The CEO Code – 7 Behaviors

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The CEO Code – POWER

The CEO Code – PODCAST

RESOLUTION

Time to write the next book. I guess it’s the luck of the Irish that was shared with me.

First week of April I am having surgery and the recovery will take 2-3 months or more, so… thinking about what I can do to be productive, engaged and useful. My part Irish daughter-in-law, Amy, mentioned I had been talking about another book and it might be a good time to write it. I agree!

A bunch of years ago, 15+, I sprained my left ankle while running with Max my fantastic Boston Terrier. Over time it has caused problems. I had to stop playing racket ball, running was an issue and lately my ankle has given way and caused me to fall.

In addition to splitting my head open twice from falling I have visited five doctors. Each one had a different opinion. Finally, I went to a Dr. Peng who interviewed me for over an hour. When all the opinions were assessed it became clear as day what the real issue was. It wasn’t a stroke, neuropathy, drop foot, plantar fasciitis, vascular problems or symptoms of an impending heart attack. It was the wear and tear from a sprained ankle and a running accident many years ago.

Needless to say it took a major effort to resolve this medical dilemma. I have been fascinated by how similar this process and recognizing the patterns is to problems we all face everyday in business and our personal lives. How do you RESOLVE issues?

If you want to know more about how to do this, “find the real problem and resolve it” be sure to ask me for a copy of my new book, Resolution. It’s not about medicine, it’s about life and business. Do you like the title? RESOLUTION

The medical part:
Anatomy
The posterior tibial tendon is one of the most important tendons of the leg. A tendon attaches muscles to bones, and the posterior tibial tendon attaches the calf muscle to the bones on the inside of the foot. The main function of the tendon is to hold up the arch and support the foot when walking.

The posterior tibial tendon attaches the calf muscle to the bones on the inside of the foot.
Cause
An acute injury, such as from a fall, can tear the posterior tibial tendon or cause it to become inflamed.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

Time Is Money

 

Does your time relate to money? Many years ago when I was brand new to the profession of selling I created a lucite paper weight for executive’s desks with a three minute timer,  an Eisenhower silver dollar and three simple words: “Time Is Money.”

As the years have passed and one by one, I have checked off my goals, this simple idea has gradually become more and more meaningful. Now there is much more of my life behind me than I can imagine yet to come. That directly relates to time.

Earlier today I was chatting with a few business colleagues and they were asking about my experience flying fighters and being in war. I couldn’t help but think how fortunate I have been. Many of my friends have their name on “the wall” in Washington D.C. They died as young men.

One of my speaking topics is: “How to get back alive.” During this presentation I share how important it is to hit the target and come back alive! In business we use money to keep score and measure our level of success. Ideally we earn lots of money and also take the time to live a fulfilling life.

Money can give you the option to spend or invest time in pursuits that are personal. That’s a wonderful benefit of earning money. Theoretically, the more you earn, the more you will be able to have freedom and independence. My many years of being a financial advisor showed me that some people become obsessed with the money and “stuff.” Some of my wealthiest clients are horribly stressed out because they are concerned about losing some of their money or worst yet, they believe the only reason people like them is because of their money.

It is very important to earn money, that’s one of my primary coaching objectives working with clients. However, it is also critically important to deliberately use the money to enable you to spend or invest your time wisely. Ultimately, time is more important than money. Time is the essence of what your life is. How are you using it?

Many years ago there was a survey of senior citizens. They were asked if they had any regrets. Amazingly three things kept coming up as regrets.

1. They wished they had taken more risks.
2. They regretted not doing something personally rewarding or worthwhile.
3. They realized they were so busy, they didn’t take time to reflect.

Yes, time is money. You have the option to decide how much money you want to make and you also have the ability to choose how you will invest your time. Choose wisely my friend.

The Future of Food

My grandson is over four feet tall and can’t come close to jumping as high as corn grows. In 1798 Malthus was convinced that the exponential growth of population would soon outstrip the ability to grow enough food to feed people and there would be a world famine. In 1979 the Chinese government decreed there could only be one child per family because it was worried about the growth of population outstripping the ability to provide resources for the people. In 1900 people were worried about the pollution caused by horse manure. They didn’t know the automobile was being developed.

More recently we have seen Obama and Kerry craft agreements to control Iran’s development of nuclear weapons and countries joining together to stop global warming. They are naive, delusional and out of touch. Of course, maybe Yogi Berra was thinking of them when he said: “It’s hard to make predictions, especially about the future.”

Have you heard about the recent trends in food sources? Small farms are being bought up by large corporations. It’s been going on for a long time in the United States. The government is becoming more and more active in regulating food and food production. There is a rogue group of Americans trying to establish a separate State of Jefferson by seceding from California. Their desire is a more conservative government.

Then there’s our old friend Henry Kissinger. He helped initiate relations between the United States and China. He helped manage the fiasco we call the Vietnamese War. And he is considered a brilliant strategist, diplomate and intellect. He has said: “If you want to control countries, control oil. If you want to control people, control food.”

I just read a fascinating article about some of these issues and you and I need to be informed and involved. This is not the time to be laid back and ignorant. http://www.nationalreview.com/article/428780/climate-change-predictions. I would encourage you to read it and start to think, discuss and take some action based on what YOU believe is the best course for this country, for you and your family.

How well do you Execute?

“Ready, Aim, Fire” or is it “Rules of Engagement” or maybe “Fire at will.” Different “clichés” that we hear on the news, in sales rallies or maybe around the office or battlefield. As you and I fully engage in this new calendar year I would like to encourage you to develop the habit of being able to “pull the trigger.”

Now is not the time to assess, evaluate and contemplate whether or not you will or will not, “Just do it!”

It starts with the little things. If you want to increase your network, develop new business or earn more money, you have to press the flesh, go out and meet people and make decisions about who to talk to, how to talk to them and focus on your objectives. Pick up the phone, make those calls, send the emails and followup on all your leads. Get out of the office. Do it! Execute!

If you don’t want to meet people and grow your network or your business, sit at your computer, pass out business cards, ask people to call you back and think about how you might become a really smart and clever marketer. Well, guess what.  tryThings don’t happen until you take control, ask for “their card and number” and you initiate the next meeting or appointment. The best way for you to grow is to engage and help others grow. Do it! Execute!

Simplify and be deliberate. If you want an example of how to totally loose control, be embarrassed and get zero results, try focusing on your “rules of engagement” like they are doing in Washington, DC. God help us, please!

Rather, I would suggest you focus on RESULTS and self measurement. Measure yourself on a daily basis. It only takes a few KFI’s (Key Function Indicators) and they need to be measured DAILY.  That might be: appointments, dollars, units or new accounts. It definitely is not the amount of “time” or “editing” or making sure you are being politically correct.

The more you execute or pull the trigger, the better you will get at hitting your target, asking good questions, learning to listen better and making more good, quality things happen, i.e., getting RESULTS.

I have found that I get the best results when I have someone else who is watching me, is interested in me and asks me the tough questions. I have written this short missile to get your attention and encourage you to “get off your you know!” Do it! Execute! Pull the trigger!

Building Blocks

Building Blocks for Personal Development

Building blocks for personal development for you and your people. You need more than talent for success. If you have talent, you have something to work with as you become more aware. Awareness is like opening the window or a door. Nothing happens until you have awareness.

Now focus on your most important attribute, a positive attitude. Each individual is personally responsible for and completely controls their own attitude. No personal attribute is more important than a positive attitude.

Deliberately and continually strive to improve your knowledge and skills. Put it all together and the ultimate result is shown in your behavior. Your behavior is the real tangible evidence of all the other building blocks, it is the only legitimate proof. When you master it, you will be a winner.

Create Your Masterpiece

Let them eat cake.

Last night at Odeon Society a small group of executives enjoyed a delightful dinner and discussion. The topic was a Harvard Business Review article about strategy and communication. The individual points of view were as varied and diverse as the group.

Ages ranged from the 30’s to the 70’s. People’s origins included east, west and central United States, Europe, Japan and China. Educations included numerous graduate degrees, professional designations, executive careers with Fortune 100 companies and solo entrepreneurs. Conversation was wide ranging: the C-suite, military, international travels and marketing, media mergers and acquisitions, politics, family, religion, divorce and a host of perspectives.

People were engaged. They enjoyed hearing each other’s opinions, even when they didn’t agree or have the same belief system. They were tolerant, respectful and good listeners. I loved it. None of them were concerned about being “politically correct.” They openly shared their “truth.”

Our society has a real problem. Too many people are primarily concerned with appearances, self and greed. “And I want it Now!” They seem to be coming from a place of fear, insecurity and confusion. They walk away from discourse, get absorbed in their smartphone and have low tolerance for different points of view.

Think about the meaning of these words.

Political Correctness: the idea that people should be careful to not use language or behave in a way that could offend a particular group of people.

Political: of, involved in, or relating to government policy-making as distinguished from administration or law

Correct: free from error, to set or make true, accurate, or right

Oxymoron: a figure of speech that juxtaposes elements that appear to be contradictory (Ex. Crazy wisdom, Ethical egoism & Violent relaxation) Oh, another example is Politically Correct.

Every individual has their own “truth” which is shaped by many things including their own personal experience. You will never be able to be politically correct with everyone until you know, understand and care about the other person’s personal life experience. If you want to communicate better it is important to engage, listen and relate to people. Especially those who have a different world view than you do.

Last night there were many “take aways” by the attendees. Worth noting was the take away by the 30 something executive who was the youngest person at the dinner. “I can’t remember my friends and associates ever having a discussion like this.”

If you are interested in this kind of discourse please call DGR at 714.307.4438 and check out the Maestro Group in the Events section of my website.