#644 speak up

At a recent workshop in preparation for visiting legislators, the speaker shared this quote:  "You are not truly dangerous until you can speak powerfully."  Sam Daley-Harris 

Think about this profound statement.  If you can't articulate your value, you miss out.  If you become mute or emotionally choked up when trying to tell your story, the impact is hidden.  If you remain meek and mild and never speak up, it is hard to advocate for your cause.  If you are scattered or speak with many "ums" or "likes", the message is lost.

If you wish to create change -- and what leader doesn't -- you need to be able to articulate your purpose and inspire those around you.  You may not have a speech writer to craft elegant prose, but practice, practice, practice sharing your message until the red danger light starts to glow.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Thanks to Emily for sharing.

#643 because

British mountaineer George Mallory was famous for his expeditions to climb Mount Everest in the 1920s.  At the time, he was striving to be the first to reach the summit.  This is no small feat even today, but with the equipment and knowledge available at the time, it was an even more arduous task.  Mallory died on the mountain without ever achieving his goal.

In addition to his climbing accomplishments, Mallory achieved notoriety from one of his quotes.  Asked "Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?", he replied "Because it's there."

I heard this story last week at a faculty lecture where our professor posed a question about obstacles: do we respond differently to challenges when we go in search of them (like climbing Everest) vs. when they are given to us (such as fighting cancer)?  His premise was that conquering obstacles of either type gives our lives a sense of worth.  It is "because they are hard", not in spite of the fact that they are.

It puts challenges into a new light -- changing the paradigm to welcome obstacles rather than fearing them; perhaps even creating a few of our own.

Think about what metaphorical mountain is out there for you to climb.  Taking that first step may be the challenge you need to add deeper meaning to your existence.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Sources:  George Mallory, Wikipedia

"Small Obstacles: Opportunities for Big Growth" Mackin-Mailander Faculty Lecture by Dr. Bryan Zygmont, 2/25/14

#642 frogs

Our local school district had a late start on January 3 because of cold weather conditions.  The temperature was -10 degrees and wind chill was -20.  At the time, it seemed intolerably frigid.  We even closed the university one day this term due strictly to the deep freeze (not snow accumulations).  There were wind chill warnings and concern about frostbite so everyone was taking great precautions.

Contrast that to Monday, where the temperature here was -9 degrees and the wind chill was -17.  It is an imperceptible difference, but school wasn't delayed; no one even considered it.  Several of us were wearing skirts instead of wool pants and leggings.  We still had wind chill warnings, but no one even paid attention to them anymore as there had been warnings almost continuously for two months.

This reminded me of a fable:  "It is said that if a frog is dropped in a pot of boiling water, it will immediately hop out and survive.  But if it is placed is a pot of warm water that is gradually heated to a boil, the frog, without protest, will die."*

While nothing has been warm about this winter, we have been like frogs in the pot of warm water.  We are slowly becoming accustomed to temperatures that remain below freezing. We go outside with exposed skin and leave our emergency kits in the garage instead of the car.  As our tolerance increases, so does our risky behavior and unpreparedness.  

What other bad habits do we acquire when they come upon us with slow frequency?  Eating a little to much here;  little too much there.  Hibernating instead of exercising this week, and then avoiding the gym again the next.  A bit of overspending on this purchase, and a few bucks over budget on that.  A snipe at our partner today, and then another dig tomorrow.  Holding on to one piece of stress from this project then feeling the weight from yet another.

We all need to make time to step back and reflect on how our behaviors are adapting to our environment.  Some changes may be for the good, but others may have just evolved unintentionally.  Unless we notice that the temperature is rising while there is still time to act, gradually the pot warms and we become like the frogs meeting their demise without a fight.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source:  Creating a Lifestyle You Can Life With by Ron Fronk 

#641 bow wow

I know that Americans are obsessed with their pets, but this proved it to me.  The hook for DirectTV's new subscription campaign: their network now includes access to DOGTV.  "TV's first network for canines, DOGTV offers a promise to our beloved best friends that they should never again feel alone."  They are heaping on more guilt than the nuns.

Not only is DOGTV an actual channel, but it is a pay channel!  In addition to the DirectTV costs, owners pay an additional $9.99/month to keep Fido entertained.  Or should I say stimulated?  "DOGTV's three types of programming offer relaxing and stimulating content as well as positive behavioral reinforcements...DOGTV's programming meets a dog's typical daily cycle and helps prevent mental fatigue, depression and boredom."

I think this channel is for people who take their pets a bit too seriously.  The FAQs include such questions as "Do I have to do something special while my dog is watching DOGTV?" or "Should I watch DOGTV with my dog or leave him alone?" (you can do either.)

Even though I think that this is totally over the top, I also think that it is a brilliant business idea.  Americans spend $61 billion on their pets annually, so an extra 10 bucks a month to alleviate guilt about leaving their pooch alone may be well worth it for some people.  The Humane Society has partnered with DOGTV and no doubt will get a golden advertising list out of the subscribers.  It is an unfilled niche and could be the first of many pet channels: IGUANATV anyone?

After you are finished giggling about this, think of the lessons that could relate to your organization.  Is there a perceived need among your clients that you could fill?  Is there something that they are feeling guilty about where you could provide a pseudo-solution?  What passions does your clientele have that you could capitalize on?  DOGTV proves that no niche is too small or idea too crazy.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

To watch a sample episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn4vD5eKKHE

Source of quotes:  https://dogtv.com

Pet spending stat:  USNews.com, May 22, 2013

#640 colleagues

Today (well, actually Saturday, but I am celebrating today) is Employee Appreciation Day.  I am not sure why I have not heard about it before.  Boss's Day is at least elevated to "Hallmark Holiday" status, and Administrative Professional's Day usually warrants lunch or flowers.  But what about the rest of the staff?  Apparently today is their day, but not many people notice.

Now that you are among the few enlightened ones, take a moment to give a nod of appreciation to your colleagues or employees.  In addition to a generic thank you, try to give some specific feedback on why your life is easier or the organization is better because of their presence.

In #586* I wrote about Dan and Chip Heath's concept of "bright spots" -- building on a strength that exists.  Today is a perfect day to tell your organizational compadres how they have brought a bright spot into your workplace.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Blog #586, January 8, 2014

#639 candor

I read a haunting eulogy for Philip Seymour Hoffman written by the brilliant Aaron Sorkin.  Hoffman died a few weeks ago, but Sorkin's words have stuck with me.

"Hoffman...did not die from an overdose of heroin -- he died from heroin.  We should stop implying that if he had just taken the proper amount, everything would have been fine.  He didn't die because he was partying too hard or because he was depressed.  He died because he was an addict on a day of the week with a y in it."

I was struck by the candor and matter-of-factness that Sorkin used to remember the death of his friend, while simultaneously admiring his manner of doing so.  There can be something refreshing about hearing the truth, even in difficult circumstances.

In tough times, we search for a reason to explain what has happened.  It is hard to accept that there is no answer that makes sense or makes things "better".  But sometimes, you can honor a person, a group of employees or a relationship by speaking of reality without the sugar coating.  Let the plain truth do some of the talking, even when the news is grim.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source:  Time Magazine, February 17, 2014.
 

#638 opposites attract

There is a new memoir by author Kelly Corrigan entitled Glitter and Glue. The title references a quote from her mother describing the role each parent played in the family.  "Your father's the glitter, but I'm the glue," her mother said.

I thought it was a wonderful analogy for the different contributions people can make to a family, organization or friendship.  

Think about your different roles and whether you bring the external energy to them or whether you are more behind-the-scenes.  Perhaps you alternate depending on the setting or circumstance.

Glitter and glue: either without each other is nothing but a mess.  Appreciate the diverse partnership to make your organization shine.

-- beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com