Ringmaster-Do Your Job!

While on a flight yesterday I overheard the conversation behind me. A group of people were on their way to some type of conference. I'm not sure of the purpose of the conference, but it was part of their work responsibility. Here's the gist of the conversation. We'll call them Attendee 1 and Attendee 2:

Attendee 1: Do you know what we're supposed to do at this conference? What sessions do I have to go to?
Attendee 2: Well, you are required to go to the opening reception tonight, and tomorrow night they have a real neat off site dinner planned. I try to go to several of the sessions. Sometimes they are interesting. I normally sit in the back, and if they don't keep my interest I just leave.

I shuddered. Two people attending a conference, probably at the expense of the company, and one is clueless while the other's priority is a good meal. What a tremendous return on investment the company will get for sending these two people.

My question is, "Where is their manager, supervisor or boss in the equation?" If I were sending (or allowing) two people to go to a conference on company time, there are a few things I would do as their ringmaster to insure that the experience was of benefit to them and the company. They would include:

• Reviewing the agenda with the attendee. Most all conferences post their agenda, including breakout sessions, on their website. At least request it from the attendee even if you don't review it with them in person.
• Reflect on the best "acts" for the attendee. Review sessions that have will have content specific to the attendee's job responsibilities and/or company strategic interests. You don't have to choose all of them, but at least give them some guidance-especially if they have not attended a conference like this in the past.
• Remind them to take advantage of networking. So many good ideas at a conference come from table discussions at meals, breaks and at informal moments.
• Encourage them to enjoy some "self ring" time. If you are familiar with the area suggest an activity they could do during some of their free time-or direct them to someone who could be of help in knowing the local area. Web information is plentiful, but an individual's first hand experience is sometimes the most efficient way to garner insights.
• Follow up when they return. Talk with them about the experience. Let them share information from the conference that is of benefit to the company and their coworkers. Ask how, as their "ringmaster," you can help with any new directions or initiatives that grew out of the conference. Perhaps even set the follow up time with them PRIOR to their attendance at the conference. Accountablility in today's business climate is a necessity, not a luxury.

Conferences just offer too much benefit to an organization to be missed because a ringmaster didn't take the time to effectively prepare a performer for this act in their work ring.

The Circus Must Have An Act-Now!

The next time you are struggling with which "act" to bring into your lineup, remember the words of Theodore Roosevelt:

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

Good Credo For A Ringmaster

I have a blind faith in the policy that quality, tempered with good judgment and showmanship, will win out against all odds.

-Walt Disney

As you go through leading the "performance" of your day, what difference would it make if you based your actions on:

• Quality
• Good judgment
• Showmanship

You might just get more standing ovations.

3 Questions to Ask to Trim Spending In Your Lineup

Almost every business (and individual, family and household) is looking for ways to reduce their spending. In the December 8 issue of Fortune Magazine, there is a great regular column by Jia Lynn Young entitled First. The following question was asked to a panel of 3 executives from major companies: I need to cut costs dramatically. How can I find smart ways to do it?

You'll have to buy the magazine or subscribe to Fortune to get the full article, but the panel as asked 3 questions to guide their responses. They were:

• How do I identify where I'm spending too much?
• Are there some cuts that are not worth taking?
• What are some reductions companies often overlook?

Reflecting on your own answers is a good way to determine if your business is prepared to weather these difficult times and if you have the right leadership strategy. If you struggle with any of them, get the article.

Watching One Of The Great Ones

One of my training programs last week was a group of school administrators and school district leaders in California. They were a dynamic, engaging group and I tremendously enjoyed my time with them. I also had the unique opportunity to see a fantastic ringmaster in action.

I arrived early to set up for the meeting and was met by "Dave" the facilities manager. He greeted me at the door, ushered me into the meeting room and immediately began asking me what I needed to get set up. No matter what I asked, Dave either had it available or quickly contacted someone to take care of it. When he finished with me, he moved to the food service area and guided the group as they set up for breakfast. Next, it was time to greet the participants. He was everywhere!

Once the program started, I noticed that Dave would stop by from time to time, checking on things and making changes as needed. Always upbeat, he left a wake of smiles as he scurried around taking care of things.

The most telling moment about Dave came when I talked with him after the program. I thanked him for doing such an outstanding job taking care of all of us. His response, "This is my school, and whatever happens here is a reflection of me." Dave gets a HUGE standing ovation from me and countless others in that school system. I left that meeting having learned much.

Who could you observe today that could teach you something about being a better ringmaster of your circus?