in 2018!

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Fortitude

Wisdom from my 9-year old who just learned to do a front flip off of a trampoline on to the ground.

On his first attempt he landed hard on his bottom. He immediately got up and tried again, landing the flip.

His friend said, “why would you do it again if you hurt yourself the first time?”

His response, “you don’t give up just because you failed the first try!”

Words all of us should remember when failure inevitably comes.

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying” ~Michael Jordan

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Leadership

“What is one of your pet peeves?” My 12-year-old son asked me at dinner.

I had to think. I? wanted to provide an answer with a lesson in it without sounding like it.

Ah ha!

“When we are waiting in a long line at the movies and the manager is standing in the booth, not helping” I? answered.

“Why does that bother you?” He asked.

“Because leaders should run to help their team when under pressure, not stand idly by while they take all the heat” I? said, continuing “and let’s not forget all the people waiting longer than they have to”.

If I? can impart one thing on those in supervisory or management positions it would be this:

Run into the fray ahead of your teams and together you will rise further then you will ever lift yourself...

**********************************************************************

Dignity

My first management job was as Night Audit Manager at a large resort.

There was a restaurant manager who used to drop off his receipts, his name was Eddie. I? liked him because he vaguely reminded me of my father who passed when I? was very young.

When I? decided to leave that company to pursue my Dot Com dreams in 1999 he treated me and my family to dinner at his restaurant.

Before we left he pulled me aside and told me “you are the best manager I? have ever known”.

I? was shocked. He was in his late thirties, I? was brand new and in my mid-twenties. He could see I? was skeptical and explained.

“You have treated me with respect from the moment we met, you made me feel valued.”

I have never forgotten this exchange and it has kept me grounded in what is likely the greatest truth in leadership. Treat people with dignity and respect, regardless of their role in your life.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~Maya Angelou

**********************************************************************

Mastery

My son wanted bike pegs for some time. While watching the technician working on them my son asked, “Why does he keep rechecking the chain?”

I hadn’t really noticed but then thought about it. The technician was meticulously checking (and re-checking) the balance of the rear wheel. It was clear from the light touch of his fingers on the chain as it spun and the eagle eye of his stare along the top of the spinning wheel that he was highly skilled.

I told my son, “What you are seeing is the difference between a real professional and a wannabe. A pro takes their work very seriously because they know it defines their reputation, because they love it.”

“So, a pro tries harder?”, he asked.

“And also commits themselves to mastering their craft, regardless of what it is”.

*******

“If you have not committed your every fiber to the mastery of your chosen craft you are committed instead to mediocrity.” ~me

Please share an occasion where you knew you were in the presence of a true “Pro”.

**********************************************************************

Please follow me if you find meaning and value in my posts and please also share them with your network if you think others will benefit. 

Only by supporting and sharing each other’s thoughts that provide inspiration and value to others, will we continue to grow our voices and inspire the world to be the best it can be.

Lessons Learned in the Little Moments of Life

Below are some of my recent posts that seem to have resonated with others on LinkedIn. I find it interesting, and inspiring, that the posts where I have shared insights obtained in the quieter moments of real life have touched many more people than occasions where I share the insights of others.

My wife often advises me to “keep it real”, not just on social media but in every interaction in life. Her advice, as usual, is on point!

Thank you to all who take the time to read what I share and thank you to those who go a step further can contribute their thoughts, feelings, and insights. You have all inspired me to give more and continue to contribute to this amazing community on LinkedIn. 

**********************************************************************

Learning

I? am often asked, “How do you have time to read as much as you do”. Truth is I? utilize Audible, audio books and podcasts are my primary sources of learning.

When you begin using audio media you realize how much deadtime you really have in a day. Commuting to and from work, walking the dog, working out etc.

Once listening becomes your norm you can even listen faster than normal, a 3-hour book can be shortened to two hours.

Here’s to learning in 2018!

**********************************************************************

Fortitude

Wisdom from my 9-year old who just learned to do a front flip off of a trampoline on to the ground.

On his first attempt he landed hard on his bottom. He immediately got up and tried again, landing the flip.

His friend said, “why would you do it again if you hurt yourself the first time?”

His response, “you don’t give up just because you failed the first try!”

Words all of us should remember when failure inevitably comes.

“I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying” ~Michael Jordan

**********************************************************************

Leadership

“What is one of your pet peeves?” My 12-year-old son asked me at dinner.

I had to think. I? wanted to provide an answer with a lesson in it without sounding like it.

Ah ha!

“When we are waiting in a long line at the movies and the manager is standing in the booth, not helping” I? answered.

“Why does that bother you?” He asked.

“Because leaders should run to help their team when under pressure, not stand idly by while they take all the heat” I? said, continuing “and let’s not forget all the people waiting longer than they have to”.

If I? can impart one thing on those in supervisory or management positions it would be this:

Run into the fray ahead of your teams and together you will rise further then you will ever lift yourself...

**********************************************************************

Dignity

My first management job was as Night Audit Manager at a large resort.

There was a restaurant manager who used to drop off his receipts, his name was Eddie. I? liked him because he vaguely reminded me of my father who passed when I? was very young.

When I? decided to leave that company to pursue my Dot Com dreams in 1999 he treated me and my family to dinner at his restaurant.

Before we left he pulled me aside and told me “you are the best manager I? have ever known”.

I? was shocked. He was in his late thirties, I? was brand new and in my mid-twenties. He could see I? was skeptical and explained.

“You have treated me with respect from the moment we met, you made me feel valued.”

I have never forgotten this exchange and it has kept me grounded in what is likely the greatest truth in leadership. Treat people with dignity and respect, regardless of their role in your life.

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~Maya Angelou

**********************************************************************

Mastery

My son wanted bike pegs for some time. While watching the technician working on them my son asked, “Why does he keep rechecking the chain?”

I hadn’t really noticed but then thought about it. The technician was meticulously checking (and re-checking) the balance of the rear wheel. It was clear from the light touch of his fingers on the chain as it spun and the eagle eye of his stare along the top of the spinning wheel that he was highly skilled.

I told my son, “What you are seeing is the difference between a real professional and a wannabe. A pro takes their work very seriously because they know it defines their reputation, because they love it.”

“So, a pro tries harder?”, he asked.

“And also commits themselves to mastering their craft, regardless of what it is”.

*******

“If you have not committed your every fiber to the mastery of your chosen craft you are committed instead to mediocrity.” ~me

Please share an occasion where you knew you were in the presence of a true “Pro”.

**********************************************************************

Please follow me if you find meaning and value in my posts and please also share them with your network if you think others will benefit. 

Only by supporting and sharing each other’s thoughts that provide inspiration and value to others, will we continue to grow our voices and inspire the world to be the best it can be.