Category Archives: Organization Transformation

Doing More with Less

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We can be creative in stretching our precious resources. Businesses are always looking for an edge to be more profitable. As we design our career mastering the art of doing more with less will improve our personal bottom-line. Getting creative and then pitching those creative ideas to leadership will make your individual personal stock rise in the organization. There is simplicity with doing more with less. By exercising this fundamental principle we will limit the distraction and create a more profitable and productive outcome.

Thanks for watching Linda’s tips. These tips will assist you in uncovering, realizing and accomplishing your potential. Sign up today for our FREE Newsletter. www.lhyatesconsulting.com

Mentoring and Leadership

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Who are the impactful leaders or mentors in your life? How have they impacted your success? Taking the opportunity to mentor others will build your leadership skills and add value to your life. Mentoring others blesses multiple lives. The impact you have as a leader or mentor in someone’s life can impact the success of a generation.

Thanks for watching Linda’s tips. These tips will assist you in uncovering, realizing and accomplishing your potential. Sign up today for our FREE Newsletter. www.lhyatesconsulting.com

Focus in the moment

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My beautiful Summer

Twenty-four years ago I gave birth to a beautiful six pound 13 ounce little girl. While delivering my baby girl my focus was in the moment. Nothing could have swayed that focus or diverted my attention. One of the common themes I find in meeting with my clients is the desire and need to focus. I love working with inspirational individuals that push me to be better.

These are some of the steps I have implemented and find that helps me to accomplish more than I thought possible.

1. Set aside time to plan. This step is critical. By doing so it allows for a mind dump. It’s like cleaning out and reorganizing a drawer. When you do so you can find things faster and it opens up space for being creative.

2. Set the timer. Setting a timer on specific tasks allows me to focus on what I need to do at that moment. This is especially important when utilizing social media. By doing this I am creating more discipline and at the end of the day feel like I accomplished more.

3. Turning off the bells and ringers while working on a specific task. I have found that if I turn off email while I’m working on a project be it an hour or three then I’m less distracted and can really focus in the moment. The same holds true for turning my phones to silent during the assigned period.

4. Take breaks. I worked with an incredible Chief Operating Officer who demanded that we each take a full hour lunch break. He led by example. This simple habit created more clarity for the rest of the afternoon. I find that if I have been working for two or three hours and haven’t stretched my legs or gotten a drink of water that I begin to fade in my energy level. Even taking that 10-minute break and focusing on breathing or laughing is a great boost to mental clarity and focus.

5. Create routines and stick to them. You will sleep better if you strive to get to bed and get up at the same time everyday. Planning out and using your calendar will keep you on task and focused. You can always mix it up it is your choice.

Being focused in the moment does not have to be hard. In fact it is liberating. Your energy will generate faster and your mind will be clearer.

Focus in the moment is one of the answers to fulfilling all of your goals and creating a winning edge mindset.

Linda’s Tip: Starting Over

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Starting over doesn’t have to be scary. This week’s tip provide suggestions on how to embrace a new chapter. You can decide how to look at the process of starting again. Embracing the process will empower and energize you.

Thanks for watching Linda’s tips. Sign up today for our FREE Newsletter. www.lhyatesconsulting.com

Straddling the Fence

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Straddling the Fence

I was raised on beautiful farmland in southeastern Idaho, I had many occasions where I found myself straddling a fence. We had a couple of different types of fencing on our large farm and ranch.

We had electric barb-wire fences on our property. It was pretty tricky jumping over them and not getting shocked. I learned pretty fast how not to touch the fence. Then as I got older, my parents invested in these beautiful white wood fences. They were tall enough that the horses couldn’t jump over and low enough that the calves from the cows couldn’t crawl under.

When climbing over that white fence I could straddle or sit on it. This gave me a higher perspective. I could watch what was happening in the corral.

Like the fence, there are moments in our personal and business lives where we are indecisive. We may question whether to “cross” the fence, sit on the fence or go back the way we came. There is a saying that is true, “you’re either sliding or climbing but never standing still.”

Once you have decided to head down a particular path, you have begun the commitment process. If we make a commitment and pursue that course of action we will feel like we are climbing because we took the action. When we stop and take no action then we begin to slide. We can always change course but the beauty of that is we are still climbing because of the action.

In my office hangs a picture with the word commitment on it. The quote, “determination is often the first chapter in the book of excellence” is under the word commitment. The picture is one of a runner in the early hours of the morning and set in a wooded rough terrain.

The reason I selected this picture was that I knew there may be days that are tough or hard. There would be days I would want to quit. But the runner in the picture reminds me of a goal I had and completed several years ago of running in every state of the country. Not only does the picture remind me of that goal I accomplished, it inspires me to stay focused on my new goal.

Sometimes I may try to straddle the fence but when I do I feel like my confidence is diminishing and my power as well. Taking action and striving for improvement has produced positive results.

All you have to do is climb the fence and explore the other side.

Passion for Life

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My Mother taught me how to live a passionate life.
Passion comes in many shapes and sizes. When you hear the word passion, you may automatically picture your relationship or a visual may be created in your mind. If you were sitting with a therapist and he or she asked you to respond through word association you might blurt out a hobby or your work. Perhaps a material item would be the first word you would utter. Passion is unique to each one of us.

Here are five questions that I would like you to give some thought to. If you grab a pen and paper and write down your answers you will be able to apply an individual message:

1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word passion?
2. What do you have passion for?
3. How would passion help you achieve your goals?
4. Who is someone in your life that exudes passion and what can you learn from them?
5. What are some things you can do to help reignite passion for those areas in your life that are most important to you?

Some may believe that they are passionless, that life is a routine. I would challenge that thought and pose the question of what brings about a smile or a lightness to your heart? That is the beginning seed of passion.
I have gone through cycles in my life where I exuded more passion for something or someone. Typically I can think about what triggered that increase. When I identify that trigger I can recreate it to experience that deeper passion that I desire.

I love observing individuals who show passion for their work. I am blessed to work with such incredible human beings. I will never forget participating in a worldwide conference where I was able to observe the leaders of my organization present to a group of 20,000 individuals. They radiated an intensity and passion for life as they participated in the conference and as they listened to each other present. Such intensity or passion has been the success of these individuals.

There may be some things in your life or business that may be drudgery. However, if you can focus your energy on those things you have passion for the balance of your life will be filled with more of the things you desire. We attract those things we think about. If you are not happy with something, take the steps to change it.

The secret to life is passion and living in the moment.

Servant Leaders

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Lighthouse

Last week in the article “The Extra Mile”, the reference “servant leader” was used to describe the general manager of a historical hotel where I had one of the most memorable service encounters of my life. So that you can see I keep my promises, let’s explore together what a servant leader typifies.

What comes to your mind as we use the term “Servant Leader?” Do you have a positive reaction to the term or do you believe it describes someone with weak qualities? I have found some of the individuals in my life who are my heroes, own this time-honored and obtainable, guiding value. To be a Servant Leader you recognize those whom you serve are the most valuable asset to your organization. Your job is to enable those you oversee or lead to be able to do their job to the highest degree.

Servant Leaders have many attributes. Some of the most important attributes they have is the ability to inspire, lift and empower those they lead. I love the word inspire. This word means to give breath or life. Think back with me on those who have inspired you the most throughout your life. Hope this brings a smile to your face. These individuals are willing to put others ahead of themselves. They understand if we seek each other’s interest we all prosper rather than just the individual.

Perhaps you are trying to learn how to be a Servant Leader but are afraid you are giving up control. The highest form of control is self-control. When you exercise self-control, you have the ability to determine how you will react in any given situation. Let me share with you an experience by Frank Koch from The Naval Institute magazine, “Proceedings.”

Two battleships had been on training assignments at sea for several days in extreme weather conditions. Frank Koch was serving on the lead battleship and was standing watch on the bridge as nightfall came. Due to poor visibility and patchy fog the captain remained on the bridge overseeing all the activities.

Shortly after dark, the lookout on the wing of the bridge reported, “Light, bearing on the starboard bow.” The captain asked, “Is it steady or moving astern?” Lookout replied, “Steady, captain,” which meant we were on a collision course with the other ship. The captain then ordered the signalman, “signal that ship: we are on a collision course, advise you change course 20 degrees.” Back came a signal, “advisable for you to change course 20 degrees.” The captain said, “I’m a captain, change course 20 degrees.” “I’m a seaman second class,” came the reply. “You had better change course 20 degrees.” By that time, the captain was furious. He spat out, “I’m a battleship. Change course 20 degrees.” Back came the flashing light, “I’m a lighthouse.” The battleship changed course.

Lighthouses don’t move. Guided by principles and laws. We have the privilege of developing qualities. By following guiding principles if developed from our conscience, will not run us to dry ground.

We can become the type of individuals who will inspire others to be the best they can be and provide exceptional service. The more you practice following your conscience the stronger it will become. The result will be one of pleasure and prosperity throughout all areas of your life. True joy comes from positive interactions with others. May you have the courage to listen and obey your conscience throughout your life and to be able to teach others to do the same.

The Extra Mile

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The Extra Mile

The Extra Mile

A colleague and I were meeting in my office and he made a comment about a plaque hanging on the wall. This plaque has a doorknob protruding out from it and he asked what the story was behind the doorknob. This question brought a smile to my face as I recounted to him why and how I was presented with this honor.

This doorknob is a relic from a historical hotel in Cincinnati, Ohio. The beautiful hotel hosted several past United States presidents and Hollywood actors such as Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, The Beatles, and a multitude of others throughout the years. The reason they gave me this beautiful recognition plaque was because I was involved in bringing a new revenue stream to their already successful organization.

As I shared this story, my memory was reignited about the incredible service our group received while staying there. It all started when I entered my suite.

The General Manager would be labeled today as a “Servant Leader.” We will cover that term and what it all entails in next week’s issue. As I entered my suite after a long travel day, he was actually doing some last minute touch-up vacuuming and overseeing my arrival.

In all the travel that I have done throughout my years, this was a first! We soon came to understand that this was not a first for him or this organization. At every turn whenever we needed something they delivered, and if they could not deliver they would let us know and offer alternatives. He especially was very good at anticipating our needs. While discussing logistics on a daily basis he would hover closely and really listen to what we were saying to see if his organization could go the extra mile.

That week was one of the most enjoyable experiences in my professional life. The entire organization was courteous, respectful and discreet as they performed their individual roles. It made me contemplate how they made this a part of their culture and how they instilled in new employees this value of great service.

It obviously started at the top and was expected of everyone in his or her respective role. I asked this General Manager about how they handled those who did not comply. He told me they exercised discipline with their performance evaluation and feedback system. Individuals were warned and if the expectation was not met they were fired. I have often thought back on that conversation.

What can you take away from this experience? I learned that if I expect certain behaviors from those individuals in my life that I lead, whether it is professionally or personally, I must set the tone and the example. We can also take away that discipline is key to success. How often do we let things go or rationalize people’s behavior? Perhaps if we start expecting exceptional service we will start to see that happening time and time again in our lives.

Is it hard to go the extra mile? Not really, if you expend just a little more effort, the rewards could potentially be tripled, if not more. Others may or may not see your efforts, but deep inside you will know that you were true to your internal compass. That will breed happiness and peace throughout your life. May you have the courage to push yourself to go the extra mile and enjoy the results of your labors!

Service and You

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Place Setting

Have you ever thought about all of the components in going out for dinner? There are many factors that affect the dining experience. The same could be said of going on a vacation or buying a piece of furniture or buying a car. You may be wondering what common thread could be intertwined with all these different scenarios. The answer is service.

Now before you tell yourself “I have heard this before”, let me share with you some of my perspective on the service experience. First off, you have “heard this before!” Most of you started hearing about service and experiencing it at a very early age, and if so, you are one of the lucky and highly blessed humans to be walking the face of the earth. There is a difference between “hearing” and experiencing. In the next few articles I am going to share with you the elements in experiencing and delivering a positive service experience.

There needs to be more service in world. We have become a society of rushing to this and hurrying to that; the sense of connecting to the individual is in my opinion a dying art. Many individuals, myself included, never “stop and smell the roses,” in fact many times we don’t even see the “roses.” The overall message of these upcoming articles is that everyone can contribute positively or negatively to each service experience, whether you are on the giving or receiving end.

The principals that we will cover are universal. They can be applied in all professional settings and industries and their effect can be felt in your individual lives. Service is not just about your companies Customer Service Department. Service can affect employee morale, it can impact that multi-million business deal and bend the scales to your favor in getting hired to the company of your dreams.

Our society is very self-centered and celebrates rudeness. But if we stop and notice our behavior and how we treat others and their responses to our actions we can turn a negative experience in to a positive one. The “Golden Rule” is truly a timeless principal and if exercised religiously can be the cause and effect of true fulfillment and potential financial freedom.

We will cover, through case studies and stories, the impact positive service experience can create and the lasting affects. We will walk through the process of teaching service to others you may have leadership responsibilities for. We will analyze the power of internal and external moral factors and its effect on the service experience. We will provide tips on how to turn a service experience around; when it’s going south and you need to turn it to the North. These are just a few of the topics we will explore.

I look forward to taking this journey with you.

No Pain – No Gain

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALet’s face it we are in the midst of challenging times. Uncertainty lies in every corner. Some would believe that there is no hope. No hope for tomorrow or hope for our children. Despair drains from us all that is vibrant and joyful and leaves behind the empty remnants of what life was meant to be. Despair kills ambition, advances sickness, pollutes the soul, and deadens the heart. Despair can seem like a staircase that leads only and forever downward.

Now that you are feeling depressed, what do you think? What do you feel deep down inside of you? Do you believe there is no hope and that all is lost? Maybe you have experienced in your life occasions where you felt this sense of despair. What did you do to bring yourself through that dark personal corner? If you are in that place right now, do you have what it takes to pull yourself through?

Challenging times can be a gift if we have a full perspective. As you think through experiences in your life and/or business, think about the times when you believed or thought you couldn’t make it through another day. Can you see now because you went through that difficulty you are stronger and better prepared to face the next storm?

There is a saying that is used in many contexts, “no pain no gain.” We need opposition in all things. Opposition is actually a gift. It can be one of our greatest gifts if we let it. How do you maintain hope? First let’s define hope. What is it? Webster defines hope as to cherish a desire with anticipation and to expect with confidence. Dieter F. Uchtdorf once wrote, “Hope is like the beam of sunlight rising up and above the horizon of our present circumstances. It pierces the darkness with a brilliant dawn. It encourages and inspires us.”

How do we keep hope alive? A seed that we plant will never take root if we ignore or neglect the seed. That is true within a variety of areas in our lives. What do you do? I would love to hear and learn from you. Let me share some of my thoughts.

1. List out all the things that are good in your life. Starting or maintaining a gratitude journal can keep you going in the right direction.

2. Turn off the negativity. If you continually bombard your mind with the negativity around you, it will pull you down. It will de-energize your spirit. If you find yourself in negative conversations or around individuals that dwell on the negativity in their own lives – try to gracefully remove yourself from the situations. You don’t need it!

3. Set goals. If you are always looking to the future it can only help to breed hope. If you have never gone through this formal process, start today by writing down at least five goals you would like to achieve in the near future. You will be amazed as you look back at this list and realize that most, if not all, items were achieved. Then when you are faced with another trial in your life, reflect on those goals that you have achieved in the past and it will continue to inspire you even in dark days.

4. Laugh a good belly laugh at least once a day. It is amazing how this will clear your mind, improve your outlook and work your abs at the same time! I believe we all need to laugh more!

5. Believe. One day when I went to work years ago, and sitting on my desk was a beautiful polished rock engraved with this word. It has stood as a reminder to me that when life gets dark – just believe. With that belief, more hope and more faith will naturally result.

A childhood story and one that I have read throughout the years to my children is, “The Little Engine Who Could.” This little engine is faced with a big hill to climb and very slowly and with trepidation starts moving up the hill. All the time telling itself, “I think I can, I think I can.” As more momentum takes place this little engine is more confident and “I think I can” becomes to feel stronger and is louder when eventually the little engine states I know I can. Belief, faith, and hope then result into knowledge then finally success.

Like all great leaders, Abraham Lincoln, Julius Caesar, and Gandhi, they have risen above adversity and despair. They have persevered and realized their goals and dreams and because they never gave up, they affected the lives of thousands and millions in some cases.

You too can persevere, you too will get through the challenges that life has to offer and with a long range perspective come out as the conqueror. May we all build one another up and cheer one another along our individual paths – by doing so our joy will be rich and rewarding!