Kevin Straub
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Are You Unlocking Your Potential

8/12/2015

 
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What are you doing to expand your influence and elevate your results?

"I regret not enough," said one Senior Leader, "all my attention and energy is required to keep my head above water."  "There are things I would like to do; but, I am locked into project initiatives and meetings with no end in sight."

Do you sense the feeling of frustration in that response?  Wouldn't you like to jump in and discover the "root cause" of the challenge, especially since it is someone else's "pain point?"  But wait, what about when the frustration is yours?

Let's take a look at the simple process below...a combination to unlock personal potential.

The first stop (combination) is to Wake Up.  We primarily grow by discovering new truths about ourselves and our reality.  This means raising our awareness by asking questions like these:

  • Am I investing in myself?
  • Am I staying in my strength zone?
  • Am I investing my time with the right people (to drive results)?
  • Am I investing my time in actions that will generate the highest return?

As you reflect, know that the real value is found in the questions behind the question.  So if the answer is "no" (to an above question), then why?  Explore deeper because questions are at the core of self discovery and answers are the key to clarity, changing behavior, and unlocking one's potential.  It's about self awareness and what's possible.

The second stop (combination) is to Get Up.  Set a new tone and begin each day with an absolute mindset fixed on taking action that elevates your influence and results.  The ability to align one's actions towards one's purpose and keep that in constant focus is essential to progress.  Emotional engagement is important.  It's about passion, intention, and attitude.


The third stop (combination) is to Show Up.  A traditional business reference like "taking action" feels so task oriented.  Showing up is about executing to the best of your ability and making time count.  There is no replay.  This goes beyond plans and goals.  Its about owning your daily efforts and making it happen.

The final stop (combination) is to Own Up.  It is fitting that the combination stops here.  Without this step one potential remains locked.  It's about taking personal accountability.

In conclusion, work like like the dial on a combination lock can spin and spin. For some that implies security; but, if the lock does not open all remains fixed. Are you unlocking your potential?  Are you leading "you?"


If you are feeling challenged please connect with me (Kevin).  I would welcome the opportunity to assist you. 

Lost Time Is Never Found Again

8/12/2015

 
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A quick story...

A lighthouse keeper who worked a rocky stretch of coastline received his new supply of oil once a month to keep the light burning.

Not being far from a small village, he had frequent visitors.  One night a villager stopped and asked for oil to keep his family warm.  A few days later a farmer came by and requested oil to grease his machinery.  The next day a shop owner stopped in needing oil for his lamps and to sell to a customer.

Since all the requests seemed reasonable, the lighthouse keeper tried to please everyone and granted the request of all.

It was a few days before the lighthouse keeper would receive his new supply when the oil ran dry, and the beacon of light burned out.  That night, in total darkness, several ships crashed into the coastline.

So you are probably saying to yourself, "OK, Kevin, I get the story but what is the application in today's business world?"


Lost time!

I frequently hear clients share concerns about competing time pressure and how, similar to the lighthouse keeper, they are subject to people demanding both their time and resources.  That someone else's challenge becomes their challenge, and what rises is frustration and stress.

If that resonates...it is time to solve for <U>.
The only way to predict the future is to create it.
~ Peter Drucker
So how do you handle internal "Time Bandits"?  Here are some thoughts and actions to consider:
  • Expect to be interrupted.
  • Stand up when interrupted. This will show that you have a sense of urgency and expect to address this quickly.
  • Recognize that the "Time Bandit's" actions are not intentional.  They are likely looking at things from their own perspective and don't identify that they are interrupting you.
  • Be transparent and share that you prefer to schedule an alternate time to meet to ensure they will get your full attention and energy.  Right now your time needs to be on the "task-at-hand".  Thank the individual for his or her understanding.
  • Advise them, as appropriate, that if they are bringing forward a concern or problem, to come prepared to present and discuss potential solutions to promote efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Prevent future interruptions and advise colleagues that your are going to schedule "Time Locks" in order to block time and be proactive to focus on activities with the highest impact - - keeping the main things the main things.
Take control of your time.  Lost time is never found again.
~ Kevin Straub
"When writing the story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen."   ~ Harley Davidson
Thank you for reading this post.  If Time Management is a constant "pain point" I encourage you to connect and we can discuss opportunities to solve for <U>.  Less stress, greater productivity, better results, and sleeping at night...you deserve it!

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