Week 43 - XLR8 The Passionate Leader

I went to see Michael Moore’s movie: “Capitalism: A Love story” on Friday night. While he goes to extremes to make his point, there are a lot of businesses and business people who only care about themselves. It makes our commitment to be leaders with integrity and the common good in mind even more important. We must be true to our values and build organizations that are consistently striving to articulate and strive for the “desired values” of all our employees.

To that end, I am looking forward to taking one of my clients to Washington, D.C. next month for a presentation given by my colleague, Richard Barrett, of The Barrett Values Centre entitled: “Leadership in the 21^st Century – Building a High Performance, Values Driven Organization & The Role of Coaching in Organizational Transformation,”. Richard is at the center of this very important dialogue.

• Zig Ziglar’s Inspiration: 365 Days A Year
• My favorite quotes for the week of October 25^th – 31^st: “Sometimes we all need to realize that negative thoughts have no power. We empower them.” Kurt Gold
• I had the privilege of attending the two-day launch retreat of The Soul Purpose Institute given by Steve D’Annunzio. Steve and I both believe that leadership is an inside job, not only because of what is going on in the world, but more importantly what is going on in our heads. With Steve’s help, my intention is built upon my spiritual disciplines helping me be more positive in my choices, thoughts, words and actions.

• The Best Year of Your Life: Get Debbie Ford's Kit
• Week Forty-Two: Integrity
• I hope you were successful in balancing or restoring your own sense of integrity over a situation or relationship that needed repair.
• Week Forty-Three: Have Faith
• At every moment – and especially in times of challenge – each of us is confronted with an important choice. Will we react out of fear or will we choose instead to be guided out of faith (love). Surrendering to faith is an act of courage. We must trust that all will turn out in our highest and best interest.
• Try what Steve D’Annunzio suggests – say: “what would love do now” or “remember God, choose love and create value.”

• Creating a Culture of Leadership Development – A Drop for Your Bucket!!! Send an electronic drop or comment by going to the blog (click on this blog’s heading – Wake Up the Passionate Leader above) and click on the “comment” icon at the end of this week’s posting.
• I did a team day this week with a start-up team. Their XLR8 Teams!!! Assessment scores were unusually high for such a new team - with a new leader - who was just promoted to this position. It became clear that he had used a significant amount of the tools and techniques he is experiencing in the XLR8 YOU!!! “Leadership Excellence” process. While they still have work to do, I have no doubt they will follow through with the actions they committed to.

To date, we have 254 subscribers. Our goal is 1,000 by year end. We need your help!!! Invite a friend, colleague or sign up your team this week.

Week 42 - XLR8 The Passionate Leader

I hope you take the time to read the last item today, a contribution from one of your fellow bloggers. I’ll let his message bring you inspiration this week.

• Zig Ziglar’s Inspiration: 365 Days A Year
• My favorite quotes for the two weeks of October 18^th – 24^th: “If one advances confidently in the direction of their dreams and endeavors to live the life they have imagined, they will meet success unexpected in common hours. Henry David Thoreau
• What are you dreaming about? As we have discussed, we read The Passion Test as part of our leadership process. The first assignment is making a list of 10 – 15 of the most important things you can think of which would give you a life of joy, passion and fulfillment. Begin each one with a verb relating to being, doing or having which completes the sentence: When my life is ideal, I am_________________________. (When you are clear, what you want will show up in your life and only to the extent you are clear).

• The Best Year of Your Life: Get Debbie Ford's Kit
• Week Forty-One: Indulge
• Which indulgence did you choose? I made a home-cooked Wegmans Menu Magazine meal, which Elaine and I enjoyed immensely. I made enough to give leftovers to family members as well.
• Week Forty-Two: Integrity
• Integrity is the foundation of a successful life. When our behaviors, actions and choices are consistent with our deepest values, we gain the courage to be ourselves and the confidence to ask for what we need.
• To the extent that we haven’t cleaned up past integrity issues, it will undermine the love, success and abundance we desire. Look back over the last couple of years at a relationship or situation where you haven’t acted with complete integrity.
• Ask yourself: “What could I do to bring this situation back into balance and restore my own sense of integrity?” Could you write a letter, deliver an apology or contribute in some way to someone in need? This action could involve the person directly, but it doesn’t have to.

• Creating a Culture of Leadership Development – A Drop for Your Bucket!!! Send an electronic drop or comment by going to the blog (click on this blog’s heading – Wake Up the Passionate Leader above) and click on the “comment” icon at the end of this week’s posting.
• Hello fellow Bloggers, This past week I shared the Dewitt Jones video “Celebrate What’s Right with the World” with my team again. I’ve seen the video over and over and it only seems to get better each time I watch it. After seeing it for a second time, my folks are feeling the same way. Far too often I feel as though society is very accepting of catching people doing things wrong and this video takes you in a completely different direction. It really encourages you to go out and find what’s right with the world, in our work place or in our homes for that matter. On any given day, there’s a heck of a lot more right than there is wrong, but too often we don’t spend the time or energy looking for those positive moments. The video was so compelling and “true” that many of my folks had tears in their eyes. Rest assured that it’s not because they’re feeling guilty of passing up positive opportunities, it’s because Dewitt helps us realize that every person and situation has beauty in it. It’s up to us to look for it and then make a big deal out of it. I would highly encourage all of you to share this video with your team, a client, your family or to watch it all by your lonesome. It’s sure to invigorate and enlighten even the “tough as nails” leaders. Thanks to Tom for introducing us to this video and making it available to us, too.

To date, we have 252 subscribers. Our goal is 1,000 by year end. We need your help!!! Invite a friend, colleague or sign up your team this week.

Weeks 41- XLR8 The Passionate Leader

Elaine and I are back from vacation relaxed and rejuvenated. I completed four chapters of my book while looking at and listening to the ocean. Our friends at Innerlinks sent the “Angel of the Month” for October – Trust. “Move from a place of knowing within you rather than as a result of adaptation to outer experiences. Let go of your assumptions and need to control life’s creative process.” It really sums up the point I’m trying to make in the book. Trust your inner guidance system (passions, unique ability, personal mission & values) to bring you joy and happiness in life. Since you have chosen to be a leader, lead from that inner strength. Stay true to what’s important to you first which is based on how you will serve others.

• Zig Ziglar’s Inspiration: 365 Days A Year
• My favorite quotes for the two weeks of October 11^th – 17th: “I bring you the gift of these four words: I believe in you.” Blaine Pascal
• We are beginning the pre-work preparation for the next XLR8 YOU!!! “Leadership Excellence” retreat. During our initial “getting to know each other interview”, we are curious to know which people gave them the “I believe in you” gift.
• Through our ongoing coaching, we want to know who they in turn are working with that needs the “I believe in you” gift. We then provide the necessary tools and coaching support. What an honor to part of their “success” story.

• The Best Year of Your Life: Get Debbie Ford's Kit
• Week Thirty-Nine / Forty: Silence
• I always use vacations to reconnect with my passions and update my markers - that way, I come back home fired up!
• Week Forty-One: Indulge
• What are some ways to really indulge? Pretend your best friend in the whole world who you haven’t seen in years is visiting you soon. What three indulgent activities would like to do with him / her? Choose at least one and do it anyway!!!

• Creating a Culture of Leadership Development – A Drop for Your Bucket!!! Send an electronic drop or comment by going to the blog (click on this blog’s heading – Wake Up the Passionate Leader above) and click on the “comment” icon at the end of this week’s posting.
• The Official Notice went out tonight - Attention all XLR8 YOU!!! / Wegmans Leadership University “Leadership Excellence” Participants and Graduates – announcing the 1^st “Family First Weekend Retreat” at Bristol Harbour on Saturday / Sunday, November 14^th & 15^th.
• You have been asking for this, so we finally scheduled it. The weekend will consist of completing and sharing DISC information; watching The Shift, by Wayne Dyer; and completing the Passion Test. You will also be able to access The Family First website for free family relationship DISC reports for your children, extended family members, etc. Please respond to us quickly as Bristol Harbor has only 30 rooms!

To date, we have 248 subscribers. Our goal is 1,000 by year end. We need your help!!! Invite a friend, colleague or sign up your team this week.

Weeks 39/40- XLR8 The Passionate Leader

Elaine and I were awed last Sunday at the Canandaigua Triathlon. Wegmans Food Markets had a huge contingent of participants, so we saw many current and former coaching clients. Not only did they exemplify the “Eat Well, Live Well” lifestyle, but for many this was the accomplishment of an important goal. Some completed the “sprint” triathlon for the first time. Some did that last year and completed the full triathlon this year. Others brought their children so they could participate in the children’s race. Others do several events like this over the year.

Whatever their circumstances were, this goal gave them all a reason to put their sneakers on. That’s the beauty of making goals and telling people about it. It gives you the extra incentive to do what you said you will do (personal integrity) on those days you would just as soon take a nap! Again, congratulations to all! So what’s your next goal (or maybe your first goal) to “Eat Well, Live Well?”

• Zig Ziglar’s Inspiration: 365 Days A Year
• My favorite quotes for the two weeks of September 28^th – October 10^th: “I have never met an unhappy giver.” George Adams. “There is a time to let things happen and a time to make things happen.” Hugh Prather
• This second quote fits the last set of questions asked at the beginning of our coaching relationship of: “Are you ready, willing and able to be coached?”:

• Coaching is the appropriate discipline for the changes I want to make (rather than therapy or a twelve-step program).
• I have the patience to take consistent action toward my goals regardless of how immediate the results are.
• I have the support I need to make significant changes with ease (i.e., family or company buy-in).
• The last bullet is so important - particularly company support. We work very diligently to involve the boss. The more involved - the greater value received by all.

• The Best Year of Your Life: Get Debbie Ford's Kit
• Week Thirty-Eight: Have Some Fun!
• Elaine and I are off for the next two weeks, so we made a list of 10 activities we will do to have fun. That will be a slam dunk!
• Week Thirty-Nine / Forty: Silence
• Amid the clamor of our busy lives, it’s easy to lose touch with our own inner voice and get distracted from the desires of our hearts (our Passions).
• For those who have completed The Passion Test, look at them and spend some silent time relaxing or meditating. Which one(s) are you feeling good about? How do you attract more of it into your life right now?
• If you haven’t completed the Passion Test – e-mail us and we’ll help get you started.

• Creating a Culture of Leadership Development – A Drop for Your Bucket!!! Send an electronic drop or comment by going to the blog (click on this blog’s heading – Wake Up the Passionate Leader above) and click on the “comment” icon at the end of this week’s posting.
• Attention all XLR8 YOU!!! / Wegmans Leadership University “Leadership Excellence” Participants and Graduates – announcing the 1^st “Family First Weekend Retreat” at Bristol Harbour on Saturday / Sunday, November 14^th & 15^th.
• You have been asking for this, so we finally scheduled it. The weekend will consist of completing and sharing DISC information; watching The Shift, by Wayne Dyer; and completing the Passion Test. You will also be able to access The Family First website for free family relationship DISC reports for your children, extended family members, etc. You will be receiving an invitation shortly. Please respond quickly as Bristol Harbor has only 30 rooms!

To date, we have 243 subscribers. Our goal is 1,000 by year end. We need your help!!! Invite a friend, colleague or sign up your team this week.

Week 38 - XLR8 The Passionate Leader

I’m sure many of you are not US Open Tennis followers, but last weekend Serena Williams, who I usually root for, completely lost it at the end of her semi-final match with Kim Clijsters. She berated a lines person badly over a foot fault and was penalized a point – match point. Her press conference was an embarrassment – no awareness that she made a complete fool of herself, something I can identify with, having lost my temper and saying awful things. She issued a statement on Sunday night, which was obviously written by her legal council and publicist. While saying she’s only human, it came up way short for me.

Come on Serena or anybody else who loses it. Own up to your bad behavior. It doesn’t matter if the call was right or wrong, or whatever other “outer” excuse (blame) you have (other players do it all the time – right John McEnroe?). YOU chose to behave badly. Apologize and ask for forgiveness. Promise your fans that you will act more respectfully in the future. Then it gives us a chance to be human as well – compassionate!

For more on how you might recover from a bad outburst, check out Ron McMillan’s (Crucial Conversations co-author) latest newsletter. Recovering From an Outburst Perfect timing, Ron!

• Zig Ziglar’s Inspiration: 365 Days A Year
• My favorite quote for the week of September 21^st – September 27^th: “Learning is not compulsory, neither is survival.” W. Edwards Deming For those of you that don’t know, W. Edwards Deming was known as the “father” of quality and continuous improvement.
• The second set of questions asked at the beginning of our coaching relationship of “Are you ready, willing and able to be coached” are:

1. I am fully willing to do the work required to get me where I want to go.
2. I am willing to stop or change the self-defeating behaviors that limit my success.
3. I am willing to try new things even if I am not 100% convinced they will work.
• While a coach can help keep a person on task, the individual must be willing to take direction and follow through - even though skeptical of the reasons or results.

• The Best Year of Your Life: Get Debbie Ford's Kit
• Week Thirty-Seven: Walk in Another’s Shoes
• Did walking in another’s shoes allow you to feel more compassionate or connected to this person?
• Week Thirty-Eight: Have Some Fun!
• Believe it or not, most adults need to be reminded to take time out for fun. Trained as we are to get things done, we often devalue or neglect this most important aspect of life.
• Make a list of 10 activities that you’d do on a regular basis if your life were dedicated to having fun. Schedule at least one of these activities.

• Creating a Culture of Leadership Development – A Drop for Your Bucket!!! Send an electronic drop or comment by going to the blog (click on this blog’s heading – Wake Up the Passionate Leader above) and click on the “comment” icon at the end of this week’s posting.
• I had an interesting conversation this week with a colleague about the use of God in our work. The first person I heard use the “G” word was Ken Blanchard. He was not imposing his interpretation of God on anyone. He simply challenges us all to make up our own mind about a power greater than ourselves.
• Some marketers were concerned that his use of God would limit his market. It’s bad advice. I know very few people who are not attempting to figure out the “G” word in their lives. We both are admirers of Wayne Dyer who states that it doesn’t matter how you pronounce the “Ah” in your God… Buddha, Allah, Krishna to describe the infinite intelligence of the universe.

To date, we have 234 subscribers. Our goal is 1,000 by year end. We need your help!!! Invite a friend, colleague or sign up your team this week.