Are You a Focused, Fine Tuned, Motivated Leader?

The reason I ask, is that I overheard someone call the owner of a local printing company a “wandering generality.”  Wow, that just sounds awful – doesn’t it? I probed as much as I dared and discovered the employee felt the owner seemed to “chase” the idea of the day- whether it had to do with leadership, sales, customer satisfaction, promotions, benefits, etc.

A common thread was mentioned, “The old man NEVER attends these trainings, never follows through on implementing any of the processes or procedures and never asks for any of our opinions or suggestions on such matters … he just posts a notice and expects us all to attend and magically “improve” after the class.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar circumstance?  Have you ever been that wandering generality?

Sadly, from my research, this is not a unique situation.  Leadership training, sales training, time management, customer satisfaction, etc are taught to the tune of billions of dollars per year, in fact, Leadership Development Training alone accounts for ~ $12 Billion per year itself!  There must be some element of a “revolving door” paradigm here … year after year Billions upon Billions – is this stuff Rocket Science?

Our clients have embraced the premise that we begin with “the end in mind.”  The end typically is summed up in some fashion similar to “let’s be more successful at what we do.”

That statement, like a rabbit hole, can lead you deeper and deeper into the unknown.  “KISS” makes sense here; Keep it simple, stupid (a design principle implemented by the US Navy coined in the ‘60’s) so we have arrived at this, “Success is the continuous achievement of YOUR – pre-determined Goals, stabilized by Balance and Purified by Belief.”  There you have it (17) words, simple, easy and concise.  NOW just go implement it!

Leadership Development Training is vital in today’s ever changing world. Some have defined it this way, “The role of Leadership is to find, recognize and secure the future.”  Others state it as accomplishing tasks through others, “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

Defining Leadership will not solve our problems, becoming successful under all conditions and circumstances will.  How then does one go about it?  Do we start with the company?  The Executive team? The President and CEO? Yes.  All the above is required to successfully implement a Leadership Development Program in your business.  Sole-proprietors, Entrepreneurs, Fortune 100 … it makes no difference, it all comes down to “personal responsibility”… “Personal integrity” and the ability to Lead ones self – then we can lead others, actually others will follow us to the ends of the Earth (we don’t need to advertise it)

It’s a developmental process; there is no such thing “as a born leader” – Leadership is developed; everyone can and should be a leader and the sooner you build an organization around that principle the sooner you’ll embrace success on a continuous basis.

As I look honestly into my past, I can truthfully see that I too was a “wandering generality,” in my younger days having followed (or chased) programs of the day.  With the discipline, focus and motivation of an experienced Coach I am now able to set and achieve goals, communicate with clarity, enjoy time freedom, I’m creating a Vision for personal direction and decision making and most importantly I’m able to “pay it forward” by working with many who seek similar outcomes in their personal and professional lives.

Call me at 1-801-560-9945 so we can get acquainted and talk about your personal and professional goals. Let me tell you how I can help you live the life you’ve envisioned. It’s a free call so you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Success

Success!
How do you define the word, success? Webster’s defines success as: a favorable outcome or result; also the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence. Here’s how some famous figures in history have defined the term:

Try not to become a man of success but rather to become a man of value. ~Albert Einstein


To follow, without halt, one aim: There’s the secret of success. ~Anna Pavlova

It is possible to fail in many ways … while to succeed is possible only in one way. 
~ Aristotle

What’s money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do. ~ Bob Dylan

I owe my success to having listened respectfully to the very best advice, and then going away and doing the exact opposite. ~ G. K. Chesterton

If you wish success in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother and hope your guardian genius. 
~ Joseph Addison

A minute’s success pays the failure of years. ~ Robert Browning

Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop the picture.~ Norman Vincent Peale

But you know what, who cares how Webster’s defines it? And why does it matter what Albert Einstein thought about it? Take some steps, grab a “GPS” (Goal Planning Sheet (or two or three!) and define what success means to you today … tomorrow … this week … this month … this year.

BTW – I teach my clients that “Success is the continuous achievement of Your Pre-determined goals, Stabilized by Balance and purified by Belief.” Give us a call and we can help you become a Master Goal Achiever not just a Master Goal Setter !

Time Management that Works

“Help me, I can’t manage my calendar!” Do you ever run into this problem?  I hear from clients, friends, family members, and business owners daily about this issue.  It’s a Bill Murray “Ground Hog Day” real life story.

I’ve got a solution for you it’s called, “Your Perfect on Purpose Day.” We’ll spend (4) 1.5 hour sessions together with you on the phone or on our web video site where you’ll gather the practical experience to get control of your day.  You’ll complete home work assignments between our sessions and you’ll build your Perfect Day.

The process is built around your answer to this question – “Do you lead a goal directed life?” If the answer is anything other than a FIRM “Yes” we can help you.

I’ve discovered that far too many people in this society are what I define as – “Master Goal Setters.”  Our time together will change that; you’ll become what I call a “Master Goal Achiever.”

Setting and Achieving Goals is the key to success in every aspect of your life, if fact we define Success this way, “The continuous achievement of your pre-determined goals, stabilized by balance and purified by belief.”  We have a G P S that will get you there – a Goal Planning Sheet.  The process when followed produces results, you will “live a goal directed life,” and this applies in every aspect of your life – personal and professional; it has transformed people’s lives, businesses have improved their bottom lines … the proper balance between personal and professional goals in your life will amaze you as to what can be accomplished in a day.

Contact us today, spend 15 minutes and get your complimentary coaching session – you won’t regret it!

“Just dropped in” – to see what condition my condition was in

“Just dropped in” (to see what condition my condition was in) by Kenny Rogers (1986)





"Just dropping in!"




So – how’s your condition /attitude? Selling Power printed an article recently and we thought this Attitude Awareness Quiz might be illuminating for our readers. Answer yes or no for each question:


1. Is my current mood free from any negative experience from the past? Yes ( ) No ( )

2. Is my current mood hopeful and optimistic in anticipation of the future? Yes ( ) No ( )

3. Do I currently feel that I am in control of my life? Yes ( ) No ( )

4. Do I feel that the problems I am currently facing are really stimulating challenges? Yes ( ) No ( )

5. Do I feel free from self-abuse, such as overeating, drinking, or using drugs? Yes ( ) No ( )

6. Do I currently pursue a realistic and challenging goal? Yes ( ) No ( )

7. Am I committed to an ongoing exercise program? Yes ( ) No ( )

8. Are my family relationships a source of love, pride, and support? Yes ( ) No ( )

9. Do I consider myself a success? Yes ( ) No ( )

10. Are my thoughts stimulated by positive people, books, videos, and role models? Yes ( ) No ( )

11. Do I seek out challenges that are in line with my present potential? Yes ( ) No ( )

12. Do I automatically look for the positive in every situation? Yes ( ) No ( )


Rating scale:

[10-12] yes answers: Congratulations! Your positive attitude is helping you win.

[6-9] yes answers: Several negative attitudes are inhibiting your performance. Begin your personal attitude-improvement program by talking with your coach.

[5 or less] yes answers: Reach out to your Coach today and schedule weekly phone appointments to help keep you positively motivated.

Kenny was certainly on to something … we hope you “Just drop in” frequently!

10 questions You should be asking yourself





You think SHE's got questions?




Mid-Year Check In


2012 is already almost half gone … where does the time go? Here are a few questions for you:

  • When was the last time you reviewed your goals for 2012?
  • Are you on track or has your life taken an unintentional turn?
  • What do you need to do to stay where you are or get back on track?
  • What happens when you get there?
  • Are the rewards you identified when you set that goal still meaningful to you?
  • What happens if you don’t accomplish your goal?
  • What’s getting in your way?
  • What is blocking you from achieving it right now … today?
  • What are you going to do about it? And here’s the money question …
  • Have you talked to your prospects in these terms lately? How would they respond to these questions?


My clients all had a recurring question when we were in the introduction phase of developing our business relationship … it was, “What is a business coach and what do you do?”

Those 10 questions give you a glimpse into what I share with my clients and those 10 questions are what help my clients transcend from being “Master Goal Setters” into “Master Goal Achievers” and believe me you want to become a “Master Goal Achiever”

You get what you Accept …

You get what you accept … (“Had enough with the, “sure … ok,” answers you give?)

You know what I mean … those requests that come from “on high” that you always seem to agree to.  The request that knawels at your conscious because you know you’re better than what’s being asked of you … because it takes you in a different direction than what you dream of being.

Excuse my frankness, but, “You get what you accept.”

I know there are many of you who can honestly say yes to “those requests” and back up your answer through an increased joy in your quality of life or business success; Both financially and productively. Some of you are also saying yes but your “feel good” attitude towards your answer is short lived when you look at the prospects of how your life can truly be.  It’s about being completely authentic to your natural talents and delegating your non-talents so well that you refuse to accept anything less than the best for yourself.

The top performers – don’t settle. They are unreasonable in their expectations, regardless of what the culture says. They force life to work with them on their terms, not the other way around. They know what they are good at and what they like to do and they refuse to allow themselves to get into work or roles, or relationships for that matter, that force them to be unhappy being something they are not.

Years ago, after I left the Marine Corps as a fighter pilot in the mid-70’s I took a job with Ross Perot who was the new owner of duPont Glore Forgan (a NYSE securities firm) – I was called a Financial Representative but in reality I was a salesman.  After an extensive six month training program and passing all required licenses I began my career as a stock broker.  In my mind I felt a calling similar to what I think new attorneys feel, go out and help people succeed (financially) … right wrongs … make the world a better place.  What I met was a stern sales manager who micro-managed my days (and evenings) demanding me to meet quotes of various products he wanted sold.  I was good at sales, I met those quotes, even exceeded them … but inside I knew I was selling financial products to people because I needed to sell them, not because they needed to buy them!  I spoke with my father about this and he said something I’ve never forgot, “son, you get what you settle for … you get what you accept!”

Anthony Robbins, in Awaken the Giant Within, recalls the point in his life when he stopped accepting what he got. “I remember feeling like my life didn’t matter, as if the events of the world were controlling me. I also remember the moment my life changed, the moment I finally said, ‘I’ve had it! I know I’m much more than I’m demonstrating mentally, emotionally and physically in my life.’ I made a decision in that moment which was to alter my life forever. I decided to change virtually every aspect of my life. I decided I would never again settle for less than I could be.”

Not only is this a great example of someone who decided to stop accepting what he got, but it also shows the importance of realizing that you are actually in control. When Tony realized that he was in control of his success and destiny his belief switched from believing that the world controlled him, to believing that he controlled him. He realized he was in the driver’s seat.

I firmly believe that you must take ownership of this changing paradigm.  In today’s intellectual economy, companies need to realize that no one rides a bus anymore. Today, top performers don’t want to ride the company bus with a ticket provided for by the company (and all its attendant strings), they want a company car, so to speak – and they want to drive it themselves.

A significant part of achieving much higher performance levels is realizing that you don’t have to settle. We don’t live under a totalitarian regime. You are not forced into one role or one job for life. You are free to do whatever you want, wherever you want, and as more organizations become enlightened and start to realize that top performers want to lead their own lives, they too will allow you to control more of your own destiny within the company.

So, if you are unhappy with where you are in life, just remember – you get what you accept. As for me, my father’s words will always play an important part in my life, but in some ways he probably regrets them because when I did take them to heart I realized that I was being inauthentic and once I decided to stop accepting that – I quit.

As always …  here’s “to your continued success,” – Willard Kille

I’m Lost!

Seems an Eagle Scout decided to take a “hike” one day.  He also decided to ignore two rules.  1st – he went alone 2nd – he didn’t tell anyone where he was going!  Now those of us who have been involved in Scouting know that these two rules are really BIG rules!  Nonetheless, our fearless teenager ends up in the Mountains lost!

Here’s what he told himself when discovering the surrounding didn’t look at all familiar, “I’m NOT lost … the people who will come looking for me are lost!”

That’s a profound insight!  His logic went along these lines … “I’m right where I am, I can’t be lost, I know they don’t know where I am and they can’t find me … so they must be lost.”

Let’s look a bit further into this “slice of life” … I believe it has applications in life, in business, in relationships and in camping.

What’s our enterprising Scout to do?  How can he get his ultimate “rescuers” to find him?  How can he get them to “not be lost”?

First, he’ll need to get to a place, location or spot where he can be found [this won’t be behind a tree, inside a cave, sitting on a rock by a dry stream bed or the like]; second, he’ll need to get to a place where others go looking for people, things, etc in the ordinary conduct of their lives and thereby increase the odds of “discovery” … I suspect our Scout will pick a direction, any direction, and begin to walk.  He’ll leave a clear “trail” [broken branches pointing in his direction of travel, rock cairns, etc] He’ll walk in his chosen direction until he comes upon a worn trail, path, dirt road or perhaps a paved road.  Once there, he’ll set up camp, he’ll make a conspicuous eye catcher and then wait for any passers-by.  It would be ideal if this “spot” were close to a water supply, had adequate shade and a comfortable fallen tree to sit on, regardless our Scout only need wait for his “lost” rescuers to come and find him!

Our businesses can at times resemble our “not lost” Scout.  The rescuers are our clients and they could well be lost … lost in the same sense that our Scout described – “They don’t know where I’m at and they can’t find me!

How do we solve this dilemma?  My suggestion would be an “inside-out” approach.  Why did our Scout head out on a hike and break two very important rules?  I don’t know.  I’m fairly sure you don’t know.  And I’m pretty sure our Scout doesn’t know!  What I do know, is he made a bad decision.  Getting to the point, we all make “bad decisions” more times than we’d like to admit.  Why is that?  It’s because we get rolling along in life, things are “clicking” you know, the sports announcers call it “in the zone” … we just are on a roll.  In this mind state we’re operating at “High Velocity”  Our sub-conscious is engaged in whatever activity we’re involved in and we’re making “snap judgments” [lest you think snap judgments are not good, remember Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger the airline pilot who lost all engines and ditched successfully in the Hudson river?  Scientist have measured different vocations as to how decisions are made. Airline crews make 95% of their decisions as subconscious “snap judgments!”  Fire fighter studies show 80% of their decisions were subconscious “snap decisions” as well]

In my practice I have diagnostic tools that identify “what” “why” and “how” we make decisions.  It is typical for us to have what I call a Master screen.  The screens can be identified as the Heart, the Hand and the Head.  We all use all three in making decisions, however, we have a favorite, if you will, and when we’re “in the zone” it is quite common to be using that particular one to the exclusion [Blind Spots] of the others.  At “High Velocity” we tend to miss important information that if we were at “low velocity” [acting in a very deliberate fashion] we’d take time to examine and perhaps make a better decision!

Our Scout, as I said, made a decision that in the end was not a good decision.  Perhaps he was “Blind” to the situation because he was “in the zone” and made a “snap decision” without considering all the data available.

How about you?  Are you “Blind” to certain aspects of your decision making style?  Perhaps a diagnostic tool [AI, DI, VI] that I have can help you see “what” “why” and “how” you make decisions, think and behave?  My “inside –out” approach has helped many clients improve their business, their relationships and their lives.  I’m willing to invest my time and tools into you … are you willing to explore?  Drop me a line and we’ll explore together!

Until next time,

Bill Kille

Personal Development Coach, Business Facilitator and speaker

To the Soldier … life’s a battle




Live Your Dream



To the Preacher … life’s a sermon


To the Teacher … life’s a lesson

To you my friend … what is life?


That is not a rhetorical question … you chose (or should have) to be who you are.  No mandate from “on high” … no other should have power over your choice.  You alone are responsible.

I do believe from years of close observation that everyone is blessed with unique authentic talents.  Let’s agree to name them “gifts” and further to agree everyone has them.  Those who search and explore themselves from within discover what “gifts” they have and IF they align their lives with them invariably achieve success … not simply success in the World’s eyes … but deeply satisfying success – many call such success Joy!

You have a life … you have a talent/gift – please don’t waste it.  No one tells you how to live – You Do!  A good friend of mine, Jim Olsen, from Salt Lake City, UT was introduced to me by someone who described him as someone who’s “give a darn … didn’t give a DARN!”  Upon meeting with Jim he even described himself that way … followed by an emphatic – “I used to!” (and he wanted it back)

C..S. Lewis wrote – “if you want to be warm – get by a fire; if you want to be wet – get by water; if you want Joy – get by those who have Joy.”  So it is, I say it this way, if you’re not pleased with where you are in life get where you want to be, around those who support you, and allow their Joy to suffuse into your soul.  This will require change on your part.  This will require hard work; it will involve being honest with yourself; honest with those (everyone) around you; focused on the “gift” you possess.




Live Your Dream



Perhaps you remember the line in the movie “Apollo 13” when the mission director informed all of his team members, “Failure is not an option.”  In that circumstance the message was intended for “the team” but it transcends to include each and every one of us – you cannot fail until you decide to quit!


Many of us are familiar with the cliché that there are (3) types of people in the World … those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who have no idea – my challenge to you today is to discover who you are, what your gift is, and then focus your life on sharing that gift with those around you in all you do … become the person who knows what his or her life is about and live it!

Live large … don’t waste your gift … there is only one you in this World and I know with every fiber of my being the World needs your gift!

The Ethics in business needs to be … Relevent

Relevant!




In the shades of "ethics" ... there is always - Light!





Political Correctness (PC) is not a language “steeped” in ethics. Disclaimer: This business owner, author, husband, former Fighter Pilot, believer in God, friend, coach and Father has on many an occasion had to remove his foot from his mouth to take the next step.

Ethics can be approached from many angels.  By definition (from an old dictionary – because the definitions aren’t slanted from a “PC” perspective) from the Greeks of ancient times – “the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation; a set of moral principles or values; the principles of conduct governing an individual or a group.” Good, bad, moral … words suffused with emotion that find space in every Religion practiced today are terms we’ll confront in this post on ethics.

I will do my upmost to avoid “religious” connotations – however, I am a person of Faith, I believe in a God, I was raised in such an environment and I know my foundational core values are steeped in religion and therefore will seep out without me even knowing – for that I ask in advance your indulgence.

Remember, my definition of business is, “to identify, acquire and maintain customers.”  In that light, let’s look at my description of the CEO’s job – “Enhance shareholder value.”  Whether it’s a sole-proprietorship or a Fortune 500 company, it’s the same – “enhance shareholder value.”

Without name dropping, it’s easy to find examples in today’s press where CEO’s, corporate officers, etc., have allowed or, in some cases, participated in less than “ethical” ways.  By anyone’s definition the “moral obligations/principles” and governing values were ignored.  Why?  We never seem to “get” the real reasons or at least answers that we can understand.  Double-speak, obfuscation, – everything except what appears to be the truth.  Again the question – why?

There always seems to be an “economic” incentive for such action.  Many times it’s to “capture” a larger market share quicker.  Regardless, these strategies descend into the dark side of Grey and flirt with outright wrong-doing.

Of all the reasons that could account for such a slide into the dark side of ethical behavior, I believe it begins with rationalization. Lowering our standards to equal or reach our expectations!  A “short-cut” to what many would agree is immediate gratification.  In stark contrast to rationalization is repentance. Raising our standards to equal or reach our expectations!  Take personal responsibility for our situation.


In a repentant mind-set we acknowledge “we aren’t where we want to be,” our performance isn’t what we expect of ourselves.  Instead of rationalizing the situation and taking a lower path, we must view the situation as one of our making, change our approach, change our minds, acknowledge our regret (repent) of the path chosen and raise our awareness, remind ourselves of what our core values demand of us in all situations and press forward with renewed hope and conviction that the sure and steady path will bear fruit.

History is replete with examples of success through repentance.  It’s a personal choice and for many one grounded in our upbringing … “Old Fashion?” … perhaps … Relevant – Yes!

In business or life – choose the right – let the consequences follow!

FAILURE – a case of mis-identity?

“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in the world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want and if they can’t find them, make them.” George Bernard Shaw



"The Light will prevail"


He went to war as a Captain and returned as a Private. Afterward, he failed in business. As a lawyer in Springfield he was too impracticable and temperamental to be a success. As he turned to politics, he was defeated for the legislature in 1832. In 1833, he ventured into the business world again, and again he did not succeed. 1834, he was elected to the state legislature. In 1838, he was defeated for Speaker, in 1840, he was defeated for Elector. In 1844, he lost a race for a congressional seat. In 1846, he gained a seat in Congress, only to lose it in 1848. He ran for the Senate in 1854, but lost. In 1856, he ran for Vice President but lost again. In 1858, he ran for the Senate again and again was defeated. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States.


Certainly, Lincoln’s life was a bit unusual. Not many of us are born in a log cabin and rise to be the leader of one of the greatest nations in the world. But there are lessons to be learned from Lincoln’s journey to success. The road to outstanding goal achievement is filled with adversity. If you expect your road to success to be a smooth highway, you will be frustrated and disappointed. The journey is a process of trying, failing, adjusting, and choosing to continually move forward. Along the way you will make mistakes, but without mistakes there is never progress.

Often people fear making mistakes, but fear of mistakes inhibits your personal development. Rather than risk making another mistake, you might tend to play it safe. Fear of failure breeds mediocrity and the accomplishment of very little.

If you suffer from a fear of mistakes, you can conquer it by changing your attitude. Recognize that past errors, mistakes, and negative experiences do not inhibit your development. In fact, they contribute to the learning process. Use them as feedback for personal and professional growth. If you make a mistake, admit it, learn from it, adjust your thinking, and redirect the necessary efforts toward your goal. Focus on the positive. Consciously forget the error and dwell upon the successful aspects of the attempt. No one likes to make mistakes, but the fact is everybody does. You can choose to view a mistake either as a failure or as a lesson learned. If you continue to criticize yourself for past errors, you will perpetuate the very behavior you want to change. The moment you change your mindset and stop giving power to past mistakes, you will be released from the power that past mistakes have over you.

Errors are road signs to direct you on your journey to personal success and achievement. They are necessary steps in the learning process, but they are a means not an end – when they have served their purpose for learning, move past them. You are responsible for your own success. Take responsibility for your mistakes and failures and don’t try to shift blame to other people or circumstances. Remember, by taking responsibility in life you will also gain power and influence.

Don’t mis-identify failure – “What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.”  “The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually fear you will make one.”

All great leaders have experienced failures, they “press the boundaries” of conventional wisdom, and in so doing they expand our World! Dream Big and press on …