CFO Insights

When Optimism is Over, Persistence Pays Off

Christopher Zaucha — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 23:43:28 +0000

Anyone currently in the job market will tell you how easy it is to lose faith and keep hope alive that you will find an opportunity soon. As someone who has straddled that fence for many weeks now, I can attest to how difficult it is to remain positive. Those few employers actively searching have an overwhelming number of qualified candidates more than willing to jump at their opportunity – or any opportunity. As a self-defined “realist” – I tend to analyze the facts before drawing a conclusion instead of maintaining blind optimism/pessimism – I have learned an important lesson as I continue my quest for a new opportunity: when optimism is over, persistence pays off.

James Caan once said, “Success is the result of clear goal, unshakable confidence, proper planning, enthusiastic action, and consistent persistence.” In this most unstable time in United States economic history, persistence must be the game plan to finding opportunity and seizing it. Optimism is great, but an unwavering drive to find that chance is what will lead you to your opportunity. It is extremely difficult to maintain the energy and drive to continue sending resumes and follow up correspondence, all while maintaining hope that you will be asked to interview. What you must always remember is that the force that drives you to continue your quest is exactly the desire, motivation, and work ethic that your future employer will certainly be looking for in their perfect candidate.

As we continue this journey together, I encourage you to remember the words of Thomas Edison, “I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.” Remain steadfast in your journey – keep your head up, shoulders back, and walk proud – for now more than ever you need to appear confident as well as qualified. Maintain the “consistent persistence” and keep taking “another step forward.”

Finding Support from Afar

Christopher Zaucha — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:26:52 +0000

As an executive who recently began searching for a new opportunity, I find myself constantly challenged to remain focused and positive. Amid the cover letter preparations and resume submissions, it does not take long to begin to feel as though the opportunity to fully utilize my experience and talents will not present itself. I quickly found myself searching for two things simultaneously: new employment and positive thinking. Much to my surprise, the very thing I have attempted to do for others was returned to me.

As an active user of Twitter, I do my best to post positive thoughts and quotes throughout the day hoping that it will find someone who is struggling and, perhaps, in need of reassurance. As I began to review my recent tweets, I quickly realized that I needed to start reading them with a little more thought and attention.

Many have come from friends whom I follow and have now come to appreciate even more. I was reminded by S. Max Brown (http://twitter.com/smaxbrown) that “We never know why things happen the way they do, but we have the choice to be better because of them.” Paul Harris (http://twitter.com/paulvharris) taught me that Marvin Phillips said “The difference between try and triumph is just a little umph!” My friend Coach Otis of NYC (http://twitter.com/NYC_CoachO) shared advice from Alan Stein (http://twitter.com/AlanStein) who said, “Adversity is usually a prerequisite to great things.” Coach Starkey (http://twitter.com/LSUCoachStarkey) reminded me H. Jackson Brown said, “It doesn’t take talent to hustle.” Finally, my good friend Steve Keating (http://twitter.com/LeadToday) shared more of his wisdom when he posted Ben Franklin’s insight: “Diligence is the mother of good luck.”

I’m not sure why things have happened the way they have for me, but have accepted that this is the adversity that will lead to greater things. I will continue to hustle with the hope that the extra umph will separate me from the crowd. Most importantly, I will remain diligent in my search for my new opportunity.

A True Leader Serves Their Constituency

Christopher Zaucha — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:14:33 +0000

A strange phenomenon has developed over the past decade or two. People with the title of “Leader,” however one may define that, have lost sight of the most important aspect of the position: a leader is simply a servant of their constituency. A prime example of this is the election of a Governor. Only by the vote of each and every constituent who takes time to elect their leader does the Governor assume his or her position. What is surprising is that many leaders do not understand the relevance in their particular situations. The CEO of a public Fortune 500 company serves many constituents: shareholders, Board of Trustees, the SEC, and customers to name a few. The CEO of a non-profit organization serves his or her donors, professional staff, volunteers, and end users. Even a small business owner serves their customers, employees, and vendors. While a formal election may or may not take place in these instances, one fact remains: You are only a leader for as long as the people you serve deem you worthy to serve.

The common thread among these examples is simply this: all exhibit the servant nature of leadership. Individuals and organizations which truly grasp and understand this concept are typically at the forefront of developing future leaders. Traditionally a strong mentoring and/or development program has been created where executives work with their staff to make sure opinions, ideas, and thoughts are honestly considered. And, most importantly, there is a strong team-oriented culture of trust. Hundreds of other examples could be substituted but the fact remains that developing the talents is truly an exhibition of a servant leader. Felix P. Nater (@FelixCanHelp) summarized it best when he said, “When I look in the mirror my reflection speaks volumes about what I learned from other’s interests in me.”

The opportunity to make a positive difference and serve a constituency effectively begins with recognizing that it is our responsibility to share wisdom and knowledge with our colleagues and, more importantly, with future leaders. According to Oscar Wilde, “In America, the young are always ready to give to those who are older than themselves the full benefits of their inexperience.” We all wish we possessed current day wisdom before we needed it. Unfortunately, some feel that emerging leaders should acquire their knowledge on their own, instead of sharing it with them to help develop them further. It was Walt Disney’s belief that “Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.” As a leader, it is our responsibility to mold and develop promising future leaders who will further advance our efforts. You get the best out of others when you give the best of yourself.

In concert with the aforementioned ideas, my own philosophy on the servant-leader centers around leaving the project/people involved in a position where momentum is moving in a positive direction once my participation is complete. Frequently, I share with colleagues that I do not join groups or associations because I wish to be viewed publicly as a success. Rather, my goal is to be viewed as someone who contributed through leaving a positive, lasting impact. My legacy I hope to leave behind is this: to be remembered as a leader who helped others help themselves and, in the process, produced a measurable improvement. The words of John Quincy Adams eloquently articulate my desire to be a difference-maker: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

4 Tips for Making Time – Tip #4: Delegation is Key

Christopher Zaucha — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:31:27 +0000

The final installment of the time management series will likely be the most difficult aspect to implement. For many of us, the idea of having someone else “perform our work” is frightening and gives us cause to find some way – any way – from allowing it to happen. Unfortunately, it is exactly that thought process that creates our time management problems. We have all been taught the old adage: “If you want something done right, do it yourself.” Regrettably, most of us did not receive the lesson which follows where we learn that proper assignment and supervision will have the same outcome as performing the task ourselves. If you are genuinely interested in better time management, then you must embrace Tip #4: Delegation is Key, because it will be a constant uphill battle without it.

Delegating tasks to others is not a sign of weakness, though some believe it is. In fact, the opposite is true. It demonstrates your ability to realize you are unable to give everything your full attention and have determined those projects which require your concentration. Though I personally still struggle with delegating items, I have seen a marked difference in what I can accomplish when I do delegate. Even if the task hasn’t been fully completed, when I am able to get involved again it has certainly progressed rather than becoming sedentary. Through consistent practice, I can honestly say I delegate more now than I ever imagined I would.

The only way for delegation to be successful is to give up some control of the output. For example, because something is written or presented in a form which isn’t “your form” does not make it incorrect or ineffective. You must be willing to accept that different does not mean wrong. Clearly communicate the desired goal or outcome while recognizing the process and methods utilized to complete the assignment may differ from your opinion on how it should be completed.

The results of your delegation will greatly improve if you include each of the following in describing the tasks you assign:

· Recorded

· Time bound

· Specific

· Measurable

· Realistic

· Ethical

· Agreed upon

We all think we possess the ability to do everything ourselves. The truly successful people are those that admit they cannot, and outwardly seek assistance. These individuals realize more tasks will be completed if many are being pursued simultaneously. This concurrent pursuit of goals will allow you greater flexibility and time since tasks will be completed, in whole or in part, instead of still waiting to be started. Remember, delegation is not giving up control for it empowers you to make more time available for other equally important endeavors.

4 Tips for Making Time – Tip #3: Know When You Work Best

Christopher Zaucha — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:30:01 +0000

Now that we have our schedules planned properly with our tasks separated and organized, it is time to move from planning to execution. There is no need to second guess the planning and progress to date; necessary changes will become apparent as you move forward. Your progress will increase exponentially through the inclusion of this next time management tip – Know when you work best: perform your most important work optimally.

Each of us performs our best at different times throughout the day. For some, it’s first thing in the morning; for others, late in the day when the office quiets down. During that time, our concentration, focus, and energy are at peak levels. If you are unsure about your optimal performance window, monitor your productivity over a period of time – typically one to two weeks. When you have determined your optimal time, ensure that is when you schedule to perform your most important tasks. Significant projects require your greatest effort and knowing your optimal performance window is paramount to getting the job done. It is certainly possible to have multiple times throughout the day when your performance increases. Personally, my optimal performance periods are early in the morning and after returning from a lunchtime trip to the gym. In my experience, this optimal time tends to be, on average, a one hour period.

During your peak performance time(s), it is crucial to avoid distraction as much as possible. Avoid email, phone calls, and other unnecessary interruptions to the best of your ability. Spend that time, however long it is, on your most important task. Even if you don’t get the entire task completed within the hour, you will find that you are much further along due to your increased energy level. Continue this process over the course of a week and the results will be measurable.

Today’s culture of doing more with less forces us to seek ways to work smarter, utilize our time and effort better, and increase our productivity. Too often, we are focused on trying to figure out when to get things done instead of how to get things done more effectively and efficiently. Knowing when you work best will certainly give you an edge. Give yourself the opportunity to perform better by taking the time to plan your work, then work your plan.

4 Tips for Making Time – Tip #2: Get Organized

Christopher Zaucha — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:28:58 +0000

As we continue our progression toward better time management and regaining control of our busy schedules, the second part of this series will empower you to have a clearer vision of what tasks remain while giving you a sense of accomplishment. While many authors on time management are strong proponents of creating only one “to-do” list, my theory revolved around two lists. The “Get Organized: Create two lists” hypothesis is centered on the belief that all tasks fall into two categories: those with a negative impact if not completed and those with no impact or a positive impact.

Personally, I have found much success when actively utilizing this theory as have colleagues with whom I have shared this principle. While simplistic in its approach, one of my mentors who taught me this principle assured me the results are quickly evident and measurable – and he was absolutely correct. The process is as follows: first, review your open tasks and separate them into the two lists previously described – those with a negative impact if not completed timely and those with no impact or a positive impact. Second, organize the negative list according to the ramifications (i.e. due dates, penalties, lost revenue, etc). Naturally the most serious should be first. Along with that, make a note with the approximate percentage of completion of each task. Next, perform the same exercise with the other list – organizing it by positive impacts first followed by no impact. Again, make a note regarding your progress to date.

Once you have both lists completed, you will have a clear vision of where you need to concentrate your efforts. Additionally you will be reminded of the each item’s progression to date. This is extremely important because it may be beneficial to complete three or four positive items which are 70-90% complete before getting to another negative item, time permitting. As we all know, it is the last 10-30% of a project is typically the most difficult to complete. With that in mind, this technique serves as a source of inspiration as it reminds you just how close you are to removing items from your lists.

As the list of negative items begins to shrink, you will feel more energetic and positive about how your time and efforts have been utilized. A sense of satisfaction will grow and propel you forward with a feeling of accomplishment. Most importantly, this technique allows you to rest easier knowing that, to the best of your control, items which had the potential to create a problem have already been handled or are under control. The end result is a positive disposition combined with a sense of accomplishment, success and the knowledge of what remains to be completed. Who among us isn’t interested in that experience?

4 Tips for Making Time – Tip #1: First Things First

Christopher Zaucha — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 00:27:53 +0000

The first tip for making time previously introduced in yesterday’s post was First Things First: Schedule family related events first, then the rest.

Staring at a full schedule is something with which we are all familiar. Often we experience the feeling of being overwhelmed, or worse yet, attempting to “find time” for important events outside of work. Though some days we are forced to play crisis manager, the truth is that there is always time to complete the important tasks and still be able to have time for family and friends. We must simply make the time. Whether it’s coaching little league practice, karate promotions, faith related activities, volunteering, etc. schedule these items first. By doing so, you have just made the time for all of your most important events for that day/week/month. Once this becomes habit you will begin to work more effectively and efficiently because you already have your goal(s) in mind.

After your important times are properly allocated, proceed to populate the rest of your schedule but proceed with caution. While obvious, we must be reminded to only schedule approximately five to six hours of an average eight to ten hour work day. Always leave time for unplanned interruptions and, just as important, some down time during the day to recharge. Few of us have the ability to put forth our best effort without experiencing some fatigue during the day. In fact, Harvard Business Review published a post on January 25, 2010 entitled Get Creative by Zoning Out (http://bit.ly/6AHKsx) which I recommend you read.

Although this may seem elementary in nature, how frequently over the last six to twelve months have you experienced a struggle to make an event that should have been easy attend? If the answer is even just once, then it may be as elementary as you think. Make the time to be present at the events which are most important to you and others. Make the time to show your family and friends that they are just as important as your job. Make the time in your schedule and you will see a reduction in your attempt to find the time.

4 Tips for Making Time – Not Searching For It

Christopher Zaucha — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:22:31 +0000

Seldom does a week pass where I am not asked how I find the time to effectively manage a schedule which appears to have no definitive end. My response is always the same: I don’t find the time – I make the time. We are consistently pulled in many different directions between work, family, faith, volunteering, etc. Often it appears that simply enough time doesn’t exist to complete all open tasks. The harsh reality is that enough time does not exist to complete everything. What does exist, however, is the time to complete those tasks which are most important.

While all time management questions will not be answered here, a few ideas exist which will help you get started on the path to better time management. Over the course of the next week, these ideas will be described in greater detail but will be introduced now. This four-part series will include:

First Things First: Schedule family related events first, then the rest.
Get Organized: Create two lists, one of which will be much more important.
Know When You Work Best: Perform your most important work optimally.
Delegation is Key: It’s an uphill battle without it.

The main goal of this series is to show that enough time to effectively manage your tasks and complete those of greatest importance does exist. While individually simple, the four ideas combined together are empowering and will result in feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment.

Please return throughout the week as the ideas mentioned above are discussed in greater detail.

What Do You Put Into Your Hours?

Christopher Zaucha — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 02:58:49 +0000

I’m constantly amazed how the sharing of innovative, creative thinking among colleagues often results in changing one’s point of view. I recently had the privilege of reviewing, “The Living Stress Free Program” written by Louis J. Guadagnino (http://bit.ly/lImuC). While I encourage everyone to take a few minutes to read the words and advice offered, there is one portion of the program which had a profound impact on my life. The Program replaces “the words ‘employment’ and ‘career’ with contribution, because we all have the human need to contribute whether we are currently employed or not. When we begin seeing our work as contribution, it spontaneously develops a new perspective which, in turn, clarifies a balance between our contribution and the rest of our lives.”

As I reflected on those words, I began to understand the power of this concept. If every task performed is indeed a contribution, then how you value your time suddenly becomes increasingly important. Immediately, I began to realize that even as an owner, I’d lost sight that I wasn’t simply working but instead contributing daily to the results of my company. It was a proverbial “light bulb moment” for me. Upon further reflection, I began to realize that this notion could be applicable to everyone, no matter title, profession, location, etc. – we all have the ability to make a contribution on a daily basis both professionally and personally!

Sidney Madwed summarized this “contribution concept” best: “It is not the hours we put in on the job, it is what we put into the hours that counts.” Every day we are given a chance to utilize our time to make a contribution yet we often fail to realize it. I encourage you to reflect on how you spend your time on a typical day and whether that time resulted in a true contribution. Take a few minutes to contemplate how you will empower yourself to make a contribution. Once you experience the feeling, you won’t pass up the opportunity again.

What Will Your Legacy Be?

Christopher Zaucha — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:54:09 +0000

Every day we face new opportunities and challenges, yet we often overlook the most important aspect: Innovation is the only way to guarantee creating a legend. How we seize opportunities and overcome challenges is the difference between a mediocre manager and an exceptional leader. Exceptional leaders are not afraid to “think outside the box” and challenge not only themselves, but their staff as well, to develop unique solutions. Walt Disney, considered by many to be an exceptional and creative leader, once said, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” His statement, while simple, is empowering because it reminds us that often something seems impossible simply because it’s never been attempted.

When we experience situations which seem impossible, we need to take a step back, reevaluate our options, and develop an innovative approach to address the issue. Encouraging your staff to be creative in their thinking boosts morale, allows them to see they are truly stakeholders in the success of the company, and will result in the “extra mile” we all want to elicit from our staff. Challenge yourself and your team to develop and implement a truly innovative solution and you will find they that will be craving the opportunity again. Inspire others into action not only through your words, but by your example as well. Demonstrate to them that not only do you encourage development of creative solutions, but that you require them. This same theory was summarized best by John Quincy Adams when he said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

All of us want to leave a lasting impression of positive accomplishments – a legacy, if you will; few actually succeed. At one time or another, we’ve all sat back and wished we had done something different instead of what was commonplace. You still have time to become that dynamic leader that people will speak about long after you have moved on. If you truly want to make your mark, leave behind a legacy that keeps evolving through the thoughts and actions of others. Inspire them to dream, learn, and do more. Accomplish that and, like Winston Churchill, you will be able to declare, “History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.”