"Do not speak unless you can improve the silence"
- Proverb
Occasionally, I have been accused of speaking my mind too much. Subsequently, I have been actively working on observing more and speaking less. It is an interesting exercise for anyone that is "vocal."
If you are a "vocal leader," next time you are in a meeting, sit there. Say nothing and watch. You may have a similar experience to the ones I have.
First, you may find people looking at you awaiting your input. I am unsure if it is out of habit or if they really want to know what is on your mind. Second, you may find that the "obvious" point does not seem to be drawn upon. Sure that sounds arrogant, but it amazes me how often people talk without recognizing the real issues. Lastly, you may experience the group failing to meet an "actionable item" from their discussion.
This may not be true for everyone, but I believe it true for the "vocal leader."
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
The way I see it is like this: If you are an outspoken leader in the community, regardless of size, you are expected to know your stuff or at least have a consistently credible position from which you stand. Additionally, you are looked towards for assistance in the process of breaking down rhetoric to get to the facts.
Outspoken people do not always have the full idea, however, they do have the tenacity and focus to drive towards achieving it. They are not always the smartest person at the table, but they do create a catalyst for engaging others to speak.
Again, the next time you are in a meeting, say nothing (or as little as possible). If you want to see how powerful you are in your communications, say nothing and see what happens. You will find where you stand very quickly... or may find that the people around you are better than you give them credit for. (both are a "win!")
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.
Morning Motivator - JUST HAVE MORE FUN!
"Every time I need motivation. I just read some Tim Ferriss."
- Zach Barker
Below is an excerpt from a recent Tim Ferriss email. Yes, I hijacked it and yes it is worth it. Moreover, if you are not following Tim, you should be. Go to: www.fourhourworkweek.com
In the mid-nineties, a curious book came out in the States: Body, Mind, and Sport by John Douillard. Given its focus on endurance sports, an apparent dislike of hard training and beef, and heavy doses of New Age discussions of Ayurveda, it is unlikely that it was read by many of our intense weightlifting friends.
The book was dedicated to improving one's performance by reducing the effort to 50%, enjoying the process, and not focusing on the result. The author cited a University of Texas in Austin study of goal-oriented and process-oriented people in the workplace. Unexpectedly, it was not the hypercompetitive Type "A" people who were doing more for the company, making more money, getting more raises and promotions. It was the folks who were enjoying their job.
Ironically, not getting wrapped up in the result may deliver higher gains. I had heard that before. One of the best pistol shooters in the Russian armed forces made a breakthrough in his accuracy when a coach told him, "You know, you have the right to miss."
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP (from Tim):
One of Douillard's techniques was practicing a competitive sport without keeping score. "Focusing on the score attaches you to the result. Focusing on the process lets you access your greatest skill and increases your fun." That rang true.
Zach: It is amazing to think that having more FUN proved (in this study) to increase results and effectiveness. Is it not true of your work? When you are focused on a project you believe in and enjoy, you get huge results. When you are at the end of a job or project you do not like, it seems to suck the life out of you and your ability to get results.
What can you do to have more fun at work? Me... well, I am making training and 'hype' videos for my sports league. Best use of time? Not sure. A way to have fun, educate and get my athletes involved? Yes! And THAT... makes it all worth it.
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.
- Zach Barker
Below is an excerpt from a recent Tim Ferriss email. Yes, I hijacked it and yes it is worth it. Moreover, if you are not following Tim, you should be. Go to: www.fourhourworkweek.com
In the mid-nineties, a curious book came out in the States: Body, Mind, and Sport by John Douillard. Given its focus on endurance sports, an apparent dislike of hard training and beef, and heavy doses of New Age discussions of Ayurveda, it is unlikely that it was read by many of our intense weightlifting friends.
The book was dedicated to improving one's performance by reducing the effort to 50%, enjoying the process, and not focusing on the result. The author cited a University of Texas in Austin study of goal-oriented and process-oriented people in the workplace. Unexpectedly, it was not the hypercompetitive Type "A" people who were doing more for the company, making more money, getting more raises and promotions. It was the folks who were enjoying their job.
Ironically, not getting wrapped up in the result may deliver higher gains. I had heard that before. One of the best pistol shooters in the Russian armed forces made a breakthrough in his accuracy when a coach told him, "You know, you have the right to miss."
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP (from Tim):
One of Douillard's techniques was practicing a competitive sport without keeping score. "Focusing on the score attaches you to the result. Focusing on the process lets you access your greatest skill and increases your fun." That rang true.
Zach: It is amazing to think that having more FUN proved (in this study) to increase results and effectiveness. Is it not true of your work? When you are focused on a project you believe in and enjoy, you get huge results. When you are at the end of a job or project you do not like, it seems to suck the life out of you and your ability to get results.
What can you do to have more fun at work? Me... well, I am making training and 'hype' videos for my sports league. Best use of time? Not sure. A way to have fun, educate and get my athletes involved? Yes! And THAT... makes it all worth it.
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.
Morning Motivator - Are You a 13 Year Old Girl?
"My job is not babysitting people; my job is focusing on making the best band I possibly can."
- Jerry Only
If you were not expected to be at work at a certain hour or stay until a predetermined time, how many hours would it take you to do your job? Do you think you can accomplish all of your days work in less than 8 hours? 6 hours? 4 hours? Less? More? If less, then why are you being paid to stay for 8 (or more hours)?
Because you are a 13 year old girl! Well, not exactly, but you are being treated and managed on the same principal.
Your job, which may include sales, management, reporting, measurement, administration and more, is defined by your job as a babysitter. You are paid, not to produce in an effective and efficient manner, rather, you are paid to have your tail in a chair for 8 hours a day and make sure that your phone and computer do not get up and run away...
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
Management will be forced to change in the future. Measurements and analytics have allowed us greater insight into the effectiveness of our efforts relative to our time. Do you think there is a reason why Google requires people spend 1 day of their week working on "other projects"?
I suggest that the reason is because it provides a compressed time schedule, increased focus and a reward for effective work habits. By giving less time and a greater reward for successful behaviors, Google is getting more out of their people in 4 days than most get in a week. Additionally, they are encouraging creativity that lends to new, improved and successful projects that they can roll out to their clients.
Will managers stop asking people to come in at a certain time? Maybe one day. I do know this... the people that get things done and done well play by their own rules. They work on their own schedule and on their own terms. Don't believe me? Watch your top sales person and see how many meetings they miss or if they are required to perform the same as the middle reps.
Start crushing it at work and they will see your value for what you accomplish, not how well you can babysit.
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.
- Jerry Only
If you were not expected to be at work at a certain hour or stay until a predetermined time, how many hours would it take you to do your job? Do you think you can accomplish all of your days work in less than 8 hours? 6 hours? 4 hours? Less? More? If less, then why are you being paid to stay for 8 (or more hours)?
Because you are a 13 year old girl! Well, not exactly, but you are being treated and managed on the same principal.
Your job, which may include sales, management, reporting, measurement, administration and more, is defined by your job as a babysitter. You are paid, not to produce in an effective and efficient manner, rather, you are paid to have your tail in a chair for 8 hours a day and make sure that your phone and computer do not get up and run away...
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
Management will be forced to change in the future. Measurements and analytics have allowed us greater insight into the effectiveness of our efforts relative to our time. Do you think there is a reason why Google requires people spend 1 day of their week working on "other projects"?
I suggest that the reason is because it provides a compressed time schedule, increased focus and a reward for effective work habits. By giving less time and a greater reward for successful behaviors, Google is getting more out of their people in 4 days than most get in a week. Additionally, they are encouraging creativity that lends to new, improved and successful projects that they can roll out to their clients.
Will managers stop asking people to come in at a certain time? Maybe one day. I do know this... the people that get things done and done well play by their own rules. They work on their own schedule and on their own terms. Don't believe me? Watch your top sales person and see how many meetings they miss or if they are required to perform the same as the middle reps.
Start crushing it at work and they will see your value for what you accomplish, not how well you can babysit.
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
The Morning Motivator is a copyrighted publication. The use of this article is open for print or publication with proper citations.
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