March 2009
Greetings!
Are you LEADER or just a SURVIVOR? Now more than ever is the time to get better! What got you here won’t get you where you want to go.
In healthcare we have been fortunate so far in this economy, however, the current downturn is widening and affecting everyone, including the hospital industry. I talk with Hospital CEOs daily and every one of them is concerned. So don’t feel you are alone. But also don’t use this as an excuse to keep doing what you have been doing. Now is the time to get better.
If you are like me and don’t get to play as much golf as you think you deserve, you still love watching and admire Tiger Woods game. What I admire most about Tiger though, is not his winning percentage, or his earnings; what impresses me is his preparation for the battle, his training and practice habits. Tiger trains 6-8 hours per day! Not to just to win, but to GET BETTER. We have all heard the stories about him transforming his swing even after winning by multiple strokes. He was not satisfied. He knows what got him here, will not get him where he wants to go.
So as I look at Tiger, or Michael Jordan, or the other great athletes; I admire their focus and drive to get better. They don’t settle for where they are, they train to get to where they want to go. Of course it all starts with a bigger vision.
Thinking about my own situation, one question became quite clear to me – when do leaders take time to develop themselves?
As I read the article about Tiger’s practice routine – is when it hit me – when do I practice? How do I practice?
Obviously it is easier to envision practicing for an athletic competition than for our professions in the marketplace. Yet, the question is a worthy one. How are you practicing and improving for what you do?
Here is how I am planning to practice for leading my company:
- Growth Opportunity/Long Forecasting (GOLF) – Here is the golf we deserve! I constantly work and have been putting together plans for different scenarios that will effect growth in my business. I am regularly reviewing these with a board of advisors and other successful business leaders.
- Battle Planning – Day to Day tactics. I have a growth/success plan for 2009 and beyond. I personally review my goals and share with my team weekly and review what must happen each day/week/month to hit these goals. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” Galatians 6:9
- Outlook/Attitude Training – This is 100% the most important thing you can do for your future success. Every morning I am working on myself, my attitude and my perspective. I do this for myself knowing that it will translate to my relationships with others. “In quietness and confidence is your strength” Isaiah 30:15
- Personal Development – My goal is to read 1-2 books per month. What better way to practice and learn new ideas, it is like having a swing coach right at your side. Pick subjects that you struggle with, leaders you admire, or topics that will stretch you. Then take 1-2 new ideas per book and seek ways to apply them for yourself, colleagues or clients. The act of applying these new ideas is like grooving your new swing – it makes it a habit.
Why Talent Development is Essential During Hard Times
As the economy stumbles, your company pays a heavy price. Job requisitions close. You fear for your staff. Even worse, your talent development programs face the chopping block.
Below are some of the common myths that blind management during tough times – and the facts you’ll need to reveal the true worth of your workforce.
Myth: Training is not important to the organization’s strategy in hard times.Perseverance means succeeding because you are determined to, not destined to.
Myth: Career and development plans should take a back seat.
Myth: My key talent won’t desert me- because they have nowhere to go.
Myth: If we’re hunkering down, we don’t need to build bench strength.
Recessions, while challenging, can also present opportunities. Remind management that workforce optimization is the core objective of talent development, because employees are the most critical assets of every organization.
Read Complete Article and get the Facts
Greatness Takes Time & Discipline
Larry Cole, PhD
Once the Chinese Bamboo Plant is planted, there is no visible growth for up to five years, even under the most ideal conditions. Then, as if by magic, it suddenly begins growing at the rate of nearly 2.5 feet per day, reaching 90 feet within 6 weeks! What is Mother Nature trying to tell us? Greatness takes time to grow! Following is an article written by True Growth Associate Dr. Larry Cole that illustrates the critical importance of daily discipline…
Do you have what it takes to be really good? Let’s see. Have you wondered what separates those who excel in a profession vs. those who don’t? Many want to credit innate talents to be the differentiating factor. Of course, there are the prodigies who are born with a specific talent to excel. We’re not addressing these unique individuals. We’re talking about people like you and me.
Quote of the Month
“If you would hit the mark, you must aim a little above it”
–Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
So here is my question…How are you getting better? How are you growing? Are you growing, or are you hoping you survive until the economy gets better?
Some believe that one foot in front of the other will get you there; what did the Wright brothers think?
Change your thinking, and you change your world.
Mike Harbour
Harbour Resources
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