(12/05/22) Morning Minute:
“Who is your role model?”
First, let’s examine what a role model is. A role suggests a certain personality type such as dominant, or outgoing, or structured, or compliant. A model is someone whose life or accomplishments we endeavor to imitate. Thus, a role model is someone who has both a personality and a lifestyle that we are drawn to. And, that we want to imitate.
In the fifth grade, I chose Teddy Roosevelt as my role model. Like me, he was kid who was frequently ill and wore thick glasses. He overcame his handicaps to become a soldier, and outdoorsman, and a leader. Studying his life and his accomplishments inspired me to move past my shortcomings, get physically fit, and learn how to lead others. Entering adulthood, I studied the success paths of Dale Carnegie, Conrad Hilton, Douglas McArthur, and Ronald Reagan. The example of these leaders and teachers got me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to become what I am today. Now, I have become a role model for my children and grandchildren as well as those whom I have had the privilege to lead and teach.
Being a role model requires that we understand that what we do, how we act, and what we say has either a positive or a negative effect on others. Because others, especially young people, hold us up as individuals they want to imitate. We must set the example for how they should speak, act, and conduct themselves. This is a huge, serious responsibility…one that we have, whether we want it or not. If we are lazy, untruthful, and display destructive or illegal habits in our speech or our actions we become role models that lead others down the wrong path. Conversely, if we work hard, are honest, and lead lives of honor, they have a great example to follow.
So, I ask: “Who is your role model?” A parent or grandparent, a teacher, a co-worker, a public figure, a church member? Please reply to this message to share who has influenced you the most. You reply may help another reader who is in need of a role model. One whose actions, speech, and/or lifestyle will set an example for them, sharing how they may get back to a more productive and fulfilling life.
“Who is your role model?”
And that is today’s Morning Minute.
(12/07/22) Morning Minute:
“How do you analyze an organization for improvement?”
I have been asked that question repeatedly over the years. Additionally, they inquire if the process involves profit and loss analysis, how to facilitate productive meetings, communication effectiveness, forecasting, and goal setting. While these topics are important, they obscure the 4 primary areas of management required to facilitate positive change.
To take an organization from failure to success, one must analyze and manage (in this order) People, Processes, Products, and Promotion. This is true for a business, a non-profit, a service club, a political party, or a church. Let’s briefly discuss each of these separately.
PEOPLE: Always start your analysis with the people. To achieve the desired results the organization must have the correct number of team members, with the required skills, doing the right jobs, to affect maximum productivity. Are team members being led by qualified, effective managers? What skills are lacking? Do these people all have written job descriptions? Are managers and team members being held accountable for achieving individual and team goals? What changes must be made to achieve these goals?
PROCESSES: Qualified people without results driven, productive processes in place will not achieve success. Examine every process used in the organization to determine if it helps or hinders the team’s performance. Are these processes the best possible ways to create successful outcomes for your clients. Are these processes taught and used or is change required?
PRODUCTS: Clearly identify what products and services are being sold or delivered. Are these what the market and your clients expect? If not, what changes need to be made? What market conditions require a change in the products or services? How will you source and/or produce these products and services? How will you deliver them? What upsell products or services may be added?
PROMOTION: Most analyses start here. However, promotion is the last piece to address. Inviting clients to interact with an organization having disorganized or untrained team members, products or services that clients do not want, or with the wrong processes in place is a recipe for disaster. Before marketing, ensure that your people, processes, and products are ready. When, decide the budget and which media to use to create the best results.
Analyzing and managing these 4 “Ps” is the only way to move from failure to success. These are People, Processes, Products, and Promotion. They are covered extensively in my book, WORK WITH MENOT FOR ME and in my coaching sessions.
And, that is today’s Morning Minute.
(12/09/22) Morning Minute:
“I really needed your message today!”
Recently, I received a brief note from a very good man I have known for many years. It has been quite a while since we had any meaningful conversation. His message to me as a pleasant surprise in reply to one of my Morning Minute posts. His simple note was: “Great job, Larry. I’m proud for you!” He had no way of knowing the level and number of challenges troubling me at the time.
Upon receiving his kind message, my mood changed and my spirits were lifted. The many issues weighing down my mind moved to the background for a while. I was able to put things in the proper perspective, recommit to my goals, and get back to work. All this was possible, because someone who cared, took the time to acknowledge both me and my work.
How many times have you gone through a bad time, with the walls closing in, where solutions are not apparent, and your mind and heart were in a bad place. We have all been there, feeling very alone, searching for answers. Then someone sends you a supportive message, calls to offer you encouragement, or does something that affects you positively. This may be a friend or family member, or, even a person you have never met before. That simple kindness or message changes your mood and your behavior. Recall how you felt before, and then how your mood changed afterward.
Today, I want to encourage you to commit to doing a kindness for someone else. This can be an encouraging message, assisting in another’s project, or sincerely stating, “I hope you have a great day!” Don’t look for anything in return. Just seek out the opportunity today to positively impact someone else. You may have an incredibly healing effect on that person.
Remember, you have the power to positively affect change, both in other’s lives and in your own life. Seize every opportunity to create positive attitudes or help someone else with your upbeat speech and outlook. Doing so, will make your day more productive, and could possibly be the just the event that helps someone else, turn their thoughts and attitude away from their problems toward solutions.
It is my sincere hope that you have an enjoyable, wonderful, and productive day!
And that is today’s Morning Minute!
