WorkMatters Tips Issue #18 – April 10,2007
Publisher: Gayle Lantz mailto:lantz@workmatters.com
https://workmatters.com
WorkMatters, Inc.
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A quick tip to help leaders and executives who need to motivate their teams and themselves, and catapult their business.
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Winning Your Race
My son recently participated in the Boy Scouts Annual Pinewood Derby Car Race. If you’re unfamiliar with this heart pounding event, it involves creating a little race car out of a block of wood and racing it on a track against other cars of similar weight.
Something was clearly wrong when, during the race, my son’s little blue car seemed to be sticking to the track. Maybe the car was positioned backwards. Maybe a wheel was loose. Maybe something was wrong with the track.
After trying different solutions, we discovered there were weights on the bottom of the car that were dragging on the track. When the weights were moved to other parts of the car, the problem was fixed. The car looked completely different when the weights were repositioned, but it worked. What would have been a catastrophic event for my son turned into success in his eyes.
Inevitably your business, team or firm will feel stuck on the track from time to time. You may question what needs to happen. Are little adjustments needed or do you need a major overhaul? Here are some ideas to help you think through those times and get the speed you need to win your race.
* Identify the obstacles.
Talk about the conditions in your marketplace or aspects of your business that create the greatest challenges. Don’t try to keep going when you know your weights are dragging. I see some people doing business as usual when problems occur instead of talking out loud with others and identifying ways to rise above them. Develop strategies for turning those challenges into opportunities.
* Decide the game you want to play.
Maybe you want to be in a different race. Determine any rules of the game you can change or influence. A new game can be a radical thought for some, but a needed change for others. No matter what game you play in business, flexibility will be required.
* Get the right players on board.
Make sure you have people on your team or in your corner who understand what it is you want to accomplish — the ultimate results you’re looking for. They can help you figure out the "how" part. You don’t have to do it alone. These players come in the form of employees, partners, mentors, coaches, advisors, friends, peers, etc.
Don’t settle for stickiness on your track.Working with and through other people can help you grease the skids. You’ll need a capable team. Find those who are ready for heavy lifting — those with strength,
talent, desire and commitment to accomplish big visions.
PS: Remember the new Task Quotient (TQ) assessment is available to subscribers at no cost during the month of April.If you have already received your instructions, be sure to take the instrument before the
end of this month.It only takes 10 minutes.
For more details or to request instructions, visit:
https://workmatters.com/tq
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
Too many people are ready to carry the stool when the piano needs to be moved.
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REPRINT: You may reprint items from "WorkMatters Tips" in your own print or electronic newsletter. But please include the following paragraph:
Reprinted from "WorkMatters Tips," a free ezine produced by Gayle Lantz featuring tips for leaders and executives who want to grow themselves, their team and their business. Subscribe at
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