Tag: Listener

The Power Of Our Example

In 2000, I began teaching world-class Leadership Excellence to others, and a key life lesson was revealed to me in the form of an epiphany.

While I judge myself on my intentions, everyone else judges me on my behaviors.

What a wake up call this proved to be.  (and the hidden message in this post is it’s the exact same for you)

To make a long story short, our son’s name is Chapin.  His name was partially inspired by the Harry Chapin song, “Cat’s in the Cradle“, from 1974.

He’s going to turn out just like me.  This is why it’s critically important I am obsessed with being a good and decent person.

It’s the same in business too. We’ve all seen leaders, who are too busy to notice key things – just like the father in the song – and therefore lack the awareness to set a better example.

I’m sure you’ve got nothing to worry about though.

Carpe diem, jungle jeff 🙂

PS.  I’m not claiming to be a perfect leader by any stretch of the imagination.  Do claim to be proactively searching and addressing my blind spots.

Walt Disney Loved Pictures & Travel

Walt Disney Loved Pictures & Travel.  Who doesn’t?  Here are a few photos from this month’s travels to Finland & Chicago.

The Masters Track & Field World Championships in Lahti, Finland and the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building in Chicago: (note, you may click on photos to enlarge to read)


Thought representing the USA at World’s and stepping out on The Ledge, were impossible.

Disney has helped me realize the only limitations I have are those I impose upon myself.  In passing this on to our son, I am reminded, “To teach is to learn twice”.

Carpe diem, jungle jeff 🙂

Missing It?

Missing it?  Absolutely missing it.

What then?  And btw, this is today’s second post.  Read the next one after this, if you don’t want to miss a thing.

I miss posting about this Disney website.

What has just rattled my own cage is today’s post by Seth Godin. Click here to read “Competing with the Single-Minded” and be inspired to challenge the status quo.

Ignoring the facts does not change them.  If I have to explain this to you, you are in trouble.  Seriously.

It’s a wonder the Ostrich isn’t extinct.  Carpe diem, jungle jeff 🙂

Don’t Get Arrested

Do what you fear, but don’t get arrested.  Sometimes, if not more often, we must do what we fear to overcome it.

This has been challenging, considering  all the places I’ve lived and worked – 35 years in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Idaho, Florida and Washington State.

Bottom line, my thirst for pushing boundaries tends to threaten others. Since turning 50 in June, I have flat out accepted this is who I am – a game changer.  Maybe this will be September’s theme.  Maybe not.

Let’s go back two days to The Ledge, at the western hemisphere’s tallest building:

Went out on The Ledge five times. Would have done it even more, except it was a very busy Friday night in Chicago.

“So what”? Exactly.  So what!  I’ve never been more impatient with the status quo.

Turbulent times call for unprecedented creative efforts.  In order to teach our son patience, I constantly remind myself to relax and be patient.  One day soon, some one will ask, “Will you share your vision with us”?

While I went to The Ledge five times that night, Walt Disney lived his whole life on The Ledge.  Wonder if we’re related. Carpe diem, jungle jeff 🙂

Back To School

Back to school for our third grader.

Thank you to my wife for all her hard work to shop, organize and take care of all the preparations necessary for a successful end to summer vacation.

Third grader, nine years old, 70-plus pounds.  Who woulda thought?

Our son had a great summer at the Disney – YMCA child care facility. He learned how to dance in front of others.

And it was easier than you might think.

Part of the class culture, led by his YMCA teachers, was every day starting with music and dancing on the playground.  Every day.

What happens when you do something every day?  You get used to it. And you get good at it.  This strengthens your self-esteem.

Because of the way my brain works, it is only natural to connect this insight to business.  Yours and mine.

Great results happen when dedicated effort is practiced everyday and fun is part of the culture.

What surprised me about writing this post was that it surprised me, because I shouldn’t be surprised.

This is common sense, just not always common practice.

Carpe diem, jungle jeff 🙂