Cheerleader or Chair Leader

Posted on November 3, 2010 by David

Are you a cheerleader or a chair leader?

Have you seen a cheerleader doing their work? If you’ve attended a sporting event, you’ve seen cheerleaders and understand their role. Smiling, enthusiastic, positive. If you’ve ever been to Sam’s Club (the warehouse club) early in the morning, you might have witnessed one of  their pep rallies. It can be used to review the previous day, announce a change in policy, or just a way to get the staff geared up for the day ahead. It can also be a great way to recognize or reward team members for their achievements.

What about a chair leader? This is the type of person that usually sits behind a desk and delivers instructions. They might be a person who has never served in the field. Yet, due to their degree or pedigree, they hand out textbook answers in order to micro-manage. They only talk and rarely listen. I think of this position like Pharaoh from the “Ten Commandments” barking orders and edicts from their throne.

Cheer on your team to bigger and better results.

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. – John Quincy Adams

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Help Kids with Cancer

Posted on November 2, 2010 by David

There is nothing selfish about this post.

A couple of days ago I made a post about Give Kids the World. This time I’m asking you to listen to another story.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is one of the world’s premier pediatric cancer research centers. Its mission is to find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases through research and treatment.


The hospital’s daily operating costs are nearly $1.5 million, which are primarily covered by public contributions. St. Jude has more than 3,300 employees.

The folks at GNC have teamed up once again with their Thanks and Giving campaign to raise money and awareness for St. Jude.

You can visit your local GNC store or go here to make a donation.

Thank you.

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Eleven and a half years

Posted on November 1, 2010 by David

That’s how long my business has been open today.

Just last week, a customer called to get directions to our store. She said she didn’t know we were here. I told her we’ve been here for 11 1/2 years. She said she’s been to our shopping center before but never noticed us.

Who’s at fault? The customer for not noticing us or us for not being noticeable?

Do something to be noticed today.

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You have the power

Posted on October 31, 2010 by David

A good friend was returning home from a business trip recently and was sitting in front of a mom and her daughter on the plane. They were headed to Orlando as recipients of a Give Kids The World experience.

Give Kids The World is “a non-profit organization that exists only to fulfill the wishes of all children with life-threatening illnesses and their families from around the world to experience a memorable, joyful, cost-free visit to the Central Florida attractions, and to enjoy the magic of Give Kids The World Village for as long as there is a need.”

So he poses the question, “What would you do if you were sitting in front of her and her mom?” He works for  a Fortune 100 company and is in a position to help make her experience a magical one. Plus, he has the heart of a servant.

Everyday we are given the power to make a difference in the lives of someone or several someones. It can be at work, at school, in a store, at church. Anywhere. Anytime.

You have the power. How are you going to use it today?

Posted in Difference, Give Kids The World, Power, Sharing, Talents | 2 Comments

All team members are valuable

Posted on October 30, 2010 by David

When you have a professional team (baseball, football, basketball, hockey, etc.) the veterans and the rookies play together to form a cohesive unit. At least on the successful teams they do.

What about in your organization? As a leader, manager or supervisor, are you building a team of inclusion or exclusion? Does the rookie in your organization have the same level of input as the seasoned veteran?

Not everyone on your team is cut out to perform at the same level or perform the same tasks. But if everyone feels like a valuable part of the team, watch what they can do if you are giving them confidence along the way.

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