It’s Time to Start Doing Business Again
May 1st, 2012 § 2 Comments
We are a country of dreams, of businesses and people who do not shrink from a challenge; in fact we thrive on them.
The recent downturn is no exception, it has been challenging, and in many ways continues to be – but it is no different from those that we have faced in the past and will likely face in the future, the difference lies in how we choose to deal with them.
It is time to stop worrying about the new normal and embrace the “new reality” where we stop waiting for someone to tell us everything is going to be fine, that there is nothing to worry about… that the good old days are back.
Yes, uncertainty, risk and complexity are all part of the new normal, however, in the new reality it will be through the application of technology that the creative power of the individual will be realized, knowledge harnessed, value created, and possibilities made real – and in the new reality, we don’t need to ask permission of anybody in the government, or for that matter, anybody to be successful.
From challenge rises opportunity, and our attitude has always been one of finding a way to win – NOW is no different.
It’s time to start doing business again!
Resistance
March 4th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
The following post will be used for #UsGuysChat, Monday, 5 March 2012, 3 PM EST.
Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us.”
The simple eloquence of this quote from Steven Pressfield’s “The War of Art” represents for many, the pursuit of a lifetime. Whether the natural progression of what is relevant in our lives, or, perhaps an inner compass trying to keep us on course with a destiny predetermined but as of yet unknown.
“Between the two stands Resistance.”
In Pressfield’s book, the term “Resistance” is used to describe all of those things that keep us from being successful, from doing the things we need to do, or, from achieving those things in life we wish to achieve. In fact, Resistance is capitalized as in many ways it takes on an almost tangible or physical entity – it represents all of those things that diminish our aspirations on a daily basis; bureaucracy, narrow-mindedness, red-tape, procrastination, self-doubt, and fear.
All of these, and more, are examples of Resistance – a toxic force that must be overcome by action, determination and commitment if we are to arrive at our destiny.
Given the ever decreasing separation between our professional and personal lives each of us faces Resistance each and every day, we all know this culprit on a first-name basis and are vulnerable to its Sirens call.
As business leaders, parents, and individuals:
1. What are examples of the types of resistance that you face on a daily basis?
2. How are these examples keeping you from achieving your goals in life?
3. What is preventing you from becoming your “true self”, who you aspire to be?
4. How are you overcoming Resistance?
Most of us have two lives. One where Resistance wins, and one where we win.
Which do you choose?
Observations From the Front Lines – A Business Metaphor
January 26th, 2012 § Leave a Comment
25 January 2012.
Today the lines are steady and holding firm, there have been no enemy incursions though they continue to try and find weaknesses. And while business is not combat, it can be, like war… hell.
Yet, the moral of our troops is high – they look forward to the fray.
Progress has been steady, and though small, the battles being won are significant steps in the broader campaign. Each battle has been hard-fought, there have been casualties as there always is, yet, we are a resilient bunch and each trip to the flame has further tempered our metal – this is not the same organization of four years past.
Equal to any strategy, providence, has guided our progress and while at times infinitely frustrating rarely is without purpose or lesson learned.
Contact is expected tomorrow, as is success.
