Just say no

Apple says "no" to new ideas every day because they realize they can't put their resources behind them all. Instead, they decide where those resources are best utilized and then they go off to make billions of dollars and millions of fans.

So, why is it that we of little resources feel compelled to always say "yes"? Could it be we'd have more resources if we said "no" more often?

Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com

Two guys playing music

My daughter and I went to see The Black Keys in concert recently. The Black Keys have plenty of hits and are tremendous performers. The band is really two guys who have been playing together since high school. One's a drummer, the other is a guitarist and singer.  On their records, they fill in the sound by adding bass guitar and keyboards. In concert, they have three back-up musicians who play the bass and keyboard parts from the records.

Their concert was maybe the best we've ever seen. My favorite part was when the two Black Keys dismissed the back-up musicians and played as a duo--drums and guitar. You could tell that this is where the magic was. Somehow, almost inexplicably, you didn't miss the other instruments because this was really where the heart was--two guys playing music together.

It's really hard to determine exactly where the heart and magic is in any business. It's even more difficult to put it on display and celebrate it, but that's where the joy is.

Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com

What is leadership?

People are called leaders because they have a lot of people reporting to them or they have status that indicates they are special in some way.

But what is a leader, really? And who can apply to be one?

A leader is a person who has a higher calling than himself or herself. That calling can be a vision or image that is in their mind of how things should be--whether it be in a business setting, a church or political office. And that person must be determined to see that vision become reality by engaging others to act in concert to achieve it.

We hear of great leaders during times of war or unrest, but there are plenty of opportunities for anyone in any position to lead. Apply within.

Barry LaBov
LaBov Marketing, Advertising, Training
www.labov.com

Avoidance avalanche

Some of the nicest people do it. Some of the most selfish people do it. Some of the smartest people do it. All of us at some point or other do it.

We avoid. We avoid difficult people, situations, decisions, etc. Sometimes it's okay to do it. Things or people or situations sometimes go away. But too often, they don't go away and they get worse, and...others take note of the situation and they respond to it in negative ways. It's an avalanche.

Better to respond in an imperfect manner and get so-so results than to avoid. At least you took action and the people involved, as well as the bystanders watching it all take place, know where you stand.

Barry LaBov
LaBov Marketing, Advertising, Training
www.labov.com

Not so smart fat cats

A very smart young man just left his company because after years of good work, a promise had been broken. It seems his company (a very smart, well-run firm) had told him he would receive a small portion of ownership in return for his years of service but then decided that didn't count after they decided to sell the company and pocket all the money themselves.

They got what they wanted--all of the money. And then he decided to walk, leave the firm. I'm guessing the company will survive it and that he'll move onto to other, more positive things.

But, think of it. The owners had a chance to make a legacy for themselves, a legacy of living up to their promises, of helping and guiding a younger person, of perhaps having that company live on far after they are no longer here.

Instead they took the money and ran. Maybe they're not so smart after all.

Barry LaBov
LaBov
www.labov.com

Patience and timing

Patience is a virtue, so we are told. As a manager or leader, you are in a rough spot. How much patience with an individual should you have? Is it OK to let them fail? How do you protect your customer relationships while showing patience with your employee if it means there can be mistakes made?

I have no specific answer, but I do have one insight. Consider your expectation of time--are you expecting your employee to immediately thank you or acknowledge their shortcoming? I've found that most people know if they are falling short and also know they are being helped, but many of them may take a long time to show they get it. A leader may quickly assume that since there is no immediate feedback, the person has little chance of success.

So, it may be smart to bite your tongue and wait a little longer to see "proof" there is progress, that the person actually is learning and growing.

Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com

Between feelings and facts

Our lives and our businesses are often run by feelings. We feel good, we feel stressed, we feel excited, we feel overwhelmed, etc. Based on those feelings, we take action.

Feelings are good because they allow us to humanize--to look at people as persons, not just things. But, the bigger the gap between our feelings and the facts, the more likely the wrong decision is made.

We usually want to avoid the facts, the data, and the metrics because we don't want to hurt feelings, we don't want to be embarrassed, etc. This just continues the cycle of frustration.

The battle for accountability is fought daily and the leader who can take the fear out of the facts so people can embrace them will win.

Barry LaBov
LaBov & Beyond
www.labov.com