Win-Win for Everyone

I am not a big believer that everyone gets a ribbon - unless it is clear that they are only being rewarded for their participation.  There are many situations in life where winning and losing happen.  We need to learn to both win and lose gracefully.  However, there are times in life where winner vs. loser is not necessary at all.

When you are in a work situation, do you feel like it is you against them (whoever "them" is)?  As I talk with people that are are in various businesses, it is pretty evident that there is still a big split between management and staff.  And, both sides have perceptions of the other that I find somewhat unrealistic.  Unfortunately, it is these misguided perceptions that cause people in different positions to feel the need for win/lose.  When a staff person asks management to implement something and it either doesn't happen or they don't get an answer regarding the idea, the staff person believes management thinks it is a bad idea.  However, in talking with management they felt the staff person could have just run with the idea as it was within their skill set, or that the manager doesn't have the time at the moment to do the research the idea would require - therefore it gets pushed down the pile.  When further investigation is done into the idea, I usually find that the person bringing it up already did a bit of research, is willing to take on the task of implementation and getting the buy-in of the other members.  When the situation is readdressed and the true question is asked, "Would it be all right if I took this and ran with it?" there is either an answer or a further discussion on details.

Instead of just dropping something on someone, make it clear exactly what you need them to do.  If you have already thought of this idea and found how it can improve what you do and how it can improve what the company does, make that clear.  If you have a problem, look for a potential solution and then get others involved to help with the solution.  Look at all involved when you want something and see how it can positively affect the parties.  Only bringing one side to the table takes along a lot of misguided perceptions and generally leaves with hurt feelings or the feeling of not being validated.  It may not be necessary to give everyone a ribbon, but if there is a way for everyone to win in the situation, bring that to the table so the success factor increases exponentially.

For more on this topic - I am offering A Discussion on Ethics in Minnesota Insurance throughout October.  See the schedule at http://bdynamics.eventbrite.com.

When It Is Your Choice

Are you were you want to be in life?  I have met people throughout my life that have told me they are where they are because someone asked them to be.  This is extremely true of volunteerism.  Ask someone to get involved and chances are pretty good that they will.  Wait for them to volunteer and they will wait just as long for someone to ask them.  Just like the little boy sitting on the sidelines waiting for the other kids to ask him to play.  He could probably go up and introduce himself or ask if he could play, but yet he sits and waits.

What about your job?  Is it the job you want?  Is it your passion?  Or, did you just settle for whatever came along?  If you aren't in the position where you want to be, start making changes.  Talk to people who are in the industry where you want to be.  In fact, talk to people not in the industry.  I think you will be surprised at how many good connections come through people that you never thought would have anything to do with what you were looking for.  Read, learn, absorb what you need to follow your passion.  Live it!

Life is about the choices we make.  Unfortunately, many people get stuck in the mud blaming others for their lot in life.  However, there are others that realize life is full of choices and opportunities.  Some choices are extremely difficult while others are temptingly easy.  Which road do you take?  The difficult one full of challenges and opportunities or the easy one that may be less fulfilling or challenging.  You may look around and not see the choices. When you talk to others about your dreams or ideas, keep listening, they may help you see the openings you didn't even know where there. 

False perceptions also keep people from making other choices.  Most people want to see you happy.  I know I do!  So instead of assuming the worst or that you are stuck, talk about your ideas and dreams and take action to make them happen.  I live my passion on a regular basis and life couldn't be any more amazing.  It was an extremely tough choice to leave my family businesses after so many years, but it is fantastic to keep the family and move onto businesses that lift me to where the view is great.