Complex, Systemic Problems Require Complex Solutions

To our government: your ability to work together in the short term is an indication of your belief (or lack thereof) in yourselves and each other to work through the deeper elements of our challenges in the mid and longer term future. Remember, people rise to an occasion when they believe in a better tomorrow...do you?

No Shocker - Complex, systemic problems in the real world may require complex solutions. And, yes...compromise. 

Addressing deep challenges requires a series of variables to achieve a desired end of the equation. But just like variables in a math equation, each variable does not have to be the same for every scenario to still achieve the desired outcome.  If the desired outcome is 100, it could be 50 X2, 40+20+30+10, 20X2X2X1.25, or 1+1+1+1…. Until you get to 100.  Another way of saying, there are lots of ways to skin the cat!

The trick is to understand the variables, your situation, and the real end goal, and assess which variables are, or can be made stronger to make up for those variables that are weaker.  The typical variables needed in an equation of solving systemic problems are:

Awareness, Time, money, intellect and/or skill, formal authority/power, desire, collaboration, and motivation or incentive.  

In any scenario where a systemic issue is identified, those seeking to address and solve the issue must assess the level of each of these variables between themselves and those involved in the issue or 'system'. And then work together to mazimize what you've got.

In most cases, you don't have a high level of all variables, and in some very difficult situations, you have very low levels of all of them - and that, my friends, is what we call a big bummer and a tall mountain to climb.  But not impossible – and that is what you always have to remember in any tough situation.  The desired outcome is NEVER impossible – it could be highly unlikely, but that does not mean impossible.

In business, you’ll find bad eggs, crappy people, negative vibes, unprofessional practices .  In governments, you’ll find extreme partisan positioning, corruption, and protectionism.  These things  are sometimes so deep rooted and so systemic, that it’s tough to see how things can change or how big problems can be tackled collaboratively. 

At those points, you have a choice.  (Our government is tat this point) You can leave, give up and criticize, stand your ground, and view those involved as simply opposing forces, or you can ask yourself, “if not me, who?” “if not now, when?”. If you don’t get the wheels of change in motion, who will? And if you don’t do it now, when you (or someone) finally do, will be it be too late? 

 

And for our government:

I know many of you made promises to your constituents with phrases like "I will never" and "I will always".  This happens in business, too.  You take over a company and department and have an ideal set of goals.  But if you are confronted with a new reality and now know that sticking to that for the sake of sticking to it will lead to a more negative outcome for your constuents, it is your job as a leader to help inform your teams or voters, and make necessary exceptions to general rules to do what's best.

In private enterprise, you HAVE to work together to evolve and tweak your plans, or you go out of business.  Your competitors beat you, or your customers go to others who have figured it out. In government, that's not the case - it can't be the case, but we need to apply a little private enterprise pressure to our public-sector decision making processes. We also need civility, leaders taking each other to dinner, spend time together, look at each other as teams to work together, not as impersonal opposing forces.   

You are the leaders.  You, better than most, are supposed to be able to see the unintended consequences of certain decisions, think through them, work together, and make policy that keeps America progressing forward. Your constituents need you to do that.  Is sticking to your word important? Yes! Is not compromising on values critical? Yes!

But we need to focus on the most common values and commitments, moving America forward, progressing, getting people to work and keeping them there, creating a safe and productive living and working environment, keeping this country the best place to work and grow a life or business in the entire world.

You should also engage a diverse group of advisors like non-profits, big business, small business, the unemployed, other public sector groups, etc. to ensure you're evaluating consequences and perspectives. Keep us as part of the conversation, educate us on complex issues, so we understand why BIG compromise is sometimes necessary. We won't fault you for a compromise if it prevents an eventual, major meltdown.

That means you have to work together, you may have to make decisions that aren't exactly like you thought you would make them, but you have to trust in each other and believe that you are working toward a better tomorrow.  I do.

 

 

Focus on Forward

Sometimes, life can be funny.  Sometimes it’s awesome, sometimes it’s challenging, sometimes it’s fun, and sometimes it’s just tough. But while life is giving you its crazy ups and downs, youcan stay above the craziness and make the most of it by focusing on what’s forward, what’s next, what might be, what’s possible.

If things are great – focus on how you can protect that and leverage it into future ‘good stuff’.  If things are tough, focus on how things can improve and evolve, and what good can come out of it in the future.  Smile and know you are special enough to make a positive difference in your or in another's situation.

Having a great attitude even when there are ups and downs can only make things even better – so focus on forward, make the most of the challenges and opportunities that life brings, and be a positive force in the world. That's what life is about, after all.

You Never Know the Impact You Have on Others

I am not sure if everyone is like this, but I know that who I am is in great part a result of of all the experiences I've had and all people that have been in my life.  It's like a snowball - you roll along through life and you pick up things that add up to who you become.  I often talk about the influence my mother had in my life, and she will always remain the single greatest influence on the core of who I am. 

But there have also been other people along the way who have made an impact, given me opportunities, and helped me evolve to become a better person. Like drops of water that create ripples, the big and small things people have done for me made a difference. In particular, there were three women who were so very important in my life while I was getting an early start in the working world. 

There was Bonnie, my first Manager in the restaurant industry, Cheryl, the first Vice President of the first corporate department I ever worked in/for, and Kim (we used to call her Kimmie), who was the last executive boss I had before I myself became an executive.  They are all incredibly powerful, kind, sophisticated, smart and talented in their own way. 

Some people just automatically assume I worked for men and some even suggest the opportunities I had were because I was young and cute, and that is the only possible reason I could have had the career advancement opportunities I did at such a young age.  That couldn't be farther from the truth.  In fact, being young and female had more potential to present hurdles for me to be taken seriously when I was just getting started, but I was able to overcome that becuase of these women.

These three women were top among the leaders that gave me chances and developed me while I was just getting my start.  They all taught me very different things, but there were common threads between them that were incredible leadership examples for me. Each of them literally trained and coached me at various points in my career, and  will never forget all the opportunities they gave me.

Bonnie hired me when I was a teenager, gave me leadership opportunities at a young age, and gave me tough, honest feedback when I wasn't living up to my potential.  Cheryl hired me for my first corporate job at the age of 20, set the bar for leading with grace and composure and inspiring others.  Kimi taught me how to build a department, coach and mentor others, and just like the other two, how to lead with integrity and how to transition from Manager to Director to Executive. 

Each of them gave me opportunities that I would not have otherwise had if they hadn't had the talent to teach and coach me and if they hadn't believed in me.  Each of them cared for me personally, eventually became friends and mentors, and taught me how to lead with compassion and resilience in business.  They each were respected and treated others with great respect. 

I don't know if I just got lucky having these amazing women in my professional and personal life, or of we all have those people around us and some of us just take the opportunity to learn from them more than others.  I looked up to them; I wanted to be like them; I wanted to do a good job for them, and I desperately feared ever letting them down. 

I was so young when I worked for them, yet they gave me chances that many people my age would have never had.  They always had my back, gave me honest coaching, and did the right things for the right reasons.  Interestingly, they are all now founders or chief executives of their own or of other great businesses. I still marvel at their business expertise, grace and success today.

I wrote a blog post a few years back titled "How did you get where you are"?  http://www.katcole.net/2011/01/how-did-you-get-where-you-are.html  I try to spend time thinking about that very thing every once in a while and not miss the opportunity to be eternally grateful for those who are a part of the answer to that question.  I could write a post every day for the rest of my life to name all the people who have helped or taught me along my journey, but I specifically thought of these amazing women today.

To Kimmie, Cheryl, and Bonnie, I cannot thank you enough for all you did for me.  I know I was fortunate to have all of you in one company at one time and to have had the chance to work for each of you directly. I would not have the opportunities I do today if it weren't for the opportunities you gave me so long ago. 

You will never know what an influence you were and are in my life, but I hope this post is a little reminder of the incredible impact you make on others.You will always have a special place in my heart, and I love each of you for the incredible human beings you are.

"I Can Do That"!

An excerpt from our upcoming ebook (Working Title), Lessons from the Village: what business leaders can learn from some of the poorest villages in the world

"I Can Do That" & the "Power" of Empowerment

‘What a human being can conceive, they can then believe and achieve’ ~ Ted Turner 

We were standing near a mango tree in the village of Garmaam, looking at rows of seedlings that had sprouted in a small plot.   I asked what it was, and Jeff said, "we are teaching them planting and irrigation methods, then locals will take the sprouts and plant them in other fertile areas in the village".  They must grow these sprouts in their area and reseed the area they came from. And then, Jeff said something simple and profound, "if we show them and they see it works, they say, “I can do that" and keep it going.

There were children standing around us (the little boy in this picture in particular), and I teared up instantly at the thought of these families and children being able to say, “I can do that” about such a critical skill at such a young age.   Imagine a small child, a starving child, being shown how to plant seeds and grow vegetables, and seeing their big eyes look up at you, smiling, and saying, “I can do that”.  It’s hard to describe the magic that is inherent in motivating, teaching and inspiring people to think, and then to exclaim, those words. Especially when their wellbeing or even their lives depend on it.

Applying that to our every day lives (both personal and work), to teach skills, in such a way that simply the knowledge that it can be done inspires confidence to act, is one of the great gifts we can provide in life. Are we looking in our lives and businesses to see which people only need to be taught or see something modeled in order to step up? Are we personally looking for opportunities ourselves to say, "I can do that" about something new?

Work on teaching others and empowering them to say, "I can do that"!

 

Africa, the Tattoo on My Soul

Visiting Africa is like getting a tattoo, but instead of a permanent mark left in ink on your skin, Africa leaves an indelible impression on your soul. Just like people say of getting a tattoo, once you’ve done it, you instantly want more, the same is true of visits to Africa.  That is especially true of visits to some of the poorest villages there.  

This can be true of any developing area or exotic location, but Africa is The Motherland and one special place that captures my heart.  It is also where I have traveled several times and where dear friends of mine and I had a recent journey that inspired the ebook that will soon be released as a fundraiser for the villages we visited. 

I hope you stay tuned, find value in our lessons, and download the book to join us in making a difference in the world. More to come...

Live a Wonderful Life

One way to live a wonderful life is to be passionate about something.
You can be most liked or loved when you are driven to joy by something that stirs your soul.  

Happiness that you display silently tells others that there's hope, that there's something more tomorrow than they see today, that things really are...good. And people rise to an occasion when they believe in tomorrow.

Seeing effort, energy and momentum from others is inspiring. It's a silent call to come along on the journey, to make the most of the time we have, to use our gifts to push our lives and our world forward.

When you are affected by the world around you and moved so deeply that you feel it in your soul, share it and let someone know. At that moment, you are a purpose-driven version of yourself.

And just when others have their toughest hour, that is when you should share your strength. Likewise, in your most difficult days, you will find comfort in the strength of others around you. We end up showing each other the way to a better moment, a better life.

Live, love, and do what you can to leave people, places and things, including yourself, better than you found them, better than they once were. Follow your heart and the things that move you, and help others do the same.  

Breathe

Just a reminder to take a deep breath. When the pace of business in life goes from fast to seemingly tornadic or when it seems the stressful is starting to outweigh the peaceful, pause, and take a breath. Remember, things can always be better, and they can always be worse (much worse). Ultimately, you can face the pace or the stress more effectively if you are grounded by that perspective.

New challenges will present themselves perpetually; that is gauranteed, but you only have limited time on this earth.  Don't get caught up in your own head, in the whirlwind of activity or in the negative energy others can create. Take a pause, take a breath, and smile. You only have so many minutes with others around you - make the most of it by taking a deep breath, keeping things in perspective, and beeing that sense of calm, that pilar of strength, that friend or leader that you know you can be.

Make the most of what you've got!

I've learned that it’s often helpful and fun to do more than what’s expected with the time and items that you have. Life is short, so make the most of what you’ve got!

I was fortunate to grow up in a family where my mom modeled the mantra ‘make it happen’ and 'make the most of what you've got'.  When we ended up as a single parent household, she just ‘figured it out’, and by default, I learned to do the same.  And while that is a story in and of itself, for the purposes of this post, it provides the background on why I have a tendancy to come up with little tricks to be resourceful. and create a 'double duty' for many things I have.  Some items on my list are things a woman would carry for their intended/ normal use, but I have helped out both women and men-in-need by keeping these things handy.  So men, read on!

5 things I always have with me that do double duty!

1 – Smashbox eyeliner pot: normal use:  helps me look awake and pulled together / double duty: great black shoe polish – put a little on a scrape or scratch on your black shoes, and that client, boss or co-worker will never know! Men, this thing is only an inch wide an a half inch deep - even you can carry it to keep those shoes shiny!

2 – Hollywood tape: normal use: double sided tape that attaches fallen hems in pants or skirts or closes an area of a shirt that may be too ‘revealing’ for the audience at hand / double duty: great for meetings and events to hang up flipchart paper or posters to walls without damaging paint or wall paper

3 – Sunglasses with case and cloth: normal use: obvious/ double duty: the right glasses help you look pulled together after back to back days of traveling, the glasses case doubles as a small purse/bag when I don’t want to drag one around, and the cloth works wonders on my iPad & iPhone

4 – Tiny Altoids: no description needed, ‘curiously strong mint’ – always good for post coffee, pre meeting, or to offer a friend, co-worker or seat-mate on a plane

5 – Ponytail holder – great for sweeping the hair back to look professional when the weather is crazy, when you will be around more polished groups / double duty: tying up chords for electronics and headphones

While these little tools are almost ALWAYS on me, the most important benefit is when there is someone nearby in need, I get to be the unexpected helpful buddy. 

Being resourceful: Separate of the tools I keep around to be prepared, I have to make efficient use of my time.  My mantra: “Have Time to be Still? Then you Have Time to Squeeze”

Efficient Exercise:  don’t laugh, but if you are ever sitting near me on a plane, in a car, or during other activities like watching TV-  I might just be exercising and you don’t know it.  Anytime I am stuck in one place, I try to do little isometric exercises.  Sitting up straight and contracting muscles is a nice way to keep your muscles active (consult your Dr. before listening to me).  Not to mention, it makes me giggle, because although I’m typically solo (in a  car, at a desk), if someone is nearby,  I wonder if anyone notices.

One of my favorite tricks is when I blow dry my hair or watch TV when I'm in a hotel room, I do leg lifts to the side and kick backs.  It’s great, because I don’t use up time traveling to the gym, so I feel even more productive.  Of course, this doesn’t replace a good walk, jog, or session in the gym, but in my mind, it makes a difference.  Every little bit helps.

Of course, make the most of it all applies to things much more meaningful like time with your family and friends, but even though these little tips may sound silly, it never hurts to make the most of what you've got - even the simple stuff!

So the fabric said to the thread...

Think of a thread.  The thread is just fine the way it is – all alone.  It may be a popular, beautiful, well made, unique thread.

But, when you put stress on it, need it to hold weight, or you need it to reach farther, you need other threads, it’s not likely to do the job alone. Alone, its use and value is not sustainable in a changing environment. 

A single thread can be strong, but a fabric woven of many strong threads can go farther and handle more.  If the thread doesn’t get woven through fabric with other threads, its use and value will be easily marginalized over time and either a new, better thread will replace it, or it will become irrelevant altogether.  Separate of a fabric of many threads having more strength and sustainability, it tends to be more visible, more difficult to discard, and more beautiful on the whole.

 Now think of that thread as an idea, a person (you), a company, or a product.  If you want your product, relationship, idea, company or career, to be sustainable, you maximize chances of success by being woven through the fabric of communities.  Not just your city, neighborhood, or zip code (although that is a critical part), but any community as it applies to the scenario.

 If you want to champion change, it will go more smoothly if you have spent time building relationships with those who the change affects.  If you are opening a new business, it will be more successful if you have built connections in the community, having given first to them, so when you ask them to give you their business, they are motivated to see you succeed.  If you don’t invest in a relationship by being a part of the other person’s world, when it comes time to lean on them, it may not be as strong as it otherwise could have been. 

Aside from the fact that being woven through the fabric of a community or person’s life is the best way to make the most of whatever you have and positively impact others, it is important for another reason.  When you are tethered to someone or to a community in a meaningful way, it’s more difficult for them to forget you or pass you by for the next best (fill in the blank – product, job, friend, service).  This is what makes connections the key to sustainability.  In addition, when you are more connected to the people and places you affect, you tend to make more informed choices that benefit the whole and that have a higher likelihood of success.

The message – connections matter, create strength and sustainability and allow anything to go and grow farther than it ever could alone.  In today’s world, lonely threads are less likely to be able to bear the weight and tension that can come with constant changes.  Call it relationships, connectivity, tethering, or the art of weaving an idea, company or person through the fabric of a community.  Call it whatever you like, but spend as much time ( if not more) on connecting to your environment to learn, serve others and weave a fabric and build community.

…a simple concept to maximize chances for doing well while doing good and overall success in your life and career. 

Hang On

I've recently talked to several people going through a dark time in their lives - overtaken by loss... or feeling lost.  Since my last blog post about a friend helping someone through an unexpected death of a husband, there's been more.  I am astounded by depth of pain human beings can experience but also by the strength that friends and family of those experiencing loss show when they step up, listen, and provide a feeling of comfort and hope. 

In many cases, these friends themselves are dealing with that loss, albeit possibly not in the same way as the immediate family.  How do you put your own grieving aside to do what needs to be done for others, and still give yourself some opportunity to process?  I'm sure it's different in every case, but those of you who fill that role know that you just channel the energy and find a way. 

Yesterday, after receiving a call about someone taking their own life, a song I've had in my iTunes for years came on - Hang On, by Plumb.  YouTube Hang On- Plumb   It was minutes after the call - seeming a little serendipitous.   This moved me so deeply, but initial sadness was held back by the inspirational message within the lyrics and thoughts of the comfort you can bring by uttering the words in the title and text of the song, "hang on".  

Don't underestimate the power you can have by helping someone gain perspective to hang on, and if your words or support don't seem to make a difference, don't stop trying. I recently read a quote, "if you're going through hell, keep walking." I think the rest of the quote should say, "because you'll eventually get through to a better place". The belief that there is a better option, a better way, something good on the other side, is the very thread that keeps most people hanging on.  If that belief has been lost, things look dark, and it can take a village to help someone build it back up.

There is so much beauty in the world and in life, but for some, from time to time, it's a little tough to see.  Reach out to help someone hang on, and don't forget that message yourself when times get tough.

Here's to the sun coming up...

Unexpected darkness has the ability to expose the light that has been there all along, but that doesn't make the dark any less frightening, challenging and lonely.   I have a friend who is supporting someone going through a terrible, unnexpected loss, and suddenly, this recount of a little run in the dark seemed meaningful to share.  

I went running early in the morning last week  - so early that it was dark.  When I walked outside with my running partner, we couldn't see.  The sky was black as night, with stars as bright as I've ever seen.  It was odd - it was morning, so we'd expect the rising sun, but instead, it was darkness.  The darkenss was a little scary.  I knew it was morning, and I knew I wasn't alone, but every step was filled with a little trepidation. 

It was helpful to have a running mate there to encourage me to go forward while my eyes adjusted.  I tried so hard to discern light, but it was difficult. I thought about how the stars are always here, and I expect to see them at night, when it's supposed to be dark, but when I see them in the morning, they seem surreal.  I have confidence in my ability to sense my environment, but despite the twinkling stars, every step brough a little fear of falling.  It was an interesting expeirence that day. It was so dark that after an initial walk, we took a brief pause to have coffee, talk, and wait out the last of the extreme darkness.  It was nice to have a partner there to wait out the darkest part of the morning. Eventually the sky brightened up, I could see just fine, and the run went on.  

A few days later, a friend that I love and respect shared that she was herself helping someone through a dark period.  She was helping a friend who had unexpectedly lost a husband. For whatever reason, I thought of this run and the fear that came with the unknown of the unexpected darkness.  I also thought of the confidence and support a friend can bring what times like these. Nothing can describe the loss, fear, and emotion this person must be going through. I hope that although she must feel frightened, bewildered and lost, that she feels the strenghth and partnership my friend is providing her. I hope she realizes she is not alone and that it's ok to pause to let the initial darkness pass... eventually, the sun will come up, and the stars will stay in her memory. 

...all my love to the family dealing with this loss, and my continued love and admiration to my friend, who is always looking to help others see the stars around them in anticipation of their rising sun...

On Course?

There are times in your life when you feel like everything clicks and is on course, and there are times when it feels like you're losing your way.  It can be compared to taking a trip when you have a clear destination, a map, and a GPS or compass, versus being on a trip headed in a general direction, with new roads and exits that appear as a surprise.  Even when you have a destination, map, and GPS, unexpected diversions and opportunities appear.

It's fine to veer of the road, follow your gut or curiosity, and go off course. Do that too often, and you may find yourself in a place where your compass spins in circles or your GPS hasn't yet downloaded the roads your on. Simply stated, you won't always have a perfect map for where you are going, especially when you are moving fast and in uncharted areas. That can sometimes be difficult, but it is also an opportunity to have a more enriching journey, making the most of moments in your career and life.

To avoid feeling disoriented and slowing momentum to your ultimate destinations, take the time to calibrate, reset your GPS or your compass, and lay out your new, slightly altered map.   Don't forget, if you have anyone following you or traveling with you, this becomes even more important.  If you are leading a journey and feel a little off course,  your traveling companions will feel that way too (but even more so, because they have even less control).

Refocus on your purpose, your destination and your values.  For some, this is about remembering what really matters to you (family, career, goals, etc.); for others it is looking to your religion or spirituality to realign your purpose. Whatever it is for you, in whatever area of your work or life this applies, take the time to do evaluate where you are, where you are going, and reset.  Enjoy the journey, share it with others, and relish the rewards as you all arrive at your destinations.

Meet Mamie

This is Mamie (on the left) with her employee (Martha).  Mamie is the Manager at Cinnabon in the Charlotte Airport in Concourse A.  She is the mother of 3 grown children; she ran a day care business for 17 years, and she now runs one of the 4 Cinnabon locations in this airport.  Her operations are great (it's one off the highest volume bakeries in the Cinnabon system).  Her baked goods are delicious.  Her coffee is the best around. Equally as important, her employees are proud and happy. 

Our Franchise Partners of this location, Sandy and Judy, have clearly set the tone in their businesses.  They are serious business women; they are collaborative and committed Franchise Partners, and they are connected to their community and employees - that is why they are successful.  I am fortunate to be associated with leaders who care about their employees, our brand and the business in the way that they do.  It's amazing how much better everything looks, tastes and performs when people are happy! If you fly through Charlotte, be sure to go to Concourse A for a fresh Cinnabon or lighter Cinnabon Stix and delicious coffee... and tell Mamie I said hello if you see her.

Be a Changer

Think about  what it takes to stand out and grow your business in today’s competitive environment. Think about what it takes to elevate communities and create positive change.  Funny thing - they both take the same thing... reconnecting business to society.  For this post, I'm focusing on the business success side of these two goals. 

If you want to be the best, you have to do more than just wake up or open the doors. Consumers now link the reputation of the company, business and product quality with the reputation of the brand. That trend will grow and continue into the future, and we must embrace a new way of building your business globally and locally. Look at the most successful businesses or entrepreneurs, and you will see that the people working in them or with them are strong at making four critical connections:

First, we must connect our business to the communities we serve. We need to be seen – and we need to be – a functioning part of the local communities where we operate. This means not just being a presence, but being a partner. When we give of ourselves as a partner in communities,the communities make a point to give back through sales and word of mouth advocacy, both in person  and on line.

The second connection is with local, state and federal governments to address relevant challenges.  Laws and regulations that will affect your business, whether they are local, state or federal, are happening with more yet to come. You can sit around and react, or you can build relationships with those who can affect your business. Your city council, health departments, local governments or trade associations can either make your business harder or be a resource for you as you operate. They are creating laws and regulations that affect your business now, and if you don’t represent your interests, who will? Invite the local city council member from your district to your business. Help them get to know your business, not just as a regulator or elected official, but as a potential customer or guest; find out what you can do for them!  Talk about your profitability and what challenges you have. Talk to them about job programs to help you find qualified crew members and create jobs. Ask first about what you can do for them; are there local events you can help with? Over time, when you want an opportunity for exposure, or have a desire to grow, you’ll have more people in your corner.

The third connection is tying philanthropy and charitable investments right into the core of our business. Replace philanthropy with “line of sight” community engagement, because it’s no longer about just providing money or donations. Line of sight means it’s a cause that can directly affect your business. Provide volunteer hours, services or partnerships with local schools, food programs or charities. When your efforts are aligned with what you do and sell as a business, they make your business more sustainable.

You can do good in almost any industry and with many groups in your communities, so why not help groups or people that can contribute to your growth? When you give in your community, you get much in return, and there are benefits to volunteering, donating and helping with groups who can directly impact your business. Think about this:
• Do you have a local school or public training program that is looking for an internship or scholarships? Can you help? Does that help you recruit great employees?
• Is there a local food bank that may want to take expired food or non profit that could use your company's expertise? Will that get your business great expeirence and exposure?
These efforts not only build community and build our brand reputation, but they build loyal fans and employees who advocate for your business and help build sales!

The fourth connection is internal – to connect your business with the value of your employees. You must connect what you are doing with the values of your own employees; because businesses don’t have values and ethics … it’s the people representing your business that have values and ethics. If employees enter a workplace where they just ‘work’, just ‘make rolls’, they don’t fully connect. They’ll do what’s asked of them, but what you’ll get is compliance and not engagement or commitment. The most engaged and connected employees, the ones who feel they are cared about and where their work cares about them, are the employees that don’t steal, who grow your business, and who make you more profit per employee than any others. When employees enter a company that is seen to be improving society, employees bring their whole selves to work. It makes them better employees. It makes them better ambassadors, and by the way it also makes it easier to attract future top talent.

(Note, Credit and Homage: This is built on and directly taken from a speech from Neville Isdell on the topic of Connected Capitalism - see previous post http://www.katcole.net/2009/11/connected-capitalism-what-your-business.html )

Stay tuned

All weekend I've been working with a group of world changers - brewing something big.  ...really big.  You seriously want to hear this... and learn it... and most importantly be a part of it.  Stay tuned. 

Love the world you're in...

A friend of mine shared with me that she just wanted to live a different life... interesting statement.  A different life is only a few choices away from being real.  A new version of your life is possible in the world you are in. 

Get up earlier, stay up later, drive a different way to work, call someone you haven't talked to in years, start a compay, quit your job, go back to school, change jobs, take a vacation.  Just a few new interactions, and your life can change forever.  You want a different life? Be different. Act different. Think different.  

Anytime you get frustrated or overwhelmed - take a look at your problems from the perspetive of someone less fortunate... they would likely say, "man, those are great problems to have..."  Remind yourself every day that your problems are great problems to have... and you will approach them with more vigor, less stress, and a fresh point of view that just may bring about a great solution. 

Then go out into the world to not only be different, but to make a difference.

Friendly reminders...

To others, give the gift of candor - if you don't, who will?
Always ask - if not me, who? if not now, when?
Assume positive intent - you'll get so much farther in life
Get some sleep, but remember there's no time lik the present to get things done
Gratitude will get you farther than you can imagine, and make the journey that much sweeter
Sometimes, you should stick with it just a little longer...
Sometimes, you should just let it go...
You are special and unique... just like everyone else (oh the irony)
You never know... seriously... life is full of uncanny surprises (and karma), so be nice
You are not better than anyone else; nor are you lesser than anyone else
Many people wish they could be you, whether you know it or not
Spend time alone - it's good for you
Believe in the difficult, the creative and the impossible
Spend time with others - that's good for you and them
Feed your soul - do what feels right (it's an awesome way to live)
Diversify where you find your sense of purpose - it's healthy and fun
Be curious. Be hungry. Be thoughtful. Learn constantly.  Teach others
Love & respect others - show them, tell them
Create and support positive change, and bring light wherever you go
Walk with purpose & smile
Be awesome and help others do the same
Don't underestimate the influence (positive or negative) you can have on others

My funny evening...

OK – so here is my bazaar, carnival like evening. Near the end of the day, one of my team members tells me she’s going to play her throat (an amazing skill) to entertain and convince another team member to give her some last minute information… so awesome. I wrap up some work and emails, then leave the office late (of course). I decide I deserve a special treat, so I go to the wine shoppe to get my favorite wine in the whole world (Sassacaia), they are out (it is rare, but they always have it!), so it takes me a little longer to find some substitutes. As I was carrying the wine to my car, my heel gets stuck in a crack in the parking lot – when I pull my foot up, the heel base came right off the heel. I always wear high heels, so this is simply a fashion hazard. I cracked up laughing.

Then Chris calls and says, I just shot a 600 LB boar with my bow – in one shot. My response? Congrats! Wow…uh… seriously? That delay from searching for my wines, ripping the heel of my shoe and hearing about the great boar slaying of 2011 caused me to arrive home at the exact time that some random car pulls in behind me. A man gets out of the car and says, "ma'am, I've got a package for you." I’m a pretty easy going chick, so I’m not too freaked out, but the package in his hand looks like a big stick in bubble wrap, but it could be a rifle, or a golf club...just then, I realize it's my putter that is 5 days late following me home from LA – so Delta does deliver!
 

I bring my packages in, open up a bottle of wine – take the wrapper off, and cork is ….. glass – first time I’ve seen that! Then I make myself a plate of Purple Haze (Goat cheese with lavender and sage), crackers, and two types of chocolate bars –dark chocolate with bacon and chocolate with cherries and roiboos tea - weird, but oh so good.

And here I sit, marveling at the funny things that happen in a day and the little things all around you that can make you smile. Life is good - enjoy it.

How Did You Get Where You Are?

How did you get where you are?  When people ask me this question, it's tough to answer, but it's important for us all to think about every once in a while.  You are where you are because of where you have been.  It sounds a little confusing to say it that way, but it's true.  I've had this discussion several times in the last week or so.  Here's my answer.

I grew up in an environment that shaped me, as we all do.  It wasn't easy, we didn't have a lot during the toughest times, but it certainly could have been worse.  I had more responsibilities than the average teenager, and I likely had a little more ambition than the average person.  My mom set an incredible example. I started working, volunteering and traveling... at a very young age.  I had very little handed to me.  I spent time getting to know interesting people, and I was lucky to meet great people who gave me opportunities and put me in a position to grow and see new perspectives.  I worked hard; I followed my heart; I had fun.  I screwed up.... and most importantly - I learned.

I am lucky to be one of those people who thinks about the affect people, events and decisions have on the world.  Look at past blog posts on this blog from '09 and 2010, and that is obvious.   I try to ask 'what more can I do?' several times a week, and I have people in my life that inspire me: friends, family, co-workers.  I admire people who I follow and interact with in virtual communities: blogs, Twitter, Facebook and more that motivate me to be better, do more, serve others, and strive for excellence.  I love all of you who make such a difference in the world.

Wherever you are next year will be in part because of where you are and what you're doing today.  Every moment, interaction, choice or lack thereof makes a difference in your life and in the lives of others.  As I have blogged before, remember you are that person to someone, and how you act, what you say or don't say, and the time you take to care about others creates change in the world.  Make it positive, assume positive intent, and lead doing the right things for the right reasons. You can't imagine what a difference you will make.

Meet Ruby

This is Ruby.  Well, this is Ruby depicted in Norman Rockwell's famous painting "The Problem We All Live With".  Do you know what this is about?  This is Ruby going to school.  It would an understatement to leave it at that. 

This is Ruby going to what was an all white segregated school in New Orleans as the first African American child to be integrated there.  What you don't see, but what is implied in the painting, are the shouting, screaming, angry crowds just yards away from Ruby.  The fruit splattered on the wall and ground and the guards escorting her are a hint at the protection she needed and therefore the dangers around her.  Think about that. 

How brave so many had to be to get to the point to even plan for Ruby to go to that school, and now think about that day -  her parents, the government, the teachers, other students, parents.  Imagine the tension, the fear, the anticipation, the chaos, and the bravery.   Those publicly involved in making this happen and their families received death threats.  She attended school that year... alone.  Not one other person was in her class.  Many parents pulled their children from that school, and the few white children that remained there that year were taught separately from Ruby. 

Imagine how many times people wondered if this were really the right thing to do in the face of crowds saying it was wrong, immoral and many other negative descriptors.  Imagine the sadness, anger and frustration from parents the community, and even Ruby's parents.  But... consider the years that followed, with a growing tolerance, understanding, and eventually, a new normal where integration was the status quo.  My heart is heavy with gratitude for the people who made the difference, who had the internal compass and strength to help Ruby take that walk, and to continue our country's journey to being the most free and equal democracy in the world. 

Ruby, this event, and the painting that captures it, are reminders that breaking through the clutter to a better place often takes courage, support and strength to fight the drag and resistance of mobs trying to maintain the status quo.  This is because a way of life, doing or being is comfortable for them (the mobs), because it is what they know, because they can't envision how the world will work any other way.  The weight of 'this is the way we've always done it' is a heavy one.  While our daily battles may not be as momentous in purpose as that of racial integration,  remember that if you are on the path to a better place, idea, business model, structure or society, it will likely not be easy.  Keep pushing through - there could just be an awesome new tomorrow on the other side. 

It's worth noting how important it is to not only make change and create great moments, but also to capture them and tell the story.  You never know what or who you may inspire by sharing your stories of tough times, how you have achieved what you have and the lessons learned.  ...just as Ruby, her family, this story, and this painting inspire me.  Spread the good: do good things, capture the moments, tell the story... repeat.  The world around you needs it.

Behavior that goes unnoticed....

Have you ever heard the saying, "Bad behavior that goes unnoticed gradually becomes habit"?  It partnered with another phrase, "Good behavior that goes unnoticed gradually goes away".  Funny how the two behavior types don't respond the same way to being recognized or called out.  I think it is the nature of the two that makes them perform differently.

"Bad" behavior, loosely described, is often the action without conscious consideration or thought, or it is an auto-response based on years of other behaviors gone unchecked; simply said, it's often what comes easily to that person at that time.  So, if this type of behavior goes unnoticed, since it is often the action with less thought or the easy way, it stands to reason that the behavior will continue, eventually becoming habit. 

"Good" behavior, loosely described, is often the action with conscious consideration that sometimes requires a break from what is easiest and moving past what seems to be the way most others would behave.  It's often (not always) the tougher road.  That is why positive recognition makes such a difference; it's a gentle reminder that the thought and effort is worth it!  Likewise, if this type of behavior that often requires more effort or a history of similar tough decisions goes unnoticed, it is understandable that it just might cease to continue ... to disappear.

I know I am oversimplifying behaviors, there is a range and integration of motivators for action and behaviors, but nonetheless, based on a result our outcome of a behavior, it is reasonable to suggest that there is a loose grouping of "bad" and "good" behaviors.  You could also say, bad behavior is something others would like to see go away, and good behavior is that which others would like to see continue.  So if we want bad to stop and good to continue, they must both be noticed, recognized, called out.

This applies in business, communities and families.  The act of recognizing and responding to behavior can be likened to a coach.  We all have an opportunity to fill that role - you can be an employee, a friend, a boss, a peer or even a complete stranger and successfully fill this coaching (or feedback) role.  If we want to make the world a better place, we need to do a better job at recognizing behaviors and reacting in such a way that helps lessen the bad and grow the good.   Behaviors (and people doing the actions) are often not self aware or self corrective.  We affect one another in business, family and life, and we need each other to continually improve who we are, how we act, and the outcome of our behaviors. 

While bad behaviors should certainly go noticed, coached and corrected in appropriate ways, it is just as powerful (possibly more so) to catch people doing something right.  Think of the good and selfless acts we see every day: something as simple as a young person letting someone less fortunate or able than them step in front of them on a bus or escalator, or the soldier who consciously lays on a grenade to protect his fellows.  Think of the co-worker who puts others first or who takes the time to listen to others, to develop them, to "give them a chance".  The next time you see those behaviors, please call them out, please recognized them in a way that is appropriate to the person setting the example.  If we don't these good behaviors could slowly disappear.  Be a part of perpetuating the good in the world by telling someone thank you, writing them a letter, or giving awards and public recognition for the small and big behaviors that make a positive impact.

If you are reading this, I challenge you to think of one person in the last few days that you know displayed good behavior (they don't have to have saved the world - just something good).  Exit this post and send them an email recognizing them.  Write them a hand written thank you note.  Call them out of the blue to tell them you saw or heard... and that you just wanted to acknowledge them.  In your next meeting or in person interaction, publicly praise them for their behavior.  You are more influential and important in perpetuating good behavior than you could possibly know.

Keep the good going!

Everyday. You. Matter.

This morning, CBS Sunday Morning profiled the increase in youth suicide and organizations doing their part to help schools, families, friends and professionals be a part of the solution by engaging in their communities.   The obvious undercurrent of this story is that there are many negative forces in the world that can create seemingly unbearable environments, and as a result, there is a need to not only support those in duress, but to continually strive to dissolve the hatred in the world that can create such environments.  I was also reminded of the need for all of us to be present when we interact with others and remember the power each of us have to be a positive force in the lives of others. One such organization doing that with such purpose is Jamie Tworkowski and the organization he founded "To Write Love on Her Arms". http://www.twloha.com/

Remember, you never know whose spirits you can lift, what smiles you can bring, and even what lives you can improve or save, just by believing that you can make a difference and acting accordingly.  Take the time to pay attention to people – I mean really pay attention.  Look at their eyes and their body language; really, really listen to them.  Ask questions to learn more about them, and acknowledge their strengths and accomplishments.  If they seem distracted or bothered, it never hurts to lend an ear or simply share a smile and encouraging word or hand on the shoulder.  We all need it from time to time.  If everyone assumed it wasn’t their place, then no one would offer support to those in need.  Remember, every day, you matter to someone.  

Although every smile, thank you or hug is not a lifesaver, you certainly don’t want to miss the opportunity if it could be.

You are more important than you could possibly know.