Is Chivalry Dead?

No, but it's on life support...
Dictionary.com defines chivalry as: the qualities idealized by knighthood, such as bravery, courtesy, honor and gallantry towards women.
 
How is this different from the business world?
 
OK, not all business deals with women, but have you ever thought how much more productive companies would be if they treated everyone with respect?
 
It starts at the top. Leaders set the example by how they treat peers, employees and customers.
 
People don't listen to what leaders say as much as they watch what they do.
 
In ways we are all leaders. It doesn't matter what rank, gender or race you're dealing with. Next time, try being "chivalrous" and watch your results improve...
 
When's the last time you've experienced chivalry in the workplace?

Where Adversity Happens

Have you been watching the NBA playoffs? The remaining teams are the most versatile and have made the best adjustments so far.
 
In life it's no different...
 
Everyone deals with adversity, some greater than others. It's how you respond to it that determines how far you will go in life.
 
When things don't go your way, you have a choice: play the victim or play the victor. You don't always choose what happens to you, but you always choose how you respond to it.
 
During the NBA playoffs, the mentally strongest teams make it the furthest. Coaches and players have to make adjustments or their teams lose. Despite individual talent, it's the teams that get knocked down, but get back up fighting who prevail.
 
Adversity is a test of your true character. What's inside comes out in the heat of the moment. Life won't get easier, but how you deal with it should. A true sign of maturity is effectively managing your emotions.
 
When things aren't going your way, how do you deal with adversity?

Are you fishing on the right side of the boat?

One night I dreamt I was fishing on a boat - working hard, but catching nothing. Someone told me, "Drop your nets on the other side." Perplexed for a moment, I did it and shortly after my nets were so full of fish, I needed help to reel in the catch.

I made a connection to my career...

I believe I'm in the right profession, but what if I'm selling to the wrong crowd?

Being an entrepreneur is an up and down journey. I've learned so much about perseverance, clarity and being a continual learner. I can't do this alone and I'm finding out it's more about who you're connected to, rather than how much you know.

Sure, I have doubts when times are dry, but I bounce back when I envision what it can be.

I'm convinced I'm in the right profession based on my passion and commitment level. I'm most fulfilled when sitting with a client, listening to their story and trying to help them reach their goals. I know what I do provides value, but I haven't found the consistency I'm looking for yet.

As I reflect and strategize, I know that "great catch" isn't far off... 

For more context on this story, click here

What's your journey? Please share your comments.

What Poker Can Teach Us About Business

In Tony Hsieh's book "Delivering Happiness", he makes parallels between poker and business. Listen to what the Zappos CEO learned from playing the game:
 
1) Evaluate Market Opportunities
Where there are a lot of competitors, it's much harder to win. Choosing to play at the right "table" may be the difference between winning and losing.

2) Finances
Are you prepared for the worst case scenario? If you want to make a long-term impact it will take time and sacrifice.
 
3) Strategy
Only play games you understand. Stick to your principles, be flexible and stay patient. Players with the most stamina and focus usually win. Differentiate yourself from the others.
 
4) Continual Learning
Educate yourself. Read books. Learn from others who have done it before. Surround yourself with talented players. Ask for advice.
 
5) Culture
Love the game you play. Be nice and make friends - it's a small community. Share what you've learned with others. Look for opportunities beyond what you're doing now. Have fun - it's more enjoyable that way.
 
Interested in starting your own business? Find what you're passionate about and committed to. Remember, make logical, mathematical decisions, not emotional ones.
 
Partner with Coach Scott to identify your strengths, accomplish goals faster & boost your confidence! E-mail Scott to start Growing Forward today!

5 Steps to Choose a Mentor

Mentors guide us by showing us their way. Most learn best through watching someone else's example, so you can learn a lot from the experience of a mentor. Here a 5 easy steps to choose your next mentor:
 
1) Mutual Admiration
Find someone who excels in an area that you are interested in. Notice if they show interest and see potential in you.

2) Clarify Expectations
What do you hope to receive out of this relationship? Communicate to your mentor what you want to learn and see if it's a good fit.
 
3) Be a Student
Be willing to adjust to your mentor's availability. Ask questions and listen. Soak up as much information as you can.
 
4) Remove the Pedestal
Don't expect perfection or you'll be disappointed. When you "look up" to someone, the only place they can go is down.
 
5) Times Change
Strive to have several mentors in a lifetime. As your mentors change, so should you.
 
Seek out mentors that you can learn from, but be realistic about what he/she can offer. Look for someone who is willing to show and tell you. Because you learn best through example; find an "example" that best suits you!
 
What's your experience with mentors? Please share your comments!

Need help finding a mentor?
Partner with Coach Scott to identify your strengths, accomplish goals faster & boost your confidence! E-mail Scott to start Growing Forward today!