Goodnuff - Why would you choose good enough when you can choose the best?

I was reading an article in my Microsoft Visual Studio Magazine this morning called "When to gamble on new technology". It was interesting "enough" until I reached the 4th paragraph and read that the author uses a concept he calls "good enough". If something will work, maybe it isn't the newest, fastest, most efficient, etc, but it is "good enough". He uses it.

I understand the concept that he is going for. Because in technology, sometimes the learning curve to cost ratio is too high. It makes using the newest, bestest, etc, not the most cost effective. So why not use the concept of "best choice"?

As leaders, we should be applying this concept all the time. When working on something, simply ask "Is this the best choice I can make, right now?". If it is, then keep going, but if there is something better, go for it! Don't settle for "good enough" or as I often hear and say "Good Nuff"!

Life Leadership Philosophy #1 - Lead by Making Somes Life Easier

I attended an interesting meeting at work on Tuesday. We were "interviewing" a possible new employee, who was actually interviewing us as a potential place of employment. During the interview, he asked a question of the group of 20 or so people and when nobody answered, he directed the question to me. I had only had about 12 hours of sleep in the last 72 hours and I wasn't sure I could think well enough to answer, but I went for it and found a new revelation in my leadership skills and philosophy.

The leadership philosophy is simple: Lead by Making Someones Life Easier.

It's been around for a long time. And it usually goes by something like "To lead others be a servant". But I think I had forgotten how big a part of my leadership philosophy it has been and still is. The question asked in interview was "How can the departments within this company work/communicate together better?" or at least something like that. Like I said, I was half asleep at the time.

I stated that for me, it is important that I make someones life easier each day. A great day for me is one where I can go home to my family and tell them what I did to improve someones day.

So here is my challenge to my readers today. Find someone and improve their life today! If you do, let me know by adding a comment to this blog. And I hope that you will let me know if this post improves your life today. That would make my day, too!!!

Motivation - External or Internal?

As you can see I'm currently ready "Harmonic Wealth" by James Arthur Ray and I read soemthing I'd never thought about before. It is on page 178 at the bottom of the page. It says, "If you find yourself having to get motivated to do something, it's not something you truly love. Motivation is something that comes from externals or at best must be generated. Inspiration, on the other hand, is something that comes from inside and requires no effort whatsoever."

I was having a conversation with my wife a couple weeks ago about what motivates each of us. At the time, I hadn't started this book. We were talking about how she is motivated by observing others. When she sees someone who is working hard, it makes her want to work hard. She can also be motivated by anger. Kind of an "I'll show you!". But in the context of the quote above, I guess she doesn't really love doing any of these things, because they come from external forces.

It's the same way with leaders. They can motivate their followers, but is it ever going to be something they truly love? I don't think so. But inspiring other, that will create a team that will follow you to the end of the earth and back.

By the way, my external motivation comes from love and appreciation. Show me you love me and appreciate what I do and I'll be right there!

Six Flags - Tony Hawk - Leading through the Crowd!

I'm posting this in response to my good friend Mindy's question. Yes, Mindy, we got on the ride! Not only did we get on the ride, but we waited less than 5 minutes to do so!

What am I talking about? I'm talking about the brand new Tony Hawk's Big Spin ride at Six Flags Over Texas that opened yesterday, May 24, 2008!

My son, Adam, and I decided that we were going to ride this today, the second day of operation, NO MATTER WHAT!!! And that is precisely what we did! We arrived at the park about 20 minutes before opening. The main gate was open, so we went in. Now here is where my triathlon and leadership skills came into play. Everyone was being held at a rope in Loney Tune land. So I saw an opening near the far left side. I took Adam by the hand and we headed far left. Most everyone was concentrated on the center. Seems like they always are. In triathlon, the best starting point is far left of the crowd. Less kicks and more free space. So we took our place to the left and the rope was removed. I took Adam's hand and headed left. Hugging the small open area next to the gift shop and moving quickly. As we moved, I noticed an open area and suddenly we were in front of 99% of the crowd.

We entered the queue well ahead of the crowd and according to the info at the photo/video booth, we were the 6th ride of the day. I'm not sure that we were sixth, but we were on the ride in less than 5 minutes of line time.

How does this pertain to leadership? A few simple concepts:

1. If the crowd is in the center, head left or head right.


2. Keep your eyes open for the small gaps and open spaces that other will leave


3. When you see your big opening, don't hesitate, grab someones hand and GO FOR IT!

So, anyone want to so to Six Flags with me?! I'm good at working the parks! I'm good with Disney World too! So let me know and I'm there!!!