Showcase Your Talents

I can’t remember a time when my parents, coaches, teachers or significant others haven’t referred to the activities I’ve engaged in by grading them as either a strength or weakness.  From a conventional standpoint it appears this is a universal condition. Is it true?  If universal acceptance of the practice counts as true, then I’d agree.  However, today I approach life from a different perspective.  One can find written evidence across the ages that there are people who look at it differently.  The word talent appears to be a better descriptor of one’s ability to engage in and accomplish a particular activity or skill.  We can observe a group of children, for instance, dribbling a basketball on the gym floor and quickly determine those who have a talent for dribbling.  Likewise, it is very easy to determine who does not have a talent for that skill.  Therefore, I suggest that the grading of one’s abilities to accomplish various feats is either a talent or non-talent.

What difference does it make, you may ask?  Although it may appear to be a subtle difference it is in my opinion significant.  If one is aware of their talents, life can appear to be easy, if in fact they engage those talents often.  It stands to reason the inverse is as obvious … i.e., if one engages in activities that they know they do not possess a talent for then the outcome isn’t as easy and not only do others recognize it but they at a minimum know the activity requires more attention and focus to accomplish and at worst are chastised or ridiculed by others.

To engage in a non-talent is in fact a decision, a choice to do so … doing so in spite of evidence that they’ve observed over time results in less than the desired outcome.  To illustrate, it can be said that anyone can make this statement, “I have no weaknesses … none what so ever!”  The listener of such a pronouncement most likely will view the speaker as the most conceited individual they’ve ever met.  Now such a statement (I have no weaknesses) does need clarification.  One would explain that they’ve spent a lot of time and energy identifying their talents.  Along that path they’ve also discovered their non-talents.  To soften the statement, perhaps it would serve them better to announce or declare, that “I choose to engage in those areas and activities of life that I know I have a talent for and refrain from engaging in any of my non-talents.”

By living life under those terms, one then does in fact “appear” to have no weaknesses … they have chosen to avoid aspects of their life that they know will not result in success.  It’s a choice.  We all have that ability to choose similarly.  Some may need to spend time discovering what their talents and non-talents are, but once they know, they can choose to live by their talents and as I say, “swim downstream all day long.”

The application of this information applies across the board – personally and professionally.  If people are employed and engaged in areas that they demonstrate a natural talent for, the business result is more productivity.  The business becomes more successful, the individual gains more confidence, it’s the best of both Worlds, it a “win-win.”

At Rezults Group, we can identify over 180 individual attributes and rank order them from talent to non-talent.  If you’d like to change your opinion of what you’ve been told you have “strengths & weaknesses” in and discover your true natural talents and non-talents … email

us for a complimentary assessment.

Possibilities ...

“An advocate,” whom I’ll call your Coach, helps you chart your course and reach your destination. A relationship different than any other you’ve ever had – someone in your corner … totally committed to your success. Someone who always encourages the authentic part of you, who sees how focused you can be, and constantly holding up that image for you even if you can’t hold it up yourself.

Imagine a relationship placing total focus on you?   A relationship with someone who helps you achieve and live up to your dreams, aspirations, passions, and values. Someone who helps you celebrate your victories someone who will help you recognize your setbacks as you press forward – achieving your goals together.

Consider the benefits of having regular conversations with a skilled, trained professional who really listens to you (not just your words) but to your emotions, your energy, and even the spaces between your words. A coach is a professional who provides a ‘safe’ place for you to move beyond superficial, inhibited, self-limiting conversations, so you have the confidence to express doubts and even fears. A coach is someone who helps you gain the tools and strength you need to identify, confront, and defeat the attitudes and behaviors that have sabotaged your past success and created stress in your life.

Imagine having a trustworthy, confidential relationship with someone who will absolutely tell you the truth, the truth about where you are strong, and where you sell yourself short. Someone who knows your values and your life purpose, and will help you hold yourself true to them. Someone who will accept everything you communicate without judgment, seeking to get the very best in you.

The impact of coaching increases with time. As coach and client get to know each other better, the coach becomes more familiar with the client’s strengths, weaknesses, aspirations, and dreams.

Can you benefit from having a coach? We believe anyone going through change, which includes just about all of us, will benefit from having a coach. Where do you find a good coach?  Coaches come in all shapes and sizes, but here are some characteristics that good coaches possess:

1. They are excellent listeners. Asking good questions rather than giving good advice.
2. They are curious people. They love to explore beneath the surface to uncover a person’s dreams, values, and passions.
3. They are self-assured and truly rejoice in other people’s success.
4. They seek out new relationships and enjoy working one-on-one with people over an extended period of time.
5. They are enhancers who get a thrill out of helping others achieve their dreams.
6. They have positive attitudes and they look for, affirm, and expect the best in others.
7. They are honest and they are not afraid to challenge others when that’s the best way to help them.
8. They are unselfish and willing to get out of the way so others can grow.

A good coach is a professional who works with individual clients to help them achieve results and sustain life-changing behavior in both their personal lives and careers. Good coaches address the whole person with an emphasis on uncovering blind spots and producing right action that leads to more fulfillments, balance, and an enjoyable life journey.

Once that system is in place and understood and diligently utilized then one advances to the tracking and categorizing of the activities … many identify items along A B C lines, or must do’s, should do’s etc.  The prioritization process then becomes the foundation for utilization of time throughout the day.  Here is where many find the system I provide useful.  Just this morning as I met with Mike Carroll of Mike Carroll Productions (Cestcop.com) Salt Lake city, UT he was explaining how the time management system he was using wasn’t translating into real goal achievement.  His frustration was further compounded by the fact that he said he knew he was “on-time” but not “on-task.”

My system embodies all the techniques needed to successfully manage our time allotments – appointments, meetings, tasks, etc but goes beyond that and incorporates a true goal achievement process.  For many the day planner becomes the proverbial “To-Do List” and as important as that is it falls short when we review our day’s activity and notice an item or two still isn’t accomplished.  My system tracks how many times you “slide” an event into tomorrow.  Once an event has slid three times it gets flagged and then we utilize what I call our GPS.  Not the GPS that assists you to navigate through town but the GPS (Goal Planning System) that assists you to navigates to your Goal!

See Figure 1 and notice that the GPS has 10 steps.  Once you’ve been introduced to the system and learn how to use it you’ll find goal achievement becomes predictable, reliable and sustainable.  Our Annual Goals Review process incorporates the GPS system and many have found it very useful to start their year or to re-ignite their passion during the year.  We’d love to introduce you to this system and invite you to reply for a complimentary introduction to the program.

Here’s to a successful calendar and to goals that you achieve!  Have a great day …

Another way to think about this – it’s not about your family of origin, where you were born, to whom you were born, etc … it’s about who you walk with!  As a young boy I grew up across the river from the Philadelphia International Airport and planes were constantly flying overhead either going or coming from what I perceived as exotic and exciting places from all over the World.

A best as I can recall I was about 9 years old when at the dinner table I exclaimed proudly, “I’m going to be a pilot and fly all around the World.” The conversation seemed to stop, my mother looked at my father and he in turn looked directly into my eyes and replied, “Son, we’re farmers, we’ve been farming here for more than 150 years … you’ve been working on our farm since you’ve been 5 years old and you’re going to be a farmer for a long time to come – so get that silly notion out of your head and finish your dinner.” Let’s just say that that was one of many rainy days in my parade of ideas proffered at the dinner table as a boy.  How many parades have been similarly rained on by well meaning parents?  My estimate is, ”too many to count.”

How do I know this?  In my coaching of Corporations and the individuals within them one of my first exercises is to have my new clients write a list of what I call “Dreams” … in today’s vernacular I’m asking for their Bucket List. I ask them to return to our next session with a list of dreams they wish to accomplish in their lifetimes [for the 30 year olds I coach that’s in the next 55 years!] and sadly I get lists with 10-15 dreams.  I send them back for our next session and suggest they should be able to write at least 100 such dreams.  I further describe the potential lists as not only containing tangible items, but intangible, becoming dreams … becoming better public speakers, better partners, better parents, etc.  It’s a struggle for most people to come up 100 dreams that they’d like to achieve and in contrast, when I ask my young friends (4-5 year olds) they can come up 100’s in a few hours!

These 4 and 5 year olds haven’t been conditioned to expect limitations upon their dreams, but it won’t be long before well meaning parents, teachers, mentors, etc will begin to guide these young minds into safer, realistic paths.

STOP the cycle … allow our younger children to dream big dreams, allow our young adults to dream big dreams and allow our seasoned adults to dream big dreams and just watch the growth in our people, our society and our World.  No realistic, well meaning person would have ever allowed the concept of a man walking on the moon back in the 50’s, but I can testify to you that on that fateful day in 1969 I was a 1^st lieutenant in the US Marine Corps in Advanced Flight training one month from earning my “Wings of Gold” as a Naval Aviator and launching my flying career that has been World Wide in scope and certainly achieved the dream I had the courage to express at my dinner table as a 9 yr old … and I hope every child can achieve and embrace that same sense of achievement I’m feeling and Dream BIG Dreams.

Live Your Dream

To the Preacher … life’s a sermon

To the Teacher … life’s a lesson

To you my friend … what is life?

That is not a rhetorical question … you chose (or should have) to be who you are.  No mandate from “on high” … no other should have power over your choice.  You alone are responsible.

I do believe from years of close observation that everyone is blessed with unique authentic talents.  Let’s agree to name them “gifts” and further to agree everyone has them.  Those who search and explore themselves from within discover what “gifts” they have and IF they align their lives with them invariably achieve success … not simply success in the World’s eyes … but deeply satisfying success – many call such success Joy!

You have a life … you have a talent/gift – please don’t waste it.  No one tells you how to live – You Do!  A good friend of mine, Jim Olsen, from Salt Lake City, UT was introduced to me by someone who described him as someone who’s “give a darn … didn’t give a DARN!”  Upon meeting with Jim he even described himself that way … followed by an emphatic – “I used to!” (and he wanted it back)

C..S. Lewis wrote – “if you want to be warm – get by a fire; if you want to be wet – get by water; if you want Joy – get by those who have Joy.”  So it is, I say it this way, if you’re not pleased with where you are in life get where you want to be, around those who support you, and allow their Joy to suffuse into your soul.  This will require change on your part.  This will require hard work; it will involve being honest with yourself; honest with those (everyone) around you; focused on the “gift” you possess.

Live Your Dream

Perhaps you remember the line in the movie “Apollo 13” when the mission director informed all of his team members, “Failure is not an option.”  In that circumstance the message was intended for “the team” but it transcends to include each and every one of us – you cannot fail until you decide to quit!

Many of us are familiar with the cliché that there are (3) types of people in the World … those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who have no idea – my challenge to you today is to discover who you are, what your gift is, and then focus your life on sharing that gift with those around you in all you do … become the person who knows what his or her life is about and live it!

Live large … don’t waste your gift … there is only one you in this World and I know with every fiber of my being the World needs your gift!

Together we make a "difference"

3 African Pearls of Wisdom:

“If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”  This is an African proverb that Michael Chertok quoted on his first day on the job in his new role as DDD’s Vice President of Global Impact.

Often credited to Nelson Mandela … “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond imagination. It is our light more than our darkness which scares us. We ask ourselves – who are we to be brilliant, beautiful, talented, and fabulous. But honestly, who are you to not be so?

You are a child of God; small games do not work in this world. For those around us to feel peace, it is not example to make ourselves small. We were born to express the glory of god that lives in us. It is not in some of us; it is in all of us. While we allow our light to shine, we unconsciously give permission for others to do the same. When we liberate ourselves from our own fears, simply our presence may liberate others,” this quote is from – Marianne Williamson in Return to Love: Reflections on a Course in Mira.

My wife, who recently returned from Ethiopia as an OR nurse with Operation Smile on her 24^th Humanitarian mission shared this last “pearl” with me.  When greeting another in Ethiopia and extending a “hand of fellowship,” if the recipient instead bends their hand at the wrist [bending it down to avoid clasping yours] do not be offended … instead grasp their wrist and shake it.  They have done so out of kindness for you – they have had their hands working recently in the soil and wish to protect yours from its effect.

My heart strings are “tugged” by these (3) pearls.  As our World seems fragmented, hurried and more complex … it’s refreshing to reflect upon the Wisdom, kindness and love others share with us so freely and generously.

Yesterday, I shared these thoughts with a group young people who were being inducted into the Salt Lake Rotoract Club [sponsored by the Sugar House Rotary Club and the Salt Lake City Rotary Club]  25 of our communities finest and brightest 18-30 year olds – who are college students, young professionals, house wives, etc.

These 25 all share one common trait … service!  They are willing to give of their time and serve others less fortunate than themselves.  The Clubs primary focus is helping Salt Lake City’s ever growing refugee community.  They read to the youth of these new members of our society, they work in the field shoulder to shoulder to prepare a garden to grow crops for them, they donate thousands of hours helping others.

In numbers these (25) are statistically invisible … however, what they truly represent is 100% of our future!

I’m fortunate to be associated with them as an advisor; I’m blessed to be part of the “future” they are creating … I invite each of you to consider how you can be “part of the solution” that these young leaders are so eager to produce.

One of my mentors loved to say, “If it is to be … it is up to me,” and so it is.  May you find these “pearls of wisdom,” useful in your coming week.

Is this going to be your "sunrise" or "sunset"?

2011 is 85 days from now.  I’ve got (9) questions for you to ponder?

1.       What will it cost you to live in 2011?

2.       What will you learn that will improve your 2011?

3.       What will your health look like in 2011?

4.       What will you give to others that will be of benefit to them in 2011?

5.       What will you improve about yourself in 2011?

6.       What would have wished you had done if you die in 2011?

7.       What would you be doing if you weren’t doing what you are?

8.       What are you willing to give to have what you want in 2011?

9.       What will be your biggest obstacle to achieving all the above in 2011?

You might want to spend some time on the following iterations of “9” –

9 -      Steps to Success

9 -      Minutes to live

9 -      Corners to Life

9 -      Layers of Love

9 -      Visions of Me

9 -      Doors to Happiness

9 -      Days of Labor

9 -      Tough Thoughts

9 -      Reasons to look forward to 2011

Finally, 9 thoughts I’d like to share with you …

1.       To be passionate [What compels you to be in business?

2.       Have a WILL not a WISH … to be successful

3.       Crazy tenacity … focus on the right things

4.       Learn to seek out and take good advice

5.       Physical & Spiritual health and stamina [make appointments with yourself]

6.       Success & Happiness [NOT defined by $] Continuous Joy from service to               others … making a difference in others lives

7.       Put your ego in check

8.       Look at your business as an outsider and be honest with yourself

9.       Aim for success NOT perfection

2011 is coming … only you will determine how it unfolds!

Whether you're in the cold dead of winter, or not - the sun will rise!

Often times, when companies are forced to squeeze their financial belt, developing employees and creating future leaders gets pushed aside. However, building a sustainable company requires having a leadership growth and succession plan in place at all times.

In a recent study conducted by OI Partners, data indicated that 54% of the companies surveyed do not have enough leadership successors in place and 14% of the companies are not sure if they have enough leadership successors in place. These findings confirm that many organizations are not prepared for the future, which means their organizations are not as sustainable as current management may believe. Closing the knowledge and talent gap needs to be a management strategy during good or “interesting” times in business.

The benefit of investing and growing employees for the future provides staggering long-term results for the entire organization. Some of the outcomes of employee development that management should never lose sight of include:

• Maintaining or growing competiveness in the market
• Sustaining or increasing overall employee and organizational performance
• Building capabilities required to win when business circumstances change
• Sustaining the organization’s culture
• Shortening the time needed for an employee to make an important role transition
• Building strong leaders breeds sustainability
• Creating strategic alignment between the strategy, the employees, and the internal processes
• Innovation
• Creating loyal employees which in turn helps create a loyal customer base

The last point listed is particularly important. Revenue and profitability, albeit critical, are predictors of past decisions. Creating and growing a loyal customer base is a predictor of future success and sustainability. A key to creating and growing a loyal customer base is creating loyal employees. An employee’s loyalty to the organization is enhanced by working with each individual to create a personal development plan. Tim Shoonover, Chairman of OI Partners, said in a recent article “To sustain growth in your company, there must be a path to leadership. If an employee doesn’t have a leadership development plan in place and isn’t able to see his/her career progression he/she is less likely to be engaged or to expend discretionary effort.”

Right now organizations have an advantage, as employees are not as quick to pursue new career opportunities. But as economic conditions improve, disengaged employees will begin comparing and perhaps looking for new career opportunities. Therefore, creating and committing to an employee leadership and development plan is not only critical to organizational success it also plays a significant role in keeping employee turnover to a minimum.

Employees who see a commitment to their growth and development are employees who give the organization 110%. That extra 10% is where innovative ideas come from that could propel your organization to new heights. What is creating an employee development process worth to your company?

Here are some questions that may be useful as you review your company’s employee development strategy:

1. If you had to fill a key leadership position in your company tomorrow, is there someone ready and able to fill the position? Are you confident he/she has the right skills, knowledge, and attitude? (or are you guessing?)
2. Does your organization have a published employee development plan?
3. Do you or your team of managers have a documented development plan for each employee they manage?

If any of your answers to the questions listed above cause you concern or you just do not know the answer, then perhaps it is time to make employee development a priority.

The sustainability and success of your organization depend, on it!

Rezults Group, Inc is committed to Leadership Development … we have unique tools, processes and systems in place to assist organizations and entrepreneurs to develop such areas in their businesses.  Comments or questions are welcomed at info@rezultsgroup.com.

"Is it time to sing YOUR song?"

It all starts with a dream and an intense desire to build something of value. Many people dream about inventing something, seeing the world change based on their efforts, or building a successful business around their craft, talent, or expertise. These dreams are vital to the strength and success of the United States. Over 90% of businesses in the United States are defined as small businesses and employ less than 99 people. Many of these small businesses started with a tiny seed planted by an emerging entrepreneur. Have you dreamt about what your gift to the world is? What inspires you the most? What are you naturally (skills, abilities, and gifts) good at? Could your dream become a viable business? What action have you taken?

In addition to the dream, an entrepreneur needs to have a clear and concise vision of what the business will look like. What service or product will it provide and to what customer base? Equally as important as identifying the product or service is identifying the measurable value the product or service will bring to the customers served. Knowing that Rezults Group strives to “be a World Class Leader in the learning and development field, helping organizations develop a competitive edge, improving the quality of lives and creating a better today and tomorrow” keeps our company focused on success and growth for the right reasons.

A successful entrepreneur must also have a purpose. Being in business for the sake of being in business, for the sake of making money, or for the sake of “getting out of Corporate America” is not enough. Purpose fuels the drive necessary to make success happen and to make it meaningful. What are you passionate about? What do you strongly believe in? Are your passions and beliefs being met in your current role, and are you truly satisfied? Be honest with yourself! Now is the time to really identify your purpose and assess whether or not you are settling or thriving. As British author, Rose Tremain said, “Life is not a dress rehearsal.” We only get one shot to fulfill our dreams, vision, and purpose. What is currently standing in the way of you having your own successful business? Given your talents, passions, gifts and values how could you become a viable resource and contribute to others?

80% of people who say they want to be in their own business are daydreaming. Only 20% actually take action and do what is necessary to make it happen. Your level of success is entirely your choice. As Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life, says “It is every individual’s choice. You can choose to live at a level of survival, a level of success, or a level of significance.” Will your significance be achieved by serving others through your own business? Are you one of the 20% who will actually take action and accomplish success through entrepreneurship?

We’ve worked with many individuals over the years developing their “entrepreneurial skills.” We have a proven course complete with an “Action Plan” that guides people towards the success they seek. We have assessments that point out specific attributes needed to enhance your development along the path … we’d love to discuss the process with you – give us a call, or send us a message at info@rezultsgroup.com and enjoy a complimentary review of where you are and where you want be and how we might be an answer to you along the way!

In the shades of "ethics" ... there is always - Light!

Political Correctness (PC) is not a language “steeped” in ethics. Disclaimer: This business owner, author, husband, former Fighter Pilot, believer in God, friend, coach and Father has on many an occasion had to remove his foot from his mouth to take the next step.

Ethics can be approached from many angels.  By definition (from an old dictionary – because the definitions aren’t slanted from a “PC” perspective) from the Greeks of ancient times – “the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation; a set of moral principles or values; the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group.” Good, bad, moral … words suffused with emotion that find space in every Religion practiced today are terms we’ll confront in this post on ethics.

I will do my upmost to avoid “religious” connotations – however, I am a person of Faith, I believe in a God, I was raised in such an environment and I know my foundational core values are steeped in religion and therefore will seep out without me even knowing – for that I ask in advance your indulgence.

Remember, my definition of business is, “to identify, acquire and maintain customers.”  In that light, let’s look at my description of the CEO’s job – “Enhance shareholder value.”  Whether it’s a sole-proprietorship or a Fortune 500 company, it’s the same – “enhance shareholder value.”

Without name dropping, it’s easy to find examples in today’s press where CEO’s, corporate officers, etc., have allowed or, in some cases, participated in less than “ethical” ways.  By anyone’s definition the “moral obligations/principles” and governing values were ignored.  Why?  We never seem to “get” the real reasons or at least answers that we can understand.  Double-speak, obfuscation, – everything except what appears to be the truth.  Again the question – why?

There always seems to be an “economic” incentive for such action.  Many times it’s to “capture” a larger market share quicker.  Regardless, these strategies descend into the dark side of Grey and flirt with outright wrong-doing.

Of all the reasons that could account for such a slide into the dark side of ethical behavior, I believe it begins with rationalization. Lowering our standards to equal or reach our expectations!  A “short-cut” to what many would agree is immediate gratification.  In stark contrast to rationalization is repentance. Raising our standards to equal or reach our expectations!  Take personal responsibility for our situation.

In a repentant mind-set we acknowledge “we aren’t where we want to be,” our performance isn’t what we expect of ourselves.  Instead of rationalizing the situation and taking a lower path, we must view the situation as one of our making, change our approach, change our minds, acknowledge our regret (repent) of the path chosen and raise our awareness, remind ourselves of what our core values demand of us in all situations and press forward with renewed hope and conviction that the sure and steady path will bear fruit.

History is replete with examples of success through repentance.  It’s a personal choice and for many one grounded in our upbringing … “Old Fashion?” … perhaps … Relevant – Yes!

In business or life – choose the right – let the consequences follow!