Reputation

Your reputation follows you.

No matter where you go or how fast you run you cannot outrun your reputation.

That is why it is important to always do a good and to treat everyone with respect. If things are not working out where you are then correct the issues , be positive, try to be the change- reach out.
Do all you can to make it work and in the end if for whatever reason it does not change for the positive then move on.
 But leave right.
No need to get ugly...nothing good will come from that.

Good or bad it is YOUR reputation that is effected.

I talk to many people in all kind of businesses and the stories are all similar.
Every business has it's share of challenges and issues.
It is what YOU do and how you meet the challenges that makes the difference.

If you get angry and frustrated every day over what others do or don't do you will always be unhappy.

Do your best- worry about your house and work on improving what you do and how you communicate.

No one ever said it would be easy.

We Are What We Think

Outstanding leaders are successful for what they think. They have a positive mental attitude.

It’s hard to tell the successful person by casual observation. We all dress alike, eat in the same restaurants, shop in the same stores and work in the same offices.

The difference between the average and very successful person is quite small.  Successful people don’t work three times as hard. They develop the slight edge that creates a major increase in performance.

They instill an attitude of abundance and positive expectation in themselves and their people.

They confidently expect that they can turn any situation to positive advantage. Their attitudes and behaviors lead to peak performance.

Your attitudes cause you to be rich or poor. When you believe you can you can.

Effective leaders understand that attitude is crucial and that self-esteem, the sum of our conditioning, affects attitude in many ways. Strong leaders raise their self-esteem by

• Avoid comparison to others.

When we compare ourselves to others we set ourselves up for disappointment. The only relevant measure of personal improvement is to compare our capabilities from yesterday to our capabilities toda

• Resist putting yourself down.

Don’t let the person in the mirror become a block. Know your starting point and set a goal to change. Once you actively work towards a goal, you create success not at the end point but during the process.

• Improve discipline in some part of your life.

Working to fulfill your goals gives you an incentive to do more and do it better each day. When you consistently take the right actions, you feel better about yourself and regularly reach a higher plateau.

Strong leaders understand we are what we think and the connection between attitude and success. They strive to strengthen success traits in themselves and their employees.

Make no Excuses

Make No Excuses:

  Leaders cannot make excuses for their own shortcomings or bad behavior if they want to convey the notion of being in it together. I've witnessed leaders who routinely expressed the many ways in which they were less than exemplary leaders; as if by recognizing their own faults they were excused for correcting their own behavior.

If a leader is to hold their team to a high standard then they must be held to the same. No excuses for bad behavior should be made or deemed acceptable.

Leader and staff act as one in organizations using the In It Together Imperative. There is an omnipresent sense within such companies that every employee, from the CEO to the cleaning crew that sweeps the floors at night, shares common goals, demonstrates similar behaviors and communicates in timely and effective ways.  ( This was Paul Arpin's philosophy)

It's a simple formula, but, one that can transform if applied in an open and honest way.

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."  -" John Quincy Adams"

Can't

It can’t be done”

How many times have we heard that in our lifetimes?

And worse yet, how many times has the utterance of that sentence out loud sent the utterer and all those within earshot down a huge black hole of negativism?

As Paul Arpin was my mentor in work - Jack Kent Cooke was my inspiration in sports and in business.




  He was quite the successful man when I met him back in 1987. He had already made his first fortune in Canada, moved to the US, bought the LA Lakers, made a big splash in the young Cable TV industry, built the LA Forum, started an NHL franchise (the LA Kings), sold the Lakers, the Forum, and the cable companies, bought the Washington Redskins, and the Chrysler Building in New York .

As you would imagine from the success I just outlined, there wasn’t a whole lot of “can’t” in this guy.   In fact, there wasn’t a scintilla (one of his favorite words) of can’t in him.
He had a sign up on his wall.
“It can’t be done”
“It can’t be done”
 ”It can’t be done”
“It can’t be done”
“It can’t be done”
“It’s done” 
Below is from a young man who worked for Mr. Cooke....
It didn’t sink in until I uttered the words myself in his presence,  in answer to a question of whether we could deliver an annual budget by a certain date.
“Excuse me, young man – what did you say?”
“It can’t be done sir”  (oh man, I said it again!)
“My dear Terry,  there’s no such thing as can’t. I will not have nattering nabobs of negativism as part of my operations. Do you hear me?”
“Yes sir” (and that was the 1st and last time I was called a “nattering nabob”  - more on that phrase, and its creator, here)
“Now, let me ask you again, will you get this done by x date?
“We’ll find a way”.
“Attaboy!”

And that was that.   There was no longer any such thing as “can’t”.

What a difference it made, in my career, and in my life.
 It was one of those pivot points that you look back on and think “whew, I’m glad I learned that when I did, when it could make a real difference”.
I’ve been a human version the little engine that could ever since.
“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can……. “
I did.   And there’s still much to do.   
Join me and escape that black hole.   Don’t be a nattering nabob of negativism, or tolerate those who chose to be one.
Be free to succeed, and lead well! 

1941

THIS WAS THE YEAR....1941

U.S. PRESIDENT & VICE PRESIDENT- Franklin D. Roosevelt & Henry A. Wallace

Time Magazine Person of the Year- Franklin D. Roosevelt

Cost of Living:

New House             $ 4,075

Average Income       $1,777

New Car                    $   850

Average Rent             $    32 per month

Gasoline                       .13

Movie Ticket               .30

Postage Stamp            .03

Cost of Food:

Milk .54 per gallon

Ground Coffee .45

Bacon .42

Eggs .20

Ground Beef .20

National and World News:

The United Service Organization (USO) begins operations providing coffee, donuts, and entertainment to U.S. military forces.

The Mt. Rushmore sculpture featuring U.S. Presidents is completed by Gutzon Borglum.

Japanese Navy launches a surprise attack on December 7th of the fleet at Pearl Harbor, thus drawing the U.S. into World War II

Popular Radio Shows:

Fibber McGee and Molly

The Great Gildersleeve

A Date with Judy

The Shadow–The Leopard Strikes

Jack Benny Program

News of Europe

National Farm and Home Hour

Popular Music:

Frenesi (Artie Shaw)

Amapola (Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra)

Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (The Andrew Sisters)

Stardust (Artie Shaw)

Song of the Volga Boatmen (Glenn Miller)

Take the A Train (Duke Ellington

Popular Quote:

 “The stuff that dreams are made of.” Humphrey Bogart

Tearing down

Some people need to pull others down in order to pull themselves up.

I have seen this method in business for years unfortunately.
And it is not unique to any one business.
I saw it in retail and in the heating and air conditioning industry as well as the moving business.

I have experienced it on all levels, from the ground up, I have witnessed the ugliness that people feel that they need to do in order to survive ( or so they think).

I still think that it mostly comes form insecurities about themselves. Otherwise what benefit is there is there in trying to hurt others?

The sorry thing is I have seen people do this to others that simply do not deserve it and it begins a negative relationship.

Sooner or latter it catches up. Trust me. I have seen the rise and fall of too many.

There is a old saying .... be good to the people around you on the way up because they are the same people you meet on the way down.

Build your career and life on a solid foundation... do not tear down others or intentionally try to hurt people.

Just do a good job and worry about your house.

Another thank you

A letter form one of our customers....just makes you feel good...

Good Day,

 

I just wanted to take a moment to express my satisfaction with Mr. Bird, the mover assigned to me.

 

The Pick Up

 

This was my first professional move and this was such a great experience.  The process was explained to me and I saw how my belongings were handled with care.  Things that may have been an issue was quickly brought to my attention.  Mr. Bird made me feel very comfortable and confident with him moving “my life” to another state.

 

Mr. Bird and his men were very professional and courteous.

 

The Drop off

 

Mr. Bird stated a date and time and he stuck to his word.  He delivered my household goods just when he said he would! OMG…I was so glad because I was able to start the week off right.

 

All my goods were delivered in one piece!  It was such a joy and pleasure to work with Mr. Bird.  If any of my family or friends need a referral for a mover, I am going to recommend Mr. Bird.

 

I’ve heard and read horror stories of moves gone wrong.  I was blessed to have been paired with someone like Mr. Bird for my first experience. 

 

Thank you Arpin!

This is what it is all about

A letter from one of our military member that we moved.....

 

Mr.. Vieira,

 

This past week we moved from Alabama to North Carolina--I recently retired from the Air Force after 30 years of service and this was our final military move (# 12 by the way...).

 

Arpin Van Lines had the contract and our driver's name was Lewis (don't recall his last name).  Lewis did a superb job throughout the entire process.  It was evident that his many years in this business paid off for us as this was perhaps the smoothest and overall best move we have had.  His attention to detail and desire to ensure our belongings were taken care of made the difference.

 

After 12 moves I can assure you we recognize a quality operation versus a pick-up game and Lewis and the packing crews he selected really made this an overall excellent experience.

 

 

That is what it is all about- this gentleman gave 30 years of his life as a member of our Armed Forces - moved 12 times and for his final move our driver Lewis was able to treat him with the respect and dignity that he well deserved.

 

Good stuff !

 

 

 

HDT Announces 2014 Top 20 Products

Arpin is Proud to help lead the way...ENow is listed in the Top 20 Products in Trucking...


ENow eCharge

ENow has developed solar-powered idle reduction, refrigeration, liftgate and battery charging systems for the transportation industry. It works with Bergstrom’s Nite APU to eliminate fuel from diesel-powered APUs or the engine alternator to charge batteries.

 For refrigeration, it can keep a cold plate storage system charged or run evaporator fans while in operation. It can supply power to stand-alone liftgate batteries to reduce the demand on the engine alternator.

Read the entire article....

 http://m.truckinginfo.com/article/180202/hdt-announces-2014-top-20-products?utm_campaign=topnews-20140215&utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Enewsletter

Be Humble

Be humble.

Nobody likes hearing the same voice over and over again. In fact, incessant talkers are what I like to call social hand grenades -- throw them in a room full of people and watch the crowd disperse.

 Don’t be that guy (or gal) who likes to talk just to show everyone how much you know.

Words to live by....

 Remember this: Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.

From one of our Road Drivers....

'TIS THE SEASON

For drivers to start looking for a better contract(?).I've but one thing to say”CAVEAT EMPTOR”or let the buyer beware...Believe me,I seen some pretty bizarre promises come out of companies and agents who are looking for Butts in the seats....Only later the driver finds out it was all bullshit,just words,to get us to change,to something that was worse than the contract we had.....Things to look out for include,Primary Liability charge backs,that is insurance for the carriers assets,has nothing to do with us,but most hide it in the contract as a charge back as a percentage of your line haul...The last one of those I was involved with was 6% or $18,000 a year,for a policy that I could buy for $1800 a year,a HUGE slush fund,that ended up as the main point in an $800 million class action lawsuit....I just heard of one,the agent had told the driver,IF,he lasted 4 years,he would own the trailer with no money crossing hands...I know drivers from that company(notice here,I'm not naming names)who have not lasted 6 months with that agent...There's way more here,way too many stories,to go into here,bottom line is,if you are shopping,pay attention to the details of the contract,make sure all those promises are spelled out IN DETAIL,or bail and do not change carriers...Funny thing is......I seen guys with so many paint jobs on their truck,they were overweight BOBTAIL.....Bottom line is....Restarting your career,takes too long,work out issues where you are...THEN,if it does not work...Find something else...                                                                                                          Caveat emptor /ˌkæviːɑːt ˈɛmptɔr/ is Latin for "Let the buyer beware"[1] (from caveat, "may he beware", the subjunctive of cavere, "to beware" + emptor, "buyer").Generally, caveat emptor is the contract law principle that controls the sale of real property after the date of closing, but may also apply to sales of other goods.

The phrase caveat emptor arises from the fact that buyers often have less information about the good or service they are purchasing, while the seller has more information. Defects in the good or service may be hidden from the buyer, and only known to the seller. Thus, the buyer should beware. This is called information asymmetry.

Humility

From one of our Road Drivers


“Leading with humility – Popular culture says humility equates to weakness, the polar opposite of being bold. That’s a bunch of malarkey! Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking about yourself less.

Humility is a quiet confidence in your skills and abilities that allows you to subvert your own ego for the greater good of the team, department, or organization.

Arrogant leaders are the ones willing to pursue their own agendas at the expense of everyone else, whereas humble leaders consider the needs of all the stakeholders, recognize the stakes at hand, and make reasoned decisions for the welfare of the group.

5 Simple Rules

5 simple rules are:

1. Free your heart from hatred.
2. Free your mind from worries.
3. Live simply.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less.

Be Bold

Daring to be vulnerable – Bold leaders aren’t afraid to let down their guard a bit and be authentic with those they lead. Employees are yearning for leaders to express genuine care and concern, to acknowledge and appreciate them as individuals with hopes, dreams, and fears, and not treat them as mindless drones, valued only for the work they do on the job. Being vulnerable means sharing information about yourself and the organization and taking an interest in the lives of your people. You don’t have to pour out your life story and be BFFs with every employee, but you do need to open up and help your people see the real you.

Bold leadership isn’t reserved for the chosen few, and it certainly isn’t limited to popular culture’s definition of big, brash, loud leadership. Bold leadership is about the everyday behaviors we use to build trust, focusing on the needs of others, leading with confident humility, and vulnerably engaging with our people in authentic and genuine ways.

Be BOLD!

Leadership

 Leadership is:

Building trust – Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship and it’s absolutely critical for successful leadership. Leadership without trust results in fear, withdrawal, compliance, and risk aversion. Leading with trust creates an environment of safety and freedom that result in collaboration, creativity, risk-taking, and innovation. The most successful leaders are trust builders. There’s no two ways about it.

Others focused – Bold leadership is not about you; it’s about the people you lead. Do you put their interests ahead of your own? Are you striving to help them succeed or are they just pawns in your grand scheme to achieve corporate domination? Bold leaders take the strengths of their team members and blend them together in such a way that the team as a whole is stronger than any one individual. You can’t do that if you’re only focused on yourself.

Leading with humility – Popular culture says humility equates to weakness, the polar opposite of being bold. That’s a bunch of malarkey! Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking about yourself less. Humility is a quiet confidence in your skills and abilities that allows you to subvert your own ego for the greater good of the team, department, or organization. Arrogant leaders are the ones willing to pursue their own agendas at the expense of everyone else, whereas humble leaders consider the needs of all the stakeholders, recognize the stakes at hand, and make reasoned decisions for the welfare of the group.

Listen More.....Talk less

Have you ever been in the midst of a conversation, and realized you were just waiting for the other person to take a breath so that you could share your next thought, or dispute their last statement?

Have you ever spent time with a good friend, a family member, or someone on your team at work – and when you walked away from them you found yourself wondering how they were or what they said…because you spoke so often that you didn’t give them a chance to share anything with you?

Maybe you haven’t had these realizations, but I have. I’m not proud to admit it, but it’s true. When we’re flapping our tongue, we’re not listening.
Even if we think we are, we’re not.

 We can’t be truly, fully listening when we’re talking.

 We have to actually stop talking and listen to not be deaf to what’s around us. It’s not just that we can’t hear what others are saying when we’re too busy saying something ourselves. It’s also that when we’re caught in our own thoughts and perspective, our own “truth” of what is, we’re not only deaf to the words others are speaking, but we’re also deaf to their point of view.

Our words reinforce our position and attitude – we’re deaf to what matters to them.

 We’re blind to what they’re trying to share with us. We’re stuck in our own minds and our own words. For some of us it can be a huge challenge to stop talking and listen.
To others it might be easier..

Either way, it’s a challenge worth taking because if we don’t, we are deaf to those around us. And that won’t build relationships that work. -

Integrity

Future Fuel Efficient Big Rigs

http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1089506_is-the-bullettruck-what-semis-will-look-like-in-the-future?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=news









HI-RES GALLERY: AirFlow BulletTruck (Images: AirFlow Truck Company)

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Recently, we attracted flak from some quarters of our readership for featuring pickup trucks.
While not green by the standards of modern electric vehicles and hybrids, their push towards greater efficiency is equally important--because the biggest gains come from the most popular and least-efficient vehicles.
Fuel-efficient big rigs take that to even greater extremes, and none more so than the AirFlow Truck Company.

DON'T MISS: Electric Cars So Disruptive, Gas Cars Will Be Obsolete In 2016, Says Futurist

While still a prototype at this stage, the company's streamlined trucks promise near-pickup truck-like economy despite a 65,000-pound gross weight.
For their weight, even existing trucks are quite economical. It sounds counter-intuitive to say such a thing about vehicles that return 5.5 to 6.5 mpg in typical driving conditions, but once you consider the weight of a fully-loaded big rig--up to 36 tons--those numbers aren't bad at all.
You'd need several full-size pickups to carry or tow a similar load, and each would be a long way off its EPA-rated mid-teens economy when doing so.
But that's still a lot of fuel, and any gain in economy can result in massive savings for operators over the course of a year--and a fleet of trucks. Peterbilt and Cummins' 'SuperTruck', covered last year, achieved a full 9.9 mpg in testing.
Over 120,000 miles, that's $25,000 saved in diesel costs. Not to mention the environmental benefits.
AirFlow's BulletTruck prototype is even better. On a cross-country trip, AirFlow achieved 13.4 mpg, barely behind that of full-size pickup trucks.
And the BulletTruck did so with a payload matching that of the SuperTruck, around 65,000 lbs. This was no dry run, either--it was a revenue-producing, freight-hauling trip from Connecticut to California.
When you look at the truck, it isn't hard to see where most of the gains come from: Aerodynamics.
With covered wheels the SuperTruck was already more slippery than your average rig, but BulletTruck adds an extended, faired-in nose cone and even smoother sides, letting air hug the body contours rather than thrashing around in turbulence.
At the very rear of the trailer unit, a retractable, tapered end section lets airflow leave as cleanly as it arrived, reducing aerodynamic drag.

READ: Norway's Electric Cars: Already Too Popular?

And other techniques are implemented to save gas--a hybridized air conditioning compressor and power steering pump reduce parasitic losses to the engine, reducing load and therefore fuel use. An LCD display reduces the huge panel of gauges found in your typical semi truck, and video cameras replace the huge, aero-inefficient mirrors found on trucks today.

Want

1.    Want enthusiasm? Give it.

 2.    Want change? Become the change.

 3.    Want forgiveness? Give it.

 4.    Want more autonomy? Give it.

 5.    Want to be heard? Lend an ear.

 6.    Want recognition? Give it.

 7.    Want respect? Show it.

 8.    Want consideration? Give it.

 9.    Want help? Offer yours.

 10.    Want gratitude? Express it.

 11.    Want leadership? Be the leader.

 12.    Want more? Give more.

Trust

We all know them....people that lie or let's just say they stretch the truth.

The one thing they all have in common is they actually believe their own lies.

The more they repeat it , the more they believe it.

But I assure you it catches up to them.

Honesty is the best policy....and is the ONLY policy to live by.

If you cannot say it in front of that person than you probably shouldn't say it.

More bad feelings come from rumors and lies.

So why do people lie?

To cover up.

To make THEM look better or to try to get them out of the line of fire.

They think by pulling others down they will rise.

Hate.

Revenge.

All dark reasons and they all will weigh you down.

I have said it dozens of times on this blog...life is short. And in the end if you want to succeed you need allies, friends, partners. Others see how you act, how you talk about others.

If you lie or slam people with others than they KNOW that when they leave the room you will do the same to them. 

TRUST.

How can others trust you if you talk so freely and negative about others?

My mentor, boss and friend PAUL ARPIN always respected everybody and very rarely talked negative about someone and if you started to talk negative about someone to him he would shut you down.

He wanted facts only and positive conversations on how to improve and help.

He taught me so much by example and this was one of his best lessons.

Be honest and do not say things to try to pull others down or to slam them.

Gather the facts and speak directly to that person, one on one.

More on the 50 facts on why we are living in the greatest time in World History

26. Google Maps is free. If you think about this for a few moments, it's really astounding. It's probably the single most useful piece of software ever invented, and it's free for anyone to use.

27. High school graduation rates are at a 40-year high, according to Education Week.

28. The death rate from strokes has declined by 75% since the 1960s, according to the National Institutes of Health. Death from heart attacks has plunged, too: If the heart attack survival had had not declined since the 1960s, the number of Americans dying each year from heart disease would be more than 1 million higher than it currently is.

29. In 1900, African Americans had an illiteracy rate of nearly 45%, according to the Census Bureau. Today, it's statistically close to zero.

30. People talk about how expensive college is today, but a century ago fewer than one in 20 Americans ever stepped foot in a university. College wasn't an option at any price for some minorities because of segregation just six decades ago.

31. The average American work week has declined from 66 hours in 1850, to 51 hours in 1909, to 34.8 today, according to the Federal Reserve. Enjoy your weekend.

32. Incomes have grown so much faster than food prices that the average American household now spends less than half as much of its income on food as it did in the 1950s. Relative to wages, the price of food has declined more than 90% since the 19th century, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

33. As of March 2013, there were 8.99 million millionaire households in the U.S., according to the Spectrum Group. Put them together and they would make the largest city in the country, and the 18th largest city in the world, just behind Tokyo. We talk a lot about wealth concentration in the United States, but it's not just the very top that has done well.

34. More than 40% of adults smoked in 1965, according to the Centers for Disease Control. By 2011, 19% did.

35. In 1900, 44% of all American jobs were in farming. Today, around 2% are. We've become so efficient at the basic need of feeding ourselves that nearly half the population can now work on other stuff.

36. One of the reasons Social Security and Medicare are underfunded is that the average American is living longer than ever before. I think this is literally the best problem to have.

37. In 1940, less than 5% of the adult population held a bachelor's degree or higher. By 2012, more than 30% did, according to the Census Bureau.

38. U.S. oil production in September was the highest it's been since 1989, and growth shows no sign of slowing. We produced 57% more oil in America in September 2013 than we did in September 2007. The International Energy Agency projects that America will be the world's largest oil producer as soon as 2015.

39. The average American car got 13 miles per gallon in 1975, and more than 26 miles per gallon in 2013, according to the Energy Protection Agency. This has an effect identical to cutting the cost of gasoline in half.

40. Annual inflation in the United States hasn't been above 10% since 1981 and has been below 5% in 77% of years over the past seven decades. When you consider all the hatred directed toward the Federal Reserve, this is astounding.

41. The percentage of Americans age 65 and older who live in poverty has dropped from nearly 30% in 1966 to less than 10% by 2010. For the elderly, the war on poverty has pretty much been won.

42. Adjusted for inflation, the average monthly Social Security benefit for retirees has increased from $378 in 1940 to $1,277 by 2010. What used to be a safety net is now a proper pension.

43. If you think Americans aren't prepared for retirement today, you should have seen what it was like a century ago. In 1900, 65% of men over age 65 were still in the labor force. By 2010, that figure was down to 22%. The entire concept of retirement is unique to the past few decades. Half a century ago, most Americans worked until they died.

44. From 1920 to 1980, an average of 395 people per 100,000 died from famine worldwide each decade. During the 2000s, that fell to three per 100,000, according to The Economist.

45. The cost of solar panels has declined by 75% since 2008, according to the Department of Energy. Last I checked, the sun is offerings its services for free.

46. As recently as 1950, nearly 40% of American homes didn't have a telephone. Today, there are 500 million Internet-connected devices in America, or enough for 5.7 per household.

47. According to AT&T archives and the Dallas Fed, a three-minute phone call from New York to San Francisco cost $341 in 1915, and $12.66 in 1960, adjusted for inflation. Today, Republic Wireless offers unlimited talk, text, and data for $5 a month.

48. In 1990, the American auto industry produced 7.15 vehicles per auto employee. In 2010 it produced 11.2 vehicles per employee. Manufacturing efficiency has improved dramatically.

49. You need an annual income of $34,000 a year to be in the richest 1% of the world, according to World Bank economist Branko Milanovic's 2010 book The Haves and the Have-Nots. To be in the top half of the globe you need to earn just $1,225 a year. For the top 20%, it's $5,000 per year. Enter the top 10% with $12,000 a year. To be included in the top 0.1% requires an annual income of $70,000. America's poorest are some of the world's richest.

50. Only 4% of humans get to live in America. Odds are you're one of them. We've got it made. Be thankful.

Some of George's Best

George Carlin

1. Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
2. Swimming is not a sport. Swimming is a way to keep from drowning. That’s just common sense!
3. A house is just a place to keep your stuff while you go out and get more stuff.
4. Have you ever noticed that their stuff is shit and your shit is stuff?
5. No one knows what’s next, but everybody does it.
6. The very existence of flamethrowers proves that sometime, somewhere, someone said to themselves, “You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I’m just not close enough to get the job done.”
7. The reason I talk to myself is because I’m the only one whose answers I accept.
8. Just when I discovered the meaning of life, they changed it.
9. Weather forecast for tonight: Dark. Continued dark overnight, with widely scattered light by morning.
10. If it requires a uniform, it’s a worthless endeavor.
11. Soft rock music isn’t rock, and it ain’t music. It’s just soft.
12. By and large, language is a tool for concealing the truth.
13. Ever notice that anyone going slower than you is an idiot, but anyone going faster is a maniac?
14. I’ve never seen a homeless guy with a bottle of Gatorade.
15. In America, anyone can become president. That’s the problem.
16. Boxing is a more sophisticated form of hockey.
17. Have you ever noticed that the lawyer always smiles more than the client?
18. I’m always relieved when someone is delivering a eulogy and I realize I’m listening to it.
19. Most people work just hard enough not to get fired and get paid just enough money not to quit.

Results

According to Drucker, effectiveness can be learned. If you haven’t read, The Effective Executive, I highly recommend it. Somehow, leaders get confused. I’m fearful I do myself from time to time.

How many meetings I attend is not a measure of my effectiveness.

 

How many emails I get or send has no bearing on my effectiveness.

 

How many frequent flyer miles I amass is not an indication of my effectiveness.

 

How many followers I have on Twitter is not a measure of my effectiveness.

 

How many people report to me is not a measure of effectiveness.

 

How often I’m asked to help solve a problem speaks nothing of my effectiveness.

 

How tired I am at the end of the day is not a metric of effectiveness either.

 

How many Christmas cards I get cannot be equated to effectiveness.

 

For a leader, effectiveness is: Doing the right things. The metric is results.

Effectiveness is a path to results – not productivity. You get no credit for doing the wrong things well.

Don’t get me wrong – I do not think we should waste time. It is our greatest currency as a leader. I support any system, strategy or tactic to improve efficiency. I just have to remember, getting more work done is not an indication I’m fulfilling my role as a leader.

Life

The Front Line

From a article in the Washington Post.....


Work One Week a Year in a Front Line Job:

 One of the reasons that Undercover Boss was so popular a few years ago is that people enjoyed watching the big boss learn what it’s like to work on the front line.
You don’t have to be on TV to do that. Starbucks is well known for making sure that their top execs spend one week a year working in a store.
 One of my clients in the hospitality industry took a week off from his leadership role in financial planning and analysis to work a week in housekeeping at a hotel in a major city. When I asked him what he learned, he told me the biggest thing was how exhausted he was after a week of stripping sheets and cleaning bathtubs.
 If you’re the boss, you likely have all kinds of opportunities to get out of your office and remind yourself of what it’s like on the front line. Why not make a commitment to spend at least a week there this year?

Leave Your Preconceptions in Your Office:

When you go out on the front line, don’t look for data points that validate what you already think. Just experience it. Suspend judgment and leave your preconceptions in your office. Be open to learning something new.

Look and Listen More Than You Talk:

 Look for your opportunities to pitch in. Watch how the work actually gets done. Ask questions about how people do what they do and what they’ve learned along the way. Ask folks about their families, their hobbies, what they do after work. Be present and attentive when you do.