A Standing Ovation from Another Ringmaster

While you definitely need to be the ringmaster of your circus, the person you report to at work would also be considered a ringmaster. They are charged with the responsibility of making sure the acts within the organization and/or department run smoothly, and that the performers are functioning with a high degree of success.

Margaret Steen gives some sound advice on making sure you stay on your boss's "Top Performer" list. She highlights 10 habits we need to develop in her article, 10 Habits That Bosses Love. Some of the key ones include:

• Anticipate the boss's needs. Like you, their lineup is full of acts, and if you make their life easier, it's usually appreciated.
• Think one level up. You need to do your job, but also try to take on the mindset of the person above you. What do things look like from their perspective?
• Be engaged in your work. Offer ideas for improvement instead of just "doing your job." Within reason, don't be afraid to challenge the status quo when you deem necessary.
• Learn the boss's pet peeves-and avoid committing them.

Little Things Mean A Lot

I was recently listening to the radio when the old song, "Little Things Mean A Lot" came on. For some reason, the lyrics reached out and grabbed me:

Give me your arm as we cross the street
Call me at six on the dot
A line a day when you're far away
Little things mean a lot

Give me your hand when I've lost my way
Give me your shoulder to cry on
Whether the day is bright or gray
Give me your heart to rely on

A little sappy? Maybe. But I was reminded of how important doing the "little things" can be to building our relationships. Simple things such as speaking kind words, reading to a child, doing something without being asked and a simple phone call, e mail or card to say "Hello." Small things that can make a big difference.

What are some things you could do today to help improve things in your relationship ring?

A Major Performance Tonight!

Today is recognized across the US as Family Day-A day to eat dinner with your children. According to CASA (Center for Addiction & Substance Abuse at Columbia University), research has consistently shown that children who eat dinner with their families at least 3 times per week are less likely to smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs.

That's not surprising. As a parent, the more time we spend in our "relationship ring" with our children, the more comfortable they are talking about any number of things. It's also a superb time for us to simply listen to them. I just spent the better part of 4 days with my 3 year old daughter and I can tell you that I have a much better understanding of her. Sure, I spend lots of time with my family members, but so often I am jumping from ring to ring instead of making my time with them the only act I am focused on at the moment.

May you bring a great performance into your relationship ring tonight-quality time with your family.

For more informaton on Family Day: http://www.casafamilyday.org/

We Got Into Our Relationship Ring

Six years ago today was such a horrible moment in time. It was also a day that so clearly demonstrated a time most of us wanted to be in the "relationship ring" of our circus. As people learned of the tragedy, many just wanted to go home and be with their families. People stranded by grounded flights rented or bought cars, purchased RVs and did almost anything humanly possible to get home. Those people who could not get home were comforted by the amazing generosity of others who also knew which ring was most important in their life at that moment. I simply went home and spent the day with my daughter and wife.

Which ring(s) do you you need to be in today? The sense of urgency may not be as great as 9/11, but it probably is just as important.