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Thought Tweet #739

by Rick Baker
On May 16, 2013

Thought Tweet #739 "...only he who knows where he is sailing also knows which wind is good and the right wind for him."

 

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Not mine...Nietzsche's...[and I agree with him]

From 'Thus Spoke Zarathustra', (1880's)

Zarathustra's shadow talked to him...

"But alas, how could any thing please me any more? Do I have a goal any more? A haven toward which my sail is set? A good wind? Alas, only he who knows where he is sailing also knows which wind is good and the right wind for him."

Tags:

Goals - SMARTACRE Goals | STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success | Thought Tweets

Aimplification

by Rick Baker
On Jan 15, 2013

Why not expand your presentation of your chief aim?

The business gurus and the motivational speakers have extolled the virtues and values of aiming big and amplifying your purpose: 

  • big hairy audacious goals [Jim Collins' BHAGs]
  • wildly important goals [Stephen R. Covey]
  • shoot for the moon [Les Brown]

I think it is more important to clarify your purpose than to make it bigger.

You cannot assume the purpose of your thinking is obvious. So, when you are a business leader you cannot assume people know why you ask them to do stuff. You cannot assume people know how pieces of work fit together or how they align with your organization's goals.

You have to express these things.

You have to talk about your organization's overall goals...long-term goals. You have to talk about specific task-&-action goals...short-term goals. You have to talk about your personal goals. As you describe your goals and explain what you are aiming at you have to adjust your messages...much like your camera lens must be adjusted to capture short- and long-distance objects. This makes sure pictures are clear rather than fuzzy.

That's what I call aimplification


 

 

 

Tags:

Communication: Improving Communication | Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

Thought Tweet #652

by Rick Baker
On Jan 15, 2013

Thought Tweet #652 Seek the upside in ordinary tasks: seeking simple work and doing it well; knowing its link to positive outcomes.

 

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

As the old saying goes, "There is satisfaction in a job well done."

There is more satisfaction when:

  1. You know the work, even if it is the most-simple of tasks, is a step toward a positive outcome and
  2. You do the work well.
Some people know this.
 
Others have to learn this.
 
Some have to teach this.
 
Leaders illustrate this by example: Mahatma Gandhi took pride in simplicity and practice of walking; Napoleon Bonaparte took pride in the science and practice of aiming cannons. 

Tags:

Emotions & Feelings @ Work | Goals - SMARTACRE Goals | Seeking Simple! | Thought Tweets

Thirsty Goals

by Rick Baker
On Dec 24, 2012

If you are thirsty and you are like most of us, you set about getting a drink.

Before you get the drink...

You may go to the nearest faucet and drink directly from it. Or, you may think through a more-complicated plan that leads, ultimately, to a visit to Starbucks and have a frothy hit of sweet cappuccino. On the other hand, you may decide it is too late in the day to risk the stimulating effect of caffeine. You may plan to call a friend and ask her to join you for an herbal tea at your neighbourhood Tea House. Or, you may think about finding a drive-thru and grabbing a quick one for the road. Perhaps, you will pass a 7-11 and develop an urge for a cold drink? 

You could run through a long list of thirst-quenching goals.

Since human beings can last about 3 days without water, you could spend 3 or so days mulling over your decision.

While you are mulling, some new-thinkers might advise you of the senselessness of setting thirst-quenching goals and making thirst-quenching plans. And, you might accept their advice and set no goal or plan for obtaining water or any other fluid.

You could do that for about 3 days.


PS: You can lead a horse to water. Can you lead a person to water?


Tags:

Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

About prospecting for Clients

by Rick Baker
On Dec 21, 2012

When you finally present stuff to a prospective client, the goal is:

To help the probable client want to hear more from you and see more of you...and only you.

Some tips on how to get that done: 

  • Get to the point - when it comes to words that influence, less is better
  • Touch the emotions - don't let 10  minutes pass without at least one touch
  • Hasten the pace - use simple, ear-friendly words and speak a little faster than average
  • Enjoy the flow - of more importance, help the Prospect enjoy an easy-to-follow flow of information
  • Be [your unique] yourself - let your talents & strengths shine through
  • Offer insight - be clear as you convey the unique value you deliver to your Ideal Clients 
 
The bottom line...

When you finally present stuff to a prospective client, the goal is to help the probable client want to hear more from you and see more of you...and only you.

Tags:

Goals - SMARTACRE Goals | Sales

Thought Tweet #632

by Rick Baker
On Dec 18, 2012

Thought Tweet #632 When people are annoyed by the pressure of setting goals, don't fight against the flow - help them make predictions.

 

The Thinking Behind The Tweet

Some people, perhaps many people, are annoyed by the pressure of setting goals. Many people, if not most people, love to learn about and make predictions. There is little to be gained by fighting against the flow. Rather than fighting against the flow, [at least to some degree] Leaders and managers can seek middle ground and help their people make predictions.

People love to make predictions...and People will embrace the predictions they make.

Examples of predictions people love to make and learn about:

  • bets on sports games
  • weather predictions, especially "Ground Hog Day"
  • stock market investments
  • Nostradamus predictions
Why not add business predictions to the list!

Tags:

Goals - SMARTACRE Goals | Thought Tweets

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