multipliers

There are countless books out there.  Some are very good.  This is one of the good ones.  I had the opportunity to meet Liz Wiseman a few weeks ago.  She is extremely sharp.  This book discusses how the best leaders make everyone smarter.  How to extract people's full capability.  How to get twice the performance from your team.  Please read the following recap: 

Are you a genius or a genius maker? We've all had experience with two dramatically different types of leaders. The first type drain intelligence, energy, and capability from the ones around them and always need to be the smartest ones in the room. These are the idea killers, the energy sappers, the diminishers of talent and commitment. On the other side of the spectrum are leaders who use their intelligence to amplify the smarts and capabilities of the people around them. When these leaders walk into a room, lightbulbs go off over people's heads, ideas flow, and problems get solved. These are the leaders who inspire employees to stretch themselves to deliver results that surpass expectations. These are the Multipliers. And the world needs more of them, especially now, when leaders are expected to do more with less. In this engaging and highly practical book, leadership expert Liz Wiseman and management consultant Greg McKeown explore these two leadership styles, persuasively showing how Multipliers can have a resoundingly positive and profitable effect on organizations—getting more done with fewer resources, developing and attracting talent, and cultivating new ideas and energy to drive organizational change and innovation. In analyzing data from more than 150 leaders, Wiseman and McKeown have identified five disciplines that distinguish Multipliers from Diminishers. These five disciplines are not based on innate talent; indeed, they are skills and practices that everyone can learn to use—even lifelong and recalcitrant Diminishers. Lively, real-world case studies and practical tips and techniques bring to life each of these principles, showing you how to become a Multiplier too, whether you are a new or an experienced manager. Just imagine what you could accomplish if you could harness all the energy and intelligence around you. Multipliers will show you how. 

Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... learn to become a Multiplier rather than a Diminisher.  It doesn't matter if you are a Fortune 500 CEO, middle manager, small business owner, youth sports coach or a parent, you need to learn how to bring out the intelligence in others.  Invest in this book and implement what you learn.  If you would like more information go to www.thewisemangroup.com 

Enjoy life!

I'LL BE HAPPY WHEN...

We always have to be on the look out for traps.  They are everywhere.  Some are quite obvious, others more subtle.  Everyday is a gift and an opportunity for greatness.  But we need to condition ourselves to see it this way.

Throughout my life I encounter people who seemingly fall into the trap of putting their lives on hold until some future event occurs.  Have you ever heard this (or said this or something like this)... I will be happy after the semester is over... I will be happy when I get married...  I will be happy when I get that promotion...  I will be happy when  I move...  or even when happiness is tied to a material object... I will be happy when I get a new Ipod... I will be happy when I get a new flat screen TV... I will be happy when I get a new laptop... I will be happy when I get a new car, etc.

Well here is a news flash.  Happiness is a choice.  If you are counting on an event, an object or another person to make you happy, you are probably going to be disappointed.  Happiness is up to each of us.  So how do I make myself happy you ask?  Obviously this is personal to each of us, but a few guidelines I've tried to implement and have observed in happy people are:

1) Serve Others.  When we are obsessed with ourselves we seem to not progress.  When we serve others something magical happens. 

2) Take Control.  Many seem to be waiting for someone else to tell them what to do.  We have been given freedom, so let's use it. 

3) No Self Defeating Behavior.  Surround yourself with people and things that inspire you, that make you want to be better.  Have the courage to change the scenery. 

4) Live Within Your Means.  Going without a few trinkets is fine.  Really.  You don't need the newest "everything."

5) Exercise and Eat Well.  If you feel good you will have an improved outlook and will make better decisions.

So here is a TIP FROM A MAN... Live your life today, then live tomorrow and then the next day.  It is awesome to be pumped about some future event.  It is healthy and necessary to set goals.  But just don't wait to be happy until... (fill in the blank).  Be happy today!

Enjoy life!

 

ACQUAINTANCES

Everyone needs friends.  Friends and family are what it is all about, right?  Well, let's look at this from a purely business perspective for a minute.  If you have a need, who might actually be in a position to be most helpful, a friend or an acquaintance?  If you stop and really think about it, you will come to realize that you and your friends probably know many of the same people.  You and those people you only know as an acquaintance likely have very few people in common.  Say you are looking for a new job, or a new supplier, contact an acquaintance about this need and there is a good chance that person can put you in touch with someone who can help you who you don't know and probably would not ever meet had it not been through this acquaintance.

So how do you make new acquaintances?  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... branch out from your  traditional circle and thoughtfully place yourself in situations where you only know a few of those in attendance.  The photo above is of a group of men who recently went on a golf retreat.  Most in attendance only knew a few of the attendees before hand.  After the retreat, contact information had been shared and everyone now knew one another on a fairly personal level.  I think it is safe to say that over the next weeks, months and years that as a result of this event many leads will be traded and problems solved through the new acquaintances made.  It is true that many people find it challenging to step out of their usual comfort zone - but regularly doing so could really expand your business opportunities and yes, acquaintances do become friendships.

Here is a bonus TIP FROM A MAN... when taking down contact information, obtain a personal email address as well as the person's company email.  In the event that person changes jobs and the business email is deactivated, you will now not lose track of this person.  So get their Gmail, Yahoo, or other address.  Now get out there!

Enjoy life!

TASTY DINNER

What can I eat?  That is what people always ask me.  Really, it is pretty easy once you get your mind around what you are trying to accomplish.  Here is a photo of a typical dinner at our house.  The rules are: 1) The food must be very tasty; 2) The food must be pleasing to look at; 3) The food must be healthy and help me accomplish my goals; 4) The food must be easy to prepare and 5) The food is to be savored and enjoyed not "wolfed"  down.

What you see here are two chicken breasts marinated in Roasted Pineapple and Habanero sauce (buy a bottle at Costco).  The vegetables are French cut Green Beans.  The salad is a combination of sliced Oranges, Mangoes and Avocado.  Of course, you must not forget the 16 oz. glass of ice water - usually with a slice of lime and or lemon.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... eat, and eat well.  Balance your meals like you see here.  Keep the preparation simple.  Keep the clean up simple.  You've got more to do than toil away in the kitchen, but make the time spent in the kitchen count! 

Enjoy life!

RE-READ THE POST: EAT WELL - LIVE WELL

If you are a recent follower or viewer of this blog or just may benefit from a refresher, please be sure to read the post at the very bottom of the blog titled Eat Well - Live Well.  This is where the TIPS FROM A MAN eating and lifestyle choices are discussed in detail.  These guidelines are amazingly easy to follow.  I just  received a message from a new follower of the blog who just recently made the decision to make better eating choices.  He is pleased to report that he has lost 4 pounds in the first two weeks.  He is well on his way!

This is a great time of year to give your health and body a bit more attention.  With the weather being mild there are endless ways to improve your fitness and overall well-being.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... still hit the gym for core lifting, but get outside as often as possible for your cardio and cross-training.  Break it up.  Don't walk, run or bike the same course every day.  Unless you are in the city with lots of car noise, try a workout without music in your ears and instead see if you can hear the birds and other sounds of nature.  It is good for the soul.

Enjoy life!

QUINOA (keen' wah)

Constantly on the look out for foods that meet the TIPS FROM A MAN criteria.  Such foods must taste good, be healthy and help you meet your personal body weight objectives.  Let me introduce you to such a food.  Quinoa is an ancient American staple grain.  Try this to replace rice, potatoes, or pasta.  It has the best amino acid profile of all grain.  It is versatile, heart healthy and gluten free.  For centuries this whole grain has preserved native cultures at high Andes elevations.  It is primarily grown in Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador.

Quinoa can be eaten at breakfast or for any other meal.  It has a high protein content and is a good source of dietary fiber as well as phosphorus, magnesium and iron.  If you Google "Quinoa Recipes" you will find numerous recipes to try.  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... try Quinoa.  Make it a staple of your diet.  If you know of anyone struggling to find good gluten free foods, tell them about Quinoa.  And, best of all... it is easy to prepare!

Enjoy life!

GONE FISHING

Wow!

Some of the happiest people I know are those that regularly get out and experience nature.  There is something humbling and awe-inspiring about being out in the solitude and beauty of what God created.  I can't really describe in words appropriately what I am trying to say.  I trust that if you get out in nature to hike, snowshoe, fish, ride horses, whatever, you know what I mean.

This photo is of a friend who loves to fish and over the years has become very good at it.  Here he is holding his latest catch landed at a secret fishing spot in remote Idaho (that's is one of the cool things about fishing... the mystery of it all).  Here is a TIP FROM A MAN... go fishing or whatever it takes to get you close to nature.  Go with a friend or family member.  Try not to rush it if you can.  Let the experience absorb you.  Remember the old adage, no one on their death bed ever looks back wishing that they would have spent more time at the office.

Enjoy life!