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Drawing a Line in Your Life

Blair Ingle — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:42:18 +0000

I love playing golf with my friends. Often when we play, we pair up as teams or play against each other individually. Believe me when I say that it is VERY competitive. We will usually wager something small to make it interesting.

When we compete like this, we use a way to reset the bet. Let’s say you lose the first few holes, but you are feeling pretty good about starting fresh. We use the term “draw a line” which means that we will start a new bet from that point. The previous bet is not erased, and it continues, but the new bet starts from scratch. It’s a fresh start.

Wouldn’t it be nice to “draw a line” in your life? How about in your career? How about with your team and your company?

In medieval times, there were knights of the guard that protected the king and the realm. Those knights had a commander. He would keep a journal, tracking the history, accomplishments and even the death of the knights in his command. It would start with their history prior to joining the guard and continue until they died or no longer served.

Each knight had a page, and the commander continued that page, line after line, year after year. Every heroic effort, every injury, every happening of note was built into that page.

Our lives are more than words on a page. And if our lives, loves, wins and losses were put to paper, they would be more than a page. We are, each of us, our own authors. And every day we have a chance to start with a fresh page. Yes, there are pages before and after, but we control the pen and the words that will be written on today’s page.

The question is, do you feel good enough about today to draw that line?

Blair Ingle

“Innovative leader; man of action, influence and service everyday.”

You can read more at his website BlairIngle.com

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I Want A Memory Like A Child

Blair Ingle — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:59:54 +0000

“Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.” — Henry David Thoreau

I’m sure every parent has been frustrated like I have recently when talking to their child.

“What did you do today in school?” The answer is somewhere between “I don’t remember” and “nothing.” Really? Nothing? And we pay how much for this pre-school?

But then I get reminded of how great our son’s world is when at the end of the day, or at some point during the day, he announces that it is the “BEST DAY EVER!” That might be after a movie, some ice cream, a video game, a play date with his friend or just dinner.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a memory like that?

In football, they talk about having a cornerback’s memory. It doesn’t matter that Peyton Manning just threw a touchdown pass over your head. You have to cover the same receiver, with the same quarterback, on the next play. You can’t afford to have your mind on the past. Or fear a repeat of the past. You have to stay in the moment.

Wouldn’t it be great to just stay in the moment as a leader? You get to forget yesterday’s mistakes. And there isn’t time to worry about what might happen tomorrow. Its just the now that matters, and the people in that moment.

There are so many trivial distractions from yesterday and tomorrow that steal us away from the moment. And so many insecurities that make us wish longingly to some hazy version of yesterdays. And yet the moment at hand is so bright and clear.

I envy my 5 year old, planted so firmly in the moment. Why can’t I be like him?

“You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment. Fools stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.” — Henry David Thoreau

Blair Ingle

“Innovative leader; man of action, influence and service everyday.”

You can read more at his website BlairIngle.com

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The Hard Part is Letting Go

Blair Ingle — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 02:54:32 +0000

Have you ever tried to float on your back in a pool? Do you remember the first time?

Our 5 year old son is taking swim lessons, and floating on your back has not been easy for him. The trick is to relax and let go. Not an easy thing to do for a beginning swimmer. But when you relax your body and hips, and give in, pretty soon you are floating.

Have you ever experienced the same thing with a change professionally? Maybe it’s a promotion or even a new career. You have to let go of those things that you previously did. As a leader, are you strong enough to let go?

I know first hand how hard it can be. When I recently made a change, the hardest thing part knowing that someone else had to finish the projects that I had started. Would they turn out as expected? Would they flop or be successful? How would it reflect on me, or my legacy? Those questions kept me awake at night, but in the end, letting go helped me overcome my concerns.

You can also apply this concept to delegation. Every good leader delegates, and the best leaders have learned how to effectively delegate. Some of the keys to effective delegation include:

Defining the task or project to be delegated in detail. This also includes reviewing the task or project to determine its worth. Does the desired result make it really worth delegating?
Communicate clearly with the team or individual all of the details of the task or project. This includes discussing the desired result. Discuss what tools, resources or training are needed. It also requires discussing deadlines.
Support and communicate with the team or individual throughout the process. This isn’t micro managing, but regular meetings are helpful along the way.
Discuss and give feedback along the way, especially with regard to the results. This should be a two-way conversation, not just your take on the results and the path to success.

And above all, LET GO. If you hire, train and support your people in the right way, delegation is natural and effortless. But it starts with your willingness to let go.

So, are you ready to float? What is holding you back?

Blair Ingle

“Innovative leader; man of action, influence and service everyday.”

You can read more at his website BlairIngle.com

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Of Inspiration and Donkeys

Blair Ingle — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 17:00:30 +0000

I began a May morning with the CEO of PepsiCo and ended it with 5 year olds singing “Sweetly Sings the Donkey.” One moment the class of 2011 was marching by on the quad at Wake Forest University, and the next it was the class of 2028 serenading proud parents and grandparents.

Talk about coming full circle!

Indra Nooyi, the Charman and CEO of PepsiCo addressed the graduates from Wake Forest this morning during Commencement. She spoke of her own learning experiences while at Motorola and of the help she got along the way from Steve Reinemund, the Dean of the School of Business. She challenged those graduates to never stop growing intellectually. I loved that she put Wake Forest’s key charge “for humanity” into her speech. She encouraged those graduates to never lose their curiosity and their quest for knowledge. Regarding effort, she said “whether you are running a business or a photocopier, always give 100%.”

I couldn’t help but remember Indra’s words as we watched our 5 year old’s music program a few hours later. Kids singing loud and proud, some on-key, some off-key but all with smiles on their faces. And parents beaming just as proudly as those I saw on the quad watching their sons, daughters and grandkids walk down the isle in their caps and gowns. In a blink of an eye, these same kids singing “Five Green Apples” will be graduating from college, or embarking on their life in the “real world.” Just not too soon, I hope.

And I couldn’t help but think how lucky I am to have this sabbatical in my life. A chance to pause and understand what is important, while connecting in a more meaningful way to those around me. A chance to see a little boy proudly singing about donkeys and gumdrops, a moment that I will never forget. And a young college grad sharing a moment with her parents and grandparents that they will remember forever.

People ask me what inspires me. The next time, I’ll answer “donkeys.”

Blair Ingle

“Innovative leader; man of action, influence and service everyday.”

You can read more at his website BlairIngle.com

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Richard Branson: Life at 30,000 feet

CEOConsultant — Tue, 24 May 2011 02:55:30 +0000

Richard Branson is an amazing businessman and his stories can inspire any business leader to higher success. This is an interview with Richard Branson on Ted.com.

He attributes much of his success from learning, and learning does coming from making mistakes.

I see life as one long learning process.

We can all learn something by watching this video.

Where to Find Support for Your Ambitions

CEOConsultant — Tue, 10 May 2011 11:00:48 +0000

This is a guest post by Daniela Baker, Social Media Advocate at CreditDonkey

If you weren’t ambitious, you wouldn’t have gotten to where you are today. But, as a business owner or executive, there are probably times when you aren’t sure exactly how to achieve your goals. That’s when it’s useful to have a Rolodex of contacts and resources that can support you through your endeavors.

If you’ve found that you’re not sure who or where to turn to for assistance with your next milestone, consider utilizing one or more of the following suggested resources. You may be surprised at who is available to help.

Trade Associations

There are numerous organizations throughout the U.S. that are dedicated to specific industries and trades. They are in existence to help you connect with others in your industry. Through conferences, luncheons, webinars and newsletters, these associations help you stay informed about industry trends and developments. This up-to-date information often provides executives with the inspiration they need to achieve their goals.

Through networking events, you will also be connected to other professionals in your area that share your ambitions. Don’t be afraid to form a relationship with these professionals. As your friendship forms, they will become a resource you can call to bounce around ideas and get advice.

U.S. Small Business Administration

This government agency is dedicated to providing Americans the resources to star, build and grow businesses. SBA programs include financial assistance, counseling and training, contracting, and disaster assistance. Taking advantage of these resources can help you get closer to your ambitions.

Mentorship

SCORE, a national non-profit organization, matches small business professionals with volunteer mentors. These mentorship relationships enable aspiring executives to pick the brain of a seasoned professional within their industry. As a result, the professional gains the knowledge they are seeking so they are equipped to meet and exceed their business goals.

Don’t forget to also look within your company for a mentor. Invite them out to lunch and ask them how they have achieved their success within your company.

Career Coach

These individuals are well versed in exercises that help executives like you achieve their potential. Meeting with a career coach, whether it’s periodically or on a regular basis, has helped many professionals achieve their business goals.

When choosing a career coach, do your research. Ask colleagues you respect for their recommendations. The last thing you want is to waste your time (and money) on an individual who lacks experience or sound advice.

Friends and Family

While your friends and family may have completely different careers and ambitions, they may be able to provide you with some useful insight. Listening to their life experience and how they acted and reacted to similar – or even completely different – situations can be quite helpful in developing your own game plan.

Staying connected with individuals who aren’t tied to your profession also provides you with a much needed break from business. Concentrating on work and business goals around the clock can lead to burn out, which will only prevent you from getting ahead. Often, a short break from your business endeavors is exactly what you need in order to achieve your goal.

Daniela from CreditDonkey.com contributed this article. Daniela is a Social Media Advocate and reminds small business owners to leverage their Facebook and LinkedIn connection base for support.

Build Your Intuition

CEOConsultant — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:00:06 +0000

This is a guest post by Daniela Baker, Social Media Advocate at CreditDonkey

As you can see, intuition is a powerful skill when leading a company. If you would like to increase your intuitive sense, here are three practices you can employ in your daily life.

Take proper care of yourself
Your physical, mental and emotional health can affect your precognitive skills. In order to sharpen your intuition, you must first focus on your health.
Keep a journal
Many people find that recording their thoughts, dreams, feelings and hunches help them increase their intuition. Carry your journal with you and jot down your impulses throughout the day. Take a stab at predicting what your next client will look like and how your meeting will go. Take the time to review your journal entries periodically to see how often your instincts were right.

Meditate
Meditation involves concentrating on a specific word, phrase or image to help calm your mind. The next time you have a question or problem you are trying to solve, try this exercise—excuse yourself to a quiet place, sit down, close your eyes and relax. Keep your mind centered and clear your head. Imagine a specific image, like a flower, and open your intuition by thinking about the appearance of your chosen image. Assign that image to the problem you are looking to solve. Continue to meditate on that image and imagine your solutions.

Use your intuition

After you are confident about your intuition, you can start putting it to practice. Here are three practical ways that you can employ your intuition at work.

Relationship decisions
The next time you are choosing a vendor, listen to your gut instinct. Even if the contractor you are reviewing has an impressive client list and work samples, if you have the feeling that they aren’t trustworthy, don’t sign that contract.
Personnel decisions
Obviously you need to follow personnel laws and maintain ethical practices when making hiring decisions. However, be sure to also trust your instinct when you are thumbing through a stack of resumes. If it seems that someone is just too good to be true on paper and you feel they are hiding something, you may be right.
Marketing decisions
Sometimes the most successful marketing campaigns go against conventional wisdom. Market research may indicate that your target audience is looking for specific benefits and will respond to specific messages but often, they will respond to something else entirely.

Place yourself in your customers’ shoes and imagine how your product and service is able to best meet their needs. At CreditDonkey, we routinely show entrepreneurs multiple versions of our business credit card page to determine the optimal benefit/message combination. Finding the right message has helped us increase conversion and user satisfaction. During this practice, think about the look-and-feel and even emotional message; jot it all down and see what type of campaign resonates.

Daniela is a Social Media Advocate at CreditDonkey, a credit card comparison website for business owners.

The 80/20 Principle Applied to Your Business

CEOConsultant — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 02:50:49 +0000

The 80/20 Principle has been around quite some time. I remember reading a book many years ago called: The 80/20 Principle: The Secret to Success by Achieving More with Less by Richard Koch took a fresh look at the 80/20 principle and applied it to all aspects of life and you can also apply it to your business.

In 1897, Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto, in his study of the patterns of wealth and income, observed that the distribution of wealth was predictably unbalanced. He first discovered this pattern in 19th-century England and found it to be the same for every country and time period he studied. Over the years, Pareto’s observation has become known as the 80/20 principle.

In the book Developing The Leader Within You by John C. Maxwell he identified 5 ways that a leader in the company can increase productivity:

1. Determine which people are the top 20 percent producers.
2. Spend 80 percent of your “people time” with the top 20 percent.
3. Spend 80 percent of your personal developmental dollars on the top 20 percent.
4. Determine what 20 percent of the work gives 80 percent of the return and train an assistant to do the 80 percent less effective work. This “frees up” the producer to do what he/she does best.
5. Ask the top 20 percent to do on-the-job training for the next 20 percent.

Doing this will ensure that the best practices and work ethic of your top producers are learned by others so your entire business will be more productive.

Working Hard All Year? Time for a Vacation

Damon — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 01:55:51 +0000

Many high performing executives and other employees within an organization work hard, long hours throughout the year to make a business perform well.

You’ve been at your desk and in the office for 12-14 hours a day. Meetings, conferences, scheduling, and planning…all to make it work.

This is the reason why it’s important to rejuvenate yourself by taking a vacation. Somewhere relaxing, somewhere you can get away.

If you’re looking for somewhere where you can kick back and relax, it’s time to look at some Caribbean villa rentals where you can relax on the beach and slow things down a little bit. There are many different islands you can choose from with different activities to choose from, whatever it is that can help you relax.

As the weather gets cold outside, visit someplace warm in the Caribbean Islands to relax so when you go back to work you’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to go for 2011!

Human Resources Jokes

CEOConsultant — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 04:48:37 +0000

Reaching the end of a job interview, the Human Resources Person asked a young engineer fresh out of MIT, “What starting salary were you looking for?”

The engineer replied, “In the neighborhood of $125,000 a year, depending on the benefits package.”

The interviewer said, “Well, what would you say to a package of 5 weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, full medical and dental, company matching retirement fund to 50% of salary, and a company car leased every 2 years — say, a red Corvette?”

The Engineer sat up straight and said, “Wow! Are you kidding?”

The interviewer replied, “Well Yeah, but you started it.”