Listen...Silent

My daughter Gabriela is on her journey towards getting her Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling. We often engage in great conversations about human psychology. It is fascinating the amount of new knowledge I am gaining while listening to her passionately talk about this subject. Days ago, she shared with me that as an integral part of being successful in her career, she needs to first get to know her/his client very well. Asking the right questions and listening to client's responses is a critical step in the process of getting to know the client and what is going on in his/her life.
I just learned from her the fact that the word LISTEN has the exact same six letters as the word SILENT, isn't that interesting?  In today's dynamics, it is imperative that leaders and business owners incorporate coaching skills in our roles. The traditional techniques from the last century are no longer enough to connect with others. With so many distractions and options, most individuals don't have the time to evaluate all the options out there in the marketplace. Therefore, those who really pay attention to clients, engage in a communication process that allows them to listen to needs and wants from their clients. This allows them to also come up with the right solutions.
As a leader, when you are wearing your "Coach Hat", listening is key to building rapport and to foster such a dialogue, whereas Active Listening sends the message that we really care, we understand and we know what our client or team member is going through. Active Listening is putting aside any judgmental approach,  a structured way of being engaged in a dialogue, avoiding other thoughts, by listening and responding accordingly. It is when you focus on the speaker to a level where you can re-frame back and say what you believe you just heard. You can develop active listening skills when you are attentive, when you let go your own agenda, not distracted and thinking about others things, trying to guess what they are just about to say next.
On the other hand, the word SILENT makes me think of being fully present, making eye contact, offering interest, providing attention to what is being said, and asking questions that imply we are in fact listening. Putting our electronic gadgets aside, silencing them and avoiding multitasking during such an important process. Whether is face-to-face interaction or over the phone, LISTEN and actively ask questions that make your client feel you are indeed paying attention.
After all, we we listen, we respect others and what they have to say.
Think about three questions your team members, clients and customers may have in the back of their minds every time you are interacting with them:
Do you care for me? Can you help me? Can I trust you?

21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

I believe it was back in 2004 when I first heard the quote from John Maxwell: " Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less". This thought takes us to the Law of Influence. I am sure you are familiar with instances in your life when you met individuals and organizations who believed leadership was associated with a position or a title.  The world has been filled with sad stories where power was the only element that drove what it was so-called leadership. Gladly, we have also been blessed by great examples of what true leadership is, individuals who drove their leadership with their influence. Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Ronald Reagan, Billy Graham, among others. They represented Leadership and Influence as a function of their own example and lifestyle. During the 80s,  there was an escalating myth referring leadership as the same as management. Management is more about knowing what to do, getting the job done, taking a project to its completion. Managers have played an important role in the evolution of all industries. Managers are critical in any organization. I believe the world needs great managers.
Also, I strongly believe the world needs Great Leaders. When talking about true Leadership, it takes a different skill sets, it's about influencing others on what to do.  Leaders lead by example, they are often the ones upfront, showing the way, knowing the way, and not getting there alone. True leaders get to the top in the company of others, otherwise, if no one is with them, they are just having a walk.
I remember a time where I was not happy about my performance. My team was not delivering the results I needed. I naturally started blaming others and complaining about my team, I was sharing my frustrations with a leader, in regards to my team. Their lack of commitment. Being tired of asking and telling them the things they were supposed to do. Their apathy had taken me to a horrible state of mind and I was at a point of almost quitting my business. Then, I was prompted with some powerful questions: " Who is their leader?  Who is influencing them? What is the greatest and closest example they can follow? So goes the leader, so goes the pack.
At our discussions about this law, there was a discovery that struck me. I must admit that for years, I have been striving to influence those in my team, paying most attention to my organization and peers, and not so much in being an influence to myself and to those leading me.
Our facilitator asked us to draw a circle, writing down 5 arrows, one South, referring to those we lead, arrows to left and right, that is West and East, representing our peers and colleagues. An arrow up North, that is our leaders or Up Lines,  and another arrow circling the middle, which is us.
I came to the conclusion that my ability to lead others is a direct function of leading up and leading self. I am asking you:
How well are you leading you? How are you leading up? How would you rate your ability to influence those above you?
How would you rate yourself in your ability to influence your Up Line, your supervisor, your leaders?
" The first person you lead is you" John Maxwell

21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

The area of Leadership has become one of my favorite subjects during the past three decades of my life. I have been blessed by great leadership around me, being surrounded by role models like my parents, grandmothers, aunts, uncles, school professors, Sunday school teachers and many other mentors from different walks of life.  Given the ongoing and fast pace changes in the world, more organizations and individuals are increasing their level of awareness in this critical area.  Today, more than ever, success is a function of leadership. As Dr. John C. Maxwell says: 'Everything rises and fall on leadership".  I have read and researched many books in this subject and have become a student of leadership. One of my favorite gurus in this area is John Maxwell. He has written many books about how to be an effective leader and more importantly, how to develop those around you. He has sold more than 19 million copies in multiple languages and has been an influence in equipping and multiplying leaders around the globe . Over a month ago, I started a journey of learning more about the Maxwell philosophy and we are currently discussing about his 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.
As I keep discovering more truths in this subject, I am also learning how to live the laws and how to lead others to these laws.
The first one we have studied is the Law of the Lid. It states that "Leadership ability determines a person's level of effectiveness". Maxwell establishes that the level of our organization or business cannot be higher than our level of leadership. Let's say that on the scale from 1 to 10, I rate myself on a level 5 in my leadership ability, that determines my lid. Meaning that my organization or team, will not grow or go beyond a level 4. It always stops 1 level below my leadership ability. If I want to increase my results to a level 7, my ability to lead needs to go to a level 8.  This law requires me to raise my level of effectiveness in leading others, before expecting better results.
Are you finding yourself stuck in your ability to help your team grow to a higher level?
Do you want more from your team? Feeling frustrated by not achieving the levels of performance and results you have established at the beginning of the year?
Whether I like it or not, or, whether I believe or not in this law, it's a law. Just like the law of gravity, if a jump from an airplane, I am going to fall.
Our accomplishments are a direct function of our ability to lead others.
How can we raise our level of leadership, how can we move our lid up?
Reflect each day, spend time with self as part of your daily discipline, evaluating past experiences and asking yourself: How could I have done it better?.
What do I need to "stop doing"? What do I need to "start doing" ?
Surround yourself with people stronger than you. Be part of a Mastermind Group. If you find yourself as the smartest and strongest person in your current group, you need to go and find another group.
Do you want to increase your level of leadership and enjoy greater results and influence?
Do your research, find a mentor and hire the right coach. It's time to invest in YOU.
At the end of the day, the first person you lead, is You! Think about it...

'Your Life Starts at the end of your Comfort Zone'... Unknown

I know what you're thinking. You may be wondering and asking what happened with my experience at the 'Unleash the Power Within' Seminar with Anthony Robbins, this past weekend? My wife Silvana and I were blessed by achieving another element from our 'Bucket List', as part of our journey of personal growth. A live event with Tony Robbins. OMG.
Talk about recession and down economy? Recession what? I invite you to think for a moment about how we all perceive things and events in our lives, even when they are not real. Where do we focus our thoughts and actions? As we were driving towards Fort Lauderdale and remembering our past experiences with many events and logistics, we asked ourselves questions like, What would this event look like? Given the challenges with the economy and registration going from $595 up to almost $3,000 per person, how many people will really show up?
As we were making our way to find a space in the multiple levels at the parking lot, running to the registration tables and barely finding a seat in the main ballroom, our eyes were amazed witnessing the spectacle of more than 4,000 people and 300+ volunteers, congregated to meet with this high energy guru of self help and human potential called Anthony Robbins. A full house from 15+ countries, multiple languages and a room packed with contagious energy and anticipation, what an experience. My mind went back in time and I remembered the early 80s, when I was attending College, single, soul-searching for my biggest dreams, building my 'blueprint' of life and looking for more successful role models to follow. In that process, I started hearing about this innovative young man, nicely dressed, filled with confidence, holding seminars, conducting power talks and inviting people to walk on fire at the end of his events. I need to confess that even though it got my attention, my mind was also telling me it all sound like a gimmick, or, just simply massive 'brain wash' for the multitudes. It was pure personal judgment, without enough evidence. After 30 years of becoming a student of personal growth and self help tools, whether you and I totally agree or not with everything he says, I have learned that Tony Robbin's success is a product of his focused daily self-discipline, strong determination and passion for helping people. I was amazed not only by his incredible high level of energy, his structured and well-organized systems, also, I was impressed by his 'down to earth' attitude and on-going genuine smile from stage. Day 1 was a 'non-stop' marathon of more than 9 hours of pure adrenaline, role playing, body movements, exercises, group dynamics with visuals, music and tons of lessons to be personally learned and applied to my life. It was stimulation at its best.  I am now going through the many pages of personal notes I took, the powerful statements that triggered my mind and my emotions. But it was when I was walking through the booths displaying the many products and tools to better our lives, that I saw a T- Shirt with a statement that made me stop and got my full attention:
" Your Life starts at the end of your Comfort Zone"
Shocking. A strong 'wake up call'. My 'eyes were opened' to reflect about past & current events in my life and since, I have been asking myself: Are you too comfortable now ? Are you actually feeling uncomfortable doing new and different things? What kind of life do YOU really want? 
Decisions shape our Destiny. I respectfully ask you: 
What decisions are you making today, to shape your destiny? 
Are your decisions provoking some uncomfortable feelings? 
The Good news: If so, You may be starting the best years of your Real Life. 'See you' soon

Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance

Hi, my fellow business owners and leaders. Days ago, we were talking about what most people knows as 'good luck'. I am sure you have reflected on this subject and you have been working your way to your own 'good luck' for this Spring. Along those lines, I was watching a video and heard a phrase that got my attention: 'Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance", it's so true. According to some statistics, 8 out of 10 new businesses will fail during the first year. One of the factors that leads to this is the lack of planning, or, not putting together a clear and simple business plan. Successful people are great doers and implementers. Yes, they are very good at getting into action. Their actions were preceded by proper planning. Once we have decided what we want, spend quality time on the how and when we are going to get there. Consider some key steps and questions you may ask yourself when planning: What will it take from my end? How much money and time will it take? Who should I hire to take care of some tasks? Who is in my support team?
John Maxwell has said: " If you have a dream, you need a team, If you have a team, you need a dream". How many hours will I commit for every day and week? What potential obstacles may I be facing? One question that I have found very important before we approach a goal: " How would success look like?" Take the time to write down these key questions. Be positive and be driven by your enthusiasm and also avoid unrealistic optimism, consider some failure rate in your actions.  My top key topics to consider in business planning: What is your goal? Who is your market? Define the profile of your ideal client. Define your niche. Establish your daily networking and selling activities. What is your unique product? What are the economics and numbers you want to reach on a weekly basis?
Prior Planning will take you places and will increase your odds for Strong Performance.

Today is your lucky day

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everybody. Since the 17th century, the Irish and people from around the world have dedicated this day to celebrate Irish heritage and traditions. Whether we are Irish or not, it's an opportunity to gather, to embrace the new season, a farewell to winter and to start enjoying the colors of Spring, sunny days, along with new fashion, clothing and trends. It's a day to meet with friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. We will see parades, crowded restaurants and Irish pubs, shamrocks all over the place and much more. There is one symbol that catches my attention during these celebrations, it's the color green. As you know, this color Green has been associated with good luck for many centuries. Even though the original festivities are linked to a 3-leaf shamrock, according to legend, when someone finds a 4-leaf shamrock, it has also found good luck. I am sure you may be already wearing something green for today, to attract your good luck on everything you do. This makes me think about a definition of luck I learned many years ago. Good luck is when Preparation meets Opportunity. When someone succeeds in life, when you have achieved your goals and enjoying success, very often, people may comment," How lucky you are", or, "Wow, look at her/him, she/he is so lucky". What it is not often seen or said, it's the dedication and hard work that has happened behind the scenes. It's the many years of consistency, of passionate drive to not give up on your daily actions. I want to encourage you to keep working on your dreams, to keep helping others achieve their own goals and be ready for your next pot of luck, that is, being prepared and ready when a next Opportunity knocks on your door. Remember, there is always a priceless reward for those who are persistent. Share with me your "Good Luck" success stories as you continue your journey towards your dreams. Happy St. Patrick's & Lucky Day to you...

Aloha...

Aloha. Once again, I have had the blessing to be able to visit Hawaii with my family. During the last couple of trips, we have made some amazing friends and they have been more than accommodating, to say the least. We’ve built such friendship that we refer to each other as Ohana, family. We can feel that warmth as soon as we arrive, greeted by their ever-welcoming “Aloha”. It means more than ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’. Kama'ainas, or locals, tell me that ‘Aloha’ is a way of life. It is all we need to rightfully interact with the natural world. It is the attitude of the “Aloha Spirit” or the “Way of Aloha”. This sounds like an incredible philosophy and every visit I try to embrace this as my own. Listening more, respecting diversity, multiple opinions, perspectives, and backgrounds. These should be the qualities of a leader, the qualities of an effective communicator. Look at your team, and think of how diverse, how unique, how different they are, and how powerful using these differences can be to achieving your goals. Think of how many opportunities are within your team and how you can bring more qualities and diversity to life. Let us be inclusive, embrace others and their experiences in life. Effective leaders find their own formula to live with balance, create community and reach out to others. As we start a new week I invite you to ask yourself, How am I expressing love, compassion, acceptance and care for others? Are my team meetings catered to support this philosophy? Do I care about the different personalities and styles within my Team? Successful leaders achieve more by building lasting relationships. There are thousands out there who are just waiting for a holding hand like yours. Are you incorporating the ‘Aloha Spirit’ when coaching your team? Do you want to be a stronger leader? Want to lead more people? It is proven that first we must be willing to walk alongside, before pretending to walk in front, to lead others. Let’s continue our journey saying “Aloha”, with a genuine smile, a caring hand and intense joy.