Are your headlights on?

You have probably seen these signs on the highways. A quick little reminder that if it is raining, it might be a good idea to turn on your headlights so the other drivers can see you coming. It got me thinking, wouldn't it be cool if life came with other signs that offered some quick reminders? Some examples:


1. A good day at work will never make up for a bad night at home. I am a dedicated employee. I am proud of my job and I am thankful for my job. At the same time, my job will never make up for a bad evening at home. Keep your priorities in line.


2. You only get one body- take care of it. A man I respect and love recently told me that he was eating to live - instead of living to eat. If we take his advice at an early age, our body will provide us with a lot of good days ahead.


3. Anybody can manage, it takes someone special to lead. This world has enough managers. We need leaders who are willing to lead, challenge, and support people to do more than they ever thought possible. One hint, if you are constantly reminding people you are a manager, chances are you ain't leading.


4. Feel the fear and do it anyway. Fear is a killer. Fear kills careers, success, and frankly a whole lot of fun. Successful people still get scared, they just feel the fear and go for it anyway.


A reader recently told me that he thought my blog was too simple. He challenged me to come up with new ideas, new paths to success, and to write about those new ways. To me, that is one of the problems, we are so busy looking for the new ways, we never take the proven paths. Stay Tuned.

The next time you need a speaker, make it easy on yourself and call me. I will inspire, motivate, and entertain your group. Check out my speaking demo at www.bransonbusiness.blogspot.com then call (417) 339-6568 for availablility. The only way I look good is making you look good for booking me.

Thoughts on Management

The true definition of management is "getting the job done through other people." As managers, you have a big target on your back. In most cases, you answer to the folks below you and above you, it can be a tough position. But you signed up for the job, so it is important to do your very best every single day.

There are many books written about management, as many views as there are managers. If a manager ever tells you that they have it all figured out, BEWARE you are talking to a close minded person.

Some thoughts on management....

You will instantly become a better manager when you hire better people. Surround yourself with people who have more and different gifts than you, you are a better manager.

Talk big picture, but execute like hell. I do believe it is important to get people to truly understand where we are going and the "big picture" is important....but not executing will kill the big picture speech quicker than anything else.

Every person you manage should feel comfortable and understand how to say anything they want to say to you. A rule to consider -- if the door is closed and it's just you and me -- you can say whatever you want to say. However, if you corner me in front of people -- you may not enjoy the conversation.

Be willing to break the rules....Some people will say don't "brag" or compliment one person if you don't brag about everyone. Really? That is like getting participation ribbons -- the real competitors on your team are not interested in participation ribbons -- they want to win.

For me the two most important things to remember.....1. People don't want to be managed, they want to be led. A manager worries about the rules -- a leader does the right thing at the right time.

2. If you are constantly reminding people you are in management, you have a problem. Good Leaders don't have to remind people that they are leaders.

As I read this post, I think of the improvement I need to make as a manager -- it is a constant battle to get better. Good Luck. By the way, if you are working for a good manager, tell them how much you appreciate them -- you are one of the lucky ones.

See my speaking video at http://www.bransonbusiness.blogspot.net/