facilitator Archives • Living to Lead

The Tripod of Success

June 18, 2019 By Dave Ferguson Leave a Comment

Featured article by Dave Ferguson in CEOWORLD magazine. Reprinted by permission.

Several years ago, a movie called “The Pursuit of Happyness” debuted. It was based on the real-life story of Chris Gardner, a highly successful businessman who was once homeless.

It compellingly shows how one man and his young son went from sleeping on the floor in a public restroom to living a life of greater comfort, security, and success.

How does someone go from such dire straits to high levels of success?

It boils down to the tripod of success.

Attitude
Motivation
Willingness to learn and do the work

Chris had the tripod.

Was life hard? Harder than most can imagine.

Were the odds against him? Indeed, they were.

Was his dream nearly impossible, given his situation? Most people would say, “Yes.”

But Chris was incessantly driven to get back up every time life knocked him down.

Driven from within by a “never-give-up” attitude; and motivated from without by the desire to give his son a better life, Chris walked up to a highly successful businessman and point-blank asked him how he got there.

The man was taken aback. No one had the nerve to ask him that question before. But it got his attention, and in a good way.

One thing led to another, and Chris worked his way into becoming a highly successful businessman, too. There were nights he and his son slept in homeless shelters or on a public restroom floor, but he showed up for work each day, nonetheless.

His is one powerful story of how attitude, motivation, and a willingness to learn and work can change a life trajectory; and, what’s more, a family’s legacy.

People often say they want a better life for themselves and their families.

They are tired of just getting by in their career or business. Unlike Chris, they may live in nice houses and drive expensive cars; but underneath it all, they know they are just a few paychecks from homeless. Or maybe they are doing well, but dependent on one company or one client for the support of their family.

Think about that.

Does the thought concern you?

It should.

It is wise to diversify – not just your stock portfolio, but your income streams. This doesn’t mean you have to work 80 hours a week, either.

What would it mean to you to have the security of an additional income stream?

What would several income streams provide in terms of freedom and opportunity?

Conversations reveal that most people are concerned about the limits on their income from a job that may or may not exist for them tomorrow – and the limits on their freedom if it does.

There’s a better way.

Those same conversations also reveal key indicators for whether or not they will succeed. This is where the attitude surfaces, and attitude is a key indicator.

“Teach me how, and I will do this!”

“I will do whatever it takes because this is important to me and my family.”

“I need more income, but…”

“I want more freedom, but…”

These are clear indicators.

Surprisingly, many argue against the advice they have requested, saying it won’t work for them or they are too busy (or any number of other excuses). It would be like Chris Gardner asking the stockbroker how he got to where he was and then…walking away.

In two words, that is MISSED OPPORTUNITY.

There is a tripod of success, and it is this.

Armed with these three powerful tools, Chris Gardner created a brand-new life.

And, by the way, so can you!

Dave Ferguson is “The Leaders’ Coach”, an internationally recognized executive leadership coach, speaker, facilitator, and author. Are you interested in talking to Dave about coaching or having Dave speak to inspire and motivate your team? “ASK COACH DAVE” at 704-907-0171 or at Dave@AskCoachDave.com.

Five Landmarks of Leadership

May 29, 2019 By Dave Ferguson Leave a Comment

Featured article by Dave Ferguson in CEOWORLD magazine. Reprinted by permission.

Throughout history, landmarks have been used to mark important places and events. They represent boundaries, victories, memories, histories, and discoveries.

Landmarks help you know where you are and remind you of where you (or others) have been. They serve as guideposts for future generations.

Ancient wisdom admonishes us to “remove not the ancient landmarks.”

Why is this?

Because if we remove them, we remove those boundaries, victories, memories, histories, and discoveries that will protect us, guide us, and give us wisdom.

If you have been to a historic location, for example, you would never know that anything significant happened there if it were not marked. But because it is, you pause, reflect, and learn. This does not mean that all landmarks represent good memories or favorable histories. It means there is something to be remembered – a valuable lesson to be learned – from their presence.

Do you have these important landmarks in your leadership?

Boundaries

An effective leader must have boundaries. What is your defined role? What are your values? What are your responsibilities? What are your goals?

Answering these questions helps you set the landmark of your boundaries.

Boundaries are important because they provide a perimeter of focus. They help you know where you “belong” and where you do not belong. They help you know when to say, “Yes” to an opportunity and when to say, “No.” They guard your character. They contain your energy, so you are operating at your best, with tight focus and high performance.

Victories

Landmarks mark victories, and victories are born of challenge. Thus, landmarks are symbolic of overcoming a challenge.

Think back to the challenges you have faced in life and leadership. If you are like most, you will come to two conclusions: (1) They were some of the toughest times, and (2) They taught you some of your most important life and leadership lessons.

Mark those victories. Remember what you faced and how you overcame the obstacles. Remember who helped you during those times. Use this landmark to prepare you for future challenges. Develop your strategy and support team now before the next challenge comes. Looking back to the landmark of victory equips and encourages you for the next challenge you will face.

Memories

What if you woke up tomorrow with no memory? That would be a tragic loss, to the level of losing your very identity.

Similarly, it is a tragic loss when you forget the important events, people, and experiences in your life that helped to make you who you are.

Take time to remember those who have made an impact on your life. If they are still alive, thank them. If not, share with someone a lesson you learned from that person. In doing so, you help carry their legacy forward.

Memories can be good or bad, but they all work together to make us who we are. They serve as guideposts for what to do and what not to do in life.

Take some time to write down the lessons you have learned from others and the experiences that have made you who you are. You are a unique collection of memories. Never forget. Always be thankful.

Histories

History is essentially the story of civilization. Woven across centuries, it ties the past to the present and provides guidance for the future. History is the foundation of the future.

As a leader, it is good to reflect on the landmark of history.

What went right? What went wrong? And how can we make it better in the future?

The adage that “those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it” is true. You don’t have to make the mistakes of the past; but there is merit in learning from them. Before you move forward, check the historical landmark for perspective.

Discoveries

Many of the world’s greatest leaders were “discoverers.” They had a natural propensity for learning and exploring, for finding new and better ways to solve a problem or meet a need.

Do you as a leader have landmarks of discovery?

What solutions have you developed? What problems have you solved? What new possibilities have you unearthed? Do you value activity over discovery?

Discovery is the creative and curious side of leadership, the landmark of significant growth and innovation. As a leader, and especially as a business leader, you cannot afford to lose this landmark.

Be a strong leader. Take time to visit these five landmarks regularly. Character, success, wisdom, identity, and innovation await you there.

Leadership Island

May 21, 2019 By Dave Ferguson Leave a Comment

Featured article by Dave Ferguson in CEOWORLD magazine. Reprinted by permission.

There is an infamous poem, often disjointly quoted as “No man is an island,” and “Therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.”

There are many who have uttered these quotes without realizing they were the beginning and end of the same poem. But when you do make the connection, the lesson is profound: it is about the ties of humanity and the responsibilities of leadership.

No man is an island.

In these five words, John Donne powerfully makes the point that life and purpose are bigger than us. It is also a humbling reminder that when we try to be complete in ourselves, we are isolated and insufficient. We struggle to survive on limited fare.

It has been said that no great work was done by one person. Even geniuses like Thomas Edison and Albert Einstein needed the minds, hearts, and hands of others to complete their missions.

What does this have to do with leadership?

In a word…EVERYTHING.

Great leaders are…

Connectors

They realize they do not have everything they need to succeed in and of themselves. Therefore, they connect with the strengths and wisdom of others. The best leaders learn something from everyone they meet. They ask questions. They express genuine interest in people at all levels of the organization and outside the organization as well.

Catalysts

Leadership is very much about bringing two sides together and creating the spark that ignites effective action. A catalyst on an island remains unchanged. But a connected catalyst has powerful influence.

Caretakers

In the workplace, there are bosses, and there are leaders. These are very different people.

Bosses use their people to do the work. Leaders care about the people who do the work.
Bosses set their people up for failure. Leaders set their people up for success.
Bosses fire people and saddle others with the burden of their workload. Leaders develop people, maintain priorities, and balance the workload.

Bosses live on the proverbial island (the office with the door shut). Leaders thrive on the mainland where the people are.

For whom does the bell toll?

It tolls for you, the leader.

You are part of a powerful team where every person matters.

When one of your people fails; when a team member doesn’t do his or her part; when someone is not trained and equipped for success…everyone is affected.

The bell tolls for you to step up and own your leadership role.

Answer the call.

Give the encouraging word, have the difficult conversation, make the right decision, and equip your team for success.

“Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.”

A Three-Part Plan for Finding Motivation

March 6, 2019 By Dave Ferguson Leave a Comment

Featured article by Dave Ferguson in CEOWORLD magazine. Reprinted by permission.

Leaders are often faced with the challenge of keeping their team motivated.

But…who motivates the leader?

Leaders are people, just like everyone else. And like others, there are times when they lose momentum, get weary, feel rudderless, or suffer from apathy. During these times, motivation becomes a challenge, even for those who are naturally goal-driven.

Who motivates the leader?

Ultimately, the leader motivates the leader. But when there is nothing left within, he or she must also know where to find outside help.

What can you do to get your motivation back?

This three-part plan, mostly crafted in advance, will get you back on track quickly.

1. Examine Your Wheel of Life

When you are off your game, it means some area of life is out of order. This is why, in coaching, the wheel of life is addressed on a regular basis.

The areas of the wheel are as follows:

Physical
Mental
Social
Spiritual
Relationships
Finances
Work

If you lack motivation, visit each area, and ask yourself if something in that area is de-motivating you.

For example, you may have just completed a major initiative. Work has had strong focus for weeks, with all hands on deck and high alert. But it paid off with a highly successful launch.

Yet, suddenly, on the heels of great success, you find yourself de-motivated. When you look at your list of upcoming initiatives, you feel a sense of dread. You can’t convey your enthusiasm to your team for the next goals because, frankly, you don’t have any enthusiasm.

This is a warning signal for you to check your wheel of life.

When you do, in this scenario, you will see how spending so much time on work has impacted other areas. This often happens without conscious awareness until you stop and examine each area.

Physical recalibration is one of the first areas to address. Good health is central to everything you do in life. It is a game changer. To regain motivation, first be sure you are rested, well-hydrated, nourished, and refreshed by physical activity.

Beyond that, look to the other areas that need to be adjusted. Perhaps as part of that work cycle, you tapped into a great deal of mental energy. You will need to refill the bucket.

Relationships are often impacted by a heavy work cycle, so be sure to spend some time with those who mean the most to you.

While many bosses will push themselves and their teams from one intense sprint to the next, with no break in between, wise leaders will pause between initiatives to refresh the wheel of life and allow their team to do the same. Even a short pause can make a difference.

2. Determine Your Personal Motivators

There are essentially four types of personalities, with varying combinations. Each type is motivated and recharged in different ways. For some, doing something active outdoors will quickly re-charge their batteries; while for others, being indoors and reading a book is highly energizing. Some are energized by socialization; others are drained by it. Motivators are different for each person, but every person needs them.

Identify yours ahead of time. Write them down. As a leader, it is not a matter of “if” you will need them; it is a matter of “when.”

Energy is everything to a leader. When you lack energy, do something on your list.

3. Identify Your Motivational Team

As a leader, you may not be a direct report; but you do need to create a system of support and accountability. You can do this by proactively identifying your motivational team.

A good motivational team will include four key types of members: mentors, partners, supporters, and mentees.

Mentors will guide you and hold you accountable during those times when you do not feel engaged.
Partners will provide the collaboration you need to ignite new ideas; and new ideas bring renewed motivation.
Supporters are essential to motivation. Those who support you will keep things moving, even when you need to step away and re-charge. Support comes from two facets: systems and people.
Mentees are often overlooked as part of a motivational team, but their role is critical. They give you purpose and a path to legacy. And there is no greater motivation than purpose.

It is important to identify your motivational team ahead of time so that when you hit a wall, you have a place to turn. Each of the four team roles is critical. If you short-circuit even one of them, you are short-circuiting your ability to experience full impact.

Are you a leader experiencing a lag? Be assured, this is normal. But staying there is not. Follow the plan above, tap into the resources you have identified, and your motivation will return.

PE 101

The registration for our next class is now open. I’m excited to once again be sharing the stage with Titus Bartolotta and others.

The program is four half-day group workshop-style sessions that, combined, make up a really amazing experience.

Where:
9820 NorthCross Center Ct.
Huntersville, NC 28078

When:
April – 12th & 26th
May – 10th & 31st

Time:
8am – 1pm

If you are interested, reach out to me directly (email Dave@LivingtoLead.com), and let’s get you registered. I’m giving away a FREE coaching session to a few early birds.

Five Excuses People Use for Not Leading

July 4, 2018 By Dave Ferguson Leave a Comment

One of the questions I am often asked is, “Can everyone be a leader?”

My answer is always a resounding, “YES!”

That doesn’t mean everyone will be in a leadership position in an organization with a team of people to lead. What I mean is that everyone can learn more about leadership and learn how to lead themselves – and possibly others – well.

As we dive deeper into these conversations, I usually start to hear excuses as to why they believe they can’t be a leader.

Here are a few of the excuses I hear most often.

1. I am not in a leadership position.

You don’t have to be assigned a position to be a leader. Leadership begins with leading yourself well.

This is essentially a three-part process:

You begin with knowing your values and aligning them with what you do daily. This first step is foundational to everything else you do.
Then you develop a vision for yourself, and start the journey of leading yourself towards it.
Along the journey, you invite people who share your values and have a similar vision.

2. I am an introvert.

So am I. Yes, you heard me. I have many tendencies of an introvert. Sure, I know how to function as an extrovert, but that is completely out of my comfort zone.

I find that if you are passionate enough about what you want to accomplish, you can muster the skills and talent to lead people to share in the pursuit of those goals.

The bigger the vision, the more uncomfortable we must become in order to bring it to realization. Vision is outside our comfort zone. Otherwise, it would be our current reality. Push to expand your comfort zone…yes, even if you are an introvert.

3. I am not good with people.

I once had someone in a leadership position tell me, “I used to like people, but people have ruined that for me.”

Dealing with people can be challenging. I get it. I’m sure many a person has said that about me.

Don’t let the challenge stop you from making a difference in peoples’ lives.

Most people will accept the role of a follower rather easily. Use that as an advantage – not for your own personal gain – but to lead them to become leaders themselves. Be a leader who turns followers into leaders.

4. I am not influential.

Influence is developed over time, so you can start anytime. I have never met a person who hasn’t influenced someone or been influenced by someone. Good or bad, everyone has some level of influence.

Who have you influenced? Who has influenced you?

Influence is really just getting people to do something they haven’t done or tried before. Used correctly, influence can help people grow.

5. I don’t know how to lead.

This excuse is one of the easiest to remedy. There are resources everywhere to help you. There are thousands of books on leadership. In fact, I have written one called Boss or Leader. I have a list of recommended leadership books that I have found to be impactful. Check them out here.

Read, learn, find a mentor, follow seasoned leaders, practice, and repeat.

Knowing how to lead is a matter of learning and habit. You can learn, and you can practice good leadership habits.

There are many ways to influence others, and the world needs people who can influence others in a good manner. There are opportunities all around us to lead others, and opportunities within us to lead ourselves.

If you have used one of the excuses from this list, consider that your starting point to become a better leader. Face the excuse and put it in its place.

You can do this.

And in fact, if you are going to reach your full potential in life and business, you must overcome these excuses in order to lead yourself and others well.

It boils down to the tripod of success.

Chris had the tripod.

People often say they want a better life for themselves and their families.

Think about that.

Does the thought concern you?

It should.

There’s a better way.

In two words, that is MISSED OPPORTUNITY.

There is a tripod of success, and it is this.

Ancient wisdom admonishes us to “remove not the ancient landmarks.”

Do you have these important landmarks in your leadership?

Boundaries

Victories

Memories

Histories

Discoveries

No man is an island.

What does this have to do with leadership?

Great leaders are…

Connectors

Catalysts

Caretakers

For whom does the bell toll?

What can you do to get your motivation back?

1. Examine Your Wheel of Life

This is a warning signal for you to check your wheel of life.

2. Determine Your Personal Motivators

3. Identify Your Motivational Team

PE 101

The registration for our next class is now open. I’m excited to once again be sharing the stage with Titus Bartolotta and others.

The program is four half-day group workshop-style sessions that, combined, make up a really amazing experience.

Where: 9820 NorthCross Center Ct. Huntersville, NC 28078

When: April – 12th & 26th May – 10th & 31st

Time: 8am – 1pm

If you are interested, reach out to me directly (email Dave@LivingtoLead.com), and let’s get you registered. I’m giving away a FREE coaching session to a few early birds.

Here are a few of the excuses I hear most often.

1. I am not in a leadership position.

2. I am an introvert.

3. I am not good with people.

4. I am not influential.

5. I don’t know how to lead.

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Where:
9820 NorthCross Center Ct.
Huntersville, NC 28078

When:
April – 12th & 26th
May – 10th & 31st

Time:
8am – 1pm