Tag: vision

Because Walt said so, that’s why!

Ever heard that phrase, the one that an angry, frustrated adult might say to a young child, “Because I said so?”

Most of us have heard it.  Most of us have also said it.  “Because I said so!”

I know when I hear an adult saying this to a child, there is absolutely no mistaking who’s in charge, is there?

It’s crystal clear, isn’t it?

Why?  Not really sure.  It just is.  Period.  End of story.

Same with the Walt Disney Company.

Why do they focus on, and some might even say obsess over, the small details that most people will never notice?

Because Walt said so!

That’s good enough for me.  I’ve heard enough stories about what their founder valued that it’s crystal clear to me what I should do everyday.

How is it with you and your people, in your organization?

Most people haven’t got time, or motivation, to think about simple questions like this.

And people wonder why it’s so challenging to get people motivated to do a great (not good) job.

I’m certain, today, that being a great organization starts with me.

What are you certain about?

Please consider making it a GREAT day, because if you don’t, who will?  Carpe diem, jungle jeff  🙂

Can public speaking make you a better leader?

Speaking in front of others is something every leader must do, and should do well. The better you become at public speaking, the better you become as a leader. It’s intuitive that this makes sense, right?

Today’s post is actually an entry on my “National Speakers Association” page, so you’d be unlikely to read it without this convenient link:

https://junglejeff.net/?page_id=103

The top ten list will save you time, because I’ve highlighted the best of the best. I composed the top ten list from memory – meaning, after three weeks, here are the key take-aways. They help me and they will most likely help you.

Great leaders know the value of being able to convey their vision, mission and brand. Great leaders create a compelling picture of the future. One that inspires passion and interest, and clearly communicates the organization’s values.

Make it a GREAT day, because if you don’t, who will? Carpe diem, jungle jeff 🙂

Do I practice what I preach?

Do I practice what I preach? Do you?

This is a follow-up post to yesterday’s interesting challenge about “mistakes” smart people make.

Funny thing is, I’m often tempted to judge myself based entirely on my intentions.

The fundamental change brought about by teaching – and they say to teach is to learn twice – is that I’m much more aware of my blind spots.

So, I rewrote my 463-word vision/mission statement, created in 1995 after reading Stephen Covey’s classic, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”.

It went from 463 words to two words!

So easy even a caveman can remember it.

Make it a GREAT day, because if you don’t, who will. Carpe diem jungle jeff 🙂

Know the mistake smart people make?

Wanna know one of the biggest mistakes smart people make?

Sophisticated and intelligent, most organizations wordsmith their vision, mission and brand statements for the benefit of looking good to Wall Street and their Board of Directors.

Here’s the paradox, in a quote from someone really smart.

“Complexity holds people back from acting because they don’t know which action will have impact”.

What smart person said that?

It was Bill Gates, in a Rolling Stone article I read in October 2007.

Next question.

Do you agree with Bill? Why or why not?

Wanna know my opinion?  It sounds bloody brilliant to me.

Many organizations are tempted to put together various “decks” with really cool, lofty, even inspirational stuff. That’s what great organizations do, right?

They capture the essence of the vision, mission, brand, etc. on “paper”, so that new and existing employees will be fully engaged, and committed.

Here’s the paradox: People are too busy to remember what you’re really trying to say.

My mission is to help people take it from the paper to the floor.

I have many ways in which to do this. For the sake of a shorter post, I’ll stop here.

Carpe diem, make it a GREAT day for your employees, customers and shareholders. If you don’t, who will. jungle jeff 🙂