It’s almost cliche’ thanks to the famous marketing campaign, but it’s a good challenge nonetheless.  Have you been heard or just listened to?

Many of us confuse “hearing” with “listening.”  When we check for understanding, especially in the download at many business meetings, the nod is all we look for.  It’s a pack mentality.  No one wants to admit weakness - who wants to admit they don’t “get it” and risk being the only one?  And when it’s crucial information and you can’t afford for the team not to understand, you need assurance.

Take a page out of a school teacher’s book – ask direct questions to confirm that everyone understands it the way YOU want them to.  Leave no doubt in your mind that the expected material is retained.  Check for note-takers, ask for an e-mail recap from select individuals – even solicit their opinion on the meeting.

You may even notice trends towards your leadership style in the way everyone responds.  Are you a leader your team feels comfortable discussing concerns with?  Do you promote leadership qualities in your team – such as questioning directions and challenging ideas?  Build character, not sheep.

Now tell me what I just said……

Tags: advice, business, career, ethics, professional, Teaching

Have you heard the adage, “Fool me once, shame on you.  Fool me twice, shame on me!” and ever thought a little more about it?

It’s not just applicable to your dealings with a single individual.  It also applies to your dealings with similar situations.

The incompetent, the apathetic, the clueless, the excuse-makers – all have similar personalities, tell-tale signs and m.o.’s that you should watch out for, recognize and change your tactics appropriately.

This applies to many areas.  “How many times must I tell you….?”  your parents would say and you, in your youth and blissful ignorance would try to answer – only to find that the count rolls on (and would for many years, right?) 

One definition of insanity is to do things the same way and expect different results.  While in your youth, it was probably your parents who were driven insane by your repetitive behavior, my message today also speaks to our ignoring our instincts.  Nature honed our survival “gut reactions” over millions of years – if we had ignored them, it’s arguable that our species would be extinct today.

So the next time you’re heard saying something like “you’re right, you’re right, I KNOW you’re right” (whether out loud to someone “telling you so” or to your own screaming conscience)  Make a resolution to stop the cycle of gullibility and step up to the next level in your own evolution.

Unless you’d be interested in a bridge I have for sale….

Tags: advice, business, direction, endurance, ethics, experience, help, Life, morals, professional, reflection, Teaching

The price-gougers, the cost-cutters, the bargain-basement operators.  Sounds pretty good to the average shopper doesn’t it?

But have you ever purchased something that didn’t live up to the bargain?  That cheap pair of shoes that you had to replace 3 more times in a year, the bulk jar of ketchup that you used just as fast as the regular size, the generic brand electronic device that (”oh by the way”) doesn’t have all the features as the real deal.

The same holds true with services.  Of course everyone has budgets and as service providers we want to be sensitive to those budgets.  Unlike Congress, when there’s no money for something – there really ISN’T a way to pay for it.  And when you’re hanging out your shingle, you don’t want to out-price everyone.  The market can only bear so much.

But the other side of the coin is some things just cost what they cost.  I’ve never known the price of gold to be up for a haggle.  It may rise or fall, but does that have to do with one person’s decision (conspiracy theorists need not comment here!)

So when you’ve achieved the highest degree, the most experience and can do things the best, you’re worth your investment.  Are you a ”Nike” or a “K Swiss”?  Are you a “Coke” or a “Faygo”?  Are you a “Rolls Royce” or a “Chevy”?  All are good brands and I’d take any of them if they were offered.  They simply cost what they cost. 

The hardest thing you may ever have to do is take pride in your skills and abilities and even tell a potential (or current) client “I don’t need your business” – or even fire them! 

If you’re doing your best and “you’re worth what you’re worth”, you’re dealing with business that will never respect you anyway and (even if they go with a cheap competitor) it reflects on their ethics – they’ll get what they pay for:  Low quality, suspicious business practices (maybe even illegal) and ultimately you dont’ want to be associated with any of that!  Trust me, they’ll be replaced with the kind of clients you want (and most likely will not only be able to afford you, but never think twice about doing it right.)

Ultimately, the things that shouldn’t be open for negotiation are your character and integrity.

 

Tags: advice, Art, business, ethics, Life, morals