John Wooden once said, “If you don’t have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?”  As you progress through your daily routine, try to keep in mind that you’re better off spending a few  more minutes getting it ”right” the first time.  If you’re pressed for time to begin with, you certainly can’t afford wasting time repeating the tasks.  My mentor once posed an interesting question when we were discussing my time management concerns:  “Is there a negative effect if you don’t complete what you’re working on?”  When I answered, “Most likely, no,” he responded: “Then put it to the side and work on something that will.”  I think of that exchange at least once a day and have shared it with others, as it keeps me focused on what is important.

Too often, our schedules are so packed that we find it difficult to find time that isn’t spoken for.  While this is unavoidable at times, there is still an inherent need for a little down time during the day.  Whether it’s taking  lunch, going to the gym, going for a walk, etc., the mind needs a change of scenery to recharge and re-energize.  Lorraine Hansberry said, “Never be afraid to sit awhile and think.”  Although it sounds very elementary, when is the last time you actually sat down for a few minutes to just think?  If you have to pause to contemplate the answer, then it hasn’t been anytime recently.  The most successful people, in life and in business, tend to be people who always have great ideas, new insights, and a fresh perspective.  Those same people all have one thing in common: they take the time to meditate and re-evaluate their environment and surroundings.  They make the time to think about what can be changed for the better.

An important aspect of taking time to reflect is recognizing those tendencies, habits, and behaviors which need improvement.  Each of us has traits that we know could improve from some refinements.  Unfortunately, taking time for ourselves is usually last on our list of priorities.  Always make time for yourself.  It’s not selfish, nor greedy.  Rather, it’s very necessary if you want to become better both professionally and personally.  You will always be pulled in different directions and endless interruptions will never cease.  If you don’t make the time for yourself to become better, you will never be better.

William Penn said, “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.”   How will you use your time?

There are too many worthwhile volunteer organizations to list here, but all would surely welcome your time and talents.  Elizabeth Andrew said, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.”  This is the mantra of all people I know who volunteer on a regular basis.  Whether it’s a charitable organization, trade or professional association, or place of worship, all would sincerely appreciate any time you have to spare.  Though balancing our personal and professional schedules is an ever growing challenge, supporting a volunteer effort will leave you fulfilled beyond belief and with the strong desire to give even more of yourself.  No one volunteers hoping to receive accolades or credit.  We find an initiative we sincerely believe in and hope that we are able to make a small difference in its progression.

While it is true that all charities need financial support, most need volunteer support just as much, if not more.  Meals aren’t delivered to the needy on their own; shelters cannot clothe the unfortunate without assistance; industry initiatives are not advanced without intellectual support and fresh ideas; society does not improve as a whole without true, honest, good-hearted help.  Sherry Anderson said, “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”  There aren’t many better descriptions than this.  We don’t get paid but we certainly never, ever feel worthless or unappreciated.  Though most would disagree being called priceless, those who rely on the efforts of volunteers would state we are exactly that: priceless.

Tom Brokaw said it best:  “It’s easy to make a buck.  It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.”  Everyone wants to feel as though they have contributed toward achieving a goal.  Everyone wants to feel a sense of accomplishment, that they have made a difference.  Unfortunately, not everyone realizes you are able to experience those tremendous feelings through simply giving of yourself.  Find a cause that speaks to you and get behind it as best you can.  Even a few hours a month will make a difference.  Be bold and lead by example.  Remind colleagues, friends, and family that the holiday season is about appreciating what you do have.  Show them that this appreciation is truly achieved by helping others for no reason other than just to help.

This holiday season, I urge you to give your time and energy as a gift.  Show you’re willing to exemplify the true meaning of the spirit of holiday season.  Make a difference.  There is nothing stronger than the heart and willingness of a volunteer.

As an encouragement to others, please let us know to which charities you’ve donated your time and energy and, more importantly, how you felt after giving of yourself.

Below are some thoughts/facts which I refer to whenever I feel the desire to give up.  They are from S.L. Parker’s “212, the extra degree.”

• In the 10-year period between 1997 and 2006 the average margin of victory in the Daytona 500 was just .175 seconds.  The additional prize dollars for first place: 60%.
• The average margin of victory between 1982 and 2006 (25 years) in all tournaments on the PGA tour was less than three strokes – less than a one stroke difference per day.
• During the 2004 Summer Olympics, the margin of victory between a gold medal and no metal was .06 seconds in the Women’s 800 Meter (running); 28 centimeters in the Men’s Long Jump and only 3 centimeters in the Women’s Long Jump.

Peter Brook once said, “Never stop.  One always stops as soon as something is about to happen.”  The next time you sense that you, or your colleagues, may be close to stopping, remind them of the facts above.  Let them see that often it’s a small effort that makes the biggest difference.

As we continue to embark on the journey toward an anticipated economic recovery, the ability to “stretch resources” has become a popular catch phrase.  While it is most prudent to conserve our expenditures and outlays in the interest of survival, we must be cautious to not begin to ask our employees to do the impossible – become “geniuses or supermen” – in their attempt to do more with less.  All employees want personal success while helping to contribute to the success of the corporation.  Without the proper resources, their innate desire to succeed will surely dwindle.

Most employees welcome a career that is challenging yet fair.  Their expectations of having the necessary resources to meet those challenges head on are not unreasonable.  As we all know, a good leader has the ability to test people’s ability to think differently, approach a task from a different angle, and increase their creative potential.  This is now most crucial as we may be asking our most valuable resources – our employees – to do more with less.  We need to find that utopia of creative involvement without appearing overbearing.  If we are able to achieve this, our employees will be wiser, better, and more successful when we return to a regular level of business.

While the worst may not yet be over, it is imperative we use this time wisely to encourage our people to better themselves, become stronger, and be ready for the days that lay ahead.  Challenge others to become better while the opportunity presents itself during this slow time.  Give them guidance and suggestions on how to approach their review for the exam and offer your help, if possible, should they need it.  Better your organizations and chapters by empowering your employees and colleagues to better themselves.

“Leadership is lifting a person’s vision to higher sights, the raising of a person’s performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations.”  – Peter F. Drucker

“The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” – Albert Einstein

Aside from the actual labor performed, small business and subcontractors have been the backbone of the American economy.  Unfortunately, the backbone becomes very fragile and weak in turbulent times due to any number of factors: lack of training/education, insufficient credit resources, or uncertainty on how to proceed into the future.  We, as mentors, must start moving to the forefront of our industry so those in need will recognize that resources and assistance from peers is readily available.

We are constantly bombarded with constant news reports of bleak economic outlooks and uncertain times of historical proportions.  As we all enter this portion of American history together, we are faced with an interesting predicament – the vast majority of us have not experienced this situation previously.  Our ability to adapt and react to the ever changing landscape of the current economy will only be successful if we utilize all resources available.  To that end, we need positive influences – mentors and/or teachers – to help navigate through the pitfalls awaiting our arrival.

I’ve been fortunate to have two great mentors in my life.  The first is my father, who gave me the motivation to become an entrepreneur and the other I had the pleasure of workign with through CFMA’s Mentoring Program.  Not only do both have a wealth of industry knowledge to share, but they were also able to help me increase my performance and efficiency at work.  We discuss time management skills, the pros and cons of delegation, the willingness to give up control in certain areas, and how personal behavior traits may be perceived by others.  I continue to utilize all of these discussions on a weekly basis both in my professional and personal life.

The uncertain future that we all currently face, though freightening, also serves as an opportunity to take a personal inventory of our skill sets and potentially ask for assistance form peers.  Though this may seem to be a daunting task, I assure you that it will be very worthwhile if you’re honest and give it your best effort.  Everyone has a natural desire to succeed.  Who better to ask those who have had a similar opportunity previously and are able to guide us around mistakes they may have seen along the way?

“If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall in the ditch.” – Jesus Christ

“The majority see the obstacles; the few see the objectives; history records the successes of the latter, while oblivion is the reward of the former.” ~Alfred Armand Montapert

However, leaders can become blinded by small details – obstacles, if you will – in day-to-day activities. While leaders must occasionally analyze the finer points of a situation in order to make informed and confident decisions, they must not allow details to become distractions. The ability to work through and/or around distractions in order to develop timely, appropriate solutions is one of the greatest challenges leaders face every day.

“Great leaders are almost always great simplifiers, who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand.” ~ General Colin Powell 

Simplicity is the common denominator found in exceptional leaders. The ability to dissect problematic situations is not easily acquired, but it’s a trait leaders must learn in order to be effective.  The best way to accomplish this is through “thoughtful reduction” – removing those ancillary or peripheral pieces of information that can muddle the view of the real problem at hand. Great leaders “sharpen the saw” through a continuous process of self-study, self-awareness, education, training, and experience.

 “You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.” ~ Edwin Louis Cole

We, as leaders, cannot permit our companies to become stagnant or our personnel to become complacent. Don’t waste a single minute – begin bettering yourself and your team today. Remember, a healthy competitive nature is a good thing – it makes us stronger leaders!  As a professional, this can be achieved, in part, by earning a designation, such as the CCIFP designation, which exhibits your willingness to develop your personal and professional skills, while raising the bar for yourself, your company, and your staff.

We must lead by example – specifically, we must exhibit those traits we want others to display. Let your employees see that you are willing to benchmark yourself against your peers in the same manner in which you benchmark their performance.  Too often, we’re the ones who ask others to change, while sometimes appearing reluctant to do the same.  Demonstrate that you desire to be at the summit of your profession – a goal that others in similar positions strive to attain. Lead by example and others will be certain to follow.

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.”

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. 

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.”

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.