Are You Asking the Right Questions?

Have you ever heard of the man named Joe Outhouse? He grew so weary of the teasing over his name that he finally had it changed---to Bill Outhouse. When asked why the change to "Bill", he replied, " I was tried of my friends always saying, "Hello Joe, what do you know?"

Henry Blackaby tells of a seminary professor, who often declared, "If you ask the wrong question, you'll get the wrong answer". He goes on to say, "Some people spend an inordinate amount of time addressing irrelevant issues...."

When I started my company many years ago, I was contracted by the State of Arkansas to do "audit's" of companies who needed to be asked the "right questions" for the purpose of discovering the actions necessary for on going growth. Over the years I've had several organizations and managers say.." I suspect we need to look at changes which should be made, or ways to make improvements, but I just don't know where or how to get started." Looking at a company holistically, (processes, leadership, sales, marketing, employee relations etc.) requires asking the right "questions." Like a doctor reaching the proper diagnosis it can only happen by discovery i.e. asking the right questions.

When I started my company over 20 years, I provided those free audits to organizations for a financial purpose.... Today, as part of a research project I'm going to make that same offer again. But before I describe the details of the offer, allow me to describe the requirements or understanding of those being questioned.

> Organizations must be open mined and even teachable.

> They must believe that they are not broken, but rather, seeking a new level of success.

> Leaders must be willing to be realistic and not hypnotize themselves or be delusional.

> It is a "snap shot" evaluation and a starting place for improvement.

> I am not building work for my self, I am offering an outside view as a business coach who has seen what good companies do and show how you might compare.

> I must be given access to those who can provided the right answer.

> Names of the companies will never be made public. All proprietary information will be protected.

> When the "right questions" have been asked and answered, then I will submit to you the "first steps" necessary to get started for growth and improvement.

The offer...I will give up to two days at no charge for my services. Depending on the size of the organization 2 days will probably be enough for most organizations to get the snap shot. The cost to the organizations will require covering all my travel related expenses. If you know of some group, company or organization that needs to be asked the "right questions" and be part of this project, please let me know.

Leadership Evaluation

In the past several weeks a word of instruction keeps coming back to me as I travel through this thing called life.

The apostle Paul was giving advice to a specific group of folks concerning the attitude and behavior of humility and clearly told them........
            "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought." 
He did not give a trendy title of "servant leadership" nor did he have a  training class on "customer service." No, he started his counsel by urging the folks to first look at themselves "honestly." He suggested that if the look carefully into the mirror they more than likely will discover that they really are no big deal.

I support the idea of self confidence and positive thinking but it's interesting how we move to a different level and puff ourselves up when, in fact, we really are no big deal.

A flight attendant on a recent flight, announced over the loud speaker "My name is Carol and I'M THE HEAD FLIGHT ATTENDANT on this flight." She continued that mantra in action with co-workers and behavior toward customers.

A teacher corrected someone by reminding them that she was more than a teacher, she was a professor.

An applicant continued to tell me of his MBA rather than explain his record of accomplishment.

An uncle of mine (who has been dead for many years) was called "Judge" by family and friends because he was some sort of constable in the township he lived in. I don't think he had much of a formal education but he read a lot of books and wore the title like a badge of importance. I remember him as being condescending in many life issues while lacking in common sense. But that didn't bother him, because he was "the judge."

Many people in positions of authority and leadership in business have allowed their educational efforts and/or their climb up the managerial ladder to cloud clear thinking about who they really are and how they got where they are today.

I would suspect that at one time...

> They worked hard.

 

> They showed kindness.

> Helped others expecting nothing in return.

> Sought help from others.

> Listened and learned from others.

> Was genuinely interested and caring of others.

> They did not think themselves superior to others.

> They were sober in their self evaluation and remembered it important.

"Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought..."

Pushing Through The Finish Line!

Well, 2011 is almost over.

In many respects it has been a good year for my company and my family. Just like other years, we have experienced some disappointments and frustrations. Some folks have a tendency to focus on the latter in a negative way, but as is my habit I choose to learn and then push through the finish line.

Today I begin a 4 city business assignment which will conclude on the last day of the year when my plane sets down in my home state of Arkansas. As a business owner and a former amateur distance runner, I was sitting in seat 3B today on American Airlines and reflecting on what's required to finish the race in the right way. Here are my thoughts in bullet point format.

> You must condition yourself properly before you begin the race. Both mentally and physically. There is a sizeable amount of uncomfortableness necessary for the right kind of conditioning.

> Work hard EVERY day. Asking for handouts or seeking the easy way seldom works. Some one once said "the harder I worked, the luckier I got."

> Be thankful for every event. Even the ones that were painful. There's a learning moment in every experience.

> Be grateful for those who have helped and supported you along the way. I could never do what I do with out the support of my wife. She is my partner in a varity ways. In addition, I have some great business associates who have been very helpful, in different ways, along my race route.

> When there is a loss, mourn it but don't live in it forever. At some point let it go and prepare for the next race.

> Show humility in your success and confidence for a better tomorrow in the defeats.

> Remember and cherish the thoughts of those who have touched your life in a significant way and remember those you have touched.

> Set the next goal.

> Do something fresh or different. I know a lot of people who are "one trick ponies" and they are unable to sustain themselves for the long haul. Oh they may limp along to the finish line, but they have settled for the comfortable.

> Get rid of those things that do not contribute to reaching your goals or mission.

> RISK! Getting something with out risking is not worth much. High risk might result in failure, but it could reap higher rewards.

I'm grateful to God for 2011 and all it has taught me.

I'm excited about the new race beginning in 2012.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas!

Knowing Is Not Enough

I know! I know!

I know I should stop smoking.

I know I should lose some weight.

I know I should try and improve my appearance.

I know I should consider seriously my relationship with God.

I know I should work on my communication skills.

I know I should manage my money better.

I know I should say I'm sorry when I know I'm wrong.

I know I should listen better.

I know I should find ways to engage our employees more and let them help us improve our organization.

I know, I know!

Not making a decision is a decision. You may get lucky by putting things off, but that does not make you a good decision maker or indicate that you have some divine wisdom on timing. I know plenty of people (you do to) and organizations who HOPE they are lucky enough to avoid negative circumstances from their non-decision.

Putting off a decision may be inconvenient and unsettling in the moment, but if you're NOT lucky in your non-decision and don't take the needed action, things will only get worse.

Should someone take the gamble that they won't get lung cancer and therefore put off the decision to stop smoking until later? Should a persons inability for handling finances find reasons not to take action on financial management/guidance which could avoid putting their family/organization into a perilous future? Is it ok for government officials to make non- decisions on critical issues and hope we get lucky in the future, when in reality, we know they are gambling until after their re-election?

We should all (individually and organizationally) take action on those things we know need a decision or require action now. Not knowing how is one thing, but not making a decision/action is a dangerous gamble.

Is Cost Cutting Killing Your Business?

I have stayed in the same hotel for several years in a beautiful part of eastern Tennessee. The rooms were OK, at best, but the view of the Smoky Mountains and the surrounding area was peaceful and a refreshing departure from normal business travel. It was a convenient drive to my clients location. The icing on the cake was the hotel staff and the welcoming and exceptional customer service.

Sadly, last week was my last night at this hotel. Why? Because the owners sold the business to a new group and, in and effort to save money, the new owners have stepped into a "cost saving" frenzy. They took away almost everything that caused me to give them my repeat business. (I say almost because the Smoky Mountains are still there.)

I have challenged my clients for years to consider how they are special or different beyond the "Value Proposition" .

You see, A hotel, is a hotel is a hotel.

A manufacturer (of your product, you fill in blank) is a manufacturer, is a manufacturer.

A bank is a bank is a bank.

A CEO is a CEO is a CEO.

A consultant is a consultant is a consultant.

What makes you different? What is it that YOU DO that makes you stand out and provide exceptional value for your employer or customer?

For my business, I know the answer to that question. In the long haul, I make my clients' more money and I help them reach the level of success they are seeking. I'm not the cheapest consultant on the planet and don't intend to be. I provided VALUE. What I do is beyond the intellectual "know it all" who just teach and leave it for people to try and figure out how to implement the concepts presented. We get results by walking them through the process.

What about YOU as an employee of a company? How are you different than anyone else who has a like position or product?

I've watched many companies', during the recent economic crises, turn away from doing what they have traditionally done best, to cut cost. The result? They are killing the business.

Think about it. Are you killing your business for the sake of cost cutting activities? Has the constant and obsessive focus on the bottom line caused you to become blind to the distinction between "error cost" and the cost of improvement? It's a question each executive staff or boss should be having with their employees. Engage this discussion before it's to late and  your end up like my formally favorite hotel in Tennessee.

 

 

 

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When Life Is Over....

Will you have what you want? 

"It was Spring but it was Summer I wanted.

Warm days and the great out doors.

It was Summer but it was Fall that I wanted.

The beautiful colors of the leaves and the cool air.

It was Fall but it was Winter I wanted.

The beautiful snow and the joy of the holiday season!

It was Winter but it was Spring that I wanted.

The warmth, renewal of new life and the blooming of nature.

I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted.

The freedom and respect.

I was 20... but it was the 30's I wanted.

Mature and sophisticated.

I was middle aged, but it was the 20's that I wanted.

The youth and free spirit of those days.

I was retired but it was middle age I wanted.

The presence of mind with out limitation.

Finally? My life was over and I never got what I wanted."

Author unknown

Doesn't that describe people you've known? How about the "occupy wall street" crowd of today who are screaming " I never got what I deserve!"

I am focused this week to work with a heart of thankfulness.   Even as difficult as things are in these days of our economic woes we should be THANKFUL for what we have. But more importantly? We should be CONTENT. Not complacent. Not resigned to our present circumstances, but CONTENT!

In the play "Henry VI..Part 2" The King was in the fields and dressed down for the environment. Meeting two men he introduces himself. Looking at him they said "But if thou be a King, where is thy crown?"

To which the King replied..."My crown is in my HEART not on my head. Not decked with diamonds and indian stones, not to be seen. My crown is called "content". A crown it is that Kings seldom enjoy."

 

 

The apostle Paul said " I have learned to be CONTENT." We ALL have much to be thankful for. And for me, I'm not only Thankful.  I am CONTENT.

Happy Thanksgiving wishes for ALL who happen to read this.
Bill


 Credit to Alistair Begg for the words used in this blog site...