Plan for the Common Good
More than ever, we need to plan for the common good – partnering with others to overcome obstacles. “The social contract that you have with your fellow professionals, managers and executives should embrace a purpose and a value system that benefits others.”
Here in the Bay Area, especially around Berkeley, you can see a wide variety of organizations showing a higher degree of social consciousness than you see on the east coast. The benefits seem positive: improved teamwork, higher levels of enthusiasm – adding up to real momentum. That momentum affects organizations in all sectors: public, private and social.
This can make a difference for individuals who want to move into leadership, earn more money, or build a successful organization of any type. One of my clients is bringing such a vision into reality as he organizes an exciting new non profit franchise to help communities across America.
Time for You
This morning it occurred to me that it has been quite a while since we addressed the value of “time for you,” about your options . . .
your visions for the future – an exploration of your optimum self. My thoughts were focused on how we could look at ways to have you explore your future in a structured manner. Time available is likely be a top priority for you as well as it is for so many other busy executives. It reminded me of a story about my days at Philip Morris International – now Altria.
George Weissman, the CEO of International was a student of his own time. He managed to arrive with most of the employees and leave with them as well. One day, I asked him how he could keep pace with worldwide operations and seem so in control and relaxed. He said he limited his time at the office to 40 hours per week. He became less productive as he added more hours. As a result, he got more done in less time.
(“Ed, I used to work 60 hours or more in the office per week, but it became a waste. I made a conscious decision to find time for myself and my family as first priorities when I was Vice President for Marketing. It has worked well for me. Our Chairman, Joe Cullman agreed and he cut back on his own schedule as well.)
This story goes on as you may expect. George led the firm from less than one billion in sales to more than thirty billion during his tenure with the company. He had art classes on Wednesday, took the same train home each evening if he was not traveling, and always had time for young guys who stopped by his office.
The truth is that most executives can work 60 to 80 hours per week and feel the need to do more. The question then becomes, how to really lead a balanced life. That means time for business, family and self. This is likely to be one of our top priorities if we decide to work together. It is the only way you can be in control. I look forward to our next visit, hoping you can find th time.
Best regards, Ed 
The Time is Yours
Personal Networking – Basics #1
How Get Started
Personal Networking is still the best way to develop new contacts. You should write out a
script that allows you to introduce yourself in 30 seconds or less. Think of how you want the new
contact to remember you. Your Positioning Script is your Signature Statement as you network
in your new community.
The example here is a 37 year old professional who has had a number of jobs in unrelated
functions: retail sales, teen guidance and Online teaching for a local college. My advice was based on
his desire to start a consulting practice on the side to supplement his new job as a recruiter for
non profit agency network. I suggested he position himself around three keywords: Marketing -
Management - Consulting, even though he is primarily involved in the sale of new accounts.
You can decide if 'Marketing' is a keyword that you are comfortable with - part of your identity.
I recommend that rather than focus on titles assigned by an employer. 'Educator' adds status, so
I suspect that is optional,but helpful if you teach more online courses. Maybe we just mention that
for now. Though you do not have recent management experience, you are well versed in the
fundamentals.
"My name is Ben Williams - nice to meet you Amy." She says '" Hi Ben, what do you do?"
"My primary areas of interest (or activity) are in Marketing Management and Consulting.
I get a chance to do a little of each in my current position with Family Aid. Are you familiar
with the organization?” “Not Really?”
"They are a well established social assistance organization here in Seattle (as well as
elsewhere). In addition, teaching Online Marketing Courses is a passion of mine. I also
enjoy helping entrepreneurs and professionals with personal problems through my private
consulting practice - Personal Solutions." Hand out the Business Card with
website address, email, etc. Get Amy's email and phone for future networking.
Calming the Chaos
Leadership during chaotic times offers special challenges. FDR is modeled as an heroic leader, Ronald Reagan as the great communicator. For most of us a more calming style may work best. Here’s a compilation of some good ideas to consider whenever things seem to get overly stressful:
1. Lead Positively – Smile, Relax, Be Happy. 2. Count to 10 1st – Then Do It or Say It. 3. Be Strategic Before a Risky Tactical Move is Implemented. 4. Don’t Assume Too Much – the Less the Better. 5. Show Passion, Keep the Fire Inside – Save Excess Energy for Later. 6. Collaborate – Bounce Big Ideas Off Trusted Advisors. 7. Align Your Actions with Your Caring Values. 8. Stay Consistent – It Strengthens Performance. 9. Withhold Action – to Reduce Conflict. 10. Be Open to Change – It Happens Anyway.
There’s so much written about the bottom line, that a leader can forget about his team. Your people should always come first – no matter what!
THE BEST LEADERS HAVE FUN EVERY DAY
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