The War Is Over!

In "Delivering Happiness", Tony Hsieh describes a moment in the bar when he asked his soon-to-be COO what it would take to make a Billion dollars. Keith Ferrazzi describes a moment after the "Who's Got Your Back" book tour when he finally allowed himself to celebrate his achievements. Even Gordon Gecko stated that life comes down to a few defining moments.

Where we sit today, we are on the presuppose of greatness...I said that.

It is true, exciting and incredibly important to understand that the hard times may have finally sunset. The stars finally aligning, things falling into place, a lucky break. The reason for it needs not be described but it is time for the fruits of our labor to be piled on our collective drive ways in all of their organic goodness.

Some have lost houses, others their jobs and a few more their marriages. It has been a rough few years. We survived, we are wiser for it and now it's time to move forward.

This is the point in the movie when our hero gets his reward when he least expects it. I want to remind you of a few things:
Nice Guys Finish First
Constant Effort IS a Defensible Strategy
It's OK to Believe

Your Time Will Come

"I too will have my day in the hot sun"
- Nacho Libre

Every dog has his day. It does not matter how many bad decisions you have made, the black cloud that follows you or your miscast career choices. If you endure with genuine intent you will win.

I have come across some tremendous assholes in my career. Today, a few of them are unemployed. Taking short cuts at the expense of others lasts for but a few fleeting moments. Over time the pretenders are revealed as such. Karma is a bitch.

The Working Man (is not) A Sucker!
I was introduced to a book called "Hope is Not a Strategy" - the theme is logical in it's intent. The premise is deflating.

I am the first to say that you have to follow up strategically, determine your target market and deliver a credible message. But all of that has to be driven with the intent that something meaningful is possible. To know that you can excel in every step of business strategy and still care enough to believe that you are forging something special.

Believe

There is a God, Santa Claus is coming to town and the war is over (if you need it).

You are stronger than you will ever realize, the world is a kind and forgiving place and everyone needs a little luck.

It's OK to admit you are wrong and I'm sorry if things didn't work out the way you planned. But, we're back! The past is forgiven, the future is limitless and you deserve to be Happy!

Don't Forget to Remember!

Dave

The Fleeting Opportunity to Change The World

Another week in the Human Resources Community discussing policy and procedures. Another week in witness of the growing HR Thought Leadership in Social Media. Another week of thought provoking discussion across the Globe.

The topic that really intrigued me this week was that of management metrics for success. A group of "Managers" defending their process of success validation. The more strategic business leaders sighting trust, empowerment and common goals as a means of Leadership more than Management.

It pains me to see people 30 years into their careers without an original thought. Tow the line, follow the rules, stay employed; maybe receive a pay bump or a promotion. I don't fault anyone for wanting stay employed. I understand times are tough and volunteerism can bring greater focus where you might want to avoid exposure. I know that some people are happy to punch a clock and get on with their lives.

I do, however, have a few thoughts:
* Professional Stability is a Conduit of Cowardice
* Dependable Processes eliminate Guess Work (and Brain Power)
* If you have spent your life Punching a Clock, You Have Wasted Your Life!

Stability Sucks!
There was a point in my life where I settled into a middle management career track. A dependable pay check and a lot of advice about self-preservation followed. Don't rock the boat, don't take chances, don't volunteer - it will only lead to more work and more scrutiny. I saw myself 20 years down the line wearing loose fitting Payless shoes, walking slowly, with a lunch box in hand. A life of predictability to many means validation. There is no success in validation.

You have to be able to push the envelope every day...to learn more...to challenge yourself...to follow a painful morning with a great afternoon...to win and lose...to love and lose...to laugh and cry...to persevere and get up and do it all over again. When the madness stands still you stop living and start dieing.

People Drive Success (not numbers)
You went to business school, you earned certifications, you read every journal, you have been promoted 10 times; you now make a steady income and you know Best Practices. You had a great Mentor who taught you everything you know - follow the rules, follow process, document everything - what if your Mentor was wrong?

You will never get fired for following process or doing the safe thing. Nor will you ever reach your true potential.

Get Busy Living!
I don't care if you are 7 or 70 years old, at any point you can find the sensational in life. To challenge convention is unsafe, untrusting, manic and indefensible. It is also a lot of fun.

Try something new, stick up for yourself, oppose unethical direction, put down that report and talk to your employees. Understand that Love drives success not revenue reporting. Put your neck out there for something you believe in, dedicate yourself to it, succeed...and shove the results up the ass of the naysayers.

If you have achieved based on the rules that others established, you have not succeeded at all. If you do not put your personal passion into your work you are living a lie.

My Dear Readers,
I am not suggesting that you slap your boss, quit your job or get an FTW tattoo. What I am suggesting is that this life is fleeting. You will never remember the trophy you got for perfect attendance....you will remember the girl you kissed on the playground. You will not remember telling on someone...you will remember the first time you punched the bully in the face and he cried like a girl!

Every Day is an Opportunity to Change the World! Don't Let It Slip By!

Don't Forget to Remember!

Dave

The Second Rule of Awesomeness

"NOW ALL WE CAN DO IS PRAY"

- Appropriate to say when your row boat has sprung a leak...not appropriate to say after you have just submitted a proposal!

The Second Rule of Awesomeness is: Wishing must be accompanied by a well prepared strategy.

I am all for the part in the movie where our well intention hero catches a break. I love the story of the underdog, I am a firm believer that everyone deserves a break and I think nice people usually finish first (no offense Billy Jo Armstrong).

Save your prayers for catastrophes that are out of your control!

If you prepare well, know your target audience and present your solution honestly; you have done all you can. It is important to get in where you fit in and to dedicate your time and effort accordingly.

In earnest, there is either a grounds for partnership or there is not. You are a good fit for a job or you are not. Your team will either play well enough to win or they won't....actually, praying and sports go hand-in-hand...scratch that last point!

Far too often we try to force things professionally. A few things to consider:
* If a position does not fit your true skill set...do you really want it?
* If a company is a bad prospect, they will be an even worse customer.
* Pretending to possess skills you do not can only lead to exposure and failure.

One of the greatest faults of business profitability measured by metric driven activity is the lack of concern for synchronicity. The thought being that if we meet with enough companies ultimately one of them is bound to say YES.....(on what grounds?).

It is much better to plan your time, effort, energy and resources in dedication of the pursuit of meaningful opportunities.

DON'T TRY TO BE SOMEONE YOU ARE NOT!

For far too long I lived a double existence - work hard/play hard! The problem was that the personality that made me fun to be around outside of work was put aside in the morning to fulfill expectations of others in pursuit of a professional demeanor....

There does not have to be a divide between work and play.....Be Yourself!
* If you put on a tie, comb your hair and pretend to be an expert - you will be exposed!
* If you pretend to like soccer to impress your boss - you will be exposed!
* If you read books you dislike - you are disingenuous
* If you do not voice your disapproval at critical decision making milestones - you are a liar

We need to stop pretending and dedicate ourselves to what is right! We need to stop talking about work and start working. Office politics are only an effort to make up for expertise through manipulation.

Do your talking in the ring! Avoid unnecessary motivational detractors! Have Fun for the right reasons.


Success Matters More When Your Genuine Intent in Fulfilled!


Don't Forget to Remember!

Dave

references:
www.linkedin.com/in/davidkovacovich
http://twitter.com/davidkovacovich