Face 2 Face

I recently had the pleasant reminder of what a real conversation felt like.  As a leader, I often get so consumed with the day to day operation of work.  The day is spent communicating, but usually through a screen (texting, emailing, twitter, etc) and very quickly.  Decisions need to be made and goals need to be met.

I reached out to a friend through a Words with Friends game---yes I dabble in fun apps occasionally in rare down time.  When we met up he said to me, "we have communicated more in the last two months, texting through a game, than we have all year.  What's wrong with that picture?"  The conversation that ensued was rich and genuine.  We each took turns sharing our passions.  We challenged one another in our careers.  After two hours, we both walked away encouraged and recharged to do what we do: develop people.  I see it as time well spent.

Jim Collins, author of the best-seller Good to Great, schedules "white space" on his calendar.  This is think time, brainstorming time, growth time.  It is time every leader should make.  Leaders should also schedule "face time."  Face time is just like Collins' "white space" plus one.  It is authentic conversation with another--on purpose.  Face time doesn't have an agenda or a direction.  The only rule is that it cannot be surface talk: nothing about the weather, sports, catching up on family, etc.  You must dig deeper, ask questions, generate ideas.

When is the last time you had real face time?  Reward yourself by scheduling it two to four times each month.  Don't allow face to face communication to become a lost art.

Take a break from the screens, and enjoy the conversation.

Going the distance

For years I have been a long distance runner...

One of the main reasons running is my "thing" is because of how much it reminds me that all of life requires patience, practice, and discipline--over and over and over and over again.  Running is great perspective.


I began running in high school.  I did well for our school, but never really put in the effort to be great.  I could show up at a 5k and submit a sub 19 minute time almost every time.  After graduation, I stopped--though I think about what could have been a lot.

During my senior year (or super senior year) in college I started running again.  I decided that I liked it, and it was good exercise.  From that point on I began entering the occasional 5k, then 10k.  I capped myself to doing nothing more than the 10k for several years.

In 2009 I ran my first half marathon, and again in 2010.  I remember thinking that 13.1 was crazy.  I was asked afterwards if I would ever consider doing a full--my answer was "no way".  Well, last weekend I finished my first (and NOT last) full marathon.  Did I just say that?  26.2 miles of running is insane!

Back to perspective:

We all have hopes and dreams, but many of us fail to ever reach them.  Many times we simply allow those dreams to remain a dream, convincing ourselves that it will never be possible.  Sometimes we set a goal to reach a dream by a specific date, but never allow it to gain any traction by neglecting to take action. 

Making a dream reality is like finishing a race--you have to have a plan.  You don't go run 26.2 miles without having readily prepared to do so.  In my case, I spent years getting up the courage to run a full marathon.  Once I decided to do it, I had 16 weeks of intense training.  I had a very specific plan that, if followed correctly, would yield success.

The issue that most of us face is not dreaming the dream, or even deciding to reach for it.  The roadblock we often run into is the "training", the diligent work, the practice, patience, and discipline over and over and over again.

A dream is just a dream, a goal just a goal, a vision just a vision--unless YOU are willing to breath life into it in the form of action.

6 simple steps to going the distance:

1) Dream it
2) Set a "complete by" date (this could be days or years)
3) Determine what disciplines need to be in place (what you do daily, weekly, monthly to stay on track)
4) Set small goals along the way (you'll need a "win" or two to keep you motivated)
5) Revisit the original plan, track action to your disciplines--make adjustments (allow yourself to call an audible)
6) Cross the finish line (you may even get yourself a medal!)

Planning and doing, planning and doing, planning and doing--that's all it is.  Now go out there and win!  Remember: Life is a marathon, not a sprint.

Winning at its best

Lots of businesses and individuals strive to be the best.  Pushing, conquering, rising to the top is an exhilarating experience.  However you must be focused on the path you leave behind you as you rise.

I was recently researching a specific type of certification from two industry leading training programs.  On their websites, each program listed the reason why they are the "best" in the world.  Both have great qualifications, and seem to be amazing.  One, though, was constantly comparing themselves to the other--almost to the point of bashing.  By the end of my research, I was completely disgusted with the "bashing" company.  My decision was made easily.

I often wonder why so many businesses, athletes, politicians, and people in general seek gain at the expense of tearing others down.  The end result, though it may be years, is downfall.  We see this all the time, yet it continues to occur.

Consider this in your journey to become great:

• Keep your focus on becoming the very "best" you.

• Be mindful and appreciative of your competition.  Don't get sucked into the trap of comparison--you will lose your focus.

• You can become the "best" without leaving a path of destruction along the way.

• A winning attitude from the onset is what consumers really want to see-- you will ultimately win their dollars too!