February 11, 2008  

Leadership Tools
Hugh Ballou

LEADERSHIP TOOLS...

...Is divided into four sections:

1. Foundations
2. Relationships
3. Systems
4. Balance

These four topic areas contain all the skills a leader needs to be successful. It is important to continue to expand the skills in each of these areas. Since it is the beginning of a new year, this is a great opportunity for taking inventory of your skill set and determine the new skills needed or which of the skill areas need to be improved. 

FOUNDATIONS

If you don’t have a goal then you are sure to hit it!
Hugh Ballou

Goals are this very elusive theory about how to succeed. Or are they? If you have been following this edition of MME for the past six months, you will have seen many comments about goals. In summary, goals work. So why not give it a try?

You have been thinking that you have set goals for 2008 (last month’s MME), but that’s all you have done: think about it. An unwritten goal is simply a dream--not a goal! Once you commit your thoughts to text, you are done. All you do now it to sit back and wait for success to come to you. Not so fast, Sherlock! There ‘s a little more to it! There’s a little thing call commitment!

You have constructed a goals statement. It’s specific. It’s timed. It’s reasonable and attainable. And it’s measurable. Did you share it with someone? Well, consider sharing your goal with someone who will help you be accountable. No, you cannot use your spouse, close friend or family member. Share it with someone who won’t let you slide by.

Hugh’s guidelines for SMART goals are:

Specific
Measurable
Accountable
Reasonable
Timed

The “A” is for accountable. Yes, share it with someone who will hold you to your word. Even if they are not prone to following up on your progress, you will feel that you are accountable. Many times, this accountability is a crucial piece of making the goal succeed. The other factor that goes along with accountability is synergy. When you share you goal with someone, you not only have someone who cares about your success and will be checking in on you, but you will also have someone who is now thinking about your goal and will bring positive energy to the successful completion of that goal. You now have a partner that will help you succeed--in more ways than one.

Write your goals! Believe in you goals. Share your goals. Enjoy your success. Because when you know where you are going then you can celebrate when you get there!

Bonus Live Training on Goals!

You can join me tomorrow night, February 12, at 8:00 EST for a free leadership training event on setting powerful goals. Go to http://www.leadershipteleseminar.com to register.

Hugh Ballou  is founder of SynerVision International, Inc., a facilitation, consulting and training practice in Blacksburg, VA. For many years, Hugh has been working with leaders in businesses, schools, churches, non-profit organizations, and community groups, leading project teams to find consensus, even with very difficult decisions. Before his full-time work as facilitator, consultant and executive coach, he served as Director of Worship Ministries, staff strategist and facilitator in churches of up to 12,000 members.

In addition to managing project teams as a neutral facilitator, Hugh is also skilled in leading workshops, retreats and seminars on planning, reorganization, and goal setting. Hugh has served in leadership roles as a business owner and chamber of commerce president, as a church musician, worship planner and worship leader in various church settings. Organizations in conflict and those desiring to move effectiveness to the next level are candidates for Hugh’s services. In his major work with many diverse types of organizations, Hugh teaches teams how to build competencies and accountabilities into group process through reaching consensus. Hugh’s passion is to make a difference in people’s lives by teaching relational strategies resulting in a community of teamwork with unity of purpose. His web site is Synervision International, Inc. Effective Transformational Leaders build great teams. More information on Transformational Leadership at Leaders Transform.

 

 

RELATIONSHIPS

Attract the Right People
Cheri Hill

Two years ago, I was one of only 15 speakers chosen to speak at the National Convention for the eWomenNetwork, Dallas, TX. I was feeling wonderful and riding high on my accomplishment.  I had left Reno, NV on Tuesday and by Friday was joined by over 3,000 successful and fabulous women. You can imagine the energy was off the charts!

Friday morning, my cell phone rang. My bookkeeper (a negative person), who worked for me for over 5 years said, “I didn’t want to tell you this before you left, but the company is broke and I think you should tell everyone to go home now because you won’t be able to make payroll next week. You might want to put a lock on the front door because you’re out of business!” 

I was dumbfounded. My first response was why would you call me when I’m 2000 miles away and can do absolutely nothing? Second, if you’re telling this to the staff ,I can only imagine the chaos being created. It’s not like we don’t have a steady stream of income coming in, and certainly this wouldn’t be the first time we had a cash flow issue surrounding payroll, which as you know in 14 years. we’ve never missed one. So why is today any different?  I also said that failure is not an option and what ever you may think, I have a fiduciary responsibility to the thousands of clients we serve. I was upset and told her to pass me to Mary-Ann, who stated that while it was true there was chaos; she and several others were still working and had no intention of walking out the door.

As I sat at the bottom of a stairwell (the only private place I could find,) I was in total shock. I had no idea what to expect Monday morning.  

With two days remaining, I had to stay focused and totally in the moment.  Everyone around me was so positive, happy and I wanted to be in that place of enjoyment also. I found myself battling what felt like two personalities. I kept asking God, “Do you want me to give up? Is this it? 14 years of service and now I’m supposed to be done?”  I didn’t want to believe it. I was having a total battle of the brain because on the flip side, I was doing everything in my power to let go of all the thoughts churning in my head, so I could still have a wonderful time.    

Monday morning one by one, I fired the seven employees I felt had betrayed me (instead of getting busy and generating income or doing their job,) bought into the ridiculous frenzy created by the bookkeeper. They had to go.

After that, I realized I had two choices: 1) never travel before a payday (not going to happen) and 2) never allow my destiny to be controlled by negative people.  You must be what it is that you’re seeking-that is, you need to put forth what (and whom) you want to attract.

Cheri S. Hill, President and CEO (Chief Empowerment Officer!) of Sage International, Inc. is co-author of Incorporate & Grow Rich!; creator of the educational series: After the “Inc.” Dries…®; and host of the highly acclaimed, SageAdvisers® Teleseminar Series.  She is a much sought after public speaker due to her wonderful ability to simplify the intricate aspects of incorporating.  For over 15 years, Cheri has taught thousands of entrepreneurs, sole-proprietors, investors and professionals how to properly structure their business and personal assets to safely grow, protect and leverage their hard-earned wealth.  In 2005 she earned her designation as a Certified Estate Planner (CEP).  She is a founding member and past President of the Nevada Registered Agent Association, currently serving on the Board of Directors.  Her memberships include The National Speakers Association, Toastmasters International, eWomen Network and the Asset Protection Society.  She serves as faculty for CEO Space and is a certified NxLeveL Instructor for the Nevada Small Business Development Center.

More information is available on Cheri’s web site: Sage International, Inc.

SYSTEMS

 

A LOOK IN THE MIRROR!
FINANCIAL SUCCESS FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Angie Hollerich

You have heard that there are a lot of people who have a secure financial future until something happens that changes their ability to stay afloat. Divorce, death of a loved one, loss of a job, illness are all obstacles that happen to us that will change the course of our financial future. In 1988, after 16 years of marriage, I found myself divorced and my income decreased my 80%. I knew very little about money and worked at a non-profit organization making $17,000 a year. I know I had to make some changes in my life and work in order to support my two children and me. So I took a look in the mirror, recognized where my finances needed attention and made the decision to make some positive changes. This started my success cycle and eventually, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel.

Here are some suggestions for you if your are struggling with your finances and poor money habits.

Take “A Look in the Mirror.”  This time, really look at your finances from the inside out. Do you realize that you must change inside before you will see a difference on the outside? I hope to provide you with the insight, perspective and understanding you need to make improved decisions for a financially secure personal and professional life. I want you to focus on the underlying reasons that might cause negative financial choices, and replace them with positive motivational activities that will sustain a financially secure lifestyle. In order to do this, however, you will first need to make some changes. This is within your ability, but first you should focus on the four A’s: Awareness, Acceptance, Assessment, and finally, Action. These are the steps required to implement any change, and they will help lead you to the solutions needed to accomplish your goal.

You’ve heard the saying, “We spend our emotions.” Poor financial habits are primarily an emotional reaction to life. Since you have to live every day, you should learn to recognize and understand emotionally motivated financial decisions. Let’s take a look at the four A’s for a secure financial future.

Awareness: When it comes to our money, everything around us influences our decisions. With what do you surround yourself? People often have a general misconception of how to achieve financial success and how they will realize their goals.  Looking at yourself realistically and being observant of the external forces that affect you will be an exercise in education. So go ahead, take a good look, and see what is wrong with this picture.

• Family: Is your family supportive of your desire to be financially secure?
• Friends: Are your friends there for you when you want to make good financial choices?
• Work: What is your work atmosphere? Do your co-workers understand and support your financial goals?
• Stress:   Identify the stress in your life. Stress can come from many places: work (deadlines, career choices, conflicts), family (spouse, children, parents, conflicts), friends (demands on your time, conflicts), money (financial problems, debt, medical bills), personal loss (divorce, death), health concerns (cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity). What are the greatest sources of stress in your life?  List them in order, highest to lowest (10 = highest level of stress; 1 = lowest level of stress). Once identified and scored, you need to figure out how you will handle them. It is important to redirect or change your reaction to stress. We all have stress in our lives. The difference between those who allow stress to affect their financial well being and those who don’t is the ability to control the way they react to stressful situations.

A good way to become aware of your reactions is through journaling. It is an effective way to increase awareness of your thoughts, feelings, concerns, etc.  By writing down your feelings in a journal, you can begin to reform your life with respect to how you manage your finances. You will find that when you take the time to use your journal, you will reveal the “hidden” agenda that keeps you from your potential successes. As you begin to journal, your subconscious takes over, revealing insights that can help you make decisions, calm your fears, and make more sense of your past decisions. This awareness of your inner self is a very important part of the process.

Come back to read the next 3 installments: Acceptance, Assessment, and finally, Action

Angie Hollerich: trainer, motivational speaker, author of:
The Weight and Wealth Factors
Money Made $imple
Money Made $impler
Money Made $implest
A $imple Truth About Money
Grab the Brass Ring of Financial Security Workbook
The Wellness Path
Mission Possible

More about Angie at Brass Ring Productions

Angie works with company owners and association executives who understand the value of educating their employees and members in the area of financial success, strategic communication and professional development to increase retention, productivity and attitude.

Training in corporations and presenting at conferences, Angie’s down-to-earth style immediately engages her audiences and totally energizes them with her fun, interactive presentations and programs.

Angie has taken her life experiences, “good and bad”, and developed thought-provoking programs that allow the participant to recognize their ability to overcome any obstacles they may face. From strategic communication skills, to financial security, Angie will provide the tools for individuals take charge of their lives. Angie is available for a one time or series of training needs, using her material or the material of the corporation.

BALANCE

Come, Follow Me
Esther Burroughs

“Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, 'Come, follow me.'”

Recall the story of the rich young ruler. He asks Jesus what he should do to inherit eternal life. He then tells Jesus, “Teacher, I have kept all these things from my youth up.”

I am sure he felt he was doing it correctly--but Jesus asked for more. Jesus asks him to sell everything and follow Him. The young man then walks away--empty handed.

Rubietta says, “What was lacking? The blessing of empty hands--hands that hold nothing but Jesus.”

Have you spent anytime in your life obeying all the rules, trying hard to earn parents approval as well as the approval of God'? I have. It certainly keeps one busy! Yes, even with good endeavors...doing...doing... doing...filling our hands and lives full...when He simply asks us to come and follow. Or as Rubietta says, “The blessings of empty hands---hands that hold nothing but Jesus.”

Jesus does not invite us to follow any rules; He invites us to follow Him. What stops us from following? The young man in the story learned what he held on to also held him hostage. When I insist on holding tightly to my rights...it simply means, I want it my way. I think it keeps me in control, and that imprisons me.

Jesus invites us to walk the road with Him. His Word says He has poured out His love on us through the Holy Spirit. (Romans 5:5)

If you want to hold on to something, hold on to Jesus!

What might we tend to hold tightly in our fist:

family

  friends

    titles

      positions

       possessions

         reputations

           being right

             our ministries and on and on.

Letting go creates space for life in Jesus. Consider opening your hand and taking His. After all, it was Jesus who said, “Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4)

Next issue: #3 in the series.

Esther Burroughs is founder of Esther Burroughs Ministries: Treasures of the Heart, and is the beloved author of Engraved by Grace, Splash the Living Water, Treasures of a Grandmother’s Heart, A Garden Path to Mentoring and Empowered. She has addressed tens of thousands of women from small group retreats to arena events, and understands the thirst of today’s Christian woman for intimacy with God. Esther previously served with the Southern Baptist Home Mission Board (now North American Mission Board) promoting strategies of evangelism for women. She travels extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada speaking to women’s groups. Esther and Bob, her husband of 47 years, reside in South Carolina. They have two adult children and five grandchildren. Web site: Esther Burroughs Miinistries

Extra Bonus for Our Readers - An Online Commuity for Singers!

Share your stories with singers around the world. Learn about events that are designed for singers. Ask questions about musical issues related to singing. Help design the first online community just for singers. Sign up and help Beta Test the new community site for singers at The Singer Link

Conclusion

Arrive at your place of comfort utilizing the best of what you can learn from others. Build your foundation, maintain your relationships, utilize effective systems and keep a healthy balance in your life. Begin today. There's not an arrival point. It's simple a journey.

Grace and Peace to you in your duty and delight as a Christian leader this year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Hugh Ballou

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