Category: Behavior Analysis

Business IS Personal

Chris Mower
May 27 |17:18


You’re probably familiar with the phrase, “It’s a dog-eat-dog world out there.” I’ve been hearing it for years, and I’ve used it a few times myself. It’s a true phrase. If you’re not careful, once you step foot into the big bad business world, you can get skewered, slathered in BBQ sauce, chewed up, and then spit out. These are reasons that people put up a guard and make business and the ensuing relationships as tough as boot leather.

If you have seen the movie, “You’ve Got Mail” you may recall the line by Joe Fox. In an email to Kathleen Kelly, he says, “It’s not personal, it’s business.” Later in the movie, Kathleen asks Joe, “What’s so wrong with being personal, anyway?” Joe, a little stunned, responds, “Uh, nothing.” Kathleen follows up with, “Whatever else anything is, it ought to begin by being personal.” (I’ll admit that even though I’m a guy and avidly follow and believe in The Art of Manliness, I still enjoy some of these classic ‘chick flicks.’)

I ask that same question today. What’s so wrong with being personal, anyway? Business is a giant web that connects people (not businesses) together; this means that business today is about building relationships and being personal, even in this dog-eat-dog world.
Read More…

 

12 Simple Lessons in Leadership for Those Who Want to Make a Difference

Chris Mower
Apr 28 |12:25

There are a lot of people I admire out there who have good values, strong morals and contribute to society. Within that group I have personally observed four individuals who stand out as leaders and movers. These are my observations of their leadership behaviors.

Remarkable leaders…

  1. …are not ashamed of their opinions.

    2. The most successful leaders I know are leaders because they have their opinions and values, and they stick to them. It’s these opinions and values that have caused people to follow them, even if their opinions are unpopular.

  2. …are not too proud to change their opinions.

    3. These same leaders have enough humility to recognize a clearer or better path and abandon ideas and efforts that aren’t working. They realize there’s no point in finishing something that doesn’t benefit anybody.

  3. …attract a following without gimmicks.

    4. Leaders create change and influence people, and they do it without smoke and mirrors. They reach out and help others, they inspire and teach, and they contribute to society and groups. They do this not for self glory and praise, but because they genuinely want others to succeed.

    Read More…

 

Greater than ‘Me’

Chris Mower
Apr 7 |14:15

It’s lunch time at work and a gazillion thoughts are crowding my brain. I figured I’d share some with you, although they’re incomplete and a little chaotic.

What’s my motivation?

Is it money — ?

– so I can buy that big house… and that super cool sports car… and then wine and dine with the rich and famous?
– so I can give to charity and help others… and support my family and help other families… and provide opportunities and support for children all over the world… and provide scholarships and education to people who can’t afford it?

Is it love — ?

– so everyone will love and worship me… and I will be famous with adoring fans… and then I can talk about how great I am to others?
– so others can be loved… find love… and know love?

Is it success — ?

– so I can hang my accomplishments on the wall… and have my name and picture on TIME magazine… and be in the history books?
– so I can teach other people… and lift them up… and strengthen my community, my country, my world?

It’s not wrong to want nice things. And it’s not wrong to own or pursue nice things.
But It’s not right to have the power to help and deny it.
…And it’s not right to sit idly and do nothing.
…And pride. Unbridled pride is damaging and wrong.

And in the end, there’s always a greater cause than ‘me.’ It’s what I can do to help others.

So how can I learn to be motivated not by love, money, or success, but what I can create with them?

And now I’m clicking the button to post this… even though my brain is telling me not to… 3… 2… 1…

 

Why You Should Care about Who You Recommend

Chris Mower
Mar 26 |16:45

You should care about who you recommend. Everything you do and say reflects on you, and when you recommend somebody, everything they do or say reflects on you too.

When you recommend somebody…

…you’re also recommending their attitude.
If they’re eager to jump in and help, if they’re positive, proactive, encouraging, and happy, that reflects on you.
If they treat their customers or coworkers poorly, if they are mean, or if they are lazy and indifferent, that reflects on you.

…you’re recommending their work.
If their work is stellar, creative, unique and outstanding, that reflects on you.
If their work stinks, it reflects on you.

…you’re recommending their character.
If they’re honest, humble, diligent, and dependable, it reflects on you.
If they are dishonest, backbiting, de-motivating, and callus, that reflects on you too.

…you’re letting others know what ethics, values, and characteristics are important to you.

…you’re letting others know the quality of work you expect from others and give yourself.

…you’re taking a chance. Recommend those who reflect what you believe in and stand for, and you’ll find your recommendation’s worth grow.

Have your say in the comments below.

 

Begin Taking Personal Responsibility

Chris Mower
Mar 9 |06:00

Taking personal responsibility is a subject with which I passionately identify. There’s a difference between taking personal responsibility and blaming yourself. Blaming yourself is letting yourself down and telling yourself that you really stunk it up. It’s pessimistic, degrading, demoralizing, and derogatory. It makes you feel like mud on a rock. Taking responsibility is just the opposite. It’s optimistic and positive. It’s motivating, uplifting, satisfying, and empowering. It allows you to think of and create a path ahead. Take personal responsibility and move forward.

Taking personal responsibility shows maturity.

People who take personal responsibility are a more mature and less selfish than finger pointing blamers. Living up to your own actions and not point the scathing finger of blame at others is a sign of mental maturity. This is one thing that separates us from children.

Each time you take personal responsibility, your roots mature and you’re not blown about by the winds of change as easily. You’re able to make decisions and live with the consequences because you’re stable and ready. You’re mentally prepared for the winds. This can take a lot of courage especially when you’re taking responsibility for something over which you don’t have complete control, such as group or outsourced projects. And because it’s easier to be selfish and point fingers, most people will.
Read More…

 

The Greenie Principle

Chris Mower
Feb 26 |06:18

Greenie is slang for noob, rookie, greenhorn.

Life is filled with greenie moments. They often happen after you’ve become comfortable where you are. Greenie moments invite progress; they provide opportunity to stretch ourselves and extend past our comfort zones.

If you haven’t had a greenie moment in a while, it’s time to find one. Dormancy is the enemy.

Learn something new, raise your job to the next level, find the next challenge.