by Helena Escalante | Celebration, Collaboration, Creativity, Mindset, Time, Tools, Wellbeing
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 3 seconds.
TODAY’S IDEA: Adopt an afternoon lift
— From: The Best Team Wins: The New Science of High Performance by Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton
Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton, in their book The Best Team Wins, provide a toolkit of 101 ideas to inspire teams. The ideas are short and sweet, some are powerful, some are practical, and some others are plain fun!
I will showcase in here, every so often, those ideas that I like the most. I’ll do this one at a time to keep up with the promise of every post readable in less than 5 minutes. (Here’s a previous post from this book too.)
The idea that I want to highlight today is the one Gostick and Elton call, “Adopt an afternoon lift.” It’s an example of teambuilding they saw at Microsoft. I like it because it doesn’t matter whether you work at a Fortune 500 or as a solopreneur, you can definitely apply it.
“Each day, one person signed up to blast a song across the work area at three o’clock. Everyone was dragging by that point and needed a lift. Some people got up and danced, and everyone clapped when the song was done. Classics Mustang Sally, Born to Be Wild, and Living on a Prayer were a few popular choices.”
The authors mention that a strong sense of camaraderie within the team needs to be present before this can happen. “It was clear to us that solid relationships were in place before this kind of fun could be accepted an authentic.” And I would add that doing this exercise on a daily basis likely continued to foster the strength of those existing bonds throughout the team.
This idea, however, is not exclusive to large corporations. I’ve started to do it on a daily basis when I need an afternoon pickup, and it works out well. Whether you have a team and blast the song out loud, or you just get up and walk briskly (dance?) with your headphones on while the song lasts, it’s a perfect energy and mood lift for the afternoon slump.
ACTION
TODAY: Gostick and Elton suggest “Figure out a daily ritual that [you or] your team can adopt to restore energy levels later in the day.”
FUTURE: Adopt that afternoon pick-me-up ritual for a while to see how it goes. Don’t be afraid to modify it to suit your needs. It’s a much welcome break and it’s a fun way to restore your energy when you most need it.
Know someone who needs an afternoon lift? Please share this post via email, Facebook or Twitter, thanks!
by Helena Escalante | Collaboration, Goals, Growth, Mindset, Networking, Opportunity, Planning, Resources, Tools
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 9 seconds.
TODAY’S IDEA: The MENTOR Model
— From One Minute Mentoring: How to Find and Work With a Mentor—and Why You’ll Benefit from Being One by Ken Blanchard and Claire Diaz-Ortiz
I really like the One Minute series of books by Ken Blanchard. In this particular instance, he co-wrote with Claire Diaz-Ortiz—his mentee—a fictional parable about mentorship filled with insights and helpful tips. The story shows both sides of the mentor/mentee equation, and what it takes to become or find one. It’s a short book, a quick read, and the story is very relatable, whether you’ve been a mentor, a mentee, or both. I won’t say more in case you’d like to read it!
What I want to highlight is the MENTOR Model that the authors created, drawing from the most important points and main lessons about mentoring. Since many of you have asked about mentorship, I thought I’d share this as a way to help you find or become a mentor.
The MENTOR Model is an acronym. Let’s look at each of the letters.
M = Mission. It’s important that both mentor and mentee share key values and key intentions. Once this has been done, then both (together preferably) can “create a vision and purpose for the future mentoring partnership.” Remember that mentoring adds value to both sides of the equation.
E = Engagement. Agree and set the parameters for engagement in a way that adapts to both persons’ activities, personalities, and schedules. Will there be face-to-face meetings? How often? Will there be scheduled calls? How about impromptu ones? Is text messaging ok? How about email? “Mentoring partnerships require both the flexibility to engage in digital communication and the power of in-person meetings when possible.” The authors recommend making a commitment to regular meetings, even if they have to be virtual.
N = Networking. “Cultivating productive relationships is a major key to success.” By virtue of the connection with your mentor/mentee, you can expand your network as well. However, tread carefully and very respectfully on the other’s networking contacts and always ask for permission to reach out or, even better, introductions.
T = Trust.. “Building trust takes time—and it can be destroyed in an instant. […] Build and maintain trust with your mentoring partner by telling the truth, staying connected, and being dependable.” As the relationship progresses, trust will deepen, yet always remember that honesty and clear communication are key to this (and any other) relationship.
O = Opportunity. “A mentoring partnership is a two-way street—both partners have opportunities to bring to the table. […] As a mentoring partner, you’ll have access to personal and business opportunities that simply aren’t available to non-mentors and non-mentees.” Being in a mentoring relationship brings wonderful opportunities for both to grow. Purposefully create opportunities for your mentor/mentee to further help out with the mission and purpose that you stated at the beginning.
R = Review and Renewal. “Schedule a regular time to review progress and renew your mentoring partnership.” Doing this, say, once a year (or perhaps more often) will keep both of you on track. Make sure to add them to your calendar when you create your mission statement. And also determine at the time what “success” for each review will look like. That way you will know whether you achieved your goal or you need to figure out other strategies to do so.
ACTION
TODAY: Are you looking for a mentor? Are you looking to mentor someone? Either way, reach out to your network and start looking! You will build a wonderful relationship and open up great opportunities for you and your mentoring partner in many ways.
FUTURE: Having a mentor or being one is a rich, rewarding, and enlightening experience. Remember to pay it forward.
Know someone who is looking for a mentor or who wants to become one? Please share this post! Email, Facebook, Twitter.
by Helena Escalante | Collaboration, Goals, Growth, Habits, Leadership, Mindset, Opportunity, Resources, Time, Tools
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes, 35 seconds.
TODAY’S IDEA: Become better today
— From Self-Improvement 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know by John C. Maxwell
Benjamin Franklin, one of the founding fathers of the United States said, “By improving yourself, the world is made better. Be not afraid of growing too slowly. Be afraid only of standing still.”
So, how do we avoid standing still?
In his book Self-Improvement 101, leadership guru John C. Maxwell answers that question: “[We become better tomorrow] by becoming better today. The secret of your success can be found in your daily agenda.”
To keep growing and leading up, Maxwell suggests the following three steps:
1. Learn your craft today. “There is no time like the present to become an expert at your craft. Maybe you wish you had started earlier… or had found a better teacher or mentor years ago… Looking back and lamenting will not help you move forward.” Don’t dwell on the past and ignore any sunk costs. “You may not be where you’re supposed to be. You may not be what you want to be. You don’t have to be what you used to be. And you don’t have to ever arrive. You just need to learn to be the best person you can be right now.”
“The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago. The second best time is today.” – Chinese proverb
2. Talk your craft today. “Once you reach a degree of proficiency in your craft, then one of the best things you can do for yourself is talk your craft with others on the same and higher levels than you. […] Talking to peers is wonderful, but if you don’t also make an effort to strategically talk your craft with those ahead of you in experience and skill, then you’re really missing learning opportunities.” Maxwell emphasizes the listening aspect of the dialogue, as he points out that it is the bridge that leads you to learn about them.
3. Practice your craft today. “The only way to improve is to practice your craft until you know it inside and out. At first, you do what you know to do. The more you practice your craft, the more you know. But as you do more, you will also discover more about what you ought to do differently… The only way you improve is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things.”
“You can’t change where you started, but you can change the direction you are going. It’s not what you are going to do, but it’s what you are doing now that counts.” – Napoleon Hill
ACTION
TODAY: Learn (more of) or talk or practice your craft—or preferably all!
FUTURE: Keep learning and talking and practicing your craft. Never stop growing. Sometimes it may not be easy and sometimes you’ll make mistakes. The corollary to Benjamin Franklin’s opening quote is “Forget your mistakes, but remember what they taught you.” That way you will have a valuable lesson that will make you wiser and let you move forward.
Help someone become better today by sharing this post that person! You can do so via email, Facebook or Twitter, thank you.
by Helena Escalante | Collaboration, Goals, Growth, Leadership, Mindset, Opportunity
Estimated reading time: 1 minute, 47 seconds.
TODAY’S IDEA: Idea incomes
— From: Steal Like An Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” said Jim Rohn, personal development guru. This idea reflects in all we do, as author Austin Kleon points out in Steal Like an Artist: “if you take the incomes of five of your closest friends and average them, the resulting number will be pretty close to your own income.”
Further, Kleon points out: “I think the same is true of our idea incomes. You’re only going to be as good as the stuff you surround yourself with.” And he recalls how it drove him crazy when his mom used to tell him “Garbage in, garbage out.” Fortunately, that’s a thing of the past and now he understands and appreciates what she meant.
If you are reading this blog, it means that you are a professional and a lifelong learner. As one myself, I wholeheartedly agree with Kleon when he says, “Your job is to collect good ideas. The more good ideas you collect, the more you can choose from to be influenced by.” The more you do this, the more your idea incomes will rise.
Collect your ideas selectively, and share them with the people who surround you so that their idea incomes can go up as well. Remember the quote by President John F. Kennedy, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” Let your ideas be the rising tide.
ACTION
TODAY: Make a list of the 5 ideas you most like and share it with a loved one or a colleague. Ask them to do the same with you.
FUTURE: Ponder the ideas you have and the new ones you come across and create a list. Share it. Repeat as often as you’d like. Make it a habit of expanding your mind and thus raising your idea income with at least one new idea every day… By the way, I know of a blog that can help you with that! 😉
Let’s lift the boats in your circles today: please share today’s idea with someone! You can do so via email, Facebook or Twitter!
by Helena Escalante | Accountability, Celebration, Collaboration, Goals, Growth, Leadership, Mindset, Networking, Opportunity, Resources, Time, Tools
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes, 21 seconds.
TODAY’S IDEA: 46 strategies for businesspeople to deal with tough times
— From The Little BIG Things: 163 Ways to Pursue EXCELLENCE by Tom Peters
Excellence guru Tom Peters started his blog in 2004. Shortly thereafter, he started publishing “success tips” and this book, The Little BIG Things, is a compilation of them. It’s an easy read, and it’s full of great advice. (Any advice from Tom Peters is golden!)
Peters is a famous author (In Search of Excellence and many more books) and a sought-after speaker. For a seminar in Finland in 2009, he developed these 46 “Secrets” and “Strategies” for Dealing with the Severe Downturn of 2007. However, after reading through them, I realized that they easily apply to both good and bad times. And as it relates to rough times, they may be of any kind, not just economic. Personally or professionally, whether you find yourself in the midst of real turmoil or just having a bad hair day (see #13), I’m sure you’ll find some words of wisdom and guidance that can help. Here are the 46 secrets and strategies verbatim:
- You come to work earlier.
- You leave work later.
- You work harder.
- You may well work for less; and, if so, you adapt to the untoward circumstances with a smile—even if it kills you inside.
- You volunteer to do more.
- You dig deep, deeper, deepest—and always bring a good attitude to work.
- You fake it if your good attitude flags.
- You literally practice your “stage face” in the mirror each morning, and in the loo mid-morning.
- You give new meaning to the idea and intensive practice of “visible management.”
- You take better than usual care of yourself and encourage others to do the same—physical well-being significantly impacts mental well-being and response to stress.
- You shrug off sh*t that flows downhill in your direction—buy a shovel or a “preworn” raincoat on eBay.
- You try to forget about the “good old days”—nostalgia is self-destructive. (And boring.)
- You buck yourself up with the thought that “this too shall pass,” but then remind yourself that it might not pass anytime soon; and so you rededicate yourself to making the absolute best of what you have now—character is determined, virtually in full, by one’s reaction to adverse circumstances.
- You work the phones and then work the phones some more—and stay in touch with, and on the mind of, positively everyone.
- You frequently invent breaks from routine, including “weird” ones—”change-ups” prevent wallowing in despair and bring a fresh perspective.
- You eschew all forms of personal excess.
- You simplify.
- You sweat the details as never before.
- You sweat the details as never before.
- You sweat the details as never before.
- You raise to the sky and maintain—at all costs—the Standards of Excellence by which you unfailingly and unflinchingly evaluate your own performance.
- You are maniacal when it comes to responding to even the slightest screw-up.
- You find ways to be around young people and to keep young people around—they are less likely to be members of the “sky is falling” school. (Naïveté can be a blessing.)
- You learn new tricks of your trade.
- You pass old tricks of the trade on to others—mentoring matters now more than ever.
- You invest heavily in your Internet-Web2.0-Twitter-Facebook-“cloud”-computing skills.
- You remind yourself, daily, that this is not just something to be “gotten through”—it is the Final Exam of Competence, of Character, and, even if you’re not a boss, of Leadership. (People often make great leaps in a short period during difficult times.)
- You network like a demon.
- You network like a demon inside the company—get to know more of the folks who “do the real work,” and who can be your most dependable allies when it comes to getting things done seamlessly and fast.
- You network like a demon outside the company—get to know more of the folks “down the line,” who “do the real work” in vendor-customer outfits. (They can become, and will become, your most avid allies and champions.)
- You offer thanks to others by the truckload if good things happen—and take the heat if bad things happen.
- You behave kindly, but you don’t sugarcoat or hide the truth—humans are startlingly resilient, and rumors are the real spirit-killers.
- You treat small successes as if they were World Cup victories—and celebrate and commend people accordingly.
- You shrug off the losses (ignoring what’s going on in your tummy), and get back on the horse and immediately try again.
- You avoid negative people to the extent you can—pollution kills.
- You read the riot act to the gloom-sprayers, once avoiding them becomes impossible. (Gloom is the ultimate “weapon of mass destruction” in tough times.)
- You give new meaning to the word thoughtful.
- You don’t put limits on the budget for flowers—”bright and colorful” works marvels.
- You redouble and re-triple your efforts to “walk in your customer’s shoes.” (Especially if the shoes smell.)
- You mind your manners—and accept others’ lack of manners in the face of their strains.
- You are kind to all humankind.
- You keep your shoes shined.
- You leave the blame game at the office door.
- You call out, in no uncertain terms, those who continue to play the “office politics” game.
- You become a paragon of personal accountability.
- And then you pray.
ACTION
TODAY: Keep this list handy: you can print it directly from Tom Peters blog.
FUTURE: Keep coming back to this list whenever you need quick and helpful advice. It works wonders as a pep talk too.
Know someone who is having a bad day? Please share this post via email, Facebook or Twitter, thank you!
by Helena Escalante | Celebration, Collaboration, Creativity, Goals, Growth, Habits, Leadership, Mindset, Resources, Tools
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes, 40 seconds.
TODAY’S IDEA: The Celebration Principle
— From Mentoring 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know by John C. Maxwell
Happy 4th of July! Today we are celebrating Independence Day in the United States. And it’s a great day to talk about celebration.
In his book Mentoring 101, leadership guru John C. Maxwell talks about what he calls The Celebration Principle: “the true test of relationships is not only how loyal we are when friends fail, but how thrilled we are when they succeed.”
Why does this even merit writing about? Shouldn’t this be a given?
Yes and no.
Yes, because we should all celebrate success, whether our own or someone else’s. And, no, because not everybody feels that way. Oscar Wilde said it best: “Anybody can sympathize with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathize with a friend’s success.”
Maxwell wrote a book called Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes Into Stepping Stones for Success a few years back, and quickly found out that everyone identifies with failure. “Everybody has failed, so [sharing failure is] a great way to connect. The problem is that because people so readily identify with failure, they sometimes have a hard time connecting with success. And if they don’t identify with success, they may resent it.”
Maxwell goes on to say that the same qualities that prevent people from succeeding (insecurity, jealousy, etc.), prevent them from celebrating the success of other people. “They constantly compare themselves to others and find themselves wanting. As a result, they have a hard time getting beyond themselves.”
“Beware of the green-eyed monster,” warns Maxwell. “If most people were honest, they would admit to feelings of jealousy or envy when they witness others’ success—even when the people succeeding are close friends or people they’ve mentored.”
So, how to avoid feeling this way? The author suggests doing the following four things:
1. Realize it’s not a competition. “It’s very difficult to achieve success without help. […] Life is better in a community of people you love and who also love you.” Maxwell offers the following reflections to keep in mind and to “be the rare kind of person who is happy when others succeed.”
My success can be achieved only with others.
My lessons can be learned only from others.
My weaknesses can be strengthened only by others.
My servanthood can be tested only under others’ leadership.
My influence can be compounded only through others.
My leadership can be focused only on others.
My best can be given only to others.
My legacy can be left only for others.
So I should commit myself to and celebrate with others!
2. Celebrate when others see success. “Not everyone views success the way you do… look at things from other people’s point of view. What are their dreams? What goals have they set? What battles are they fighting?” Celebrate with them when they accomplish something that is important to them!
3. Celebrate successes others don’t yet see. “Sometimes people make great strides and aren’t even aware of it. [… Have you ever] worked on a project and felt discouraged by your progress, but had someone else marvel at what you accomplished? It is inspiring and makes you want to work that much harder.” Same goes for you, celebrate the successes of the people that surround you, especially those that they may not see.
4. Celebrate most with those closest to you. “The closer people are to you and the more important the relationship, the more you ought to celebrate. Celebrate early and often with those closest to you—especially with your spouse and children if you have a family. It’s usually easy to celebrate victories on the job or in a hobby or sport. But the greatest victories in life are the ones that occur at home.”
ACTION
TODAY: Look at the people who surround you and look for things to celebrate that they don’t see. It will be a nice surprise when you point those things out! Celebrate with a nice word, an email, a handwritten note, a cupcake, a full party (if you have time to plan it), or however you see fit. The goal is to start celebrating!
FUTURE: Make it a habit to celebrate and share the successes of others. Be genuinely happy for them and your life will be all the better for it. And don’t forget to share your success with others too, so that they can celebrate with you.
Celebrate someone’s success by sharing this post! You can do so via email, Facebook or Twitter, thanks!
