Lauren Card Live

I don’t know about you but I’ve really noticed the beginning of the change of seasons. I love Fall for many reasons… the colors, the flatness of the light, the crispness of the morning and the beautiful sunsets. It’s an anticipation of transition.

As it is in nature it is in you. Could it be that your season is ready to change? Have you noticed yourself being anxious because a new person, situation or job has been flooding your mind? Are you intrigued at the possibilities that a change in your image, new hobby, or a noble cause might bring?

Frustration or excitement may be signaling that a new season is upon you. Don’t miss the importance of these telltale clues…dig deeper, get curious!

I’m guessing as you read this some of you might be resistant to change, it’s scary…right? Change is inevitable. Like a river you can try to swim against the current but you will get very tired quickly instead of going with the flow.

Nature requires change as part of the process of renewal and rebirth. While some things pass new life is always coming into existence.

Do not mourn the death of bad habits, worn friendships and the old stories we have held onto that no longer serve us. Become pregnant with new ideas,  lofty goals and fresh relationships including the one with yourself.

For most of us, it’s natural to acknowledge those that we love and appreciate. We do so with words of kindness, but not necessarily words that explain how we really feel. An example is “I love you!” This is a powerful statement to be sure…but why do we love someone? Why do we value them in our lives? Stopping short of explaining the “I love you” is a missed opportunity.

With this in mind, let’s take a whack at telling the rest of the story:

• I love you because you took out the trash –  Translation: I was needing cooperation and consideration and you gave it to me.
• I love you because you listened to me – Translation: I feel heard and understood
• I love you because you were there for me –  Translation: I felt at risk and now feel more secure with your support
• I love you because you lost weight – Translation: You taking care of yourself is important to me

Can you see the value of being complete in your communications? Would you enjoy your next “I love you” a little more if you were to share with your loved one a complete thought like the ones above? It takes a little more time and a little more introspection, but the outcome can be amazing. Here’s how they might respond in a more complete way:

• In the future, I’ll take it out every day! Translation: I’m really aware of your needs and I want to contribute.
• I like listening to you. Translation: – You’re interesting and I learn a lot from what you have to say.
• I’m was happy to stand up for you     Translation: – I appreciate, love and support you.
• I’ve lost 30 pounds and I feel great. – Translation: I feel supported and acknowledged.

The goal is to give more information…get curious. Ask them what’s up? The extra time and energy that you devote to being complete in your communications will return great dividends to both you and your loved ones.

The ABC’s of Leadership – O

Obstacles- “Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.” – Niccolo Machiavelli

I read an article about the obstacles leaders face and I agreed with one of the biggest obstacles for an entrepreneur… Delegation.

For three years I was the chairman for a non-profit golf tournament where 288 golfers not only had a day of fun the sun, but also enjoyed a full evening of food, libations, and a huge silent/live auction with spouses, friends and the like. In those 3 years we raised just shy of 500K for school children ranging in age from K – 12 for 4 public schools in Orange County. I’m very proud of that accomplishment but I must confess, had I not learned to delegate we wouldn’t have had the impact we did.

Delegation is a key ingredient in leadership and is one of the most difficult obstacles to overcome. Delegation is necessary for your success as a leader and is equally important to the development of those that chose to follow you. When you fail to delegate a task that you could and should, you find yourself in a situation that does effectively utilize the skills that you bring as a leader. You are too busy doing other things. In order to develop into an accomplished leader, you must delegate.

Remember that:

• Each person is different. There may be individuals in your organization that would jump at the opportunity to do the tasks that you are reluctant to delegate.

• Everyone in your organization benefits when you delegate responsibilities that fall outside your core competencies. Thoughtful delegation will allow others in your organization to shine and allow yourself the opportunity to focus on your areas of strength. Often times it is both natural and necessary for others to contribute. We had so many unbelievable talents on our committee, I was in constant awe at what was produced as a team.

Delegation is a learned skill… what can you do to master this skill?

Evaluate yourself: What are your strengths and weaknesses? In what areas can you operate that will make the most impact?

Evaluate others: Take time to get to know them and find out what they enjoy doing the most. What are their strengths?
What are the areas in which they could compliment you and through delegation would allow you to excel in leadership?
How can you effectively utilize them? What can I delegate that will enable some else to show their strength?

My first suggestion is to create a time journal for yourself. This journal will provide a clearer picture of where you are spending your time. Once you have the journal, ask yourself these questions…

1. What am I doing that does not really need to be done?
2. What am I doing that could be done by someone else?
3. What am I doing that could be done more efficiently?
4. What do I do that wastes time?

Second, delegation is a responsibility. As a leader it is your role to develop and empower others.

Delegation:
1. Helps other grow
2. Establishes accountability & responsibility
3. Generates greater results
4. Creates pride and confidence for yourself and those that follow you

Next, challenge your followers:
1. People rise to the challenge; let them
2. Be clear in communication. Delegate tasks in writing whenever possible and always include a deadline date
3. Give objectives, not procedures
4. Explain the relative importance of the task(s)

Finally, stay the course. Certainly, there are times when it might appear easier and less time consuming to do something yourself; however, over the long term, taking the time to delegate, train or enable someone else is one of the most beneficial investments you can make for yourself and others. Ultimately, the strength of a leader is empowering others to obtain greater results and to understand that everything in life is a gift, it’s all a matter of perspective.

Had the best time with my daughter Cambria tonight. She invited me to go to the Orange County Performing Arts Center to see the production of “Rent” which was amazing!!!