“where we come from” is more important than we may think

Are you an influential leader?

What causes a person to think of herself or himself as a “leader?” 

Look out at the community you live and work in and identify those brave enough to stand up and say, “I am a leader.”
This month, Get Momentum members around the world have the opportunity to learn from one of our country's greatest leaders: Frances Hesselbein.

Now, just because you haven’t heard of her yet doesn’t mean you can skip this email.
I can give you just a few reasons you’d want to sit down with her - “knee to knee” as she says in our video interview available exclusively to Get Momentum members - and partake of the wisdom she so willingly shares.

* She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom

* She has received more than 20 Honorary Doctoral Degrees

* She has written 3 books, and edited 27 books in nearly 30 languages

* FOUR American Presidents have recognized her as one of our country's greatest leaders

The Get Momentum Theme for September:

“You: The Influential Leader”

As your Productivity Coach, I spent more than 6 years getting to know Frances, and just 50 minutes interviewing Frances. I've watched that interview three times this month, and I'll share three things I'm sure of:

- Influence: “Who” we spend time with changes “what” we believe is possible. If you're going to be a better leader, you have to spend time with the most influential people.

- Community: The groups we lead (family, friends, colleagues, communities) want to follow us...if they trust us.

- Leadership: Today is the most important time in history for us to step up and BE leaders.

And, a BONUS...Ready?

- Productivity: There is a myth that we need to “do” anything more; truth is, “Leadership is a matter of how to BE, not what to do.”

How would YOU like to learn from a mentor, a teacher, a leader and a (newfound) friend who has more than NINE DECADES of experience?

She’s willing and able to share her perspective on how we can be better, and in less than an hour you’ll have the information and inspiration you need to make a difference.

 

*** Members of Get Momentum ***

Sign In at: GetMomentum.co and look for the following highlights during this month’s Success Profile video w/ Frances Hesselbein.

18:13 - The “who” we spend time with WILL positively & negatively influence how we are as leaders.

21:31 - How “love” changes everything from a leaders’ perspective.

24:44 - More than ever - in the current political and economic world we live in - THIS is the most important thing to emphasize…

29:11 - How “where we come from” is more important than we may think.

31:49 - How one conversation in a Presbyterian church put Frances in charge of a few girls, and...

... how that ultimately led to her being asked to serve as the CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA (1976-1990).

Can you ever know if it's REALLY worth it?

You know those days that go “Productively Weird?” A meeting you’ve looked forward to gets cancelled. You feel stressed out and stuck. You don’t have the motivation you know you need. When you’re out of it, do you know how to get back?

How Do You Know If It Matters?

It’s important to stay balanced between overwhelmed and uber-productive; getting things done can’t be the only goal, you’ve got to experience the feeling that momentum provides. You’re engaged, you’re proud of what you’re doing, you’re being the “You” that others can count on.

Even with a plan (or elegantly organized list of to-do items), days can still go weird. There are 5 things you can do to reset your brain to get that next task done. Oh, and these work for any kinds of tasks: The creative ones and the more analytical, left-brained to-dos.

After you read through these ideas, add a 6th way that you reset yourself and ensure setbacks don’t sabotage your day’s productivity level.

Get Ready to Get Things Done #Better Than Ever Before

Any of these 5 approaches can save your psyche for maximum performance at a moment’s notice:

1. Rethink what you DO manage. (Hint: It’s NOT time.) You don’t finish a day and recount what you did minute-by-minute. Instead, you reflect back on accomplishing a project, a presenting information effectively and making a sale, or even hearing back about a budget issue, etc. Managing yourself implies you know what to do next and you’re ready to engage. Mentally, flip-forward to the end of the day and ask yourself: “What are some of the things I’d like to have done?” Big ones, little ones, everything in between … then, see if you can set yourself up so that when things go weird, you focus on taking action.

2. Reprogram Your Breathing. It only takes 10 deep breaths to consciously change your breathing, which in turn changes your mindset and calms you. This practice is performed in biofeedback sessions the world over, and can be done right at your desk or workspace. Breathe in slowly for five seconds, and then out for another five seconds. Repeat this 10 times and note how you feel. This small relaxation technique might be just what you need to clear your head and move on to your next task.

3. Change Your Scenery. If a schedule change or a productivity misstep leaves you frazzled, sometimes you just need to walk away. Stepping away from your computer to take a walk around the block or to get some water can refresh your energy to your pre-thrown-for-a-loop levels. If a physical change isn’t possible, or you feel pressed for time, try switching up your tools: If your task is creative, for example, try writing with a legal pad instead of using the computer. Or, combine these two suggestions by printing out your latest draft and taking it with you to an area of your workspace where you can see sit in a comfortable chair or look out a window.

4. Reach Out and Vent. Getting rid of the negative vibes that unforeseen circumstances create can be a recipe for renewal. Sometimes all you need is a five-minute conversation with a trusted friend or colleague to vent your frustration. Just be sure to keep it brief (so as not to stew, causing further negativity), and be careful not to disclose any confidential information. Once you’ve purged your mind of all your reactionary feelings, you’ll have made room for positive feelings about how to readjust your day.

5. Take a TV Timeout. Before you get the wrong idea, we’re not suggesting you watch TV to escape your frustration! Rather, think of how live sporting events are required to take a quick break in the action and make it mandatory for yourself to tackle a task that you can achieve in two minutes or less. Send a couple follow-up emails, make a phone call or archive some files. Choose something easy, and not only will it allow you to quickly shift your focus to another topic, but it’ll also give you the confidence you need to get your head back in the game.

Try any of these five techniques, one at a time, and see which resonate with your work process. You may surprise yourself by how quickly you can recover when things go awry. Allowing a break in focus when you need to recalibrate, refocus and reengage in what needs to be done next on any given day will elevate your productivity status — and your mindset — from sabotaged to successful.

How about you? How do YOU figure out if it's worth it? If it matters?

You...Only better. On call!

How many times have you heard that alarm clock ring/start/go off, and you thought, “Oh goody, another start to the day?"

Ok, ok, stop laughing. What follows is a really, REALLY important question:

What are your morning rituals? I believe that how we begin the day is a pretty good indicator of the kind of day we’re going to experience. Wake up tired, cranky and short-tempered, you might want to warn people. Wake up ready to move on the “mission,” and make big things happen? Connect with someone in your physical and/or virtual network and ask them to hold you accountable!

Here’s another question that “may” be worth asking:

“When I start the day thinking about potential, possibility and abundance, how does what happens that day change?"

Look, when you start the day behind, looking forward to the end of the day, feeling lonely/frustrated/upset (or all three!), what you do and who you are and how you show up is negatively affected. You don’t want to be “that guy” do you?

What you do early in the morning…That’s your time to “choose your life.” Choose to live. To bring life to the next thing. To “be” all you can be, while you’re doing all you’re doing.

So, here’s the scenario:

The alarm rings, and it's time to start another day. Will it be a productive one? Will clients return the calls you make? Will you be able to provide the best service you can throughout the day? These are questions people have on their minds, whether they're the CEO of Fortune 100 company, an individual contributor within that organization, or a community member with a vision of how things could be better!

Each new morning, we're given the opportunity to engage in habits we’ve put in to place to get us to where we are. What are some of yours? And, are they going to be enough to take you to the next level of who you want to be?

I recently spent 6 months coaching a client with a very focused goal: She wanted to get her most important work done before 11am every day. After spending more than 10 years  building her business, she found that what she does in that early part of the day always produces positive results.

Instead of beginning with a new set of routines, we started a basic tracking system. For the first 2 weeks, we talked regularly (sometimes daily) as she created an honest inventory of her morning routine. Once we knew that there were more than 30 things she was doing between the time she woke up and about 11am, then we began to monitor that routine.

Where did we start? She drafted a list of what I call, “I am at my best when...” statements. These are the things that if she does during the day, there is a higher likelihood of things going her way. For example, here are some of mine:

I am at my best when:

• I eat a complete and balanced breakfast.
• I ask for help on a project.
• I spend a little time outside.
• I say thank you to someone who may not expect it.

After you watch the video here, create your inventory and have a day better than most!

Can you really balance it all?

Now that the summer months are upon you, it could be time to click the “pause button” on work, and on life. Just this morning, I had a great call with the head of a division at a children’s hospital here in the United States. After attending a program I presented a while back, this organization has implemented an alternating “off the grid day.” Certain employees are able to schedule and plan for a day (about every 4-6 weeks) where they are not to attend any meetings, and not to respond to any digital communication. It’s as if they are on vacation, but they are in the office.

There are big reasons to consider doing this, least of which is the focus it would bring to the 19 or 29 days “IN BETWEEN” those days to catch up. Also, imagine the ability to get things done in an 8 or 10 hour day, if you knew you were not going to be interrupted.

Summer time is always a good time to click pause, look around, and ask the big questions. I’ve got a few of them for you to consider at the bottom of this post. For now, however, take a moment and reflect on what the word BALANCE even means to you in the first place. There are a few ways to do this.

1. Look the word up in the dictionary. I did, so here you are: an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady; a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.
2. You could also interview (informally, of course) 3-5 people you look up to and ask them what balance means to THEM. Their answers may give you some “food for thought."
3. Or, you could think this through in your own journal. Draft a mind map, or even go through the process of writing down a word that begins with each of the 7 letters of the word balance. 

• B: 
• A: 
• L: 
• A: 
• N: 
• C: 
• E:

There are a things I’d have you think about this month, as you’re working to enhance your skills as a leader, manager, community activist. You’re too important, and what you’re working on means too much for you NOT to be working at your best, and getting the most important things done.

You can read about them right here. In the meantime, here’s some advice on how you can think about achieving more balance in life and at work. As you consider this, remember to do the math. Numbers are magical; they help us quantify what we have and what we need, and they give us a very clear and present sense of reality. Some of the “math” I ask clients to do includes:

• How many meetings are you invited to each week?
• How many meetings do you schedule each week?
• How many inbound phone calls do you receive?
• How many outbound phone calls do you make?
• How much money is in your checking/savings account?
• How much money is in your wallet RIGHT NOW?

Now, will THESE be the exact questions that will get you moving? Are they the questions that you need to ask? Maybe…Maybe not. The important thing is to pause and do this kind of thinking.

How can I help?

You’ve got a lot to do, and not enough time to do it all in.

Just the other day, I called a Get Momentum member in Europe. During a short 12-minute conversation, we experienced a realization that “making habits” may just be one of the least productive things someone can do.

When you sit down to “do your thing,” what happens next? What is there on the desk/table? Who do you let interrupt you? Who do YOU interrupt?

If you’re like the community of Get Momentum members (from the Americas, India, Australia, Canada, Mexico and many other countries!), you’re in an interesting and challenging position: You’ve got a lot to do, and not enough time to do it all in. Think about it: 

In the past week, is there something that has been left “un-done” because you just didn’t get to it? Did a task go unfinished, a deadline get passed, an important conversation post-ponned? My guess is yes. And, what did you blame? Not enough time...

So, my question to you to ponder is this one:

IF you have been too busy over the past week or two, how many of those “busy-ness” things have actually made significant differences? 

Are the things you’re doing being done because (and only because) they’ve always been done? If the answer is anywhere on this shade of “yes,” I challenge you to question whether or not you need to do them as much as you are. Look, I’m not saying DON’T do it, I’m suggesting you do a little tracking (read the book, chapter 6) and identify some routines you can move to once every other day, once a week, etc.

To read about how to eliminate the bad habits, just jump on over to the Get Momentum blog right here.

When it's time to talk, how do you do?

Later today, I’ll be presenting TWO "Town Halls" (online classes). During the 60-minute class, you’ll learn how to communicate effectively in life and at work. You see, we believe that one of the reasons people are NOT as productive or engaged as they could be, and a way they could  work together more effectively, is they are not communicating clearly.

Imagine: Communication is the means through which you'll get done more efficiently. And, I won’t just talk about communicating with others, you’re going to learn how to communicate with your SELF as well. And, when you know how to communicate more clearly, you’ll get to the end of each day feeling more productive and - perhaps more importantly - you’ll have time and focus at the end of the day for those things that are most important to you.

Register now, sign up for your membership at www.TimeToGetMomentum.com

Oh, this is important: I record every Town Hall class. This way, you can watch it later, if you can't make the live presentation. Not only that, but you can go back in time, and watch ANY other Town Hall you may think would be interesting. Topics include:

• Health and Wellness
• Resilience
• Mentoring
• Purpose
• Persistence
• and more...

In fact, the moment you register as a Get Momentum member, I’ll lead you through a 62 day Coaching Program via email, letters in the mail and phone calls. This program is designed to BOOST your productivity, leadership skills and workplace performance by 5% to 10%. Imagine having 1-2 EXTRA hours of time every day. 

Ready? Join Get Momentum today.

The #1 complaint I hear is...

When was the last time you had a “mis-understanding” or a “mis-communication” with someone important to you? It could be a boss, a colleague, a spouse, a child…You get it. Maybe it’s because I look for it, but I hear people say all the time, “I thought s/he meant…"

You see, there are times when we “think” we’re communicating but really, the other person is missing what it is we’re trying to get across to them. Maybe it’s because there’s too much happening. Perhaps we’re thinking of what’s next, while we are dealing with what is. Often, no matter what, there’s so much to do it seems like our mind is on “scan.” You know, when you’re driving along in the car and instead of listening to just one station, you click the “Scan” button and the radio automatically changes station every 5 seconds or so?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve had conversations with clients in California, Bali, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Bali and Vancouver, Canada. To the one, I heard people say, “I’m running out of time toward the end of the day. I want to get more done, but…"

Then, they outline WHY they’re not getting their projects done; why tasks are lingering; why meetings seem to repeat weekly; why…Why…Why…

“Do you get enough of the right things done every day?"

This month, the Get Momentum “Momentum Theme”is Communication. For the next few weeks, members will not just learn, they will practice REAL communication skills; and, during the Town Hall online class, we’ll discuss their wins, their learnings, and the things they can do to continue enhancing the ONE professional skill that impacts all others. Learn to communicate more effectively at work and in life.

 Would you like a PDF, a podcast, and a video to get you started? You can find it here.