Change the Diapers

I’m a thrilled and excited new grandfather. My daughter, Laura and her husband, Trever, have welcomed Grayson, a fantastic little boy in the world. This post is not a gushing account of how much I love that little guy (my friends have to muzzle me about that). This post is all about business. And life.

When Carol and I had Laura and Alan, I surprised most of our family and friends by being the “diaper guy.” Every time there was the need to change one, I was up on my feet, talking to the baby, having fun and taking care of business. The baby and I had fun. I’d time how fast we could get the diaper changed and still get back to watch the game, etc.

The first time I saw my daughter smile was while I was changing her diaper (no, it was not gas!). I developed my closeness with our children by doing this and, by the way, my wife loved me doing it.

When Grayson arrived, I entered the room and noticed he needed a diaper change and went into action. The nurse came in and asked, “Who changed this baby’s diaper?” Stunned, I said it was me. She then told me this was the first diaper change of his life, an honor. As Grandpa, I’m going to remind that little guy of that for a long time...especially when he gets a little out of line with his mom or dad.

So how does this apply to business? We have to change the diapers and not leave them to others as a rule. Why not get your coworker a cup of coffee? Why not focus on the details of a project instead of handing it off? Why not clean up the board room after a meeting? Why not check with the client to make sure the invoice looks great? So often we say that “we don’t like the details.” Those details, or diapers, just may bring smiles, closeness and a lifetime appreciation from your clients and co-workers.

Barry LaBov
LABOV Marketing Communications and Training
www.labov.com

Fear and all its friends

When fear visits us, it brings along a bunch of buddies—including rationalization, confusion, anxiety and defensiveness.

Leaders have to fight to have an environment where fear isn’t a factor. That’s not easy, because fear can come from the outside—a customer’s behavior or a supplier’s poor performance that could compromise a healthy situation.

It’s a daily fight to look at every response to challenges closely to make sure fear and its friends aren’t influencing your world.

Barry LaBov
LABOV Marketing Communications and Training
www.labov.com

Job Description versus Job Purpose

Job descriptions have their place in business. But can’t they also impede greatness? If I follow my job description, in essence, I’m following orders.

In addition to a job description, don’t we also need a job purpose? Basically, what is my purpose in all of this? Other than a few pages of verbiage, how do I know that I really am doing a great job and making a difference?

Barry LaBov
LABOV Marketing Communications and Training
www.labov.com