Two maxims that have served me well over the years. (Part II)

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

You may be asking (or not), "Why a two part post when a single post probably would have sufficed?" The simple reason is that as I wrote the words and the proverbs came to life it was apparent they were perfect on their own, with no commentary needed. An opportunity to stay in the moment of a message that has stood the test of time - And so, Part I.

Part II offers a backstory and some thoughts as to how these maxims have served.

If you have ever participated in an acquisition you will know they are dynamic events; during my first integration I was involved with introducing a new product offering into the region, implementing direct distribution and supporting the drive to "fun" revenue targets. It was an activity that involved operations, finance, marketing and sales in both legacy companies. It was an amazing body of work as I look back on it.

With the integration milestones complete and Key Performance Indicators all green (including the "fun" revenue targets), the integration team had thank you cards made up, signed them all, and sent one to all those we had worked with. On the front of the card we inscribed:

"Help your brother’s boat across, and your own will reach the shore." - Hindu Proverb

Everyone loves when the business is at the top of its game, but sometimes though, it is not. I recall a leader on stage as the business was struggling with issues ranging from adoption of new strategies to lagging revenue. At one point she said: 

"If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together." African Proverb

As I look back on how it unfolded, I don't think many heard her.

I have referred to both of these proverbs over the years for myself, and others; I am forever reminded -

• Anything of consequence is not the result of one person but the efforts of a group of people - When you find your "name in lights" remember this.
• Look to people who bring strengths to your weaknesses, and who think differently than you do.
• Be generous with your skills, knowledge and insights; it will be reciprocated.
• There is no such thing as "your job" and "my job" - It is "our job".
• Undermining one person undermines everyone - One leader I know refers to this as a cancer that will not be tolerated, and will aggressively remove it.
• Surround yourself with the best people you can; have everyone work to common goals and expectations that have been clearly defined.
• When someone on your team stumbles (and we all will once in a while) lend a hand (figuratively and literally).

May your travels take you far.

gpe

Two maxims that have served me well over the years. (Part I)

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

There is a great benefit with reflection; it affords the opportunity to look back at what you have accomplished, allows you to smile at the things that went well, cringe at what did not, and sometimes laugh at how wondrous it all is.

As I look back on my journey so far, there are two maxims that I've carried with me from the moment I found them:

"Help your brother’s boat across, and your own will reach the shore." - Hindu Proverb

"If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far go together." African Proverb

gpe

PS: Part II will follow

What do you do when an opportunity comes your way?

The following is the original and the rewrite can be found by clicking here.

"What do you do when an opportunity comes your way?"  

I would suggest something similar to what a friend of mine is currently doing: recognize the opportunity, GRAB THE OPPORTUNITY, figure out how to work it, and make the most out of it.  

A wonderful leadership opportunity has come his way and as I understand it, it is one of those opportunities that carries "lots of responsibility" and very little recognized authority or role definition - An opportunity for the ambitious, with the runway to "make of it what you will". As we discussed his opportunity I admit becoming a little green with envy, but then remembered I've had my share of opportunities and I was there to cheer him on - So let the cheering begin!

As much as we want to shout, "GRAB IT, GRAB IT", it is important to recognize that the opportunity is in fact "an opportunity". Opportunities need to be based on personal goals, objectives and what you want... one person's opportunity may not necessarily be another's. Along with recognizing what you want, it becomes important to understand what is needed to get there; this will force alignment of what you want with what you are really willing to do  - In doing this, you are defining what is truly an opportunity for you, and what is not.

Now go ahead and shout, "GRAB THE OPPORTUNITY!" If an opportunity comes your way, either offered or discovered, and it brings you closer to what you want... then make it yours. There is no reason not to. 

Richard Branson has been quoted as saying, "If someone offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes - then learn how to do it later." Here is where my friend finds himself, "Figuring out how to work it"... and I believe he is doing it in the right way.

• Here knows he has the capability of being successful.
• He is taking a champion position with the opportunity and owning it.
• He is open to advice, guidance and constructive feedback, as well as incorporating feedback into his planning and execution.
• He is setting performance targets, measures and putting operating mechanisms in place to ensure he is successful.
• He is engaging his team and functional partners for support.

In the end, you will want to make the most out of your opportunity; not only with showing success, but learning as much as you can, mastering your abilities, moving yourself a little closer to your goals and most importantly keeping up the momentum.

After all, there is that simple truism - Opportunities beget opportunities.

A fairly good job of cheering him on, don't you think?

gpe