Just a girl...

A little girl was about to get on her first roller coaster ride ever.  She was scared so she asked the ride operator what it was like.  

“It’s the most amazing ride you will ever experience!!!  At times you will feel like you are on top of the world, and you will be so happy - and at the time there is nothing that can bring you down. But then there other times you will be so scared and feel so alone, like everyone else is enjoying it and you are the outcast.  Then there are parts during the ride where you will hate it more than anything and just want to get off.  But trust me, it’s worth it - it will be the greatest roller coaster you will ever get on.”  

She was still scared but also very intrigued and excited - and she thought it sounded amazing so she asked him what the ride was called.

 His answer: “Life!”

ME:  I’m gonna try and do absolutely nothing all day

CO-WORKER:  Ya, I did that yesterday, so I should probably do something today. I mean, they are probably going to want to see something I did by the end of the week.

ME:  (laughing hysterically)

CO-WORKER:  (dead serious face) No, I’m serious - don’t you think they are going to want to see that I did something this week?

ME:  You’re awesome!

1.    Don’t let your boss make a mistake.  Debate is not confrontation; it is how we test our decisions.  Collaboration is not based on consensus.

2.    This is our company.  Our success is far more dependent upon our efforts than it is upon our marketplace.  Be effective (do the right things) and efficient (do things right).

3.    Management is getting work done by others while building them in the process.  If you are not doing both, you are not managing.

4.    Know your strengths and weaknesses.  Contribute with your strengths and allow others who are strong where you are weak to do the same.

5.    Leadership is based on “followership.”  History shows us that people will die for something that they believe in.  You must foster their belief in you.  Intimidation subverts that belief.