My Thoughts

My new pooch is in training now.  And, he’s a smart little fella.

Well, then again, maybe it’s the trainer (of course, I’m not referring to myself).

Here’s the interesting thing about dog training though–it makes you wonder how different we are as humans.

If we achieve success once, do we continue the same process to achieve our next success?  Probably.

So, why, when we fail, do we continue with similar behavior on our next go-round?

“Ding.”  What are the bells in our lives?

“Crisis is so often the crucible in which leaders are formed,” he said.

…and I’ve been thinking about that statement ever since.

I’m launching a new publication soon (don’t worry, I’m sure I’ll talk about it plenty, once it’s launched).  Basically, I’ve been gathering input from many of the thought leaders in the world, and partnering with a few nifty organizations to distribute on a massive scale—much bigger than I’ve ever played before.  And, recently I had the chance to interview Warren Bennis.  If you’re not familiar with Bennis, I highly suggest Googling the man—as his name appears on nearly 30 business and leadership books.

Anyway, Mr. Bennis definately captured my intrigue—especially considering the current stink-pot we call the economy.  And, I started thinking.  Who are those people and companies we’ll be talking about after all this stink has disolved?  Who will be the leaders who rise—to reveal value where no one else was looking, innovate something entirely new, or simply have the strength to change the process, the perspective, or the attitude within an organization or culture to find success?

Stay tuned later this month.  You can read the entire interview with Bennis and plenty of other fantastic thought leaders.

“Daddy, I want a puppy.”

I laughed, already considering my house a zoo.

“I’ll poop scoop.”

Yea, sure.

But, she did.  My oldest daughter actually proved to me that she was more responsible than I imagined.

Yes, we added a new member to the Nordstrom zoo–a golden retriever puppy at Christmas.  That makes 3 kids, 3 dogs, and 1 cat.  Okay, so it’s not literally a zoo, but for a guy like me who rarely wears matching socks (actually skips socks altogether on most occaisons) the responsibility of this many little creatures can be a tad hairy (pardon the pun).

Here’s the point.  Are we ever ready for responsibility?

I never dreamed that a seven year old would prove that she deserved a new dog–because she rarely paid attention to our existing pets.  But,  for three months, she shouldered the burden of picking up after two old wiener dogs.  And, since we got the new pooch, she’s kept her word–even though the quantity of the task has grown exponentially.

I know a lot of people who have dreams, desires, and pursuits–both personal and professional.  And, in a world where we are raised asking for permission–to go to the bathroom in high school, to earn credentials before someone gives us a job, to “pay your dues” before you can get promoted even if you have the talent–sometimes it feels daunting to ever get around to doing anything, because we’re always waiting for someone to give us a green lead.

Are you ready to have kids?  Are you ready to be a manager?  Are you ready to start your own company?

The first time anyone did anything, it was their first time.  Which, undeniably, means they weren’t fully prepared, credentialed, or granted persmission.

So take a chance when an employee has the passion to pursue more responsibility.  Scratch that itch to become your own boss.  Demand a promotion even if you’ve never held a similar position.

You may lose.  But, you may stumble into something absolutely fantastic.  In my case, it’s a poop-free back yard.