We Were Wrong!!!

While exhibiting at ASTD (American Society of Training and Development) a gentleman stopped by our Juggling Elephants booth and inquired about our training. As I explained that the concept of "trying to get it all done is like juggling elephants-impossible" he immediately disagreed. "You can juggle elephants," he said. "Oh really?" I replied. "Sure you can," he affirmed, "If given enough time and resources I could come up with a way to juggle elephants. I could create a machine capable of doing it or invent some mechanism that would make it possible. So your premise is wrong."

My response? Simply this-Yes, you are right that if given enough time and resources you might be able to find a way to do it. BUT, what would you lose in the process? What would NOT get done while you were spending all your energy trying to figure it out? And would it be worth losing those things to be successful with this one task. His technical reply was, " I don't know." Aha!

Certainly any of us could put all our energy and resources into accomplishing that mountainous "to do list" at work day after day or achieve those seemingly impossible expectations of ourselves in other areas of our life. However, what would we lose in the process-our health? A healthy relationship with our spouse or children? Our sense of purpose and a sense of peace? Is it worth it? If that's your purpose, I guess it would be. If not... maybe there's a better way.

We think we have one in our book. I gave the gentleman at the show a copy. Let's see what he thinks.

Identifying Toxic Performers In Your Circus

I came across a list of toxic personalities compiled by Brett Blumenthal of Sheer Balance. While the list is not closely based on any personality styles inventories, it does offer several opportunities to evaluate your personal style and how it impacts the creativity, cooperation and productivity of those around you. You can also use the list to have some interesting team or group discussions about the negative influence these personalities can have on the success of your team's performance-and how to deal with them.

Granted, you need some people to keep you grounded and insure that a choice is the right one. But as you will see, too much of one of these personalities or a day filled with several of them could have you running for the door!

Get the article to see the full list, their descriptions and their toxicity, but here's a sampling:

• Manipulative Mary
• Narcissistic Nancy
• Judgmental Jims
• Dream-Killer Keiths
• Insincere Illissas
• Disrespectful Dannys
• Never Enought Nellies

Tips for Those Making Their Own Work Ring

USA Today had an insightful article recently entitled, Teen Entrepreneurs Offer Tips To Peers On Starting A Business. While the focus of the article was teen-oriented businesses, the tips are relevant for anyone building their own work ring. They included:

• Don't let shortcomings thwart you
• Expand upon your interests
• Create a formal business plan
• Scour for savings
• Price wisely
• Make taxes less taxing
• Create a sound financial plan
• Don't over invest in supplies/equipment
• Promote your business and yourself
• Know the rules
• Carve out personal time
• Stick with your dream

Good Quote To Start Your Week

When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced.
Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.
-Cherokee Proverb

The Show Must Stop!

While in a commercial plane this week, I experienced something quite strange. The plane was taxiing to the gate when a passenger got up and went to the bathroom. The flight attendant alerted the pilot and he immediately stopped the plane. The flight was already late, and the needless delay due to one person's selfish act really made many of the passengers angry. Moments later the passenger emerged and took the "walk of shame" back to their seat.

The incident made me think about things that might cause my circus to abruptly stop... and what I need to do to prevent them. Some of the key steps for me to take would be:

• Keeping my employees up-to-date on using technology and office equipment as well as diagnosing and repairing problems.
• Having contingency plans in place if an employee doesn't show up for work or is delayed for some reason.
• Maintaining my physical health to minimize time lost to sickeness or lack of energy.
• Always being aware of an alternate way to travel to a destination in the event of flight delays or cancellations.

What about you? What are those things that bring your performance to a screeching halt?