Focused Not Forced!

12/09/02

Mike Piazza knows the game of baseball, but some of his insights speak to the great game of life: "The minute you think about hitting a home run is when you don't. … Sometimes you over try. You have to 'try easy,' not 'try hard.' Hitting a home run is an effortless exertion of everything coming together and meeting at one energy. It comes from being focused, and not forced."

Been worried about your own version of the great game of life and business? Have you been trying to hit a home run and not producing? Maybe, as we reach the end of another year, it is time to try easy. After you have learned what you need to achieve and you've targeted your strategic focus, try swinging easy. The best sales are made when you're finding ways to serve instead of just selling. The best ideas come when you are playing on the periphery instead of banging at the door of forced innovation. Teams work well when the pushing and pulling gives way to a little more listening and collaboration. Could it be that you and your people know all you need to know to turn your situation around, but your need to win the game is blocking you from playing the game well? Be focused, but have some fun. This is a great season to "Try Easy"-a great time to be more focused and less forced.

MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT

Brian Creighton sent me this week's mirth. Never let it be said that ground crews and engineers lack a sense of humor. Here are actual logged maintenance complaints and problems, known as submitted by QUANTAS pilots, and the solution recorded by maintenance engineers. By the way, Quantas is the only major airline that has never had an accident. Enjoy these gripe sheet results:

P = The problem logged by the pilot.
S = The solution and action taken by the engineers.

P: Test flight OK, except autoland very rough.
S: Autoland not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you're right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny.
S: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.

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When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...