Thursday, October 30, 2008

They're watching you - Your kids, that is!!

When I attended a the Building Champions Experience recently in Bend, OR, their CEO, Daniel Harkavy and his wife had a breakout session titled "Parenting - They're watching you". It was a great session and Chris and I took a lot away. Not only are they watching, but they are listening to you as well. I was driving in to the gym today and heard this country song on the radio title - Watching You. There are a lot of crazy country songs that tell some wild stories, and ones that tell really great stories. This is one of those great stories. If you have a few minutes, watch this video. It tells a great story and is a wake-up call for us parents!



Have a great week!

Monday, October 20, 2008

What a hit!!!!!

Did you all see this awesome, crushing hit in the South Carolina/LSU game this weekend?.....BY THE REFEREE!!!!!!!!!!



He didn't just bump him...He broke down into linebacker stance....shuffled with the QB...and Forearm shivered him!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Are you kidding me??????!!!!!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Building Champions Experience 2008 - Conclusion

There were over 150 leaders and coaches who concluded their time together at BCE 2008 on Thursday morning. After four days of reflection, planning and connecting, Daniel Harkavy gave a powerful message to the group. The Life Plan is a tool that he describes as being based upon the scripture verse Psalm 90:12 - Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

He used the music video below to illustrate this message. I encourage you to take a few minutes to watch & LISTEN. It is powerful!



Throughout the past few days, the coaches of Building Champions used video clips, music, quotes, and books they had read and/or written to inspire us. They also spoke from their hearts to all the leaders there.

In my life, music, video, and reading are things that inspire me and have defined a lot of the teaching methods I have used in my career. Everybody has a story to tell and they tell it in different ways. In the near future, I will look to manage this blog to add some of the media that inspires me and I hope it adds value to you as well.

There are many other ways you can be inspired. Are you being intentional finding time to REFLECT on those things that inspire you, PLAN the time to develop yourself and CONNECT with those critical accounts in your life. Remember, our days (and seconds - just watch the video!) are numbered!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Building Champions Experience 2008 - Day 2 & 3

As these events can go, Day 2 & Day 3 were very full. I invested time in my Life Plan and Business Vision. I went for a hike on the Sun River and met a lot of new folks, intentionally, along the way. These events are full and can be overwhelming as well.

Chris and I were able to attend breakout sessions on Marriage and Parenting. I attended other breakout sessions on Daily Disciplines and one that has stuck with me the most for my personal growth was the session titled Every Day is Game Day. One takeaway with regards to an inspirational quote for me: "What you did yesterday determines who you are today. What you do today determines who you are tomorrow."

It has been a powerful week as well with music, video clips, and letters from family showing their love for me. That was a great surprise! I look forward to sharing some of these things that inspire me with you on this blog.

Today we finish up. Then, off to Seattle to throw some fish!!

Have a great day!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Building Champions Experience 2008 - Day 1

The first day at BCE 2008 was a great day. We didn't get started until 2:00 so it gave Chris and I a chance to go to the gym, do a little shopping, and have a great lunch at the Pine Tavern in Bend, OR. Named for the knotty pine paneled walls and two HUGE pine trees growing right up through the center of the restaurant!

When we got started at the retreat, the music was energizing. CEO Daniel Harkavy opened up with a great video of the current challenges we are facing in our economy, and simply asked the room of about 175 leader, "What's Next?" It set the stage well.

Some things that stuck with me after Day 1:
  • Key words for the week: Intentional, Disciplined, Simple, Grateful
  • Definition of Discipline - "Do WHAT you should, WHEN you should, WHETHER YOU FEEL LIKE IT OR NOT!" - Great definition
  • Work smarter , not harder, does not imply that you don't have to continue to work hard!
  • Two of the coaches struck me with tips they gave: 1) LEARN - Come with a humble spirit and ask the question in each of your interactions "What can I learn from this interaction?" 2) LISTENING - "Don't listen to agree or disagree. Don't listen to like or dislike. Listen to learn. I really have to be aware on this one.
  • One of the Coaches presenting came up to me and thanked me in the hall at the end of the day. He said he focused on me visually because I was affirming and it made it easier for him to present. I was happy to help and I learned something for presenting in large groups. Look through the crowd and pick out two or three folks visually who are affirming your message. It does make it easier to present and give confidence.

Chris and I finished off the night with a nice dinner with some of the folks we have met here.

Day 2 goals for me: 1) Intentionally connect with at least two more people. 2) Listen to Learn! Be aware of when I am judging what is being said as agree/disagree.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Quotes of the day - From Jim Collins (Good to Great)

  • The greatest CEO’s from the greatest companies in history had one distinctive characteristic that separate them from other leaders. The trait is humility.
  • If it is about you…you will not build something great. And only you know if you are all about you.

Jim said many more things at this conference. What we need is a little humility. He says that "only YOU know if you are all about you." I agree with that to a point. God knows as well, but I am challenged with this every day. I believe my purpose in life is to add value to others. The question becomes: "Am I doing it for me, or for others?"

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Barber Shop Talk


Funny how I 'feel' when I go to Ed's Barber shop to get my hair cut. My barber, Mazz, is over 70 and loves to talk about his grand kids (today it was more about his daughter that he "put through college over 20 years ago and it costs $26,000 (he tracked it!) and today it costs that much for one year?" He drives to Greensboro each weekend on Sunday..."about a 90-minute ride to have lunch with the family and the wife. Route 220 to Route 68, lots of nice houses on that road"). While in the chair, one patron asks Ed, the owner, "Who do you think will win the debate tonight?" As only Ed can do, he replies "Well, if you are a republican, you probably think your candidate wins and if you are a democrat, you think your candidate wins. It doesn't really matter." Ask him about the old piece of natural copper he has on his book shelf and your cut will take an extra 5 minutes.


In the middle chair, Dave cuts a doctor's hair, who proceeds to give only a $1 tip on an $11 haircut! Are you kidding me?! Dave is the quiet one in the shop. He takes the most ribbing from Ed.


Of course, to ring up the haircut, the barbers have to hit $5, $5, $1 on the register and pull the handle each time. No electronic register, and certainly no debit card machine - CASH ONLY. And, you know where the register is? Out in the middle of the floor, actually closer to the customers waiting to get their hair cut than it is to the owner!!

One of the songs I heard on the radio while I was there today "Delta Dawn, what's that flower, you have on..." Clearly, an A.M. radio only barber shop!! Dubble Bubble gum and DumDum suckers, of course.


I don't know, call me crazy, but the simple life and talk in Ed's barber shop is somewhat calming in these times. One of those trips I look forward to every 4 weeks. I rarely have to say a word...Just Listen & smile!!!