View from the Summit

Fear is the number one hurdle to success. Not a day goes by that I don't hear someone blame their fears. I'm afraid of this....I'm afraid of that.....I'm afraid when.....you get the point, people are afraid. As a life and business coach one of my first objectives is to discover what their afraid of, and why. Probing around usually uncovers the little "demon in the shadows". That little voice that is whispering in your ear, "you can't do it" or "if you do try and it fails, everyone will know". Have you ever experienced those underlying currents that plague us from the get go?

Looking back over the past 36 years of personally directing employees has taught me a lot. I would like to admit, I did do many things right, and oh, did I make some horrific mistakes as well in my leadership style! 

Would I do some things differently if I had it to go over? Absolutely! There are many common threads, regardless of location or assignments, as it relates to human behavior. We as technicians, managers or entrepreneurs all have varying similarities in our actions and views.

Often our methods are very different but historically our goals are the same, we want to make forward progress. Whether I take this path or that one really doesn’t matter as long as we are not taking advantage of others to get there.

If you are a team player everybody will join in to assist you in any way possible. If you are just seeking the accolades and recognition individually you will be found out equally as fast.

How many times over the course of your life have you heard "It's none of your business"? I'll have to admit that this statement is true, most of the time. However, I feel that many times this is an inaccurate statement used to excuse and shun personal responsibility. We live in a world where community is taught, and quite honestly expected, and for that reason I feel that many personal decisions are the concern and “business” of those that are potentially impacted. We have grown to accept inaccurate statements like:

• “I am just doing my own thing, I’m not affecting you”.
• “You take care of you, and I will take care of me”.
• “I’ll ask for your opinion, if I want it”.

If you are like me, there are times in your life where it appears that your always fighting, either with the kids or your wife. There was at any moment the possibility of a minor war zone, land-mines planted just below the surface. 

I could pick any battle and have a horrendous fight that could last for hours.

We have become so busy with activities that we have forgotten how to enjoy life. When my daughters were involved with various school activities or the seasonal sport of the moment, there was always a game or competition.

Quite honestly, many times it was difficult to make every one. My heart was always with my girls but the mortgage was invariably due on the 15th, every month!