Rocks Are Hard

"Anyway" is NOT one of the Right Ways

There is NO one right way to do things -- really ever is there? I mean executionally, you can get to the same great end with many different "right" paths.

But "any old way" is definetely not a right way.

Because "any" way means that you haven't considered your purpose, and worked back from that to a process that gets you to reaching it.

So as the great Stephen Covey says  "Start with the End in Mind" -- understand your purpose in everything you do -- a memo, a phone call, a meeting, and a RIGHT way will emerge.

Keeping On Track

I've been doing a lot of reading these last few days -- clearing the decks for the new year.

Everyone seems to be worried about 2009 - what to do, how to keep staff motivated, clam up or shout out, how to make good decisions.

I think it's important to remember that good decision-making is not harder or easier to do in "hard" times -- it's following through with what you know you need to do that is the hard thing!

Here are my guidelines:

a) you need to make as much as you spend. The end. (ok this doesn't work if you're pre-revenue, but in general)

b) you cannot over-communicate! Tell people what the deal is. Tell them how they need to show up. Tell them again.  And Again.

c) Hold your staff, your clients and YOUR SELF accountable. #2 is hard - but important. #3 is HARDER - but VITAL. 

d) Be helpful. The End. 

e) And get the word out -- now is when the wheat and the chafe are separated. Here's a good reminder from  Robert Kiyosaki of Rich Dad fame. excellent advice. 

Rule: If you are sick stay the hell home.

The End.

Donatiello Rules

Today was Nick Donatiello's last day as Chair of the NCPB Board. 

I've only know him a year, but he's made an indelible imprint on me.

Non-profit, non-compensated boards are tricky things.  Volunteers in their board service, from all different backgrounds and means, expertise and connections, abilities and strengths, directors of boards are motivated by many things to participate.

That motivation and diversity can create a "herding cats" dynamic for any chair.  The NCPB board is relatively high profile, with responsibility for a wide ranging operation -- it's a challenge to get your arms around. So each board meeting -- and the work inbetween -- ranges dramatically in content and intent. The potential for de-railing is high. 

Unless you have a board chair who is 

a) super prepared

b) has a keen grasp of the issues at hand

c) watches the clock

d)  a keen, active listener 

e) doesn't really care what people think of him against a, b and c

and

f) has high expectations of his/her fellow board members. 

While I have to say that in board matters, I've not been a shrinking violet, I have definitely honed my skill in this last year by watching and channeling Nick. 

And basically it comes down to this:

Rule #1: Be prepared or be quiet.

Rule #2: See rule #1. 

Of course there are many other ways to say this including:

Read everything I send you and when you open your mouth have something germane and VALUABLE to CONTRIBUTE. Just talking to talk is not an excuse to say something. 

This does require incredible preparation and command of what you do and do not know, and a good sense of who to defer to for solicitation of input.

An excellent role model - thank you Nick!

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