The Apple In Your Hand

What are you working on right now? More importantly, what results will you get from working on it? What tangible result will you have after your work on the task is completed?

Too often I think we make ourselves busy with tasks, but never stop to think about if we are creating something of value-REAL value. At the end of almost every task there should be a concrete result that comes from working on it. The result may be a completed form, a new widget or even a smile from the person who is the recipient of your efforts. If there is not a quick tangible result you can envision, why are you working on it?

In keeping with the spirit of apples and "orchard thinking," what will be the apple in your hand when you get done with your current tasks for the day? If you can't identify something concrete, maybe it is time to revisit your choice of tasks to undertake.

She Is With Me

When my older daughter started to board a recent flight with me, she was stopped by the gate agent who said, “I’m sorry. Your zone is not yet boarding.” I then stepped forward and said, “She is with me.” As a frequent traveler, she could board with me instead of having to wait until later. The agent smiled in approval and we boarded the plane.

I had a similar situation earlier in the week. A person who I tremendously admire for their integrity and accomplishments in leadership asked to have lunch with me. As we ate, he talked of his desire to share his experiences and life lessons with a larger audience. He sought me out because he sees something in me that can help him get to a place he might not be able to take himself. What an honor!

It’s a fact. We need connections with the right people to succeed. Building relationships with those who have a skill, insight or perspective beyond our own limitations or experiences accelerates our ability to achieve the results we really want. Sure we might be able to “tough it out” and make it on our own, but why? Real leaders take much joy from being able to impart their wisdom in a way that improves the lives of others. If you have ever seen someone achieve a higher level of success professionally or personally because of something you said to them or did for them, you know exactly what I mean.

So the question for today is, “Who are you with-or will you be found with, who can assist you in turning your passions into action and your “someday” into “today?” Failure to take such opportunities is only hurting you-and them.

Have or Make?

After a training program last week, a participant approached me and said, “Your focus on being more intentional in your work and life is like the difference between ‘have and make.’” With my curiosity aroused, I said, “How so?” She continued. “Think about the phrase ‘Have a great day’ versus ‘Make it a great day.’ One implies taking things as they come to you while the other suggests a need to take more responsibility in achieving the desired outcome you are looking for.” What a superb insight!

Reflecting on her comments later, I made a list of all the thoughts associated with the words “have” or “make.” They included: 

Have

Entitled to it

No effort on my part

Circumstances will naturally work in my favor

In all my interactions everyone will have my best interests at heart

Make

I must make the right choices

I have to act or react in ways that will work to my benefit, not my loss

Effort is required-and it may not be easy

Think about the outcome I want and use my time and energy to get that result

When I pondered her perspective even more, I had to laugh at how often I hear the word “have” versus “make.” While I am sure people aren’t encouraging me to be passive when they say things like, “Have a great trip” or “I hope you have a great program,” those words will now be a quick reminder that I need to work at growing the results I want, and not expect them to just happen.

So the next time you catch yourself saying or thinking, “I hope I have…” change “have” to “make”… it could just MAKE all the difference in getting the harvest you really want.

"Ask If You Want To Achieve Excellence"

At a training program yesterday, I was approached by a delightful individual who quickly asked, "Do you move around during your program?" My quick answer was "yes." She smiled and explained that she had a cochlear implant (hearing device) and struggled to hear when people moved around as they spoke. I then asked her, "How could I present the program today so that it would work for you?" She gave me a few tips and I followed them during the program. When it was over, she was sincerely pleased that she had been able to follow the program.

The experience reminded me of the need to reflect on the needs of others when working with them before I just say, "This is the way I do it" or "This is comfortable for me." And the best way to find out what their needs are....? Ask. Rarely have I found individuals or groups that could not give me a few thoughts on how I could best work with them. Another benefit is that people appreciate being asked-and they learn that you genuinely care about them.

Struggling with how to improve your work with someone or a relationship? Maybe it's time to ask.

"When Good Enough Is Not Enough"

You probably said it the last time you built something that turned out to be of less quality than you planned. Or you may have said it about an assignment at work. You may have even made the remark when fixing something that was broken. The phrase? "Good enough." We say it often to reassure ourselves that the level of quality is sufficient and that we did our best. Sometimes it is good enough, other times it isn't. Does it matter? You have to decide that.

There is one instance in which we can never say it's "good enough" and that is with our relationships with other people. When we get complacent that we have done all we can to make the relationship stronger, we are in danger of drifting toward isolation instead of growing toward intimacy. We should always be looking for ways to build stronger relationships in our families, workplace and in our communities.

What relationships in your life need your attention today?