Recently, my son's school held its annual fundraising event.  I consider this to be one of the most practical lessons of the year, as it teaches children all about sales.

This year, I think I learned a thing or two from my 8 year old son.

Set a goal and set it high.  The goal, of course, is dependent on the individual.  In this case, it was the reward of getting to miss an afternoon of school in order to have a special limousine ride to a restaurant where the "winners" are served a deilcious lunch complete with hot fudge sundaes.  This, in addition to a string of gifts suitable for a 3rd grader, was quite a prize.

Healthy competition can be a good thing.  In the case of the aforementioned goal, the fact that my son's two older brothers acheived the same, certainly increased his motivation (in my humble opinion).

Harness your energy and display a positive attitude.  The first day, Bennett exclaimed "sell, sell, sell!" Now, he didn't ever get that from me or his dad.  Perhaps some people are born with this mindset.  He couldn't wait to get out there and would literally run from door to door.  His enthusiasm was contagious.

Be persistent and follow up.  This is one of my favorites.  Bennett would knock on a door and the neighbors would say they were interested, but could he come back another time.  Thought they were off the hook.  But he did!  And they bought.

Recruit assistance as needed.  Another one of my favorites.  The manner in which Bennett convinced his oldest brother to help him out was nothing short of miraculous.  You never know who may be willing to support you- if you are just willing to ask.

Know and believe in your product.  Gift wrap, note paper, chocolates.  Doesn't matter.  You need to be able to answer your customer's questions.  If you don't know the answer, see above.  Find out and follow up.

Bennett not only achieved his goal, he surpassed it.  Bring on the sundaes (that , he does get from me).

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Recently I had the pleasure of witnessing a lovely little slice of life.  It happened while I was in line for a coffee at a bookstore, waiting for a meeting with a colleague to begin.

A very nice young gentleman came up behind me and announced to the woman standing there "I think you're lovely and I'd like to take you out."  At first she was speechless.  She then turned crimson, said "I'm married" and displayed her wedding band.

Now, while this may sound a bit like a pick up line, I assure you that I have not seen anything so sweet, genuine and real in a long time.  It was like something out of a holiday movie.  An act of gallantry and self assurance.  And he was right.  The young woman was indeed lovely.  Slim, blonde haired, blue eyed, with straight white teeth, she looked like she could have walked right out of a J. Crew catalogue.  But what impressed me most was the courage the young man displayed.  He not only told her she was pretty and asked her out, he did so in front of a small audience.

Wouldn't life be grand if more people acted on their impulses (within reason, of course).  This young man made this woman's day, I'm sure.  He made mine as well.    You know this guy is going to live a good life.  Because next time, I bet you, the woman will say yes.

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Over the years, I've learned an extremely important lesson as a professional.  In spite of best intentions, sometimes things don't go exactly as planned.  I used to put so much time and effort into the process.  When I'd facilitate a session I would work very hard to ensure my agendas and materials were all in order before working with a client.  I'd do all I could to "dot my i's and cross my t's" as it were.

Recently, I realize that an equally, if not more important, skill comes into play.  One that implies the ability to think on your feet, create and apply contingency plans.  I often travel across the globe for work and realize this often does not lend itself to smooth logistics.  However, as I gain more experience, I realize that I have all I need within me for a successful session, whether it's working with a team of 5 or 20, and whether the requested materials arrive or not.

There's great peace of mind in knowing that I can wing it and elicit what I need from the participants.  All that other stuff, the materials, books, posters, handouts...those are merely tools to help start a meaningful conversation.  The most important aspect is the ability to create an environment conducive to open, safe and productive conversations.

Don't get me wrong.  I still love to plan and always will.  But I can sleep better at night knowing that if all else fails, just get the right conversation started.

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A few years ago, I made a New Year's commitment that to this day I try my best to keep.  When opportunities came my way, I'd take advantage of them, even if they caused me to stretch outside my comfort zone or expend a little extra effort or money to fulfill.

Those who are close to me have heard me tell of the time Gene Kelly, one of my favorite movie stars, came to the University of Michigan when I was a student there, to lead a dance class.  I thought- I can't go, I don't belong to the school of dance.  And so I didn't.  Years later I thought, gosh darn it! I should have gone and had them drag me out if need be.

Or there was the time I lived in Milwaukee, headquarters of Harley-Davidson.  The company was celebrating a special anniversary and thousands of motorcyclists would be attending.  Again, I didn't go, thinking it would be a hassle.  To this day I think about what a sight I missed.

I love synchronicity.  When it occurs I take notice and feel grateful.  A few years back, I was traveling to the airport on my way to Mexico for a business trip, from my hometown of Cincinnati.  I called a good friend of mine who lived in New York City. 

I asked what he was up to and he said he was leaving for a business trip to Dallas, Texas.  Coincidentally, I remembered that my layover happened to occur...you guessed it, in Dallas.  Now, I'm a person who prefers a plan but I also pay attention to what the Universe presents.  I quickly got on the phone, arranged for a later connection, and enjoyed a fun dinner with my friend.

And now, another opportunity has come my way.  I contacted an old friend who also lives in New York City.  We haven't talked in a while and he commented he's going to be performing in London in October.  As luck would have it, I'll be in England during that time.  I wasn't planning to go to London and if I did, I'd have to make an extra detour.

But how often does one get to see an old friend in London (unless, of course, you live in London).  I know that even if it costs me a little extra time and money, it's worth it to see Andrew.  Because when it comes right down to it- that's what life is all about.  Friendship and a little good fortune thrown in.

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How ironic.  I'm traveling for business to lead a training session on Dealing with Change.  Already my travels have tested me on this very topic.

It started out at the airport.  I forgot that I am no longer able to bring any sort of liquid on the plane.  There went the brand new nail polish I purchased a week ago and forgot I had in my purse.  Au revoir to my lipgloss that is considered to be a liquid.  My heart sank when the security officer asked if I wanted to "surrender" the possessions.

How many times will it take me before I remember the new rules?

But it gets better.  I checked in my little overnight bag because I forgot that certain toiletries need to be packed separately in a little clear plastic bag.  In order to avoid the hassle of repacking, I chose to check my bag.  A mistake.  It never made it. 

And still more.  When I got to the hotel, they couldn't find my reservation.

So I'm beginning to think there's a lesson here.  The importance of resiliency and keeping your sense of humor when dealing with the little turns life throws our way.  By the way, the hotel found me a room and my bag eventually made it.  It all does seem to work out in the end, doesn't it?

 

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You can't go home again.  Or can you?  I had the recent pleasure of doing some team development work at the University of Michigan, my alma mater.  And let me tell you, it wasn't just good to go back-it was fantastic!

Now, I am all about living in the present and not dwelling on the past or the future.  However, there is really something extraordinary about going back to a place that holds special meaning.

I took a literal stroll down memory lane, by myself, and basked in the fond memories of time spent in some of my favorite haunts on campus.  Aside from the occasional Starbucks, the campus remained primarily unchanged.  I was pleased to see that some of my favorite establishments, such as the Little White Market, had not been gobbled up my major conglomerates.  Granted, the darling old fashioned candy store with the striped awning, Drakes,  is no more, but my waistline is appreciative.

It's fascinating how even smells conjour up specific reminiscences.  Upon entering one of my favorite restaurants, Seva, I was immediately brought back to my college days.  Not to mention hearing names and acronyms that haven't been uttered around me in a couple of decades.

So while it's extremely important to live in the present, there's something to treasure about paying tribute to the places that held great importance in our lives.  If you have the opportunity, take advantage of a nostalgic trip back in time.  Most importantly, remember, appreciate and then on to life's next adventures.

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Help me understand. I was recently asked to submit a proposal for a potential new client to help their employees deal with change from a personal perspective.

Great, I thought. Years ago I read an excellent book on this very subject, dealing with change from both an organizational and personal perspective.

I quickly did an internet search to see if there was an off the shelf program based on this material and fortunately, there was. I found an (expensive) certification progam. However, I couldn't make the dates of the train the trainer program.

Now, here's where I got confused. I contacted the organization to see if they could provide me with a 1-1 tutorial where I could learn the material and I'd willingly pay the full fee. This would allow me to deliver their program in the timeframe requested by my potential client.

And they said no. My contact basically stated that, as a consultant, I was a competitor and that they normally didn't certify 3rd parties like myself.

But, I explained to him, I could have signed up via the open enrollment program on the web. Yes, he responded, you could have "snuck in" (his actual words).

So let me understand, I replied. You are not willing to accept my money, to train me so that I can buy your materials to use with a new client that you would not otherwise be working with and that could potentially lead to more opportunities for the both of us?

At this point he was beginning to get embarrassed at the ridiculousness of the situation. he sheepishly suggested I buy the book and create my own program.

Which I will. I'll partner with a collaborative, talented peer and we'll give it a try.

Perhaps I should send this fellow a book on developing an abundance mentality. That would be a change.

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My very first entry. I've never blogged/bawled or otherwise shared like this in a public forum. It's a little intimidating simply because I am used to my privacy so this will be a good stretch. I'm an organization development consultant and one of my favorite aspects is to provide development coaching to business executives and professionals. Yesterday was a little bittersweet as it was the formal conclusion of a coaching relationship with one of my favorite clients. Actually, all of my clients are my favorite in their own way. That's what makes the work so fun. I've been meeting with this particular woman for almost a year and it's been immensely enjoyable in many respects. We've focused on ways that she can leverage her strengths as a leader and along the way have shared many intimacies. I always feel more than a bit grateful for all that I learn from my coachees, never mind what they pick up along the way from me. With yesterday being our last session I realize it's time for her to move on to the next phase of whatever is in store for her. I also know that we will continue to work together in other regards. I'm going to facilitate a teambuilding event for her group in a few weeks. Ah, but I know it's not the same. And maybe that is what makes it so precious.

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