Self-Improvement

Resist the temptation…

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In an earlier post, “Instead of…” was presented as an alternative to saying “Don’t.” “Instead of” forces you to come up with an alternative action, which is usually good.

However, if time is critical, or it’s not all that consequential, or you can’t come up with an alternative, try this:

“Resist the temptation to…”
It works best for quick thoughts that you might usually start with “Don’t”
“Don’t use the side door.”
“Don’t call her so soon.”
“Don’t staple every doggone thing.”
“Don’t leave the lights on in the storage room.”

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Frame! (kind of a book report)

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The brilliant folks at Manager Tools–specifically, Mark–have recommended this book highly for years.  I read much of it a while ago, and recently picked it up to re-read it.

In 300 words, here’s why it’s worthy of attention; read at least chapters 1, 2, 16, and 20. (Those chapters recommended by Luther College professor Schweizer — it’s the “condensed” version of taking in the whole book, and will take you less than an hour.)

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“Where do you get that energy?!”

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Frequently, people ask me that question.  Those who ask are usually witnessing me in a professional situation; if they saw me after the alarm goes off, there’s no way they’d ask that!

But it’s true- if we lead, we have an obligation to give those we serve our best, and that means maintaining optimal mental and physical energy.  Everyone’s prescription is different, but here’s mine, for what it’s worth.

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“To know, and not do, is to not yet know”

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A few weeks back, I was at a presentation of Janyne Peek Emsick, and she reminded us of a great quote from Karl Lewin:

To know,
and not do,
is to not yet know.

Have you ever explained how to tie your shoes? Better yet, was there ever a time that you tried tying shoes simply based on a verbal description of the process? You had to DO it to get it, right? That’s what Lewin is getting at.

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Leaders Share, Abundantly.

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In an earlier post, I wrote about the value of picking up the phone to ask for help, information, or other assistance from fellow professionals.

On the other side of things, what do you do when you get that call?

Share. Abundantly.

In my former profession, many of us Iowa band directors worked toward the special, singular honor of representing our class at the annual Bandmasters Convention. This was a big honor that went to just one (or zero) programs per year.

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