StrictlyExecs

I hear the phrase from my executive friends and clients, ‘these are interesting times’ everyday. The working execs and those looking for work share the same fears and anxieties about our future. We are barraged with news snippets about the market negatives and question why our ’friends in D.C.’ are so fixated on punishing business. We will do what we can but the obstacles to business are real and we will deal with them.

The coral in the rough sea is the strongest and brightest.

My first mentor in business taught me that dealing with the rough seas head on makes one stronger, better and that is what is happening to us all. I challenge and invite all to particpate. I don’t like our situation but let’s take the challenges head-on.

Kneading the Dough. Yep, a number of people need work to make money and the numbers may increase. If you need dough - go to work and knead the dough. If you are unemployed, find a problem - anywhere and go to work solving it - knead the dough. Volunteer to non-profits, help your friends, help your church, help your schools, help your community, do what you do - find answers. The money will come. Great companies will start from ideas created and executed on today. This is a great time to work - on everything.

Knead the Dough? Find problems and solve them…the rest will work itself out.

Steve Price is a Senior Human Resources Executive with Dell Computer. He was a quarterback with the Denver Broncos back in the day. He is a nice approachable gentleman and has begun to speak and write on his concepts of Leadership.

I had the opportunity to listen to one of his speeches and was moved by a story he told about his father. When Steve was a teenager his father was a heavy smoker in bad health. He realized he was not setting the foundation of a good role model and leader for his son. One day he told Steve that they would begin running together everyday. Steve reports this was some time before jogging became fashionable and he was a bit embarrassed as they ran. But they did and as Steve’s father health improved, Steve unleashed a passion for health and competition that led to his successful football and executive careers.

Steve asks his audience to think of a leader who has had the most impact in your life as a result of their personal influence on you and to list the attributes that describe them. This is a simple exercise that results in deep reflection.

Honest / Trustworthy / Caring / Committed to Others Success / Good Listener / Holds People Accountable / Treats People With Respect / Encourages Others / Retains a Positive Attitude / Removes Barriers to Success

All of these traits are behaviors and behavior is a choice. What choices have you made?

Inspired by Steve I began running with my 12 year old son every morning at 6 am 8 weeks ago. We are happier, healthier, have a stronger bond that is a joy and have learned together the reward of setting and helping each other accomplish goals.

Thanks Steve for a great lesson and application of meaningful leadership.