EGO

Don’t kid yourself…you’ve got an ego and sometimes it gets out of control. You may not act like a pompous jerk in public, but you have undoubtedly experienced moments where self-righteous, egotistical thoughts run through your mind and you act in ways inconsistent with your normal behavior. Maybe your ego raged out of control when you felt the need to impress someone or maybe to protect yourself in response to a perceived slight. Regardless of the cause, if you’re not careful to keep your ego in check, it will erode trust in your relationships and be the downfall of your leadership.

There are three key areas you can focus on to keep their ego in check, increase their “believability” with others, and build trust.

• Honesty — The basics apply here: don’t lie, cheat, or steal. But being honest also means not stretching the truth, telling half-truths, omitting facts out of convenience, or failing to speak the truth when needed.
• Values — Do you know what your core values are? What motivates you ? When faced with a difficult choice, what are the values you use to filter your decision? Developing and articulating your values, and asking others to hold you accountable to living out those behaviors, will help keep your ego in check and allow others to gain confidence in the consistency of your behavior.
• Fair Process — Do you treat people fairly? Egotistical leaders love to play favorites. Trustworthy leaders treat people ethically and equitably. Being fair doesn’t mean treating people the same across the board, no matter the circumstances. It means treating people fairly according to their specific situation and upholding consistent principles and ideals with your entire crew.

Great managers

Gallup finds that great managers have the following talents:

• They motivate every single employee to take action and engage them with a compelling mission and vision
• They have the assertiveness to drive outcomes and the ability to overcome adversity and resistance
• They create a culture of clear accountability
• They build relationships that create trust, open dialogue, and full transparency
• They make decisions based on productivity, not politics

The best day of my life

I took my family to Newport R.I. recently and we spent the day walking around and we wend a sail on a boat that gave you a short tour of the area.
One of the crew members let my 6 year old grandson to help raise the sail.
We went for ice cream and walked around some more.
At the end of the day my grandson told my daughter that is was the best day of his life.

The great part is my grandson says that a lot, rather playing in his backyard or walking around with the family he normally responds at the end of the " This has been the Best Day of my Life".

Wouldn't it be great if that is how we needed each one of our days?

Why not at least work toward it?

That is my wish for each and every one of you...at the end of each day you can say-
"This has been the Best Day of my Life".

LIFE.....LIVE IT

How to make a difference

How can you make a difference?

You see wrong being done, people not doing their job or treating others with dis respect  and it bothers you and you want to do something, what can you do?

What is obvious to you may not be obvious to others.

Along with that how you approach the problems is very important and what you say to who also is very important.

It is most difficult to communicate when you are angry so first off be sure that your heart rate is down, you may want to wait a day or two before you speak out. 

Be aware to try to not make it personnel , approach it in a positive.

I think it is healthy to speak your piece and to try to right a wrong. And in trying to help make change for the better.

That said you should not speak out with the total want to hurt or obtain revenge.

Always be honest but do not intentionally want to hurt others.

Think before you talk.

If you cannot say it in front of the person then you probably shouldn't say it when they are not privy to your conversation. Even you you parce your words it will most likely not get back to that person the way you said it or intended it.

Keeping all that in mind, try to make change in the micro , another words take baby steps. And be sure you concentrate on yourself first. What can you do to better the situation?

And do not allow others to pull you down.

Do YOUR job! 

Worry about what YOU do and what YOU say and how YOU say it.

Be the change.

What Happens to you

“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the

attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the

way your mind looks at what happens.”

John Homer Miller

1904 – unknown

American Educator & Writer

Happy Ending

How do you envision your " happy ending" ?

OK- now work toward it.

When are you going to start? How much time do you think you have?
None of us know how much time we have- that's the point.

Don't waste a day- start working toward the life you want today.
Stay positive- help others and the rest will fall into place.

Your first and last breath is not what is important, it's your breaths in between.

A friend of mine was a healthy person, worked out every day and is around 61- a few weeks ago he found out that he has cancer and yesterday he found out that it is stage 4 cancer and has spread throughout his body.

Point is - we do not know-

LIFE.......LIVE IT !

This is our reward

Driver Rashaan Mack -

Concerned About Their

Belongings

“Our delivery was made on time.

The driver provided supervision to

the crew with him. He could not

have been more concerned about

our belongings. He had everything

under control. I would definitely

recommend the driver and crew. My

goods were carefully delivered. The

driver made sure his truck did no

damage to the landscaping in the

yard by the driveway. I have only

good things to report about this

move.”

OXYGEN

The way I see it I only have so much oxygen on a day- why would I waste it on negative ?

We ALL only have so much oxygen and time here on this crazy ride why waste it.
When we look back how much time will you say you could have used better?

We all have issues and problems but how do you address them and more important how long to carry it around?

Do you judge others ?

Use your time positively...look for the good and you will find it.
Remember you only have so much oxygen.

A better Leader

Here’s a list you can start working on right now to be a better leader:

1. Eye Contact - Nothing says “I’m paying attention to YOU” better than actually looking someone in the eye.   Constantly looking somewhere else sends a dangerous message of disinterest.
2. Good Posture – Slumped shoulders and rounded backs are never good ways to project authority and control  (hint: practice this in front of a mirror and you’ll see what I mean).   In fact, in a very popular TED talk, social psychologist Amy Cuddy makes the case that standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don’t feel confident, has great impact on our chances for success – and there’s science behind it to boot.
3. Volume & Timbre –  Really pay attention to the timbre of your voice. Is it too loud? Too soft? Too monotone? Always strive to match the ebbs and flows of your words with the proper inflections, so the context is not lost.
4. Word pace – Recall all the great leaders you admire –  I bet there’s not a fast talker in the bunch.  Talk too fast, and the message gets buried. But if you go too slow, you’ll lose the audience. Think of the metronome you used when you took piano lessons, and work on a steady rhythm. Tick, tock. Tick, tock….
5. Facial Expressions – Make sure you are not sabotaging your message by over-emphasis (check the eyebrows in particular), or by wearing a half-smile or smirk that reeks of condescension. The face can’t be a blank canvas either, so modulate to a quiet intensity that clearly shows confidence and passion for the topic.
6. Pause Filters – Focus not so much on the words, but on the spaces between the words. Make sure you link sentences together crisply, without the use of too many “Ahhs, Ummms, or “You knows“. These “pause fillers” can give the impression that you are rambling on and on.
7. Smiles – You know the saying “a picture says a thousand words“? If a leader is trying to project positivity, humility, graciousness, optimism, openness, and a general good nature, smiling whenever possible is a great place to start.

Help yourself succeed

Help yourself succeed...

1) Confidence - remember that someone is always watching you. Your crew and especially your customer. If they feel that you know what you are doing they will listen to you and respect your work.

2) Communication skills- Because your customers and crew are looking at you for leadership you need to have good communication skills. Be aware of your tone, take your time when explains something. Do not assume they know something that you may, remember this your your business and your profession , show your expertise. 

3) Dress for success- Be aware on how you look. Dress for the person that you perceive yourself to be and want to be. How you look will be the first impression that you labor and your customer will judge you by. At least at introductions be sure that you have a clean and neat shirt. One of our drivers would change once he did his walk through and made his introductions . He was always in uniform but his intro shirt was a clean, ironed button down shirt. He knew that the first introduction meant a lot.

A Leader

5 Rules For Life

More tips on Body Language and behavior

6. Give a good handshake. A good handshake can leave a lasting impression on a customer, just as a bad one can.  It’s a great thing to start off strong with! You don’t want to give someone a limp hand (sign of weakness), or squeeze so hard you crush them (sign of over-compensation for insecurities).  Here are some quick tips for having a great handshake:

• Reach out with your fingers together, and the thumb up and open.
• Slide your hand into the other person’s so that each person’s web of skin between thumb and forefingers touch the other’s.
• Squeeze firmly (be firm, not bone-crushing).
• Let the handshake last about three seconds.
• Remember to include eye contact and a smile!

7. Smile!  A smile is not only seen, but also heard.  When you talk to your dispatcher on the phone be sure to smile! The person on the other end of the line will hear it in your voice.  Even if you aren’t feeling terribly peppy that day, a forced smile will still sound as though you’re excited to hear from that person.  They will reflect your happy outlook.
8. Be a mirror.  Studies have shown that mirroring someone’s stance or sitting position can help to establish trust.  It can also create a feeling of comfort and stability.
9. Do the lean.  If you’re listening to someone when they are speaking, lean slightly forward.  In contrast, if you are talking to your team and you want them to participate in the conversation, lean backwards.  Your physical direction can convey either intense or open listening. 
10. Take your time.  Instead of stumbling over your words or filling sentences with “um” and “uh”, pause and take a moment to decide what you’re trying to say.  Take a deep breath, then speak slowly and clearly.  This will sound more confident than backtracking over something you said quickly without thinking ahead.

Body Language and Behavior

As an owner-operator you are not only the CEO of your company, but the face of your business.  How you come across to your dispatcher, your customers, and carriers is critical to your success.  You are constantly meeting new people, making first impressions, and creating a level of trust.

Whether you’re brushing up for a new business endeavor, or you’re new to the game – these tips will help you put your best foot forward!

1. Focus on your stance. Standing tall with your shoulders pulled back will actually raise your levels of testosterone (increasing confidence), and lower your levels of cortisol (the stress hormone).  Standing with your arms folded can signal that you are closed off and disinterested.  Slouching or hunching your shoulders make you look defensive and lacking in confidence.  So remember when you aren’t sitting in your truck, stand tall!
2. Don’t fidget.  Fidgeting, from playing with your hair or bouncing your knee, can come off as though you have low confidence. I tend to pick at my fingernails or bite them when I get nervous.  I now get into the habit of consciously folding my hands in my lap to still them, so that I’m not tempted to fidget. 
3. Be honest – with your words and behavior. Tell-tale body language signs of someone who is lying: hand touching, face touching, crossed arms, and leaning away.  These behaviors do not instill trust, and should be avoided when meeting with a potential customer.  
4. Bring it down a notch.  If you tend to be enthusiastic or excite easily, you probably already make a good first impression.  However, your excitement could overwhelm a customer.  Instead, take a deep breath and focus on bringing your gestures and excitement down a notch.  Keep the enthusiasm in your voice, but stay calm and contained.  This will make you look more powerful and in control.
5. Make eye contact.  Feeling overwhelmed can cause you to drop your eyes to the ground.  This can convey signs of weakness and lack of respect – two things you certainly do not want to emanate.  If you’re unsure of something and need to buy some time, smile, nod, and take a breath while you think about it.  Even if you shift your glance away for a moment, just remember to shift it back before you start speaking again. This will show thoughtfulness and insight, rather than nervousness.

More tomorrow...

Forgive and Move On

If you really want to grow then learn to Forgive...and move on.

To many people hold grudges and use most of their energy toward getting revenge.

If someone hurts your feelings or does something that you do not agree with be honest with them and tell them. Don't yell it at them or bring it up in a argumentative sense but simply tell them your feelings.
Then move on.

Either they will acknowledge them and apologize or they have their own agenda, in which case you still do not need to expand your good energy toward " getting back " at them.
Let it go, do not lower yourself.

When you lower yourself in their arena - they win.

Be better than that- hold your own - as long as you feel you are doing the right thing and you are not hurting anybody and you are truly doing your best- move on.

Now that said , sometimes after the initial contact with a opposite opinion maybe you should soak it all in and be sure that it was not YOU being stubborn or wrong.
Admitting our own false is much harder then admitting other people's false.
Sometimes by you admitting you were wrong you can help knock down the walls and start to build a better relationship.

In other words- Another words sometimes you can win by losing.

At the end of the day you want to be able to know that you did your best to build bridges not knock them down.

How Rich are you?

Memories

From Driver Skip..

This is a story from, WAY BACK....'79'80,...We had a baby traveling with us in the truck, My oldest...Who is now 35.....Funny thing is, buying disposable diapers, in a truck stop....They tend to be old, the stick-um on the tape was dry and we needed a way to hold them on...I found these “ducky” diaper pins on a shelf at a truck stop...We used them until he was out of diapers, and the youngest one was there, used them again, and NOW, they have been in the visor for EVERY truck I ever owned.....It's all about memories.....

Humans should be more like dogs

Dogs are direct and genuine. When they’re happy, they wag their tails. When they’re appreciative, they lick your face. When they feel bad, they drop their tails. If they want to play, they’ll get a toy and drop it at your feet. If they feel threatened, they growl. Their communication is direct and genuine. There’s no drama, hidden agenda or passive-aggressive behavior, as with humans.

Dogs don’t sweat the small stuff. They have short memories. If they’re chastened for doing something bad, as soon as you forgive, they forget. It’s the same thing if you mistreat them. Say you’re sorry, scratch them behind the ear, give them a treat and it’s like it never happened. They’re great at letting go and never neurotic about things they can’t control.

Dogs know the secret to personal productivity. They get tons of rest, yet they’re highly productive. If you need them, they’re there – bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. That’s because they’re incredibly focused and disciplined. Dogs know their priorities and they stick to them. They keep it simple. And they’re happy, as a result.

Lazy Crazy Days of Summer

Leadership Is 3D

Leadership Is 3D

Leadership is three-dimensional, just as you are. There are three parts to humans: the mind, the body, and the soul, all working together to produce one you. That is how leadership works. If you examine closely the four words lead, leader, leaders and leadership, you’ll see that each word is contingent on the other. If you really think about it, leadership is the composite output of the definitions of leadership, leadership, leadership and leadership. Simply put: 1) Leadership is only as good as an organization’s leaders, 2) the leaders of the organization can only be as good as their current leader, and 3) a leader is only as effective as their ability to lead others, beginning with him or herself. So the message is simple: leadership starts with the leader in you! If there is no leader, there are no leaders. If there are no leaders, then leadership does not exist.

To maximize leadership potential, one has to be aware that regardless of rank, power, status, or pay, everyone is a leader in some form or fashion.

Ownership

Have an ownership mentality -

How would the value of your contribution be different if you acted like you own the place? Would you be more emotionally invested and passionate about the work you do? Would you produce higher quality products? Would you be a little more prudent or cautious with company expenses? Would you care a little more about the customer experience? People who approach their jobs with an ownership mentality care about these sorts of things.
They view themselves as stewards of the company’s resources and work hard to promote the success of the entire organization, not just their particular role, team, or department.

Leadership

Consider the following questions:

- Do you show others the way?
- Are you in charge or do you take charge of others?
- Do you create things (e.g., events, work products, meetings, assignments)?
- Are you responsible for a task, activity, project or function?
- Within your being, do you have the capacity to lead?
- In some shape or form, do you have influence or authority over others?
- Do people look to you for guidance and direction?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, welcome to leadership. That’s right—you are, by definition, a leader. More importantly, you were born with the ability to do all those things noted above.
So the answer to the question what is leadership?

You are a part of leadership!

Take Charge

 Take charge of your own career development -

As employees, all of us should expect our employer to help develop us in our role, but career development should be seen as a privilege, not a right. Organizations have an obligation to provide the right training, tools, and resources to enable employees to maximize their potential in the job they were hired to do. But career development (promotions, moving into new roles, etc.) is a privilege and is not the employer’s responsibility. Is it a smart thing for employers to facilitate career development in order to attract and retain key talent? Absolutely! But it’s up to you to keep learning, to further your education, improve proficiency in your job, and develop new skills in alignment with the direction of your organization’s goals and strategies.

No one else except you is responsible for your career development.

From Road Warrior Skip...

This goes along well with the post on mentoring,  AND, that brings up a story....
25 years ago my best friend, fell off the TRUTH bandwagon...Every time he headed west, he would call our carrier and demand a back up load, his kid needed surgery, mom needs a heart transplant, ECT....Went on for well over a year, every time our dispatcher came through for him, but he had trouble meeting dates, she grew tired of it...

Then came qualcom, and their ability to track the truck....The trip that got him in trouble was, empty Tuesday, load Wednesday, Thursday and be in Memphis the following Wednesday...She watched his truck sit in Ontario, Ca. on Thursday(was out playing golf and getting drunk).Friday was the same...Saturday came and went with the same story....Sunday morning, he woke up hungover and realized he needed to be 2000 miles away, felt like crap, and put it into the wind, made it to Kingman and put a message on the after hours number about an axle falling out from under his truck...I'm not gonna be there....

The truth was he slept 14 hours, and then drug his ass on....My point is again, don't bull shit anyone, tell the truth, don't make shit up, it will follow you and at that point any trust you had will be gone with a lie...Don't modify, twist, embellish, or screw with the facts...Don't know the answer? Simply say: I don't know nothing "bout birthin no babies". Don't make shit up....DAMMIT TELL THE TRUTH...

What we all need to learn is, LISTEN, to the old guys, they have been there and may have the answer..AND, don't try to bull shit them, they were where you are now...

HAPPY 4th

Recieving Negative Feedback

Receiving negative feedback gracefully can be even more difficult. No one likes being told their efforts have been for not, or that their work must be redone.  There is a lot to learn from how others see us and welcoming feedback can help you redirect your efforts and be more successful.

1. Listen for the meaning – Not everyone is good at communicating directly. Difficult conversations sometimes inspire people to tap dance around an issue. Listen for the problem, try to be task specific, and ask for suggestions on how to make a correction.
2. Ask questions –General feedback is usually only a mask for the problem, you need to learn the specifics so you can make a change.
3. Agree on expectations – It is easier for many people to be indirect. They get to leave the conversation feeling like they gave you the necessary feedback but you might be left wondering what it is they want. Ask what the person needs or expects from you.

Feedback

Giving constructive feedback takes some thought. You must consider the impact to the person. It seems simple but the words used, the venue and time chosen, and event the topic of feedback will all make a difference in how it is received.

1. Know your audience –Some people would be happier to have you praise them privately. If you are giving good feedback be aware of the person’s preference for being praised publically.
2. Give notice – For negative feedback try to give the person time to get ready to talk about it. If you have regular meetings tell them you want to talk about the issue or project during the meeting, if not set something up specific to the topic.
3. Plan your words – Remember to separate the tasks, actions, or project from the person. Be sure you will hit all the essential points and be specific. Give examples of what a good job looks like or what has been done well.

Appreciation

A little appreciation goes a long way !

This time of year there is a lot of people in the moving business that are stretched to the max.
There a lot of drivers, packers, laborers, dispatchers and office personnel that are putting in long hours.
Be sure to catch your breath and understand the other side and remember that a " Thank You" goes a long way.

That goes for that casual laborer that is sweating and working his butt off for you or the agent that goes the extra mile- say thank you.

I know that the stories of all the ones that do not go the distance or  the labor that refuse to work.
So when someone is trying- take notice.

A little appreciation goes a long way!