# Rick Baker's Thoughts — full corpus

## Good News: you have an emotionally charged group of leaders. Now: how do you convert that energy to the positive?
Date: 2021-12-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-news-you-have-an-emotionally-charged-group-of-leaders-now-how-do-you-convert-that-energy-to-the-positive/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

When our ancestors first saw fire, the first things they saw and understood were destruction and danger. As time passed, as they became more thoughtful and more adventuresome, our ancestors learned the energy of fire could be harnessed and put to productive use. Harnessing energy and putting it to good use...that's the territory of leadership. So, when you see people blowing off steam at work recognize there is energy generating the steam. Energy is good. Energy does good when it is harnessed and properly directed. That's a thing of leadership.

## Leaders: Make sure your confidence does not threaten your followers.
Date: 2021-12-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-make-sure-your-confidence-does-not-threaten-your-followers/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Some followers are intimidated by Leader's self-confidence. Here are some Spirited suggestions, to make sure you do not come across that way: Be authentic…it is OK to be on the reserved side of centre if that is your character…it is OK to be on the boisterous side if that is your character Be committed to working on self-improvement…i.e., raising his or her own self-confidence when that is required, as it will be from time to time Focus on strengths: personal strengths and the strengths possessed by others As Dale Carnegie taught, "Praise heartily" Make full and appropriate use of humour…some leaders have just a little of it and will need to remind themselves of the importance of putting it to good use…other leaders have heavy doses of it and they will need to remind themselves to never let it go too far…self-humour is best…humour at the expense of others is an absolute no-no Listen…resurrect that art if it has become lost Master your emotions…and keep them under control [most of the time] Live with Integrity…as defined here

## Plan for the particular and the peculiar...because that's what you are...and so is your perspective.
Date: 2021-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/plan-for-the-particular-and-the-peculiarbecause-thats-what-you-areand-so-is-your-perspective-viewpoints/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Particular, peculiar, distinctive, & unique: in the English language the meaning of these words overlap. Of these 4 words, we should give 'peculiar' its fair share of consideration. While many people will struggle with defining themselves as 'peculiar', others will barely hesitate to do it...I mean, to other people...of course.

## Knowledge costs money and lack of knowledge costs more.
Date: 2021-06-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/knowledge-costs-money-lack-of-knowledge-costs-more/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We must pay to learn . We can buy knowledge contained in books. We can buy knowledge contained in hard knocks . We must pay much for knowledge in order to have much. If we do not pay much for knowledge, we pay even more.

## The power behind our reactions is far too important to be left to chance.
Date: 2021-06-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-power-behind-our-reactions-is-far-too-important-to-be-left-to-chance/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Knee-jerk reactions catch our attention and we hold them in disfavour. Yet – what are we doing to make sure they don’t happen? What are you doing to anticipate situations/circumstances and pre-plan the release of the power of your reactions?

## Don't be fooled - only deliberate practice allows talents to master tasks.
Date: 2021-06-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/deliberate-practice-allows-talents-to-master-tasks-so-dont-allow-your-talents-to-wing-it/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Take Talent To Task: Take Task To Talent. That's a lot better than taking weakness to tasks and taking tasks to people who are not capable of doing the tasks well. And, it's a lot better than guessing and winging it at work.

## Only a silly person would waste time talking about not having enough time.
Date: 2021-06-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/only-a-silly-person-would-waste-time-talking-about-not-having-enough-time/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I mean - you wouldn't throw away perfectly good food while complaining about being hungry...would you? The time right in front of you is perfectly good time.

## The essence of business is exchange of value.
Date: 2021-06-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-essence-of-business-is-exchange-of-value/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Stephen R Covey taught - the essence of business is relationships . I believe the essence of business is exchange of value . I believe, in business, exchange of value includes building relationships. Relationships is a subset of the value exchanged in business. No question - relationships are an essential ingredient of life. [Unless, I suppose, one is able to live the life of a hermit.] Certainly, relationships are the essence of society, whether family or community or all of human civilization.

## Loyalty is Trust's better half.
Date: 2021-06-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/loyalty-is-trusts-better-half-trust/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We should cut loyal people some slack. They should not be taken for granted. They deserve much-better-than-average treatment. They deserve the best treatment we can deliver.

## Good things come in little packages: that's the key to excellent work-process success.
Date: 2021-06-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-things-come-in-little-packages-thats-the-key-to-excellent-work-process-success-process-task/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Dr. Richard Carlson taught - " Don't sweat the small stuff ". That's good advice as long as it confined within the following context: (1) do small stuff and do it well & (2) don't feel distressed while you are doing it. There's nothing wrong with sweating while working out the body....although perspiration is a more-delicate word for that body exhaust. When the body works hard it vents exhaust. When the mind works hard it also vents exhaust. This is particularly so when the mind is undisciplined . When we break work into small pieces - tasks - we reduce the amount of that exhaust. And, of more importance, we increase the opportunities to receive [mental, self-generated] rewards for jobs well done.

## Organized people get work done; disorganized people get work repeated.
Date: 2021-06-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/organized-people-get-work-done-disorganized-people-get-work-repeated/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Disorganization = more errors = more fixing of errors = repeated work. And, of course, disorganization consumes time and generates stresses and anxieties . Have you noticed - Disorganized people are the ones who complain most about being overworked !

## Little of value exists without self-confidence. Self-confidence moves the world.
Date: 2021-06-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/little-of-value-exists-without-self-confidence-self-confidence-moves-the-world/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Self-confidence sustains. Self-confidence is the catalyst of progress. Self-confidence moves people. Self-confidence constructs. Self-confidence moves the world.

## Perception is reality...and perceptions change over time, taking reality with them.
Date: 2021-06-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/perception-is-realityand-perceptions-change-over-time-taking-reality-with-them/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Perceptions are fragile things. Our perceptions are partial, filtered, skewed... Even some of our most-vivid and most-believed memories are proven wrong.

## Toe the line and be ready to leap before opportunity knocks.
Date: 2021-06-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/toe-the-line-and-be-ready-to-leap-before-opportunity-knocks/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Be Prepared " - Boy Scout motto Lord Baden-Powell - Soldier, Writer, Boy Scouts Founder (1857-1941) *** Opportunity rides on the wings of adversity .

## Powerful leaders take us to new realities.
Date: 2021-06-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/powerful-leaders-take-us-to-new-realities/ | Categories: Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Powerful leaders possess the ability to bring about ' new realities '...some tremendously good, some tremendously bad. While hindsight seems 20/20 , for most people foresight is not. So, most people find visions of 'new realities' to be unrealistic . Regardless, in powerful leaders' minds, they are visions of crystal-clear realism.

## When you see your boss's weaknesses do you see your opportunities?
Date: 2021-06-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-see-your-bosss-weaknesses-do-you-see-your-opportunities-opportunity/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many people complain about the boss. That's the norm. Few people realize the boss' weaknesses are prime routes to opportunities. That's unfortunate. Allow your Talents to rescue your boss' weaknesses.

## We should make meetings so laborious people choose to do the work between them over presenting excuses during them.
Date: 2021-06-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/make-meetings-so-laborious-people-choose-to-do-the-work-between-them-over-discussing-excuses-during-them/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Plan: Writing Plans, Humour, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of excuses. Anticipate Situations .

## Yes, it can be difficult...that's why it's called work.
Date: 2021-06-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/yes-it-can-be-difficultthats-why-its-called-work/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet But, Difficult should not mean Unpleasant . Physically-difficult work burns up energy in muscles, etc. It strengthens the muscles...that's a good thing...unless you're lazy, in which case physically-difficult work would be annoying. Cognitively-difficult work burns up energy in neurons and other places. It strengthens neuronal connections...that's a good thing...unless you're lazy...then work, again, would become annoying. About being annoyed or stressed out, etc: the cause behind negative feelings is not work. So, let's not place the blame on work when, in fact, there is another culprit.

## We benefit when someone or something makes us do what we can.
Date: 2021-06-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-benefit-when-someone-or-something-makes-us-do-what-we-can/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Even the great Ralph Waldo Emerson needed that sort of help. Emerson said, " What I most need is somebody to make me do what I can ." People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things . When we want to develop better habits we need an injection of accountability ; we benefit when someone or something makes us do what we can.

## Workplace High-Pressure: does it cut the feet out from under your smartest people?
Date: 2021-06-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/workplace-high-pressure-does-it-cut-the-feet-out-from-under-your-smartest-people/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind the Tweet A high IQ doesn’t necessarily mean a high ability to work under stress . In fact, it is possible the opposite is true. Do you assume smart folks operate smart when the pressure is on? If so, perhaps, when the pressure is on people disappoint you.

## Negative feelings cheat us: they take much energy from us and they give little of value in return.
Date: 2021-06-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/negative-feelings-cheat-us-they-take-much-energy-from-us-and-they-give-little-of-value-in-return/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We feel good when we participate in fair & square deals! We would be annoyed if someone else came by and started stealing our energy... To ensure fairness we need to tell negative feelings to go away until they can deliver a better exchange.

## Anxiety: be present, don't fret over it, observe it in real time, & learn what it takes to control it if it gets out of hand.
Date: 2021-06-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/anxiety-be-present-dont-fret-over-it-observe-it-in-real-time-learn-what-it-takes-to-control-it-if-it-gets-out-of-hand/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Anxiety is in our genes...what we feel now is the legacy of the fight or flight 'wiring' that allowed our ancestors to bring us us. In right-sized doses, anxiety energizes and hones focus . In too-large doses, anxiety becomes a demon and destroys quality of life .

## Howling at the moon won't make it any brighter & yapping dogs don't make their owners any smarter.
Date: 2021-06-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/howling-at-the-moon-wont-make-it-any-brighter-yapping-dogs-dont-make-their-owners-any-smarter/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Constructive criticism is an oxymoron ...in relationships, it's an interpersonal liberty taken one step too far.

## "When you chase your tail ‘literally’, you get tired; when you chase your tail ‘figuratively’, you get nowhere."
Date: 2021-06-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-chase-your-tail-literally-you-get-tired-when-you-chase-your-tail-figuratively-you-get-nowhere/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Bad Habits are a lot like chasing your tail. They consume energy and take you away from your long-term goals. Loss of Focus and lack of Concentration are, for the most part, Bad Habits...learned over a lifetime of distraction...self-imposed anti-goal activities. Focus & Concentration are choices...You can improve in both areas...yes - easy to say and hard to do. ...and worth the extra effort.

## Creativity in science appears when insightful theories test known 'truths'. The same applies in business.
Date: 2021-06-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/creativity-in-science-appears-when-insightful-theories-test-known-truths-the-same-applies-in-business/ | Categories: Abundance, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If the writers of screen and theater plays decide the status quo is good enough and stop coming up with new ways to get our attention and entertain us, few of us will continue to go to the theaters and cinemas. If scientists decide the status quo is good enough and stop coming up with and experimenting around new theories, few of us will continue to fund scientific research. If business owners decide the status quo is good enough...

## We all have the same amount of time...we know the past is gone...we know we have the present...we only hope we have the future.
Date: 2021-06-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-all-have-the-same-amount-of-timewe-know-the-past-is-gonewe-know-we-have-the-presentwe-only-hope-we-have-the-future/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Time is our most-precious commodity. We cannot afford to waste any of it complaining about not having enough of it. Only a silly person would waste time complaining about not having enough time.

## Sometimes you just can win!
Date: 2021-06-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sometimes-you-just-can-win/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sure, sometimes you just can't win. Everybody knows that. Almost everybody says that. And, some people are caught up in the habit of thinking and talking like that. Why not make a habit of saying, " Sometimes you just can win! "

## People think 600-700 words per minute. People talk 100-200 words per minute. Most people listen...maybe 1 or 2.
Date: 2021-06-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-think-600-700-words-per-minute-people-talk-100-200-words-per-minute-most-people-listenmaybe-1-or-2/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Listening - a little bit goes a long way. Just imagine what could be accomplished by a lot of listening.

## Small business is like walking a tightrope: failure to step gets you nowhere & slip-ups bring you down.
Date: 2021-06-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/small-business-is-like-walking-a-tightrope-failure-to-step-gets-you-nowhere-slip-ups-bring-you-down/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Take Delegation seriously. It is really important to do it and to allow yourself and your people to learn from errors .

## "Fear is (a) an impulse, (b) a habit, (c) a disease."
Date: 2021-06-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/fear-is-a-an-impulse-b-a-habit-c-a-disease/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's a quote from Frank Channing Haddock's ' The Culture of Courage ', (1910). What an interesting view of fear. What an interesting base for growing courage .

## 5 reasons to listen: (1) to understand, (2) to act, (3) to respond, (4) because it's your job, & (5) because you like people.
Date: 2021-06-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/5-reasons-to-listen-1-to-respond-2-to-act-3-to-understand-4-because-its-your-job-5-because-you-like-people-2021/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most people listen poorly . It's reciprocal: people don't listen to them so they return the disfavour. Then there's this pent up ego, demanding you express your thoughts rather than listen to other people's thoughts. *** If we don't relearn how to listen evolution is going to adapt our ears into oblivion. [One drawback of civilization: people who don't listen no longer get eaten by predators.]

## Some ancient wisdom for Success: Have bone in back, not bone in head.
Date: 2021-06-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-ancient-wisdom-for-success-have-bone-in-back-not-bone-in-head/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Probably no ancient person ever said that. But, we will never know for sure. On the other hand, I did write “ People should work at having thick skin and thin skulls ”. Thick skin will help people be less influenced by the criticism of others. A thin skull will ensure important stuff gets in easier.

## If you want to teach someone, first find out what they believe they already know.
Date: 2021-06-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-teach-someone-first-find-out-what-they-believe-they-already-know/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Far too often, we jump into teaching. Far too often, we assume others do not know what we know. Far too often, we conclude others are doing things poorly or incorrectly because they don't know what we know. More often than not, we waste time and 'make work' when we assume and conclude others don't know what we know. We can remedy this by asking simple questions before we give instructions and lessons.

## Don't let yourself get so busy you let Situations catch you unprepared...anticipate Situations, plan ahead.
Date: 2021-06-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-let-yourself-get-so-busy-you-let-situations-catch-you-unpreparedanticipate-situations-plan-ahead/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet So many people think they are ' too busy ' when the reality is they are 'too unprepared'. They live a business life consumed by a repeated series of fire-fights. Many of the fire-fights are directly linked to specific individuals' behaviour. And, habits being what they are, to a very large degree, behaviour is predictable. Think of a probable Situation . Think of who will be in the Situation. Think of how the people in the Situation will act. Plan your best Actions before the fires start.

## The greatest of leaders change themselves. They mould their character to remove the bad habits that impair leadership.
Date: 2021-05-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-greatest-of-leaders-change-themselves-they-mould-their-character-to-remove-the-bad-habits-that-prevent-leadership/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes they replace combative attitudes with kind attitudes. Sometimes they toughen up their softness. Either way they mould their character to remove the bad habits that prevent leadership.

## Inspire business people by letting them know that you know what they do when they are at work.
Date: 2021-05-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/inspire-business-people-by-letting-them-know-that-you-know-what-they-do-when-they-are-at-work/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you believe people know what you do when you are at work then check again ...you may be quite surprised to find others have a very fuzzy impression of your work. Or, they may know almost nothing about your work. You do not have to emulate them...you can stand out...you can ask them and learn what they do...then you can know what they do...and they will appreciate you for it.

## Few situations provide opportunities to do big things; all situations provide opportunities to do small things.
Date: 2021-05-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/few-situations-provide-opportunities-to-do-big-things-all-situations-provide-opportunities-to-do-small-things/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet All situations offer, at least, small learning experiences. All situations provide the opportunity for self-discovery and building self-confidence.

## Never Give Up..You owe it to yourself...You owe it to your family...You owe it to Life.
Date: 2021-05-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/never-give-upyou-owe-it-to-yourselfyou-owe-it-to-your-familyyou-owe-it-to-life/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Family Business and CFFB, Hero Worship, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Of course, Sir Winston Churchill comes to mind, “Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” Churchill, singularly, inspired a nation. But, there's more to it... Churchill inspired himself. [ ...in support of inspiration and daily affirmations ]

## About Influencing Powerful People - #1
Date: 2021-05-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-influencing-powerful-people-1/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Family Business and CFFB, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Here's a quote from Dirk Schlimm - “ I learned that influencing powerful people is a better and more effective route than complaining about them. ” This quote touches two important Spirited Leaders' philosophies - Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron and Influence is the Essence of Leadership.

## When a combination of skills, goals, & plans is not present, people give up their dreams & hope.
Date: 2021-05-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-a-combination-of-skills-goals-plans-is-not-present-people-give-up-their-dreams-hope/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Skills , goals and plans will always be required. Without these basics, work is demoralizing and frustrating. Without these basics, unless they have tremendous will, people give up their dreams and hope.

## You are so derisive...if only you could change that "r" to a "c" you'd have one good character attribute going for you.
Date: 2021-05-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-are-so-derisiveif-only-you-could-change-that-r-to-a-c-youd-have-one-good-character-attribute-going-for-you/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet This thought occurred to me while I was trying not to listen to a particularly annoying nitpicker. ...but for one letter... Ever since, I cannot witness criticism without having at least a slight smile.

## Our fingers naturally point outwards. Perhaps that's why we point at others when it's time to place blame.
Date: 2021-05-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/our-fingers-naturally-point-outwards-perhaps-thats-why-we-point-at-others-when-its-time-to-place-blame-criticism/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The joys of evolution! It seems [until someone helps me understand otherwise] we humans are the only animals capable of pointing fingers at others. We alone enjoy all the benefits of both opposing thumbs and blame-pointing fingers.

## The joys of job seeking & hiring: people connecting & maximizing the achievement of common goals.
Date: 2021-05-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-joys-of-job-seeking-hiring-people-connecting-maximizing-the-achievement-of-common-goals/ | Categories: Agreeing on Exchange of Value, Communication: Improving Communication, Spirited Leaders, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It isn't about the amount of formal education. It isn't about the number of years of prior-employment experience. It is about agreeing on exchange of value. And...it does not have to be a painful process.

## The more you use your talents the harder it is to wear them out.
Date: 2021-05-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-more-you-use-your-talents-the-harder-it-is-to-wear-them-out-talent/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We struggle when we don't use our Talents ...many of us accept that struggling lot in life...and some of us embrace struggling as the starting process that allows learning and growth. Yet, few of us struggle to use up our Talents. Isn't that unfortunate!

## Two keys to beating your competition: (1) Start & (2) Finish.
Date: 2021-05-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/two-keys-to-beating-your-competition-start-finish/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you make a habit of doing these two things, you will be leaps & bounds ahead of the pack. Sure, there are many other things you need to do to serve and succeed. To deliver value, all of those things must occur between (1) a Start & (2) a Finish.

## If you want to build people up don’t knock people down.
Date: 2021-05-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-build-them-up-dont-put-them-down-criticism/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you have authority, most people shut down, in one way or another, in response to your criticism ... Maybe you want them to shut down...and be destructive? Maybe you don't want to shut them down...and be constructive? Maybe you haven't thought about the difference between being constructive and being destructive? ...what are you trying to accomplish with all your criticism?

## Intrinsic Goals feel right...they align with our talents & strengths...they inspire & energize us.
Date: 2021-05-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/our-intrinsic-goals-feel-rightthey-align-with-our-talents-strengthsso-they-inspire-they-energize-us/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Intrinsic Goals mesh with life purpose, mastery of task, and self-actualization. Naturally, intrinsic goals align with talents and Strengths . And, in contrast to extrinsic goals, intrinsic goals tend to broaden rather than restrict experiences.

## In pre-historic times people who didn't listen got eaten...now they propagate at will.
Date: 2021-05-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-pre-historic-times-people-who-didnt-listen-got-eatennow-they-propagate-at-will-listen/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Could it be 21 st Century predators are a forgiving lot of creatures? Could it be Darwin was wrong? ...survival of the fittest? ... or was it survival of the most adaptable? ... or is it no survival for the least able to listen? Assuming evolution is an accurate theory - and I'm not so sure about all the science details of that any more - regardless, if evolution theory is true: How many generations will it take for human ears to shrink and disappear through lack of use?

## Be nothing if not courageous.
Date: 2021-05-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/be-nothing-if-not-courageous/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It's about personal values : If we are not courageous , what of value do we have to offer to others? If we are not courageous, what of value do we have to offer to ourselves? If we are not courageous, how do we take chances, fail, learn and grow?

## Other people prefer it when you are present-minded rather than absent-minded.
Date: 2021-05-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/other-people-prefer-it-when-you-are-present-minded-rather-than-absent-minded-focus/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Humour, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet 'Getting present' is a Focus exercise...a mind-process of narrowing and fixing attention. 'Staying present' is a Concentration exercise...a mind-process of holding attention. These two mind-processes, focusing and concentrating, involve different areas of the brain and they require the development of different skill sets . For me, and it may be different for you, focusing is an exercise of thought discipline . It requires thought discipline to cause attention to dwell on the single isolated situation or topic, ignoring everything else. This discipline can be very challenging. Similarly, concentration can be challenging when tasks are tedious or uninteresting. On the other hand, most people find concentration becomes easier when the topic or situation is one they are very interested in or excited about.

## When we to want to win at all costs, our perspectives become quite blind to the realities of situations.
Date: 2021-05-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-will-must-win-at-all-costs-expectations-become-blind-to-the-realities-of-situations/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people cannot adjust their thinking to fit the realities of the situations at hand. Some people cannot even begin to untie their emotions , so they can use logic to think about the real facts they face in situations. Perhaps, the problem is, their Ego must cry out for help regardless of the situation they face?

## Inspiration is the music of creative intelligence.
Date: 2021-05-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/inspiration-is-the-music-of-creative-intelligence/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our gift of creative intelligence must be there to inspire ourselves and others. Our intuition is a special gift, with deep roots in our unconscious brains [lizard brains]. Our ability to inspire is linked to our creative intelligence and intuition - a wonderful aspect of our 'human condition'.

## Hope is not a strategy but it is an essential ingredient of leadership.
Date: 2021-05-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/hope-is-not-a-strategy-but-it-is-an-essential-ingredient-of-leadership/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet 'Hope is not a Strategy' , an interesting business book by Rick Page. " Hope is an essential ingredient of leadership. " a Deepak Chopra quote from his book, ' The Soul of Leadership ' Both are accurate statements.

## Self-knowledge is the often-overlooked success ingredient.
Date: 2021-05-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/self-knowledge-is-the-often-overlooked-success-ingredient-knowthyself/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet People who have a thorough understanding of themselves do better as business leaders. They understand their strengths and weaknesses; they understand their desires and goals; they understand their internal drivers and their behaviour; they understand their attitude toward and their reactions to situations and other people .

## Business flourishes when pleasant-enough personalities exchange interesting ideas.
Date: 2021-05-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-flourishes-when-pleasant-enough-personalities-exchange-interesting-ideas-ideas/ | Categories: Ideas, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet And, of course, following through on commitments. Link to Thought Tweet #278

## Willpower: use it and it grows as you grow.
Date: 2021-05-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-use-it-and-it-grows-as-you-grow-willpower/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Willpower: we use it or it slips away on us. Willpower relies on energy. Use it wisely. Use it regularly. Drain it. Rebuild it. Strengthen it. Willpower [and its outcome, self-control ]: use it or fail to have it; use it and experience personal growth.

## We praise our phones by calling them "smart" then we toss them away, replacing them in their adolescence.
Date: 2021-05-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-praise-our-phones-by-calling-them-smart-then-we-toss-them-away-replacing-them-in-adolescence/ | Categories: Humour, IT & TECH, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our technologies are becoming as fragile as our relationships. Puppy Love used to apply to puppies...then it morphed toward hand-holding teenagers...now it has morphed toward hand-touched technologies.

## Some never tire of fighting the same battles, using the same weapons, & meeting the same defeats. What peculiar stamina!
Date: 2021-05-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-never-tire-of-fighting-the-same-battles-using-the-same-weapons-meeting-the-same-defeats-what-peculiar-stamina/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Personalities @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It seems some people never tire of experiencing the same old problems. What peculiar stamina! Perhaps most of us appear that way when viewed from others' perspectives. [ Attribution Bias ] Perhaps when observed by others most of us appear to obstinately cling to the bad habits that limit our ability to deal successfully with other people? Perhaps my perceptions of other people's behaviour, as I watch them struggle, are too harsh?

## If you assume communication is easy, you’re dreaming alone. If you find communication is easy, you may be dreaming with others.
Date: 2021-05-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-assume-communication-is-easy-youre-dreaming-alone-if-you-find-communication-is-easy-youre-dreaming-with-others/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Shared dreams and goals, naturally, breed quality communication.

## Dreams of a better future help generate a better future.
Date: 2021-05-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dreams-of-a-better-future-generate-a-better-future-vision/ | Categories: Abundance, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet "Past and future are dreams; now is a reality. All things are now; all power, all possibility, all action, is now." British author/philosopher James Allen said that in 1903. It seems to me Allen's advice is a key to what most people refer to as 'time management'. I mean, if people pay more attention to the present and less attention to agonizing over the past and worrying about the future then they will feel less stressed...and they will feel like they have more time. On the other hand, we should not be too harsh on dreams - only dreams of a better future generate that future . As 2 examples, Marconi proved this...so did Martin Luther King Jr.

## People are 'selflings': that's a good rather than a bad thing...so focus on yourself...regularly.
Date: 2021-05-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-are-selflings-thats-a-good-rather-than-a-bad-thingso-focus-on-yourselfregularly-ego/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet About that suffix 'ling': yes, often pejorative; but, not always. So, cut other selflings some slack, as they will have to do for you if you are to achieve your desires.

## You worked in your business, then you worked on your business. Now, you're overdue to work on yourself.
Date: 2021-05-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-worked-in-your-business-then-you-worked-on-your-business-now-your-overdue-to-work-on-yourself/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet In the Emyth series of books, Michael Gerber explained the value of going beyond working in your business to working on your business. Too many leaders worked both in and on their businesses but neglected the most-important activity - working on themselves. As you work in and on your business expect minimal positive changes unless you, first, work on improving yourself.

## Duplication annoys some people - others recognize repetition is a key to learning and repeated errors signal failure to learn.
Date: 2021-05-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/duplication-annoys-some-people-others-recognize-repetition-is-a-key-to-learning-communication/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Efficiency happens when things are done right the first time. Efficiency happens when people learn and remember. Some people view these as mutually exclusive things. Isn't that a shame? Mistakes happen when people try new things. Mistakes provide opportunities to learn. Some people don't learn from their errors. Isn't that a shame?

## Your personality strengths give you a chance. What you do with them today is what really counts.
Date: 2021-05-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/personality-gives-you-a-chance-what-you-do-with-it-is-what-really-counts/ | Categories: Influencing, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Your personality may take a back seat to what you do...especially when the going gets tough. We judge others by what they do. We trust others by what they do. Others do the same to us.

## If trust is at the heart of meaningful business relationships, insight is in the brain.
Date: 2021-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-trust-is-at-the-heart-of-meaningful-business-relationships-insight-is-in-the-brain/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Influencing, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Trust, based on a history of past experiences, is not enough to guarantee business relationships contain value. When insight is added to trust, business relationships can thrive.

## Even those not blessed with natural, pleasing personalities can learn to think and bite their tongues.
Date: 2021-04-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/even-those-not-blessed-with-natural-pleasing-personalities-can-learn-to-think-and-bite-their-tongues/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You can choose to adjust your personality so it is more pleasing and less annoying. Sometimes, the choice involves biting your tongue. When you annoy people you don't make money ...[unless you happen to be a sitcom actor or a Don Rickles clone]

## Discipline yourself if you wish to persuade others.
Date: 2021-04-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/discipline-yourself-if-you-wish-to-persuade-others-discipline/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Do what I say not what I do does not cut it. Probably, most of us can remember incidents when we were children and adults in positions of authority gave us instructions that they themselves did not follow. To the extent that happened, we learned to resist instructions that came to us as do what I say not what I do. As we gained experience and confidence our resistance to these inconsistent demands increased. Now, we have much trouble following instructions from people who do not lead by example. And, we distrust those who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk.

## "Get a Life". Reality TV has added a whole new dimension to that old admonition.
Date: 2021-04-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/get-a-life-reality-tv-has-added-a-whole-new-dimension-to-that-old-admonition/ | Categories: Beyond Business, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It's now incredibly easy to 'get a life'. Our TV remotes provide us a full range of lives...numerous reality choices with many variations on how to annoy other people - annoying co-workers, annoying family members, annoying aspiring singers & aspiring dancers & aspiring entrepreneurs...annoying all types of people in all types of real-life situations...all available at the flick of a switch. Question: Do you spend more time (A) annoying other people or (B) watching people you don't know annoying other people you don't know on TV? And, for those who are not avid practitioners in the art of annoying others... Do you spend more time (A) solving your own problems or (B) watching other people struggle with their problems on TV?

## Mediocrity happens when we live under the wings of our bad-habits.
Date: 2021-04-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mediocrity-happens-when-we-live-under-the-wings-of-our-bad-habits-habits-2021/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Bad Habits follow us like shadows. Bad Habits make us mediocre. We can replace Bad Habits with Good Habits ...it's a matter of choice...and commitment & self-discipline .

## When people are annoyed about setting goals, don't fight against the flow - help them make predictions.
Date: 2021-04-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-advice-when-people-are-annoyed-with-setting-goals-dont-fight-against-the-flow-help-them-make-predictions/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

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!

## How is it people who are 'too busy' find time to share their problems with others & watch all that Reality TV?
Date: 2021-04-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-is-it-people-who-are-too-busy-find-time-to-share-their-problems-with-others-watch-all-that-reality-tv/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When 2 pet peeves collide... (1) People ain't too busy - they just brainwash themselves that way. (2) Reality TV just ain't - at least it ain't the sort of reality that creates value.

## "It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech." Mark Twain
Date: 2021-04-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-it-usually-takes-more-than-three-weeks-to-prepare-a-good-impromptu-speech-mark-twain/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet I am fascinated by skilled public speakers. What value for their audiences! And, Mark Twain, with that amazing wit of his…provides a very important message with this quote. Here is another you can apply to public speaking: Abraham Lincoln – "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe."

## Better to fix the problem than to fix the blame.
Date: 2021-04-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/better-to-fix-the-problem-than-to-fix-the-blame-2021/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Winners seek solutions and think of better places. Losers agonize over problems and fear uncertainty.

## Organized people get more done;  disorganized people get more stress.
Date: 2021-04-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/organized-people-get-more-done-disorganized-people-get-more-stress/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we are disorganized we make more errors and errors cause more work...and sometimes cause other people to have negative reactions...and then there is more stress. Disorganization = more errors = more fixing of errors = repeated work = annoyed people = more stress.

## Problems become weak when they face clear goals and a strong desire to succeed.
Date: 2021-04-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/problems-become-weak-when-they-face-clear-goals-and-a-strong-desire-to-succeed/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Weak [or unaware] people think problems are troubling obstacles, which Misfortune delivers to injure us and beat us down. Strong [and aware] people know problems are the necessary tests encountered along the road to meaningful success.

## You can't teach an old dog new tricks...unless, perhaps, you praise him enthusiastically...and feed him the meat he craves.
Date: 2021-04-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-cant-teach-an-old-dog-new-tricksunless-perhaps-you-praise-him-enthusiasticallyand-feed-him-the-meat-he-craves/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes old sayings go too far. If you can teach yourself some new tricks then you can teach old dogs new tricks.

## Anticipate situations you cannot control & train yourself so you avoid feeling anxiety or stress when they arrive.
Date: 2021-04-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/anticipate-situations-you-cannot-control-train-yourself-so-you-avoid-feeling-anxiety-or-stress-when-they-arrive/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When people find themselves in situations they cannot control their reaction is, naturally, one of discomfort. For some people, the discomfort is extreme. This discomfort often leads to thoughts and actions that lead to dysfunction, stress, and a host of other negative things. We can learn how to do better than that. We can teach ourselves how to do better than that.

## When you know defeat has arrived muster your courage and take one more step ahead.
Date: 2021-04-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-know-defeat-has-arrived-muster-your-courage-and-take-one-more-step-ahead/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet As Napoleon Hill said, " Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit ". and "When faced with defeat the easiest and most logical thing to do is to quit. That is exactly what the majority of people do. More than 500 of the most successful people America has ever known told the author their greatest success came just one step beyond the point at which defeat had overtaken them."

## Over 2000 years ago, Roman Stoics developed the habit of waiting a day before beating slaves who had erred.
Date: 2021-04-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/over-2000-years-ago-roman-stoics-developed-the-habit-of-waiting-a-day-before-beating-slaves-who-had-erred/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Speaking of Good Habits & Constructive Criticism... If those ancient Romans could have that kind of self-control, just think what 21 st Century business people could accomplish if they put their minds to it!

## If you cannot be interested at least be interesting!
Date: 2021-04-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-cannot-be-interested-at-least-be-interesting-ego/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Seek first to be interested and to understand. If you cannot handle that maybe you can compensate by being entertaining...or, at least, interesting. Stephen Covey - Seek First To Understand . Perhaps people will warm up to you and remember you if you seek first to understand them? That's consistent with Dale Carnegie's teaching. If you cannot bring yourself to be truly interested in understanding other people then your opportunities for influencing them drop significantly. You may be able to squeeze in some opportunities by: being interesting...attention-getting, magnetic...those sorts of things being entertaining...like a motivational speaker or a magician or a clown act

## Written Goals don't just help you set your work-priorities, they help you define your personal Values.
Date: 2021-04-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/written-goals-dont-just-help-you-set-your-work-priorities-they-help-you-define-your-personal-values/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Master Rules, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Values , Purpose, Vision , Rules , & Goals are not discreet, stand-alone concepts. They are intertwined. For most People, they are iterative-too...gaining more clarity with time. When you boil business down, its essence is People, Process, & Situations . People come first. People bring with them 'Character' ...which, for each person, is a summing up of his/her Values, Purpose, Vision, Rules, & Goals.

## About structure...shouldn't your people see your business at least as solid as the building you work in?
Date: 2021-04-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-structureshouldnt-your-people-see-your-business-at-least-as-solid-as-the-building-you-work-in/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Master Rules, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Overall, small and mid-sized businesses lack the structure they need to be sustainable, let alone be excellent. Business is about 3 things: People, Process, & Situations. Process means structure: structure for plans; structure for roles; structure for workflow; structure for communications; structure in the form of rules. Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations Master Rules

## Negative feelings by their very nature tend to alienate and isolate us. Then they go about wasting much of our energy.
Date: 2021-04-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/negative-feelings-by-their-very-nature-tend-to-alienate-and-isolate-us-then-they-go-about-wasting-much-energy/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Feelings are mind states where egos are at work justifying their appetites. While the voices of ego are little, they are incessant. Barrages of little voices fight to serve and satisfy the huge appetites of egos. Egos, their appetites, and their little but incessant voices are not to be ignored.

## What we do not know has never increased so quickly....choose focusing over fretting...choose to use Talents.
Date: 2021-04-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-we-do-not-know-has-never-increased-so-quicklychoose-focusing-over-frettingchoose-to-use-talents/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Alvin Toffler predicted it . Now, we're up to our ears in it. People are strong when they have talent, opportunity, knowledge, and skills. While the knowledge requirement is growing exponentially, so are the opportunities . People have not changed. People still have amazing Talents! People need to focus more....and that takes more work because of the escalation of interruptions . [There's a lot going on out there.]

## When self-confidence shines it is charismatic, magnetic, & contagious.
Date: 2021-04-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-self-confidence-shines-it-is-charismatic-magnetic-contagious/ | Categories: INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet And when self-confidence shines it keeps ego in the proper light. Put another way, it allows ego to perform in most-productive ways...ways that are appealing and so inspire other people.

## Some people are way too busy talking to learn...
Date: 2021-04-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-people-are-way-too-busy-talking-to-learn/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I bet you've noticed some people simply must express their views. If someone interrupts them, sooner or later, one way or another, these people will keep returning to what they were saying until they have finished saying it. And, if they don't think you are listening then they will repeat their message until they believe you have listened . And, these people are quick to interrupt others and squeeze others out of conversations so they can inject their views. Listening isn't important to these people: they don't feel a need to listen because their minds are made up. These people are way too busy talking to learn.

## Hope is a waking dream much craved by people. This explains why people rally around leaders with vivid vision.
Date: 2021-04-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/hope-is-a-waking-dream-much-craved-by-people-this-explains-why-people-rally-around-leaders-with-vivid-vision-vision/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Aristotle said, "Hope is a waking dream." People want hope; people follow dreams.

## Good followers want to vent their strengths. And you want to see strength in action...am I right!
Date: 2021-04-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-followers-want-to-vent-their-strengths-and-you-want-to-see-strength-in-actionam-i-right/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Good followers want their talents, knowledge, and skills to be linked to opportunities . Good followers expect their leaders to generate those opportunities .

## It seems you can build a business on very complex things and on very simple things, but not in-between.
Date: 2021-04-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/it-seems-you-can-build-a-business-on-very-complex-things-and-on-very-simple-things-but-not-in-between-2021/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Simple things, especially those that touch the emotions , form the foundation of many successful businesses - from your favourite local diner and your favourite hair stylist to pet rocks and dog groomers. Complex things amaze us, especially those of us who are early adopters. Say no more than 'new Apple product'. Or, consider the impact new special effects have on the movies and the entertainment sector. Einstein: Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.

## Have you ever asked your customers what they would like you to measure?
Date: 2021-04-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/have-you-ever-asked-your-customers-what-they-would-like-you-to-measure/ | Categories: Marketing, Measure & Monitor, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You probably think about what your customers want. You probably measure what you think your customers want. But, do you ever ask your customers what they want you to measure?

## It's okay to yell and scream at work...celebrations do not have to be subdued.
Date: 2021-04-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-okay-to-yell-and-scream-at-workcelebrations-do-not-have-to-be-subdued/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Family Business and CFFB, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Baby Boomers , an interesting ' generation ': grew up under pressure ...watched the first steps on the moon...survived disco music...and some of us still haven't figured out how to stop yelling and screaming at work.

## Sales mastery involves a clear & narrow focusing of Personal-Strength Energy.
Date: 2021-04-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-mastery-involves-a-clear-narrow-focusing-of-personal-strength-energy/ | Categories: Abundance, Sales, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet About Focusing on Personal Strengths About Personal Energy About Keeping Your Personal Energy Dry

## Better to procrastinate when the task is under-whelming than when it is over-whelming.
Date: 2021-04-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/better-to-procrastinate-when-the-task-is-under-whelming-than-when-it-is-over-whelming-procrastination/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Much as our mothers admonished about other matters and manners, "There is a time and a place". This applies too to procrastination. Procrastinate For Success .

## Strategies for managing error-induced anxiety can lead to happier, more-productive lives.
Date: 2021-04-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/strategies-for-managing-error-induced-anxiety-can-lead-to-happier-more-productive-lives/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we make errors we feel at least a little anxiety . Anxiety is a dangerous state of mind because it can lead to rumination , worry, and deep and dark fear. Better to nip anxiety in the bud, before it has a chance to grow into a very bad habit.

## Talent can get lost...even young Mozart was too busy playing notes to focus his mind on quality music.
Date: 2021-03-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/talent-can-get-losteven-young-mozart-was-too-busy-playing-notes-to-focus-his-mind-on-quality-music/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Apparently, even the greatest, including the child-prodigy composers, could get all wrapped up in their instruments and their talents at the expense of gaining the specialized knowledge required to excel. [Fortunately, they had mentors.] Strengths = Talent + Opportunity + Specialized Knowledge + Practised Skills.

## Mediocrity happens when we live under the wings of our bad-habits.
Date: 2021-03-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mediocrity-happens-when-we-live-under-the-wings-of-our-bad-habits-habits/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Bad Habits follow us like shadows. Bad Habits make us mediocre. We can replace Bad Habits with Good Habits ...it's a matter of choice...and commitment & self-discipline .

## We know the right things to do...even while we are not doing them.
Date: 2021-03-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-know-the-right-things-to-doeven-while-we-are-not-doing-them-integrity/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most of the time we know the right things to do, yet, often, we don't do those right things. In particular, we tend to do things that offer short-term gain over long-term gain. Dieting provides a good example. Most diets work if people follow them. Most people don't follow them. So, the reality is most attempts at dieting fail.

## Isn't it ironic that successful people are busy while unsuccessful people are too busy?
Date: 2021-03-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/isnt-it-ironic-that-successful-people-are-busy-while-unsuccessful-people-are-too-busy-2021/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I've never heard a successful person say, "I'm too busy." I've heard many struggling people say, "I'm too busy." There must be a cause-and-effect at play here... Perhaps, successful people never place themselves into too-busy situations, so they never feel or think too-busy? Perhaps, people who say "I'm too busy" doom themselves to never be successful? Understanding the power of self-talk and not wanting to take chances on the latter...I choose to never say "I'm too busy."

## Our pervasive habits take us both to and from our elusive goals.
Date: 2021-03-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/pervasive-habits-take-us-both-to-and-from-elusive-goals-habits-goals/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The more elusive the goal, the more pervasive the habit. Pervasive habits are like governors ...some are good while some are bad....some are 'on topic' while some are 'off, on a tangent'. Paraphrasing Napoleon Hill - the wind can take you east or west, depending on how you set your sail.

## Self-control is a double-edged force: when it's strong it builds confidence; when it's weak it builds fear.
Date: 2021-03-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/self-control-is-a-double-edged-force-when-its-strong-it-builds-confidence-when-its-weak-it-builds-fear/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we exhibit self-control we build our own confidence and this can be contagious, with confidence spreading from one person to the next. When we exhibit lack of self-control our confidence shrinks..and this too tends to be contagious.

## Battles require people; People require battles.
Date: 2021-03-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/battles-require-people-people-require-battles-2021/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We all have heard it takes two to tango . Tango requires people...two. Battles require people... at least one . Battles are a fact of human nature. The question is: Do you back into battles or do you pick them well? Is logic in action when you select your battles? Does self-control determine your battles and how you fight them? Do your battles align with your strengths?

## Like Beauty, Fairness is in the eye of the beholder.
Date: 2021-03-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/like-beauty-fairness-is-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Fairness - an admirable motive...but, one that has a really difficult time surviving both delivery and receipt. Fairness - a thing that tends to be torn between biased perspectives. The rest of the world will treat me unfairly...OK...I will live with that. I will treat others unfairly...OK...I will live with that too.

## Problems are like icebergs: the biggest parts of them are below the surface.
Date: 2021-03-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/problems-are-like-icebergs-the-biggest-parts-of-them-are-below-the-surface-2021-03-23/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We human beings have a curious habit. We tend to express problems in ways that conceal the real sources of our 'pain'. I suppose our egos make us play word and mind games... prettying up our real problems with make-up so other people will view us in [what our egos hope will be] a better light.

## Social Media provides an excellent opportunity to say what you say instead of do what you do.
Date: 2021-03-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/social-media-provides-an-excellent-opportunity-to-say-what-you-say-instead-of-do-what-you-do/ | Categories: Humour, Marketing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Are you hunkering down over anti-social media? Some thoughts about Fake Work . ...yes...pots do call kettles black.

## Dreams of a better future light the path to that better future.
Date: 2021-03-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dreams-of-a-better-future-light-the-path-to-that-better-future-vision/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet "Past and future are dreams; now is a reality. All things are now; all power, all possibility, all action, is now." British author/philosopher James Allen said that in 1903. It seems to me Allen's advice is a key to what most people refer to as 'time management'. I mean, if people pay more attention to the present and less attention to agonizing over the past and worrying about the future then they will feel less stressed...and they will feel like they have more time. On the other hand, we should not be too harsh on dreams - only dreams of a better future generate that future . As 2 examples, Marconi proved this...so did Martin Luther King Jr.

## If you want to win someone over then let him know that you know what he does when he is at work.
Date: 2021-03-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-win-someone-over-then-let-him-know-that-you-know-what-he-does-when-he-is-at-work/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most people take at least some pride in their work...so they tell others about what they do when they are at work. Few people have the interest or take to time to truly listen to others , so they never really hear let alone remember what others tell them. You can listen. You can remember. You can let others know you care about what they do at work. You can inspire people!

## Maybe it isn't more blessed to give than to receive - consider the Ben Franklin Effect.
Date: 2021-03-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/maybe-it-isnt-more-blessed-to-give-than-to-receive-consider-the-ben-franklin-effect/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Ben Franklin found people, even people who clearly disliked him, responded positively when he asked them for a favour. As one example, back in the day - almost 300 years ago , books were very rare in New England. Benjamin Franklin asked a political opponent [who had publicly criticized Ben] to lend him one of his prized books. The person loaned the book to Franklin, who read it quickly and thoroughly then returned it. After this experience, the opponent softened his attitude toward Franklin. These Ben Franklin experiences led to what is now known as the Ben Frankin Effect .

## In general, people don't lack the desire to make changes. They lack the skill and habit.
Date: 2021-03-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-general-people-dont-lack-the-desire-to-make-changes-they-lack-the-skill/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " They lack the skill. " When it comes to change , skill is a multi-edged sword . One sharp edge - the person who delivers the change- decision must deliver that decision with skill . Another sharp edge - the person who receives the change-decision must receive that decision with skill . Another sharp edge - the people who implement the change-decision must perform the decision with skill . That's a lot of skill...that's the skill-work we must commit to if we want to make constructive change.

## If you can convince yourself you are too busy then you too can make worse decisions.
Date: 2021-03-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-can-convince-yourself-you-are-too-busy-then-you-too-can-make-worse-decisions-2021/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It's all in the way you hold your mind. You do not have to take the time required to make good decisions. It is your prerogative to make lousy decisions and nobody can take that right away from you. There's probably no better way to make lousy decisions than holding in your mind the thoughts, " I am too busy " and " I don't have time ". If you put your mind to it you will find your mind will warm to the habit of " I am too busy " and " I don't have time ". And soon, very soon, you will be able to make really lousy decisions.

## Willpower is about converting self-drive into purposeful action.
Date: 2021-03-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-is-about-converting-self-drive-into-purposeful-action/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you have no definite purpose, no chief aim, no goals - then you have no need of willpower. Of course, your accomplishments will be unpredictable at best and destructive at worst. *** "Persistence involves adherence to a purpose clean through to a goal." Frank Channing Haddock ' Power of Will ', (1910)

## You too can see the positive things in people...just open your mind then your eyes.
Date: 2021-03-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-too-can-see-the-positive-things-in-peoplejust-open-your-mind-then-your-eyes-attitude/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you have a positive mental attitude you are less critical of others. When you have an agreeable personality you are less critical of others. When you want to and think you can...you will see the best in people.

## Discipline is the only remedy for wasted Talent.
Date: 2021-03-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/discipline-is-the-only-remedy-for-wasted-talent-talent/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When discipline is absent Talent is dormant, submerged, and wasted. That's why discipline is a good thing. Discipline serves a key role when success is in action.

## Talk so people listen...listen so people talk.
Date: 2021-03-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/talk-so-people-listenlisten-so-people-talk-influence/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet ' How To Talk So People Listen ', that's the title of a book written by Sonya Hamlin in 2006. How To Listen So People Talk...well, that's in the territory of the art of asking good questions .

## Habits come in two flavours: green for Good and red for Bad. When you Influence others, don't make them see red.
Date: 2021-03-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/habits-come-in-two-flavours-green-for-good-and-red-for-bad-when-you-influence-others-dont-make-them-see-red/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits & New Things. [ a link to over 300 posts About Habits ] There are only 2 ways to positively Influence others: (1) doing Good Habits & (2) doing New Things . Why not show your Good Habits and, at least once in a while, try some well-planned New Things ?

## Win-Win deals happen when Self-Confidence meets Self-Confidence.
Date: 2021-03-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/win-win-deals-happen-when-self-confidence-meets-self-confidence/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind the Tweet It takes [courage-grounded] self-confidence to win & it takes consideration of others to create win-win. These are the building blocks for exchanging value in business.

## An interview or performance review question: How do you use your Talents to expand your ability to influence people?
Date: 2021-03-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-interview-or-performance-review-question-how-do-you-use-your-talents-to-expand-your-ability-to-influence-people/ | Categories: Influencing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The Gallup folks have defined 4 Talent Domains for leadership: Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, & Strategic Thinking. When we look at local leaders' Talent Themes we notice a lack of Influencing Talent Themes. A lack of Influencing talent & strength is widespread throughout businesses in our geography. Understanding that, we need to help leaders improve their ability to Influence others. A good starting point is understanding whether or not they understand the importance of Influence...and are taking steps to improve in the area of Influencing. A good next step is providing Influencing-help in the form of specialized knowledge, situations/opportunities, and time to practice skills.

## When you communicate, the processes you use influence people more than the logic you express.
Date: 2021-03-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-communicate-the-processes-you-use-influence-people-more-than-the-logic-you-express/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet According to Chip Heath and Dan Heath ['Decisive', 2013] " When the researchers compared whether process or analysis was more important in producing good decisions - those that increased revenues, profits, and market share - they found that "process mattered more than analysis - by a factor of six ." " Good Decision Making relies on good decision-making processes. Good Influencing relies on good influence-making processes. And Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Processes, & Situations

## About Decisions: as a general rule, avoid making them when you are stressed or pressed.
Date: 2021-03-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-decisions-as-a-general-rule-avoid-making-them-when-you-are-stressed-or-pressed/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Only on rare occasions do we need to deliver decisions with urgency. For the vast majority of situations we can take time to de- stress or reduce negative feelings before we make decisions. Given a little time for clear thought we can consider options, we can check our gut , and we can perform common-sense tests. As the saying goes, " If it's worth doing it's worth doing right ". Note: this not intended as an argument against the value of intuition ...sometimes gut reactions bring the best decisions. And - there is value in taking time to think about gut reactions...and learn from them.

## In business – discussions are good, decisions are better, and delegated decisions are best.
Date: 2021-03-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-business-discussions-are-good-decisions-are-better-and-delegated-decisions-are-best/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Discussions help you determine whether or not you have good/talented/skilled people on your leadership team. Quality discussions allow you to help the people you work with....and vice-versa. Decisions set the paths to results, either failures or successes. Learning from failures is the route to better future decisions and top future effectiveness, success, & profit. Delegation of decision-making authority and accountability is the only way to grow a business. Delegation takes tasks to talents . Master discussion first, then decision-making, then the art of delegation .

## Talent without discipline - good for hobbies, not so good for businesses.
Date: 2021-03-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/talent-without-discipline-is-good-for-hobbies-but-not-for-businesses/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Malcolm Gladwell [in his book, ' Outliers '] taught us, regardless of Talent, people need to spend at least 10,000 hours to become performing masters. I think - if you are not paid to be a performing master then you are performing a hobby [not work]. I think - if you lack discipline then you won't even be good at hobbying . And, I think - if you are not good at stuff then you do not enjoy it...and that's not a good way to spend your time.

## Problems can be like icebergs, with their most-troublesome parts hiding below the surface.
Date: 2021-03-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/problems-are-like-icebergs-the-biggest-parts-of-them-are-below-the-surface-2021/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We human beings have a curious habit. We tend to express problems in ways that conceal the real sources of our 'pain'. I suppose our egos make us play word and mind games... prettying up our real problems with make-up so other people will view us in [what our egos hope will be] a better light.

## Mistakes become demons only when they know we haven't learned their lessons.
Date: 2021-03-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mistakes-become-demons-only-when-they-know-you-havent-learned-their-lessons/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We give life to our mistakes when we allow them to get the better of us. As we worry about them, we give them power...the power of demons. When we learn the lessons they are trying to teach us, our mistakes no longer possess the power of demons. Objective thought is the key to learning lessons from our mistakes . Objective thought does its best work when our emotions are under our control.

## Self-knowledge is an essential ingredient of success...it's the 1st ingredient. Spend some time on that. You're worth the effort.
Date: 2021-03-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/self-knowledge-is-an-essential-ingredient-of-successits-the-1st-ingredient-spend-some-time-on-that-youre-worth-the-effort/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet People who have a thorough understanding of themselves do better as business leaders. They understand their strengths and weaknesses; they understand their desires and goals, they understand their internal drivers and their behaviour; they understand their attitude toward and their reactions to situations and other people. And, according to Wikipedia ... The Ancient Greek aphorism " Know thyself " ( Greek : γνῶθι σεαυτόν, transliterated: gnōthi seauton ; also ... σαυτόν ... sauton with the ε contracted), is one of the Delphic maxims and was inscribed in the pronaos (forecourt) of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi according to the Greek periegetic (travelogue) writer Pausanias (10.24.1). [1] The maxim, or aphorism, "know thyself" has had a variety of meanings attributed to it in literature. The Suda , a 10th-century encyclopedia of Greek knowledge, says: "the proverb is applied to those whose boasts exceed what they are," [2] and that "know thyself" is a warning to pay no attention to the opinion of the multitude. [3] In Latin , the aphorism is generally given as nosce te ipsum [4] or temet nosce . [5]

## Eggs don't hatch where scarcity-thinking roosts.
Date: 2021-03-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/eggs-dont-hatch-where-scarcity-thinking-roosts/ | Categories: Abundance, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Scarcity-thinking stifles curiosity and creativity and when curiosity and creativity are stifled success is elusive. It is clear, some people fully disagree with these views...they continue to think and talk scarcity...and many people do nothing to correct that problem.

## The 3 Prongs of Innovation: Invention, Discovery and Stumbling Upon.
Date: 2021-03-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-3-prongs-of-innovation-invention-discovery-and-stumbling-upon/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet P=2S+O ...for every Problem [P], think of at least 2 Solutions [2S] and keep your eyes peeled for Opportunities [O]. Taking a P=2S+O approach to problems: that's a proven way to invent, discover, and stumble upon innovation. And - Curiosity is the root of Innovation.

## When we were newborn babes, we somehow knew the best way to get what we wanted was kicking and screaming.
Date: 2021-02-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-we-were-newborn-babes-we-somehow-knew-the-best-way-to-get-what-we-wanted-was-kicking-and-screaming/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we were newborn babes, we somehow knew the best way to get what we wanted was kicking and screaming. At first, really nice bigger people encouraged us to take action. Then, of great surprise to us, many bigger people began a life-long assault aimed at proving otherwise.

## When troubles consume your thoughts, remember "Your tooth will cease aching if your house is afire..."
Date: 2021-02-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-troubles-consume-your-thoughts-remember-your-tooth-will-cease-aching-if-your-house-is-afire/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Book Reviews, Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Your tooth will cease aching if your house is afire... " Frank Channing Haddock made that point in his 1910 classic, ' Power of Will '. Long before the medical sciences confirmed the concepts of neuroplasticity , people knew the awesome power & virtually unlimited possibilities available to the human mind. If emergencies can remove the pain of toothaches then properly trained minds can do the same thing. Our minds have the ability to remove the ' negative feelings and thoughts ' we encounter during day-to-day life.

## In ancient times it was easy to protect intellectual property...when chisels were stolen few thieves could write in stone.
Date: 2021-02-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-ancient-times-it-was-easy-to-protect-intellectual-propertyvery-few-people-could-read-or-chisel-writing-into-stone/ | Categories: Humour, Ideas, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet There's a long legacy of ' idea theft'. When our ancestors got beyond chisels and stones and into more-formal business, copyright became an issue. Apparently, the case law on copyright dates back to the 6th Century AD. Speaking of our ancestors ...

## You cannot be worried, be angry, be frustrated and make money.
Date: 2021-02-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-cannot-be-worried-be-angry-be-frustrated-and-make-money/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You can be habitually worried, angry, and frustrated...many people prove that. But, how many successful people have you met who make habits of worry, anger, and frustration? *** Worry , when held in controlled quantity, can motivate . Anger has the ability to generate action...mostly destructive, but occasionally productive. Frustration : the worst of the three; unproductive, inactive, unhealthy. *** If you look into a mirror and see a worried, angry, frustrated face, you are peering into the eyes of a person who will never be wealthy. ...on the other hand, you just may find that face smiles at you, laughs, gets into a better mood, and accomplishes something constructive.

## Time management tip: file files. Their name lets us know what we are supposed to do with them.
Date: 2021-02-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/time-management-tip-file-files-their-name-lets-us-know-what-we-are-supposed-to-do-with-them/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Well...that is why they call them files isn't it? I mean - those things don't have that name because of some other qualities...shouldn't we do our part to help them live up to their name yet not be confused with their less-flexible, more-abrasive cousins?

## Business Growth is made of Innovation & Invention & Self-Improvement & more Self-Improvement
Date: 2021-02-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-growth-is-made-of-innovation-invention-self-improvement-more-self-improvement/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet In business, learning is a life-long experience aimed improving self, helping others to do the same, and adding innovation, & invention.

## If Necessity is the Mother of Invention then Courage must be the Father.
Date: 2021-02-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-necessity-is-the-mother-of-invention-then-courage-must-be-the-father-attitude/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Necessity walks hand-in-hand with Courage and their finest offspring is Confidence . We must not underestimate the courage and self-confidence required to think and act in new ways. We must not forget the key role Necessity can play, especially in the face of major challenges. Courage and Confidence are the keys to creativity, invention, & innovation.

## For one reason or another we human beings were born with egos...so be it...don't fight it...live & learn with it.
Date: 2021-02-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/for-one-reason-or-another-we-human-beings-were-born-with-egosso-be-itdont-fight-itlive-learn-with-it/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Egos - Can't live with them; can't live without them. Egos - life's biggest challenges.

## You gotta go the first mile before you start talkin' about going the extra mile.
Date: 2021-02-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-gotta-go-the-first-mile-before-you-start-talkin-about-going-the-extra-mile/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets

The Thinkin' Behind The Tweet Everyone knows, " Talk's cheap ". Yet, some people forget it. They get all carried away talking about going extra miles when they haven't managed to complete the first mile. They have taken some steps, cut some corners, etc., however, they haven't got that first mile done yet. Clichés are cheaper than most talk: Actions are far more telling; Achieved goals speak volumes.

## As your creativity increases your ability to receive good advice decreases.
Date: 2021-02-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/as-your-creativity-increases-your-ability-to-receive-good-advice-decreases/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Creativity is one of the most threatening commodities. As a rule, when people observe it happening around them they feel threatened. This causes them to construct opinions and express them. When you show people your creativity the amount of advice you receive is sure to increase... But A BIG OUCH on the quality of that advice should you choose to heed it.

## What habit-thing lurks around Urgency, allowing it to defy logic and beat out Importance, time after time?
Date: 2021-02-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-habit-thing-lurks-around-urgency-and-allows-it-to-beat-importance-time-after-time/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we face urgent situations they almost always capture our attention and action...even if we know we should be doing more-important things. Urgency is always hanging around the roots of Bad Habits .

## Discipline: It's about teaching, learning, & accepting most-likely-correct ways of doing things.
Date: 2021-02-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/discipline-its-about-teaching-learning-accepting-correct-ways-of-doing-things/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Master Rules, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Discipline is about embracing rules & accountability . Discipline is about directing actions toward goals .

## About deviant behaviour in business: remove some, emulate some, & take care with the choices you make.
Date: 2021-02-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-deviant-behaviour-in-business-remove-some-emulate-some-take-care-with-the-choices-you-make/ | Categories: Humour, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet To influence change, you must focus on specific vital behaviours. Find 'deviant' behaviour that needs to be removed...find 'deviant' behaviour that needs to be emulated...do these things...and then you create change. *** DEVIATE... I mean, from the 'norm'...and some deviate behaviour is in the positive direction!. Dare to be positively different. Drive to be positively different. Thrive to be positively different.

## Values are the ground rules that drive actions/behaviour. Shared values are the ground rules for behaviour in business.
Date: 2021-02-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/values-are-the-ground-rules-that-drive-actionsbehaviour-shared-values-are-the-ground-rules-for-behaviour-in-business/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When there is clarity around and embracing of shared values: actions are magnetized in desired directions people behave well relationships are harmonious goals are clearer goals are achieved profits are greater people are energized

## Battles require people; people require battles.
Date: 2021-02-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/battles-require-people-people-require-battles/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We all have heard it takes two to tango . Tango requires people...two. Battles require people... at least one . Battles are a fact of human nature. The questions are: Do you back into battles or do you pick them well? Do you put logic to work before you select your battles? Are you really just battling yourself, for example - masking your prior errors? Does self-control help you determine your battles and how you fight them? Do the battles you choose align with your strengths?

## Choose your battles well; choose the battles that align with your Talents & Strengths.
Date: 2021-02-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/choose-your-battles-well-choose-the-battles-that-align-with-your-talents-strengths/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Battles require people; people require battles. We all have heard it takes two to tango . Tango requires people...two. Battles require people... at least one . Battles are a fact of human nature. The questions are: Do you back into battles or do you pick them well? Is logic in action when you select your battles? Does self-control determine your battles and how you fight them? Do your battles align with your talents & strengths?

## Don't shoot the messenger until you've at least had a chance to see the opportunity.
Date: 2021-02-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-shoot-the-messenger-until-youve-at-least-had-a-chance-to-see-the-opportunity-attitude/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Too often we close our ears and our minds to those who express objections . Too often we close our eyes and our minds to opportunities. Discontent , regardless of how it is packaged, just may be the best vehicle for positive change .

## When you observe the How, the Why either resonates and amplifies the peaks or dis-harmonizes and diminishes the peaks.
Date: 2021-02-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-observe-the-how-the-why-either-resonates-and-amplifies-the-peaks-or-dis-harmonizes-and-diminishes-the-peaks/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Family Business and CFFB, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet First, it is essential to do a good job of observing in order to properly perceive the How. Then, with the How understood, the Why has an opportunity to become fully clear. Finally, take time to understand why the Why either resonates or dis-harmonizes . This is the route to understanding whether Values are in sync or whether Values are likely to create interpersonal challenges and Culture problems. (I mean - Culture problems within your business, your family , or your community.)

## You fool no one and annoy many when you set bars higher than you yourself can jump.
Date: 2021-02-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-fool-no-one-and-annoy-many-when-you-set-bars-higher-than-you-yourself-can-jump/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Delegation & Decisions, Spirited Leaders, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet To the full extent possible - do not delegate work you cannot do yourself. At the very least, take utmost care if you find yourself delegating work you cannot do. Should you find yourself delegating work you cannot do yourself, do not make the mistake of being too critical of the performance of others. Be well aware of the limitation caused by your lack of ability to help them improve.

## Wow - you're sure surprised to find others become silent when you put down their ideas!
Date: 2021-02-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/wow-you-seem-surprised-to-find-others-become-silent-when-you-put-down-their-ideas-criticism/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Ideas, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Try putting an end to receiving input from people then vetoing their ideas and shutting people down. Even better, try putting an end to asking people for input, receiving the input you requested, then vetoing ideas and shutting people down...that one really burns people.

## Problems are both the beast and the beauty of business.
Date: 2021-02-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/problems-are-both-the-beast-and-the-beauty-of-business/ | Categories: Humour, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Remember... Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And beasts are also in the eye of the beholder. *** "A beast does not know that he is a beast, and the nearer a man gets to being a beast, the less he knows it." George MacDonald, Scottish author, (1824-1905)

## Those who seek perfection in others will find the human condition is permeated with imperfections.
Date: 2021-02-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/those-who-seek-perfection-in-others-will-find-the-human-condition-is-permeated-with-imperfections/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Do not assume you are your own harshest critic . Do not assume your perceptions of others are unbiased or fair or reasonable. Do not be blinded by the worst in people.

## You know you need to take small side-steps to get out of a Bad-Habit ruts.
Date: 2021-02-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-know-you-need-to-take-small-side-steps-to-get-out-of-a-bad-habit-ruts/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Habits exist in loops of brain circuitry. [Or, at least, that's a description that allows us to understand and address Habits.] With each repetition, a Habit becomes more ingrained...the Habit groove or rut becomes deeper and deeper. While it may seem this applies more to Bad Habits than to Good Habits, we must not underestimate the force of the good. We must understand the grooves and ruts of several Habits are 'overlapped' and 'intertwined'. Good Habits support one another in positive grooves. Bad Habits support one another in negative ruts. To escape a Bad-Habit rut we must focus our attention and interest on making a single, small side-step. That's the way to get out of a Bad Habit rut.

## There is no set reality; reality is but what we make of it, nothing more, nothing less, unless we ask for another's view.
Date: 2021-02-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/there-is-no-set-reality-reality-is-but-what-we-make-of-it-nothing-more-nothing-less-unless-we-ask-for-anothers-view-perception/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Along the lines of ' perception is reality ' and 'don't assume, ask questions'...and much more.

## Time is a most-precious thing. Shame on the people who repeatedly waste time then complain about not having enough of it.
Date: 2021-02-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/time-is-a-most-precious-thing-shame-on-the-people-who-repeatedly-waste-time-then-complain-about-not-having-enough-of-it/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We all have the same amount of time ...we know the past is gone...we know we have the present...we only hope we have the future. We all have choices about how we use up our time. For example, we can choose to make good use of the 'time scraps' that arrive regularly, during work days and during all other days.

## Success Key: find the growth that aligns with both the pessimists’ good habits and the optimists’ interests in new things.
Date: 2021-02-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/success-key-find-the-growth-that-aligns-with-both-the-pessimists-good-habits-and-the-optimists-interests-in-new-things/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Entrepreneur Thinking, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Leaders' Thoughts, Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The common ground where optimists and pessimists can stand together and self-actualize together is – Growth ....all entrepreneurial leaders love to build and grow things.

## When you make a fine argument...zip it, listen, watch, & learn.
Date: 2021-02-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-make-a-fine-argument-zip-it-listen-watch-learn-listening/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet First, learn about the extent of the fineness of your argument. I mean, bring your thick skin and thin skull...and keep your ego under full control. Was your argument really as fine as you thought?

## When you solve a problem at your workplace check to see if the solution could help your clients...and suppliers.
Date: 2021-01-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-solve-a-problem-at-your-workplace-check-to-see-if-the-solution-could-help-your-clientsand-suppliers/ | Categories: Clients' Clients Philosophy, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet ...and business allies. Spread your solutions . Spread better and best practices. Challenge your leadership team to understand what it means to be best-in-class or significantly better. Be bold. Be confident your thinking is creating top-quality solutions. Share your solutions and be open to feedback that helps you improve on your solutions and uncover opportunities . Share your solutions with business peers...exchange ideas, exchange improvements, and exchange opportunities. Check out our Clients' Clients Philosophy

## I didn't see the financial meltdown coming. I didn't see the economic recession coming. I do see some things now...
Date: 2021-01-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/i-didnt-see-the-financial-meltdown-coming-i-didnt-see-the-economic-recession-coming-i-do-see-some-things-now/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Having been through those challenges , and rethinking business, I have a better picture of what we need to do to protect our businesses. I know business leaders need to inject Maker-thinking into their business. And, they need to do more good-old-fashioned testing of ideas...that's the entrepreneur-proven route to innovation. Canadian leaders need to stop avoiding people problems and come up with better ways to remedy them. Canadian leaders need to start matching talents with tasks .

## For situations you cannot control, learn how to avoid feeling anger, anxiety, fear & frustration.
Date: 2021-01-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/for-situations-you-cannot-control-learn-how-to-avoid-feeling-anger-anxiety-fear-frustration/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When people find themselves in situations they cannot control their reaction is, naturally, one of discomfort . For some people, the discomfort is extreme. This discomfort often leads to thoughts and actions that lead to dysfunction, stress, and a host of other negative things. We can learn how to do better than that. We can teach ourselves how to do better than that.

## Are you still trying to close that sale? Is your Persistence based on accurate thinking or denial?
Date: 2021-01-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/are-you-still-trying-to-close-that-sale-is-your-persistence-based-on-accurate-thinking-or-denial/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Sales, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet When does persistence become the wrong thing to do? There are differing views: we discussed this at the Thought Post called ‘The Eighth Step Toward Riches or The First Mental Trap’ When should the sales person draw the line…pull the plug? Ideally, this should happen when two things align: 1. Your gut feel tells you ‘It is over.’ 2. Your accurate thinking tells you ‘It is over.’ That’s much easier said than done. But, like all other aspects of sales…it is a talent that can be learned & honed.

## Ease - success appears easy; Dis-Ease - failure happens without ease or appearance of easy.
Date: 2021-01-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ease-success-appears-easy-dis-ease-failure-happens-without-ease-or-appearance-of-easy/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you fully engage your Talents & Strengths things happen with relative ease...and success follows.

## Communication tip: If you want people to buy into your ideas then you must 'pre-communicate'…and over-communicate.
Date: 2021-01-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-if-you-want-people-to-buy-into-your-ideas-then-you-must-pre-communicate-and-over-communicate/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Experts have been studying people connections, networks, and hubs for over 40 years. Experts concluded weak links , including the most casual interactions with people we only know briefly or through friends-of-friends, often provide the greatest rewards, including access to innovation . Far too many businesses operate like sheep following the herd in their business sector. Even casual connections with people outside your business sector can open doors to tremendous innovations.

## In days of old, fear made us fit and functional. Now, with many options as close as our remote, we rarely allow that.
Date: 2021-01-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-days-of-old-fear-made-us-fit-and-functional-now-with-many-options-as-close-as-our-remote-we-rarely-allow-that/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Fear is the part of the human condition that provides us a fighting [or flighting ] chance to survive. In tougher-times-of-old, fear-triggered physiological changes pumped blood to our arms so we could fight and to our legs so we could run. Now... Rather than fight we take out our aggression on a big bowl of popcorn while watching GSP doing MMA on PPV. And, rather than run we calm our troubled minds by watching Honey Boo Boo reruns. Now, more often than not, fear bypasses our arm and leg muscles and finds its way to our bellies and hips.

## If we had not learned the word "No" so well when we were young, we would spend a lot less time ruminating about our mistakes.
Date: 2021-01-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-we-had-not-learned-the-word-no-when-we-were-young-we-would-spend-a-lot-less-time-ruminating-about-our-mistakes/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Family Business and CFFB, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we were young a lot of people started to say "No" to us. We were made to believe it was wrong to say and do certain things....many things. The rules of "No" versus "Yes" were inconsistent, depending on who was saying them and where all of us were when they were being said. Regardless, when we were instructed "No" we received the message we were doing something wrong...i.e., making a mistake . We heard "No" so many times when we were young we still ruminate about our mistakes, sometimes even the mistakes we made when we were young. We should shake that off.

## The greatest leaders overcome their bad habits. They mould their character to improve their ability to influence others.
Date: 2021-01-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-greatest-of-leaders-overcome-their-bad-habits-they-mould-their-character-to-improve-their-ability-to-influence-others/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes they replace combative ways with kindness; sometimes they replace softer ways with assertiveness. Other times they improve their voice, vocabulary, and body language to improve their communication style...adding clarity and power to it. Great leaders are attuned to their habits , both the good ones and the bad ones. They choose to replace their bad habits with new things - adding good habits, habits proven to deliver positive results. Beyond everything else, the greatest leaders are masters of self-awareness and self-control . And they know leadership is an ongoing series of thought-and-action choices. So they define thought-and-action boundaries for themselves and they work continuously at living within those thought-and-action boundaries.

## It's your choice - be organized or be too busy.
Date: 2021-01-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-your-choice-be-organized-or-be-too-busy-attitude/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet A gram of prevention is worth a tonne of cure.

## Introduce Interests & Express Expectations...do not leave these vital communications to chance.
Date: 2021-01-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/introduce-interests-express-expectationsdo-not-leave-these-vital-communications-to-chance/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you introduce your Interests people have a chance to understand what you want. Maybe they share your Interests. Maybe their Interests align with yours. Maybe they do not. If you introduce your Interests you, at least, have a fighting chance to know. If you express your Expectations people have a chance to understand what you want from them. Maybe they share your Expectations. Maybe their Expectations align with yours. Maybe they do not. If you express your Expectations you, at least, have a fighting chance to know. And at least of equal importance, other people have a chance to know. If you want to accomplish things with the help of other people, you must agree you owe them that. Interests and Expectations: around the essence of communication. Just add story and repetition.

## How to Master Sales: learn how to ask good questions, listen, think, & share solutions.
Date: 2021-01-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-master-sales-learn-how-to-ask-good-questions-listen-think-share-solutions/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Despite the views of new-era social-media gurus, the Sales function is not dead. The Sales function will live and breathe as long as people do. The essence of Sales is ' people, one-to-one, exchanging value '. It is incorrect to conclude people are no longer doing that. It is equally incorrect to assume that's going to change. Sales - or barter, or trade, or whatever term one chooses to use for it - is part of the human condition.

## If you are spending too much time fighting fires at work, your career is getting doused.
Date: 2021-01-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-are-spending-too-much-time-fighting-fires-at-work-your-career-is-getting-doused/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Business Plan: Writing Plans, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The economy would get a serious boost if 10% of business people would apply the 80/20 Rule and spend more time doing work directly linked to building value [ planning the work and working the plan ] and less time fighting fires.

## Don't delegate any task you cannot do yourself...except software engineering.
Date: 2021-01-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-delegate-any-task-you-cannot-do-yourselfexcept-software-engineering/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Hero Worship, Humour, Master Rules

Clint Eastwood taught those villains, "A man must know his limitations." Similarly, a man must understand he is at risk when he delegates beyond his limitations. Yes, I known this also applies to women, however, Clint Eastwood didn't shoot women...at least I don't recall seeing him shoot women or instructing them on limitations. OK - people, both women and men, must know their limitations and they must understand they should think about the risks before they delegate work that exceeds their capabilities. So, one Master Rule is – Don’t delegate a task you cannot do yourself . From time to time, leaders need to do the dirty jobs . [The jobs everyone can do but nobody enjoys doing.] If leaders choose to delegate all the dirty jobs then they will surely alienate some people….perhaps, most followers. At the other end of the spectrum, leaders get into trouble when they delegate tasks that are beyond their capability. As examples - troubles follow when the time required for tasks is underestimated, when the complexity of tasks is underestimated, and when the resources required for tasks are underestimated. The best way to know the time, complexity, and resources of tasks is firsthand experience doing the tasks. So, one Master Rule is – Don’t delegate a task you cannot do yourself . …unless, of course, those tasks are software engineering!

## Intolerant people see weaknesses where others see strengths.
Date: 2021-01-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/intolerant-people-see-weaknesses-where-others-see-strengths-strength/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Personalities @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The strongest of leaders seek out differences . They know differences capture all the talents & strengths . Work to your strengths. Find others who have strengths that cover your weaknesses.

## When Leaders tell followers what to do they need to limit that telling to BIG PICTURE things.
Date: 2021-01-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-leaders-tell-followers-what-to-do-they-need-to-limit-that-telling-to-big-picture-things/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Entrepreneur Thinking, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Leaders' Thoughts, Master Rules, Personalities @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Some think Leaders should provide followers latitude to do their work as they choose. Some think that’s the way to breed creativity and maximize motivation , innovation, and results. Meanwhile, many [perhaps most] entrepreneur-Leaders tend to micro-manage. 4 keys to success in business: The Leader must pick strong/capable followers, The Leader must tell those followers the desired BIG PICTURE things such as VALUES , VISION , MASTER RULES , and MAJOR GOALS , The Leader must show those followers how he/she [the Leader] goes about his/her work [actions]…i.e., setting one example, the example that fits the Leader’s strengths and personality, and the Leader must make it clear he/she expects followers to take action that fits their unique strengths and personalities .

## The less confident you feel the more you criticize others.
Date: 2021-01-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-less-confident-you-feel-the-more-you-criticize-others/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet So, Confidence is criticism's antidote.

## When there's no two ways about it, it isn't good conversation.
Date: 2021-01-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-theres-no-two-ways-about-it-it-isnt-good-conversation-communication/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Well...that's an idiom wrapped up in an aphorism wrapped up in a bit of truism. Regardless, closed minds don't tolerate others' ideas and undisciplined minds are always tied to ears that close and mouths that open.

## So you have a mind like a steel trap do you…then you will know intelligent life forms choose to avoid traps.
Date: 2021-01-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/so-you-have-a-mind-like-a-steel-trap-do-you-then-you-will-know-intelligent-life-forms-choose-to-avoid-traps/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Illustrations of mental prowess can put people off....especially when performed by braggarts and wiseacres.

## One thing I've learned about drawing lines in the sand: before you draw them, set your Master Rules.
Date: 2021-01-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/one-thing-ive-learned-about-drawing-lines-in-the-sand-before-you-draw-them-set-your-master-rules/ | Categories: Master Rules, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Note to self... Know the rules you want to live by....your Master Rules Anticipate possible situations & predict a set of outcomes...'scenarios'. Visualize how people will feel and act. Visualize how you will feel and act. Do these things before drawing lines.

## Abundance exists in the ability to control your thoughts.
Date: 2021-01-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/abundance-exists-in-the-ability-to-control-your-thoughts/ | Categories: Abundance, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Abundance is the ability to control your thoughts ...and this is easier if you have good health, a level of intelligence, and a level of financial comfort.

## Be comfortable allowing what people do to overrule what they say.
Date: 2021-01-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/be-comfortable-allowing-what-people-do-to-overrule-what-they-say/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Confucius said, "There was a time when I merely listened attentively to what people said, and took for granted that they would carry out their words. Now I am obliged not only to give ear to what they say, but also to keep an eye on what they do." Believe what they do, not what they say...remember you are biased ...and don't gauge them too harshly...after all, they are only human .

## Courage breeds Confidence and Confidence breeds Conviction & Creativity.
Date: 2021-01-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-breeds-confidence-and-confidence-breeds-conviction-creativity-attitude/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Family Business and CFFB, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It takes courage to face adversity . It takes courage to face criticism . It takes courage to face change. Children are born courageous and independent-minded. But, often, that is dis couraged. It takes wisdom to re-build courage.

## Personal strengths, desire to achieve, & attitude: 3 key things you can develop.
Date: 2021-01-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/personal-strengths-desire-to-achieve-attitude-3-key-things-you-can-develop/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Influencing, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Lou Holtz, the famed Notre Dame football coach, said something like: "Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." What is Ability ? The key to ability is Personal Strengths and Personal Strengths = Natural Talents + Pertinent Knowledge + Skill development through practice. [link to Strengths ] What is Motivation ? Motivation is an internal driver that makes you want to understand the [external] world and exert your influence on it. [link to Will to Power ] What is Attitude ? Positive Mental Attitude exists when your mind is able to guide and focus your thoughts and actions toward your desired ends/goals .

## It seems - providing advice on how to succeed is nowhere near as difficult as helping people succeed.
Date: 2021-01-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/it-seems-providing-advice-on-how-to-succeed-is-nowhere-near-as-difficult-as-helping-people-succeed/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Delegation & Decisions, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most people have lots of advice [opinions, suggestions, criticisms , commands , etc.] to share with others. Few people edit/tailor their communications to actually help others. *** For decades, sales people have been taught: " Sell, Don't Tell ". That sales education aligns with this Thought Tweet. In sales, people are taught to give consideration to the other party's needs. *** " If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. " John Quincy Adams

## Willpower consumes energy. Energy is scarce. Use willpower wisely.
Date: 2021-01-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-consumes-energy-energy-is-scarce-use-willpower-wisely-use-it-and-lose-it/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Willpower must be one of the human body's most energy-intensive processes. We must exercise willpower or it becomes weak. We must rest willpower so it re-energizes. Exercising it wisely and resting it: these are the keys to building willpower and growing success.

## People have their secrets and certain questions defy honest answers.
Date: 2021-01-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-have-their-secrets-and-certain-questions-defy-honest-answers/ | Categories: Master Rules, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When people slip up - when people who matter to you clearly illustrate they have broken their own values - rules - Fight the urge to question their virtues and write them off [as Covey described the reality of human behaviour ] by quickly emptying their ‘trust account’, Step back and consider the reality of your own values-rules breaches and try to counteract your natural attribution bias , and Be open and candid with the people, but stop well short of dragging them through the coals or humbling them as if you are blessed to administer that right.

## In business, the best relationships are built when pleasant personalities exchange interesting ideas.
Date: 2021-01-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-business-the-best-relationships-are-built-when-pleasant-personalities-exchange-interesting-ideas/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet And, of course, the ideas contain value and there's following through on commitments. Link to Thought Tweet #278

## Common sense: easy to see in self but tough to find in others. A pessimist said that. I have no idea why.
Date: 2021-01-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/common-sense-easy-to-see-in-self-but-tough-to-find-in-others-a-pessimist-said-that-i-have-no-idea-why/ | Categories: Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Or was it an optimist ...

## Keep your eyes & ears open: They may be able to preach what they cannot practice.
Date: 2021-01-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-cannot-practice-what-we-dont-know-the-howbut-we-may-be-able-to-teach-the-how-when-we-dont-know-the-how/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Do as I say, not as I do ." & " Practice what you preach. " We use these sayings as justifications and criticisms when advice appears sanctimonious or disingenuous. The first saying may be more annoying than helpful...just throwing gas on the fire. The second saying is a close-minded response to people who give us advice they, themselves, cannot follow. While it would be wonderful if all the people who provide advice were masters of performance, we should not expect our teachers will be masters of performance: knowing how and doing well are 2 different things. For example, the maestro conductor does not have the combined performance abilities of all the master performers in the orchestra. Nonetheless, the maestro conductor has the ability to teach all the master performers.

## An ounce of predilection is worth a pound of objection.
Date: 2021-01-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-ounce-of-predilection-is-worth-a-pound-of-objection-2021/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Spirited Leaders, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Human beings are biased creatures. Our minds are geared to recognize patterns and, sometimes, our minds jump to conclusions. As one example, this happens when we accurately identify a piece of information but conclude, inaccurately, it is part of a certain pattern. In common words, we call that " jumping to conclusions ." When we jump to conclusions we use one piece of information to reach an inaccurate conclusion. This was a real benefit in prehistoric times... jumping to conclusions saved lives. In business, often, jumping to conclusions is more problem than benefit. Sometimes, when we jump to conclusions , we also try to foist our inaccurate conclusions on others. If we happen to be a leader who does this then an ounce of our jumping to conclusions can offset a pound of followers' objections...and this, over time, kills followers' spirit. [That's the reality of position power.]

## You worked in your business, then on your business. Now, work on yourself.
Date: 2020-12-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-worked-in-your-business-then-on-your-business-now-work-on-yourself/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet About Baby Boomers ... Over the last 4 decades, small-business owners naturally understood what it meant to work in your business. When Michael Gerber taught the value of "working on your business", many small-business owners grasped the value of strategic planning [i.e., working on your business] and embraced the concept. Now, many small-business owners are nearing retirement and, for them, the timing is critical...now, they must work on themselves and make significant changes they have postponed if they wish to secure their financial futures.

## Even when happiness appears to be all that's happening, it brings Value.
Date: 2020-12-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/even-when-happiness-appears-to-be-all-thats-happening-it-brings-value/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet There are many reasons why this is true. Here's one: when we are happy our faces show it, then others register that fact, and that at the very least eases anxieties and tensions in situations. Happiness tends to be contagious.

## If you can not come up with a new idea then figure out a new way to use an old one.
Date: 2020-12-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-can-not-come-up-with-a-new-idea-then-figure-out-a-new-way-to-use-an-old-one/ | Categories: Borrowing Brilliance, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Ideas, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet In fact, many experts report this is the key to innovation . A few years ago, I bought a book on this topic titled ‘ Borrowing Brilliance – The Six Steps To Business Innovation ’. Here is a link to the book www.borrowingbrilliance.com

## If you want to hit a grand slam in business, use your WOMBAT.
Date: 2020-12-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-hit-the-grand-slam-in-business-use-your-wombat/ | Categories: Humour, Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet WOMBAT W ord O f M outh B usiness A cquisition T eam

## When you design change you must do it in a way that helps people get over their fears.
Date: 2020-12-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-design-change-you-must-do-it-in-a-way-that-helps-people-get-over-their-fears/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Dr. Jonathan Haidt described people’s behaviour using the following metaphor. People behave as if they are Riders on Elephants on Paths . Riders are our logical side. Elephants are our emotional side. And, Paths are the situations we face. Elephants are tough to control and they get worried or frightened easily. Also, Elephants cannot jump…over hurdles. So, when we design Change we must do it in a way that helps Elephants get over their fears.

## Love success and exert yourself striving for it OR Hate fear so much you do whatever it takes to remove it.
Date: 2020-12-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/love-success-and-kill-yourself-striving-for-it-or-hate-fear-so-much-you-do-whatever-it-takes-to-remove-it/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Based on all the ‘ Can’t Do ’ stuff I have seen and heard, if you must hold fear in your mind then I’d suggest you work on your mind to ensure you fear failing so much that you give yourselves one choice - success.

## When you criticize people their brains scream "No" and constructive communication is over.
Date: 2020-12-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-criticize-people-their-brains-scream-no-and-constructive-communication-is-over/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When 'No' thoughts are filling the brain there is little room for 'Yes" thoughts. In fact, chances are 'No' and 'Yes' thoughts will not want to occupy the brain at the same time. They would rather take turns. And, for most people the 'No' thoughts are much more sticky. When they find their way into people's brains they stick there until they run out of reasons to defend and bolster the ego.While 'No' thoughts are sticking around the brain, working away to defend and bolster the ego there is little, if any, opportunity for constructive communication ...particularly communication involving the person who triggers the 'No' response.

## Fear is neither our birthright nor our destiny...it is simply a bad habit we picked up and chose to live with...or overcome.
Date: 2020-12-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/fear-is-neither-our-birthright-nor-our-destinyit-is-simply-a-bad-habit-we-picked-up-and-chose-to-live-withor-overcome/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet To overcome fear people must do small amounts of the thing they fear and experience small successes. Positive thinking is helpful. Positive action is truly powerful. Fear crumbles when assaulted repeatedly by methodical small actions.

## Here's a definition of Mediocrity: living in bad-habit shadows.
Date: 2020-12-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/heres-a-definition-of-mediocrity-living-in-bad-habit-shadows/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Bad Habits follow us like shadows. Bad Habits make us mediocre. We can replace Bad Habits with Good Habits ...it's a matter of choice...and commitment & self-discipline ...and it's a matter of trying New Things . Do you see the light?

## To lead, use light fingers at the controls. Heavy-finger governance and control just sends things off kilter.
Date: 2020-12-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/to-lead-use-light-fingers-at-the-controls-heavy-finger-governance-and-control-just-sends-things-off-kilter/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Leaders' Thoughts, Master Rules, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet From Wikipedia... In 1868, James Clerk Maxwell wrote a famous paper "On governors” that is widely considered a classic in feedback control theory. An early governor James Clerk Maxwell In the 19 th Century, Maxwell proved that tight governing of steam engine speed created bigger surprises than light governing. We can apply this fact to 21 st Century business process. In business we need guiding principles and Master Rules .

## A comment for the media: Bad news does not have to make such good news.
Date: 2020-12-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-comment-for-the-media-bad-news-does-not-have-to-make-such-good-news/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We can choose to avoid or choose to limit our exposure to negative situations , experiences, and people . Bad news does not have to make such good news. Criticism has no right to reign. We do so much better when we avoid the "Negative Society"

## If we had not learned the word "No" when we were young, we would spend a lot less time thinking about our mistakes.
Date: 2020-12-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-we-had-not-learned-the-word-no-when-we-were-young-we-would-spend-a-lot-less-time-thinking-about-our-mistakes/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Family Business and CFFB, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we were young a lot of people started to say "No" to us. We were made to believe it was wrong to say and do certain things....many things. The rules of "No" versus "Yes" were inconsistent, depending on who was saying the rules and where all of us were [mental schema, states of mind, etc.] when the rules were being expressed. Regardless, when we were instructed "No", we received the message we were doing something wrong...i.e., we were making a mistake. We heard "No" so many times when we were young much of our current thoughts involve our past mistakes, sometimes even the mistakes we made when we were very young. We should learn to shake mistakes off.

## Where are you coming from?  &  Where are you trying to go?
Date: 2020-12-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/where-are-your-coming-from-where-are-you-trying-to-go/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Do people have thick enough skin to ask these questions? Do people have thick enough skin to answer them? It seems to me...if people set aside assumptions and conclusions long enough to ask and answer these two questions communication would find itself in much better condition.

## Willpower: we make a good habit of it or it slips away on us.
Date: 2020-12-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-we-use-it-or-it-slips-away-on-us-willpower/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Willpower , like any other good habit , demands much energy. So, we must use it wisely and regularly. We must drain it, rebuild it, and strengthen it. Willpower [and its outcome, self-control ]: you must use it or you will not have it.

## If our ancient ancestors thought and acted like they were too busy they would have been eaten. Then where would we be?
Date: 2020-12-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-our-ancestors-thought-and-acted-like-they-were-too-busy-they-would-have-been-eaten-then-where-would-we-be/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Family Business and CFFB, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The next time you feel inclined to complain about being too busy think of your ancestors . Wonderful heritage - Evolution didn't let you down. Did it? How about your descendants - what are you passing on to them? Hopefully, you're not passing on the I'm-too-busy gene .

## "Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future." [a quote, far from Yogi Berra and Mark Twain]
Date: 2020-12-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/prediction-is-very-difficult-especially-if-its-about-the-future/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Hero Worship, Humour, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet While those words could have come from the lips of Yogi Berra or Mark Twain, they did not. It is a quote from the Danish Physicist, Niels Bohr (1885-1962). Bohr had a terrific personality and [it seems] sense of humour . And, of course, he was a deep thinker. Here is another example: “ The opposite of a fact is falsehood, but the opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth. ” When tempted by worries...think of this Niels Bohr quote.

## Don't give ideas the brake, give ideas a break - Support a Local Curious Person!
Date: 2020-12-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-give-ideas-the-brake-give-ideas-a-break-support-a-local-curious-person/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Humour, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I believe it has been clearly established that curiosity does not kill cats. I'm suspecting dog lovers created that myth...you should view that saying as anti-cat dogma . Instead of dissing curiosity by repeating that anti-cat saying, especially to children - give a curious person a pat on the back!

## It takes two to tug-of-war...unless, of course, you choose to battle people in your head.
Date: 2020-12-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/it-takes-two-to-tug-of-warunless-of-course-you-choose-to-battle-people-in-your-head/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It takes two to tango; it takes two to tangle; it takes two to tug-of-war. And, more often than not, the two must bring an excess of emotion to escalate the situation . *** Sometimes it only takes one to tango, tangle, or tug-of-war. We all are quite capable of dancing with and fighting with imaginary foes in our heads.

## Errors only become limitations when we choose to give them that power.
Date: 2020-12-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/errors-only-become-limitations-when-we-choose-to-give-them-that-power/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We cannot practice when we don't know the what and how of task-details: we cannot teach when we don't know the what and how of task-details. But, do not expect your teachers will be masters of work performance: knowing the what/how of tasks and doing work at the master level are 2 different things. Mastery of tasks is rare; even the most skilled performers make errors; errors define near-term limits, however, near-term limits do not have to be long-term limiting. Errors only become long-term limiting when we choose to give them that power.

## You have a choice: you can multi-task for mediocrity or you can focus for excellence. What's your choice?
Date: 2020-12-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-advice-we-have-a-choice-multi-task-for-mediocrity-or-focus-for-excellence/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Brain experts are telling us: The uptrend in multi-tasking , especially multi-tasking involving high-tech communication devices, is changing neural patterns strengthening some paths and weakening others. The neural paths that allow us to talk on the cell phone while surfing the web or creating s spreadsheet are strengthening while the neural paths that allow us to focus and concentrate are taking a back seat. As this trend continues huge numbers of human beings will be able to do huge amounts of mediocre stuff. We have a choice: we can choose to multi-task our way to mediocrity or we can focus & concentrate for work-performance excellence. Put another way: we can choose to multi-task or we can choose to task-multi . [And major success only happens when w choose the latter.]

## Allow a bit of the child in you to generate and enjoy workplace humour.
Date: 2020-12-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/allow-a-bit-of-the-child-in-you-to-generate-and-enjoy-workplace-humour/ | Categories: Humour, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet A sense of humour is a facet of a pleasing personality and it is a gift possessed by the greatest of leaders. Of course, your humour has to be 'fitting', not destructive, and in good taste.

## Leaders do best when it is clear they have sacred rules, which we call “The Master Rules”.
Date: 2020-12-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-do-best-when-it-is-clear-they-have-sacred-rules-which-we-call-the-master-rules/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Master Rules, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Master Rules : these are rules set by the Leader and well-communicated by the Leader to all followers. The Master Rules must not be bent. And, if they are broken then the consequences are clear and enforced. The Master Rules must capture the essence of the Leader’s Personal Values , mesh with the Leader’s Strengths , and serve as clear directions towards the Leader's Vivid Vision .

## Willpower is the human body's most energy-intensive process.
Date: 2020-12-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-is-the-human-bodys-most-energy-intensive-process/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The brain accounts for 20% of the body's energy use. And, nothing consumes more brain energy that the exercising of willpower . Willpower: that's when the brain, through conscious thought, forces/guides the body to behave in ways that lead toward [are consistent with] long-term goals.

## If you are uncomfortable with your work, that's contagious. If you enjoy your work, that's contagious.
Date: 2020-12-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-are-uncomfortable-with-your-work-thats-contagious-if-you-enjoy-your-work-thats-contagious/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet What type of attitude are you spreading? How much is your attitude affecting the people you work with? Are you inspiring people & growing profits?

## Extra, Extra, Read All About It: The Future Shock Pandemic Is Upon Us. Many now unable to return phone calls.
Date: 2020-12-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/extra-extra-read-all-about-it-the-future-shock-pandemic-is-upon-us-many-now-unable-to-return-phone-calls-2020/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When Alvin Toffler warned us about Future Shock he didn't mention all these people would become so shocked they wouldn't even be able to return phone messages !

## "I'm too busy". That's a real good way not to be thinking.
Date: 2020-12-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/im-too-busy-thats-a-real-good-way-not-to-be-thinking/ | Categories: Abundance, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I favour abundance thinking over scarcity mindsets. If I think "I'm too busy" then I have a scarcity mindset with respect to time, the most-precious commodity...or darned close to it. So - I must not think "I'm too busy." And - I must leave "I'm too busy" to the people who embrace those scarcity mindsets.

## "I had to succeed because I finally ran out of things that wouldn't work."
Date: 2020-12-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/i-had-to-succeed-because-i-finally-ran-out-of-things-that-wouldnt-work/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet According to Napoleon Hill, Thomas Edison said that while talking about his persistence while working through 10,000 attempts to create the light bulb.

## Courage is the 'Prime Enabler'. It enables self-analysis, self-confidence, curiosity, creativity, & innovation.
Date: 2020-12-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-is-the-prime-enabler-it-enables-self-analysis-self-confidence-curiosity-creativity-innovation-courage/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It takes courage to face adversity . It takes courage to face criticism . It takes courage to face change . Children are born courageous and independent-minded. But, often, that is dis couraged. It takes wisdom to re-build courage.

## Beware: a dose of your own medicine could be a tough pill to swallow.
Date: 2020-12-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/beware-a-dose-of-your-own-medicine-could-be-a-tough-pill-to-swallow/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most of us have heard the proverb " Physician heal thyself ." The moral of the proverb is fix your own defects before you criticize other people's defects . And the essence of this and other similar proverbs is constructive criticism is an oxymoron . Constructive criticism is an oxymoron: that's a rule to live by.

## Why did Evolution deny human ears the privilege of showing us when they are actually operating?
Date: 2020-12-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-did-evolution-deny-human-ears-the-privilege-of-showing-us-when-they-are-actually-operating/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our eyes fare better. Even our mouths, which cause us so much trouble, fare better. This helps us understand why dogs are Mans' Best Friend.

## I'm annoyed by that cliché "skin in the game'" I want to hear more about skull in the game.
Date: 2020-12-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/im-annoyed-by-that-cliche-skin-in-the-game-i-want-to-hear-about-skull-in-the-game/ | Categories: Humour, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Let's forget about putting money in & getting that pound of flesh and set our sights a bit higher...that is, let's concentrate on kilograms of neurons packaged in open-minded skulls. It is time we started to recognize the attributes delivered in the form of thick skin and thin skulls .

## An ounce of problem-finding is worth a pound of problem-solving.
Date: 2020-12-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-ounce-of-problem-finding-is-worth-a-pound-of-problem-solving-2020/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. [an old saying, containing wisdom of the ages] Q: But how? A: Thinking ahead, as in planning & risk management. Seek out problems in advance...as a matter of good habit. *** The 21st Century - never has risk management been such a vital planning function and [with small-to-big data] never has risk management been such an intriguing planning function.

## Necessity and Courage walk hand-in-hand with their finest child, Confidence.
Date: 2020-12-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/necessity-and-courage-walk-hand-in-hand-with-their-finest-child-confidence/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Necessity can be the mother of Invention . But let's not forget her other children. Let's think about Confidence , sired by Courage .

## People don't need 'empowerment' as much as they need 'un-entanglement'.
Date: 2020-12-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-dont-need-empowerment-as-much-as-they-need-un-entanglement/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We often hear advice like, " You should empower your people, provide them autonomy, give them decision-making authority, and get them to take responsibility ". That's not the right mindset. We should not see ourselves as agents who 'empower' people or 'give' people things like autonomy: we do not transfer energy or power from us to others. People have, within them, all the energy and power they need. At best, we can help them understand their energy and power and ensure we do not block their efforts to use their energy and power. We can help people by showing them how to 'un-entangle' the energy and power within them. One good way of doing this is leading by example . [And, we should be clear about another thing: 'delegation of authority' is not 'empowerment'.]

## Discontent, regardless of how it is packaged, just may be the best vehicle for positive change.
Date: 2020-12-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/discontent-regardless-of-how-it-is-packaged-just-may-be-the-best-vehicle-for-positive-change/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people live to change. For example, some people embrace life-long learning . Others find a lifetime of change by embracing entrepreneurship . That does not mean they make personal changes for the better . Regardless of the life-long learning or the entrepreneurship or all the other changes, bad habits persist. Sometimes, probably more often than not, even the worst of bad habits remain until true discontent sets in.

## Hiring Rule: If you blink, don't even think...
Date: 2020-11-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/hiring-rule-if-you-blink-dont-even-think/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I'm thinking about Gladwell's "Blink". We are blessed with intuition . We should allow it to help us make better hiring decisions . Sure, some experts claim that's horrible advice. My intuition tells me to ignore those experts. After all, those experts won't have to live with my bad hires.

## People are more inclined to follow than to lead; good followers enjoy huge opportunities.
Date: 2020-11-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-are-more-inclined-to-follow-than-to-lead-good-followers-enjoy-huge-opportunities/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet One of the most graphic examples is mob behaviour . A few mob leaders can inspire destruction and pillaging from many...just consider Vancouver's Stanley Cup embarrassment. As Mark Weber says, " If the bet is between People and the Situation, bet on the Situation ". [paraphrased] Betting on Situations is, in essence, betting on people following. And there's that Spirited philosophy - " Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations " To accomplish their dreams, leaders must remember these related things: Be the role model you want emulated Anticipate and construct Situations

## Consequences are the legs that support accountability.
Date: 2020-11-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/consequences-are-the-legs-that-support-accountability-discipline/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Where consequences do not register, in the end there can be no accountability . Consequences take the form of rewards...either positive or negative. Consequences are the 'effect' half of 'cause & effect'. If we remove the 'effect that follows accountability' then we also remove the accountability.

## The busier we are the less we remember...don't fight it...use check-lists.
Date: 2020-11-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-busier-we-are-the-less-we-rememberdont-fight-ituse-check-lists/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Writing things down: it's a simple thing to do...it's also a powerful strategy for aiding memory and a powerful tactic for delivering on promises. And, that builds trust . So, writing things down provides support for building trust.

## Seek the upside in ordinary tasks: seeking simple work and doing it well; knowing its link to positive outcomes.
Date: 2020-11-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-the-upside-in-ordinary-tasks-seeking-simple-work-and-doing-it-well-knowing-its-link-to-positive-outcomes/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

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 the practice of walking; Napoleon Bonaparte took pride in the science and the practice of aiming cannons.

## Communication tip: Google the words "how to listen better". Millions of ideas! Just pick 2 or 3. Start trying them today.
Date: 2020-11-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-google-the-words-how-to-listen-better-millions-of-ideas-just-pick-2-or-3-start-trying-them-today/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet When we asked the LinkedIn question 'What does it take to be a good sales person?' the #1 answer was - ' Be a good listener .' So, from time to time, our Sales Tweets will contain messages about How to Listen Better.

## Overheard at the Placebo Plant..."Listen up Boss, I've got this great new product idea."
Date: 2020-11-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/overheard-at-the-placebo-plantlisten-up-boss-ive-got-this-great-new-product-idea/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Humour, Ideas, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet How would one go about recruiting employees for a placebo plant? What traits and qualities would one look for? Would quality control be discussed? How about customer service and customer satisfaction?

## If you do not know your limitations then your willpower won't.
Date: 2020-11-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-do-not-know-your-limitations-then-your-willpower-wont-2020/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " A man's got to know his limitations ." Clint Eastwood said that when he played Dirty Harry in 'Magnum Force', (1973). If you know yourself and you know your limitations then you have a fighting chance to know when you will need willpower. If you do not know your limitations then your willpower won't.

## Curiosity, Moderation & Variety are the archenemies of Bad Habits.
Date: 2020-11-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/curiosity-moderation-variety-are-the-archenemies-of-bad-habits/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Q: Why are certain habits called Bad Habits ? A: Because they reduce the ability to achieve our Goals ? Q: How might we change our Bad Habits for the better? A: Consciously, practice Curiosity , think and act with Moderation , & expand your exposure to Variety .

## While leaders must set Rules, they must also empower managers to be innovative as they pursue goals.
Date: 2020-11-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/while-leaders-must-set-rules-they-must-also-empower-managers-to-be-innovative-as-they-pursue-goals-2020/ | Categories: Master Rules, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Few companies have that sort of culture ...so - they must change if they wish to survive and thrive.

## 3 abilities rise above all others: intelligence, willpower, & drive
Date: 2020-11-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/3-abilities-rise-above-all-others-intelligence-willpower-drive/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Every human being possesses the seeds of intelligence , willpower , and drive at birth. To a certain degree, and the degree varies from person to person, we develop these three abilities over time. The amount of intelligence and willpower we develop determines the extent we are able to express our strengths . Drive is all about putting energy to productive use...drive is innate...intelligence and willpower protect drive from negative influences [...both intrinsic and extrinsic negative influences].

## An ideal way to help people: show them how to 'disentangle' the energy and power they, naturally, possess.
Date: 2020-11-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-ideal-way-to-help-people-show-them-how-to-disentangle-the-energy-and-power-they-naturally-possess/ | Categories: Abundance, Beyond Business, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Energy & Natural Talent: 2 things we all possess. But, we rarely experience people helping us put those 2 things to best use. Be the exception...help people disentangle the energy wrapped around their Talents.

## If you want to influence then Learn to Listen.
Date: 2020-11-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-influence-then-learn-to-listen/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet LinkedIn is a valuable tool. We can use it to discover what other people think about topics. I asked some of my LinkedIn friends the Question: What does it take to succeed at sales? And, the most-repeated piece of advice was - Listen Better.

## If you do not know your limitations then your willpower won't.
Date: 2020-11-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-do-not-know-your-limitations-then-your-willpower-wont/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " A man's got to know his limitations ." Clint Eastwood said that when he played Dirty Harry in ' Magnum Force ', (1973). If you know yourself and you know your limitations then you have a fighting chance to know when you will need willpower. If you do not know your limitations then your willpower won't.

## Seek Simple advice: 2 types of people succeed in business: (1) those who 'get it' and (2) those who observe & learn.
Date: 2020-11-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-advice-2-types-of-people-succeed-in-business-1-those-who-get-it-and-2-those-who-observe-learn/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet There are only 2 types of people who experience meaningful success in business: 1. Those few, who somehow naturally 'get it' and seek their way until they obtain success. 2. Those few who observe and attend to those who are willing to try to help them 'get it', emulate heroes, embrace heroes' ideas, and sooner or later 'get it' themselves. In business, no other types of people achieve meaningful success.

## I used to give people pieces of my mind. Now, I know I cannot afford such giveaways.
Date: 2020-11-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/i-used-to-give-people-pieces-of-my-mind-now-i-know-i-cannot-afford-such-giveaways/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Even if I could afford to waste my brain, it's much more fulfilling to cut people up to size.

## Understanding Fire: That's one of Man's greatest achievements. That applies both externally and internally.
Date: 2020-11-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/understanding-fire-thats-one-of-mans-greatest-achievements-that-applies-both-externally-and-internally/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Where would we be without an understanding of how to use fire? Wouldn't we be cold and uncomfortable? Wouldn't we be uninspired ? Wouldn't we be in the dark...at least, half the time?

## Intrinsic drives often persist as lifelong drives.
Date: 2020-11-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/intrinsic-drives-often-persist-as-lifelong-drives/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Personalities @ Work, Spirited Leaders, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Do you have some internal drives that have survived for decades? If you do then you know what I'm talking about. Long-lasting, persistent wants/needs/drives reveal much about character and personality. [Time and effort spent working to fulfill these persistent drives is time and effort well spent.]

## Leadership grit grinds & grows.
Date: 2020-11-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leadership-grit-grinds-grows/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet John Wayne is one of my heroes. Every time I hear the word 'grit' I think of Rooster Cogburn, the character John Wayne played when he won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in 'True Grit'. More specifically, I think of the scene where he took on all the bad guys and won. The above picture shows Rooster charging at the bad guys... guns a blazin' ...the perfect hero. Grit - firmness of mind or spirit : unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger Not just in the movies but also in real life, John Wayne had true grit. We need more leaders with true grit.

## Here's a good habit: test your Decisions against the Values you hold dearest.
Date: 2020-11-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/heres-a-good-habit-test-your-decisions-against-the-values-you-hold-dearest/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You will find decision-making becomes easier and 'less conflicted' when you develop the habit of testing your decisions against your personal values . Other people will find it easier to understand you and your decisions if they perceive alignment between your decisions and your values...that is - the values you express, which are consistent with the character you exhibit.

## Catcheth thou when thou doth protest too much.
Date: 2020-11-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/catcheth-thou-when-thou-doth-protest-too-much/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet There's a good reason why Shakespeare put that " doth protest too much " line in Hamlet. Many people are unable to express an objection and leave it at that. Rather, many people express an objection and go on and on...providing either gory details or more examples, or both. Now I must stop here before I too doth protest too much... ...it would, for example, be wrong to deliver a ripe example of this I witnessed as recently as...

## About Influencing Powerful People - #3
Date: 2020-11-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-influencing-powerful-people-3/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Family Business and CFFB, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Talking About Influencing Powerful People - here's another Dirk Schlimm quote: “What makes these geniuses so powerful is not ground-level expertise or vision. It is the fact that they have both; they are equally capable of and comfortable with micromanaging and dreaming up a large-scale, big-picture vision.”

## Creativity feeds and grows...depending on the curiosity behind its dominating questions.
Date: 2020-11-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/creativity-feeds-and-growsdepending-on-the-calibre-of-its-dominating-questions/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Family Business and CFFB, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Curiosity is the precursor to Creativity . We see Curiosity in young children...they approach life as if it is a question free-for-all. Children, somehow, know they must ask questions or they will learn little and not do well in life. Curiosity is one childlike habit we should not give up.

## Sales people should select heroes, learn from them, and emulate their talents & strengths.
Date: 2020-11-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-people-should-select-heroes-learn-from-them-and-emulate-their-talents-strengths/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Sales, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I see better ways of approaching Sales. For example... Sales people can and should learn from ‘heroes’...as many as possible. First, ask the question – Is this person a hero worth studying? Consider - WHY is this person a hero? Because of vision?, goals? resilience? quick wit? personal magnetism? Then learn the details about those person's most-admirable qualities/strengths, select specific stories that capture the admirable qualities, carry those stories in mind, and draw upon them when the going gets tough.

## People mirror trust.
Date: 2020-11-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-mirror-trust/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Trust: it's a dynamic thing; it flows 2 ways; you must extend it in order to receive it; it starts with Thought, then it inspires Action. *** A double-entendre metaphor: we have mirror neurons in our brains to help us understand other people's intentions...and we tend to mirror other people's behaviour.

## Ancient communication wisdom: "Men trust their ears less than their eyes."
Date: 2020-11-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ancient-communication-wisdom-men-trust-their-ears-less-than-their-eyes/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Men trust their ears less than their eyes. " Herodotus Greek Historian, 484BCE-425BCE Now, 2400 years after Herodotus, psychologists are completing experiments that confirm Herodotus' ancient wisdom...our eyes overrule our ears...truly, we do believe what our eyes see them do more than what our ears hear them say. This applies to their major actions and to their minor body-language signals.

## As the pace of change increases, so does the power of leaders' courage & confidence.
Date: 2020-11-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/as-the-pace-of-change-increases-so-does-the-power-of-leaders-courage-confidence/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet And courage & confidence require lots of energy...because energy is needed to fuel clear thought and action. So - use your energy as best you can, ensuring some of it goes to developing your self-confidence [which fuels the development of courage].

## Spirited Leaders know that needs of the spirit lead to deeds of the spirit.
Date: 2020-11-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/spirited-leaders-know-needs-of-the-spirit-lead-to-deeds-of-the-spirit/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It has always been that way; it will always be that way. When people fail to satisfy their ' needs of the spirit ' they fail to self-actualize...they fail to realize/deliver their potential. When people fail to satisfy their needs of the spirit they fall short of making a real difference. Spirited Needs - your most valuable drive-energy . Spirited Deeds - the elite of your Good Habits .

## When you say "I don't have time", what are you really thinking? Why not communicate that real information instead?
Date: 2020-11-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-say-i-dont-have-time-what-are-you-really-thinking-why-not-communicate-that-real-information-instead/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Saying " I don't have time " and " I'm too busy " ... those are bad habits. They are bad habits that show how a person can self-brainwash to distract self or others. Or perhaps the person is guarding against something. But what? What is really going on behind those false claims?

## Talents tend to bounce off Tasks they do not like.
Date: 2020-11-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/talents-tend-to-bounce-off-tasks-they-do-not-like-talent/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Consider Talents . Consider Tasks . Don't fight the fit.

## The Layman's Mindfulness: use more noggin, do less sloggin.
Date: 2020-11-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-laymans-mindfulness-use-more-noggin-do-less-sloggin-2020/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Mind Your Behaviour: use a little more brain, have a lot less pain.

## Unresolved, lingering problems gnaw away at brain energy. Attack problems and pluck that destructive power away from them.
Date: 2020-10-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/unresolved-lingering-problems-gnaw-away-at-brain-energy-attack-problems-and-pluck-that-destructive-power-away-from-them/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The brain represents 2% of body mass while it consumes 20% of body energy. The brain is 'energy intensive'. Much brain energy is consumed/wasted on negative thinking - i.e., wasted on negative feelings and emotions...wasted on rumination & worry. You gain energy-value when you reduce your brain's energy-waste. So - Tackle problems quickly: hit 'em high, hit 'em low...rip the ball out from their hands.

## IoT: an unlimited supply of hands holding utensils ready, waiting and able to feed product and service development.
Date: 2020-10-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/iot-an-unlimited-supply-hands-holding-utensils-ready-waiting-and-able-to-feed-product-and-service-development/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, IT & TECH, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The Internet of Things [IoT]: Are your products and services hungry for improvement?

## When leaders fail at the little details, especially the little interpersonal details, trust erodes.
Date: 2020-10-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-leaders-fail-at-the-little-details-especially-the-interpersonal-details-trust-erodes/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Trust is pretty much everything. Followers look to leaders for positives, subliminal or overt justifications for building trust.

## Isn't it ironic that successful people are busy while unsuccessful people are too busy?
Date: 2020-10-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/isnt-it-ironic-that-successful-people-are-busy-while-unsuccessful-people-are-too-busy/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Surely, successful people should be the busier. Yet, that's not the way they feel or talk . Return on time invested - doesn't it follow a curious path?

## Top performers feel disappointed when they make errors. Then, quickly, they replace that thinking with confidence.
Date: 2020-10-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/top-performers-feel-disappointed-when-they-make-errors-then-quickly-they-replace-that-thinking-with-confidence/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Self-confidence is precious. Self-confidence is self-grown. Self-confidence is essential.

## If you simply must get something out of your system, make it productivity.
Date: 2020-10-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-get-something-out-of-your-system-make-it-productivity/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I believe it was James Watt who first said, " If you want to blow off steam, put it to work ." [I could be wrong about that...]

## If you want to develop more self-control, start by setting goals.
Date: 2020-10-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-develop-more-self-control-start-by-setting-goals/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet No point getting chicken-and-egg bogged down thinking about what comes first - goals or self-control. No point debating whether or not there are values in goals. No point debating whether or not long-term gain justifies short-term pain. If you believe self-control is a valuable trait...then set a goal, focus on it, and work at it. [That's the way to build self-control and achieve goals.]

## A successful Sense of Urgency: that's doing things promptly when you know the right things to do and you know how to do them well.
Date: 2020-10-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-true-sense-of-urgency-thats-doing-things-promptly-when-you-know-the-right-things-to-do-and-you-know-how-to-do-them-well/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Anything shy of this isn't a successful sense of urgency. Anything shy of this is guesswork, bad planning, or fighting phantom fires. Anything shy of this is pretty much guaranteed to annoy everyone you drag into your situations.

## Most people tend to express problems in ways that do not reveal the true source of their pain.
Date: 2020-10-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/most-people-tend-to-express-problems-in-ways-that-do-not-reveal-the-true-source-of-their-pain/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet And most people reply to such cries for help with cries for help. [a helpful message from Eckhardt Tolle] It's all about the huge influence our unconscious brain exerts, as part of the human condition.

## Under-Promise and Over-Deliver…Under-Talk & Over-Listen
Date: 2020-10-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/under-promise-and-over-deliver-under-talk-over-listen/ | Categories: Agreeing on Exchange of Value, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Even while people are extremely busy, somehow they manage to remember the promises you didn’t deliver on. And, if people are talking there is a reason for it. I mean, people have reasons for saying things even if the things they are saying are not on the same topic as the things you are thinking while you could be listening while they are talking. Rather than thinking all that stuff by yourself and waiting for them to stop talking so you can get your thoughts delivered…you could listen.

## If you want to influence others, influence yourself first. Make little changes for the better. Then share that good habit.
Date: 2020-10-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-influence-others-influence-yourself-first-make-little-changes-for-the-better-thats-a-good-habit-to-share/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet All great leaders make major changes to their way of dealing with 'their personal challenges' and their way of interacting with other people. All great leaders learn how to replace Bad Habits with Good Habits . Self-control is your people-magnet.

## It's OK when you have an ego; it's not OK when an ego has you.
Date: 2020-10-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-ok-to-have-an-ego-its-not-ok-when-an-ego-has-you-ego/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thought Behind The Tweet When it comes to ego, I believe moderation is the right course. Eastern philosophies teach the merits of reduction of ego...removal of it to the extent that is possible. [Total removal of ego being a blissful state.] Western capitalists have illustrated the serious damage caused by high, out-of-control egos. It seems to me human beings were meant to have egos...why else would virtually all of us [if not all of us] have them? But, moderation is required...self-control, that is.

## Some people become problem magnets...attracting a never-ending series of similar problems.
Date: 2020-10-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/most-people-dont-notice-they-are-problem-magnets-attracting-an-ongoing-series-of-similar-problems/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many of us don't see the problems coming let alone see we are the specialists who create them. For some people - problems get totally out of control...arriving one after another...time after time after time. Some people cannot get out of their 'problem ruts'. They need help removing bad habits. They need the benefits found in other people's talents & strengths.

## When Opportunities seek out people to visit, they pretty much avoid all the too-busy people.
Date: 2020-10-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-opportunities-seek-out-people-to-visit-they-pretty-much-avoid-all-the-too-busy-people/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many people have a self-image of a too-busy person..." I am too busy to do that! " Opportunities prefer to visit with people who have some time to spend with them, some time to get to understand them, some time to hold their hands and walk with them....then run with them. The more you hurry the more the Opportunities pass you by.

## Better to be skilled at puzzles than cross words.
Date: 2020-10-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/better-to-be-skilled-at-puzzles-than-cross-words-2020/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you are skilled at puzzles you deliver value. When you are skilled at cross words you remove value. Constructive criticism is an oxymoron.

## If you want people to bring your ideas to life, show an interest in theirs.
Date: 2020-10-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-people-to-bring-your-ideas-to-life-show-an-interest-in-theirs-communication-attitude/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Humour, Ideas, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sure, of course, you're not biased and you know full well your ideas are superior! But don't let that stop you from listening to other people's ideas from time to time. With listening being such a rare commodity, little expressions of attention and interest go a long way.

## Trust is gained in small increments, one consistent action at a time.
Date: 2020-10-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/trust-is-gained-in-small-increments-one-consistent-action-at-a-time/ | Categories: Agreeing on Exchange of Value, Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Trust is lost in large lumps, one misunderstood-inconsistent action at a time. So, the scale is weighted against you ...or, is it weighted for you ? You can perceive it either way...it doesn't matter as long as you are objective about it and do not begrudge the reality of it. When it comes to trust, the scale is weighted: it isn't just about your perceptions of your intentions and your actions; it's about other people's perceptions of your actions and your intentions; small understood-consistent actions build trust in small increments; small misunderstood-inconsistent actions destroy trust in large lumps. PS: Trust: an interpersonal juxtaposition: so fragile, so essential, so egoic...Perceptions of Interests and Actions...laced with biases that are somehow and somewhy ingrained to protect egos. Trust: the fundamental human-to-human consideration.

## Ignorance is bliss; enlightenment is bliss: the work in between is the tough part.
Date: 2020-10-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ignorance-is-bliss-enlightenment-is-bliss-the-work-in-between-is-the-tough-part-bliss/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet For some reason, we have an old saying, " Ignorance is bliss. " Obviously, that's an exaggeration...or is it? At the other end of the spectrum, many gurus have taught, " Enlightenment is bliss. " I think that may be true...however, not having reached that state I cannot say for sure. Yes - work is challenging...it tests us, it resists our desires, and it strengthens us. And perhaps, as James Allen taught, perfection and work-mastery bring bliss as work-challenges vanish.

## Only when comforable with your communication will Egos help you bring about the changes you desire.
Date: 2020-10-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-satisfied-with-your-communication-egos-will-help-you-bring-about-the-changes-you-desire/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Egos are nitpickers. Egos need to be stroked. Egos don't like unpleasant surprises. Egos always bring their baggage.

## If you think time flies, try holding your breath while your boss is telling a story.
Date: 2020-10-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-think-time-flies-try-holding-your-breath-while-your-boss-is-telling-a-story/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Einstein showed us that time is relative. [Maybe that's why it's easier to hold your breath when a relative is telling a story...but...probably not if that relative is your boss.]

## Persistence is Self-Discipline in Thought then Action then Thought then Action then Thought then Action...
Date: 2020-10-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/persistence-is-self-discipline-in-thought-then-action-self-discipline/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Brian Tracy said, " Persistence is self-discipline in action. " I believe desired Actions are always preceded by desired Thoughts. In order to achieve Goals we must first discipline our Thoughts then those disciplined Thoughts will govern our Actions. The habit of self-discipline is an essential ingredient of success.

## Everyone wants to use personal strengths to create value and see others showing appreciation of that value.
Date: 2020-10-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/everyone-wants-to-use-personal-strengths-to-create-value-and-observe-others-confirming-appreciation-of-that-value/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Now, I suppose a few people do their best work and have no expectation that it will be appreciated by others. If those people do exist then they are extremely rare indeed. Most people have egos and egos have needs. Egos are the essence of needs and needs are the essence of egos. And, needs have internal and external implications. more thoughts on this topic

## Speak of the devil's advocate...better still, bite your tongue.
Date: 2020-10-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/speak-of-the-devils-advocatebetter-still-bite-your-tongue/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Hero Worship, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Constructive criticism is an oxymoron. Devil's Advocates ... here's an excerpt from Wikipedia: "In common parlance, a devil's advocate is someone who, given a certain argument, takes a position he or she does not necessarily agree with, for the sake of argument." Those words - "Devil's Advocate" have a nasty connotation....we should not use them or the practice they capture. Instead, consider using a planned strategy for seeking different perspectives when large problems are to be solved and important decisions are to be made. Try, for example, using Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats .

## Here's a Catch-22: People get so busy 'in their minds' they have no time to address their own ineptitude or anyone else's.
Date: 2020-10-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/heres-a-catch-22-people-get-so-busy-in-their-minds-they-have-no-time-to-address-their-own-ineptitude-or-anyone-elses/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When I am inept I am overwhelmed by my workload. When I am overwhelmed by my workload I believe I don't have enough time. When I believe I don't have enough time I don't do what is required to remedy my ineptitude. What a Catch-22. Better fix that!

## Perfectionists show us how natural talents can create bad habits that out-muscle willpower.
Date: 2020-10-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/perfectionists-show-us-how-natural-talents-can-create-bad-habits-that-out-muscle-willpower/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Attention to Detail is a valuable leadership tool...unless it takes over its owner. Too much of a Good Habit = a Bad Habit. And, that's how the Devil lurks in the details.

## Your communication style influences people much more than your logic.
Date: 2020-10-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-style-influences-people-much-more-than-logic-influence-communication/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet According to Chip Heath and Dan Heath ['Decisive', 2013] " When the researchers compared whether process or analysis was more important in producing good decisions - those that increased revenues, profits, and market share - they found that "process mattered more than analysis - by a factor of six ." " Good Decision Making relies on good decision-making processes . Good Influencing relies on good influence-making processes.

## 'Just Do It!'...then do some more!
Date: 2020-10-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/just-do-itthen-do-some-more-attitude/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Influencing, Integrity, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet First go through then go beyond the motions. Go the extra mile ; catch someone's attention; deliver, impress, and influence.

## What was that you said about listening?
Date: 2020-10-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-was-that-you-said-about-listening/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Is it possible the more you talk about listening the less other people are inclined to do it? If you must speak to the topic should you speak softly and carry a big talking stick?

## If you point out 1 error the person may accept your feedback. If you point out 2 errors the person likely won't.
Date: 2020-10-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-point-out-1-error-the-person-may-accept-your-feedback-if-you-point-out-6-the-person-will-not-criticism/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Think about it: what's your tolerance for criticism ? [As you consider that last question...Never mind what your logical mind is tricking you into thinking: what's your emotional tolerance for criticism?] How much would the average person tolerate? This person right in front of you - the one you are about to criticize - what's this person's tolerance? Regardless - whatever you do - don't choose to deliver your criticism in doses of 5 or 4...or 3...or 2. [Stop at 1 or, better still, don't start.]

## Here's an investment with high ROI: spend time thinking about and planning how you delegate work.
Date: 2020-10-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/heres-a-good-investment-spend-some-time-thinking-about-how-you-delegate-work/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people, oblivious to the impact of their approach to delegating tasks, just delegate what they delegate . Some people plan their delegation of tasks and adjust their approach to fit the person who will receive the delegation. One of the above approaches breeds success; one of the above approaches bumps into success every once in a while.

## The question shouldn't be, Is the glass half-full or half-empty? It should be, Is the glass half-full and half-empty?
Date: 2020-09-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-question-shouldnt-be-is-the-glass-half-full-or-half-empty-it-should-be-is-the-glass-half-full-and-half-empty/ | Categories: Abundance, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Actually, the question should be - Is the glass at least both half-full and half-empty? Rather than limit people to 2 ways of thinking and claiming one is optimistic and the other pessimistic, we ought to encourage people to view Situations and People's actions from multiple perspectives ...by, for example, encouraging people to use tools like Edward de Bono's ' Six Thinking Hats '. In some Situations , it is appropriate to consider what has been added while in others it is appropriate to consider what has been subtracted. Sometimes we need to consider possibilities. Other times we need to identify the need for urgent action. This goes beyond optimism, pessimism, and realism . While that 'mindset' differentiation may be important, with people or with situations, it also may not be important. Situations & People deserve a lot more thinking than optimism/pessimism tests. PS: That glass-half-full-glass-half-empty saying has always annoyed me. It is too cliché and it puts people into a 2-dimensional box when all of us know we live in at least a 3-dimensional world.

## Our deeds tend to leave permanent shadows. Often invisible to us but seen clearly by others.
Date: 2020-09-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/our-deeds-tend-to-leave-permanent-shadows-often-invisible-to-us-but-seen-clearly-by-others-trust/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Often invisible to us: because we are biased. Seen clearly by others: because they are biased. As the saying goes - "Perceptions are Reality." [Reality is such a biased illusion .]

## Ego is the part of the mind that causes us to do what feels good to us because we think it looks good to others.
Date: 2020-09-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ego-is-the-part-of-the-mind-that-causes-us-to-do-what-feels-good-to-us-or-looks-good-to-others/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet That's a Spirited Leaders' definition. Some say Ego is a flaw. For example, if I understand him accurately, Eckhart Tolle considers Ego to be a pain body that really provides no benefit. [And I have a great deal of respect for Eckhart Tolle.] I think Ego is a valuable piece of the human condition but it is only valuable when people self-monitor and self-regulate to make sure Ego stays within boundaries of moderation.

## Learning from practice makes perfect - Learning is the essence of mastery.
Date: 2020-09-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/learning-from-practice-makes-perfect-learning-is-the-essence-of-mastery/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet There's an old saying, "Practice makes perfect". There's a newer saying, "Perfect practice makes perfect". And I say, "Learning from practice makes perfect". STRENGTH at task = mastery of task = perfect performance of task. STRENGTH = Innate Talent + Opportunity + Specialized Knowledge + Practised Skill...and the practice is required because few get it perfect without practicing. During practice, people err. As they err, smart people learn and make adjustments so their skills improve. With many errors under their belts, persistent people learn how to master tasks. "Learning from practice makes perfect." Learning is the essence of perfection & mastery.

## We simply must spend more time imagining Possibilities..."Think of things - not as they are but as they might be."
Date: 2020-09-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-simply-must-spend-more-time-imagining-possibilitiesthink-of-things-not-as-they-are-but-as-they-might-be-vision/ | Categories: Abundance, Beyond Business, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Robert Collier wrote, " Think of things - not as they are but as they MIGHT be ." ...'The SECRET Of The Ages', (1926) If we follow Robert Collier's advice then we will get beyond our personal biases, especially our tendency to judge others harshly. And, we will create. Robert Collier, 'The SECRET Of The Ages', (1926)

## If you had no problems on your mind, how much would you think?
Date: 2020-09-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-had-no-problems-on-your-mind-how-much-would-you-think/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I have shared thoughts about problems ...for example, in 2011, I wrote some motivational experts are confounded by the word 'Problem'. Here`s another - sometimes our brains find themselves stuck in Problem Ruts . We spend so much time thinking about problems that we forget we can think about other things. Specifically, we spend so much time thinking about viewing problems as opportunities-in-disguise we forget we can think about other things. As a few examples, we can also think about: making the most out of a situation, inventing a new process, and making one small improvement to a specific task.

## While leaders must set rules, they must also empower people to be innovative as they pursue goals.
Date: 2020-09-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/while-leaders-must-set-rules-they-must-also-empower-managers-to-be-innovative-as-they-pursue-goals/ | Categories: Abundance, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Novelty in thinking and action have never been more essential. Few companies have that sort of culture ...so - most companies must adopt desire for change if they wish to survive and thrive.

## Errors visit us to make sure we haven't forgotten we exist to learn.
Date: 2020-09-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/errors-visit-us-to-make-sure-we-havent-forgotten-we-exist-to-learn/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sure, problems can be annoying. They are impolite, arriving at the wrong time and place. And it often seems they are visiting the wrong person. If we find ourselves annoyed when problems arrive, we can look at that annoyance as a decision trigger. We can pull triggers that send bullets that injure ourselves and others. Or, we can take a bit of time to concentrate on our targets and pull more constructive triggers.

## People are more inclined to follow than to lead. This can be painfully clear when egos are unleashed.
Date: 2020-09-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-are-more-inclined-to-follow-than-to-lead-this-can-be-painfully-clear-when-egos-are-unleashed/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet One of the most graphic examples is mob behaviour . A few mob leaders can inspire destruction and pillaging from many...just consider Vancouver's Stanley Cup embarrassment. As Mark Weber says, " If the bet is between People and the Situation, bet on the Situation ". [paraphrased] Betting on Situations is, in essence, betting on people following. And there's that Spirited philosophy - " Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations " To accomplish their dreams, leaders must remember these related things: Be the role model you want emulated Anticipate and construct Situations

## Do not assume the purpose behind your instructions is obvious.
Date: 2020-09-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-not-assume-the-purpose-behind-your-instructions-is-obvious-communication/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We cannot assume the purpose of our thinking is obvious. We cannot assume the purpose of their thinking is obvious. And, we are far better off over-communicating about the purpose behind out thoughts, ideas, and requests than under-communicating about them.

## If you cannot see the forest for the trees, you're out on a limb.
Date: 2020-09-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-cannot-see-the-forest-for-the-trees-youre-too-far-out-on-that-limb/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Humour, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Few people possess the ability to think strategically while having a solid grasp of the details of the plan. Some people do not know they are out on a limb until they suffer a painful fall. Yes - that's part of the learning experience...as long as they are able to get up after the fall.

## People eat sour fruit sparingly. Yet they complain about it much.
Date: 2020-09-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-eat-sour-fruit-sparingly-yet-they-complain-about-it-much/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes sour fruit is the best thing to consume. The British found that out several centuries ago and the practice of eating limes was encouraged by Scottish Dr. James Lind. He helped the British Navy understand limes and lime juice prevented sailors from the pain and suffering of scurvy. This fact was known prior to the arrival of Dr. Lind. And, the benefit of limes was well understood when he documented proof. Yet, the practice of eating limes to prevent scurvy was not adopted by the British Navy until some time later. The first sailors who ate limes were ridiculed. By fellow sailors and pirates alike. To this day the legacy of ridicule lives on in the form of a derogatory/racist ancestor of the word lime. To this day, people resist when others try to force them to eat sour fruit. So, take care when you try to unload sour fruit on your people. Care taken while introducing sour fruit is inversely proportional to the amount of complaining that introduction generates. The greater the care, the lesser the complaints.

## Some things are urgent; some things are important; very few things are both urgent and important.
Date: 2020-09-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-things-are-urgent-some-things-are-important-very-few-things-are-both-urgent-and-important-decisions/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The vast majority of important things are not urgent and so they can be postponed. And unfortunately, on a regular basis, that's exactly what most people do.

## Good leaders repeat messages so good followers don't repeat errors.
Date: 2020-09-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-leaders-repeat-messages-so-good-followers-dont-repeat-errors-delegation/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " I have a dream "...followers remembered because Martin Luther King Jr. repeated.

## Procrastination is a lot like using your dentist's drill on your own teeth...
Date: 2020-09-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/procrastination-is-a-lot-like-using-a-dentists-drill-on-your-own-teeth/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you have some skill at it, and you use it properly, then procrastination can be a very good tool and you can end up with a big healthy smile on your face. If you use it wrong, as most people do, then you can cause yourself pained expression and a rotten taste in your mouth. Related to this... You can put procrastination on a reduced-negative-thinking diet.

## Let's not stumble along purposeless roads...let's construct better paths.
Date: 2020-09-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/lets-not-stumble-along-purposeless-roadslets-construct-better-paths/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet "A person with clear purpose will make progress even on the roughest road. A person with no purpose will make no progress even on the smoothest road." Thomas Carlyle, Scottish philosopher (1795-1881) *** When I think about this I wonder if it would be better said - A person with clear purpose makes progress despite the roughness of the road . Then I wonder if it should be - A person with clear purpose will make progress because of the roughness of the road . And... The smoother the road the less likely you will reach your long-term destination. The smoother the road the less likely you will know or achieve your long-term purpose. And finally...friends... Let's not stumble along purposeless roads...let's construct better paths.

## Ask value-packed questions. Allow time for people to think, express themselves, and provide value-packed answers.
Date: 2020-09-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ask-value-packed-questions-allow-time-for-people-to-think-talk-and-provide-value-packed-answers/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Part of it is being curious. Part of it is seeking to understand. Part of it is 'Planning Your Work'. Much of it is being present and listening. And you can call it Communication.

## Discipline yourself if you wish to persuade others.
Date: 2020-09-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/discipline-yourself-if-you-wish-to-persuade-others-influence/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Do what I say not what I do does not cut it. Probably, most of us can remember incidents when we were children and adults in positions of authority gave us instructions that they themselves did not follow. To the extent that happened, we learned to resist instructions that came to us as do what I say not what I do. As we gained experience and confidence our resistance to these inconsistent demands increased. Now, we have much trouble following instructions from people who do not lead by example. And, we distrust those who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk.

## Even objective, well-intentioned, well-delivered criticism gnaws, rips, and tears into thin skin.
Date: 2020-09-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/objective-well-intentioned-well-delivered-criticism-will-still-gnaw-rip-and-tear-thin-skin-2020/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Criticism will always gnaw, rip, and tear at thin skin. That is a given. The only question is: how will the thin-skinned person react as the thin skin rips and tears? The natural reactions are fight & flight...aggression & avoidance. And, of importance – will ‘ motivation ’ get dragged into the bloody discussion after the ripping and tearing of thin skin? Sometimes it will. More often the thought will be there, but it will be unspoken. And, as they say, “ It's the thought that counts .” I have strong views on ‘motivation’, and my strong views contain intolerance of those who blame others for the failures or the lack of motivation. Bosses have a tough enough job without having to bear the burden of every subordinate’s ‘motivation’.

## Curiosity doesn't kill cats...it just makes them very interesting.
Date: 2020-09-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/curiosity-doesnt-kill-catsit-just-makes-them-very-interesting/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Humour, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Maybe, curiosity kills cats; definitely, curiosity motivates people. Perhaps, many animals are curious. Certainly, some are...cats have a reputation for it. Human beings must be the most curious animal on Earth. Curiosity is in our DNA. Curiosity is the root of innovation, invention, and creativity. I don't think curiosity kills cats...it just makes them very interesting.

## Perhaps, complaining about other people is gratifying...perhaps, it satisfies a need?
Date: 2020-09-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/perhaps-complaining-about-other-people-is-gratifyingperhaps-it-satisfies-a-need/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Why do people complain about the actions of another person? Presumably, the answer is - complaining about other people is gratifying, it fills a need. But, what exactly is that need? And, does complaining about other people satisfy a single need? Or, does the need-satisfaction vary with the person who is the topic of complaint? Self-monitoring : the next time you're about to complain about another person, stop and think. Ask yourself, " Why do this person's actions make me want to complain? " " What will happen if I delay complaining about this person for 15 minutes? Or, 1 hour? Or, 1 day? " " What gratification will I sacrifice if I delay or refuse to allow myself to complain about this person? "

## Ancient communication wisdom: "Men trust their ears less than their eyes."
Date: 2020-09-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ancient-communication-wisdom-men-trust-their-ears-less-than-their-eyes-communication/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Men trust their ears less than their eyes. " Herodotus Greek Historian, 484BCE-425BCE Now, 2400 years after Herodotus, psychologists are completing experiments that confirm Herodotus' ancient wisdom...our eyes overrule our ears...truly, we do believe what our eyes see them do more than what our ears hear them say. This applies to their major actions and to their minor body-language signals.

## Disciplined thoughts lead to successful actions.
Date: 2020-09-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/disciplined-thoughts-lead-to-successful-actions-habits/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Or, we could just leave things to chance and self-confidence...however, at the very least, that would deprive us of the pleasure associated with the cause and effect between our thoughts ( causes ) and our achievements ( effects ).

## When you display anger people get defensive. (Wow -Who'd have seen that coming!)
Date: 2020-09-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-display-anger-people-get-defensive-wow-whod-have-seen-that-coming/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some say we should not thwart the natural energy captured in the form of anger. Perhaps, a bit of anger in the workplace is OK. As long as you're OK with a bit of defensiveness.

## Don't muddle through the same old problems. Engage Talents and address new, more-lucrative problems.
Date: 2020-09-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-muddle-through-the-same-old-problems-engage-talents-and-address-new-more-lucrative-problems-2020/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people muddle thought the same old business problems - day after day. [Often, 'people problems'.] These people experience stress and confusion but not success. Some people learn how to solve the basic problems. And, these people graduate to bigger and better problems...and success.

## It isn't about who's right or who's wrong. It's about who does and who doesn't have emotions under control - and Why?
Date: 2020-09-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/it-isnt-about-whos-right-or-whos-wrong-its-about-who-does-and-doesnt-have-emotions-under-control-and-why/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Disputes in the work environment often escalate. And, they often spread and affect many people. When you face situations of conflict and dispute remember - It isn't about who's right or who's wrong. It's about who doesn't have emotions under control - and Why? And, of course, make sure you aren't among those who do not have their emotions under control. Emotional disputes do a lot of damage and waste a lot of energy [energy - which, if it wasn't being wasted, could be put to constructive use].

## Winners seek solutions and think of better places. Losers agonize over problems and fear uncertainty.
Date: 2020-09-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/winners-seek-solutions-and-think-of-better-placeslosers-agonize-over-problems-and-fear-uncertainty/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Optimism & Pessimism, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The choice is yours. Choose fixing the problem over fixing the blame.

## You cannot force a round talent into a square task.
Date: 2020-09-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-cannot-force-a-round-talent-into-a-square-task/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet "A round man cannot be expected to fit in a square hole right away. He must have time to modify his shape." Mark Twain And... Too often we focus on roles as if they are a singular or homogeneous thing. We do better when we treat roles as a package of different tasks, some stand-alone tasks, some interpersonal tasks. People succeed in roles when their talents and strengths mesh with the tasks in the roles. [and, of course, the people have an achievement-oriented attitude]

## Why anger is better than frustration
Date: 2020-09-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/conflicted-thoughts-have-awesome-power-unfortunately-the-power-does-more-damage-than-good/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Confusion: that's a light sampling of conflicted thought. Torn between 2 ...that's a heavier sampling. Confounded: that can be bloody annoying. Conflicted thoughts are the roots of frustration. Frustration gets you nowhere & getting nowhere is frustrating: a vicious circle or downward spiral. At least when we are angry we are more certain about our thoughts. This is why anger is better than frustration.

## Automated reporting tools only work when managers are doing the right things.
Date: 2020-08-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/automated-reporting-tools-only-work-when-managers-are-doing-the-right-things/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Measure & Monitor, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Reporting tools: at the interface of management people and process If managers are doing the right things then automated report tools provide value. If managers are not doing the right things then automated tools simply add to the confusion. Put another way - An injection of automation won't remedy management inadequacies.

## Success contains a blend of 'imaginative' & 'disciplined' thinking.
Date: 2020-08-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/success-contains-a-blend-of-imaginative-disciplined-thinking/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Creativity versus Logic. Entrepreneurship versus Big Business. Rock Logic versus Water Logic. Einstein versus Socrates. The School of Hard Knocks versus Academia. Right-brain versus Left-brain [which I think is a dangerous over-simplification of how the human brain actually works]. Regardless of how we define their difference we need to keep these opposites in proper balance . How do you find the proper balance between 'imaginative' & 'disciplined' thinking?

## At the rate people are now listening, evolution will remove our ears in a few generations.
Date: 2020-08-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/at-the-rate-people-are-now-listening-evolution-will-remove-our-ears-in-a-few-generations/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If I told you once I told you a thousand times... ...use it or lose it. [Then there's the unthinkable - Is it possible my communications are that bloody uninteresting?] More on, falling on deaf ears ..

## When growth is stalled, many argue in favour of the status quo; fear of change often trumps common sense.
Date: 2020-08-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-growth-is-stalled-many-argue-in-favour-of-the-status-quo-fear-of-change-often-trumps-common-sense/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet This is not a horrible dysfunction, it's just an all-too-common bad habit . Why would a person not want to take chances, make changes, and grow? Perhaps we should first explore the extent of their Fear of Criticism and their Fear of Poverty ...see Napoleon Hill's 1937 classic, ' Think and Grow Rich '. Linked to Fear of Poverty - according to psychologists, we fear losing existing things more than we desire gaining new things. Fear of loss outstrips desire for gain by a factor of about 4-to-1. Do you feel that way? Do you favour the status quo over change?

## When there's no reason or rhyme maybe it's time to change your tune.
Date: 2020-08-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-theres-no-reason-or-rhyme-its-time-to-change-your-tune/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Human beings are biased creatures. One bias is known as the rhyme-as-reason effect . According to Wikipedia - "The rhyme-as-reason effect is a cognitive bias whereupon a saying or aphorism is judged as more accurate or truthful when it is rewritten to rhyme." And "For an example of the persuasive quality of the rhyme-as-reason effect, see " if it doesn't fit, you must acquit ," the signature phrase used by Johnnie Cochran to gain acquittal for O.J. Simpson in Simpson's murder trial." Consider the rhyme-as-reason bias when you: create leader's messages create marketing communications

## When you make a fine argument...shut up, listen, watch, & learn.
Date: 2020-08-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-make-a-fine-argumentshut-up-listen-watch-learn/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet First, learn about the extent of the fineness of your argument. I mean, bring your thick skin and thin skull ...and keep your ego under full control. Was your argument really as fine as you thought?

## Don't let a few bad apples sour your trust in people.
Date: 2020-08-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-let-a-few-bad-apples-sour-your-trust-in-people-trust/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Without trust relationships are shallow and weak. Don't let people's actions sour your trust. Start With Self. On top of all the self-things I have written over the years, I'm adding self-trust. We judge others by their actions; we judge ourselves by our intentions. We blame situations for our failures: we blame other people for their failures. We give credit to ourselves when we succeed: we give credit to their situations when other people succeed. (Attribution Bias) Those are our tendencies. Let's not allow those tendencies to draw too much of our attention to the bad apples.

## Self-discipline brings out the value embedded in talent.
Date: 2020-08-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/self-discipline-brings-out-the-value-embedded-in-talent-self-discipline-talent/ | Categories: Beyond Business, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When discipline is absent Talent is dormant, submerged, and wasted. That's why discipline is a good thing. Discipline serves a key role when success is in action .

## With the pressing of all those buttons, the 30-Second Elevator Speech is going down.
Date: 2020-08-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/with-the-pressing-of-all-those-buttons-the-30-second-elevator-speech-is-going-down/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet As you no doubt have noticed, there's been quite a bit of growth in the area of social media. This is impacting on good-old-fashioned sales work. The sales gurus are now recommending a 17 or 18 second Elevator Speech [AKA - 30-Second Commercial.. .or, should I say 17- or 18-Second Commercial? ]. I favour shrinking the Elevator Speech to zero and, if and when the time is right to sense & catch attention, using words less canned and more natural.

## Thought has two forms: one is Creative, the other is not.
Date: 2020-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-has-two-forms-one-is-creative-the-other-is-not/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Seeking Simple!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It seems I am on the verge of concluding Thought is either Creative or Destructive...never in between the two. Our Creative Thoughts are aligned with our true Goals ...leading to productive building and growth. Since all other thoughts are not aligned with our true Goals they subtract from achievement of our true Goals...leading to things that are not productive building or growth. Their effect is distraction from our true Goals, which is negative, making them "Destructive Thoughts".

## The great teachers didn't dwell on stress. They focused on the human virtues.
Date: 2020-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-great-teachers-didnt-dwell-on-stress-they-focused-on-the-human-virtues/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet 'Stressed' is a modern mindset...less than 100 years old. Stressed: You have to look long and hard to find ancient wisdom mentioning it. Stressed: don't forget it's just a reverse palindrome for desserts .

## An ounce of problem-finding is worth a pound of problem-solving.
Date: 2020-08-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-ounce-of-problem-finding-is-worth-a-pound-of-problem-solving/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet As the saying goes, " An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. " So, why not plan with methodical risk-management. That's a key to 21st Century success. Reach out to problems. Seek simple solutions. Take decisive actions. Achieve small goals. Achieve large goals.

## How To Create A Real Scary Sales Monster [a recipe]
Date: 2020-08-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-create-a-real-scary-sales-monstera-recipe-see-the-thinking-behind-the-tweet/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I created a real scary sales monster. Really, I am not 100% sure how I did it. I just know I did it. Actually, I did it more than once in my career. I somehow created some high-octane sales beasties that were real scary. While I don't have the exact recipe I do know the key ingredients and the key process steps: 1. Take 2 big egos - make sure one is your own and the other junior [junior, in the hierarchical sense or you will not be able to claim credit for the creation of the Sales Monster] 2. Apply some loud volume. 3. Blend the big egos together harshly with some lofty goals. 4. Send the junior ego out to the field under very-tight time deadlines. 5. Allow a free run for a few days. 6. Voila - a Sales Monster. [bon appetit]

## The more you squeeze their heads in the vice the less clearly they think.
Date: 2020-08-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-more-you-squeeze-their-heads-in-the-vice-the-less-clearly-they-think/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet While a little pressure may go a long way, constructive criticism is an oxymoron and excessive criticism is guaranteed to cause headaches.

## Lack of confidence is evident when people talk too much during good times then talk too little during bad times.
Date: 2020-08-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/lack-of-confidence-is-evident-when-people-talk-too-much-during-the-good-times-then-talk-to-little-during-the-bad-times/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet This is especially true when the talk is about credit and blame for results. ...better to aim closer to the Zen, " Is that so ".

## Many people have a personal relationship with Time: Time serves as their scapegoat.
Date: 2020-08-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/many-people-have-a-personal-relationship-with-time-time-serves-as-their-scapegoat/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Time is an abstract. People are not. At least, most people are not. Really, we know Time does not have human qualities. Really, we know Time cannot march on. Only people and a select group of other animals are able to march. Really, we know Time cannot wait for anyone. Only people and a select group of other animals are able to wait. And, really, we know Time is never right or wrong. Yet, many people are brainwashed. They think and talk about Time possessing human traits. If we give Time human traits then, just like other people, we can blame it for our shortcomings. Yes, what a relief! What an escape from responsibility! Time is our scapegoat!

## You think about how you act at work. Do you think about how you think at work?
Date: 2020-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-think-about-how-you-act-at-work-do-you-think-about-how-you-think-at-work/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet While at work... you think you act While at work... you act without thinking...i.e., your habits kick in and you act in rote ways, with very little or no thought you think then act...relying on your judgment to lead you to better action [i.e., action that takes you toward your desired goals] While at work... do you think about how you think ?

## May your molehills remain molehills and may your ego choose molehills over mountain climbing.
Date: 2020-08-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/may-your-molehills-remain-molehills-and-may-your-ego-choose-molehills-over-mountain-climbing/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Better to climb mountains in your mind than on the back of your donkey-ego.

## Educate your brain: don't just stuff it full of facts and demand it work harder - mould it so it does a good job of thinking.
Date: 2020-08-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/educate-your-brain-dont-just-stuff-it-full-of-facts-and-demand-it-work-harder-mould-it-so-it-does-a-good-job-of-thinking/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Brain: about the Human Brain, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you are thrilled with the way your mind and brain are serving you...terrific! If you are not thrilled - take your mind to a better place...as one example, train your mind how to think more positively...another example, train your mind how to govern self-control.

## Problems are like icebergs: their most-damaging parts are below the surface.
Date: 2020-08-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/problems-are-like-icebergs-their-most-damaging-parts-are-below-the-surface/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We human beings have a curious habit. We tend to express problems in ways that conceal the real sources of our 'pain'. I suppose our egos make us play word and mind games... prettying up our real problems with make-up so other people will view us in [what our egos hope will be] a better light.

## Energy is primal. Your energy is your gift. How are you making best use of it?
Date: 2020-08-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/energy-is-primal-your-energy-is-your-gift-how-are-you-making-best-use-of-it/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet In 1911, James Allen wrote - " Energy is a moral virtue, its opposing vice being laziness. As a virtue, it can be cultivated, and the lazy man can become energetic by forcibly arousing himself to exertion. " James Allen picked Energy as the 1st of his ' Eight Pillars of Prosperity '. Energy - that's the starting point of all achievement!

## Less than 20% of people work at making changes; over 80% of people require ongoing assistance & leadership.
Date: 2020-08-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/less-than-20-of-people-work-at-making-changes-over-80-of-people-require-ongoing-assistance-leadership/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Focus on change leaders. Focus on self-motivated people. Focus on confident people.

## REPUTATION: a thing that slowly grows before it glows.
Date: 2020-08-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/reputation-a-thing-that-slowly-grows-before-it-glows/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet But, WOW, it can sure get snuffed out quickly.

## Multi-task for mediocrity - or - Focus for excellence. That's the choice.
Date: 2020-08-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/multi-task-for-mediocrity-or-focus-for-excellence-thats-the-choice-focus/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Can this common sense [backed by brain science] withstand the urgencies of your day? Focus & concentration bring excellence. When we have mastered performance excellence we can get in the zone . Either way, focus/concentrate or in the zone, we are not multi-tasking when we are performing with excellence.

## Money- it can build quality character...but only if it is earned with effort, over time.
Date: 2020-08-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/money-it-can-build-quality-characterbut-only-if-it-is-earned-with-effort-over-time/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Money is an illustration of Value. Money is an extrinsic reward...something we give and get in exchange for other things and actions of Value. Extrinsic rewards are fleeting. So, money provides some short-term gratification then that gratification dissolves. When extrinsic rewards are received too quickly or in too-large amounts the gratification can become like an overdose drug...and dysfunctional behaviour follows...hubris, inflated ego, etc. When extrinsic rewards are received at a steady pace, in positive better-than-average amounts, the feeling of gratification is balanced...and this is comforting. One example of this comfort is the repeated confirmation that there is no need to fear poverty. And this sort of comfortable gratification feeds and grows self-confidence...which leads to enhancements of character. In this way, money earned over time can help a person build quality character.

## If you think you are too busy then you are thinking wrong.
Date: 2020-08-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-think-you-are-too-busy-then-you-are-thinking-wrong/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I favour abundance thinking over scarcity mindsets. If I decide I think "I'm too busy" then I have selected a scarcity mindset with respect to time, the most-precious commodity...or darned close to it. So - I must not think "I'm too busy." And - I must leave "I'm too busy" to the people who choose to embrace those scarcity mindsets.

## You don't see yourself the way others see you. Need proof? Look in a mirror. See - you already got it backwards.
Date: 2020-08-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-dont-see-yourself-the-way-others-see-you-need-proof-look-in-a-mirror-see-you-already-got-it-backwards/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we invented mirrors we invented a useful tool...mirrors allow us to do wonderful things like checking out our new suit and fixing our make-up before we leave the house in the morning. When you take a bit of time to think about it...isn't it a little annoying that when we think we get those things right we actually get them 100% backwards. The other 7,000,000,000 people out there see us and everything about us the exact opposite way.

## Some things are urgent; some things are important: very few things are both urgent and important.
Date: 2020-08-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-things-are-urgent-some-things-are-important-very-few-things-are-both-urgent-and-important/ | Categories: Hero Worship, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The vast majority of important things are not urgent and so they can be postponed. And, quite a bit of the time, that's exactly what we do. When important things are postpones their true priority can be obscured and forgotten. And, quite a bit of the time, that's exactly what happens. Napoleon Hill taught " Plan the Work and Work the Plan ". Stephen R. Covey taught the way to sort out tasks/timing into Importance/Urgency quadrants. Pareto taught the " 80/20 Rule ". With these three tools, we have what we need. Now, it's up to us to use them.

## The Value of putting individual’s Talents & Strengths to work [at work]
Date: 2020-08-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-value-of-putting-individuals-talents-strengths-to-work-at-work/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Overall, the value of strengths-based business can be summed up in terms of increased engagement and improved motivation, which leads to increased profit. Here’s the logic… and the related emotional connections : 1. People are interested in understanding their natural talents… we see this in their faces and we hear it in their stories when we sit with them to discuss their Top 5 Talent Themes . 2. People want to use their natural talents… again, starting with our first 1-on-1 meeting, we observe enthusiasm when people talk about their talents; we also observe frustration when they talk about their work-failures and work-troubles. 3. Work-tasks can be tweaked to align better with a person's natural talents… this concept catches people’s attention; everyone we have interviewed wants to give this a try [many have doubts and want to see proof, however, all are prepared to give it a try]. 4. When work-tasks are tweaked to align with individuals’ natural talents the individuals perform better – improved effectiveness… when people know they are being more effective they gain self-confidence – as self-confidence rises people are more comfortable with work and with ‘change’. 5. When individuals know their organization is building a strengths-based business they – especially, the most-talented individuals - create efficiencies, leading by example: · measureable efficiencies, such as lower staff turnover rates, and · common-sense efficiencies such as less time wasted complaining. …leading performers tend to have strong personalities, which reflect their character – the visible result of their innate talents, values, and desires; leading performers become fully engaged when they know their strengths are recognized. 6. When individuals know their organization is building a strengths-based business they help the organization create a culture of self-motivation… when individuals’ talents are put to use they find it much easier to bring a smile to work – each smile is a reflection of confidence backed by natural talents. *** Natural Talent + Opportunity + Knowledge + Practised Skills STRENGTHS

## Power of Will & Spontaneous Creativity...aren't they the wonderful, bi-polar highlights of our human condition!
Date: 2020-08-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/power-of-will-spontaneous-creativityarent-they-the-wonderful-bi-polar-highlights-of-our-human-condition-2020/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Power of Will - a much-praised attribute and process of character ( willpower ). Creativity & Spontaneity - humour, music, art, & invention - these add magic to our lives. " Do you appreciate both? " " Do you balance both? "

## Expanding Good Habits: that is Life's Major Construction.
Date: 2020-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/expanding-good-habits-that-is-lifes-major-construction/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our Habits define us. Our Good Habits will be viewed positively by other people...assuming the other people are thoughtful and balanced . So, for the benefit of other people there is nothing more worthy of construction than Good Habits . And, by definition, Good Habits make us feel good because they align with our Goals . And finally, Bad Habits make no one feel good; they do the opposite; so, the more they are replaced with Good Habits the better.

## Fear is powerful. It is able to close our eyes and ears...and, sometimes, even our mouths.
Date: 2020-07-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/fear-is-powerful-it-is-able-to-close-our-eyes-and-earsand-sometimes-even-our-mouths/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It is interesting to observe, of all our faculties, our mouths are often the last to give in.

## Money- it can build confidence & quality character...but only if it is earned with effort, over time.
Date: 2020-07-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/money-it-can-build-true-confidence-quality-characterbut-only-if-it-is-earned-with-effort-over-time/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Money is an illustration of Value . Money is an extrinsic reward...something we give and get in exchange for other things and actions of Value. Extrinsic rewards are fleeting. So, money provides some short-term gratification then that gratification dissolves. When extrinsic rewards are received too quickly or in too-large amounts the gratification can become like an overdose drug...and dysfunctional behaviour follows...hubris, inflated ego, etc. When extrinsic rewards are received at a steady pace, in positive better-than-average amounts, the feeling of gratification is balanced...and this is comforting. One example of this comfort is the repeated confirmation that there is no need to fear poverty. And this sort of comfortable gratification feeds and grows self-confidence...which leads to enhancements of character. In this way, money earned over time can help a person build quality character.

## It's better when business solutions are less complicated than their problems.
Date: 2020-07-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-better-when-business-solutions-are-less-complicated-than-their-problems-solutions/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you cannot get your people to do what needs to be done, you are not alone. And, perhaps you are not in good company. Or, perhaps you need some straightforward help. Do not buy into the current trend of thinking that good solutions need to be complex. That's untested...unproven smoke-and-mirrors opinion. Consider Ockham's Razor .

## Small stuff is like a sponge. If you sweat over it long enough it becomes so big & heavy it drags you under.
Date: 2020-07-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/small-stuff-is-like-a-sponge-if-you-sweat-over-it-long-enough-it-becomes-so-big-heavy-it-drags-you-under/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When fear of failure prevails, it causes people to sweat the small stuff. Fear of Failure...one of the 6 Fears identified by Napoleon Hill in his classic ' Think and Grow Rich ', (1937).

## Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed.
Date: 2020-07-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/fear-is-the-darkroom-where-negatives-are-developed/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet I read that somewhere, many years ago. An interesting mind-picture. A metaphor true to our anxieties. We should avoid the darkrooms and the dark places where anxiety breeds; we should seek brilliance and concentrate on the brightest of lights. Franklin D. Roosevelt "...the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." [Perhaps inspired by, or even coined by, Napoleon Hill.]

## Baby steps of action pave the path to unshakable self-confidence.
Date: 2020-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/baby-steps-of-action-pave-the-path-to-unshakable-self-confidence/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We learn from our experiences. This learning grows experience by experience, piece by piece. And the more repetition of experience-pieces the stronger the learning. And, because we have gone through the learning process we know we know . When we know we know we become confident about our abilities. The more we know we know the greater the confidence. Simple repetition of properly-performed action steps are the key to self-confidence. We need to imagine future situations to determine the right action steps. That's the best path. However, if we are confused about the right action steps then we can perform the action steps we know we know ...and do them with mastery. Every one of us can do that!So, baby steps take every one of us toward unshakable self-confidence. Self-confidence is a process. We can design it. We can control it. We should all want to do that - self-confidence is a mindset to great value. George Washington "If we cannot learn wisdom from experience, it is hard to say where it is to be found."

## Our habits take us either toward or away from our goals.
Date: 2020-07-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/pervasive-habits-take-us-both-to-and-from-elusive-goals-habits/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Your choices, whether intentional or not, become your habits. Pervasive habits are like governors ...some good and some bad. The more elusive your goals, the more pervasive your bad habits. ...and, vice-cersa Paraphrasing Napoleon Hill - the wind can take you east or west, depending on how you set your sail .

## Should you celebrate your Good Habits more often?
Date: 2020-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-you-think-we-ought-to-celebrate-our-good-habits-more-often/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things. Urged on by well-meaning friends, not-so-well-meaning foes, and perfect-image TV commercials - People often agonize over their Bad Habits . Do you think People ought to cut back on that and celebrate their own Good Habits more often!

## Focusing on people's strengths helps them feel more engaged & motivated, which leads to increased profit.
Date: 2020-07-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/focusing-on-peoples-strengths-helps-them-feel-more-engaged-motivated-which-leads-to-increased-profit/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet How does that lead to more profit? If you can help people feel more engaged and motivated about their work, then: they are interested, so they concentrate better and make fewer errors, they are happier and have less interpersonal conflicts, they are happier and there is less staff turnover, they are more able to face challenges and embrace change. All of these things lead to increased profit. [and these are just a few examples of how strengths-based business leads to increased profit]

## If you want to change the world then spend 20 minutes a day working on self-understanding.
Date: 2020-07-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-change-the-world-then-spend-20-minutes-a-day-working-on-self-understanding-knowthyself/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The question was asked at the HBR LInkedIn group..." How can we change society? Just give one step which you feel will change society. " Change requires Courage . Change requires knowledge of self and knowledge of others. Change cascades like dominos: Courage Self-Knowledge Self-Education Self-Discipline Self-Change Self-Confidence Confidence in Others Teaching Others: Courage, Self-Knowledge, Self-Education, Self-Discipline, Self-Confidence Working With Others: Creating Change For The Better This is the stuff of leadership

## Biting your tongue just before it expresses something quite right but nonetheless doomed to be poorly received – that’s a good thing.
Date: 2020-07-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/biting-your-tongue-just-before-it-expresses-something-quite-right-but-nonetheless-doomed-to-be-poorly-received-thats-a-good-thing/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You can choose to adjust your personality so it is more pleasing and less annoying. Sometimes, the choice involves biting your tongue. Benjamin Franklin "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do."

## Do the right little things right.
Date: 2020-07-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-the-right-little-things-right-performance/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " If it's worth doing then it's worth doing right. " That's what our mothers and fathers taught us. Good advice. “ Go to the bottom of your business if you would climb to the top . Nothing is small which concerns your business. Master every detail. ” That's an excerpt from Orison Swett Marden's 1911 classic ' Pushing To The Front '. The devils are in the details...master every detail and remove the devils...more good advice. " Managers are people who do things right, while leaders are people who do the right thing ." Warren Bennis taught that. While we may not agree with drawing that boundary line between leaders and managers, we cannot argue the importance of doing the right things. So, Do The Right Little Things Right .

## The optimist probably are just as wrong as the pessimists...but optimists have more fun.
Date: 2020-07-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-optimist-may-be-just-as-wrong-as-the-pessimistbut-the-optimist-has-more-fun-abundance/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Just don’t let optimism get outside the bounds of realism.

## Perfectionist: someone who takes great pains…and gives them to others.
Date: 2020-07-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/perfectionist-someone-who-takes-great-pains-and-gives-same-to-others/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Perfectionists have trouble finishing. That becomes a problem when others rely on them. Leo Tolstoy "If you look for perfection, you'll never be content."

## The thicker the explanation the less absorbent the message.
Date: 2020-07-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-thicker-the-explanation-the-less-absorbent-the-message-brevity/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If that explanation you're hearing just don't make no sense and the explanations that follow make even less sense... methinks the person doth communicate too much. Alexander Hamilton "The obscurity is more often in the passions and prejudices of the reasoner than in the subject."

## Focus on the goal and move beyond the obstacles; Move beyond the obstacles and focus on the goal.
Date: 2020-07-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/focus-on-the-goal-and-move-beyond-the-obstacles-move-beyond-the-obstacles-and-focus-on-the-goal/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet There's an interesting relationship between goals and problems : if we focus on problems, we can bet side-tracked and stall out before we achieve goals if we focus on goals, we build momentum and confidence...and do a better job tackling problems When we think beyond problems - when we desire success and focus thought on goals - we have an easier time handling problems. *** Problems are inevitable, goals are not.

## We can alter our emotions. We can, for example, reduce the emotion of anger from high to low.
Date: 2020-07-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-can-alter-our-emotions-we-can-for-example-reduce-the-emotion-of-anger-from-high-to-low/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet In his 1918 classic, ' The Greatest Thing In The World ', Henry Drummond wrote, " Hence it is not enough to deal with Temper. We must go to the source, and change the inmost nature, and the angry humours will die away of themselves. " This is true. It is not easy to do, but it can be done. I know from first-hand experience. We can alter our emotional reactions, at least some of them. If anger is one of our natural emotions, and some of us do tend to be that way, we can take steps, over time, to reduce that natural emotion. We know we have reduced our anger-emotion when we no longer feel the chemicals like adrenalin and cortisol flowing.

## Emotions wrap themselves tightly around thoughts about pain from loss...squeezing logic out. Work to loosen their grip.
Date: 2020-07-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/emotions-wrap-themselves-tightly-around-thoughts-about-pain-from-losssqueezing-logic-out-work-to-loosen-their-grip/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The emotions and feelings around loss weigh in heavier than the emotions and feelings around gain. Psychologists' experiments confirm we place much higher value on avoiding the pain of loss than we place on obtaining the pleasure of gain. This defies logic. But - let's not forget - logic-defiance is the territory of emotions and the feelings they bring.

## Keep your chin up...especially when things are a pain in the neck.
Date: 2020-07-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/keep-your-chin-upespecially-when-things-are-a-pain-in-the-neck/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Of course, take this much more figuratively than literally.

## ...the parasites live where the great have little secret sores."
Date: 2020-07-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-parasites-live-where-the-great-have-little-secret-sores/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet According to history or legend, when the great Henry Ford was caught in a very compromising situation he said, " Never complain, never explain ". We cannot believe everything we read, so - perhaps Henry Ford was never in that compromising situation and even if he was perhaps he never said that never-never quip. And, perhaps Henry Ford was simply making timely use of the wisdom expressed earlier by the great British statesman, Benjamin Disraeli? Regardless, Disraeli or Ford or both, " Never complain, never explain " makes for an interesting story-example of what makes great men great. PS: " ...the parasites live where the great have little secret sores ." Many people have a negative impression of Friedrich Nietzsche. I'm not one of them. Just after Disraeli's death, when Ford was a young man, Nietzsche wrote those words. [' Thus Spoke Zarathustra '...written in 4 parts, during the 1880's]

## It's easy to make a significant change: just tell everyone you have developed an electricity intolerance.
Date: 2020-07-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-easy-to-make-a-significant-change-just-tell-everyone-you-have-developed-an-electricity-intolerance/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sure, change is tough. But you gotta look on the bright side: if you don't like that last suggestion - when the urge to change gets too annoying, you can always watch a TV rerun. Now, do you see the benefit in the power of positive thinking?

## Hope is a waking dream much craved by people.
Date: 2020-07-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/hope-is-a-waking-dream-much-craved-by-people-vision/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Aristotle said, "Hope is a waking dream." People want hope; people follow dreams. *** Regardless, Hope stands in the shadow of the elite state of mind known as Belief. If Hope is a waking dream then Belief is the inspirational call-to-action.

## High self-esteem increases one's appetite for risk; appetite stimulates initiative; initiative stimulates action.
Date: 2020-07-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/high-self-esteem-increases-ones-appetite-for-risk-appetite-stimulates-initiative/ | Categories: Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If we work at maintaining high-enough-but-not-excessive self-esteem then we automatically build personal initiative. We also automatically gain more appetite for risk...and comfort with change. That's one little explanation of why it is important to have Thick Skin .

## Up-skill the hands that use your finest business tools; make master craftsmanship a top priority.
Date: 2020-07-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/up-skill-the-hands-that-use-your-finest-business-tools-make-master-craftsmanship-a-top-priority-2020/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Failure isn't caused by lack of talent, it's caused by discouraged thoughts and words. Practice makes perfect. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. Strength = Talent + Opportunity + Focused Knowledge + Skill through practice.

## Forget your mistakes…right after you learn from them.
Date: 2020-07-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/forget-your-mistakesright-after-you-learn-from-them/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some say, " Forget your mistakes ". That's not good advice. Our brains are powerful machines, designed to remember, not to forget. Why waste brain-energy fighting the natural flow? Invest brain-energy learning from mistakes and then celebrate that learning.

## Work performances are mirrored in work feelings. Work feelings are windows to Talents & Strengths.
Date: 2020-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/work-performances-are-mirrored-in-work-feelings-work-feelings-are-windows-to-talents-strengths/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet As a rule, you don't see happy faces when people are struggling with their work. As a rule, you don't see unhappy faces when people are doing a good job. When put to good use, personal talents & strengths generate two things: positive body language and quality work results. Abraham Lincoln "Every man is proud of what he does well; and no man is proud of what he does not do well. With the former, his heart is in his work; and he will do twice as much of it with less fatigue. The latter performs a little imperfectly, looks at it in disgust, turns from it, and imagines himself exceedingly tired. The little he has done, comes to nothing, for want of finishing."

## "Courage begets strength, fear begets weakness. And so courage begets success, fear begets failure."
Date: 2020-07-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-begets-strength-fear-begets-weakness-and-so-courage-begets-success-fear-begets-failure/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Ralph Waldo Trine wrote that in 1896. We don't use the word 'begets' too often any more. However, the logic of the old words still rings true. The quote is an illustration of why Spirited Leaders value Courage.

## How do we rebuild trust? One small, well-thought-out, personal, positive step at a time.
Date: 2020-07-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-we-rebuild-trust-one-small-well-thought-out-personal-positive-step-at-a-time/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Maybe you care about the damage trust has experienced? Maybe you want to repair that damage? Maybe you do not know how?

## People know what's going on in my head...my thoughts are important to them...time for my wake-up call.
Date: 2020-07-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-know-whats-going-on-in-my-head-my-thoughts-are-important-to-them-time-for-my-wake-up-call/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you think communication is easy and yours is very successful, you're dreaming.

## Make things as simple as wisdom allows.
Date: 2020-06-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/make-things-as-simple-as-wisdom-allows/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Simplicity, by definition, offers understanding: Obvious Adams showed us how . Wisdom, by definition, offers greater understanding: Ockham provided a razor . Seek Simple ...and let Wisdom set your boundaries.

## Change happens when people experience New Things….as in 'Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things'
Date: 2020-06-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/change-happens-when-people-experience-new-things-as-in-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet And, those 3 things - that’s all people do. People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, New Things. Here's a link to explain the thinking .

## "Man was born into fear in that he was born into a world of which most of the energies were set against him."
Date: 2020-06-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/man-was-born-into-fear-in-that-he-was-born-into-a-world-of-which-most-of-the-energies-were-set-against-him/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet An interesting quote from [Canadian-born] Basil King's ' The Conquest of Fear ', (1921) Yes - most of the energies we experience are set against us…but, fortunately, (1) not the most-important one & (2) we have managed to partially-harness some of those set-against-us energies and put them to good use [as examples: fire & heat, electricity & magnetism, wind and solar energy].

## How do you psych yourself up for that really important sales call? Special clothes? Self-talk? Loud music?
Date: 2020-06-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-you-psych-yourself-up-for-that-really-important-sales-call-special-clothes-self-talk-loud-music/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Sales, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind the Tweet The sales gurus have lots of ideas. But, never mind that for now. This Sales Tweet is about self-analysis . What do you do to psych yourself up when lots of chips are on the buyer-seller table? Think about each thing you do and when you do it. Think about the details of these things. Get a piece of paper and write down at least 3 things. Think about - WHY?

## It's tough to enjoy the humour at your office when it all happens behind your back.
Date: 2020-06-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-cannot-know-the-humour-at-your-office-when-it-all-happens-behind-your-back/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The missed-joys of bad-boss oblivion, when ignorance creates behind-the-back bliss. What you don't know can be damned funny. What you don't know won't hurt you...well, at least not directly.

## Emotions wrap themselves tightly around thoughts about pain of loss...squeezing logic out.
Date: 2020-06-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/emotions-wrap-themselves-tightly-around-thoughts-about-pain-of-losssqueezing-logic-out/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The emotions around loss weigh in heavier than the emotions around gain. Psychologists' experiments confirm we place much higher value on avoiding the pain of loss than we place on obtaining the pleasure of gain. This defies logic. But - let's not forget - logic-defiance is the territory of emotions.

## Strong leaders excel at using their talents, knowledge, and skills. Strong Leaders influence others to do that same thing.
Date: 2020-06-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/strong-leaders-excel-at-using-their-talents-knowledge-and-skills-strong-leaders-influence-others-to-do-that-same-thing/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Influencing, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Strength = Innate Talent [as signalled by STRENGTHSFINDER Top 5 Talent Themes] + Opportunity [which leaders are obligated to provide to self and others] + Specialized Knowledge [of the details of the plan and the work processes…and about the people and the situations the people face] + Practised Skills [as Malcolm Gladwell teaches, think in terms of at least 10,000 hours to master the tasks that make up a business role] Influence = the essence of Leadership

## 2 types of people succeed in business: (1) those who naturally 'get it' and (2) those who observe well & learn.
Date: 2020-06-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/2-types-of-people-succeed-in-business-1-those-who-naturally-get-it-and-2-those-who-observe-well-learn/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Hero Worship, Succession, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet There are only 2 types of people who experience meaningful success in business: Those few, the intuitive, who somehow naturally 'get it' and 'seek & solve' their way for as long as it takes to obtain success. Those few who observe and attend to mentors [who are willing to help them], emulate heroes' best qualities and sooner or later, after much work, 'get it'. In business, no other types of people achieve meaningful success.

## People pass lie detector tests 2 ways: telling the truth and lying while believing the test won't work.
Date: 2020-06-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-pass-lie-detector-tests-2-ways-telling-the-truth-and-lying-while-believing-the-test-wont-work/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet I am pleased to confirm I have no first-hand experience to prove this is a fact. I am basing this tweet on things experts have written. Experts say… If one is telling the truth then one feels no fear. When one feels no fear a lie detector will not register any of the automatic physical reactions the body experiences in reaction to fear. If one does not believe the lie detector test will work then one experiences no fear so, again, the lie detector test registers no ‘fear reactions’. What’s the point? There are at least 3: Belief is a powerful tool…as Napoleon Hill said, “What the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve.” The human body reacts automatically to situations – particularly, stressful situations. However, these automatic reactions can be controlled. There is no more astonishing example than the Navy SEAL example . Obviously, lie detectors can provide a great deal of great fun…however; we recommend you experience them in places not called the ‘Interrogation Room’.

## People with lesser ambitions should not impress their non-champion beliefs on champions or other more-confident competitors.
Date: 2020-06-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-with-lesser-ambitions-should-not-impress-their-non-champion-beliefs-on-champions-or-other-more-confident-competitors/ | Categories: Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If everyone watered down their self-confidence in an effort to conform to the average then every competition would end in an across-the-board tie...with everyone finishing either first or last. [First? or Last?...what a conundrum...with everyone average there would be no pessimists or optimists to argue one way or the other.]

## Using talent and venting strengths...that’s self-expression at its best.
Date: 2020-06-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/using-talent-and-venting-strengthsthats-self-expression-at-its-best/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Talents + Opportunities + Specialized Knowledge + Practiced Skills = Personal Strengths Venting our Personal Strengths - that's ' people-excellence '.

## Accept the fact things will go awry: appreciate that provides opportunity to build courage and confidence.
Date: 2020-06-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/accept-the-fact-things-will-go-awry-appreciate-that-provides-opportunity-to-build-courage-and-confidence/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Nothing meaningful happens without stress. Stress, when coupled with positive mindsets, invokes the wonderful things that bring about courage.

## Once upon a time there were no walls. People must have beat their heads against something else.
Date: 2020-06-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/once-upon-a-time-there-were-no-walls-people-must-have-beat-their-heads-against-something-else/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you are beating your head against a wall the first thing to do is recognize, your head doesn't fare well when you pit it against a wall. Heads don't fare well when you beat it against walls. If you saw others beating their heads against walls, would you join them? Walls versus Heads...the smart money is on Walls. ...all of this in support of changing for the better .

## Think in new ways; think in good old ways...just don't waste time dabbling in-between.
Date: 2020-06-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/think-in-new-ways-think-in-good-old-waysjust-dont-waste-time-dabbling-in-between/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Wisdom survives the test of time . Curiosity & Creativity are essential things. It's the stuff in-between that wastes time, injures attitude, and accomplishes little.

## Without stress there can be no Self-confidence.
Date: 2020-06-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/without-stress-there-can-be-no-self-confidence/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Self-confidence is built, over time, as stressful thoughts and situations are faced and dealt with. 'Stressors' bring learning experiences that test self-confidence. The capacity to handle situations expands with experience. As increasingly-stressful learning experiences are handled, self-confidence grows. Without successful handling of stressors self-confidence has no chance to grow. [Avoidance may provide relief but it works against self-confidence.] [Unsuccessful efforts at handling stressors may injure self-confidence...but, only if you let it...failures provide the opportunity to figure out 'better ways'...sooner or later 'better ways' lead to successful outcomes and then self-confidence grows.]

## When you are beating your head against an unbudging brick wall, don't make your next decision another bad one.
Date: 2020-06-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-are-beating-your-head-against-an-unbudging-brick-wall-dont-make-your-next-decision-another-bad-one/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Common sense sends strong suggestions to direct our thoughts. We just need to allow them to sink in and register.

## Why can't the glass be both half-full and half-empty?
Date: 2020-06-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-question-should-be-is-the-glass-half-full-and-half-empty/ | Categories: Optimism & Pessimism, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Is your glass at least half-full and half-empty? Rather than limit people to 2 ways of thinking and claiming one is optimistic and the other pessimistic, we ought to encourage people to view Situations and People's actions from multiple perspectives ...by, for example, encouraging people to use tools like Edward de Bono's ' Six Thinking Hats '. In some Situations , it is appropriate to consider what has been added while in others it is appropriate to consider what has been subtracted. Sometimes we need to consider possibilities. Other times we need to identify the need for urgent action. This goes beyond optimism, pessimism, and realism . While that 'mindset' differentiation may be important, with people or with situations, it also may not be important. Situations & People deserve a lot more thinking than optimism/pessimism tests. PS: That glass-half-full-glass-half-empty saying has always annoyed me. It is too cliché and it puts people into a 2-dimensional box when all of us know we live in at least a 3-dimensional world.

## A person who chases two rabbits is 'too busy' to catch either.
Date: 2020-06-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-person-who-chases-two-rabbits-is-too-busy-to-catch-either/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Playing with the ancient wisdom of Confucius... “He who chases two rabbits, captures neither.” You don't have to chase two rabbits to be too busy. There's plenty of other ways to multi-task your way into feeling then complaining about being too busy.

## Plan to repeat, repeat, repeat...that's one key to teaching, inspiring, & influencing people.
Date: 2020-06-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/plan-to-repeat-repeat-repeatthats-one-key-to-teaching-inspiring-influencing-people/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Hero Worship, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." Benjamin Franklin When we observe repetition, we learn. When we repeat, others have the opportunity to learn.

## Disorganized people are too busy because they repeat their problems and their tasks.
Date: 2020-06-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/disorganized-people-are-too-busy-because-they-are-repeat-the-workers/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Disorganized people make more errors, cause more distractions, and tend to annoy more-organized people. Disorganized people are work expanders. Disorganized people are work repeaters. Disorganized people think they are too busy.... they blame Time when the real culprit is their personal disorganization/mayhem.

## Primate evolution!  We enjoy the benefits of both opposing thumbs and blame-pointing fingers.
Date: 2020-06-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/evolution-we-enjoy-the-benefits-of-both-opposing-thumbs-and-blame-pointing-fingers/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our fingers naturally point outwards. Perhaps, that's why we point at others when it's time to place blame .

## Even if that cloud doesn't have a silver lining it still might bring a rainbow.
Date: 2020-06-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/even-if-that-cloud-doesnt-have-a-silver-lining-it-might-bring-a-rainbow/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet While I have never explored the interior of clouds to discern whether or not they are actually silver...I have marveled at the majesty of rainbows. [Perhaps that's not too bad for a half-colour-blind guy who studied math and engineering.] [[...now about that visible light spectrum]]

## I developed a serious interest in other people ... in less than 6 decades.
Date: 2020-06-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/i-developed-a-serious-interest-in-other-people-in-less-than-5-decades/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet From a very early age, I noticed people making mistakes . I didn't just notice it. Their mistakes scraped in my ears, seared my eyes, and caused me all sorts of other discomfort, anxiety, and annoyance. But, in less than 6 decades I managed to get beyond the constant barrage of other people's errors...and, when all the dust cleared, I found myself truly interested in other people.

## No means No!    (...well maybe we need to think a bit more on that!)
Date: 2020-06-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/no-means-no-well-maybe-we-need-to-think-a-bit-more-on-that/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Family Business and CFFB, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When I was a kid I heard the word "No" so much I expected to hear it, as a matter of habit . When I was a kid I was told to say "Yes" so much I started to say it, as a matter for habit. I've been spending time throughout the rest of my life figuring out how to respond "No" when my little internal voice automatically prompts me to say "Yes" when I really wish I was saying "No".

## I'm annoyed by that cliché, 'skin in the game'. I want to hear more about skull in the game.
Date: 2020-06-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/im-annoyed-by-that-cliche-skin-in-the-game-i-want-to-hear-more-about-skull-in-the-game/ | Categories: Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Let's forget about putting money in & getting that pound of flesh and set our sights a bit higher...that is, let's concentrate on kilograms of neurons packaged in open-minded skulls. It is time we started to recognize the attributes delivered in the form of thick skin and thin skulls .

## If you want to influence others, communicate your interests before making requests.
Date: 2020-06-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-influence-others-communicate-your-interests-before-making-requests-communication/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet 2 important things to Communicate: Interest - WHY I'm doing something. Intent - WHAT I'm wanting to do. Communicating our Interests . Communicating our Intent . Good Habits to do.

## Bad habits make no one feel good.
Date: 2020-06-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bad-habits-make-no-one-feel-good/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Taking us away from our goals...annoying us and annoying other people. That's the essence, the definition, of Bad Habits .

## None of us can forecast the future: the best we can do is predict...do our best...then deal with actual situations.
Date: 2020-06-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/none-of-us-can-forecast-the-future-the-best-we-can-do-is-predictdo-our-bestthen-deal-with-actual-situations/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet About Planning: Why plan? Who should plan? etc. Predict! When the word 'plan' [as in 'strategic plan'] annoys people, don't argue it or fight it. Choose to use the word 'predict'.

## Invest the time it takes to understand people. Understanding provides for trust, motivation, & leadership.
Date: 2020-05-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/invest-the-time-it-takes-to-understand-people-understanding-provides-for-trust-motivation-leadership/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Influencing, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet In part, inspired by a re-reading of Michael Gerber's ' The E-Myth Revisited '. Pick a demographic - learn its psychographics - and don't forget, we're dealing with people...not statistics. Of course, there's a softer side and a more-important justification. Only when we understand others are we able to help them. [Without such understanding we ramble along, at best, half-helping ourselves.]

## The cornerstone of our personality, our mental attitude, shows up as the general flavour of our thoughts.
Date: 2020-05-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-cornerstone-of-our-personality-our-mental-attitude-shows-up-as-the-general-flavour-of-our-thoughts/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We can choose from 3 mental-attitude flavours: Positivity , Negativity , & Indifference. Positivity is the best flavour...a rich flavour in many ways. Negativity can be hard to swallow...but, at least, it gives you something to argue against. Indifference - so bland it's not worth writing about.

## A Baker's Thought: It's easy to eat a cake, it's harder to make one, and it's even harder to create a cake recipe.
Date: 2020-05-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-bakers-thought-its-easy-to-eat-a-cake-its-harder-to-make-one-and-its-even-harder-to-create-a-cake-recipe/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you don't see any cakes, check first to see if your people have cake recipes. Another Baker's Thought: Most of the time when people don't do what you expect it is because they do not know how! [Don't Tell them To - Show them How] *** Now see, I do listen. Not as often as I should. Not as well as I should. It's a process...

## Why are some people so inclined to be morale busters at work? And - How might we help them get over it?
Date: 2020-05-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-are-some-people-so-inclined-to-be-morale-busters-at-work-and-how-might-we-help-them-get-over-it-2020/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I want to create a Top 10 list of ways to help morale-busting people get over whatever it is that causes them to want to spread negativity at work. I am not talking about people who express concerns openly, in front of those who they blame for this or that. I am talking about people who do their complaining behind the backs of the people about whom they complain. I'd like to create a list of the Top 10 Remedies for Behind-the-Back Complaints. Any help you can provide will be appreciated... Here's one - Ask people to accept an environment where others can, without risk, openly express concerns about one another directly to one another. And, if that doesn't work the concern be escalated to the boss or the 'team'.must Thick-skinned people can handle both sides of that approach. Do you agree?

## Influence/lead/manage yourself if you wish to influence/lead/manage others.
Date: 2020-05-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/influenceleadmanage-yourself-if-you-wish-to-influenceleadmanage-others/ | Categories: Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Do what I say not what I do just doesn't cut it. Probably, most of us can remember incidents when we were children and adults in positions of authority gave us instructions that they themselves did not follow. To the extent that happened, we learned to resist instructions that came to us as do what I say not what I do. As we gained experience and confidence our resistance to these inconsistent demands increased. Now, we have much trouble following instructions from people who do not lead by example. And, we distrust those who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk.

## Disciplined thoughts lead to successful actions.
Date: 2020-05-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/disciplined-thoughts-lead-to-successful-actions/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Or, we could just leave things to chance and self-confidence...however, at the very least, that would deprive us of the pleasure associated with the cause and effect between our thoughts ( causes ) and our achievements ( effects ).

## Criticism is a contagious thing...it's the polar opposite of 'Pay It Forward'.
Date: 2020-05-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/criticism-is-a-contagious-thingits-the-polar-opposite-of-pay-it-forward/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we criticize others they tend to carry on the tradition by criticizing the people the encounter...they criticize the person in front of them in the Tim Horton's drive-thru or their children who are not taking homework quite seriously enough, etc., etc., ad nauseam . All of us seem to be hard-wired to be critical of others...at least, the vast majority of us seem to possess and illustrate this human condition. Despite that fact, very few of us find value in receiving criticism. Very few of us indeed... Regardless of how we deliver and receive criticism from others, most people - when you cut through their external facade: whether arrogant, or brave, or puzzled, or aggrieved most people - are quite critical of themselves. We should neither forget nor underestimate this aversion to criticism. Even people who are very tough on themselves don't like it when others treat them that way.

## If you are not ready to change then don't waste energy complaining.
Date: 2020-05-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-are-not-ready-to-change-then-dont-waste-energy-complaining/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you are ready to change then perhaps complaining does some good: it could help you clarify the nature of the change you need to make; it could generate some constructive feedback to help you plan your change...etc.

## Good leaders don't drive people; good leaders fuel the drive in people.
Date: 2020-05-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-leaders-dont-drive-people-good-leaders-fuel-the-drive-in-people/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Performance is about desire and drive. Enthusiasm takes energy. Leaders are uniquely positioned to fuel the drive in people. Leaders have the power to re-spark fires.

## If today you can't find time to do things right then tomorrow you will find time to do them again.
Date: 2020-05-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-today-you-cant-find-time-to-do-things-right-then-tomorrow-you-will-find-time-to-do-them-again-procrastination/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Have you ever noticed - the people who complain the loudest about having no time tend to spend far more time than others spend fixing errors and redoing work?

## Some people take the same route to work every day...if that route is blocked, they cannot find a way to work.
Date: 2020-05-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-people-take-the-same-route-to-work-every-dayif-that-route-is-blocked-they-dont-get-to-work/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Human Beings all creatures of habit. While considering our goals we always have many routes to achieve them. However, sometimes we just cannot look ahead and see new routes. We become victims of our situations , stalled in the present, stalled in the problem.

## About Influencing Powerful People - #2
Date: 2020-05-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-influencing-powerful-people-2/ | Categories: Borrowing Brilliance, Family Business and CFFB, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Here's a quote from Dirk Schlimm, clarifying his perspective on 'Powerful People' - “Depending on where you are, the managing director of your local subsidiary, the head of your finance department, the influential member of your board, the critical donor in your charity, or the owner of your small business may be just as powerful in your setting as a corporate tycoon in someone else’s.” One implication for family businesses - The leader of your family business may be just as powerful in your setting as a corporate tycoon in someone else’s.

## Don’t blame ‘lack of time’ when the real culprit is personal disorganization and self-imposed mayhem.
Date: 2020-05-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-blame-lack-of-time-when-the-real-culprit-is-personal-disorganization-and-self-imposed-mayhem/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Hero Worship, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you free up a few moments, step back, ask yourself "How much time do I have?" , and spend some quality time thinking before answering you just might find: You have only the present time, just like everyone else on the planet. Just like every other person on the planet, you really have no clue about how much time you have beyond the present moment. If you think you don't have time you are right....at least from 2 perspectives: Like Henry Ford , paraphrased, "If you think you do or don't have time you're right." As any good philosopher or physicist will tell you - Time is an abstract concept...offering nothing tangible for you to possess .

## Communication band-aids don't solve the discomfort of negative thinking.
Date: 2020-05-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/negative-thinking-cannot-be-band-aided-into-insignificance-it-is-a-thick-multi-layered-multi-textured-problem-2020/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Optimism & Pessimism, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Shape up, Man, you gotta improve your attitude! Great advice in theory - useless advice in reality. If you want to help people with negative thinking , think first about your own attitude, thoughts and action then learn how to improve by replacing negative thinking with new thoughts.

## Only tiny creatures perceive molehills as mountains.
Date: 2020-05-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/only-tiny-creatures-perceive-molehills-as-mountains/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Moles are small creatures and they make small hills. If you perceive a molehill to be a mountain then you must be much smaller than a mole...you must be a tiny creature indeed.

## Note to Self: Today I will not jump to any obtusions.
Date: 2020-05-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/note-to-self-today-i-will-not-jump-to-any-obtusions/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Justification: really, I won't be giving up anything of value; nobody will miss my obtusions.

## Ambiguity poisons profitability.
Date: 2020-05-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ambiguity-poisons-profitability/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Leaders' Thoughts, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Confused sellers struggle to sell. Confused buyers struggle to buy. Confused technicians struggle to perform. In so many ways, ambiguity thwarts the possibility of earning profits. Curiosity & Attention to Detail ...big parts of the cure.

## If we just had some clone spray then we could all communicate better.
Date: 2020-05-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/clones-know-how-to-communicate-thats-so-obvious-if-we-had-clone-spray-then-we-could-communicate-better/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Expanding on the good work of Thought Tweet #718 ... When people don't 'get us' [or 'get it'] we could clone-spray them. Then we would not have to waste a bunch of time repeating and repeating ourselves until they finally understand us. We wouldn't have to raise our voices to help them think more clearly. Similarly, they could clone spray us before they tried to tell us stuff...and we would finally be able to understand what they keep repeating. That's So Obvious! Wait a second. There could be some complications...some contraindications...nasty side-effects. We could end up with Wild-West style shootouts where the fastest draw becomes the winner of every communication. Or, sneak-up-and-spray pre-emptive strikes. And what about hired gun clone-sprayers. Damn...maybe clone spray isn't such a good idea after all.

## Better to climb mountains in your mind than on the back of your donkey-ego.
Date: 2020-05-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/better-to-climb-mountains-in-your-mind-than-on-the-back-of-your-donkey-ego/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Humour, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet May your molehills remain molehills and may your ego choose molehills over mountain climbing. Refuse to allow your ego to join the mule trains climbing those mountains!

## Your brand starts with your character and the culture you breed: your brand stalls or flourishes there.
Date: 2020-05-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/your-brand-starts-with-your-character-and-the-culture-you-breed-your-brand-stalls-or-flourishes-there/ | Categories: Master Rules, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet A brand isn't a cute visual. A brand isn't a catchy logo or a slick tag line. A brand cannot pretty up a flawed character or a troubling culture . When testing new branding, take a step back and look at your personal character and your business culture. Do they pass the litmus test? Do they render an investment in 'branding' worthwhile? Or, do they neuter your branding expenditures?

## Communication Russian Roulette: shooting off your mouth, ignorant of what your brain has placed in the cylinder behind your muzzle.
Date: 2020-05-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-russian-roulette-shooting-off-your-mouth-ignorant-of-what-your-brain-has-placed-in-the-cylinder-behind-your-muzzle/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You meet people whose brain-to-mouth filters fail on a regular basis. And you see the damage happening in real time: damage to themselves, damage to others.

## When we look outward and feel things are beyond our control it is most difficult to look inward and muster self-control.
Date: 2020-05-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-we-look-outward-and-feel-things-are-beyond-our-control-it-is-most-difficult-to-look-inward-and-muster-self-control/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some situations seem to be beyond our control. In fact, some situations are beyond our control . Other situations just appear to be beyond our control. Regardless, really beyond our control or appearing beyond our control - these are the situations that put our self-control to the toughest test. When our locus of control is tested, so is our self-control. We do better when we anticipate these situations and prepare, in our minds, for them.

## Communication is like a paper-towel paradox: the thicker the explanation the less absorbent the message.
Date: 2020-05-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-is-like-a-paper-towel-paradox-the-thicker-the-explanation-the-less-absorbent-the-message/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If it don't make sense and the explanations that follow make even less sense... methinks the person doth protest too much . When you mess up a communication - stop, think, accept the burden of error, and speak concisely, with clarity.

## Ancient communication wisdom: Catcheth thou and stoppeth thou before thou doth protest too much.
Date: 2020-05-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ancient-communication-wisdom-catcheth-thou-and-stoppeth-thou-before-thou-doth-protest-too-much/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet There's a good reason why Shakespeare put that " doth protest too much " line in Hamlet. Many people are unable to express an objection and leave it at that. Rather, many people express an objection and go on and on...providing either gory details or more examples, or both. Now I must stop here before I too doth protest too much... ...it would, for example, be wrong to deliver a ripe example of this I witnessed as recently as...

## In small doses anxiety energizes and hones focus. In large doses anxiety becomes a demon that destroys quality of life.
Date: 2020-05-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-small-doses-anxiety-energizes-and-hones-focus-in-large-doses-anxiety-becomes-a-demon-that-destroys-quality-of-life/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Anxiety is part of our lives. Anxiety is laced with rumination about past mistakes and problems or worry about future mistakes and problems. In small doses anxiety helps us overcome difficulties, which leads to the building of confidence . In large doses anxiety can overwhelm us, leading to avoidance lack of confidence and even depression. One key to success: when anxiety is triggered begin by taking on little challenges. that will help you gain the confidence you will require when you face larger challenges.

## A thin skull allows important stuff to get in easier.
Date: 2020-05-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-thin-skull-allows-important-stuff-to-get-in-easier/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Humour, Solutions & Opportunities, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Mistakes bang into and bounce off thick skulls . This annoys Mistakes because their role is teaching lessons. The problem is: When thick skulls won't let them in Mistakes cannot teach lessons to thick-skulled brains. So Mistakes keep coming back, knocking on thick skulls over and over and over again. While Mistakes are born to be great teachers, over time they tend to develop an uppity attitude and a nasty sense of humour. Even when they've given up on teaching well-concealed brains Mistakes have no desire to stop knocking on the thick skulls that house those brains. The key foresight point is: We can count on Mistakes to come back over and over again to knock on our skulls if we keep them thick. The bottom line is: As long as our skulls remain thick we will never have the opportunity to learn the lessons taught by Mistakes.

## Recipe for Complication: mix up some simple things, set basic courtesy on the back burner, & watch people get heated up.
Date: 2020-05-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/recipe-for-complication-mix-up-some-simple-things-set-basic-courtesy-on-the-back-burner-watch-people-get-heated-up/ | Categories: Humour, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we do simple things right we pave smoother paths. When we are courteous or at least civil with others we pave smoother paths. When we do not do these things we should expect a rough road ahead.

## We can choose to multi-task and struggle or we can choose to task-multi and win.
Date: 2020-05-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-can-choose-to-multi-task-and-struggle-or-we-can-choose-to-task-multi-and-win/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If we try to cram multiple pieces of work into a time frame we lose focus and dilute concentration . The result is, at best, a mediocre pile of lower-calibre work. If we focus our efforts to generate a single excellent result from a single piece of work during that time frame, we have the potential for work mastery . If plan how to generate multiple future results from a single piece of work then focus our efforts to generate a single piece of work during that time frame, we have the potential to create excellent work and accomplish much more. We can, for example, build excellent things once and sell them many times. And, we can deliver huge value.

## Trust your gut feel...after all, the fast food industry trusts your gut feel.
Date: 2020-05-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/trust-your-gut-feelafter-all-the-fast-food-industry-trusts-your-gut-feel/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes your gut feel gets you into trouble...despite the warning signs from your tightening belt.

## Give yourself injections of that oxymoron, Constructive Criticism
Date: 2020-05-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/give-yourself-injections-of-that-oxymoron-constructive-criticism/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Create a Do It Yourself Hormesis Program , aimed at thickening your skin and building your tolerance for other people's shortcomings. CAUTION : If you are like most people then your initial tolerance for criticism will be unbelievably low...so start with very low doses of self-criticism. And, build the doses up slowly over time...until you are able to face your screaming vein-bulging face in the mirror.

## Loose lips sink ships…Loose cannons sink 'em too.
Date: 2020-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-loose-lips-sink-ships-loose-cannons-sink-em-too/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Loose Cannons Fire At Will...and they fire at pretty much everyone else within earshot and nearshot . Loose cannons get unhinged before you can blink and they blast-fire with little or no warning. Sometimes their pins slip and they tilt and blow the planks right from under your feet...leaving you with nothing to stand on. And, sometimes, after repetitive volleys they cause your ship to list, take on water, and maybe even sink. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for loose cannons. When you hear them rumbling around and exploding, take corrective measures...for the sake of ship safety and security.

## When they are messing on the floor, sometimes you just gotta put down your newspaper.
Date: 2020-04-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-they-are-messing-on-the-floor-sometimes-you-just-gotta-put-down-your-newspaper/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It actually happened just after the turn of the century...amidst double entendre & a wicked sense of humour .

## May your ego refuse to jump over molehills to join the mule trains climbing all those mountains!
Date: 2020-04-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/may-your-ego-refuse-to-jump-over-molehills-to-join-the-mule-trains-climbing-all-those-mountains/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes those little voices in our heads goad us into thoughts and actions that really defy logic. Deep down we know the thoughts and actions are tainted and flawed, yet we allow them to grow and swell and sometimes get way out of control. Sometimes we set aside all the good advice our mothers worked so hard to teach: for example, if you can't say something nice... Sometimes we forget constructive criticism is an oxymoron .

## Maybe, curiosity kills cats; definitely, curiosity motivates people.
Date: 2020-04-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/maybe-curiosity-kills-cats-definitely-curiosity-motivates-people/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Perhaps, many animals are curious . Certainly, some are...cats have a reputation for it. Human beings must be the most curious animal on Earth. Curiosity is in our DNA. Curiosity is the root of innovation , invention , and creativity . [I don't think curiosity kills cats...it just makes them very interesting.]

## 100 grams of planning are worth a tonne of excuses.
Date: 2020-04-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/100-grams-of-planning-is-worth-a-tonne-of-excuses/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Business Plan: Writing Plans, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some things are worthy of forethought. Some things are worthy of planning . Some situations can and should be anticipated.

## Mediocrity muffles motivation
Date: 2020-04-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mediocrity-muffles-motivation/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you want to reduce the sounds coming from the power of an automobile engine, you use a muffler. When you want to stifle motivation you can muffle it with mediocrity . Nothing lulls motivation to sleep like a blanket of mediocrity.

## Trust is Influence's sweet spot.
Date: 2020-04-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/trust-is-influences-sweet-spot/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If a tennis racquet can have a sweet spot, so can Influence . If you wanted to pave the path for Influence and you could only have one thing... *** From Wikipedia... "In a social context, trust has several connotations. Definitions of trust typically refer to a situation characterised by the following aspects: One party (trustor) is willing to rely on the actions of another party (trustee); the situation is directed to the future. In addition, the trustor (voluntarily or forcedly) abandons control over the actions performed by the trustee. As a consequence, the trustor is uncertain about the outcome of the other's actions; they can only develop and evaluate expectations. The uncertainty involves the risk of failure or harm to the trustor if the trustee will not behave as desired." *** But... How to build trust? ...Living with Integrity is a very good start.

## Respond to cries for help with listening ears, seeing eyes and thinking brains...rather than with your cries for help..
Date: 2020-04-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/respond-to-cries-for-help-with-listening-ears-seeing-eyes-and-thinking-brainsrather-than-with-your-cries-for-help/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Hero Worship, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet As Eckhart Tolle said, “ Most people respond to a cry for help with a cry for help ”. You can find plenty of opportunities to break that communication pattern!

## Take your big treasure chest of Curiosity off the shelf...dust it off...open it up...and put its contents to good use.
Date: 2020-04-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/take-your-big-treasure-chest-of-curiosity-off-the-shelfdust-it-offopen-it-upand-put-its-contents-to-good-use/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet At one time, you were an incessantly curious and creative person. You were chock full of curiosity. Over the years and through the criticism, you've locked much of your curiosity away...right beside your childhood dreams...and near your adolescent dreams. Choose to take your big treasure chest of Curiosity off the shelf. *** You were an incessant dreamer...night & day...light & heavy...fantastic...motivating. Criticism and the trials of day-to-day life caused you to shelve many of your vibrant dreams. Forgotten dreams, hidden gems, brightening lights. *** "A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams." John Barrymore

## Negative thinking cannot be band-aided into insignificance: it is a thick, multi-layered, multi-textured problem.
Date: 2020-04-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/negative-thinking-cannot-be-band-aided-into-insignificance-it-is-a-thick-multi-layered-multi-textured-problem/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you witness negativity , what do you think? Do you have the ability to understand the negative person's position/situation/perspective? When you witness negativity, what do you do? Do you deliver the help that is required, to the extent you have the ability to help? What if that negativity you witness is your own? Are you able to self-monitor , self-regulate and get back into good habits ?

## Multi-task for mediocrity or focus for excellence.
Date: 2020-04-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/multi-task-for-mediocrity-or-focus-for-excellence-focus/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Brain experts are telling us: The uptrend in multi-tasking , especially multi-tasking involving high-tech communication devices, is changing neural patterns by strengthening some paths and weakening others. The neural paths that allow us to talk on the cell phone while surfing the web or creating a spreadsheet are strengthening while the neural paths that allow us to focus and concentrate are taking a back seat. As this trend continues huge numbers of human beings will be able to do huge amounts of mediocre stuff. We have a choice: we can choose to multi-task our way to mediocrity or we can focus & concentrate for work-performance excellence. Put another way: we can choose to multi-task or we can choose to task-multi . [And major success only happens when we choose the latter.]

## "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." Einstein
Date: 2020-04-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/learn-from-yesterday-live-for-today-hope-for-tomorrow-the-important-thing-is-not-to-stop-questioning-einstein/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Hero Worship, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Good Questions are a, perhaps even the, key to excellence. Good Questions [to oneself] can maximize Self-knowledge. Good Questions can lead to excellent communication…and life-long relationships. Good Questions can lead to excellent Sales Performance.

## People want to hear positive messages…give them what they want...deliver some positive messages.
Date: 2020-04-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-want-to-hear-positive-messages-give-them-what-they-wantdeliver-some-positive-messages-positivity/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet We tested positive and negative marketing messages. We tried both " in these tough economic times " and " to build for the future ". We found our positive messages were twice as successful as our negative messages. So we work to keep our communications on the positive side of centre.

## Talking Russian Roulette: shooting off your mouth, ignorant of what your brain has placed in the cylinder behind your muzzle.
Date: 2020-04-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/talking-russian-roulette-shooting-off-your-mouth-ignorant-of-what-your-brain-has-placed-in-the-cylinder-behind-your-muzzle/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You meet people whose brain-to-mouth filters fail on a regular basis. And you see the damage happening in real time: damage to themselves, damage to others.

## Sooner or later, entrepreneurship beats egos down to a successful size.
Date: 2020-04-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/entrepreneurship-beats-egos-down-to-a-successful-size-entrepreneurship/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Entrepreneur Thinking, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet To succeed for any extended period, an entrepreneur must have a balanced ego. When an entrepreneur's ego gets out of control, sooner or later, problems begin to arrive in waves. Like water on rough stones, repeated waves of problems take the cutting edge off of an entrepreneur's ego...offering the entrepreneur the opportunity to become a business leader.

## With Courage we are able to truly know what we believe in and what we don't believe in.
Date: 2020-04-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/with-courage-we-are-able-to-truly-know-what-we-believe-in-and-what-we-dont-believe-in/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We speak too infrequently about Courage , the #1 Value for Spirited Leaders. This is a step toward fixing that problem.

## Curiosity sits close to Spirit...always envisioning and whispering ideas.
Date: 2020-04-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/curiosity-sits-close-to-spiritalways-envisioning-and-whispering-ideas/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Spirited Leaders, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When Spirit is vibrant, it listens intently and allows Curiosity free rein to explore.

## Don't thumb your nose at the grindstone.
Date: 2020-04-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-thumb-your-nose-at-the-grindstone-attitude/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you cannot put your nose to the grindstone, you might be tempted to thumb your nose at it. Thumbing noses at good-old-fashioned hard work is not a good strategy. Quality work ethic is an important part of a life well lived. Some say work mastery is bliss.

## "Leave no stone unturned." That ancient wisdom reeks of perfectionism. Better to leave some stones unturned!
Date: 2020-04-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leave-no-stone-unturned-that-ancient-wisdom-reeks-of-perfectionism-better-to-leave-some-stones-unturned/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet "Leave no stone unturned." Euripides [Greek Playwright, 480-406 BC] And, more about devils and details .

## Don't let your desire for metrics and measures overrule your common sense.
Date: 2020-04-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-let-your-desire-for-metrics-and-measures-overrule-your-common-sense/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Measure & Monitor, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Measurements help us understand our progress. Measurements are of little value when managers fail to exercise common sense and good judgement. Measurements are of minimal value when basic supervision processes are not practised.

## Do you commit to being useful every day from here to eternity? Has making yourself useful become one of your good habits?
Date: 2020-04-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-commit-to-being-useful-every-day-from-here-to-eternity-has-making-yourself-useful-become-one-of-your-good-habits/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We all have good days and bad days; our internal drive-energy ebbs and flows. Regardless, we can commit to thinking and doing useful things...every day...for the rest of our lives. [Why wouldn't we commit to thinking and doing useful things?] [What reason could we possibly have for not committing to that?]

## Intrinsic Goals feel right...they inspire & they energize.
Date: 2020-04-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/intrinsic-goals-feel-rightthey-inspire-they-energize/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Intrinsic Goals envision life purpose, mastery of task, and self-actualization. Naturally, intrinsic goals align with talents and Strengths . And, in contrast to extrinsic goals, intrinsic goals tend to broaden rather than restrict experiences.

## Isn't it a funny fact-of-life: nobody taught us how to do the most-important things...like changing our Bad Habits.
Date: 2020-04-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/isnt-it-a-funny-fact-of-life-nobody-taught-us-how-to-do-the-most-important-thingslike-changing-our-bad-habits/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet People taught us readin' ... People taught us ' ritin' ... People taught us 'rithmetic ... People explained the mistakes we made. People told us we needed to stop making them. People told us the good things we needed to do. Nobody told us how to switch from doing the wrong things to doing the right things. So...here we are...still trying to fend off Bad Habits .

## If you want to be a leader in your industry sector, return phone calls and respond to e-mail.
Date: 2020-04-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-be-a-leader-in-your-industry-sector-return-phone-calls-and-respond-to-e-mail-leadership/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Successful people seem to have more time . Also, with the current trend of slackening business etiquette, returning phone calls and responding to e-mail will be a differential advantage. Why not take the lead...in a return to common courtesy, improved communication, and real relationships.

## Anxiety is in our genes...it is the legacy of fight or flight, which allowed our ancestors to bring us us.
Date: 2020-04-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/anxiety-is-in-our-genesit-is-the-legacy-of-the-fight-or-flight-that-allowed-our-ancestors-to-bring-us-us/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Anxiety : be present, don't fret over it, observe it in real time, & learn what it takes to control it if it gets out of hand. In right-sized doses, anxiety energizes and hones focus. In too-large doses, anxiety becomes a demon and destroys quality of life.

## Embrace the realities of life...and do not be too disappointed in results.
Date: 2020-04-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/embrace-the-realities-of-lifeand-do-not-be-disappointed-in-the-results/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Paraphrasing one of the messages Charles Haanel placed in ' The Master Key ' (1917). My take-aways... When we focus too much on results we lose the connection between 'causes' and 'effects'. Best to focus and concentrate on 'causes' and when results are undesirable accept them as lessons. The realities of life run deep...beyond the range of human understanding. Avoid victim-think .

## When people tell you they are giving 110%, do you think they are talking in superduperlatives?
Date: 2020-01-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-people-tell-you-they-are-giving-110-do-you-think-they-are-talking-in-superduperlatives/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When I was a child neighbourhood parents had a habit of stopping me and asking me to answer math questions. [At one point I thought none of the adults in our subdivision knew how to count their money.] I suppose I was naturally talented at math. Later in life I found myself answering math questions during university level exams...dozens of exams. So, I understand I developed a habit of knowing math. That knowledge of math has a few side-effects. One side-effect is, when people make claims like they are doing things beyond 100% it catches my attention and my thoughts. I have thoughts like, " Don't these people know when you've got 100% you've got it all & when you've given 100% you've given it all? " Giving 100% is superlative territory....that's the limit of your giving. Giving more than 100% - well, that's defying the laws of at least mathematics...probably, the laws of physics...and even the Laws of Nature. How can you trust a person who makes claims like, " Boss - I'm giving 110%! "? [Some go even higher. You hear 150% regularly and some people have the habit of claiming a preposterous 1000%! Don't you think all of these people going overboard?...being excessive?...being exorbitant?...over-killing their point and beating it to death too?

## Do you spend more time (A) annoying people or (B) watching TV people you don't know annoying people you don't know?
Date: 2020-01-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-spend-more-time-a-annoying-people-or-b-watching-people-you-dont-know-annoying-people-you-dont-know-on-tv/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The mob loves reality TV . As technology advances the mob watches real TV people decorate cakes, dance with stars, and catch alligators. The mob has an insatiable appetite for annoying other people - both doing it and watching it being done. As the techies and academics work away at bringing us the Singularity, the mob gorges itself on a wide range of TV reality shows . What a juxtaposition.

## Listen to what people say...are their words the words of Victims or Initiators?
Date: 2020-01-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/listen-to-what-people-sayare-their-words-the-words-of-victims-or-initiators/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We do better with people when we understand them...as Stephen Covey taught - 'Seek First to Understand'. We all go through ups and downs and the ups and downs can skew our day-to-day personalities. So, yes - it is rash to judge personality too quickly. Setting day-to-day variances aside, we all have predominant tendencies. While we do not want to pretend we are armchair psychologists, our success in this world of other people increases when we observe people and develop an ability to understand them. And, people do have predominant tendencies. One of those tendencies has been captured by psychologists and labelled locus of control . Some of us 'have' an internal locus of control while some of us 'have' an external locus of control . People who 'have' the internal locus of control believe they can affect change and outcomes. They tend to be Initiators. People who 'have' the external locus of control believe they have little ability to influence change or outcomes. They are fatalists or Victims. Victims tend to complain about their lot in life. Victims tend to blame others. Victims tend to blame situations. Victims are pessimistic. Victims make excuses. Feelings of envy and jealousy hang around the shadows of Victims. Initiators are the opposite. [Give Victims comfort. Give Initiators latitude.]

## You are the smartest person you really know.
Date: 2020-01-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-are-the-smartest-person-you-really-know/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You are the only person you really know. That assumes you take the time and make the effort After all...you spend so much time with yourself...you might as well: Trust yourself. Be yourself. Enjoy yourself.

## Doubters don't build.
Date: 2020-01-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/doubters-dont-build-criticism-attitude/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Doubters criticize. Doubters demotivate. Doubters question when questions are simply annoying. In these ways, doubters are destroyers.

## Better to be skilled at puzzles than cross words.
Date: 2020-01-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/better-to-be-skilled-at-puzzles-than-cross-words/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Puzzles are part of life. Often they turn out to be doors to opportunities. Cross words are criticism and constructive criticism is an oxymoron . And yes, crosswords are puzzles.

## I'm sure that slow-boiling the frog doesn't work. Business gurus got to stop feeding that nasty rumour.
Date: 2020-01-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/im-sure-that-slow-boiling-the-frog-doesnt-work-business-gurus-got-to-stop-feeding-that-nasty-rumour/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Here's the Wikipedia introduction: "The boiling frog story is a widespread anecdote describing a frog slowly being boiled alive . The premise is that if a frog is placed in boiling water, it will jump out, but if it is placed in cold water that is slowly heated, it will not perceive the danger and will be cooked to death. The story is often used as a metaphor for the inability or unwillingness of people to react to significant changes that occur gradually." What a bunch of hogwash thinking! Business gurus should place disclaimers on their snake-oil metaphors.

## Sometimes it only takes a little prick to burst your bubble.
Date: 2020-01-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sometimes-it-only-takes-a-little-prick-to-burst-your-bubble/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Criticism, especially pointy little pieces of it, pierces. You can gauge a person by the size of the criticism. And... Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron.

## Talents are not what we do; Talents are the 'substances' that define us and make us unique.
Date: 2020-01-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/talents-are-not-what-we-do-talents-are-the-substances-that-define-us-and-make-us-unique-talent/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Talents are the numbers of our personal combination lock; talents are the keys to our desires and action-drivers. Talents stand tall and explain why we do what we do.

## Leadership is about meaningful stories well told and important actions well done.
Date: 2020-01-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leadership-is-about-meaningful-stories-well-told-and-important-actions-well-done/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When good-to-great leaders tell inspirational stories , their stories are laced with personal values and visions of better future situations . Stories well told : call them Sticky Stories ...because they stick in people's minds. Sticky stories are remembered. Actions well done : the most-productive actions are driven by emotions and guided by true desires and goals .

## Willpower eats up energy - choose your battles with care.
Date: 2020-01-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-eats-up-energy-choose-your-battles-with-care-willpower/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Perfectionists and micro-managers illustrate interesting facets of the interplay between willpower and energy. Perfectionists illustrate how misguided willpower has brought about the development of a bad habit that is impervious to willpower. Micro-managers illustrate the same thing, with external focus. Knowing it will require energy to break these bad habits, people need to take time outs to rejuvenate before attempting to reduce/remove these bad habits.

## You cannot drive people when you work them into a fog.
Date: 2020-01-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-cannot-drive-people-when-you-work-them-into-a-fog/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Nor can you expect people in a fog to generate much internal drive. Nor will people in a fog drive one another around toward specific destinations. People get nervous when they are being driven in a fog. People get nervous when they are driving in a fog...well...at least the ones that notice the fog get nervous. *** Vivid Vision: the antidote to business fog.

## Free up some time and ease your mind - have a pre-set process for dealing with problems.
Date: 2020-01-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/free-up-some-time-and-ease-your-mind-have-a-pre-set-process-for-dealing-with-problems/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Another piece of free up some time advice… Many people waste a huge amount of time worrying about and even agonizing over problems. Business life is laced with problems…some small, some not-so-small. So, it makes sense to have a ready-to-use system for addressing problems. This provides many benefits…but, here, I will only mention 3: It ensures time is not wasted thinking about how to go about addressing the problem It forces a solution orientation…i.e., positivity trumps worry It builds confidence That’s why we created P=2S+O © A link to P=2S+O ©

## Beware those vagrant thoughts. [Unless, of course, you want to waste a lot of time.]
Date: 2020-01-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/beware-those-vagrant-thoughts-unless-of-course-you-want-to-waste-a-lot-of-time/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Vagrant thoughts find their home in the endless mental chatter that flows through our minds. Vagrant thoughts make up much of our mental chatter. Some of our thoughts meet the criteria for statutory vagrancy - they are intentionally unproductive and [call it] allergic to gainful employment.

## Sometimes innovation comes from dreams: sleeping and waking dreams bring intuition and flashes of inspiration.
Date: 2020-01-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sometimes-innovation-comes-from-dreams-sleeping-and-waking-dreams-bring-intuition-and-flashes-of-inspiration/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet From Wikipedia... McCartney said he had the idea of "Let It Be" after he had a dream about his mother during the tense period surrounding the sessions for The Beatles "White Album" in 1968. According to McCartney, the song's reference to "Mother Mary" was not a biblical reference. The phrase has at times been used as a reference to the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ; in fact, the words "let it be" are a direct quote from the Prayer of the Annunciation, Mary's response to the Angel Gabriel in Luke 1.38. Nevertheless, McCartney explained that his mother – who died of cancer when he was fourteen – was the inspiration for the "Mother Mary" lyric. He later said: "It was great to visit with her again. I felt very blessed to have that dream. So that got me writing 'Let It Be'." He also said in a later interview about the dream that his mother had told him, "It will be all right, just let it be." When asked if the song referred to the Virgin Mary, McCartney has typically answered the question by assuring his fans that they can interpret the song however they would like.

## When my Granddad went to war...
Date: 2019-11-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-my-granddad-went-to-war/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Family Business and CFFB, Hero Worship

100 years ago my grandfather joined the Canadian army...volunteering for what turned out to be a brutal war experience.

In late 1915, as WW1 continued, our community began to recruit for the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force. Military paperwork dated September 6th, 1915 confirms a young fellow, William Charles Morgan, born July 28th, 1895 enrolled and was examined at Carling Heights [Wolseley Barracks]. The medical records for this young fellow from Berlin, Ontario confirm he measured 5’-4” and he had a scar on a finger of his left hand. Military paperwork dated February 14th, 1917 confirms a young fellow, William Charles Morgan enrolled at Kitchener, joining the Canadian army. The medical records confirm this young fellow measured 5’-8” and he had been vaccinated twice on his left arm. He had a tattoo of a maple leaf, above a scroll containing “Canada 118”. There were a few other tattoos…”Gwen”, “Emma”, “Beckie”, and a serpent on the right forearm. And, he had a one-inch scar one inch below the left angle of his mouth. That’s what we found when we looked up my grandfather’s World War 1 records. You may wonder, back during World War 1, were there 2 William Charles Morgans in our community? No…the same man enrolled twice…he applied for overseas service twice…he was accepted twice. Then - why would a young man enrol for the army twice? What’s the story behind the growth in height? And, what about the facial scar and all those tattoos? The war records confirmed the stories my Mom told me about her Dad. In 1915, my Granddad was too young to join the army. So, he lied about his age. In 1915, the army accepted my Granddad Morgan’s application and he became a bugle boy in the 118th Battalion. Then in 1917, when he was of legal age he enrolled a second time. My Grandfather served in the trenches of Belgium. He was exposed to chemical warfare…he was gassed. As a result, he had half his stomach removed and he was a sickly man for the rest of his life. This did not stop him from serving in World War 2…but it did preclude him serving overseas. In WW2, my Granddad was a Captain of the Army Signal Corps, serving in London, Ontario. Apparently, my Granddad could draw maps with both hands at the same time. My Granddad Morgan died in his early 60’s, in 1963, when I was a child. I shall always remember laughing together while I sat on his knee. I shall think about the blurred tattoo on his arm…the tattoos were something I had forgotten all about until I read his WW1 records…and childhood memories came to me. I shall think of my Granddad Morgan today… …I shall think of a brave, patriotic, adventurous, courageous, naive, restless, young fellow leaving Canadian soil, crammed on a ship with his mates… …and, today, I shall think of that young fellow aging quickly, living each day as fully as he could while he shared the shock and awe of WW1 trench warfare with his mates… …and I shall think of that young fellow, still a teenager…but with 3 years of hardened army service on his record…coming home to Canada…a man…a changed man. …and, today, I shall think of my Granddad Baker who refused to talk about the 7 years he spent in the army, overseas, in World War 2. …and I shall think of my Dad, who enrolled in the Canadian Navy as soon as he turned 18, serving in Halifax during 1944 and 1945. …and, today, I shall think of my 2 sons who, thankfully, have not faced the weapons of enemies.

## Influencing Powerful People - #13
Date: 2019-04-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/influencing-powerful-people-13/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts

This is the 13 th and final Thought Post in a 'Baker's Dozen series', with Dirk Schlimm's wisdom being the main ingredient. Here's the 13 th quote taken from Dirk's book, ' Influencing Powerful People ': “ Be ready to discuss issues when the situation is favorable and postpone when the time is not right. ” Intelligent people : anticipate situations , prepare options for their responses to those anticipated situations, and when the anticipated situations become reality, implement prepared and favourable responses. Good and important examples of intelligent business people thinking before taking action include business processes known as corporate governance, risk management, marketing, sales, staffing, recruiting, etc. All these processes gain advantage from planning the work before working the plan. Here's a link to an article titled, ' Plan Your Work & Work Your Plan '. Dirk helps you understand how to plan and implement influence when you want to influence people who have influence over you. When intelligent people go to the trouble of anticipating and planning responses to situations, they are motivated by desires to succeed and achieve goals. When intelligent people work for powerful/influential people, they do better when they know how to influence those powerful people in ways that result in success [for themselves and for the powerful people]. This is a key message, if not the key message, in Dirk's book. Many people whine and complain about the actions of powerful people. That's one choice. After reading Dirk's book , intelligent business people will know there is a far better choice. And, they will be able to use the ideas and wisdom Dirk has shared to anticipate powerful-boss situations, plan how to handle those situations and implement actions that bring success for all involved. That's the value Dirk provides in person and in his writing! And, it is an exciting time. We are less than one week away from Dirk's visit to Waterloo Region. If this CFFB Signature Event isn't already sold out, you still have time to make an amazing investment - as you buy a ticket.

## Influencing Powerful People - #12
Date: 2019-04-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/influencing-powerful-people-12/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Family Business and CFFB, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts

Probably, most people should not work for powerful people . When I use the words powerful people , I mean people who: hold positions of power over us, are driven to meet their goals [not ours], and put lots of pressure on us as we try to do work for them. On top of this, powerful people tend to get things done, change their minds, discount others' abilities, be stubborn, be dismissive...etc. In his book, ' Influencing Powerful People ', Dirk Schlimm provides 16 major strategies and dozens of suggestions on how we can improve our ability to work with powerful people. He also advises, “Deciding not to work for or with a powerful person is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom.” That piece of advice triggered a memory - I once heard an educational guru speak words like, " People can behave in offensive ways, however, you do not have to be offended. " The point was, some people behave in ways that others consider offensive. That's a choice they make. You have the ability to either be offended or not be offended by their behaviour. That's a choice you make. I get that message and acknowledge it is accurate thinking and good advice. Here's an article I wrote on this topic a few years ago. While the advice is good, often, in real-life situations people cannot control their emotions and as a result they become offended when others behave offensively. Most people become offended when their powerful bosses behave offensively. The state of our emotions and our skills at self-control determine the outcome. So, if we find ourselves getting anxious and stressed out because our bosses behave in ways that trigger our fears and bad emotional responses, we should remember Dirk's advice. “Deciding not to work for or with a powerful person is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom.” We can choose to not work for that boss. This gives us at least 3 options: Choose to learn Dirk's strategies and tactics for changing how we behave so we do better when dealing with powerful people. Choose to follow Dirk's advice as captured in the above quote and stop working for the powerful boss. Choose to carry on as is and continue to have miserable work experiences. Clearly, that last option is the poorest of the 3.

## Influencing Powerful People - #11
Date: 2019-04-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/influencing-powerful-people-11/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts

Here's a Dirk Schlimm quote that goes beyond 'influencing powerful people': “Use every opportunity to observe and learn. It is a lot less costly to learn from the mistakes of others than from your own!” On the other hand... When we make mistakes with powerful people they often respond with more-poignant lessons than less-powerful people. Most powerful people do not want to suffer fools . Powerful people raise the standard beyond 'fools'. Powerful people do not want to suffer normal folks and powerful people rarely suffer bright folks who don't add clear and immediate value. And, powerful people provide hard-knocks lessons to people who disagree with them...especially, if that disagreement is expressed in public. A family-business perspective - In family businesses, often, parents hold positions of power over children. Often, parents are bosses and children report to parents. Also, parents possess other forms of power - expertise power [specialized talents, knowledge and skills ], financial power [control of money and rewards], relationship power [with the 'old guard' at the company and long-term clients] , and many other types of power. And, frequently, parents have trouble letting go of their power. Some could argue - in family businesses, there are less opportunities for following-generation people to observe and learn from other's mistakes. Some could argue the exact opposite. For example, I've met with younger brothers who have learned from older brothers' mistakes. These mistakes can create complications where children must choose between a parent and a sibling. That can tear families apart. Families who work together find themselves in a unique 'power situation'. To thrive in that unique situation, people will benefit from 'influencing powerful people' education. Good news - Dirk Schlimm is visiting CFFB on April 26th...less than 3 weeks from today!

## Influencing Powerful People - #10
Date: 2019-03-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/influencing-powerful-people-10/ | Categories: Agreeing on Exchange of Value, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Family Business and CFFB, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts

“Understand that powerful people think of others as their helpers first and foremost. Let them know that this is what you are there to do. However, don’t let the helper paradigm stifle your creativity and ambition to lead.” Dirk Schlimm 'Influencing Powerful People', (2011) "Powerful People" - they hold 'position power' over other people, the power bosses hold over subordinates. They hold other types of power...as examples, the power tied to having control of money and the power tied to a track record of setting goals, influencing results and meeting goals. Powerful people exist in every successful business. Business founders hold special power. Business founders saw market needs, stepped up to address those needs and influenced others to join their businesses. If they succeeded in their business then their power was effective and put to good use. If they failed in business their power was, for one reason or another, ineffective. Sometimes we judge business leaders harshly because they don't treat us the way we want. Instead of shifting our 'mindset paradigm' to consider the opportunities that exist in the leader's view of our role, we refuse to align with the leader...sometimes, we resist subversively. When our mindsets are in resistance mode, we have allowed the leader's character and style to bring out the worst in us. With our mindsets focused on resistance, we choose to bury our curiosity . When we make that choice, we stifle our own attention to opportunities and we stifle our own creativity. We must not blame powerful people for our choices; we must learn how to make and implement better choices when we deal with powerful people. In his book and his teaching, Dirk helps us learn how to make and implement better choices.

## Influencing Powerful People - #9
Date: 2019-03-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/influencing-powerful-people-9/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Family Business and CFFB, Hero Worship, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts

This week's Dirk Schlimm quote - “Remember that powerful people identify greatly with their work and their enterprise. They expect the same from you. Show them that you take your work seriously and that you are striving to make a contribution, rather than just do a job.” As I re-read this quote, I think of heroes I admire and how I feel when I hear people bad-mouthing those heroes. I remember people obsessing about and picking away at heroes' faults. As examples, I think about: people criticizing Bill Gates' autocratic style [while ignoring the fact this man is the force behind mega-$Billion charitable donations people criticizing Winston Churchill's autocratic style [while ignoring the fact this man wrote and delivered some of the most-influential messages known to man people criticizing their bosses [while ignoring the fact these bosses, certainly, must have at least one good quality which could be discussed from time to time] About business leaders - As we watch and listen to business leaders, we can keep Dirk's advice in mind. Business leaders and business bosses possess various levels of power in their workplaces. Every leader possesses, at least, some power. So, we have plenty of opportunities to make use of Dirk's advice. While many leaders are 'driven' and that can be troubling or off-putting to less-driven people, we can always find positive attributes in the people we work with. For example - I have never met a business leader, including the bad ones, who did not exhibit superior skills in the area of attention to detail. [A link to a little article I wrote a few years ago.]

## Influencing Powerful People - #8
Date: 2019-03-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/influencing-powerful-people-8/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Personalities @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Here's another quote, taken from Dirk Schlimm's book - “The terms balance and restraint rarely come up as descriptors of powerful people or are cited as reasons for their success.” This quote goes right to the heart of a major opportunity in business [and, in life]. To excel in business [and, in life] we must accept some bad things in order to obtain some good things. We all know this. We have known it since we were children and we heard [powerful] older folks talking about making sure they didn't throw babies out with bathwater. Now, as we are doing our business work, we encounter people who hold powerful positions yet appear to us to lack focus, go off on new-idea tangents, and change their minds in most-annoying ways. As we encounter these powerful people, some of us take a cynical stance. Some of us mutter about the powerful people being lucky rather than skilled, dysfunctional rather than talented, way over their heads, etc. Dirk recommends a more productive approach. When I read his advice, I think about seeking the strengths in powerful people. We should complement and emulate those strengths. Sure, we should also be aware of powerful people's weaknesses. We should use our personal strengths to fill the gaps that exist because of powerful people's weaknesses. We should help our businesses gain advantage by drawing out the value embedded in differences . Learning from powerful people, filling the gaps they create, and communicating effectively with them: Dirk teaches us how we can do these things.

## Influencing Powerful People - #7
Date: 2019-03-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/influencing-powerful-people-7/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Dirk Schlimm wrote: “The tremendous energy of powerful people is sustained by a deep-rooted drive to succeed, especially against the odds and in the face of real or perceived obstacles.” Energy – what an essential ingredient for success! A couple of years ago, I wrote: Willpower consumes energy. Energy is scarce. Use willpower wisely. Willpower must be one of the human body's most energy-intensive processes. We must exercise willpower or it becomes weak. We must rest willpower so it re-energizes. Exercising it wisely and resting it: these are the keys to building willpower and growing success. Now, as Dirk confirms, a deep-rooted drive to succeed somehow ignites and sustains people's energy. And, powerful people have a deep-rooted drive to succeed. Powerful people clearly understand their goals and the effort they must sustain in order to achieve those goals. With efforts and energy focused toward achieving goals, decisions become easier and exercising willpower can more-easily become a habit.

## Influencing Powerful People - #6
Date: 2019-03-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/influencing-powerful-people-6/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Family Business and CFFB, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Personalities @ Work

This week’s Dirk Schlimm quote: “The fact is that many powerful people successfully overcome conventional wisdom and have the resources to keep their initiatives alive. Most important, one must accept as fact that outright dismissal of the genius is rarely an effective strategy for dealing with their ideas.” Why? Why can many powerful people overcome conventional wisdom, keep their initiatives alive, maintain concentration and focus, muster enough energy and ultimately succeed in achieving their lofty goals? There is no quick, easy & simple answer to this question. However, given enough time most intelligent people can obtain the knowledge required to identify many of the components of the answer. And, if people read Dirk’s book then they will save themselves a lot of research and thinking as they come up with those components of business-leadership success. Here are a few examples of the components: Persistence/Perseverance : here’s a thought post on this topic The Eighth Step Toward Riches - or - The First Mental Trap? Energy/Drive : here’s a thought tweet on this topic Energy is primal. Your energy is your gift. How are you making the best use of it? Goal/Achievement Orientation : here’s a thought post on this topic 5 Thoughts About Achievers & Achievements Pleasing [enough] Personality : here’s a thought post on this topic Prevailing Moods & Gauging Character Technical Competence : here’s a thought tweet on this topic There's a reason the words confidence and competence have a similar ring to them.

## Influencing Powerful People - #5
Date: 2019-02-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/influencing-powerful-people-5/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Family Business and CFFB, Hero Worship, Influencing, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

For a month now, I have been writing short thought posts sharing quotes from Dirk Schlimm, who will be CFFB 's special guest and keynote speaker on April 26th. This week's quote from Dirk's book : “And the fact is that powerful people are often desirous and capable of a large spectrum of contribution; they are not just a “genius”, but a genius universalis .” So, the powerful people Dirk is talking about are universal geniuses...geniuses with broad and deep capabilities. Over the years, I have written about such people. Here are a couple of examples, which shed light on the value we will obtain when we understand the wisdom Dirk will share with us on April 26th: Entrepreneurs have an innate talent: moving back and forth between narrow and wide focus, identifying opportunities and digging deeply ...this thought post talks about the rare gift of seeing the big/strategic picture and specific details of how to address opportunities and problems at the same time. This rare gift is possessed by all successful entrepreneurs. When we see these gifted entrepreneurs/powerful people in action, we have choices on how we interact with them. For example, we can accept their unique strengths and choose to help them. Or, we can criticize their shortcomings and choose to undermine their efforts and even fight them. I favour understanding powerful people's strengths and complementing their strengths with our strengths. To accomplish this, we must control the 'littlenesses in our natures '. Here's a thought post with more details - ' Controlling the common littlenesses of human nature '. As we spend time thinking about how we can achieve our goals while working with powerful people, we find ourselves drawn into the territory of heroes. Now, that is energized territory!

## Influencing Powerful People - #4
Date: 2019-02-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/influencing-powerful-people-4/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Family Business and CFFB, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities

Here's another quote from Dirk Schlimm: “The genius, who sees opportunity with outside-the-box ideas, gets easily frustrated if he or she feels surrounded by others who only see obstacles. A powerful person with a big idea is likely to feel that he or she is right and will grow impatient with naysayers.” This quote triggers some questions... Do you know many people who think of themselves as innovative/creative thinkers? Do you know people who consider themselves out-of-the-box thinkers while you see them under dimmer lighting? Do you know many people who get frustrated when other people inject obstacles? How do you feel when others naysay when you raise what you believe to be good ideas? Spirited Leaders have a philosophy that can be summed up in 5 words: People Don't Like Receiving Criticism . We also say, " Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron ". Now, we know some thick-skinned people can accept and respond well to criticism...for these rare few, constructive criticism is not an oxymoron. However, implicit in Dirk's quote, it is highly unlikely people who possess and exhibit a level of genius - powerful people - will respond well to naysaying . So, when you find yourself facing such a powerful person consider better strategies than voicing criticism that will likely be received poorly. If you must voice criticism then plan its delivery carefully. Dirk explains how this can be done in his book.

## Command & Influence
Date: 2017-05-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/command-influence/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Hero Worship, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts

Some people possess a natural ability called Command. It is one of those natural-talent gifts. It provides a natural ability to magnetize, influence, and lead people. But that natural ability can only be put to successful use if the talent of Command operates within 'fair' boundaries. And ‘fairness’ is an extremely subjective thing.

Some people possess a natural ability called Command . It is one of those natural-talent gifts. It provides a natural ability to magnetize, influence, and lead people. But that natural ability can only be put to successful use if the talent of Command operates within 'fair' boundaries. And ‘fairness’ is an extremely subjective thing. People have a very broad range of views about what is ‘fair’ in the area of Command and leadership. For example, Napoleon Bonaparte was either one of the greatest leaders of all time or he was the Antichrist. It all depends on your definition of ‘fairness’ [often moral fairness] as it relates to leadership. Most people have trouble seeing both sides of the argument and seeing both sides, of course, is essential if we are to truly understand let alone appreciate great leadership. As a rule - With great strengths come great weaknesses. Often, the most gifted leaders possess great flaws. If we choose to judge leaders by focusing on their flaws then we can generally find material flaws, deliver our harsh judgments, and diminish [at least in our minds] the truly gifted contributions of the leaders. Aside from satisfying our troubled egos, what good does that do? In my view, that delivers no value and misses the reality of leadership. Leadership isn’t about perfection. Leadership is about forerunning human excellence, with specific directions in mind and in action. Leadership is about inspiring people and influencing people to follow. PS: Napoleon Bonaparte is one of my heroes.

## We are too tolerant of conflict!
Date: 2017-05-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-are-too-tolerant-of-conflict/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Delegation & Decisions, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Are you better off following prescribed step-by-step conflict resolution processes designed by 'the experts' or drawing on your innate talents to resolve conflicts? Perhaps, for some people, there is merit in using someone else's detailed approach. However, how often have you seen that work in real life situations? We should draw on our innate talents to resolve conflicts. I have never seen canned processes for conflict resolution work in real life situation. We cannot be someone else so what would cause us to think we could use someone else's approach to conflict resolution? To the extent we find ourselves in situations of conflict we know we are at least partially responsible for our predicament [if not fully responsible]. We didn't follow someone else's steps when we walked our way into the conflict situation...so, we should not expect to be able to follow someone else's logical steps to find our way out of the conflict situation. Often, we find ourselves in situations of conflict because: 1. we lack self-confidence and, as a result of that, we behave either too timidly or too aggressively and 2. we are too lazy to figure out how to avoid conflict or nip conflict in the bud when we know it has commenced. We are too tolerant of conflict. Some people even promote conflict in the workplace because they view it as a good, healthy, and productive way to communicate, make decisions, and delegate tasks. That's interesting in many negative directions! The results conflict promoters achieve at their businesses prove it is a high-risk-low-reward strategy. If that strategy ever worked it certainly has fallen out of vogue in recent decades. For example, under our Bill 168, we want people to feel secure at work. I expect Abraham Maslow would have supported this approach. The reality is, some people – mostly people lacking self-confidence - either enjoy conflict with others or see it as a necessary component of work [and possibly life]. What can we expect from these die-hard conflict consumers and conflict distributors? Certainly, we cannot expect them to buy into following someone else's prescribed steps for conflict resolution. These people cannot follow such steps because they lack the innate talents required to avoid or resolve conflict. And, if people possess the innate talents required to resolve conflicts then they can and should find their own natural ways to avoid and resolve conflict. Either way, there is no need for experts to prescribe conflict resolution processes. These prescribed processes do not work because people either cannot follow them or do not need to follow them. People need to understand themselves, work continuously at building and maintaining their self-confidence levels, educate themselves about innate talents and interpersonal interactions, and exercise self-control. These are the routes that lead to conflict avoidance and conflict resolution.

## Seeing the Big Picture & Drilling Down, into the Details
Date: 2017-05-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seeing-the-big-picture-drilling-down-into-the-details/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Influencing, Seeking Simple!, Spirited Leaders, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Strategic Thinking & Attention to Details : for a business leader, what's the right balance between these two things? Some business leaders think they can soar around at 50,000 feet, never having to touch the ground let alone drill down into details. Sooner or later they learn, it can be a very quick trip from 50,000 feet to crash and burn. Some business leaders think their attention to detail is so excellent they feel they must share the details with their followers repeatedly, every day...for almost every task. Sooner or later, they choke the spirit out of their followers, business engines stall, and another business death spiral begins. Some business leaders operate between the two extremes, without giving any of this much thought. *** Q : For business leaders, what is the right balance between strategic thinking and attention to detail? A : The right balance needs to be customized to fit each leader's natural talents and the strengths the leader has developed through years of practice. It is important to plan the best balance rather than take an unplanned approach, allowing actions to unfold as they will during the heat of the business battles. One way a leader can determine his or her best balance is to approach the topic from a perspective laced with Seek Simple philosophies, one of which is - Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Processes, and Situations . As you plan your approach to balancing Strategic Thinking versus Attention to Details, make sure you cover the People side first. Then, when you know the People side is covered, move on to the Process side. Why? People are very inclined to over-trump Processes....one way or another. Consider your talents and strengths: I mean, seek professional help to make sure you have an accurate understanding of your talents [as Gallup tells us - talents are our natural ways of thinking and behaving] and your strengths [things you can do with mastery]. Again, cover the People side first, then move on to the Process side. Know yourself, especially know how to put your relationships to best use and know your strengths [or lack of strengths] in the area of influencing your followers. Envision how you will balance your strategic-thinking work with your attention to detail work...then go do it...and excel! ***

## Being Right, Being Wrong, & other ways to Annoy People
Date: 2017-05-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/being-right-being-wrong-other-ways-to-annoy-people/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Personalities @ Work

We can annoy other people so many ways...from being 100% right to being 100% wrong and pretty much everything in between. It's relatively easy to understand why we annoy people when we are wrong. When we say and do wrong things people are annoyed because we let them down and we waste their time, etc. It's relatively easy to understand why we annoy people when we stick to middle ground. People don't like indecision and they don't like wishy-washyness. People are impatient and they want answers. And, I suppose for some folks it's easy to understand why we annoy people when we provide accurate answers, technically-right advice, and clear perceptions. Nobody likes a wise guy. Nobody likes a know-it-all. And sometimes all it takes is a right idea or an accurate piece of advice to trigger other people's self-defence mechanisms. " Productive Communication ": what an art form - knowing when to bite your tongue just before it expresses something quite right but nonetheless doomed to be poorly received knowing when to bite your tongue just before it expresses something incorrect or stupid or otherwise wrong knowing when and how to take the time to formulate opinions that will inject Value into situations...helping others...without annoying them Self-monitoring & self-control , the gifts that create a pleasing personality, a personality that - does not annoy inspires people influences action Inspire People - Influence Action - Generate Success When you annoy people you don't make money ...[unless you happen to be a sitcom actor or a Don Rickles clone]

## What awesome power lies in the combination of strong willpower guided by strong definite life-purpose.
Date: 2017-05-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-awesome-power-lies-in-the-combination-of-strong-willpower-guided-by-strong-definite-life-purpose/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Willpower is wonderful, but without proper guidance it consumes energy without purpose . Definite purpose is wonderful, but without willpower to guide and control action it is unattainable.

## Victors, Victims, Masters, Servants...a thought exercise
Date: 2017-05-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/victor-victim-master-servant/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Influencing

Some people are perceived as victors : consider Olympic gold medalists, victorious over all competitors. Some people are perceived as victims : consider pedestrians who are victims of hit-and-run drivers. Some people are perceived as masters: consider the conductors of world-famous orchestras. Some people are perceived as servants: consider the people who attend to the Queen of England. The above are, at least, somewhat-extreme examples. I mean, few people would dispute these examples. There are of course 'textures' to each of these 4 labels: a range of victors, a range of victims, a range of masters, and a range of servants. In general, most people would consider victors and victims to be at the opposite end of one scale and masters to be the opposite of servant. That's the context I am thinking about here, I am thinking a person cannot be a victor and a victim at the same time. I am also thinking a person cannot be a master and a servant at the same time. With that introduction... Considering these four possibilities, how do you perceive yourself? Where would you place yourself in the following picture? How do you perceive yourself? Do you see yourself as a Victor-Master? Do you see yourself as a Victor-Servant? Do you see yourself as a Victim-Master? Do you see yourself as a Victim-Servant? More to follow...

## Choose your Reaction to Errors
Date: 2017-05-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/choose-your-reaction-to-errors/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

It is fascinating to watch how people respond to errors at work. Reaction to errors, their own errors and other people's errors, tells you a lot about people. I tend to look at it this way... ...and as I observe you: I think about Attribution Bias . I think about how other people react to and what people learn from your reactions. I think about the culture you are generating. *** Oblivious to errors - Does anyone possess that mindset? [reminds me of Mr. Magoo ] A Balanced approach to errors - If you think that is your approach to errors then what, exactly, do you mean by "balanced"? What does it mean for your errors? What does it mean for other people's errors? Extreme Criticism - What, exactly, does that mean? How do you apply criticism to yourself? How do you apply criticism to other people? Are you consistent when you apply extreme criticism? *** Does your reaction-to-errors choice take you closer to your long-term goals? farther from them? no idea? Or, perhaps, you do not believe you have a choice? *** I believe successful people have 3 main attributes: Intelligence, Willpower, & Drive . Do you think successful people react to errors the same way you react to errors? Do you think successful people plan their reaction to errors? Do you think successful people learn from observing reactions to errors?

## Optimists pave the paths so pessimists can rule the world
Date: 2017-05-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/optimists-pave-the-paths-so-pessimists-can-rule-the-world/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Leaders' Thoughts, Master Rules, Optimism & Pessimism

Now isn't that a fine piece of ‘ mob thinking ’...debatable, yet mostly true, and too often rather disappointing. Optimists stand out. Their curiosity leads to the creativity of new things that help take the world toward their vision of a better future. Then pessimists figure out how to use those optimist creations to rule that better world, often to serve their self-focused views and needs. Optimists favour freedom in its various forms, especially freedom laced around curiosity and creativity . Pessimists favour discipline , rules , and controls . The common ground where optimists and pessimists can stand together and self-actualize together is – Growth ....all entrepreneurial leaders love to build and grow things. A key to success: find the growth that aligns with both the pessimists’ good habits and the optimists’ interests in new things .

## Criticism, Adrenalin Spikes & Improving Relationships
Date: 2017-05-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/criticism-adrenalin-spikes-improving-relationships/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Measure & Monitor, Optimism & Pessimism, Personalities @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

Some people naturally repulse criticism. These people may show outward signs of their repulsion. These people may not show outward signs, or their repulsion may hide so well it would take a professional observer to notice it. Regardless, internally, these people churn in reaction to criticism. For these people - even small, innocuous pieces of feedback can trigger intense internal reactions, floods of adrenalin – adrenalin spikes. Do you know people who show vehement reaction to tiny criticisms…people who have zero tolerance for incoming criticism ? Do you know people who, at first, show no outward reaction to criticism then, later, strike excessive reactionary blows against the person who delivered the criticism? Do you know people who have the habit of claiming they are the victim of undue criticism? Do you know people who repulse criticism yet deliver it to others with gusto and righteousness? These are four common reactions to criticism. I have personally exhibited at least three of these four reactions to criticism…and, probably, many people would think I’m selling myself short by not admitting to all four. Why? Why would I have had such reactions to criticism? Not having much knowledge of physiology or biology and only dabbling experience with psychology I answer that question this way: When people criticized me, I experienced adrenalin spikes [or was that cortisol?]. I felt strong, churning, tightening sensations in the gut…quickly followed by combinations of anxiety and anger, often intense anger...then excessive negative thoughts and behaviour. This reaction must have started when I was a very young child. I have no memory of reacting any other way to criticism [until the last decade, that is]. Perhaps, my criticism-repulsion was are due to genetics? Perhaps, my childhood environment? Perhaps, my early experiences with authority figures? I expect it was some combination of these things. Here’s a curious thing. When you experience criticism-repulsion as a child you can be quite oblivious to other people. And, this can cause challenges…a large variety of interpersonal challenges. Left unattended, these interpersonal challenges can last a lifetime. Here’s some good news. It is possible to gain self-understanding and create strategies to overcome the interpersonal challenges. The starting point, or at least one starting point, is recognition of the physiological changes that signal less-than-ideal reactions to criticism. People, perhaps most people, can alter their bad habits [including adrenalin spikes] if they choose to make the changes and do the work required. PS: Perhaps, the people who experience the criticism-repulsion I have described are most capable of identifying it in other people? ... and helping others?

## We should not throw away our Time Scraps..
Date: 2017-05-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-should-not-throw-away-our-time-scraps/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

Throughout the day we have little scraps of 'free time', which I'm calling 'time scraps'. For example, we find ourselves sitting in someone's lobby waiting for a meeting to start. These time scraps are too small for time-consuming tasks. Perhaps they are only few-minute time scraps. And, in some situations we do not know how long the time scrap will last before the next 'work event' or other disruption arrives.

Throughout the day we have gaps of 'free time', which I'm calling 'time scraps'. As one example of a time scrap - we find ourselves sitting in someone's lobby waiting for a meeting to start...that's a time scrap. These time scraps are too small for time-consuming tasks. Too small for major efforts of concentration. Often, they are only few-minute time scraps. And, in some situations we do not know how long the time scrap will last before the next 'work event' or other disruption arrives. Regardless, we can choose to use our time scraps. As just one example, we can choose to carry a personal organization tool like a Franklin Covey planner or a Blackberry. And, when we are facing time scraps we can choose to open our personal organizer and double check our 'To Do List'. This sort of task does not call for much concentration. This sort of task can be interrupted without damage...i.e., even if only one or two To Do items are checked a piece of goal-directed progress has been accomplished. My View: I believe in moderation....I believe in a balanced approach to work-goals and work-tasks. Actually, I believe on working on the somewhat-excessive side of moderation but not at the extreme end of goal-focus where both attention and priorities become obscured. Success is not sustainable and relationships fall through when work-goal and work-task obsessions and compulsions gain a life of their own. For example, I am not in favour of carving days up into 5-minute pieces and killing my spirit by trying to make sure each and every 5-minute time scrap gets a gold-star performance rating. Expectations about performance and time/timing of activity need to be realistic...at least a little stretched...but still clearly within the bounds of realism. PS: Time is a most-precious thing. Shame on the people who repeatedly waste time then complain about not having enough of it. PPS: This Thought Post was written while I was waiting for a supplier-meeting to start. PPPS: We all have the same amount of time...we know the past is gone...we know we have the present...we only hope we have the future.

## Conflict at our offices: is it a foe or a friend?
Date: 2017-05-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/conflict-at-our-offices-is-it-a-foe-or-a-friend/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Master Rules, Personalities @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Values: Personal Values

Some people complain about the interpersonal damages done by office conflict while others applaud the value office conflicts have injected into innovative and creative processes.

I have experienced some synchronicity around this topic...I have witnessed several unrelated instances...some people have complained about the interpersonal damages done by office conflict while others have applauded the value office conflicts have injected into innovative and creative processes. Business empires have been built around office conflicts and 'crucial conversations'. In some cases the empires are bestselling books, must-do and how-to manuals aimed at teaching people how to diffuse, reduce, remove office conflicts. At the other end of the spectrum, we have a touted genius-of-our-time and an empire formed around the legacy of a partially-eaten apple. And, interpersonal conflicts create huge challenges in family businesses: parent-child rifts, sibling rivalry, family distrusts. When these entrenchments exist it is easy to determine the cause/fault. It always rests with the other guy! On the other hand, according to some experts, strongly-expressed differences of opinion lead to creative breakthroughs. Thick-skinned people locking horns in boardrooms and other meeting rooms...generating many diverse ideas...reaching a single decision...enjoying consensus...working in unison...achieving desired goals. Radically different views about Office Conflicts! What's your personal comfort zone? Your comfort zone: that's the key area... What's your personal comfort zone? How far are you prepared to stretch your comfort zone to accommodate other people's viewpoints? How open are you to accept different styles of communication when other people express their viewpoints? How clearly do you communicate your personal values and rules ? Put another way: Are you open to 'possibilities and ' new things '? Are you open to different personalities and communication styles? Do you know and share these important aspects of your character... telling stories to explain why you are the way you are? As the ancient Greek maxim goes - "Know Thyself". When you know yourself and know how to share important aspects of yourself with others you have the opportunity to be part of teams that excel at communication. Internally - These successful teams may operate in friendly ways or in not-so-friendly ways. Externally - These successful teams will present a unified front. From Your Perspective - These successful teams will be inspiring, productive and gratifying.

## Choose Planning     [as the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail]
Date: 2017-05-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/choose-planning-as-the-saying-goes-failing-to-plan-is-planning-to-fail/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans

Strategic Planning does not have to be a frustrating, time-consuming, or boring process. A quality strategic plan does not have to be lengthy. After all, the real value of planning lies in 3 areas: the positive things people gain as they experience the process of the planning, the focusing of thought on efforts/action and goals/results, and the focusing of action people must take toward desired goals. To accomplish (1) the process must be enjoyable, thought-provoking, open-minded and laced with active communication. To accomplish (2) the process must be inspired and influenced by leaders' vision . To accomplish (3) the strategies and tactics must be ‘user-friendly’, ideally ‘user-magnetic’. PS: Many years ago, we designed the BIG PICTURE strategic planning process to simplify the presentation of plans in a 1-page summary.

## Do you want to be on time?
Date: 2017-05-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-want-to-be-on-time/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Personalities @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Values: Personal Values

On Timeliness... Do you know anyone who has achieved success in life without having the habit of meeting time commitments? As I write this I'm thinking of petulant actors/actresses exerting their will on frazzled directors...that behind-the-scenes movie clich é, where one person disrupts everyone else's plans and schedules. On top of that, I'm thinking of the 1992 comedy movie ' Noises Off ', which combined this behind-the-scenes movie cliché with a plot that is all about humorous consequences that could happen when people fail to meet time cues in live theatre. While we can laugh about people messing up timing in movies, we seldom laugh about it in real life. There are many sayings that capture our consensus view/wisdom around time and timing, as examples - Time waits for no man. Time is of the essence. Timing is everything. Yet, almost all of us mess up timing, at least once in a while. We forget appointments. We arrive late for meetings. We fail to meet project deadlines. Some people are habitually late. [Most families have at least one of these types...always late while the meal is overcooking or the cake & ice cream is on hold...waiting.] Some people are intentionally late. [They act like 'The Royals'...or like they are, by far, the most-important person at the meeting .] Some people completely lack any talent for timeliness. [Like they have stormy clouds of confusion around their watches and calendars.] *** It seems to me timeliness holds lower priority now than it did a few decades ago. Do you agree? How do you feel about timeliness - Do you want others to be on time? Do you want to be on time?

## When lions charge...
Date: 2017-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-first-step-is-to-understand-emotions/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work

We live in a world, surrounded by external stimuli. We perceive stimuli in a variety of ways, some consciously and some not, and we have internal reactions. Certain stimuli trigger emotion-responses. Emotion-responses are innate. Some examples of emotions [based on the research of Paul Ekman ]: anger, disgust, embarrassment, excitement, fear, guilt, joy, pride in achievement, relief, sadness, satisfaction, sensory pleasure, shame, and surprise. When emotions are triggered automatic body chemistry kicks in. This chemistry has been pre-concocted to bring about physiological change which will accompany/cause behavioural change. Most of us are aware when our emotions kick in. We feel internal changes and our behaviour changes. All of us, with some diligent work, can thoroughly understand the nature and implications of our emotions, why they are happening and what impact they have on our thoughts and our behaviour. When we take the time to study our emotion-responses we have the opportunity to replace unplanned emotion-driven activity with well-thought-through, logical post-emotion activity. Like any other desired behavior, this will require effort and practice in order to develop the emotion-response skills we desire. The first step is to understand emotions... Paul Ekman’s research provides a helpful ‘platform’ for understanding emotions. In summary, emotions are not the feelings/mindsets/thoughts we carry around in our brains. Emotions are the short-lived automatic responses our bodies have when exposed to certain stimuli, particularly external stimuli. A commonly-cited example is the emotion of fear. When lions charge at us and we see that happening our bodies, without any conscious effort on our part, quickly generate/release chemicals to prepare us for fight or flight . That’s one example of how the emotion of 'fear' can be triggered. More thoughts about the emotion called 'fear'. The next step is to understand our [personal] emotion-responses…

## What mental-attitude flavour do you choose: Positivity, Negativity, or Indifference?
Date: 2017-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-mental-attitude-flavour-do-you-choose-positivity-negativity-or-indifference/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Personalities @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The cornerstone of our personality , our mental attitude , shows up as the general flavour of our thoughts...as illustrated in our actions/behaviour.

## Don't dwell on the wrongs; just learn from them.
Date: 2017-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-dwell-on-the-wrongs-just-learn-from-them-attitdue/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Life provides a continuous series lessons. The lessons appear in two forms. They appear to us as things that are right. They appear to us as things that are wrong. They set the boundaries for our behaviour . They set the boundaries for our judgement of others. We embrace the things that are ' right '. When we are operating at our best, we learn from the things that are 'wrong'.

## No question about it, people are interested in learning how to kill good ideas
Date: 2017-04-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/no-question-about-it-people-are-interested-in-learning-how-to-kill-good-ideas/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Ideas

A number of years ago, I posted the following thoughts about how to kill good ideas. It is interesting to see a number of people liked the contrarian approach. Perhaps we should spend more time communicating about how to kill good ideas? Perhaps that would encourage people to come up with more-creative ways of squashing one another's innovations, inventions, and creative thoughts? Perhaps this could go a long way toward throttling that annoying habit called Curiosity? Regardless, at least we have 4 proven ways of getting the job done! 4 ways to kill a good idea By Rick Baker On Oct 4, 2011 As mentioned recently, I read a really interesting book. It taught me how to kill good ideas. Here is a sample of what I learned, 4 ways to kill good ideas : Fear Mongering …use genuine facts from the past to create a picture of a fearful future You know many people agonize over the mistakes they have made in the past. And they worry horrible events will repeat themselves…causing misery. So, when someone has a good idea and you want to kill it you can try this strategy. Just recall some extremely painful event from the past and express your concern that this terrifying situation could happen again if we accept this new idea. Death by Delay …one great way to do this is send the idea to a committee Here’s a nuance you can incorporate when you use this strategy. Dig up some abstruse fact from your company’s history. Applaud the idea then introduce the abstruse fact and talk as if you are convinced the idea and the abstruse fact must be addressed by a committee of various intelligent people. Suggest a chairperson for the committee…i.e., suggest someone you know to be a curmudgeon. Confusion …inject lots of irrelevant facts and support them with illogical arguments Keep a list of irrelevant facts in a file in the MemoPad area of your BlackBerry. Gather these over time, wean out the weakest ones, and replace them as you find really-choice irrelevant facts. Have at least a dozen fresh irrelevant facts ready for use. Then, whenever people come up with ideas pull out your BlackBerry while stating something like, ' What a synchronicity…I was writing some notes around that topic last week' . Then go on to cite a list of irrelevant facts…keep it up until at least one person dozes off. Ridicule …with a good-natured demeanour and calm voice, assassinate the character of the person who has the idea This one should come with a warning: DO NOT show anything close to a negative emotion while you do this. That could backfire on you, making you look like some sort of unreasonable person. CAUTION: this will take practice…if you are real busy then pick another strategy. To pull this one off you must be pleasant and calm. You must prepare your assassinating words well in advance and practice them in front of a mirror so they come across just right. I recognize that is barely an introduction to this 4th way to kill ideas. But, a more-detailed explanation is beyond the scope of this Thought Post . You may be saying to yourself, surely there must be more ways to kill good ideas . Yes, do not fret; of course there are many other wonderful ways to kill ideas. Footnote The book I am referring to is ‘Buy-In, saving your good idea from being shot down’ , John P. Kotter and Lorne A. Whitehead. According to the authors of the book I just read, the average person receives about 10,000 ideas [other people’s plans, demands, suggestions, and proposals] every week. That’s a lot of incoming ideas to deal with. Many people are overwhelmed. Most people figure out ways to kill the vast majority of those ideas. The authors provide some solutions…i.e., how to save your good ideas from being shot down . But, it’s a double-edge sword…you can also use their wisdom to hone your skills at killing good ideas.

## Sorting Out Your Decisions Before You Make Them
Date: 2017-04-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sorting-out-decisions-before-you-make-them/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, 80/20 Rule, Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Delegation & Decisions, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

On the Nature of Decisions Every one of us makes numerous decisions every day. Many of our decisions are small, like - “What shirt should I wear today?” Some of our decisions are larger with more serious consequences, like – “How should I go about firing this employee?” Some decisions trigger strong and challenging emotional responses, like – “Should I tell this person my true feelings?” Other decisions involve trade-offs between goals, like – “Should I stick to my diet or eat that chocolate-dipped ice-cream cone?” 1 [Often these decisions pit short-term rewards against long-term rewards.] Some decisions involve massive risks involving money, reputation, relationships, etc. Decisions involve the study of past and present data and the forecasting of future outcomes. This is just a sampling of the ways you can sort decisions before you make them. If you take the time, and it will be a surprisingly large amount of time, to analyze the decisions you make in a 24-hour day then you will discover the wide variety of decisions you make. You will be able to consider the ‘nature’ of your decisions and you will be able to categorize your decisions by their ‘nature’ and confirm the frequency of each major type of decision. But – odds are you will never do that 24-hour exercise. Perhaps, you will buy into sorting your decisions into two types/natures: easy decisions & tough decisions? This simple sorting will be a very good first step toward understanding then planning the types of decisions you face regularly. On the Method of Decisions There are also numerous ways to make decisions. Decisions can be knee-jerks and blinks, relying on unconscious responses, emotional waves and intuition. Decisions can be crafted by masters and orchestrated by maestros. Capturing this in a shorter description - when we make decisions we can “Plan the Work and Work the Plan” [paraphrasing Napoleon Hill]. This article is about planned decisions, which can be sorted into 3 'methods' 2 : (Individual) Command Decisions – where the decision maker, alone, makes the decision Consultative Decisions – where the decision maker seeks advice from others then, alone, makes the decision Consensus Decisions – where the decision is made by a group of people who commit to a shared decision and the actions required under the decision Consultative and consensus decisions involve trade-offs, as examples: time spent on the decision , value of information used to make the decision, and level of buy-in or commitment to the decision. As psychologists and judges will confirm: the ‘nature’ of the decision is important, the decision outcome is important, and the procedure or ‘method’ used to create the decision is important...especially if you want people to "buy-in". Sorting Decisions by ‘Nature’ and ‘Method’ Simple tools exist to help people think through and sort out their decisions - examples include Pareto's Principle [ 80/20 Rule ], Covey's Time Management Matrix and Berne's Transactional Analysis . Much time and effort can be saved by using these simple 1-page tools to sort out the best ways to make decisions. Also, these tools can be used to reduce decision-making conflicts and increase decision buy-in. It is a good idea to have a number of these tools in your decision-making toolkit. You can use them to set your personal decision-making rules and you can use them to communicate with others on your decision-making teams. Here’s a starter tool you and your decision-makers can use to create a picture of the way you sort decisions by 'nature' and 'method' - Footnotes As a general rule: when decisions align with goals they promote good habits ; when decisions do not align with goals they promote bad habits. Brian Tracy recommended these categories.

## A leadership mindset generates constructive behaviour...creating, evoking, and building on great ideas.
Date: 2017-04-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-leadership-mindset-generates-constructive-behaviourcreating-evoking-and-building-on-great-ideas/ | Categories: Ideas, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Great ideas contain intangible potential: only in the hands of great leadership teams can that potential become reality. About thinking .

## Here I go...Telling you about Asking
Date: 2017-04-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/here-i-gotelling-you-about-asking/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

I’m telling you that you must cut down on telling people what to do and start asking more questions. Isn’t that oxymoronic ? Isn’t that the pot calling the kettle black? Isn’t that an ego out of control? Maybe...I don’t think so…could I be wrong? But, could my ego-denial be due to my attribution bias impairing my perceptions and skewing my judgement? Regardless, perhaps there is a seed of wisdom in my argument that questions deserve a larger share of your mind-space, your thoughts, and your interactions with people? Perhaps, you can agree your attribution bias causes you to be harsher than required when opining on other people’s work? Perhaps, you can try to step away from your attribution bias and consider asking more questions ? Perhaps, you can listen attentively while people respond to your questions? And, perhaps you can observe people more carefully, seeking out their ‘positives’ rather than their ‘negatives’? Perhaps, you can deliver more pats on all those backs?

## People. Icebergs.
Date: 2017-04-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-icebergs-intelligence-self-control-drive/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Personalities @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

When we observe people, we observe the equivalent of the tip of the iceberg. We observe people's Actions. We observe their vocal actions, their body language, and the wide variety of their other physical actions. Yes, to various degrees we have hunches - intuitions - which allow us to sense things beyond their actions. Regardless, for the most part, our perceptions of people are based on our observations of their Actions. And, that's like looking at the tip of an iceberg. Here's how I see it... We observe a person's Actions. The person's Actions create in our minds perceptions of the person's Energy, Thoughts, Talents, Self-Control, Intelligence, and Emotions. And, those are the most important things people possess beyond the Actions we observe. These 7 things - Actions, Energy, Thoughts, Talents, Self-Control, Intelligence, and Emotions - are the essence of human beings. One of the facets that make up the essence - Action - is visible to other people. The other 6 facets are hidden from others and it is often difficult to understand their nature in self let alone in others . Energy is perhaps closest to the surface. Certainly, Energy is closely tied to Actions. When we see an energetic person it registers. Sometimes, high-energy Action impresses us immensely and moves us deeply. As examples, we are impressed by energetic athletic performances and moved deeply by energetic musical performances. Sometimes, the energy is much more subtle yet of equally powerful impact. For example, we can be moved deeply by poetry. Perhaps - or, should I say likely - our perceptions of another person's energy are more reliable than our perceptions of the 6 underlying facets. In most situations, when we see little evidence of energy in others we conclude they are resting, or they are lazy, or they are ill. In certain situations, we interpret other people's lack of energy as a signal they are thinking or meditating. But, often a lack of evidence of energy is interpreted to be a negative signal. Evidence of action, particularly energetic action, can be interpreted in many ways...ranging from very bad to very good...depending on our values and our other judgement factors and how the other person's actions align with our values and judgements. Thoughts come in many forms. Desires are thoughts, as are goals and ambitions. Feelings are thoughts tied to Emotions and desires. When feelings last for extended periods, say a day or so, they become moods. When we lose the ability to control our feelings and other thoughts within 'reasonable/normal' boundaries moods transform into mental states such as clinical depression, mania, dementia, paranoia, etc. Some thoughts are good, some are bad. The easiest way to draw the line between good and bad is to ask the question, " Does this thought help me achieve my long-term goals? " If the answer is " Yes " then the thought is a good thought. If the answer is " Maybe " or " No " then the thought is a bad thought. Habits straddle Thoughts and Actions. Habits are Thoughts [including feelings] and Actions that are repeated. And good habits are repeated thoughts or actions that take us towards our long-term goals while bad habits do not. There is a strong link between the Thoughts and Actions that form a person's good habits. Good-habit Actions are the result of repeated cerebral cortex activity...repeated so frequently they become resistant to Emotions. Habits are closely tied to Self-Control. Talents are innate. Some [if not most & perhaps even all ] are genetic in origin, gifts from our parents and their ancestors. Talents respond well to strong, supportive early-childhood influences. For example, innate musical Talents can blossom into gifted Action at a very early age when supported by masterful coaching. Gretzky and Mozart come to mind. Yet Talents can also be suppressed and buried at an early age, never to be discovered. Processes exist to help us discover our Talents. Some are simple. For example, there is a close linkage between our feelings and our Talents. When we are feeling good and are enthusiastic while performing Actions, that's a signal that Talents could be at work. Conversely, when we have negative feelings while doing tasks and processes that could be a signal the Action is outside our Talent zone. Talents do not show up as Action unless they have the opportunity to do so. Talents do not show up as strengths [task and process mastery] unless they are combined with specialized knowledge and practised skills. The amount of practice is large. That requires commitment and persistence, so Self-Control is essential to strength - mastery of Action. When we observe other people illustrating mastery of Action, we can assume they have talent, knowledge, and skill in that area. We can assume the Action mastery required Thought and Self-Control. Self-Control is a magnificent facet. It is reasonable to assume it has some genetic roots. However, clearly, it can be influenced by environmental factors. Social psychologists have proven situations and 'role models' play a huge role in human behaviour. Philosophers and psychologists have argued both for and against power of will. Psychologists have added texture to Self-Control, differentiating between short-term 'self-control' and long-term 'grit'. Regardless, for this introductory discussion, the ability to exercise will power is the same as the ability to exercise Self-Control and if these things cannot be exercised over the long term then their value is limited. Self-Control is the ingredient that allows the other 5 hidden facets and the resulting Actions to generate success. Self-Control consumes energy as bad habits are replaced with new things and good habits. Self-Control conserves energy when good habits are firmly in place. Self-Control enables Intelligence to gain ground, slowly over time and with repetition of focused Thought, over Emotions and unfocused Thought. Self-Control funnels energy to Talents so they have the opportunity to be exposed for long periods to the practice required to master the skills of Action. Intelligence is the quality and amount of information we have stored in and can retrieve from our brains...as measured by others' perceptions of our Actions. Intelligence has both IQ and EQ components. When we have information in our minds and cannot retrieve it and convert it into Action that information is knowledge, not Intelligence. Human Intelligence only exists when it is perceived by other people. And, it can only be perceived when it manifests itself into physical form - and that means Action. Unfortunately, people's perceptions are influenced by a range of biases...literally, hundreds of biases. With that understood, there is little chance for one's Intelligence to be accurately understood or measured by other people. People observe our Actions. Their observations and perceptions of our Actions determine their opinion of our Intelligence. Yes - IQ tests are directionally correct within the limitations of a biased, narrow, and restrictive range. The same holds true for EQ tests. In the real world, people observe our Actions- they observe what we say and what we do - and they draw conclusions around our Intelligence [which they being biased, typically, underestimate]. Emotions are vestiges of pre-history. They are automatic chemical/electrical/physiological responses, largely outside of consciousness. They occur quickly and are of short duration. In modern days of business, where fight or flight are generally not appropriate responses, they do us little good. Yet, Emotions live on and are deeply rooted in our subconscious minds. They are deep-rooted in the mind of the person doing the Action. And, they can influence Action. At the same time, Emotions are also deep-rooted in the mind of the person who observes the Action. So, they can also influence the perception of the observer. Emotions, somehow, support the formation and maintenance of bad habits...Emotions work against positive change. There is evidence confirming Intelligence and Self-Control can focus Energy and Thoughts to offset the awesome natural power of Emotions. This works best when Talents are in play. Summing up... When we observe other people's Actions we need to remember we are observing the tip of an iceberg. And, we need to remember our perceptions are skewed by numerous biases. We need to take time to make judgements of other people's motives and abilities. We need to communicate more clearly and work to understand other people. We need to ask good questions and listen well to the answers. We need to extend more trust. We need to invest in building stronger relationships. First posted December 12, 2013

## Do Unto Yourself Before You Do Unto Others
Date: 2017-04-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-unto-yourself-before-you-do-unto-others/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Humour, Master Rules, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Do unto others as you would have them do to unto you [The Golden Rule...the foundation of major religions] *** Don't do unto others what you wouldn't want them to do unto you [a restatement that aligns with a Spirited definition of Integrity ] *** Do Unto Yourself Before You Do Unto Others [a restatement that adds even tougher limits...and thickens the skin ] *** He who carries the gold makes the rules [as if that's not enough of them - another Golden Rule ] *** Constructive Criticism - make sure you can take a self-injection of that oxymoron

## Visions, Biases & Evolution
Date: 2017-04-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/visions-biases-evolution/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

We have wonderful dreams and ambitions…there’s no end to our visions of better things in the future . And, behind these dreams and ambitions, our motives are admirable – all around helping people, solving tough problems and building fun, cool and valuable things. As we identify opportunities and conceive solutions, we are prone to trick ourselves. According to psychologists, we are predisposed to a wide range of biases . These biases skew our thinking, causing us to be over-anxious, over-confident and hold many other troubled mindsets between these extremes. If you were to fully research all the 100’s of psychological biases then you would probably be so frazzled you’d have trouble thinking anything positive about the future, let alone envisioning bright future changes. So – we don’t want to dwell on these biases. We just want to mention one of the biases – the tendency to be over-confident about our ability to predict the future…i.e., the ‘overconfidence effect’. Psychologists tell us we are prone to be over-confident when we forecast the future. This causes us to over-estimate the success we will experience when we create a new product or service. While psychologists illustrate the problems this natural bias can generate, there are other ways to think about it. For example - Scientists tout evolution. To a large degree, the concept of evolution is accepted by non-scientists. Along that vein, scientists and non-scientists alike can ‘blame’ evolution for our tendency to be over-confident about our ability to predict the future. And, consistent with evolution concepts, we can conclude this tendency must exist to help us adapt and survive. If we were not naturally blessed with the tendency to have over-confident thoughts about the future then we would be less inclined to envision better futures, set goals around our visions and be persistent in action aimed at our visions. The where would we be? [We’d be hobbled with low-confidence and submerged in fatalistic, status-quo thoughts.]

## When you annoy people you don't make money...[unless you happen to be a sitcom actor or a Don Rickles clone]
Date: 2017-04-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-annoy-people-you-dont-make-moneyunless-you-happen-to-be-a-sitcom-actor-or-a-don-rickles-clone/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You can choose to adjust your personality so it is more pleasing and less annoying. Sometimes, the choice involves biting your tongue. All the time, it involves thinking. Even those not blessed with natural, pleasing personalities can think and bite their tongues.

## People Question Their Bosses’ Decisions [“The Point”]
Date: 2017-04-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-question-their-bosses-decisions-the-point/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Master Rules, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

I won’t be surprised in the slightest way if you figure The Point is a rather trite point. My argument is – it isn’t a trite point. The Point is a point worth thinking about. Here’s where I am coming from… Some bosses behave as if The Point is not true, or, more accurately, they behave as if it better not be true. Sometimes, we call these people Autocrats. They rule with absolute power. And they are very inclined to make stiff, inflexible rules… Master Rules [i.e., Master Rules under full double entendre]. Some bosses behave as if The Point is true, however, they fight against it every, single workaday of their lives*. Sometimes they are surprised when people question their decisions. Sometimes they get huffy when people question their decisions. Almost always, they feel and show negative emotions when people question their decisions. Perhaps, these unhelpful reactions illustrate the flaws of those bosses who feel ‘position power’ provides special rights…rights that make their decisions golden? Putting a finger on your Leadership pulse… When your decisions are questioned – do you feel negative emotions? If so, how’s that working for you? And, how’s that working for the people who follow you? *** If you are one of those people who question your boss's decisions - do you observe negative reactions? If so, how's that make you feel? And, what are you doing to generate better outcomes? Have you given any thought to The Art of Good Questions ? Footnote: * yes, technically speaking 'workaday' is not a noun...

## Helping People who are Indecisive
Date: 2017-04-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/helping-people-who-are-indecisive/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

It seems some people choose to be indecisive . However, it would be dangerous to jump to the conclusion that decision-avoidance is a ‘happily made’ choice. More likely, decision-avoidance is an involuntary reaction or a conscious effort aimed at removing the possibility of negative consequences, which often follow decisions. For example, decisions open the door for second-guessing and criticism. Some people are indecisive simply because it has become one of their bad habits . For these people - what started out as conscious decision-avoidance, over time, became a habit…i.e., a bad habit [for those who believe decisions are of value]. Some people are indecisive and appear to be oblivious to their predicament…it seems they know no better way. While their indecision may not register in their consciousness, ‘deep down’ their brains/minds are aware of the avoidance and, probably, they are experiencing some level of anxiety as a result of the avoidance. The roots of this bad habit – indecision - are usually lack of drive or lack of self-confidence. However, in some cases indecision is caused by an anxiety disorder…perhaps, a very-troubling Anxiety Disorder. While some may argue one cause is “laziness”, that word may be a little too strong. If the person is struggling with an Anxiety Disorder then ‘laziness’ is an inappropriate description of the situation. In fact, when Anxiety Disorders are present, thinking or talking about laziness can be quite harmful. As an alternative to thinking and talking about laziness, we can think and talk about strategies designed to help people who struggle with Anxiety Disorders. We can go one step farther. We can also use these strategies to help any person who is indecisive…that is, we can help them if we are skilled at delivering the help and they are ready, willing, and able to receive it. *** Some people choose to be indecisive. For example, I know a fellow who chooses to wait 2 days before responding to troubling or complicated email. That has two potentially positive implications: (1) management of task-timing [i.e., to maintain personal organization] and (2) control of emotions, to ensure productive communications.

## Honesty and the Other Person's Feelings
Date: 2017-04-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/honesty-and-the-other-persons-feelings/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Family Business and CFFB

As a child I was admonished to be respectful and take care not to hurt other people’s feelings. In general, that’s OK advice. Regardless, I have found it fails as a general rule. Yes, sometimes our honesty hurts other people. Children often make innocent comments that adults find inappropriate. For example, children notice and comment on differences in people’s appearance and that can be very embarrassing for adults, especially parents. So, with fear of hurting other people’s feelings in mind, early in life many of us learn to place our natural [accurate and innocent] thoughts on hold and keep them to ourselves. Later, as we become less child-like [and more adult-like] we learn to adjust our communication in ways that conceal our true thoughts and replace them with adult-acceptable messages. Now, as this 21st Century continues to unfold, it seems feelings are reigning near supreme. Are feelings going to undermine honesty? Considering other people’s feelings: Where should lines be drawn between honest expression of thought and suppression of expression? Are we doing a good enough job teaching children they and other people have the ability to control their reactions to other people’s words? In fact, with some education and effort each of us can learn self-control, including control over our feelings…are we teaching that to our children? Are we providing education that opens minds to thickening skin ?

## getting at the Maybe rut
Date: 2017-04-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/getting-at-the-maybe-rut/ | Categories: Optimism & Pessimism, Personalities @ Work

Somewhere between the Pessimists and the Optimists there is a group of people who live lives of Maybe. Procrastinators are in this group...sooner or later they may get around to starting, doing and finishing stuff. Procrastinators live lives of Maybe - maybe that bad thing will happen if I do this? Maybe it won't? Not sure. Uncertainty. If you are a salesperson you will agree many prospective clients fall into this group. They would rather say "call me back" than "no". Sometimes, Maybe-people believe it is better to say Maybe than No because No tends to hurt others' feelings. And, of course, there are those who simply have the habit of being indecisive: they make up the majority of this Maybe group of people. It seems to me, the major cause of indecision is lack of self-confidence . There are other causes for indecision , as examples - distraction, lack of interest and lack of consideration for other people's interests. However, if we spent enough time digging we would likely find a lack of self-confidence close to the roots of all these other causes. The Effects of Maybe: Maybe eats up time. When their time gets eaten up, Maybe-people think they don't have enough time. Of course that's wrong-thinking. Regardless, of course, it sours the ability of Maybe-people to accomplish constructive things. I call this, getting in the Maybe rut . Maybe generates anxiety and stress. These things permeate Maybe-minds and eat up space for logical thinking. This is another debilitating aspect of the Maybe rut. Maybe-people are allergic to peace of mind. It's like Maybe coats their minds in Teflon...when peace of mind tries to visit it is deflected and doomed to never become comfortable enough to establish roots.

## Stepping On, Stepping Aside, & Stepping Up
Date: 2017-04-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stepping-on-stepping-aside-stepping-up/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Leaders' Thoughts

"Whenever we focus on what others need to do we give away our power and let ourselves off the hook." John Izzo ' Stepping Up ', (2012) While this quote is tied to standing back and expecting others to step up to create positive change, it has some very interesting implications in the area of criticizing others' performance. One conclusion: We will be far better off if we learn to step aside and analyze our own actions and motives before we criticize other people’s actions and motives. So this John Izzo quote has value in two areas. When we face problems we can: step up rather than step aside and step up rather than step on other people. At least every once in a while, each one of us feels the urge to criticize other people's words, actions and motives. In a sense, we feel the urge to step on other people. Before we step on others, we ought to take a breath, take a time out, step aside , and think about our own motives and actions. If we cannot do this then we must understand our criticism of others is probably not well grounded. It is biased . It is flippant. It is reactive. It is poorly thought out. Also, if we cannot step aside and hold back on criticizing others when they are doing the best they can then we likely lack the ability to step up and do things beyond the things we are currently doing. And, even if we do have the ability to step up our motives will likely be flawed. Rarely do flawed motives result in successful stepping up . So - Stepping aside is better than stepping on and stepping up is better than stepping aside . If we step on we are stepping toward failure. If we step aside we are in a position to watch success. If we step up we are stepping toward success. Self-knowledge unlocks success.

## Elegant solutions - serving business leaders.
Date: 2017-03-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/elegant-solutions-serving-business-leaders/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities

Business leaders are opportunity-seekers and problem-solvers. Business leaders need help so they can take on ever-bigger opportunities and solve ever-bigger problems. Business leaders need people who 'get it' and can deliver 'elegant solutions'.

Business leaders are opportunity-seekers and problem-solvers . Business leaders need help so they can take on ever-bigger opportunities and solve ever-bigger problems. Business leaders need people who 'get it' and can deliver 'elegant solutions'. Elegant Solutions are: Tasteful Graceful Attractive Simple Clear Why Tasteful ? One reason - broader appeal Why Graceful ? One reason - the steps flow and make sense Why Attractive? One reason - to capture and hold attention Why Simple ? One reason - Seeking Simple is a winning strategy Why Clear ? One reason - easier to understand and communicate

## Building Self-confidence
Date: 2017-03-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/building-self-confidence/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Hero Worship, Values: Personal Values

A strong desire to achieve promotes self-confidence . Positive self-image and high self-esteem promote self-confidence. Sense of purpose and goals promote self-confidence. A commitment to take action promotes self-confidence. Affirmations promote self-confidence. Strong personal values for fair play promote self-confidence. Positive thinking , especially about other people, promote self-confidence. Willingness to serve others promotes self-confidence. Truthfulness promotes self-confidence. A keen sense of justice promotes self-confidence. 'Planning your work and working your plan' - that also promotes self-confidence. These are some of the important messages Napoleon Hill embedded in his Self-confidence Formula . Hill understood self-confidence is a fragile thing...easily disrupted...time-consuming to build...energy-consuming to hold fast. Self-confidence is a habit . It is a good habit. Good habits don't just happen. Good habits require planning. Good habits require ongoing work.

## Self-Improvement happens when talent-laden mind-sets come to the aid of skill-sets.
Date: 2017-03-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/self-improvement-happens-when-talent-laden-mind-sets-come-to-the-aid-of-skill-sets/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people embrace life-long learning . Those people become the best leaders. They tend to understand their talents & strengths. They tend to apply their brainpower to focused work-tasks. That allows them to build skill-sets and master work-tasks. They take talent to tas k. They bolster that talent with knowledge, thinking, and practised-skills .

## Crossing the transition line in a close-knit group
Date: 2017-03-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/crossing-the-transition-line-in-a-close-knit-group/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Succession, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

I found myself comparing business success to sports success. I concluded it would definitely fall in the zone of some sort of endurance competition…an endurance competition involving a team…perhaps, an amazing race. As I was thinking along that direction I thought of bicycle racing teams like the Tour de France. A big problem with that analogy is

Every time I take on a new succession-planning project I stop and think about the best ways to share what I have learned. While some may approach succession as if it lends itself to a pre-planned set of procedures, I don't view it that way. Succession is one of those extremely personal things, and by 'personal' I mean succession is wrapped up in the needs of more than one person. And, we have to face the fact – people’s needs can be multi-faceted, nuanced and complex. I found myself comparing success to sports. I concluded it would definitely fall in the zone of some sort of endurance competition…an endurance competition involving a team…perhaps, an amazing race. As I was thinking along that direction I thought of bicycle racing teams like the Tour de France. A big problem with that analogy is only one person gets to win the bicycle race. In successful succession projects all the players on the team have to win. Another big problem is, if it's done right succession planning really isn’t a race at all. It isn't a contest that lends itself to stopwatches or time-clocks. In fact, when it is run against time-clocks succession falls short of full success, creating at best some winners but also some losers. After spending some time thinking about the various sports analogies, I decided there is no real-life sport that can be used to explain business succession. The closest I could do was to create a new sport which would go like this: there's only one team playing it, so external competition is not a key factor – on the other hand, internal communication is a critical factor; every player on the team takes turn piggybacking other players, carrying them from time to time for various distances, exerting strength to offset others’ weaknesses; all of the players must cross the transition line as a close-knit group, within arms-length of one another; and, the final requirement is after the transition line has been passed everyone on the team feels good about themselves and each of the other players on the team. Doesn’t that sound like an interesting sport...a wonderful thing to experience!

## Biting your tongue just before it expresses something incorrect or stupid or otherwise wrong – that’s a good thing
Date: 2017-03-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/biting-your-tongue-just-before-it-expresses-something-incorrect-or-stupid-or-otherwise-wrong-thats-a-good-thing/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You can choose to adjust your personality so it is more pleasing and less annoying. Sometimes, the choice involves biting your tongue.

## Why did Evolution deny human ears the privilege of showing us when they are actually operating?
Date: 2017-03-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-did-evolution-deny-human-ears-the-privilege-of-showing-us-when-they-are-actually-operating-listen/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our eyes fare better. Even our mouths, which cause us so much trouble, fare better. This helps us understand why dogs are Mans' Best Friend.

## Character reigns supreme
Date: 2017-03-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/character-reigns-supreme/ | Categories: Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Master Rules, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

I heard today that assessments aimed at finding high-calibre personnel are no longer considering intelligence and talent but are now concentrating all attention on character. While I expect this is an exaggeration of the current state of recruiting practices, I think it is wrong to underestimate the value of intelligence and talent. And, I believe the use of character assessment alone is a very troubling way to go about determining people’s wherewithal. Intelligence, Talents & Character: it seems to me all three of these things are critical to success. I can't imagine any meaningful achievement that does not contain portions of all of these attributes. Intelligence is multifaceted and can work in mysterious ways. Regardless, it's hard to imagine anything being built without a significant level of intelligence. Intelligence correlates the success…in all endeavours. Talents are the fundamental pieces required for mastery of task and the construction of all meaningful things. When people use their talents at work they take steps to fulfill their ultimate potential. The more they use their talents the greater their opportunity to succeed. Character is the overriding quality that inspires thought , promotes trust , and influences action . Character is a construct of personal values , personal rules & morals , and a number of other facets, including self-control and power of will . Character is about authenticity and trueness , consistency and doing the right things. Clearly, character is an essential ingredient. It is easy to accept that character is the key ingredient. But, that should not confuse the facts around the importance of intelligence and talent .

## Time to Stop Hogwashing Relationship-Selling
Date: 2017-03-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/hogwashing-relationship-selling/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Personalities @ Work, Sales

While there's no question relationships are changing , d on't believe the hogwash about the death of relationship selling. The fact is, for many people relationship selling is still alive and well.

I recently read an article, written by a sales guru about four years ago. The article stated “ relationship selling is dead ”. As I read this effort at sales wisdom, I had to smile. Obviously, the fellow who wrote this article has not attended some of the meetings I've been in recently. I've had the pleasure of sitting back and seeing some extraordinary relationship-selling and relationship-buying activity. The conclusion: Don't believe the hogwash about the death of relationship selling. There's no question, relationships are changing . This applies to relationships in general and more specifically to sales-client relationships. As an example, I believe it can be much more difficult to initiate sales-client relationships now than it used to be. This is particularly true if “relationship” is framed in face-to-face personal contact. For some people, relationship selling has fallen and always will fall somewhere between a challenge and an impossibility. My guess is the fellow who wrote “ relationship selling is dead ” is one of those people who either has never made an effort to sell or has made an effort and found the work to be somewhere between challenging and impossible. So, writing “ relationship selling is dead ” aligns very well with that person’s experiences, mindsets and natural talents. In other words, the person lacks the natural gifts that must exist if a person is to succeed at relationship selling. The fact is, for many people relationship selling is still alive and well. Don't let them hogwash you. Regardless of all the stereotyping and pedantic arguments provided by sales gurus, relationship selling still flourishes with some people. The sales gurus who possess sales ability understand relationships are a critical piece of the sales equation. The sales people who understand this don’t generally parade their sales views – they focus on getting sales done.

## Do you choose to pay your bills on time?
Date: 2017-03-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/choosing-to-pay-your-bills-on-time/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

You have a choice in business. You can choose to pay your bills on time or you can choose to not pay your bills on time. As a general rule, people who choose to not pay their bills on time have mediocre if any success in business. It doesn’t matter if you believe in the law of attraction or not. That isn't what I'm talking about here. I’m talking about observation of successful and not-successful business people. Successful people – people who enjoy long-term, sustained business success – pay their bills on time. People who do not pay their bills on time may achieve short-lived business success. People who do not pay their bills on time, sooner or later, end up failing at business. Observe your clients – do they pay their bills on time? Observe your employees [your followers] – do their pay their bills on time? Observe yourself – do you pay your bills on time? If not, change that before it becomes the bad habit that kills your chance for meaningful business success.

## Are you too busy to know other people’s businesses?
Date: 2017-03-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/are-you-too-busy-to-know-other-peoples-businesses/ | Categories: Clients' Clients Philosophy, Communication: Improving Communication, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales

Common sense tells us: Most people look for a fair deal, where both parties exchange value, Some people look to cheat others, heads I win - tails you lose , and Some people look to help others, expecting little or nothing in return. Those three things probably fit nicely in a bell curve, where the norm is business people exchanging fair value with one another. That's the viewpoint here: most business people do business with one another in an effort to obtain some value and deliver some value in exchange. People exchanging value - that's the essence of business. If you agree with that then to grow business you must increase the exchange of value. And, as you work to increase the exchange of value you will do better if you know how both parties define the value they seek and the value they deliver. Most business people just scratch the surface of value exchange. Sales people tend to know the value they think they're delivering. Purchasing people tend to know the value they think they're receiving. Sales people may make a serious effort to try to determine what the purchasing people want to receive. Purchasing people may make a serious effort to try to understand what the sales people want to receive. But it's highly unlikely their thoughts go beyond those things. For example, sales people do not understand what value the sales people who work at the purchasing person's company are looking to receive or deliver. And, vice-versa, purchasing people do not understand what value the purchasing people who work at the sales person's company are looking to receive or deliver. Even worse, sales people do not understand the value the purchasing people at their organization are trying to receive and deliver and purchasing people don't know the value their organization's sales people are trying to receive and deliver. People tend to know what they want and what they're prepared to deliver in exchange for it. However, they have a much smaller understanding of what other people want and are trying to deliver in exchange for it. This applies within companies. This applies between companies. This applies between people. Some years ago we addressed this with our Clients' Clients Philosophy. Here are the starting-point questions … What value do you want to receive from people at other companies? What value do you want to deliver to people at other companies? What value do other people in your company want to receive from people at other companies? What value do people in other companies want to receive from other people in your company? *** People who possess an ongoing curiosity around questions about what other people value have the opportunity to excel in business, to excel in interpersonal relationships, and to deliver and receive tremendous value. Some people are too busy. So, they don't get these things…and they don’t get most of the other things they want.

## When Alpha Dogs Collide
Date: 2017-03-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-alpha-dogs-collide/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Hero Worship, Master Rules, Values: Personal Values

When alpha dogs collide you see raising of hackles and you hear snarls & barks...then comes the gnashing of teeth and to-and-fro attacks...much noise, much heated action. Then, sooner or later the battle subsides. Tied to all this - Of course, as Napoleon Hill made so clear during the last years of his life - Ultimately, Nothing Matters . The day will soon come when the snarls and barks and even the painful yelps subside into memory. Ultimately, Nothing Matters. Regardless, 'ultimately' does not apply to the current situation. The current situation is - now...and...now, right this moment, Many Things Matter...especially, if you have in your mind Personal Values and Personal Goals ...let alone Personal Rules , codes of conduct , morals , etc. The stronger your convictions in these areas, the more things matter. If you do not believe me then just ask a couple of alpha dogs. But, take care not to be bitten or at least snapped at during the process.

## Removing some Confusion around Intuition
Date: 2017-03-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/removing-some-confusion-around-intuition/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing

Gut Feel: that's when you have a very strong feeling that isn't backed by logic...like an instinct...a special gift arriving as an insight or intuition There's lots of advice about gut feel... it's the true key to success the gift of the creative and the entrepreneurial an overrated and flawed phenomenon something that's likely to get you into trouble So, what should you do? Should you follow your gut feel? Should you be wary of it? Should you pick and choose when to follow and when to ignore your gut feel? If that's best then how do you go about doing that? Some time ago, we spent time defining emotions . Emotions, the way we define them, provide a clue on how to deal with gut feel. In summary, emotions are natural protective mechanisms - built-in genetic mechanisms. They are warning signals. They happen quickly and unconsciously. After they arrive, thoughts follow...either negative thoughts or positive thoughts...stronger rather than weaker thoughts. If a gut feel is flavoured with emotion then we need to step back and think about why this is happening before we follow the gut feel. Intuition and insight do not have to be flavoured by emotion. Intuition and insight can happen without emotion. So, when we have a special insight or intuition we need to consider whether or not it is coupled with emotion. If the gut feel is coupled with emotion then it could be: A Hunger - simply put, it might only be something you crave. If your special insight or intuition is crave-based then you are likely to ignore facts, refuse intelligent input, and make decision errors. A Bad Habit - ask yourself if this gut feel is aligned with your long-term goals. If it is not then it is wrapped up in bad habit. A Gift of Insight and Intuition - however, that will be a rarity. On the other hand, if your gut feel is coupled with feeling rather than emotion then give it some quality attention. It may be true intuition or true insight. Then you will want to heed it and let it add to your life.

## Let’s not water down Confidence.
Date: 2017-03-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/lets-not-water-down-confidence/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Hero Worship, Humour, Values: Personal Values

Confidence is a personal thing. There is no reason to design your self-confidence in a way that fits someone else’s viewpoint or rules. Your self-confidence can and should be as big as you want it to be…including believing you’re better than anyone else. If you choose to think that way, you will be in good company: consider how Muhammad Ali felt and thought when he was in his prime 1,2 think about Wayne Gretzky – would any of us have told Gretzky to stop thinking he was the best? think about Napoleon who changed the world Now, some people confuse confidence with cockiness/hubris/conceit… Perhaps cockiness does correlate with confidence; perhaps, on average, confident people are cockier than people who are not confident? Regardless: cockiness is not about what you believe; cockiness is about how you behave. You can choose to be confident without choosing to be cocky. And, confidence without cockiness is a magnetic, inspiring combination. On the one hand - No question – sometimes highly-confident behaviour can be off-putting to other people. On the other hand - No question – thinking you are better than anyone else can result in Olympic gold medals, putting a man on the moon…and numerous examples of business brilliance. It seems to me… Champions and serious contenders must believe they are better than anyone else. Otherwise they are doomed to not be champions or contenders for very long. This applies in the big picture [the major political stages, the premier-level sports stages, etc] and it applies on smaller-scale stages [your chess club, your karaoke contests, etc]. People with lesser ambitions should not impress their non-champion or non-contender beliefs on champions or other more-confident competitors. Footnotes: I have special memories of Muhammad Ali . He ignited my life-long interest in the sweet sport . I remember, when I was very young, attending fight night at our local arena...watching Ali on the big screen, listening to my Dad and his buddies root for the other guy [ex. Joe Frasier]...and all the time wondering why I wanted Ali to win...and wondering what funny things Ali would say to the reporters after he won the fight. Sure, Ali was both confident and cocky. For me, his cockiness was a small thing to endure to witness his tremendous personality and humour...and, of course, his champion-level boxing performances. In December 1999 Muhammad Ali received some rather special recognition. Here's a couple of examples: he was named Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of The Century and BBC Sports Personality of the Century .

## Workplace Conflict: Sometimes Good, Most Times Bad
Date: 2017-03-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/workplace-conflict-sometimes-good-most-times-bad/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Personalities @ Work, Values: Personal Values

A couple of years ago I wrote an article titled, We are too tolerant of conflict! Now, I’d like to re-title that article, “We are too tolerant of bad conflict!” The 2015 article contained: Often, we find ourselves in situations of conflict because: 1. we lack self-confidence and, as a result of that, we behave either too timidly or too aggressively and 2. we are too lazy to figure out how to avoid conflict or nip conflict in the bud when we know it has commenced. We are too tolerant of conflict. Some people even promote conflict in the workplace because they view it as a good, healthy and productive way to communicate, make decisions, and delegate tasks. That's interesting in many negative directions! The results the conflict promoters achieve at their businesses prove it is a high-risk-low-reward strategy. Recently a number of friends have raised the topic of workplace conflict. It is interesting to note their viewpoints have all been in the zone of promoting conflict in the workplace because they view it as good, healthy and productive. As these conversations swirled, I listened intently. In particular, I listened for examples that would help me understand, specifically, ‘How’ good, healthy, and productive workplace conflict occurred…or, better still, was orchestrated or managed. Yes – at the conceptual level diversity of thought/opinion is good, healthy and productive. And, we know when the stakes are high and emotions are heating up diversity of thought/opinion can lead to conflict. So, [the good thing] diversity of thought/opinion can lead to workplace conflict. Whether that workplace conflict is good or bad depends on a number of things. As examples: Tolerance – in the event one or more of the conflicting parties is intolerant of the other party [in any way, including general prejudices or specific ‘negative’ experiences] it is highly unlikely the conflict will lead to good things. Self-confidence – as introduced above, individual’s self-confidence is a critical success factor in situations of workplace conflict...and in life. Self-confidence is not a constant: like Goldilocks’ porridge, sometimes it is too hot, sometimes it is too cold, and sometimes it is just right. When self-confidence is too hot or bloated conflict tends to escalate into unproductive territory. When self-confidence is too cold or injured conflict tends to reach a unilateral resolution and disagreement remains but is hidden, stewing on a back burner. Tolerance and self-confidence are but two considerations. There are many others. If we want workplace conflict to generate positive, constructive results that take us toward our desired goals then we must do much more than just talk about the value embedded in diversity of thought/opinion and the merits of workplace conflict. We must dig deep to understand the factors that, likely before the beginning of conflict but definitely by the end of the conflict, determine whether conflict time and effort was well or poorly spent. We must understand the Why behind conflict-thought/opinions and know the How of guiding conflict-action before we can pave the path for valuable and productive results. And, there’s no better starting point than self-confidence, beginning with analysis of self.

## What matters is what you're going to do next.
Date: 2017-03-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-matters-is-what-youre-going-to-do-next/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Influencing, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

It doesn't matter what you've done or what you know or even who you know. What matters is what you're going to do next and, of more importance, whether or not people are positively influenced by what you do next. Sure, from time to time, it's fun to reminisce about the glory days. On the other hand, the glory days are not here again until you make it so. And as you make it so you may not be able to do it the same way it happened the last time. As Dylan taught us - the times they are a-changin' . You will need to adapt and accommodate to the current situations . As Darwin taught us - "Survival goes not to the strongest or the most intelligent but to the one who is most adaptable to change." Yes, it is true, what you know is important to a degree. Better stated, what you know contains potential value. Specialized knowledge is of particular value. The extent of the value of your knowledge is determined by your ability to identify opportunities and do constructive things to convert those opportunities into positive changes [desired by other people]. Your future success boils down to how you intend to put your strengths - that is, how you intend to put your talents, knowledge, and skills - to good use in the future. Your future success depends on whether or not you can positively influence other people to help you achieve the goals you envision. Your future success depends on what you're going to do next: positive change happens one action-step at a time.

## What Business People Say They Want...and Their Bosses Fail To Deliver
Date: 2017-02-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-business-people-say-they-wantand-their-bosses-fail-to-deliver/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude

Business people say... I want to understand my role, the contribution I am to make, and how it fits in with team contributions and company success. I want to have the opportunity to use my talents and strengths . I want to know the goals I am expected to achieve and how those goals fit in with team goals and company success. I want a "truly safe" place to work, make errors , and learn from my errors. I want decision-making authority and autonomy. I want " constructive " feedback, delivered with sensitivity. I want to experience success celebrations. I want to know plans are in place , providing a level of predictability. [Fail to provide these things and you and your followers will fall into the Boss-Subordinate Chasm] *** Things People Don't Want Ambiguity/Uncertainty: changing rules, changing messages, unclear communications, impossible goals, change in general Criticism : in any form, however, public criticism is especially undesirable Overseeing: micro-managing, nitpicking, policing Perfectionists' expectations

## In support of self-consciousness
Date: 2017-02-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-support-of-self-consciousness/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

In our lexicon self-consciousness has a weakness connotation. We have been conditioned to think of ' self-conscious ' people as timid people, people who cower under negative self-images. Let's give this another think. Better still, let's replace it all with constructive thought. Self-consciousness is a good thing: It means the person is giving some thought to self...it’s an acknowledgement that thinking about self is an important thing to do. It means the person is aware of self...it’s a foundation upon which self-control can grow. It means the person is growing knowledge of self…it’s the vital step toward self-improvement. Like all other skills self-awareness, self-control, self-knowledge and self-improvement require guidance and relentless practise. And practise leads to mastery of skills when its guidance-system is housed in an educated, open and self-conscious mind. So, self-consciousness leads to strength in thought and action. Conversely, strength cannot exist when self-consciousness is absent. Never should we assume self-conscious thought and awareness is only directed toward the negatives. For each of us, self is the essential ingredient. We ought to be conscious of that. And, we ought to wrap that consciousness in constructive mindsets, allowing as little room as possible for negativity. We face an awesome choice – we can choose to accept self-conscious thought as the recipe for finding our most-positive things…like our talent, our courage, our confidence, our conviction, & our curiosity.

## Simplicity generates efficiency
Date: 2017-02-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/simplicity-generates-efficiency/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Master Rules, Seeking Simple!

The 80/20 Rule: implies simplicity. implies reduction. implies compromise.

Complexity confuses people. Simplicity generates efficiency. 80/20 Rule wisdom has repeatedly proven its value over time. The 80/20 Rule tells us that 20% of the work we do delivers 80% of the value we receive for that work. In other words, 20% of our efforts yield 80% of the results we desire. In no way does the 80/20 Rule try to guide us to work perfection in all areas. In no way does the 80/20 Rule try to cover all of the various pieces of work we perform. In no way does the 80/20 Rule try to satisfy 100% of anyone's needs. In fact, the 80/20 Rule implies the exact opposite . It implies simplicity. It implies reduction. It implies compromise. In exchange for these ‘limitations’, the 80/20 Rule delivers the benefits of efficient and effective coverage of the processes that deliver 80% of the value we are working to obtain. When we cover 80% of the value using systematized and simplified processes, such as those governed by the 80/20 Rule, we free up the ability to focus the majority of our time on injecting innovation into processes that require our inter-personal talents, our technical expertise, and significant amounts of our concentration and thought. *** In business we do better when we have simple systems, we know the rules for those systems, and we know when we must break those rules and do different things. We need to understand human nature: people are very comfortable following the rules they have chosen for themselves; people have more difficulty buying into and following rules created by others. And yes, some people are natural born rule breakers...they are the outwardly defiant, the silent detractors, and the saboteurs. In reaction to the resistant-to-change realities of the business world, we develop supervisors, managers, coaches, and mentors.

## How to develop your positive mental attitude
Date: 2017-02-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-develop-your-positive-mental-attitude/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

Above and beyond everything else, Courage is the mind state that promotes positive mental attitude. Like every other mind state, with focused and persistent effort, Courage can be developed. Courage is about facing fears and acting against them. So, Courage is a mind state laced with emotion. It is a mind state where fear is tamed and transformed into something more positive and constructive. Often, Courage is developed accidentally - for example when someone acts impulsively in reaction to a dangerous or fearful situation. Deeply rooted Courage can also be developed intentionally with forethought and planned action steps. People know what causes them to feel fear . People can anticipate most of the situations that cause them fear. As one example, people can anticipate other people’s actions that cause them to experience fear. More specifically, in business, people can anticipate the specific actions their bosses do that trigger feelings of fear. Most of the situations that cause us to be fearful can be anticipated. Because we have this ability to anticipate fearful situations we also have the ability to plan ways to counteract those fearful situations before they visit us. In summary, we can role-play fearful situations in our minds long before those fearful situations happen in reality. While we role-play those fearful situations in our mind we can role-play various reactions to those fearful situations and, in effect, we can train ourselves in advance on the best ways to react to fearful situations. Then, later, when fearful situations arise in real life we can face them and take pre-planned actions. And, because we know what we are doing and why we are doing it we can be more objective. We can 'self-analyse' to assess, rate, adjust, and improve our performance in fear-situations. Following this approach we can improve our handling of fear-situations and build Courage until we reach the level of Courage we desire. The more fearful situations we can anticipate and plan for the more opportunities we will have to test different fear-countering actions… the goal being ‘fear management’...i.e., Courage. The process described here helps us master our fears, build Courage, and build self-confidence . This is the optimum process for development of Courage because we control the pace and we get first-hand feedback as we succeed in small steps. It is also an excellent way to build self-confidence, that state of mind where we know we have the ability to address and handle situations when we face them. Courage and self-confidence are the states of mind most conducive to building positive mental attitudes toward other people and situations and, of more importance, toward ourselves.

## Here's to the Contrarian!
Date: 2017-02-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/heres-to-the-contrarian/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Here's to the person who succeeds by... refusing to ask questions choosing to not listen never following saying "No" to checklists saying "No" to To Do lists embracing task indiscipline marching on in the face of over-complication straying from every path doing it until it rings poverty overdoing as a matter of principle underdoing as matter of principle overdueing every payment underdueing every collection aspiring to perfectionism aspiring to obfuscation practising engineeringism second guessing getting communication backwards These are just some of the joys of contrarianism .

## How to make sure your confidence does not threaten your followers.
Date: 2017-02-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-make-sure-your-confidence-does-not-threaten-your-followers/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Values: Personal Values

Some followers are intimidated by Leader's self-confidence . Here are some Spirited suggestions, to help you make sure you do not come across that way: Be authentic …it is OK to be on the reserved side of centre if that is your character…it is OK to be on the boisterous side if that is your character Be committed to working on self-improvement …i.e., raising his or her own self-confidence when that is required, as it will be from time to time Focus on strengths : personal strengths and the strengths possessed by others As Dale Carnegie taught, be " hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise ". Make full and appropriate use of humour …some leaders have just a little of it and will need to remind themselves of the importance of putting it to good use…other leaders have heavy doses of it and they will need to remind themselves to never let it go too far…self-humour is best…humour at the expense of others is an absolute no-no Listen …resurrect that art if it has become lost Master your emotions …and keep them under control [most of the time] Live with Integrity…as defined here

## When it ain't broken but it's broken
Date: 2017-02-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-it-aint-broken-but-its-broken/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Master Rules, Solutions & Opportunities

Sometimes... Every action, taken on it's own, seems right and feels right. Yet, when you add them altogether you do not get the desired result and things no longer feel right or seem right.

Sometimes... Every action, taken on it's own, seems right and feels right. Yet, when you add all the actions altogether you do not get the result you desired and things no longer feel right or seem right. That, in a nutshell, is the it-ain't-broken-but-it's-broken problem. This it-ain't-broken-but-it's-broken problem exists because: The rules are not clear or not enforced, The goals all are either non-existent or ambiguous, and The consequences for failure are either not clear or not taken seriously. Don't be distracted or dissuaded by that saying, " If it ain't broken, don't fix it ". Sometimes appearances are deceiving. Sometimes actions appear to be done to perfection and yet the desired results do not follow. Sometimes actions are done to perfection and they never had a chance to succeed because they were not the right actions. And, sometimes, whether things are broken or not, we just know it's broken . That's the beauty of intuition and the value of gut feel.

## Don't ya just hate it when people tell you they are giving 110%!
Date: 2017-02-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-ya-just-hate-it-when-people-tell-you-they-are-giving-110/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour

Subtitle: Death by hyperbolic hyperbolas of hyperbole When I was a child, the adults in our neighbourhood had a habit of stopping me and asking me to answer math questions. As one example, they would hold out a hand, open it to show a bunch of coins, and ask me how much money was in the hand. I would provide the answers. Then, they would smile at me, congratulate me, tousle my hair, put their money into their pockets and walk away. When I was about 6 years old, after it was crystal clear none of them were ever going to give me any of their money, I concluded none of the adults in our subdivision knew how to count their money. I brought that to my parents' attention. My parents told me the neighbourhood adults did understand basic math and went on to explain I possessed a bit more math skills than the other kids in our neighbourhood and the adults got some sort of kick out of it. With that new perspective, an idea hit me. I asked my parents if they would show me their coins, which they did. I added up my parents' coins, gave them the accurate totals and, much to my surprise, they too smiled, congratulated me, tousled my hair, put their coins back into their pockets and walked away. That was my early exposure to zero-sum gaming. And, perhaps, in some puzzling way, that story of my early math experiences has something to do with the point of the little tirade to follow. Regardless... Later in life I found myself answering math questions during university level exams. I wrote dozens of those exams. So I now understand, somehow, at an early age I developed a habit of knowing how to answer math questions. Math habits have persisted. And, my modest but persistent knowledge of math has produced a few side-effects. One side-effect is, when people make claims like they are doing things beyond 100% it catches my attention and my thoughts. I have thoughts like, "Don't these people know when you've got 100% you've got it all & when you've given 100% you've given it all?" Giving 100% is superlative-enough territory...I mean...that's all the way...that's the limit of your giving. Giving more than 100% - well, that's defying the laws of at least mathematics...probably, the laws of physics...and possibly even the Laws of Nature. How can you trust a person who makes claims like, "Boss - I'm giving 110%!" ? Some people go even farther. You often hear people talking about their 150% performances and you hear a small but noticeable group of people, apparently of boundless ability, making performance claims at preposterous levels such as 1000%. Don't ya think these people are going overboard?...I mean, being excessive?...being exorbitant?...really going overboard?...over-killing things...and beating them to death too?...I mean, really, really, really going overboard...with those hyperbolic hyperbolas of hyperbole?

## The Importance of the Learning Sequence
Date: 2017-02-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-importance-of-the-learning-sequence/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Human beings are easily influenced during their early, developmental years. We are totally dependent on others for quite some time. That’s a fact of life. During our years of infancy, we develop deep and long-lasting relationships with people, many of whom: do not have life philosophies or have adopted more-or-less by accident the life philosophies of others or emulate bits and pieces of the life philosophies of heroes or have a fuzzy life philosophy backed by a few good sayings borrowed from others or ancient wisdom. 'Other people' includes parents, siblings, grandparents, kith, and kin. Next, 'other people' includes a variety of relationships with a range of people outside the family and near-neighbours: church people, store people, people who visit parks and playgrounds, caregivers, teachers, figures of other authorities, etc. During our years of infancy we experience incredible growth, much of it visible to others and even more of it happening beyond visibility. We learn about others. We learn about self. Our learning is rudimentary, practical, and critical. We learn about mothers' smiles. We learn about our hands and mouths. We learn ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ and we learn ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. And we learn much, much more…at an extremely rapid pace. When we are infants our early learning is captured by our fragile, developing minds. It registers. To the extent it impresses and to the extent it is repeated it becomes our personal set of experiences, knowledge, and memories. All of our early learning is skewed by the actions, the needs, and the beliefs of other people.

## Big Hairy Audacious Anxieties
Date: 2017-02-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/big-hairy-audacious-anxieties/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

Good to Great ? & Big Hair Audacious Goals ? You gotta learn how to tune strings before you can become a rock star!

Back in 2011, I had concerns about “ Big Hairy Audacious Goals ”. [BHAGs are a concept promoted by ‘ Good to Great ’ guru, Jim Collins.] I think Jim Collins has provided terrific advice for business people. In particular, I embrace his “ Hedgehog Concept ”. However, I have heard many small-business leaders express confusion about Collins’ advice. The confusion is around ‘extent’: “ Good to Great ”: OK - How great is great? [Does everyone have to aim for multi-billion dollar targets?] Hedgehog “ Best in the World ”: Is that too big a goal? “ Big Hairy Audacious Goals ’: Is audacity the right direction? If you want to be recognized as “ Great ” and compete with major, international organizations then I get it. You must be big. You must be exceptional. You must set extreme targets. You must be a rock superstar. You must be audacious [or something comparable…like disruptive…or magical.] In other words - if you want to be recognized as “ Great ” then you must excel in all the areas covered in classics like ‘ Think and Grow Rich ’ . The questions that should be considered are: Who wants to be recognized as “ Great ”? [I mean “ Great ” as defined by Jim Collins.] How many business people can become “ Great ”? [Again, I mean “ Great ” as defined by Jim Collins.] Should small-business leaders embrace the recommendations in Jim Collins’ ‘ Good to Great ’? Reality Check… Many small-business people dream about being “ Great ”. But rarely do small business leaders do the things necessary to even have a chance at being great. Worse still, most readers of ‘ Good to Great ’ are not leading “ Good ” businesses when they are thinking about building “ Great ” businesses. Considering this, ‘ Good to Great ’ concepts probably do more damage than good at small businesses. The concepts confuse leaders who, misguided, relay the confusion to their people. The result is – many small-business leaders quote Jim Collins while few have an understanding of the realities of mediocre-to-good changes let alone good-to-great changes. In addition, when people promote BHAGs everybody seems to ignore the psychological realities. For most people, big hairy audacious goals generate big hairy audacious anxieties…ruining relationships, obliterating the chance of success, and destroying spirit.

## Escaping a whirlpool of compounding errors
Date: 2017-02-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/escaping-a-whirlpool-of-compounding-errors/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Solutions & Opportunities

When we react to errors in inappropriate ways, sometimes we get caught in a whirlpool of compounding errors. We cannot let that happen. We cannot take our errors lightly or allow our problems to get the better of us.

Problems are what life throws at us to make sure we know we are truly alive. Errors are what we do to make sure we don’t forget we are human. While we are accustomed to experiencing and working through an ongoing string of problems and errors. From time to time our errors compound in surprising ways. When that happens, sometimes, small errors lead to strings of errors and that can lead to severe problems and major damage. When we have made a little error we have choices. One of the choices is to ignore the error. Another choice is to remedy the error and do that as quickly as possible. When we make these reaction-to-errors choices we pave the path for habits. These habits can be good habits. These habits can be bad habits . Our changes are matters of our choice. When we react to errors by making extreme choices [extreme changes], we tend to fail. For example, when we overdo discipline we tend to alienate and annoy people. On the other hand, when we fail to illustrate sufficient discipline people tend to wander and make poor decisions. In either case, at either extreme, errors tend to compound. When we react to problems with too much discipline , the consequence can be avoidance due to fear or some other negative mindset. When we react to problems with a lack of discipline, the resulting actions tend to be lackadaisical. Either way, if the extreme practice is continued to the point of habit, we tend to breed compounding errors. So, when we react to errors in inappropriate ways, sometimes we get caught in a whirlpool of compounding errors. When we are in a whirlpool of compounding errors it is as if time gets away on us. We feel like we don’t have enough time . This shortage-of-time feeling becomes an excuse, a mindset that justifies more errors. As problems continue to whirl relentlessly around us, we feel we are losing the little control we have been clinging to. As the whirlpool rages on, our frustrations, worries, and fears expand. These negative mindsets consume our energy and our positive-spirit and this reduces our ability to deal with or learn from our problems. We cannot let that happen. We cannot take our errors lightly or allow our problems to get the better of us. When we are caught in a whirlpool of compounding errors we must resist the current. We must fight the urge to tolerate small errors. We must give fresh thought to old problems. We must take new actions. We must seek out the lessons contained in our errors. We must use every opportunity to learn from errors. Only new approaches will help us escape the whirlpool of compounding errors.

## Indecision and the Procrastination Death Spiral
Date: 2017-02-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/indecision-and-the-procrastination-death-spiral/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Some people choose to be indecisive . Some people are indecisive simply because it has become one of their bad habits. Some people are indecisive and are oblivious to their predicament…apparently, they know no better way. The roots of this bad habit – indecision - are usually lack of drive or lack of self-confidence. While some may argue one cause is “laziness”, that word may be a little too strong. Some people simply lack drive in the area of making decisions. At the same time others find them indecisive they can be busy doing work they deem to be more important than making decisions, in particular – they can be doing things they find more important than making business decisions. Regardless, if a person is working and being indecisive about their work then the roots of their indecision are around lack of drive and lack of self-confidence. In business, indecision can generate very serious business problems. Perhaps the worst of the problems is, the contagion of indecision kills momentum and that creates a confused and stalled business culture. A stalled business culture is easily identified: the people en masse wander around decisions, avoiding clarity of thought and clarity of conclusions. When a business culture is stalled by contagious indecision, only a strong leader can remove the problem. On occasion, this leadership can rise from within the ranks. On occasion, this leadership is derived from intentional change at the top of the hierarchy. And, the stalled-culture problem must be removed. If it is not removed then the procrastination death spiral begins…and the business is doomed to a life marked by sub-standard performance or a death by a thousand procrastinated cuts.

## Personal Values, Rules of Engagement, & setting off those Hot Button alarms
Date: 2017-01-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/personal-values-rules-of-engagement-setting-off-those-hot-button-alarms/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

When it comes to personal values , there are a handful of common Hot Buttons where differing views about personal values cause problems. Examples include: money, failure to deliver on commitments, personal organization and timeliness, attitude, manners, and communication styles. When we look at businesses that are succeeding and those that are not, we see these different values 'in action', sometimes meshing together and other times grinding against one another . When businesses are succeeding we see alignment, consistency, and harmony in people's personal values and the rules that guide conduct. When businesses are struggling and failing, we see misaligned values, misunderstood values, disharmony, and disconnected approaches to the rules that guide conduct. When individual's personal values do not align, business challenges always follow. It is only a matter of time. Sometimes, while people are struggling to start up a business or get over a difficult period in business differences in personal values are set aside…as in – setting aside differences in order to focus on a shared goal. On the other hand, when the dust of the problems clears the differences in personal values start to dominate the mindsets and influence the interactions for the worse. This explains why many businesses fall apart or plummet right after achieving plateaus of new success. Here is another personal-values Hot Button: Sense of Urgency! Sense of Urgency & the setting of priorities, particularly in entrepreneurial environments...these are things that often set strong reactions into play. Some people, for example Stephen R Covey , strongly embrace the concept of making time for the Important things. Other people embrace a fleet-of-foot-action approach that always favors Urgency over Important…continuously pressing for prompt action. When we mix these two ways… When we see the merits of executing work with a sense of Urgency and we take the time to create strategies and plan our most Important work… ...we maximize success, both with people and with profit.

## The Law of the Barbell: Some people spot, some people lift, and some people just keep adding weights.
Date: 2017-01-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-law-of-the-barbell-some-people-spot-some-people-lift-and-some-people-just-keep-adding-weights/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Strong people tend to measure their progress: strong people enjoy adding their own weights. No strong person will tolerate people who 'just keep adding weights' to their lives.

For example, consider Civility ... Civility is defined as polite and respectable behaviour. It is part of good manners. Good manners means things like respect, civility, and harmony. Whereas, bad manners means the opposite: disrespect, incivility, and conflict. Good manners are linked to courteous behavior, which is marked by visible consideration of others. Some people 'spot': they return kindness with kindness; if you are respectful of them, they return the favour. Some people 'lift': they display natural civility and courteousness, both learned traits [either taught by parents or others in early childhood or learned through self-education]. Some people 'just keep adding weights': they appear to derive satisfaction out of criticizing, humbling, and otherwise causing grief for other people. Evidently, they do not understand this approach removes the ability for long-term success. Sure, it can yield short-term results. Regardless, over time, no strong person will tolerate people who 'just keep adding weights' to their lives. And, people who are not strong will struggle more as weights are added and ultimately be crushed, in spirit if not physically. And, people who are not strong are by nature not very helpful on the road to long-term success. The road to long-term success contains a nearly-endless series of challenges. People who 'spot' and people who 'lift' do a better job of handling those challenges. People who are civil and courteous do a better job of handling those challenges.

## Hope and Goals
Date: 2017-01-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/hope-and-goals/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

Hope is a wonderful ‘background mindset’, For example, hope either inspires or opens the mind to accept inspiration. Hope is not a strategy but it is an essential ingredient of leadership.

Hope is a wonderful mindset. I see it as a wonderful ‘background mindset’, a mindset that exists in the background allowing other positive mindsets to take centre stage. For example, hope either inspires or opens the mind to accept inspiration. Hope provides the framework for internal motivation, bolstering optimism, conviction and confidence. This reduces the power of the negative mindsets for rumination, worry and fear by paving the paths for constructive action. When we have goals, hope provides encouragement. Hope adds enjoyment to our work. Hope provides comfort during the difficult times. On the other hand – As the book ‘ Hope Is Not A Strategy ’ confirms, hope on its own accomplishes little. Hope alone will not take us to our goals. Hope adds meaning to life when it is accompanied by focused thought and planned action .

## Pinocchio lives.
Date: 2017-01-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/pinocchio-lives/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour

Just the other day, I met with Pinocchio. I listened to him. I couldn't help but pay attention to his body language...so packed with enthusiasm and emotion. And, yes, I saw his nose growing. At first it was almost imperceptible. Then, as I focused my attention, the growth was clearly visible. I must warn you. At first, you gotta watch closely to see that nose growing. At first, it doesn't happen the way it was portrayed in that classic animated movie. Pinocchio's nose growth is far more subtle and nowhere near as comical. Really, it's a troubling thing to witness firsthand. Once Pinocchio's nose starts to grow there's no stopping it. You cannot butt in to stop it. And, while it's happening it's virtually impossible to avoid eye-nose contact. No matter how grotesque you may find it, you cannot take your eyes off it. And, displaying interest in it is the worst thing you can do. That simply fuels the fire and feeds the beast…I mean, your interest is guaranteed to inflate that proboscis. With time the trauma of that growing schnozzola will subside…I’m talking about the trauma you experienced not the trauma Pinocchio goes through as outrageous nose growth contorts his little face. I understand Pinocchio’s nose returns to normal after his voice is silent for a while. I cannot confirm that. I'm not sure if the nose subsided after I left because I've not been able to bring myself to visit with Pinocchio since the incident.

## The conflict between long-term desires and short-term gratification
Date: 2017-01-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-conflict-between-long-term-desires-and-short-term-gratification/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

We all have desires and goals. How do we achieve our desires and goals? For most people, the equation can be as simple as this: My Personal Changes + Other People’s Personal Changes = My Desired Outcomes.

We use a long list of words including ‘wants’, ‘needs’, ‘desires’, ‘goals’, ‘objectives’, ‘purpose’ and ‘vision’ to describe our thoughts and feelings about the future. It's about our future. It's about the future possibilities and our desires and preferences around those possibilities. I have posted several articles about these topics, for example, one article about Desires is copied below. We all have desires: some desires are modest in scope, as in kicking an annoying little habit; other desires are most grandiose, as in making a dent in the universe. Our desires are both inwardly-focused and outwardly-focused, although most of us exhibit blind spots in both the internal/intrinsic and external/extrinsic directions. As a general observation, most people fail to place enough onus on internal focus. Their words and their actions illustrate their expectation that external changes will bring the desired outcomes and internal ‘self-changes’ are not necessary. For most people, the equation can be as simple as this: My Personal Changes + Other People’s Personal Changes = My Desired Outcomes. Now, I am not saying most people will agree with that equation. In fact, many if not most people will present the opinion that they should, must, and will make personal changes to accomplish their desires. For example, over-drinkers, over-eaters and under-exercisers will acknowledge they could improve their odds of achieving their desires if they could reduce their bad habits and increase their good habits. And, most will say they are prepared to work at these changes. Regardless, study after study confirms people do a very poor job of correcting their behavioural shortcomings by reducing bad habits and expanding good habits. [for example, read the book ' Change Or Die '] Why do people have such trouble giving up bad habits and sustaining good habits ? The simple answer is: for most people the emotional attraction of near-term ' rewards ' out-muscles the future 'rewards' tied to long-term desires. Most people grab gratification when it is available. Before any of us judges others, we should consider the extent of our own willpower. Each of us should ask questions like: Are my long-term goals clear? Do I adjust my actions so they align with my long-term goals? Do I have plans to help me reduce bad habits and develop good habits? The following was first published on Oct 22, 2013 Desires I have noticed in people 4 dominant desires. These desires apply to people in business and to people in general: 1.The desire to vent one’s strength. 2.The desire to feel important. 3.The desire to control. 4.The desire to create things of value. The Desire to Vent One’s Strength At the philosophical level - Nietzsche considered this to be the #1 human desire, greater than the drive to procreate. At the day-to-day business level – People who are enthusiastic about their work are working at things that align with their personal talents & strengths; people who are worn down by their work are working at things that do not align with their talents & strengths. Both consciously and subconsciously, people know when their actions are not aligned with their strengths…it tends to bother them and it tends to eat away at their spirit. Their ambition shrinks. Their performance dulls. Their minds wander and their energies shrink. The Desire to Feel Important At the philosophical level – Dale Carnegie, the self-help pioneer, viewed this as the leading desire. In his lessons and his classic ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ he taught how to influence people by (1) appealing to this basic human desire and (2) not conflicting with this basic human desire…in summary: be hearty in approbation, be lavish with praise, and do not criticize. At the day-to-day business level – “Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron”. Criticism can cause behavioural changes; however, those changes are achieved at a cost. “Criticism finds few friends”. Criticism finds people who already recognize their errors. Some of these people have already given themselves a dose of self-criticism…so they don’t benefit and may hold a grudge against the extra dose of outside criticism. Others do not care about their errors and are predisposed to resist external criticism. Criticism finds people who do not recognize they have made an error. There are kinder ways than the use of criticism to educate them about their shortfalls. The Desire to Control At the psychological level – much has been written about locus of control. Some people believe they have within them an internal ability to control their lives while other people believe their lives are controlled by external factors. At the day-to-day business level – People with an internal locus of control can be driven and extremely self-motivated. Or they can be more passive. They can appear strong-willed and opinionated…even maverick or renegade. Some react very poorly to authority and rules. They are self-energized. For some reason these people have withstood the criticisms of others and their spirits have survived. People with an external locus of control may be content or they may be discontented...living the life of a victim. Some will be comfortable with authority and rules; some will be subversive. Few, if any, successful business leaders have an external locus of control. Unhappy followers may be displaying the impact of throttled internal locus of control or external locus of control discontent. The Desire to Create Things of Value I think people are born with natural desire and drive to innovate and create. Psychological studies confirm this and the fact that over time most people become less creative and less willing to try new things. That’s why entrepreneurs stand out in business. Entrepreneurs have an internal drive to create things of value and that drive survives the beatings placed on it by other people, the bureaucracies, the cruelty of the markets, etc. This desire to create things of value is not isolated to business. We see it in art, we see it in music, and we see it in philanthropy and charitable endeavours. PS: People's actions provide clues to their desires. However, we cannot jump to conclusions. For example, a resistance to authority or a resistance to change will signal certain possibilities. More work is required to uncover which one of the possibilities is most-accurate. People's words provide clues to people's desires...but, watch what they do at least as much as you listen to what they say.

## I have much I want to listen to you!
Date: 2017-01-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/i-have-much-i-want-to-listen-to-you/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour

Have you ever noticed, nobody ever says that to you? People do not call you to come so they can listen to you. They call you to listen to them.

Have you ever noticed, nobody ever says that to you? Lots of people let you know they have things to say to you. And, sometimes, people provide advance notice, letting you know they want to say much to you. This is presented in words like, “ Let’s meet. I have much I want to share with you. ” But you never hear, “ Let’s meet. I have much I want to listen to you. ” Perhaps most people will justify this by pointing out that sort of talk is grammatically incorrect, or at least grammatically awkward. While that may be true and is certainly a fair argument it does not explain why people never say grammatically-better things like, “ Come over here. I want to listen to you…right now .” People don’t say things like that let alone yell them at you. Yet, they do yell things like, “ Come over here. I want to talk to you…right now! ” People do not call you to come so they can listen to you. They call you so you can listen to them. And sometimes they illustrate their enthusiasm as they call out to you by injecting invective words into their calls, as in, “ Hey idiot. Come here. I want to talk to you…right now! ” At least, that’s been my experience. But, I know I should not give up on this. Being open minded I shall not give up listening in hopes of hearing, “ I have much I want to listen to you. ”

## Mistakes are Stepping Stones – the question is, To Where?
Date: 2017-01-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mistakes-are-stepping-stones-the-question-is-to-where/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

Indiana Jones reminded us that you don’t have to see the whole staircase to take the first step. A journey of a thousand miles always starts with a single step. And we know a single step can be both one small step for man and one giant leap for mankind. When we take steps, sometimes we miss the desired landing spots. We make missteps and mistakes and, unless we stop moving and doing, chances are very good we will always make missteps and mistakes. Sometimes missteps signal inattentiveness; sometimes missteps signal inventiveness. In the first case, our bodies are used to stepping along without help from our conscious thoughts. When the ground in front of us throws us a curve or presents a new wrinkle, our feet are caught off guard. In response to this new information our feet can misstep, stumble and sometimes cause us to fall. In most cases, our missteps are not deemed to be failures. In most cases, they are accepted as little errors, human errors. Now, of course, that does not apply if we are talking about a misstep from a tightrope over Niagara Falls. Regardless, generally speaking missteps happen and we dust ourselves off quickly and move on. We are skilled at this because we have been doing it since we were wee babies…venturing out with our first steps. ‘Venturing out’: Those words bring us to the second case. Sometimes we intentionally venture out into new territory and even into dangerous territory, exploring and inventing. Some people do walk tightropes, sometimes even over Niagara Falls. Other people take steps to climb mountains, even the tallest and most-treacherous mountains. And some people even go as far as the moon to take a small step. These shoes worn for these adventuresome steps are laced with invention. And, regardless of planning and precaution, sometimes missteps happen. Missteps that happen under high-risk can be catastrophic. Regardless, often, missteps under high risk are not catastrophic. They are informative. They clarify the wrong ways to step, move, do things. Missteps and mistakes are stepping stones. Far more often than not, they take us to better places. We must not lose track of that. We must not lose curiosity or the spirit that drives exploration and invention.

## While You Can Teach About Entrepreneurship, You Cannot Create Entrepreneurs
Date: 2017-01-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/while-you-can-teach-about-entrepreneurship-you-cannot-create-entrepreneurs/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

Five years ago I wrote: 3 forces drive entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs have this burning feeling inside them…a Need To Achieve something. I describe it as ‘a wanting’. Entrepreneurs have a desire to create and Build Things Of Value. Entrepreneurs have a need to Be Recognized As Different – a different type of contributor. These are defining internal forces driving An Entrepreneur. In addition, An Entrepreneur is a business leader who: Recognizes, uses, & develops People Strengths…first in self and then in others, Clicks with other People [has self-control & a pleasing-enough personality], and Is ready, willing, and able to lead change…first in self and then in others. These are the defining characteristics of – the key Personal Strengths of - An Entrepreneur. These 3 forces coupled with these 3 characteristics form Spirited Leaders’ definition of An Entrepreneur. *** When we work to help entrepreneurs by educating them we need to remember they are a different breed of cat. Their stripes are similar to those of the fine artists…but they are not the same, nor should they be expected to respond to the same education. Their stripes are similar to those of the inventor…but they are not the same, nor should they be expected to respond to the same education. Their stripes are similar to those of the blue-chip business leaders…but they are not the same, nor should they be expected to respond to the same education. When teaching about entrepreneurship... Remember: you must always be thinking about a fascinating blend of Fine Arts & Science & Business *** And, of course, you need to observe carefully to make sure the 3 driving forces are present because little of value happens when the furnace is stoked while the fire ain't burnin'.

## Don’t be Passionate about Shorthand Abstractions…they have no Integrity
Date: 2017-01-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-be-passionate-about-shorthand-abstractionsthey-have-no-integrity/ | Categories: Borrowing Brilliance, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Integrity, Seeking Simple!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Over the last few years, I have written and talked about the communication problems that happen when business leaders use words like Passion and Integrity to lead/encourage/inspire people to be the best they can be at work. The words Passion and Integrity are laced with double entendre and have been overused and misused to the point of obfuscation. Put another way, these two words have been cliché ed to the brink of uselessness. Their use has evolved and become mostly bad habit . Like many of the words and phrases we exchange with one another, the words Passion and Integrity are shorthand abstractions . You can also think of these two words as troubled memes . The words Passion and Integrity have been passed down the generations and passed around the tables for so long and by so many that intent and meaning have been bastardized as happens in ‘ telephone games ’. Business leaders should exercise care when they communicate, especially when they use shorthand abstractions that are likely to touch sensitive territories including personal values, morals, emotions and powerful feelings. Why should leaders take greater care when we use shorthand abstractions? Here’s some thoughts from Tor Norretranders’ – “That is also the point with abstractions. We want them to be shorthand for a lot of information that was digested in the process leading to the use of the abstraction but not present when we use it. Such abstractions have depth. We love them. Other abstractions have no depth. They are shallow, just used to impress the other guy. They do not help us. We hate them.” Article – ‘ Depth ’ by Tor Norretranders, Science Author. An excerpt from John Brockman’s edge.org inspired book ‘ This Will Make You Smarter ’, (2012) PS: Yes - interesting use of the shorthand abstractions ‘love’ and ‘hate’ in the quote above. That goes right to the heart and brain of my message here. PPS: Yes - much of what we communicate has the forms of both shorthand abstraction and bad habit. That's why we provide definitions of words and explanations: this is one way to help people understand what we are trying to communicate.

## Say “Adieu” and then forget.
Date: 2017-01-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/say-adieu-and-then-forget/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Humour, Optimism & Pessimism, Thick Skin & Thin Skull

Forgetfulness plagues us all. At least from time to time, everyone forgets things. We forget things on our shopping lists, we forget the places where things are located on grocery store shelves, and sometimes we forget where we parked our cars in those massive shopping mall parking lots. Forgetfulness comes to us easily. It’s a natural thing. Sometimes we can forget two or more of these things during one visit to the grocery store. When we forget these things [as long as our spouse doesn’t make a big deal out of it] we rather quickly write off our forgetful experiences. On the other hand, if someone steals that last open parking space we have been zeroing in on then we will have a tough time forgetting their ignorance, rudeness, and self-centeredness. Most of us can quickly forget and forgive the grocery store people after they pick such good hiding places for the most-important things on our grocery lists. However, many of us will not treat grocery store parking-space thieves so kindly. At the very least, we will ruminate about their ignorance, rudeness and self-centeredness. At most, we will fight the parking-space thieves until one of us is dead. Between these two extremes we will retell the stories of parking-space thievery to our relatives, friends and coworkers until we have exhausted our inability to forget. When we finally let go of such tough-to-forget incidents they will leave no vacancies in our minds because other ignorant, rude and self-centered people will fill the voids by bringing other unforgettable experiences to us. Sometimes we really struggle to forget things, especially the negative experiences brought to us by others. Our minds exhibit curious abilities, including: our minds are quick to blame others for our negative experiences and our minds hold onto negatives and are fully receptive to upgrading negative content by adding fresh, unforgettable negative memories. These are symptoms of our unforgettable-negatives mindsets. These are weaknesses. These are bad habits . With persistent work, the bad habit of unforgettable-negatives mindsets can be corrected. All we need to do is understand and believe forgetfulness comes to us easily and upon that foundation build the good habit of looking our 'unforgettable experiences' in the eye and persistently bidding them, “ Adieu ”.

## There are 2 types of busy in business
Date: 2017-01-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/there-are-2-types-of-busy-in-business/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

I think there are 2 types of busy in business: 1. There's good-busy 2. There's ?-busy When business people tell me they are 'too-busy' I am uneasy because I have no place in my brain to file that type of busy. So, I either wonder if they are telling me they are experiencing #1 [good-busy] or I jump to the conclusion it's just another case of #2 [?-busy]. I admit I am prone to jump to the #2 [?-busy] conclusion because experiences tell me there's an awful lot of #2 out there. On the other hand, I do not always jump to conclusions so I regularly find myself wondering, " Is this too-busy good-busy or ?-busy? " When I am wondering in the direction one thought always finds its way into my mind, " Is your too-busy coupled with increased gross margin? " Sometimes that internal thought finds its way to my external voice and I blurt out, " Is your too-busy coupled with increased gross margin? " That's always followed by my observation of a puzzled if not surprised or maybe annoyed face peering right at me. The conversation either goes uphill or downhill from there. While the downhill conversations are not particularly enjoyable the uphill ones more than offset their downhill counterparts...resulting in an overall net gain...call it 'productive and constructive conversation'. Needless to say, when I slip up and almost start thinking I am too-busy the little voice in my head keeps asking me, " Is this almost-too-busy coupled with an increase in gross margin? " When the answer is " Yes ", I know I am dealing with some good-busy work...so I don't even feel tempted to get stressed out about it let alone complain about it. PS: There are competing thought-cycles at play with one another here. When almost-too-busy is tested and found to be good-busy the opportunity for too-busy disappears. When almost-too-busy is found to be ?-busy further thought is required: one good example of further thought is 80/20 Rule thinking. Further thought about ?-busy results in paring of some underlying work, which again reduces the possibility of too-busy thinking. Either way, there is little temptation to be thinking, " I'm too busy ". And, that's a real good way not to be thinking. Successful people have more time ... ...because they do not fall into the trap of thinking they are too busy. And...we want to be successful...right! PPS: good-busy --- Good Habits --- Acting in the direction of Goals Original posted October 3, 2013

## Favouring a realistic approach to Values, Virtues & Rules
Date: 2017-01-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/favouring-a-realistic-approach-to-values-virtues-rules/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Master Rules, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Values: Personal Values

Values are concepts covering things important and admirable to us (our minds). Values are our perceptions of intrinsically valuable or desirable ways of doing things. Virtues are concepts about good behavior and character, reflecting how other people think of us…perceptions they carry in their minds about us. Rules are concepts, which set boundaries on thoughts and action. Rules are determined by our values. Actions are things we do. Actions are governed by our rules. *** When you have Integrity – I mean when you have Integrity as I define it - your actions are closely aligned with your values. You say what you mean and you mean what you say…and you do what you say. Put another way, when you have Integrity your perceptions of your values closely match other people’s perceptions of your virtues. When your values and virtues are closely aligned people find it easier to trust you. Trust grows naturally…organically. You feel no need to advertise your Integrity and other people have no need to witness such advertising. They observe the ‘real thing’ when they see the consistency of your behaviour and that’s the way trust is built between people. There’s a saying, “Rules are made to be broken.” That’s a fair and accurate statement considering the reality of human behavior. All rules get broken…by someone…sooner or later…(and often we don’t have to wait for later). Even rules based on our deepest and most-admirable values get broken. As one example – nearly everyone lies …even to the people who mean the most to them. People have their secrets and certain questions defy honest answers. While it is admirable to think people can behave like open-honest books, that expectation is inconsistent with reality. Those who seek perfection in others will find the human condition is laced with imperfections. So, when considering others virtues and drawing conclusions about their personal values and their character it is important to set the bar at a reasonable level. When people slip up - when people who matter to you clearly illustrate they have broken their own values-rules - Fight the urge to question their virtues and write them off [as Covey described the reality of human behaviour] by quickly emptying their ‘trust account’, Step back and consider the reality of your own values-rules breaches and try to counteract your natural attribution bias, and Be open and candid with the people, but stop well short of dragging them through the coals or humbling them as if you are blessed to administer that right.

## Two human abilities rise above all others: intelligence and self-control.
Date: 2017-01-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/two-human-abilities-rise-above-all-others-intelligence-and-self-control/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Every human being possesses the seeds of intelligence and self-control at birth. To a certain degree, and the degree varies from person to person, we develop these two abilities over time. The amount of intelligence and self-control we develop determines the extent we are able to express our strengths.

## Talents, Routine Tasks & not-Routine Tasks
Date: 2017-01-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/talents-routine-tasks-not-routine-tasks/ | Categories: —

Talents are innate. They are the substances that define us and make us unique. They are our traits and characteristics; they guide/dictate what we do and stand to explain why we do what we do. If we dig deep enough and study our Talents then we understand why we feel how we feel when we perform Tasks . The Gallup Organization teaches Talents + Knowledge + Skills = Strengths. Malcolm Gladwell teaches – even the most Talented people must spend about 10,000 hours to develop master-level skills. I have emphasized that by inserting the word ‘Practised’ in front of skills. Napoleon Hill taught the importance of ‘Specialized’ Knowledge, in contrast with General Knowledge as provided in libraries. Today, of course, knowledge is much more available to one and all. So, what was Specialized Knowledge today will be General Knowledge – say, in Wikipedia – tomorrow. This is what I call global commoditization . We must be on a continuous quest for Specialized Knowledge in order to keep ahead of the global pack. And, of course, in addition to being curious we must be inventive . I have inserted Opportunities into the Strengths equation . Without Opportunities, Talents & Strengths will be wasted. Business leaders are in the best position to provide Opportunities . And, that’s exactly what they must do.

## Driving on the Talent Track
Date: 2016-12-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/getting-on-the-talent-track/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Master Rules, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

When we thoroughly understand our Talents we improve our ability to: clarify and express our personal Values & the Rules that are most sacred to us, ability to clarify and express our Vision ... Purpose ... Mission [if you prefer to use that word], and define meaningful Goals .

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Talent as: “ a special ability that allows someone to do something well ”. To get on the Talent Track, it is important to understand Talents are not what we do well. Talents are closely linked to why we do things well. Talents are the 'substances' that define us and make us unique. As Simon Sinek might say – " Talents are about our Why rather than our How or our What. " We all have the ability to deliver treasures. We just need to find the ways to free up our treasures. Our Talents are our keys. Only when we understand our Talents do we know how to use our keys to unlock our treasures. When we take the time to investigate and understand our unique set of Talents we gain several advantages. As examples, when we thoroughly understand our Talents we improve our ability to: clarify and express our personal Values & the Rules that are most sacred to us, ability to clarify and express our Vision ... Purpose ... Mission [if you like to use that word], and define meaningful Goals . And there's one more extremely important thing: when we thoroughly understand other people's Talents we improve our ability to understand what makes them tick...and that allows us to drive on the Talent Track.

## Trust is a fragile thing.
Date: 2016-12-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/trust-is-a-fragile-thing/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thick Skin & Thin Skull

Controlling biases & refusing to be offended: we have these two ways to reduce/remove the need to feel revenge. When we practice these two ways they become good habits, good habits that breed trust between us and other people.

Trust is a fragile thing. Two people share trust then one of them perceives an injustice and trust quickly comes into question. Whether the injury is 'real' or not, when the injury is perceived it is quite normal for the person who feels injured to retaliate...to seek revenge. Then trust is lost and anti-trust takes hold with a powerful appetite for growth. The key to sustaining trust often sits at the point where one party perceives the other has done an unjust/unfair/unkind thing. At that point of recognition there is still opportunity to remedy the situation quickly and easily...at least relatively quickly and relatively easily. When a perceived injury happens, the offending party may be oblivious. In many situations the real problem is the injured party has too-thin skin. Too-thin-skin and victim-thinking are common human frailties. These frailties are the consequence of lack of self-confidence. In other situations, the offending party may not be attentive or observant or empathic. Regardless of the reason, when one person perceives injury at the hands of another the offending party may be oblivious. The gap between of perceived injury and obliviousness is enough to fan the flames of distrust and revenge is, often, the natural conclusion. I say 'natural' because revenge isn't something reserved for the wicked and maladjusted. Revenge is in the genetic fabric of most human beings. Revenge does not have to happen. Revenge is like any other bad habit...it catches us, it gets repeated, it digs a deep habit-rut, then it owns us until the day we decide to work to overcome it. The best way to overcome revenge is to recognise it is not deviant behaviour. It is a natural behaviour that doesn't work too well in our current society. And, it is something a person can control if that person wishes to control it. First, we must identify the breeding ground for revenge. Revenge comes to life when we perceive offensive behaviour in others. So, we can nip revenge in the bud if we stop and think during the 'I-feel-offended stage'. We can be more trusting and cut the other person some slack. We can accept our self-biased tendencies. We can accept our tendencies to protect and bolster our own ego. We can choose to understand these tendencies cause us to over-react to other people's actions and cause us, regularly, to perceive offence where none exists. And knowing these things we can choose to ignore that little voice that tells us " That person just injured me. " When we choose not to be injured revenge-thinking will not arrive. As the saying goes, " You can act offensively but I don't have to feel offended. " Even if another person is truly offensive, we do not have to feel offended. It is a choice. If we choose to not feel offended then revenge-thinking will not arrive. Controlling egoic biases & refusing to be offended: we have these two ways to reduce/remove the need to feel revenge. When we practice these two ways they become good habits, good habits that breed trust between us and other people. Trust is a fragile thing - we can choose good habits that sustain & build it.

## ‘Real trust’ requires no thought; ‘Synthetic trust’ requires much careful thought.
Date: 2016-12-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/real-trust-requires-no-thought-synthetic-trust-requires-much-careful-thought-simon-sinek/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

Simon Sinek wrote, “Trust is like love. Both parties have to feel it before it really exists.” I read Simon’s ‘daily inspiration messages’ and from time to time his thoughts cause me to stop and think. For example – the above message immediately struck me as worthy of thought…because I immediately disagreed with it and felt a need to think through my views and why they contrast Simon’s. I do not believe trust has to walk on a two-way street. Certainly, trust often does. And – no question or argument - trust is a wonderful and powerful thing when it is reciprocated. However, I don’t think it has to be reciprocated to ‘really exist’. It seems to me states of mind including belief , faith and trust are very close relatives and: we can believe in something or someone without them necessarily reciprocating; we believe in our heroes while the most of them do not even know of us let alone believe in us we place faith in people and God/gods while not necessarily expecting he/she/they has/have faith in us; perhaps or likely we think expectations are placed on us, but we do not go as far as thinking our extension of faith is reciprocated we – some of us – are trusting by nature and we trust people until they prove themselves not worthy of our trust; regardless - our extension of trust seems real to us Now – about comparing trust and love … Here’s one thought: Many great poets, storytellers and songwriters have banked on the reality of unrequited love. Now – about reality and what really exists… Here are a few thoughts: ‘ perception is reality ’ and ‘ perception is not reality ’…obviously this is confusing territory...if we want to draw reality into our discussions we must be prepared to enter the realm of philosophers, brain scientists and physicists. The moral of this Thought Post … ‘Real trust' requires no thought; ‘Synthetic trust' requires much careful thought. 'Real trust' is much better than 'Synthetic trust'. In reality, neither 'real trust' nor 'synthetic trust' are real: rather, they are perceptions...perceptions in singular brain-minds.

## #BoxingDay Ernest Seller's barber is an ex-boxer. Ernest is at the barber shop with him now...about to get an uppercut.
Date: 2016-12-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/boxingday-ernest-sellers-barber-is-an-ex-boxer-ernest-is-at-the-barber-shop-with-him-nowabout-to-get-an-uppercut/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Not sure why we celebrate boxing every year on December 26 th ...anyhow...it always reminds me of when Ernest Seller was a kid and wanted to try his hands at boxing...when Ernest took boxing lessons he found he had a problem with his hands....the ref kept stepping on them.

## MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Date: 2016-12-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/merry-christmas-2016/ | Categories: —

M E R R Y C H R I S T M A S !



## The Boss forgot to take a cushion to sit on when he went ice fishing with Ernest Seller. The Boss caught polaroids.
Date: 2016-12-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-boss-forgot-to-take-a-cushion-to-sit-on-when-he-went-ice-fishing-with-ernest-seller-the-boss-caught-polaroids/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet MERRY CHRISTMAS!

## Last Christmas, two snowmen were chatting in Ernest Seller's front yard. One said, "You're right…I smell carrots too!"
Date: 2016-12-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/last-christmas-two-snowmen-were-chatting-in-ernest-sellers-front-yard-one-said-youre-right-i-smell-carrots-too/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Best Holiday Wishes!

## Aside from Ernest Seller, who has blue suede shoes and makes Christmas toys? [Santa's little Elvis.]
Date: 2016-12-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/aside-from-ernest-seller-who-has-blue-suede-shoes-and-makes-christmas-toys-santas-little-elvis/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Seasons Greetings!

## 15 Ways to Influence Thinking & Inspire Action
Date: 2016-12-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/15-ways-to-influence-thinking-inspire-action/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Influencing, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Vision inspires Leadership has a few essential ingredients. For example, the leader must possess a level of intelligence and the leader must possess a character that appeals to followers. Another essential ingredient is Vision. Good-to-great leaders hold a long-lasting, vivid image of what they want in their minds and they communicate that message to their followers. Some good-to-great leaders have an innate gift of communication. Other good-to-great leaders learn the art of communication. Values fuel the right actions Everyone lives by a set of personal Values, whether or not they are expressed verbally. The greatest of leaders naturally live by their Values in a most consistent manner. And they have a habit of painting verbal pictures around their Values. Good-to-great leaders' thoughts and actions and communications are consistent. This clarity around Values sends a consistent message to followers. The message energizes followers. In this way, the leaders' Values fuel everything . Goals provide direction Good-to-great leaders set long-term goals and they set short-term goals...they know the importance of little milestone steps that guide positive actions toward the long-term goal. Good-to-great leaders know the linkage between good habits and long-term goals . Good habits help people achieve their long-term goals whereas bad habits do not. Short-term goals provide the opportunity for testing, doing, failing, learning, and adjusting the next sets of short-term goals and actions. Intent doesn't go without saying Good-to-great leaders, when compared to average people/leaders, somehow, do a better job of understanding other people. So, somehow, they do a better job of choosing people whose intentions are more aligned to fit on common ground... rallying around a cause . Some good-to-great leaders possess natural gifts of empathy. Other good-to-great leaders figure out how to read other people and they start the process by sharing discussion of Intentions . When in doubt, they ask. Stories get remembered Great leaders are great communicators. They are attuned to their life-experiences and how some of those life-experiences serve as excellent examples that can be shared with other people, followers and others who could be followers in the future. Great leaders create powerful, magnetic stories around these pertinent life-experiences. They practice delivering these stories. Then they use every opportunity to present and repeat the stories...to anyone and everyone who will listen. Take Immediate Steps to Improve Communication When communication gets off track, straying from the desired direction, good leaders work to improve communication so it returns to the right track. Good leaders do not let interpersonal conflicts fester. They know success relies on a level of harmony between followers. So, when dysfunction is evident they address it. Good leaders communicate to ensure their followers' harmony and focus. Design Tools to Help People Tools serve people...making their lives easier, making their lives more productive, adding quality to their lives...assisting them as they build. Good leaders know the power inherent in tools. Good leaders ensure their people have access to good tools. And, to maximize opportunities for performance good leaders ensure their people have customized tools...creative, customized tools. Focus on Solutions Leaders see solutions. Solutions and solution-thinking are around the essence of leadership. Good leaders connect with followers who are like minded about solutions. Some followers are naturally solution-oriented, others need to learn that problems are the routes to solutions, growth, and opportunities . Leaders do 2 things to promote solution-orientation: they lead by example...and...they teach. Seek Simple When people go about business things can get complicated and that can happen quickly. Good leaders know the difference between simple, complicated, and complex. Good leaders conserve their energy, saving it for the complicated and complex things. One strategy that ensures energy is conserved so it can be put to best use is Seeking Simple ... separating wheat from chaff ...helping followers do the same. Understand Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations " People, Processes, & Situations " is an example of seeking simple. Good leaders know success is all about people...so good leaders invest time connecting with, serving, mentoring, and strengthening good people. Good leaders ensure processes [including tools] serve people, helping people convert actions into results. Good leaders know situations have a most-powerful effect on behaviour, so they plan for and construct situations. Understand People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things Good Habits are things people think and do that help them achieve long-term desires and goals. Bad Habits are things that people think and do that do not help them achieve long-term desires and goals. Good leaders use these simple definitions to inject clarity into their lives. Then good leaders work at reducing their performance of Bad Habits and expanding their performance of Good Habits. And, good leaders test New Things...relentlessly seeking more Good Habits . Take Talent To Task Good leaders are fascinated by people's talents. When people's talents show a capability of aligning with the trust of the leader's goals, good leaders ensure the talented person has access to (1) opportunities to put the talent to productive use, (2) specialized knowledge to complement the talent, and (3) time to practice skills to hone the talent into a personal strength. Then good leaders don't leave things to chance - they help people connect personal strengths to important tasks. Don’t force change…construct it with comfort Good leaders know change is constructive only when people are comfortable . And personal and business growth happens when people learn how to expand their comfort zones. Knowing these things, good leaders consider people's comfort/stress levels and design change in increments that help expand comfort zones without triggering the destructive consequences that naturally happen when people are forced into discomfort zones. Good leaders also know this correct approach to change 'dominoes' as confidence escalates. Repeat clearly, " I do have time! " Good leaders know the importance of leading by example. So, they know if they say " I don't have time " or " I'm too busy " their followers will pick up on that, think the same way, talk the same way, and act accordingly...spreading the lack-of-abundance mindset to one and all. Knowing this, good leaders remove the " I don't have time " & " I'm too busy " bad habit from their thoughts and words. They replace the bad habit with good habits: as examples, they apply the 80/20 Rule and they practice abundance thought and solution talk. Change character for the better All great leaders changed their character. Perhaps Abraham Lincoln performed one of the greatest self-transformations. When he was a young man he had the habit of openly criticizing other people. In 1842 Lincoln publicly criticized Illinois state employee James Shields. Shields took exception to the criticism and challenged Lincoln to a duel . The 2 men faced one another with weapons in hands. Fortunately their seconds intervened. Lincoln used the incident as a life-lesson and he chose to change his character for the better...rarely criticizing others. Lincoln 's change of character took him from the dueling field to the White House.

## Ernest Seller's boss joked about bilking the snowman in the meadow. Now, the snowman is giving him the cold shoulder.
Date: 2016-12-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ernest-sellers-boss-joked-about-bilking-the-snowman-in-the-meadow-now-the-snowman-is-giving-him-the-cold-shoulder/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet MERRY CHRISTMAS!

## Discern, then Do - and make a Difference
Date: 2016-12-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/discern-then-do-and-make-a-difference/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Nike says, "Just Do It!" While that may lead to better health, more energy and more fun it sure creates inefficiencies when it happens at work. The tech gurus used to say, "Fail quick, fail often" and maybe they still say that. While that may promote curiosity, experimentation and learning it also can create havoc in the typical workplace. Putting these sorts of slogans/advice together we have experienced a groundswell of advice promoting action without sufficient consideration of the appropriateness of that action. In the old days, business consultants presented "Ready, Aim, Fire" analogies to help business people understand the need for thinking before doing...paraphrased, "Ready, Aim, Do" . That advice was meaningful, specifically because it included the concept of 'aiming', which of course brings to mind pictures of 'aiming at targets'. Business targets and goals are important. If in doubt, just ask any business consultant…or your boss…or your CEO. Targets and goals help us clarify where we want to go. With the end-point in mind we can figure out how we want to get there. Specifically, we can figure out what needs to be done to get there. Similarly, we can figure out what we don't want to do because we recognize some actions will not help us get to our goals. While that all sounds simple enough, most people in business don't do it. Most people do not test their actions against their goals. Put another way, the 80/20 Rule applies: most business people spend most of their time (perhaps 80%) doing things that do not take them toward their goals. Here are two practical tools that can be used to improve your “Ready, Aim, Fire”: Personal Organization Tool #1 To be accurate, Pareto inspired tools like the one above. He recognized that in many situations 20% of the 'causes' generate 80% of the 'effects/results/outcomes'. The key message here is: when it comes to doing things, be discerning so you increase the likelihood your performance of work will deliver the results you desire. Personal Organization Tool #2: Stephen R. Covey understood tasks had 2 major dimensions: Importance and Urgency. He designed a simple matrix/grid to help people be more discerning when performing work tasks. More details to follow...

## Ernest Seller wants his kids to believe in Santa Claus…he wants his wife not to.
Date: 2016-12-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ernest-seller-wants-his-kids-to-believe-in-santa-claus-he-wants-his-wife-not-to/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet You got it - Ernest Seller is a bit cheap! When he was a boy, Ernest believed Santa Claus snuck into his house using the chimney. Now he thinks Santa gets in through the hole is his wallet.

## In a word, the easiest way to get out of the box is jump.
Date: 2016-12-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-a-word-the-easiest-way-to-get-out-of-the-box-is-jump/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

About bad-habit ruts

Jump Out of that Box - Jump Out of your Rut In a word, the easiest way to get out of the box is jump. There are ways to do things right and there are right ways to do things. Yet, I talk about it 10-3-1 Rule . And more important than that, I talk about the difficulty people have when trying to get out of bad-habit ruts . Whether you want to think out-of-the-box or get out of the rut, jump. That's the best course of action.

## Feeling Well Cuddled vs Doing Good Work
Date: 2016-12-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/feeling-well-cuddled-vs-doing-good-work/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!

While you may feel cuddled or inspired while you deliver messages about integrity and workplace passion you will regularly miss the mark if you assume others will respond by feeling cuddled or becoming enthusiastic .

In business, inspiration leads to doing good work. Cuddling words may not promote good feelings, let alone good work. Cuddling words may succeed in promoting good feelings while failing to promote good work. When cuddling messages hit unreceptive ears they ring out of tune. Sometimes words alone can inspire, however, this only happens when the words have a sincere and personal ring and the words are delivered with mastery. When we relay and repeat cliché messages we do not relay cuddling feelings and we do not relay inspiration. For example, while you may feel cuddled or inspired while you deliver messages about integrity and workplace passion you will regularly miss the mark if you assume others will respond by feeling cuddled or becoming enthusiastic . If you know of any instances where cuddled feelings or integrity of thought and action have been relayed by talking about them then create stories to explain those instances. Then, instead of talking about the concepts of integrity and workplace passion, relay those stories. That will increase the likelihood others will share your cuddled feelings and your enthusiasm.

## Growing with Self-insight
Date: 2016-12-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/growing-with-self-insight/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

How many times does your gut have to jolt you before you stop and think about what’s going on and determine what, if anything, you should do in response to your gut feelings? The range of your answers to these questions might surprise you. To get to those answers you will have to slow down then stop long enough and think deep enough about your gut feel and how you react to it when it jolts you. A story: Recently, I had a series of interpersonal exchanges that culminated in an eye-opening experience. I met a fellow. He was a buyer and I was a seller. Together, we were working to complete a purchase-and-sale deal. Our efforts to complete a deal occurred over a period of about 10 weeks. At our first meeting, the fellow commented on the shortfall of our product packaging. At least, that’s what I thought I heard. The next time we met and when I raised the topic of packaging the fellow told me I misunderstood his comment and, in fact, he was satisfied with our packaging. Then he mentioned he did not like our pricing and he specified a price range he could accept. We got back together a couple of weeks later and I presented new pricing, within his range. In response, the fellow told me I misunderstood his price range by about 10% and pricing would have to be altered to meet his desires or there would be no deal. At this point, I became quite curious about whether or not a deal actually could be done and I agreed to adjust our pricing to meet his range. With his price goal achieved he accepted the deal. We created paperwork to capture the key details of our agreement: one copy for him and one for us. He signed our copy but said there was no need to sign his copy. With our deal completed, we shook hands and parted company. One week later he wrote an apology note, confirming he had decided to purchase elsewhere for reasons way outside of anything we had discussed. As these series of interactions unfolded, each time a misunderstanding was brought to my attention I experienced a little gut-feel jolt. I discounted each of my gut-feel jolts…accepting that it was possible I may have failed to pay attention or failed to remember those various pieces of conversation. Then, when the whole series of interactions ended, I stepped back to spend time thinking about my gut-feel jolts and I reached a different conclusion. Now, my gut-feel jolts receive much more immediate attention and thorough thought.

## The Best of Bad Attitude
Date: 2016-12-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-best-of-bad-attitude/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Humour

People can be funny creatures. As examples, some people... Never volunteer for new tasks, standing firmly even when the tasks are quick and easy. Refrain from giving compliments, removing encouragement of such unwarranted expectations. Hold their good ideas in secrecy, protecting them from potential criticism. Demand the impossible, setting other people's bars at lofty levels. Leave messes for others to clean up, leaving clear signs of services required. Display their anger as clearly as possible, feeling free to unleash body language. Point fingers and place blame, supporting the need for others to jump to fix problems. Frame theirr questions with confusion, confounding others at every opportunity. Delay as a matter of habit, expanding attention to the value that they just might deliver. Refuse to serve in any way, stepping aside to allow others to fill those lesser roles.

## In favour of 1-Page Tools
Date: 2016-12-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-favour-of-1-page-tools/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools

We have designed over one hundred and fifty 1-Page Tools. These tools help people ease into learning by narrowing focus on the task and providing a short series of straightforward steps, helping people move from task-start to task-finish. Our 1-Page Tools cover a wide range of business activity, both strategic [for example, creating a Vision statement] and tactical [for example, making a decision]. Our process for designing 1-Page Tools is as follows: For each topic, we gather information from at least a dozen resources, pick the best pieces of that information and create a series of steps to allow progression from a cold start to a desired outcome – task completion. Next, we simplify the 1-Page Tool until it fits neatly onto one page. Simplicity and brevity are essential ingredients. Then we test the 1-Page Tool in workshops, observing people as they use it to determine whether or not people have difficulty with any of the steps. Then we create workshop education to help people get over the most-common hurdles...providing advance education so people can accomplish the steps. In addition, as we test 1-Page Tools in workshops, we listen attentively to the questions people ask when they're trying to take specific steps and we watch to see whether or not people exhibit satisfaction when they have completed the 1-Page Tools. A feeling of accomplishment is an essential aspect of success. We use this real-life workshop feedback to hone the 1-Page Tools until we know the majority of workshop attendees can complete the tools with a minimal amount of instruction and coaching. That way we know workshop participants will be able to teach others at their organizations how do use our 1-Page Tools. We update our 1-Page Tools when new information/education helps us make improvements. Here's an example of a 1-Page Tool:

## Strengths & Weaknesses…close neighbours
Date: 2016-12-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/strengths-weaknessesclose-neighbours/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Values: Personal Values

We must never forget, the DNA of our greatest weaknesses lurks within our greatest strengths… and vice-versa. The fine line separating strength from weakness may be as thin and fragile as humility . Or, when humility isn’t present, perhaps, strengths resist the temptation to become weaknesses as a result of some other tempering wisdom. Regardless, strengths and weaknesses are close neighbours and they are reliant upon the direction of thought and action. Thoughts and actions aligned with true goals , long-term goals aligned with personal values , bring strengths to the forefront. Conversely, thoughts and actions that stray from the paths paved by true goals and personal values are the bad habits that grow weaknesses. To a degree, at least a material degree and possibly a huge degree, our strengths owe their existence to our thoughts. And, to a degree, again at least a material degree and possibly a huge degree, we possess the ability to choose our thoughts. So, we have the ability to choose our strengths, first in our thoughts then in our actions. When we fail to choose our strengths our indecision gives life to our weaknesses. Our strengths and their related good habits are the consequences of the good choices we make. Our weaknesses do not have to wait for our choices. Our weaknesses may be the consequences of bad decisions or they may arrive on the backs of our bad habits of indecision .

## Stopping to think about CRM tools
Date: 2016-12-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stopping-to-think-about-crm-tools/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, IT & TECH, Marketing, Sales, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

The operations of most small businesses become far more complicated than outsiders [and most insiders] would have guessed or expected…and much of that complication is unnecessary. Considering this from another perspective, most small businesses do not perform basic planning activities such as SWOT analyses and 80/20 Rule analyses.

Most small businesses want to gain advantage over their competitors. Most small businesses want more sales. Most small businesses want to keep track of their operating activity. And - the operations of most small businesses become far more complicated than outsiders [and most insiders] would have guessed or expected…and much of that complication is unnecessary. Considering this from another perspective, most small businesses do not perform basic planning activities such as SWOT analyses and 80/20 Rule analyses. Consequently, most small businesses struggle with business development actions and business development results. CRM to the rescue... Well, maybe not! Here's why [not]. There's lots of small-business talk about finding simple and user-friendly CRM tools and using those CRM tools to improve management of actions, improve monitoring of results, and grow a base of satisfied customers. Yet, relatively few of these small businesses are ready to use a CRM system. In addition to the lack of planning introduced above, there are two main reasons why they are not ready for CRM tools: they cannot [clearly and concisely] describe their existing operating actions they lack knowledge about CRM tools, in some cases they cannot even define what the abbreviation 'CRM' means So - let's start by defining CRM. Here's the definition-picture provided by Wikipedia - Now, that picture introduces CRM...as long as you agree "CRM" is an abbreviation of "Customer Relationship Management". And, for now, let's work from that base, CRM = Customer Relationship Management. If we accept "CRM" means "Customer Relationship Management" then we should also be able to agree CRM tools/systems do not include business tools/systems for on-line sales/ordering or inventory-control. While CRM does not include these tools/systems, CRM may or may not link with these and other tools/systems. More about CRM in future Thought Posts ...

## Creativity & Intelligence
Date: 2016-11-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/creativity-intelligence/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Recently, Simon Sinek again wrote: “Intelligence looks for what is known to solve problems. Creativity looks for what is unknown to discover possibilities.” While this may be viewed as catchy and inspiring by some, I just find it catchy [in a troubling way]. PS: for full disclosure - I am a big fan of Simon's ' discover your why ' thinking. *** Creativity is a component of intelligence . If we are going to personify these concepts then we should think about Creativity existing in Intelligence’s fine-art gallery. We don’t always see Creativity. However, when we do see it – it is always hosted by Intelligence. Under Intelligence, Creativity contributes the finer arts and fruits known to Mankind. Creativity is not a distinct thing. If Creativity is exploring the unknown then it is doing it under Intelligence’s watch. When we consider Creativity under Intelligence lighting we immediately see the benefit of applying intelligence to the creative process . Curiosity is the key. And, let’s never be confused. Without tremendous amounts of intelligence [including what may seem to be hidden or arcane intelligence] no creativity exists…at least it doesn’t exist for human beings. *** Even in the extreme – I mean, even in the most-metaphysical thinking of ‘ Law of Attraction ’ extremists – intelligence is always the starting point. Creativity is a process of intelligent minds. Note: Even the metaphysicians design and practice pre-planned rituals. *** A related Thought Post

## About Habits & People & a bit about Bosses
Date: 2016-11-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-habits-people-a-bit-about-bosses/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Master Rules, Solutions & Opportunities, Values: Personal Values

Most people do not think about how personal things including their values and goals are intertwined with everything they experience during their workdays. As a result, most people have a much more difficult time at work than is necessary.

People only do 3 things: when you get right down to it people only do Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things . People judge themselves continuously…they know right for them, wrong for them…i.e., they know their Good Habits from their Bad Habits. And, everyone knows it is difficult to jump from Bad Habits to Good Habits. When we try to do that, most times we fail. To bridge the gap between Good Habits and Bad Habits people need to do New Things…new actions. To create change: forget the Bad Habit ever existed, introduce the Good Habit, and then focus 100% on the New Things. Most people do not take the time to understand the most-important things about themselves. Most people do not make a habit of analyzing, I mean really thinking about, their personal values , their personal goals , and the people-things that impress them the most. Most people do not think about how these personal things are intertwined with everything they experience during their workdays. As a result, most people have a much more difficult time at work than is necessary. Most people enjoy a variety of games: sports games, card games, board games, etc. Most games are governed by many well-defined and detailed rules. Most people embrace rule-laden games. Yet, often people resist the rules of business. Why is that? The answers to this question provide the master keys to converting strategic business thought into successful business action. Facts about Bosses: in general, bosses do not like it when people bring problems to them and if they have to choose between problems and solutions then bosses much prefer to see and hear solutions. People should not be annoyed by their problems or afraid to use the word ‘problem’. Instead people should understand, for every problem that visits them they can come up with 2 solutions and, from time to time, they will uncover opportunities where they used to see the problem.

## Leaders Must Think Better
Date: 2016-11-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-must-think-better/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Few will argue against the concept leaders must think. Let me restate that: few will verbally argue against the concept leaders must think. On the other hand, many people, in fact the majority of people, behave in ways that confirm they do not take the concept known as thinking very seriously. For example, many people say things like " I'm too busy " and " I don't have time ". In fact, many business leaders repeatedly say things like, " I'm too busy to thin k" and " I don't have time to think ". What a losing mindset. When the age of New Thought peaked about 100 years ago, the experts praised the value to thought, not just thought for processes such as decision-making but also thought for self-understanding and self-improvement. “ …spend 30 minutes daily thinking about the person I intend to become thereby creating in my mind a clear mental picture. ” That’s borrowed from Napoleon Hill’s self-confidence formula, a self-help affirmation presented in his classic book, ‘ Think and Grow Rich ’, (1937). That sort of self-talk/affirmation or autosuggestion [as Napoleon Hill called it] was indicative of the advice intelligent people read as self-help books gained popularity a few generations ago. As the title of his 1937 classic indicates, thinking is the essence of the philosophy Napoleon Hill gathered, honed and presented. Of course, other very popular proponents of ‘thinking for self-help’ existed prior to Hill. New Thought gained a position in literature during the mid-1800’s, hit full stride in the early 1900’s and morphed into pop culture entertainment by the early 2000’s. Specifically, I am thinking about the works of Samuel Smiles [mid-1800’s], the works of Orison Swett Marden [early 1900’s] and ‘ The Secret ’ [Rhonda Byrne, 2006]. As New Thought evolved it lost its essence. The essence of New Thought was thinking…really thinking…not just presenting prescriptive ways of thinking [Haddock and Collier]…and, specifically, not just rehashing the thoughts of earlier authors [far too many to mention]…and, definitely not taking excessive metaphysical leaps [Hay] or fogging the brain by making radical jump-shifts back and forth between philosophy and physics [Chopra]. A return to thinking is overdue: self-help proponents need to cut the fantasy/entertainment and get back to good-old-fashioned New Thought values and essence – i.e., get back to being champions of thinking . Leaders need to be more selective when they seek and embrace self-help. Leaders need to learn more about thinking . Leaders need to practice thinking so they gain more skill at it.

## 10 Thoughts for Firing Good People
Date: 2016-11-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/10-thoughts-on-firing-good-people/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Community, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, Master Rules, Pay! - a philosophy about money

Fire when the cost of presence exceeds its value: that's on the self-serving end of things [...and that is one of the ends] Fire when bad habits violate master rules : have as few rules as possible; know where lines must be and will be drawn Fire when troubling attitudes become contagious: protect your Culture Fire when skills do not keep up with change: not ruthlessly; in planned ways...after training & education have been exhausted, without success Do it yourself, don't delegate your way out of it: it's about courage and confidence [...these are 'in action', one way or another, for both parties...choose the better course] Be concise, yet not rushed: no value in prolonging the stress [...and you better experience some stress, otherwise you are too accustomed to firing people and you will not handle it well] Be calm and clear, and not insensitive: expect emotional reactions and negative feedback and know exactly how you will not react poorly to it Be kind, and decisive: this is not a time for negotiation Be overly fair about money Help the person find a more-suitable job: remember, whenever you are firing people you are firing good people

## 10 Thoughts for Keeping Good People
Date: 2016-11-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/10-thoughts-on-keeping-good-people/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Influencing, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Have Culture - if it isn't defined it will define itself Give Compliments - everyone wants to use talents to create value...and get regular pats on the back Embrace Communication - especially listening ; especially not criticizing Show desire for industry leadership; embrace differences and change-for-the-better Show excitement around not-Routine work: nurture curiosity ; build skills for innovation and creativity Show lots of organization, talk little about it - illustrate process clarity Nip performance problems in the bud: it's about courage, confidence, conviction & communication Don't fall into the attribution-bias trap: keep egos , especially your own, in check Don't confuse personality mismatch with role/task incompetence Train the brain : the leader's job is thinking; thinking is the catalyst for progress...think...pass it on

## 10 Thoughts on Hiring Good People
Date: 2016-11-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/10-thoughts-on-hiring/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Master Rules, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Know how to communicate the essence of the role, seek simple descriptions; avoid lengthy series of tasks and responsibilities Magnetic job postings - show your difference...less is better than more Discuss the good, the bad, and a little taste of the ugly; be open and candid, open the door for trust Share Thoughts about Vision - everybody has dreams of a better future; don't just talk - ask and listen Talk about Values : courageously paving the path for Culture; again, don't just talk - listen Talk about money : confidently setting the proper 'money pace'...and listen Talk about boundaries: introducing master rules , with conviction; consider differences but know where lines must be drawn Talk about talents : illustrating true curiosity...everyone has talents; few truly understand their talents Share stories - about best bosses, role models, mentors and heroes, especially heroes Discuss hobbies - understand how hobbies parallel and/or cross business know-how

## Do you aim to give people more, less, or exactly what they expect?
Date: 2016-11-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-aim-to-give-people-more-less-or-exactly-what-they-expect/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Integrity, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Values: Personal Values

When you aim to give people more than they expect… You must be ready, willing and able to go the extra mile. You must embrace Napoleon Hill’s ‘QQS’ principle: deliver more Quantity and Quality of service and do it with a winning Spirit. You must seek out problems, knowing you can solve them because you know how to take advantage of new technologies . When you aim to give people less than they expect… You must be ready, willing and able to drive hard bargains. You must be prepared to lie, cheat and steal. You must be wary of the inevitable reciprocation that is sure to come your way. When you aim to give people exactly what they expect… You must be able to ask good questions . You must be a good listener . You must have full control over delivery of the value you generate. So - What are your Values? What do your clients value? What value will you deliver to your clients?

## The Internet of Things: Our IoT Vision
Date: 2016-11-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-internet-of-things-our-iot-vision/ | Categories: Beyond Business, IT & TECH, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The 'Internet of Things', you've heard about it. You may be talking about it, asking “ What exactly does it mean? ” Recently, that question was discussed at our office, “ What does 'Internet of Things’ mean? ” At our meeting, Chris Labrador posed a vital question, " In the Internet of Things, what is the main thing? ’" After some discussion, we agreed - the ‘main thing' in the Internet of Things is People . The Internet of Things [IoT] exists to serve people; IoT exists to deliver value to people…to enhance people’s lives. IoT is an advanced, multi-faceted tool. What other things does IoT contain? The IoT has some fundamental components: data/information, connectivity in the form of wires, routers, switches computer hardware, and software For more technical details, see Wikipedia’s IoT description . Why have IoT? What value does IoT deliver to people? On the macro scale: IoT will soon be the most powerful tool devised by Mankind…embraced around our planet…by billions of people…delivering value for personal use and delivering value for business/organization/government use. On the micro scale: IoT will present unique value to each person who decides to put it to good use…imagine advanced person-by-person concierge & valet services…customized thought-concierge & valet services…decision guidance…action recommendations. The thought-concierge & valet value you obtain from your IoT activity will be different than the thought-concierge & valet value I obtain from my IoT activity. The First Level of Value is: IoT provides information to people; IoT connects with information and delivers information to people. This information helps people understand their situations and environments and improve their decisions. Information-value is a subjective thing; decision-making process is another subjective thing. So, to provide the first level of value IoT will learn what information-value means to each person. Then IoT will gather pertinent information for each person. Timing of information delivery will always be a key thing, in summary - the quicker the better. An example of IoT’s first level of value: today, we use software apps to control our sprinkler systems. These software apps are programmed to ensure the zones in our property are watered at pre-set times for pre-set durations. Without us taking any action, these software apps monitor local weather stations, override the pre-set watering instructions and stop the watering when a certain level of rain is expected or has occurred. These software apps notify us every time our pre-set watering programs are overridden. This very-basic IoT has been created to ensure we do not over-water our lawns and gardens…this basic IoT saves/conserves electricity and water…and that helps our environment and saves our money. The Second Level of Value is: contextual consciousness . In the not too distant future, IoT will gain a level of consciousness…let’s consider that to be the first ingredient of intelligence. Soon, IoT will go beyond understanding the data you are interested in, how to gather that data for you, how to combine it, how to package it, and how to deliver it to you. Venturing beyond these things, IoT will begin to understand why you want this data and your IoT will understand all of the nuances around your 'why', i.e., your IoT will understand your specific 'why'. Your IoT will understand your preferences and why you make certain decisions. Your IoT will be able to extrapolate and interpolate, understand why you change your mind, make basic decisions for you, and hone recommendations to help you as you make your important/advanced decisions. With contextual consciousness , your IoT will automatically improve your personal organization and mentor your personal growth. An example of IoT’s second level of value: Consider the water-sprinkler example presented above and let’s add a complication: let's say we have two little dogs and one of the watering zones in our yard is called ‘The Dog Walk’. We want to ensure that zone gets as much water as possible. So, every time the software app notifies us it has turned off this zone we [using our smart phone or computer] visit the software app [web-tool] and we manually water The Dog Walk zone. In the not-too-distant future, the software app will gain a small piece of contextual consciousness …it will recognize/learn that we have special needs in The Dog Walk zone and it will automatically adjust itself to (1) leave the watering ‘on’ at The Dog Walk zone when it shuts off the other zones and (2) adjust its note to let us know, “ Rain is predicted so we are turning off your sprinklers but, don’t worry – we will continue to water your Dog Walk zone” . Then…a little later, but still in the not-too-distant future… IoT will expand its ability to extrapolate and interpolate – it will do even more reading outside the lines and reading between the lines of our actions, understanding why we change our minds, making basic decisions for us, and honing recommendations for our important/advanced decisions…improving our personal organization and mentoring our personal growth. As IoT uses its contextual consciousness to gain intelligence we will see it take advanced steps. The history of technical advancements, strongly suggests these advancements will happen rapidly and be exponential. An example of an advanced step: again, consider the above sprinkler system examples. As sprinkler-control companies build IoT value for their clients their software apps will send notes like this to our neighbours who use sprinkler systems, “S ome of your neighbours choose to water their Dog Walk zones even when it rains. If you see merit in this strategy, press this button and we will make sure your Dog Walk is watered rain or shine. ” *** The Internet of Things - what amazing things now on all our horizons...coming our way so quickly.

## Success comes to those who are not too busy to think.
Date: 2016-11-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/success-comes-to-those-who-are-not-too-busy-to-think/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Most people agree, when success happens it follows thought and action. Rarely, if ever, do you hear someone complain about being too busy thinking.

Most people agree, when success happens it follows thought and action. Often when success isn't happening, people say they don't have enough time: they don't have enough time to do that because they are doing this; they don't have enough time because they are already doing many other things at the same time...they are performers of multi-tasks and masters of none. When people say they do not have time they talk about their lack of 'time to do things'. People complain about their inability to find time to do...because they are too busy doing. People complain about their inability to find time to think...because they are too busy doing. Rarely, if ever, do you hear someone complain about being too busy thinking. *** Most people have heard about the 80/20 Rule [also known as the Pareto Principle], yet few people put that wisdom to use. Many people know about Covey ' time management quadrants ' [illustrating the relationships between work importance and work urgency], yet few people put that wisdom to good use. Some people, apparently, have not read Napoleon Hill’s classic, ‘ Think and Grow Rich ’.

## Why present your thoughts?
Date: 2016-11-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-present-your-thoughts/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Seeking Simple!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Many years ago, Peter Urs Bender presented a wonderful, simple piece of advice: There are only 4 reasons you should give presentations - to inform

Many years ago, Peter Urs Bender presented wonderful, simple advice: There are only 4 reasons you should give presentations - to inform to entertain to touch the emotions to move to action You can and should try to accomplish more than one of these 4 things when you give presentations...and accomplishing all 4 is ideal. I have found this simple advice to be very helpful. *** Many, many years ago one of my bosses gave me the following piece of advice... There's only 2 reasons to make a speech - You love making speeches Your boss tells you to make a speech. While that can come across somewhere between humorous and annoying, it too is a good piece of advice. I have had the pleasure and displeasure of giving speeches under both these reasons. No question, I performed far better under reason #1. No question, the catastrophes I experienced under reason #2 enabled some wonderful learning experiences and now-humorous stories...I mean - now-humorous because hindsight is 20/20 and time has healed all wounds.

## When you get even you become uneven.
Date: 2016-10-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-get-even-you-become-uneven/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Competition is a wonderful thing. And, competition has its limitations. If you (or your ego) approach life as if it's a series of competitive interactions then, sooner or later, your self-confidence will begin to sour.

Competition is a wonderful thing. And, competition has its limitations. If you (or your ego ) approach life as if it's a series of competitive interactions then, sooner or later, your self-confidence will begin to sour. The more your self-confidence sours the more other people will appear to be competitive. The more others appear competitive the more you will react competitively. Your life then becomes a 'vicious circle' of competition. And, under this 'vicious circle' your self-confidence sours to a point where you cannot obtain success or peace of mind. Looking at it another way... Self-confidence relies on constructive behaviour and positive energy . If your competitive actions bolster your positive energy then you are engaged in productive competition. If your competitive actions reduce your positive energy then you are engaged in destructive competition. You can monitor your energy level and gauge whether or not your mindset is positive. So, you can determine whether or not your competitive tendencies are bolstering or reducing your positive energy. If you find your positive energy is shrinking…be more selective as you choose your battles…ease off competitive thoughts and actions until you restore your positive vigour. Looking at it one more way... When you must battle on all fronts at all times you become an ultimate loser. And, when you place too much emphasis on getting even you become uneven.

## Lucky Dogs...Wishful and Wistful Thinkers
Date: 2016-10-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/lucky-dogswishful-and-wistful-thinkers/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Many people believe luck plays a key role in life – successful people are the recipients of good luck while unsuccessful people are the recipients of bad luck. Think of this as a fair coin toss – some people are blessed with winning luck while others are burdened with bad luck. Many people subscribe [consciously or unconsciously] to the attribution bias where: When the fail the luck of situations has worked against them When the succeed their ability is the cause When others fail their lack of ability is the cause When others succeed the luck of situations has worked in their favour Think of this as a heads-I-succeed, tails-you-don’t coin toss when I win and a rigged coin toss when I lose. The flawed thinking behind all this is, success relies heavily on luck [also known as ‘fate’ or ‘destiny’]. When people believe luck controls success, their thinking becomes wishful and wistful: people wish for luck/success and people are wistful when luck/success is enjoyed by others. *** About Lucky Dogs: We will do better if we understand there are none. *** About Wishful and Wistful Thinkers: They lead strained and pained lives, lacking the joys that follow achievement and missing the lessons that follow defeats. *** Life is not a coin toss.

## Referrals bring huge value to small businesses
Date: 2016-10-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/referrals-bring-huge-value-to-small-businesses2/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Marketing, Sales

15 or so years ago, Jay Abraham recommended telling your clients you will have more time to do a better job serving them if they provide referrals to you. The idea made some sense to me when I first heard it. On the other hand, I could not see how that sort of communication could be packaged so it would be well received by clients. Recently, I developed a different perspective. Most, if not all of us, would agree that people in general complain more about being busy now than they did 15 years ago. And as a result of that mindset of busyness, business leaders must be attentive to the limitations (realities) ‘lived’ by many people in the workforce. Many people feel so busy they must cut corners throughout all aspects of their lives, including cutting corners at work. To the extent business leaders could make these people’s lives easier at work, it would be in everyone's best interest to do so. It would be in the employer’s best interest, it would be in the employee's best interest, and at the end of the day it would be in the best interest of clients and suppliers. In small businesses, the owners and leaders in the organization often wear multiple hats - including a sales /business development hat. To the extent these small-business leaders receive referrals they are in a position to spend more time serving their clients and suppliers. And that service would [or at least could] be at an ‘improved level’. An ‘improved level of work’ could mean more creative work, which could replace mundane work [such as plodding through CRM programs to determine the next required phone call and/or the next required email for development of new business]. So, with that thinking in mind, I strongly believe referrals bring huge value to small businesses. So, small-business leaders should spend the time figuring out how to package messages that help generate referrals. [Of course, products and services must contain value and that value must be delivered with spirit - those are prerequisites.]

## Don't crow when you know...at least, don't always crow when you know.
Date: 2016-10-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-crow-when-you-knowat-least-dont-always-crow-when-you-know/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Family Business and CFFB

Some humans cannot help themselves - they have a bad habit - they always crow when they know. When humans crow what they know it tends to be off-putting. It tends to stifle communication and the sharing of important thoughts and ideas.

Crows: I am very fond of those majestic birds. I know many people do not see the majesty in crows so they view crows as nuisances...for some reason I have never shared that viewpoint. Crows take care of their old, frail family members. [If you want to learn more about crows and their aging parents go on-line and search ' crows caring for parents '.] I judge crows by what I observe them doing in our neighbourhood. Mostly, I see and hear them talking to one another. Sometimes one-to-one, sometimes in groups, which I expect are their families. Sometimes the crows seem to be calling one another, perhaps reporting on their positions or sharing news about food. Other times they seem to be arguing with one another or perhaps they are having family-to-family arguments. When crows communicate with one another they change their 'body language'. Sometimes they seem to be taking slow, deliberate steps. They tilt their heads and extend their necks, perhaps to present their faces more clearly to their audiences? Sometimes, crows' communication antics are comical...as if the crow at centre stage is a cocky teenager overacting in front of his family...parading...strutting his stuff...talking loudly...crowing what he knows. When I see crows doing this it reminds me of humans who crow when they know. Some humans cannot help themselves - they have a bad habit - they always crow when they know. They cannot stop themselves from crowing. When humans crow what they know it tends to be off-putting. It tends to stifle communication and the sharing of important thoughts and ideas. There is no need to crow when you know. Think before you share your knowledge. When you feel you must share what you know do your best to package it well....and time it well. And remember Harry Truman's advice, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”

## "Attitude is more important than Intelligence"...that's the wrong way to think about Attitude!
Date: 2016-10-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/attitude-is-more-important-than-intelligencethats-the-wrong-way-to-think-about-attitude/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Instead of thinking Attitude is in the winner in a competition with Intelligence, understand Attitude is a subset of Intelligence or, better still, understand Attitude is an outcome of Intelligence. The folks who came up with the 'Fish Philosophy' have it right - " Choose Your Attitude ".

Instead of thinking Attitude is the winner of a competition with Intelligence, understand Attitude is a subset of Intelligence or, better still, understand Attitude is an outcome of Intelligence . The folks who came up with the ' Fish Philosophy ' have it right - " Choose Your Attitude ". And, if you embrace that advice, your Intelligence will guide your choice and you will select a good/winning/positive Attitude. Attitude, whether good or bad or indifferent, is not an innate trait of character. Attitude is a choice. Good/winning/positive Attitude is an intelligent choice. *** We can split Intelligence into two general components: logical intelligence and emotional intelligence. Logical intelligence tells us we must choose a good Attitude over a bad one...so much upside...no downside. Of more importance, logical intelligence tells us emotional intelligence will have to be most-diligent to help good Attitude remain good in the faces of the ongoing challenges it will regularly encounter.

## ‘Belief’ brings peace of mind, confidence & success
Date: 2016-10-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/belief-brings-peace-of-mind-confidence-success/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Have you noticed when you truly believe something will happen you become calmer and have a greater clarity of focus? Have you noticed when you truly believe something will happen your worries melt away and/or are replaced by feelings of certainty and confidence? For example, consider situations where you have been confused…situations where you face many options and are trying to make an important decision. In these situations, you consider and weigh some options. You deliberate. You decide. And, sometimes your thinking produces an incredibly clear decision, backed by not just decisiveness but also a belief that the actions to follow will result in achievement of the desired goal. Of course, this does not happen with all of your decisions. However, it does happen for some. And, when you fully believe in the outcome - would you not agree - the successful result is almost guaranteed? When your decisions are backed by strong belief, your confidence is bolstered, you have greater peace of mind, your actions are definite, and success inevitably follows. Belief is the prime ingredient, the catalyst for results. Stated another way… " Belief is the thermostat that regulates what we accomplish in life. " David J Schwartz, ' The Magic of Thinking BIG ' (1959…2015 audio book) *** Belief enables us to accomplish: Success – achievement of our goals Confidence – an essential trait of character Peace of Mind – which allows us to enjoy our successes, learn from our errors, and accept other people’s frailties *** Napoleon Hill said... “ What the mind can conceive and believe the mind can achieve. ” [What a wonderful thought to keep top of mind...always!]

## Thinking Big, without being hairy or audacious
Date: 2016-10-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thinking-big-without-being-hairy-or-audacious/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

Hairy means covered in hair. Audacious at best means taking surprisingly bold risks and at worst being impudent and disrespectful . It seems some people buy into big, hairy audacious business goals. I do not. Firstly, I struggle to see the value excess hair contributes to goals. Secondly, by definition, audacity brings surprising risks and that can be not just off-putting but also unnecessary. These things disrupt relationships and destroy peace of mind. So, I don't buy into the merits of hairy and/or audacious goals. [Notice - I did not rant on about the emotional impact of dooming people to fail.] Again, I don't buy into the merits of big, hairy and audacious goals. However, I do support the concept of big goals. Big goals give us reasons to stretch, to learn, to grow...and growth is an essential part of successful businesses and successful lives. Also, I believe [all else being equal] big goals contribute positively to mental health and add both interest and vigor to life. So – let’s embrace big goals, the worthy effort they nurture and the growth and peace of mind they bring. Footnote For another quasi-tirade against BHAGs ... ...and another .

## On Thinking: Thinking is the way I influence myself and others.
Date: 2016-10-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-thinking-thinking-is-the-way-i-influence-myself-and-others/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Influencing, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

René Descartes founded 'Western Philosophy' with profound thoughts, the most famous one being - " I think therefore I am. " If I think then I must exist [as a conscious being], and vice-versa. When I think, the result is 'influence' : influence on myself and influence on others. Each and every one of my thoughts influences my [following] thoughts and actions. With ongoing improvements in neuroscience [in the area of neuroplasticity ], I now know my thoughts alter my neurons and neuronal paths - impacting on my future thoughts. And, I know my thoughts lead to my conscious actions including the actions I plan in an effort to get to desired outcomes and achieve my goals. Also, I know I influence others in two ways: my unconscious behaviour - my body language and my 'automatic behaviour' and my conscious thoughts and the actions tied to those thoughts. Considering all this... I have choices: I can choose to work at improving my thinking so I improve the way I influence others and bring about changes for the better or I can leave my thinking processes as is and live with the outcomes that follow. That's the choice I face every day. That's the choice you face every day.

## The goals you want & the goals your Ego demands
Date: 2016-10-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-goals-you-want-the-goals-your-ego-demands/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

When the things you do align with your goals and the demands of your Ego, you are doing good habits . When the things you do are conflicted between your goals and the demands of your Ego, you are doing bad habits . Egos know what they want. Egos are very demanding, persistent and relentless. In their incessant demands, Egos are very concerned about how other people perceive you. Egos all tied up about short-term gratification. Your Ego has a lot of trouble buying into your long-term goals and quite often your Ego will do everything within its power to influence other people to see you ni ways that do not align with your long-term goals. It seems, as a general rule, it is easier for other people to pick up on our Ego demands then it is for us to notice let alone understand our Ego demands. Many people have not taken the time to try to understand themselves and the curious role their Egos play in their lives. Without such understanding life is a series of struggles. In particular, the pursuit of long-term goals is a series of struggles, pretty much doomed to fail. There’s that old aphorism – Know Thyself . And, thy Ego is a big part of Thyself.

## Why feel fear and sadness?
Date: 2016-10-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-feel-fear-and-sadness/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Hero Worship, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Why do we fear the loss of other people? Why are we sad when people leave us?

Why do we fear the loss of other people ? Why are we sad when people leave us? I've given a fair bit of thought to this topic, both from the pre-perspective and the post-perspective. I've talked to people who are in pain, and I felt some pain myself. I've wanted to be able to ease their pain, and fallen short of being able to do that. Also, I've talk to people who have been very puzzled about why this happens. Why are other people so in fear of or worried about others leaving. I mean leaving permanently, for example - dying. Why do some people fear the death of loved ones? How can we help them reduce that fear? These are the questions. The fear of death is a powerful and quite common force. Napoleon Hill included the fear of death in his short list of the six most-common fears. I suppose the death of another person brings to home the fact, the cold hard fact, of our own mortality. In addition, the pain tied to loss of love [which will inevitably happen when a loved one departs] is another of Napoleon Hill's six most-common fears. I believe the antidote suggested by Napoleon Hill can be summed up as follows: We must accept our own mortality, as being part of the human condition. We must accept that death brings unknowns to us because none of us knows with certainty what will happen to us when we die. We may choose to except beliefs about what will happen, but no one has first-hand proof. So, consciously or subconsciously, the topic of death brings ambiguity to our minds. We must accept that uncertainty and ambiguity as part of life [part of the human condition] and embrace it as being beyond our control. If we can accept death as inevitable and beyond our control then hopefully we gain peace of mind and that will be accompanied by a reduction in the fear we feel. To a degree, even to a large degree, with thought, plans and proactive we can control our fears.

## "Is that so."
Date: 2016-10-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/is-that-so/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Hero Worship, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Sometime ago I read a book about calmness, peace of mind and the cultures that promote these things. The book talked about a fellow, initially well respected in his community, who due to an unfounded and unkind accusation became the subject of community scorn. This fellow illustrated minimal reaction to either the respect or the scorn. Being most wise he first received his community's greatest accolades. Then, under peculiar circumstances he received his community's worst humiliations. Regardless, his response to news and to others' opinions and comments, whether bad or good, whether just or unjust, was always " Is that so ". His singular response - " Is that so " - wasn't presented as a question, it was presented as an acknowledgement that he had heard the news or the opinion. Internally, he was conditioned to accept situations as they arise and not allow them to destroy his calmness or peace of mind. *** Napoleon Hill served U.S. President Woodrow Wilson for many years and the two men were very close. After helping end WWI, Woodrow Wilson became a champion for a new cause, the League of Nations: an international organization designed to promote world peace. While Wilson was appreciated world-wide for his efforts he failed to obtain his country's support to unite with other countries under the League of Nations. This failure 'broke Wilson's spirit' and the man slipped into poor health and death. Napoleon Hill visited Wilson at his death bed, wanting to help his friend pass as peacefully as possible. As Wilson lay on his deathbed, still agonizing over his failures Hill calmly looked down at Wilson and said to him, " Ultimately nothing matters ". After thinking on it, Wilson looked up at Hill and, with a calmness taking hold, confirmed his agreement. *** These two thoughts, which I learned from books - " Is that s o" and " Ultimately nothing matters " - seem most fitting for today's situation. Written September 22, 2016.

## It's time to stamp out Passion and Love in our Workplaces!
Date: 2016-09-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-time-to-stamp-out-passion-and-love-in-our-workplaces/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

When people say “ passion in the workplace ”: What does that mean to you? What does that mean to them? It seems the ‘ motivational gurus ’ cannot break the habit of using the word 'passion' when talking about ideal workplaces and their followers cannot get beyond feeling little twinges of inspiration, albeit incredibly short lived twinges, when they hear messages about 'passion in the workplace'. But – really – what does all this talk about 'passion in the workplace' mean and does it contain any value? Bottom lines… For donors of motivational messages about workplace-passion: Do these people actually care or think about the meaning of the word passion or do they just spew out the word, because they believe it’s in vogue or because they cannot stop themselves from riding the wake of a cliché? For recipients who are inspired by workplace-passion messages: What, exactly, are they thinking when they get inspired? Specifically, what does the word passion mean to them? Some context… Here’s the way the Merriam-Webster Dictionary presents the various meanings of the word passion: Simple Definition of PASSION a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something a strong feeling (such as anger) that causes you to act in a dangerous way a strong sexual or romantic feeling for someone Full Definition of PASSION 1. often capitalized: a) the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death; b) an oratorio based on a gospel narrative of the Passion 2. obsolete : suffering 3. the state or capacity of being acted on by external agents or forces 4.a) (1) emotion his ruling passion is greed (2) plural the emotions as distinguished from reason; b) intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction; c) an outbreak of anger 5.a) ardent affection : love; b) a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept; c) sexual desire; d) an object of desire or deep interest Source : Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary So this does not get too complicated… …let’s just consider the Merriam-Webster dictionary’s Simple Definition of PASSION a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something (Bullet Point 1) a strong feeling (such as anger) that causes you to act in a dangerous way (Bullet Point 2) a strong sexual or romantic feeling for someone (Bullet Point 3) Bullet Point 1 – Yes, this definition fits workplaces. At least, in theory, enthusiasm/excitement has the potential to be a productive driver in workplaces. Obviously, in practice, enthusiasm/excitement will face limitations in working people and in workplaces : for the former, there will be ‘good days and bad days’ where enthusiasm/excitement do and do not happen – after all, we are only human for the latter, there will be ‘right times and places’ where enthusiasm/excitement fit and do not fit – after all, all those other people at our workplaces are also only human All considered, the first simple definition fits workplaces. For example, if we were to say “ We are enthusiastic about our work ” or “ We are excited about our work ” then people would interpret these as good things…which makes me wonder – why don’t the motivational gurus just say those things instead of using the word 'passion'? [It seems to me the answer to that last questions rests somewhere between hyperbole and thick syrup.] Bullet Point 2 – No, we do not want people to get angry and act in dangerous ways when they are at work. To the extent motivational gurus use the word passion to inspire people, most of us hope that inspiration will not result in angry mindsets and dangerous actions…which makes me wonder…why would the gurus take the risk of this interpretation by using the word passion? [It seems to me the answer to that last question must be they are 2 nd bullet-point passionate about using the word 'passion' in their motivational messages.] Bullet Point 3 – Now, you might find it discomforting that motivational gurus argue in favour of bringing strong sexual and romantic feelings to work…i.e., bringing love to work. I mean, you may be thinking there’s a time and place …and the workday isn’t the right time and the workplace isn’t the right place . Regardless, the motivational gurus, many of them for many years, have been arguing in favour of bringing passion and love to the workplace! As one example, here’s a very-recent Simon Sinek quote: “True love exists in business. It's when employee and employer are amazingly grateful to have each other. We should all have true love at work.” When I read that quote, I wondered if Simon Sinek has ever read a dictionary definition of the word ‘love’. For example, has he read the Merriam-Webster definition: Simple Definition of LOVE a feeling of strong or constant affection for a person attraction that includes sexual desire : the strong affection felt by people who have a romantic relationship a person you love in a romantic way In this English language we use, there is a considerable difference between loving and being grateful. Arguments promoting "we should all have true love at work" are patently silly . And, unfortunately, Simon Sinek is not alone in his passion and love arguments . Clearly - the motivational gurus are going too far in their quest for catchy slogans and advice: they are squeezing clichés beyond the limits of common sense. Clearly, it's time to stamp out Passion and Love in our Workplaces! PS: If you are eligible and you meet a willing recipient for your love and passion at your workplace then the above is not intended to dissuade you or the object of your affection. However, I must extend two suggestions of caution: (1) there is a time and a place so you may want to consider off-premises and after-hours for your exchange of love and passion and (2) don’t confuse your wonderfully-human emotions and mind-states with arguments that suggest your love and passion have anything to do with business cases, workplace excellence or ROI. PPS: In recognition of my motivational hero, Napoleon Hill. Yes – Napoleon Hill championed the value of transmuting sexual energy into energy to be used for workplace thought and action [see Hill’s 1937 classic, ‘ Think and Grow Rich ’]. Hill saw the tremendous energy embedded in the emotions he described as 'love' and 'sex'. He recognized, if sex energies could be channeled [i.e., transmuted] into different endeavours, including business work, then the results could be stupendous. I expect the current motivational gurus haven't misunderstand/misinterpret Hill’s messages…after all, it seems they haven’t even taken the time to read dictionaries let alone the works of motivational leaders who did take the time to do very deep thinking before putting thoughts to their audiences. PPPS: I recognize some workplaces rely upon passion and/or love - most of them deliver incredible humane and charitable services...others are are just plain illegal.

## Rhetoric, Actions & Consequences
Date: 2016-09-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/rhetoric-actions-consequences/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

While watching some of the U.S. Presidential "news coverage" a few things came to mind... Talk is Cheap. That's a saying, which carries some wisdom. Verbal messages can provide immediate gratification to audiences. And that gratification may carry through to election day. On the other hand, as George H.W. Bush found out the hard way, people do more than " read your lips "…not everybody…not all the time…but, many people grasp the messages presented to them and cling to them with the intent of holding political leaders accountable to their words. When you are a politician - even if people don't hold you accountable, chances are very good the media will…sooner or later…probably sooner…and probably with a vengeance. During recent decades, we have experienced two trends: The media is digging deeper into politicians’ personal and career lives, going to extremes such as pulling paparazzi on politicians’ family members. No politician is protected from the media bulldogs…not even the U.S. President. Politicians are becoming increasingly more adventuresome, doing bizarre things and taking [what most people would describe as] absolutely outrageous chances. Political leaders’ ‘violations’ range from bigoted slurs to abuse of power and privilege. What a combination: increased media scrutiny coupled with leaders behaving outrageously. Something’s got to give. One way or another, some day, something will give. Here’s a thought – Wouldn’t it be nice if leaders decide to give up the outrageous behavior. Then they could concentrate on productive behavior, the media could provide more-positive reporting, and we could focus our attention on more-constructive news and more-valuable knowledge.

## About our Family Business
Date: 2016-09-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-our-family-business/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Family Business and CFFB, Solutions & Opportunities, Values: Personal Values

We enjoy solving sticky problems. Wrestling down sticky problems until they give up their solutions - that's where our people and our family business are at their best. we are invigorated by the challenges of new things, we are excited about the opportunities that we know rest closely with problems, and we enjoy testing and stretching our imaginations. Certainly, we know we are curious and we know we enjoy new challenges. And we know curiosity leads to innovation and creativity...and interesting experiences...and adventures...and these things help bring new product and service ideas to life. We enjoy positive feedback from the people we work with and for. Positive feedback about our work energizes our enthusiasm. But, for us, there’s more value in work than generating solutions and receiving gratification from positive feedback. We enjoy solving sticky problems: Curiosity is an important part of our lives – we see value in curiosity – we are driven by curiosity and have embraced it as one of our personal Values. So, Curiosity is also one of our corporate Values. Problem-solving mastery is an important part of our lives. We were naturally skilled at mathematics and we were drawn to math and engineering education. And, for us, engineering education provided the opportunity learn and develop problem-solving skills. Solving problems opened the door to finding opportunities [ opportunities ride on the wings of adversity ] and opportunities lead to new solution-techniques, products and services. Relentless curiosity combined with a huge desire to solve problems – that describes us. It also explains why… We enjoy solving sticky problems. Footnotes: Sticky Problems have two forms: people problems [interpersonal issues] and technical problems [information management/processing, including information essential to product design]. Our family company, Spirited Leaders , focuses on helping business leaders solve sticky leadership problems: interpersonal issues are at the core so solutions for people are the goal. Our family company, NeuStyle Software & Systems , focuses on solving sticky technical problems: information management and processing is at the core so software and digital solutions are the goal. Spirited Leaders' motto - Inspire People - Influence Action - Grow Wealth! NeuStyle Software's motto - Anything's possible when it's digital!

## Will  Power &  Courage Value
Date: 2016-09-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/will-power-courage-value/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Values: Personal Values

If, for whatever reason, you do not have enough Will then it is impossible to have other elite character traits like Courage. Courage is more than taking constructive action in the face of danger. For example, I think leaping into the water to save a drowning friend is not necessarily courageous. This sort of action could be driven by sheer impulse or ingrained altruism. Courage is knowing you are facing danger and overcoming your fears, then taking constructive action. In order to overcome your fears, willpower must be present and powerful. Put another way - Courage is constructive action in the face of danger, where the action is not backed by Confidence. Courage and Confidence are two Good Habits: the first leads to the second in very specific ways; the second promotes the first in a general way; Will is the force that enables Courage and allows Courage to have the chance to create Confidence. My personal Values are: Courage Confidence Conviction Curiosity Courage and Confidence are my [supreme] desired outcomes – Conviction [backed by Will, which requires Energy and leads to Good Habits ] and Curiosity [which leads to discovery, invention, creativity – and to New Things] are the means for achieving those [supreme] desired outcomes.

## Ready, Willing and Able … What a wonderful combination!
Date: 2016-09-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ready-willing-and-able-what-a-wonderful-combination/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Values: Personal Values

Ready, willing and able… Isn't that a wonderful combination? How sad it is when two of them are there and the third fails to arrive. In particular, how sad it is when the middle one doesn't show up. When we are ready and willing but not able we struggle and fail. This may not be so bad. In fact, it is often a vital part of the learning experience. When we are willing and able but not ready, that too may not be so bad. We can muster up readiness and be prepared for future opportunities. When we are ready and able but not willing we must step back and try to figure out why are we not willing. What is causing us to stall? Without power of will many things falter: persistence falters conviction falters Good Habits falter The problems that follow lack of willpower can squeeze the joy out of life...and the productivity...and the quality of relationships. Clearly, power of will is an elite character trait. It is the necessary ingredient for action and achievement. And, its absence quickly negates other fine character traits including readiness and ability .

## Negative Thinking – now, isn’t that a textured problem
Date: 2016-09-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/negative-thinking-now-isnt-that-a-textured-problem/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Not only is it textured, negative thinking is thick out there. Negative thinking cannot be band-aided into insignificance: it is a thick, multi-layered, multi-textured problem. Some people overtly express their CAN’T DO viewpoints. Some people covertly express their CAN’T DO viewpoints to coworkers, friends and family - when the boss ain’t there. Some people hide in their safe spots [from cubbyholes to bunkers], victims thinking and thinking and thinking CAN’T DO. #1 people, sometimes, just need an attentive ear to hear them out. Their intentions may be OK-to-Good while their communication skillsets are not. Or, sometimes, these people are just having one of those bad days. It’s worth exploring to determine if hidden gems exist beneath the complaining crust. Sometimes – likely, often - #1 people are crying out for help. As Eckhart Tolle said, “ Most people respond to a cry for help with a cry for help ”. That pattern is broken when people respond to a cry for help with listening ears, seeing eyes and thinking brains. #2 people carry on because insidious behavior enjoys company. But that company is only enjoyed when it is limited to people who support or at least grin and bear relentless rainstorms of complaints and criticism. When confident people enter the conversation negative thinking is challenged. The solution is in the zone of crisis/wake-up-call. Unfortunately, more often than not, when the crisis subsides or the alarm bell stops ringing the negative thinking returns and takes full control. #3 people can be ticking time bombs…nowadays, we can take that literally as well as figuratively. These people defy but need intervention of some sort. Perhaps, they have the ability to snap out of their deep negativity? Perhaps, wise, kindly-delivered help will support the development and use of new good habits aimed at moving from negativity to positivity? Likely, most people do not possess the wisdom and skill required to assist people who possess deep-rooted/fear-filled negativity. When you witness negativity, what do you think? When you witness negativity, what do you do? What if that negativity you witness is your own?

## Do people know what work you do?
Date: 2016-09-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-people-know-what-work-you-do/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Influencing

Because it is important to you, you probably go out of your way to help some people understand what you do when you're at work. If you do that, you may be very surprised to find out later just how little most of these people know about what you do while you're at work.

During a typical workday, you meet people who are not directly involved with your business as employees or clients or suppliers. They could be people you meet through acquaintances. They could be people you meet through your Chamber of Commerce or another association. Or they could be people you meet through volunteer activities in your community. You may meet with these people occasionally or you may meet with them regularly. Over the course of years, you may have talked about your business with these people many, many times. You may believe they have a very good understanding of what you do when you go to work…that they understand the value you create when you are at work. Because it is important to you, you probably go out of your way to help some of these people understand what you do when you're at work. If you do that, you may be very surprised to find out later just how little most of these people know about what you do while you're at work. I have had a number of discussions with friends on this topic, recently. Many people are telling me they are surprised to find that even close acquaintances do not understand what they do at work. In some cases they have had numerous meetings with people and provided numerous explanations of what they do and how they go about doing their work. Regardless, they find out later that other people do not understand what they do at work. When they find out this is the situation, many people are extremely disappointed, their feelings have been hurt. Their ego has been let down. As a result, they share their concerns and wonder what's going on. Some people have asked me, Why does this happen? It seems to me, there are some fundamental reasons why this happens. Here are two examples: Many people think they are too busy so they act accordingly. The rush through things. The fact is - they simply don't listen. Perhaps, people think others who explain what they do at work are too aggressive, too pushy and too self-centered. So they turn off in the presence of those people. Again, they simply don't listen . This is such an epidemic... If you want to win business people over then let them know that you know what they do when they are at work.

## That Small-business Leader's Mindset
Date: 2016-09-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/that-small-business-leaders-mindset/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts

Small business is fascinating territory...small businesses capture the full range of people, personalities and business thinking. When it comes to leadership at small businesses, again, that is fascinating territory covering the full range. But, this note will focus on just one type of small-business leader. That small-business leader can be described using words like: Intelligent Self-starter Confident Curious Technically competent Personable Organized Improvement-driven These impressive qualities define that small-business leader’s mindset . You know this type of small-business leader. You meet this type of small-business leader frequently, probably every day. You meet this type of small-business leader in the restaurants where you eat, in the offices you visit during your workday, in the factories where you work, in the theaters where you wind down, in the convenience stores where you make small purchases...these small-business leaders are almost everywhere you look. Perhaps, you know one of these small-business leaders as your boss? Perhaps, you never thought of your boss that way? - as being a small-business leader? as possessing those impressive qualities? Perhaps, you have had a much harsher view of your boss? - as being a rather flawed individual? as being too demanding or money-hungry? Perhaps, you have the ability to set aside your present thinking and open your mind to the possibility that your boss is 'that small-business leader'? - creating value for others, clients and suppliers? - bearing risks and creating opportunities for you and your coworkers? Yes - you can see the tremendous value embedded in that small-business leader's mindset .

## The legacy of post-recession fears
Date: 2016-09-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-legacy-of-post-recession-fears/ | Categories: Abundance, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

In many areas the post-recession fears have not subsided. It is troubling to watch the value of baby boomers’ businesses shrink. What legacy do you want to leave?

In many areas the post-recession fears have not subsided. Businesses are still dragging payments, for inordinately long periods. Businesses are still refraining from making purchases, even when the ROI on those purchases are quite attractive. Many businesses are hesitant to fund innovations and, as a consequence, they are slipping farther behind the pace of automation in their business sector. It looks like lots of baby boomers are attempting to recover the financial losses they experienced during the recession of 2008/9 and the Canadian dollar volatility that followed that recession. The recession itself took money out of baby boomers' pockets. The rapid decrease in the value of the Canadian dollar took more money out of some baby boomers' pockets. And the economic challenges during the last year have exacerbated these problems. When you put it all together many baby boomers are reluctant to spend money on their businesses at this point in time. I suppose this is no surprise to economists. Likely, in every generation of business, the leading generation of business people hits a point when it becomes less confident and less courageous . When that happens expenditures shrink. And protectionism, around personal wealth, sets in. Regardless, it certainly is troubling to watch the value of baby boomers’ businesses shrink…year after year. Perhaps, it is time to consider better options…small changes for the better. What legacy do you want to leave?

## All Hell's breakin' loose out there...
Date: 2016-09-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/all-hells-breakin-loose-out-there/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

You don't settle for just learning when the seas are calm; you choose to learn when all Hell’s breakin’ loose out there.

…or, at least, some days, it sure seems that way. I know you notice – People scampering around…ignoring others…craving instant gratification. Reduced time…reduced patience…reduced listening skills. Increased pace…increased special effects…increased intolerance. I know you see – Plenty of action out there, most of it stomping over a shortage of thinking. I know you hear – Most-lazy viewpoints ricocheting off most-frenetic actions. You do your best to step beyond these things as you plan your work and work your plan. You know there are better ways because you have done them and achieved better results. You try to help others understand better methods: and yes, some people excel in response to your advice and example. You don’t expect everyone to ‘get it’. You savour the moments when some do. You keep track of those people who do ‘get it’ – you never stop applauding their successes. You work to help as many as you can, within reason and within realistic expectations. You remain optimistic. You celebrate successes, but you don’t over-celebrate. You feel some pain over failures, but not too much pain or pain that lasts too long. You learn equally from success and failure. You learn from people who live lives laced with quests for instant gratification. You learn from deep thinkers. You learn from heroes and their fringe behavior. You learn when the seas are calm and you learn when all Hell’s breakin’ loose out there.

## Motivation, Hormones, DNA & all those self-help books
Date: 2016-08-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/motivation-hormones-dna-all-those-self-help-books/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

...and, let's not forget Willpower ! Maybe motivation is just a byproduct of hormones? Our bodies create hormones and those hormones influence us. There’s cause and effect in action which is consistent with motivation and, perhaps, there's an argument this hormone-induced motivation is the only motivation. I mean, without our hormones we wouldn't be doing anything and with our hormones we do the things we do. And as hormones ebb and flow people do different things and act in different ways...which is consistent with experiencing a range of motivations. So, without hormones we would have no motivation. And, there's scientific evidence 'proving' that hormones serve certain roles and different hormones trigger/motivate different thoughts and behaviour. No question – hormones play a role in motivation. And, that raises some questions – Are hormones the sole cause of motivation? Are hormones the root-source of motivation? How does DNA fit in? Are motivations simply genetic [destined/predestined] legacies? Are self-help books a complete waste of time and money? or... Does willpower provide each of us the opportunity to decide and influence our motivations?

## Controlling the common littlenesses of human nature
Date: 2016-08-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/controlling-the-common-littlenesses-of-human-nature/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Book Reviews, Borrowing Brilliance, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Community, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

William MacDonald described Benjamin Franklin as a man who could control the common littleness of human nature 1 . It is clear MacDonald had tremendous respect for the special gifts Benjamin Franklin brought to Mankind, as a citizen of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the United States of America…and the rest of the world. When MacDonald talked of Franklin controlling the littlenesses of human nature, he was describing Franklin’s innate ability to understand the littlenesses housed in himself and other people and adjust himself in order to get around those littlenesses so he and others could accomplish great things. By the mid-1700’s, when he was less than 50 years old, Benjamin Franklin had become a worldwide phenomenon…a true polymath…a true leader of men…a true leader of thought...a leader in scientific thought...a true hero. Franklin’s accomplishments are mind-boggling. As examples: By his early 20’s Franklin was a self-made business success. By his late 40’s Franklin was recognized [worldwide] as a gifted scientist. Between those milestones he had: created a mastermind, gathering intelligent friends to philosophize, share ideas and create practical solutions to Philadelphia's problems [his Junto , also known as the Leather Apron Club] created time-management/personal-organization tools and decision-making tools...his pioneer work in this area lives on in legacy, for example - ' Franklin Covey ' co-founded an early [if not America’s first] subscription library co-founded an academy that became the University of Pennsylvania led the community movement that funded the first paving of roads in Philadelphia built an international printing empire by creating partnerships, funding & franchising a series of strategically-located print shops built a successful newspaper - the Pennsylvania Gazette created a bestseller – ' Poor Richard’s Almanack ' created Philadelphia’s first volunteer fire brigade taught himself French, Italian and Spanish languages served as Philadelphia's postmaster invented the Franklin Stove, an energy-efficient heating system still in use today…then refused to patent it because he felt he had benefited from others’ inventions so others should benefit from his Of course, Franklin was a well-respected civic and provincial politician…long before he became America’s political representative to other nations prior to, during, and after the American Revolution. Yes – Franklin was one of the 56 who risked the gallows 2 by signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776. And, of course, Ben Franklin did that experiment with a storm, lightning, a kite and a key…and he invented the lighting rod and the best methods of installing it. This invention illustrated to the world that electricity could be controlled, to a degree, by Mankind. That illustration helped introduce a new era of scientific thought and experimentation that is still advancing today. And the lightning rod saved countless lives and reduced, on a world-wide basis, damage and loss of property caused by lighting fires. On top of these things, Franklin was a commissioned Colonel who built a series of fortresses to protect Pennsylvanians from the French and Indian invasions in the mid-1700's, He personally led Pennsylvanians into battle against these invading forces...he led peace talks with the native Indians and, after the war had ended, he ensured the protection of peaceful Indians from unruly Pennsylvanian mobs. Benjamin Franklin did much more than these things. Here's another sampling... Franklin left Boston at the age of 16, venturing out on his own to Philadelphia. He was a vegetarian during his teenage years. He understood the value of character and he practiced character-building ‘virtues’ throughout his life. This practice started when Franklin was about 20 years old. Somehow, he was wise well beyond his years. Somehow, he understood his ‘ littlenesses of human nature’ and he committed to removing his own to full extent he could accomplish that goal. Benjamin Franklin worked on that throughout his life, for over 60 years. Franklin's desire to design and build his character along strict guidelines allowed him to control many, but not all, his ‘ littlenesses’ . He was candid about his shortcomings and he took a humble stance on his amazing accomplishments. Benjamin Franking is a man worth studying…and his practices - his good habits - are certainly worth emulating. It is never too late to start emulating heroes. Footnotes ' The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: Now First Printed in England from the Full and Authentic Text ', (1905) These are words Napoleon Hill used to describe the ‘founding fathers’ of what is now the U.S.A.

## Does creativity crave structure?
Date: 2016-08-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/does-creativity-crave-structure/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Hero Worship, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

I have heard opposing viewpoints. Some people think creativity happens when a group of brilliant young people bounce ideas off one another in zany bright-coloured open workspaces. My mind is conjuring up images of Google people accomplishing amazing Google things. Some people think creativity sparks, sooner or later, if persistent focused effort is performed under well-defined scientific testing. Now, I’m picturing Edison and his people exhaustively going through those 5,000 [or was it 10,000] failures before they found the solution to incandescent lighting. Some people believe solitary efforts in seclusion, silence, and stillness are the routes to creative intelligence. Elmer R. Gates comes to mind…this self-proclaimed psychologist and prolific inventor was sought out and paid to sit for ideas and he achieved such success sitting for ideas he impressed Napoleon Hill [author of the classic, ‘ Think And Grow Rich ’]. Some people think creativity is closely linked to if not the result of personal suffering: whether physical in form or emotional or mental. Examples of creative people who have suffered include Gandhi, Van Gogh, Mandela, Beethoven, Lincoln, and pretty much all the great poets…and, of course, I better include Jimmy Morrison or I will later feel remiss. All that considered – How does structure fit in? While there is no question – the environments for creativity vary considerably and the personalities of creative people vary considerably…and there are many different routes that lead to creativity – the question remains, does creativity crave structure? What does your personal experience tell you? Think about performing at your creative best…how did you get there? Do you have flashes of intuition/genius…how do they arise…what was happening before they ‘hit you’? Do you set aside time to be creative...if you do, do you ‘plan and structure things’ prior to beginning to spend that time? PS: A year or so ago, after a great deal of deliberation, I changed one of my personal values from ' Creativity ' to ' Curiosity '. I wonder if that gives away my answer to the title question.

## How do you go about making yourself useful?
Date: 2016-08-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-you-go-about-making-yourself-useful/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Do you want to be useful? If so - How do you go about making yourself useful? *** First - What does ‘being useful’ mean to you? Is ‘being useful’ about thoughts ? Is ‘being useful’ about action ? Is ‘being useful’ about both? Next - When you envision yourself being useful what, specifically, do you see yourself thinking or doing? Why did you choose these things as being useful rather than choosing other things? What's the relationship between these useful things and your personal values ? When you do these useful things, how do you do them? Then – How do you go about making yourself useful? Do you set goals around your useful things? Do you monitor the things you do and regulate yourself in an effort to maximize the time you spend doing useful things? Do you refuse to do things you deem to be not-useful? When you find yourself doing not-useful things do you stop and shift toward doing useful things? When you feel bored do you intentionally choose to remove that boredom by doing useful things? When you feel stressed do you check to see if you are doing useful things? When you face problems do you intentionally focus on how to make yourself useful? When you see people struggling do you automatically make yourself useful, helping them? Throughout the day, do you ask yourself, " Am I making myself useful? "? At the end of the day do you ask yourself, " What useful things did I do today? "? Do you commit to being useful tomorrow? Do you commit to being useful every day from here to eternity? *** Has making yourself useful become one of your good habits ?

## People feel victimized because they have not fully grown up
Date: 2016-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/victims-transactional-analysis/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Family Business and CFFB

During a discussion with a friend, the topic of ' victims ' arose. I thought it would be interesting to see a written summary of his thoughts on why many people feel and behave like victims...and why they ought to not feel victimized and how they might overcome their victimized mindsets. While my friend did not agree to provide his views in writing, he [in a very succinct explanation] said people feel victimized because they have not fully grown up...they are still children. When he said that, I immediately thought of Berne's Transactional Analysis : people behaving 3 ways – like Children, like Adults and like Parents. It seems to me everyone behaves like a Child from time to time. Sometimes, certain situations trigger pre-programmed Childlike behavior. In particular, when dealing with their Parents people can assume Children’s postures and communicate in ways that fit the Child’s role. Sometimes, accumulated stresses and strains cause people to resort to Childlike behavior…I suppose this is an avoidance or escape mechanism. We see Childlike stubbornness in workplaces and, from time to time, we see business people taking Childlike tantrums. Sometimes, for some people, sense of humour kicks in and humour can be quite Childish…I’m thinking of that picture with Albert Einstein sticking his tongue out at the cameraman. Yes – likely my friend is right – People behave like victims because they have not fully grown up. Victims, in effect, are grown-ups who hold childlike mindsets. For one reason or another, they have not developed an accurate perception of the ‘human condition’. They hold on to misguided views about ‘fairness’ and ‘ locus of control’ . They have not developed ‘coping skills’. They don’t understand themselves and so they have limited ability to understand other people.

## How do you really hold someone accountable? Part 3
Date: 2016-08-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-you-really-hold-someone-accountable-part-3/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Delegation & Decisions, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Values: Personal Values

Link to Part 1 Link to Part 2 Some say the key to accountability is 'delegating responsibility': when people feel responsible for something they hold themselves accountable. But - How would you delegate responsibility? Could you ask people questions like: "Do you believe you can accomplish this task?" "Do you buy into this task?" "Are you enthusiastic about this task?" "Do you believe you can accomplish this task?" If people don't believe they can succeed, really, how likely is it they will succeed? [Sure, some argue "anything's possible", however, in real life that's not the way things work out. As the saying goes, 'You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear'.] If people don't believe they can succeed, is that belief founded in attitude or competence? [This is an important distinction: attitude rests in their court; you can help them educate and train for competence whereas they alone control their attitude...or worse, maybe their attitude has moved beyond their control.] If people don't believe they can succeed, do they know something you don't know? [You have to select your battles with care if you intend to win the war. At least sometimes, what you don't know can hurt you.] "Do you buy into this task?" If people don't buy into the task, why don't they buy into it? [Is it due to habit?...some people think Devil's Advocate is an important role and if nobody else is going to play the role then they will step up and do it. Some people just don't fit on some teams.] If people don't buy into the task, is that due to ethical differences? [If the task violates moral codes or personal values then it is important to know their rules and where their lines are drawn. Violation of master rules and invasion of personal boundaries are poor choices, doomed to generate problems.] If people don't buy into the task, what would it take to get them to buy into it? [Do you need to alter the way you make decisions and delegate work?] "Are you enthusiastic about this task?" If people are not enthusiastic - why? [Does the task test their weakness rather than align with their strength? People enjoy working in areas of strength.] If people are not enthusiastic, is it because they feel they are overworked and do not have enough time? [You might need to help them understand their priorities and how to accomplish them.] If people are not enthusiastic, are they stressed out or burned out? [Perhaps, their energy levels are low and they need to refuel? Perhaps, they are temporarily unable to be enthusiastic about any task?] Could you ask yourself: "As a leader, a decision maker, and a delegator of tasks - am I doing a good job?"

## inexpensive diamonds contain value - expensive diamonds contain flaws
Date: 2016-08-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/inexpensive-diamonds-contain-value-expensive-diamonds-contain-flaws/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Things are rarely as bad as they seem - things are rarely as good as they seem. Time seems to iron out our emotional highs and lows, healing old wounds and adding perspective to achievements. In this way, Time shows us our tendency to overstate both the positives and the negatives. A balanced viewpoint is a wonderful thing: enjoying the good things [while not getting too inflated about them] and accepting the bad things [without losing too much energy or damaging spirit]. While Dorothy and Toto aimed somewhere over the rainbow they ought to have been thinking about aiming somewhere closer to the middle of the rainbow, say in the bluish-green zone. There’s much to be gained through a more balanced approach. I'm not talking about being dull and even-keeled all the time. We don’t want to ignore or miss the learning experiences embedded in life’s truly extreme experiences. But, life is not a roller-coaster ride unless our minds make it so. Sure – we can be on the optimistic side of centre…as in – “always look on the bright-central side of life”. Stated another way – rose-coloured glasses have their limitations. After all, they focus on one end of the light spectrum [R as in ROYGBIV, that is]. So, there’s a good argument to be made in favour of wearing green or blue coloured glasses. While inexpensive diamonds may lack lustre [and all those other pleasing-to-the-eye attributes], they are nonetheless diamonds, containing value. While expensive diamonds are far more expensive, they still contain imperfections…which you will learn all about if you try to sell one.

## Better you have problems than problems have you
Date: 2016-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/better-you-have-problems-than-problems-have-you/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Solutions & Opportunities

Hindsight is 20/20...and while hindsight conversations can be annoying, that's not going to stop us from having them. Something in our nature causes us to want to second-guess decisions we have made and action we have taken. Foresight is an energy-consuming process that often yields unreliable results...but that's not going to stop us from planning for future events. We want to believe in cause and effect, we want to exercise our willpower and we will fight to hold onto a level of control. Presence - our ability to be present - is so rare it seems to be close to an unnatural state of mind...we spend so much time thinking about the past and the future we hardly ever do justice to the present. Of course, we are distracted in the present: the present is chock-full of external stimuli - all changing rapidly. Hindsight, foresight and presence have one thing in common - Problems. Hindsight deals with second guessing past events: with old problems in mind, we ponder the possibilities of better decisions and better actions; we waste time thinking about and sometimes agonizing over what we could have done, what we should have done, etc. Foresight deals with anticipating problems and creating strategies and tactics for dealing with those problems...we use foresight when we anticipate outcomes, seek solutions and seek opportunities. While we know we cannot accurately predict the future we gain a level of comfort thinking about the 'right things' to do to get to where we want to go. Presence - our ability to be present - is only as good as our ability to set aside hindsight, set aside foresight, and filter through all the current/present stimuli to find the really important things...the things worthy of our attention and our thoughts. And, some of those really important ‘present’ things will be problems...problems we should tend to. It is OK to ‘have’ these important, present-problems – it is good to ‘have’ and deal with these present-problems . Other problems, especially those from other time zones, are less real and less important and beyond our control – it is not good to let them ‘have’ us.

## I rarely write about morals...
Date: 2016-08-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/i-rarely-write-about-morals/ | Categories: Book Reviews, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Hero Worship, Personalities @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

I rarely write about morals. However, driven with hero worship, I want to share the 'self-direction' Benjamin Franklin provided to himself when he was in his early 20's. Somehow, this very wise fellow had the ability at a very young age to write 'life instructions' aimed at building the character he desired. He ranked his virtues [as presented below] and created and implemented a plan for developing, one-by-one, those virtues. He followed the plan for years, took daily notes on his progress, and carried his notebook with him throughout his life. Here are the virtues Benjamin Franklin wrote to himself then worked at throughout his life... 13 Virtues 1. Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation. 2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation. 3. Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time. 4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve. 5. Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing. 6. Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions. 7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly. 8. Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty. 9. Moderation. Avoid extreams; forbear resenting injuries as you think they deserve. 10, Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, cloaths, or habitation. 11. Tranquility. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable. 12. Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation. 13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates. About Humility - When he was 78 years old, Benjamin Franklin wrote, "I cannot boast of much success in acquiring the reality of this virtue, but I had a good deal with regard to the appearance of it. I made it a rule to forbear all direct contradiction to the sentiments of others, and all positive assertion of my own." and he wrote, "In reality, there is, perhaps no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride . Disguise it, struggle with it, beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive, and will every now and then peep out and show itself; you will see it, perhaps, often in this history; for, even if I could conceive that I had compleatly overcome it, I should probably be proud of my humility." What honest admissions!

## On Improving
Date: 2016-08-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-improving/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

It doesn't matter where you came from, what's happened to you or what you've done so far. While those things may carry some interest and perhaps even some value, they are not that important. The important things are your thoughts and your actions. For your thoughts and your actions - You have the present ...perhaps just brief moments left...perhaps numerous years. For your thoughts and your actions - You have no guarantees for your future . You cannot rewrite your past. You only have your present and your ability to think and act. For your thoughts and your actions - You have choices : choices about the thoughts you think and choices about the actions you take. You can choose to direct your thoughts and actions toward goals and improvement. There's no guarantee for your future - regardless, you can have dreams, goals and aspirations. And, you can choose to think and act in ways that align with your dreams, goals, and aspirations. *** Expect nothing from ' Fate ', ' Destiny ', the ' Law of Compensation ' or the ' Law of Attraction '. Don't expect ' Abundance '. Don't place faith in ' Positive Mental Attitude '. Instead - Know what you value and desire. Believe your thoughts and actions have a level of influence over your outcomes. Take [some] comfort in the common sense embedded in thinking and acting in ways that align with your values and goals.

## Curiosity bolsters self-confidence.
Date: 2016-08-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/curiosity-bolsters-self-confidence/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, IT & TECH, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Values: Personal Values

Curiosity opens the door to alternative realities: this is discovered when you are curious, when you ask questions and when you listen to other people's self-stories. When people see your [sincere] curiosity at play, most will reciprocate and share their realities with you - realities that are as true and accurate as yours...but, often, remarkably different than yours. There are, of course, other ways to learn about other people's realities. We live in the age of The Internet of Things and enormous volumes of information are available online. Consider Facebook and Twitter. These two online social media venues offer insight into people’s realities, or at least insight into the way they want to present their 'realities' to you in pictures and stories. To really get a full perspective on other people's realities it is better to interact with them face-to-face. Have real conversations. And to maximize those conversations, it is best to be curious and to ask good questions then observe and listen intently. Give people plenty of time to share their stories with you. Curiosity is an innate talent. We all possess it. At least, at one time when we were young we certainly did. Curiosity is also a learned skill. If life experiences have beaten curiosity out of you – don’t give up. Your curiosity can be resurrected. Your curiosity can also be enhanced so it will become a lifelong tool. Curiosity will help you understand other people in ‘your world’. Curiosity will allow you to understand how you differ from other people in very fundamental ways. And curiosity will help you understand why other people disagree with your views and sometimes refuse to embrace your views. As you gain understanding of the differences, the knowledge you gain will build your self-confidence. When you understand your perspectives differ from other people’s perspectives, you have the ability to construct your messages in ways that do not threaten other people’s perspectives. At the same time the messages embedded in your questions will help others understand your views. In effect, communication preparation – question preparation – is the key to building both self-confidence and personal relationships. Choose to deliver your viewpoints in ways that will be understood [questions] rather than in ways that will be poorly received [instructions]. When you develop skill in this area you will grow self-confidence.

## Where egos have landed...
Date: 2016-08-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/where-egos-have-landed/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

When we decide to change our reactions to other people...and we decide to temper our egos…for the better...then the past will be left in the past. When we decide to change the way we react to other people…for the better…we are doing it with the present and for the future. We must leave the past in the past. We must get present . Also, we must maintain images of a better future in our minds. When we decide to improve our dealings with other people, we illustrate we have learned from past experiences. And, we open our minds to obtain even-more-important education, which lies in the present and then in the future. We believe our past experiences provide guidance about future outcomes – we believe, to a degree, in ‘cause and effect’. But we know it is limiting to rely too heavily on the past as a definite predictor of the future. We know - far more people agonize over the past than learn positive things from it. Somehow, rumination is a magnetic trap. So, it's best to think about our steps before we walk them. We know – it can be a challenge to get present . As wise men have taught us, thoughts come in streams of consciousness and, often, many of those thoughts are negative and attention-distracting. We know – it is easy to worry about things and difficult if not impossible to predict things… especially future things . Regardless, where our egos have landed safely and comfortably we hold faith our actions will cause the building of stronger relationships.

## What are you committed to deliver to your world?
Date: 2016-08-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-are-you-committed-to-deliver-to-your-world/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Values: Personal Values

You have your world. It surrounds you. It consumes you. You have needs and wants. Your ego makes its demands. You work away at satisfying those needs and wants. But - What are you committed to deliver to your world? Maybe you think about this a lot or maybe you don't think about it at all. Yet - isn't now a good time to think about what are you committed to deliver to your world? Certainly, now is a better time than waiting until tomorrow. Regardless, whether you agree the timing is right or not, you may choose to spend no time thinking about what you are committed to deliver to your world. If that's your choice then that's your limiting choice. It limits you. It limits your world. Again - What are you committed to deliver to your world?

## Saying "No"
Date: 2016-07-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/saying-no/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Values: Personal Values

We became allergic to the word "No" when we were young and now all of us don't like to hear that word when others say it to us. And, our aversion to the word "No" doesn't stop there. Many of us, at least from time to time, don't like to say the word "No" to others. Often, when we say "No" to other people, we feel guilt...it's as if the word "No" delivers pain to both the person who hears it and the person who says it. So – often, “No” is thought but not said. This leads to many problems. Some examples – When people think “No” but don’t say it: they are conflicted in their minds and this can result in worry-anxiety – this is especially true when the inconsistency between thought and action involve moral/ethical issues [i.e., in the zones of ego, self-image, self-esteem] they can be overworked because they become the dumping ground for others’ unwanted tasks their lives can be frenetic because they get pulled in many directions by many people sometimes others are confused or put off because the actions they see don’t match words they hear [or don’t hear] - sometimes honesty is questions [and that can go to the core of personal values] sometimes others might be compromised due to relying on false information These are just a handful of the problems that happen when people have trouble saying “no” to others. Likely, you can rhyme off several more…from your personal experiences and your observation of other people who have struggled to say the word “No”. Then, pose a question to yourself – In the future, will I say “No” when that’s the word that needs to be said? Footnote another article Put your foot down...

## Lies & Young Kids
Date: 2016-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/lies-young-kids/ | Categories: Values: Personal Values

When I was a child, we had 6 service stations within a short distance of our house: Gulf, Esso, Sunoco, Texaco, Supertest, and Shell. I lived right across the street from the Gulf service station. From about the age of 7, I worked at this ‘gas station’, helping the attendant. I swept the parking lot, washed windshields, pumped gas, checked and filled tires and checked and topped up engine oil. When I first started I was so tiny I had a heck of a time opening hoods and I had to stand on a wooden crate to check things under the hoods. My goal was to earn enough money to buy the good things in life: Cokes, ice cream and candy. While I don’t recall exactly, I think I earned 10 cents for a few hours of work. Not much, but the job made me feel grown up. And I liked having the spending money. My childhood gas station experiences introduced me to many life lessons , including an alternative perspective on lying, cheating and stealing. I was raised to be an honest person, to tell the truth because lying was bad…even sinful. A number of the gas station attendants across the street from our house presented an entirely different set of rules. About half of them lied and cheated people. And kids from school – well, some of them broke the rules too…stealing from the gas stations. Here’s a list of some of the lying/cheating/stealing I was exposed to at a very young age during my time at our local gas stations: Attendants charging for empty oil cans: attendants would tell the customer they needed oil then pretend to open an already-empty can and pretend to pour oil into the engine. The, the attendant Children jockeying pop dispensers to steal a pop: in those days soft drink coolers were crude and hard to use. Often, they jammed a bit and failed to deliver the bottle of pop. Children in our neighbourhood learned how to wriggle the bottle to solve the problem. Then, one of the most-creative kids learned how to get a pop without putting money into the pop machine. Attendants stealing money from the cash register…not all attendants, but some…taking a few dollars a day. Children stealing candy from the shelves when the attendants were serving customers at the pumps. Sometimes they worked in teams, one using a diversionary tactic to distract the attendant while the other went for the candy. Attendants refusing to pay the children for time worked. Children stealing hand tools from the tool cupboards. This was one way some of the children, especially the older ones, reacted when they were not paid for their work. Attendants refusing to give U.S. customers fair value for their U.S. dollars…and pocketing the difference. Children pooling their money to buy cigarettes [pretending they were for their parents]. I also recall the mechanics laughing about overcharging service clients for exaggerated auto repairs. Looking back – when I read what I have written above, it might appear that I grew up in a very tough/poor environment. No – it was middle class Southwestern Ontario. Regardless, at what might be considered a young and tender age, I was exposed to lying, cheating and stealing…not by wicked people – just by regular folks working in the auto sector in the 1960’s. On the other hand… I met some wonderful service station attendants who were put off by all the lying and trickery. These folks talked about fair play, their families, their aspirations and their goals.

## The Silent & Still Worker
Date: 2016-07-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-silent-still-worker/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Personalities @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

There's value in silence and stillness. I suppose I never really grasped that until I read the words of North American Indians , gained an understanding of what they learned early in life and gained some understanding of how they governed themselves [pre-19th Century]. I suppose I am naturally un- silent and un- still...I suppose, my behaviour is in the zone of ADHD...[if categorizing people that way contains any value]. And, as a final point of introduction, I know the meditative arts bank heavily on silence and stillness. For me, it would take extreme effort to progress up the hierarchical steps of meditation [for example, as presented by Alan Wallace in his classic ' The Attention Revolution ', (2006)]. My nature is not one of stillness and silence. Regardless, I force myself from time to time to practice these two behaviours because I believe they bring value. I am fascinated by Eckhart Tolle and his work around ' The Power of Now ': his work is laced with calmness, silence, stillness, peace of mind...and a wonderful, relaxed sense of humour. As an 'observer of others'... I see people working in silence and stillness. I don't see this very often: overall, it is rather rare. It is common for most people to work in silence and stillness for short periods, from time to time. As examples - most people hunker down when an important deadline is looming or when a particularly sticky problem needs to be solved quickly. On the other hand, few people spend the majority of their workday in silence and stillness, exerting highly-focused/concentrated thought and effort. Few people approach their work the silent-and-still way they would behave during a series of school exams. We should think about this...probably best to set aside some silent-and-still time to think about the value of silence and stillness...perhaps, we should perform this in a light stage of meditation. We - I mean, each of us - should aim to figure out his/her personal balance between silent-and-still work and work that is not silent or still. [I mean both thought-work and action-work.] We should talk about silent-and-still work. Well, yes - we won't be able to do that silently. But we can do it calmly and quietly...or can we?

## People resist new things
Date: 2016-07-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-resist-new-things/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

I think most people object to, argue against, or otherwise resist New Things (...as in - People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits & New Things ). Other people bombard us with advice and suggestions about 'better ways' to do things. When we understand "People Do Only 3 Things", it is easy to see how our Bad Habit ruts make it very difficult for us to see value when other people talk about accomplishing New Things. This is especially true when other people's New Things are grandiose goals. And, of course, regardless of their size New Things face criticism. One person's BHAG is another person's grandiosity...and worse - many small-but-fresh ideas and little innovations face stiff arguments and criticism from those who 'know better'. That's to be expected. There's a lot of entrenched thinking out there. But... We can buck that trend. We can take time to understand other people's thinking. We can choose to keep our minds open to possibilities.

## You know what you need - or, you don't?  [Introduction]
Date: 2016-07-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-know-what-you-need-or-you-dont-introduction/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, IT & TECH, Personalities @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities

Some people know exactly what they need. They know the details. They know their 'must haves', their 'nice to haves', and their 'fantasy wish lists'. And - they know exactly how to communicate those 'levels of needs' to other people. In relative terms, very few people actually live in that zone. Why? There are a number of reasons: most people do not take the time to thoroughly think through the things they need, want, and wish to have most people avoid details to the extent that is possible, particularly when under stress [which visits them regularly] many people live more in the moment than under a plan [i.e., they do not have plans to serve as guides for their lives, their needs, their wants, or their wishes/dreams/'visions'] many people struggle to communicate their needs, wants, and wishes [as a result of their lack of skill to expressing these things or others lack of skill at listening...or both] So - many people really do not know exactly what they need. They may have a good idea of where they want to go but they lack clarity on how to get there. As they work hard to get to where they want to go, they lack clarity on how to obtain help from other people. They fail to present their needs properly: so, they do not achieve their objectives. Over the last few years, I have seen this have very negative impact in 3 business processes: Delegation Project Management Software Solutions Now, I am going to take a tangential leap and introduce some thoughts. These thoughts are tied to today's topic [you know what you need - or your don't] and the 3 processes mentioned above. Auftragstaktik [Commander's Intent] – check out this Thought Post from November 2011. When you think about it, how does this Napoleon-inspired approach [to ‘needs’] mesh with processes for delegation, project management and software solutions? As you think about this, bear in mind – some people believe ‘ the devil is in the details ’ while others believe ‘ rules are made to be broken ’. More details on Delegation, Project Management & Software Solutions to follow [in a Thought Post , next week]…

## When it seems the left hand doesn't know what either hand is doing...
Date: 2016-07-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-it-seems-the-left-hand-doesnt-know-what-either-hand-is-doing/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Some situations seem to be beyond our control. In fact, some situations are beyond our control. Other situations just appear to be beyond our control. Regardless, 'really beyond our control' or 'apparently beyond our control' - these are the situations that inject high-stress into our lives and put our self-control to the toughest tests. When our locus of control is tested, so is our self-control. When stress levels are high our self-control faces its toughest challenges. We do better when we anticipate these high-stress situations and prepare, our minds, for them. We do worse when we blindly wander into these high-stress situations and allow emotions to cloud our minds. Today, we know, in the future we will face many stressful situations. Today, we know future stressful situations will press our fear buttons and our anger buttons...and a number of our other negative buttons. Today, we can plan actions that we believe will make the most out of bad situations. Tomorrow, we can take those actions. Tomorrow, we can show improvements. Tomorrow, we can possess amazing self-control.

## Who sells Heinz ketchup?
Date: 2016-07-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/who-sells-heinz-ketchup/ | Categories: Marketing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Today, I am thinking about the numerous pieces of advice we receive from 'the experts' on how people should do business and how to improve company practices. For example, years ago corporate branding was a popular topic. Now, both corporate branding and personal branding are popular topics. It strikes me that some of 'the experts' are confusing or distracting more of us than they are helping us. I had to slow down and think about the starting point...I mean, how to explain that last thought. After considering options for starting points, I've concluded - " When we build companies, they reflect our thinking ." I am hoping the majority of people can accept and agree with that statement. Whether or not we embrace concepts around 'personal branding', we buy our favourite products. We buy 'branded products', products produced by the companies. When we buy products we prefer our actions confirm we prefer the companies that make those products. For example, many of us buy Heinz ketchup. Even after the company closed its Leamington, Ontario production plant, many of us continue to buy this branded product - Heinz ketchup. Does the company that makes Heinz ketchup, now called The Kraft Heinz Company, reflect the thinking of the people who built it and created the famous product? Do the people who work at The Kraft Heinz Company reflect the the legacy of the thinking embedded in the company/organization and/or its famous product? There's a company with a legacy, a product with a legacy, people now long gone, and people now working. There's all these recommendations about branding. And, there's this question... Who sells Heinz ketchup?

## About Todd Henry's 3 Types of Work & 4 Worker Profiles
Date: 2016-07-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-todd-henrys-3-types-of-work-4-worker-profiles/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Todd Henry presents a very helpful way to think about work and the types of work people favour. This perspective on work and workers' natural preferences can be used to complement the wisdom embedded in Gallup's Talents and Strengths tools. Of course, for Gallup, 'Developer' has a different meaning. An introduction to Todd Henry's thinking

## On goals 'greater than ourselves'
Date: 2016-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-goals-greater-than-oursleves/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Hero Worship, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

"Our goals should serve as markers, measurements of the progress we make in pursuit of something greater than ourselves." Simon Sinek, inspirational post - June 13th, 2016 *** This goal advice scratched at me. [Perhaps, I was itchy before it arrived?] While it carries an admirable-altruistic message at its surface, I'm not sure this advice fits the majority of people. Warm & friendly - perhaps. Appropriate & helpful - likely not. For me, 'greater than ourselves' rings of fundamentalist thinking. I can imagine Nietzsche fuming at the thought. I can imagine a pained expression on Emerson's kind face. I can imagine fundamentalists rubbing their hands. The message scratched at me for two quite different reasons, which I will approach as follows: First, as a general rule - life is an ongoing learning experience. Certainly, this applies to people who possess normal intelligence and at least a little curiosity. For those who also possess a realistic perspective and at least a little humility, much of the lifelong learning is about self. Each person is a complex piece of art, worthy of relentless study. With the self being a lifelong work-in-process, doesn't it make sense to set goals for greater selves rather than goals for greater than selves? For those who argue they have completed their self-development and are as great as they can be...well Nietzsche would argue these elite few would be stepping backwards to find purposes beyond their own. Second, isn't 'greater then ourselves' a strange phrase? I mean, really, what does it mean? Is it intended to imply there are goals/interests that are greater in value than our own goals? If so, are these great goals/interests distinct from our own goals/interests? Is it even possible to pursue any goal/interest without serving self-interest at some level? Can we pay forward without receiving some level of gratification/personal compensation? Now, I am thinking of the great Emerson and his discourse on Compensation. Won't we have to set the wisdom of Emerson aside if we wish to have goals 'greater than ourselves'?

## Nasty or Nice?
Date: 2016-06-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/nasty-or-nice/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Google studied teamwork and determined a very important factor was 'to be nice'. Overall, that makes common sense... I mean - isn't that what our mothers taught us? Isn't that consistent with 'playground and sandbox philosophies'? One key question is - how do we define nice? Does that word mean the same thing to you as it means to me? Another important question is - what do we do when somebody isn't it nice? For example, someone makes a not-nice communication error. What, if anything, do we do about that? A lot of other questions arise when we think about the importance of being nice at work: What happens to being nice when your company has the habit of struggling to be profitable? What, if any, lines should we draw around acting nice when you are reacting to people who haven’t been nice? How do we act nice when customers refuse to pay our bills? How much slack do we cut for people who, from time to time, fail to be nice? How do you measure niceness when recruiting new employees?

## Do you choose Action over Strategy?
Date: 2016-06-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-choose-action-over-strategy/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

In recent conversations, it became clear to me that many people believe other people favour taking action over thinking about strategy. This viewpoint has been expressed as a criticism: the underlying argument being - people should spend more time thinking about strategy. Why? Here’s one reason: People who strategize tend to take decisive and that ‘forethought’ combination promotes accurately-aimed action. So, strategy is the seedbed where both effectiveness and efficiency have the opportunity to grow. Abe Lincoln knew this. He said, "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." Regardless of the merits of strategic thinking, many people choose to take action over thinking about strategy. Why? Before getting into the possibilities, “Why” is important because - if progressive changes are to be made, leaders must understand the ‘motivations’ behind people’s behavior. Obstinate-to-change behaviour is rooted in emotions. In the business environment, often, obstinate-to-change behaviour is rooted in negative emotions…fear-based emotions. So, to understand what needs to be done to change behaviour it is essential to understand the underlying fears. I have found Napoleon Hill’s summary of fears to be the most helpful starting point for understanding fears. In his classic ‘Think and Grow Rich’ (first published in 1937), Hill defined the following 6 basic fears: Fear of Poverty Fear of Criticism Fear of Ill Health Fear of Loss of Love Fear of Old Age Fear of Death What do you think? In business, which of these fears would cause a person to resist strategic thinking? Strikes me that the first two – Fear of Poverty and Fear of Criticism – are the likely root causes. Both these fears are most-common: that’s why they are at the top of Hill’s list. Obviously, it will take some forethought and sensitivity in order to explore these limiting-fears. The effort will be well rewarded.

## Anything's possible when it's Digital – Part 1
Date: 2016-06-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-appreciation-of-customized-software-part-1/ | Categories: IT & TECH

I am inspired by the possibilities tied to customized software. As my son, Jack, says – “Anything’s possible when it’s digital.” About the possibilities… I’m thinking about one of Todd Henry’s key questions 1 - "If you could snap your fingers right now and make anything happen in your job what would it be?" I have found the majority of people answer this question in one of two ways: Expressing a desire to improve interactions with people they work with [clients, employees, bosses, etc.] Expressing a desire to have better access to information [better accuracy, quicker access, easier access, etc.] Customized software can help bring about both these desired goals. It is relatively easy to see the direct connection between customized software and ‘better access to information’. Simply put, customized software brings the power of big data to small businesses [at an affordable price]. Small businesses can mine the value embedded in their various databases, extracting value from databases of information ranging from sales to inventory right through to accounting and financial [and everything in between]. The full value can be extracted quickly, in real time, and it can be presented in ways that energize the user experience, just one example being - wonderful dashboards. And customized software can help ‘improve people interactions’. For example, simple tools can be developed to organize strategic & tactical efforts such as goal setting processes and performance reporting…adding inspiring visual presentations. These enhancements expand motivation and promote teamwork. Another example – software development can play a leading role in people development. Customized tools can assist talent recognition processes and talent meshing: the power of Gallup research can be combined with StrengthsFinder 2 talent assessments to guide training, education, and selection of people for specialized teams and teamwork. These are just a couple of examples of how customized software can help you accomplish your dream-goals. “Anything’s possible when it’s digital.” Footnotes: 1.Todd Henry, 'Die Empty', (2014) 2.Tom Rath, ‘StrengthsFinder 2.0’, (2007)

## On Accurate Thinking - Part 1
Date: 2016-06-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-accurate-thinking-part-1/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Master Rules, Values: Personal Values

Some people believe I get too bogged down or is it tied up in words. Writing too much. Going into too much detail. Being too nitpicky about definitions. No, probably that's not right. I probably should have said, most people think I get too bogged down/tied up in words. I agree. What a shortcoming. I mean - considering my goal is to help people obtain their business goals , it would be tremendous if most people were saying, Wow - this fellow sure packages his messages well! Clear. Crisp. Delivering accurate, quick & easy wisdom. *** So - I've set a new challenge: I must learn to package my messages in ways that appeal to folks who want quick-reading/easy-reading and of course valuable messages. As I write this, I'm thinking fondly about Plucky & Pithy ...a post from 2010 and Plucky & Pithy #2 a post from 2012. *** People are adapting their reading: to address that, I should boil everyting down to bullet points, 3 at most: I get it. Just deliver a stitch in quick time, don't deliver nine. I get it. Too much cooking spoils the broth. I get it. This also applies to bakers: too much baking spoils the cake. *** But, what about the common practice of setting company values , barely defining them, and missing the fact personal values are intimately linked with personal rules : How do I ignore that? How do I ease off on defining values? How do I ease off on explaining the power of deep-set rules reflecting deep-set personal values? (Changing current habits is going to take some work and some time.) *** As I work at Plucky & Pithy Perhaps, the people who cannot live with details can offer helpful advice... (And I'm OK if their advice is detailed.)

## Good things come to those who wait...if they're working while they're waiting.
Date: 2016-06-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-things-come-to-those-who-waitif-theyre-working-while-theyre-waiting/ | Categories: Abundance, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Values: Personal Values, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Good things don't always happen quickly and sometimes good things take mysterious routes before they arrive.

Old sayings contain wisdom that has withstood the test of time. ' Patience is a virtue .' That saying contains a simple, valuable piece of wisdom: you will fare better if you choose patience over impatience. ' Good things come to those who wait .' That saying contains the wisdom of 'patience is a virtue', however, it stretches that wisdom a little too far. Waiting - patience alone - does not cause good things to come. Good things come when we work the right way at the right things and understand that good things don't always happen quickly and sometimes good things take mysterious routes before they arrive. This is consistent with a high-level of (but not a zealous/fundamentalist) belief in the Law of Attraction...i.e., I mean - in broad terms, the good things we do will, some day/some way, bring good things to us. Good things come to us when we work the right way at the right things. Perhaps, not all the time but at least some of the time. Unless you hold a fatalistic viewpoint, a belief in pre-set destiny, you believe your actions will generate results. And, you believe working the right way at the right things will tend to bring about good things. Good things come to us when we combine patience with good work.

## Ideation, Innovation, Intellection...and Ideastorming
Date: 2016-06-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ideation-innovation-intellectionand-ideastorming/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Sometimes our ideas arrive as a result of concerted strategic activity, for example - brainstorming.

Some people see great value in the generation of new ideas. Some do not. Some people do a very good job of generating new ideas. Some do not. Some people do a very good job of analyzing new ideas. Some do not. Sometimes our ideas come to us as intuitive flashes of brilliance. Sometimes our ideas are inspired by observing others' ideas in action. Sometimes our ideas arrive as a result of concerted strategic activity, for example - brainstorming [which we have evolved into ideastorming ].

## Maybe we should call it 'applied curiosity'…
Date: 2016-06-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/maybe-we-should-call-it-applied-curiosity/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity

…following up on the thought post Leaders, Creative Confusion & Deaf Ears Excerpts from a note to a friend... We are dealing with that scary concept called "change". We are dealing with overlapping words and a variety of predispositions and personal filters. The important thing is to make sure people are talking about the same things/concepts - regardless of the specific words we use. I've formed the habit of discussing and getting buy-in on the definitions before trying to influence the thoughts and actions. For example - at www.rickbaker.ca here is a Category called something like " Spirited Definitions ". I use that section to capture the thoughts I have written about words that I have found to be prone to personal interpretation (and cliche application). We need to take this slow...adding little pieces of education over time. Otherwise, we turn people off. I've formed the habit of delivering the education in concise interactive workshops...with a little bit of fun...learning lunches, for example. This increases buy-in, however, some people will never get comfortable. So, the little workshops help separate those who are ready, willing and able from those who are not (including those who most likely never will be.) Curiosity/Ideation/Creativity/Innovation/Invention can be self-forced...think of Edison. But, aside from masters like Henry Ford, few of us are able to force these things on other people. When it comes to deviations from enshrined processes like ISO, I'd recommend an up-front recognition of who's gonna buy in and who ain't...

## Leaders, Creative Confusion & Deaf Ears
Date: 2016-06-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-creative-confusion-deaf-ears/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity

If leaders want to inspire changes for the better, leaders ought to be very clear when they talk about important things like Innovation, Creativity, Invention, and other such terms.

" Intelligence looks for what is known to solve problems. Creativity looks for what is unknown to discover possibilities. " Simon Sinek posted that on June 2, 2016. Now, to be clear - I'm a big fan of Simon Sinek's 'Golden Circle'...'discovering and starting with your why'. In fact, I've told pretty much every business contact I've known for more than a handful of hours about the value embedded in the Golden Circle concept. And, I've written about it a number of times - link . With my admiration of Simon Sinek clarified... I really struggle with his June 2 nd inspirational thought for the day... About Simon's June 2 nd thought for the day... I think it's wrong to presume Intelligence and Creativity are distinct concepts. I think Creativity is a subset of Intelligence. To support this thinking I go back to ' Think and Grow Rich ', containing Napoleon Hill's views on what he called Synthetic Imagination and Creative Imagination. While very different in 'form', these concepts are governed/administered by thoughts (in human brains and minds)...i.e., they are forms of Intelligence. Borrowing from and expanding upon Hill's signature phrase: What the mind can conceive and believe the mind can achieve...because the mind bears the gifts of Intelligence. It's all about using our minds to THINK. And thinking, even in its poorest form, let alone in its creative forms, contains Intelligence. The June 2 nd Simon Sinek post is timely... At a recent session, we discussed Innovation...which led to discussion of Creativity...(and in my view, quite a bunch of poorly-thought-through communications). It is surprising to see and hear so many leaders (apparently including Simon Sinek) giving such little thought to the concept of Creativity...and, again with too little thought, so many leaders talking about and delegating work under concepts like Innovation & Creativity...often, in fact regularly, without even taking time to give quality thought to formulating prior to communicating, meaningful definitions of those words! And, in the rare instances where definitions of these words have been created they are often 'unworkable'...'un-transferable'...'un- delegatable '...i.e., destined to reach confused ears and confused minds. Leaders ought to remedy that problem...I mean, if they want to inspire changes for the better, leaders ought to be very clear when they talk about important things like Innovation, Creativity, Invention, and other such terms. If we want Innovation and Creativity (and Invention) (and Possibility Thinking) (and other such things that, as the saying goes, take people's thinking out of boxes ), we leaders need to give these topics the effort and study they deserve. If you are interested in some of my thoughts on these topics, search the words 'creativity', 'innovation', 'curiosity', 'invention' and 'out of the box' at www.rickbaker.ca . I think all of us should define these words/concepts before we use them to try to influence other people's thinking or behaviour. If we find our definitions falling on confused ears (and confused actions make that clear rather quickly...when we choose to follow up and observe)...if we find our definitions of words like Creativity and Innovation and Invention and Possibility Thinking falling on confused ears then we need to step back and consider the changes we need to make to remove the confusion our wording has generated. PS: We should avoid at virtually every opportunity the temptation to use that phrase thinking out of the box .

## Courage & Lies - it's a simple equation
Date: 2016-06-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-lies-its-a-simple-equation/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Values: Personal Values

As courage increases, lies decrease. As courage decreases, lies increase and become thicker and more tangled. The least courageous people have difficulty identifying and remembering the truth. Even the most courageous people lie from time to time...some questions are just too painful to answer.

## Pessimists aren’t doomed to experience 'tough lives'.
Date: 2016-06-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/pessimists-arent-doomed-to-experience-tough-lives/ | Categories: Optimism & Pessimism

Today, I've been thinking about Attitudes & Struggles and how to help pessimists gain more enjoyment in life and more peace of mind. My thoughts have been laced with optimism, or, at least the optimism known to someone who has been spared some of the challenges faced by pessimists. Despite my natural pessimism (and despite much evidence to the contrary) I believe most people can change for the better. While I do not see the silver lining in every cloud, I do believe people who do the right things do find clouds with silver linings. My optimism in this area is bounded by realism...(or, at least, that’s how it seems). I find myself repeatedly telling people things like: You can change for the better. Problems are a fact of life so we are better off facing them with all the positive attitude we can muster. Some problems contain opportunities and those opportunities are never seen by people who observe with victim's glasses. When you get knocked down, as you will throughout life, you must get back up, shake it off and press on with constructive action. Without problems we would have no chance to gain self-confidence let alone courage. Yet, it seems some people are such entrenched victims. Some people's victim-attitudes are so ingrained they cannot imagine/envision achievement or success. Their perceptions are caged in never-ending, unfair confines. When victim-thinking becomes your state of mind: Escape is impossible. Struggle is now. Failure is the future. We all know people who live lives filled with vicious cycles of struggle and negative-attitude. The question is - How can we help these people? The answer contains many steps. The first step is – We must believe pessimistic people aren’t doomed to experience 'tough lives'. Even when people show us over and over and over again they are unable to change for the better we must believe their thinking is temporary.

## How do we provide valuable advice to true leaders?
Date: 2016-06-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-we-provide-valuable-advice-to-true-leaders/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

During the last 15 years [perhaps, triggered by Stephen R. Covey?] much advice from the leadership experts/gurus is in the zone of altruism, often described as touchy/feely. The more I think about this trend of touchy/feely/altruistic advice the more I think it is missing the mark. Sure, advice recommending compassion/kindness/empathy/righteousness and greater-causes-than-self contains some value. I am not questioning that fact. I am questioning (1) the merit tied to that being the lion’s share of the advice and (2) whether or not that even half-fits “Western Culture” human beings who do business for a living. For example, Simon Sinek recently wrote: “Anyone could be a leader if there was no cost. True leaders willingly pay a price, to sacrifice self-interest, to have the honor to lead.” Simon is writing about sacrificing self-interest…and teaching that sacrificing self-interest is a good thing for leaders to do. I think human beings are pre-disposed to attend to and to serve their self-interests. That’s not a bad thing. It’s a good thing. First, serving self-interest keeps us alive. We need food, shelter, etc. and sooner or later we must serve these basic self-interests or we die. One question I’m asking: When do self-interests become problems that require a sacrifice-fix? As we work our way through Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’…do self-interests become problems after they go beyond Safety and Security…say, when they become ‘Self-actualisation’ interests? Are people like Simon Sinek [and other self-help gurus] trying to tell us self-actualisation is a bad thing? If so, I think the gurus are ahead of their time. They are sending messages to “Humans 1.0” that will not fit until many of us evolve into “Humans 2.0”…maybe not even until we evolve into “Humans 3.0”. Putting it another way – we [Humans 1.0] are predisposed to serving our basic self-interests, including safety needs and security needs, and we are also predisposed to serve our higher-interests, including self-actualisation. When gurus tell us we should sacrifice these self-interests they are speaking in a language that will not make sense to us until we evolve into Humans 2.0 [or, perhaps, Humans 3.0]. PS: Bakespeare asked me to add, “It’s a flawed leap of logic that feels true leaders sacrifice self-interest and false leaders do not. Never, in the history of Mankind, has a leader succeeded by not serving self-interests.” PPS: My suggestions about Gandhi swayed Bakespeare just a tiny bit…he agreed people like Gandhi and Mother Theresa exemplify altruism…if they were alive today maybe they would support the self-sacrifice arguments presented by the business-leadership gurus. On the other hand, if they were alive today they probably would not be running businesses. We ought not to compare business leaders with people like Gandhi and Mother Theresa.

## A Perspective on "Love your clients", "Fail often & quickly", and other fuzzy fads.
Date: 2016-05-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-perspective-on-love-your-clients-fail-often-quickly-and-other-fuzzy-fads/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Sometimes the business-leadership gurus go too far. Love Your Clients When you stop to think about it, isn't the word "love" just a bit too strong for supplier-client relationships? There are plenty of poignant history and romance stories about dying for loved ones – people making the ultimate sacrifice for lovers, family and loved friends. However, I've never seen one movie or read one book where a supplier loves a client to death. And, what about sending Valentines love notes, roses, and chocolates to clients - does that make sense? Let's set aside the hyperbolic ideas promoting love for clients and let's commit more brainpower to figuring out how to deliver value to them, on time, at a fair price. Fail Fast & Fail Often Fail fast and fail often...there's another troubling concept. Frenetic action aimed toward frenzied failure - what good can come of that! Sure, no argument – taking baby steps toward small goals is a great strategy. But, let's not forget the goal of each baby step is success not failure. Sure, we need to be able to differentiate between successes and failures and learn from our errors. But, let’s not forget haste makes waste or the wonderful story of the tortoise beating the hare. Let’s set aside the trendy but fuzzy logic that encourages fast-paced dominoes of failure and let’s think a bit more before taking action, i.e., so we can enjoy the benefits of planning our work and working our plan. Other Fuzzy Fads for Success I’m not suggesting we should ignore the advice of business and success gurus. Quite the opposite. We should consume the advice of the gurus. We should observe it ‘in real time’, using our wonderful brains, picking out the good pieces and formulating our own business and success philosophies. And we should spit out the pieces that we simply cannot digest.

## Over all other traits of leadership character, Courage reigns supreme.
Date: 2016-05-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/over-all-other-traits-of-leadership-character-courage-reigns-supreme/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Leaders' Thoughts, Values: Personal Values

1. Over all other traits of leadership character, Courage reigns supreme. [ Link to over 130 thoughts about Courage ] 2. In the absence of Courage, bad things happen; in the presence of Courage, good things happen. 3. People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things . From this premise we quickly see how our bad habits survive and thrive in the absence of Courage. 4. Discomfort signals the need for Courage. Facing discomfort, our minds determine whether or not Courage arrives. Our minds can welcome and embrace Courage or cause our backs to shy away from Courage. The fact is, Courage is a choice. 5. When it comes to building personal character, Courage is the father of many children. It seems Self-confidence may be the first born. Self-confidence is 'born pure'. It arrives fearless, obliviously fearless. (Just watch any toddler.) Early in life external factors, people and environment, work to weaken Self-confidence. Father Courage must step in to help Self-confidence gain and maintain a solid footing. Over time, Self-confidence is able to stand steady and hold fast on its own...needing only occasional support from Courage, who remains always close by. When Courage and Self-confidence walk together through life...good leadership has a good chance to flourish. 6. Courage paves the path for peace of mind. "We have nothing to fear but fear itself." That's a slogan Franklin Delano Roosevelt used when he was US President, during the Great Depression. (I wonder if his advisor, my inspirational hero Napoleon Hill, actually wrote that famous phrase.) For me, the slogan "We have nothing to fear but fear itself" means Roosevelt saw fear as the enemy, an enemy that must be resisted and fought on every front and at every opportunity. When fear prevails in people's minds they are severely weakened. When minds are weakened by fear, little of value can be accomplished. Having personally fought and limited the damage of the dreaded polio disease, Roosevelt knew these things. He knew Courage was the only antidote and he injected it into people's minds with that famous slogan...and clear, decisive action. With the help of a team of inspired/confident followers, Roosevelt led the series of actions that [with concerted and persistent effort] broke the back of the Great Depression. 7. Over all other traits of leadership character, Courage reigns supreme!

## waiting, waiting, waiting...AH...patience
Date: 2016-05-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/waiting-waiting-waitingahpatience/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Patience is a virtue. At least, there's a saying with that direction. Virtue or no virtue, patience does hold some advantages over its opposite - impatience. Impatience seems to annoy almost everyone it touches...except, perhaps, those with quirky senses of humour. On the other hand, patience doesn't appear to generate much attention. It is mostly overlooked. Perhaps, that's because more often than not patience finds itself surrounded by impatience and impatience, by its very nature, isn't very observant. It cannot be. It is preoccupied with its problem-situation. Waiting - while we've been admonished to 'be patient' and 'wait our turn', few people have the ability to take the time to teach us how to accomplish these objectives. Waiting - what value we would receive if some grade school classes could be devoted to teaching us how to inject more value into the process known as waiting. Waiting - how much time do you spend planning how to wait? *** When waiting, people can take advantage of the experience by filling it with pre-planned activities. For example, people can use the freed-up time to write. They could write journal entries or Thought Posts. Writing - this is one way of clarifying thoughts...and leaving no room for impatience to creep in.

## C'Mon Man! Let's be realistic about self-sacrifice.
Date: 2016-05-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/cmon-manlets-put-a-limit-on-self-sacrifice/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts

I’m thinking quite a bit about advice that helps leaders...i.e., When we want to provide advice to leaders, how do we hit the mark? How do we provide valuable advice to true leaders? During the last 15 years [perhaps, triggered by Stephen R. Covey?] much advice from the leadership experts/gurus is in the zone of touchy/feely altruism. The more I think about this trend of touchy/feely/altruistic advice the more I think it is missing the mark. Sure, compassion/kindness/empathy/righteousness and greater-causes-than-self advice contains some value. I am not questioning that fact. I am questioning (1) the merit tied to that being the lion’s share of the advice and (2) whether or not that even half-fits “Western Culture” human beings who do business for a living. For example, Simon Sinek wrote: “Anyone could be a leader if there was no cost. True leaders willingly pay a price, to sacrifice self interest, to have the honor to lead.” Simon is writing about sacrificing self-interest…and the message I am reading is – Sacrificing self-interest is a good thing for leaders to do. I think human beings are pre-disposed to attend to and to serve their self-interests. That’s not a bad thing. It’s a good thing. First, serving self-interest keeps us alive. We need food, shelter, etc. and sooner or later we must serve these basic self-interests or we die. One question I’m asking: When do self-interests become problems that require a sacrifice-fix? As we work our way through Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’…do self-interests become problems after they go beyond Safety and Security…say, when they become ‘Self-actualisation’ interests? Are people like Simon Sinek [and other self-help gurus] trying to tell us self-actualisation is a bad thing? If so, I think many of the business-leadership gurus are ahead of their time. They are sending messages to “Humans 1.0” that will not fit until many of us evolve into “Humans 2.0”…maybe not until we evolve into “Humans 3.0”. Putting it another way – we [Humans 1.0] are predisposed to serve our basic self-interests, including safety needs and security needs, and we are also predisposed to serve our higher-interests, including self-actualisation. When self-help gurus tell us we should sacrifice any of these self-interests they are speaking in a language that will not make sense to us until we evolve into Humans 2.0 [or, perhaps, Humans 3.0]. PS: Bakespeare asked me to add, “It’s a flawed leap of logic that claims leaders who serve their self-interests are not true leaders. Never, in the history of Mankind, has a leader succeeded by not serving self-interests.” PPS: My suggestions about Gandhi swayed Bakespeare just a tiny bit…he agreed people like Gandhi and Mother Theresa exemplify altruism and if they were alive today maybe they would support the self-sacrifice arguments presented by the business-leadership gurus. On the other hand, if they were alive today they probably would not be running businesses. We ought not compare business leaders with leaders like Gandhi and Mother Theresa.

## Your Peace of Mind ...&...Your Character
Date: 2016-05-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/your-peace-of-mind-your-character/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Values: Personal Values

There's a sweet spot where your thoughts & actions, your talents & strengths, and your values & virtues align and overlap. This sweet spot is the place where your peace of mind lives. For many people, peace of mind is hard to find...like that tiny font in a sweet spot. Here's the picture: Other people can sense but not really feel or see your peace of mind. Other people cannot truly know your thoughts. AT best, other people can guess your talents and your values. However, they can and do observe your actions and make conclusions about your virtues, values, talents, strengths, and thoughts. They sum all these things up very quickly and, in a word, they call them your character. This all starts with first impressions, which get corrected each time you perform and they observe new actions. And, in their minds, you character remains fragile...slow to build and quick to demolish. Their minds are harsh judges, always opining on your actions. And, again, their opinion of your character can easily sustain damage and permanent injury. Your character, as they decide it, becomes the framework they use to determine the nature of the relationship they will [or will not] have with you. Here's the picture: Of course, you have a biased view of these aspects of your peace of mind and your character...as do others who observe you.

## Teams, Trust & Work
Date: 2016-05-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/teams-trust-work/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

Trust without work accomplishes nothing. Work without trust accomplishes, at most, fleeting success.

Trust & Work: We want our teams to do both. Trust without work accomplishes nothing. Trust is the foundation and catalyst for interpersonal harmony and heightened cooperation. However, those things – those fine things - accomplish nothing physical until they are accompanied by goal-aimed action, including going the extra mile. Work without trust accomplishes, at most, isolated and fleeting success. Alone, the thoughts/plans and the actions of work offer little gratification or peace of mind. Busyness contains value, however, its value is limited. Regardless, work is considerably more valuable than idleness. Work contains the seeds for success. When combined with trust work-seeds have opportunities to be fully productive. Trust & Work: We want our teams to do both.

## Rational lies are irrational truths.
Date: 2016-05-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/rational-lies-are-irrational-truths/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Perception is as perception does. Most lies have a rational flavour. I mean they are contrived consciously and cognitively and with those credentials rational lies essentially find themselves in the territory of real perceptions. They are false-real perceptions rather than true-real perceptions but nonetheless they are real perceptions. Stated another way, they are perceptions we expect somebody else to believe…we present them as we present what we believe to be the truth. What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive. And, isn't 'tangled web' a good metaphor for irrational truth? And, don't rational lies make good fabric for the construction of tangled webs? Lies and other trickery - part of the truth of the human condition. [Egos, possessing such power....so interesting.] So, it would be irrational to set the liar's bar too high, for others or for ourselves. Now, to a degree, the reverse is true - rational truths can be irrational lies. It's a matter of paradigm and perception. As the saying goes, "One man's trash is another man's treasure" or perhaps better still vice-versa, "One man's treasure is another man's trash". Galileo and Marconi come to mind.

## Family business leaders versus managers...
Date: 2016-05-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/family-business-leaders-versus-managers/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Humour, Leaders' Thoughts

Managers outnumber leaders in business, by orders of magnitude. Managers outnumber leaders in families, my orders of magnitude. So, of course, managers outnumber leaders in family businesses, by orders of magnitude. The imbalance we see between the number of leaders and managers is a problem. And the problem is compounded when family businesses are involved. The solution is clear: leaders in family businesses need to increase the amount of leading they do and decrease the amount of managing they do. That's the simple solution to this problem. To implement the solution, some damage repair must be completed. Some knowledge must be gained. Some skills, new skills, must be practised and honed. Bad habits must be stopped. New things must be tried. And good habits must be developed…good leadership habits, that is. It is far more natural for parents to manage their children than to lead their children. Sure, most parents want to be role models...as in leadership. Regardless, children do not arrive with a predisposition to follow leaders. Rather, the little ones are born with 'minds of their own' and many of them seem to be daredevils at heart, oblivious to the dangers in the world around them. Consequently, all children act in ways that sream out for parental management. And, their parents feel both the desire and obligation to deliver that management. Time passes. Patterns of management become habits. And, once a parent has experienced a long term relationship filled with managing children, it is very difficult to break the managing habits and alter the parent-child relationships by converting management habits to leadership habits. Then, the next thing you know, the children become adults and they want to manage themselves and others...and some want to lead!

## On Self-education
Date: 2016-05-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-self-education/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Today, I'm thinking about self-education. I'm considering the vast differences I have seen in the way people approach this topic. Some feel an intense and compelling need for lifelong learning; others seem to stop feeling a need for education as soon as their time at school ends. Years ago, I read there are four reasons for giving a speech 1 : to inform people, to entertain people, to touch emotions, and to move people to action. Perhaps, a similar short-list approach can be applied to the concept of self-education. Perhaps, there are only four reasons to self-education. Perhaps, people self-educate: to understand self, to obtain information required for work, to obtain information required for hobbies, and to obtain information required to understand and 'deal with' the outside world (including other people). If that is a reasonable way to approach the topic of self-education then: some people feel the need to do all four of these things, some people feel the need to do none of these four things, and some people feel the need to do some, but not all, of these four things. What need(s) do you feel? Footnote Peter Urs Bender, ‘ Secrets of Power Presentations ’, (2000)

## Everything that tastes good is bad for me while everything that tastes bad is good for me. What's that all about?
Date: 2016-05-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/everything-that-tastes-good-is-bad-for-me-while-everything-that-tastes-bad-is-good-for-me-whats-that-all-about/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Humour

If no change is made everything remains the same. If no change is made everything remains the same…(it is so simple, when repeated it almost sounds sarcastic). When I am 'off base' , I know it. I know I need to change either the way I am thinking or the way I am behaving or both. Even when I don't make the effort to change, I know I ought to. And, I know if I don't change then chances are good the results I achieve in the future will be more or less the same as the results I have achieved in the past. For me, this thinking is deep-rooted...like, knowing right from wrong...a powerful internal thought-force. [But not necessarily powerful enough to cause me to change...because, more often than not, bad habits are hard to break.] I'm wondering - Am I unique on this? Or - Is this part of the human condition ? If it is part of the human condition, why are we all so resistant to making changes? And, why is it, everything that tastes good is bad for me while everything that tastes bad is good for me? What kind of cruel trick is evolution playing here? And brussel sprouts ...don't get me started...I'm barely handling asparagus !

## Find your balance between courage and consideration of others.
Date: 2016-05-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/find-your-balance-between-courage-and-consideration-of-others/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Inspired by one of Stephen R Covey's phrases, ". ..balance between courage and consideration " Courage and consideration of others are two character traits. Perhaps, courage and consideration are antagonistic toward one another? Certainly, to a degree courage and consideration can cause our thoughts to move in different directions. The character qualities known as courage and consideration can bring opposing goals and make people feel conflicted. So, there is value in considering the need to balance one against the other and vice-versa. It seems to me, courage and consideration come into balance when true & pure self-confidence is present. The words "true & pure" are there to remove the possibility that self-confidence is less than sincere, laced with bravado, or clouded by bluster. True & pure self-confidence survives internal tests...it passes conscience tests and it promotes peace of mind. When confidence like that exists, courage and consideration are in balance. To be more clear: When true & pure confidence exists, from the perspective of the owner of that confidence, courage and consideration are in balance. These concepts - courage, consideration and confidence - are very personal/subjective. Individuals know whether or not their self-confidence is true & pure. And, they know when their self-confidence is ego-speak...not so true or pure, when tested by their conscience and monitoring their feelings...[or when subjected to objective 3rd party testing such as stress studies]. Perhaps, you care about being courageous - perhaps, you see courage as an admirable character trait? Perhaps, you want to be considerate of other people...perhaps, you see consideration as an admirable character trait? Perhaps, you see value in possessing both these character traits and keeping them in balance. If that's the case, work at building true & pure self-confidence. [Consider the wisdom Napoleon Hill provided in ' Think and Grow Rich ', (1937).]

## Reawakening 'Positive Controls' [Your Controls...self-control]
Date: 2016-05-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/reawakening-positive-controls-your-controlsself-control/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Leaders' Thoughts

Every human being wishes, to a degree, to control his or her environment, including the actions of other people. For some people, this need to control the outside world remains a lifetime desire. For others it shrinks with time. And sometimes the need to control others seems to almost completely disappear…repeated doses of criticism can do that to you. For some people, this need to control gets out of control. We all know people whom we go out of our way to avoid because their dispositions are too critical or too instructive. And some of these people remain 'controllers' throughout their lives...not necessarily 'control freaks' but highly prone to provide feedback/opinions whether or not these communications are appropriately timed and placed or beneficial to anyone. This last type of person is the type I am writing about now: I mean I am writing about the people who have the habit of trying to control others by expressing opinions/criticisms at most [if not almost every] opportunity, without having the ability to observe or understand the real reactions others have to the repeated opinions/criticisms. Let me break that last sentence down: some people almost always try to control others, these people regularly express their opinions and criticisms, the people who receive these opinions and criticisms do not receive benefit, in fact the opposite is true, and the people who donate the opinions/criticisms are oblivious to the impact their communications have on the people who receive them. For these people, self-monitoring and self-regulation are either fully dormant or mostly asleep. In other words, their positive controls are sleeping. There's no question - their self-monitoring and self-regulation abilities exist somewhere [because all normal human beings possess those abilities]. However, for these people, those abilities are not awake. I have observed many of these people as they communicate with others. What is most intriguing, is the fact most of these people are virtually unaware of the impact they have on others. In fact, in many cases these people feel they are the victims of unwarranted criticism rather than the critics. At least, that is what their complaints lead you to believe. For example, they complain about their inability to inspire others to think and act properly. They complain about the feedback they receive from their followers. But, based on my own experiences, I wonder if their complaints aren't more about failed a battles of wits than desires to inspire or lead. Regardless, some people carry on with excessive criticism and expression of opinions while others do everything possible to tune them out, avoid them, and think about other things. A challenging situation arises when the overly critical person is the boss, holding a position of authority and power. In this situation, everyone's motivation suffers...and business performance and productivity suffers. I see this situation so frequently that I wonder what has changed in the last 20 years. Have bosses become more overly-critical? Have employees become more sensitive to and intolerant of criticism? It's interesting to consider the situation from both the boss's perspective and the employee's perspective. The boss is generally frustrated, perhaps angry, and feeling under-appreciated. The employee is feeling abused, dis-respected and under-appreciated. It is interesting to note that both hold a victim's mindset. How do you remedy the situation? I believe an intervention of sorts is required. First, the boss must do some self-analysis and figure out how to become more comfortable with holding back on opinions and criticisms. That's easy to say, but, in practice it is very difficult to do. Most people, for one reason or another, are unable to make a change that large in the way they express themselves to other people. That's unfortunate because if the boss cannot change then the situation will never be remedied. (repeating)…if the boss is not able to change then the situation will not change…if no change is made everything remains the same…(it is so simple, when repeated it almost sounds sarcastic) The employee will have to make a change too. The employee will have to figure out how to remove sensitivity and resistance to criticism, which has probably become a habit [for self-protection]. This too can be a hard thing to do, especially if the boss and the employee have been operating in this criticism/resistance mode for a long period of time. While these changes are difficult, they can be achieved. When they are achieved, I call them Reawakening 'Positive Controls' .

## ‘being perfect by the end’ versus ‘doing better today’
Date: 2016-05-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/being-perfect-by-the-end-versus-doing-better-today/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Simon Sinek wrote, “ The goal is not to be perfect by the end. The goal is to be better today . ” I wonder – What do people think and feel when they read ‘inspirational tidbits’ like this?

Simon Sinek wrote, “ The goal is not to be perfect by the end. The goal is to be better today. ” I wonder – What do people think and feel when they read ‘inspirational tidbits’ like this? Do they think – “ That’s so wise. Aiming for perfection is a recipe for disaster. Doing a bit better today is an admirable way to spend the day. ” Do they feel – “ Wow. What a relief, no more worries about perfection or big hairy audacious goals. Now, I am comfortable facing today. ” *** On the ‘pro’ side of thinking… Small goals are the right way to pave the road to ultimate success. Big hairy audacious goals worked for Jim Collins, however, BHAGs do not work for most people and - as Fannie Mae illustrated - they can be more about hogwash than hedgehogs . On the ‘con’ side of thinking… Why not aim to be perfect in the end? Full mastery of the things you view to be meaningful and lie within your control…isn’t that an admirable life goal? And, isn’t achievement of an admirable life-goal a worthy way to invest your energy and spend your time? That said, most people are very comfortable – at least, they appear to be very comfortable – living lives that fall far short of ‘perfect in the end’. Questions & food for thought,,, When you stop to think about it, does it matter how other people live their lives? Do you care if a person aims to be perfect in the end? Would you be inspired to know a person is aiming to be perfect in the end? Would you be put off to know a person is aiming to be perfect in the end?

## Decadence & Confidence
Date: 2016-05-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/decadence-confidence/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Values: Personal Values

Confidence-founded businesses enjoy many advantages, to name a handful: can do attitude, which leads to decisive action optimism, which breeds open-mindedness and abundance mindsets curiosity, which triggers

Are we spoiled rotten? Is our self-absorption reducing our ability to succeed? Is our expectation of kindness killing our ability to be competitive? When I use the word "decadence", my thoughts are much closer to Nietzsche than President's Choice. I'm thinking of two types of people: those with resilient, vibrant, 'living' self-confidence and others with a shortage of that ingrained self-confidence. I'm thinking there is a mix of these two types of people, with the truly confident people being outnumbered by those who are not truly confident. This 'imbalance' creates a natural tension between the two groups...each trying to exert its influence on the other. And, when the influence of those lacking confidence shifts the balance away from confidence the equilibrium is distorted as decadence sets in. This is a 'societal phenomenon', affecting all levels of community: nations, tribes, cities, communes, families...and businesses. Every business has a 'confidence factor'. Some businesses are founded on confidence: self-confidence in individuals, confidence in relationships and teams, confidence in products and services, confidence in leadership...confidence in business. these confidence-founded businesses enjoy many advantages, to name a handful: can do attitude, which leads to decisive action optimism, which breeds open-mindedness and abundance mindsets curiosity, which triggers enthusiasm, creativity, and innovation efficiency, from role clarity and goal clarity to doing the right things at the right times...'natural discipline' at work quality relations, from civility and harmony to trust and real integrity, within the organization and clearly evident to all affected by the organization Re-phrasing the initial questions... Are those who lack confidence overriding those who have it, reducing our businesses' aggregate 'confidence factor'? Are those who lack confidence reducing confident people's ability to realize their visions and goals? Are those who lack confidence placing our businesses at risk vis-a-vis competitors in our neighbourhoods?...other communities?...other nations?

## Failure to Communicate
Date: 2016-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/failure-to-communicate/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Solutions & Opportunities

If you fail to make the effort to receive communications, people will stop providing them. When communications cease...well...communications cease...and, nothing of consequence or value happens. Unfortunately, that does not mean problems won't happen. In fact, problems are almost certain to happen. *** Perceptions are [at the very least, close to] reality. Perceived communications are real communications... Perceived failures to communicate are real failures to communicate.

## When the going gets tough...
Date: 2016-04-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-the-going-gets-tough/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

When the going gets tough... When you are all stressed out because the work ahead looks so daunting... When your spirit is weakened... ...review your key talents and areas of strength. Think about your past successes and why & how you brought them about. Why was the success important to you? Does the work ahead share any common ground with the work already successfully completed? ...remember babies learn to walk one small step at a time. Think about major challenges you faced in the past and the small steps you took when you needed to get beyond the big obstacles. How did you select then focus on those small steps? ...take a short time out and countdown with 10 slow breaths. As your mind quietens, think about a time when doom and gloom scenarios seemed imminent then as time passed those problem scenarios did not happen. Consider the possibility - this present problem too shall disappear in time.

## Values, talents, achievements...and peace of mind.
Date: 2016-04-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/values-talents-achievementsand-peace-of-mind/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

Values and talents make a powerful mix when combined with goals and persistence. To put this in perspective: there's an important linkage between personal values and individual talents. Values provide the moral compass, which includes the setting of rules (whether formal or subliminal) around behaviour and expectations of 'fair play' by/from others. Talents, when given opportunity, combine with knowledge and skill-practice to create personal strengths. Groups of people - teams, communities, societies - have the ability to excel when the personal values of the individuals align. Obviously, alignment doesn't mean 100% consistency and agreement, however, it does mean general acceptance and habits that conform to written or unwritten rules/laws/codes of conduct. Groups of people - teams, communities, societies - have the ability to excel when the personal talents of individuals 'feed off' one another...with the strengths of individuals compensating for the weaknesses of other individuals and the strengths of individuals amplifying one another to create results often described as 'the whole is greater than the sum of the parts'. When both values and talents align and are coupled with a strong desire to achieve and persistent can-do mindsets, excellent performance follows. When the four attributes [values, talents, desire to achieve, & persistent focus and effort] are combined an interesting phenomenon visits - people naturally make more-positive use of heir stress energy. That phenomenon results in peace of mind.

## Got No Time & Ineptitude
Date: 2016-04-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/got-no-time-ineptitude/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Many people believe they have no time because they think they are far too busy. Since we all have the same amount of time each minute/hour/day, when people feel/think they don’t have enough time they are experiencing a flawed mindset. Actually, these people do have time and their mindset is clouded by some form of ineptitude. Sometimes it's their ineptitude...their inability to identify their talents and use their talents to perform their work. Sometimes it's the ineptitude of people they work with...again, the problem often boils down to a mismatch between talents and work tasks. If the people are bosses then they can't blame others...they have to accept the fact their ineptitude is the source of the problem [and the cause of the alleged shortage of time]. Herein lies a Catch-22. People get so busy 'in their minds' they have no time to address their own ineptitude or anyone else's. When this problem takes full hold, their too-busy mindsets fuel their ineptitudes and their ineptitudes fuel their too-busy mindsets. The result is a never ending cycle - a shrinking spiral - of work, busyness, stress, and distress...in a paycheck-to-paycheck business environment...[if business is doing that well]. When I hear people complain about poor business practices at their company, I know they believe they are too busy. When I hear people complain about being too busy, I know their company is experiencing poor business practices. Busyness and Ineptitude: These things regularly travel hand in hand, creating a tightly-clutched Catch-22. To excel, people need break the Catch-22 by doing at least one of two actions: #1 - stop saying & thinking " I am too busy " and #2 - start injecting better goals, better procedures & better disciplines into their business practices. *** Of the above 2 actions, #1 is the easier starting point. But, what if people try #1 and cannot do it...

## 6 steps for making positive use of Stress Energy
Date: 2016-04-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/6-steps-for-making-positive-use-of-stress-energy/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Values: Personal Values

To maximize your positive use of Stress Energy Believe



## You can make positive use of Stress Energy
Date: 2016-04-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-can-make-positive-use-of-stress-energy/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

We all experience Stress. Most of us view Stress as a necessary evil, a part of the human condition...a thing that damages all who experience it. Few of us view Stress as a phenomenon which we can use as a tool...to help us achieve our goals...to help us achieve meaningful things. *** Perhaps, you see Stress as a damaging, necessary evil. If you buy into 4 premises, you can change all that. *** Stress is damaging and unhealthy except when you choose to use its energy to achieve success in your work and your life.

## Mad Dogs & Distemper
Date: 2016-04-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mad-dogs-distemper/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work

When I was a child, I recall people talking about dogs getting rabies and distemper. Since then I have seen many instances where rabies was mentioned in the news or in a movie setting, etc. Yet, I have heard no mention of distemper in dogs. Perhaps, in dogs, it is a very rare disorder? I remember a book, by Peter C. Newman, called ' The Distemper of Our Times ' - a work describing Canada's political situation. But, I do not hear people talking about that any more. I understand distemper applies to both a disease experienced by animals and politics...I suspect it also applies to a mindset-behaviour combination experienced by a small number of human beings. While I have never seen mad dogs exhibiting the impact of distemper I have seen human beings illustrating it. Recently, I have had the inconvenience of experiencing a couple of people who struggle with distemper. These two people have some striking similarities. They are both incredibly self-focused, apparently oblivious to the needs of others and possibly unable to understand the needs of others. And both people are consumed by a violent rage. Needless to say, these people wreak havoc in their business settings. At least, that's the opinion of the people who work with them. That opinion about the havoc they wreak is not an opinion they grasp, acknowledge, accept or validate. Distempered people appear to live in a world of their own. Their lives appear to be full of stress and anxiety….and relentless waves of vehement anger. Yet, they do not understand the extent of the damage. You may think these people are doomed to fail at work. From my observations it seems this is not true, at least in the short term. These people are able to force their way through business people and business problems. So, with forceful action, they are able to obtain a level of business success. Yet, the business atmospheres they create and prevail over are uncomfortable, mind-damaging and [for many people] unbearable.

## We experience Stress when we seek Meaningful Things
Date: 2016-04-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-experience-stress-when-we-seek-meaningful-things/ | Categories: —

We experience stress as we work to discover our Talents. We experience stress as we work to use opportunities, gain education and practice skills, using our Talents to build our Strengths. We experience stress as we work to use our Strengths to achieve our Goals. Here's the picture... Stress is damaging and unhealthy except when you choose to use its energy to achieve success in your work and your life.

## Problems versus Challenges...and why P=2S+O will remain P=2S+O
Date: 2016-04-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/problems-versus-challengesand-why-p2so-will-remain-p2so/ | Categories: —

Introduction As some of you know, for many years I have talked about P =2 S + O : [link to about 50 P =2 S + O Thought Tweets & Thought Posts ] bosses don't like to hear P roblems when you have a problem you should always be able to come up with 2 S olutions...and keep your eyes open for O pportunities [Inspired, in part, by “ Opportunities ride on the wings of adversity ”.] [Reflecting Spirited Leaders’ philosophies for personal Strengths .] [Aligned with Spirited Leaders philosophy “ People Do Only 3 Things : Good Habits , Bad Habits & New Things ".]

Introduction As some of you know, for many years I have talked about P=2S+O : [link to about 50 P=2S+O Thought Tweets & Thought Posts ] bosses don't like to hear P roblems when you have a problem you should always be able to come up with 2 S olutions...and keep your eyes open for O pportunities [Inspired, in part, by “ Opportunities ride on the wings of adversity ”.] [Reflecting Spirited Leaders’ philosophies for personal Strengths .] [Aligned with Spirited Leaders philosophy “ People Do Only 3 Things : Good Habits , Bad Habits & New Things ".] The Issue, again, under Consideration On a number of occasions, people have suggested or argued I should not speak of 'problems'. Instead, I should remove the word 'problem' from my vocabulary and my P=2S+O formula and replace it with the word 'challenge'. That happened to me, again, last week. 5 years ago, I wrote about this topic... Problems still confound the motivational experts . Last week, my attitude was in a zone where contemplation of this topic resonated. So, here I am, again, considering and writing about 'problems' versus 'challenges'. My first thought was - Why am I so adamant against replacing 'problem' with 'challenge'? Is it a vote in favour of my literary licence? Am I simply being obstinate? Or, am I crusading for the word 'problem' because my thinking is accurate or more textured? If it is the latter then, at the very least, I should come up with some more arguments to support the use of the word 'problem'. My efforts 5 years ago appear to be too weak. Those arguments/points, in summary, were: The word ‘Problem’ is not the problem with problems. I do not believe we can trick the subconscious mind into believing those things called Problems somehow are eased by changing their names to Challenges. Today, I find myself offering another perspective: Problems are things that trouble us and, to some degree, cause us to want to deliver solutions. I believe the word 'problem' has a clear and simple meaning. The word 'challenge', however, has a number of meanings and nuances. Its meanings range from 'difficult problem' to 'call to take part in a contest' to 'a query regarding the truth of something...i.e., a demand for proof'. It seems to me, people who want to replace the word 'problem' with the word 'challenge' are thinking 'challenge' is a softer, less-distressful or more-inspiring word than 'problem'. Or possibly they are thinking everyone should view distressful things that need/demand/ought to have solutions as invitations to contests. If they are thinking the former way then I believe they are ignoring the fact dictionaries define 'challenges' as difficult problems [not easy-to-solve problems]. If they are thinking 'problems' ought to be viewed as 'contests' then I disagree...some problems are so small they do not warrant 'contest-thinking' or 'contest-action'. Of most importance - When we want to help people who are struggling, we should aim for simplicity. With simplicity - A problem is a thing that troubles us and, to some degree, causes us to consider solutions. Problems may or may not be extremely troubling: they may be minor in scope and scale. Little of value arises if every problem is viewed as an invitation to a contest. Philosophies covering the handling of problems should not be expressed in terms of winners and losers [which, of course, is the essence of contests]. Conversely, when considered within the context of problems, challenges are defined as especially troubling problems. And, there is more context to bear in mind when considering my P=2S+O philosophy. The philosophy was developed as a tool to be used when people are struggling with delegation of decisions . Specifically, the P=2S+O tool was developed to help: people who took problems to their bosses, asking their bosses for solutions bosses who had not developed a productive way to deal with the people who reported to them and were struggling to solve problems without help Perhaps, some of the people who took problems to their bosses believed the problems were extreme [i.e., believed their problems were challenges]. However, often their bosses did not view the problems as challenges. And, none of the people I was working to help viewed their decisions, delegations, situations or interactions as contests. For these reasons, I continue to believe the word ‘Problem’ is not the problem with problems . And, I continue to see no value in trying to trick the subconscious mind into believing a replacement of the word ‘Problem’ with the word ‘Challenge’. Furthermore, even if there might be value in performing such a word-replacement trick, I believe the subconscious mind, if it has been exposed to the generally-accepted definitions of the word [noun] ‘challenge’, cannot be tricked into accepting a new definition. In Conclusion I must stick with calling problems Problems. And, P=2S+O must remain the P=2S+O it has been since its conception. P=2S+O remains - Before you take a P roblem to your boss for a solution...work to generate at least 2 S olutions and keep your mind open to receive O pportunities. And, If you practice P=2S+O then your boss will be most appreciative. If you practice P=2S+O then you will develop problem-solving skills. If you practice P=2S+O then you will build self-confidence.

## It takes courage to join hands around value
Date: 2016-04-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/it-takes-courage-to-join-hands-around-value/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication

We all know what we value. Often, we know precisely what we value. Sometimes, we are slightly off base about value. Other times we have difficulty quantifying value. But, overall, we generally know what we value and we generally have a good sense of what we are willing to pay (in time and in money) to obtain the value we desire. From time to time many of us have difficulty communicating with other people about value and whether or not we desire it. For example, some people say “Yes” to purchasing a product then have post-purchase dissonance and try to remove themselves from the obligation. Other times, people act like they want the value and appreciate the value however, truly, they are simply trying to avoid hurting the other person's feelings or avoid exposing themselves to an uncomfortable communication. So, very regularly, there's a great deal of time and energy wasted by people endeavouring to persuade others about the existence of value while others are doing their best to avoid paying the price for the value under discussion. This wasted time and energy isn't just a problem in the purchase and sale interaction…it can be a more-general problem. For example, confusion and miscommunication about value can stall and even ruin relationships and friendships. For a number of reasons, including those above, people fail to 'connect' on value. This problem will be reduced if people understand: It takes courage to join hands around value, It takes confidence to generate value, & It takes confidence to communicate candidly about value.

## Putting Stress Energy to Positive Use
Date: 2016-04-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/putting-stress-energy-to-positive-use/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

To maximize the positive use of stress energy: believe you can succeed [as Napoleon Hill taught - What the mind can conceive and believe the mind can achieve. ], know how to bring your personal talents and strengths to bear, “ The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness in using it. ” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe know your personal values [and understand how they can support positive use of stress energy], anticipate stressful situations and prepare your reaction to them, gather the tools and support you need prior to the event, and practice self-talk/autosuggestion aimed at bolstering your self-confidence and courage .

## Getting over the perplexities of business development
Date: 2016-04-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-perplexities-of-business-development/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales

Every day I get a couple of emails from folks who tell me they have a surefire way to provide some choice new clients.

Today, I am thinking about business development… How to find clients who would obtain value from our service… What, specifically, do they think they need and why do they need it?...And how should I go about connecting with them in a meaningful way so they understand what we can do to help them? There's lots of advice - out there - to guide me: People are too busy to meet People do not return phone calls People do not read email This magazine advertising space is on sale Better build an amazing website Better put lots of SEO stuff in that website Make some cool videos, cool stuff works Add lots of content, keep it fresh and fun Social media - that's essential …and every day I get a couple of emails from folks who tell me they have a surefire way to provide some choice new clients. So, with all of this to help me, I'm pretty much set to go sign up some new clients. Wait a second. We do excellent work. Our clients are pleased with our work. Why not rely on word-of-mouth? OK - we're good - time to get back to work.

## Prevailing Moods & Gauging Character
Date: 2016-03-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/prevailing-moods-gauging-character/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Personalities @ Work

Regardless, even if watching what they do is not a highly reliable way of gauging personality and character, we must still do it. We must maintain a level of trust and other people...giving them the benefit of the doubt...not all of the time, but at least most of the time.

To a large degree we are defined by our prevailing moods. They illustrate our personality. They signal our character. And deeper down, our prevailing moods set boundaries around our states of mind and to a large degree govern our thoughts and actions. Our prevailing moods are illustrations of our predominant emotions. They are also illustrations of our abilities to self-monitor and self-regulate. They illustrate our emotional intelligence. It seems there is a very curious linkage between our prevailing moods and our ability to perform. While psychological studies may or may not confirm it, observations suggest that the extremes of prevailing moods can generate the highest levels of performance. For example, many deeply depressed people excel in their chosen fields of endeavour (Churchill and Van Gogh come to mind). And we all know people with pleasing personalities who achieve upper-level success in their chosen lines of work [Gandhi & JFK come to mind]. On the other hand, often, we are fooled by apparently-positive personalities. For example, Robin Williams regularly presented himself as a zany, happy person. Yet, his real personality must have been quite different from the character/persona he presented in many of his highly-successful entertainment roles. So, we can be fooled by external performances. Theatre entertainers, movie entertainers, and TV entertainers fool us all the time – that’s their job. Perhaps, many of our day-to-day associates do the same thing to us? Perhaps, it is wrong to think we can accurately judge personality and character by external appearances. We know it is better to watch what they do than listen to what they say . [That old-admonition/wisdom has been credited to John Locke, Andrew Carnegie, and others...I expect it dates back much further than these fellows.] But, clearly, on its own watching what they do isn't a sufficient strategy. Regardless, even if watching what they do is not a completely reliable way of gauging personality and character, we must still do it. While we observe them we must maintain a level of trust in other people...giving them the benefit of the doubt...not all of the time, but at least most of the time. With a trusting mindset, we must observe them – to confirm we have gauged them accurately. And, we must do more than just watch what they do . We must read 'between the lines' of what they do. And we must ask them the right questions, so we understand why they are doing what they're doing. This combination of approaches will allow us to get a far better handle on other people’s personalities and character.

## Managing Customers’ Expectations [I don't think that description describes what needs to be done.]
Date: 2016-03-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/managing-customers-expectations-i-dont-think-that-description-describes-what-needs-to-be-done/ | Categories: —

Early in my career I was taught the concept known as managing clients’ expectations . Now, I don’t think that is what we should be trying to do. The managing that needs to be done is self-management, not-client management.

Managing Customers’ Expectations...let's revisit that. First, I favour the use of the word “client” over the work “customer”. As some sales gurus teach – customers are people who buy things from you while clients are people who pay professional people for service. [I want to serve clients.] Second, early in my career I was taught the concept known as managing clients’ expectations . Now, I don’t think that is what we should be trying to do. The managing that needs to be done is self-management, not-client management. Whether we agree on that second point or not, we agree we do not want to surprise our clients when we know the surprises will be negative from the clients’ perspectives [bad news, problems]. So, most of us believe it is a good to be proactive, to anticipate potential problems, and to put strategies and actions into place to minimize the likelihood of troubling our clients with negative surprises. Regardless of our best efforts we know, sooner or later, problems will arise and some of those problems will have a negative impact on our clients. So, not wanting to surprise our clients, we want to know how to handle those situations and remove or reduce the negative impact on our clients. Six thoughts immediately come to mind: remedial action [damage control], disclosure, preconditioning, what I call “over-communication”, lessons learned, and preventative maintenance. remedial action [damage control] – Many people work at minimizing the damage they could experience; fewer people work at minimizing their clients could experience. , disclosure – Disclosure of problems and potential damage could expose people to risk; failure to disclose could expand the risks faced by clients., preconditioning – We could work to spin stories that protect us; we could work to help clients prepare for the possibility of damages., over-communication – Some people become annoyed when we repeat ourselves; some people appreciate reminders., lessons learned – Some people fail to learn from their problem-experiences; some people teach others the lessons they have learned through hard knocks., preventative maintenance – We can work to remove our problems before they arrive; we can work to remove clients’ problems before they arrive. Also - two personal Values immediately come to mind: Courage & Confidence.

## Might as well put stress energy to good use
Date: 2016-03-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/might-as-well-put-stress-energy-to-good-use/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

To maximize the positive use of stress energy: believe you can succeed, truly understand your personal talents and strengths, anticipate situations and prepare [in advance] your reaction to them, gather the tools and people support you need prior to the arrival of the situation/event, and practice self-talk/autosuggestion/affirmations designed to bolster your self-confidence and courage . Accept the fact things will go awry: appreciate that provides opportunity to build courage and confidence. We grow when we overcome obstacles, especially when we plan in advance then take action that proves we can overcome obstacles.

## Our brains are amazing tools…what an understatement!
Date: 2016-03-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/our-brains-are-amazing-toolswhat-an-understatement/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain

Our bodies are amazing tools...one fascinating example, our bodies deliver energy to us when we experience stressful situations. Our brains are the most-sophisticated part of our bodies! Our brains, particularly the pre-frontal cortex parts of our brains, are there to make sure we put our stress-energy to best use. Our pre-frontal cortices do much, much more than that: They help us focus They help us initiate new thoughts and actions They help us plan They help us organize They help us shift our thoughts and actions They help us monitor ourselves They help us regulate our thoughts and actions They provide opportunities to choose They provide opportunities to connect with other people They provide opportunities to make the best use of our lives

## Who wants to improve?
Date: 2016-03-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/who-wants-to-improve-2016/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Community, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Who wants to improve? Some people do - they seek out motivational speakers and courses. These people want something and recognize the status quo isn't going to bring that something. Some people don't - they more or less do the same things day after day. They discount or ignore the advice they receive (regardless of how it is delivered). Sometimes, they blame others for their predicament...as victims do. But - is that actually true? Do some people truly have no interest in improving? Or, is that just what they say...their style of victim-speaking...their way of justifying lassitude or laziness or lack of ambition? Regardless, there seems to be a disconnect between the people who want to improve and those who do not. The people within each group tend to understand one another, however, there’s a huge thinking-gap between the two groups. Here’s a couple of key indicators: People who say and act like they want to improve seem to expect everyone wants to improve. People who say and act like they do not want to improve seem to want to left alone …’let be’…not pestered by others who expect them to want to ‘change for the better’. Most businesses contain people from each group. So, most businesses contain a major communication and performance rift between those who want to improve and those who do not. We will all be much better off if we can span these communication gaps and improve business performance. We can accomplish these improvements…first, with knowledge…then with communication laced with quality questions and quality listening.

## Have you noticed - somebody's always telling you how to think?
Date: 2016-03-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/have-you-noticed-somebodys-always-telling-you-how-to-think/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

If somebody's always telling you how to think then - Why not let that person be you? We are immersed in people trying to tell us what to think. Sometimes they are covert - as in subliminal messages. Sometimes they are loud and clear - right in our faces. Regardless, everyone has opinions wandering around in their heads and, it seems, almost everyone is eager to foist their opinions into our ears and our eyes and ultimately into our minds. You Deserve a Break Today. Just Do It. Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm Is There. Dr Phil Judge Judy The New York Times: "All the News That's Fit to Print" Politicians Rock Stars Movie Makers At every turn, everywhere you look, every time you listen...somebody is telling you how to think. Why not to cut out the middlemen? Why not tell yourself how to think? Wait a second. Talking about people telling you how to think...now...I'm being like all the rest of them...maybe I'm doing it to you too!... ...maybe not...perhaps, I'm just posing questions?

## Spending time complaining about not having enough time - Don't you think that's being silly?
Date: 2016-03-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/spending-time-complaining-about-not-having-enough-time-dont-you-think-thats-being-silly/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

Here’s what happened to me: I accepted life is a relentless stream of states of mind I recognized some of those states of mind are positive, while others are negative I decided I can, to a degree, control the thoughts that exist in my states of mind Then… I decided I did not want my states of mind to contain thoughts like “ I’m too bus y” and “ I don’t have time ”.

Everyone who knows me well knows I have a serious interest in the concept of ‘Time’. [I mean a strong interest in the philosophy and the physics around the concept of Time]. And, people who know me well accept the fact I maintain an ongoing ‘serious peeve’ about self-talk and expression of thoughts like, “ I’m too busy ” and “ I don’t have time ”. Of course, when you have a serious peeve [i.e., much more than a pet peeve], you tend to want to explain it to people. You want to try to persuade them to buy into your way of thinking. And, if you are like me then you write things in an effort to express your thoughts and arguments. Here are some samples of the things I have written: If you think time flies, try holding your breath while your boss is telling a story. A person who chases two rabbits is 'too busy' to catch either. Beware those vagrant thoughts. [Unless, of course, you want to waste a lot of time.] When Opportunities seek out people to visit, they pretty much avoid all the too-busy people. Only a silly person would waste time talking about not having enough time. “ Life is a state of mind .” [The U.S. President said that at the end of one of my favourite movies…in 1979.] Actually, life is a relentless stream of states of mind. [I said that in a little Thought Post titled ‘ It's all a matter of mindset ’.] If you believe life is a relentless stream of states of mind then you may be drawn into thinking about the content of your states of mind. You may be drawn into thinking about how those states arrive in your mind. And, you may be drawn into thinking about controlling your states of mind. That’s what happened to me: I accepted life is a relentless stream of states of mind I recognized some of those states of mind are positive, while others are negative I decided I can, to a degree, control the thoughts that exist in my states of mind Then… I decided I did not want my states of mind to contain thoughts like “ I’m too bus y” and “ I don’t have time ”. With effort and practice, I pretty much removed these ‘time-constrained’ states from my mind. I found this improved my quality of life…increased my peace of mind. This sequence of events compelled me to try to help others remove 'time-constrained thinking' from their states of mind.

## Taking Anxieties to better places
Date: 2016-03-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/taking-anxieties-to-better-places/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Anxiety is the body's way of helping its owner act properly when situations signal danger. Anxiety - that's the body helping its owner act properly. We should not complicate this natural process by mixing it with negative over-thinking and rear-view second-guessing. When anxiety visits us, we should pluck the troubling past and the worrisome future from our thoughts. And, when situations trigger our natural defense mechanisms, rather than fight, we should embrace the anxieties we have been blessed to experience. We should fully trust those anxieties are there to serve us. Then we should grab hold of the pre-frontal cortices and put them to full use…figuring out how to capture the energy brought through our reptilian-response vestiges and use that energy to spring to much higher places. Of course, it will be very difficult to do this during the rush of chemistry that hits us when anxieties visit. So, we must to plan in advance, during the calm between the anxiety storms. And, we must practice...until we master the art of taking anxieties to better places.

## On Introversion
Date: 2016-03-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-introversion/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work

While I recognize introversion is a key psychological consideration, until recently, I have not been bitten by any urge to write about it. Now that I have been bitten by an urge, my first key thought is genetics must predispose some people to be introverts while some others are predisposed to be extroverts and everyone else is predisposed to live in the middle ground between introverts and extroverts. Perhaps, an easy way to think about it is to consider long-gene and short-gene options where matching pairs make you an introvert or an extrovert and mixed pairs cause you to be in the middle ground. If that is a reasonable proxy then about 25% of people would be introverts, about 25% would be extroverts, and the remaining 50% would be in the middle ground. There’s no doubt genetics is far more complicated, however, I can live with a simple model like that to describe the role played by genetics. Accepting that simple model, I must have received a mixed pair of genes. How do I know this? Well, from an early age, we know what we like and what we don’t like. For as long as I can remember, I have found it easy to become consumed in my thoughts. Yet, at the same time, I have enjoyed being with friends, especially in team-competitive situations. For as long as I can remember, I have strived to being the centre of attention. Yet, at the same time, I have been shied away from the limelight of programmed limelight, the best example being school ‘speeches’. Over the last 15 years, I have become increasingly interested in understanding other people. Particularly, I am interested in helping business people achieve leadership-team successes. So, I have read much about philosophical viewpoints, psychological findings, and the operation of that most-amazing creation - the human brain. Before writing too much more on this topic of introversion, I am interested in understanding what others think about the topic, how they think it applies to themselves, and how they think their knowledge can assist 'self and others'. When I gather this thinking, I will share more thoughts about introversion.

## There's Wanting & Hoping, then there's Believing
Date: 2016-03-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/theres-wanting-hoping-then-theres-believing/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude

Napoleon Hill taught, " What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve ." There are are many good reasons to reduce our use of the words 'want' and 'hope' and replace them with increased use of the word 'believe'.

I am fascinated by the English language. Perhaps, some could say I get bogged down in thinking about it. For example, we have so many variations to describe our aspirations and desires...and that causes me to stop and think. This post is about sorting out thinking around those words for aspirations and desires...with a focus on the verbs: with a focus on the verbs 'want', 'hope' and 'believe'. These verbs, naturally (at least in my mind), raise consideration of the of the 'Law of Attraction'. In the past, I have posted some thoughts about the Law I of Attraction. Want: Want is in an incredibly common word. Almost everybody says it frequently. It's a word we use to describe a wide range of things we desire. These things can range from fleeting desires to major life goals. The word lines at the low end of the "expectation scale": maybe we will get what we want, maybe we won't. When we use the word we are not signaling our expectation of success. Hope: When we use the word Hope we send stronger signals. We signal that we think there is a possibility we will obtain the object of our desire. So, the word Hope combines the word Want with at least a small expectation of achievement. Believe: When we use the word Believe we send even stronger signals of our expectations. We tell people we think our desire will be achieved. That aligns with confidence and bolsters conviction . Napoleon Hill taught, " What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve ." As hinted at above, there are are many good reasons to reduce our use of the words 'want' and 'hope' and replace them with increased use of the word 'believe'.

## Self-control, Self-discipline, & Self-organization.
Date: 2016-03-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/self-control-self-discipline-self-organization/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Napoleon Hill placed 'Organization' very high on the list of traits/abilities required for success in life. He made it clear he was talking about 'self-organization', which meant much more than having a neat desk, arriving at meetings on time, and presenting your thoughts concisely and clearly. He meant all those things and much more. As a sampling of his thinking - when Napoleon Hill talked about being organized, he meant: having a 'definite purpose in life', which he also called a 'definite chief aim' having the self-control to avoid bad habits and practice autosuggestion, particularly that aimed at clarifying goals and building self-confidence having the planning and organization skills and the self-discipline to 'plan the work and work the plan' Throughout recent years, I have written about 3 critical success ingredients : Intelligence Self-Control Drive/Energy Self-control and self-discipline are tightly intertwined…we could argue they are essentially the same thing…or, we could argue that self-discipline is the ‘cause’ and self-control is the ‘effect’. Either way, the goal is controlled/directed thinking and action. And, controlled/directed thinking and action require intelligence and they both take energy when they are performed. Organization – Personal Organization as contemplated by Napoleon Hill – requires constructive and harmonious use of intelligence, self-control, and drive/energy. So, an Organized Person is one who has mastered the use of the 3 critical success ingredients: Intelligence, Self-Control and Drive/Energy.

## Humouring your demons
Date: 2016-03-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/humouring-your-demons/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Humour

Most of us, at least from time to time, are troubled by our little demons. Some of us, occasionally, are troubled by our large, persistent DEMONS. Either way, there is value in humouring our demons. As I write the word 'humouring' I'm thinking in terms of 'tolerating'. I'm also thinking about 'lightening things up'...perhaps even trying to have some fun with our demons. (It's possible we may be able to extract some benefits from the wisdom embedded in that saying, " Laughter is the best medicine. ") We don't run to the door to welcome our demons when they knock. Most of the time they sneak up on us...then, they consume our minds. Our demons are not welcome but they show up anyhow as personal agonies and automatic negative thoughts - ANT s. Personal agonies and ANTs can invade our thoughts...these demons spoil our thoughts and remove our ability to focus on the things we want to focus on. What are we going to do about that? What are you going to do about that? One thing you can do - you can humour your demons: You can choose to tolerate your demons - Be present, observe your demons without giving in to them...be calm and civil with your demons...but do not accommodate them…treat them with the courtesy you would extend to an unwelcome but harmless guest You can choose to inoculate your demons with humour – Are you courageous enough to put your demons into a humorous perspective? To throw a little humour their way? If you think you can do that then plan ahead. Think about your top 3 demons and plan some humorous surprise messages for each of them. Practice your delivery of the 3 humorous messages. Enjoy the secret - you are armed with demon-neutering humour.

## Bully Fantasy
Date: 2016-03-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bully-fantasy/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Personalities @ Work

Troubled underdeveloped minds grind away, trying to rule their frightened little worlds. Oh yes, those troubled minds argue and assault...especially, when they feel trapped in their own sticky webs. And, when cornered by a stronger, more-impressive bully we find them whining weakly or cowering in victimized silence. But, most of the time they live the bully fantasy ...parading bully-deviations ...oozing bully-bluster . Wrapped up tightly in their own fears, they eagerly gobble up the gifts of tolerance they receive from most of the people they encounter. The bully fantasy is a personal-strength-fantasy…a half-believe in personal strengths and self-worth…a strength-seeking mind under never-ending siege…completely surrounded by relentless personal weaknesses…always losing ground…always fighting…losing…denial…internal turmoil.

## Who wants to improve?
Date: 2016-02-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/who-wants-to-improve/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

You probably spend quite a bit of your time watching people perform and noticing some people tend to do things really well while others tend to do things poorly. At least from time to time, you probably think about people making changes and improving…learning how to make fewer errors, figuring out how to have more-positive attitudes, etc. But, do you ever step back and consider the question – Who wants to improve? You know some people do want to improve – you see them seeking out motivational speakers and courses. These people want something and recognize the status quo isn't going to bring that something. You know some people don't want to improve – you see them more or less doing the same things day after day. They discount or ignore the advice they receive (regardless of how it is delivered). Sometimes, they blame others for their predicament...as victims do. For example, you may have heard people say things like, “ I like being poor. I am supposed to be poor. I have no desire to change anything .” But - is that actually true? I mean - do many people truly/sincerely have no interest in improving? Or, is that just what they say...their way of victim-speaking...their way of justifying lassitude/laziness/lack of ambition…their way of blaming Fate or Destiny for their shortcomings? Certainly, some people have this mindset: life has beaten some people down. Other people believe in the overarching control held by Fate or Destiny or other beyond-our-control things that place limits on people’s accomplishments. Whether we agree with these sorts of beaten-down or fatalistic mindsets or not, we can understand how other people can think that way. For example, we can understand how lingering, serious health problems can wear down the spirit and cause people to give up on life. However, aside from extreme cases that provide reasonable justification, are people being sincere when they say they do not want to improve?

## It's all a matter of mindset
Date: 2016-02-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-all-a-matter-of-mindset/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Life is states of mind. Life is a relentless stream of states of mind. Business life is a relentless stream of states of mind. States of mind cover a huge range: some pure ecstasy; some pure agony. States of mind can change quickly and radically. Some people maintain ‘even keel’ mind states as their lives unfold…rarely, if ever, experiencing the ecstasy or the agony…only experiencing moderate states of mind. Some people’s mind states are like never-ending roller-coaster rides…series of ups and downs…sideways jerks and irrational re-directions…lots of noise and lots of stomach churning. Most people experience periods of ‘comfortable’ mind states intermingled with periods of extreme positive mind states and periods of extreme negative mind states. Few people understand they possess the power to alter their mind-state habits. Even fewer people do what it takes to use that power to choose their mind-state habits then do the hard work required to build the mind-state habits they have chosen. That said... What mind states have you chosen?

## The 'Golden Circle' of Criticism
Date: 2016-02-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-golden-circle-of-criticism/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Master Rules, Values: Personal Values

Why do you deliver criticism? How do you deliver criticism? What criticism do you deliver? I'm borrowing Simon Sinek's ‘Golden Circle' thinking here. Criticism, in one shape or another, is a gift brought to us by Mother Nature. Animals guard their turf, their mates and their food and illustrate ‘cease and desist’ criticism when they feel their turf, mates or food [or is it, their possessions] are at risk. When we consider the way criticisms occur between creatures in Nature, it makes sense. It often appears primitive and harsh to us, however, we understand Why it is happening. Misquoting Darwin – in Nature, it’s about survival of the fittest . And, one of the first steps to survival is expressing displeasure when other animals invade your territory or threaten your possessions. But, does that explain Why humans deliver criticism? Is it that simple? It seems to me that doesn’t go far enough to explain the Why behind people’s criticism of others [let alone criticism of self]. With people, there’s at least one other big factor at play – we call it ‘ego’. Each of us has an image/persona we want others to perceive when they think about us or interact with us. And that ‘ego-drive’ often causes us to express our different viewpoints to others…even when we know there can and likely will be negative repercussions. To the extent our criticism is rooted in basic needs like the other creatures, we should make sure we have some level of self-control because survival of the fittest never described evolution…rather, evolution is about survival of the most adaptable . Evolution-theory, if it teaches us anything it teaches us we ought to adapt. So, we should at least give a little consideration to adapting the Why that sits at the roots of our need to criticize. Moving beyond Why , on to How … How do you deliver criticism? With intent? Unknowingly? Pre-planned? Impromptu? With logic? With emotion? With both? And, what reactions have you observed as you test your different approaches? Finally, What criticism do you deliver? Do you only criticize actions that violate things that are sacred to you, your personal values, or your master rules? Or, are you indiscriminate? I mean, is criticism a daily free-for-all activity where anything and everything other people say or do or don’t say or don’t do fair game for your incessant nitpicking?

## Always-the-Victim
Date: 2016-02-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/always-the-victim/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

From time to time, you feel victimized. We all feel that way, from time to time. There can be good reasons for feeling victimized. Sometimes we are victimized: others attack us verbally and sometimes even physically. Bullies, for example, stole our lunch money or chased us around the schoolyard at recess. When we grew up and went to work the bullies stole our ideas and humbled us in other ways, behind our backs and in front of coworkers. Over time and with repetition of these victimizing experiences, some of us became victims: developing the self-image of a victim, developing the bad habits of a victim, and exhibiting the persona of a victim. These people are who I am referring to when I use the words, "Always-the-Victim". Always-the-Victim means a life filled with painful thoughts and negative mindsets. At the weaker end of the Always-the-Victim spectrum we find the people who chronically exhibit and practice avoidance. At the stronger end of the spectrum we find the bullies who pass on what they have learned. At each of these Always-the-Victim extremes we find the people who pass on and force on to others the thinking and actions that perpetuate the Always-the-Victim condition. The Always-the-Victim condition relies on heredity and environment for its perpetuation. And, as you know, the world is ripe with people and situations who do their part to act as victims and do what they can to cause others to become victims. This is a part of the human condition. While it appears to be a bad/unpleasant/unfortunate part of human nature, perhaps it is not. Perhaps, it is more like an educational lesson or a test? Perhaps, it is something we should observe (in real time)...then think about your personal thoughts and actions. Are your thoughts and actions those of a victim? If the answer to that question is "Yes" then are you OK with that or do you want to make some changes? If you are Always-the-Victim and you want to change for he better, how will you go about that? Will you change your thoughts? Will you change your actions? Will you seek help from others who have mastered the Always-the-Victim condition?

## How do disorganized people accomplish productive things in business?
Date: 2016-02-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-disorganized-people-accomplish-productive-things-in-business/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Leaders' Thoughts, Personalities @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

To explore this topic, I did some on-line research and found an interesting article that has fed into my thinking process. Below are some excerpts from that article called ‘ Why People With Disorganized Mind Are More Intelligent ’. The article can be found at http://www.lifehack.org/324803/12-reasons-why-people-with-disorganized-mind-are-actually-more-intelligent [COMMUNICATION MOTIVATION BY DIANNA LABRIEN] “ Why People With Disorganized Minds Are More Intelligent The clutter continues to accumulate—it has all of your life. You can’t find your car keys or your cell phone; you get in the car to go somewhere and you find yourself going in the wrong direction; if you have a workspace, it’s a mess; nothing is ever “where it’s supposed to be.” You “suffer” from what psychologists now call “chronic disorganization.” But, what these psychologists also now tell us it that chronically disorganized people have higher intelligence and greater creativity. So, take heart, and the next time someone criticizes you for your disorganization, give them some facts to chew on. And here are 12 of those facts that demonstrate the high level of intellectual functioning of the chronically disorganized. 1. They score high on verbal IQ tests, often in the gifted range. 2. They have high creativity levels. 3. They have a broad range of interests. 4. They process information through their right brain hemispheres—the “creative” side. 5. They develop strong attachments to often un-related things and people. 6. They want to be around high-energy people. 7. They tend to lose track of time. 8. They have difficulty focusing when they are not interested or fascinated. 9. They are intuitive, extroverted, and feeling according to personality testing. 10. They must be learning all the time. 11. They think globally. 12. They may seem “nerdy” or “know-it-all” to others. Disorganized people need to discover the truth and, in most instances, their own brand of truth. They may spend a lot of time with books and on the Internet. In school, they may be seen as nerds; to psychologists, they may be identified as having Asperger’s. They do not have a lot of patience for those who want to “follow the book” on everything. They research and think about how not to “follow the book” and are usually pretty committed to voicing their ideas and opinions—thus they can get a reputation for being a “know-it-all”.” Now, there’s some food for thought. If you buy into those 12 points then perhaps you can buy into the concept that even disorganized people can succeed in business….and become well-respected business leaders. Then, the questions move from whether or not disorganized people can succeed to the hows & whats around the thinking and actions that must happen to bring out the success embedded in disorganized people.

## If I could only help you focus...
Date: 2016-02-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-i-could-only-help-you-focus/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change

My friend Lorie Saxby taught me about the 7 pre-frontal cortex activities known as Executive Brainsmarts : Focus, Initiate, Plan, Organize, Shift, Monitor, and Regulate. Focus is at the beginning of the list. Lorie and I created a definition for Focus that fits Spirited Leaders' philosophies, i.e., Focus def'n - to control one’s attention and thoughts then actions to align with goals [this definition developed with Lorie Saxby PhD]. I see you struggle with Focusing. I know you understand the merits that Focus brings. I know you want to Focus. And, I know you work at Focusing. Yet, you struggle with Focusing and those struggles consume much of your energy. You talk about your struggles. It seems things need to be 'a certain way' before you can Focus. And it seems that timing must be 'just right" before you can Focus. And, it seems your best Focus plans can be quickly side-tracked by interruptions, disturbances, and even the smallest of day-to-day problems. I'd like to help you build Focus skill. I'd like to have the key that would free up your ability to Focus. I'd like to be able to package my message simply, clearly, and in a way that encourages you. However, I don't think there is a magic formula for Focusing. I think the ability to Focus can be a learned skill and, clearly, some people have to work much more diligently than others to improve at Focusing. To develop skill at Focusing (or any other skill), belief is a powerful starting point. Even better - a reality check, which accepts the current situation coupled with belief that things can and will improve...that's a good starting point.

## Leaders & What To Do About Stress
Date: 2016-02-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-what-to-do-about-stress/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

When our brains/minds register things that are important, our bodies experience stress responses. The more important the topic/outcome is to us, the higher the stress. The less control we feel/believe we have over the outcome, the higher the stress. Spirited Leaders consider the following strategic things to be quite ‘important’: Talents & Strengths Values & Master Rules [ Courage , Confidence , Conviction , & Creativity …and the rules that support these things] Vision/Purpose Goals When individuals’ Talents & Strengths are ignored or sidelined, those individuals will tend to experience energy-draining stress. All else being equal, when those individuals’ Talents & Strengths are put to good use the individuals will be invigorated. When individuals’ Values & Master Rules are challenged or violated, those individuals will tend to experience energy-draining stress. All else being equal, when those individuals’ Values & Master Rules are embraced the individuals will be invigorated. When individuals’ Vision/Purpose is ignored or contested, those individuals will tend to experience energy-draining stress. All else being equal, when those individuals’ Vision/Purpose is supported the individuals will be invigorated. When individuals’ Goals are ignored or contested, those individuals will tend to experience energy-draining stress. All else being equal, when those individuals’ Goals are supported the individuals will be invigorated. Considering these points, leaders have choices: They can work to drain people’s energy They can work to invigorate people They can be oblivious to the things that drain energy and invigorate Knowing all this, what do you choose?

## Be There, Be Positive.
Date: 2016-02-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/be-there-be-positive/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Influencing, Optimism & Pessimism, Personalities @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Sure, we can be distracted or negative but let's remember we have these other two choices: being there and being positive . If you are not naturally inclined to ‘be there’ and ‘be positive’ it will take some time and effort to adjust your mindset into those zones. Being There : It is easier to 'be there' when you are curious, tolerant, and truly interested in other people. Being Positive : It is easier to 'be positive' when you are genetically predisposed toward optimism, hopeful about the future, and creative enough to envision alternatives and possibilities. Perhaps, you are not at this time blessed with any of these traits. Regardless, you can become an expert at 'being there' and 'being positive'. Yes, any normal human being can become an expert at 'being there' and 'being positive'. It will, of course, require some effort. It will require some thought. It will require some education - ideally, self-education over a patient period of time. In addition, it will require a desire to grow and excel as a person. And, a good sense of humour will help you along the way. There is no perfect approach to developing the abilities to 'be there' and 'be present'. These abilities are built over time, by trial and error, and you will make missteps along the way. It seems to me one of the most important considerations is 'control'. To fully succeed you must understand and (wholeheartedly) believe you can control yourself. To fully succeed you must understand and (unconditionally) accept you cannot control other people or situations. The more you believe in and practice self-control the greater your ability to 'be there' and 'be positive'. The more you accept the limitations around your ability to control other people and situations the greater your ability to 'be there' and 'be positive'. To be clear - I'm not talking about 'fundamentalist' perfectionism...or about taking huge leaps or about making major sacrifices. I'm talking about taking some initial small steps aimed at 'experiencing the moment' as an observer. I'm talking about setting personal desires/goals aside for brief moments...long enough to listen to one other human being. I'm talking about imagining another possibility that isn't laced with annoyances (or doom-and-gloom thinking). I'm talking about trusting others. I'm talking about thinking between the lines of other people's comments/actions rather than jumping all over them and proving you are right and they are wrong. PS: Now this all makes sense doesn't it? I mean, it makes sense at least until all that adrenalin and cortisol kicks in.

## Captiousness and Capriciousness
Date: 2016-02-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/captiousness-and-capriciousness/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour

Each of these on its own can signal impending problems. Put the two together and...what a recipe for stresses and strains and interpersonal disasters. Some people will say, " But, I don't even know what those words mean. " No kidding!

## (Don't) Guess who's paying attention to detail.
Date: 2016-02-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-guess-whos-paying-attention-to-detail/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Guess who's paying attention to detail? Better still... Don't leave it to guesswork. *** When it comes to succeeding with the details, there's a delicate balance between laziness and perfectionism. At that balance point between these two extreme logic-acuity and emotional-savvy exist in perfect harmony... thoughts and processes are clear and comfortable. The right things are being done the right way at the right time by the right people. But, who brings about the balance? Who does that? Who takes attention to detail seriously enough to think in advance and cover the key facets of work and decisions...without over-killing things or going down ill-conceived rabbit holes? Who has pre-planned processes for tackling problems? Who is skilled at resolving 'people issues' efficiently and effectively without going behind backs? Are you that person?

## On Indecision
Date: 2016-02-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-indecision/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions

Some call it paralysis by analysis...others call it risk management...others are silent, hoping it will go away.



## Wouldn’t you like to possess Placebo Empowerment?
Date: 2016-01-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/wouldnt-you-like-to-possess-placebo-empowerment/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Brain: about the Human Brain

Most people accept the fact placebo medications sometimes/often bring about improvements in patients’ medical conditions. Somehow, the process of receiving a medication from a professional helps patients overcome illness…even if the medication is a placebo, i.e., a ‘fake’ medication. For the placebo to work, something has happened in the patient’s mind. The patient, either consciously or subconsciously or [likely] both believes the medication will work. And, the psychologists’ conclusion is: the mind has the power to promote self-healing. Or, at last, some people’s minds have the ability to promote self-healing. If they believe a pill will help them then the pill helps them…even if the pill is a fake. Now, isn’t that interesting. That conclusion jives with Napoleon Hill’s teaching: “ What the mind can conceive, and believe , the mind can achieve. ” It jives with ‘The Law of Attraction’ [whether or not you believe The Law of Attraction has limitations]. This brings to mind the quote, attributed to Henry Ford – “ Whether you think you can , or you think you can't--you're right. ” A Placebo update - According to recent psychologist-authors, the power of the placebo goes beyond the points presented above. Here’s what new research has confirmed: when ill people are not aware they are receiving a placebo pill, some of them improve as if they had received a proven-successful drug [i.e., as described above] when ill people are told they are receiving a placebo pill, that has no proven ability to do anything to help their illness, they too improve as if they had received a proven-successful drug In the first situation…the mind conceives and believes the pill will work then helps the body achieve improved health In the second situation…then mind suspends belief that the pill has no curing power then proceeds to conceive, believe the pill will work and help the body achieve improved health Now, isn’t that even more interesting! *** Can you conceive the power of your mind? Do you believe your mind can help your body? What would you like your mind to help your body achieve? For work? For play? For life? *** Wouldn’t you like to possess Placebo Empowerment?

## Revisiting Perfectionism
Date: 2016-01-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/revisiting-perfectionism/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Personalities @ Work

Black font - March 3, 2014 Blue font – January 28, 2015 Wouldn’t it be interesting if perfectionists would allow us to walk step-by-step with them as they perform their perfectionist role. When they are being the perfectionist - do they think much, or are they simply compelled to do...and do...and do? It seems clear, perfectionism is either similar [or the same as] the compulsions experienced by people who experience obsessive-compulsive tendency or disorder. Their compulsions/rituals are performed to reduce anxiety…anxiety triggered by discomforting thoughts. Perhaps, likely, the discomforting thoughts involve fear of criticism. When perfectionists think, is their thinking confined to ruts where thoughts keep repeating while actions are stalled? Yes, [obsessive] thoughts are concerned with fear of making errors and [compulsive] behaviours are aimed at ensuring errors do not happen. Actions appear stalled, however, a better description than ‘ruts’ is ‘circles’ and a better description than ‘stalled’ is ‘repetitive’. When perfectionists think, what are they thinking? Are their thoughts like those of non-perfectionists except more textured or broader in scope? Or are perfectionists' thoughts nonsensical or scattered or bizarre? Perfections thoughts are troubled…worried about making errors, worried about the implications of future errors, and fear-filled. To what extent are perfectionists’ thoughts being dragged along by feelings of need or worry or criticism? Are perfectionists' thoughts always dragged along by negative feelings? Or, are perfectionists' thoughts sometimes laced with positive feelings...or mania? Perfectionists’ thoughts are consumed with fear. To what degree are perfectionists driven to create? Is perfectionist-behaviour aligned with building value or is it simply driven by an extra-strong interest in doing things right? Perfectionists’ thoughts are so consumed in fear there is little chance for creativity. And, building value takes a back seat to fear-filled actions aimed at doing things right…actually, doing things perfectly right. Perhaps an in-depth understanding of perfectionists’ mindsets and thought processes would put us in a much better position to help them…assuming they need, want, and are ready to accept our help. Yes – we need to understand perfectionism is an anxiety disorder. We need to help perfectionists learn skills that bring anxiety under control. *** Or...for another post Is perfectionism in business a dysfunction by its very name? Is perfectionism a dysfunction that a leader simply cannot ignore...a signal that corrective action is a must? In business, doing things right is a good thing. Like everything in business, there are costs associated with doing things right...at the least, there are the costs of time spent. And, perfectionists overspend their time. Others know this. That's likely how the label 'perfectionist' came about in the first place. So, perfectionists are inclined to spend too much time on things as they work to do those things the right way. That sounds conflicted. Where does perfectionism end and indecision start? Or - do these 2 things overlap? Or - is perfectionism an exaggerated form of indecision...one destined to to thwart both good decisions and delegation? Questioned another way... Is perfectionism the antidote for decisiveness? If so, as we work at doing things right in business, can indecision help us achieve better results?

## Stress – a not-all-bad fact of life
Date: 2016-01-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stress-a-not-all-bad-fact-of-life/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Optimism & Pessimism, Solutions & Opportunities

Stress is one of our natural response mechanisms. But, what exactly is stress? There are a huge range of definitions. Stress is what you feel/think in reaction to things ranging from little annoyances [such as slow-moving lines in grocery stores] to major life events [such as deaths in the family]. Stress is linked to anxiety and a number of other psychological and physiological things. Even the experts cannot agree on a definition of stress. When it comes to defining stress, I expect it is best to ignore the experts. Regardless, don't get tied up in efforts to define stress: you know what stress is. At least, you know what stress means to you. You know how you feel about stress. And, if you are like the vast majority of people you don’t feel good about stress. You view stress as a problem. If you are like the vast majority of people then for you stress is, at best, a necessary evil…a persistent problem you must cope with. If you believe in The Law of Attraction [i.e., either in a general way or in a hard-core way] then you must accept that viewing stress as a problem enhances the likelihood stress will be a problem . Even if you don’t believe in The Law of Attraction, you might agree that negative thinking tends to exacerbate problems. That said – perhaps, you can adjust your thinking to believe stress is a not-all-bad fact of life. Sure, stress may bring about psychological problems like anxiety and depression. Sure, stress may increase the risk of disease and death. Those are possibilities. Those are logical-supported conclusions. However, they do not create very helpful mindsets. In fact, they make for rather troubling and possibly self-destructive mindsets. When we stew over stresses, we cannot at the same time hold thoughts and feelings of self-confidence . Without self-confidence, we have little to offer ourselves or others. For this reason alone, we must believe stress is a not-all-bad fact of life. When we believe this, we approach life’s problems [both the small ones and the major ones] with a different mindset…a more-productive attitude. Opportunities become visible. And, we ingrain the habits required for peace of mind.

## The King gets to make a mess
Date: 2016-01-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-king-gets-to-make-a-mess/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Humour, Values: Personal Values

The King gets to make a mess, others get to clean it up...and some, the privileged ones, get to analyze it. How does that make you feel? Now, I recognize some folks are not in favour of monarchies. Probably, I have with those few words put them off and they have already moved on to other things, forgetting the insolent annoyance embedded in the title of this thought post. At the other end of the sceptre, some folks want to be King...if only in fleeting mind-exercises...if only in their little business castles or their home castles. Regardless... It is true, Kings get to make messes. As just one example... While I'm writing this I have Henry VIII in mind. Now, that fellow really got to make some messes. Even if we ignore the messes made by his executioners/staff, Henry VIII personally made some colossal messes. He was a large man, some say he had a waist over 50”. The King had the habit of sitting on royal stools and making messes. The elite of his servants/staff got to clean up all his messes. And the prize job – the Groom of the Stool – had the privilege of analyzing the King’s messes. So, it is very hard to argue against the time-proven fact. Kings get to make messes, others get to clean them up...and some, the privileged ones, get to analyze them. You may be wondering, how does this apply to business? That’s a very good question. …and the answer depends on your role. …the King?...a servant of the King?...the Groom of the Stool?

## Sense of Adventure...when you're not working at a Google wannabe
Date: 2016-01-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sense-of-adventurewhen-youre-not-working-at-a-google-wannabe/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

The question unwritten but embedded below…see yellow highlight Question : How often does sense of adventure actually make sense in [or fit] the Situation known as working at the office? Answer : [unless we are a Google wannabe] Not too often. Certainly, in most roles, in most businesses, it cannot be a ongoing daily mindset. In 'normal-productive' office Situations, if we want people to be off on adventures then we need to think in advance and set some boundaries…otherwise, there will much such wandering and who knows where people will end up! [please...this is not to be construed as an argument against Curiosity ] Sense of Urgency - Sense of Adventure By Rick Baker On Jul 23, 2014 The topic 'Sense of Urgency' arose during a conversation today. Got me thinking... Sense of Urgency DEF'N: that's wanting to take prompt action when you know the right thing to do. But, what about when you want to take prompt action and you aren't sure about the right thing to do - you simply have the urge to take action? Doesn't that also qualify as a Sense of Urgency ? No - I don't think simply wanting to take action satisfies the minimum standard associated with a meaningful Sense of Urgency ...i.e., when Urgency is meaningful like the type of 'Urgency' Stephen R. Covey taught about in his Urgency-Important lessons . [And, if we are not talking about that sort of meaningful Urgency, an Urgency that requires us to use Sense, then what kind of Urgency are we talking about?] 2 Related Points: When we know the right action to take in a given Situation and we feel that action should be initiated sooner rather than later...that's a Sense of Urgency ...that's a good thing...that's closely linked with identifying Opportunities and acting quickly to seize advantage. That's the stuff of entrepreneurship . When we want to take prompt action without believing/knowing that action is the right action to be taking...well...that's a Sense of Adventure ! Sense of Adventure is a good thing too. Sense of Adventure is a different thing. Sense of Adventure fits certain Situations. Sense of Urgency fits other Situations. Perhaps we need to communicate more clearly when we are driven to take prompt action? We wouldn't want other people to mistake our Sense of Adventure for a Sense of Urgency ...would we? We wouldn't want other people to mistake our Sense of Urgency for a Sense of Adventure ...would we?

## As a general rule, Trouble = f(Control)
Date: 2016-01-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/as-a-general-rule-trouble/ | Categories: Values: Personal Values

An Equation for Trouble By Rick Baker On Sep 6, 2013 ...additional thoughts inserted Control is the root of most disagreements. Self-control is a battlefield …or, at least, for most people, self-control poses significant challenges. Control of people's behaviour is another major area. The problems of self-control are mirrored and magnified when people endeavour to control others. Control of money is another. Money affects people’s mindsets and behavior: everything from peace of mind to criminal activity. Many interpersonal problems have roots in these two control areas. People want to feel in control. People know they lack self-control and, with choices limited, they learn how to live with that. And, they have their hands full living with their internal battles around self-control. No wonder they react so poorly to others who try to complicate things by injecting more control. Struggling with Self-Control + an Injection of 3rd-party Control = An Equation for Trouble! I mean 'live and let live'... cut me some slack ... already . That's what most people appear to feel and think most of the time. All of us feel and think that way some of the time. So, when an unsuspecting 3rd party, say our boss, happens to step into our world and tries to foist controls on us...well, that's an Equation for Trouble . And, we are more than prepared to deliver that Trouble and deliver it firmly and quickly. Or, perhaps we will deliver it subtly and silently...or maybe we will use the old behind-the-back approach? We have many more options for delivering the solution [the Trouble solution , that is]. We can do flights and we can do fights. We can be overt and we can be covert. We can be clear and we can be vague. We can be singular and we can be plural...we will not forget 'misery enjoys company' and we can help our Trouble find lots of company if we so choose. Delivering the Trouble solution - what a wonderful distraction from our internal self-control battles. Alas... So many options for delivering Trouble to the people who try to control us...and... so little time so few take the time to learn how to perform otherwise.

## When I fight anxiety anxiety always wins.
Date: 2016-01-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-i-fight-anxiety-anxiety-always-wins/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

While pondering the strategies for getting beyond anxiety, somehow a John [Cougar] Mellencamp song popped into my mind…but the words had changed. “ When I fight anxiety anxiety always wins. ” Why? Why does anxiety win when people fight it? I suppose there are arguments about deepening the brain ruts carved out by negative thoughts – our ruminations and worries, because they are laced with emotion and repeated, tend to dig deep ruts. Perhaps, fighting them expands the weight of emotion? Perhaps, it’s as simple as resistance causes more repetition? Regardless, when it comes to anxiety, resistance is futile. When you fight anxiety anxiety always wins. So, when anxiety visits you, do not fight it. Instead, find ways to break the patterns of thoughts and actions you [intentionally and unintentionally] perform in reaction to anxiety. Don’t fight to break the reactionary cycles that deepen the ruts caused by anxiety. Instead of fighting, think and act in new ways that are designed to disrupt the cycles. Make sure you only use non-violent methods. Accept anxiety as a natural part of life. And, accept the fact anxieties tend to exaggerate themselves. Don’t fight the exaggeration…just observe it…after the fact….then in real time. When you don't fight anxiety anxiety weakens. When anxiety weakens anxiety doesn't always win. When anxiety doesn't win it eases its grip on you.

## Anxiety often becomes the Arch-Enemy of Success
Date: 2016-01-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/anxiety-the-arch-enemy-of-success/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Anxiety is a natural state of mind...a most-powerful state of mind....perhaps, the most-powerful state of mind. Anxiety is a natural gift, protecting us from danger because it makes us attentive to real dangers. If uncontrolled, it can become a major problem. Anxiety has the power to remove our ability to succeed because it makes us fear imaginary dangers. Anxiety is a sharp double-edged sword, capable of cutting our performance in many ways. To succeed - to achieve our goals - we must work at controlling our sword-gift, Anxiety. *** About choosing to develop Self-Control - a Thought Post from May 4, 2015 How often do you think about your Intelligence & your Self-Control? Every human being possesses the seeds of intelligence and self-control at birth. To a certain degree, and the degree varies from person to person, we develop these two abilities over time. The amount of intelligence and self-control we develop determines the extent we are able to express our strengths . It takes drive to develop your Intelligence. It takes drive to develop your Self-Control. It takes even more drive to develop both Intelligence & Self-Control. And, drive consumes energy. Drive consumes energy as it formulates thoughts in your brain. Drive consumes more energy as it converts those thoughts into action. And, in many situations, drive consumes large amounts of energy when it converts thoughts into the non-action required when your willpower is called upon to limit behavior to satisfy your Self-Control goal. What is your Self-Control goal? Oh, you’ve not set a Self-Control goal. That’s not a surprise. Most people do not view Self-Control as a ‘general’ stand-alone trait/ability. Most people only consider Self-Control as it can be applied in ‘specific’ situations. Most people do not cross-pollinate their specific and relatively small Self-Control wins. Most people do not set the Self-Control bar high enough. You do not have to be like most people. It is a matter of choice. Self-Control, one of our greatest gifts, is a matter of choice. What Self-Control do you choose?

## Energy: our internal fuel - too precious to waste
Date: 2016-01-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/energy-our-internal-fuel-too-precious-to-waste/ | Categories: —

More than ever, I am concerned about wasting my energy on unproductive activities. When I say “unproductive activities”, I mean bad habits …regardless of their intent. By Spirited Leaders’ definition, bad habits are thoughts and actions that do not bring progress toward goals. Bad habits are caused by many things: laziness, ignorance, lack of intelligence, lack of self-control, planning errors, etc. Sometimes the intent is ‘good’ [admirable] yet the resulting thoughts and actions fail to generate progress toward goals. When these sorts of ‘admirable’ thoughts and actions are repeated and fail to bring the desired results, we must make a choice: Do we continue our admirable efforts, believing they will sooner or later bring the result we desire? [i.e., Do we persist as in ‘ Winners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win ’ ?] Do we seek then perform better thoughts and better actions? [i.e., Do we conclude current thoughts and actions are bad habits and replace them with New Things ?] *** About Energy – a Thought Post from Mar 9, 2012 Over the years, I have written about energy: 4 years ago, about energy and our economy last year, about one of my heroes - Lord Nelson and keeping your energy dry most recently, about DELIVERS & Energy - the source of all change and growth Today, my thoughts are about the major role energy serves in our lives. A century ago, another of my heroes, Albert Einstein, showed the world E=mc 2 ...that is, energy and mass are directly linked and proportional. [ and Einstein said more ] Perhaps this is true? Perhaps, in the future, another great mind will prove there are nuances not captured in that fascinatingly-straightforward Einstein equation? Regardless, for life, energy is necessary. For human life, energy is necessary. Here's how Brad Sugars expressed this a few years ago, when I attended his session in Las Vegas: People can live about 3 weeks without food People can live about 3 days without water People can live about 3 minutes without oxygen People can live, perhaps, 3 seconds without electricity Brad's point: without electricity the neurons in our brains would not fire ...and life would cease. Energy cannot be created or destroyed. That's the Law of Conservation of Energy we were taught in physics and engineering classes. So, we know our bodies consume energy and we process it without destroying it. In fact, we use energy to fuel everything we think, feel, and do...our muscles, our internal processes, etc. Our brains consume energy as our neurons fire . Scientists have measured the voltage and the current over neuronal synapses. While it would be rather intrusive work, scientists could insert a bunch of probes and do a pretty good job of figuring out just how much energy is required to fuel the parts of our brains that do our thinking work. Yes, it would be an intrusive and tedious exercise...and dangerous. So, let's not spend more time on that extreme approach. Let's accept the fact our brains use quite a bit of energy to fuel our thoughts. On a micro scale, all those billions of bits and pieces of our brains do work when we think . There is a limited amount of energy available to the parts of our brains that do our thinking. As we try to do with oil and coal and other non-renewable sources of energy, we ought to consume the energy in our brains as prudently as possible.

## When the going gets really tough, remember…
Date: 2016-01-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-the-going-gets-really-tough-remember/ | Categories: —

When the going gets really tough, remember… good work takes time patience is a virtue when the going gets tough, the tough get going ...and remember Machiavelli's lesson. Thought Tweet #892 By Rick Baker On Dec 17, 2013 Thought Tweet #892 Machiavelli taught: What you acquire with difficulty you retain with ease...and vice-versa. The Thinking Behind The Tweet So, in the big picture, struggle is a good and necessary thing. Struggle, in its very nature, contains obstacles and problems. It is true - opportunity does ride on the wings of adversity. So, sustainability too rides on the wings of adversity.

## Persist, repeat...and learn how to handle tough situations
Date: 2016-01-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/persist-repeatand-learn-how-to-handle-tough-situations/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Values: Personal Values

You have intelligence. You have self-control. You have 2 of the 3 essential ingredients required to handle even the toughest situations. And, the toughest situations you experience all have one thing in common... People ...at least 2 people - you, being one of them. In addition to intelligence and self-control you need to have the correct mindset. James Allen captured that correct mindset as follows: "No situation can be difficult of itself; it is lack of insight into its intricacies and the want of wisdom in dealing with it, which give rise to the difficulty." James Allen, ' Byways of Blessedness ', (1904) To handle tough situations you must have insight into the intricacies ... As the saying goes, " The devil is in the details ". You remove those devils by mastering the details of situations. You excel at this when you excel at understanding people because the toughest challenges are always about people....the differences in people. To gain insight into the intricacies of people you start with yourself - gain self-knowledge. Then you learn about the differences in people. Understanding the differences in people will cause you to want to listen to others. And, the more you listen the more you will understand the differences in people. That's like adding tools to your tool kit. The more tools you have the more intricate work you will be able to perform. And, of key importance, the more confidence you will possess. That confidence will serve you well when difficult situations arise. Wisdom: wisdom is gained when trials-and-errors are blended with thought and a desire to do better. Knowledge comes from books and personal observations. Wisdom comes from the addition of personal experiences. To handle tough situations one must first learn by experiencing them, making mistakes, and doing better next time . That's the School of Hard Knocks way. As an alternative to learning everything that way, one can anticipate tough situations. Then one can predetermine the best ways to handle those tough situations. That's what sales people are taught to do when they role play various aspects of the buying-and-selling process. Well-designed mental exercise can be practiced and confidence can be gained. Confidence is key. Handling Tough Situations: your Intelligence your Self-Control your knowledge of self and other people your wisdom from the School of Hard Knocks your ability to anticipate Situations your ability to think through best courses of action for those Situations your self-Confidence References: for more thoughts see the Category called Business Contains Only 3 Things : People, Process, & Situations. for more thoughts on Confidence visit this link Confidence

## Fixing Attention-to-Detail problems
Date: 2016-01-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/fixing-attention-to-detail-problems/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities

I have recently been bombarded by people talking about situations where people they work with are illustrating a lack of attention to detail. The sheer volume of problems brought to me recently cause me to wonder if there is something in the air causing behaviour shifts where people suddenly experience massive difficulty paying attention to details. Sure, from time to time all of us experience problems paying attention to detail. This happens when we are overstressed. This happens when we are attempting to multi-task. And this can also happen when we are experiencing excessive interruptions while we are attempting to work. However, this cannot or at the very least should not become a normal state of affairs. We cannot achieve business success if we cannot attend to details and perform with accuracy. Attention to detail is essential to successful performance of business tasks. Putting two and two together, it certainly appears that many people and many businesses will not be successful…unless we can help them do better in the area of attention to detail. So, how might we do that? It's probably a good idea to start by asking questions. That's certainly better than assuming we know why the person is having difficulty paying attention to details. We can ask a question like, “ I notice this error - how do you think that happened? ” When we ask that question, we cannot accept an offhand answer. We cannot accept a shrug of the shoulders coupled with, “ I don't know .” We cannot accept unclear excuses like, “ I'm too busy. ” We must make sure the answer has been thought through, at least to a degree. Sort attention-to-detail problems into two categories: The person has never had an ability or skill in the area of attention to detail. Under this category, we cannot expect any better performance than the person has illustrated in the past and we should not set attention-to-detail goals that are unachievable. Solution: people who have never exhibited attention-to-detail skill should not be doing work that relies on attention to detail. The person has exhibited skill in the area of attention to detail but now those skills appear to have slipped away. In this case, something has happened to create a change. Solution: to remedy this problem we must understand what has happened. Who can answer that question? Likely, the person is in the best position answer the question. Make sure the person understands you are committed to understanding what’s happened. Ask the person. That’s the right place to start. *** As you hear people answer your questions consider how you might help them improve attention-to-detail skills. For example, some thoughts... Consider the power generated by Napoleon Hill's advice: “ Pla n your work and work your plan ” (‘ Think and Grow Rich ’, 1937). Embedded within this advice: schedules help us remember to do the right things at the right times. Doing the right thing at the right time promotes focus and concentration on that thing. Timing, focus, and concentration are the ingredients of attention-to-detail. Be Present - when struggling to concentrate, at the very least a person can pause and work at removing thoughts about the past and thoughts about the future. When we remove thoughts about the past and the future we are at least limited to thoughts about the present situation. That's a good step toward focus and concentration. Airline pilots confirm check-lists save lives - if check-lists work in the airline industry that proves check-lists have some value. And, what about medical teams in operating rooms. And what about shoppers in grocery stores. Check-lists have proven their value. People who choose to ignore check-lists are bucking a successful trend. Know how to say, “No” - this applies from small "No" to large "No", from saying "No" to co-worker interruptions to saying "No" to boss work-dumps. Don’t fight the fact you cannot multi-task and achieve meaningful success - multi-tasking is the route to mediocrity. First published October 7, 2014

## Frustration
Date: 2015-12-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/frustration/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work

As Eckhart Tolle said, “ Most people respond to a cry for help with a cry for help. ” Most people respond to frustration with frustration. Frustration, a self-inflicted misery, enjoys company.

Frustration is one of those words that has a range of meanings. For some people, frustration may mean ‘anger’. I view anger as a different mindset. I believe anger involves a different mix of neuro-transmitters/chemistry and neurons. So I encourage people to use the word ‘angry’ when they are angry take care when they use the word ‘frustration’. For some people, frustration may mean ‘annoyance’. However, I view annoyance as a different mindset…halfway between ‘neutral’, i.e., feeling Ho-Humm about something and feeling anger. Frustration is about not getting our way and feeling hard done by, like a victim. It's being troubled about the inability to control people, processes, and situations. It's about seeing problems without seeing solutions. Sometimes frustration is fleeting...like a hesitation that precedes or grows into anger. Sometimes frustration is a feeling of annoyance that tugs at us…negative mental thoughts that stall us and make us inactive. I think the lawyers have it right – Frustration prevents things from being successfully completed. So, for me, frustration is a very bad mental state, worse than anger. At least, anger has the potential to generate action – including positive, constructive action. Whereas, frustration tends to either remove positive action and when it does generate action that action is primarily victim-speak [cries for help]. And – as Eckhart Tolle said, “ Most people respond to a cry for help with a cry for help. ” Most people respond to frustration with frustration. Frustration, a self-inflicted misery, enjoys company.

## Know People
Date: 2015-12-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/know-people/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Family Business and CFFB, Father-to-Son Lessons, Hero Worship, Sales, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Father-to-Son Business Lesson #19 Below is a note sent by me to my son, over 5 years ago. This note was #19 in a long series of father-to-son Business Lessons. In this note, I was trying to present my thoughts about ‘ knowing people’ , as it relates to business and particularly to sales. *** “We must work continuously to understand ourselves and to understand others. This is important for business success in any role. This is important for business success in a Sales role. Responding in the same order you have written... Centaurs: just like "perfect salesmen", they do not exist Motivational Momentum: my philosophy is: "Only you can motivate you. Only me can motivate me. So, seek the motivation from within. If you wait for others to motivate you then you will be either disappointed or their slave." Sales: for sales this is the most-important lesson I can offer… Sales is not about products and product knowledge. Sales is not about services. The essence of sales is: the customer. The essence of the customer is: people. The essence of people: maybe it is 'emotions'? I think there is a good argument to support: the essence of people is emotions. Even if it is not the essence it is wrapped up in the same package as the essence....emotions, conscience, thought, wonder, etc. Sales is about understanding people. What they fear and what they desire.... What makes them happy? They want that. What do they fear? They want to avoid that. What do they need? They want that. The training for Sales is about knowing what makes people tick. The training for Business is about knowing what makes people tick. To learn sales - learn people. To learn people - start with yourself. What inspires you? What do you fear? What do you desire? What do you need? Those sorts of questions.... As you start to learn about yourself, and it will be a lifetime task, try to expand your knowledge of people by adding others....those you feel you can trust. Study famous people who clearly understood people: Gandhi, for example. Listen to motivational tapes: Covey's 7 Habits, etc Business = Sales = People. Get my point?” First posted July 5th, 2011

## Money & Motivation
Date: 2015-12-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/money-motivation/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Values: Personal Values

We want stuff. Stuff costs money. So, overall, money serves a positive function in our lives. Also overall, because of this positive function the vast majority of us have at least some fondness for money. And, again overall, our fondness places money in a 'role' where it can be construed as a source of motivation. Personally, I would not say, "Money motivates". On the other hand, I will write 'Money motivates' here because [as described above] money serves an important function in virtually all our lives...as a result, many people pursue money...and a lot of people interpret that to mean "money motivates". Stated another way, money is close to omnipresent. Being ubiquitous, from at least one perspective, it is illogical to state 'Money does not motivate'. Money is at the root of much human behaviour. Money is linked to the motivation of much human behaviour. To ensure that somewhat-philosophical introduction does not conflict with things I have written about motivation in the past - Motivation is an intrinsic phenomenon, either conscious or not-conscious. *** Now, some people talk about money as if it is the only valuable/meaningful thing in life. As a very good example, Kevin O’Leary filled the Dragons’ Den with his [apparent] obsessive love for money. And, we all know some people who spend huge amounts of time and brain-energy planning on how to get money without knowing how they plan to use it if/when it arrives. At the other end of the spectrum, some people shun money and almost all the things money can buy. As a very good example, Mohandas [Mahatma] Gandhi dressed in minimal clothing, often without shoes, and lived and ate most-frugally as he led the Indian people to independence in the 1940’s. While I do not know people who live anywhere near as modestly as Mahatma Gandhi, I do know people who have decided to live ‘minimally’ [no keeping up with the Joneses , no fancy cars, no fancy homes, or fancy clothing, etc.]. *** Most people I know do not treat money [and what it can buy] in the extreme ways described above. Most people I know view money as a thing worth having [the more the better], however, they do not place money on a pedestal or preach about or otherwise idolize money. Most people I have met over the last few decades communicate [one way or another, either intentionally or by their actions] that they do not have enough money. That’s my perspective on their behaviour and situations…and…that’s a topic for another day. *** Most people want stuff. Most people try to get/earn money to pay for stuff. So, there is a clear linkage between what people want, what people do, and their pursuit of money. *** For most people, money is valued because of what it can get you. For some people, money is valued because it can bring peace of mind.

## Fear - Motivation, Mother Nature's Way
Date: 2015-12-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/fear-motivation-mother-natures-way/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Fear is Mother Nature’s preferred method of motivation. People put up with Mother Nature when she brings fear. Perhaps, that’s because Mother Nature brings so many positive things to us?

Experts talk of the development of brains, from "reptilian" to "mammal' to "primate/human". From early reptilian times, apparently for about 300 million years, the reptilian brain has reacted more-or-less automatically to external stimuli. According to the experts, over many millions of years, brains evolved from simple/reptilian brains to more-sophisticated mammalian brains and finally to extremely-sophisticated human brains. [Nature's greatest creation] Reptilian brains are considered to be primitive and reactive…illustrating a complete lack of social skills and limited by pre-set tendencies to freeze, fight, or flee. Mammalian brains are capable of connection with one another. For example, wolves live in groups [packs], hunting together and to a degree serving one another. Primates and particularly their elite – the humans – have much more elaborate social capabilities. We possess mirror neurons which allow us to have an understanding of others thoughts and emotions. And the human brain contains a large cortex, which allows, among other things, logical thought. As human brains evolved the 'reptilian core' remained at the centre of things…reacting automatically to the wide array of fearful things presented by Mother Nature…freezing, fighting, and fleeing. In addition to these ‘natural’ reactions to the threats brought to us by Mother Nature, some of us [maybe all of us?], at least from time to time, also exhibit freeze/fight/flight reactions while we are interacting with our families in our homes and our coworkers in our offices. In these situations our reptilian brains can make our lives more complicated and stressful. Fear is Mother Nature’s preferred method of motivation. [The experts are quire certain that reptilian responses worked well for a few hundred million years.] Fear still motivates. [although I have argued against this in the past] Fear motivates in ways that save our lives. [assuming we find ourselves in life threatening situations and react properly] For some people in some situations, fear is countered by courage and heroic action follows. [...i.e., heroism is deemed an admirable response] And, some people create plans that help them condition themselves against fears to they take themselves beyond normal physiological reactions. [as examples, Navy Seals and the Dalai Lama know how to go beyond freeze/fight/flight] Regardless, we should not be confused about motivation and compete with the role of Mother Nature - we should not behave in ways that inject fear into our workplaces. [Workplace fears rarely bring about constructive reactions.] People put up with Mother Nature when she brings fear. Perhaps, that’s because Mother Nature brings so many positive things to us? People have less tolerance of the fears brought to them by other people. At best, fear-mongering generates temporary positive action. PS: If you buy into Ralph Waldo Emerson's views on compensation...the fear you present to others will become the fear that, sooner or later, comes back to bite you. [and your reptilian brain will not appreciate the bites]

## Stress and Anxiety: what's the difference?
Date: 2015-12-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stress-and-anxiety-whats-the-difference/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

OK - you've asked, What's the difference between stress and anxiety? But...you've forgotten...I'm the fellow who wrote ' Stretch in the direction of your Strengths '...just scratching the surface around the tip of the iceberg that includes stress and anxiety. Why not raise the ante and ask, What's the difference between stress, strain, pressure and anxiety? And, let's not forget the importance of the context. Do you have psychology in mind when you ask the question? Or, perhaps, engineering? Or, maybe even, physics or physiology or the depths of molecular biology? Beware the complexities ranging from rabbit holes to wormholes. All those complexities acknowledged, we can now set them aside and seek simple. I view stress and pressure as external things that impact on us - the causes; I view strain and anxiety as the internal things we experience - the effects. For me, workplace stress and workplace pressure are the same thing. For me, the strain we feel when exposed to workplace stress or pressure is anxiety. So to answer the question, What's the difference between stress and anxiety? Answer: Stress is the external cause and anxiety is the internal effect.

## Do Family Businesses Have Better Values? [revisited]
Date: 2015-12-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-family-businesses-have-better-values-revisited/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Values: Personal Values

Five years ago, I wrote a Thought Post with that title, Do Family Businesses Have Better Values? During the last 5 years I have been involved in many conversations with many family-business people about this topic. The consensus is – Yes, family businesses do have better Values. An observation – Regardless of what people think about Values in family business, there is another related facet to consider: the people who work at businesses led by family-people live with the personalities of those family-people. To the extent the family has better Values the non-family-people enjoy that environment. To the extent the family does not have better Values the non-family-people tolerate, grin & bear that [or they depart]. When family-business values are not inspiring, people either put up with the flawed family-business values or they depart in search of better values. If they stay, sooner or later, their talents and strengths are stifled and replaced with mediocrity or dysfunction. That’s a consequence of flawed family-business values. Talents and strengths never rise to the top when they live in environments laced with flawed values. Similarly, when people do not receive clear signals to confirm the presence of better values they tend to assume the worse…they tend to think values are less than ideal, likely flawed…i.e., this is one of those negative-bias tendencies people fall into. As a leader at a family business… What do you think? What values do you project at your business? What values do you want to project?

## Observe
Date: 2015-12-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/observe/ | Categories: Measure & Monitor, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Before you can accurately measure you must learn to observe. Isn’t it interesting that we have been taught much about measuring, using tape measures etc., yet we have been taught little about how to observe. Observing is an art-skill that apparently goes without saying so it is mostly left to chance. We rarely teach how to see [use our eyes], hear [use our ears], or feel [use our sense of touch]. We rarely teach how those ‘senses’ work with our brains to deliver information to our minds. For example - enhanced civilization has brought to us nano-accuracy in measurements...coupled with the inability to identify trees and their flowers or birds and their calls. Yes – of course we admonish, "Pay Attention!" We began to hear that from figures of authority when we were very young. We rarely teach anyone How to Pay Attention… …Let alone Why they ought to Pay Attention. [For example – Has anyone ever helped you understand the huge advantages you will experience if you understand both Why you should improve your observations and How you can go about learning the good habits of skilled observation?] And, another key consideration: How can you fully engage and employ your Talents if you lack the skills and habits of observation? The answer is simple enough: you cannot; in fact, without development of observation skills you cannot even understand your Talents let alone put them to constructive use. The good news is it is never too late. You may have never received observation education or training. Your children may have never received observation education or training. That is not a problem. That only becomes a problem if you now choose to ignore the need for observation education and training. Being graphic - If you choose to think there is no need for improved observation skills then you are wrong-thinking. If you choose to think there are no methods for improving observation skills then you are wrong-thinking. If you choose to 'live and let live' or 'live to learn another day' then you are wishful-thinking and setting the stage for life-long mediocrity. *** "Observe constantly that all things take place by change, and accustom thyself to consider that the nature of the Universe loves nothing so much as to change the things which are, and to make new things like them." Marcus Aurelius Roman Emperor ('Meditations', circa 180 AD)

## If we build it better, they will come.
Date: 2015-12-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-we-build-it-better-they-will-come/ | Categories: Abundance, Marketing, Sales

Branding, marketing, hype, buzz, relationships, and sales arm-twists…sure these things have some push, pull, and magnetism. If we do these things they may come.

The question is, Can we build it better ? And, the answer must be, Yes, of course we can make improvements and build it better. First, we must put on their shoes and walk a mile in them. Seeing things clearly, from their perspective , will ensure the changes we make will be improvements. When we build improvements & better value, they will come. Branding, marketing, hype, buzz, relationship calls, and sales arm-twists…sure these things have some push, pull, and magnetism. If we do these things they may come. On the other hand… If we build it better, they will come.

## Why can't you teach an old dog new tricks?
Date: 2015-12-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-cant-you-teach-an-old-dog-new-tricks/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Certainly, there must be some old dogs out there who can learn new tricks. Maybe people have sold old dogs short, writing them off too quickly. Or… Maybe most old dogs have written off humans, for giving up too quickly. Or... Maybe, under too much domestication, old dogs have evolved to rely on humans to evolve better teaching of new tricks. Or... Maybe old dogs need to be hungrier in order to learn new tricks. Regardless, I’m convinced some old dogs can learn new tricks. PS: On top of all this, there's that admonition about 'Letting sleeping dogs lie". I cannot see how sleeping dogs can possibly be liars...I need to see some concrete evidence waking dogs are liars before I can accept the concept that sleeping dogs can be liars. Seems to me it is time to reconsider the value of all the ancient wisdom involving our canine friends.

## Keep your goals in mind...and seek simpler paths.
Date: 2015-12-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/keep-your-goals-in-mindand-seek-simpler-paths/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Sales, Seeking Simple!

In Sales roles, it is essential to keep your eye on the finish line; understanding the hurdles between you and your goal is far more important than understanding the hurdles in your wake. And, following Ockham's razor or ancient wisdom - or, if you prefer, following the natural law of gravity - the simplest routes to success are generally the best routes. Complication and complexity confound and confuse. Simplicity brings skill development, speed & ease. Keep your goals in mind...and seek simpler paths.

## Perhaps it is time to revisit Personal Values?
Date: 2015-12-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/perhaps-it-is-time-to-revisit-personal-values/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Values: Personal Values

During a conversation last Friday, we were discussing personal values and my friend said something like, “ Well, they bring their values with them ”. This triggered a number of thoughts, which were important to me but not a good fit for the conversation last Friday. So, I promised [myself] I would write them down later …later is today. Yes – people do bring their personal values with them. If we work at it then we can get a sense of other people’s values by observing those other people. After we have observed people we make decisions about their character . According to experts, this assessment of character can happen very, very quickly. And, we do not need to rely on experts alone. We know this from firsthand experiences. Every once in a while we get immediate ‘bad vibes’, bad ‘gut feel’, when we meet someone. At the other extreme, we find other people ‘magnetic’. These positive and negative feelings contribute to our assessment of other people’s character. As we decide on character we make assumptions about the underlying personal values that create character. Yes – people do bring their personal values with them. But – we must understand more if we are to succeed in dealing with other people. As we observe and make decisions about people’s character and personal values we should not lose track of: Many people will not have taken the time to understand their own values/character For those who have worked at it, their self-analysis will be skewed by their bias: Often people look at themselves through rose-coloured glasses People rarely wear those glasses when they observe other people Few people get into open discussions of values and character When the stakes are high, personal values can take a back seat to personal needs Situations can cause personal values to take a back seat, particularly: When a person is under extreme stress When a person is subjected to a powerful yet dysfunctional leader When a person is surrounded by ‘mob thinking’ Situations can help people use their personal values to create Value for other people When people are encouraged to use their Strengths [talents, knowledge, skills] When people are comfortable with a powerful Values-grounded leader When people work in a harmonious environment, with success-orientation Bottom line: Corporate Culture is a process under the leader’s control… First posted November 2, 2010

## Do you believe trust is a fragile thing?
Date: 2015-12-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-believe-trust-is-a-fragile-thing/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Values: Personal Values

It seems to me, trust is a fragile thing. Two people share trust then one of them perceives an injustice and trust quickly comes into question. Whether the injury is 'real' or not, when the injury is perceived it is quite normal for the person who feels injured to retaliate...to seek revenge. Then trust is lost and anti-trust takes hold with a powerful appetite for growth. The key to sustaining trust often sits at the point where one party perceives the other has done an unjust/unfair/unkind thing. At that point of recognition there is still opportunity to remedy the situation quickly and easily...at least relatively quickly and relatively easily. When a perceived injury happens, the offending party may be oblivious. In many situations the real problem is the injured party has too-thin skin. Too-thin-skin and victim-thinking are common human frailties. These frailties are the consequence of lack of self-confidence. In other situations, the offending party may not be attentive or observant or empathic. Regardless of the reason, when one person perceives injury at the hands of another the offending party may be oblivious. The gap between of perceived injury and obliviousness is enough to fan the flames of distrust and revenge is, often, the natural conclusion. I say 'natural' because revenge isn't something reserved for the wicked and maladjusted. Revenge is in the genetic fabric of most human beings. Revenge does not have to happen. Revenge is like any other bad habit...it catches us, it gets repeated, it digs a deep habit-rut, then it owns us until the day we decide to work to overcome it. The best way to overcome revenge is to recognise it is not deviant behaviour. It is a natural behaviour that doesn't work too well in our current society. And, it is something a person can control if that person wishes to control it. First, we must identify the breeding ground for revenge. Revenge comes to life when we perceive offensive behaviour in others. So, we can nip revenge in the bud if we stop and think during the 'I-feel-offended stage'. We can be more trusting and cut the other person some slack. We can accept our self-biased tendencies. We can accept our tendencies to protect and bolster our own ego. We can choose to understand these tendencies cause us to over-react to other people's actions and cause us, regularly, to perceive offence where none exists. And knowing these things we can choose to ignore that little voice that tells us " That person just injured me. " When we choose not to be injured revenge-thinking will not arrive. As the saying goes, " You can act offensively but I don't have to feel offended. " Even if another person is truly offensive, we do not have to feel offended. It is a choice. If we choose to not feel offended then revenge-thinking will not arrive. Controlling egoic biases & refusing to be offended: we have these two ways to reduce/remove the need to feel revenge. When we practice these two ways they become good habits, good habits that breed trust between us and other people. Trust is a fragile thing - we can choose good habits that sustain & build it. First posted April 10,2014

## Confidence provides the building blocks for Relationships
Date: 2015-11-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/confidence-provides-the-building-blocks-for-relationships/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Values: Personal Values

I was about 30 years old when I learned that specific actions can be taken to build Confidence. I learned this from books, not directly from people. Perhaps, that's unusual? Perhaps, most people learn about plans and actions for Confidence at a much earlier age? Perhaps, most people learn about plans and actions for Confidence through direct conversations with other people? I did not...plans and actions for Confidence building just wasn't something people I knew discussed. And, it wasn't something I thought through and figured out on my own. Likely, my experience is not singular; I expect some, perhaps many, people do not know planned actions can bolster Confidence. This Thought Post is for those people...and for others who may need a reminder. There are many ways to build Confidence. Here is a summary-introduction to one example, from the work of Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Les Hewitt in their book 'The Power of Focus ', (2000). Six Confidence-Building Strategies Every day remind yourself that you did some things well: give yourself a mental pep talk at the beginning of the day Read inspiring biographies and autobiographies: build a file of the stories that inspire you most Be thankful: focus on the benefits you already enjoy Build excellent support around you: excellent relationships will boost you Push yourself to accomplish short-term goals: get things done Do something for yourself every week: celebrate your accomplishments *** Confidence is one of Spirited Leaders Values . When Confidence is healthy good things happen. Here is a link to Spirited Leaders' definition of Confidence . Here is a link to one of our favourite inspiring stories about Confidence . The words above were first posted January 24, 2012 Very recently, I reached the conclusion that confidence provides the building blocks for relationships. Confidence is the necessary starting ingredient for relationships. Without confidence there can be no ground for trust and without trust productive relationships are either not possible or quite uncomfortable.

## Fresh-squeezed Sales Juice
Date: 2015-11-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/fresh-squeezed-sales-juice/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Entrepreneur Thinking, Sales

What do you need to do to get your sales people juiced up about the amazing opportunities you see everywhere you look? First, does that question resonate with you? Specifically - Do you see amazing opportunities everywhere you look? I hear entrepreneurs say that all the time. Entrepreneurs see lots of opportunities. And, entrepreneurs are often puzzled because people who follow them do not see the opportunities or have trouble ‘capturing’ them. I hear that often…not necessarily as complaints…just statements of the facts as entrepreneurs see them. Entrepreneurs and other business leaders want to capture opportunities. These people are builders and opportunities enable growth. So, it is important to find ways to juice up sales activities to capture the amazing opportunities. Yet, many entrepreneurs struggle with this. Entrepreneurs know they need to juice up sales activities but they have trouble figuring out how to get it done. Here are some suggestions on how to juice up sales activities : Complete a down-deep-and-personal assessment of your sales staff. Spend a little time on assessments. Spend more time on assessments. Understand personal strengths and personal weaknesses. This is the key. Really Understand Your Sales People Personality . Skip the formalities. Use few words. Use simple words. Remember the …address the 20% that impacts 80%, forget the rest. Just cover the most-important things…with clarity. Create a Bare-Bones Marketing Plan 80/20 Rule . Engage People Strengths: Each of your sales people has specific strengths. Make sure each person understands his/her individual, specific strengths and how those strengths mesh with role activities and sales success. Adjust work activities to fit the people strengths. Each sales person must be allowed to engage his/her individual strengths. Do not force sales people to conform to a fixed set of sales activities…allow your unique people to succeed uniquely . Plan Around or Over the Gaps…Not Through Them : Accept the fact there will be gaps. Your people will not be able to do things the way you do things so do not use yourself as the performance benchmark. There will be individual gaps [each sales person will have personal weaknesses] and there will be group gaps [overall weak areas, ie, activities where no one on your sales team is strong]. Do not fight those gaps. Do not attempt to change sales people so they fill the gaps. Just engage people strengths to fill gaps. Apply the 80/20 Rule …work on no more than 20% of the gaps. If your people do not have the necessary strengths then hire people with the strengths required to fill the gaps. Often, you will find yourself wanting to hire hunters. Again, that 80/20 Rule applies…at best 20% of sales people are hunters. Set Some Rules…Carefully : Be careful. You should have just enough rules to make sure sales people understand the game . Don’t spoil the game . Do not micro-manage. Lead By Example…Discuss Carefully : Do deals. Provide ideas. Be careful. Make sure you convey the fact your sales activity works for you but it will not necessarily work for others. In fact, it is unlikely it will work for others. Every sales person needs to understand how to put his/her strengths to best use. That is a key message. Repeat it often. Work to help people make it happen. Footnote: 80/20 Rule: The Pareto principle (also known as the 80/20 Rule , the law of the vital few, and the principle of factor sparsity ) states that, for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.

## Talents & Strengths - another perspective
Date: 2015-11-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/talents-strengths-another-perspective/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Talents are innate. They are the substances that define us and make us unique. They are our traits and characteristics; they guide/dictate what we do and stand to explain why we do what we do. If we dig deep enough and study our Talents then we understand why we feel how we feel when we perform Tasks . The Gallup Organization teaches Talents + Knowledge + Skills = Strengths. Malcolm Gladwell teaches – even the most Talented people must spend about 10,000 hours to develop master-level skills. I have emphasized that by inserting the word ‘Practised’ in front of skills. Napoleon Hill taught the importance of ‘Specialized’ Knowledge, in contrast with General Knowledge as provided in libraries. Today, of course, knowledge is much more available to one and all. So, what was Specialized Knowledge today will be General Knowledge – say, in Wikipedia – tomorrow. This is what I call global commoditization . We must be on a continuous quest for Specialized Knowledge in order to keep ahead of the global pack. And, of course, in addition to being curious we must be inventive . I have inserted Opportunities into the Strengths equation . Without Opportunities, Talents & Strengths will be wasted. Business leaders are in the best position to provide Opportunities . And, that’s exactly what they must do.

## More About Perfectionists
Date: 2015-11-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/more-about-perfectionists/ | Categories: Abundance, Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

What matters is criticisms have generated heightened anxieties and, over time, those anxieties have gained a high level of control over the mind. And, the combinations of criticism and anxiety have led to perfectionism.

A year and a half ago I wrote some thoughts and questions About Perfectionists . Since writing that Thought Post , I have read psychologists' views describing the linkages between anxiety and perfectionism. Psychologists, at least some of them, believe anxieties can build around thoughts about the need to perform work well. These thoughts are held until the anxieties 'take over' and the mindset becomes one of perfectionism. Criticism is a play here...in the perfectionist's mind. Perhaps, it appears to be self-criticism. However, it seems to me that 'self-criticism' does not develop in the absence of prior 'external criticism'. Likely, the external criticism began many years before perfectionism appeared. Excessive criticism of children by parents or other authority figures likely is the major contributor to if not the root cause of perfectionism. That external criticism might have been real. Or, I suppose, it could be perceived. Then, as the saying goes, perception is reality ...so, it likely doesn't make any difference if external criticism was real or perceived/imagined. What matters is criticisms have generated heightened anxieties and, over time, those heightened anxieties have gained a high level of control over the mind. And, the combinations of criticism and anxiety have led to perfectionism. That is plausible. That provides some clues as to how leaders should react to perfectionism. Leaders must take care when they observe perfectionism in action. Leaders should avoid reactions/actions that could expand anxieties experienced by perfectionists. Leaders must understand they may need help from professionals who are trained to help people who experience excessive anxiety.

## Egos At Work - revisited
Date: 2015-11-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/egos-at-work-revisited-ego/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Personalities @ Work

When I use the word ‘ego’, I mean that little voice that talks to you from within your head. You may have noticed: when you are in a conscious and lucid state, that little voice of ego talks incessantly. I have likened it to a little panel of judges …ego is always ready to judge you…and ego is even more ready to judge others. The ego, acting like a little panel of judges in your head, judges quickly and harshly. It has opinions on everything and everyone. It is always making demands and suggestions on how you should go about making yourself feel good and look good. Your ego [and my ego and everyone else’s ego] spends all its time seeking something ‘better’. Ego is the human, all too human, side of human being . Ego continuously seeks more pleasure. Ego continuously seeks less pain. Your ego continuously seeks approval from other people...and regularly falls short of receiving the level of approval it seeks. Your ego finds itself in ongoing skirmishes involving 'right' and 'wrong'...ego gets whipsawed by conscience as it works to reign over your inside and your outside voices. *** Here’s a different perspective on ego… We have said people behave like Riders on Elephants on Paths . Now we are saying ego is the source of your behaviours. You have your Elephant-And-Rider combo . Every person has an Elephant-And-Rider combo . Each Elephant-And-Rider combo has its little voice called ‘ego’. *** When your little voice of ego speaks to you from inside your head it wants very much to get its way. Your ego has a powerful and compelling force. Yet, your ego is often misguided. Bad Habits are the consequence of ego working to 'get its way' when the ego is misguided…and the ego is misguided quite a bit of the time. Taking full advantage of the Haidt metaphor…your ego is misguided when your Elephant overpowers your Rider. When that happens, your ego will make misguided demands. First posted September 1, 2011 *** More thoughts about Egos: Egos, Communication, & Positive Changes

## Errors, Good Habits, & Bad Habits
Date: 2015-11-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/errors-good-things-bad-things/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

When we make errors we generally experience at least a twinge of anxiety. Sometimes, the anxiety is minor and short-lived. Other times, the anxiety is extreme and it leads to the bad habits of rumination and worry, both of which can be quite debilitating.

When we make errors we generally experience at least a twinge of anxiety . Sometimes, the anxiety is minor and short-lived. Other times, the anxiety is extreme and it leads to the bad habits of rumination and worry, both of which can be quite debilitating. Sometimes, when we make errors we repeat them over and over as bad habits. These errors can be considered intentional errors …we know we are doing the wrong thing yet we do it anyhow. Bad habits, including repeated intentional errors, take us away from our long-term goals. We have bad habits and we make these errors because we are human and laziness, short-term gratification Sometimes, when we make errors we learn lessons that bring about good habits. It seems to me there are two common types of errors that bring about good habits: Accidental errors, where the consequences of the errors surprise us in a small, negative way…for example, when we say something that offends a person Intentional errors, where the consequences of the errors surprise us in a big, negative way…sometimes the consequences go beyond big/negative to catastrophic, like the straw that breaks the camel’s back The key points: Errors trigger anxiety…we do better than we know this fact of life and have ways of dealing with the anxiety when it arrives [nipping anxiety in the bud, so it does not have a chance to grow] Errors, when repeated, can become bad habits Errors, when corrected, can lead to good habits Sometimes errors are surprises - accidents [i.e., new things] Sometimes errors are the result of a short-term gratification out-muscling a long-term goal …i.e., a, failure of willpower – intentional [i.e., bad habits] Finally – Strategies for managing error-induced anxiety can lead to happier, more-productive lives.

## Nobody Likes Tired People
Date: 2015-11-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/nobody-likes-tired-people/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Personalities @ Work, Spirited Leaders

When you get right down to it, nobody likes tired people. You cannot count on tired people. Tired people may not be there when you want or need their help. Tired people lower the energy bar…others tend to mirror their lack of energy…so when tired people enter the room the atmosphere becomes de-energized. Tired people may not finish the tasks at hand…they may run out of energy before the job is done. Tired people may quit too quickly, quit too easily…giving up before the goal is achieved…letting down co-workers. There’s a long list of reasons why nobody likes tired people. In addition, for a variety of reasons, Nobody Likes: Lazy people People who lie, cheat, or steal Loud people Greedy people Demanding people People who boast People who complain Angry people Intolerant people People who know it all Disagreeable people Argumentative people Holier-than-thou people Smug people Condescending people Arrogant people With a little more thought we could add a number of other off-putting personality traits/operating styles. When you stop to think of it, there sure are lots of ways to annoy other people and put them off. Putting one another off: that's part of the human condition. This leads to two conclusions: We need thick skin . We will, at least from time to time, exhibit off-putting behaviour. Others will be put off by our behaviour and they will make that clear to us by expressing criticism. We must be prepared for that. When it arrives, we must keep our ego in check. We must accept that as part of the human condition. We must focus on desired goals rather than undesired behaviour [on the route to those goals]. We need to fight the urge to criticize others . We are susceptible to Attribution Bias , which distorts our view of reality and our view of other people's frailties and errors. We cannot allow ourselves to get bogged down in petty-opinion conflicts. We must focus on goals ...we must focus on the Why! We must help others perform the tasks that lead to successful performance.

## You gotta learn how to tune strings before you can become a rock star!
Date: 2015-11-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-gotta-learn-how-to-tune-strings-before-you-can-become-a-rock-star/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Plan: Writing Plans, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

That concept holds true if you want to be a successful business leader. It isn't a question of patience. It's a question of competence. It's about what it takes to develop competence. Competence is about 4 things: innate talent opportunities to try, fail, & learn specialized knowledge and skills, gained through practice These 4 things define Strengths & Performance Mastery . These 4 things require time: Malcolm Gladwell claims it takes 10,000 hours...that said, patience is a necessary ingredient...but patience is only a means to the end, which is competence . And - it's about more than strengths and performance mastery [competence]. At the bottom line. it's about leadership, including: attitude values vision strategy tactics influence and inspiration *** Inspire People Influence Action Grow Wealth!

## More bite-sized success
Date: 2015-10-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/more-bite-sized-success/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Measure & Monitor, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Most people fail because they quit. Most people quit because they get frustrated. Most people get frustrated because they don't know how to measure success. Most people don't know how to measure success because they never took the time to think about how they might be able to accomplish that measurement. Most people don't understand the value in breaking work down into bite-sized tasks, which can be measured. When we break success into bite-sized pieces of action we can measure it. When we measure actions we can see small successes. When we see small successes we can celebrate them. When we celebrate small successes we self motivate. When we self motivate we increase our chances of future successes. When we measure and understand our small successes we see they are accumulating and we gain confidence. When we gain confidence we increase the likelihood of ultimate success...achievement of our long-term Goals...attainment of our Vision. This is the sort of logic that allows us to understand the value embedded in goals, specifically when vivid long-term vision is built upon measurable short-term actions. first version posted on Oct 21, 2014

## Success & Self-Reliance
Date: 2015-10-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/success-self-reliance/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts

It seems to me self-reliance weakens or slips away from time to time. You may not know it has slipped away because some successful people develop the ability to show their ‘game face’ even while their stomachs and minds are churning with stress and worry.

Are you one of those people who has boundless energy regardless of what other people are doing? Or are you one of those people whose energy diminishes when other people fail to perform up to your expectations? It seems to me that many people fall into these two categories, these two polar-opposite categories. Of course, the self-help gurus talk about the first type when they describe the successful people, the leaders, the people who accomplished incredible things during their lifetimes. Indomitable - that's perhaps one of the best words to describe these high-energy/high-sustained-energy people. It seems to me self-reliance weakens or slips away from time to time. Even for the strongest and most-successful people - even for people who get books written about them – self-reliance must slip away, at least from time to time. You may not know it has slipped away because some successful people develop the ability to show their ‘game face’ even while their stomachs and minds are churning with stress and worry. When self-reliance slips away, that’s not failure. It is part of being human. The important things are: how long it takes to return and how fully it returns. Resilient – When self-reliance slips away then returns quickly and fully, we see resilience in action. Perhaps, we have greater respect for the people who slip and fall then get back up, wipe themselves off, and press on with renewed vigour? Self-reliant signals the above things. It signals people who are comfortable relying upon themselves and not relying upon what other people do. Self-reliance signals people who accept the obligation of inspiring their own actions and, of more importance, it signals people who are accountable for inspiring the energies that fuel their own actions. "Relying Upon" ... Whom ... Why not self? "Influencing" ... Whom ... Why not self? Footnote: The words in blue font were added this week. The words in black font were first posted August 11, 2014 .

## Knee-jerk Thoughts & Half-Baked Ideas
Date: 2015-10-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/knee-jerk-thoughts-half-baked-ideas/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Automatic thought happens when the brain is switched ‘On’ and the mind is switched ‘Off’. Automatic thought has two forms: True/helpful Insights Knee-jerk Thoughts

Do you think thinking just happens automatically? Do you think you think well? Do you find your brain is prone to operate in knee-jerk mode? *** Sure, thinking does happen automatically. However, outside of the occasional gem of insight , automatic thinking is the lowest level of thinking. One way of looking at automatic thought: automatic thought happens when the brain is switched ‘On’ and the mind is switched ‘Off’. Automatic thought has two forms: True/helpful Insights Knee-jerk Thoughts True/helpful Insights – we all receive them from time to time. However, they represent a very small portion of our thoughts…for most people true/helpful insights happen so rarely it is reasonable to forecast they make up perhaps 1% of automatic thoughts. The other 99% of automatic thoughts are knee-jerk thoughts. Knee-jerk Thoughts come in two forms: Automatic Negative Thoughts [Dr. Daniel Amen coined the term ‘ANTs’…link to Thought Posts about ANTs ]…ANTs cover a full range of emotion-laced negative thoughts, which often lead to negative actions and inactions: fears, worries, anxieties, bad attitude, etc...and all the bad habits that stem from these negative states of mind Half-baked Ideas …these take our thoughts and actions on wild goose chases, down rabbit holes and up pipe dreams Knee-jerk thoughts consume and waste much energy. While it is impossible [and therefore unwise] to try to remove all knee-jerk thoughts, attitudes and outlooks improve when ANTs are controlled and half-baked ideas are tested before they waste too much energy...half-baked ideas need to be 'oven tested'. ANTs respond well to cognitive behavioural therapies. Half-baked ideas respond well when tested under oven-approved recipes that blend in common sense [particularly, wisdom of the ages], open-mindedness, a sense of adventure, and a pinch of creativity. *** Is your brain prone to operate in knee-jerk mode? ...might want to work on that. After all, knee jerks are much different than more sophisticated leg movements such as those involved in walking...let alone running in the right direction.

## The pros and cons of crastination
Date: 2015-10-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-pros-and-cons-of-crastination/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Humour

It seems to me we ought to re-define procrastination. While dictionaries generally define it as delaying or putting off doing something, in day-to-day conversation procrastination has a bad reputation. Most people think procrastination is a bad thing...so they admonish themselves and others who do it [actually, at a more granular level, I mean 'don't do it']. Anyhow, because it has evolved with such a negative image I think it is time to re-define procrastination as follows: If you put things off and feel good about it - I mean, if you feel only good and never bad about it - that's procrastination. If you put things of f and feel bad about it - I mean, if you feel anxiety or worry or some other negative feeling - that's concrastination. Then, putting things off and feeling neither good nor bad becomes crastination...[which, I acknowledge, requires some care in pronunciation...and perhaps spell-checking too?]. *** Regardless... There's no question - procrastination has its pros and cons. In fact, I continue to see value in procrastinating for success .

## If you treat people like losers, you will not see them win.
Date: 2015-10-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-treat-people-like-losers-you-will-not-see-them-win/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

If you treat people like losers, you will not see them win: You will see some of them lose You will see the rest of them leave Some people tolerate abuse. There's never a positive reason behind that tolerance. Perhaps, they tolerate your abuse because they are in fear [and fear is closely related to weakness]. Often, weak people stay in abusive situations. Rarely, do they 'win'...so, you see them lose. Perhaps, they tolerate your abuse because they have a hidden agenda. If this is the case then their goals do not align with your goals so they stay and work in dysfunctional ways to get what they are after. Meanwhile, you get to sense their dysfunction and watch them fail to achieve the goals you have chosen for them. You see them lose. These people may or may not be weak...unless you define deviousness as a weakness...in which case they will qualify as weak. Some people are stronger than others. You probably will not be too skilled at perceiving this because you have the habit of abusing people. On the other hand, if people leave after you abuse them then it is a safe bet they were your strong people. When these people leave you will not see them win. [Except when they choose to compete with you…in which case you will have the opportunity to receive repeated doses of feedback about their successes.]

## Don't agonize over things done.; don't hold too dearly prizes won.
Date: 2015-10-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-agonize-over-things-done-dont-hold-too-dearly-prizes-won/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Mistakes are a fundamental piece of the human condition. Everybody makes mistakes. At least, that's our perception. We perceive others making mistakes - perhaps that started two ways: (1) when we were first told we could not do things we wanted to do and (2) when we first noticed people not doing things the way we thought those things should have been done. We perceive our own mistakes - we notice ourselves doing things we think are wrong and we notice some things we do bring about undesirable results. Sometimes our mistakes barely register...like passing little, harmless faux pas . Other times we perceive our mistakes as major, problematic. Whether or not our mistakes have little or large consequences, sometimes we learn from them and sometimes we do not. When we learn from our mistakes we pave the path for good habits. When we to not learn from our mistakes we pave the path for bad habits. Sometimes, we agonize over our mistakes. We analyse them ad nauseam . We try in vain to sort out why we did them. We wish we could undo the damage they created. We wish we had the opportunity to relive past experiences and get it right the second time. All of this wishing and agonizing - all this grieving over our mistakes - goes way beyond learning from our mistakes and places us in a self-destructive mind zone. So, from time to time we need to remind ourselves: "Don't agonize over things done." *** Recognition of success is a fundamental piece of the human condition. Everybody yearns for recognition. At least, that's our feeling. When we do things successfully, gratification [when it comes] comes to us two ways: (1) intrinsically - self-satisfaction around tasks well done and (2) extrinsically - approving feedback from others. All of this recognition around tasks well performed can be viewed as prizes. We deliver some of the prizes to ourselves. We receive some of the prizes from others. Some of the prizes are intangible. Some are tangible. Sometimes, we downplay these prizes...having trouble receiving recognition and/or pretending we do not value them. Sometimes, we hold them so tightly they become a routine. Sometimes, we become consumed by the memories of past successes. Sometimes we repeat stories about them over and over and over...like the 'Glory Days' in that Bruce Springsteen song. We grope and grasp at our stories of the past...desperately holding on to past-directed thoughts...desperately holding on to our prizes...and missing the opportunities to succeed in new ways. So, from time to time we need to remind ourselves: "Don't hold too dearly prizes won."

## Money, Pay Cheques, Family-Business Anxiety & Anger
Date: 2015-10-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/money-family-business-anxiety-anger/ | Categories: Abundance, Family Business and CFFB

Each person in a family business has an opinion about the value of his or her services. Put another way, each person has an opinion on how much he or she should be paid. Do you know those opinions at your business? Do you agree with those opinions? Money - specifically, the size of pay cheques received by family members - can become a big problem in family business. Some people have told me that money's not a problem at their family business because their children - all the siblings - get paid the same amount. Other family-business people - some of those siblings - have complained to me that they are only paid the same amount as their brothers and sisters...who contribute far less value. A couple of things are clear: pay-cheque money is important and discussions of money are not happening and/or are not handled well. There is another factor: the pay-cheque discussions or the verbal and silent objections around pay-cheques can permeate the family...in the business environment and in the family homes. Money disputes can sour family members against one another and the resulting injuries they inflict on one another often spread into the workplace. Pay-cheque money is a sensitive issue…whether the shy family members say so or not. An essential consideration… How do you communicate about the money paid to the family members at your family business?

## Where there's a will there's a way. [Where there's no way there's no will.]
Date: 2015-10-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/where-theres-a-will-theres-a-way-where-theres-no-way-theres-no-will/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude

I can not conclude they will fail to meet their goals. While that might always be a possibility, it makes no sense to conclude it shall be the outcome. I cannot embrace that sort of attitude-death-spiral mindset.

I can not conclude people shall fail to meet their goals. While that might always be a possibility, it makes no sense to conclude it shall be the outcome. I cannot embrace that sort of attitude-death-spiral mindset. I'm thinking, " Where there's a will there's a way. " Also, I'm thinking, " Where there's no way there's no will. " [And who with spark wants to be surrounded by either no will or no way let alone an absence of both?] I'm thinking, " Will and way are inseparable partners: if we find one of them we know the other must be close by. " Rather than accepting there's no way, I'm keeping my eyes open for will. If it is clear will is not present then the question requiring an answer shall be, " If there's truly no will here then where has will gone? " The answer to that question shall provide a good option...at least one good option. That one good option shall be - tracking will down and discovering its way. Regardless, it's just plain wrong to conclude people shall fail to achieve their goals...unless, of course, that thought causes you to bolt for greener pastures. On your greener pastures you are sure to see will finding its way.

## When the going gets tough the tough get going...[that's the way to go].
Date: 2015-10-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-the-going-gets-tough-the-tough-get-goingthats-the-way-to-go/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude

You can count on certain people. You can count on them when the path is smooth and easy. And you can count on them when the path is rough and the going is tough. You can count on certain people to soldier on. Despite their quirks - despite their weaknesses - regardless of their 'style', you can count on certain people to soldier on when the going gets tough. It is interesting to observe these people in action. What special characteristics do they possess that drives them to press on while others falter and stall and shrink away and lay down and quit? And observe yourself. How do you stack up? Do you pull up your bootstraps when the going gets tough? Do you lift others up, place them on your shoulders, and carry them through the difficult times? Richard Carlson taught, ' don't sweat the small stuff ' and ' it's all small stuff '. I'm thinking I should sidestep that sort of thinking as long as possible. Instead, I should get myself charged up about the tough things - life's challenges - the endless string of challenges that lie in wait for me just beyond all the inevitable road-forks in my future. I'm thinking I must always be prepared to choose to not falter, not stall, not shrink away, not lay down, and I must never quit. There - I feel much better - all the annoying and troubling things I've been fretting about have been shaken off and are now officially forgotten-history.

## I've never met a leader, including the bad ones, who did not exhibit superior skills in the area of attention to detail.
Date: 2015-10-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ive-never-met-a-leader-including-the-bad-ones-who-did-not-exhibit-superior-skills-in-the-area-of-attention-to-detail/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

I've never met a leader, including the bad ones, who did not exhibit superior skills in the area of attention to detail. [That comment was first published September 16, 2014 - Leaders skills can be damned annoying - and it generated some questions.] *** Now – I’m not saying they exhibit a superior overall level of attention to detail. While I believe that is likely true, it is not the point I am trying to make here. The point is - leaders, both the highly-successful ones and average ones, focus their attention on selected things and dig deep into the details of those selected things. In this way, leaders exhibit superior attention-to-detail skills. Leaders: select/choose topics of key interest to them, focus/hone their attention on those chosen topics, and sustain/repeat that intense attention for long periods of time. These 3 actions – selecting topics of interest, focusing attention on those topics, and sustaining that attention – are what leaders do to a far greater degree than other people. And, these 3 actions promote increased knowledge in specific areas and increased attention-to-detail [in those specific areas]. *** If you accept the concept of brain neuroplasticity , as described in detail over 100 years ago, and as proven scientifically during recent years, then you will understand how the above 3 actions ‘feed upon themselves’ to grow solid and unshakable thought processes. These deep-rooted thought processes serve specialists as they master action-skills and develop strength in performance . *** When leaders do the 3 things described above, they are thinking and acting in ways that take them toward their long-term goals. The 3 things, by definition, are good habits ...good leadership habits. In summary - all leaders do the 3 things: select topics, focus attention, & sustain attention. Other people are less selective, less focused, and give up more quickly. Of course, some leaders possess far greater skills than others and some leaders make better choices than others. As a result, some leaders succeed and achieve their long-term goals while other leaders do not.

## Improving Attention, Focus, & Concentration --- starting with understanding them
Date: 2015-09-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/improving-attention-focus-concentration-starting-with-understanding-them/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Spirited definitions... Attention is when interest is captured. Concentration is when Attention is narrowed. Focus is when Concentration is intensified. *** Merriam-Webster dictionary: Attention the act or power of carefully thinking about, listening to, or watching someone or something notice, interest, or awareness special care or treatment Concentration the ability to give your attention or thought to a single object or activity the ability to concentrate the act of giving your attention to a single object or activity a large amount of something in one place Focus a subject that is being discussed or studied the subject on which people's attention is focused a main purpose or interest a point at which rays of light, heat, or sound meet or from which they move apart or appear to move apart the point at which an image is formed by a mirror, a lens, etc.

## The Joy(?) of Business Stress & Struggle
Date: 2015-09-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-joy-of-business-stress-struggle/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Sometimes, people repeat the same interpersonal battles, day after day: battling the same people; arguing about the same topics; using the same [losing] combat strategies and tactics - giving no ground, gaining no ground.

Many people appear to enjoy the day-to-day struggles of business. We see them choosing to fight the same battles, repeating the same struggles over and over. Sometimes, they repeat the same interpersonal battles, day after day: battling the same people; arguing about the same topics; using the same [losing] combat strategies and tactics - giving no ground, gaining no ground. Stresses run high during these repeat battles, in some situations to almost unbearable heights. Regardless, the battles rage on and on and on…repeating themselves over and over and over. Many people seek no help to put an end to these battles. Many people refuse help when it is offered. Many people choose to remain on the interpersonal battlefield…accepting the status quo, accepting the useless struggles, and accepting the resulting business failures. Why? Why do business people choose to fight the same battles over and over and over? Are they simply brutes for punishment? Do they believe there are no better ways? Or, do they derive gratification from such experiences? Do they enjoy dragging others into the battles, killing energy and killing success-spirit? Do you have any of these people at your business? If so – what are you doing about it? What are you doing to ensure your business is not bogged down in personality-challenged battles?

## On Purpose, With Willpower – and a willpower development tip
Date: 2015-09-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-purpose-with-willpower-and-a-willpower-development-tip/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Does your willpower have a fighting chance? Do your thoughts about the future contain hope? Do you believe you have the ability to change/determine your fate?

What awesome power lies in the combination of strong willpower guided by strong definite life-purpose. Willpower is wonderful, but without proper guidance it consumes energy without purpose. Definite purpose is wonderful, but without willpower to guide and control action it is unattainable. When strong and combined, willpower and definite purpose are destined to succeed…and be accompanied by lives well lived. Are you living on purpose ? Are you living with willpower ? Are you living on purpose with willpower ? If not, why not… Through ignorance...you've never learned about purpose and willpower? Through lack of hope...you do not believe you have the ability to change/determine your fate? Because you doubt purpose and willpower are the key ingredients...you think there is a better way? published July 21, 2015 *** Willpower Development Tip from Frank Channing Haddock, ‘ Power of Will ’, (1910) "The effort to overcome an aversion always develops Will." "Determine that nothing which you must touch more or less habitually shall control the sensation which it produces."

## Success Keys: Drive, Intelligence, & Willpower
Date: 2015-09-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/success-keys-drive-intelligence-willpower/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Drive, intelligence, and willpower are the three qualities shared by all successful people. People are born with natural abilities in these three areas...or, at least, with various levels of propensities to establish these three qualities. People, to various degrees, are capable of learning and improving in these three areas. Drive involves energy and desires. Intelligence involves right things at right times. Willpower involves choices, particularly about self-control. Success can be short-lived or sustainable. The duration of success is dependant upon the nature of long-term goals and the duration of drive and willpower. Lack of intelligence leads to poor long-term goals. Spasmodic drive and willpower generate, at best, short-lived success. To achieve meaningful life-long goals, energy and willpower must be maintained throughout life. Energy and willpower levels do not have to be unfailing, i.e., continuously high. That's unrealistic. Energy ebbs and flows. So, the energy consumers 'drive' and 'willpower' ebb and flow as energy follows cycles of depletion and refreshment. For long-term success, drive and willpower must be sustained at much higher than average levels. It takes intelligence to figure out how to sustain high energy levels throughout life. It takes intelligence to sustain goal-directed drive and goal-directed willpower. It takes drive and willpower to build intelligence.

## Use your Brain - Improve your Eyes and Ears!
Date: 2015-09-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/use-your-brain-improve-your-eyes-and-ears/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Before you can accurately measure you must learn to observe. Isn’t it interesting that we have been taught much about measuring, using tape measures etc., yet we have been taught little about how to observe. Observing is an art-skill that apparently goes without saying so it is mostly left to chance. We rarely teach how to see [use our eyes], hear [use our ears], or feel [use our sense of touch]. We rarely teach how those ‘senses’ work with our brains to deliver information to our minds. For example - enhanced civilization has brought to us nano-accuracy in measurements...coupled with the inability to identify trees and their flowers or birds and their calls. Yes – of course we admonish, "Pay Attention!" We began to hear that from figures of authority when we were very young. We rarely teach anyone How to Pay Attention… …Let alone Why they ought to Pay Attention. [For example – Has anyone ever helped you understand the huge advantages you will experience if you understand both Why you should improve your observations and How you can go about learning the good habits of skilled observation? ] And, another key consideration: How can you fully engage and employ your Talents if you lack the skills and habits of observation? The answer is simple enough: you cannot; in fact, without development of observation skills you cannot even understand your Talents let alone put them to constructive use. The good news is it is never too late. You may have never received observation education or training. Your children may have never received observation education or training. That is not a problem. That only becomes a problem if you now choose to ignore the need for observation education and training. Being graphic - If you choose to think there is no need for improved observation skills then you are wrong-thinking. If you choose to think there are no methods for improving observation skills then you are wrong-thinking. If you choose to 'live and let live' or 'live to learn another day' then you are wishful-thinking and setting the stage for life-long mediocrity.

## What engineers know about people's strengths
Date: 2015-09-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-engineers-know-about-peoples-strengths/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Don't go against the grain; stretch in the direction of your strengths. Engineering teaches us about tensile forces and shear forces. Tensile forces are forces that stretch things. For example, if we hold two ends of a rope in our hands and pull the rope then the rope is under tension...and it stretches. The more force we apply the more the rope stretches. Shear forces are forces that cut. For example, if we take a pair of shears we can cut through the cross-section of the rope. It takes much less force to shear the rope than it takes to pull both ends of the rope and break it into two pieces. Engineers would say it takes less shear force than tensile force to cause the rope to fail. In layman's terms: the rope likes to stretch in the direction of its strength and the rope is less tolerant when the force is applied against its grain. People have strengths and weaknesses. With respect to strengths and weaknesses, each person is unique. People can stretch and grow in the directions of their personal strengths...and people do not do well when we apply force against their weaknesses. In business, we need to make sure we know people's strengths and weaknesses...this, of course, is better than assuming people's strengths and weaknesses or not bothering to understand people's strengths and weaknesses. This applies in the broadest of terms: it applies to industry-technical strengths and weaknesses; it applies to interpersonal/communication strengths and weaknesses; it applies to situation -strengths and situation-weaknesses; it applies to individuals and it applies to work-teams. We should help people stretch in the direction of their strengths...this inspires people and provides them the opportunity to be self-motivated and to excel. We should work to use one person's strengths to cover another person's weakness...this is better than cutting against the grain . We should anticipate situations that resonate with strengths and situations that resonate with weaknesses. These are important leader and manager responsibilities. PS: instead of saying tensile stress , some engineers would call it normal stress . That makes for an even more compelling argument. When we stretch in the direction of our strengths...that's normal. When we cut across our weaknesses...it hurts. PPS: this overlaps the fact that constructive criticism is an oxymoron . Most of the time, criticism hits people right on their weak spots. revisited - originally posted October 2, 2012

## Courage - Spirited Leaders' #1 Value    [revisited]
Date: 2015-09-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-spirited-leaders-1-value-revisited/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Spirited Leaders, Values: Personal Values

Courage is our company’s Key Value. In summary, we have chosen Courage for our Key Value because: Courage enables Self-Knowledge and When it is backed by Courage, Self-Knowledge can be the foundation of most, if not all, other major values, traits, qualities, and attributes that contribute to character. If our personal value systems are like dominoes then Courage must be the first domino of desirable character. When it comes to personal character, no other domino can take the place of Courage. Dominoes fall in sequence… Courage Self-Knowledge Self-Confidence That domino sequence was simplified…in practice, it would be a more complicated sequence: Courage Self-Knowledge Self-Education Self-Confidence Here I mean ‘Self-Education’ in its broadest sense. It includes other dominoes like introspection and [if we want it to] autosuggestion [self-talk]. The main point is, when Courage is present Self-Confidence can grow. If we remove Courage then Self-Confidence cannot grow. Courage enables Self-Confidence. With dedication, Self-Confidence can be self-taught. Coaches can help us understand the dominoes but they cannot give them to us. We have to create our own dominoes and we have to use them regularly. The process of developing Self-Confidence only works if it is backed by Courage. *** Self-Confidence is a ‘great enabler’. Courage is the ‘great enabler’. *** We may have different views about the routes the dominoes of personal character take. But, we should agree Courage enables some very-positive things… Action Decisiveness Enthusiasm Faith Hope Inspiration Leadership 1 Optimism Persistence Self-Confidence Self-Knowledge *** Considering all these dominoes linked to Courage, it is easy to see... Courage enables Conviction Courage enables Creativity Courage enables positive Change *** Footnote: (1) In his 1937 classic, ‘ Think and Grow Rich’ , Napoleon Hill selected ‘Unwavering Courage” as the #1 attribute of Leadership. revisited - the article originally posted May 10, 2008 [this post contains a few enhancements]

## When dogs chase their tails...
Date: 2015-09-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-dogs-chase-their-tails/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

"When you chase your tail ‘literally’, you get dizzy and exhausted; when you chase your tail ‘figuratively’, you get distracted and confused." That thought came to me recently while I was watching a documentary about dogs and their relationships with humans. Apparently, humans bred certain dogs – in effect humans genetically re-engineered the dogs – so the dogs possessed genes that enabled them to be better hunters. For some of these dogs, the genetic changes got out of control and one of the repercussions is some dogs chase their tails excessively… much like a dog could behave if it had obsessive-compulsive disorder. Some dogs spend most of their free time chasing their tails…to the point of their utter exhaustion and human’s annoyance/frustration. To remedy the tail-chasing problem, dogs are being medicated with Prozac [an anti-depressant that, for some people and dogs, reduces anxiety]. I’ve always wondered what drives some dogs to make a habit of chasing their tails. Now, I have another possible explanation to keep in mind. And now, I'm thinking if humans had tails then we would see some humans chasing their tails just like dogs do. And, no doubt some of these humans would end up receiving prescriptions for Prozac and other medications. But, we know humans do not have tails so they cannot ‘literally’ chase their tails at this point in time. However, humans can and do chase their tails ‘figuratively’. And… "When you chase your tail ‘literally’, you get dizzy and exhausted; when you chase your tail ‘figuratively’, you get distracted and confused."

## Working In Ihe Zone - Bolstering Your Willpower
Date: 2015-09-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/working-in-ihe-zone-bolstering-your-willpower/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

When you are 'in the zone', using your natural talents, your willpower is able to take a time out, rest, and rejuvenate. When you are 'in the zone', focus, attention, and concentration come easily to you so you do not need to draw upon your willpower to sustain productive thoughts or productive action. You may have difficulty pinpointing your true talents ...many people do. On the other hand, most people have no trouble knowing when they are 'in the zone'...or, conversely, when they are 'not in the zone'. When we are 'in the zone' time seems to pass more quickly. When we are 'in the zone' the routes to goals are clearer - thoughts align, actions fall into place naturally, and desired results just happen. When we are 'in the zone' our minds are free from worries and other negative thoughts. When we are 'in the zone' we use energy most efficiently and effectively - this applies to both energy for thought and energy for action. When we are 'in the zone' we give our willpower a time out...we provide it time to rest and recuperate from all the energy it consumes when we are not 'in the zone' [i.e., when we are plodding our way through tedious work, clawing and scratching our way though meaningless battles, etc.] If we want to use our energy efficiently and effectively then we must maximize the time we spend 'in the zone'. To accomplish this we must understand our talents and ensure we set aside enough time for them to find themselves in action 'in the zone'. 'In The Zone' = Flow

## How do you really hold someone accountable?  Part 2
Date: 2015-09-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-you-really-hold-someone-accountable-part-2/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Master Rules

Link to Part 1 Recently, my friend asked me, " How do you really hold someone accountable? " While I have written about Accountability on a number of occasions, I have never been asked or answered that straightforward question. To begin my answer, I posted some ‘general’ thoughts in ‘ Part 1 ’. Now, I’m posting some ‘specific’ suggestions. 1. Lead by example. As the leader, understand how you hold yourself accountable and ensure you are leading by example before working to improve followers’ accountability. 2. Ensure followers know WHY. Express your views clearly. Tell accountability stories and provide visual cues. For example, U.S. President Harry S. Truman felt accountability was so important he kept a sign on his desk in the Oval Office that read, “ The buck stops here ”. He wanted his followers to know he accepted ultimate responsibility for decisions…he wanted his followers to really hold themselves accountable. 3. Communicate a “ Master Rule ”. If you hold accountability very dearly – if accountability is one of the top 5 most important things you want your followers to embrace – then create a “Master Rule” to make your strong view crystal clear. You could, for example, borrow Harry S. Truman’s “ The buck stops here ”. Clearly, Truman wanted his followers to view that as one of his Master Rules. Tell stories to illustrate WHY you have chosen to have a Master Rule covering accountability. 4. Recruit with accountability in mind. Talk to job candidates about accountability. Share your stories. Ask job candidates if they have stories of accountability etched in their minds. 5. Use job descriptions as accountability tools. Ensure your Role Descriptions signal accountability messages. Role Descriptions should be clear and concise, covering: 5-7 Task Areas – with each Task Area described in a short phrase 5-7 Goals – one SMART Goal for each Task Area…aligned with department Goals & company Goals Communication – deliver formal feedback on performance vis-à-vis Goals, at least twice per year 6. Talk about accountability at every meeting. For example, select one department/company Goal for each meeting and have each follower commit to perform at least 1 specific action and report on that action at the next meeting. Follow up. As this meeting process is initiated, visit followers 1-on-1 in advance of the next meeting and ask about action taken. Explain WHY you completed your specific action items and HOW you will report them at the next meeting. 7. Address violations. Plan how you will address ‘accountability shortfalls’ because your followers will, from time to time, fail to complete actions as agreed. Address shortfalls immediately…help your followers understand you will not ignore accountability shortfalls. Escalate your feedback to 'corrective measures' if followers illustrate repeated ‘accountability shortfalls’. Consider the above suggestions if you want your followers to really hold themselves accountable. And, of most importance, hold yourself most accountable as you lead by example. Link to Part 3

## How do you really hold someone accountable? – Part 1
Date: 2015-09-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-you-really-hold-someone-accountable-part-1/ | Categories: —

Recently, my friend asked me, " How do you really hold someone accountable? " I decided to post some 'general' thoughts rather than provide a 'specific' answer to my friend. First, I think leaders and bosses who really want to help others become accountable should ask themselves, " How do I really hold myself accountable? The answer to that question will provide at least some guidance and perhaps much more… " How do I really hold myself accountable? " If, after some self-analysis, I determine I do not hold myself accountable then I must accept I have little hope of holding others accountable or helping others become accountable. Accountability has some similarity to Trust – if leaders do not lead by example then they cannot expect their followers to perform under a higher standard. " How do I really hold myself accountable? " I believe I am blessed with “accountability genes”. I believe I am predisposed to be more accountable than most people…including most other Baby Boomers who also experienced schooling and neighbourhoods laced with accountability feedback. If you believe you have a strong dose of “accountability genes” the messages to follow may resonate with you. If, on the other hand, you believe you are not blessed with “accountability genes” then you may think everything to follow is hogwash. [If you think “accountability genes” is a poor description then use words like “naturally inclined to be accountable”.] Going a step farther… " How do you really hold yourself accountable? " Consider the impact of relaying that question to the people who follow you. As Covey taught, Seek First to Understand . Don’t assume other people view accountability the way you do and don’t assume the accountability tactics that work for you will work for others. Don’t assume you can read other people's minds. And, consider the impact of asking your followers if they think they are ‘naturally’ more inclined to be accountable than their business associates…or their close friends. Listen to their answers. Observe their body language as they speak. To breed a culture of accountability… Understand the ‘lay of the land’. Hold a short communication session, where ‘Accountability’ is the only topic. Learn what your people are thinking about accountability in your workplace. Learn what your people are thinking about your performance in the area of accountability. Depending on the state of communication [and stress] at your workplace, it may take a number of sessions to generate the open discussion that will ensure you have enough understanding of the ‘lay of the land’. Listen and learn. At the risk of being too graphic – shut up, listen, and learn. When it comes to topics like Accountability, most people have minimal interest and minds resistant to advice [let alone lectures and mandates]. Now, if your followers visit your office regularly and ask you to help them be more accountable then please ignore those last 3 sentences…and do not read Part 2 of this thought post because you possess far more Accountability savvy than I. Key Points: If you want to really hold others accountable then make sure you lead by example. If you want to really hold others accountable then make sure you know their views about the topic before expressing your views or forcing your views on them. Recognize some people are naturally more inclined to be accountable* than others. So, your approach to helping people become more accountable must be designed to cover this fact of life. * Some people possess strong natural ability in the areas of self-monitoring and self-regulating . For accountability, these people possess a natural advantage. Link to Part 2 Link to Part 3

## Willpower converts mind-energy into Achievement
Date: 2015-08-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-converts-mind-energy-into-achievement/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

For achievement, three qualities of mind rise above the others: intelligence, drive, and self-control. There are two types of intelligence: cognitive and emotional. Drive is all about energy...required to sustain thought, action, and 'the body'. Self-control draws on the decisions of intelligence and the energy stoked by drive...self-control is about self-direction of thought and the actions that follow thought. Willpower is a synonym for self-control*. Willpower is elite mind-work…challenging mind-work. Willpower converts mind-energy into Achievement. Achievement is subjective. Achievement provides the measuring stick for Success. Each person uses his or her intelligence to define the Achievement required to obtain the Success he or she desires. This applies to individual/single tasks. This also applies to long-term goals. Willpower may or may not be called upon to perform individual/single tasks: for enjoyable tasks [such as hobbies] little or no willpower is required; for challenging tasks willpower will be used to expand and maintain concentration; for boring tasks willpower will be used to improve focus and concentration. Willpower will definitely be called upon to achieve long-term goals. In summary: We use our intelligence to create our long-term goals We draw on the our drive energy to fuel the thought and action required to meet our long-term goals We call upon willpower/self-control to direct our thoughts and actions toward our long-term goals When we call upon our willpower it consumes energy, converting mind-energy into Achievement and, over time, into Success. To achieve long-term goals we must attend to our energy levels: taking steps to build it, taking steps to avoid things that waste it, and taking steps to ensure a good portion of it goes to fuel willpower. * Some describe willpower in terms of 'soul' and 'spirit'. Not wanting to dwell too much in the metaphysical...there is no question willpower is a special thing, closely tied to the human condition.

## The Bi-Polarity of Our Thoughts...and what to do about it
Date: 2015-08-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-bi-polarity-of-our-thoughtsand-what-to-do-about-it/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Thoughts range from the sublime to the hideous, from blissful to terrifying. Thoughts range from tiny and fleeting to all-consuming and ground-breaking. Thoughts range from inspiring to spirit-crushing. Thoughts could be placed on a Plus-Minus Scale ...the negative thoughts being at one end of the scale and the positive thoughts being at the other end, with neutral/blasé thoughts in the middle. If we spend the time to place our thoughts on a Plus-Minus Scale then we would see visible proof that thoughts tend to be bi-polar. Many thoughts would be classed as positive or negative and few thoughts would be classed as 'neutral'. That is, we would see the bi-polarity of our thoughts. Our thoughts tend to flip from positive to negative...with negative thoughts outnumbering the positive thoughts. Of course, to do this thought-sorting exercise we would have to define positive thoughts, negative thoughts, and neutral/blasé thoughts. A recommendation for sorting thoughts... positive thoughts align with long-term goals & purpose [accompanied by positive, energizing feelings...for example - 'building' thoughts] negative thoughts no not align with long-term goals & purpose [accompanied by negative, de-energizing feelings...for example - worries] neutral/blasé thoughts...not tested against goals or purpose [accompanied by no clear feelings...for example - daydreams] The problem with our bi-polarity of thoughts : Left to perform without controls, our minds are free to ride on thought [and emotion] roller-coasters...essentially, without our help our minds multi-task or task-slice their way through an endless stream of thought ups and downs...with the downs outnumbering the ups…chewing up our energy and our attitude. The solution to reduce our bi-polarity of thoughts : Believe you have the ability to choose your thoughts...then, make a life-long practice of honing that thought-mastery skill.

## Victim or Victor?
Date: 2015-08-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/victim-or-victor/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Personalities @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

"Our circumstances and environment are formed by our thoughts." Charles Haanel ‘The Master Key’ , (1917) *** You either believe that, disbelieve it, or you are not quite sure. Only one of those three choices excuses you from an obligation to exercise your power of will. Only one of those three choices places your success firmly in your hands - and before that, firmly in your thoughts. The following 'picture' comes to mind... When I was a child, adults used a saying, " It takes all kinds ". That saying was uttered in response to someone else acting in a strange way. It was a quick way of signaling the fact people behave in many different ways. That is true: people do behave in very different ways. Often, regardless of their deep beliefs, people behave in very different and unpredictable ways. And, sometimes people behave in fickle, inconsistent ways. In fact, when you really stop and observe, people are walking/talking contradictions. If that were not the case then we wouldn't have had tom come up with that admonition, "Talk the talk and walk the walk". Back to, or at least toward, the point behind this post... Every rational person, at least to a degree, behaves in ways that confirm belief in the view that our circumstances and environment are formed by our thoughts . Every rational person knows that thought precedes action, some of the time if not most of the time. And, every rational person knows that tomorrow’s ‘future circumstances and environment’ are affected by today’s actions, some of which are the consequences of today’s [or yesterday’s] thoughts. So, every rational person embraces [at least to a small degree] the ‘Law of Attraction’. And, every rational person places at least a small amount of belief in ‘Power of Will’. It is only a matter of degree… ...and how we intend to put this belief to good, constructive use.

## About forcing change and whipping people
Date: 2015-08-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-forcing-change-and-whipping-people/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron

If you must use your whip…beware…you must first put it to use on yourself so everyone knows how strictly you embrace leading by example.

“ All violence consists in some people forcing others, under threat of suffering or death, to do what they do not want to do. ” Leo Tolstoy *** But…if you must use your whip…beware…you must first put it to use on yourself so everyone knows how strictly you embrace leading by example. Otherwise, your humbled subjects will think [and likely not say]: The big problem isn't that you whip people. That's a small piece of a bigger problem. The big problem is that you whip people while you are making mistakes. How can you be so skilled at whipping other people's mistakes while you are so poor at whipping your own? Put another way, when people know you can perform in accordance with your own whip they will follow your example...at least for a time. Similarly, when they know you cannot abide by your whip they will follow your example.

## What’s that about Natural Selection...
Date: 2015-08-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/whats-that-about-natural-selection/ | Categories: —

If you believe in natural selection then you must believe there's an interplay between [at least] creatures, Nature, and choices. For 'selection' to be happening, either the creatures, Nature, or both must be doing the 'selection'. So - Who is making the selections? In other words - Who is making the choices? *** It isn’t about survival of the fittest. It is about survival of the most adaptable. Regardless, if you believe in being more fit or being more adaptable – Who is making the choices? *** Is it about the creature’s willpower? Is it about the power and forces of Nature? Footnote – source: quoteinvestigator.com Megginson presented his own idiosyncratic interpretation of the central idea outlined in Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species”. Yes, change is the basic law of nature. But the changes wrought by the passage of time affects individuals and institutions in different ways. According to Darwin’s Origin of Species, it is not the most intellectual of the species that survives; it is not the strongest that survives; but the species that survives is the one that is able best to adapt and adjust to the changing environment in which it finds itself. Applying this theoretical concept to us as individuals, we can state that the civilization that is able to survive is the one that is able to adapt to the changing physical, social, political, moral, and spiritual environment in which it finds itself.

## If you don't have time, you have nothing.
Date: 2015-08-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-dont-have-time-you-have-nothing/ | Categories: Abundance, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Recently, the following quote caught my attention: "Time is the substance from which I am made." Jorge Luis Borges Argentine Author & Poet, (1899-1986) Quotes about time always catch my attention…because (1) I have always been and still am fascinated by the concepts of time-physics and (2) over recent years, I am alarmed by the increasing number of people who think and say they things like, “ I don’t have time. ” I am not familiar with the work of Jorge Luis Borges, so I can only speculate on the context around his quote. Without context, I interpret the quote in my own way. 'Subjective opportunities' - perhaps that is the best measure of a quote's value? Here, I will not be providing an interpretation of, " Time is the substance from which I am made. " Instead, I will share some thoughts the quote triggered. My first reaction to the quote was to do a double-take….I thought I had mis-read the sentence. After reading the quote the 2 nd time and reaching a conclusion about its meaning, for some reason, a question-thought hit me: “If you don't have time, what do you have?” The answer to that question came quickly: “If you don't have time, you have nothing.” Whether or not time is the substance from which we are made, if we don’t have time then we have nothing. Perhaps, that’s why I have such a problem when people say things like, “ I don’t have time. ” Perhaps, that’s why I feel their self-brainwashing is so damaging..so spirit-killing…so unnatural ... Perhaps, that’s why I now feel the most helpful thing you can do when people say " I don't have time " is ask, " If you don't have time, what do you have? " Since you care, you ought to offer these wrong-thinking people at least that provocation. If you care even more about helping people make positive changes, and the situation lends itself… Help them understand, if they continue to think and say they do not have time then they are right – they do not and never will have time. And, help them understand, if they do not have time then they have nothing. Footnote - article About Time

## On Insight…an education better late than never
Date: 2015-08-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-insightan-education-better-late-than-never/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

It is a shame we were taught so much about so many things and yet, during our decades of education, most of us received no education on ‘Insight’. We should fix that shortcoming…for ourselves…better late than never…and for future generations…better now than later. Time to get started – an introduction – the following is an excerpt from Charles Haanel’s ‘The Master Key’, a course presented in 1912 and formulated into a book in 1917. "Insight is a faculty of the mind whereby we are enabled to examine facts and conditions at long-range, a kind of human telescope; it enables us to understand the difficulties as well as the possibilities in any undertaking. Insight enables us to be prepared for the obstacles which we shall meet; we can therefore overcome them before they have any opportunity of causing difficulty. Insight enables us to plan to advantage and turn our thought and attention in the right direction, instead of into channels which can yield no possible return. Insight is therefore absolutely essential for the development of any great achievement; with it we may enter, explore and possess any mental field. Insight is a product of the world within and is developed in the Silence, by concentration." *** Some questions to consider : Are we born with Insight? Can we improve our Insight? How do we nurture Insight?

## What do you think about the "Law of Attraction"?
Date: 2015-08-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-law-of-attraction-revisited/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Some people believe the Law of Attraction [is a, if not the, fundamental law of the Universe. The Law is often described in terms of Universal Mind or Universal Intelligence. Many thoughtful people believe there is a fundamental/universal/spiritual law that permeates everything in the Universe, including the people on planet Earth. These people believe this law is pervasive - at the core of everything: it is a law of Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence. These people believe this law knows no boundaries: It is all-powerful It is all-knowing It is everywhere A number of proponents of this ‘fundamentalist’ Law of Attraction viewpoint have made claims about scientific verification where the human sub/unconscious 'mind' is the conduit between Universal Intelligence and (conscious) human thought. In summary, they believe if we can control our conscious thought and direct it toward our long-term goals then after much repetition our subconscious mind will link with Universal Intelligence and deliver to us the things we think about. The Law of Attraction is a double-edged sword. If we think about the worthwhile things tied to our long-term goals then we receive those worthwhile things and achieve our long-term goals. Conversely, if we think fearful and worrisome thoughts then we attract and bring to ourselves those things we fear and worry about. Integral to this viewpoint is the conclusion that Universal Intelligence has no filter and our thoughts are connected to unlimited consequences, both good and bad. Three early 20 th -Century examples: Charles Haanel, American New-Thought Author and Philosopher (1866-1949) Author of ‘ The Master Key ’ (circa 1917) Napoleon Hill, American New-Thought and Personal-Success Author (1883-1970) author of ‘ The Law of Success ’ (1925) and ‘ Think and Grow Rich ’ (1937) Robert Collier, American New-Thought and Self-Help Author (1885-1950) Author of ‘ The Secret of the Ages ’ (1926) These early-20 th Century authors believed strongly in the natural-state spiritual aspects of the Law of Attraction as described above…and to various degrees they believed the Law of Attraction was founded on scientific proof. These authors brought their religious beliefs to bear, some of their master works link the Law of Attraction to the teachings of Jesus as written the Christian Bible. One highlight about each of those early-20 th Century authors: Charles Haanel presented a wonderful process for improving focus and concentration Napoleon Hill served as U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s special assistant for many years, at $1/year…perhaps, Hill coined the ‘we have nothing to fear but fear itself’ message? Robert Collier, from the famous Collier publishing family, believed the Law of Attraction could be called upon to overcome death Other people, for example Esther Hicks [with the help of her husband Jerry and a multi-faceted supernatural entity she called ‘Abraham’], presented following-generation examples of Law of Attraction beliefs and messages. Esther Hicks, American Inspirational Author (1948- present)...with husband, Jerry Author of ‘ The Law of Attraction – The Teachings of Abraham ’ (2007) And, most-recently Deepak Chopra has expanded upon the scientific aspects by presenting physics-based explanations…information stored in waves...essentially saying that the vibrations of thought permeate the cosmos - omniscient, omnipresent and perhaps omnipotent. Deepak Chopra, Indian-born, American Author (1947-present) *** The Law of Attraction ...I have read much about this...I have personal views...and I am very interested in other people's views. The Law of Attraction ...a feel-good thought or a Fundamental Universal Law? What do you think? Do you believe in the Law of Attraction? If so, how do you define it? Do you consider your Law of Attraction beliefs to be a solely spiritual [faith-based] or are they science-proven beliefs?

## Breaking Bad...Habits
Date: 2015-08-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/breaking-bad-habits/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

First of all, this is not going to be about breaking bad habits . It's going to be about replacing bad habits. If you insist on breaking bad habits then I’d suggest you use good-old-fashioned interrogation tactics like tying them to a chair, depriving them of water and nourishment, shining bright lights in their eyes, and beating them into submission.

First of all, this is not going to be about breaking bad habits. It's going to be about replacing bad habits. If you insist on breaking bad habits then I’d suggest you use good-old-fashioned interrogation tactics like tying them to a chair, depriving them of water and nourishment, shining bright lights in their eyes, and beating them into submission. But, breaking bad habits - that’s a topic for another day. About replacing Bad Habits… If you want to replace your bad habits then the first step is to understand everyone has habits. Then you must understand, one way or another, everyone fills up all the time in their lives. And, for the vast majority of people the time available to them [the time in their lives] is filled with habits – habits of thought and habits of action. People's time is for the most part filled with either thoughts or actions...nothing more, nothing less.... just thoughts and actions. To the extent people’s thoughts and actions are aligned with their long-term goals the thoughts and actions are ‘good’. To the extent people’s thoughts and actions are not aligned with their long-term goals the thoughts and actions are ‘bad’. At least, that's our definition. Should you be thinking, right now, that some of your thoughts and actions have nothing to do with long-term goals then you must conclude those questionable thoughts and actions are ‘bad’, because chances are very high they are ‘bad’ [rather than ‘good’]. In those rare instances when you are trying something ‘new’ – when you are experimenting with new thoughts or actions – you should see those thoughts and actions as ‘new things’…’new things’ waiting to be categorized as ‘good’ or ‘bad’. Regardless, you are primarily a creature of habits and most of your thoughts and actions are either ‘bad habits’ or ‘good habits’. For most people, ‘bad habits’ outmuscle ‘good habits’ and consume most of their owner’s time…for some reason, it is easier to slip into and to repeat habits when they are on the ‘bad’ side of our long-term goals. Generally, ‘bad habits’ consume the vast majority of people’s time. That’s why the vast majority of people fail to achieve their claimed long-term goals. For successful people, good habits occur for a sufficient amount of time to bring about the achievement of long-term goals. When you consider your time, your thoughts, and your actions this way you can quickly see that success happens when people are able to keep their ‘bad habits’ under control and maximize the amount of time they spend doing ‘good habits’. The key, as most self-help gurus confirm, is the learn how to replace your ‘bad thoughts’ with ‘good thoughts’. The framework, is described above: Set some long-term goals because, without them, you will have no ‘good habits’ Monitor your thoughts and classify them as either ‘good’ or bad’ Work at replacing your ‘bad thoughts’ with ‘good thoughts’. This will require much practice…more than learning to ride a bicycle…more than mastering piano playing…more than pumping up 18” biceps. After all, we are talking about your wonderfully-complex brain here.

## Intelligence, Accuracy, & Time
Date: 2015-08-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/intelligence-accuracy-time/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

Only people who are skilled at converting Intelligent thoughts into Intelligent actions will be seen as producers of Accurate and Timely actions.

Let's set Emotional Intelligence aside for the moment. Let's assume logical-Intelligence holds the position of authority and control over human behaviour. With Emotional Intelligence out of our way, we can live in a three dimensional world of (logical) Intelligence , Accuracy, and Time – where success is determined by a combination of (1) possessing Intelligence and (2) possessing the ability to convert Intelligent thoughts into Intelligent actions. When observed by other Intelligent people, the people who are skilled at converting Intelligent thoughts into Intelligent actions will be seen as producers of Accurate and Timely actions. Conversely, those who are not skilled at having Intelligent thoughts or converting those Intelligent thoughts into Intelligent actions will be seen as producers of actions that are inaccurate (errors, omissions, etc.) and untimely (procrastination, missed deadlines, etc.). Attribution Bias suggests most people will not be able to self-diagnose their abilities/performance in these areas. On the other hand, they will be able to destructively criticize other people's abilities/performance. All this considered, when Intelligence fails to present itself thoughts and actions business offices become battlefields where errors can quickly become the Bouncing Betty mines, the bazooka shells, and the nuclear-tipped missiles of mayhem and mass destruction. So much for trying to set Emotional Intelligence aside…

## The Mortal Post
Date: 2015-08-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-mortal-post/ | Categories: Beyond Business

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Yet, you can't always cure what you want.

Even something as sturdy and strong as a steel post, over time, erodes, weakens, and disappears. Better to do some little fixes before the rust gets too much of a foothold.

## Victims of Time…Let's rally against that pathetic Fate!
Date: 2015-08-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/victims-of-time-lets-rally-against-that-pathetic-fate/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

Time is not the scourge of us. We are not pawns to be battered about by heartless Time. And, Time cannot be our scapegoat or our excuse for lack of success. Think of the Sun’s role in all of this. Here we are elipsing around that nearby star. Each time we complete an orbit we write off another year…call it 12 months…or 365 days…or 8,760 hours…or about 525,600 minutes…etc. Without our Sun, Time as we know it would vanish. That considered, rather than blaming Time for our shortcomings, it makes much more sense to blame the Sun...at least for our lack of planning, our lack of action, our lack of results, and our lack of success. Instead of saying things like, “ Sorry, I didn’t have Time ” we should be saying things like “ Sorry, the Sun made me not do it ”. Yes, clearly, that makes a lot more sense!

## When expectations are out of synch with reality
Date: 2015-08-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-expectations-are-out-of-synch-with-reality/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Hero Worship, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Sometimes expectations adjust themselves to fit the realities of situations; sometimes expectations do not align well with realities of situations; sometimes expectations stray far from the realities of situations. Perhaps, expectation-adjustment is a matter of IQ, or is it EQ, or is it both? Do you ever think about how easy or difficult it is for you to adjust your expectations to fit the realities of the situation at hand? Do you ever judge others according to their ability to adjust their expectations to react to or align with the realities of situations? Are you influenced by real-life stories about people like Henry Ford, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Steve Jobs?...people who had such conviction about their own ideas that they refused to hear when others said, “ No, that’s impossible. That cannot be done .” And how about Churchill's " we shall never surrender "…that dogged determination rallied a country in the midst of severe adversity. We see such doggedness in business. The problem is, sometimes, we see an over-abundance of dogged expectations. We see people being doggedly determined over the smallest of items in the most unwarranted of situations. It seems some people must win control at all costs, at all times, in all situations. For these people, every conversation flirts with or hammers into crucial territory. Some people underestimate the importance of selecting their battles with care. For them, everything must be contested and few topics offer a safe haven for discussion or escape from conflict of opinion. Some people must expend energy at every point of what could be conversation. When will must win at all costs, expectations become blind to the realities of situations. *** Which reminds me of advice I have received from people who have been important to me: Pick your battles carefully. There's a time to march and a time to fight. Better to remain silent and be thought a fool...

## Carried away with and by technology
Date: 2015-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/carried-away-with-and-by-technology/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Have you noticed technology is a double-edged sword? Technology makes our lives easier by automating tasks, which reduces our manual processes and workload. Yet, technology is presenting a whole new set of workplace complications. To function properly, computer technology [including off-the-shelf software] demands very specific actions. Put another way, technology is rather unforgiving. We learned this in the early days of card punching…one small typo ruined the software program. We called that problem something like garbage in, garbage out . Garbage out today appears in the form of error messages or (worse) unannounced problems, for example, problems hidden in the logic of Excel file cells. Unannounced Garbage Out - have you seen that at your workplace? Do you see your off-the-shelf software spitting out little and big errors that surprise you because they strike you as violations of common sense? When you see this sort of garbage out do you think to yourself, "How could our people make errors like that?” As the sophistication of off-the-shelf software continues to expand [exponentially], have you noticed your people making far more errors while doing relatively-simple tasks? …like an error epidemic has attacked the basic processes at your workplace. Have these computer garbage out errors become the norm at your workplace? Do your people seem resigned, accepting garbage out as if it is a necessary evil of the workday? Have you noticed that? Have you noticed your production sputtering and grinding to an unproductive, unprofitable, painful crawl? Have your clients noticed your production is flawed and pitted with errors? Have you noticed your people getting carried away with and by technology? If so – what steps are you taking to fix that problem?

## Doing the right things - really, Whats that all about?
Date: 2015-07-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/doing-the-right-things-whats-that-all-about/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

We understand WHY there is value in doing the right things at the right times. We understand WHAT those right things are, WHO should do those right things, and WHEN those right times are. However – one major piece is missing…the HOW.

Many people talk about doing the right thing. Many people talk about doing the right thing at the right time…that’s even better. There seems to be a consensus: when we do the right things at the right times we gain advantage…we grow…we meet goals…we succeed. So – we understand WHY there is value in doing the right things at the right times. And – much time and effort has been spent exchanging ideas about WHAT are those right things, WHO should do those right things, and WHEN are those right times. However – one major piece is missing…the HOW. For example – has anyone ever presented to you the opinion, “ Before you can do the right thing at the right time you must think the right thing .” And, in reaction to that statement you may have thought, “ That’s a bit of a confusing thing to say. ” And, you may have asked, “ Can you explain that comment ?” And following more discussion you understood… Most of the time we think without thinking about thinking. Our minds are bombarded by unplanned, haphazard thoughts. And, haphazard thoughts frequently are the causes behind our actions. Considering the extent of unplanned thoughts, it is no wonder we often fail to do the right things at the right times. That is the first part of the problem. The second part of the problem: When we have not done the right things we think about how to justify our flawed actions. We know, at least subconsciously, we are ‘making excuses’ for our haphazard thoughts/actions. And, we know we are ‘making excuses’ for not doing the right things at the right times. And – everyone around us knows this too. When personal growth [of any form] is desired, it is important to embrace the power contained in, “ Before you can do the right thing at the right time you must think the right thing .” When change is personal growth [of any form] is desired, it is important to embrace the power contained in, “ Before you can do the right thing at the right time you must think the right thing .”

## Learn how to kill negative thoughts before negative thoughts kill your willpower
Date: 2015-07-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/learn-how-to-kill-negative-thoughts-before-negative-thoughts-kill-your-willpower/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

Since willpower is tough to do and negative thinking is easy to do, the brain favours negative thinking.

Willpower: that's when the brain, through conscious thought, forces/guides the body to behave in ways that lead toward [are consistent with] long-term goals. Willpower requires two things: will & power Science tells us power is the rate of doing work . And, we all know work takes effort, consumes energy, is hard to do relative to other things. The human brain cannot perform negative thoughts and exercise willpower at the same time. Since willpower is tough to do and negative thinking is easy to do the brain favours negative thinking. So - the slightest amount of negative thought energy has the ability to totally displace willpower. This is how your negative thoughts kill your willpower. They key to exercising willpower is learning how to nip negative thoughts in the bud. In order to nip negative thoughts in the bud, you need a plan & a process. I suppose there are many ways to go about nipping negative thoughts in the bud. However, I have only found one that works for me. I find two things must be done before I can nip negative thoughts in the bud: Stillness: I must stop moving and remain as still as possible for, at least, a short period of time. Silence: I must be silent and, to the extent possible, be in a quiet environment. I have found Stillness & Silence provide the best opportunity to monitor thoughts. When I monitor my thoughts I can quickly determine my negative thoughts. They show us as worries, anxieties, and little stresses and strains and they do not take me toward my desired goals. My negative thoughts are trouble-causing servants of my Ego . They are the signals of my bad habits and the catalysts that drive my bad habits . They reduce my ability to achieve my desired goals. Only after negative thoughts are identified and recognized as negative can they be removed. Negative thoughts come to us so naturally and are very easy to do...so it can be difficult, or seem difficult, to remove them. With practice, difficult things become easy. Practice improves the ability to remove unwanted thoughts. When we remove our negative thoughts we pave the path for our willpower. Actually, we partially pave the path. Willpower will never walk on easy paths. Willpower can come easier ...but never easy . Willpower will always require 'will', which is a good habit that takes hold when you have and practice a plan and a process. Willpower will always require 'power', which can only exist when negative thoughts are removed.

## Baby Boomers Hitting the Breakwalls of Change
Date: 2015-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/baby-boomers-hitting-the-breakwalls-of-change/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change

We are surrounded by swelling waves of Future Shock . As the relentless waves of change ebb to regain momentum then gush with renewed vigour, many Baby Boomers falter and stall as they hit the breakwalls of change. Downsizing and other clamours for efficiency have led to increased diversity in roles and that, in turn, has led to failed efforts at multi-tasking. Technology advances at accelerated pace, render the 'old ways' useless. On top of all these Baby Boomer challenges, relationships have evolved, not necessarily becoming less valuable but definitely becoming more textured...more fragile, in light of downsizing and technologies. For example, the exponentially expanded ability for people to obtain information and education on-line has had a radical impact on relationships and ways of doing business. When Baby Boomers feel themselves hitting the breakwalls of change they ought to reassess their levels of comfort with their situations, their talents, and their appetite for personal change...and related to these things people need to understand their appetite and capability in the areas of self-analysis, self-education, and self-development. Our level of comfort in situations is closely tied to our goals and our feelings about our performance relative to those goals. If our goals are being met then we are more comfortable. If our goals are not being met then we are less comfortable. If we have no clue about our goals or whether or not we are comfortable then… well, I must admit, I'm not sure what that's all about... my feelings fall only in the comfortable and uncomfortable zones. For most people, talents are a grey zone. Most people believe they can accurately assess other people's talents while, in reality, they spend little time or no time working to understand their own talents let alone the talents of other people. When it comes to an unrealistic understanding of talents, Baby Boomers are at the most-guilty end of the spectrum. Baby Boomers were, in relative terms, blessed with manifold (and bountiful) opportunities. For business success. Baby Boomers were able to build careers on the backs of the technology age, the age of deregulation, the age of personal entertainment, and the age of global commoditization. Now, Baby Boomers find themselves in the age of the Human Brain, the brain, of course, being the spot where Talents live and/or wither...either by chance or by choice. And, the struggles encountered by most Baby Boomers are a result of leaving things, especially Talents, to chance. We've all heard the saying, " You can't teach an old dog new tricks. " Baby Boomers who aspire to continue to deliver value in business better hope that saying isn't true. I'm not calling Baby Boomers 'old dogs'…I'm simply trying to play upon a metaphor of 'old wisdom'...a metaphor which I know is 'flawed wisdom'. I know Baby Boomers can choose whether or not to crash against the breakwalls of change.

## On Purpose, With Willpower
Date: 2015-07-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-purpose-with-willpower/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Values: Personal Values

What awesome power lies in the combination of strong willpower guided by strong definite life-purpose. Willpower is wonderful, but without proper guidance it consumes energy without purpose. Definite purpose is wonderful, but without willpower to guide and control action it is unattainable. When strong and combined, willpower and definite purpose are destined to succeed…and be accompanied by lives well lived. Are you living on purpose ? Are you living with willpower ? Are you living on purpose with willpower ? If not, why not… Through ignorance...you've never learned about purpose and willpower? Through lack of hope...you do not believe you have the ability to change/determine your fate? Because you doubt purpose and willpower are the key ingredients...you think there is a better way?

## What do you think about the profanity of our times?
Date: 2015-07-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-do-you-think-about-the-profanity-of-our-times/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Master Rules, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

First, let’s make sure we are on the same wavelength. By ‘profanity’, I mean offensive language. While ‘offensive’ is [of course] subjective and potentially debatable, I think most of us can agree to the following definition of ‘offensive words’: ‘Offensive Words’ are words we are very troubled to hear from the mouths of our 2- and 3-year old children and grandchildren. In fact, it was a discussion of a 3-year-old’s repetition of a ‘swear word’ that led to the writing of this Thought Post . It seems to me we observe profanity in 5 forms: Expletives: the things people say when they are angry, frustrated, or in pain Humour: often tied to body parts and body functions Racism/Bigotry: malicious references to people who are different, including attempts at humour Religious references: these can overlap expletives [such as taking the Lord’s name in vain ] and bigotry laced with intolerance for people of other religions Habit-speak: as examples - gang talk and passed on habits of family members Now, I’ve explained what I mean by profanity…What do you think about it? Specifically, how do you want people to speak at your workplace and what words, if any, should never be used in your workplace? What “Master Rule” applies at your workplace? How do you or will you address violations of your rules that limit offensive language? *** Some related thoughts and questions… Other ways to describe profanity and expletives: blasphemy, curse, cuss, cussword, dirty word, swearword, four-letter word, obscenity, profanity, swear, vulgarism How do you feel about consistency, do you ‘practice what you preach’? Do you choose to use words at work but choose not to use them in front of your 3-year-old relatives? When you wallop your thumb with a hammer, what words spring from your lips? If you are not pleased with those 'automatic' words, how could you possibly break that deep-rooted habit? When you are angry, do you climb up the ladder of increasingly-offensive language? Do the people in your gang think it is cool to repeat, repeat, and repeat profanity? In your workplace, is it OK to emphasize an important point by using a strategically-placed piece of profanity? I have read that native North Americans knew no profanity until the Europeans arrived…I wonder if that is true. Why has profanity gained so much ground in our mass-marketed entertainment...i.e., why is there so much profanity in our literature, our songs, and our movies? Is swearing inversely proportional to intelligence? [i.e., The more the profanity the less the IQ & EQ?] Why have so many 'bad words' been created for body parts and bodily functions? And, why are they considered ‘bad words’ while other descriptors are considered acceptable? So many acceptable descriptors are Latin-based it causes me to wonder how often the Latins used swear words. A quick on-line search suggests there were Latin profanities in the Roman heyday...isn't that disappointing! What role has religion played in all of this? The 3rd of the Judeo-Christian 'Ten Commandments' says " Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain ". Clearly, profanity in some forms has existed for several millennia. People must have been using religious profanity in Moses' time. Were they also using other forms of profanity at that time?

## Tony Robbins, TED Talk - 6 Needs
Date: 2015-07-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/tony-robbins-ted-talk-6-needs/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders

In a February 2006 TED Talk , Tony Robbins expressed his view that people have 6 needs. According to Tony... First people have 4 “Personality Needs”, which they are able to satisfy [one way or another]. The 4 Personality Needs are: Certainty Uncertainty/variety Significance Connection/love Then people have 2 “Needs of the Spirit”. The 2 Needs of the Spirit are: Growth Contributing beyond ourselves According to Tony, through growth and contributing beyond ourselves we receive fulfilment...and many/most people do not obtain this fulfilment. Spirited Leaders buy into this sort of thinking. Spirited Leaders know needs of the spirit lead to deeds of the spirit. Spirited Leaders understand fulfilment and self-actualization. *** James Allen - another perspective on Needs . Maslow on Needs . Spirited thoughts about Desires .

## 10 Tips for Communicating with Colour-blind Folks
Date: 2015-07-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/10-tips-for-communicating-with-colour-blind-folks/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Humour

One day, after labouring over the selection of a couple new shirts, it occurred to me there must be better ways for colour-capable people to communicate with colour-blind and partially colour-blind folks. Now I don’t want to blow my colour-limitations out of proportion. I realize my limitations are modest and my challenges could be much worse. For example, according to family legend my grandfather was either completely colour-blind or very close to it. So, I know, my challenges are small. Regardless, I feel I have some ability to speak in support of colour-limited people. It seems to me it is time to set colour-capable people straight about their woeful communications with those of us who are less gifted in the spectrum of visual colours. So, to get started, I have created the following… 10 Tips for Communicating with Colour-blind Folks : Tip #10 Don't waste your breath saying, “Until I go blue in the face” . [For all colour-blind people know your face could already be blue…perhaps even orange. And, speaking out of the blue, colour-blind people will think you are trying to pull their legs if tell them you have the blues.] Tip #9 Never assume colour-blind people are looking for ”greener grass” . [That just ain’t happening…there is no greener grass or greener pasture for colour-blind people. And furthermore - don’t get upset if your colour-blind neighbour has the ugliest lawn on your street.] Tip #8 Refrain from using that ”low-hanging fruit” saying when talking with colour-blind folks. [Colour-blind people don’t see fruit on trees…well maybe some of them can see lemons and oranges…if the sun happens to be shining just right.] Tip #7 Don’t argue with a colour-blind person who denies being “green with envy” . [And, don’t try to convince a colour-blind driver that last street light was red. A colour-blind driver just won’t accept that…especially if he’s your spouse.] Tip #6 Don’t expect your colour-blind buddies to get excited about painting the town red. [If you insist on this activity, remember colour-blind people are lousy painters…so, make sure you check their spray cans prior to departure.] Tip #5 ”What are you – yellow?” are not the right words for challenging the colour-blind. [Rather than feeling their manliness is being challenged colour-blind fellows fear they are coming down with an illness and ask for their wife’s opinion.] Tip #4 Don’t complain about red tape in front of colour-blind people. [And, don’t be too surprised if colour-blind people appear to be wearing rose-coloured glasses when you hand them pink slips.] Tip #3 Remember, colour-blind people agree with the Borgs ...”Resistance is futile.” [I know this to be true. My grandfather was an electronics enthusiast. My mother helped him get over the Borgish futility he felt around resistors.] Tip #2 Here’s a fine little love poem, pretty much guaranteed to win colour-blind hearts: Roses are grey Violets are grey too Sugar is sweet And so are you. Tip #1 Don't expect colour-blind people to get all excited about ‘ 50 Shades of Grey ’.

## Are You Superior to Circumstances?
Date: 2015-07-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/are-you-superior-to-circumstances/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Hero Worship, Influencing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

”Our main thinking habit is to analyse situations so that we can recognize standard situations and then apply standard answers.” Edward de Bono ` The Six Value Medals `, (2005) As you analyse Situations , do not limit yourself by assuming they are 'standard'...explore and see if there are important nuances that deviate from familiar patterns: direct your attention toward the key parts of the Situation [the People , the place, the level of urgency, the 'props', the background noise, etc.] compare those parts, looking for similarities - the parts that fit a pattern you recognize compare those parts again, looking for differences - the parts that do not fit a pattern you recognize look for the parts that catch and pull at your attention...they can be the most-important aspects of the Situation set logic aside and take some time to focus your attention on your gut feel use your special insights to fully appreciate the value contained in the situation/circumstances Strive to identify Situations that contain special circumstances …special circumstances that serve as catalysts for your unique talents and gifts. Be confident in your ability to either rise above problems and grasp hold of opportunities. Be confident in your ability to customize your exceptional contributions in reaction to the signals you [alone] receive as you analyse Situations . And always remember… ”Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstance.” Bruce Barton American Author & Politician (1886-1967) Footnote: ”Circumstances - what are circumstances? I make circumstances.” Napoleon Bonaparte

## Taking another SWOT at strategic planning
Date: 2015-07-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/taking-another-swot-at-strategic-planning/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Change: Creating Positive Change, Family Business and CFFB, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Succession

...creating simple tools to help expand the use of SWOT . For example, the following simple table helps focus thinking and discussion on S & W & O & T while also considering what has changed since the last strategy session. Of most importance: What lessons have we learned from the changes? and Why did those changes happen?

Recently, I created the following [ SWOT -grounded] table to help organize thoughts for a mid-year Strategic Planning session. This 'SWOT activity' brought back fond memories of time spent with Don Peart...as captured below, in the Fall of 2013 Don Peart introduced our CFFB roundtable group to his broader perspective on SWOT . Don's message was an exceptional improvement on SWOT . Don's recommendations meshed perfectly with Talents & Strengths thinking and with solutions-focused thinking...i.e., thinking progressive business leaders need to embrace. Ever since that morning with Don, every time I think of SWOT I review his messages and how they can help individuals put their Talents to good use and do their work with a positive, solution-aimed attitude. I work at creating simple tools to help expand the use of SWOT . For example, the following simple table helps focus thinking and discussion on S & W & O & T while also considering what has changed since the last strategy session. Of most importance: What lessons have we learned from the changes? and Why did those changes happen? The following was first published October 28, 2013 STRENGTHS : The Gallup people presented Strengths as a combination of Talent, Knowledge, & Skills. Talent is not enough on its own. It must be coupled with Knowledge. We clarify that the Knowledge must be specialized, focused, and consistent with what it takes to achieve goals. Talent coupled with Knowledge is not enough...it is essential that Skills be practised until tasks and processes are mastered. Only then can one possess and vent Strengths. On top of that Gallup wisdom, we added Opportunities. That's where leaders fit in. Leaders recognize Talent, provide access to Knowledge and training & development in the form of practising. In this way, leaders provide the Opportunities for the development of Strengths. P=2S+O : Bosses exist to delegate tasks and processes and manage the people who do those tasks and processes. That being the framework for business, bosses really don't want to hear Problems. Bosses only want to hear Problems when the Problems are used to introduce Solutions...and, every once in a while, Opportunities. That's the P=2S+O philosophy. That's why we created the P=2S+O tool. SWOT is a strategic planning tool developed a couple of generations ago. It can be used to sort thoughts about business processes & business situations. And, as was recently brought to our attention by Don Peart, SWOT can be used to sort thoughts about people. Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . The thinking around SWOT 's application for business Processes & Situations is on the record. Just Google ' SWOT ' and you will find much theory and practical advice. The first 3 thoughts that came to me when Don Peart talked about applying SWOT thinking to People were: 1. There's a lot of common ground shared by SWOT and our definition of personal Strength. 2. P=2S+O is a practical tool, designed to cause people to focus on Solutions while keeping their minds and eyes open for Opportunities. 3. When recruiting we could use SWOT thinking as an umbrella over our definition of Strengths and our P=2S+O philosophy. Here's the picture...

## We do not have to fear fear itself!
Date: 2015-07-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-do-not-have-to-fear-fear-itself/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

In his first inaugural address, in 1933, U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, " The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. " Starting with this sort of thinking, FDR proceeded to take the series of planned actions that broke the back of the Great Depression, bringing vitality back to the U.S. economy and the economies of many nations around the world [including Canada’s economy]. FDR was one of the most-influential leaders of the 20th Century. FDR understood people. FDR understood the power of positive thinking backed by decisive action. While his words " The only thing we have to fear is fear itself. " have puzzled many people, FDR knew what he meant and when he took decisive actions in the form of 'fireside chats' about what to do with money & banking the American people quickly understood how to bring about positive change. FDR understood fear and he understood how fear could be mastered. Perhaps FDR thought along these lines... Fear is a necessary part of life. It is not a ‘necessary evil’...it is not a burden we have to bear in order to have the opportunity to more fully appreciate the good parts of life. We should not look at fear in that sort of light. Rather, we need to accept that fear contains value. Yes - in excess fear can debilitate or craze, wreaking havoc. But, fears do not have to become excessive. We have the power and ability to make choices that limit and remove fear-damage. The key is to face each fear and nip it in the bud, before it swells to excessive proportions/perceptions. When faced and nipped in the bud, fear educates and serves as the catalyst that triggers courage. When faced over time, fear can be a vital part of the process for building self-confidence. Fear, properly faced and nipped in the bud, is the fundamental building block for strong character and influence. Perhaps fear is a necessary precursor to, the essential ingredient for, true self-confidence. That seems to be an accurate description of one key role fear plays in our lives, the other key aspect being self-protection. Fear protects. Fear is at the roots of strength of character. Really, considering the positive roles fear alone serves better than all other mindsets combined, we do not have to fear fear. We simple have to muster the conviction to work through our fears. The key thing: we need to understand how fear affects our energy. Is it killing our energy? Is it kindling or sparking our energy? Shun the former. Embrace the latter.

## Enough about Attitudes of Entitlement
Date: 2015-06-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/enough-about-attitudes-of-entitlement/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude

First we coddle and spoil children rotten. Then we complain about children exhibiting attitudes of entitlement. We talk as if this is something new. We talk as if we are special victims. We talk as if this is something that exists only in the generations that follow ours. What a bunch of Hogwash! If we take the time to stop and think, I mean really think and really try to remember the experiences of our lives, it will become clear to us that this entitlement-criticism is nothing new. We have seen it in life experiences with real people. We have seen it on television, in the sitcoms, in the dramas, and in the so-called reality shows. We have read it in books, both in the classic literature and in the pulp fiction. Let’s not rehash worn-out criticisms. Let’s not fret and whine about attitudes of entitlement. Let’s focus on the positives.

## Do you understand the most valuable assets you bring to your clients’ table?
Date: 2015-06-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-understand-the-most-valuable-assets-you-bring-to-your-clients-table/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

What is your most valuable asset? More specifically, when other people look at you - for example, when your clients look at you - what is the most valuable asset you bring to the table? Certainly, there is no argument that good health, positive mental attitude, and sufficient intelligence, etc., are very good things to have…very good assets you are able to bring to the table. Going beyond that, digging deeper - What is your most valuable asset? Surely, that asset must be closely linked to your innate talents . Your talents are the gifts that enable you to do certain things better than almost anyone else can do them. And your talents enable you to do these things with mastery…repeatedly, consistently, and reliably. But, what are your innate talents? Do you really know them? Can you describe them in simple terms to other people? Can you draw on them when you need them to develop new skills…to master new tasks? Do you understand the most valuable assets you bring to your clients’ table?

## Quests, Questions & Cats
Date: 2015-06-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/quests-questions-cats/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Family Business and CFFB, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Shame on the people who admonish, “Curiosity kills the cat”. How many spirits have those people confined? How much motivation have those people stifled? How much innovation water have those people muddied? It's interesting to see how the things we are taught when we are young can stick with us throughout our lives. And, it's interesting to think about the impact advice has on the character we develop and carry with us throughout our lives. It seems to me, Curiosity is a gift of Nature. It is a gift of human nature. It is also a gift enjoyed by many in the animal kingdom. We see young animals of all sorts exhibiting curiosity. We see protective parents of all kinds working to limit the extent their of their infant’s curiosity. We see parents of all kinds reaching out to save their little children. We also see their children, over time, learning how to live safely and how to self-control their curiosity. For many of us, cats stand out as particularly curious creatures. Whether large cats or small cats, wildcats or domestic cats, cats seem to maintain their curiosity longer than other creatures. We see adult cats behaving more playfully than other domestic animals. We see adult cats being more adventuresome. We see adult cats behaving more independently. Such spirited cat-qualities. …and some people teach our young that curiosity kills them!

## Live & Learn
Date: 2015-06-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/live-learn/ | Categories: Measure & Monitor, Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

We live & we learn...and we grow.

When it comes to predicting future performance, the best advice comes from past performance. If there is no advice to be heard from past performance then you know you have no true guidance. And, you understand some exploration is required…some testing is required. Only when testing and measuring is complete will you be able to obtain advice from past performance.

## Words & Syllables
Date: 2015-06-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/words-syllables/ | Categories: —

Let's not let the basics of learning slip away from us...

When we were children we were taught how to pronounce words by breaking them down into their individual syllables. When we mastered the individual syllables, we were taught how to repeat the words. When we learned how to say the words we were left on our own to use them in our own way. We need to use the same sort of process when we help people learn tasks and perform processes at work.

## Humbling Others
Date: 2015-06-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/humbling-others/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron

Some people humble others, and appear to believe it will actually build better performance.

“Humbling others”: when you put those two words together some people have no idea what they mean. Some people humble others, and don't even realize they're doing it. Some people humble others, and do not care about the impact of it. Some people humble others, and appeared to believe it will actually build better performance. Some people are even astonished to find that humbling others isn't a successful interpersonal approach.

## When ego craves intelligence recognition
Date: 2015-06-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-ego-craves-intelligence-recognition/ | Categories: Values: Personal Values

There's no question – some people crave intelligence recognition. And some other folks don't seem to care whether they are viewed as intelligent. Let's consider, for a moment, the people who want to be seen and thought of as intelligent. They appear in two forms: people who send strong outward signals that they are seeking intelligence-approvals, intelligence "pats on the back". These people often tell you they are intelligent, expecting you to agree with them. Sometimes these communications about their intelligence become the prevailing topic of their conversation. Then there are others who are shy in their interactions but somehow you know they are seeking respect for their level of intelligence. These people shine quietly when compliments come their way. Intelligence reigns...when self-control and drive stand at its sides.

## Problems playing along the path to Success
Date: 2015-06-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/problems-along-the-path-to-success/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Solutions & Opportunities

Everyone has problems. And most people struggle to solve their problems. One thing seems clear: if we do not change the way we think and act then we will not improve our ability to solve our problems. That's simple enough to say. It can be very difficult to implement. We must change the way we think and act if we want to improve our ability to solve our problems. We have no other option. That's our only option. That's what we must embrace if we truly want to solve or manage our problems. And, as we do that, we must understand - as we change our thinking change in our actions will follow. As we solve our problems new problems will arrive to replace the ones we have solved. At least that's the way it will seem to us. That's the nature of the human mindset, it not the human condition. Perhaps, you think I am wrong about that? Perhaps, it is the nature of my mindset and the mindset of people like me rather than the nature of the human condition? Regardless, once problems catch my attention I often feel a need to solve them. And, for certain types of problems the need to solve them grabs me and I must tackle them. If succeed in solving them then I step ahead and prepare to solve the next problem in the queue. If, on the other hand, I fail to solve the problem then I accept I must change my thinking and my next action. The way I see it, that's the way of problems. The way I see it, that’s the way of business and life. The way I see it, that’s the way problems play along the path to success.

## Hyper-Delegation
Date: 2015-06-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/hyper-delegation/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions

Sometimes delegation takes its suspenders firmly with both hands and tugs sharply to hoist itself to a whole new level known as hyper-delegation . It can be painful to think about this hyper-delegation process let alone experience hyper-delegation first-hand as a recipient or even watch it as a bystander. Delegation, in standard form, means assigning work from one person to another person in situations where the work is understood by both the donor of the assignment and the recipient of the assignment. Hyper-delegation doesn’t worry itself with those sorts of complications and constraints. Hyper-delegation delegates anything and everything, any time and everywhere. *** Lifting yourself up by your hyper-delegation suspenders…like the double-edged sword [except, obviously, much duller]…cuts both ways. Painful to watch. Painful to experience. Yes, painful hyper-delegation. ***

## Reluctant Communicators
Date: 2015-06-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/reluctant-communicators/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

When you talk with some people they seem to be struggling...like they are trying to figure out their future more than trying to complete a conversation with you. They seem to be reluctant communicators ... like they are trying to fix major problems or hide major secrets. It’s hard to picture these people succeeding in most business roles. They seem better suited to working with numbers than working with people. If that's their nature then perhaps that's incurable. If their reluctant communication is indeed due to major problems then perhaps their communication style will open up and better connect with others when their major problems are resolved? If their reluctant communication is indeed due to major secrets then the likelihood they will ever enjoy future communication success is very small. Either way, indecisive and inconclusive communications send signals of weakness as opposed to a signals of strength. Reluctant communicators embrace fewer opportunities. Their evasive and lacklustre signals alienate others. This alienation is, at least from time to time, a shame because sometimes reluctant communicators have tremendous strengths to offer. Sometimes reluctant communicators just need strong and helpful 'coaches or mentors' to remove reluctance and draw out talents & strengths. Perhaps, you are interested in performing that role?

## A philosophy on learning
Date: 2015-05-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-philosophy-on-learning/ | Categories: Beyond Business

I believe the purpose of life is to learn. I believe the reason for learning is growth, which takes form as the wisdom needed for personal development, the wisdom needed to understand and constructively interact with other people, and the comfort that comes with a confident relationship with self, others, and T he Universe . I believe the sequence of learning is important: first, we must learn about self, next, we must learn about other people, and then, we must learn about the spiritual . For most of us, perhaps for almost all of us, the order of learning is disrupted very early in our lives. Perhaps, for many or most of us the disruption starts the very instant we are born. Our learning is disrupted by well-meaning parents, our learning is disrupted by well-meaning figures of authority, and our learning is disrupted by other not-so-well-meaning people and by ignorant, self-serving, and malicious people. The point is, the order of our learning is disrupted early in our lives. So, we must at some point in our lives take responsibility for our learning.

## Creativity...what's right versus what's wrong?
Date: 2015-05-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/creativitywhats-right-versus-whats-wrong/ | Categories: —

When creative people clash... Here's a different view about creativity and what's seen to be right or seen to be wrong: creativity is not about right and wrong. If it can be summed up in one word, creativity is about 'new'. People have different perceptions…because people are different. When people perceive and think the same way and accept a situation, there is little ability to experience creativity. When people perceive and think different ways and accept a situation, creativity has a much easier time presenting itself. When people judge others as wrong, the likelihood of creativity arising or evolving into invention or innovation drops. When people accept others as being different and are OK not judging the differences as right or wrong, minds tend to be more open to new ideas…and creativity, invention, and innovation have an opportunity to flourish.

## When you annoy people, you don’t make money!
Date: 2015-05-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-annoy-people-you-dont-make-money-2015/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Entrepreneur Thinking

When you run a company, from time to time, you may think your employees want to run the company their way. Perhaps, it isn’t that the employees want to run the company their way. Perhaps, they just don’t want the company run your way. In other words, they have differing views on how a company should be run and they think your approach needs to be changed. When you are the leader of the company, that sort of employee feedback can be a very hard pill to swallow. When you are an entrepreneurial leader, creating the workplace for all those people, criticism can be a particularly hard pill to swallow. [Many entrepreneurs express this concern/frustration.] Whether people want the company run their way or don't want it run your way amounts to a similar thing - criticism of the leader's methods. While for most people the natural reaction is to take offense to criticism, a better approach is to step back and figure out why your people object to your methods. Whether you like it or not your people are annoyed with you. And their feedback is making that clear to you. When you annoy people, you don’t make money! When you don't annoy people, you have a chance to make money! PS: This isn't about who's right and who's wrong. It's about differing viewpoints and, depending on how you choose to view them, differing viewpoints are either opportunities to learn or sources of relentless frustration. [Perhaps, remembering " When you annoy people, you don't make money! " will help you make the right choice.]

## When you annoy people you don't make money.
Date: 2015-05-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-annoy-people-you-dont-make-money/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!

Annoy people and don't make money. Don't annoy people and make money. Those are the two options. Rarely is there any middle ground. Rarely can you annoy people and make money. (Pee Wee Herman is one of the few exceptions.)

## Had it with Negativity?
Date: 2015-05-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/had-it-with-negativity/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts

If you've had it with Negativity - Step Away from it & Step Up to a better place. Negativity - yours and your tolerance for others - it's your choice. Yes - we all have bad days and, from time to time, most of us take our bad-day frustrations out on other people. We all find ourselves in bad moods. Most of us, from time to time, feel the need to complain about everything from the weather to our next-door neighbour. These things happen because we have developed the habit of wanting things 'our way' and the habit of being discontented when things don't happen 'our way'. Most of us want control...control of situations, control of other people, and self-control. Isn’t it interesting that, often, we crave the ability to control others while, at the same time, we set aside increasing our self-control? It seems to me improving self-control does more to expand our ability to influence other people positively than any other strategy.

## In favour of Courage
Date: 2015-05-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-favour-of-courage/ | Categories: Values: Personal Values

Courage is our company’s Key Value. In summary, we have chosen Courage for our Key Value because: Courage enables Self-Knowledge and When it is backed by Courage, Self-Knowledge can be the foundation of most, if not all, other major values, traits, qualities, and attributes that contribute to character. If our personal value systems are like dominoes then Courage must be the first domino of desirable character. When it comes to personal character, no other domino can take the place of Courage. Dominoes fall in sequence… Courage Self-Knowledge Self-Confidence That domino sequence was simplified…in practice, it would be a more complicated sequence: Courage Self-Knowledge Self-Education Self-Confidence Here I mean ‘Self-Education’ in its broadest sense. It includes other dominoes like introspection and [if we want it to] autosuggestion [self-talk]. The main point is, when Courage is present Self-Confidence can grow. If we remove Courage then Self-Confidence cannot grow. Courage enables Self-Confidence. With dedication, Self-Confidence can be self-taught. Coaches can help us understand the dominoes but they cannot give them to us. We have to create our own dominoes and we have to use them regularly. The process of developing Self-Confidence only works if it is backed by Courage. *** Self-Confidence is a ‘great enabler’. Courage is the ‘great enabler’. *** We may have different views about the routes the dominoes of personal character take. But, we should agree Courage enables some very-positive things… Action Decisiveness Enthusiasm Faith Hope Inspiration Leadership* Optimism Persistence Self-Confidence Self-Knowledge *** Considering all these dominoes linked to Courage, it is easy to see... Courage enables positive Change *** Footnote: In his 1937 classic, ‘ Think and Grow Rich’ , Napoleon Hill selected ‘Unwavering Courage” as the #1 attribute of Leadership. Originally posted on May 10 th , 2008

## Yes, we cry out for help...
Date: 2015-05-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/yes-we-cry-out-for-help/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Master Rules

When Emotional work gets too heavy, we cry out for help. Using the Transactional Analysis “Parent- Adult -Child Model”…and some facts-of-life thinking: when we are first born, we are helpless yet we have a built-in talent for crying out for help, we use that talent from the start…we cry out for help, we learn – crying out for help works…it’s a successful way to get attention, we learn more – crying out for help actually brings the help we desire…food, comfort, other essentials, we develop a habit…crying out for help, when we are toddlers we notice something very surprising…we notice the word “No” and all the body language that comes with the word “No”, we do not like that word “No”…it goes against our natural desires: food, comfort, curiosity, etc., we resist the word “No”, we learn resistance can be futile, and we learn – all of us, to carrying degrees learn – how to adapt new behaviours that help us get around the word “No”. A small sampling of the behaviours we use to get around the word “No”: we scream and scream until finally those No-sayers realize their best choice is giving in…when we grow up we may learn ‘Transactional Analysis’ people call that behaving like a child …and others call it crying out for help we learn what is known as ‘Adult Behaviour’…i.e., socially-recommended stuff…this includes concepts like compromise, patience, and empathy, all of which tend to delay our near-term gratification. Most people cry out for help [at least, every once in a while]. Some people cry out for help frequently. Some people cry out for help at work. Some people, on their own, have little ability to control their crying out for help. They need help. Using the Child from transactional analysis… When a Child meets another Child, the response to a cry out for help is a cry for help. We see this in our workplaces…cries for help are exchanged and cries for help escalate. These cry-for-help versus cry-for-help interactions: eat up energy…they are heavy Emotion work for all involved & provide little, if any, value to anyone…either in the immediate-term or the long-term. So, cry-for-help versus cry-for-help interactions are Problems. There are many strategies for getting around these cry-for-help versus cry-for-help problems. One of the best strategies is – Plan & Apply Rules. Rules, when set, communicated and applied properly, place limits on Emotional work. With a little knowledge and practice, Rules can significantly reduce Emotional work. When this happens, self-confidence grows. In this way, Rules are conduits for self-confidence growth. Using the transactional analysis words, Rules help the Child to develop into an Adult. Rules send signals that express the boundaries around rewards...be they good or be they bad. That's how Rules encourage us to perform Good Habits and help us explore New Things in order to change our Bad Habits into Good Habits. Rules help us know when to march and when to fight. That was a lesson I learned [over time] from one of my early bosses. He said, on a number of occasions, “ There is a time to march and a time to fight .” He recognized I was far too busy fighting to be marching…on a clear path let alone in time with a drummer. He knew I would fight myself out of a job. So, he regularly reminded me there are times when marching is the best thing to do. This helped me keep my job and gain an appreciation of rules. [And, it planted the seeds that allowed me to adjust my approach, removing Bad Habits and replacing them with Good Habits…I view it as a life-long process….one worth working at continuously.] At Spirited Leaders, marching rules have evolved into “ Master Rules ”. Leaders have a right to set “Master Rules”; however, we recognize some folks may really object to using those two words. I never objected to the fact we need rules and order. That isn’t to say I did not break the rules regularly and dispute the intelligence of certain rules. [I did that regularly, actually more often than my co-workers.] While I have resisted certain rules and cried for help in reaction to some rules and some people who delivered rules poorly, I have been comfortable with the fact rules exist and the fact rules serve a purpose. Why all these personal comments about rules? Because: Rules are often seen as "No"...just like the "No" we heard when we were infants , "No" messages can trigger emotions and emotions consume brain energy...and that's work, Emotional work, Emotional work is personal and each of us has to do some self-examination if we want to feel better and succeed more when we deal with other people, and if we see cry-for-help problems, and we will see them at our workplace, we need plan how to communicate more openly about them...and then, when the dust isn't swirling, we need to do that communication. People are different; people are amazingly unique. Yet - most people understand the need for rules. Anarchists do not. Fortunately, anarchists are few in number. We must not confuse normal human reactions with acts of anarchy. Most people resist rules - that's normal - a part of human nature. Rules remove, reduce, delay, or change rewards. That's why we resist rules. We are more prone to resist the rules that connect with our personal desires. We have an easier time accepting rules that do not conflict with our near-term desires. Most people know we need rules. Most people know, at the very least, workplace rules create order by defining boundaries. When they are at work, people gain comfort when they understand the boundaries. They gain most comfort when they buy into the rules. That may not happen instantaneously...it may be a process over time. When people understand workplace boundaries they understand why, from time to time, they will hear and see “No”. When people understand they will hear and see “No”, they will have choices around how they are going to react to “No”. When people know they have choices, they have time to plan those choices. People can plan how they want to react to hearing “No” at work: they can respond with a cry for help [like the Child does], or they can respond with making demands [like a Parent does], or they can respond with Good Workplace Habits [like an Adult does], and they can develop a set of responses, customized Good Workplace Habits [like a Leader must do and a Leader must help others do]. Straightforward plans & guidance, mentoring, and coaching will help people build a set of responses in the Adult Zone.

## About choosing to develop Self-Control
Date: 2015-05-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-choosing-to-develop-self-control/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

How often do you think about your Intelligence & your Self-Control? Every human being possesses the seeds of intelligence and self-control at birth. To a certain degree, and the degree varies from person to person, we develop these two abilities over time. The amount of intelligence and self-control we develop determines the extent we are able to express our strengths . It takes drive to develop your Intelligence. It takes drive to develop your Self-Control. It takes even more drive to develop both Intelligence & Self-Control. And, drive consumes energy. Drive consumes energy as it formulates thoughts in your brain. Drive consumes more energy as it converts those thoughts into action. And, in many situations, drive consumes large amounts of energy when it converts thoughts into the non-action required when your willpower is called upon to limit behavior to satisfy your Self-Control goal. What is your Self-Control goal? Oh, you’ve not set a Self-Control goal. That’s not a surprise. Most people do not view Self-Control as a ‘general’ stand-alone trait/ability. Most people only consider Self-Control as it can be applied in ‘specific’ situations. Most people do not cross-pollinate their specific and relatively small Self-Control wins. Most people do not set the Self-Control bar high enough. You do not have to be like most people. It is a matter of choice. Self-Control, one of our greatest gifts, is a matter of choice. What Self-Control do you choose?

## If I were King for a day [Ruling in The Land of Disorganization]
Date: 2015-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-i-were-king-for-a-day-ruling-in-the-land-of-disorganization/ | Categories: —

Some say, “ If I were King for a day… ” But, what if your daydreams are more specific? How about – you daydream about being the King who rules over The Land of Disorganization ? You imagine a kingdom where, as long as you have blood-line or other hierarchy on your side, your personal organization is not your responsibility…it is the responsibility of those who serve you. What would it be like to be King in that kingdom? What behavior would be the King in such a kingdom exhibit? I've been daydreaming about this lately. King…in The Land of Disorganization… What's the minimum amount of personal organization my people would expect from me in my role of “His Majesty”? That's the question I've been pondering. I am The King of Disorganization. I have servants who are there to handle my personal organization. Servants organize my schedule. Servants organize my wardrobe. Servants dress me, cook for me, feed me, clean up after me. Servants prepare my speeches, my letters, my bath, my bed-time snack. Servants anticipate my needs and satisfy them in real-time. Yet, I’m suspecting I may still have to do some things to keep myself organized. Perhaps, there are some minimum obligations for personal organization… Perhaps, I could not ask other people to organize my thoughts for me… Perhaps, I'd have to make an effort to do that myself… Wouldn't I? Maybe not...

## 5 thoughts about Intellection & Thinking
Date: 2015-04-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/5-thoughts-about-intellection-thinking-thinking/ | Categories: —

Consider Ideation and Intellection ...the ability to imagine ideas and the ability to think about and understand ideas. These are two distinct aspects of Talent: that is, to a degree they can be viewed as distinct. Ideation and Intellection are 'intertwined'. Many people tend to be 'set' in one mode or the other. As a result - few people possess the ability to shut off Intellection in order to free up Ideation .

Intellection : some people possess this as an innate Talent Theme [according to the StrengthsFinder thinking built upon decades of Gallup research]. Links to 5 thoughts about Intellection & Thinking… Do You Want To Expand Your Insight Power? Don't Give Ideas the Brake, Give Ideas a Break What is more important- A great business idea or a great team? So you think you have INSIGHT... 2 Simple Tools: 1 for Thinking, 1 for Action....both for Communicating.

## 5 thoughts about Achievers & Achievements
Date: 2015-04-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/5-thoughts-about-achievers-achievements-achiever/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Expanding our limits - what benefit we receive when someone or some situation causes us to achieve what we couldn't. Even the great Ralph Waldo Emerson needed that sort of help. Emerson said, "What I most need is somebody to make me do what I can." People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits , Bad Habits , & New Things . When we want to develop better habits we need an injection of accountability; we benefit when someone or something makes us do what we can.

Achiever : some people possess this as an innate Talent Theme [according to the StrengthsFinder thinking built upon decades of Gallup research]. Links to 5 thoughts about Achievers & Achievements … What benefit we receive when someone or some situation causes us to achieve what we couldn't . The more you struggle the less you achieve goals. Yet, failure can trigger better ways. Personal strengths, desire to achieve, & attitude: 3 keys you can develop. Choices: I make mine - You make yours! 3 great reasons to strive to excel!

## Putting a finger on your entrepreneurial pulse
Date: 2015-04-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/putting-a-finger-on-your-entrepreneurial-pulse-entrepreneur/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Entrepreneur Thinking, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

A few years ago, I wrote a little piece titled “Driven to Construction” . It considered the 3 forces that drive entrepreneurs: A burning desire to achieve, A burning desire to create and build things of value, & A need to be recognized as a different type of contributor.

A few years ago, I wrote a little piece titled “ Driven to Construction ”. It considered the 3 forces that drive entrepreneurs: A burning desire to achieve, A burning desire to create and build things of value, & A need to be recognized as a different type of contributor. Some key thoughts: Entrepreneurs are driven to innovate and construct products and services; entrepreneurs are absorbed in creating new products and services, which must contain value for others. Invention on its own is not enough. Inventors are a different breed of cat. Innovators make adjustments to existing ‘methods & ways’ in order to deliver new forms of value to other people, especially clients. Entrepreneurial drive may contain an inventor flavour; entrepreneurial drive must contain an innovation flavour. Entrepreneurial drive is a most-important source of economic growth. Entrepreneurial drive is a key to re-energizing economic growth and to sustaining economic growth. Entrepreneurial drive is fundamental to individual businesses’ health and wealth. The entrepreneurial dilemma...it is difficult to institutionalize the entrepreneurial way of doing business. In other words, the entrepreneur has it but has trouble passing it on to others. In fact, it seems impossible to generate an entrepreneurial spirit in someone who doesn't possess the 3 forces outlined above. So, if you are an Entrepreneur and you are having difficulty spreading it to others then consider their internal drivers: Are they Achievers ? Are they Builders ? Do they stand out as Different ? Achievers: the existence of the drive is more important than its specific direction...it is much easier to focus or re-focus a strong drive to achieve than it is to create a strong drive to achieve. Builders: the existence of the drive is more important than its object...it is much easier to focus or re-focus a strong drive to build than it is to create a strong drive to build. Different: many entrepreneurs are odd characters, who are very comfortable with the fact they are not viewed as standard/normal/average people. They notice how others perceive them. They are motivated if not delighted by the fact they are viewed as a different type of contributor. More about the entrepreneurial dilemma…many entrepreneurs and many organizations struggle to build a culture of entrepreneurship. Some people, including some entrepreneurs and leaders, argue it is not even possible to build such a culture because entrepreneurs are born, not made . Regardless, few deny the pace of business-change is fast and innovation is an essential ingredient of business success. So, whether or not your business culture becomes truly entrepreneurial or falls short of that mark, it is essential to focus on building a culture that promotes innovation: Innovation that allows your business to attract and impress ideal clients Innovation that breeds confidence greater than that possessed by your competition Innovation that maximizes your people’s ability to be self-motivated To do this, take a close look at yourself and take a close look at your key people. Never lose track of the fact that small adjustments within the leadership team can generate positive change throughout an organization. As you take a close look at yourself and the people on your leadership team consider: Intelligence , Self-Control , & Drive . These 3 attributes are the vital ingredients. Seek them out. Build on them.

## Ears 3.0
Date: 2015-04-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ears-30-communication/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

If you force yourself to stop being too busy , get present , and observe others you will notice many people don't listen to most people. We've all observed people who pretty much don't listen to anyone. We're all guilty of failing to listen to some people some of the time...despite our efforts to concentrate, from time to time, our minds naturally wander away even while we are standing face to face with some talkers. If we've taken the time to watch people communicating and think about what we have observed then we know many people don't listen to most people. If we've not taken the time to watch people and think about it then we are likely one of those too-busy people who don't listen to most people. If we've not taken the time to 'self-observe' then chances are very good we are one of those people who don't listen to most people. And... Overall - people's ability to listen seems to be shrinking exponentially. If this keeps up there are bound to be some communication changes at our workplaces. We may experience a new level of future shock ... There could be a wave of ear-testing like we have never experienced. It is quite possible our policy makers will deliver laws requiring inattentive employees to wear artificial ears. If we fail to pass the future hearing-standard tests then we too will have to wear artificial ears...at least during our regular working hours. New-ear industries will spring up...future darlings for the stock markets...celebrated at our tech-innovation incubators, infomercialed on those cable TV channels, and touted by our stock brokers. Yes - it seems we may be entering the new era of Ears 3.0 !

## In awe of fiery-magnetism
Date: 2015-04-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-awe-of-fiery-magnetism/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, Personalities @ Work

Around you, the earth is scorched…burned with lack of trust. Yet… Somehow: you don't even see the tortured soil or the burning or the burned. Somehow: oblivious, you sear through leadership with distorted appreciation of your power of ignition. Somehow: you are fiery-magnetic; you attract the kindling required for your fires; the kindling willingly delivers itself into your flames. Yes… You accomplish great feats. You accomplish great injury. You place your mark on people, both literally and figuratively. Yes… There is awe in leadership by fiery-magnetism.

## My fiascotic day
Date: 2015-04-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/my-fiascotic-day/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, Personalities @ Work

I’ve had many good days. I’ve had some bad days too. Such is the nature of life. Until recently, I had never experienced a fiascotic day. This fiascotic day was so bad I had to create a new word to describe it. I’m talking about a day that hit a new pinnacle of 24-hour utter failure. Yes – I recognize the word I made up violates the Greek suffix rules. I don’t care…this day violated every rule of mathematics and most of the fundamental rules of the social sciences so why not violate the rules around suffixes. Violation of our fine English language is a minimum violation in the overall scheme of the fiascotic day I’m talking about here. I’d like to share the details of my fiascotic day with you, however - there’s no point. You would end up witnessing a suffix-violating fellow ranting on about his day of escalating and exploding failures and you would find it all far too fantastic to be believed. And - I wouldn’t blame you. Throughout my fiascotic day, I had to pinch myself several times in hopes my perceptions would turn out to be nothing more than a fully unpleasant dream-nightmare. Several times, just before pinching myself, I thought, “This must be some sort of crazy nightmare. What else could explain why everyone else is numbed or oblivious to these relentless waves of carnage?” Alas, it was not a dream-nightmare. It was my fiascotic day.

## Mini-Tangents and Mega-Tangents
Date: 2015-04-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mini-tangents-and-mega-tangents/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

By definition, tangents are small things: the tiny beginnings of deviations from the path; by definition, tangents are mini. Over time, the mini-deviations we make and take from our desired paths grow and the distance between where we are and where we expected to be increases.

By definition, tangents are small things: the tiny beginnings of deviations from the path ; by definition, tangents are mini . Over time, the mini-deviations we make and take from our desired paths grow and the distance between where we are and where we expected to be increases. Over time, mini-tangent become mega-tangents: this is the law and the nature of tangential things. Over time, small deviations become enormous disconnections: the prior path becomes less recognizable as it shrinks away. Tangents, the mini-ones, are the first illustrations of new things... People do only 3 things - good habits, bad habits, & new things . Tangents, again the mini-ones, are the first steps of change...in nature, for the most part, irreversible. Tangents, those mini-tangents, are the seeds that sprout the roots of our habits…they are the new things that become either our good habits or our bad habits. Tangents: this basic geometry governs everything from our daily play to the success of our lives.

## Note to Self: When you feel the need to Criticize
Date: 2015-04-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/note-to-self-when-you-feel-the-need-to-criticize/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

When that need to criticize visits... STOP! THINK - what is about to happen? I mean - really THINK about WHY you are about to deliver this piece of Criticism. What gratification are you seeking? Are your expectations are reasonable? Are your expectations fair? Or, are you simply acting out another piece of bad behaviour? Is another bad habit about to illustrate its control over you? Or, is this need to criticize about how smart you are and how ambitious you are…is it about proving that to others? Certainly by now you must have learned salty & stinging criticism does not work. Or, are you incapable of learning such simple lessons? Are you destined to continue to make the same mistakes over and over and over again? Is that the extent of your self-control?

## You & Your Clients - a little picture
Date: 2015-04-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-your-clients-a-little-picture/ | Categories: —

A Spirited way to think about your work and the Clients you serve



## When Egoic Wings Flap Out of Control
Date: 2015-04-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-egoic-wings-flap-out-of-control/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour

My work is more important than everyone else's. With elevated mind I attack my business with lightning-quickness. My superior insight-gifts enable me to juggle priorities as they arrive, in a flurry, faster than real time. My superior intuition-gifts manifest themselves as canny discernments of opportunities and uncanny strategies for delivering solutions. My talents are singular; my talents are superlative; my talents are most-worthy. Therefore, I will not plan my work in advance. Rather, I will recognize the perfect way to do my work the very instant it arrives. At the instant my work arrives you better be ready to grab onto my wake and keep pace with me as I launch myself onward and upward with the greatest gusto, gusto befitting the irrepressible nature of my business. And, shame and scorn on you if you are not ready or willing or able to hang on tight as I go about my work. Accept the fact you face no choice shy of supporting my efforts with full energy and pristine accuracy, passing my supreme-muster-tests. So, do not question me. So, do not argue with me. So, do not feel you will ever be able to grasp my important ways. Simply, do what I say as I say it. And hang on for dear life. Always.

## Personal Strength is the Heart of personal Drive
Date: 2015-03-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/personal-strength-is-the-heart-of-personal-drive/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Spirited Leaders, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Dan Pink wrote about 3 Drives: Biological Drive Reward and Punishment Drive To direct our own lives, to extend and expand our capabilities, and to make contributions Apparently, scientific evidence shows that 3rd Drive is the most important Drive. In a zone similar to that 3 rd drive - but far more eloquent and provocative - Nietzsche wrote, “Physiologists should think again before postulating the drive to self-preservation as the cardinal drive in an organic being. A living thing desires above all to vent its strength - life as such is will to power -: self-preservation is only one of the indirect and most frequent consequences of it.” I think the 3 most important human attributes are: Intelligence Self-Control Drive Every human being possesses the seeds of intelligence, self-control, and drive at birth. To a certain degree, and the degree varies from person to person, we develop these three abilities over time. The amount of intelligence and self-control we develop determines the extent we are able to express our strengths. Drive is all about putting energy to productive use...drive is innate...intelligence and self-control protect drive from negative influences [...both intrinsic and extrinsic influences]. And, no question, Nietzsche's view resonates in my mind.

## There’s something about “The Details”
Date: 2015-03-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/theres-something-about-the-details/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Optimism & Pessimism, Solutions & Opportunities

"God is in the detail" "The devil is in the detail" Regardless, it seems to me most people have a love-hate relationship with “the details”.

We’ve all heard that idiom/saying, “ the devil is in the detail ”. And, we know it means important-troublesome things lurk in the details. Wikipedia tells us that idiom/saying derives from a predecessor idiom/saying, “ God is in the detail ”, which [according to Wikipedia] means - whatever one does should be done thoroughly; i.e. details are important . I believe that fascinating fellow James Allen would agree, “ God is in the detail ”. That would be consistent with his views about work mastery and bliss. On the other hand, for some reason the saying - “ God is in the detail ” - was replaced with the current saying, “ the devil is in the detail ”. Perhaps, when it comes to sticky idioms, sooner or later the pessimists out-muscle the optimists and positive messages are submerged in negative messages. Regardless, it seems to me most people have a love-hate relationship with “the details”. Some related points… Most people love certain details and hate other details. Many people feel work-details should be delegated down the hierarchy. Many people believe positions of power & authority provide excuses for detail avoidance. Many people who side-step the details expect others to delve into those same details. Perfectionists have a troubled & tangled relationship with “the details”. 24 centuries ago an ancient Greek fellow named Euripides said, " Leave no stone unturned. " Evidently, he was all for digging into the details. And, that saying has survived the test of time. A century ago, in his classic ' Pushing To The Front ', Orison Swett Marden wrote, "Go to the bottom of your business if you would climb to the top. Nothing is small which concerns your business. Master every detail." More recently Steve Jobs said, "This is what customers pay us for - to sweat all these details so it's easy and pleasant for them to use our computers." Considering all these centuries of talk about the details... There must be something in 'the details'. Perhaps, we should check out the details from time to time.

## Being Memorable
Date: 2015-03-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/with-seeking-simple-in-mind/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Seeking Simple!

With 'Seeking Simple' in mind.



## There are only 3 Business-Value Actions
Date: 2015-03-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/there-are-only-3-business-value-actions/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!

With 'Seeking Simple' in mind.



## Clients' Clients Philosophy
Date: 2015-03-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/clients-clients-philosophy-2015/ | Categories: Clients' Clients Philosophy, Marketing, Sales, Spirited Leaders

A different perspective on customer service.



## When the going gets tough...[you must tell] the tough [People how to] get going.
Date: 2015-03-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-the-going-gets-toughyou-must-tell-the-tough-people-how-to-get-going/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Master Rules, Seeking Simple!, Spirited Leaders

There are many strategies and systems for dealing with tough People and tough Situations [involving, of course, People]. Most of these strategies and systems are too complicated, too convoluted, and far too artificial for most people to embrace. There is a better way...not just a better way, also a simpler way...a way that is not contrived.

Talk's cheap. And, slogans like "When the going gets tough the tough get going" are at best mildly encouraging and at worst annoying. While People generally want to succeed after the going gets tough, most People have never received 'use-able' advice on how to make that happen. There are many strategies and systems for dealing with tough People and tough Situations [i.e., Situations involving, of course, People]. There are complex pictures and laborious processes for handling complaints, being assertive, and delivering crucial conversations. Most of these strategies and systems are too complicated, too convoluted, and far too 'artificial' for most people to embrace. There is a better way...not just a better way, a better & simpler way...a way that is not contrived. To cover challenges of tough People and tough Situations, Mark Weber taught me one of the most valuable lessons I have ever learned... This area of business - dealing with tough People and tough Situations - is such an important facet of business [and life]...it warrants its own Master Rule . Business Contains Only 3 Things and why not Seek Simple ?

## Each Business Must Have Only One Boss...A Spirited Philosophy
Date: 2015-03-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/each-business-must-have-only-one-bossa-spirited-philosophy/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders

After talking with numerous local business leaders, that's the conclusion we have reached. This risks associated with 50/50 Business Partnerships are too high...these are risks not worth taking! PS: If you disagree, tell us your success story.

## Business Leaders: Have you explained the Innovation Process to your People?
Date: 2015-03-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-leaders-have-you-explained-the-innovation-process-to-your-people/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Spirited Leaders

Here's a start... For some more-detailed thoughts.

## Leaders are obligated to generate Opportunities
Date: 2015-03-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-are-obligated-to-generate-opportunities/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Spirited Leaders

P=2S+O: For every Problem we can come up with at least 2 Solutions and while we find those Solutions we will uncover Opportunities.

## Bosses Like Solutions A Lot More Than Problems
Date: 2015-03-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bosses-like-solutions-a-lot-more-than-problems/ | Categories: Master Rules, Solutions & Opportunities, Spirited Leaders

P=2S+O A Spirited Business Philosophy



## “The Silent Fish Whistle” - an Ernest Seller episode
Date: 2015-03-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-silent-fish-whistle-an-ernest-seller-episode/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour

You know Ernest Seller loves sales! But…if you ask Ernest Seller to choose between selling and fishing…the next thing you know he will be dressed like this. Last summer Ernest took some time off work to buy and test a high-pitched whistle…the Silent Fish Whistle…the newest fishing gizmo…guaranteed to help him catch the really big fish. It worked! Ernest caught some monster fish. But he had to stop using the Silent Fish Whistle because for some strange reason his faithful dog, Commission, refused to get into the car to go fishing with him.

## Why Put Off To Tomorrow What You Can Put Off To Someday?
Date: 2015-03-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-put-off-to-tomorrow-what-you-can-put-off-to-someday/ | Categories: Succession

On the other hand... 1. Planned exits bring more money 2. It’s best to sell when buyers want to buy 3. It’s best to deal 1-on-1 at the ‘C-level’ 4. Creative deal structures bring more money 5. Good accountants and lawyers deliver ROI 6. Deals get done when: You know exactly what you want You learn exactly what the buyer wants You compromise and agree on ‘middle ground’ You engage ‘specialists’ after it’s a done deal

## The Fine Line of Weakness
Date: 2015-03-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-fine-line-of-weakness/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Problems arise when we coddle weakness. Problems arise when we hammer weakness. And there is a very fine line between these two opposite ways of dealing with weakness. Should we acknowledge weaknesses? Yes. We should acknowledge weaknesses. The best way to do that is to present weaknesses in terms of being areas where strengths do not exist. We should focus on strengths, acknowledge weaknesses, and figure out ways to cover one person's weaknesses with other people’s strengths. As we do this we must understand even the softest of criticisms can often be very poorly received. Many people have very thin skin.

## A Little Argument Against Being Negative
Date: 2015-03-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-little-argument-against-being-negative/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities

When you focus on the negatives, you snuff out other peoples candles. What's worse, you smother your own candle...giving it no chance to burn brightly. And, while you are under the power of negative thinking, even when you believe you are going the extra mile and burning your candles at both ends you will never have the chance to shine brightly. *** Many, if not most, if not all, people have this tendency to skip over the positives and dwell on the negatives. This is part of the human condition. For some, if not many, people 'the negatives' become the cornerstones of their character. These people are harsh on themselves and more-harsh on other people. These people concentrate on and agonize over everything from petty mistakes to style differences to weather to...etc. Embedded in each of us there is a spark. We use our sparks to keep our motivation candles lit. We use our sparks to keep our attitudes bright. We use our sparks to generate value for ourselves and for other people. Unfortunately, some people out there are oblivious to these sparks. Unfortunately, some people carelessly snuff out their own candles and use up their sparks trying to relight their candles, which become increasingly immune to flame. Then, under increased negativity, their candles burn ever and ever dimmer and they are compelled to go after other people's candles. Our energy is limited and our sparks are precious. Negativity is wasted energy and spark-endangering.

## “The Boss was Stewing” - an Ernest Seller episode
Date: 2015-02-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-boss-was-stewing-an-ernest-seller-episode/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour

Ernest Seller stopped to shop for some new white shoes after lunch. So, he was 20 minutes late getting back to the office. With all that excitement and rushing around, Ernest forgot he was to meet with The Boss. The Boss was pacing, steaming and stewing. Then he saw Ernest sitting back, with feet up. That’s when The Boss blew his top, yelling... “Ernest Seller – come with me. We need to have a little tête-a-tête!” Ernest replied, "No thanks, Boss, I just had a big lunch…besides that Boss, you know I'm a meat and potatoes guy".

## Automation & Family Business
Date: 2015-02-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/automation-family-business/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB

Excerpts from a Son-Father Chat Robots do tasks. Robots do processes, step-by-step, moving in a straight line. Unlike People, Robots are linear 'doers'. Robots have a task and they do that task. No excuses. No confusion.

Excerpts from a Son-Father Chat Automation solidifies Processes...to help People and to provide value to People. That's why automation exists; that's why automation has 'gone exponential'. Automation removes People's excuses. At least, you'd think that would be the case. On the other hand, to some degree the excuses just change in form. [It is even easier to blame inanimate things than it is to blame other people.] Regardless, automation is the wave of present change and it will be the wave of future change...because...automation provides value to People. That's why Robots have become so popular. Robots do tasks. Robots do processes, step-by-step, moving in a straight line. Unlike People, Robots are linear 'doers'. Robots have a task and they do that task. No excuses. No confusion. Simply doing what they have been instructed to do. In addition, in comparison to People, Robots do tasks quicker and more accurately. Delivering value. Quicker. More accurate. No excuses. Considering these advantages, it's no wonder Robots have gained such a foothold. And, considering these advantages, no doubt Robots will continue to take over the workload, replacing People at work. *** Now, People still hold some advantages over Robots. Don't you agree? *** PS: Son - Software Engineer Father - Mechanical Engineer Family Business - Helping business leaders solve People & Process problems.

## Rules are made to be broken. Master Rules are not!
Date: 2015-02-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/rules-are-made-to-be-broken-master-rules-are-not/ | Categories: Master Rules, Values: Personal Values

In general, success is not defined in terms of a person's ability to follow rules. Similarly, mistakes should not be defined as a person's inability to follow rules.

When we lay enough layers of rules on people we can grind them to a halt. That's not a good thing in business. In business, we want people to be able to make decisions and learn from their successes and their mistakes. And, in general, success is not defined in terms of a person's ability to follow rules. Similarly, mistakes should not be defined as a person's inability to follow rules. Rules do not exist to determine success and failure. Rather, rules are there to confine and control actions. Rules guide HOW we go about doing our work. In that way, rules guide Actions . Sometimes, when business rules are broken it leads to problems or even failure…that’s the raison d'être behind rules. However, on other occasions broken rules lead to success. This happens more frequently when rules are overly confining and rules throttle creativity, innovation, or change in general. When rules are overly confining they can be broken from time to time. Perhaps, overly-confining rules must be broken from time to time if positive change is to occur. We need to keep that in mind as we establish and administer rules in business. On the other hand, the breaking of “Master Rules”, as Spirited Leaders define them, never brings about positive change. When Master Rules are broken Values are violated, relationships are soured, and trust is shattered. So, rules are made to be broken. And, Master Rules are not!

## Improving Focus...i.e., Focus on Work
Date: 2015-02-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/improving-focusie-focus-on-work/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Some thoughts about focusing on our work... It is important that we continue to remind people of the importance of concentrating on their areas of work: Sales [Agreeing to Exchange Value], Fulfilling Work Orders [Delivering Value], and Invoicing & Collection [Receiving Value]. Apparently, it is equally important that we help [some if not many] people of our people not dwell on 'automatic negative thoughts'. Rather, everyone needs to learn how to stop destructive thoughts and replace them with constructive thoughts. These things can be done. Replacing ‘automatic negative thoughts’ with constructive thoughts is the essence of the process Napoleon Hill called AUTOSUGGESTION in his 1937 classic ' Think And Grow Rich '. And, it is the essence of Spirited Leaders’ Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things philosophy. Success in roles and in business depends on ability to choose to focus on positives & successes rather than back into focusing on negatives & failures. If we want our people to grow strengths then we must allow them to make decisions and fail...so they can learn from the failures. To learn from failures people must learn to get over failures…not to dwell on failures… not to agonize over failures.

## Inspire People - Influence Action - Grow Wealth!
Date: 2015-02-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/inspire-people-influence-action-grow-wealth/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Spirited Leaders, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

In business, as in other endeavours, the essence of leadership is positive Influence. At its core, positive Influence is about inspiring people to take positive actions...where 'positive actions' means mean actions directed toward desired long-term goals. In addition to the ability to inspire positive actions, a leader must have a pleasing personality (or at the very least an acceptable personality) in order to inspire other people to be motivated in positive ways...i.e., be motivated to take actions aimed at desired & shared goals. Inspiring People and Influencing them to take positive Actions toward desired & shared Goals ...toward a shared & vivid Vision . this is the way to grow personal wealth through business this is the work of business Leaders

## "Mr. Kaye’s Coffee" - an Ernest Seller episode
Date: 2015-02-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mr-kayes-coffee-an-ernest-seller-episode/ | Categories: Ernest Seller

Here’s Ernest Seller getting ready for work. As you can see, Ernest is a handsome fellow, with a flair for excellent-looking sales apparel. When it comes to sales, Ernest’s favourite colour is plaid. This is Mr. Kaye. He is Ernest’s #1 Client. These 2 fellows have a great relationship. Mr. Kaye really looks forward to Ernest’s visits. The visits give Mr. Kaye a chance to hone his buying skills. When they first met, Ernest asked Mr. Kaye how he liked his coffee. Mr. Kaye replied, “Alone”. [Mr. Kaye always has his mug ready for Ernest.]

## Work Tasks: Below Me, Above Me, & Beside Me
Date: 2015-02-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/work-tasks-below-me-above-me-beside-me/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

We regularly encounter people whose actions signal they do not know How to do work-tasks. Sometimes, they actually say, “ I don’t know how .” Sometimes, they provide explanations…saying they erred or blaming other people or processes or situations . Sometimes, they say nothing...hoping the discussion will disappear. While I know Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron , I also understand it is important to do some exploration in order to know ‘Why’ people don’t know ‘How’. If we don't know 'Why' people don't know 'How' then how can we help them improve their performance at work? And, it is more important that the person knows 'Why' he or she does not know 'How'. If the person does not know the 'Why' then how will that person ever self-improve...and develop and grow skills? Taking it personally ...for me, it is important that I know Why I don’t know How to do work-tasks. It seems to me, when I don’t know How to do work-tasks, the reasons can be summed up as follows: I have not had the opportunity to learn how....it's a New Thing . I have had the opportunity to learn how, but have chosen not to learn how. For example, I have never taken a computer course. So, other people perform have alwyas performed this work at my businesses. I have had the opportunity to learn how, but I have been unwilling to do so. For example, I have taken accounting courses and have chosen to seek the help of others to perform accounting work. I have had the opportunity to learn how, but I have been able to do so. For example, I have not become a physicist. So, none of my businesses do theoretical physics work-tasks [or rocket science]. Another way to look at it - some work-tasks are: below me - delegated above me - performed by more-skilled people beside me - performed by peers in other functional areas/departments

## Ask value-packed questions
Date: 2015-02-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ask-value-packed-questions/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Ask value-packed questions then allow time for people to think, talk, and deliver value-packed answers. Of course, there are alternatives: don't bother thinking about great questions...just ask questions as they strike you don't allow time for people to think...after all, they are too busy to think anyway don't allow time for people to talk...don't listen to them, interrupt them And, those alternatives are so regularly chosen... Isn't that unfortunate!

## "Cold Calls" - an Ernest Seller episode
Date: 2015-02-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/cold-calls-an-ernest-seller-episode/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour

The New Guy heard Ernest Seller mention ‘cold calls’ and that made him real curious. Unfortunately, Ernest was busy and didn’t have time to explain. So, The New Guy visited Don Trodden. Don Trodden was having another one of those days. Under all the stress of the day, without thinking Don said, “Why don’t you ask The Boss?” The New Guy runs down the hall, drops into The Boss’ office and pops the question, “Boss, can you teach me about cold calls”. That was the day The Boss moved The New Guy’s desk outside.

## In The Zone of Life-long Learning
Date: 2015-02-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-the-zone-of-life-long-learning/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

Kids tend to catch up ...unless you kill their spirit before they get there.

About "Early Education" Remember... kids tend to catch up ...unless you kill their spirit before they get there. *** About "Adult Education" Remember... adults tend to catch up ...if you rekindle their spirit and inspire them to try.

## Your power resides in your strengths: easily said, not easily done...and rampantly ignored.
Date: 2015-02-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/your-power-resides-in-your-strengths-easily-said-not-easily-doneand-rampantly-ignored-strengths/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Your power resides in your strengths. Your power either energizes action or it rests inactive. Your power is the sum total of your talents, the opportunities you've had to put those talents to work at tasks, your knowledge related to those talents, and the time you've taken to practice and develop work-skills based on those talents. Your power is put to good use when you employ your strengths through good habits. Good habits, naturally, take you toward your long-term goals and vision. And, of course, if you do not have long-term goals and vision then your power rests inactive and your strengths do not realize their potential.

## “Come Commission” - an Ernest Seller episode
Date: 2015-02-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/come-commission-an-ernest-seller-episode/ | Categories: Ernest Seller

Ernest Seller loves sales. He is always ready, willing, and able to take orders….except, of course, from ‘The Boss’. Ernest Seller loves sales so much he learned how to write sales orders with both hands. Now he can sign up any kind of Client. Ernest Seller named his dog ‘Commission’. When Ernest says, “Come Commission” he kills 2 birds with one stone…and he counts that as a daily dose of self-talk.

## Why not take a SWOT at everything?
Date: 2015-02-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-not-take-a-swot-at-everything/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Solutions & Opportunities

Why not take a SWOT at decision-making ? Why not take a SWOT at hiring decisions ? Why not use SWOT to fight perfectionism ?

Certainly we should take at SWOT at strategic planning exercises. But why not take a SWOT at other things? Why not take a SWOT at decision-making ? For example, we could use SWOT when determining how to solve a problem or how to come up with various solutions for problems: we can use the 4 SWOT perspectives to generate solutions [ IDEATION ] or to test solutions [ INTELLECTION ] or both. Why not take a SWOT at hiring decisions ? We could assess various candidates under the 4 SWOT perspectives. Why not use SWOT to fight perfectionism ? If are not happy with another person's work we can look at that work from the 4 SWOT perspectives…as a test for reasonableness. Particularly, we can look at the risks and or the threats associated with accepting their work. And we can couple that SWOT with the ‘80% Rule’ where - if the work is 80% is good as we could do it ourselves then there's no need to be working to create a better solution. Obviously, this ties in with delegation – so, we can use SWOT to help us delegate more effectively. When you think about it, we can take a SWOT at almost everything!

## Does purpose precede drive or does drive precede purpose?
Date: 2015-02-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/does-purpose-precede-drive-or-does-drive-precede-purpose/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Our roundtable, is working together on Simon Sinek’s ‘ Discover Your Why ’ exercises. T he human condition is fascinating. And some of us are interested in digging deeper.

Our roundtable, is working together on Simon Sinek’s ‘Discover Your Why’ exercises. I suppose, at the surface level, we could conclude Simon Sinek believes that Why is innate in us and the discovery-of-why process is about remembering experiences and interpreting those experiences in a manner that helps us understand the secrecy [so to speak] of our [hidden] Why. I find this 'Discover Your Why' exercise very complementary to the STRENGTHSFINDER concepts around uncovering your [hidden-like-secrets] talents and converting them into strengths. Certainly, we can accomplish both these things - discovering our why and discovering our talents - without needing to understand whether drive precedes purpose or purpose precedes drive . On the other hand, the human condition is fascinating. And some of us are interested in digging deeper. I'm suspecting I am one of those people.

## Are we the ‘captains of our own ships’, able to [if not designed to] determine where our ships are going?
Date: 2015-02-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/are-we-the-captains-of-our-own-ships-able-if-not-designed-to-determine-where-those-ships-are-going/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

In his book 'Good Leaders Ask Great Questions' , John C Maxwell said " purpose gives you drive ". That got me thinking. Does purpose give you drive or does drive give you purpose? I think, at the surface level, John C Maxwell is correct - purpose does give you drive. At least, purpose bolsters your drive and purpose fans your flames of motivation...so to speak. That said - Where does purpose come from? Does it magically or genetically appear when we are born? Are people destined with a built-in purpose, coupled to a major life-task...i.e., working to understand that purpose? And, does the extent people are able to figure out their life purposes correlate to their ability to generate internal drive?...i.e., the more they know their purpose, the stronger their internal drive. Is that the way it works? Or, are people born with a curious internal drive and that drive naturally causes them to do things and when they do things they achieve results. Then, when they observe those results and particularly those results that provide them gratification, people get a sense of purpose – a sense of purpose that aligns with their gratifying results. And, if they find the gratification compelling enough then they consider it to be aligned with 'internal purpose'. Then, with this sequence of thoughts and actions repeated and repeated over time, people conclude - “This is my purpose!” Is that the way it works? This conundrum goes to the heart of the very big question: Was each person created with a specific purpose? The alternative being that we were not created with specific purposes and if that is the case then a logical next question is - Are we supposed to create our own purpose? Regardless... Don't you think we the ‘captains of our own ships’, able to [if not designed to] determine where our ships are going?

## Here's a quirk of human nature: we are prone to value authenticity in others over self-awareness.
Date: 2015-02-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/heres-a-quirk-of-human-nature-we-are-prone-to-value-authenticity-in-others-over-self-awareness-knowthyself/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Trust : a time-consuming thing to build, yet easily ruined. Attribution Bias : we are tough on others; we cut ourselves slack.

## "Go Fetch" - an Ernest Seller episode
Date: 2015-01-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/go-fetch-an-ernest-seller-episode/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour

Not too long ago, on his way to an afternoon of fishing, Ernest Seller brought his faithful dog Commission to visit the folks at the office. As Ernest left the office The Boss quipped to Don Trodden, "If he were just a bit smarter we could teach him to fetch". With a peep in his voice Don Trodden whispered to The Boss, "Ernest’s dog Commission can fetch...I saw him do it just the other day”. The Boss snorted under his breath, "I was talking about Ernest".

## Inactions are as important as actions!
Date: 2015-01-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/inactions-are-as-important-as-actions/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Actions are guided more by emotions than by logic. That is more or less common wisdom, accepted and taught by motivational gurus. What isn't emphasized, and it should be, inactions are guided more by emotions than by logic. Inactions are as important as actions!

## Positive change – constructive change - is a process of small improvements.
Date: 2015-01-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/positive-change-constructive-change-is-a-process-of-small-improvements/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Solutions & Opportunities

With a little guidance, people can work together and prove they are able to agree on small improvements. And, with a little guidance, people can prove many if not most of us want to take solution-actions. These are the first [and the hardest] steps in the process of creating positive, sustainable change…I mean, change that will be of benefit not just to ‘the company’ and its clients but also to each and every person involved [and their families, who rely on them].

Business is about problems & opportunities, an ongoing string of them. Business is about identifying those problems & opportunities and creating options for solving those problems & taking advantage of those opportunities. I believe leading business people agree – of most importance, business is about people believing their efforts will lead to valuable work results and people feeling a level of satisfaction/enjoyment while they are doing their work. With a little guidance, people can work together and prove most of us are able to agree on small improvements. And, with a little guidance, people can prove many if not most of us want to take solution-actions. These are the first [and the hardest] steps in the process of creating positive, sustainable change…I mean, change that will be of benefit not just to ‘the company’ and its clients but also to each and every person involved [and their families, who rely on them]. Leaders should provide the ‘guidance’ referred to above by organizing and facilitating small task forces. The task force should embrace the goal of reaching consensus on small changes that will help people grow as individuals, as a team of people, and as a provider of service to clients. The task force process: short meetings [30 minutes]…encouraging consensus on problems…facilitating consensus on small action steps of improvement…small steps of positive change…with everyone participating…with everyone buying into the actions.

## What is it about us that motivates other people?
Date: 2015-01-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-is-it-about-us-that-motivates-other-people/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

I believe other people's motivation is affected by their perception of my character. I believe intelligence, self-control, and drive are the foundations of character. My character and my behaviour can help people feel motivated.

Before proceeding with this Thought Post I want to be clear about one point: technically speaking, I do not believe that one person motivates another. Rather, I believe motivation is a personal experience, generated by 'self'...not generated by others. I motivate me and you motivate you...and there are some things you can do to help me be self-motivated and there are some things I can do to help you be self-motivated. So, the best way to pose the question is: What is it about us that helps other people be self-motivated? I think the answer boils down to three things I've written about on numerous occasions before: intelligence, self-control, and drive. These three attributes are the foundations of character. Yes - I understand we have values and vision and we have goals and, related to these things, we also have rules that we live by. On the other hand these things follow in time and are consequences of our unique combination of intelligence, self-control, and drive. Put another way - when others observe our behaviour they make conscious or unconscious decisions about our character. And our intelligence, our self-control, and our drive are the attributes that determine our behaviour. With this logic in mind, I believe other people's motivation is affected by their perception of my character and whether or not my behaviour is consistent and aligned with their perception of my character. I will continue to use first-person tense to explain: First, if the person has known me for a period of time then the person will hold a perception of my character. If the person perceives my character to be 'admirable' then my behaviour has a chance to help the person be self-motivated. Conversely, if the person perceives my character to be 'questionable' or worse then my behaviour will have little opportunity to help the person be self-motivated. In effect, the person will shut me out and be prone to experience negative feelings and thoughts when I am present [or in mind]. If the person perceives my character to be 'admirable' and then finds my behaviour inconsistent with that perception, again, my behaviour will have little opportunity to help the person be self-motivated. And, if my behaviour remains inconsistent with the person's perception of my character then the person will adjust his or her perception of my character...i.e., the person will downgrade his or her perception of my character until it matches the perception of my behaviour. And, while this is happening the person will tend to feel less motivated about interacting with me...and that can be described as de- motivating. When people believe my character is 'questionable' or worse I have little ability to positively influence them. And, they may describe that as 'demotivating'. When people believe my character is 'admirable' but my behaviour is inconsistent with admirable character I have little ability to positively influence them. And, they may describe that as 'demotivating'. Only when people believe my character is 'admirable' and my behaviour is consistent with admirable character do I have a chance to positively influence them. And, they may describe that as 'motivating'. My character and my behaviour can help people feel motivated. Fortunately, we human beings have the ability to construct and improve both these things.

## “ifs, ANDs or BUTs” - an Ernest Seller episode
Date: 2015-01-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ifs-ands-or-buts-an-ernest-seller-episode/ | Categories: Ernest Seller

Ernest Seller took one of those positive thinking courses and he learned sales people should never use the word BUT…instead of the word BUT, they should use the word AND. With this new positive-thinking wisdom under his new white belt, Ernest Seller marched off to the office of his #1 Client, Mr. Kaye. Ernest was so excited to share the news, without knocking, he rushed into Mr. Kaye’s office and blurted out, “Mr. Kaye, we shouldn’t use the word BUT anymore!” Without skipping a beat or looking up from his files, Mr. Kaye softly said, “OK Ernest, I am going to give that a try. AND I’m really busy so if you don't leave my office right now Ernest I am going to kick your AND”.

## On Mentoring
Date: 2015-01-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-mentoring/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Leaders' Thoughts, Succession

When a mentor is mentoring an employee the mentor uses criticism most sparingly if at all. In addition, the mentor refrains from sharing those criticisms with other people.

As a general rule, people of strong character do not complain about people they truly like. Certainly, people of strong character do not voice repeated complaints about people they like. A mentor must, at the very least, like the person being mentored. A true mentor-mentee relationship goes far beyond just liking one another. Such relationships are founded on mutual respect and built on shared trust. So, if someone says they are mentoring a person and in the next breath complains about that person then you know there is no true mentoring relationship. What the person is doing is simply complaining about another person. And, if the person is complaining about an employee then the person is simply criticizing an employee's performance. The situation is not about mentoring…it’s just another boss complaining about another employee....it's nothing special...it's common fare...it's just a display of a destructive bad habit. When a mentor is mentoring an employee the mentor uses criticism most sparingly, if at all. In addition, the mentor refrains from sharing those criticisms with other people. That would violate the mentor-mentee relationship. A true mentor would not complain about a mentee to others. And a true mentor would use (at the very most) private and gentle criticism in performing the role of mentoring. The essence of mentoring is helping and good mentors know criticism is often destructive. So, a boss who complains to others about an employee is not able to mentor that employee. The complainer is just a struggling boss. The person lacks, for one reason or another, the ability to constructively inspire and influence the employee to perform in a manner deemed satisfactory. The complaints about the employee are cries for help, whether the complainer knows it or not. That is the essence of the complaints. Needless to say, when bosses fail with employees the employees are caught between rocks and hard places.

## When a senior person's competence is being questioned...
Date: 2015-01-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-a-senior-persons-competence-is-being-questioned/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities

When a senior-team person’s competence is being questioned we leaders have only 3 choices...

When a senior-team person’s competence is being questioned we leaders have only 3 choices, we can: 1.Be confident the person can do the job. If we select this option then we, as leaders, must help the person succeed. We cannot second guess the person’s capability and/or send signals we think the person is going to fail. We must adjust our mindsets to contain only positive thinking and roll up our sleeves and help. 2.Be confident the person cannot do the job. If we select this option then we must expedite the person’s departure. That’s in everyone’s best interest. Lengthy, unsuccessful discussions about flawed performances sour relationships, kill positive momentum, and sour the business culture. 3.Be confused about whether the person will succeed and have a plan that will remove that confusion within a set time limit. It is OK for leaders to be confused about a senior person’s abilities as long as (1) they know they are confused, (2) they set time boundaries for removal of that confusion and (3) they set clear action plans to remove that confusion within those time boundaries.

## "The Genie" - an Ernest Seller episode
Date: 2015-01-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-genie-an-ernest-seller-episode/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour

Ernest Seller dreamt he, Don Trodden, and The Boss found a lamp containing one of those genies. Each got one wish. Ernest wished he could be fishing with his buddies. Poof! Ernest disappeared. Don Trodden scratched his head for a while then, much to The Boss’ surprise, Don wished to go back in time and be a sultan in a harem. Poof! Don Trodden disappeared. Finally, it was The Boss’ turn to make a wish. The Boss looked the genie square in the eyes and he wished Ernest Seller and Don Trodden would be back at their desks in 60 seconds.

## Influence is the Essence of Leadership
Date: 2015-01-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/influence-is-the-essence-of-leadership/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Seeking Simple!

*** *** *** ***

## People Do Only 3 Things
Date: 2015-01-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-do-only-3-things/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Leaders' Thoughts, Seeking Simple!

We can reduce confusion and remove complexity by creating powerful thoughts that are easy to share with others. We can treat these thoughts as 'philosophies to live by'. We can rely on these thoughts to help us handle even the most-difficult decisions, including decisions around interpersonal conflicts. " People Do Only 3 Things " is one of those seek-simple philosophies. It promotes self-understanding, which expands the ability to understand others. And, understanding self then others is the only way to build Power of Influence - the essence of Leadership. You can use " People Only Do 3 Things " thinking to expand your ability to Inspire People - Influence Action - Grow Wealth!

## “Fading Fast” - an Ernest Seller episode
Date: 2015-01-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/fading-fast-an-ernest-seller-episode/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour

This is The New Guy. He’s a bit green. The other day The Boss was a little annoyed with The New Guy and he said, “I don’t know what your problem is but I bet it’s got at least 6 syllables”. The New Guy disappeared for 10 minutes then crawled into The Boss’ office and said: “You’re right boss, I am feeling queasy. It’s hitting me hard. I better take the rest of the day off, visit my doctor…boy, I’m sure glad we have such a great medical plan”.

## The Lost Art of Silence
Date: 2015-01-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-lost-art-of-silence-listen/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Influencing

"Silence was meaningful with the Lakota, and his granting a space of silence before talking was done in the practice of true politeness and regardful of the rule that "thought comes before speech"." "Silence meant to the Lakota what it meant to Disraeli when he said, "Silence is the mother of truth", for the silent man was ever to be trusted, while the man ever ready with speech was never taken seriously." Chief Luther Standing Bear Sioux Chief Luther Standing Bear Benjamin Disraeli

## “The Performance Review”
Date: 2015-01-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-performance-review-an-ernest-seller-episode/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Humour

This is Ernest Seller’s boss. His name is ‘The Boss’. Nobody at the office remembers his real name…and he prefers it that way. Ahh terrific…a New Year! And, just this morning, Ernest Seller was gearing himself up for his performance review. The next thing he knows The Boss strolls in and says, “Ernest, what we’ve got here is…failure to communicate!” Then the two of them had another excellent performance-review chat. The Boss shared several quotes from prison movies then summed up with, “Ernest should go far…as soon as possible”.

## HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Date: 2015-01-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/happy-new-year/ | Categories: —

HAPPY NEW YEAR!



## You want your business to grow and prosper in 2015...
Date: 2014-12-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-want-your-business-to-grow-and-prosper-in-2015/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts

You want your business to grow and prosper in 2015... Business growth is a consequence personal growth. Personal growth is positive change. Positive change starts with character change. Character change is an essential ingredient of leadership. Leadership is Influence tied to personal growth. Leadership can be quiet: that is leading by example . Leadership can be planned and shared: that is mentoring .

## As you work at Influencing people in 2015...
Date: 2014-12-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/as-you-work-at-influencing-people-in-2015/ | Categories: Influencing

Do what it takes to understand the similarities and differences in perceptions and realities : This is the way to understand other people. Of even more importance, this is the way to understand 'self'.

As you work at Influencing people in 2015... Remember - their perceptions are their realities whereas your perceptions are your reality. It is wrong to assume these perceptions or these realities are the same. Instead, do what it takes to understand the similarities and differences in perceptions and realities : This is the way to understand other people. Of even more importance, this is the way to understand 'self'. Understanding 'self' and others is the route to influencing 'self' and others. And, influencing is the essence of leadership.

## As you contemplate a productive 2015...
Date: 2014-12-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/as-you-contemplate-a-productive-2015/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

When I use the words "personal changes", I am thinking... People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits , Bad Habits , & New Things : Good Habits take people toward their long-term goals and vision of success. Bad Habits do not. New Thing s are, by definition, "personal changes".

As you contemplate a productive 2015... Consider the following questions: For the upcoming year how would you define success? What gaps exist between where your business is now and that success? What personal changes do people (does each person) need to make to span those gaps? What personal changes do you need to make to influence people as they span those gaps? What help do you need to make your personal changes? When I use the words "personal changes", I am thinking... People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things : Good Habits take people toward their long-term goals and vision of success. Bad Habits do not. New Thing s are, by definition, "personal changes".

## MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Date: 2014-12-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/merry-christmas/ | Categories: Thought Tweets



## Do You Want To Expand Your Insight Power?
Date: 2014-12-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-want-to-expand-your-insight-power/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Entrepreneur Thinking, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Entrepreneurs have deal-doing insight . Good salespeople have deal-doing Insight , which can be defined as: a natural, deep capacity to understand people and situations , a tuned intuition that identifies patterns & trends, and an ability to see gaps and know ways to fill them. True entrepreneurs and top-notch salespeople possess a set of natural talents that work together to create insight strength. As one example: Consider Ideation and Intellection ...the ability to imagine ideas and the ability to think about and understand ideas. These are two distinct aspects of Talent : that is, to a degree they can be viewed as distinct. Ideation and Intellection are 'intertwined'. Many people tend to be 'set' in one mode or the other. As a result - few people possess the ability to shut off Intellection in order to free up Ideation. Few people possess the ability to set aside judgment and replace it with open-mindedness or free-flowing creativity. Indeed, very few people can switch back and forth between Ideation and Intellection . Most people get stuck in thought ruts ...thought habits. Q: Can a person develop Insight Strength ? A: Absolutely - Yes! Here's a great way to start - read some of Edward de Bono's work . Applaud curiosity . Spend more time with inwords . Remember - deal-doing insight can be converted into fortunes. New Things are the key to interesting and positive work experiences.

## What’s New With You?
Date: 2014-12-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/whats-new-with-you/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

“New Things” are the route to positive energy and positive feelings. How do new things help you remain fully engaged , energized , and enthusiastic ?

Do you intentionally try new things, explore new group, embrace your natural curiosity and creativity? *** " Of all the things you seek to control in life, it turns out that one of the most important ones is the introduction of new ." " Bottom line: setting your sights on enjoying new experiences regularly is one of the greatest ways to remain fully engaged, energized, and enthusiastic throughout your lifetime. " Brendon Burchard, ' The Charge ', (2012) When you really stop to think about it, people only do 3 things . People do good habits, bad habits, and new things. Everything we do can be placed into one of those 3 categories. I we use these simple categories and think about the things we do then we can quickly identify ways to improve our actions…and do a better job of aiming our actions toward success. And, as Brendon Burchard says, “new things” are the route to positive energy and positive feelings. How do new things help you remain fully engaged , energized , and enthusiastic ? You can do New Things to displace Bad Habits . Bad Habits , by definition, feel bad. They feel bad because they are not aligned with your goals. They distract you from your goals and that reduces the likelihood of you achieving your goals. New Things provide information. You can test New Things to determine if they are taking you closer to your goals. Some New Things will take you closer to your goals. If you repeat them then they become Good Habits , which by definition feel good. When you feel good you are engaged in thoughts and action...you are energized. When you feel really good you are enthusiastic. New Things provide the bridges and paths from Bad Habits to Good Habits . New Things provide the way to make adjustments so you achieve your goals.

## Our CFFB roundtable & "Things Happy People Never Do"    [ #CFFB ]
Date: 2014-12-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/our-cffb-roundtable-things-happy-people-never-do-cffb/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Rely on indulgences to feel better T ry to change other people Blame others Show up to prove, instead they show up to improve

Our CFFB roundtable group has a habit of doing self-discovery exercises at our monthly meetings. Recently, we discussed “6 THINGS HAPPY PEOPLE NEVER DO”. We found the exercise through an internet search, which we summarized as: “Happy people do a lot of things. They spend time expressing gratitude, cultivating optimism, practicing kindness, nurturing loving relationships, committing to meaningful goals, savoring life’s little pleasures, and so on and so forth. But they NEVER… 1: Mind other people’s business 2: Seek validation of Self-Worth from others 3: Rely on other people and external events for happiness 4: Hold onto resentment 5: Spend prolonged periods of time in negative environments 6: Resist the truth” With that internet-inspired background, we asked ourselves: What would you add to the list? What’s something you should NOT do if you want to be happy? Then, when we met as a group, we shared and discussed our self-discovery answers. Here are some of the things we think happy people never do: Rely on indulgences to feel better Try to change other people Blame others Show up to prove, instead they show up to improve Consume negative media Watch their partners billable hours at work Spend too much time worrying about the future Allow tragedy to become part of their identity Live in the past Base self-identity on their financial status Try to do it all themselves Say "Yes" when they want to say "No" Stop learning Relax when their talents and strengths are lying dormant Fail to feel uncomfortable when they err and violate their personal values *** It seems to me the people in our CFFB roundtable group are life-long learners. And, we recognize self-knowledge is the starting point…

## Empowering people for great decisions - expanded
Date: 2014-12-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/empowering-people-for-great-decisions-expanded-decision/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions

Of course, good leaders want to: Do a good job at delegating authority for decision making Empower people so they are motivated to expand their decision making Here are a couple of important considerations: Delegation must be consistent…people need to be told the rules and the extent of their authorities Delegation must be communicated…it is not enough to say “ Our people are empowered to make decisions ”. It is important to ensure people understand how and when their authorities should be exercised. It is important to ensure people understand your decisions can be questioned…’within bounds’. How should we go about setting up Decision-Making authorities so people are empowered? Leaders - here is simple way to approach this: consider the people who directly report to you then have those people perform the same exercise for the people reporting to them. According to Brian Tracy there are 3 types of decisions: Command Decisions : decisions made by the Leader alone Consultative Decisions : decisions made by the Leader after the Leader has consulted with his/her direct reports [and other folks, as required] Consensus Decisions : decisions where the Leader delegates the decision-making authority to his/her Leadership team…i.e., like the others, the Leader gets a single vote As mentioned above, communication is important. The first step is informing everyone you think it makes sense to follow Brian Tracy’s advice and use 3 types of decisions. After that, start by saying, “ This is a consultative decision ” or “ This is a consensus decision ” or “ This is a command decision ”. This probably will not be required because people will understand the decision type by the way you introduce the decision. On the other hand, there is no harm in making sure by saying things like “ I would like to consult you about this ” or “ Can we come to group consensus about this ” or “ I have made the following decision ’. When in doubt – over-communicate. About Command Decisions … I tell people I have a 10-3-1 Rule : For every 10 command decisions I make I expect about 3 will be questioned For every 10 command decisions I make I expect about 1 to be strongly resisted, questioned, and argued against Why? It seems to me 10-3-1 is about the right ratio. When I make command decisions I will make mistakes…hopefully, I do not err more than 3 times out of 10 decisions. If I do then I should not be the boss. Occasionally I will make a glaring mistake…hopefully; I do not do that more than 1 time out of 10 decisions. My communication of my 10-3-1 Rule is an effort to ensure everyone is comfortable questioning my decisions…’within bounds’. It is an effort to establish boundaries for command decisions: command decisions should not be taken as absolute, unquestionable commands…I don’t want to be surrounded by automatons or sycophants…I do want to be surrounded by quality-thinking, curious people command decisions should not be subject to excessive questions or objections…a level of questioning and objection is healthy…excessive questioning and objection is a signal of a problem people on leadership teams do better when they know the rules *** According to Dale Carnegie... " When Theodore Roosevelt was in the White House, he confessed that if he could be right 75 percent of the time, he would reach the highest measure of his expectation. " About Roosevelt's 75%... that supports the selection of 3 in 10-3-1...or, at least, it suggests having 3 of 10 decisions questioned is in the right ballpark.

## Why not ask good questions?
Date: 2014-12-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-not-ask-good-questions-questions/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

While this probably has never been the subject of a scientific study, I believe the most-successful people of all time form the same crowd as the most-successful question askers of all time. In some disciplines, this is self-evident: teachers, trial lawyers, philosophers, scientists, inventors, sales people, and market researchers come immediately to mind. In those disciplines, the master-players all excel at The Art of Good Questions . How about your discipline...your chosen field of business? Could you and your people learn the Art of Good Questions ? The answer is - Yes . Consider buying & selling as one example and think about it this way… You are a sales person. You are on one side of a chasm…a wide, deep, dark, bottomless crevice…it looks like a mini-Grand Canyon, except it is pitch black and you can see nothing when you stand on the edge and look down Your probable client is on the other side…too far to jump to be with you You and probable clients have been here and there before…lots of your probable clients are in that wide, deep, dark, bottomless crevice…somewhere You can do one of two things: You can do and say the same old things you have always done and said You can ask a terrific question that magically launches your probable client over the wide, deep, dark, bottomless crevice…over to your side If you picked #2, well done, you know the The Art of Good Questions . *** "You gotta ask 'why' questions. 'Why did you do this?' A 'why' question you can't answer with one word." Larry King

## Have you ever worked at not listening to people?
Date: 2014-12-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/have-you-ever-worked-at-not-listening-to-people-joyofcommunication/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour

If you have difficulty listening to people, try not listening to them. I expect you will find it much more difficult to not listen than listen. It seems to me people have a difficulty listening because they have never made a conscious effort to not listen. If they made a conscious effort to not listen then they would understand it really isn't that difficult to listen to other people. It is far more difficult to totally tune other people out and not listen to anyone. If you have difficulty listening to people, try not listening to them. I expect if people were forced to learn how to excel at not listening then they might even start arguing in favour of the benefits of listening. Perhaps, they would convince one another that it is far more work to not listen than it is to listen...so we might as well start listening. Of course, there's a third alternative... If you are the type of person who avoids extremes then you will not want to excel at either listening or not listening. If that's the type of person you are then there's good news for you. You can master the skill of half-listening. That takes little talent. That requires no effort. Almost everyone can half-listen. Almost everyone does.

## Changing Culture, Improving Performance
Date: 2014-12-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-culture-improving-performance/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Influencing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

I hear lots of people talking about business culture. I hear lots of people talking about the requirement for changes. I hear lots of people complaining about problems. When I hear people talk of these things, I think about two things. First I think about peoples interests. Are people interested in themselves only or are they interested in another people? And, to what degree are they interested in other people? The next thing I think about is people's ability or inability to make change. Can the person change themselves? What are they doing to bring that about? Can the person influence others to make changes? I think about people's interests. I think about people's ability to influence self [self-control] and ability to influence others. A picture with four quadrants comes to mind. I meet many people who, when they are talking about co-workers, describe them as self-centred and entrenched...unable to change...negatively influencing others. It is clear the people who express these views consider themselves to be different. They consider themselves to be much less self-centred and much more capable to accept and bring about change. I suppose this is just another example of how the attribution bias manifests itself on a widespread and frequent basis. We tend to view others more harshly than we view ourselves. Perhaps it's our egos working to protect us? And I wonder - Can self-centred people have a positive influence on others?

## When you stop and think about it...
Date: 2014-12-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-stop-and-think-about-it/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Of course, when you believe you are too busy you will not stop to think...you will just continue to 'do stuff'.

About that decision you just made: What goal were you trying to achieve? What options did you consider? How do you know this decision is the best option? Of course, when you believe you are too busy you will not stop to think about these sorts of things...you will just continue to 'do stuff'. How's that working out for you? If it's working out well then that's good news. If it's not working out well, you can consider a different approach...like asking yourself a short series of questions. For example: What goal were you trying to achieve? What options did you consider? How do you know this decision is the best option?

## It's your choice -  multi-task for mediocrity or focus for excellence.
Date: 2014-12-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-your-choice-multi-task-for-mediocrity-or-focus-for-excellence/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Can this common sense [backed by brain science] withstand the urgencies of your day? Focus & concentration bring excellence. When we have mastered performance excellence we can get in the zone. Either way, focus/concentrate or in the zone, we are not multi-tasking when we are performing with excellence.

## Egos, Communication, & Positive Changes
Date: 2014-12-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/egos-communication-positive-changes/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication

When Change Does Not Happen When change does not happen at your business it's because you fail to communicate. Yes -that's a tough pill to swallow. But it is true. You fail to generate change because you fail to inspire people and influence them to change. You fail to address and remove the mindsets that cause people to resist change. And, you fail to connect in meaningful ways with the people at your business who could help you bring about the changes you desire. In particular, you fail to help people be comfortable and feel they have a level of control. Instead of feeling in control or at least having a feeling of partial control your people feel it is your change. Your people resist change because it is your change not their change. This is a fact of life. Your people are not behaving badly. You do the same thing: you resist change when it is dumped or forced on you. Egos, Communication, & Positive Changes Egos thrive on control - egos work hard to maintain control. Egos fear the unknown - egos work hard to minimize surprises. Egos are the ultimate internal authority - egos resist the intrusions of external authorities. Egos are supreme internal judges – egos rule harshly against external opinions. Egos are part of the human condition…for the most part ignored and misunderstood…egos exert their control quickly – always protecting their owners and presenting their owners in the best light. Understand the power of egos. Take the time to communicate with egos. When satisfied with your communication, egos will help you bring about the changes you desire. ***

## Getting Everything You Want
Date: 2014-12-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/getting-everything-you-want/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Sales and motivation expert Zig Ziglar said, " You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want. " US President Harry S Truman said, " It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit. " What do you think? Do you think you must give before you get? Do you think success is defined in terms of: (a) the things you receive? (b) the credit you receive? (c) both? (d) none of the above? Let's assume both Zig Ziglar and Harry Truman are right. Under that assumption, people will maximize the chance of obtaining everything they want in life by helping others obtain what they want and allowing others to take credit for their achievements. Let's assume both Zig Ziglar and Harry Truman are wrong. Under that assumption, people should not make an effort to help others obtain the things they want and people should not be concerned about who gets credit when successes are achieved. Of course, there is middle ground: people can help others from time to time and allow others to receive credit for their successes from time to time. What do you think? How do you want to behave...what are Good Habits and what are Bad Habits? *** Consider your past experiences... Has anyone ever stolen one of your ideas and presented it to the boss?...how did you feel when that happened? Has anyone ever helped you achieve something you desired?...how did you feel when that happened?

## A Dialogue - Change is constructive only when people are comfortable.    [ #Change ]
Date: 2014-12-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-dialogue-change-is-constructive-only-when-people-are-comfortable-change/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change

Change is constructive only when people are comfortable. 1 st Person: “Well that’s profound advice. When people are uncomfortable with change it destroys a piece of them. It consumes energy in a destructive way. So, change is destructive when people are uncomfortable.” 2 nd Person: “I disagree. That's not profound advice. Uncomfortable or not, people work their way through change and accomplish amazing things. So, whether people are comfortable or uncomfortable as change is happening change can result in constructive things.” 1 st Person: “The process of change starts with discomfort. For many people, the discomfort is intolerable and change stalls out before it has a chance to root itself into behaviour.” 2 nd Person: “I can agree with that point. But, the fact discomfort often results in failure to change doesn’t justify a conclusion that change is only constructive when people are comfortable.” 1 st Person: “True. Let’s approach this from a different angle. Consider the role confidence plays. Can a person be uncomfortable and confident at the same time?” 2 nd Person: “No. I expect a person cannot be both uncomfortable and confident at the same time. In order to be confident a person must possess a level of comfort.” 1 st Person: “Consider courage. Can a person be uncomfortable and courageous at the same time?” 2 nd Person: “Yes. I believe courage is about experiencing fears and overcoming them. While a person is experiencing fears they are uncomfortable. Courage happens when people feel uncomfortable and through either constructive thought or constructive action or both they overcome their fears.” 1 st Person: “Would it be accurate thinking to consider constructive change happens two ways: constructive change happens when people are self-confident and comfortable and when people are uncomfortable and muster the courage to overcome their discomfort?” 2 nd Person: “Yes. I believe that is accurate thinking. And, the second way violates the premise that change is constructive only when people are comfortable.” 1 st Person: “Let’s discuss courage in a little more detail. We have agreed courage involves thinking and/or acting despite discomfort. Would you agree, courageous thoughts and actions are constructive if they are aligned with our values and goals?” 2 nd Person: “Yes. That’s a good way to define ‘constructive’. If thoughts and actions are consistent with our values and take us toward our long-term goals then they are constructive thoughts and actions.” 1 st Person: “We see evidence confirming at least some courageous thoughts and actions meet that definition, so they are constructive.” 2 nd Person: “True.” 1 st Person: “Are those courageous actions in the zone of habits or in the zone of events, including singular events?” 2 nd Person: “There are many stories of spectacular examples of courage…mothers protecting their children, soldiers risking their lives to save comrades, firefighters risking their lives to save people and animals, etc. These could be either singular events or habits…a mother protecting her children could be singular and a firefighter saving lives could be considered a habit.” 1 st Person: “What are your thoughts about firefighters? How do they handle that dangerous job? How do they muster the courage?” 2 nd Person: “Perhaps, they are born mentally tough? Perhaps, mental toughness is a prerequisite for the job? On the other hand, I understand firefighters receive intensive training…physical conditioning, simulations of rescue scenarios, etc.” 1 st Person: “Agreed. Soldiers and firefighters and others who perform in dangerous situations receive intense training. Would you agree their training builds their confidence?” 2 nd Person: “Yes. I see where you are heading. Many instances of courage happen as a follow-up to well-planned training programs designed to build confidence and the ability to be comfortable when dangerous situations must be faced.” 1 st Person: “So, if firefighters and soldiers are natural-born courageous people then they do not need to change to be courageous. On the other hand, if firefighters and soldiers are not natural-born courageous people then their bosses must provide education and planned exposure to help them gain comfort and confidence so they can make the changes required to ensure they are able to perform their jobs.” 2 nd Person: “I see. You have provided a good example of how teaching people in comfortable steps helps them make constructive change. But - do you believe this means there are no examples that confirm change can be constructive when people are uncomfortable?” 1 st Person: “There are some examples. In certain uncomfortable situations – often crises situations – people react in most-constructive ways and the event results in lasting and constructive change. However, these examples are so rare there’s little value in seeking them out. They are rare in life and even rarer in business. In business change is constructive only when people are comfortable.” 2 nd Person: “I follow your logic…and I plan to give this more thought.”

## Getting Stuck on Problems & Seeking Help with Problems
Date: 2014-11-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/getting-stuck-on-problems-seeking-help-with-problems-solutions/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities

When we care about producing quality work on time and on budget we take the time to seek out help...that's a natural part of a continuous-improvement mindset . Some people have that mindset; some people don't have that mindset. Help comes in many forms and most of the time it comes from other people. Sometimes help comes from clever thinkers whom we have never heard of before. That happened to me recently when I picked up a copy of the audio book called 'Die Empty' [by Todd Henry, 2013]. This book provides some interesting and helpful perspectives and how to be more productive and achieve more success. Here's an example: Todd Henry's 4 Elements for Analysing Problems : aspirations affinities assumptions attributes “ Using these four elements and possibility thinking aspirations, affinities, assumptions, and attributes can help you find the edges of your problem and help you avoid barriers to progress. You can utilize them at the beginning of the project to help you generate a series of questions and you can use them frequently throughout the project to keep you from getting stuck .” Todd Henry ‘ Die Empty ’, (2013) I plan to dig deep into Todd Henry's recommendations, particularly in the area of analysing problems. His work and quality thought will be helpful in many areas...here's a few that jump out at me: P=2S+O , SWOT , & project improvement .

## You too can be too busy
Date: 2014-11-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-too-can-be-too-busy/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Brain: about the Human Brain, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

You too can be too busy. All you need to do is brainwash yourself. Keep repeating: " I'm too busy, I'm too busy, I'm too busy ". Neuroscience advancements in the area of neuroplasticity confirm this simple repetition of " I'm too busy, I'm too busy, I'm too busy " will really help you self-brainwash. With science supporting your efforts, indeed, you can experience the realities of an I'm-too-busy life. So - while you still have some time - get at it. Don't just give it a little lip service. Dig deep. Repeat, repeat, repeat: " I'm too busy, I'm too busy, I'm too busy ". Don't be shy. Crank up the volume as you share your message with anyone who will listen. And, there is even more good news. If you want to hasten the onslaught of an altogether I'm-too-busy life, lace your repetitions with powerful emotions...like fear and anxiety. That will ensure you enjoy the full power of self-talk, also known as autosuggestion. Simply put, the key to becoming too busy is: voice loud, emotional, and repeated proclamations of " I'm too busy, I'm too busy, I'm too busy ". I am confident you will put this I'm-too-busy strategy to good use. Good luck with it.

## You Just Cannot Take Communication for Granted
Date: 2014-11-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-just-cannot-take-communication-for-granted-communication/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Communication: Improving Communication, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Solutions & Opportunities

People don't express their thoughts as clearly as they think they do. People don't listen as well as they think they do. And, to make matters worse, people are born with these brittle, fragile, and unpredictable egos that inject biases and confuse their thoughts. Egos have a singular strategic initiative: protecting themselves. Egos have a preferred operating tactic: adjusting thoughts and actions to present the ego-owner in the most-desired manner. This preferred tactic both ‘protects’ and ‘projects’. It protects the ego. It projects an image of the ego-owner. It projects: consciously and unconsciously [in planned and spontaneous ways], in ways that are consistent with the self-image, in ways that promote the self-image, and with extreme bias [using a spectrum of biases/perspective-altering techniques]. So, as people communicate with one another they are guided by these self-serving, brittle, fragile, and unpredictable egos. These egos wander rampant everywhere, protecting themselves and doing the best they can to manipulate others’ perspectives at every opportunity… …all at the expense of clear and complete communication. Going back to the initial premise: People don't express their thoughts as clearly as they think they do. Generally, people don’t know the extent of their biases. That’s the nature of biases. That’s the ‘Catch-22’ of biases. Biases operate at their peak when their owners fail to understand the biases exist. When owners know their biases exist their biases’ power diminishes. When biases are unknown to their owners biases act in accordance with the uncontrolled demands of their owners’ egos […or is it ‘unconscious minds’]. So, often, people think they are communicating one message when in fact their egos are communicating an entirely different message. And, about the second premise: People don't listen as well as they think they do. For several reasons, people do not listen well. To name a few: they brainwash themselves into believing they are too busy …providing themselves with a lifetime excuse for not making the effort learn how to listen well, they have never taken the time to work at developing focus or concentration skills, and their egos take over their ears and brains, more or less at will. About that last point: Consider, for example, you are at a social gathering exchanging pleasantries with one person and a far-more-important person happens to walk near the two of you. You, of course, very quickly tune out the talking person as your brain thinks about the far-more-important newcomer. Why? Why do you do this? While there are a number of possible explanations, you will save time if you check your ego first. So – that’s the problem, what’s the solution? The solution rests in the ancient Greek aphorism: “Know Thyself” . Injecting an ancient word and expanding on one of Covey’s ‘ 7 Habits ’ – Seek First to Understand Thyself : Only then will you have the ability to keep your ego in check and in balance. Only then will you have the knowledge you need to listen with skill. Only then will you have the knowledge you need to express your thoughts clearly. #Communication

## Einstein and other heroes speak out in favour of Seeking Simple!
Date: 2014-11-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/einstein-and-other-heroes-speak-out-in-favour-of-seeking-simple/ | Categories: —

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Leonardo da Vinci

*** ***

## Repeat to Influence
Date: 2014-11-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/repeat-to-influence/ | Categories: —

Learning is a gradual process. Practice makes perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. Learning from practice makes perfect. *** Repeat & Use Different Methods Different Media Analogies Humour & Stories *** [In that speech, Martin Luther King repeated "I have a dream" 8 times.] Repeat to Influence.

## Working In Your Strengths Zone
Date: 2014-11-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/working-in-your-strengths-zone/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

People feel good when putting their strengths to work. People do not feel good when working outside of their strength zones. People feel particularly bad when they are putting their weaknesses to work. When people feel bad they do poor work and get poor results. *** *** If people are not meeting their business goals then work to understand their feelings. If people are not meeting their business goals and they are feeling good then there’s a high probability your plans must be improved. If people do not feel good at work then there’s a high probability their roles do not align with their personal strengths. If this is the case then the best strategy is altering their roles to align work actions with their personal strengths. *** Helping people understand then use their strengths at work is the quickest, least-expensive, and most-productive thing you can do to improve your business. As you gain a clear understanding of each person’s strengths: Engage strengths at work, wherever possible, Avoid using weaknesses at work, Cover weaknesses with strengths, Build strengths-based strategic plans, & Enable your people to take strengths-based action. *** Personal Strengths: the #1 key to profitable and sustainable business. *** ***ne

## Some Engineers think about People's Strengths
Date: 2014-11-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-engineers-think-about-peoples-strengths/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Ropes like to stretch in the direction of their strength and are less tolerant when forces are applied against their grain.

Don't go against the grain; stretch in the direction of your strengths. Engineering teaches us about tensile forces and shear forces. Tensile forces are forces that stretch things. For example, if we hold two ends of a rope in our hands and pull the rope then the rope is under tension...and it stretches. The more force we apply the more the rope stretches. Shear forces are forces that cut. For example, if we take a pair of shears we can cut through the cross-section of the rope. It takes much less force to shear the rope than it takes to pull both ends of the rope and break it into two pieces. Engineers would say it takes less shear force than tensile force to cause the rope to fail. In layman's terms: the rope likes to stretch in the direction of its strength and the rope is less tolerant when the force is applied against its grain. People have strengths and weaknesses. With respect to strengths and weaknesses, each person is unique. People can stretch and grow in the directions of their personal strengths...and people do not do well when we apply force against their weaknesses. In business, we need to make sure we know people's strengths and weaknesses...this, of course, is better than assuming people's strengths and weaknesses or not bothering to understand people's strengths and weaknesses. This applies in the broadest of terms: it applies to industry-technical strengths and weaknesses; it applies to interpersonal/communication strengths and weaknesses; it applies to situation -strengths and situation-weaknesses; it applies to individuals and it applies to work-teams. We should help people stretch in the direction of their strengths...this inspires people and provides them the opportunity to be self-motivated and to excel. We should work to use one person's strengths to cover another person's weakness...this is better than cutting against the grain . We should anticipate situations that resonate with strengths and situations that resonate with weaknesses. These are important leader and manager responsibilities. PS: instead of saying tensile stress , some engineers would call it normal stress . That makes for an even more compelling argument. When we stretch in the direction of our strengths...that's normal. When we cut across our weaknesses...it hurts. PPS: this overlaps the fact that constructive criticism is an oxymoron . Most of the time, criticism hits people right on their weak spots.

## How to convert Talents into Strengths...at Work
Date: 2014-11-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-convert-talents-into-strengthsat-work/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Opportunities : Give yourself opportunities...keep your mind open to consider changes...understand opportunities often come in problem disguises Ensure you associate with other people who are willing to provide opportunities for you...your mentor...your boss...your family members

Talents: Do some self-analysis...be as objective as you can be...the things you enjoy at work are 'talent signals' Obtain some 3 rd -party feedback...consider your boss's input...and seek fully-objective help Opportunities: Give yourself opportunities...keep your mind open to consider changes...understand opportunities often come in problem disguises Ensure you associate with other people who are willing to provide opportunities for you...your mentor...your boss...your family members Specialized Knowledge: Study your industry with a view to coming up with insights of value to your clients Study other industries with a view to coming up with insights of value to your clients [ borrow brilliance ] Practise Skills: As Malcolm Gladwell taught - people need much practise to become skilled...dedicate 10,000 hours...then do more Mistakes and shortfalls are a necessary part of learning...repeat the Act-Err-Adjust cycle until you succeed Routine & not-Routine Work-Tasks: The 80/20 Rule: 20% of the causes yield 80% of the results...not-Routine work is the place where innovations yield the greatest returns Routine work-tasks should be systematized and automated to the full extent possible, freeing up time for doing not-Routine work

## To change the world spend 20 minutes a day working on self-understanding.
Date: 2014-11-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/to-change-the-world-spend-20-minutes-a-day-working-on-self-understanding/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The question was asked at the HBR LinkedIn group..." How can we change society? Just give one step which you feel will change society. " Change requires Courage . Change requires knowledge of self and knowledge of others. Change cascades like dominos: Courage Self-Knowledge Self-Education Self-Discipline Self-Change Self-Confidence Confidence in Others Teaching Others: Courage, Self-Knowledge, Self-Education, Self-Discipline, Self-Confidence Working With Others: Creating Change For The Better This is the stuff of leadership

## Stop focusing on people’s weaknesses!
Date: 2014-11-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stop-focusing-on-peoples-weaknesses/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Our habit of ‘focusing on weaknesses’ may have started in our family homes when we were infants or toddlers. Or, our habit of ‘focusing on weaknesses’ may have started when we met our first teachers.

Our habit of 'focusing on weaknesses' may have started in our family homes when we were infants or toddlers. Or, our habit of ‘focusing on weaknesses’ may have started when we met our first teachers. Or, it may have started through the hands of neighbourhood bullies. Or, it may have started when we joined the workforce and received our first performance appraisal. The point is - it happened. If fate was kind to us and we received a balance of positive/supportive feedback to offset the barrage of ‘focus on weaknesses’ then… we certainly were among the fortunate few! Most people have received much more negative feedback than positive feedback. Most people have become accustomed to focusing on weaknesses…their weaknesses, other people’s weaknesses, employees’ weaknesses, etc. And, that’s the Problem. You can choose to be part of the Solution!

## How to improve your capacity to learn
Date: 2014-11-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-improve-your-capacity-to-learn/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Here are some of the Ways To Improve Your Capacity To Learn : 1. Focus On Seeking Specialized Knowledge : Set aside time to obtain knowledge required to achieve your goals. Book time into your calendar. 2. Seek knowledge Internally : Solidify in your mind what you believe, with certainty, to be facts then use deductive reasoning to add pieces of knowledge, expanding your linked-network of specialized, clear knowledge...picture it growing like clear crystals grow. This is your Crystalline Knowledge . Or, if you prefer, imagine your neurons - all those axons, dendrites, & synapses - making hard-wired connections...building your Neuronal Network of Specialized Knowledge . 3. Seek Knowledge Externally : ' Borrow Brilliance ' from others...select technical experts, role models, and Heroes and blend their knowledge and wisdom with your thoughts. 4. Open Your Mind To Patterns : Allow your intuition a free reign. Then attend and use it to expand your Crystalline Knowledge . 5. Pay Attentions To Nuances : Devils and other magical things lie in the details; also, good things come in small packages. You can store vast quantities of this important nuance-knowledge in invisible packages , in your mind, which you can open on demand. 6. Look for Opportunities hiding within Problems : as the saying goes, “ Opportunity rides on the wings of adversity ”. Practice P=2S+O , for every Problem it is easy to come up with at least 2 Solutions…and, often, Opportunities are hiding within or riding on the wings of Problems

## 10 Reasons Why You Should Not Volunteer for Difficult Tasks
Date: 2014-11-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/10-reasons-why-you-should-not-volunteer-for-difficult-tasks-2014/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour

Perhaps, these reasons go without saying...and writing...and reading. If you already have this topic covered then please check out How to Kill a Good Idea . For those who want help... 10 Reasons Why You Should Not Volunteer for Difficult Tasks 10. Difficult tasks, all else being equal, take more Time ...time is a precious commodity! 9. Difficult tasks, all else being equal, involve more Work ...that drains your energy....no reason to drain a limited commodity. 8. Difficult tasks often create exposure to New Things ...New Things can be real scary. 7. Difficult tasks lead to Innovations ; innovations generally mean more work...you might knock over a string of work-dominoes. 6. Sooner or later, someone else will volunteer. When that happens you can take on the important role of Devil's Advocate . 5. That's not part of your job . Develop the habit of stating " Not my Job! " promptly and with confidence as soon as you catch wind of a difficult task. That way, other folks will learn to respect the boundaries of your role. [PS - of course, persistence is required here if the other person is your boss.] 4. You will lose the opportunity to talk behind people's backs. Certainly, you don't want to risk falling off the gossip grapevine. 3. You will deny yourself the pleasure of watching other people struggle, especially folks who are a lot less skilled or experienced than you. Some of those folks put on a terrific performance. [Side benefit: you get to watch dramas unfold at work...it's like getting free movies.] 2. You will remove your ability to say, " I told you so...I told you that wouldn't work! " if/when other folks fail at the difficult task...as they most certainly will do from time to time. 1. Difficult tasks can be dangerous! If you ever start to lose sight of that, think about Tightrope Walkers . It is thrilling to watch them...but have you ever known anyone who volunteered to be one?

## Why should we consider people's strengths before we assign tasks?
Date: 2014-11-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-should-we-consider-peoples-strengths-before-we-assign-tasks/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Overall, the value of focusing on strengths first can be summed up in terms of increased engagement and improved motivation, which lead to increased profit. Here’s the logic...and the related emotional connections : 1. People are interested in understanding their natural talents… we see this in their faces and we hear it in their stories when we sit with them to discuss their talents . 2. People want to use their natural talents… we observe enthusiasm when people talk about their talents; we also observe frustration when they talk about their work-failures and work-troubles. 3. Work-tasks can be tweaked to align better with a person's natural talents… this concept catches people’s attention; everyone we have interviewed wants to give this a try [many have doubts and want to see proof, however, all are prepared to give it a try]. 4. When work-tasks are tweaked to align with individuals’ natural talents the individuals perform better – improved effectiveness… when people know they are being more effective they gain self-confidence – as self-confidence rises people are more comfortable with work and with ‘change’. 5. When individuals know their organization is building a strengths-based business they – especially, the most-talented individuals - create efficiencies, leading by example: measureable efficiencies, such as lower staff turnover rates, and common-sense efficiencies such as less time wasted complaining. …leading performers tend to have strong personalities, which reflect their character – the visible result of their innate talents, values, and desires; leading performers become fully engaged when they know their strengths are recognized. 6. When individuals know their organization is building a strengths-based business they help their organization create a culture of self-motivation… when individuals’ talents are put to use they find it much easier to bring a smile to work – each smile is a reflection of confidence backed by natural talents.

## When we want a person to succeed at doing a work-task
Date: 2014-10-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-we-want-a-person-to-succeed-at-doing-a-work-task/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Delegation & Decisions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

When we want a person to succeed at doing a work-task we must consider 3 things: 1. The Task [the thoughts and action steps required for success] 2. The Person’s Strengths [Innate Talent + Specialized Knowledge + Practiced Skill] at performing the Task. 3. The Person’s Frame of Mind [good mood?, bad mood?, what emotions/feelings ? - does the person enjoy the Task?] If the person accurately understands the task, has the strength required to perform the task, and has a positive attitude about doing the task then the task will be done right. If any of these 3 pieces are missing then there is a high likelihood the task will not be performed well. The keys to helping people succeed at work tasks are (1) assuming as little as possible and (2) helping as much as possible when people illustrate they are struggling to get over a hurdle. To help a person get over a hurdle the leader needs to be able to accurately identify the hurdle. Does the hurdle rest in the person or in the task? It is easier to remove the hurdles in tasks. So, leaders should remove as many of those hurdles as possible…establishing clear processes and testing those processes with many people to prove the task is doable.

## Why we should think about work-tasks before delegating them
Date: 2014-10-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-we-should-think-about-work-tasks-before-delegating-them/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

When leaders and managers spend time thinking about work-tasks before they delegate them to people they gain advantage over those who choose not to invest the time. They gain advantage for 3 main reasons: They improve their ability to match people's talents to work-tasks, They improve their ability to communicate about work-tasks, and They make fewer delegation errors. It helps to answer questions like these before tasks are delegated... Is it a routine task or a not-routine task? Is there a system/process for doing the task? Is that system/process in writing? Has that system been well communicated to all involved and affected? If the leader or manager does not understand both those things then the leader is taking a chance – taking a risk – when people are assigned to perform tasks. To make this point more graphically - It is risky to assume bright people can perform simple tasks. Another graphic point – When a task is not performed well there are only a few reasons why it is not performed well. Seeking Simple , let’s create a short list of the reasons why a task is not performed well: 1. The task is impossible, so nobody could do it 2. The task is possible but not clearly defined/described, so people may do the wrong thing 3. The task is possible but the person doesn’t understand it: the person isn’t capable of understanding the way the task was defined/described; the person, for one reason or another, didn’t listen…the communication failed 4. The task is possible & the person understands it but lacks the talent to perform it 5. The task is possible & the person understands it but lacks the knowledge to perform it 6. The task is possible & the person understands it but lacks the skill [practice/experience] to perform it 7. The task is possible & the person is capable of doing it but chooses not to do it: the person chooses to spend the time doing something else; multi-tasking - the person does something deemed more important and runs out of time; the person doesn't like the task; the person is prone to procrastinate; the person doesn’t like the boss or the company - sabotage Yes – even the short list contains many possibilities. That’s the challenge of managing and leading people. Many things can go wrong according to Murphy they do go wrong. So - leaders and managers need systems/processes for sorting through the possibilities to determine why things went wrong.

## Leaders must step up
Date: 2014-10-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-must-step-up/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities

Leaders must do something about it... When they notice their people are under-performing When they find their people are making an unusually high amount of errors in their work When they sense their people are just going through the motions When they know their people's work quality is substandard When they see their people aren't providing their best effort When they see their people showing disregard for the rules When they hear their people bickering back-and-forth, criticizing one another When they learn their clients are complaining about products or services Few business leaders would argue against someone doing something to remedy situations like those described above. Yet, many business leaders do not take decisive action when they observe these and other bad habits . There are many reasons why leaders fail to take decisive action. Three reasons are at or near the top of the list: I'm too busy to deal with all these things. It isn't my responsibility...my managers should handle their people. I don't like dealing with conflict situations. None of these excuses cut it in the world of business success. Successful leaders illustrate repeatedly that they do not suffer from a lack of time... successful people have more time . If the leader waffles then followers lose respect for the leader. Related to this, it is dangerous to delegate a task you refuse to do yourself. Lead by example. Napoleon Hill taught the importance of harmony at the leadership team and throughout the organization. Interpersonal conflicts are a fact of life. Interpersonal conflicts demand continuous attention and planned action. If left unattended, interpersonal conflicts destroy morale and remove the opportunity for forward progress and success.

## Enthusiasm @Work
Date: 2014-10-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/enthusiasm-work/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Who would you rather be around, someone who is enthusiastic or someone who is the opposite? Who would you rather mimic, someone who is enthusiastic or someone who is the opposite? Who would you rather follow, someone who is enthusiastic or someone who is the opposite? The answer seems rather obvious. Most people would rather be around, mimic, and follow other people who are enthusiastic. Enthusiasm is a rare but highly contagious mindset. Unfortunately, so is lack of enthusiasm. Which leaves us with choices... We can keep our eyes open for enthusiasm. We can find celebrate enthusiasm. We can initiate enthusiasm. ***

## Yearning for more at work
Date: 2014-10-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/yearning-for-more-at-work/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Personalities @ Work

Some people are happy performing the routine day-to-day things of life. Other people yearn for more. About those who yearn for more… Some people yearn for new things and more success and they continuously work away at achieving greater things. Other people yearn for more and yet continue to do the same old things…over and over…including complaining about setbacks at every opportunity. These people are the ‘achievers’, some with good habits and some with not-so-good habits. Their habits 'dictate' whether or not they are acting in successful or unsuccessful ways. About those who are happy performing the routine day-to-day things in life… I have met a few. I marvelled at their enthusiasm as they described the enjoyment they experienced working on a Ford assembly line, serving diners in restaurants, and doing other work laced with repetition. Most people who work in roles containing a heavy dose of routine tasks are not happy about their ‘predicament’. They either yearn for more from work or they seem to have accepted their unhappy lot in life. Many people exhibit this unhappiness, sharing it regularly with others. So, the few who are truly happy with routine work really stand out. About the extremes… People who are happy performing routine day-to-day work are at one extreme. People who yearn for more and continuously work away at achieving more are at the other extreme. These people at the extremes accomplish excellent things at work, albeit in very different ways. And they influence the people they work with in very different ways.

## Bite-sized Success
Date: 2014-10-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bite-sized-success/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Measure & Monitor, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Most people fail because they quit. Most people quit because they get frustrated. Most people get frustrated because they don't know how to measure success. Most people don't know how to measure success because they never took time to think about how they might be able to accomplish that measurement. Most people don't break work down into bite-sized tasks which can be measured. When we break success into bite-sized pieces we can measure it. When we measure actions we can see and celebrate our small successes. When we celebrate small successes we self motivate. When we self motivate we increase our chances of ultimate success. When we measure them and know our small successes are accumulating we gain confidence. When we gain confidence we increase the likelihood of ultimate success. This is the sort of logic that allows us to understand the value embedded in goals, especially when vivid long-term vision is meshed with measurable short-term goals.

## Business Involves Only 3 Actions: doing deals, delivering value, and receiving value.
Date: 2014-10-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-involves-only-3-actions-doing-deals-delivering-value-and-receiving-value/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Seeking Simple!

Doing Deals : the actions taken to obtain clients Delivering Value : the actions taken to serve clients Receiving Value : the actions taken to obtain money from clients *** With proper coverage of these three actions a business survives. Each of these actions requires a specific set of technical skills. Each of these actions requires 'at-least-sufficient' people skills. *** Very few entrepreneurs can excel at all 3 actions. Some entrepreneurs, with a little help from others, can build a $1,000,000 business that covers all 3 actions. Most successful entrepreneurs require ongoing assistance and expertise from other people to cover at least 2 of these actions.

## Some people are happy performing the routine day-to-day work. Some are not.
Date: 2014-10-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-people-are-happy-performing-the-routine-day-to-day-work-some-are-not/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Personalities @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Some people are happy performing the routine day-to-day things in life, including routine work. Other people yearn for more variety in their work. The people who yearn for more variety tend to talk about their desires. The people who are satisfied with the status tend to talk less. When desires are communicated, each type of person tends to discount or shrug off the desires of the other. People who are happy performing routine day-to-day work tend to resist change and oppose innovation. People who seek more variety tend to be curious and inventive. When ideas are discussed, each type of person has difficulty understanding the views of the other. And worse, these opposing views about the value of routine and not-routine work often generate never-ending problems. These problems can cause businesses to sputter, stall, and become entrenched in poor performance. Perhaps, these fundamental differences are responsible for most business failures? Certainly, these fundamental differences are the root cause of many interpersonal clashes. Interpersonal clashes eat up energy, demotivate, and in some cases lead to business failures. About eating up energy… People energize one another. One good example is the thing we call team spirit . Team spirit exists when people are like-minded and share a drive to succeed. When team spirit is present, ‘mutual-motivation’ leads to harmonious thought and action, which cause positive momentum to build and teams to do better. People eat up one another’s energy. Examples range from co-workers who visit with interruptions to discourteous sales clerks to road rage. People are prone to mirror other’s behaviour: road rage is contagious. People are prone to react negatively when others behave negatively: fight and flight reactions are part of our genetic make-up. We have 2 choices: We can eat up one another’s energy…leaving insufficient energy to do productive work. We can energize one another…building energy to expand productive work. The choice is clear. People need to understand their differences. People need to communicate about their differences. People need to buy into shared goals. People need to help one another satisfy different needs. Using better communication, people need to figure out ways to accomplish both routine and not-routine work.

## In this hectic, fast paced, future-shocked world what are you doing to improve your attention to detail?
Date: 2014-10-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-this-hectic-fast-paced-future-shocked-world-what-are-you-doing-to-improve-your-attention-to-detail/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

First of all, is that a pertinent question? If you don't notice that you're missing details or confusing details then perhaps there is no need to improve your attention to detail. If other people are not pointing out attention-to-details errors and blaming you for them, perhaps you don't need to worry about improving your attention to detail. On the other hand, if you are noticing you are making attention-to-detail errors or if other people are telling you you're making attention-to-detail errors then perhaps you need to spend a little time to figure out how to improve your performance. It makes sense that the first step should be to objectively analyze your own performance and consider, as objectively as you can, what other people are saying about your performance. Determine whether or not you have an attention to detail problem. Should you determine that you do have an attention to detail problem and that you truly are interested in improving to reduce that problem then a good first step is to "get present". Getting present is a way of determining whether or not you have the ability to focus on the here and now, rather than worrying about things from the past or the future, and whether or not you have the ability to focus and concentrate on the single task. For many, if not most people, truly focusing on a single task is a very difficult thing to do. Many diverse and virtually uncontrollable thoughts pass through your mind on a repeated basis. It is very difficult for most people to filter out those random thoughts and focus on a single item or task. Many people have trouble concentrating thought, effort, and action on more than a single task. For this reason, most experts on performance improvement will tell you to refrain from multi-tasking. Concentrate on single things to the full extent that's possible. Avoid distractions and interruptions. As you work to concentrate on a single task you will notice when your ability to concentrate is wavering. Also, you will be able to quickly tell when you are experiencing wayward thoughts not related to the task. The more frequently those thoughts arrive the less your ability to concentrate. Wayward thoughts are signals you can tune into in order to help you understand whether or not you are actually succeeding at paying attention to details.

## I'm too busy so you get to make some money.
Date: 2014-10-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/im-too-busy-so-you-get-to-make-some-money/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Sales

Here's a twist on the I'm-too-busy mindset. In the past I challenged people to stop thinking and saying, “I'm too busy”. Now, I'm suggesting they ought to keep their eyes open for others who complain they're too busy. Those too-busy people provide sales and service opportunities. The challenge is to escape one’s own too-busy mindset long enough to observe other too-busy people and work to understand the wants and needs of those other too-busy people. Now, if you are too busy to take the time to identify other too-busy people then this sales and serviced strategy will not work for you. And, the question is - If this sales and service strategy will not work for you then what sales and service strategy will?

## People in corrals
Date: 2014-10-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-in-corrals/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

Situations can corral you. Much like corrals help tame and control spirited horses, situations can alter your behaviour and your thinking. Corralled behaviour and thinking: it can be a very good thing; it can be a very bad thing. Consider, for example, the situation where you're thinking is corralled into accepting you lead a hectic life and so you are 'too busy '. If you truly believe you are too busy then you will think and behave like you are too busy. Then the I-am-too-busy mindset becomes your self-confining corral.

## Some people just won't play fair
Date: 2014-10-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-people-just-wont-play-fair/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work

Some people never learn. They disrespect others on an ongoing basis. They criticize others on an ongoing basis. They insult others on an ongoing basis. Left unattended, these bullies just don't learn how to play fair. As they do their negative things, these bullies destroy any chance for mutually-beneficial relationships. They distract other people. They demotivate other people. They stress other people. And often, these bullies wreak havoc and then walk away [apparently] unscathed..leaving relationship-carnage in their wake. For a variety of reasons, others often allow these bullies to deliver their assaulting and insulting communications with impunity. All of this burns up energy and wastes everyone’s time. We do better when we stand up to these workplace bullies…and put them in their place, which is not in our face.

## Tackle problems: hit them high, hit them low...rip the ball out from their hands.
Date: 2014-10-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/tackle-problems-hit-them-high-hit-them-lowrip-the-ball-out-from-their-hands/ | Categories: Humour, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Unresolved, lingering problems gnaw away at your brain energy. Attack problems and pluck that destructive power away from them.

## We have a choice: we can multi-task our way to mediocrity or we can focus & concentrate for excellence.
Date: 2014-10-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-have-a-choice-we-can-multi-task-our-way-to-mediocrity-or-we-can-focus-concentrate-for-excellence/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Can this common sense [backed by brain science] withstand the urgencies of your day? Focus & concentration bring excellence. When we have mastered performance excellence we can get in the zone. Either way, focus/concentrate or in the zone, we are not multi-tasking when we are performing with excellence.

## Willing suspension of disbelief: an entrepreneurial phenomenon
Date: 2014-10-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/willing-suspension-of-disbelief-an-entrepreneurial-phenomenon/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

From Wikipedia... Suspension of disbelief or willing suspension of disbelief is a term coined in 1817 by the poet and aesthetic philosopher Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who suggested that if a writer could infuse a "human interest and a semblance of truth" into a fantastic tale, the reader would suspend judgement concerning the implausibility of the narrative. Suspension of disbelief often applies to fictional works of the action, comedy, fantasy, and horror genres. Cognitive estrangement in fiction involves using a person's ignorance or lack of knowledge to promote suspension of disbelief. The phrase "suspension of disbelief" came to be used more loosely in the later 20th century, often used to imply that the burden was on the reader, rather than the writer, to achieve it. This might be used to refer to the willingness of the audience to overlook the limitations of a medium, so that these do not interfere with the acceptance of those premises. These fictional premises may also lend to the engagement of the mind and perhaps proposition of thoughts, ideas, art and theories. [1] Suspension of disbelief is often an essential element for a magic act or a circus sideshow act. For example, an audience is not expected to actually believe that a woman is cut in half or transforms into a gorilla [2] in order to enjoy the performance. *** Now, Suspension of Disbelief is not limited to fiction entertainment. Suspension of Disbelief happens day after day in business...entrepreneurs do it repeatedly. Entrepreneurs create and believe fantastic stories around their visions and goals. And from time to time, other people suspend their doubts and embrace entrepreneurs' fantastic visions and goals. Then things really happen and every once in a while truth becomes more fantastic than fiction.

## When people don't do what you expect...
Date: 2014-10-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-people-dont-do-what-you-expect/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Solutions & Opportunities

When people don't do what you expect consider the possibility this is due to one or more of the following complications: They understood what you asked but they didn't know how to do what you asked They understood what you asked but they forgot to do it They understood what you asked but they chose not to do it They didn't understand what you asked These 4 possibilities represent significantly different situations. To help your people do better in the future, use very different approaches for these 4 situations. If you do not adapt to fit the situation then you are more likely to hinder rather than help your people improve their performance. Coupled with this, if you do not adapt to fit the situations, you will expand confusion...their confusion and yours. In fact, you will need to address nuances within these 4 possibilities. You will need to take different tactical approaches. You need to consider the situation thoroughly. To do this, you will need to ask questions to determine what is causing your people to under-perform. Design questions to hone in on the specific cause of the under-performance. For example, regardless of the situation, investigate to determine if the problem signals: a delegation-communication error, a lack of required knowledge, or a lack of talent or skill. Those are the 'Big 3' causes of under-performance, so, investigate them first. Discover the true source of the under-performance. Then design a solution plan to help your people get from where they are to where they need to be. PS: Yes, you may be tempted to conclude the under-performance is due to bad attitude. It is very normal to conclude 'attitude' is the cause of problems. However, more often than not this conclusion is exactly what causes problems to linger, fester, and repeat.

## A little too spoiled...
Date: 2014-09-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-little-too-spoiled/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Leaders' Thoughts

A little too spoiled A little too self-satisfied A little too insensitive to the needs of others A little too comfortable with a job not-well-done A little too aloof A little too cocky A little too distracted A little too busy So true...it's the little things that count. Beware the breeding grounds for bad habits . *** I see people doing the same things over and over, knowing those things repeatedly lead to problems and errors. I see people doing the same things over and over, knowing those things repeatedly lead to success. For example, I see successful small business leaders repeatedly performing a success formula: Focusing on the acquisition of specialized knowledge in their chosen business sector Recognizing patterns that contain opportunities Investigating and gaining more-critical specialized knowledge Taking advantage of the opportunities and solving problems for other people.

## Sometimes gut feel gets us into trouble...despite the warning signs from our tightening belts.
Date: 2014-09-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sometimes-gut-feel-gets-us-into-troubledespite-the-warning-signs-from-our-tightening-belts/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Trust your gut feel...after all, the fast food industry trusts your gut feel!

## Mother Nature soon destroys the things we place outside.
Date: 2014-09-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mother-nature-soon-destroys-the-things-we-place-outside/ | Categories: Thought Tweets



## Despite popular belief, the application of natural fertilizer does not help people grow.
Date: 2014-09-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/despite-popular-belief-the-application-of-natural-fertilizer-does-not-help-people-grow/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets



## If you are not obtaining the results you want when you attempt to influence other people's behavior check your communication.
Date: 2014-09-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-are-not-obtaining-the-results-you-want-when-you-attempt-to-influence-other-peoples-behavior-check-your-communication/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Your performance at communication will definitely be part of the problem. If you find your communication is lacking in strength, provide yourself opportunities to obtain knowledge about communication. Then practice communication, observe the results, and adjust your communication techniques until you succeed. You will know you are succeeding when your ability to influence others expands.

## Be self-conscious. Be very self-conscious. And be positive about it.
Date: 2014-09-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/be-self-conscious-be-very-self-conscious-and-be-positive-about-it/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We have been taught and conditioned to think of 'self-conscious' people as timid people, people who cower under negative self-images. Let's give this another think. Better still; let's replace that first-thought with a constructive thought. Self-consciousness is a good thing: It means the person has given some thought to self...thinking about self is an important thing to do. It means the person is aware of self...self-awareness is a valuable commodity. Self-awareness, like any other skill, takes practice. That practice should be done with an open mind. Let's stop assuming self-conscious thought and awareness is only directed toward the negatives. Let's assume that self-conscious thought will result in finding positive things like talent, courage, confidence, conviction, & creativity. Put another way - "I was thinking and feeling rather self-conscious the other day. Wow, was I ever proud of myself!"

## Developing your positive mental attitude
Date: 2014-09-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/developing-your-positive-mental-attitude/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Values: Personal Values

Above and beyond everything else, Courage is the mind state that promotes positive mental attitude. Like every other mind state, with focused and persistent effort, Courage can be developed. Courage is about facing fears and acting against them. So, courage is a mind state laced with emotion. It is a mind state where fear is converted into something more positive and constructive. Often, courage is developed accidentally. For example, this happens when a person acts impulsively in reaction to a dangerous or fearful situation. Of importance, with forethought, deeply rooted courage can be developed intentionally over time through planned action steps. People know what causes them fear. People can anticipate most of the situations that cause them fear. People can anticipate the actions of other people that trigger experiences of fear. For example, in business, people can anticipate the actions of bosses and know whether or not those actions cause feelings of fear. Because we have this ability to anticipate we also have the ability to plan ways to counteract these fearful situations before they visit us. In essence, we can role-play fearful situations in our minds long before those fearful situations happen in reality. While we role-play these fearful situations in our minds we can role-play various reactions to those fearful situations and, in effect, we can train ourselves in advance on the best ways to react to fearful situations. Then, after fearful situations arise and we face them and take pre-planned actions, we can perform self-analyses to assess, rate, adjust, and improve our performance. We can perform iterative processes of planning and testing actions designed to combat fears and build courage. We can repeat these processes until we attain the level of courage we desire. The more fearful situations we anticipate and plan for the more opportunities we will have to test different actions and observe results…the goal being fear management and its counterpart, development of courage. This process helps us master our fears, build courage, and build self-confidence. This process itself is a process of courage. It is the best way to build self-confidence, that state of mind where we know we have the ability to address and handle situations when they arise. Courage and self-confidence are the states of mind most conducive to allowing us to build positive mental attitudes toward other people and situations and indeed toward ourselves.

## Multi-tasking: Somehow, successful people just 'get it'. Regular folks must work continuously on self-discipline.
Date: 2014-09-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/multi-tasking-somehow-successful-people-just-get-it-regular-folks-must-work-continuously-on-self-discipline/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet ‘Tools’ are required. 'Atmosphere' is required. 'Support' is required. 'Mentoring' is ideal. And, there is more... In any event, task-multiing is better than multi-tasking.

## Perception Is Reality
Date: 2014-09-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/perception-is-reality/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

This statement is as profound as it appears trite. This is a broad and deep thought wrapped up in a cliché.

This is a broad and deep thought wrapped up in a cliché. This statement holds true when applied to the universe. This statement holds true when applied to human relationships. This statement is as profound as it appears trite. It's about our consciousness creating the universe around us. It's about our bad habits clouding our perspectives. It's about an amazing gift - pattern recognition...and it's about its nemesis, false pattern recognition.

## Top performers feel disappointed in themselves when they make errors. Then, quickly, they replace that thinking with confidence.
Date: 2014-09-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/top-performers-feel-disappointed-in-themselves-when-they-make-errors-then-quickly-they-replace-that-thinking-with-confidence/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets



## Leaders' superior skills can be damned annoying
Date: 2014-09-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-superior-skills-can-be-damned-annoying/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

I've never met a leader, including the bad onse, who did not exhibit superior skills in the area of attention to detail. Similarly, leaders exhibit superior ability at accurately accurately and later retrieving information in real time.

I've never met a leader, including the bad ones, who did not exhibit superior skills in the area of attention to detail. Similarly, leaders exhibit superior ability at accurately storing and later retrieving information in real time. Linked to these skills, superior leaders have the ability to recognize patterns and identify both problems and opportunities when and where situations illustrate problem-patterns and opportunity-patterns...and leaders do this in real time. Unfortunately, these skills confuse and even annoy followers. This is especially true when the leader's body language sends anything but positive signals. Of course, when body language is perceived as negative it is hard to engage and enthuse other people. But, when negative body language is coupled with superior attention to detail, capacity to store information, and capability to retrieve accurate information in real time the result can be damned annoying. At least, many if not most, followers of business leaders see it that way. And, this is a common problem in business. In business, many followers are intimidated by leaders' skills...I mean the very strengths that helped bring the leader to the position of leader cause conflict between the leader and his/her followers. It's a shame! It's a shame that many leaders do not know they should control their body language in order to have a chance to use their key strengths. It's a shame that many followers do not know they should forgive the leader's body language and allow all to gain advantage from fully using their leader's key talents. On the other hand...it's a shame that can easily be converted from a lose-lose to a win-win.

## Courage leads to many other valuable states of mind including self-confidence, conviction, and creativity..
Date: 2014-09-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-leads-to-many-other-valuable-states-of-mind-including-self-confidence-conviction-and-creativity/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values



## Clouds are Mother Nature's most emotional children: harmonious and playful; tempestuous and cruel...they reign over us.
Date: 2014-09-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/clouds-are-mother-natures-most-emotional-children-harmonious-and-playful-tempestuous-and-cruel-they-reign-over-us/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets



## When climbing to Success take your hands out of your pockets & take one step at a time.
Date: 2014-09-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-climbing-to-success-take-your-hands-out-of-your-pockets-take-one-step-at-a-time/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Get busy and make progress one step at a time. Many years ago, one of my university professors gave me advice along these lines. When a big problem overwhelms you, take it on one little piece at a time. Success does not happen in leaps like the leaps in that Snakes & Ladders game…Success happens in a series of smaller steps.

## How do you know you are at your best?
Date: 2014-09-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-you-know-you-are-at-your-best/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

How do you know you are at your best? That was a topic of discussion the other day. Some of my thoughts...

How do you know you are at your best? Do you take the time to set standards for your own performance? Do you live up to your own expectations? That was a topic of discussion the other day. Some of my thoughts... I know I am at my best when: I am thinking clearly. I am able to focus on specific topics and concentrate my thoughts on these topics to the exclusion of other thoughts not related to those topics. My emotions are under control. When I feel negative emotions I identify them immediately and I set them aside replacing them with more positive thoughts. I am fully engaged in the moment. I am not agonizing or stewing over the past. I am not worrying about the future. I am organized. My thoughts are organized and my physical surroundings are organized. I am in harmony with other people. My relationships are glowing in quality. My interactions with people are constructive. I am doing things that build value. I set aside time to envision a better future.

## Strange as it may seem, people shut down when they know you will put down their ideas. So choose to support others' ideas!
Date: 2014-09-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/strange-as-it-may-seem-people-shut-down-when-they-know-you-will-put-down-their-ideas-so-choose-to-support-others-ideas/ | Categories: Ideas, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Try putting an end to receiving input then vetoing ideas and shutting people down. Even better, try putting an end to asking for input then vetoing ideas and shutting people down...that one really burns people.

## For the love of...words.
Date: 2014-09-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/for-the-love-ofwords/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Humour, Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Curiosity uncovers problems. Complaints are, at their roots. statements of problems. Problems are wonderful routes to opportunities. P=2S+O

Recently, after reading one of my posts, a new acquaintance wrote to me and said, "You must love words". That got me thinking. Yes, of course, I do love words. Our English language is ripe with interesting twists and turns and full of humour...humour laced with curious surprise. I love to read words. I love to write words. But, most of all, I love to think about words. That will probably surprise many people because I expect many people perceive me as more of a talker than a thinker. What's worse, most people probably perceive me as a complainer, possibly a rather pessimistic person. Naturally, I have a much kinder opinion of myself. I consider myself to be more of a thinker than, say, a constant complainer. That is not to say I do not express objections rather regularly. (so much for whatever that rule means about 'no double negatives') I have learned to free up time to listen to most [but not all] people who complain. Usually, where there's smoke there's fire . And, where there's fire a spark is likely to be lurking nearby. And we all know sparks ignite. And sometimes sparks ignite change for the better. I wouldn't want to be blind to those sparks. *** Curiosity uncovers problems. Complaints are, at their roots, statements of problems. Problems are wonderful routes to opportunities. P=2S+O *** It's attitude that counts most. Problems uncovered with a spirit of adventure are valuable enough to excuse the complaints that carry them. *** Don't shoot the messenger until you've at least had a chance to see the opportunity.

## Better-world dreams: the best prescriptions for motivation and self-confidence.
Date: 2014-09-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/better-world-dreams-the-best-prescriptions-for-motivation-and-self-confidence/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Dream about major positive changes...dream in vivid vision...that's the best motivation and confidence-builder.

## Take your big treasure chest of dreams off the shelf...dust it off...open it up...and put its contents to good use.
Date: 2014-09-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/take-your-big-treasure-chest-of-dreams-off-the-shelfdust-it-offopen-it-upand-put-its-contents-to-good-use/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You were an incessant dreamer...night & day...light & heavy...fantastic...motivating. Criticism and the trials of day-to-day life caused you to shelve many of your vibrant dreams. Forgotten dreams, hidden gems. " A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams. " John Barrymore

## "Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes." Carl Jung
Date: 2014-09-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/who-looks-outside-dreams-who-looks-inside-awakes-carl-jung/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Vision & Introspection: 2 durable gifts...delivering lifelong value, wisdom, and gratification.

## Multi-tasking: Somehow, successful people 'get it'...naturally. Others require much self-discipline & practice.
Date: 2014-09-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/multi-tasking-somehow-successful-people-get-itnaturally-others-require-much-self-discipline-practice/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet ‘Tools’ are required. 'Atmosphere' is required. 'Support' is required. 'Mentoring' is ideal. And, there is more... In any event, task-multiing is better than multi-tasking.

## Success contains a blend of 'free' & 'disciplined' thinking.
Date: 2014-09-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/success-contains-a-blend-of-free-disciplined-thinking/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Creativity versus Logic . Entrepreneurship versus Big Business. Rock Logic versus Water Logic . Einstein versus Socrates. The School of Hard Knocks versus Academia. Right-brain versus Left-brain [which I think is a dangerous over-simplification of how the human brain actually works]. Regardless of how we define their difference we need to keep these opposites in proper balance . How do you find the proper balance between 'free' & 'disciplined' thinking?

## The awesome power of habit ... & ... putting it to good use.
Date: 2014-09-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-awesome-power-of-habit-putting-it-to-good-use/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

When it comes to replacing bad habits with good habits, timing is everything. Sometimes, you just are not ready to make a major change. When you are not ready to make a major change you cannot make a major change. This can be a very difficult thing to accept when you were trying to help other people make positive changes. It's particularly upsetting when people come to you asking for help and yet clearly their actions confirm they are really not ready to make changes. In my career, this happens regularly. So, I have found the process of helping contains clear steps. First, I must understand whether or not the person is really in a position to be able to make changes. Is their mindset ready, willing, and able to make a change? Second, if people are not ready to make changes then what small steps could be taken to help them get that readiness? Third, as those small steps are being taken is there evidence to confirm the person is getting closer to the point where they will be able to make a change? Common wisdom indicates that people will make major changes when they face crisis situations. On the other hand, far more often than not crises do not generate new good habits that result in major, lasting changes for the better. If crises will not generate major lasting changes then what will? The answer is as challenging as it is simple: major lasting changes happen only when people are ready to make them. That's why I say, change is only constructive when people are comfortable. I suppose I should say: changes only constructive when people are comfortable because only then can the truly be ready, willing, and able to make constructive changes. So, we must go back to the steps discussed earlier if we want to help people make lasting, constructive changes. We must first assess whether or not the person is in a position to make such a change. The best way to assess this is to provide small steps that if performed well illustrate progress in the right direction. If these small steps fail then we must determine why they failed and we must not assume the person is in a position to make changes. In fact it is better to assume the person is not in a position to make changes and, at the same time, be creative in providing action steps that have the best chance of helping them move forward. During this stage of investigation of change-readiness, one thing that must be included is testing of the person’s self-confidence levels. If the person lacks self-confidence then the likelihood of major constructive changes is extremely small. People who lack self-confidence rarely make significant positive changes in their lives. Lack of self-confidence and its siblings low self-esteem, out-of-control ego, and poor self-image have a tendency to become lifelong problems. A key to success: when we want to help people make major, constructive changes in their lives first thing for them do is build their self-confidence. When self-confidence is on the increase it is relatively easy to identify its positive signals. As examples: eye contact improves, tone of voice becomes more vibrant, complaints are reduced, and the person seems to have more time to connect outward with other people. These and other things signal the development of new habits – good habits.

## Discipline is the  key to putting Talent to good use.
Date: 2014-09-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/discipline-is-the-key-to-expanding-talent/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When discipline is absent Talent is dormant, submerged, and wasted. That's why discipline is a good thing. Discipline serves a key role when success is in action.

## Communication Tip...or Warning: If you want to shut them down, put them down.
Date: 2014-09-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tipor-warning-if-you-want-to-shut-them-down-put-them-down/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you have authority, most people shut down, in one way or another, in response to your criticism. Maybe you want them to shut down? Maybe you don't? ...what are you trying to accomplish with all that criticism?

## Communication Tip: When you make a fine argument...shut up, listen, watch, & learn.
Date: 2014-09-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-when-you-make-a-fine-argumentshut-up-listen-watch-learn/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet First, learn about the extent of the fineness of your argument. I mean, bring your thick skin and thin skull...and keep your ego under full control. Was your argument really as fine as you thought?

## Communication Tip: People can accept difficult messages when the message-delivery process does not annoy them.
Date: 2014-09-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-people-can-accept-difficult-messages-when-the-message-delivery-process-does-not-annoy-them/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Negative messages are a problem. Negative delivery of messages is a bigger problem.

## Communication Tip: When you feel you don't have enough time try listening to someone...& see how slowly time moves?
Date: 2014-09-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-when-you-feel-you-dont-have-enough-time-try-listening-to-someone-see-how-slowly-time-moves/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Oh...I see...how silly of me...I should have known you are too busy to listen. I should have noticed your inability to make eye contact, your looking over my shoulder, your interruptions...it all makes sense...you are too busy.

## Communication Tip: We never should have agreed to 'Show & Tell'. We should have insisted on 'Show'.
Date: 2014-09-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-we-never-should-have-agreed-to-show-tell-we-should-have-insisted-on-show/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet ' Telling ' ain't halfway near what it's cut out to be. Reminds me of my early career when we had a Mel Sell and a Mel Tell. Actually it was probably Mel Tel but nobody ever wrote it. They just said it.

## People think 600-700 words per minute. People talk 100-200 words per minute. Most people listen...maybe 8 or 10?
Date: 2014-09-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-think-600-700-words-per-minute-people-talk-100-200-words-per-minute-most-people-listenmaybe-8-or-10/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Listening - a little bit goes a long way. Just imagine what could be accomplished by a lot of listening.

## Communication tip: The processes you use when you communicate influence people more than the logic you express.
Date: 2014-09-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-the-processes-you-use-when-you-communicate-influence-people-more-than-the-logic-you-express/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet According to Chip Heath and Dan Heath ['Decisive', 2013] " When the researchers compared whether process or analysis was more important in producing good decisions - those that increased revenues, profits, and market share - they found that "process mattered more than analysis - by a factor of six ." " Good Decision Making relies on good decision-making processes. Good Influencing relies on good influence-making processes. And Business Contains Only 3 Things : People, Processes, & Situations

## Communication Tip: Some get annoyed by duplication of effort - others recognize repetition is a key to learning.
Date: 2014-09-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-some-people-get-annoyed-by-duplication-of-effort-others-recognize-repetition-is-a-key-to-learning-and-remembering/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Efficiency happens when things are done right the first time. Efficiency happens when people learn and remember. Some people view these as mutually exclusive things. Isn't that a shame.

## Pictures help people learn. Pictures help people remember. Cut back on words & increase your use of pictures.
Date: 2014-08-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/pictures-help-people-learn-pictures-help-people-remember-cut-back-on-words-increase-your-use-of-pictures/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet What consumes more time: (A) Fixing flawed communication, learning, & remembering errors? or (B) Creating pictures that communicate better the first time?

## Communication tip: To expand your Influence, learn how to react more constructively to other people's body language.
Date: 2014-08-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-to-expand-your-influence-learn-how-to-react-more-constructively-to-other-peoples-body-language/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Show people you get them. Show people you can change. Lead change, by example.

## Talk about communication gaps...when you gaze into the communication abyss it screams back at you.
Date: 2014-08-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/talk-about-communication-gapswhen-you-gaze-into-the-communication-abyss-it-screams-back-at-you/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Hero Worship, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The biggest problem in business continues to be communication gaps...which continue to broaden & deepen and, far too often, are ignored or set aside for another day. Improvement of Communication begins with the leader. Yes, Nietzsche gazed into the abyss and it returned the favour. Gaze into Communication at your business. Does it scream in discomfort at you? What do you plan to do about that? As the saying goes... If not today, WHEN? If not you, WHO?

## The biggest problem in business today is Communication. We need to help people change that.
Date: 2014-08-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-biggest-problem-in-business-today-is-communication-we-need-to-help-people-change-that/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet At least, they don't want to change it enough to take simple steps to overcome their resistance to improving self-analysis , improving observation of others , and improving judgement ...and then improving communication .

## Communication tip: When you know make presentations stop ah filling in gaps um with you know, ah, um...ad nauseam.
Date: 2014-08-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-when-you-know-make-presentations-stop-ah-filling-in-gaps-um-with-you-know-ah-umad-nauseam/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most of us do it from time to time. Some of us do it regularly. Some of us do it when we make presentations to large groups. PS: There's Power in the Pause...people will not be distracted & people will know your brain has other you know stuff ah in um it. PPS: One way to replace Bad Habits is trying New Things...but, you must know you have a Bad Habit before you can fix it. Record yourself...check it out. Then monitor your speaking and replace those fill-in words with pauses.

## In pre-historic times people who didn't listen got eaten...now they are able to roam the streets and work in offices.
Date: 2014-08-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-pre-historic-times-people-who-didnt-listen-got-eatennow-they-are-able-to-roam-the-streets-and-work-in-offices-2014/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Could it be 21 st Century predators are a forgiving lot of creatures? Could it be Darwin was wrong? ...survival of the fittest? ... or was it survival of the most adaptable? ... or is it survival of the least able to listen? Assuming evolution is an accurate theory - and I'm not so sure about that any more - How many generations will it take for human ears to shrink and disappear through lack of use?

## Communication tip: Strange as it may seem, people shut down when they know you will put down their ideas.
Date: 2014-08-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-strange-as-it-may-seem-people-shut-down-when-they-know-you-will-put-down-their-ideas/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Try putting an end to receiving input then vetoing ideas and shutting people down. Even better, try putting an end to asking for input then vetoing ideas and shutting people down...that one really burns people.

## Communication tip: Stand down, Step up, Shut up & Listen.
Date: 2014-08-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-stand-down-step-up-shut-up-listen/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Stand down - military folks say that when they want someone to relax or stop being aggressive. Step up - regular folks say that when they want someone to get to a better place by doing something significant. Listen - everyone says that more than they do it. [Shut up needs no further explanation.]

## When you criticize people you trigger their 'No' responses....and, at that point, constructive communication is over.
Date: 2014-08-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-criticize-people-you-trigger-their-no-responsesand-at-that-point-constructive-communication-is-over-2014/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When 'No' thoughts are filling the brain there is little room for 'Yes" thoughts. In fact, chances are 'No' and 'Yes' thoughts will not want to occupy the brain at the same time. They would rather take turns. And, for most people the 'No' thoughts are much more sticky. When they find their way into people's brains they stick there until they run out of reasons to defend and bolster the ego. While 'No' thoughts are sticking around the brain, working away to defend and bolster the ego there is little, if any, opportunity for constructive communication...particularly communication involving the person who triggers the 'No' response.

## Communication tip: If you cannot be interested at least be interesting.
Date: 2014-08-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-if-you-cannot-be-interested-at-least-be-interesting/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Seek first to be interested and to understand. If you cannot handle that maybe you can compensate by being entertaining...or, at least, interesting. Stephen Covey - Seek First To Understand . Perhaps people will warm up to you and remember you if you seek first to understand them? That's consistent with Dale Carnegie's teaching. If you cannot bring yourself to be truly interested in understanding other people then your opportunities for influencing them drop significantly. You may be able to squeeze in some opportunities by: being interesting...attention-getting, magnetic...those sorts of things being entertaining...like a motivational speaker or a magician or a clown act

## Communication question: When people tell you they are giving 110%, don’t ya just hate those superduperlatives?
Date: 2014-08-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-question-when-people-tell-you-they-are-giving-110-dont-ya-just-hate-those-superduperlatives/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When I was a child, neighbourhood parents had a habit of stopping me and asking me to answer math questions. [At one point I thought none of the adults in our subdivision knew how to count their money.] I suppose I was naturally talented at math. Later in life I found myself answering math questions during university level exams...dozens of exams. So, I understand I developed a habit of knowing math. That knowledge of math has a few side-effects. One side-effect is, when people make claims like they are doing things beyond 100% it catches my attention and my thoughts. I have thoughts like, " Don't these people know when you've got 100% you've got it all & when you've given 100% you've given it all? " Giving 100% is superlative territory....that's the limit of your giving. Giving more than 100% - well, that's defying the laws of at least mathematics...probably, the laws of physics...and possibly even the Laws of Nature. How can you trust a person who makes claims like, " Boss - I'm giving 110%! "? [Some go even higher. You hear 150% regularly and some people have the habit of claiming a preposterous 1000%!] Don't you think all of these people going overboard?...being excessive?...being exorbitant?...over-killing their point and beating it to death too?

## Communication tip: If you want to teach someone, first find out what they believe they already know.
Date: 2014-08-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-if-you-want-to-teach-someone-first-find-out-what-they-believe-they-already-know/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Far too often, we jump into teaching. Far too often, we assume others do not know what we know. Far too often, we conclude others are doing things poorly or incorrectly because they don't know what we know. More often than not, we waste time and 'make work' when we assume and conclude others don't know what we know. We can remedy this by asking simple questions before we give instructions and lessons.

## It isn't about who you are. It's about what you do and whether or not other people understand why you do what you do.
Date: 2014-08-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/it-isnt-about-who-you-are-its-about-what-you-do-and-whether-or-not-other-people-understand-why-you-do-what-you-do/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When people understand you they judge you more accurately...and - won't that be a good thing?

## Empathy - a genuine interest in and ability to understand another person's feelings - a wonderful gift to possess.
Date: 2014-08-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/empathy-a-genuine-interest-in-and-ability-to-understand-another-persons-feelings-a-wonderful-gift-to-possess/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people who teach social psychology and communication define empathy as the ability to share other people's feelings; others define empathy as the ability to understand other people's feelings. I think it is important to ask how a person defines a word rather than assume they use the same definition I use.

## A communication faux pas…I'm so glad you mentioned that because I have some important things about me to share with you.
Date: 2014-08-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-communication-faux-pas-im-so-glad-you-mentioned-that-because-i-have-some-important-things-about-me-to-share-with-you/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes we have such amazing things to share with other people we simply miss the fact they are trying to do the same. When amazing stories collide. …or is it, when amazing egos collide?

## 2 important things to Communicate: Interest - WHY I'm doing something. Intent - WHAT I'm wanting to do.
Date: 2014-08-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/2-important-things-to-communicate-interest-why-im-doing-something-intent-what-im-wanting-to-do/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Communicating our Interests . Communicating our Intent . Good Habits to do.

## How do you know, with certainty, your perception of a person's behaviour is accurate?
Date: 2014-08-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-you-know-with-certainty-your-perception-of-a-persons-behaviour-is-accurate/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If your perception is accurate then your understanding of the person's behaviour will help you have productive communication with the person. If your perception is not accurate then your understanding of the person's behaviour will confuse and possibly prevent you from having productive communication with the person. Flawed perceptions about other people: wasted energy; possibly, shared wasting of energy; the precursor for lousy communication.

## Communication suggestions for Leaders: How to make sure your confidence does not threaten your followers.
Date: 2014-08-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-suggestions-for-leaders-how-to-make-sure-your-confidence-does-not-threaten-your-followers/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some followers are intimidated by Leader's self-confidence. Here are some Spirited suggestions, to make sure you do not come across that way: Be authentic…it is OK to be on the reserved side of centre if that is your character…it is OK to be on the boisterous side if that is your character Be committed to working on self-improvement…i.e., raising his or her own self-confidence when that is required, as it will be from time to time Focus on strengths: personal strengths and the strengths possessed by others As Dale Carnegie taught, Praise heartily Make full and appropriate use of humour…some leaders have just a little of it and will need to remind themselves of the importance of putting it to good use…other leaders have heavy doses of it and they will need to remind themselves to never let it go too far…self-humour is best…humour at the expense of others is an absolute no-no Listen…resurrect that art if it has become lost Master your emotions…and keep them under control [most of the time] Live with Integrity…as defined here

## Communication tip: It isn't about who's right or who's wrong. It's about who doesn't have emotions under control - and Why?
Date: 2014-08-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-it-isnt-about-whos-right-or-whos-wrong-its-about-who-doesnt-have-emotions-under-control-and-why/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Disputes in the work environment often escalate. And, they often spread and affect many people. When you face situations of conflict and dispute remember - It isn't about who's right or who's wrong. It's about who doesn't have emotions under control - and Why? And, of course, make sure you aren't among those who do not have their emotions under control. Emotional disputes do a lot of damage and waste a lot of energy [energy - which, if it wasn't being wasted, could be put to constructive use].

## Crystallize your thoughts & desires...clearly communicate details of Goals, Tasks & Actions. Then Do & Measure the Actions.
Date: 2014-08-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/crystallize-your-thoughts-desiresclearly-communicate-details-of-goals-tasks-actions-then-do-measure-the-actions/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Measure & Monitor, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet And Practice : if Practice doesn't make perfect then what does? Practice clarifying your desires. Practice clarifying your Goals . Practice communicating about your desires and Goals. Practice defining the details of Tasks , with emphasis on the Tasks that yield the results you desire. Practice taking Talent to the Tasks - i.e., Practice the best, most-focused-for-success Actions. Practice communicating about Talents & Strengths and about Tasks and Actions. Practice Measuring Actions . Practice Measuring results. These are the ways to better- and best-in-class performance. These are the ways to Skills . These are the ways to business success.

## When it comes to communication, vagaries ain't gonna get it done.
Date: 2014-08-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-it-comes-to-communication-vagaries-aint-gonna-get-it-done/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet There's an increased need for clarity in communication.

## Communication tip: Do not assume the purpose behind your thinking is obvious.
Date: 2014-08-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-do-not-assume-the-purpose-behind-your-thinking-is-obvious/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We cannot assume the purpose of our thinking is obvious. We cannot assume the purpose of their thinking is obvious. And, we are far better off over-communicating about the purpose behind out thoughts, ideas, and requests than under-communicating about them.

## Engineering Art & Science
Date: 2014-08-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/engineering-art-science/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Tradition recognizes 4 professions: Medicine, Engineering, Accounting, & Law. People who master these professions possess special abilities. They are able to quickly identify patterns, see the big picture, and understand the details in many areas under the big picture. This combination of big picture thinking and detailed thinking enables them to be problem-solving specialists. Not only are they able to solve problems when they arrive they are also often able to anticipate problems and create solutions before the problems actually arrive. Mastering a profession: Is that an art or a science or some combination of two? Before answering that question it's necessary to understand the role discipline plays in the professions. Consider the medical profession. When you visit a doctor do you want the doctor's advice to be backed by disciplined thinking? Do you want the doctor to analyze your symptoms, identify a pattern, understand the root cause of the problem, and present a remedy/solution? Those are the things most people want when they visit the doctor. Very few want their doctor to be speculative, offering inventive solutions and illustrating innovation or creativity. Most people want medical solutions that are tried-and-true. That's their expectation. People expect their doctor to have a disciplined education, a disciplined process for diagnosing symptoms, and a disciplined process for prescribing remedies. These are the expectations of the vast majority of clients of the medical profession. Consider the engineering profession. When an engineer designs a road you will drive on what is your expectation? When an engineer designs a bridge you will cross what is your expectation? When an engineer designs the building you will work in what is your expectation? Typically people just want a road to function properly so they can use it to get from point A to point B as quickly and safely as possible. People expect those things from bridges too. However, often they expect more from bridges. They want bridges to have aesthetic appeal. Similarly, people set a higher standard when it comes to buildings. Often people want buildings to have not just functional value, they also want aesthetic value. These are the expectations held by people who seek engineering work. While some professions can be said to be mostly science, engineering is a blend of art and science.

## Rather than loudly blaring and flashing your products and services, try simply explaining why you are building them.
Date: 2014-08-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/rather-than-loudly-blaring-and-flashing-your-products-and-services-try-simply-explaining-why-you-are-building-them/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Inspired by a combination of Simon Sinek's " Discover Your Why " [The Golden Circle of Why-How-What] and Mark Weber 's approach to conflict resolution [the Interests-Rights-Power Circle].

## When business leaders express their difficulties, we should listen well before we attempt to suggest solutions.
Date: 2014-08-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-business-leaders-express-their-difficulties-we-should-listen-well-before-we-attempt-to-suggest-solutions-2014/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Often, when business leaders express difficulties we either: wave them off and change the topic, reply with a difficulty of their own, or reply with a quick and concrete piece of solution-advice. These 3 reactions provide little if any value to the business leader [or to us]. If we want to help business leaders then we need to change the way we react/reply when we hear them express their difficulties. We need to listen better. We need to do our best to get into their shoes . We need to think, coming at the difficulty from different directions/perspectives. We need to do these things to (1) improve the quality of our response and (2) build trust with the leader. When these things are done, then we can help with solutions.

## Communication tip: If you're in the dark, don't make light of things.
Date: 2014-08-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-if-youre-in-the-dark-dont-make-light-of-things/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Optimism, Pessimism, & Realism ... how do you find the right overall balance and the right strategy for the situation at hand? Some thoughts: Overall, be Optimistic: look for the bright side, consider the possibilities, be around and listen to others who are enthusiastic. Optimists live happier lives. Place realistic bounds on Optimism. Despite what they say about big, hairy audacious goals - BHAGs are not for everyone . And, often, over-zealous optimism injures other people. Pessimism demotivates. If you are naturally pessimistic...think before your share your views and your body language. Leaders - anticipate situations. And plan for situations ...of course not all situations - but some. Recognize some people handle stress well and some folks handle stress poorly.

## About Communication: When there's no reason or rhyme it's time to change your tune.
Date: 2014-08-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-communication-when-theres-no-reason-or-rhyme-its-time-to-change-your-tune/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Human beings are biased creatures. One bias is known as the rhyme-as-reason effect . According to Wikipedia - "The rhyme-as-reason effect is a cognitive bias whereupon a saying or aphorism is judged as more accurate or truthful when it is rewritten to rhyme." And "For an example of the persuasive quality of the rhyme-as-reason effect, see " if it doesn't fit, you must acquit ," the signature phrase used by Johnnie Cochran to gain acquittal for O.J. Simpson in Simpson's murder trial." Consider the rhyme-as-reason bias when you: create leader's messages create marketing communications

## Communication tip: If there's no two ways about it, it isn't good conversation.
Date: 2014-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-if-theres-no-two-ways-about-it-it-isnt-good-conversation/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Well...it's an idiom wrapped up in an aphorism wrapped up in a bit of truism. Communication works best when at least two people are engaged in it.

## Communication tip: If you want to be a leader in your industry sector, return phone calls and respond to e-mail.
Date: 2014-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-if-you-want-to-be-a-leader-in-your-industry-sector-return-phone-calls-and-respond-to-e-mail/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Successful people seem to have more time . Also, with the current trend of slackening business etiquette, returning phone calls and responding to e-mail will be a differential advantage. Why not take the lead...in a return to common courtesy, improved communication, and real relationships.

## Communication tip: Gather specks of agreement...make a molehill...and use it to construct a mountain of agreement.
Date: 2014-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-gather-specks-of-agreementmake-a-molehilland-use-it-to-construct-a-mountain-of-agreement/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Constructive criticism is an oxymoron . Rather than be critical of other folks...focus on the areas of agreement. Build on those areas. Help people feel comfortable. Change is only constructive when people are comfortable .

## 2 Communication tips: Learn how to listen so people talk & Learn how to talk so people listen.
Date: 2014-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/2-communication-tips-learn-how-to-talk-so-people-listen-learn-how-to-listen-so-people-talk/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet ' How To Talk So People Listen ', that's the title of a book written by Sonya Hamlin in 2006. How To Listen So People Talk...well, that's in the territory of the art of asking good questions .

## From Concept to Action
Date: 2014-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/from-concept-to-action/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

At the conceptual level : identifying patterns, identifying constraints, identifying variables, estimating the extent of scope in flux, and preparing for ambiguities. At the detailed level : bringing talents to task, setting simple task-processes, following checklists, and coordinating complicated linkages between processes. At the communication level : ensuring both message delivery and message receipt, expressing differences, taking the time to address and remove gaps, raising the flag on problems, and influencing in a positive way other people's actions. At the action level : executing, evaluating, and evolving.

## Communication tip: Knowledge backfires when it is controlled by the mouth.
Date: 2014-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-knowledge-backfires-when-it-is-controlled-by-the-mouth/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Selling, for example, has little to do with the technical things you know and/or can talk about. As time goes on, sales people learn more and more about the product/service they sell. Human nature being what it is they cannot resist sharing with prospects all the technical stuff they know. As they do this, they talk too much and listen too little. They educate the customers. The customers applaud. But, the Sale does not happen. [And whether or not your job is in sales your life is laced with “selling”.]

## Communication tip: People want to hear positive messages…so why not deliver positive messages.
Date: 2014-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-people-want-to-hear-positive-messages-so-why-not-deliver-positive-messages/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet We tested positive and negative marketing messages. We tried both " in these tough economic times " and " to build for the future ". We found our positive messages were twice as successful as our negative messages. So we work to keep our communications on the positive side of centre.

## Communication tip: Deliver messages different ways, use different vehicles, and repeat. That’s the way people learn.
Date: 2014-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-advice-deliver-messages-different-ways-use-different-vehicles-and-repeat-thats-the-way-people-learn/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Some suggestions: Keep the message simple, concise, and clear Use stories to convey the message But, also deliver the message in your own words Deliver the message yourself and through other people Deliver the message in writing, verbally, and with pictures

## Sales-communication tip: Under-Promise and Over-Deliver …Under-Talk & Over-Listen
Date: 2014-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-communication-tip-under-promise-and-over-deliver-under-talk-over-listen/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet While people are very busy, somehow they manage to remember the promises you didn’t deliver on. And, if people are talking there is a reason for it. I mean, people have reasons for saying things even if the things they are saying are not on the same topic as the things you are thinking while you could be listening while they are talking. Rather than thinking all that stuff by yourself and waiting for them to stop talking so you can get your thoughts delivered…listen.

## Communication tip: Don't strangle your sales calls…stop choking your Clients with facts, figures, graphs, and analytics.
Date: 2014-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-dont-strangle-your-sales-calls-stop-choking-your-clients-with-facts-figures-graphs-and-analytics/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet When you mention numbers you will cause your Client to think about numbers. The Client's mind, a Buyer's mind, will call up the tools a Buyer uses to analyse numbers. Unless performed with care and skill, that will take you farther away from closing a sale…not closer.

## Communication tip: Boiling thoughts down to one or two words is the stuff of communication genius!
Date: 2014-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-boiling-thoughts-down-to-one-or-two-words-is-the-stuff-of-communication-genius/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet When we have that tool of genius we can apply it to our business thought and communication. We can benefit from creative thinking, putting it to use daily (in our marketing, as just one example); quickly get to the true root of problems…so solutions jump out at us; understand the Leader’s Role…and communicate it well, and expand Business Success.

## When you simply listen with an open mind...what are your Clients saying about your competition?
Date: 2014-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-simply-listen-with-an-open-mindwhat-are-your-clients-saying-about-your-competition/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet The main point is - Listen. Don’t make comments about your competition. And 'overrule' yourself if you are tempted to ask leading questions. When your Client brings up your competition it means something. Your challenge is to determine what it means. You can prepare for this inevitable situation by planning the questions you will ask your Client after your Client raises the topic of your competition. When you design those questions, design them carefully

## Why Not?
Date: 2014-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-not/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Why not aim for excellent performance? Why not strive for task and process mastery? Why not strive for craftsmanship? Why not aim for minimal errors? Why not aim for clear communication? Why not aim to deliver on all the commitments we make to our clients? Why not meet the time deadlines we agreed to? It’s an issue of character. It's an issue of culture. Why not aim for a culture of excellence?

## Communication faux pas: “People are talking and obviously it's nonsense so you begin to speak.”
Date: 2014-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-faux-pas-people-are-talking-and-obviously-its-nonsense-so-you-begin-to-speak/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Eckhart Tolle said that in one of his 'retreats'. People laughed. They laughed because they recognized that’s exactly what they do, at least from time to time. ...another reminder - Listen Well!

## Communication tip: Measure your talking during meetings. Talk less than 30%, Listen at least 70%.
Date: 2014-08-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-measure-your-talking-during-meetings-talk-less-than-30-listen-at-least-70/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet David Sandler taught this to his sales students. It applies not just to sales but to all communications. Limiting the amount we talk is closely linked to Listening. It is also closely linked to our ability to keep our emotions in balance.

## Communication tip: If you want to influence then Learn to Listen.
Date: 2014-08-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-if-you-want-to-influence-then-learn-to-listen/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet LinkedIn is a valuable tool. We can use it to discover what other people think about topics. I asked some of my LinkedIn friends the Question: What does it take to succeed at sales? And, the most repeated piece of advice was - Listen Better.

## Seek Simple advice: Better to fix the problem than to fix the blame.
Date: 2014-08-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-advice-better-to-fix-the-problem-than-to-fix-the-blame/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Winners seek solutions and think of better places. Losers agonize over problems and fear uncertainty.

## Seek Simple advice: The busier we are the less we remember...that's why there's value in writing things down.
Date: 2014-08-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-advice-the-busier-we-are-the-less-we-rememberthats-why-theres-value-in-writing-things-down/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Writing things down: it's a simple thing to do...it's also a powerful strategy for aiding memory and a powerful tactic for delivering on promises. And, that builds trust. So, writing things down provides support for building trust.

## Common Sense versus Common Practice
Date: 2014-08-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/common-sense-versus-common-practice/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

People perform better when they know their roles. People perform better when they feel accountable for their performance. Leaders can help their people understand their roles by clearly stating the top 7 or so action-things each person must do to succeed in each role. Those top 7 or so things will form the framework/guidelines for roles. While that is common sense, it is not done at many small businesses. Leaders can provide further help by working with their people to create goals linked to those top 7 or so things. Again, few would argue the common sense of having desired goals linked to desired actions. Yet again, while it is common sense it is not common practice at many small businesses. Desired goals and desired actions gel well when combined with planned performance-review processes. The key is creating performance-review processes that are closely tied to specific actions required to meet specific goals. Common sense. And you can make it common practice.

## Seek Simple advice: Listen to what people say...are their words the words of Victims or Initiators?
Date: 2014-08-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-advice-listen-to-what-people-sayare-their-words-the-words-of-victims-or-initiators/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We do better with people when we understand them...as Stephen Covey taught - 'Seek First to Understand'. We all go through ups and downs and the ups and downs can skew our day-to-day personalities. So, yes - it is rash to judge personality too quickly. Setting day-to-day variances aside, we all have predominant tendencies. While we do not want to pretend we are armchair psychologists, our success in this world of other people increases when we observe people and develop an ability to understand them. And, people do have predominant tendencies. One of those tendencies has been captured by psychologists and labelled locus of control . Some of us 'have' an internal locus of control while some of us 'have' an external locus of control . People who 'have' the internal locus of control believe they can affect change and outcomes. They tend to be Initiators. People who 'have' the external locus of control believe they have little ability to influence change or outcomes. They are fatalists or Victims. Victims tend to complain about their lot in life. Victims tend to blame others. Victims tend to blame situations. Victims are pessimistic. Victims make excuses. [Feelings of envy and jealousy hang around the shadows of Victims.] Initiators are the opposite.

## Seek Simple advice: Baby action steps pave the path to unshakable self-confidence.
Date: 2014-08-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-advice-baby-action-steps-pave-the-path-to-unshakable-self-confidence/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We learn from our experiences. This learning grows experience by experience, piece by piece. And the more repetition of experience-pieces the stronger the learning. And, because we have gone through the learning process we know we know . When we know we know we become confident about our abilities. The more we know we know the greater the confidence. Simple repetition of properly-performed action steps are the key to self-confidence. We need to imagine future situations to determine the right action steps. That's the best path. However, if we are confused about the right action steps then we can perform the action steps we know we know ...and do them with mastery. Every one of us can do that! So, baby steps take every one of us toward unshakable self-confidence. Self-confidence is a process. We can design it. We can control it. We should all want to do that - self-confidence is a mindset to great value.

## Seek Simple advice: speak up and be heard, shut up and be appreciated.
Date: 2014-08-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-advice-speak-up-and-be-heard-shut-up-and-be-appreciated/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Jay Abraham tells a great story about meeting a fellow at a convention-hotel bar. Jay asked the fellow dozens of questions and the fellow talked about himself for hours. At the end of the evening, the other fellow said Jay was the most-interesting person he had ever talked to.

## Seek Simple: Don’t make a career out of weaknesses….sounds simple enough…but…
Date: 2014-08-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-dont-make-a-career-out-of-weaknesses-sounds-simple-enough-but/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet …but…do you know your Strengths? Do you really know your Strengths? If so – how do you know you know them? If so – what actions are you taking to make sure you employ them at work? Have you spent as much time on this as you did learning how to spell? Have you spent as much time on this as you did learning how to do math?

## Seek Simple: Make sure your business solutions are less complicated than your problems.
Date: 2014-08-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-make-sure-your-business-solutions-are-less-complicated-than-your-problems/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you cannot get your people to do what needs to be done, you are not alone. And, perhaps you are not in good company. Or, perhaps you need some straightforward help. Do not buy into the current trend of thinking that claim solutions need to be complex. That's untested...unproven smoke-and-mirrors opinion.

## It seems you can build a business on very complex things and on very simple things, but not in-between.
Date: 2014-08-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/it-seems-you-can-build-a-business-on-very-complex-things-and-on-very-simple-things-but-not-in-between/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Simple things, especially those that touch the emotions, form the foundation of many successful businesses - from your favourite local diner and your favourite hair stylist to pet rocks . Complex things amaze us, especially the early adopters . Say no more than 'Apple products'. Or, consider the impact special effects have on the movies and the entertainment sector.

## Some people just can't buy into other's ideas
Date: 2014-08-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-people-just-cant-buy-into-others-ideas/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

ANTs and other buy-in killers... What is it about some people that makes it so hard for them to buy into other people's ideas and requests? Is it just intolerant attitude? Is it resistance to not-made-at-home ideas? Is it fear from ANTs, those nagging automatic negative thoughts ? There's no question we all suffer from those ANTs...those little voices in the backs of our minds that keep sending us strings of warnings about other people and their nasty or misguided intentions. Those little voices in the backs of our minds that work around the clock in an effort to protect us and our interests. Those little voices in the backs of our minds that deliver never-ending streams of ANTs. Yes, I suspect it's those ANTs that cause us to resist buying into other people's ideas. Yes, if we ever want to buy into other people's ideas we must get our ANTs under control. ...let's set some ANT traps.

## One key to business success is freeing up as much time as possible for not-Routine work. So, Seek Simple first.
Date: 2014-08-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/one-key-to-business-success-is-freeing-up-as-much-time-as-possible-for-not-routine-work-so-seek-simple-first/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet 1. When we systematize routine work it can be done quicker, with fewer errors. Seeking Simple 2. When we do routine work quicker we have more time for not-Routine work. 3. not-Routine work contains the most Value and the only Value that is resistant to commoditization. 4. So, more time spent on not-Routine work means more time creating value. 5. And, more time creating Value means higher returns on investment...and more profit.

## Focus is attending to & concentrating on important things; leaders need to Focus on People, Process, & Situations.
Date: 2014-08-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/focus-is-attending-to-concentrating-on-important-things-leaders-need-to-focus-on-people-process-situations/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet 1. Focus is an Executive BrainSmart , 2. Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations , and 3. This is an example of Seeking Simple .

## Seek Simple: Remove office and desk clutter - reduce stress & increase clear thinking.
Date: 2014-08-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-simple-remove-office-and-desk-clutter-reduce-stress-increase-clear-thinking/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet 1. There's no question: Unfinished business gnaws away at brain-energy. 2. A link to articles on this topic 3. A link to articles on a related/overlapping topic - Seeking Simple 4. "Look around your environment. If your environment looks cluttered, overloaded, your nervous system probably is too. There seems to be a magic in decluttering, simplifying ." Steven Gurgevich, ' Relieve Stress with Medical Hypnosis ', (2010)

## Work-process needs to be simple & usable, systematic & clear, & properly communicated. Otherwise, it will not be catchy.
Date: 2014-08-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/work-process-needs-to-be-simple-usable-systematic-clear-properly-communicated-otherwise-it-will-not-be-catchy/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet As the discipline of hierarchy has changed with the times , so must work process.

## The consultant's dilemma
Date: 2014-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-consultants-dilemma/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

I need to figure out if anybody can help you before I determine if I can help you. Some people don't want my help. Some people don't want anybody's help. I'm interested in helping you make serious improvements at your work. I'm talking about helping you build the things you want to build and influence the people you want to influence. On the other hand, maybe you're comfortable and content with your current state? If that is the case then you will not want my help.

## Recipe for Complication: mix up a few simple things, set basic courtesy aside, and watch people get heated up.
Date: 2014-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/recipe-for-complication-mix-up-a-few-simple-things-set-basic-courtesy-aside-and-watch-people-get-heated-up/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we do simple things right we pave smoother paths. When we are courteous or at least civil with others we pave smoother paths. When we do not do these things we should expect a rough road ahead.

## Why are some people so inclined to be morale busters at work? And - How might we help them get over it?
Date: 2014-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-are-some-people-so-inclined-to-be-morale-busters-at-work-and-how-might-we-help-them-get-over-it/ | Categories: Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I want to create a Top 10 list of ways to help morale-busting people get over whatever it is that causes them to want to spread negativity at work. I am not talking about people who express concerns openly, in front of those who they blame for this or that. I am talking about people who do their complaining behind the backs of the people about whom they complain. I'd like to create a list of the Top 10 Remedies for Behind-the-Back Complaints. Any help you can provide will be appreciated... Here's one - Ask people to accept an environment where others can, without risk, openly express concerns about one another directly to one another. And, if that doesn't work the concern must be escalated to the boss or the 'team'. Thick-skinned people can handle both sides of that approach. Do you agree?

## Seeking Simple: When things are (1) easy to understand, (2) easy to weigh against alternatives, (3) easy to implement.
Date: 2014-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seeking-simple-when-things-are-1-easy-to-understand-2-easy-to-weigh-against-alternatives-3-easy-to-implement/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Apply Seeking Simple to Client interactions, Co-worker interactions, Supplier interactions, Business Ally interactions...etc.

## When we are able to describe things in 1 or 2 words we possess a tool of genius!
Date: 2014-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-we-are-able-to-describe-things-in-1-or-2-words-we-possess-a-tool-of-genius/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Most people need to make their communications more concise. They can learn how to do that by studying creative thinking.

## Objective, well-intentioned, well-delivered criticism will still gnaw, rip, and tear thin skin.
Date: 2014-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/objective-well-intentioned-well-delivered-criticism-will-still-gnaw-rip-and-tear-thin-skin/ | Categories: Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Criticism will always gnaw, rip, and tear at thin skin. That is a given. The only question is: how will the thin-skinned person react as the thin skin rips and tears? The natural reactions are fight & flight...aggression & avoidance. And, of importance – will ‘ motivation ’ get dragged into the bloody discussion after the ripping and tearing of thin skin? Sometimes it will. More often the thought will be there, but it will be unspoken. And, as they say, “ It's the thought that counts .” I have strong views on ‘motivation’, and my strong views contain intolerance of those who blame others for the failures or the lack of motivation. Bosses have a tough enough job without having to bear the burden of every subordinate’s ‘motivation’.

## Bullies and confident people tend to win money disputes.
Date: 2014-08-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bullies-and-confident-people-tend-to-win-money-disputes/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

About the people who tend to struggle with money disputes…

Are you comfortable dealing with problems involving the exchange of money? When things happen in threes I feel a strong need to explore the synchronicity. Usually, I come up with what I feel to be a hidden message in the synchronicities. Recently, I experienced one of these series of similar events. The topic was challenges/disputes involving the collection of money. The lesson I learned corrected my perspective on how people deal with money challenges/disputes. Historically, I have talked a lot about people lacking money consciousness . The lesson I learned was most of the people who experience ongoing problems involving collection of money do have money consciousness . Their money problems are not due to a lack of consciousness about money or the fact they deserve the money. Rather, the issue is about their lack of comfort in dealing with people and situations involving money challenges such dealing with people who fail to pay money owed. And, the issue is also about the balance of power between the people who are strong and skilled at dealing with money challenges/disputes and the people who are not comfortable dealing with money challenges/disputes. Bullies and confident people tend to win money disputes. When money disagreements arise, the balance of power is held by the bullies and the confident people. Less-confident people have a power shortage and this power shortage works against them unless they take action to work on assertiveness and self-confidence. About the people who tend to struggle with money disputes and do not work on assertiveness and self-confidence… Their discomfort dealing with money challenges/disputes remains and often expands, solidifying into deep-rooted bad habits. Their bad habits appear in two forms: one is their inactivity/avoidance when they face tough money issues and the other is their penchant for blaming others for the problems. Unfortunately, these responses to money problems are not helpful...not helpful when it comes to reducing A/Rs...not helpful when it comes to reducing people's stress levels...not helpful to bottom lines....not helpful in any way.

## Meetings, Communication, & Culture
Date: 2014-08-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/meetings-communication-culture/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Values: Personal Values

Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations … and … People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things Meetings should be treated as opportunities to grow good habits: good habits about people, good habits about processes, & good habits about situations. Culture Statements should contain many general statements about good habits. That will help people understand how Culture Statements can be applied during their workdays…i.e., specific real-work applications. An excellent way to start is to: Talk about one or two Culture Statements at every regularly scheduled meeting and Do New Things that show people how they should act When you hold meetings, talk about the Culture you desire. This could be as simple as having the chair of the meeting start the meeting with a 30-second personal story that fits the culture. Or, start each meeting with a round-the-table ‘getting present’ question like…” How are you feeling right now and why? ” [People would need to learn how to be very concise with their answers] Or, ask questions like, “ How have you used your talents & strengths since our last meeting? ” These sorts of questions help people get engaged. If a person struggles to get engaged then that person’s boss can coach and train between meetings. People do their best when they are engaged…not just engaged doing tasks but engaged feeling like they are part of a winning team that is determined to build terrific things and do terrific business. [I know that can sound hokey…and it is hokey when it is done via lip service only…however, it is energizing when it is done in synch with Culture Statements.] Show people how you want them to act: Company leaders need to buy into the Culture Statements and ‘best practices for meetings’ and, where required, make changes to how they act in meetings [replacing bad habits with good habits] Company leaders need to do new things to expand their ability to Influence other’s behaviour. Leaders need to illustrate their accountability – leading by example. Linked to this, ensure ongoing communication that promotes good meeting practices [good habits]: People should feel comfortable talking about errors/problems [this means everyone; nobody should leave a meeting angry/annoyed] Learning from our errors [like that excellent Battler follow-up session] Celebrating our education [not silly or excessive…but little things that breed comfort in communicating about errors so we maximize our ability to minimize them not repeat the same ones, etc. Change is Constructive Only When People are Comfortable. Communication, when pre-planned to fit situations and delivered with confidence, helps people be more comfortable and more productive.

## 5 reasons to listen: (1) to respond, (2) to act, (3) to understand, (4) because it's your job, & (5) because you like people.
Date: 2014-08-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/5-reasons-to-listen-1-to-respond-2-to-act-3-to-understand-4-because-its-your-job-5-because-you-like-people/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most people listen poorly. It's reciprocal: people don't listen to them so they return the disfavour. Then there's this pent up ego demand to express thoughts rather than listen to them. *** If we don't relearn how to listen evolution is going to adapt our ears into oblivion. [One drawback of civilization: people who don't listen no longer get eaten by predators.]

## When you criticize people you trigger their 'No' responses....and, at that point, constructive communication is over.
Date: 2014-08-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-criticize-people-you-trigger-their-no-responsesand-at-that-point-constructive-communication-is-over/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When 'No' thoughts are filling the brain there is little room for 'Yes" thoughts. In fact, chances are 'No' and 'Yes' thoughts will not want to occupy the brain at the same time. They would rather take turns. And, for most people the 'No' thoughts are much more sticky. When they find their way into people's brains they stick there until they run out of reasons to defend and bolster the ego. While 'No' thoughts are sticking around the brain, working away to defend and bolster the ego there is little, if any, opportunity for constructive communication...particularly communication involving the person who triggers the 'No' response.

## Do you know the nature of the relationships between the talents and work-tasks?
Date: 2014-08-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-know-the-nature-of-the-relationships-between-the-talents-and-work-tasks/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Talents tend to bounce off tasks. This is especially true when talents first meet tasks...talents often resist new tests. And bounce off is predictable when talents meet repeated defeats at the hands of tasks...after repeated defeats, talents will avoid tasks at all costs. It's like talents have egos of their own.

## Self-Reliance
Date: 2014-08-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/self-reliance/ | Categories: Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!

Are you one of those people who has boundless energy regardless of what other people are doing? Or are you one of those people whose energy diminishes when other people fail to perform up to your expectations? It seems to me that many people fall into these two categories, these two polar-opposite categories. Of course the self-help gurus talk about the first type when they describe the successful people, the leaders, the people who accomplished incredible things during their lifetimes. Indomitable - that's perhaps one of the best words to describe these high-energy/high-sustained-energy people. Resilient - that's another good word to describe them. Or, perhaps we should stick with the word self-reliant. Self-reliant signals the above things. It signals people who are comfortable relying upon themselves and not relying upon what other people do. Self-reliance signals people who accept the obligation of inspiring their own actions and, of more importance, it signals people who are accountable for inspiring the energies that fuel their own actions. "Relying Upon" ... Whom ... Why not self? "Influencing" ... Whom ... Why not self?

## Sometimes when you're over your head it's too late to keep your chin up.
Date: 2014-08-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sometimes-when-youre-over-your-head-its-too-late-to-keep-your-chin-up/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Ego and Pride and Denial...they have their purposes, they have their limits. Best to invest time in self-knowledge before, not after, those limits are surpassed.

## Success can mean Failure. Failure can mean Success.
Date: 2014-08-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/success-can-mean-failure-failure-can-mean-success/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet And, Failure can mean Failure. And, Success can mean Success. It all depends on what you believe, what you truly know, and how you use what you truly know. And, of course, Emotions & Egos often have the ability to overrule Common Sense.

## Life sometimes beats attitudes down
Date: 2014-08-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/life-sometimes-beats-attitudes-down/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude

All people have talents. All people want to use their talents to create things of value. And all people want the things they create to be appreciated. People want their work to be productive. It's just that, over time, life experiences and troubling interactions with other people and bad-habit mindsets beat many people’s attitudes down. Ongoing series of real and perceived problems and other people's criticism and worries and grief and many other such things beat many people’s attitudes down. When spirits are beaten down work performance shrinks away. We need to bolster spirits before we can expect performance improvements.

## Trust: it's a dynamic thing that flows 2 ways; you extend it in order to receive it; it's about Action.
Date: 2014-08-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/trust-its-a-dynamic-thing-that-flows-2-ways-you-extend-it-in-order-to-receive-it-its-about-action/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Quality character is a gift. A pleasing personality is a powerful gift. But... Actions easily trump both. Ensure your Actions score winning points.

## Nowadays...technologies are becoming as fragile as relationships.
Date: 2014-08-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/nowadaystechnologies-are-becoming-as-fragile-as-relationships-2014/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you disappoint a person, trust drops. Maybe you'll get a second chance to repair the trust. Maybe you will not. It is easier to destroy an interpersonal relationship than build one. Interpersonal relationships are fragile - we know that. Now, there's another complication in our lives: technologies are becoming increasingly fragile. Technologies are becoming so fragile we replace them long before we break them.

## People connections become business relationships when knowledge exchange is sparked by business insight.
Date: 2014-08-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-connections-become-business-relationships-when-knowledge-exchange-is-sparked-by-business-insight/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Everyone knows relationships are an important part of business development. Many people think relationships are the most important part of business development. Some people understand an exchange of insight is one of the two fundamental aspects of business relationships, the other fundamental aspect being trust.

## "Men trust their ears less than their eyes." It took 2400 years for psychologists to confirm this ancient wisdom.
Date: 2014-08-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/men-trust-their-ears-less-than-their-eyes-it-took-2400-years-for-psychologists-to-confirm-this-ancient-wisdom/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Men trust their ears less than their eyes. " Herodotus Greek Historian, 484BCE-425BCE Now, 2400 years after Herodotus, psychologists are completing experiments that confirm Herodotus' ancient wisdom...our eyes overrule our ears...truly, we do believe what our eyes see them do more than what our ears hear them say. This applies to their major actions and to their minor body-language signals.

## Here's a quirk of human nature: we are prone to value authenticity in others over self-awareness.
Date: 2014-08-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/heres-a-quirk-of-human-nature-we-are-prone-to-value-authenticity-in-others-over-self-awareness/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Trust : a time-consuming thing to build, yet easily ruined. Attribution Bias : we are tough on others; we cut ourselves slack.

## Success follows those who communicate with enthusiasm.
Date: 2014-08-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/success-follows-those-who-communicate-well/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication

If you are not obtaining the results you want when you attempt to influence other people's behaviour check your communication. Your performance at communication will definitely be part of the problem. If you find your communication is lacking in strength, provide yourself opportunities to obtain knowledge about communication. Then practice communication, observe the results, and adjust your communication techniques until you succeed. Success follows those who communicate well.

## Nurture and develop a successor for your business. Mentor this person. Partner with this person.
Date: 2014-08-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/nurture-and-develop-a-successor-for-your-business-mentor-this-person-partner-with-this-person/ | Categories: Influencing, Succession, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Make sure this person knows he or she is your most-trusted business ally. Make sure this person wants to be in that role. Do not assume…talk openly and regularly about succession…talk openly and regularly about needs and aspirations, both yours and theirs.

## 9 out of 10 people believe they are good at communicating
Date: 2014-08-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/9-out-of-10-people-believe-they-are-good-at-communicating/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication

9 out of 10 people believe they are good at communicating. The remaining person, 1 out of 10, shrugs off the importance of communication. Actually, if you explore further you find half of the 9 people also shrug off the importance of communication. They just don't shrug it off so outwardly or graphically. Their shrugs are more subtle and less noticeable. In reality, while 9 out of 10 people believe they are good at communicating only about 5 out of 10 people truly do a good job of communicating. How can you tell if you were one of those 5 out of 10? Answer: You can ask yourself whether or not you make intentional efforts, on an ongoing basis, to improve your communication. And you can ask yourself more detailed questions such as - What do you do to improve your communication? and What education are you working to obtain to improve your communication? If you cannot identify specific things you are doing to educate yourself about communication then you are probably among the 5 out of 10 who do not communicate well. If you cannot identify specific practice techniques you use to improve your communication then you are probably among the 5 out of 10 who do not communicate well.

## When business leaders express their difficulties, we should listen well before we attempt to suggest solutions.
Date: 2014-08-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-business-leaders-express-their-difficulties-we-should-listen-well-before-we-attempt-to-suggest-solutions/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Often, when business leaders express difficulties we either: wave them off and change the topic, reply with a difficulty of their own, or reply with a quick and concrete piece of solution-advice. These 3 reactions provide little if any value to the business leader [or to us]. If we want to help business leaders then we need to change the way we react/reply when we hear them express their difficulties. We need to listen better. We need to do our best to get into their shoes . We need to think, coming at the difficulty from different directions/perspectives. We need to do these things to (1) improve the quality of our response and (2) build trust with the leader. When these things are done, then we can help with solutions.

## The busier we are the less we remember...that's why there's value in writing things down.
Date: 2014-08-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-busier-we-are-the-less-we-rememberthats-why-theres-value-in-writing-things-down/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Writing things down: it's a simple thing to do...it's also a powerful strategy for aiding memory and a powerful tactic for delivering on promises. And, that builds trust. So, writing things down provides support for building trust.

## Cooperation has a mind of its own...and that quick mind works like a On/Off switch.
Date: 2014-08-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/cooperation-has-a-mind-of-its-ownand-that-quick-mind-works-like-a-onoff-switch/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Don't take Cooperation for granted. Deliver it. Work to earn it.

## Do people want to be accountable? I expect the answer is, "Yes".
Date: 2014-08-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-people-want-to-be-accountable-i-expect-the-answer-is-yes/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet People want independence, however, and perhaps even more, they want relationships. Trust is the essence of relationships and trust gets built slowly while it gets destroyed quickly. Accountability reminds us to perform as we said we would. We want to be accountable and trusted so we can have quality relationships.

## Inherent Accountability
Date: 2014-08-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/inherent-accountability/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Solutions & Opportunities

Top performers feel disappointed in themselves when they make errors or fail to achieve desired results. Then, quickly, they replace that thinking with confidence wise enough to know they will do better in the future. It is quite normal for attitude to slip when problems and setbacks drain energy...after all power of will is a limited thing. It is quite spectacular when confidence overtakes disappointment, frustration, and anger. The more that happens the stronger the confidence.

## You don’t have time to do a good job on those things today. Take comfort. Later, you will find time to do many of them over.
Date: 2014-08-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-dont-have-time-to-do-a-good-job-on-those-things-today-take-comfort-later-you-will-find-time-to-do-many-of-them-over/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Of course you have the time to do all those things right the first time...today!

## Pinocchio lives. Just the other day, I listened to him. You gotta watch closely to see that nose growing.
Date: 2014-08-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/pinocchio-lives-just-the-other-day-i-listened-to-him-you-gotta-watch-closely-to-see-that-nose-growing/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets



## The same old problems
Date: 2014-08-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-same-old-problems/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Solutions & Opportunities

It seems some people never tire of experiencing the same old problems. What peculiar stamina! It seems some people never tire of fighting the same old battles, using the same old weapons, meeting the same old defeats. What peculiar stamina! Perhaps most of us appear that way when viewed from others' perspectives? Perhaps when observed by others most of us appear to obstinately cling to the bad habits that limit our ability to deal successfully with other people? Perhaps my perceptions of other people's behaviour, as I watch them struggle, are too harsh?

## Discipline/manage yourself if you wish to persuade/lead/manage others.
Date: 2014-08-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/disciplinemanage-yourself-if-you-wish-to-persuadeleadmanage-others/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Do what I say not what I do does not cut it. Probably, most of us can remember incidents when we were children and adults in positions of authority gave us instructions that they themselves did not follow. To the extent that happened, we learned to resist instructions that came to us as do what I say not what I do. As we gained experience and confidence our resistance to these inconsistent demands increased. Now, we have much trouble following instructions from people who do not lead by example. And, we distrust those who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk.

## When we don't know the Why behind the problem our solutions do little to stop repeated errors.
Date: 2014-08-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-we-dont-know-the-why-behind-the-problem-our-solutions-do-little-to-stop-repeated-errors/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets



## If you were in charge of recruiting placebo-plant employees...would honesty be a desired trait?
Date: 2014-08-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-were-in-charge-of-recruiting-placebo-plant-employeeswould-honesty-be-a-desired-trait/ | Categories: Humour, Put Your Best Brain Forward, Thought Tweets



## Nowadays...technologies are becoming as fragile as relationships.
Date: 2014-08-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/nowadaystechnologies-are-becoming-as-fragile-as-relationships/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you disappoint a person, trust drops. Maybe you'll get a second chance to repair the trust. Maybe you will not. It is easier to destroy an interpersonal relationship than build one. Interpersonal relationships are fragile - we know that. Now, there's another complication in our lives: technologies are becoming increasingly fragile. Technologies are becoming so fragile we replace them long before we break them.

## Physical proximity can spark & ignite inspiration; physical proximity can cause the release of creative excellence.
Date: 2014-08-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/physical-proximity-can-spark-ignite-inspiration-physical-proximity-can-cause-the-release-of-creative-excellence/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many most-excellent things have been created when people were inspired by others. Observing how, in reaction to others, some people achieve extremes in creative excellence provides insight into this phenomenon. The story of Beethoven's creation of ' Moonlight Sonata ', whether the story is embellished or not, provides an explanation of the thinking behind this tweet. [For the Beethoven story see page 169 of Orison Swett Marden's 1911 classic ' Pushing To The Front '.]

## If you want to feel like a winner - Win!
Date: 2014-08-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-feel-like-a-winner-win/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Nothing breeds success like success. ...doesn't have to be a huge Win ...nothing wrong with batting singles

## Mistakes gain the power of demons when they know you haven't learned from them.
Date: 2014-08-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mistakes-gain-the-power-of-demons-when-they-know-you-havent-learned-from-them/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets



## It's one thing to not know how. It's another thing to not be bothered by that. That's anti-tenacity.
Date: 2014-08-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-one-thing-to-not-know-how-its-another-thing-to-not-be-bothered-by-that-thats-anti-tenacity/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets



## Small, fresh thoughts compound to become amazing innovations.
Date: 2014-08-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/small-fresh-thoughts-compound-to-become-amazing-innovations/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Let's work together to help each other take small, inventive steps .

## Don't let your desire for metrics and measures overrule your need to exercise common sense.
Date: 2014-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-let-your-desire-for-metrics-and-measures-overrule-your-need-to-exercise-common-sense/ | Categories: Measure & Monitor, Thought Tweets



## The bigger the ego the smaller the perspective.
Date: 2014-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-bigger-the-ego-the-smaller-the-perspective/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets



## ...at the interface of management People and management Process
Date: 2014-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/at-the-interface-of-management-people-and-management-process/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things

Reports and reporting tools sit at the interface between management People and management Process. If managers are doing the right things then automated reporting tools provide value. If managers are not doing the right things then automated tools simply add to the confusion.

## Power of Will & Spontaneous Creativity...aren't they the wonderful, bi-polar highlights of our human condition!
Date: 2014-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/power-of-will-spontaneous-creativityarent-they-the-wonderful-bi-polar-highlights-of-our-human-condition/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Power of Will - a much-praised attribute and process of character ( willpower ). Creativity & Spontaneity - humour, music, art, & invention - these add magic to our lives. " Do you appreciate both? " " Do you balance both? "

## Go miniature or go home...or do both...and add Maker-thinking to your business strategy.
Date: 2014-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/go-miniature-or-go-homeor-do-bothand-add-maker-thinking-to-your-business-strategy-2014/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Go miniature : Take Baby Steps of change; take small chances & test for success; fail small & frequently; check out the book, 'Makers'. Go home : when the going gets tough - take a time out... de-stress before you express .

## With a fanfare of keen sense of judgment, unleash creativity.
Date: 2014-07-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/with-a-fanfare-of-keen-sense-of-judgment-unleash-creativity/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Keen Sense Of Justice - in his 1937 classic 'Think and Grow Rich', Napoleon Hill taught this leadership attribute. Somehow, our business leaders often miss this essential attribute. Perhaps, many business leaders see themselves as just too busy to spend time on considering their need to make people-decisions that confirm a keen sense of justice? Well then - just bear in mind the most successful people have more time . Justice and judgment...related words...they're all about good decisions. Magic happens when creativity meets good decisions.

## Take a peek past the business of day-to-day life, catch another glimpse of your imagination.
Date: 2014-07-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/take-a-peek-past-the-business-of-day-to-day-life-catch-another-glimpse-of-your-imagination/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Do not quench your inspiration and your imagination; do not become the slave of your model ." Vincent Van Gogh

## When we add creativity to a commodity it evolves beyond commodity.
Date: 2014-07-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-we-add-creativity-to-a-commodity-it-evolves-beyond-commodity/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Less than a generation ago specialized knowledge , alone, could tip the scale in favour of business success. Now, specialized knowledge is nowhere near as special as it used to be. Now, with the press of an 'Enter' button specialized knowledge can be shared broadly and deeply...globally. Now, a business that relies on specialized knowledge to tip the scale in its favour is dreaming. Now, specialized knowledge provides little protection and, at best, short-lived differential advantage . We can no longer protect our commodities with specialized-knowledge bubble wrapper. Those bubbles have burst.

## Creativity is like a good sauce - you have to boil it down before it has the flavour.
Date: 2014-07-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/creativity-is-like-a-good-sauce-you-have-to-boil-it-down-before-it-has-the-flavour/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet This is about one aspect of Seeking Simple !

## Focus on Actions? or Focus on Outcomes?
Date: 2014-07-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/focus-on-actions-or-focus-on-outcomes/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

When we get the actions right the outcomes tend to naturally follow. When we don’t get the outcomes we want we must change and improve our actions. When we focus on actions too much we can choke. When we are in the zone of excellent performance we envision and are pulled toward outcomes. Focus on Actions? or Focus on Outcomes? Success is maximized when we know when to select and how to perform the two strategies.

## People self-motivate when you provide situations that combine structure with ability to be creative.
Date: 2014-07-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-self-motivate-when-you-provide-situations-that-combine-structure-with-ability-to-be-creative/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Situations of pure structure don't promote motivation; situations devoid of structure promote unfocused motivation; situations can be constructed to uncrush creativity . Well-designed process can co-exist with creativity: well-designed process can breed creativity . Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . Spirited Leaders design situations, providing the opportunity to maximize self-motivation. Designing situations: that's the path to motivated work performance.

## Desire: the fan that stokes the flames of imagination.
Date: 2014-07-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/desire-the-fan-that-stokes-the-flames-of-imagination/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Desire - desire for something - isn't that what stokes imagination?

## Touching & holding imagination: can there be anything more magical?
Date: 2014-07-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/touching-holding-imagination-can-there-be-anything-more-magical/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Imagination waits for us at the oasis where human excellence refreshes itself.

## That Aversion to the Details
Date: 2014-07-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/that-aversion-to-the-details/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

When people are at work, why do they avoid the details? Do they feel they are too busy and do not have time to attend to the details? Do they think the details are someone else's responsibility rather than part of their job? Do they feel too bored or too fatigued to bother with the details? Do they choose to avoid the details so they can concentrate on big-picture things? Do they choose to avoid the details because they know others are more skilled with the details? Do they choose to avoid certain details so they can think about other details? Do they feel frustrated as they avoid the details? Do they feel energized as they avoid the details? Do they feel weakened as they avoid the details? Do they feel strengthened as they avoid the details? Does their business falter as they avoid the details? Does their business gain advantage as they avoid the details? *** That aversion to the details can be a wonderful thing for all involved...or it can be brutal. If that aversion to the details is a wonderful thing at your workplace then figure out how to replicate it. If that aversion to the details is a brutal thing at your workplace then figure out how to stop it.

## Imagine the possible: create the impossible.
Date: 2014-07-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/imagine-the-possible-create-the-impossible/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Imagination triumphs over impossibility. If you disagree, just watch others as they pass you. If you agree, find others who will run with you.

## Necessity, when imaged in a courageous & confident mind, is the mother of invention & creativity.
Date: 2014-07-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/necessity-when-imaged-in-a-courageous-confident-mind-is-the-mother-of-invention-creativity/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We must not underestimate the courage required to think and act in new ways.

## Winners seek solutions and think of better situations. Losers agonize over problems and fear uncertainty.
Date: 2014-07-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/winners-seek-solutions-and-think-of-better-places-losers-agonize-over-problems-and-fear-uncertainty/ | Categories: Thought Tweets



## Despite popular belief, repeated applications of natural fertilizer do not help people grow.
Date: 2014-07-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/despite-popular-belief-repeated-applications-of-natural-fertilizer-do-not-help-people-grow/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets



## Few situations provide the opportunity to do big things; all situations provide the opportunity to do small things.
Date: 2014-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/few-situations-provide-the-opportunity-to-do-big-things-all-situations-provide-the-opportunity-to-do-small-things/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Business leaders want people to get it and they want people to step up . Business leaders want illustrations of insight and exertion of confident action. Those are the things business leaders want to influence.

## We are problem specialists - I mean each of us tends to attract an ongoing series of a certain type of problem.
Date: 2014-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-are-problem-specialists-i-mean-each-of-us-tends-to-attract-an-ongoing-series-of-a-certain-type-of-problem/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many of us don't see the problems coming let alone see we are the specialists who create them, with the huge capacity of help delivered by our unique talent shortfalls in certain areas.

## A 3-Step Strategy for Solving Problems
Date: 2014-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-3-step-strategy-for-solving-problems/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Solutions & Opportunities

Step 1 of 3: Identify the form of the Problem Problems appear in three forms: The problems you perceive in the form of other People's thoughts, behaviours or actions...from non-action to argument to errors. The problems you perceive in the form of less-than-acceptable Processes...from flawed software to broken hammers to grinding gears. The problems you perceive when you face certain Situations...from new Situations to fearful Situations. Note the repetition of the words "the problems you perceive" . As the saying goes, One Man's Trash is Another Man's Treasure ...Problems are always in the minds of their beholders. Step 2 of 3: Help People focus on solving the Problem When problems arise many people experience negative thoughts and feelings. These negative mindsets cause them to waste energy (1) trying to identify and analyse where things went wrong and (2) trying to place the blame on other people or, even worse, trying to place the blame on inanimate objects. While there is value in identifying the roots of problems , in most non-emergency situations and many emergency situations that isn't something that needs to be done immediately. It is best to spend energy focusing on solutions rather than diluting energy by trying to focus on both solutions and causes. The side-benefit, not to be underestimated, is people feel more comfortable working on solutions than working on identifying causes or placing blame. Step 3 of 3: Teach People how to learn from their Problems The best way to help people learn from problems is to have a process for handling problems and make a practise of following that procedure until it becomes a skill . When people know a process will be followed to address problems and find solutions their anxieties are reduced. With less anxieties clouding their thoughts, people are able to focus , concentrate , and think with clarity. And, as a side benefit, their ability to remember increases. Here is the process we use to teach People how to learn from their Problems... 7 Steps to Learning from Problems: A Problem Arises [100% guaranteed to happen...Identify them] STOP [focus attention - multi-tasking won’t work] Get Present – no ‘past regrets’, no ‘future worries’ Be Thick Skinned – admit errors Be Objective – no fault, observe, ask questions & learn Talk & Walk P=2S+O Talk & Walk P=O2L [About that P=O2L ...every P roblem provides an O pportunity to L earn...the smartest, most self-reliant, and most-successful people know this principle and put it to use.]

## You will do better in business when your solutions are less complicated than your problems.
Date: 2014-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/make-sure-your-business-solutions-are-less-complicated-than-your-problems/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you cannot get your people to do what needs to be done, you are not alone. And, perhaps you are not in good company. Or, perhaps you need some straightforward help. Do not buy into the current trend of thinking that claim solutions need to be complex. That's untested...unproven smoke-and-mirrors opinion.

## Don't muddle through the same old problems. Engage Talents and address new, more-lucrative problems.
Date: 2014-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-muddle-through-the-same-old-problems-engage-talents-and-address-new-more-lucrative-problems/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people muddle thought the same old business problems - day after day. [Often, 'people problems'.] These people experience stress and confusion but not success. Some people learn how to solve the basic problems. And, these people graduate to bigger and better problems...and success.

## Leaders must provide Opportunities to followers…that’s an obligation of the Leadership role.
Date: 2014-07-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-must-provide-opportunities-to-followers-thats-an-obligation-in-the-leadership-role/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Napoleon Bonaparte is reported to have said, " Circumstances-what are circumstances? I make circumstances ”. If he could do it so can we. Problems often are the seeds that grow Opportunities. So, P=2S+O Leaders are in the best position to create Opportunities

## Problems wave eagerly at us...signaling opportunities and time for action.
Date: 2014-07-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/problems-wave-eagerly-at-ussignaling-opportunities-and-time-for-action/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some leaders take every day and situation as it comes ...with a strong belief they can handle things as those things arise. Some leaders are risk identifiers & risk managers. Problems jump out at them, waving huge flags. Sometimes the flags are red; sometimes the flags are green ; always, the flags demand attention and thought. To some degree, the differences in leaders are innate, 'natural-born' differences. To some degree, the differences are planned, developed skills & strengths. Link to some thoughts on optimism vs pessimism .

## When business leaders can step aside, understand their challenges, and express them without bias...solutions are at hand.
Date: 2014-07-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-business-leaders-can-step-aside-understand-their-challenges-and-express-them-without-biassolutions-are-at-hand/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you are in the heat of day-to-day business work, leadership work, it seems difficult to free up the time to be objective...to step aside and consider the situation in an unbiased way. Regardless, this needs to be done if challenges are to be kept in context and understood. And, these are the first steps toward taking significant business-growth steps.

## Often, the sources of problems are chameleons...appearing to be one thing while in fact being quite different things.
Date: 2014-07-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/often-the-sources-of-problems-are-chameleonsappearing-to-be-one-thing-while-in-fact-being-quite-different-things/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Wouldn't it be nice if we had X-ray vision so we could see the roots of our problems! ...and Ultrasound....and RADAR...etc.

## Solving Problems: that's the essence of growing relationships with clients and growing business.
Date: 2014-07-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/solving-problems-thats-the-essence-of-growing-relationships-with-clients-and-growing-business/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Problems are the seeds that allow opportunities to flower. And, when problems are solved the results are things of beauty and value. And, from the customers' shoes, providing value is the only reason your business exists.

## Solving Problems: that's the beauty and the beast of business.
Date: 2014-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/solving-problems-thats-the-beauty-and-the-beast-of-business/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Remember... Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. and "A beast does not know that he is a beast, and the nearer a man gets to being a beast, the less he knows it." George MacDonald, Scottish author, (1824-1905)

## Some say, "Forget your mistakes". That's not good advice.
Date: 2014-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-say-forget-your-mistakes-thats-not-good-advice/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our brains are powerful machines, designed to remember, not to forget. Why waste brain-energy fighting the natural flow? Invest brain-energy learning from mistakes and then celebrate that learning.

## Better to fix the problem than to fix the blame.
Date: 2014-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/better-to-fix-the-problem-than-to-fix-the-blame/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Winners seek solutions and think of better places. Losers agonize over problems and fear uncertainty.

## Sense of Urgency - Sense of Adventure
Date: 2014-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sense-of-urgency-sense-of-adventure/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

The topic 'Sense of Urgency' arose during a conversation today. Got me thinking... Sense of Urgency DEF'N: that's wanting to take prompt action when you know the right thing to do. But, what about when you want to take prompt action and you aren't sure about the right thing to do - you simply have the urge to take action? Doesn't that also qualify as a Sense of Urgency ? No - I don't think simply wanting to take action satisfies the minimum standard associated with a meaningful Sense of Urgency ...i.e., when Urgency is meaningful like the type of 'Urgency' Stephen R. Covey taught about in his Urgency-Important lessons . [And, if we are not talking about that sort of meaningful Urgency, an Urgency that requires us to use Sense, then what kind of Urgency are we talking about?] 2 Related Points: When we know the right action to take in a given Situation and we feel that action should be initiated sooner rather than later...that's a Sense of Urgency ...that's a good thing...that's closely linked with identifying Opportunities and acting quickly to seize advantage. That's the stuff of entrepreneurship . When we want to take prompt action without believing/knowing that action is the right action to be taking...well...that's a Sense of Adventure ! Sense of Adventure is a good thing too. Sense of Adventure is a different thing. Sense of Adventure fits certain Situations. Sense of Urgency fits other Situations. Perhaps we need to communicate more clearly when we are driven to take prompt action? We wouldn't want other people to mistake our Sense of Adventure for a Sense of Urgency ...would we? We wouldn't want other people to mistake our Sense of Urgency for a Sense of Adventure ...would we?

## Many people find it much easier to choose from solutions (a),(b),&(c) than to create their own solutions.
Date: 2014-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/many-people-find-it-much-easier-to-choose-from-solutions-a-b-c-than-to-create-their-own-solutions/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet There are 3 good options: help those people by providing options, help those people by providing decision-making help such as P=2S+O tools, and help those people develop imagination and creativity .

## Strike while the iron is hot...Yes! - but first, learn how to recognize the signs of heat.
Date: 2014-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/strike-while-the-iron-is-hotyes-but-first-learn-how-to-recognize-the-signs-of-heat/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet 'Strike while the iron is hot'...we all know that means we must take advantage of opportunities before they vanish. 'Carpe diem', 'Seize the day', etc. Good advice. But how do we truly and accurately know the iron is hot ? The few Blacksmiths who are still working have an advantage over other business people. When hot, their irons glow with heat and that glow provides to them clear and accurate visual cues. The Situations at hand contain vivid visual cues for the Blacksmiths. But - how do you know when your irons are hot?

## Problems are like icebergs: the biggest parts of them are below the surface.
Date: 2014-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/problems-are-like-icebergs-the-biggest-parts-of-them-are-below-the-surface/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We human beings have a curious habit. We tend to express problems in ways that conceal the real sources of our 'pain'. I suppose our egos make us play word and mind games... prettying up our real problems with make-up so other people will view us in [what our egos hope will be] a better light.

## "Put your best people on your best opportunities, not your best problems." Jim Collins
Date: 2014-07-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/put-your-best-people-on-your-best-opportunities-not-your-best-problems-jim-collins/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Spirited Leaders likes this Collins’ advice for a number of reasons. Here are two: It aligns with an abundance mentality and It aligns with how most people’s strengths can be put to best use.

## Apes and monkeys solve problems for the fun of it. If they enjoy solving problems then so can we.
Date: 2014-07-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/apes-and-monkeys-solve-problems-for-the-fun-of-it-if-they-enjoy-solving-problems-then-so-can-we/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Of course, I can not prove this from first-hand experience…although; I have always been very fond of monkeys. The point: problem solving is a key to small things and things as big as civilization. We might as well approach it as enthusiastically as the other primates. Let’s not forget the tough time Charlton Heston had to go through in those Planet of the Apes movies. And relax - we human beings have a leg up on the lower primates. We have P=2S+O !

## Exercise your good habits; exorcise your bad habits.
Date: 2014-07-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/exercise-your-good-habits-exorcise-your-bad-habits/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You gotta love the English language. One letter can make all the difference in the world.

## Talk about bad habits: Instead of saying "I don't have time"why not communicate the real problem?
Date: 2014-07-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/talk-about-bad-habits-instead-of-saying-i-dont-have-timewhy-not-communicate-the-real-problem/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Saying " I don't have time " and " I'm too busy " ... those are bad habits. They are bad habits that show how a person can self-brainwash to distract self or others or protect against something. But what? What is really going on behind those false claims?

## Picture this: the leader in you is stepping beyond one of your Bad Habits.
Date: 2014-07-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/picture-this-the-leader-in-you-is-stepping-beyond-one-of-your-bad-habits/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Let the leader in you take your next step. Let the leader in you step over top of your bad habits. Show people you possess that power of will. Show people you possess that leadership. Show people a role model they can be inspired to emulate. Step over your bad habits...pass it on.

## Problems don't have to be ugly things
Date: 2014-07-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/problems-dont-have-to-be-ugly-things/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Solutions & Opportunities

Like Beauty, Problems are in the eye of the beholder. Somehow, Nature blessed human beings with the ability to identify and appreciate Beauty. And, similarly, somehow, Nature blessed human beings with the ability to identify and ... well ... on occasion appreciate ... and yes … often ... have other thoughts about Problems. Beauty can take our breath away and inspire us to take extreme action. Problems can take our breath away too ... and for some people ... the rare few ... inspiration and major achievements arrive with Problems. Problems are in the eyes of their beholders. When you boil it down Problems owe their existence to Egos . The power resident in Problems is directly proportional to the size of the Egos experiencing the Problems. When Self-Control generates true Self-Confidence and goes on to tame an Ego that Ego gains a tamed perspective on Problems. When viewed from a tamed perspective, Problems become a less-troublesome part of life. Their status is limited to simply being facts-of-life. They become everyday tests. They become paths to unanticipated places. They become stepping stones to the future. They become Opportunities signals. When viewed from a tamed perspective, Problems become catalysts of change and fuel for personal development, creativity, and growth. And, for the rare few [including you, if you so choose], Problems become sources of inspiration. Consider for a moment... Consider what your life would be like if you believed Problems were sent by Nature to inspire you ... with one caveat ... you must sort through your Problems to find the ones most suited to inspire you. Like searching for diamonds in the rough, you must dig through piles of dirt to find the best of the rough-looking Problems. That's the first step, the second step is applying your special abilities to the task of converting those rough-looking Problems into positive outcomes. Consider the possibility – those positive outcomes can be as beautiful to you as precious gemstones. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And, sometimes, Beauty comes in disguise. When that happens we know we can choose to take action and free Beauty from its disguise. When Problems arrive, why not challenge yourself to see the precious things they just might be disguising.

## With habits playing such a huge role in our lives, why are they so often left to chance?
Date: 2014-07-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/with-habits-playing-such-a-huge-role-in-our-lives-why-are-they-so-often-left-to-chance/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet What force enables habits to roll right over willpower? For those who believe in evolution...Why and how have habits adapted and risen to such a position of power and influence? Or, is that looking at it backwards? Are we witnessing an evolutionary battle between habits and willpower where willpower is slowly but surely gaining ground against [the more-primitive and firmly-established] habits?

## Communication Tip: when you you know make presentations stop ah filling in gaps um with you know, ah, um...ad nauseam.
Date: 2014-07-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-tip-when-you-you-know-make-presentations-stop-ah-filling-in-gaps-um-with-you-know-ah-umad-nauseam/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most of us do it from time to time. Some of us do it regularly. Some of us do it when we make presentations to large groups. PS: There's Power in the Pause...people will not be distracted & people will know your brain has other you know stuff ah in um it. PPS: One way to replace Bad Habits is trying New Things...but, you must know you have a Bad Habit before you can fix it. Record yourself...check it out. Then monitor your speaking and replace those fill-in words with pauses.

## Habits are like rivers. If your leave them alone they more or less follow the path of least resistance.
Date: 2014-07-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/habits-are-like-rivers-if-your-leave-them-alone-they-more-or-less-follow-the-path-of-least-resistance/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Habits are so integral to our success, we cannot leave them to chance. We must work on them before they work on us.

## A couple of good communication habits - Interest: WHY I'm doing something. Intent: WHAT I'm wanting to do.
Date: 2014-07-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-couple-of-good-communication-habits-interest-why-im-doing-something-intent-what-im-wanting-to-do/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Communicating our Interests . Communicating our Intent . Good Habits to do.

## When the habit called misery enjoys company people don't accomplish constructive things.
Date: 2014-07-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-the-habit-called-misery-enjoys-company-people-dont-accomplish-constructive-things/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Empathy - is it the ability to feel what someone else feels? Or - is it the ability to understand what other people are feeling? It seems to me Sympathy is the word for sharing feelings while Empathy is the word for understanding another person's feelings. Does it make a difference? Yes - people may not share feelings yet be quite capable of understanding them. People may share feelings and do it so intensely they exacerbate the feelings - misery loves company. When misery enjoys company people don't accomplish constructive things. When company understands misery there is an opportunity for constructive, comfortable change.

## "I'm too busy." When you make a habit of saying that you addict yourself to self-injections of stress.
Date: 2014-07-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/im-too-busy-when-you-make-a-habit-of-saying-that-you-addict-yourself-to-self-injections-of-stress/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Your brain reacts when you say things like, "I'm too busy." and "I don't have time." When your brain hears you say things like that it, subconsciously, begins to work to help you out. Your brain knows time is a thing it cannot control. Your brain knows your body is a thing it can control. So, your brain works to control your body by providing it chemical and electrical changes to help it deal with the stress you are telling it you are under by saying things like, "I'm too busy." and "I don't have time." Self-stressing about time...now there's a destructive habit ! PS: Successful People Have More Time .

## The Anatomy of a Project
Date: 2014-07-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-anatomy-of-a-project/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities

A project has a life of its own. It has a beginning. It has an end. It has a useful purpose. Throughout its life, a project relies on people. With the help of people, projects achieve their useful purpose. Most people take projects very seriously. Most people want to do their part to help projects achieve their ends and their goals. And, many people contribute their best efforts to projects. Despite those best efforts, projects are prone to experience numerous problems throughout their lives. And when problems arise, projects rely on people to solve them. Projects understand processes assist people. On the other hand, projects know the strengths of people are required to solve the problems of projects.

## Habits have a special relationship with Time. Understand this relationship...it is mind-bending.
Date: 2014-07-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/habits-have-a-special-relationship-with-time-understand-this-relationshipit-is-mind-bending/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Habits have a special relationship with Time. Here's some thoughts of introduction... Many people complain about not having enough time . That complaint is a Bad-Habit symptom of a root cause - i.e., a root cause consisting of other Bad Habits. That I-don't-have-enough-time excuse is a puzzling way of justifying other problems...hence it is an 'excuse'. Time Management is a bugaboo that has the ability to generate Good Habits and Bad Habits . Good Habits are linked to long-term Goals. [time is long] Bad Habits are linked to short-term gratification. [time is short] New Things are the stepping stones along the route between Bad Habits and Good Habits. [planned baby steps in time] And, of course, regardless of how much time they think they have or think they do not have, People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits , Bad Habits , & New Things .

## A couple of thoughts...
Date: 2014-07-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-couple-of-thoughts/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

When we agree on the thinking process we will use to address and solve problems 80% of the work is done. The thinking process serves as the template we call up when problems arise. This is a key to building the high levels of confidence and skill required of business leaders...because business leaders face a never-ending series of problems. That’s guaranteed! Helping a person succeed is a complicated process...because people are so different.

## If, as Aristotle said, we are what we repeatedly do then by doing a few new things we can change who we are.
Date: 2014-07-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-as-aristotle-said-we-are-what-we-repeatedly-do-then-by-doing-a-few-new-things-we-can-change-who-we-are/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The power of, problem with, and opportunity embedded in habits. Help people do new things ...little-but-new things...that is, if you want to help them make changes for the better .

## Expanding our limits - what benefit we receive when someone or some situation causes us to achieve what we couldn't.
Date: 2014-07-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/expanding-our-limits-what-benefit-we-receive-when-someone-or-some-situation-causes-us-to-achieve-what-we-couldnt/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Even the great Ralph Waldo Emerson needed that sort of help. Emerson said, " What I most need is somebody to make me do what I can ." People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits , Bad Habits , & New Things . When we want to develop better habits we need an injection of accountability; we benefit when someone or something makes us do what we can.

## Accountability arrived before Responsibility
Date: 2014-07-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/accountability-arrived-before-responsibility/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined

Accountability arrived before Responsibility...at least the on-line Merriam-Webster dictionary says that...the word Accountability joined the English language in 1770 and the word Responsibility arrived the following year. Isn't that counter-intuitive? Also, according to Merriam-Webster Definition of ACCOUNTABILITY : the quality or state of being accountable; especially : an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions First known use 1770 and Definition of RESPONSIBILITY : the state of being the person who caused something to happen : a duty or task that you are required or expected to do First known use 1771 In the Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary we see Accountability defined in terms of ' accepting responsibility ' and ' accounting for one's actions ' and Responsibility defined in terms of ' a duty you are expected to do '. In business, Accountability is what we want. In business we want people who accept responsibility for performing duties and understand the importance of accounting for their actions. When our businesses employ those sort of people we can rely on them to perform. And we can rely on them to let us know when they are having difficulties. It's the communication implicit in accountability that caused it to arrive before responsibility.

## Good Habits contribute to our betterment and take us toward our Goals.
Date: 2014-07-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-habits-contribute-to-our-betterment-and-take-us-toward-our-goals/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet That's a Spirited Leaders' definition. And, Spirited Leaders think People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, and New Things . That's a simple way to sort out and understand people's behaviour.

## Personal Organization - today, every 30 minutes, stop what you are doing to check and take note of your mood.
Date: 2014-07-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/personal-organization-today-every-30-minutes-stop-what-you-are-doing-to-check-and-take-note-of-your-mood/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Most people spend time thinking about “To Do” lists and personal organization. They do things to ensure they are organized: take courses, keep a calendar, use CRM systems, etc. However, most people do not keep tabs on their moods, emotions, & feelings. Since moods have a strong impact on our behaviour and performance, it makes sense to do a mood-self-check. Doing it every 30 minutes for one day is a way to begin to create this Good Habit .

## The Law of Attraction...for unbelievers
Date: 2014-07-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-law-of-attractionfor-unbelievers/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

When you have a positive mindset you tend to see the positive things in situations and people. When you are upbeat and enthusiastic about the future you tend to see the positive things in situations and people. And upbeat, positive, and enthusiastic people tend to attract people who hold similar mindsets. When brought together in a spirit of harmony upbeat, positive, and enthusiastic people tend to energize one another. With high energy levels and positive mindsets groups of people are able to perform large volumes of goal-focused actions. Naturally, all of these things combine to promote success and the achievement of goals. With thoughts like those outlined above it is relatively easy to come to the conclusion that positive mental attitudes, reflecting belief in the abilities of people, can lead to better handling of a range of situations. With these mindsets situations can be handled well, in real time as they arise. Seeing people in a positive light and handling situations well are the proven ways to achieve goals and obtain success. That is one way to look at the Law of Attraction. I recognize this is a limited way of thinking about the Law of Attraction. I recognize there are far-expanded versions of the Law of Attraction that take people deep into the realm of metaphysics and cosmic thought. The Law of Attraction does not have to be metaphysical. It can be thought of in common-sense terms. It can be thought of in practical terms. It can be thought of in simple terms. In simple terms, the Law of Attraction is - Like Attracts Like . Positivity attracts positivity. Success-orientation attracts success-orientation. With these common-sense facts of life in mind, it is easy to understand how we tend to get what we wish for when that wishing is done with a mindset laced in enthusiasm and positive energy. We do not have to enter the territory of metaphysical zealots to believe in the Law of Attraction. We just have to step back and use a little common sense.

## Simplify the way you view people... People Only Do 3 Things - Good Habits, Bad Habits & New Things.
Date: 2014-07-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/simplify-the-way-you-view-people-people-only-do-3-things-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Everything people do can be classed as a Good Habit, a Bad Habit, or a New Thing. Mostly, people do Good Habits and do Bad Habits. From time to time they do New Things. Doing New Things is a major key to making changes…and developing Good Habits. Doing New Things is the major key to success.

## Sometimes personal accountability takes a back-seat and assumes someone else is doing the driving.
Date: 2014-07-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sometimes-personal-accountability-takes-a-back-seat-assuming-someone-else-is-doing-the-driving/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets



## Sometimes Ernest Seller responds to make-or-break situations by making errors & breaking rules.
Date: 2014-07-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sometimes-ernest-seller-responds-to-make-or-break-situations-by-making-errors-breaking-rules/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets



## Make meetings so laborious people choose to do the work between them over discussing the not-done work during them.
Date: 2014-07-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/make-meetings-so-laborious-people-choose-to-do-the-work-between-them-over-discussing-the-not-done-work-during-them/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Well...it's just a thought.

## When the status quo is getting you down, take your finger off the limbo switch!
Date: 2014-07-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-the-status-quo-is-getting-you-down-take-your-finger-off-the-limbo-switch/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Don't bend over backwards, holding on to the status quo.

## 7 Steps to learning from Problems
Date: 2014-07-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-steps-to-learning-from-problems/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities

7 Steps: A Problem Arises [100% guaranteed to happen...Identify them] STOP [focus attention - multi-tasking won’t work] Get Present – no ‘past regrets’, no ‘future worries’ Be Thick Skinned – admit errors Be Objective – no fault, observe, ask questions & learn Talk & Walk P=2S+O Talk & Walk P=O2L

## Doing Work: for most people, working & creating a thing brings more satisfaction than receiving that thing without effort.
Date: 2014-07-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/doing-work-for-most-people-working-creating-a-thing-brings-more-satisfaction-than-receiving-that-thing-without-effort/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet This explains why I'm so fond of my hamburgers and building my own gardens.

## If you feel you don't have time - Listen to someone. See how slowly time moves?
Date: 2014-07-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-feel-you-dont-have-time-listen-to-someone-see-how-slowly-time-moves-2014/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Oh...I see...how silly of me...I should have known you are too busy to listen. I should have noticed your inability to make eye contact, your looking over my shoulder, your interruptions...it all makes sense...you are too busy

## On Incompetence Road: we stumble over people and processes; we get bogged down in problems' potholes and ruts.
Date: 2014-07-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-incompetence-road-we-stumble-over-people-and-processes-we-get-bogged-down-in-problems-potholes-and-ruts/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Humour, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet 1. There are lots of potholes where I drive and I listen to self-help CDs while I am driving. 2. Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . Like roads, some Situations contain potholes.

## If you want to teach people how to drink water, don't stuff garden hoses down their throats.
Date: 2014-07-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-teach-people-how-to-drink-water-dont-stuff-garden-hoses-down-their-throats/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Good things come in small packages. Good education comes in small packages. If you want to teach people how to drink water, provide them repeated opportunities to gain experience sipping from small, half-full drinking glasses. *** If you want to teach people how to drink water, bring the right tools...bring simple tools, like drinking glasses...no garden hoses...no fire hoses...no artesian well trackers or fancy 24-hour, on-demand pumps or state-of-the-art osmosis gizmos... ...just drinking glasses.

## The thicker the explanation, the less absorbent the message. It's like a paper-towel paradox.
Date: 2014-07-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-thicker-the-explanation-the-less-absorbent-the-message-its-like-a-paper-towel-paradox/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If it don't make sense and the explanations that follow make even less sense... methinks the person doth protest too much . When you mess up a communication - stop, think, accept the burden of error, and speak concisely, with clarity.

## In pre-historic times people who didn't listen got eaten...now they are able to roam the streets and work in offices.
Date: 2014-07-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-pre-historic-times-people-who-didnt-listen-got-eatennow-they-are-able-to-roam-the-streets-and-work-in-offices/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Could it be 21 st Century predators are a forgiving lot of creatures? Could it be Darwin was wrong? ...survival of the fittest? ... or was it survival of the most adaptable? ... or is it survival of the least able to listen? Assuming evolution is an accurate theory - and I'm not so sure about that any more - How many generations will it take for human ears to shrink and disappear through lack of use?

## The only reason you are not a donkey is that your mother and father were not donkeys.
Date: 2014-07-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-only-reason-you-are-not-a-donkey-is-that-your-mother-and-father-were-not-donkeys/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet 1. " The only reason you are not a rattlesnake is that your mother and father were not rattlesnakes . " Dale Carnegie, ' How to Win Friends and Influence People ', (1939 - Toronto publication) 2. Don't judge too harshly. Don't judge too quickly. Don't judge. 3. ...in search of political correctness ...Sure hope no donkeys are reading this.

## Sometimes it seems you just can’t win.
Date: 2014-07-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sometimes-it-seems-you-just-cant-win/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Solutions & Opportunities, Values: Personal Values

Sometimes it seems you just can’t win. Sometimes, every action seems right and feels right. Yet, when we add all the actions together we do not get a productive result. That, in a nutshell, is a common small-business problem. Often, this problem exists because of one or more of the following: The small-business Culture is not aligned with personal Values The Rules are either not clear or not aligned with personal Values or not enforced The overall Goals are either non-existent or ambiguous The consequences for performance failure are either not clear or not taken seriously Personal accountability takes a back-seat, assuming someone else will do the driving While sometimes it seems you just can’t win, that's simply wrong-thinking. The ways to win are clear.

## A coach transports people to where they want to go.
Date: 2014-07-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-coach-transports-people-to-where-they-want-to-go/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet That applies to sports stars. It also applies to people on a nice vacation. Sometimes it applies in business...

## Don't put off to tomorrow what you can do some day.
Date: 2014-07-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-put-off-to-tomorrow-what-you-can-do-some-day/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's procrastinationisticism at its best.

## Sycophants & lickspittles: friends in need serving egos in need.
Date: 2014-07-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sycophants-lickspittles-friends-in-need-serving-egos-in-need/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet A couple of funny English words for funny roles.

## How do people who are too busy find time to (1) share their problems with others & (2) watch Reality TV?
Date: 2014-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-people-who-are-too-busy-find-time-to-1-share-their-problems-with-others-2-watch-reality-tv/ | Categories: Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When 2 pet peeves collide... (1) People ain't too busy - they just brainwash themselves that way. (2) Reality TV just ain't - at least it ain't the sort of reality that creates value.

## Misery enjoys company...but it makes a lousy dance partner.
Date: 2014-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/misery-enjoys-companybut-it-makes-a-lousy-dance-partner/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet A parody of Wisdom of the Ages wrapped in a tribute to Nietzsche's Zarathustra.

## You are not paranoid - people ARE watching you.
Date: 2014-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-are-not-paranoid-people-are-watching-you/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet They are watching what you do. They have little ability to understand what you are thinking. Regardless, they are watching what you do. That makes you a role model. That provides you an opportunity to lead by example.

## Knowledge becomes power only when it can be harnessed and put to good use...and that takes Skill!
Date: 2014-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/knowledge-becomes-power-only-when-it-can-be-harnessed-and-put-to-good-useand-that-takes-skill/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

We could write up procedures to teach people how to ride those bicycles. And, most people would struggle learning to ride those bicycles.

We could write up procedures and provide parts and tools to teach people how to build bicycles. And, left on their own, many people would be able to use our instructions to build bicycles. We could write up procedures to teach people how to ride those bicycles. And, left on their own, most people would struggle learning how to ride those bicycles. There is Knowledge. And there is Skill. These are two very different things. And, one does not necessarily follow the other. Knowledge can be digested and learned quickly. As the saying goes, ‘ Knowledge is not power…it is potential power ’. Knowledge becomes power only when it can be harnessed and put to good use...and that takes Skill! Skill is developed by doing actions and learning over time though trial, error, and adaptation. People struggle to develop skills. Those who expect quick & easy success often give up long before they have spent enough time to develop the skills required to master tasks. Others - the people who succeed at performance of tasks - have the gift of persistence/perseverance/tenacity and use that energizing gift to drive repeated trial-error-adaptation cycles of action…for as long as it takes to master skills. Successful people do not give up on skill development. That is the essence of success. About the energizing-gift that allows the development of skill… As another saying goes, ‘Edison learned 10,000 ways to not make a light bulb before he discovered one way that worked’ .

## Good risk managers are allergic to mediocre leaders [and vice-versa].
Date: 2014-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-risk-managers-are-allergic-to-mediocre-leaders-and-vice-versa/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Behind every great leader there is a great risk manager. It has always been that way. Now, more than ever risk management is an essential leadership priority. Risk management is an elite business function, intimately intertwined with strategic thinking.

## You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear...but you can make a doggie treat...& maybe you can make a porcine purse.
Date: 2014-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-cant-make-a-silk-purse-out-of-a-sows-earbut-you-can-make-a-doggie-treat-maybe-you-can-make-a-porcine-purse/ | Categories: Humour, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Don't try to fit square talent pegs into round tasks. Don't burn up your energy battling weakness after weakness. Play to your strengths. There's a very-lucrative pet-food market and dogs have quite an appetite for treats. There's a very-lucrative clothing and accessory industry...it's just possible porcine purses could be the next fashion rage. Sow's ears have their place in the world's economy. But, that place isn't in the raw material sections of silk-purse production plants.

## When you display worry people get nervous. (Wow - Who'd have seen that coming!)
Date: 2014-07-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-display-worry-people-get-nervous-wow-whod-have-seen-that-coming/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Let's face it...some of us are natural-born worriers. When worry hits us we would do better if it wasn't for that body-language stuff that causes us to wear our worry on our faces...furrowed brows and similar give-aways.

## They call them TV programs because they program your mind. But...why do they call those things Reality Shows?
Date: 2014-07-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/they-call-them-tv-programs-because-they-program-your-mind-butwhy-do-they-call-those-things-reality-shows/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We should program our minds with a better reality.

## Life's too short to beat the laughter out of me!
Date: 2014-07-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/lifes-too-short-to-beat-the-laughter-out-of-me/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Psychologists claim people, in general, laugh less as they age. As toddlers we laugh regularly. After that, we laugh less and less. It's like life beats the laughter out of us.

## I'm so glad you mentioned that because I have some important things about me to share with you.
Date: 2014-07-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/im-so-glad-you-mentioned-that-because-i-have-some-important-things-about-me-to-share-with-you/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes we have such amazing things to share with other people we simply miss the fact they are trying to do the same. When amazing stories collide.

## The Layman's mindfulness: use more noggin, do less sloggin'.
Date: 2014-07-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-laymans-mindfulness-use-more-noggin-do-less-sloggin/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Mind your Behaviour: use a little more brain, cause a lot less pain.

## Work-Life Balance
Date: 2014-07-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/work-life-balance/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Leaders' Thoughts

Now, this is been a popular topic recently. It is, perhaps, one of the better topics to illustrate the vast differences in people's perspectives. Small-business owners have diverse and unique perspectives...and their unique perspectives permeate the businesses they own and run. The small-business owner's perspective on work-life balance may differ from the perspectives held by his or her employees. And, work-life balance is a major piece of the fabric of business culture. Work-life balance can be the fabric that weaves cultural excellence or cultural chaos or some in-between mediocrity. Naturally, small-business owners favour cultural excellence over cultural chaos and cultural mediocrity. The question is, " How do we create the cultural excellence?" And, " How does work-life balance fit in? " Some thoughts... The small-business owner's personal values fuel everything. They energize the small-business owner. And to the extent the small-business owner's energy is shared with followers, the followers are also energized. Energy fuels action. The form the action takes becomes the framework of the business culture. If the motives and actions are admirable and the culture energizes people, the result is business excellence. In contrast, questionable motives and actions that reduce energy levels tend to breed business problems and a culture of business chaos. When you have questions about work-life balance: First, check the small-business owner's personal values Then, check to see if the small-business owner enforces a short list of clear rules Then, ask the small-business owner about his or her goals and determine whether or not they are admirable Finally, as the litmus test, observe and decide if the small-business owner's actions energize the followers Do all of these things before attempting to reach a judgment about work-life balance. Do all of these things before providing recommendations about work-life balance. Remember, work-life balance is a very personal and subjective topic. What works for you may not work for others. And, poorly-though-out and subjective advice can be intrusive, closing people's minds and causing more damage than good.

## Misery enjoys company...as long as that company is in agreement...Misery is selective.
Date: 2014-07-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/misery-enjoys-companyas-long-as-that-company-is-in-agreementmisery-is-selective/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Misery enjoys similarly-afflicted company.

## Delegation is like walking a tightrope: a slip-up can bring you down and failure to step gets you nowhere.
Date: 2014-07-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/delegation-is-like-walking-a-tightrope-a-slip-up-can-bring-you-down-and-failure-to-step-gets-you-nowhere/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Take Delegation seriously. It is really important to do it and to allow yourself and your people to learn from errors.

## Grow your business by (A) Watching more Reality TV...say those alligator hunters or (B) Learning how to make changes.
Date: 2014-06-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/grow-your-business-by-a-watching-more-reality-tvsay-those-alligator-hunters-or-b-learning-how-to-make-changes/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I suppose I have a bit of a problem with Reality TV. It seems to me all the episodes about alligator hunters, child models, cake makers, pawn brokers, storage closet people, and garbage pickers are diluting rather than adding to reality.

## Go miniature or go home...or do both...and add Maker-thinking to your business strategy.
Date: 2014-06-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/go-miniature-or-go-homeor-do-bothand-add-maker-thinking-to-your-business-strategy/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Go miniature : Take Baby Steps of change; take small chances & test for success; fail small & frequently; check out the book, 'Makers'. Go home : when the going gets tough - take a time out... de-stress before you express .

## Learn how Honey Boo Boo and the guys in those storage closets can help your business. see The Thinking Behind The Tweet.
Date: 2014-06-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/learn-how-honey-boo-boo-and-the-guys-in-those-storage-closets-can-help-your-business-see-the-thinking-behind-the-tweet/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Of course, they can't help your business ... but don't let that dissuade you from filling in time watching them between all those excellent commercials.

## Absent-minded versus Present-minded
Date: 2014-06-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/absent-minded-versus-present-minded/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Focus: bringing attention to the present situation or topic Concentration: maintaining attention on the present situation or topic 'Getting present' is a Focus exercise...a mind-process of narrowing and fixing attention. 'Staying present' is a Concentration exercise...a mind-process of holding attention. These two mind-processes, focusing and concentrating, involve different areas of the brain and they require the development of different skill sets. For me, and it may be different for you, focusing is an exercise of thought discipline. It requires thought discipline to cause attention to dwell on the single isolated situation or topic, ignoring everything else. This discipline can be very challenging. Similarly, concentration can be challenging when tasks are tedious or uninteresting. On the other hand, I find concentration easy when the topic or situation is one I am very interested in or excited about.

## The U.S high school system has the lowest rating of G8 countries - on the bright side: they got Duck Dynasty.
Date: 2014-06-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-us-high-school-system-has-the-lowest-rating-of-g8-countries-on-the-bright-side-they-got-duck-dynasty/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most business people spend more time watching 'Reality TV' than they spend educating themselves on how to do better business. This phenomenon is not limited to the U.S.A....it applies in Canada as well.

## I want to witness great business music... not just tooting of horns, let alone too much start-up cacophony.
Date: 2014-06-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/i-want-to-witness-great-business-music-not-just-tooting-of-horns-let-alone-too-much-start-up-cacophony/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet And, I have no intention of settling for less. That may mean some new musicians - we must know where to find some good ones. That will mean people need to stick to the score and song sheets. That will mean unwavering conductorship. And keeping up with the maestro. That will mean much practice. And some level of error will be acceptable...while repeated striking of bad notes and wrong chords will not be. That will be covered with discipline for all and from all. Discipline for all and from all...top-quality musicians want to be part of a good band and they know discipline-packaging is fundamental to the generation of great music.

## Some folks are so brutal in front of faces they don't have to repeat themselves behind backs.
Date: 2014-06-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-folks-are-so-brutal-in-front-of-faces-they-dont-have-to-repeat-themselves-behind-backs/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Constructive Criticism Is An Oxymoron. When toxic people succeed in work environments that success is always short-lived...and the success comes at a high price. And related to this... If you feel compelled to repeat yourself make sure you don't do it behind people's backs. And... How is it that back-talk happens face-to-face?

## Today is 'National Return An Unsolicited Phone Call Day'... [Give a salesperson or an innovator a break today]
Date: 2014-06-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/today-is-national-return-an-unsolicited-phone-call-day-give-a-salesperson-or-an-innovator-a-break-today/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet People in our community are most-Intelligent. People in our community are most-caring. People in our community are most-giving volunteers. That's why people in our business community must lead the charge! Salespeople and innovators deserve a break ...let's give them one today...let's deliver some pleasant surprises in the form of returning an unsolicited phone call and asking them what they are trying to persuade us to do. And, let's not just give this lip service. Let's show some genuine interest...even if we have to fake it until we make it. If we want Canada to regain its position as a world leader in innovation...we need to start doing some stuff like this.

## When you boil them down [of course, figuratively not literally] people have not changed.
Date: 2014-06-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-boil-them-down-of-course-figuratively-not-literally-people-have-not-changed/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Don't let new communication technologies and media-options confuse you. Yes, I accept the fact many people face computer lights hour after hour, day after day, and that probably has changed the way many of us read. For example, this probably has reduced both our interest in and ability to read lengthy paragraphs 'on-line'. So, we probably do prefer bullet points over lengthy on-line prose. And Yes, I accept we are inundated with advertising messages after advertising messages [the Attention Dilemma ]. So, the things we communicate must be interesting to catch and hold other people's attention. Don't let these things confuse you - people have not changed . We just need to pay more attention to them .

## Procrastination can be OK...as long as you are not almost going through the motions.
Date: 2014-06-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/procrastination-can-be-okas-long-as-you-are-not-almost-going-through-the-motions/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people have mastered the art of procrastinating for success . Somehow, intuitively, or through self-analysis, they know certain actions go against their grain . So, either consciously or non-consciously, they don't do. They don't almost do . They just don't do . And, they don't fret about it.

## INTEGRITY: there's a word that may go without saying...but not with just saying.
Date: 2014-06-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/integrity-theres-a-word-that-may-go-without-sayingbut-not-with-just-saying/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet After all these years...I still have a beef with people who spew out the word Integrity. [see May 23rd, 2013 Thought Post]

## It's OK to voice clichés...as long as you don't make a practice of living them.
Date: 2014-06-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-ok-to-voice-clichesas-long-as-you-dont-make-a-practice-of-living-them/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Common don't cut it in this world of global commoditization .

## The 'mob' is convinced someone else is responsible for motivating each and every one in the 'mob'.
Date: 2014-06-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-mob-is-convinced-someone-else-is-responsible-for-motivating-each-and-every-one-in-the-mob/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I used to write a lot about the 'mob'... wrong thinkers chronic complainers narrow minders finger pointers frowners ...people who are just going through the business motions.

## Extra, Extra, Read All About It: The Future Shock Pandemic Is Upon Us. Many now unable to return phone calls.
Date: 2014-06-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/extra-extra-read-all-about-it-the-future-shock-pandemic-is-upon-us-many-now-unable-to-return-phone-calls/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When Alvin Toffler warned us about Future Shock he didn't mention all these people would become so shocked they wouldn't even be able to return phone messages !

## Social Media - the convoluted opportunity to watch what they say, not what they do.
Date: 2014-06-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/social-media-the-convoluted-opportunity-to-watch-what-they-say-not-what-they-do/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Are you hunkering down over anti-social media?

## How much would you pay for a can of clone spray?
Date: 2014-06-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-much-would-you-pay-for-a-can-of-clone-spray/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet People are genetically similar; people are radically different. Sometimes people differences lead to amazing results; sometimes people differences lead to mayhem. If we had cans of clone spray then we could take turns using them on one another. Wouldn't that improve communication?

## Eating Elephant Emotions...you gotta eat them one bite at a time.
Date: 2014-06-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/eating-elephant-emotionsyou-gotta-eat-them-one-bite-at-a-time/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet People behave like Riders on Elephants on Paths . And our emotional Elephants outweigh our logical Riders 40-to-1.

## Unknowns: it's a good thing we only have to deal with them when we solve problems, do tasks, & think creatively.
Date: 2014-06-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/unknowns-its-a-good-thing-we-only-have-to-deal-with-them-when-we-solve-problems-do-tasks-think-creatively/ | Categories: Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I've read there are 3 types of knowledge: knowledge we know we know knowledge we know we don't know knowledge we don't know we don't know If we didn't have those things we know then everything would be unknown.

## Why would a boss not enforce a company policy/rule?
Date: 2014-06-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-would-a-boss-not-enforce-a-company-policyrule/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Leaders' Thoughts, Values: Personal Values

Perhaps, the boss is a rebel at heart...believing rules are made to be broken.

Here are some reasons: The boss does not know the company policy/rule. The boss does not remember the company policy/rule. The boss doesn't agree with the company policy/rule. The boss is a rebel at heart...believing rules are made to be broken. The boss feels too busy to deal with things like adherence to company policies/rules. The boss struggles when dealing with difficult situations. The boss lacks the self-confidence required to deal with difficult situations. Have I missed any? Does it bother you when bosses do not enforce your company's policies/rules? Do you think company policies/rules are of Value?

## It is getting far more difficult to run with the silent, hobbled majority.
Date: 2014-06-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/it-is-getting-far-more-difficult-to-run-with-the-silent-hobbled-majority/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Apathy has inertia. Apathy has always had inertia. However, in the past apathy faced much less distraction than it faces today. In our 21 st Century life, our apathy faces an intense barrage of information input: particularly, visual stimuli and audio stimuli. This intense barrage of information wraps itself tightly around our apathy...weakening...and at the same time making our apathy feel more comfortable. Our apathy has been hobbled by information overload.

## When people say, “I didn't know” or “I didn't know how”
Date: 2014-06-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-people-say-i-didnt-know-or-i-didnt-know-how/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities

From time to time, people say to you things like, “ I didn't know ” or “ I didn't know how ”. This happens, for example, when people fail to perform up to your expectations and you talk to them after-the-fact. When this sort of situation arises you have options…you have choices. You can choose to argue with the person about what you believe they do know, about what you believe they ought to know, or about your opinion that they really do know how to do this or that. Or, rather than arguing or debating, you can choose to focus all of your efforts toward solving the problem. Knowing you'll face this situation many times in the future, you can plan for it and design ways to focus on creating solutions. That last sentence contains the word "design" because you have the opportunity to plan in advance exactly how you intend to address the situation. You can design he approach you will take. Rather than attempt to argue with the person, which will simply escalate the problem, you can choose to approach these situations with a solution orientation. Often, good questions provide the best routes to solutions. With this in mind, when people say to you things like “ I didn't know ” or “ I didn't know how ”, ask questions aimed at understanding why they are saying what they are saying.

## If you're in the dark, don't make light of things.
Date: 2014-06-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-youre-in-the-dark-dont-make-light-of-things/ | Categories: Humour, Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Optimism, Pessimism, & Realism ... how do you find the right overall balance and the right strategy for the situation at hand? Some thoughts: 1. Overall, be Optimistic: look for the bright side, consider the possibilities, be around and listen to others who are enthusiastic. Optimists live happier lives. 2. Place realistic bounds on Optimism. Despite what they say about big, hairy audacious goals - BHAGs are not for everyone . And, often, over-zealous optimism injures other people. 3. Pessimism demotivates. If you are naturally pessimistic...think before your share your views and your body language. 4. Leaders - anticipate situations. And plan for situations ...of course not all situations - but some. Recognize some people handle stress well and some folks handle stress poorly.

## Beware Criticism: a dose of your own medicine could be a tough pill to swallow.
Date: 2014-06-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/beware-criticism-a-dose-of-your-own-medicine-could-be-a-tough-pill-to-swallow/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most of us have heard the proverb " Physician heal thyself ." The moral of the proverb is fix your own defects before you criticize other people's defects . And the essence of this and other similar proverbs is constructive criticism is an oxymoron . Constructive criticism is an oxymoron: that's a rule to live by.

## Without batting an eye...or crossing a 't'.
Date: 2014-06-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/without-batting-an-eyeor-crossing-a-t/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's what you can expect from a good liar with bad hand-writing.

## An ounce of predilection is worth a pound of objection.
Date: 2014-06-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-ounce-of-predilection-is-worth-a-pound-of-objection/ | Categories: Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Human beings are biased creatures. Our minds are geared to recognize patterns and, sometimes, our minds jump to conclusions. As one example, this happens when we accurately identify a piece of information but conclude, inaccurately, it is part of a certain pattern. In common words, we call that " jumping to conclusions ." When we jump to conclusions we use one piece of information to reach an inaccurate conclusion. This was a real benefit in prehistoric times... jumping to conclusions saved lives. In business, often, jumping to conclusions is more problem than benefit. Sometimes, when we jump to conclusions , we also try to foist our inaccurate conclusions on others. If we happen to be a leader who does this then an ounce of our jumping to conclusions can offset a pound of followers' objections...and this, over time, kills followers' spirit. [That's the reality of position power.]

## When you get the hang of a thing you can execute it well.
Date: 2014-06-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-get-the-hang-of-a-thing-you-can-execute-it-well/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The English language contains some wonderful nuances...idioms, plays on words, double entendre, etc.

## Give credit where credit is due...and make your payments too.
Date: 2014-06-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/give-credit-where-credit-is-dueand-make-your-payments-too/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Realism: Lack of money is the root of lots of evil. Pessimism: if you receive a pat on the back, check to make sure your wallet is still in its place. Optimism: the cheque's in the mail.

## When you put two and two together you have the answer.
Date: 2014-06-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-put-two-and-two-together-you-have-the-answer/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's just an idiom's logic.

## Here's why I fail to complete work tasks the way you want.
Date: 2014-06-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/heres-why-i-fail-to-complete-work-tasks-the-way-you-want/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities

I didn't know I was supposed to do this task. I knew then forgot I was supposed to do this task. I didn't think this task was necessary, so I chose not to do it. I don't have to do this task...it's not part of my job! I got stuck while trying to do this task and stopped working on it. I always fail at this task...I don't know how to do it. Nobody can do this task...it's an impossible task. I was able to do this task before...now, I am out of practice. I chose to follow so-and-so's advice...in hindsight, that advice was flawed. I don't like doing this task...so I put it off...never did get around to completing it. I rushed through this task...I was careless...didn't think as much as I should have. I thought I did it right...now I realize I was mistaken. I thought I did it right...and I still do...you're the one who doesn't understand how to do this task!

## If you're over your head, maybe it's too late to keep your chin up.
Date: 2014-06-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-youre-over-your-head-maybe-its-too-late-to-keep-your-chin-up/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Ego and Pride and Denial...they have their purposes, they have their limits. Best to invest time in self-knowledge before, not after, those limits are surpassed.

## Plan for the particular and the peculiar...because that's what you are...and so is your perspective.
Date: 2014-06-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/plan-for-the-particular-and-the-peculiarbecause-thats-what-you-areand-so-is-your-perspective/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Particular, peculiar, distinctive, & unique: in the English language the meaning of these words overlap. Of these 4 words, we should give 'peculiar' its fair share of consideration. While many people will struggle with defining themselves as 'peculiar', others will barely hesitate to do it...I mean, to other people...of course.

## A gram of prevention is worth a tonne of cure.
Date: 2014-06-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-gram-of-prevention-is-worth-a-tonne-of-cure/ | Categories: Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet So many people think they are too busy when, really, they are too unprepared.

## It ain't the cards yer dealt...it's how you play the hand yer dealt.
Date: 2014-06-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/it-aint-the-cards-yer-dealtits-how-you-play-the-hand-yer-dealt/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet And, it ain't just the way you flip yer cards...it's the look yer showin' on yer face while yer playin' yer hand.

## A Leadership Tip: Be a booster not a rooster.
Date: 2014-06-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-leadership-tip-be-a-booster-not-a-rooster/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Unless, of course, you are leading chickens...in which case you will want to be a booster and a rooster but you won't want to be a boaster or a roaster.

## “If you haven't struck oil in the first three minutes, stop boring!” George Jessel
Date: 2014-06-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-havent-struck-oil-in-the-first-three-minutes-stop-boring-george-jessel/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Speaking of boring….did you hear the one about the termite who strolled into a pub, walked up to the counter, and asked “Is the bar tender here?”

## English proverb: If two ride a horse, one must ride behind.
Date: 2014-06-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/english-proverb-if-two-ride-a-horse-one-must-ride-behind/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet But, “ If the world were a logical place, men would ride side-saddle. ” [Rita Mae Brown]…in which case, “ If two ride a horse, they are side-by-side. ” But…maybe that’s only from the rider’s perspective…or riders’ perspectives. The horse and most outsiders would agree…” If two ride a horse, one must ride behind. ” Remember that if you are a boss, a subordinate or a partner in business.

## When selling: Don't be redundant. Don’t say more than required or be excessive. Don’t be superfluous.
Date: 2014-06-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-selling-dont-be-redundant-dont-say-more-than-required-or-be-excessive-dont-be-superfluous/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Some sales people have this habit of talking too much. They go on and on. They provide a plethora of information when that’s not needed. They overkill things. They flog dead horses. They go overboard. They provide a surplus of facts. That’s not the right way to go about selling. That’s the wrong way to go about selling. It doesn’t work. It fails. It won’t get the results you desire. It’s a flawed approach…incorrect…

## Who needs rhetorical questions?
Date: 2014-06-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/who-needs-rhetorical-questions/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Certainly Clients don’t! A link to more thoughts about Good Questions .

## A Baker of sales would say, "Enthusiasm is the ingredient that causes sales to rise".
Date: 2014-06-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-baker-of-sales-would-say-enthusiasm-is-the-ingredient-that-causes-sales-to-rise/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Which reminds me…you know why Bakers tend to succeed at selling?...because they sell what is kneaded.

## Do you sometimes act like a 6-yr-old soccer player, focusing on the ball instead of the goal?
Date: 2014-06-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-sometimes-act-like-a-6-yr-old-soccer-player-focusing-on-the-ball-instead-of-the-goal/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Not a bad analogy. While it is a joy to watch those little players do that in sports games it is nowhere near as enjoyable watching sales people do it. Just ask a sales manager.

## Just the other day, we heard a fellow bragging that he never boasts.
Date: 2014-06-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/just-the-other-day-we-heard-a-fellow-bragging-that-he-never-boasts/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet We tend to judge others more harshly than we judge ourselves.

## More ancient sales advice: when not able to move ahead, kick self in behind.
Date: 2014-06-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/more-ancient-sales-advice-when-not-able-to-move-ahead-kick-self-in-behind/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet If [like me] you have less-than-perfect knees then you may have to ask a friend to do the kicking for you…wouldn’t want you to self-injure while you are self-starting.

## Ancient sales advice: salesperson better to wear out soles of shoes than seat of pants.
Date: 2014-06-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ancient-sales-advice-salesperson-better-to-wear-out-soles-of-shoes-than-seat-of-pants/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This has been paraphrased. The original version, I believe translated from Greek around the time of Plato, was: “When a man desires to succeed at the noble profession of sales that man must wear out the soles of his sandals before he wears out the backside of his toga”.

## Go out on a limb. That’s a good way to find some fruit.
Date: 2014-06-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/go-out-on-a-limb-thats-a-good-way-to-find-some-fruit/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet The worst that can happen is you may be left out there hanging once in a while. If that happens…do some chin-ups. No point wasting a good opportunity!

## People are talking...obviously it's nonsense...so you begin to speak.
Date: 2014-06-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-are-talkingobviously-its-nonsenseso-you-begin-to-speak/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Eckhart Tolle said something like that in one of his 'retreats'. People laughed. They laughed because they recognized that’s exactly what they do, at least from time to time. This Thought Tweet is another reminder - Listen Well!

## Learning from practice makes perfect...perfect use of Talents, that is.
Date: 2014-06-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/learning-from-practice-makes-perfectperfect-use-of-talents/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet There's an old saying, "Practice makes perfect". There's a newer saying, "Perfect practice makes perfect". And I say, "Learning from practice makes perfect". STRENGTH at task = mastery of task = perfect performance of task. STRENGTH = Innate Talent + Opportunity to act + Specialized Knowledge + Practised Skill...and the practice is required because few get it perfect without practising. During practice, people err. As they err, smart people learn and make adjustments so their skills improve. With many errors under their belts, persistent people learn how to master tasks. "Learning from practice makes perfect."

## There is a very special relationship between Talents/Strengths and motivation/ability to perform Tasks well.
Date: 2014-06-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/there-is-a-very-special-relationship-between-talentsstrengths-and-motivationability-to-perform-tasks-well/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet When people believe they are lousy at certain actions they tend to do those actions poorly. Before that poor performance happens their motivation is on the weak side of centre. When people believe they are skilled at certain actions they tend to do those actions well. Before that good performance happens their motivation is on the strong side of centre. WOW - Really it ain't rocket science! So, why is it so hard to get things done right in real life?

## So, your boss has weaknesses...awesome - you have opportunities!
Date: 2014-06-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/so-your-boss-has-weaknessesawesome-you-have-opportunities/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many people complain about the boss. That's the norm. Few people realize the boss' weaknesses are prime routes to opportunities. That's unfortunate. Allow your Talents to rescue your boss' weaknesses.

## 7 Tips for Lasting Relationships
Date: 2014-06-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-tips-for-lasting-relationships/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Be available Be on time Be present Listen well Be encouraging Add energy Follow through

## Sorting out Thoughts & Actions
Date: 2014-06-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sorting-out-thoughts-actions/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

From the BrainSmarts perspective: Prepare : to begin our work tasks we use our Focus & Initiate Executive BrainSmarts; Perform : to perform our work-tasks we use our Plan , Organize , & Shift Executive BrainSmarts; Check : to check the impact our actions and emotions have on ourselves and others we use our Monitor & Regulate Executive BrainSmarts

At the conceptual level: identifying patterns, identifying constraints, identifying variables, estimating the extent of scope in flux, and preparing for complexities, uncertainties and ambiguities. At the detailed level: bringing talents to task, setting simple task-processes, using checklists, and coordinating complicated linkages between processes. At the communication level: listening and observing, ensuring both message delivery and message receipt, appreciating and expressing differences, taking the time to address and remove understanding-gaps, raising the flag on problems, and influencing in a positive way other people's actions. At the thoughts-into-action level: planning, implementing, evaluating, and adapting. *** From the Executive BrainSmarts perspective: Prepare : to begin our work tasks we use our Focus & Initiate Executive BrainSmarts; Perform : to perform our work-tasks we use our Plan , Organize , & Shift Executive BrainSmarts; Check : to check the impact our actions and emotions have on ourselves and others we use our Monitor & Regulate Executive BrainSmarts *** And let's not forget Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats & Six Action Shoes

## When you are open-minded differences are strengths; when you are close-minded differences are weaknesses.
Date: 2014-06-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-are-open-minded-differences-are-strengths-when-you-are-close-minded-differences-are-weaknesses/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The strongest of leaders seek out differences. They know differences capture all the talents & strengths. Work to build your strengths. Find others who have strengths that cover your weaknesses.

## Personal Values and Strengths are wonderful ingredients…when they are put to good use.
Date: 2014-06-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/personal-values-and-strengths-are-wonderful-ingredients-when-they-are-put-to-good-use/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet People can lead extremely happy and fulfilled lives when those two personal things are aligned and put to good use. That use does not have to be leadership. Leadership introduces another layer of complexity. To illustrate this, we added a wrapping called Vision – the Leader’s Vivid Vision . If you want to lead then you owe it to your followers to provide the Leader’s Vision. And – that Vivid Vision has to include the delivery of value to real clients. That way, the followers have at least a fighting chance to succeed. You expand that chance for success by making your Vision vivid. And, communicating it with sticky stories….real stories…personal stories. You are able to do that when you know how to apply your Personal Values and your Strengths and you can envision the end point and the generation of value…ie, the business value that must be exchanged if you are to get to that desired end point.

## Meshed closely with the Leader’s Personal Values, we find the Leader’s Strengths.
Date: 2014-06-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/meshed-closely-with-the-leaders-personal-values-we-find-the-leaders-strengths/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Strengths show themselves when the Leader performs in an excellent way at certain tasks…and the Leader feels good and glows while doing those tasks. Strengths are a very personal thing and they can only be judged by their owner and by very-skilled observers. The more the specific details of the Leader’s role are aligned with the Leader’s Strengths – the better.

## Zero in on your talented people...and construct tasks around them.
Date: 2014-06-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/zero-in-on-your-talented-peopleand-construct-tasks-around-them/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You can take talent to task . and You can bring tasks to talent. Or...you can ignore talents & tasks at your peril. It's all a matter of choice.

## We didn't see the financial meltdown coming. We didn't see the economic recession coming. We do see some things now...
Date: 2014-06-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-didnt-see-the-financial-meltdown-coming-we-didnt-see-the-economic-recession-coming-we-do-see-some-things-now/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Having been through those challenges, and rethinking business, I have a better picture of what we need to do to protect our businesses. I know business leaders need to inject Maker-thinking into their business. And, they need to do more good-old-fashioned testing of ideas...that's the entrepreneur-proven route to innovation. Canadian leaders need to stop avoiding people problems and come up with better ways to remedy them. Canadian leaders need to start matching talents with tasks .

## Be clear about your Interests and state your Vision...then let your people express their Talents around your Vision.
Date: 2014-06-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/be-clear-about-your-interests-and-state-your-visionthen-let-your-people-express-their-talents-around-your-vision/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Be clear about your Interests...people need to know what you want...stories help them understand and remember. State your Vision...people need to know what you see in your imagination..stories help them understand and remember. Admirable Interests and Vivid Visions are magnetic...they attract Talented people...and Talented people express their Talents...then success follows.

## Mastering a Profession
Date: 2014-06-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mastering-a-profession/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

From tradition, we recognize four professions: Medicine, Engineering, Accounting, & Law. People who master these professions possess special abilities. They are able to see the big picture, quickly identify patterns, and understand the details underpinning the big picture. This combination of big picture thinking and detailed thinking enables them to be problems solving specialists. Not only are they able to solve problems when they arrive they are also often able to anticipate problems and create solutions before the problems develop. People who master the professions are risk managers. Mastering a profession: Is that an art or a science or some combination of two? Before answering that question it's necessary to understand the role discipline plays in the professions. Consider the medical profession. When you visit a doctor do you want the doctor's advice to be backed by disciplined thinking? Do you want the doctor to analyze your symptoms, identify a pattern, understand the root cause of the problem, and present a remedy/solution? Those are the things most people want from their doctor. Very few people want their doctor to be speculative, offering them inventive solutions and illustrating innovation/creativity. Most people want medical solutions that are tried-and-true. That's their expectation when they visit their doctor. People expect their doctor to have a disciplined education, a discipline process for diagnosing symptoms, and a disciplined process for prescribing remedies. These are the expectations of the vast majority of clients of the medical profession. Consider the engineering profession. When an engineer designs a road you will drive on what is your expectation? When an engineer designs a bridge you will cross what is your expectation? When an engineer designs the building you will work in what is your expectation? Typically people just want a road to function properly. They want to use the road to get from point A to point B as quickly and safely as possible. People expect those same things from bridges. However, often they expect more. They want bridges to have aesthetic appeal. Similarly, people set a higher standard when it comes to buildings. Often people want buildings to provide value and aesthetic value. So, from engineers, clients expect both disciplined process and some degree of artistry. So, in some professions, including the engineering profession, clients expect results that are built on both scientific disciplines and ‘softer’, more-artistic skills. When we think about this, a key question arises. Can we expect a single person to be skilled in both the scientific and artistic areas of engineering? Certainly, some people possess skills in both areas. However, many do not. Many lack the more-artistic skills. One can obtain an engineering degree and professional engineering designation on scientific skill alone. Like all skilled engineers these ‘scientific-skill’ people are able to see the big picture, quickly identify patterns, and understand the details underpinning the big picture. However, their ability to see the big picture is limited vis-à-vis the ability possessed by people who have both the scientific and the artistic skills…their big picture contains holes or gaps. Where these holes and gaps exist, there are disconnects between the big picture and the details underpinning the big picture. Problems hide unseen in these holes and gaps…until and engineer with both scientific and artistic skills sees them.

## Good Leaders focus their attention and concentrate on the places where Talents meet Tasks.
Date: 2014-06-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-leaders-focus-their-attention-and-concentrate-on-the-places-where-talents-meet-tasks/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Good leaders recognize you cannot force round individuals into square roles and you cannot force square individuals into round roles. Good leaders know you must take Talent to Task . More specifically, good leaders recognize you cannot force round Talents into square Tasks and you cannot force square Talents into round Tasks . To Take Talent To Task you must know the details of both the individual's talent and the task and you must know how they fit one another...the better the fit, the better the work, the more the value, the more the profit.

## Do you gain advantage from value embedded in the relationships between the talents and work-tasks?
Date: 2014-06-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-gain-advantage-from-value-embedded-in-the-relationships-between-the-talents-and-work-tasks/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Talents tend to bounce off tasks. This is especially true when talents first meet tasks...talents often resist new tests. And bounce off is predictable when talents meet repeated defeats at the hands of tasks...after repeated defeats, talents will avoid tasks at all costs. Fortunately, the exact opposite is also true. It's like talents have egos of their own.

## Entrepreneurs have an innate talent: moving back and forth between narrow and wide focus...identifying opportunities.
Date: 2014-06-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/entrepreneurs-have-an-innate-talent-moving-back-and-forth-between-narrow-and-wide-focusidentifying-opportunities/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I have talked with many successful entrepreneurs who possess this innate talent . Many of these talented entrepreneurs work in our Waterloo area. This innate 'focus-talent' provides them the ability to see problems & opportunities before others see them. Because of their innate Focus BrainSmart , it is accurate to say these entrepreneurs see things that are invisible to most people. They see problems before others see them. Sometimes this is interpreted as pessimism. It isn't pessimism. It's better-than-most vision . These entrepreneurs also see opportunities before others see them. Sometimes this is seen as maverick. If it is maverick then maverick is a really good thing because it opens the doors for innovation and insight...and injection of value for clients . When this valuable talent is not recognized by employers...well, that's a common cause of successful entrepreneurial start-ups .

## About personality assessments
Date: 2014-06-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-personality-assessments/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work

Last week I received the results from a couple of personality assessments. This got me thinking again about the value of personality and communication-style assessments. Generally speaking I feel personality/character/communication-style assessments are of very limited value. I believe a person's personality is far too complex to define in four quadrants or even in multiples of four quadrants. In addition to the sheer complexity of the human traits and personalities, the nuances of situations radically alter the way people behave in curious ways. We see this repeatedly, every day we spend time with others. Spirited Leaders say Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Processes, & Situations. They say this because they know both Processes and Situations exert profound influence on people's behaviour. Before we try to boil people's personalities down into four quadrants we should take a time out and read some of the legacy left by Sigmund Freud. Before we opine on people's personalities we should consider the thoroughness of his observations and the depth of his thoughts about people's behaviour. Whether you agree with Freud or not, you must marvel at the scale of analysis he performed in an attempt to understand people, their personalities, and their behaviour. Freud understood the scope of the challenge. He performed his observations with diligence. He thought much. Then he rendered opinions. When you have done that you will feel rather uncomfortable pegging people into 4 quadrants.

## When People Who Lack Motivation Annoy You
Date: 2014-06-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-people-who-lack-motivation-annoy-you/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude

Many bosses complain about the lack of motivation they see in the people who follow them. Which raises the question, " Are the people actually following these bosses ?" Perhaps, that is the simple key to understanding their lack of motivation? Often, when we observe then criticize others our perceptions are those seen in a blurred mirror.

## People are happier and do better work when their Talents & Strengths are put to good use.
Date: 2014-06-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-are-happier-and-do-better-work-when-their-talents-strengths-are-put-to-good-use/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet People struggle when they lack required talents, they lack opportunity to use their talents, they lack the knowledge required to do the task, or they lack experience. Create a Strengths plan - Learn people's strengths - Engage people's strengths.

## Up-skill the hands that use your finest business tools; make master craftsmanship a top priority.
Date: 2014-06-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/up-skill-the-hands-that-use-your-finest-business-tools-make-master-craftsmanship-a-top-priority/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet 1. Failure isn't caused by lack of talent, it's caused by discouraged thoughts and words. 2. Practice makes perfect. 3. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. 4. Strength = Natural Talent + Opportunity to perform + Focused Knowledge + Skill through practice.

## Invest in developing your people, building their strengths, and covering their weaknesses.
Date: 2014-06-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/invest-in-developing-your-people-building-their-strengths-and-covering-their-weaknesses/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The essence of a Leadership Team: leading by building a team; focusing on using strengths rather than focusing on fixing weaknesses; fully engaging every individuals' strengths; making sure all key areas of performance are covered with at least one person's individual strength.

## 4 things businesses must excel at: leading-edge work ethic, people strengths, business development, & technology.
Date: 2014-06-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/4-things-businesses-must-excel-at-leading-edge-work-ethic-people-strengths-business-development-technology/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet These 4 things are the loudest-speaking signals. Make sure they are screaming positive messages...to your people, to your clients, to your suppliers, to your shareholders, etc.

## Delegation - Asking for Help
Date: 2014-06-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/delegation-asking-for-help/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Delegation is a communication within a spectrum ranging from asking for help to telling people what to do. In most situations it's best to approach delegation as an activity that is asking for help. People take to helping far more than they take to being told what to do. So when you're delegating keep in mind you are really only asking people to help you. What's the best way to do that? What's the best way to ask people to help you? What special methods of asking for help yield the most consistent and constructive results?

## Every leader wants to build something of value...with individuality & personality...backed by Talent.
Date: 2014-06-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-considering-talents-strengths-two-human-abilities-rise-above-all-others-intelligence-and-self-control-2014/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Personal strengths are at the root of leadership. And personal strengths display themselves in physical form and legacy.

## When considering Talents & Strengths, two human abilities rise above all others: intelligence and self-control.
Date: 2014-06-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-considering-talents-strengths-two-human-abilities-rise-above-all-others-intelligence-and-self-control/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Every human being possesses intelligence and self-control at birth. To a certain degree, and the degree varies from person to person, we develop these two abilities over time. The amount of intelligence and self-control we develop determines the extent we are able to express our strengths .

## Role Mastery happens when personal Strengths are combined with 10,000 hours of hard work.
Date: 2014-06-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/role-mastery-happens-when-personal-strengths-are-combined-with-10000-hours-of-hard-work/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The folks from Gallup concluded that Personal STRENGTH = Natural Talent + specialized, relevant Knowledge + Skill . It is generally accepted that people take about 10,000 hours to master skills. Putting those two together: people can master a business role if they draw upon their natural Talents, gain specialized Knowledge related to their role, and develop Skills through practice, practice, practice.

## People's Talents & Strengths are the icing on the business cake.
Date: 2014-06-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/peoples-talents-strengths-are-the-icing-on-the-business-cake/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet Some folks think Leaders should butt out and provide followers free reins to go about their work as they choose. Some folks think that’s the way to unleash creativity and maximize motivation, innovation, and results. On the other hand, many [perhaps most] entrepreneur-Leaders tend to micromanage. 4 keys to success in business: The Leader must pick strong/capable followers, The Leader must tell those followers the desired BIG PICTURE things such as VISION and MAJOR GOALS, The Leader must show those followers how he/she [the Leader] goes about his/her work [actions]…i.e., setting one example, the example that fits the Leader’s strengths and personality, and The Leader must make it clear he/she expects followers to take action that fits their unique strengths and personalities.

## When you recognize your strengths, click with people, and can lead change….then you can sell...or lead!
Date: 2014-06-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-recognize-your-strengths-click-with-people-and-can-lead-change-then-you-can-sellor-lead/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Sales, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet These 3 things are the talents of leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Successful leaders and successful entrepreneurs have much in common with successful sales people.

## Don’t make a career out of weaknesses….sounds simple enough…but…
Date: 2014-06-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-make-a-career-out-of-weaknesses-sounds-simple-enough-but/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet …but…do you know your Strengths? Do you really know your Strengths? If so – how do you know you know them? If so – what actions are you taking to make sure you employ them at work? Have you spent as much time on this as you did learning how to spell? Have you spent as much time on this as you did learning how to do math? If not...do you now see the merit in investing the time it takes to know your Strengths?

## To succeed you must know your Strengths: don't be vague about them, don't guess...figure them out.
Date: 2014-06-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/to-succeed-you-must-know-your-strengths-dont-be-vague-about-them-dont-guessfigure-them-out/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I see this as the 1st key to success. Know your Strengths. And, I like the way StrengthsFinder defines Strengths: Strengths = Natural Talents + Knowledge + Skills. This straightforward definition allows us to zero in on the things required to build Strengths. And, StrengthsFinder provides a good way to get started at this very-worthwhile work.

## Followers' Frustration
Date: 2014-06-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/followers-frustration/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Have you noticed, in business many followers are frustrated? You see it at the drive-thru, you see it when you're shopping, you see it at the office... you see it everywhere. Employee frustrations are costly. Employee frustrations lead to absenteeism, turnover, and disputes and conflicts between employees. Employee frustrations are often the cause behind clients becoming disgruntled.

Have you noticed, in business, many followers are frustrated? You see it at the drive-thru, you see it when you're shopping, you see it at the office... you see it everywhere. Employee frustrations are costly. Employee frustrations lead to absenteeism, turnover, and disputes and conflicts between employees. Employee frustrations are often the cause behind clients becoming disgruntled. There are literally mountains of self-help literature designed to deal with employee frustrations. Regardless, employee frustrations persist. How are you addressing this problem? Are you getting to the root causes? Do you realize lack of self-confidence is the major cause underlying employee frustration? Do you realize most people - most employees and most frustrated employees - do not understand that self-knowledge is required to battle self-confidence shortfalls? Do you take the time to help your employees learn how to develop self-confidence? Do you provide them tools to build self-confidence? Do you provide them a role model to illustrate self-confidence? Do you work at maintaining and building your own self-confidence? *** Work at maintaining and building your self-confidence. Lead by example. Help your people maintain and build their self-confidence levels. Then they will be less frustrated. Being less frustrated they will perform better. Their improved performance will be infectious in a very positive way. This is the route to inspiring people, influencing action, and improving business performance.

## You're too busy...you have too little time...you're moving too quickly...so...you're missing connections.
Date: 2014-06-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/youre-too-busyyou-have-too-little-timeyoure-moving-too-quicklysoyoure-missing-connections/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Missing connections to people Missing connections to problems Missing connections to solutions Missing connections to opportunities Missing connections to success.

## While you can't find time to do all those things right; you will find time to do many of them over.
Date: 2014-05-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/while-you-cant-find-time-to-do-all-those-things-right-you-will-find-time-to-do-many-of-them-over/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Have you ever noticed - the people who complain the loudest about having no time tend to spend far more time than others spend fixing errors and redoing work?

## Successful people have more time & you're too busy. Where's all this leading?
Date: 2014-05-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/successful-people-have-more-time-youre-too-busy-wheres-all-this-leading/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Successful people have more time. Do you believe that? Have you checked it out? Have you studied successful people? Are you too busy to study successful people?

## Bosses need to help their people cry, "Uncle!"
Date: 2014-05-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bosses-need-to-help-their-people-cry-uncle/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities

It's not unusual for bosses to get annoyed when their people bring problems to them. While that's not unusual it's also not productive. Often when people bring problems to bosses they bring them because they don't know how to solve them. Bosses make the mistake of concluding the employee is being dysfunctional or perhaps not thinking enough or perhaps just being lazy. Bosses make the mistake of failing to realize in many instances the employee simply doesn't know how to do the task. When employees don't know how to do the task they either need to be told how to do the task or how to find out how to do the task. Anything else falls short of helping the employee. So, when an employee comes to the boss with a problem the boss needs to view this as an opportunity to teach the employee rather than an opportunity to be annoyed by the employee or perhaps even criticize or chastise the employee. Bosses need to encourage employees to cry "Uncle!" Bosses need to go farther than this. Bosses need to help their employees seek escalated assistance when the situation, the problem, or the decision requires that level of help. Think of it this way... Bosses need to help their people cry "Great-Uncle!" and "Great-Great-Uncle!"

## I'm too busy to be present. I'm busy agonizing over the past, I'm busy worrying about the future, and …
Date: 2014-05-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/im-too-busy-to-be-present-im-busy-agonizing-over-the-past-im-busy-worrying-about-the-future-and/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet I'm too busy to be present. I'm busy agonizing over the past, I'm busy worrying about the future, and...I'm busy looking over your shoulder to see if there are more important people I would like to talk to. Shame on me!

## What time-management lesson do you learn from people who have the habit of saying, "I'm too busy"?
Date: 2014-05-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-time-management-lesson-do-you-learn-from-people-who-have-the-habit-of-saying-im-too-busy/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Would you want to learn time-management from a person who fails to arrive on time? Would you want to learn time-management from a person who does not deliver on promises? Would you want to learn time-management from a person who fails to return phone calls or email? Would you want to learn time-management from a person who is too busy?

## "I'm too busy." When you say that you inject yourself with a dose of stress.
Date: 2014-05-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/im-too-busy-when-you-say-that-you-inject-yourself-with-a-dose-of-stress/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Your brain reacts when you say things like, "I'm too busy." and "I don't have time." When your brain hears you say things like that it, subconsciously, begins to work to help you out. Your brain knows time is a thing it cannot control. Your brain knows your body is a thing it can control. So, your brain works to control your body by providing it chemical and electrical changes to help it deal with the stress you are telling it you are under by saying things like, "I'm too busy." and "I don't have time." Self-stressing about time...now there's a destructive habit !

## If you feel you don't have time - Listen to someone. See how slowly time moves?
Date: 2014-05-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-feel-you-dont-have-time-listen-to-someone-see-how-slowly-time-moves/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Oh...I see...how silly of me...I should have known you are too busy to listen. I should have noticed your inability to make eye contact, your looking over my shoulder, your interruptions...it all makes sense...you are too busy.

## Leaders who cannot see their forest need a good pruning.
Date: 2014-05-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-who-cannot-see-their-forest-need-a-good-pruning/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some leaders claim they do not have time to plan. Actually, they DO have enough time...they just struggle with how to use time. That is an infectious condition. It tends to spread from the leader to others in the organization. Soon, there's a not-enough-time epidemic throughout the workplace.

## Aren’t you glad you work with people who are not too busy to learn how to improve at business?
Date: 2014-05-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/arent-you-glad-you-work-with-people-who-are-not-too-busy-to-learn-how-to-improve-at-business/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It sure would be troublesome if everyone you worked with complained about being too busy...too busy to get things done on time, too busy to do things right, too busy to help, too busy to learn...

## The Driven-Leader's Flaw
Date: 2014-05-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-driven-leaders-flaw/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Personalities @ Work

Many entrepreneurs and business owners have aspirations and are driven to achieve. And many of these entrepreneurs and business owners do not understand that other people do not share their aspirations and their drive to achieve... at least not not to the same level. In other words, many entrepreneurs and business owners assume other people are like them...sharing their drives, sharing their goals, and sharing their persistence. Under this misconception these leaders have a communication disconnect with their followers. These leaders believe communications such as delegation of work activity have been performed properly when in fact they have not. This leader-follower communication disconnect problem is widespread... probably the most common problem between leaders and followers and probably the most common cause of failure to complete work-tasks and achieve business success. The solutions to this problem are straightforward: first, the leader must understand his or her personality and communication style and, second, the leader must understand the personalities and communication styles of the followers. The goal under this solution is to identify differences and adjust communication accordingly. By adjusting his or her communication style and approach to followers the leader is in a position to fully communicate when delegation or other communications are happening...for example in the areas of problem-solving and decision-making. In summary: Businesses perform better when the leaders adjust their communication styles to fit the personalities and communication styles of their followers. Of course businesses perform even better when followers return the favour.

## If you burn the candle at both ends, don't set it down on your desk.
Date: 2014-05-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-burn-the-candle-at-both-ends-dont-set-it-down-on-your-desk/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you do then you will be fighting even more fires.

## If you can convince yourself you are too busy then you too can make worse decisions.
Date: 2014-05-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-can-convince-yourself-you-are-too-busy-then-you-too-can-make-worse-decisions/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet 1. It's all in the way you hold your mind. 2. You do not have to take the time required to make good decisions. It is your prerogative to make lousy decisions and nobody can take that right away from you. 3. There's probably no better way to make lousy decisions than holding in your mind the thoughts, " I am too busy " and " I don't have time ". 4. If you put your mind to it you will find your mind will warm to the habit of " I am too busy " and " I don't have time ". And soon, very soon, you will be able to make really lousy decisions.

## So many people think they are too busy when, really, they are too unprepared.
Date: 2014-05-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/so-many-people-think-they-are-too-busy-when-really-they-are-too-unprepared/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet A gram of prevention is worth a kilogram of cure.

## If you want to be a leader in your industry sector, return phone calls and respond to e-mail.
Date: 2014-05-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-be-a-leader-in-your-industry-sector-return-phone-calls-and-respond-to-e-mail/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Successful people seem to have more time . Also, with the current trend of slackening business etiquette, returning phone calls and responding to e-mail will be a differential advantage. Why not take the lead...in a return to common courtesy, improved communication, and real relationships.

## People who think they are too busy see interpersonal differences as a problem rather than a blessing.
Date: 2014-05-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-who-think-they-are-too-busy-see-interpersonal-differences-as-a-problem-rather-than-a-blessing/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet If you think you are too busy and you take the time to compare where you are against where you could be then you may find you need some education on: how to be honest with yourself how to know yourself how to embrace people-differences

## When you think you are too busy you set limits on the amount of value you can generate.
Date: 2014-05-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-think-you-are-too-busy-you-set-limits-on-the-amount-of-value-you-can-generate/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I believe successful people have more time. I have written Thought Posts about it. At a conference I was fortunate to join a group of business leaders who presented their thoughts to University of Toronto students…those successful people had the time to do this on a Saturday… 500 students obtained value.

## Bosses can easily be lured into the Parent Trap.
Date: 2014-05-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bosses-can-easily-be-lured-into-the-parent-trap/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Family Business and CFFB, Personalities @ Work

Bosses can easily be lured into the Parent Trap...I mean the trap where they treat the people who report to them like Children. I have heard bosses say they are like parents and the people who report to them are like children. Recently, while listening to a self-help audio book I heard Brian Tracy recommend bosses behave like parents and treat their people like children. I disagree. Sure, I get the importance of being considerate, caring, compassionate...and having a level of sensitivity, sympathy and empathy. I just do not see those qualities as the defining qualities or Parents. First and foremost, at a very early age the vast majority of us learn our parents are authority figures...in fact, figures of absolute authority. Many people, likely the majority of people, carry negative memories of parental-authority with them throughout their lives. I favour the wisdom of Transactional Analysis . In the workplace, people are adults. If bosses don't want people to act like Children, bosses have to act like Adults.

## Negative feedback works when it is well-packaged and the recipient of it has high self-confidence.
Date: 2014-05-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/negative-feedback-works-when-it-is-well-packaged-and-the-recipient-of-it-has-high-self-confidence/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's the good news. Here's a picture of the not-so-good news...

## There's a reason the words confidence and competence have a similar ring to them.
Date: 2014-05-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/theres-a-reason-the-words-confidence-and-competence-have-a-similar-ring-to-them/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We see these two walking hand in hand. We watch them promote one another. When they are separated we observe signs of distress.

## Discipline/manage your courage & self-confidence if you wish to persuade/lead/manage others.
Date: 2014-05-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/disciplinemanage-your-courage-self-confidence-if-you-wish-to-persuadeleadmanage-others/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Do what I say not what I do does not cut it. Probably, most of us can remember incidents when we were children and adults in positions of authority gave us instructions that they themselves did not follow. To the extent that happened, we learned to resist instructions that came to us as do what I say not what I do. As we gained experience and confidence our resistance to these inconsistent demands increased. Now, we have much trouble following instructions from people who do not lead by example. And, we distrust those who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk.

## Build confidence & free up time by having a pre-set process for dealing with problems.
Date: 2014-05-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/build-confidence-free-up-time-by-having-a-pre-set-process-for-dealing-with-problems/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Another piece of free up some time advice… Many people waste a huge amount of time worrying about and even agonizing over problems. Business life is laced with problems…some small, some not-so-small. So, it makes sense to have a ready-to-use system for addressing problems. This provides many benefits…but, here, we will only mention 3: It ensures time is not wasted thinking about how to go about addressing the problem It forces a solution orientation…i.e., positivity trumps worry It builds confidence That’s why we created P=2S+O © A link to P=2S+O ©

## You know you are a leader when you feel confident in the face of confrontation.
Date: 2014-05-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-know-you-are-a-leader-when-you-feel-confident-in-the-face-of-confrontation/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You know you are a leader when you have confidence in situations of conflict . [Bearing in mind...even the best of leaders have bad days along with their good days. For example, read the biography of Lord Admiral Nelson .]

## Be self-conscious. Be very self-conscious. And be courageous & confident about it.
Date: 2014-05-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/be-self-conscious-be-very-self-conscious-and-be-courageous-confident-about-it/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We have been taught and conditioned to think of 'self-conscious' people as timid people, people who cower under negative self-images. Let's give this another think. Better still; let's replace that first-thought with a constructive thought. Self-conscious is a good thing: It means the person has given some thought to self...thinking about self is an important thing to do. It means the person is aware of self...self-awareness is a valuable commodity. Self-awareness, like any other skill, takes practice. That practice should be done with an open mind. Let's stop assuming self-conscious thought and awareness is only directed toward the negatives. Let's assume that self-conscious thought will result in finding positive things like talent, courage, confidence, conviction, & creativity. Put another way - "I was thinking and feeling rather self-conscious the other day. Wow, was I ever proud of myself!"

## Self-confidence is the magnetic recipe that attracts the things you need most to succeed in business.
Date: 2014-05-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/self-confidence-is-the-magnetic-recipe-that-attracts-the-things-you-need-most-to-succeed-in-business/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet You just need to know how to blend the ingredients together...your ingredients and other people`s ingredients. If you know how to blend them together, great. If you don`t know how to blend them together, learn. Confidence is Valued by Spirited Leaders .

## Courage, Confidence, & Succeeding at Business
Date: 2014-05-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-confidence-succeeding-at-business/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Spirited Leaders, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Values: Personal Values

If you wish to excel at business, you must have a better than average amount of courage and self-confidence. These states of mind, these habits of character, are the building blocks that support thoughts and actions required to succeed. Spirited Leaders definitions: Courage is the state of mind that gives you the ability to think and act productively in the face of difficult and fearful situations. Confidence is the state of mind where you know you can handle the situation at hand and perhaps even excel in it. Courage & Confidence are the best states of mind for: Tackling problems Dealing with difficult people Adjusting in reaction to changes Of most importance, Courage & Confidence not only help you accept and handle setbacks ranging from light criticism to major failure...Courage & Confidence open your mind to learning from these 2 facts-of-life. When you learn from criticism - when you have what Spirited Leaders call thick skin & thin skull - you obtain the benefits of other people's perspectives not available to the vast majority of people [because their skin is thin and their skulls are thick]. When you learn from failures and defeats [both yours and others'] you improve and grow. With Courage & Confidence you have a heightened ability to be 'present'. You accept the situation [rather than agonize over it, link it to past problems or transform it into worries about the future]. With Courage & Confidence you accept other people [rather than try to change them]. As Covey taught, you have the ability to seek first to understand [rather than jump to conclusions, paint others with negative brushes, etc.]. Courage & Confidence are the great enablers. Courage & Confidence are worth the effort it will take you to plant and grow them.

## Necessity, when imaged in a courageous & confident mind, is the mother of invention.
Date: 2014-05-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/necessity-when-imaged-in-a-courageous-confident-mind-is-the-mother-of-invention/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We must not underestimate the courage required to think and act in new ways.

## "Win-Win" deals happen when consideration of others is combined with personal courage.
Date: 2014-05-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/win-win-deals-happen-consideration-of-others-is-combined-with-personal-courage/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet It takes courage to win & it takes consideration of others to create win-win. These are the building blocks for exchanging value.

## COURAGE: self-inflicted mental and moral strength to act in the face of fear, difficulty, and criticism
Date: 2014-05-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-self-inflicted-mental-and-moral-strength-to-act-in-the-face-of-fear-difficulty-and-criticism/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind the Tweet That's a Spirited Leaders' definition. For us, Courage is the ' Great Enabler '. It enables self-analysis, self-confidence, self-development, lifelong learning, curiosity, creativity, innovation, and a host of other very good character traits and action orientations.

## In an ideal-project world...
Date: 2014-05-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-an-ideal-project-world/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication

In an 'ideal-project world' all projects would be completed on time and within budget. A project plan would be created up front, everyone would understand and buy into the project work, everyone would do the work, no surprises would crop up, all would go in accordance with the project plan, and the project would be completed on time and within budget. That 'ideal-project world' rarely, if ever, exists. How does the 'real-project world' differ from the 'ideal-project world'? In the real-project world... People fail to perform the Process called planning. People fail to perform the Process called communication. People fail to perform other Processes. In the real-project world People choose to do other things rather than do the Processes that cause projects to be successful. The most-important question is, Why? Why do People choose to do other things rather than do the Processes that cause projects to be successful?

## Courage & Confidence: states of mind to be valued, developed, and put to good use.
Date: 2014-05-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-confidence-states-of-mind-to-be-valued-developed-and-put-to-good-use/ | Categories: INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Your self-confidence is contagious. So, choose to make it invigorating & inspiring.

## When people first meet your self-confidence their spirits are bolstered. Soon, your self-confidence becomes contagious.
Date: 2014-05-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-people-first-meet-your-self-confidence-their-spirits-are-bolstered-soon-your-self-confidence-becomes-contagious/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Courage & Confidence : states of mind to be valued, developed, and put to good use.

## Confidence & Readiness go hand in hand.
Date: 2014-05-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/confidence-readiness-go-hand-in-hand/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Readiness is aliveness. It is that spirit of alertness by which a situation is immediately grasped and dealt with. The observance of system fosters and develops the spirit ." James Allen said that over 100 years ago. In our Spirited words - Confidence , Situation , Process ["system"] When you are ready you are confident ; when you are confident you are ready.

## Authentic Self-confidence, properly illustrated and linked to Vision: this is at the essence of leadership.
Date: 2014-05-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/authentic-self-confidence-properly-illustrated-and-linked-to-vision-this-is-at-the-essence-of-leadership/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It takes various forms, as examples: Alexander the Great did it his way…on the backs of horses leading the charge Mahatma Gandhi did it his way…on the consciences of his nation’s oppressors Richard Branson does it his way…on the dreams in achievers’ hearts Confidence is a magical state of mind; Confidence is a much-valued state of mind. When your confidence meter is properly set your opportunity to succeed in business is amplified, often many times over. Self-confidence, near the upper end of reasonable bounds, is the magnetic recipe that attracts the things you need most to succeed in business: the co-operation and enthusiasm residing in yourself and in other people.

## If we want to change society then the best 1st step is spending 20 minutes a day working on self-understanding.
Date: 2014-05-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-we-want-to-change-society-then-the-best-1st-step-is-spending-20-minutes-a-day-working-on-self-understanding/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet The question was asked at the HBR LInkedIn group..." How can we change society? Just give one step which you feel will change society. " Change requires Courage . Change requires knowledge of self and knowledge of others. Change cascades like dominos: Courage Self-Knowledge Self-Education Self-Discipline Self-Change Self-Confidence Confidence in Others Teaching Others: Courage, Self-Knowledge, Self-Education, Self-Discipline, Self-Confidence Working With Others: Creating Change For The Better This is the stuff of leadership

## Baby action steps pave the path to unshakable self-confidence.
Date: 2014-05-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/baby-action-steps-pave-the-path-to-unshakable-self-confidence/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet We learn from our experiences. This learning grows experience by experience, piece by piece. And the more repetition of experience-pieces the stronger the learning. And, because we have gone through the learning process we know we know . When we know we know we become confident about our abilities. The more we know we know the greater the confidence. Simple repetition of properly-performed action steps are the key to self-confidence. We need to imagine future situations to determine the right action steps. That's the best path. However, if we are confused about the right action steps then we can perform the action steps we know we know ...and do them with mastery. Every one of us can do that! So, baby steps take every one of us toward unshakable self-confidence. Self-confidence is a process. We can design it. We can control it. We should all want to do that - self-confidence is a mindset to great value.

## About that TED Talk - "Offices & Meetings"
Date: 2014-05-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-that-ted-talk-offices-meetings/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!

My son, Jack, introduced me to the TED Talk by Jason Fried, titled " Why work doesn't happen at work ". One key aspect of his TED Talk - Jason talked against business meetings. He shared his view - Employees don't call meetings, only managers call meetings...and meetings are a waste of time. When I watched and listened to that part, I felt a Thought Post coming on. Here it is... *** When Jason Fried said, " Only managers call meetings....employees don’t call meetings "... that got me thinking, 'Why don’t employees call meetings?' I think employees don’t call meetings for 4 reasons: They favour being on their own over being in meetings with other people, They don’t believe they have the right to call meetings, They know they are doing the right things and they see no need to spend time talking with others about it, & They know they are not doing the right things and they see no need to spend time talking with others about it. Those are some examples of why employees don't call meetings. On the other hand, the reality is most employees do call meetings…it's just, when they do it, they don’t call it calling meetings . Most employees initiate conversations with co-workers. Those qualify as meetings. In office environments, these conversations take forms ranging from helping one another with work problems to chit-chat about family woes. We could call the one end of the spectrum 'work' and the other end 'personal'. We could claim the one end of the spectrum illustrates an advantage of having office environments for employees while the other end illustrates a disadvantage. However, some employees would argue we have that backwards. We must not underestimate the extent of people's needs for social interaction. Even if we hear and watch it in a compelling TED Talk, we cannot accept as fact the claim employees don't call meetings. Yes, it is true managers do call meetings. Managers call meetings for a number of reasons: Habit…they have accepted the habit - 'meetings are a necessary process of business', Their egos enjoy being front and centre and meetings provide a vehicle to feed their egos, They believe their people need help [whether their people agree with that or not], They see meetings as an efficient way to communicate with many people, They see value in team communications, The see value in people being accountable to a team, & They know physical presence is key to inspiring people. Wait a second - They know physical presence is key to inspiring people.

## Courage is the 'Great Enabler'. It enables self-analysis, self-confidence, curiosity, creativity, innovation, and more.
Date: 2014-05-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-is-the-great-enabler-it-enables-self-analysis-self-confidence-curiosity-creativity-innovation-and-more/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

The Thinking Behind The Tweet It takes courage to face adversity. It takes courage to face criticism. It takes courage to face change. Children are born courageous and independent-minded. But, often, that is dis couraged. It takes wisdom to re-build courage.

## Ken Blanchard says feedback is the breakfast of champions. [The problem is, at least 80% of people are allergic to it.]
Date: 2014-05-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ken-blanchard-says-feedback-is-the-breakfast-of-champions-the-problem-is-at-least-80-of-people-are-allergic-to-it/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets



## Teach about the 'rights'; learn from the 'wrongs'.
Date: 2014-05-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/teach-about-the-rights-learn-from-the-wrongs/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

The Thinking Behind The Tweet Life provides lessons. They appear in two forms. They appear to us as things that are right. They appear to us as things that are wrong. They set the boundaries for our behaviours. They set the boundaries for our judgement of others. We embrace the things that are 'right'. When we are operating at our best, we learn from the things that are 'wrong'.

## Thought Tweet #1000
Date: 2014-05-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-1000/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #1000 If you believe it takes a crisis to cause change then create the crisis that will take you to a better place. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some argue people cannot change their character. Some argue that character changes only happen as a result of 'life crises'. I believe these people are wrong. I believe people can use their power of will to change their character. I believe all great leaders intentionally changed their character during their journey to greatness.

## Thought Tweet #999.999
Date: 2014-05-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-999999/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #999.999 I'm too busy to be present. I'm busy agonizing over the past, I'm busy worrying about the future, and ... The Thinking Behind The Tweet I'm too busy to be present. I'm busy agonizing over the past, I'm busy worrying about the future, and...I'm busy looking over your shoulder to see if there are more important people I would like to talk to.

## Thought Tweet #999.99
Date: 2014-05-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-99999/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #999.99 When we don't know the Why behind the problem our solutions do little to stop repeated errors. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we solve a problem shouldn't we learn how to avoid its return? Sure Problems exist to annoy us. But, don't they also exist to teach us?

## Thought Tweet #999.9
Date: 2014-05-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-9999/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #999.9 Overheard at the Placebo Plant..." Listen up Boss, I've got this great new product idea. " The Thinking Behind The Tweet How would one go about recruiting employees for a placebo plant? What traits and qualities would one look for? Would quality control be discussed? How about customer service and customer satisfaction?

## Thought Tweet #999
Date: 2014-05-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-999/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #999 Anxiety: be present, observe it in real time, do what it takes to control that demon. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Anxiety is in our genes...a legacy of the fight or flight that allowed our ancestors to bring us us. In small doses, anxiety energizes and hones focus. In too-large doses, anxiety becomes a demon and causes nothing but trouble.

## Getting Bang for the Buck out of Procedures
Date: 2014-05-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/only-people-inspire-people/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!

Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Processes, & Situations Processes come in two classes: processes done by people [thinking, acting, and communicating] & processes done by machines [created by people]. Some Processes are called 'Procedures'. Procedures are communicated in different ways: word of mouth, written documents, how-to videos, computer coding, etc. Procedures are created in an effort to cause People and machines to perform Processes in 'proper ways', i.e., ways that are considered good ways...essentially Good Habits ...ways that allow People to achieve desired results...ways that allow People to achieve Goals . While procedures do help People achieve goals, procedures do not inspire people. Only People inspire People: People are self-inspired and People are inspired by others. When People are inspired procedures can influence their actions. So, the sequence for getting the most bang for the buck out of procedures is: Inspire People first, then Influence Actions and Build Business.

## Thought Tweet #998
Date: 2014-05-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-998/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #998 The less confidence you feel, the more others criticize you. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Or, at least, it seems that way. And perception is reality. You want people to stop criticizing you? Lead by example. Cut yourself some slack.

## It's your personality, it's your choice
Date: 2014-05-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/its-your-personality-its-your-choice/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Personalities @ Work

Your personality will remain the same...as long as you allow it to. Or, perhaps your personality will struggle with age or sour with age if you ignore it. Only with conscious thought and effort will your personality improve. Henry Ford said something like, " If you think you can or you think you can't, you are right. " His logic applies to personality. " If you think you can change your personality or you think you can't change your personality, you are right ." So what do you choose to think? And, do you intend to share your thoughts with others? If so, which thought [the can thought or the can't thought] will provide them the most value? And, which thought will provide you the most value? *** If you are pleased with your personality, you are standing on solid ground. If others are pleased by your personality, you are standing on higher ground.

## Thought Tweet #997
Date: 2014-05-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-997/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #997 Make meetings so laborious people choose to do the work between them over discussing the not-done work during them. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Well...it's just a thought.

## When you are afraid of losing your job
Date: 2014-05-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-are-afraid-of-losing-your-job/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Fearing job loss: Many people go to work, every day, fearing they will lose their jobs. Sometimes the fear is so strong it affects their behaviour and it becomes a 'self-fulfilling prophecy'...the thing they fear visits them...they lose their jobs. I have seen this happen many times over my career. I have noticed an interesting nuance. Sometimes the person who fears the job loss so much and then loses the job actually benefits from the albeit-unpleasant-at-the-time experience. Sometimes, after all the dust cleared, the person realized he or she really didn't fit the job and that 'disconnect' expressed itself as fear. Sometimes, after all the dust cleared, the person realized they didn't fit the organization - they didn't mesh well with the other people. Other times the person realized he or she needed to make some personal changes in order to be comfortable at work. Clearly, there is a better way. People can seek self-discovery and work at self-improvement. People can reduce their fears. People can become fully confident in the value they deliver in their role. People can employ their talents & strengths. People can replace their bad habits with good habits. People can reduce and remove their fears. People own these choices.

## Thought Tweet #996
Date: 2014-05-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-996/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #996 The only lasting reassurance comes from within...reassurance offered by others has little lasting power. The Thinking Behind The Tweet While talking with a friend, the conversation turned to the topic of the obtaining value in the form of reassurance from others. My immediate thought was...see above. Our self-confidence is our responsibility: it does not rest on the shoulders of others.

## Thought Tweet #995
Date: 2014-05-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-995/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #995 Once upon a time there were no walls. People must have beat their heads against something else. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you are beating your head against a wall the first thing to do is recognize, your head doesn't fare well when you pit it against a wall. Heads don't fare well when you beat it against walls. If you saw others beating their heads against walls, would you join them? Walls versus Heads...the smart money is on Walls. ...all of this in support of changing for the better .

## Choose Yourself Wisely
Date: 2014-05-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/choose-yourself-wisely/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change

At a recent roundtable, the self-discovery question was asked , " If you could make a 30 second speech to the entire world, what would you say? " The following popped into my mind...

At a recent roundtable, the self-discovery question was asked, " If you could make a 30 second speech to the entire world, what would you say? " The following popped into my mind... Choose Yourself Wisely: cut yourself more slack and provide yourself much more support; emulate heroes; set then work at strings of small goals; embrace life-long learning...and change your character for the better. *** Some argue we have no choice, " We are what we are ". We cannot change! The 2-dimensional hero Popeye, for example, embraced that sort of thinking. He was known to repeat, " I am what I am ". *** We must help others understand they have the ability to self-improve.

## Thought Tweet #994
Date: 2014-05-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-994/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #994 If you're struggling with business, take a detailed look at how you deal with People, Processes, & Situations . The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you're struggling with business, take a detailed look - take a detailed look from a fresh, new perspective - at how you deal with People, Processes, & Situations. When you do this you will discover your Bad Habits, the ones that are at the root of your struggles. When you know these Bad Habits you can remove them and replace them with Good Habits .

## Thought Tweet #993
Date: 2014-05-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-993/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Delegation & Decisions, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #993 When the status quo is getting you down, take your finger off the limbo switch ! The Thinking Behind The Tweet Don't bend over backwards, holding on to the status quo.

## 1000 Thought Tweets
Date: 2014-05-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/1000-thought-tweets/ | Categories: —

When I started to take a serious interest in Twitter, about 4 years ago, I notice 2 things: people were sending out lots of tweets describing what theory were doing, where they were, who they were meeting, how they were feeling, what they were eating, etc.; other people were sending out tweets that contained things they found interesting, typically forwarding articles written by others and motivational/inspirational quotes.

When I started to take a serious interest in Twitter, about 4 years ago, I noticed 2 things: people were sending out lots of tweets describing what they were doing, where they were, who they were meeting, how they were feeling, what they were eating, etc.; other people were sending out tweets that contained things they found interesting, typically forwarding articles written by others and motivational/inspirational quotes. I watched some people tweeting 20 or more times a day, issuing a steady stream of stuff designed to help and/or inform others and ' brand' the sender as a helpful and/or valuable contact. I watched other people tweeting stuff clearly designed to pull at potential clients....little advertising messages. Some people repeatedly tweeted updates about their work day, who they were meeting with, how they were feeling, what they were eating, etc. And, other people tweeted about their family life, their trials and tribulations, who their children were dating, etc. Having an interest in social media, I wanted to explore Twitter. I liked the idea of the concise communication format - a maximum of 140 characters per message. [That, if nothing else, would provide a test of writing skill.] It seemed to me few people would have interest in my daily activity or my family life...and, regardless, I had no interest in sharing that sort of detail or making Twitter a major activity. I didn't want to provide links to articles...too many other people were doing that. While I enjoy motivational quotes, I didn't want that to be the foundation of my social media activity. I wanted to do something different. I wanted to do something meaningful. I did not want to annoy people with massive amounts of tweets. And I wanted to limit the amount of time I spent on Twitter. I wanted to test Twitter to see what would happen under this social media. I understood I would need to be patient, committing to spend time and effort. I had no expectations of going viral. I just wanted to use Twitter to communicate meaningful things [at least, what I thought would be meaningful]. After thinking it through for a while, I decided to issue a daily Thought Tweet . In the early days they were called Sales Tweets . The Thought Tweets would fit the Twitter limits - no more than 140 characters. And, I would enhance the Thought Tweets by posting 'The Thinking Behind The Tweet'. This meant the tweets could be used by readers two ways: (1) the tweet on its own and (2) the tweet and at least one thought I had in mind at the time I wrote the tweet. The Thought Tweets would be issued 1-per-day, Mondays through Fridays. I committed to creating 1000 of these tweets. That meant I committed to issuing these Thought Tweets for about 4 years. 1000 Thought Tweets , 1 per weekday for about 4 years...that seemed like a reasonable exploration of Twitter, a reasonable social-media test & experiment. The first Thought Tweet was issued July 19, 2010...here it is, and here's a link to take you back to July 2010. *** Sales Tweet #1 By Rick Baker On July 19, 2010 Sales Tweet #1 if you want to sell then Learn to Listen...that's the #1 message I am receiving today...see my LinkedIn Q&A. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet LinkedIn is a valuable tool. We can use it to discover what other people think about topics. I asked some of my LinkedIn friends the Question: What does it take to succeed at sales? And, the most repeated piece of advice was - Listen Better. *** Now, almost 4 years later... The 1000 th Thought Tweet will be issued next week, on May 16 th . This 4-year Twitter experiment has yielded some very interesting results. For example, I believe it has improved my writing. Of most importance, it has created some fine friendships with other Spirited Leaders.

## Thought Tweet #992
Date: 2014-05-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-992/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #992 Note to Self: Today I will not jump to any obtusions. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Justification: really, I won't be giving up anything of value; nobody will miss my obtusions.

## You too can transform your character
Date: 2014-05-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-too-can-transform-your-character/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Leaders' Thoughts, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

“Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character.” Heraclitus Greek Philosopher, 535BCE-475BCE “Such as are your habitual thoughts, such also will be the character of your mind; for the soul is dyed by the thoughts.” Marcus Aurelius Roman Emperor, 121-180 “Character is perfectly educated will.” Novalis German Poet & Philosopher, 1772-1801 “Character is best formed in the stormy billows of the world.” Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe German Author & Philosopher, 1749-1832 “You cannot dream yourself into a character; you must hammer and forge yourself one.” Henry David Thoreau American Author & Philosopher, 1817-1852 “We are builders of our own characters. We have different positions, spheres, capacities, privileges, different work to do in the world, different temporal fabrics to raise; but we are all alike in this, -- all are architects of fate.” John Fothergill Waterhouse Ware American Clergyman, 1818-1881 “Every thought willingly contemplated, every word meaningly spoken, every action freely done, consolidates itself in the character, and will project itself onward in a permanent continuity.” Henry Giles Unitarian Minister & Writer, 1809-1882 “Character is determined more by the lack of certain experiences than by those one has had.” Friedrich Nietzsche German Philosopher, 1844-1900 “Character is the result of two things: Mental attitude and the way we spend our time.” Elbert Green Hubbard American Writer & Philosopher, 1856-1915 “Character is, for the most part, simply habit become fixed.” C. H. Parkhurst American Clergyman, 1842-1933 “Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right path, the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands.” Anne Frank Holocaust Victim, 1929-1945 “People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” Eleanor Roosevelt American First Lady, 1884-1962 “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Helen Keller American Author & Activist, 1880-1968 “Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It's something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming.” Jim Rohn American Entrepreneur & Speaker, 1930-2009 “Surmounting difficulty is the crucible that forms character.” Tony Robbins American Self-help Author, 1960- * ** *** ** * "All the leaders I've met, worked with, and read about have had one thing in common. Along the way to becoming practitioners and masters of leadership, they transformed their character." Joe MacInnis Canadian Aquanaut & Author, 1937-

## Thought Tweet #991
Date: 2014-05-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-991/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #991 Take a chance...take off that fear coat. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When fear of change gains too much power over people it sucks the joy out of business. It's a matter of choice; we do not have to wear fear coats; we can choose to take them off.

## Thought Tweet #990
Date: 2014-05-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-990/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #990 When they are messing on the floor, sometimes you just gotta put down your newspaper. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Only a Baker's Dozen years ago, double entendre, & a wicked sense of humour.

## Thought Tweet #989
Date: 2014-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-989/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #989 Only tiny creatures perceive molehills as mountains. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Moles are small creatures and they make small hills. If you perceive a molehill to be a mountain then you must be much smaller than a mole...you must be a tiny creature indeed.

## Good Habits are the building blocks of trust.
Date: 2014-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-habits-are-the-building-blocks-of-trust/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Leaders' Thoughts

When leaders fail at the little details, especially the interpersonal details, trust erodes. And it is tough to rebuild trust. Better to handle the little details well and maintain trust than to ignore the importance of getting the little things right. Good Habits include doing the little interpersonal things right. Good Habits are the building blocks of trust.

## When annoyances consume me, I must step away and observe my thoughts.
Date: 2014-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-annoyances-consume-me-i-must-step-away-and-observe-my-thoughts/ | Categories: —

When annoyances consume me, I must step away and observe my thoughts. I must watch the ANT s as they march through my mind. Then I must remove them from the path.

## Thought Tweet #988
Date: 2014-04-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-988/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #988 Be pleased to repeat, repeat, repeat...that's the key to teaching, inspiring, & influencing people. The Thinking Behind The Tweet "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn." Benjamin Franklin When we observe repetition, we learn. When we repeat, others have the opportunity to learn.

## Good Habits, Bad Habits, & Your Net Worth
Date: 2014-04-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-habits-bad-habits-your-net-worth/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

" People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things " Spirited Leaders *** "Your net worth to the world is usually determined by what remains after your bad habits are subtracted from your good ones." Benjamin Franklin U.S. Founding Father & Polymath, 1706-1790

## When they think you are an idiot...
Date: 2014-04-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-they-think-you-are-an-idiot/ | Categories: Beyond Business

When they think you are an idiot and you have their money, that's one thing. When they think you are an idiot and they have your money, well...that's an altogether different thing.

## Thought Tweet #987
Date: 2014-04-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-987/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #987 " Men trust their ears less than their eyes. " It took 2400 years for psychologists to confirm this ancient wisdom. The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Men trust their ears less than their eyes. " Herodotus Greek Historian, 484BCE-425BCE Now, 2400 years after Herodotus, psychologists are completing experiments that confirm Herodotus' ancient wisdom...our eyes overrule our ears...truly, we do believe what our eyes see them do more than what our ears hear them say. This applies to their major actions and to their minor body-language signals.

## A Solution Mindset
Date: 2014-04-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-solution-mindset/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Delegation & Decisions, Solutions & Opportunities

Before you blame People for the problems make sure you have given sufficient thought to the Processes and the Situation.

When problems arise, remember: Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Processes, & Situations, Processes can topple People - this applies to both technical Processes and interpersonal-communication Processes, & Situations can topple People - especially 'new' Situations and stressful Situations. In fact, more often than not flawed Processes and uncomfortable Situations do impair People's abilities to perform in productive ways. And - Change is Only Constructive When People are Comfortable . The most expeditious and productive way to address problems is to first consider the Processes in play and the nature of the Situation surrounding the problem. Do not assume you understand the Processes...even if you believe you have clear work-process and you have communicated it over and over. With the current high level of workplace stress and the fact People are struggling here, there, and everywhere with 'multi-tasking', People do not receive your messages as well as you think they do and People do not remember your messages as well as you wish they would. When it comes to Processes - never assume. If you are 100% certain the Processes are bang-on and perfectly-communicated...doubt your understanding and doubt your memory...investigate the Processes. Doubt the Processes before you doubt the People. Do not underestimate the power the Situation will have over the People's behaviour. Every Situation will have its nuances: different People, different Processes, different urgencies, different distractions, different constraints, different atmosphere, etc., etc., etc. Often, actually very often, when problems arise People's good intentions are overruled by the Situation. If you are 100% certain People are to blame...doubt your conclusion. And, adjust your thinking to incorporate the reality that: good People do bad things when the Situation guides them 'to the dark side' [consider the Stanford prison experiment ] well-intentioned People fail to fulfil their good intentions when Situations guide/bring them 'to the failing side' [consider your own experiences, when circumstances beyond your control stopped you from delivering on a commitment] People get caught up in Situations and sometimes common sense takes a back seat [consider the Vancouver ' 2011 Stanley Cup riot '] Discredit the Situation before you discredit the People. Remember... Remember... Before you blame People for the problems make sure you have given sufficient thought to the high likelihood either Processes or the Situation are close to the root of the problem. Linkage to another Spirited Leaders' philosophy - P=2S+O - Spirited Leaders believe - for every Problem you must find at least 2 Solution options and keep your eyes open for Opportunities. And the best way to begin considering 2 Solution options: (1) look at the Processes and see if they contain the seeds for a good Solution and (2) look at the Situation and see if it contains the seeds for a good Solution. Do both these things before considering whether or not People are the source of the problem. This is not only the route to P=2S+O . It is the route to better Decisions . It is the route to improved attitudes at work. It is the route to creating positive change . It is the route to building relationships and building trust .

## Thought Tweet #986
Date: 2014-04-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-986/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #986 Willpower: use it or fail to have it. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Willpower relies on energy. Use it wisely. Use it regularly. Drain it. Rebuild it. Strengthen it. Willpower [and its outcome, self-control ]: use it or fail to have it.

## Quick to Criticize, Tough to Build Trust
Date: 2014-04-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/quick-to-criticize-tough-to-build-trust/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Solutions & Opportunities

Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Processes, & Situations. When a problem arises at work you can consider these 3 things and you can choose from 3 options: You can blame People for the problem You can consider the possibility that Processes are bogging People down and that's what is causing the problem You can consider the possibility that the Situation at hand is ripe for the sort of problem you are observing Of these 3 options, the quickest is #1. It only takes a fraction of a second to jump to the conclusion this person or that person or all those People are the cause of the problem. This option has another major advantage: it is well-aligned with your biases, particularly your Attribution Bias. Evidently, this is a very good option because most People select option #1. For most People, the other two options do not hit their radar screens. Most People do not consider or take the time to understand both Processes and Situations have tremendous impact on other People's performance. Most People do have at least a vague idea that Processes and Situations impact on their own performance. In fact, they often blame Processes and Situations for their own performance shortfalls. However, when it comes to other People's performance shortfalls it is much more common to simply blame the other People. [If nothing else this tendency to blame others is good for your ego.] If, however, you give problems a little more thought and other People a little more credit then you will discover many problems are due to glitches in Processes and the presence of less-than-ideal Situations. You will also discover the time you invest in analyzing and understanding Process glitches and Situation nuances pays off huge dividends because it both allows you to solve the true problem and maintain harmonious interpersonal relationships. PS: When you fail to consider Processes and Situations and default to blaming People, how do you think they react? Do you think they consider Processes and Situations and conclude you are not to blame for blaming them? Or, do you think they too tend to jump to the conclusion other People are to blame?...And, in this instance, there is only one other person to blame and that person is you.

## Thought Tweet #985
Date: 2014-04-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-985/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #985 When people first meet your self-confidence their spirits are bolstered. Soon, your self-confidence becomes contagious. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Courage & Confidence : states of mind to be valued, developed, and put to good use.

## The Destructive Power of Attribution Bias
Date: 2014-04-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-destructive-power-of-attribution-bias/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron

From Wikipedia... In psychology , an attribution bias or attributional bias is a cognitive bias that refers to the systematic errors made when people evaluate and/or try to find reasons for their own and others' behaviors. [1] [2] [3] People constantly make attributions regarding the cause of their own and others’ behaviors; however, attributions do not always accurately mirror reality. Rather than operating as objective perceivers, people are prone to perceptual errors that lead to biased interpretations of their social world. [4] [5] *** People jump to conclusions. People have Automatic Negative Thoughts [ ANT s]. People overestimate the accuracy of their intuition and their gut feel fails them. All of these things are in the zone of Attribution Bias. And Attribution Bias wreaks havoc when problems arise in business. To be more clear - Attribution Bias wreaks much havoc in business . Much damage occurs when Attribution Bias rears its destructive and flawed-attribution head into the face of problems. Here's what that looks like: a problem arises one person just knows the other person is at fault [that's the special 'gift' of Attribution Bias] everything gets personal; everything gets difficult; much time & energy is wasted; little gets resolved Business people lay this sort of Attribution Bias on one another all day long. As a result, they get to share a whole bunch of interpersonal tension and workplace stress. As a result, the organization where they work gets to achieve less-than-necessary success. Everybody loses...maybe a little...maybe a lot...regardless, everybody loses. That's why it is important to understand Attribution Bias. That's why it is important to free oneself from the grips of Attribution Bias.

## Thought Tweet #984
Date: 2014-04-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-984/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #984 People, Processes, & Situations : When problems & stresses arrive, it is natural for People to want to exit the Situation. The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's the legacy of our ancestors who, without fight-or-flight [and the other 2 options: 'freeze' or 'faint'], would not have brought us to where we are today.

## Thought Tweet #983
Date: 2014-04-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-983/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #983 Criticism is a contagious thing...it's the polar opposite of 'Pay It Forward' . The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we criticize others they tend to carry on the tradition by criticizing the people the encounter...they criticize the person in front of them in the Tim Horton's drive-thru or their children who are not taking homework quite seriously enough, etc., etc., ad nauseam . All of us seem to be hard-wired to be critical of others...at least, the vast majority of us seem to possess and illustrate this human condition. Despite that fact, very few of us find value in receiving criticism. Very few of us indeed... Regardless of how we deliver and receive criticism from others, most people - when you cut through their external facade: whether arrogant, or brave, or puzzled, or aggrieved most people - are quite critical of themselves. We should neither forget nor underestimate this aversion to criticism. Even people who are very tough on themselves don't like it when others treat them that way.

## Big Changes, Difficult Changes...never Impossible Changes
Date: 2014-04-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/big-changes-difficult-changesnever-impossible-changes/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

"It is very difficult to make really big, important, life-changing decisions because we are all susceptible to a formidable array of decision biases. There are more of them than we realize and they come to visit us more often than we'd like to admit." Dan Ariely ' The Upside of Irrationality ' (2010) While, in relative terms, it is easy to make small, less-important decisions these decisions too are affected by our biases. And these small decisions too can be life changing. Here's why/how they can be life changing: The small changes happen bit by bit over time. We have a word for these changes. We call them " habits ". Some of them are good; some of them are bad; all of them change our lives by influencing our thoughts & actions and by influencing how we are perceived by others. To the extent the small changes are founded on emotions they contain more lasting power. So, small changes - especially those small changes that grew out of an emotional base - have the ability to influence our thoughts & actions for long periods of time. Big decisions & small decisions and big changes & small changes: all can contribute in long-lasting ways to develop a person's character. [In fact, when you stop to think about it, what else contributes to the building and maintenance of a person's character?] Regardless, it is possible for people to make permanent & positive adjustments to their character. Yes - easy to say, difficult to do... One simply needs to commit to creating better habits then do the repetition of thought & action required to generate and solidify those better habits.

## Thought Tweet #982
Date: 2014-04-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-982/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #982 When growth is stalled, many argue in favour of the status quo; fear of change often trumps common sense. The Thinking Behind The Tweet This is not a horrible dysfunction, it's just an all-too-common bad habit . Why would a person not want to take chances, make changes, and grow? Perhaps we should first explore the extent of their Fear of Criticism and their Fear of Poverty ...see Napoleon Hill's 1937 classic, ' Think and Grow Rich '. Linked to Fear of Poverty - according to psychologists, we fear losing existing things more than we desire gaining new things. Fear of loss outstrips desire for gain by a factor of about 4-to-1. Do you feel that way? Do you favour the status quo over change?

## Thought Tweet #981
Date: 2014-04-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-981/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #981 Some Problems grow and get big enough to have a life of their own...almost free from solution efforts. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Quote attributed to Joseph Stalin, "A single death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic." The moral of the tweet...Nip your problems in the bud before they have a chance to get big enough to have a life of their own...and consume you.

## Thought Tweet #980
Date: 2014-04-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-980/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #980 How do we rebuild trust? One small, well-thought-out, personal, positive step at a time. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Maybe you care about the damage trust has experienced? Maybe you want to repair that damage? Maybe you do not know how?

## Thought Tweet #979
Date: 2014-04-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-979/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #979 A stitch in time saves nine. A stitch soon after saves eight. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Nip problems in the bud. Don't let one or two bad apples spoil the bunch.

## What must-haves are on your Criticism List?
Date: 2014-04-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-must-haves-are-on-your-criticism-list/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

When it comes to delivering criticism it is better to conclude every little but hurts rather than every little bit helps.

When we buy a home, many of us create nice-to-have and must-have lists to sort out our desires and priorities. This allows us to have plans that encourage tempering of emotions when the time comes for decisions to be made. It also allows us to consider and discuss with others our true preferences and biases before we make decisions. Most of us do this when we buy a home. Most of us do this when we make other major purchases, when we plan vacations, and when we make important decisions such as selecting the place for higher education. We create these must-have and nice-to-have lists to attend to our interests and the interests of others near and dear to us. *** There is value in following a similar approach when we critique other people's performance. If we feel compelled to express criticism, we should at least be considerate enough to reduce the quantity of it to the must-have items. There's no need to express each and every piece of shortcoming. Instead, we can create the long list of our complaints/objections/grievances. Then we can sort and rank them in must-have and nice-to-have lists, much the same way we would do if we were determining the key criteria for a major purchase. Then we could select the most-important must-have. And, we could limit our criticism to that single item. When it comes to delivering criticism it is better to conclude every little bit hurts rather than every little bit helps. While I have not heard about studies to confirm this, common sense suggests the laying on of criticism-item after criticism-item yields diminishing returns. That assumes the desired return is persuading the criticized person to agree with the criticism. On the other hand, if the goal is annoying, angering, or alienating the person being criticized then this Thought Post will not be helpful.

## "Criticism, meet Decision"; "Decision, meet Criticism"
Date: 2014-04-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/criticism-meet-decision-decision-meet-criticism/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Delegation & Decisions

We do not have to deliver criticism. It is a choice. It is a decision.

"Criticism, meet Decision"; "Decision, meet Criticism" Yes, I know you have met many times before and spent much time walking hand in hand. And while your hands have clasped together in confused alliance the meeting of your minds has created little of value. I'm not blaming you...just pointing out a facet of the human condition. As I observe you, it seems to me the two of you are self-blinded by biases. Each of you is laced up with the self-tied thoughts of the other. Each struggling to communicate unless speaking the assaulting language of the other. You share a primary goal - 'Protect Self From Others'. As a result, regardless of the motives you perceive, you provide little of value to others. It seems you are destined to compete with everyone you touch.

## Thought Tweet #978
Date: 2014-04-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-978/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #978 When it comes to delivering criticism it is better to conclude every little bit hurts rather than every little bit helps. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When they deliver criticism, some people like to lay it on thick. They seem oblivious to the fact nobody likes to receive it that way.

## Thought Tweet #977
Date: 2014-04-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-977/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #977 When compelled to express criticism, at least be considerate enough to reduce the quantity of it to the must-have items. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Criticism: less is better. And: Why tune out the person you are trying to correct.

## Thought Tweet #976
Date: 2014-04-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-976/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #976 Catcheth thou when thou doth protest too much. The Thinking Behind The Tweet There's a good reason why Shakespeare put that " doth protest too much " line in Hamlet. Many people are unable to express an objection and leave it at that. Rather, many people express an objection and go on and on...providing either gory details or more examples, or both. Now I must stop here before I too doth protest too much... ...it would, for example, be wrong to deliver a ripe example of this I witnessed as recently as...

## Our lives are lived in little steps.
Date: 2014-04-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/our-lives-are-lived-in-little-steps/ | Categories: Beyond Business, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

Our lives are lived in little steps. We think little thoughts. Some catch on and grow. Some become habits in our minds. Some grow to the point of overpowering us. Little steps of thought habits fill much of our conscious time. We do little actions. Some are repeated and become habits. Then we repeat them, acting them out over and over again. Little behavioural habits fill much of our conscious time. Everything we think about or generate externally starts out small. We want much. We want to generate more. We want to do bold things. We want to use talents. We want to leave legacies. Regardless, everything we accomplish, good or bad or indifferent, happens in small steps performed in short periods of time.

## Thought Tweet #975
Date: 2014-04-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-975/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #975 Emotions + Stress = Irrational Behaviour The Thinking Behind The Tweet Emotions cause us to do illogical/irrational things, things we regret. Stress can act like a hair trigger, accelerating and expanding this effect of Emotions. Can you keep a finger on your Emotion pulse? Do you know when Stress is getting the better of you? Typically, people answer "Yes" to both those questions. Typically, people are wrong on both accounts.

## The Awesome Power of Procrastination
Date: 2014-04-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-awesome-power-of-procrastination/ | Categories: Beyond Business

The Awesome Power of Procrastination: without it small amounts of short-term gain would never out-muscle the much larger long-term gain. And, avoiding small amounts of short-term pain would never out-muscle avoiding the much larger long-term pain. Procrastination is the great equalizer: it gives immediate needs the ability to defy our important goals and our common sense.

## Thought Tweet #974
Date: 2014-04-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-974/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #974 When you make a fine argument...shut up, listen, watch, & learn. The Thinking Behind The Tweet First, learn about the extent of the fineness of your argument. I mean, bring your thick skin and thin skull...and keep your ego under full control. Was your argument really as fine as you thought?

## When we tell people what to do our batting average is low.
Date: 2014-04-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-we-tell-people-what-to-do-our-batting-average-is-low/ | Categories: Influencing

When we tell people what to do our batting average is low. Batters cannot improve their batting averages by telling the other team's pitcher what to do. Batters can improve their batting average by observing the other team's pitcher, learning about the pitcher's habits, and adjusting action as required....setting a plan and practising the action. Hockey players cannot improve their scoring statistics by telling the other team's goalie what to do. Hockey players can improve their scoring statistics by observing the other team's goalie, learning about the goalie's habits, and adjusting action as required...setting a plan and practising the action. Similarly, poker players, darts players, Olympic athletes, chess players, movie actors, etc., etc. don't improve by telling other people how to behave. All these people improve by observing others and changing themselves as is required. This importance of this fact of life is lost on many business people. The marketplaces and business hierarchies seem to be breeding grounds for underestimating the need to observe other people and the need for ongoing self-improvement. The marketplaces and the business hierarchies make it too easy to avoid the need for these things. Perhaps the guise of business teamwork feeds this dysfunction. You can buck this unfortunate trend. You can choose to observe other people. You can choose to observe co-workers, bosses, subordinates, clients, suppliers...a whole range of other people. You can choose to observe heroes and heroines...today's and those from times gone by. You can choose to adjust yourself...call it 'changing for the better'. You can choose to emulate the best qualities you observe in other people...other successful people. You can choose to adjust your thinking and you behaviour to fit the realities of what you observe in other people. You can have the ability to understand the nuances of ' serenity ' [or is it just good-old-fashioned-common-sense...or the 'Zen'] to know strategy of accepting others as they are and adjusting yourself to fit the People and the Situation is a route to success. The best baseball batters do it. The best Hockey players do it. You can do it too.

## Thought Tweet #973
Date: 2014-04-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-973/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #973 People do a better job of accepting difficult messages if the message-delivery process does not challenge them. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Negative messages are a problem. Negative delivery of messages is a bigger problem.

## Thought Tweet #972
Date: 2014-04-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-972/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #972 If you point out 1 error to a person, the person may accept your point. If you point out 6 errors, the person will not. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Think about it: what's your tolerance for criticism?; What would a normal person tolerate?; What's this person's tolerance? Regardless - don't choose big numbers like 6.

## Shall We Fail or Shall We Succeed?
Date: 2014-04-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/shall-we-fail-or-shall-we-succeed/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Optimism & Pessimism, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Some people buy in when other people suggest things will fail. I choose to reject this buying into others' failure mindsets. Some people doubt other people when they say things will succeed. I choose to reject this buying into others' failure mindsets. Wait...there's a pattern developing here...here's a pattern taking shape around the rejection of failure mindsets. I don't think the pattern has been induced by rampant optimism. I am sure I didn't get both snippets for the optimism gene. I don't think the pattern has been induced by personal biases... on the other hand, isn't that the exactly what a sufferer of Confirmation Bias or Overconfidence Effect would think! In any event, I am familiar with both sides of the coin. I've been critical of ideas, both my ideas and other people's ideas. And, I have been enthused by ideas, both my ideas and other people's ideas. Like everyone who has lived and spent some time thinking while that happened, I have familiarity with a wide range of mindsets on the depressing-pessimistic-to-manic-optimistic continuum. My comfort zone is operating in the mid-range of that broad continuum. I see my ideas and views, whether they are positive or negative vis-a-vis other's views, as realistic. So, when people make it clear they feel I am overly optimistic I choose to reject their opinion and I stick with my own. *** Shall we fail or shall we succeed? Shall we buy in when others tell us we will fail? Shall we buy in when others tell us we will succeed? It is all a matter of feelings, thought, and choice. *** Law of Attraction - some go way too far with that thinking. Abundance versus Scarcity mindsets - tough to see value in joining the Scarcity side.

## Thought Tweet #971
Date: 2014-04-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-971/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #971 Doing Work: for most people, working & creating a thing brings more satisfaction than receiving that thing without effort. The Thinking Behind The Tweet This explains why I'm so fond of my hamburgers and building my own gardens.

## Thought Tweet #970
Date: 2014-04-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-970/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #970 Money- it can build quality character...but only if it is earned with effort, over time. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Money is an illustration of Value. Money is an extrinsic reward...something we give and get in exchange for other things and actions of Value. Extrinsic rewards are fleeting. So, money provides some short-term gratification then that gratification dissolves. When extrinsic rewards are received too quickly or in too-large amounts the gratification can become like an overdose drug...and dysfunctional behaviour follows...hubris, inflated ego, etc. When extrinsic rewards are received at a steady pace, in positive better-than-average amounts, the feeling of gratification is balanced...and this is comforting. One example of this comfort is the repeated confirmation that there is no need to fear poverty. And this sort of comfortable gratification feeds and grows self-confidence...which leads to enhancements of character. In this way, money earned over time can help a person build quality character.

## Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Date: 2014-04-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/repeat-repeat-repeat/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Chinese Proverb: The palest ink is better than the strongest memory. So we must repeat, repeat, repeat. Many people get annoyed when other people forget this or that. I smile and remind myself to repeat, repeat, repeat. Actually - I use an autosuggestion [self-talk] process of repeating to myself the message "I must repeat my messages to others". In this way I am certainly practising what I am preaching. *** Tip: If you want to reduce your stress levels then focus your attention on how you feel when you find yourself in a situation where someone did not follow your instruction or, in some other way, didn't receive the message you were trying to send . If you feel annoyed by other people's failure to get your message or failure to remember your message or failure to act on your message then - replace your annoyance with a healthy dose of repetition. And, while you do the repetition test your pulse regularly to make sure you are not feeling annoyed. Plan as you would for any important task. Set strategies and tactics for repeating, repeating, repeating. Then go about repeating your messages calmly and clearly and: watch how repetition helps improve other people's ability to remember and take action, watch how repetition improves results...the results you desire, watch how repetition reduces your stress level, and watch how repetition improves your attitude.

## Thought Tweet #969
Date: 2014-04-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-969/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #969 If you feel you don't have time - Listen to someone. See how slowly time moves? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Oh...I see...how silly of me...I should have known you are too busy to listen. I should have noticed your inability to make eye contact, your looking over my shoulder, your interruptions...it all makes sense...you are too busy.

## Thought Tweet #968
Date: 2014-04-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-968/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet # 968 You don't have enough time. I guess you have less time than other more successful people. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Maybe you will have more time later...yes...that's it...you will catch up to successful people later. [We must do our parts to stamp out " I'm too busy! " & " I don't have time! "]

## Thought Tweet #967
Date: 2014-04-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-967/ | Categories: Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #967 Time management tip: file files. Their name lets us know what we are supposed to do with them. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Well...that is why they call them files isn't it? I mean - those things don't have that name because of some other qualities...shouldn't we do our part to help them live up to their name yet not be confused with their less-flexible, more-abrasive cousins?

## Good Habits - good working habits - take time to grow and take hold.
Date: 2014-04-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-habits-good-working-habits-take-time-to-grow-and-take-hold/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Solutions & Opportunities

Band-aids stop the bleeding when we keep the cuts small enough. And a series of band-aids is better than a series of bleeding cuts. Better to implement a small, workable Solution now than delay action while waiting for the arrival of a more-complete, proven solution. People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things . If you are doing something and you know it is not working then you have identified a Bad Habit...i.e., a habit that is not taking your closer to your goals. To get on the right track, the track that takes you toward you goals, you can either create the proven Good Habit or you can try a New Thing. If the New Thing works and you repeat doing it then that New Thing becomes your Good Habit. If the New Thing does not work and you have your eyes and ears open to learn from the experience then the New Thing becomes a step toward a Good Habit.

## Thought Tweet #966
Date: 2014-03-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-966/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #966 ' To Do ' lists often fail. Whereas ' To Do ' + ' Why Do ' = Success. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Thinking about interests, purpose, definite chief aim, definite purpose, and Simon Sinek's' ' Start With Why '... If nothing else ' Why Do ' provides context. That's the worst-case scenario. The best-case scenario is a buy-in on Values and Vision and Purpose. Adding ' Why Do ' to ' To Do '...well there's no downside...and much upside.

## Assaulting Self-Esteem
Date: 2014-03-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/assaulting-self-esteem/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

When we assault self-esteem it either fights back or shrinks away. When it fights back much energy is wasted cleaning up the relationship damage. When it shrinks away it is either lost or its return is so elusive much energy is spent recapturing it. Either way, an assault on self-esteem is guaranteed to eat up energy...just to get back to the way things were before the assault. Gives us a couple of choices...Choosing not to assault self-esteem and conserving our energy for other actions...Choosing to assault self-esteem and destine ourselves to wasting energy. The better choice seems clear enough.

## Thought Tweet #965
Date: 2014-03-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-965/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Humour, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #965 On Incompetence Road: we stumble over people and processes; we get bogged down in problems' potholes and ruts. The Thinking Behind The Tweet There are lots of potholes where I drive and I listen to self-help CDs while I am driving. Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . Like roads, some Situations contain potholes.

## Thought Tweet #964
Date: 2014-03-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-964/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #964 Problems gang up and hunt us down when we try to hide or shrink away. The Thinking Behind The Tweet People say, " Misery enjoys company ." I say, " Problems enjoy company and Misery gets dragged along in the wake of Problems. "

## Sense of Accomplishment
Date: 2014-03-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sense-of-accomplishment/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

When it comes to work, does sense of accomplishment mean anything to you? Do you think work is a necessary evil, devoid of anything satisfying or fulfilling? Or, do you experience gratification when you complete a work-task? Are you proud when your work-tasks are well done? When you struggle with or fail at work-tasks, do you experience negative feelings like frustration, annoyance, or even anger? Or, when your work-tasks go poorly do you feel little one way or the other? Does your work trigger a sense of accomplishment ? If your work does not trigger a sense of accomplishment , why do you subject yourself to doing it? Do you think your work is the place where you exchange your time and effort doing things that provide you no internal rewards for money...that is, you get paid? If so, do you think that's sustainable? Do you think you can carry on working without positive feelings...working on and on like that until the day comes when you don't work any more? Will your job survive if you approach your job that way? Will your employer want to keep you? Whether or not you are still there, will your place of work survive with workers who approach their jobs that way?

## Thought Tweet #963
Date: 2014-03-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-963/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #963 Here's what's in the cards: If we don't deal Solutions to Problems then Problems deal Stress to us. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Problems don't care how busy we are. Problems don't care how smart we are. Problems only react to what we do. Problems gang up and hunt us down when we try to hide or shrink away.

## Control your ANTs and Influence People
Date: 2014-03-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/control-your-ants-and-influence-people/ | Categories: Influencing, Optimism & Pessimism, Personalities @ Work

Control of Automatic Negative Thoughts is a way for improving the quality of one's life. Control of Automatic Negative Thoughts is also a way to expand one's ability to Influence other people.

Dr Daniel Amen identified a problem that impairs people's happiness and success in life. He called the problem "ANTs"...Automatic Negative Thoughts. *** Control of Automatic Negative Thoughts is a way to improve the quality of one's life 1 . Control of Automatic Negative Thoughts is also a way to expand one's ability to Influence other people. *** "Summary of A.N.T. Species 2 : "Always" thinking: thinking in words like always, never, no one, every one, every time, everything. Focusing on the negative: only seeing the bad in a situation. Fortune telling: predicting the worst possible outcome to a situation. Mind reading 3 : believing that you know what another person is thinking, even though they haven't told you. Thinking with your feelings: believing negative feelings without ever questioning them. Guilt beatings: thinking in words like "should, must, ought or have to." Labeling: attaching a negative label to yourself or to someone else. Personalization: innocuous events are taken to have personal meaning. Blame: blaming someone else for your own problems." Footnotes The process of controlling ANTs is a method [say, cognitive behavioural therapy method] of moving from pessimism toward optimism . Source: AHHA Self-Help Articles Collection link Mind reading: An important example is jumping to conclusions about other people's Intentions . Another important example of jumping to conclusions is Attribution Bias. *** Attribution Bias - source Wikipedia "In psychology , an attribution bias or attributional bias is a cognitive bias that refers to the systematic errors made when people evaluate and/or try to find reasons for their own and others' behaviors. People constantly make attributions regarding the cause of their own and others’ behaviors; however, attributions do not always accurately mirror reality. Rather than operating as objective perceivers, people are prone to perceptual errors that lead to biased interpretations of their social world."

## Thought Tweet #962
Date: 2014-03-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-962/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #962 Why not set up some self-hurdles that make it real tough to jump to conclusions. The Thinking Behind The Tweet ...unless you can think of a better way.

## On Influence
Date: 2014-03-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-influence/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Influencing, Integrity, Leaders' Thoughts, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Influence is the magical part of leadership. Influence is the magic that allows leaders to convert Vision and Desire into amazing actions and thrilling accomplishments. So...How does one positively Influence others along the road to success? Q: Does one need to be Intelligent ? A: Yes. Q: Does one need to master Self-Control ? A: Yes Q: Does one have to have Integrity ? A: Yes...if the success is to be constructive and sustained. Q: Does one have to know People, Processes, & Situations ? A: Yes. Q: Any other things? A: Yes... here's 5 ...and here's 5 more ...and here's another 5 ...and there's more . *** What do the wise have to say about Influence? My favourite inspirational educator, Napoleon Hill said... "Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." One of my heroes, Napoleon Bonaparte, said... "The herd seek out the great, not for their sake but for their influence; and the great welcome them out of vanity or need." Dale Carnegie, who wrote the book on how to win friends and influence people, said... “When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity.” Clint Eastwood, a widely respected Hollywood icon, said... "It takes tremendous discipline to control the influence, the power you have over other people's lives." And an unknown author said... "Influence may be the highest level of human skills." *** If you want to be a great leader, or a good leader, or even a leader who accomplishes a few meaningful things...it's tough to argue that last point. PS: Sustained positive Influence is the cause that leads to trust .

## Thought Tweet #961
Date: 2014-03-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-961/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #961 We never should have agreed to ' Show & Tell '. We should have insisted on ' Show '. The Thinking Behind The Tweet ' Telling ' ain't halfway near what it's cut out to be. Reminds me of my early career when we had a Mel Sell and a Mel Tell. Actually it was probably Mel Tel but nobody ever wrote it. They just said it.

## Thought Tweet #960
Date: 2014-03-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-960/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #960 The great teachers didn't dwell on stress. They focused on the human virtues. The Thinking Behind The Tweet 'Stressed' is a modern mindset. Stressed: don't forget it's just a reverse palindrome for desserts.

## Thought Tweet #959
Date: 2014-03-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-958/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #959 People think 600-700 words per minute. People talk 100-200 words per minute. Most people listen...maybe 8 or 10? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Listening - a little bit goes a long way. Just imagine what could be accomplished by a lot of listening.

## Processes & Situations - The Keys to Influencing People
Date: 2014-03-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/processes-situations-the-keys-to-influencing-people/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing

Knowing this, good leaders anticipate Situations. Knowing this, good leaders create winning Situations.

As part of our ongoing effort to seek simple, Spirited Leaders arrived at the conclusion - Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Processes, & Situations . We have written about Business Contains Only 3 Things . We have also written much about People ...and Processes ...and Situations ...and the interplay between these '3 Things', The Only 3 Things in Business . Processes and Situations have a huge impact on People's behaviour. Expressed another way, People react to Processes and Situations and adjust their behaviour, either consciously or unconsciously, to fit their perceptions of the Processes and Situations. Processes & People: Communication is a Process. We have the ability to choose how the communication process happens. Communication process involves different transmitters, receivers, media, timing & pace, content, tone, style, etc. When People experience communication Process they react to it. If they are comfortable with the communication process then people tend to be more receptive and behave in positive ways. If they are not comfortable - if they are uncomfortable with the communication process - then they tend to be less receptive and behave in ways that are consistence with avoidance or resistance. We know people react to the packaging of the message. Yet, often, that is forgotten. Often, people feel/think they are too busy to take the time to package their communications: they don't plan the communication process, they just let communication happen. Then, they find other people do not respond well to their messages. Consequently, they fail to accomplish the things they desire. Perhaps, the following picture will help these people... If you want to influence People's behaviour, you need to make sure your Processes support 'Influence'. Particularly, pay attention to communication processes. And, if you want to influence People pay attention to Situations... Develop an understanding of Situations and how they affect People's behaviour: Study Situations - which ones align with success and which ones do not? Observe how People react in certain key/crucial Situations - what might you be able to do to bring about the behaviours you want? Anticipate Situations - like the moves in a chess game, most People reactions can be anticipated Adjust your behaviour in Situations - self-control is the first step...then there is much more Plan & design Situations - this is the leader's obligation Pave the path for 'Influence'. Spend more time thinking about and developing expertise covering Processes and Situations...

## Thought Tweet #958
Date: 2014-03-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-957-2014/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #958 When confusion rains it is crying out for influence. Situation Confusion - Response Influence. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations. Some Situations cry out confusion. When those Situations cry out...show them your best Influence.

## About attention-to-detail errors
Date: 2014-03-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-attention-to-detail-errors/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Solutions & Opportunities

A thought. If a person makes attention-to-detail mistakes at the start of a new job then the person will likely struggle with attention-to-detail errors in the future. It seems to me people show their best stuff early. And attention-to-detail is a skill a person can control/influence with relative ease. For example, people ought to find it easier to fix attention-to-detail errors than fix decision-logic errors. I'm thinking about two types of attention-to-detail errors: Content-Transfer Mistakes : mistakes made while transferring information. Examples include mixing up numbers [like writing 632 instead of 623] and making typos. My point is: if a person makes typos when they arrive in a new job that relies on correct typing then it is highly likely they will make typos throughout their tenure in the role. Perhaps, there are 2 general causes for the typos: (1) the person lacks the ability…in this case to spell or use a keyboard and (2) the person lacks the ability to focus/attend…i.e., lacks the skill known as attention to detail. In the first case, if a person cannot spell or use a keyboard and the person’s role demands correct spelling and the use of keyboards then the person will struggle with the role. In the second case, if the person cannot muster attention to detail when they are arriving in a new role then the likelihood of them mustering attention to detail in the future is questionable. Pattern-Recognition Mistakes : mistakes linked to failure to be able to properly identify patterns & [using the word ‘patterns’ in a broad sense, including 'concepts']. An example that highlights the difference between this type of mistake and content-transfer mistakes: if you asked a person to copy and data-enter the sentence “ Mary had a little lamb ” and the person data-entered “ Mary had a litle cat ” then the mis-spelled word ‘litle’ would be a content-transfer error while the surprising arrive of the word ‘cat’ could illustrate a pattern-recognition error. It is possible that the person replaced the word ‘lamb’ with the word ‘cat’ because the person has trouble recognizing the difference between small four-legged animals. This sort of pattern-recognition mistake is very common in young children. It happens in business too…not, of course, in as strange an example as “Mary had a little cat”. As a business example from my past experiences in the energy sector: we thought and talked a lot about things like kW [kiloWatt] and kWh [kiloWatthour]. The two symbols ‘kW’ and ‘kWh’ are similar, however, they mean different things. The first is a measurement of ‘power’ and the second is a measurement of ‘energy’. When I first saw people typing ‘kW’ when they should have typed ‘kWh’ I thought they were making typos…i.e., I thought they were making content-transfer errors…I thought their brains were thinking ‘kWh’ but between brains and fingers an error message happened that caused fingers to type ‘kW’. Later, I learned some people did not understand the difference between the engineering concept/pattern known as ‘energy’ and the engineering concept/patter known as ‘power’. I was alarmed to find people, some of them engineers, were actually making pattern-recognition mistakes when I thought their mistakes were sloppy typing. Clearly, it is much more difficult to teach people the difference between ‘energy’ and ‘power’ than it is to teach them how to type ‘kWh’ and ‘kW’. Now, as you might be able to imagine, from time to time all of this took a serious turn for the worse when the people making the kW/kWh errors provided energy advice to industrial-energy buyers. Two points: It is important to give thought to the types of errors people make. If we understand the nature of the errors we have a better ability to help people overcome them. That said, if people make errors like attention-to-detail errors when they first arrive in a job there is a high likelihood there will be future problems. We should not ignore the warning sign or assume it’s just jitters caused by ‘newness in the role’.

## Thought Tweet #957
Date: 2014-03-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-957/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #957 Don't wait. Seek problems. Be selective. Build business. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Problems happen. Or we cause them. Reactions happen. Or we choose them.

## Intrinsic, Extrinsic, & Leadership
Date: 2014-03-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/intrinsic-extrinsic-leadership/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Influencing, Spirited Leaders

When our internal drives influence our thoughts and actions...that's Intrinsic Influence. When external forces work to influence our thoughts and actions...that's Extrinsic Influence. When internal drives and external forces align to influence our thoughts and actions...that's Motivation at its best. When we exert external forces in an effort to influence others' thoughts and actions...that's manipulation. When we work to align our external forces with other people's internal drives to influence others' thoughts and actions...either consciously or unconsciously...that's Leadership. *** Internal - Intrinsic External - Extrinsic Both = Influence = Leadership

## Thought Tweet #956
Date: 2014-03-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-956/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #956 Upon joining those people who regularly say " I don't have time " you too can make bad decisions. The Thinking Behind The Tweet ...and you too can delegate poorly. ...and you too can miss Opportunities as they, most definitely, pass you by.

## Thought Tweet #955
Date: 2014-03-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-955/ | Categories: Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #955 Take care that cost-cutting & cost-controlling don't neuter your success-focused efforts. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When it comes to business, I've always favoured growing revenue and gross margin over controlling and cutting costs. *** Often, people make the wrong cost-cuts and introduce the wrong cost-controls when times are tough. Which reminds me... "Never trust the advice of a man in difficulties." Aesop

## Thought Tweet #954
Date: 2014-03-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-954/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #954 Trust is Influence's sweet spot. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If a tennis racquet can have a sweet spot, so can Influence. If you wanted to pave the path for Influence and you could only have one thing... *** From Wikipedia... "In a social context, trust has several connotations. Definitions of trust typically refer to a situation characterised by the following aspects: One party (trustor) is willing to rely on the actions of another party (trustee); the situation is directed to the future. In addition, the trustor (voluntarily or forcedly) abandons control over the actions performed by the trustee. As a consequence, the trustor is uncertain about the outcome of the other's actions; they can only develop and evaluate expectations. The uncertainty involves the risk of failure or harm to the trustor if the trustee will not behave as desired." *** But... How to build trust? ...Living with Integrity is a very good start.

## Affixing Labels of Blame
Date: 2014-03-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/affixing-labels-of-blame/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities

When problems arise in business, as they have a habit of doing more or less all the time, some of us have a need to apply labels of blame . I mean, some of us cannot begin to work on fixing a problem until we firmly fix the blame for the problem onto a person or persons. For some of us, affixing blame is the first step in problem solving and the second step in problem solving (if there is a second step) is entirely dependent upon what happened during the affixing-the-blame step. If the affixing-the-blame step goes smoothly and the blame tightly clings to the other person then the second step often involves a quick washing hands clean of the problem: as in - not my problem, your problem...look & see...the problem is affixed to you...so you fix it. This Affixing Labels of Blame strategy has the advantages of being quick and effective for the hand-washer. In other words: I've affixed the problem on you so you're stuck with it and my hands are clean so I will get on with other work. This Affixing Labels of Blame strategy has the disadvantages of really annoying other people [as you kick them when they are down] and depriving problems of access to their best solutions. Tied to this Affixing Labels of Blame strategy, are the mindsets: I'm not going to invest time or effort on this problem unless you balk at being stuck with it, in which case I will repeat my opinion that it is your problem not mine and Sooner or later, if you do not fix the problem and that failure annoys me then I will conclude you are incompetent and I will reserve the right to express that opinion to other people . *** Some people take a different approach to business problems. Rather than feeling the need to first affix the blame, some people feel a need to understand the problem. Recognizing business contains only 3 things - people, process, & situations - they feel the need to understand the situation and the processes surrounding the problem. This need drives them to understand the problem then resolve it. As they go about understanding the situations and processes that have caused the problem they do not affix blame on people. They go beyond not affixing blame. They take extra care to communicate in ways that diffuse the fear of criticism experienced by others. They understand many people are so accustomed to being the brunt of blame-labels they have developed self-protection habits, which they perform as soon as 'their problems' become the topic under discussion. Some problem-solvers understand self-protection is a normal part of the human condition. They know their skin is thicker so they have less need than others to be self-protective. They don't feel the need to criticize others about self-protection or ferret out that fact of life in ways that humble or humiliate others. Some problem-solvers view affixing blame as damaging, counter-productive, and a waste of quality time and effort. How do you approach problems? How do you react/respond when problems are brought to you: By co-workers/peers? By your boss? By people who report to you? Do you alter your approach to 'fit' the person? When people arrive with their problems, do you push away, kiss up, and beat down? Do you practice the good habit of working first to understand the processes & situations around problems? Or, are you stuck on that bad habit known as Affixing Labels of Blame ?

## Thought Tweet #953
Date: 2014-03-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-953/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #953 If you can convince yourself you are too busy then you too can make worse decisions. The Thinking Behind The Tweet It's all in the way you hold your mind. You do not have to take the time required to make good decisions. It is your prerogative to make lousy decisions and nobody can take that right away from you. There's probably no better way to make lousy decisions than holding in your mind the thoughts, " I am too busy " and " I don't have time ". If you put your mind to it you will find your mind will warm to the habit of " I am too busy " and " I don't have time ". And soon, very soon, you will be able to make really lousy decisions.

## Do as I say and don't expect me to give myself the same advice.
Date: 2014-03-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-as-i-say-and-dont-expect-me-to-give-myself-the-same-advice/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

There's an old saying, " Do as I say, not as I do ." That saying captures the fact people provide advice to others that is totally inconsistent with the actions they display to others. Why do we instruct one way and act the opposite way? We do we give advice to others that is inconsistent with our self-advice? Do we treat others harshly and cut ourselves slack? Yes and yes...frequently. Do we provide better advice to others than we provide to ourselves? Yes...frequently. Why do we do these things? In a word - Emotions. Each of us has long-lasting and deep relationships with our emotions. Each of us has formed habits that are laced up in the emotion-legacies we experience as feelings. And, while our own emotions hold strong influence over us, we have far less ability to empathize with the emotions and feelings experienced by others. Consequently, the advice we give to ourselves is wrapped up in our emotional baggage while the advice we give to others is not (or, at least, the emotional baggage around it is much thinner). Does that imply the advice we provide to others is better than the advice we give to ourselves? Yes...at least the cold, hard logic of the advice is better. On the other hand...No. The other person will quickly wrap up our logical advice in his or her own emotional baggage and so our advice will be distorted and, in the vast majority of situations, it will not be followed. Put another way, the other person will tend to cut himself or herself the same emotion-wrapped slack we would apply to ourselves. All of this seems to point to the value of building something like 'reverse psychology' into the advice we provide to others. We can do this by refraining from giving advice to others and instead let others know the advice we would provide to ourselves if we were in the same situation. Then, we could be candid about the quality of our self-advice. We could let the other person know our self-advice has the habit of being laced with logic-defying emotional baggage. We could let the other person know our self-advice is quite often flawed to dysfunctional. All that said, the person may give thought to his or her own self-advice, inject some emotion-defying logic into it, and actually follow it. That would be a constructive outcome. Later, seeing the positive results of the advice self-selected by the other person, we could choose to follow the advice we did not give. Then that old saying could be altered to - " Do as you say and I'll do as you do ." Wouldn't that be a win-win!

## Thought Tweet #952
Date: 2014-03-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-952/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #952 Wow! Emotions sure make some quick, wild, & crazy decisions. The Thinking Behind The Tweet And - Emotions delegate erratically & poorly. Emotions: astonishing, provocative, & ubiquitous ways of going about business.

## Thought Tweet #951
Date: 2014-03-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-951/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #951 The processes you use when you communicate influence people more than the logic you express. The Thinking Behind The Tweet According to Chip Heath and Dan Heath ['Decisive', 2013] " When the researchers compared whether process or analysis was more important in producing good decisions - those that increased revenues, profits, and market share - they found that "process mattered more than analysis - by a factor of six ." " Good Decision Making relies on good decision-making processes. Good Influencing relies on good influence-making processes. And Business Contains Only 3 Things : People, Processes, & Situations

## Thought Tweet #950
Date: 2014-03-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-950/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #950 When people arrive with their problems, do you push away, kiss up, and beat down? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people... Push Away when peers and co-workers visit with problems, Kiss Up when bosses visit with problems, & Beat Down when subordinates and other junior employees visit with problems. These practices are death knells for their small businesses.

## Thought Tweet #949
Date: 2014-03-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-949/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #949 Emotions wrap themselves tightly around thoughts about pain of loss...squeezing logic out. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The emotions around loss weigh in heavier than the emotions around gain. Psychologists' experiments confirm we place much higher value on avoiding the pain of loss than we place on obtaining the pleasure of gain. This defies logic. But - let's not forget - logic-defiance is the territory of emotions .

## Gone are the days...
Date: 2014-03-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gone-are-the-days/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities

Leadership roles in small-business are undergoing a fast-paced transition. Leaders who fail to understand the transition and alter their ways will learn very-painful lessons. They will bounce back from the painful lessons, at least many of them will (because Canadians are cut from resilient fabric). Regardless, the lessons will be painful and costly. This is a suggestion on how to avoid that pain and that cost. If we want to lead in a small-business environment, it is helpful to remember... You will do better when you help others solve their problems and Most of the problems others at your company are working on affect you. Wait just a minute here! Are you trying to say I cannot sit in my silo, protected from the problems happening in other areas of my company? Yes. That's exactly my point. If you want to lead in a small-business environment, forget about silos, safe havens, and isolated work responsibilities. None of those things exist for leaders in small businesses. Note: These points do not apply to just 'The Leader' of your small business. These points apply to 'Every Leader' of every small business. And, every person in every small business has the ability to choose whether or not he or she wants to employ leadership ways in his or her role. Another Note: In today's small-business climate, every person should consider the value of accepting at least a small amount of leadership responsibility. Even if the reason is solely a selfish one - to make the company a little bit better to help protect one's job and one's pay - every person should think about how he or she can take leadership action. And A Final Note: In today's small-business climate, every person who has a supervisory or management role must accept responsibility for more leadership thinking and action. Gone are the days that contained the luxuries of extra and redundant staffing and layers of management. Gone are the days that contained pure-specialist senior roles. And gone are the days of fat cash-flows. Today's small-business climate requires leaders to have a broad and deep understanding of their organization. That broad and deep understanding includes the premise that all small-business roles must be performed as if they are vital, interlinked cogs that must operate in tune with all other fellow cogs...because that's exactly what they are and that's exactly what they must do if the business is to succeed.

## Thought Tweet #948
Date: 2014-03-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-948/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #948 If you want to teach people how to drink water, don't stuff garden hoses down their throats. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Good things come in small packages. Good education comes in small packages. If you want to teach people how to drink water, provide them repeated opportunities to gain experience sipping from small, half-full drinking glasses. *** If you want to teach people how to drink water, bring the right tools...bring simple tools, like drinking glasses...no garden hoses...no fire hoses...no artesian well trackers or fancy 24-hour, on-demand pumps or state-of-the-art osmosis gizmos... ...just drinking glasses.

## Thought Tweet #947
Date: 2014-03-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-947/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #947 Fear is neither our birthright nor our destiny...it is simply a bad habit we picked up and chose to live with...or overcome. The Thinking Behind The Tweet To overcome fear people must do small amounts of the thing they fear and experience small successes. Positive thinking is helpful. Positive action is truly powerful. Fear crumbles when assaulted repeatedly by methodical small actions.

## Fear of Failure
Date: 2014-03-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/fear-of-failure/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Optimism & Pessimism

I recently read an article posted at the Engineering Leadership LinkedIn Group. In the article, the author stated fear of failure “ is something like a bad heritage from our ancestors ”. I shared the following thoughts... What an interesting viewpoint…genetic predisposition to fear failure… Certainly we are born with the ‘ability to fear’. [We see evidence of that when newborns respond to loud noises.] But, are we born with a predisposition to ‘fear failure’? I mean, are we genetically wired to fear failure? Or, do we learn to fear failure? To the extent we accept we learn to fear failure we can be confident we can reverse that learning and learn to not fear failure. To the extent we accept we are hard-wired to fear failure we are less confident about our ability to overcome the fear of failure. *** I prefer to believe we are born with the ability to fear and our reactions to life experiences determine the role fear plays in our lives. I believe about 25% of people are predisposed to be natural-born optimists , 25% of people are predisposed to be natural-born pessimists, and the remaining 50% are predisposed to be middle-of-the-road optimist-pessimists. I also believe those who are not natural-born optimists can increase their level of optimism if they choose to work at it. If our experiences have caused us to fear failure then we can remedy that if we want to and are prepared to work at it. To remove fear of failure we must first take steps to understand the specifics about our fears of failure, which may be quite different than the fears of failure experienced by others. We cannot fix our overall fear of failure so we must isolate each specific fear of failure and work on one at a time. When we work on a single fear of failure, we need to take baby steps of action aimed in the direction of the failure we fear. As an example, consider the fear of failing at Public Speaking. Many people fear public speaking because they, for one reason or another, believe they will fail when they 'public speak'. They believe their public-speaking failure will be accompanied by negatives such as criticism or ridicule and those negatives will lead to embarrassment or loss of stature or some other form of pain. To overcome this fear of failure, the person needs to experience a small success tied to performing a small act of speaking in public. This first step can be done very easily. Here's how: take the person to lunch and ask a simple question...any simple question will do...for example, you can ask " What do you think of the weather? " When the person answers the question, bring it to his or her attention that he or she just public spoke without experiencing any fear or any failure. Compliment the person on his or her public speaking success. Then progress the public-speaking activity slowly...building on that first, small, positive, successful step. NOTE: There is no need to send the fearful person to a public-speaking course. In fact, that would be a mistake, a particularly damaging mistake if it is done early in the process of overcoming the fear. To overcome fear of failure, people need to experience small doses of exposure to the feared task and experience small successful actions. This is especially important during the early steps of change...when sensitivities will be running high. And, to maximize your ability to help - lighten it up...use your positive personality...and a little properly placed humour will guide attention in constructive directions and help reduce negative feelings such as anxiety.

## Thought Tweet #946
Date: 2014-03-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-946/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #946 Small stuff is like a sponge. If you sweat over it long enough it becomes so big & heavy it drags you under. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Nothing beats fear of failure when it comes to causing people to sweat the small stuff. Fear of Failure...one of the 6 Fears identified by Napoleon Hill in his classic ' Think and Grow Rich ', (1937).

## About Perfectionists
Date: 2014-03-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-perfectionists/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Delegation & Decisions, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Wouldn’t it be interesting if perfectionists would allow us to walk step-by-step with them as they perform their perfectionist role. When they are being the perfectionist - do they think much, or are they simply compelled to do...and do...and do? When perfectionists think, is their thinking confined to ruts where thoughts keep repeating while actions are stalled? When perfectionists think, what are they thinking? Are their thoughts like those of non-perfectionists except more textured or broader in scope? Or are perfectionists' thoughts nonsensical or scattered or bizarre? To what extent are perfectionists’ thoughts being dragged along by feelings of need or worry or criticism? Are perfectionists' thoughts always dragged along by negative feelings? Or, are perfectionists' thoughts sometimes laced with positive feelings...or mania? To what degree are perfectionists driven to create? Is perfectionist-behaviour aligned with building value or is it simply driven by an extra-strong interest in doing things right ? Perhaps an in-depth understanding of perfectionists’ mindsets and thought processes would put us in a much better position to help them…assuming they need, want, and are ready to accept our help. Or... Is perfectionism in business a dysfunction by its very name? Is perfectionism a dysfunction that a leader simply cannot ignore...a signal that corrective action is a must? In business, doing things right is a good thing. Like everything in business, there are costs associated with doing things right ...at the least, there are the costs of time spent. And, perfectionists overspend their time. Others know this. That's likely how the label 'perfectionist' came about in the first place. So, perfectionists are inclined to spend too much time on things as they work to do those things the right way. That sounds conflicted. Where does perfectionism end and indecision start? Or - do these 2 things overlap? Or - is perfectionism an exaggerated form of indecision...one destined to to thwart both good decisions and delegation? Questioned another way... Is perfectionism the antidote for decisiveness? If so, as we work at doing things right in business, can indecision help us achieve better results?

## Thought Tweet #945
Date: 2014-02-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-945/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #945 Simple tools support the best solutions. Even chimps know that. The Thinking Behind The Tweet and

## We have fears. And, sometimes, fears have us.
Date: 2014-02-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-have-fears-and-sometimes-fears-have-us/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Fear can freeze us on the spot, rendering us helpless, humbled, and humiliated. Fear can gnaw away at us for long periods of time, slowly but surely, bite after bite, consuming our energy and killing our will to press on or fight. Fear can overwhelm our self-control, allowing our emotions to spill out in embarrassing ways. Fear can cloud our judgment, making us think like victims and see others as oppressors. Sometimes when fears engulf us we cannot get the picture of most-dire outcomes out of our minds. Other times we see only unknowns. Regardless, when fear has its hold on us outcomes seem to be beyond our control. Despite all these challenges - despite all the negatives fears bring to our lives - we possess fears. We possess fears. And sometimes fears possess us. Why? Why do we possess fears? It seems fears have a home somewhere in our DNA. Much argument has been made in support of the survival-value of emotions and the fears that follow emotions. Without fear of sabre-tooth cats and other predators our ancestors would have been short-lived and we would not be here. Without the fear of fire we would all have many more burn scars. Yes, some fears serve a useful purpose. There are good and positive reasons why we possess the ability to fear. But - why do fears possess us? And - can we do anything to change that? Why do fears possess us? Because its roots are linked with survival, fear is a naturally powerful mindset. When the mindset of fear is repeated it has strong habit-forming potential. A few bee stings generate a life-long wariness. If the bee-wary person has the ability to avoid bees then the habit of bee-wariness is a good one. If, for some reason, the person believes he or she lacks the ability to avoid bees then the bee-wariness habit can become a bad habit...a neurosis...a phobia...or even a psychosis. Then, the fear of bees possesses the person and this can cause much distress. When a fear possesses - what can be done? Can the person remove the bad-habit fear? Yes - for most people, most bad-habit fears can be reduced and removed. The key is to understand fears are natural. They started with survival roots and they were so well fed they grew beyond good habits into bad habits. Regardless of how they grew, the best way to remove bad-habit fears is step-by-step correction. For example, if a person fears bees then the person could overcome the fear by taking steps like these: See a picture of a bee Then get comfortable enough to hold the picture Then see a live bee from a safe distance, say from an adjoining room through a window Then watch another person sit in the room with the bee Then put on a beekeeper's outfit Then enter the room with the bee Then take off part of the beekeeper's outfit, say one glove Then remove the entire outfit and sit in the room with the bee Then get comfortable allowing the bee to buzz around Then let the bee land on one of your arms Then add more bees to the room Etc. Remarkable, permanent results have been achieved using step-by-step escalated exposures to remedy fears. There are many other methods for easing and removing fears after we stop possessing them because they possess us. The starting point is to identify the fear and commit to removing the bad habit it has become. The key is to take small steps that contain enough control over the situation so a sufficient level of comfort is maintained as positive change progresses.

## Gut Feel: Insight...or just hunger and bad habits?
Date: 2014-02-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gut-feel-insightor-just-hunger-and-bad-habits/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Gut Feel: that's when you have a very strong feeling that isn't backed by logic...like an instinct...a special gift arriving as an insight or intuition Lots of advice about gut feel... it's the true key to success the gift of the creative and the entrepreneurial an overrated and flawed phenomenon something that's likely to get you into trouble So, what should you do? Should you follow your gut feel? Should you be wary of it? Should you pick and choose when to follow and when to ignore your gut feel? If that's best then how do you go about doing that? Some time ago, we spent time defining emotions . Emotions, the way we define them, provide a clue on how to deal with gut feel. In summary, emotions are natural protective mechanisms - built-in genetic mechanisms. They are warning signals. They happen quickly and unconsciously. After they arrive, thoughts follow...either negative thoughts or positive thoughts...stronger rather than weaker thoughts. If a gut feel is flavoured with emotion then we need to step back and think about why this is happening before we follow the gut feel. Intuition and insight do not have to be flavoured by emotion. Intuition and insight can happen without emotion. So, when we have a special insight or intuition we need to consider whether or not it is coupled with emotion. If the gut feel is coupled with emotion then it could be: A Hunger - simply put, it might only be something you crave. If your special insight or intuition is crave-based then you are likely to ignore facts, refuse intelligent input, and make decision errors. A Bad Habit - ask yourself if this gut feel is aligned with your long-term goals. If it is not then it is wrapped up in bad habit. A Gift of Insight and Intuition - however, that will be a rarity. On the other hand, if your gut feel is coupled with feeling rather than emotion then give it some quality attention. It may be true intuition or true insight. Then you will want to heed it and let it add to your life.

## Thought Tweet #944
Date: 2014-02-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-944/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #944 We are selflings : that's got to be a good rather than a bad thing...go with it, at least some of the time. The Thinking Behind The Tweet About that suffix 'ling': yes, often pejorative; but, not always. So, cut other selflings some slack, as they will have to do the same for you to achieve your desires.

## Thought Tweet #943
Date: 2014-02-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-943/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #943 Awe: what an amazing facet of the human condition. We are inspired by Nature. We are inspired by People. The Thinking Behind The Tweet While discussing 'places' with a friend, the importance of awe came clearly to mind.

## Small-business management disconnect and the disappearance of the executive assistant
Date: 2014-02-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/small-business-management-disconnect-and-the-disappearance-of-the-executive-assistant/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities

Yes – in the small-business sector: Small-business owners face expanded challenges, 2ICs, the key people owners rely on the most, are often too self-centered to deliver top value to the leadership team or expand the value the owner brings to the business and its people, & It is getting tougher and tougher to find a skilled executive assistant.

Recently, a friend of mine shared some of his thoughts about the state of the small-business environment. He talked of the small-business owner’s reluctance to spend money on consulting assistance. And, he talked about the difficulty small-business owners experience when they attempt to teach the people they have in key roles how to improve performance…the ‘management disconnect’. And, he talked about the disappearance of the executive assistant. In summary, he described the isolation of small-business owners…men and women who champion business innovation, growth, sustainability, and all the benefits enjoyed by all the people they positively touch. As he talked, I thought about the tremendous drive I have seen over and over in the eyes and actions of small-business owners. As he talked, I thought of the frustrations I have experienced in a consulting role. It is easier to consider then provide quality advice to help another person’s business than it is to consider then provide quality advice to help your own business. That’s why I have used business consultants…and still do. That’s why it is frustrating to watch small-business owners experience relentless problems, many of which should be avoided so the owners can focus more thought and effort on their crucial problems. It is even more frustrating to watch small-business owners struggle at the hands of their key people and, even worse, their business partners. As he talked, I thought about all the small-business owners who have talked to me about their attempts to hire good executive assistants…how, not all that long ago, executive assistants brought so much value to their bosses' business lives…and, it went without saying, also to the business lives of all the people they positively touch: coworkers, clients, and the families of all. Now - quality executive assistants, wherever they are, do not connect with and work with small-business owners. As he talked, I thought about the numerous small-business owners who struggle with hiring, training, and keeping quality 2ICs, people who can expand the value the small-business owner brings to his or her organization. And I thought about the unreasonable demands many 2ICs place on their small-business owner-bosses: unreasonable pay expectations, unwillingness to accept and implement instructions, inflexibility, and inability to change in positive and necessary ways. Yes – in the small-business sector: Small-business owners face expanded challenges, There is a growing rift between owners and key people, Skilled executive assistants are extremely hard to find, & There is a reluctance to invest in help offered by consultants. Yes – these are current problems. And– these problems do not have to be. ...we need to acknowledge them and pick away at solving them.

## Thought Tweet #942
Date: 2014-02-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-942/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #942 Good things don't 'just happen'. First we do good things. Then other good things 'just happen'. Luck is what you make it. The Thinking Behind The Tweet There's human being. There's human doing. And... Luck is what you make it.

## Thought Tweet #941
Date: 2014-02-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-941/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #941 Trust your gut feel...after all, the fast food industry trusts your gut feel. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes your gut feel gets you into trouble...despite the warning signs from your tightening belt.

## Fragility & Thinking Ahead
Date: 2014-02-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/fragility-thinking-ahead/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Sometimes our senses utterly fail us when bad news arrives at our doorstep.

Sometimes our senses utterly fail us when bad news arrives at our doorstep, disrupting our busy lives. And, so, blind and deaf and otherwise oblivious, our feet and brains plod on in their deep ruts. Seeing others scurrying around, frazzled and strained, we wonder, perhaps even with a bit of amusement but with little depth or duration, about their puzzling predicaments. Then, without the least bit of forewarning, so much to our exclamation, the boom lowers harshly on us, turning everything upside down.

## Thought Tweet #940
Date: 2014-02-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-940/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #940 Don't underestimate what other people don't know. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Everyone knows a lot of stuff. But...or...Then...there's an immeasurable amount of stuff that can be known. Everyone has filled their brains with lots of stuff from an unlimited pool of information. Some of the head-fill is planned and intentional; much of the head-fill happens without conscious effort. And again, the pool of head-fill information is enormous in size...immeasurable. So, while everyone has much in their heads the overlap between yours and theirs may be much smaller than you think. Don't underestimate what other people don't know.

## Thought Tweet #939
Date: 2014-02-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-939/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #939 Sometimes it only takes a little prick to burst your bubble. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Criticism, especially pointy little pieces of it, pierces. You can gauge a person by the size of the criticism. And... Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron.

## About Influence
Date: 2014-02-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-influence/ | Categories: Influencing

Here are a few introductory thoughts: When people face new situations or are asked to do new things or change they, either consciously or unconsciously: Assess whether or not they can handle the situation or do the new thing – if they determine they cannot handle it or do it then the change is doomed Assess the value they will obtain, in crass terms “ What’s In It For Me? ” – if they determine the change does not provide enough positive value or remove pain then the change is doomed When people assess the value in changes, emotions weigh heavy and logic takes a small back seat. To maximize your influence and inspire their motivation : First – make sure your requests pass their intrinsic rewards test…as one example, some people take pride in mastery of work – that pride will drive their motivation far more than money Next – make sure you create a social environment that supports the new behaviour you desire…as one example, some people will go the extra mile to ensure they do not let comrades and team-mates down and that ‘social support’ is a much stronger driver when they know others are treating them the same way Finally – make sure the extrinsic rewards fit and promote the desired new behaviour…as one example, as a rule regular annual pay raises do nothing to drive better performance And, don't forget about relationships ...and trust . *** I CAN DO IT I SEE VALUE IN DOING IT I'M INSPIRED WHEN I THINK ABOUT DOING IT I KNOW PEOPLE & PROCESS WILL SUPPORT ME AS I DO IT AND, I SEE SOME OTHER BENEFITS...LIKE MONEY *** OK - I WILL PERFORM THAT CHANGE

## Thought Tweet #938
Date: 2014-02-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-938/ | Categories: Influencing, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #938 Disagree with me and do something amazing. That's the best way to sway me to your thinking. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Who's right is one thing. Doing what's right is another. Actions speak louder than words.

## When differences were settled with cannons
Date: 2014-02-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/interests-cannons/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

In the old sea-days they used cannons to settle differences of interests.

In the old sea-days, differences of interests were settled ... You are the captain of your ship You know your interests and the interests of your ship You see his ship and you believe his interests do not align with yours You clarify your interests and display your cannons for him to see Still, you and he do not see eye to eye Your cannons shoot across his bow A battle ensues You board his ship He agrees to your terms His ship has a new captain

## Thought Tweet #937
Date: 2014-02-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-937/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #937 3 Options for Learning: Reading, Observing, & Experiencing. The Thinking Behind The Tweet R = Reading. O = Observing. E = Experiencing. ROE Sounds a little fishy but it's the only way we learn.

## Thought Tweet #936
Date: 2014-02-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-936/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #936 Learning from practice makes perfect. The Thinking Behind The Tweet There's an old saying, "Practice makes perfect". There's a newer saying, "Perfect practice makes perfect". And I say, "Learning from practice makes perfect". STRENGTH at task = mastery of task = perfect performance of task. STRENGTH = Innate Talent + Opportunity + Specialized Knowledge + Practised Skill...and the practice is required because few get it perfect without practicing. During practice, people err. As they err, smart people learn and make adjustments so their skills improve. With many errors under their belts, persistent people learn how to master tasks. "Learning from practice makes perfect."

## Thought Tweet #935
Date: 2014-02-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-935/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #935 If we understand people, we can help them do process; if we understand process, we can help it serve people. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . Amazing things happen at the interface of People & Process. Sometimes the amazing things are productive, constructive, and laced with the creation of value. Other times, they are stressful, confusing, and dysfunctional. To expand the former and reduce the latter, leaders need to help followers do process and construct processes so they serve people.

## Self-Centered...and more
Date: 2014-02-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/self-centeredand-more/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Leaders' Thoughts, Personalities @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Self-Centred : That's the way we all start out...little, selfish, & needy babies. Then we learn there are other people and, as we grow, we learn how to get along with them. We become Team Players : the more skilled we and our team-mates are at team play, the more success we experience. When we experience a large-enough amount of success over a long-enough period of time

Recently, my friend Ron talked to me about a book he read some time ago that described 3 types of people behaviours: self-centered, team players, and leader/mentors. As my friend talked, this picture popped into my mind: And I thought... Self-Centered : That's the way we all start out...little, selfish, & needy babies. Then we learn there are other people and, as we grow, we learn how to get along with them. We become Team Players : the more skilled we and our team-mates are at team play, the more success we experience. When we experience a large-enough amount of success over a long-enough period of time we possess the ability to lead and mentor other less-experienced and less-skilled people. Leader/Mentor : when we excel in this area we have reached a pinnacle...an achievement...an ability to help others lead.

## Thought Tweet #934
Date: 2014-02-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-934/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #934 Exercise your good habits; exorcise your bad habits. The Thinking Behind The Tweet You gotta love the English language. One letter can make all the difference in the world.

## Stress - how do you measure it?
Date: 2014-02-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stress-how-do-you-measure-it/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Measure & Monitor

Lately, a lot of people have been talking with me about stress. Some people know they are under extreme amounts of stress. Other people really don't know how much stress they are experiencing. They know lots of things are keeping them busy and lots of things and people are annoying or troubling them. But, they don't know whether or not they are under an unhealthy level of stress. I recall reading about the work of JJ Kim and DM Diamond, recognized stress experts. Here's a link to an introduction/sample of their work. Kim & Diamond provide a framework for understanding stress. We may not want to openly admit it...wait a minute...maybe denial contributes to stress levels. You know you are under stress when: You experience an aroused physiological response to Something you would prefer to avoid which is To some degree beyond your control. At first thought, it would seem most of us have the ability to know when our bodies undergo changes. Certainly, most of us know our bodies undergo changes when we are frightened or experience an intrusion or surprise that we would prefer to avoid. However, perhaps we have experienced an annoying thing or person for so long and with such regularity we lose track of the fact our blood pressure has risen or our heart rates have increased. Perhaps stress creeps up on us and causes a stacking of little bricks of stress? Most of us know when we would prefer to avoid a thing or a person. Sometimes we are overly tolerant, putting up with the annoyance...wait a minute...Maybe that contributes to our stress levels. Say, for example, you work in an office environment and one of your co-workers is a first-rate nuisance. Sometimes we choose to be polite in the face of annoyances...Could that contribute to stress levels too? Yes, it likely adds at least a brick or two of stress. And, say you feel you have no control over that nuisance co-worker: the co-worker doesn't report to you and doesn't report to your boss. Yet, your cubicle offers no escape route or hiding spot. This could be delivering bricks of stress to you... *** Some thoughts about Control...that 3rd Kim/Diamond criteria for stress. There's an argument to be made - we have virtually no control over anything. I cannot control you. You cannot control me. Neither of us can control that nuisance co-worker. That nuisance co-worker's boss cannot control that nuisance co-worker. You and I and the nuisance co-worker and our bosses cannot control today's weather, or tomorrow's weather, or next week's sales, or... There's an argument to be made - as Napoleon Hill and many others have done - you and I have ultimate control because we possess the ability to control our thoughts. We do not have to be annoyed by things or people...we can choose to not be annoyed. We can choose to remove our need to control. We can choose to remove our ability to experience stress. *** Egos are magnets for stress. That's a factor to consider. *** Thinking and writing about stress...a great way to not experience it.

## Thought Tweet #933
Date: 2014-02-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-933/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #933 The status quo ain't...and it never will be again. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We can count on change to arrive real soon.

## Reward intrinsically, extrinsically...and is it about efforts or results?
Date: 2014-02-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/reward-intrinsically-extrinsicallyand-is-it-about-efforts-or-results/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

In business, should we reward the efforts people make or the results people achieve? I've seen the following conflicted pieces of advice from the 'experts', the psychologists and the behavioural scientists: reward efforts and don't reward results, praise efforts and reward results, set small, short-term goals and reward results as they are achieved, and be careful when you reward result...you may not like the behaviour behind the results. And, over the last 10 years, there has been much said about how to apply rewards. For example: Is money a reward that motivates people? Some argue "No", intrinsic rewards are the drivers behind motivation, Should we use negative rewards? [I wrote a bit about that in no carrots, no sticks...no donkeys , inspired by seeing Dan Pink in action in 2011], and celebrate failures . In the 2007 book ' INFLUENCER ', Patterson, Grenny et al recommend: Intrinsic rewards come first. Social support, encouragement, and rewards are the essential second step. Then apply extrinsic rewards. Consider the above 3 steps for Influencing. Step #1: Consider your work-situation and the people you work with. When work-tasks are being doled out, do you think any of your people ask themselves questions like: " Can I do this thing? ", " Do I enjoy doing this thing? ", and " What's in it for me if I do this thing? " Likely, you will agree - most people do ask themselves those intrinsic-motivation questions. And, if their answers to those questions are negative then their intrinsic motivation to do the work-tasks will be low. And the next domino...your ability to spark their flames of motivation will be small, perhaps non-existent. You may be able to force the people to do the work, using a 'stick'. However, the behaviour that follows will be lacklustre and the positive results [if they happen at all] will be short-lived. And, of course, think about yourself. How do you behave and perform when you think the tasks are beyond your capability or offer little of interest to you in return for your effort? Step #2: Again, consider the real people in your work-situation. Does your work environment contain social support to enable change? As one example: when changes are in the works do your people rally around the change, helping one another perform the new behaviours? Or, is change more like a bunch of singular events where every man is expected to change for himself and every woman is expected to change for herself? Is the former succeeding? Is the latter failing? In summary - What do your real-life experiences tell you about Step #2: Social support, encouragement, and rewards are the essential second step? Step #3: How much time do you spend considering the effect extrinsic rewards have on your people? For example, does money help motivate your people? Does an annual cost-of-living raise motivate another year of top-notch behaviour? Do you see direct evidence of that? Does a year-end bonus help motivate another year of top-notch behaviour? Do you see direct evidence of that? Can you identify a direct connection between any of those sorts of routine money additions and your people's positive work-behaviour? Or, are money increases more like a 'necessary evil'...a necessary evil because they are required to keep your people from leaving to work elsewhere? When I think through these sorts of questions - how they apply to people I have worked with and how they apply to me - I know: There are times when money motivates behaviour...this motivation is highest when money is short; this motivation is lowest when financial independence has been achieved. I know intrinsic rewards work...when work-tasks are enjoyable, regardless of why they are enjoyable, it is easy to spend the time doing them; when tasks are not enjoyable and the other benefits linked to the tasks are not clear or large enough it is easy to say " I'm too busy " or procrastinate Social support does influence behaviour...most people go the extra mile when they feel they are part of a unified team; most people struggle when they are forced to perform in isolation

## Thought Tweet #932
Date: 2014-02-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-932/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #932 When you say " I don't have time ", what are you really thinking? Why not communicate that real information instead? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Saying " I don't have time " and " I'm too busy " ... those are bad habits. They are bad habits that show how a person can self-brainwash to distract self or others or protect against something. But what? What is really going on behind those false claims?

## Thought Tweet #931
Date: 2014-02-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-931/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #931 Your brain is pre-set to forget most things. What are your doing to override that pre-set...so you remember? The Thinking Behind The Tweet The human brain allows its owner to perceive, encode, store, retrieve, and forget information. Forgetting is an essential operating component. It is natural to forget. It takes no work to forget. It is also natural to remember...but that does not necessarily apply to remember things you want to remember. When you want to remember it is best to have processes to help you make memories last.

## Thought Tweet #930
Date: 2014-02-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-930/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #930 If our ancestors thought and acted like they were too busy they would have been eaten. Then where would we be? The Thinking Behind The Tweet The next time you feel inclined to complain about being too busy think of your ancestors. Wonderful heritage - Evolution didn't let you down. Did it? How about your descendants - what are you passing on to them?

## Stress - some pros and lots of cons
Date: 2014-02-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stress-some-pros-and-lots-of-cons/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

When people feel they are in negative situations and those negative situations are outside of their control they become stressed. When under stress people tend to want to either avoid or fight the cause of the stress. When under stress, people often place the blame on other people. Or, they blame the situation. When under stress, people do not listen or apprehend as well as they do when they are not under stress. And, their ability to remember may also be impaired by stress. A level of stress can lead to positive change and there may be a little truth in " whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger ". Regardless, when they are under extreme stress or stress that is sustained over periods of time [maybe hours, maybe days, maybe longer...depends on the person], most people's perceptions become distorted. And, when perceptions are distorted judgement is distorted. It follows that decisions and interactions with other people are also distorted. And distortion brings problems. Think about these things when you are under stress. Think about these things when you apply stress on other people.

## Thought Tweet #929
Date: 2014-02-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-929/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #929 The devil is in the details...right there beside Opportunities. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The best leaders have an uncanny ability to see both the big picture and the opportunities hidden in the details. And they see both in real time.

## Good leaders were first good followers
Date: 2014-02-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-leaders-were-first-good-followers/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Good leaders were first good followers. When they followed, of course, they had a boss. Maybe that boss was a good leader, maybe not. Regardless, that boss had strengths and weaknesses.

To be a good leader you must first be a good follower. Your ability to lead is limited by your ability to follow. So, good leaders were first good followers. When they followed, of course, they had a boss. Maybe that boss was a good leader, maybe not. Regardless, that boss had strengths and weaknesses. That boss' strengths provided opportunities to learn. That boss' weaknesses provided opportunities to use strengths. And so, the good follower watched, listened, and learned and the good follower used personal strengths. Over time, the good follower developed and improved. Over time, the good follower learned what it takes to become a good leader. To be a good leader you must first be a good follower. Your ability to lead is limited by your ability to follow.

## Thought Tweet #928
Date: 2014-02-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-928/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #928 Some people get annoyed by duplication of effort. Others recognize repetition is a key to learning and remembering. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Efficiency happens when things are done right the first time. Efficiency happens when people learn and remember. Some people view these as mutually exclusive things. Isn't that a shame.

## Thought Tweet #927
Date: 2014-02-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-927/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #927 Pictures help people learn. Pictures help people remember. Cut back on words & increase your use of pictures. The Thinking Behind The Tweet What consumes more time: (A) Fixing communication, learning, & remembering errors or (B) Creating pictures that communicate

## Thought Tweet #926
Date: 2014-02-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-926/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #926 To expand your Influence, learn how to react more constructively to other people's body language. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Show people you get them. Show people you can change. Lead change, by example.

## Good Things come in 3's...including the  ways leaders INFLUENCE
Date: 2014-02-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-things-come-in-3sincluding-the-ways-leaders-influence/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Leaders' Thoughts

Start With WHY Good leaders know people's emotions can be touched and people can become motivated when they understand WHY. WHY messages appeal to emotions. HOW and WHAT messages connect with logic. Emotions drive decisions and inspire action; emotions overrule logic. So, when good leaders communicate they start with why . Stick with INTERESTS Good leaders know disputes can be avoided and disputes can be diffused when people focus on Interests rather than talk about Rights or take action to exercise Power. Interests differ...however, for most people in most situations, one person's Interests do not threaten others. Certainly, they do not threaten others like claims about rights do or like actions that illustrate the use of power do. So, when good leaders communicate they stick with interests . source: Interests, Rights, & Power circles - Mark Weber, UW Talk ADULT to ADULT Transactional Analysis taught that people's behaviour can be described in 3 ways: Parent, Adult, & Child. Parents make demands, Children are told what to do, and Adults do not achieve successful results when they behave like Parents or when they behave like Children. Good leaders know communications are most productive when people behave like Adults [not like Parents, not like Children]. So, when good leaders interact with people they endeavour to talk adult to adult .

## And another 5 ways to Influence
Date: 2014-01-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/and-5-more-ways-to-influence/ | Categories: Abundance, Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Hero Worship, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Understand People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things Good Habits are things people think and do that help them achieve long-term desires and goals. Bad Habits are things that people think and do that do not help them achieve long-term desires and goals. Good leaders use these simple definitions to inject clarity into their lives. Then good leaders work at reducing their performance of Bad Habits and expanding their performance of Good Habits. And, good leaders test New Things...relentlessly seeking more Good Habits . Take Talent To Task Good leaders are fascinated by people's talents. When people's talents show a capability of aligning with the trust of the leader's goals, good leaders ensure the talented person has access to (1) opportunities to put the talent to productive use, (2) specialized knowledge to complement the talent, and (3) time to practice skills to hone the talent into a personal strength. Then good leaders don't leave things to chance - they help people connect personal strengths to important tasks. Don’t force change…construct it with comfort Good leaders know change is constructive only when people are comfortable . And personal and business growth happens when people learn how to expand their comfort zones. Knowing these things, good leaders consider people's comfort/stress levels and design change in increments that help expand comfort zones without triggering the destructive consequences that naturally happen when people are forced into discomfort zones. Good leaders also know this correct approach to change 'dominoes' as confidence escalates. Repeat clearly, " I do have time! " Good leaders know the importance of leading by example. So, they know if they say " I don't have time " or " I'm too busy " their followers will pick up on that, think the same way, talk the same way, and act accordingly...spreading the lack-of-abundance mindset to one and all. Knowing this, good leaders remove the " I don't have time " & " I'm too busy " bad habit from their thoughts and words. They replace the bad habit with good habits: as examples, they apply the 80/20 Rule and they practice abundance thought and solution talk. Change character for the better All great leaders changed their character. Perhaps Abraham Lincoln performed one of the greatest self-transformations. When he was a young man he had the habit of openly criticizing other people. In 1842 Lincoln publicly criticized Illinois state employee James Shields. Shields took exception to the criticism and challenged Lincoln to a duel . The 2 men faced one another with weapons in hands. Fortunately their seconds intervened. Lincoln used the incident as a life-lesson and he chose to change his character for the better...rarely criticizing others. Lincoln 's change of character took him from the dueling field to the White House.

## Thought Tweet #925
Date: 2014-01-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-925/ | Categories: Beyond Business, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #925 Sometimes trouble lurks right beside strength in numbers. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people have natural talents that allow them to be gifted with numbers...it is very evident at an early age. For example, they excel at grade school mathematics. Some of these people are much less gifted when it comes to interacting with people. This may or may not be evident at an early age.

## 5 more ways to Influence
Date: 2014-01-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/5-more-ways-to-influence/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities

Take Immediate Steps to Improve Communication When communication gets off track, straying from the desired direction, good leaders work to improve communication so it returns to the right track. Good leaders do not let interpersonal conflicts fester. They know success relies on a level of harmony between followers. So, when dysfunction is evident they address it. Good leaders communicate to ensure their followers' harmony and focus. Design Tools to Help People Tools serve people...making their lives easier, making their lives more productive, adding quality to their lives...assisting them as they build. Good leaders know the power inherent in tools. Good leaders ensure their people have access to good tools. And, to maximize opportunities for performance good leaders ensure their people have customized tools...creative, customized tools. Focus on Solutions Leaders see solutions. Solutions and solution-thinking are around the essence of leadership. Good leaders connect with followers who are like minded about solutions. Some followers are naturally solution-oriented, others need to learn that problems are the routes to solutions, growth, and opportunities . Leaders do 2 things to promote solution-orientation: they lead by example...and...they teach. Seek Simple When people go about business things can get complicated and that can happen quickly. Good leaders know the difference between simple, complicated, and complex. Good leaders conserve their energy, saving it for the complicated and complex things. One strategy that ensures energy is conserved so it can be put to best use is Seeking Simple ... separating wheat from chaff ...helping followers do the same. Understand Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations " People, Processes, & Situations " is an example of seeking simple. Good leaders know success is all about people...so good leaders invest time connecting with, serving, mentoring, and strengthening good people. Good leaders ensure processes [including tools] serve people, helping people convert actions into results. Good leaders know situations have a most-powerful effect on behaviour, so they plan for and construct situations.

## Thought Tweet #924
Date: 2014-01-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-924/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #924 On your road to Influence...help people remember and share their most productive experiences. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When people recall productive experiences they find themselves on positive 'emotional ground'. When people are on positive 'emotional ground' you improve your ability to influence them toward constructive action. And, when people are on negative 'emotional ground' the opposite is true...so, take the time to help people get on the more-positive 'emotional ground'.

## Thought Tweet #923
Date: 2014-01-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-923/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #923 Talking Russian Roulette: shooting off your mouth, ignorant of what your brain has placed in the cylinder behind your muzzle. The Thinking Behind The Tweet You meet people whose brain-to-mouth filters fail on a regular basis. And you see the damage happening in real time: damage to themselves, damage to others.

## Thought Tweet #922
Date: 2014-01-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-922/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #922 Motivation & Influence are siblings: the 1 st is inherited & the 2 nd can be adopted. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Motivation: people are born with self-drive...if others didn't thwart it then we would be seeing evidence of its magnificence everywhere. Influence: when our willpower is strong we can influence our own behaviour and when we are gifted or skilled at interpersonal relationships we can influence other people's behaviour.

## 5 ways to Influence
Date: 2014-01-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/5-ways-to-influence/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Personalities @ Work, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Vision inspires Leadership has a few essential ingredients. For example, the leader must possess a level of intelligence and the leader must possess a character that appeals to followers. Another essential ingredient is Vision. Good-to-great leaders hold a long-lasting, vivid image of what they want in their minds and they communicate that message to their followers. Some good-to-great leaders have an innate gift of communication. Other good-to-great leaders learn the art of communication. Values fuel the right actions Everyone lives by a set of personal Values, whether or not they are expressed verbally. The greatest of leaders naturally live by their Values in a most consistent manner. And they have a habit of painting verbal pictures around their Values. Good-to-great leaders' thoughts and actions and communications are consistent. This clarity around Values sends a consistent message to followers. The message energizes followers. In this way, the leaders' Values fuel everything . Goals provide direction Good-to-great leaders set long-term goals and they set short-term goals...they know the importance of little milestone steps that guide positive actions toward the long-term goal. Good-to-great leaders know the linkage between good habits and long-term goals . Good habits help people achieve their long-term goals whereas bad habits do not. Short-term goals provide the opportunity for testing, doing, failing, learning, and adjusting the next sets of short-term goals and actions. Intent doesn't go without saying Good-to-great leaders, when compared to average people/leaders, somehow, do a better job of understanding other people. So, somehow, they do a better job of choosing people whose intentions are more aligned to fit on common ground... rallying around a cause . Some good-to-great leaders possess natural gifts of empathy. Other good-to-great leaders figure out how to read other people and they start the process by sharing discussion of Intentions . When in doubt, they ask. Stories get remembered Great leaders are great communicators. They are attuned to their life-experiences and how some of those life-experiences serve as excellent examples that can be shared with other people, followers and others who could be followers in the future. Great leaders create powerful, magnetic stories around these pertinent life-experiences. They practice delivering these stories. Then they use every opportunity to present and repeat the stories...to anyone and everyone who will listen.

## Thought Tweet #921
Date: 2014-01-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-921/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #921 There is a very special relationship between Talents/Strengths and motivation/ability to perform Tasks well. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When people believe they are lousy at certain actions they tend to do those actions poorly. Before that poor performance happens their motivation is on the weak side of centre. When people believe they are skilled at certain actions they tend to do those actions well. Before that good performance happens their motivation is on the strong side of centre. WOW - Really it ain't rocket science! So, why is it so hard to get things done right in real life?

## When you were a baby you, naturally, knew enough to learn.
Date: 2014-01-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-were-a-baby-you-naturally-knew-enough-to-learn/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

When you were a baby were you curious, wanting to understand the world around you? Yes - of course you were a naturally curious baby. Yes - of course you used your natural senses, you observed, you copied, you tested, you explored, and using those natural processes you learned. When you were a baby you, naturally, knew enough to learn. How is that natural gift serving you now?

## Thought Tweet #920
Date: 2014-01-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-920/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #920 In general, Canadian business leaders do not invest enough time designing ways to delegate effectively. The Thinking Behind The Tweet In general, Canadian business leaders do not invest enough time designing clear work-process and they invest even less time - often, no time - designing ways to delegate effectively. So, our business leaders have less ability to influence people. We observe this lack of influence when we assess leaders' talents.

## When Disagreement Between Partners Becomes Chronic Dysfunction
Date: 2014-01-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-disagreement-between-partners-becomes-chronic-dysfunction/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

People disagree with one another. That's normal…people view situations differently. Business partners disagree with one another. That's normal…there is value in differences. Sometimes arguments get out of hand. That's normal...we all make mistakes, sometimes big ones. Sometimes, when people spend years together in chronic disagreement and argument they can barely tolerate one another. Sometimes, items that should be easy to discuss and resolve become triggers for major upsets and slugfest battles. And sometimes, the ongoing stressed and strained relationship becomes quite dysfunctional, marked by irrational interactions. Little things said or done by one person, whether intentional or not, ignite and inflame the other person. When relationships between business partners are like this, it is not normal. When business partners live in chronic dispute it is not normal...and it is not healthy...not healthy for them…not healthy for other people they interact with...not healthy for the business. Yet, as in any bad marriage, when business partners are in conflict it can be extremely difficult to repair the damages that, over time, created the root problem. The root problem is Failure to Communicate, coupled with at least one "character flaw". Failure to Communicate is a common problem. Character flaws are common problems. When partners live in chronic dysfunction, egos are in continuous battle. Egos are in battle to gain control. Egos are in battle to experience feelings of importance. Each person needs to feel in control and each person needs to feel important and appreciated. Yet, because of the long history of dispute and discomfort, at least one partner refuses to give up ground to the other partner. And, at least one partner refuses to accept concessions when they have been extended by the other partner. The situation is an impasse and the partners are locked in an uncomfortable and dysfunctional relationship of dispute and disagreement. Why would business partners live that way? They live that way because they do not know how to correct chronic interpersonal dysfunction. Most business people have received very little education in the areas of self-control, changing for the better, improving communication, or influencing other peoples’ behaviour. They live that way because the problem of dysfunctional interpersonal interactions is offset, at least to a degree, by ‘positives’. ‘Positives’ are often complementary technical strengths. Really, the choices are few. When partners are in chronic dispute they can: Accept that situation, truly accept the chronic dysfunction and stop viewing it as a problem, or Figure out how to part company, or Figure out how to remove the dysfunctional behavior. Each of these courses of action can be easy or difficult. It is a matter of mindset. T

## Thought Tweet #919
Date: 2014-01-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-919/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #919 Our deeds tend to leave permanent shadows. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes we fail to see them.

## Thought Tweet #918
Date: 2014-01-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-718-2014/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #918 Regardless of the situation, you can choose to lead. [Choices are limited: leading, following, perhaps one other thing.] The Thinking Behind The Tweet Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations. Regardless of the situation, you can choose to lead. If you do not choose to lead then you may choose to follow. If you do not choose to lead or follow then what are you choosing?

## Thought Tweet #917
Date: 2014-01-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-721-2014/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #917 Where people connect with IT Systems: that's a place where huge improvements hide under people's complaints. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When I hear people complaining about IT hardware/software/network I immediately dig deep to find the hidden improvements & opportunities. When an IT problem is solved it almost always removes a people problem. So, 2 problems get fixed at the People-Process interface...and that opens doors for opportunities. Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations. When the situation looks like a problem at the people-process interface...know P=2S+O is the route mindset.

## Measuring Motivation
Date: 2014-01-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/measuring-motivation/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing

Motivation def’n: the force that influences people to act Measuring motivation: an ‘ability of consciousness’ that differentiates human beings from other animals You’re human – so, naturally, you measure other people’s motivations. You observe people. And, automatically, you measure their motivations. If you are skilled at measuring motivation then you may enjoy harmonious and low-confusion interactions. If you are unskilled at measuring motivation then you likely experience regular challenges and conflicts when you interact with other people. Motivation and Influence are siblings. If you want to be a leader then you want to be able to influence people. And, your influence will be maximized when you understand and make use of other people’s inherent motivations. Dale Carnegie taught, “ Win friends and influence people. ” Generations earlier, Abraham Lincoln said, “ If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend. ” Yes, friendship or at least willingness to work in harmony is helpful in influencing other people’s behaviour. However, there is a more-important thing. More important than friendship is the ability to accurately assess other people’s motivations. For some leaders, the key to accurate assessment is the gift of natural ‘empathy’, the ability to understand other people’s feelings. For other leaders, the ability to accurately assess other people’s motivations is a learned skill…it is a planned & learned personal strength. Fundamental to this learned personal strength: a broad and deep understanding of human nature, keen powers of observation, & knowledge of the power situations hold over people's behaviour. How about you? Do you possess a natural gift that allows you to understand other people’s motivations? Or… Do you work continuously to improve your ability to understand other people’s motivations? Or… Are you just winging it?

## Thought Tweet #916
Date: 2014-01-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-916/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #916 Too busy...no time...moving too quickly...so...missing connections. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Missing connections to people Missing connections to problems Missing connections to solutions Missing connections to opportunities

## Thought Tweet #915
Date: 2014-01-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-915/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #915 Many people have a personal relationship with Time: Time serves as their scapegoat. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Time is an abstract. People are not. At least, most people are not. Really, we know Time does not have human qualities. Really, we know Time cannot march on. Only people and a select group of other animals are able to march. Really, we know Time cannot wait for anyone. Only people and a select group of other animals are able to wait. And, really, we know Time is never right or wrong. Yet, many people are brainwashed. They think and talk about Time possessing human traits. If we give Time human traits then, just like other people, we can blame it for our shortcomings. Yes, what a relief! What an escape from responsibility! Time is our scapegoat!

## Bringing Process to People & Bringing People to Process - Part 3
Date: 2014-01-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bringing-process-to-people-bringing-people-to-process-part-3/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Influencing, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Link to Part 1 Bringing People to Process - What does that mean? We can lead a horse to water but we can't make it drink. We can lead a person to work but we can't make them do it right. Horses have to want to drink before they drink. People have to want to do work right before they do work right. The Key Message : When People want to do work right, their businesses excel. So, let's focus on helping people want to do work right. Let's not just delegate work to them, let's make sure the work to be delegated makes sense and let's make sure the delegation is performed in a most-influencing way. The work to be delegated - that's the ingredients. Influence - that's the key secret spice, the flavouring for success. To do a better job of Bringing People to Process, we need better preparation. To prepare, we need to learn about people so we have a good working knowledge of WHY people become motivated and HOW we can assist them in becoming motivated. After we know these things we need to adjust our delegation processes. We also need to adjust the tools we use to communicate work-process. Here's a 'prime example': Taking Talent to Task ...i.e., to fit the context of this 3-Part series of Thought Posts , re-word that - Bring Talent to Task . NOTE: There is a very special relationship between Talents/Strengths and motivation/ability to perform Tasks well. That's why Bringing Talent to Task is a 'prime example' of how to improve your business performance. We Bring Talent to Task when we: Know individuals' Talents & Strengths , Know the details of the work we want done [the nature of the work-process, the details of the Tasks , and the specifics of the required actions ], Know how to delegate in ways that influence and cause people to feel accountable, & Perform the delegation successfully. Conclusion: Anyone can bring process to people. The best leaders know it takes thought, commitment, and effort to excel at process design, including communication design and especially delegation design. Anyone can bring people to process. The best leaders know the keys to success are individuals' self-motivation and how leaders influence people in ways that inspire the right actions to generate the right results.

## Bringing Process to People & Bringing People to Process - Part 2
Date: 2014-01-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bringing-process-to-people-bringing-people-to-process-part-2/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Influencing, Seeking Simple!, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Link to Part 1 Bringing Process to People - What does that mean? There's a spectrum of answers to that question. The spectrum ranges from Delegation to dumping. Since dumping just creates a pile of garbage we will focus on delegation. Delegation is about assigning and transferring authority from one person to another. So, delegation is the decision-making engine of business. Delegation is a business Process performed by People. To be more specific, delegation is the Process of assigning and transferring decision-making Processes to People. People can do this Process directly [face-to-face] or indirectly [using tools ranging from memos to phones to email, etc.]. While that's a laborious description...based on how poorly many business people handle delegation it is of value to try new tactics to cause them to give the process of delegation more thought. There's more to Bringing Process to People . In summary, there are 2 ways business Processes meet business People: Delegation - introduced above Tools - created by people to assist work performance and to assist delegation In business, tools range: from monitors to metal lathes from wrenches to robots from software solutions to ' STRENGTHSFINDER ' assessments from French curves to Facebook from 1-Page Tools to a truck for two men About Delegation & Tools When business people delegate they are Bringing Process to People in two different forms: They are Bringing Future-Work Process to People - setting expectations and transferring responsibility & accountability. They are Bringing Delegation-Communication Process to People - possibly consistent with setting expectations and transferring responsibility & accountability or possibly not consistent with those objectives. In general, Canadian business people do not invest enough time designing clear work-process and they invest even less time - often, no time - designing ways to delegate effectively. We Canadians need to remedy these shortfalls so we are better able to influence people, inspire action, and grow business wealth. Delegation is a good place to start applying our remedies. After all, Delegation is the Decision-Making Engine of Business . If we want our business people to excel, we need to prove we care about keeping our decision-making engines humming. We can use a range of tools to help keep our engines humming. 1-Page Tools are particularly helpful because they can be customized to fit specific needs and each individual's learning style. ...to be cont'd

## Thought Tweet #914
Date: 2014-01-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-914/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #914 Imagine the possible: do the impossible. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Imagination triumphs over impossibility. If you disagree, just watch others as they pass you. If you agree, find others who will run with you.

## Thought Tweet #913
Date: 2014-01-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-913/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #913 The more you squeeze their heads in the vice the less clearly they think. The Thinking Behind The Tweet While a little pressure may go a long way, constructive criticism is an oxymoron and excessive criticism is guaranteed to cause headaches.

## Bringing Process to People & Bringing People to Process - Part 1
Date: 2014-01-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bringing-process-to-people-bringing-people-to-process-part-1/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Influencing, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Process - What does that mean? Processes are sequences of tasks , performed by People or machines. The sequences of tasks can be simple. For example, a Process might have 4 task-steps which are performed in series...in a defined chronological order...the next task starts after the current task is completed. Think of making cookies from a box of pre-mixed ingredients: that's a simple Process. The sequences of tasks can also be complicated or complex . For example, sending a man to the moon and back involves numerous task-steps sometimes happening in simple sequences, sometimes happening simultaneously [co-existing], and sometimes causing real-time adjustments to other tasks [interactive co-existence]. Processes can be easy or most-challenging. Processes happen in either planned or unplanned ways. And, Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations. People - What do they mean? Now, isn't that a loaded question? Yes...intentionally. On the one hand, People are easy to define: they are folks just like you and me. On the other hand, each of us is unique. While certain Processes are easy to define using words like simple, complicated, and complex, it is dangerous to assume such descriptions or definitions can be used with reliability when the topic is People. The word 'assume' was underlined to highlight the difference between assume and conclude . With that done... While certain Processes are easy to define using words like simple, complicated, and complex, it can be very helpful to conclude such descriptions or definitions can be used with reliability when the topic is People. However, before concluding things about other People it is essential to know: WHY it is wrong to assume but often helpful to conclude, WHY you must conclude if you are to be successful at influencing people, & HOW to go about assessing whether or not concluding fits the specific person and situation. All of this is around the essence of Bringing Process to People & Bringing People to Process . You've heard the saying, " You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. " That's a piece of wisdom, which has survived the test of time. How about - Success with horses has a lot to do with how you lead them to the water! ...to be cont'd

## Thought Tweet #912
Date: 2014-01-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-912/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #912 The thicker the explanation, the less absorbent the message. It's like a paper-towel paradox. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If it don't make sense and the explanations that follow make even less sense... methinks the person doth protest too much . When you mess up a communication - stop, think, accept the burden of error, and speak concisely, with clarity.

## Thought Tweet #911
Date: 2014-01-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-911/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #911 As your creativity increases your ability to receive good advice decreases. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Creativity is one of the most threatening commodities. As a rule, when people observe it happening around them they feel threatened. This causes them to construct opinions and express them. When you show people your creativity the amount of advice you receive is sure to increase... But A BIG OUCH on the quality of that advice should you choose to heed it.

## Thinking about situations... before they happen
Date: 2014-01-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thinking-about-situations-before-they-happen/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Few, if any, can predict the future. Many, if not most, think and act like they can influence the future. What do you think? Do you think about situations before they happen? If you do, are they generally pleasant situations or unpleasant situations? Either way, what's that tell you? Either way, do you commit to taking certain actions to do what you can to bring the situation about or do what you can to ensure the situation does not happen? Do you set goals? If so, when you set goals do you have certain future situations imaged in your mind's eye? Do you plan your actions? If so, when you plan your actions do you have certain future situations imaged in your mind's eye? Do you try to influence people? If so, when you try to influence people do you have certain future situations imaged in your mind's eye? If so, do you wonder what future situations those people have imaged in their minds' eyes? If so, do you ask those people about their minds' eyes pictures? If not, how likely is it you will bring about the future situations you imagine?

## Thought Tweet #910
Date: 2014-01-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-910/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #910 I now know constructive criticism is an oxymoron . So how do you recommend we go about doing performance reviews? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Do you derive pleasure out of criticizing others? If so, don't read on... So, you do not derive pleasure out of criticizing others. So, why do you continue to do it? It is never constructive. If you don't believe this ask your boss or your spouse or one of your friends to surprise you when you least expect it with some criticism. When they lay the surprise criticism on you observe how you react...your emotions/feelings/actions. If that doesn't work ask your boss or your partners to give you some criticism at your next performance review.

## Thought Tweet #909
Date: 2014-01-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-909/ | Categories: Influencing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #909 An interview or performance review question: How do you go about expanding your ability to influence people? The Thinking Behind The Tweet The Gallup folks have defined 4 Talent Domains for leadership: Executing, Influencing, Relationship Building, & Strategic Thinking. When we look at local leaders' Talent Themes we notice a lack of Influencing Talent Themes. A lack of Influencing talent & strength is widespread throughout businesses in our geography. Understanding that, we need to help leaders improve their ability to Influence others. A good starting point is understanding whether or not they understand the importance of Influence...and are taking steps to improve in the area of Influencing. A good next step is providing Influencing-help in the form of specialized knowledge, situations/opportunities, and time to practice skills.

## Thought Tweet #908
Date: 2014-01-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-908/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #908 Anyone can become a constructive leader. The right first step is making a small change for the better. The Thinking Behind The Tweet People who want to be leaders improve the likelihood of that happening when they realize change begins with self. Sure, [at least from time to time] we all wish other people would change. Yet, we know wishing won't get it done . So, rather than limit it to wishing we do things aimed at causing other people to change. That rarely works because, human nature being as it is, people do not change until they see change. So, don't expect the change - be it.

## We grow when we...
Date: 2014-01-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/we-grow-when-we/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

We know Situations hold power over People. As a general rule, it is more accurate to say Situations hold power over People than to say People hold power over Situations. It's a social psychology thing ...mob behaviour, laughing at the boss' jokes, 'trapped' in bad relationships, etc. At the very least, it is prudent to give The Power of Situations attention and respect. Those who ignore The Power of Situations, either intentionally or unintentionally, indeed lead difficult lives and face never-ending strings of challenging interactions with other people. Considering this, how do we grow? I mean, how do we grow our character we bring to our businesses or how do we grow the value we bring to our business tables? It seems to me... We grow when we use Good Habits in new Situations. We grow when we try New Things in new Situations. We grow when we do New Things in old/familiar Situations. These 3 things are how we grow. PS: We 'hold our ground' when we do Good Habits in old/familiar Situations.

## Thought Tweet #907
Date: 2014-01-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-907/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #907 Your boss has weaknesses; so you have opportunities. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many people complain about the boss. That's the norm. Few people realize the boss' weaknesses are prime routes to opportunities. That's unfortunate.

## Seeking Simple & The Power of 3
Date: 2014-01-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seeking-simple-the-power-of-3/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Seeking Simple!

Seeking Simple is a good habit. This applies on many fronts, as examples: seeking simple ways to communicate with people, seeking simple ways to build things, & seeking simple ways to solve problems. Some things we do are simple, some are complicated, & some are complex. All else being equal: Simple things take the least amount of time and energy to complete, Complicated things take more time and energy to complete, & Complex things take the most time and energy to complete. Each of us has a limited amount of energy. So, it makes sense, at least from time to time and more often when possible, to simplify things. Here are two examples: Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations. People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things. When we use simple guidelines like these we focus on what's most important in business...People, Processes, Habits, and the effect Situations have on behaviour. Certainly, we could make business and people much more complicated. However, that would add little value to improve our businesses or improve our interpersonal relationships. When we want to make improvements in business and interpersonal relationships it is best to Seek Simple first. More often than not that's where the best solutions will be found. If we seek simple solutions first, we find them. If we don't seek simple solutions first, we don't find them. P=2S+O PS: About New Things ...it is interesting to note how rarely people do New Things . People truly are creatures of Habit. If we want to understand People, we must understand the special power habits hold over human behaviour.

## Thought Tweet #906
Date: 2014-01-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-906/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #906 Leaders inspire people; managers discipline processes; leaders construct situations; managers perform in situations. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Leaders inspire people and influence actions to grow value. Managers design details and ensure they are performed. Leaders inspire people, inspire good process, and anticipate, construct & excel in specific situations. Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations.

## Thought Tweet #905
Date: 2014-01-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-905/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #905 What do you do that other people won't do? [inspired by The Art of Asking Good Questions ] The Thinking Behind The Tweet 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going.' 'Going the extra mile.' 'It's a dirty job but someone has to do it.' But... What is it that you do that other people refuse to do? What's your exclusive territory? What are you doing when you are standing alone? When you 'do it' what does 'it' tell other people about you? When you 'do it' what does 'it' tell you about yourself?

## Timing is everything & Everything in its time
Date: 2014-01-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/timing-is-everything-everything-in-its-time/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Solutions & Opportunities

There's an insidious time-mindset that captures many people. It's a mindset that guarantees people a life of mediocrity, failure, or catastrophic failure. The culprit is the mindset, " I don't have time ".

Timing is everything . That's a saying most of us are familiar with. We hear this expression as a celebration statement when pinpoint timing has helped someone achieve a success. Or we hear it when someone has failed at an activity and the blame is being placed on acting too slowly and missing a 'time-window of opportunity'. Everything in its time. That's another saying most of us have heard. Usually, we hear it when someone is trying to help an impatient person slow down thoughts or actions. One interpretation of the message is - instead of pressing and pushing for what you want now, take time to think and delay your actions until the likelihood of success is greater. There are numerous other sayings involving our most-precious commodity - Time. Some examples: Time flies. Time is money. Time waits for no one. The time is right. Time is of the essence. Time heals all wounds. Time is on my side. People place value in time. People want time. People give time a personality then they have a personal relationship with Time. They give Time power, even super-power. People extol Time. People admonish Time. People treat Time like a scapegoat. On top of all these things, there's an insidious time-mindset that captures many people. It's an excuse mindset that guarantees these people a life of mediocrity, failure, or catastrophic failure. The culprit is the mindset, " I don't have time ". Some people say this or similar phrases like " I'm too busy " so frequently they brainwash themselves into a fearful-hectic existence. And this fearful-hectic existence is contagious: first it infects family members, then friends, then co-workers. The mindset " I don't have time . I'm too busy ." is nothing but a flawed-thinking Bad Habit . The best way to cure this Bad Habit is to stop saying it. When your thoughts find themselves in this Bad Habit territory: (1) control your tongue and (2) replace your thoughts with a new thought..." Yes, Yes, Yes, I DO HAVE TIME! "

## Thought Tweet #904
Date: 2014-01-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-904/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Marketing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #904 Your brand starts with your character and the culture you breed: your brand stalls or flourishes there. The Thinking Behind The Tweet A brand isn't a cute visual. A brand isn't a catchy logo or a slick tag line. A brand cannot pretty up a flawed character or a troubling culture. When testing new branding, take a step back and look at your personal character and your business culture. Do they pass the litmus test? Do they render an investment in 'branding' worthwhile? Or, do they neuter your branding expenditures?

## Thought Tweet #903
Date: 2014-01-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-903-2014/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #903 Conflicted thoughts have awesome power. Unfortunately, the power does more damage than good. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Confusion: that's a light sampling of conflicted thought. Torn between 2 ...that's a heavier sampling. Confounded: that can be bloody annoying. Conflicted thoughts are the roots of frustration. Frustration gets you nowhere & getting nowhere is frustrating: a vicious circle or downward spiral. At least when we are angry we are more certain about our thoughts. This is why anger is better than frustration.

## Thought Tweet #903
Date: 2014-01-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-903/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #903 Picture this: the leader in you is stepping beyond one of your Bad Habits . The Thinking Behind The Tweet Let the leader in you take your next step. Let the leader in you step over top of your bad habits. Show people you possess that power of will. Show people you possess that leadership. Show people a role model they can be inspired to emulate. Step over your bad habits...pass it on.

## The Right People On The Bus...a twist on branding
Date: 2013-12-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-right-people-on-the-busa-twist-on-branding/ | Categories: Marketing

Consider this. You are seeking a ride home and you come upon a bus. The bus looks amazing...modern styling, brilliant paint job, beautiful colours, clean, chrome gleaming, even the tires are showroom-buffed. You are attracted to this fine-looking bus. You walk up to this bus and the door automatically opens, beckoning you to climb aboard. And that's what you do. As you climb the steps the first thing you notice is the brightness and then you notice the fresh flowery smell. You see, the driver is rather occupied...looking down, reading something. You pay your fare. You turn to your left. You see some open seats but that's not what captures your attention. Your attention is fixed on the passengers. Every one of them is an unseemly hobo. And you quickly learn the hobos' language is even rougher than their appearance. That's when a clear understanding hits you...It really is important to have the right people on the bus! [You know external messages, like branding, are important. However, their importance shrinks away when you do not have the right people on the bus.] You make a choice. You turn around and you exit the bus. Then you seek a better vehicle to take you where you want to go.

## Thought Tweet #902
Date: 2013-12-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-902/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #902 Maybe I mis-heard...did you say every fundamentalist should be burned at the stake? The Thinking Behind The Tweet The other day a friend expressed strong concerns about fundamentalists and the damages they are causing in the world today. Hoist them on their own petards was the gist of the 'good-start' I heard.

## Thought Tweet #901
Date: 2013-12-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-901/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #901 Touching & holding imagination: can there be anything more magical? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Imagination waits for us at the oasis where human excellence refreshes itself.

## Seek First To Understand People Who Do Not Understand Themselves
Date: 2013-12-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-first-to-understand-people-who-do-not-understand-themselves/ | Categories: Influencing, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Yes, Covey taught Seek First To Understand . Good advice! But, as you follow that advice, do not be confused. In general, people do not understand themselves. Well, they sort of understand themselves...but they really do not understand themselves. The have vague notions about their goals, their deepest desires, their talents & strengths, and many other fundamentally-important things. You don't agree... OK. Prove it. Prove you understand yourself... State your definite purpose in life...your vivid vision State your personal values State the unique value proposition you bring to the workplace State the things you will do that other people will not do State what " Integrity " means to you and how you illustrate it State how you go about " Influencing " people State how you go about building a trusting relationship State the things people can rely on you to do 100% of the time These are just some of the areas where people show others, day after day, they have only a vague understanding of themselves. Why? Why do people only have a vague understanding of themselves? Here are a few of the main reasons: Most people think things like, " I don't have time " and " I'm too busy ". Even worse, they say these things out loud and share them with other people. With these thoughts and words they proclaim their limitations to the world and they brainwash themselves into hectic lives...lives far too hectic for introspection and self-knowledge. Most people have not been taught how to understand themselves. When in school, most people studied math, language, science, history, etc. Most people did not study the mechanisms of self-monitoring, self-analysis, self-knowledge, etc. Many, if not most, people choose mind-numbing entertainment over thinking . Yes - Seek First To Understand. And, start with self.

## Thought Tweet #900
Date: 2013-12-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-900/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #900 The more you hurry the more the Opportunities pass you by. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many people have a self-image of a too-busy person..." I am too busy to do that! " When Opportunities seek out people to visit, they pretty much avoid all these too-busy people. Opportunities prefer to visit with people who have some time to spend with them, some time to get to understand them, some time to hold their hands and walk with them....then run with them.

## "People need to go through different processes to get to the same place."
Date: 2013-12-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-need-to-go-through-different-processes-to-get-to-the-same-place/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

When we arrive in Situations we bring with us Packages of our People & Process stuff. Our Packages may have very little in common:

I say Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . My friend Roelf says, " People need to go through different processes to get to the same place. " Roelf's wisdom certainly resonates with me. When we arrive in Situations we bring with us our People-stuff. We bring our Self-Image, Our Self-Esteem, and Our Mental Attitude. Here's a link to more on that topic. We bring much more. We bring what we are . Here's a link to more thoughts on what we bring . When you and I meet in a Situation I bring my package of People-stuff and you bring your package of People-stuff. Each package contains the results of the experiences we have had: our people experiences, our process experiences, & our situation experiences, which contain a heavy flavour of People and Process. Here's the way I picture it... Just before we meet in a Situation we each have our Packages of People & Process stuff: When we meet in a Situation our Packages may have much in common: Or our Packages may have very little in common: Regardless of the things we have in common, there is much difference. We are unique People with, at best, some things in common. Let's consider personal comfort, an extremely important ingredient for constructive change. Say we are together in a Situation. You may be very comfortable in it while I may be somewhat comfortable or possibly very uncomfortable. Situations are snapshots in time. We have a Situation and things continuously happen to change it. Situations are fluid and rapidly changing...like a series of picture frames in a movie film. Except, in real-life Situations a change in each frame influences the contents of next frame. Even little things can create significant/material changes in Situations. The little thing could be a little piece of Process...for example, the injection of an agenda into a meeting that had no agenda. Visualize a Situation where that happens. Would you be comfortable with the injection of an agenda into a meeting that had always been agenda-free? Assume you are and I am not...or vice-versa. The injection of a process, an agenda, just changed one person's comfort level. The effect is: at least one person has changed. And that could be a huge change, capable of turning the Situation upside-down. When you and I arrive in a Situation we bring different packages. We cannot assume My Package and Your Package are equally comfortable with the Situation, or equally interested in the Situation, or having the same thoughts about the Situation, or sharing similar feelings or emotions in the Situation. If we assume these things then we may be totally disconnected with one another and not even know it. If we assume our Packages are the same then we may take the wrong next step...miscommunicating, misinterpreting, misunderstanding, and missing the fact, " People need to go through different processes to get to the same place. " If we assume our \packages are the same then we will miss the facts: People need to go through different processes to get to the next place. People need to go through different processes to get to the next Situation. People need to go through different processes to get to the desired-outcome Situation. If we miss these facts then we will have little ability to help People achieve their goals. If we miss these facts then we will have little ability to influence People toward success.

## Thought Tweet #899
Date: 2013-12-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-899/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #899 Change is tough. Some can't do it. Some won't do it. So they struggle with leadership. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Perhaps too many people attempt changes that are too large? Perhaps too many people believe too much of the criticism they receive? Perhaps failure to change is more about not knowing how than not wanting it? Certainly, the epidemic captured in words like " I don't have time " plays a major role in opposition to 'changing for the better'.

## Thought Tweet #898
Date: 2013-12-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-898/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #898 MERRY CHRISTMAS! The Thinking Behind The Tweet Indeed, we are fortunate!

## Thought Tweet #897
Date: 2013-12-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-897/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #897 Raise your hand if a positive mental attitude has hurt your ability to perform your job. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Now, how about vice-versa...raise your hand if a negative mental attitude has helped you perform your job. So, what you gonna do?

## The reality inside TVs is burying the reality outside TVs
Date: 2013-12-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-reality-inside-tvs-is-burying-the-reality-outside-tvs/ | Categories: Beyond Business, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

It's the grand illusion of the 21st Century: the reality inside TVs is burying the reality outside TVs. In support of Reality... Just the other day an acquaintance explained just how foolish I am because I refuse to watch Duck Dynasty. Next thing I know I will be chastised for missing ED commercials. If I want to see a Duck Dynasty I will help the Mallards in the back pond scheme to gain ground on those prolific Canada Geese. Superficial reality. Mind-rotting programs wrapped in mind-rotting advertising. Watched by people who are too busy. Not to get too philosophical or too physicistic ... Perhaps our perceptions are illusions? Perhaps we are living in a multi-dimensional multi-universe? Perhaps life itself is a deceptive illusion? We should not fret these questions. Nor should we be distracted. We have more important things to focus on. We have reality on TV!

## Thought Tweet #896
Date: 2013-12-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-896/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #896 Habits come in two flavours: green for Good and red for Bad. When you Influence others, don't make them see red. The Thinking Behind The Tweet There are only 2 ways to Influence others: (1) doing Habits & (2) doing New Things. Why not show your good habits and, at least once in a while, try some new things?

## Don't blame the People
Date: 2013-12-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-blame-the-people/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Leaders' Thoughts

Business contains only 3 things: People, Process, & Situations . When it comes to forecasting people's behaviour, place your bet on Situations over People. [We learned this from Mark Weber] Another way of looking at it... When it comes to commenting on people's behaviour, place your blame on Situations not on People. Learn how to observe better - make that a life-long goal. Learn how to observe people better, with a view to understanding them better - as Stephen Covey taught, Seek First to Understand. Learn how to observe situations better, with a view to identifying patterns in real-time and knowing the consequences of those patterns in real-time. Learn how to anticipate Situations - that is key to leadership and success. Do not set the bar so high people will fail to hurdle it...recognize you and most other people would likely act the same way in the same situation. Do not back people into corners. For example, do not ask questions that any reasonable person might answer with a lie maybe a little white lie but nonetheless a lie. Do not criticize others: know from personal experience, constructive criticism is an oxymoron . When it comes to discovering why things are not working, place your attention on People before Process. Processes cannot talk on their own behalf. Processes do not explain themselves to People. Processes rely on People to talk to People. People-memory is prone to fail. Remember, People are prone to mis remember. So, you must help your people improve memory & recall. To do this - get attention, generate interest, tell stories, provide real-life and relevant examples, strive to make your messages stick . Provide tools to help strengthen the bond between People and Process. Customize your tools so they fit both your People and your Process. Checklists are terrific tools. 1-Page Tools are terrific tools. Summing up... Anticipate Situations. Design Processes that will help People perform better in given Situations. Explain that good Process to your People. Then repeat, repeat, repeat. Provide tools that help People bond with Process, in Situations. Don't blame your People.

## Expect emails will get you into unexpected trouble
Date: 2013-12-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/expect-emails-will-get-you-into-unexpected-trouble/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

Perhaps, an information overload [maybe even Future Shock ] is causing people to be less open-minded than they were a generation ago. Perhaps less-open minds are breeding intolerance or some other aspect of negativity that is injuring communication.

No doubt about it. Emails can get us into trouble...even when we don't intend that outcome. In the old days, say 20 or 30 years ago, we did not send emails. When we wanted to communicate in writing we wrote letters or memos or notes. I suppose those written communications generated some unexpected troubles for us. But, I do not recall hearing or seeing anyone misinterpret the intent of my messages. Certainly, in the old days, it was rare to witness situations where people received notes and illustrated a surprising/unexpected reaction. For example - I do not recall people showing me notes, explaining how troubled they were, and later discovering the intent of the note was misunderstood. Situations like that were not commonplace. To be clear...in those old days, from time to time, people got really angry when I sent them notes. But, I was not surprised to observe those reactions because they were consistent with the intent behind my notes. [I am not saying this with pride...just stating a cold, hard fact of my communication history.] Similarly, I was annoyed or angered by notes I received and the annoyance or anger was justified [or, at least, not surprising] because the senders knew the notes' contents had the potential to generate that sort of reaction. Nowadays, it is common to see or hear about people receiving emails and being 'put off' then, later, discovering the sender had no intent to generate such reaction. In fact, the sender is surprised to find the message was misunderstood and off-putting. Or, perhaps you observe an increasing number of situations like this: someone shows you an email and says, " Isn't this outrageous ", then you look at the email and see little evidence of anything outrageous. I find myself in that sort of situation regularly. Why? Here are some thoughts... People are receiving much more written communication now...perhaps, an information overload [maybe even Future Shock ] is causing people to be less open-minded than they were a generation ago. Perhaps less-open minds are breeding intolerance or some other aspect of negativity that is injuring communication. Many people take shortcuts when they write email. For example, many people do not use an upper-case letters when they type the first letters of people's names. Perhaps, this informality deprives the reader of the pleasure of seeing his or her name properly written and that triggers an annoyance, an annoyance which escalates. More people are sending written messages now than ever before. Perhaps, the nuances of clarity have been lost in the masses. Of course, we know many people are deluding themselves into believing they are too busy. This causes them to do whatever they can to cut corners. So corners of communication are cut. Perhaps In Search of Brevity is an effectiveness-sacrificing attempt at efficiency. The good news is we have identified the problem. We can foresee the annoyed-by-email situations. We can expect our emails will get us into unexpected troubles. So, we can troubleshoot. We can check our emails before we press the SEND button. And, we can take a little extra time to improve our email communications so they cause less unexpected trouble. We can improve communication and annoy fewer people. We can enjoy more effective communication.

## Thought Tweet #895
Date: 2013-12-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-895/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #895 Climb out of a rut & step into the groove . The Thinking Behind The Tweet Wherever you are you are making a stance and making a statement. Might as well not make your statements from a rut. Better to take your stances and make your statements while in the groove . Note to self: Anyone can complain about his or her situation and many do...regularly. Picture them. They are up to their armpits in ruts. Probably, somewhere deep down in those ruts they'd rather be in the groove . Don't just look at them groping frantically and bumping off the walls of their ruts. Extend a hand. Maybe you can help them out.

## Thought Tweet #894
Date: 2013-12-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-894/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #894 Talk about communication gaps...when you gaze into the communication abyss it screams back at you. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The biggest problem in business continues to be communication gaps...which continue to broaden & deepen and, far too often, are ignored or set aside for another day. Improvement of Communication begins with the leader. Yes, Nietzsche gazed into the abyss and it returned the favour. Gaze into Communication at your business. Does it scream in discomfort at you? What do you plan to do about that? As the saying goes... If not today, WHEN? If not you, WHO?

## From Business Tasks to Organized Business
Date: 2013-12-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/from-business-tasks-to-organized-business/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Seeking Simple!

Premise: It is better to think about business as a package of understandable & definable Tasks. Premise: All Tasks can be defined and someone, sometime ought to get that done. Premise: When we build business Task by Task we uncover numerous opportunities to apply the 80/20 Rule .,,,i.e., that's Zero-based business. Premise: Zero-based businesses are to business what Zero-based budgets are to budgets and, at least once in a while both need to be done. Premise: When we understand Processes in terms of their constituent Tasks we actually understand Processes...and can innovate and improve them. Premise: When we understand Processes & their Tasks we can communicate better ...and that's efficient and effective. Here are some seek-simple steps...

## Thought Tweet #893
Date: 2013-12-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-893/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #893 Why did Evolution deny human ears the privilege of showing us when they are actually operating? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our eyes fare better. Even our mouths, which cause us so much trouble, fare better. This helps us understand why dogs are Mans' Best Friend.

## Thought Tweet #892
Date: 2013-12-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-892/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #892 Machiavelli taught: What you acquire with difficulty you retain with ease...and vice-versa. The Thinking Behind The Tweet So, in the big picture, struggle is a good and necessary thing. Struggle, in its very nature, contains obstacles and problems. It is true - opportunity does ride on the wings of adversity. So, sustainability too rides on the wings of adversity.

## Thought Tweet #891
Date: 2013-12-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-891/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #891 The greatest of leaders change themselves. They mould their character to remove the bad habits that prevent leadership. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes they replace combative attitudes with kind attitudes. Sometimes they toughen up their softness. Either way they mould their character to remove the bad habits that prevent leadership.

## Demystify Business Process - Inspire People - Grow Profits
Date: 2013-12-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/demystify-business-process-inspire-people-grow-profits/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined

Business Contains only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations And there are only 3 types of business processes: Simple, Complicated, & Complex. Here's a good way to visualize the 3 types... When you boil things down, each business process contains a sequence of tasks... Some argue this way of looking at Processes is too simplistic. They argue that their business lives are over-full of intertwined 'things'...they say things like, " Sure there are tasks but there are also lots of other things that cannot be expressed in simple words like 'Tasks' ." The fact is, that just isn't true. When people argue against the simplicity of the above pictures, for example, they are expressing sounds and words in sequences known as sentences. We can define syllables as verbal steps or tasks which combine in sequences to create words which, in turn, combine in sequences to create sentences which, in turn, combine in sequences to create paragraphs which, in turn, combine in sequences to create arguments which, in turn, combine in sequences with other things to complete a communication process. Similarly, all physical activity is comprised of sequences of small steps which we can call Tasks. Think about everything you do...is it not true that when you take the time to think about it, everything can be broken down into steps [which can be thought of as Tasks]. You might ask, " What' the point? " You might ask, " What's In It For ME? " You might ask, " WHY should I spend a bit of time getting comfortable with simple straightforward thoughts & pictures around Business Tasks and Business Processes? " Here's WHY When you look at Business Actions as sequences of Tasks you demystify Business Processes. And that's a good thing. With the help of simple 'models' you will reduce frustration levels at your business. You will improve communication at your business. You will expand your people's ability to Take Talent to Task . You will inspire your people. You will influence their action in clear, forward directions. You will grow profits. So - Demystify discussion of tasks & processes and energize performance & profits. PS: About the difference between SIMPLE, COMPLICATED, & COMPLEX processes. As the saying goes... When you follow a cake-box recipe and bake a cake - that's a SIMPLE process. When NASA sends a man to walk on the moon and returns him safely to Earth - that's a COMPLICATED process. And raising children - well, that's a COMPLEX process.

## Thought Tweet #890
Date: 2013-12-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-890/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #890 Bad behaviour drains us. Interpersonal dysfunction eats up positive energy. [So, put a stop to it.] The Thinking Behind The Tweet Dysfunctional interactions de-energize. They wound spirit, sometimes fatally. We have choices. We can choose to participate in bad behaviour. We can choose to not participate in bad behaviour. We can choose to stand by and watch others participate in bad behaviour. We can choose to step up and help others not participate in bad behaviour.

## Thought Tweet #889
Date: 2013-12-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-889/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #889 When you are beating your head against an unbudging brick wall, don't make your next decision another bad one. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Common sense sends strong suggestions to direct our thoughts. We just need to allow them to sink in and register.

## It is time to take Future Shock more seriously
Date: 2013-12-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/it-is-time-to-take-future-shock-more-seriously/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Leaders' Thoughts, Personalities @ Work

There are lots of problematic people issues out there. Many people are struggling with anxiety. Many people are struggling with depression. Many people are struggling with respiratory issues and allergies. Many people are struggling with stress and a range of other maladies. In reaction to these maladies, we have many new government rules... accessibility rules, scent-free rules, non-smoking rules, and a range of rules covering food preparation and food services. And, in reaction to these maladies we have much advertising...cold remedies, flu shots, breakfast cereal vitamins... and medicines to ease or cure everything from shingles & COPD to hair loss & erectile dysfunction. You know all these things and more; you watch TV. "Future shock is the shattering stress and disorientation that we induce in individuals by subjecting them to too much change in too short a time." "Man has a limited biological capacity for change. When this capacity is overwhelmed, the capacity is in future shock." Alvin Toffler ' Future Shock ', (1970) Clearly, many people are struggling with varieties of physical-health and mental-health problems. And there is a great deal of activity aimed at helping people with their problems. In addition to government rules and the media, 'wellness' products and services are being introduced into business environments. Much time, effort, ad money is being spent to address the maladies experienced by business people. About people maladies in the small-business sector… For the most part, the small-business sector is being tolerant, silent, perhaps confused, and perhaps with blinders on . In the tolerant & silent small-business sector, maladies consume vast quantities of energy and create a broad-and-deep range of interpersonal dysfunction and sunk personnel expenses. In summary: Technologies have changed exponentially. People have not. People have taken on then fed on maladies. What’s missing in the small-business sector? The missing ingredient is common sense…simple common-sense thinking and simple common-sense action. The missing thinking & action awaits accurate perceptions and simple/straightforward plans. And, the missing thinking & action begins with self. Consider your maladies. Don't embrace them. Cut them down to size. Throw away the thought that you are too busy ...know - You DO have time! Time is yours now...this instant. You DO have time! You have time this very moment to begin to adjust your thinking. You have time this very instant to avoid the sweeping wave of 'Future Shock' that, apparently, is catching so many others. Recognize 'Future Shock' is an avoidable and treatable malady. It feeds on " I am too busy " and " I do not have time ". It feeds on tolerance of woes, misery loving company, & tolerance-avoidance of unacceptable symptoms. It feeds on laziness. It feeds on bad news. It feeds on negative media. It feeds on TV prescriptions. It feeds on mind-numbing 'Reality Shows'. It feeds on the ignorance of other people. And, most dangerous of all, it feeds on ignorance of self. Immunize yourself! *** "The illiterate of the future will not be the person who cannot read. It will be the person who does not know how to learn." Alvin Toffler *** PS: This 'Future Shock' is so vile and pernicious it is even squeezing the joy out of NFL football.

## Thought Tweet #888
Date: 2013-12-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-888/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #888 Dysfunctional behaviour is an example of leadership. (It's the type of leadership you don't want.) The Thinking Behind The Tweet Don't be fooled. Everything people do has leadership potential. Even the most dysfunctional behaviour can induce followers...to follow, to mirror...to expand dysfunction. So, nip dysfunction in the bud.

## Thought Tweet #887
Date: 2013-12-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-887/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #887 Discipline is the antidote for wasted Talent . The Thinking Behind The Tweet When discipline is absent Talent is dormant, submerged, and wasted. That's why discipline is a good thing. Discipline serves a key role when success is in action.

## Why do people resist change?
Date: 2013-12-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-do-people-resist-change/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Why is it so many people place so little emphasis on improving their attitudes or their communication?

Attitude has a direct impact on success. Communication has a direct impact on success. So, attitude and communication together play a major role when it comes to achieving success. That said, why is it so many people place so little emphasis on improving their attitudes or their communication? Are people oblivious to the need for change? Are people too lazy to change? Do they feel too busy to change? Do people not believe they can change? Do people feel doomed to repeat the same errors? Do people think it's others, not themselves, who must change? Do people not know how to change? Do people derive some sort of pleasure or comfort from the status quo? *** "For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future. " John F. Kennedy

## Thought Tweet #886
Date: 2013-12-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-886/ | Categories: INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #886 About Leaders: Why they're the folks who manage themselves and inspire others to do the same. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people continue to be confused about the difference between managers and leaders . People do what managers instruct [when they feel a need to do what managers instruct]; People follow leaders [often, without feeling a need to justify why].

## Thought Tweet #885
Date: 2013-12-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-885/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #885 The biggest problem in business today is Communication. Unfortunately, many people don't want to change that. The Thinking Behind The Tweet At least, they don't want to change it enough to take simple steps to overcome their resistance to improving self-analysis , improving observation of others , and improving judgement ...and then improving communication .

## Putting Einstein's insanity-definition out of work
Date: 2013-12-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/putting-einsteins-insanity-definition-out-of-work/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Personalities @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Sure, we are struggling now. Regardless, we can put Einstein's insanity-definition out of work. So many business people have a self-defeating attitude about change. I hear them reciting Einstein's definition " Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. " Yet, despite that knowledge they are set in their ways. They repeat the same mistakes. And they complain while they are repeating mistakes. Resistance to change causes business tires to spin on the spot. Those spinning business tires dig deep ruts. It seems that people often give up rather than fight to get out of the ruts. In the heat of the daily business battles people seem to forget about trying new things. Instead, they lamely plod along doing the same old things that didn't work the last time. Needless to say, they experience first-hand Einstein's insanity-definition. Sometimes when this happens they get angry. When they get angry they apply more force...trying to head-butt their way through obstacles and other people. Of course, this approach rarely works. And, it generates new problems that show up as new ways to fulfill Einstein's insanity-definition. How might one avoid the insanity trap Einstein warned us about? Here's a suggestion... Start by considering how your Self-Image and your Self-Esteem affect your Mental Attitude toward the 'outside world'. And consider: Your Self-Image - How do you see yourself? Do you see yourself as Attractive? Ugly of flawed? Do you consider yourself Courageous? Fearful? Do you believe you are Intelligent? Weak-minded? Do you feel Energized? Lazy? Do you find yourself to be Honest? A con artist? Do you feel Healthy? Sickly? Do you feel Strong? Weak? Do you see yourself as Talented? Incompetent? Do you see yourself as Organized? Scatter-brained? Do you feel Blessed? Deprived? Do you see yourself as Tolerant? Intolerant? Do you feel like a Victim? A Victor? Do you see yourself as Creative? Boring? Do you see yourself as Flexible? Set in my ways? Do you feel like a Winner? Loser? Do you see yourself as a Self starter? Unmotivated Procrastinator? Your Self-Esteem - Are you worthy? How do you score yourself on a 1-to-10 Scale where a score of "1" means you are totally worthless and a score of "10" means you are as worthy as a person can be. Your Mental Attitude - How do you view and approach the outside world? Are you a Positive person? Negative? Are you Optimistic? Pessimistic? Are you Trusting? Sceptical? Are you Curious? Close-minded? Are you Hopeful? Disenchanted/disillusioned? When you give it some thought - when you slow down and take time to give these things some thought - you will know you can do your part to put Einstein's insanity-definition out of work.

## Thought Tweet #884
Date: 2013-12-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-884/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #884 There's a reason the words confidence and competence have a similar ring to them. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We see these two walking hand in hand. We watch them promote one another. When they are separated we observe signs of distress.

## Selling your business
Date: 2013-12-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/selling-your-business/ | Categories: Succession

There are many different ways to structure arrangements tied to succession planning and selling ownership shares. When selling ownership shares as part of your planned succession process, five key considerations must be covered: Your needs. The needs of your fellow shareholders. The needs of your key employees. The best interest of the corporation – i.e., the sum of #1, #2, & #3 above [and other stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and allies]. The buyer’s needs. Most people who complete a succession plan are surprised by the amount of work required and the amount of time it takes to address all of these five considerations. Most people are surprised because they failed to invest time thinking in advance. Instead of thinking and planning in advance most people back into succession activities because some crisis has caused them to have to back into the change. The better approach: spend time up-front considering the above five things. And, invest time regularly – say, one day every year – considering the above five things. This will ensure they have been covered when the time for succession action arrives. Also, this will remove many problems both at the time of succession and prior to that time. The commitment to invest time regularly to consider the above five things is a commitment to strategic planning and a commitment to understanding the people you rely on for your business success. That is time well invested. You and other stakeholders will have personal needs : self-actualization, creating things of value, etc. We will not delve into those needs here. Here, we will be addressing your money needs and specifically how to best ensure those needs are met…how to maximize the likelihood there will be no surprises…how to provide flexibility. Share Purchase & Sales Agreements: Main Considerations The Share Purchase & Sale Agreement will be designed to confirm the rights and obligations of the seller [or sellers] and the buyer [or buyers]. Those rights and obligations will address four main considerations: Interests : the seller’s interests and the buyer’s interests Money : in most agreements, most of the seller’s and buyer’s interests are tied to money Risks : both parties are concerned about covering risks to the extent possible and practical Timing : the rights and obligations covering interests, money, and risks will have set time deadlines and limits NOTE: To a large degree, the seller’s interests and the buyer’s interests are opposed. The seller wants a high price; the buyer wants a low price. The seller wants to transfer as much risk to the buyer as possible; the buyer wants to assume as little risk as possible. Timing desires also differ. Links to articles about ‘People’s Interests’… Link 1 Link 2 Link 3 The Way to Negotiate: Recognize interests will often be opposed Focus on fully understanding your interests and the buyer’s interests…observe carefully, listen well, think before judging Think constantly about ‘options’…rather than saying “ No ” to the buyer’s interests/requests say “ Let’s see if we can come up with a middle-ground solution ” [Seek alternative ways of covering issues…think about ‘Options’] Seek shared interests, paying close attention to whether or not the buyer actually wants to complete the purchase [i.e., Is the buyer’s appetite to purchase as least as strong as your appetite to sell?] Complete agreement on small, easy-to-get-done pieces…build momentum into the process Pay attention to the pace of the negotiations…ideally, momentum builds and sustains Working with the buyer directly, complete agreement on the ‘commercial terms’ before taking the deal to your lawyer for formal papering A Sampling of Options [ options in the general sense and Options in the investor sense] Escrow: Shares and money can be held by a trusted 3 rd party. Often, that third party is a legal firm that holds the asset in escrow . Here’s an example of how escrow can provide middle ground: Say the buyer cannot afford full payment on the day the deal is to close. This exposes the seller to risk – Will I receive the remainder of the payment? In reaction to the risk, the seller usually does not want to deliver all the purchased shares to the buyer. Possession of the shares has legal implications…maybe possession is 90% of the law …even if it isn’t 90%, possession of shares is important. So, the seller wants to hold back shares until full payment for them is received from the buyer. On the other hand, this exposes the buyer to risk - How do I know I will receive those shares? One solution is to place the shares under control of a trusted 3 rd party…a legal firm. One way to accomplish this is to create an Escrow Agreement. It contains the details of what needs to happen [payment buy buyer] in order to release the shares [to the buyer]. The buyer, the seller, and the legal firm sign the Escrow Agreement. Puts & Calls: People – known in law as a Person – can own shares of a corporation. The corporation can also own some of its shares: when the corporation owns the shares they are called Treasury Shares [or Treasury Stock]. When you boil it down, a person owns shares for one reason; a Person owns shares because he or she thinks the shares will be worth more money in the future than their current cash-in value. While the person thinks that the shares will be worth more in the future, the person also knows there is risk…the shares could be worth less in the future. To protect against the downside the owner of the share can buy an Option known as a Put. The Put provides the owner the right to sell the share back to the corporation at a known price. Conversely, people who want to have the right to buy a share at a known price can buy it today at the market price or they can buy an Option to Call the share in the future at a known price. These financial derivatives build optionality and stability into the financial markets. Privately held companies do not have the liquidity enjoyed by larger publicly-traded corporation shares. In layman’s terms – there are few buyers and few sellers of private company shares. So, in the private sector Puts and Calls are arrangements between few sellers [often only one] and few buyers [again, often only one]. Regardless, private-business puts and calls provide options and routes to middle-ground during negotiations. Here’s an example of how a put & call combination can provide middle ground: Say the seller maintains a minority shareholder position after selling shares to the buyer. There will be few buyers for the shares held by the seller, who is now a minority shareholder. So, a put option can provide the seller comfort – for example, the seller has the right to put his or her shares to the company for $100,000. At the same time, the buyer may want the right to remove the minority shareholder. This can be accomplished by providing the buyer the right to call [from the monitory owner] the share. For example – the buyer has the right to call the minority owner’s shares for $200,000. This places value range on the shares, $100,000 to $200,000. The seller would gladly accept $200,000 for the shares…but the buyer is not prepared to pay that price today…maybe in the future, but not today. The buyer would gladly pay $100,000 today…but the seller is not prepared to sell at that price today…maybe in the future, but not today. So, the put & call arrangement limits the risk for both parties while, at the same time, it provides both parties the ability to separate company at a defined price [if one party, in the future, wants to part company]. Vendor Take Back: Often, buyers do not have the money to make full payment for the shares. Rather than lose the deal because of lack of buyer-money, the seller can allow the buyer to defer some of the payment. In simple terms, the seller is loaning the buyer money. Usually, the buyer signs a promissory note, agreeing to pay a defined amount at a defined time deadline. To reduce the seller’s risk, these payments can be made in instalments. When this happens the buyer signs a series of promissory notes, each having a different time deadline for payment. Creativity Sellers and buyers must obey the law. That’s fair play. And, that’s the only boundary. Within that boundary sellers and buyers can get very creative …working to satisfy their individual interests and their shared interest to get a deal done . Sellers and buyers need the help of professionals to get the deal done: at least, lawyers and accountants. Lawyers and accountants who deal with corporation law and small businesses see some amazingly bad things throughout their careers. They have witnessed a string of business people who lie, cheat, and steal from one another. They have seen failure to fulfil commitments, bounced cheques, employee sabotage, tax evasion, espionage, patent infringement, and a long list of other things that happen on the bad side of business. A career full of the bad side of business can sour a person. You will want to make sure that soured person is not the person you hire to help you create and close a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement . Choose your allies carefully. And, work to build a relationship with the person who is buying your shares. Work to understand that person’s interests, desires, and needs. Work to find middle ground that satisfies your needs and the buyer’s needs. Obtain counsel from your professional allies, starting sooner rather than later. When it comes to working out the deal - work directly with the buyer to complete agreement on the major commercial terms before calling in your professional allies to finalize the details. Know what you are doing, plan each step, and oversee the entire process. The sale of your business is too important to leave in the hands of 3 rd parties. 3 rd parties will not have your creative capability. 3 rd parties will not have your vested interest in getting a deal done, maximizing your money [within reasonable bounds], and minimizing your risks [within reasonable bounds]. Stated another way – 3 rd parties often tend to get entrenched while you are solution-oriented. Solution-orientation: that’s how you started the business, that’s how you ran the business, and that’s the best way to exit your business.

## Thought Tweet #883
Date: 2013-12-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-883/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #883 " You can have everything in life you want if you just help enough other people get what they want. " Zig Ziglar The Thinking Behind The Tweet I rarely tweet other people's quotes. In an effort to make sure I do not annoy people by regurgitating, I save these quote-sharing tweets for true pieces of wisdom. When I think of common sense I think of Zig Ziglar. Would you rather give something to a person who: (A) Has given something you wanted to you? or (B) Has not given to you something you wanted? All else being equal, any normal human being would pick (A). And - when it comes to giving and getting things we want wouldn't you agree, as a general rule, more is better ? This is not a moral judgement. It is human nature and it is common sense.

## Thought Tweet #882
Date: 2013-12-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-882/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #882 I am working on a simple definition of "Intelligence"...see The Thinking Behind The Tweet #882 at www.rickbaker.ca The Thinking Behind The Tweet Intelligence def'n: The quality and amount of information we have stored in and can retrieve from our brains...as measured by others' perceptions of our actions. Details... Human Intelligence has IQ and EQ content and implications . Human Intelligence does not exist until it is perceived by others. People perceive my or your Intelligence [or lack of it] in real-time, under their time schedule. When it comes to Intelligence, what we say and otherwise do is the substance. What we think is not. What we think - that's the stuff around our Knowledge or even better around our Wisdom [which is most-valuable Knowledge]. What do you think? Do you have a Comment?

## Driving Business Value
Date: 2013-12-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/driving-business-value/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Succession

A business owner drives business value by understanding self and understanding others, exercising self-control and influencing others to do the same, focusing on talents and strengths, planning the work and working the plan, making errors and learning from those errors , achieving small successes and converting them into larger successes, communicating in magnetic ways, and by continuously driving to deliver value to other people. Understanding self and understanding others is important because it is the ‘grounding’ that helps the business owner gain other people’s respect and allows the owner to have self-motivated followers. We cannot motivate other people. However, we can demotivate other people. People who do not understand self and understand others inevitably, through ignorance, do things that demotivate other people. There is much more to be gained, however, reducing the likelihood of demotivating other people is, alone, a sufficient reason to understanding self and others. Exercising self-control and influencing others to do the same is important because people react poorly to people who illustrate a lack of self-control. Sometimes, people are frustrated and demotivated by others’ lack of self-control. Other times, they are annoyed and angered. Either way, flight or fight , people do not do what bosses want them to do when bosses show them a lack of self-control. A business owner will not be able to influence behaviour in a constructive way if he or she lacks self-control. Focusing on talents and strengths is important because everyone has talents and strengths and everyone has lack of talent and weakness in other areas. The greater the talents and strengths in one area the greater the lack of talent and weakness in other areas. Business owners succeed when they obtain the help of talented, strong performers. They have greater success when they put energy to best use by allowing people to unleash performance with their strengths . They have even greater success when they don’t waste energy forcing people to perform against their weaknesses . Planning the work and working the plan is important because it allows the business owner to illustrate cause and effect. Repeated cycles of cause-and-effect confirm the repeatability of the work done at the business. The greater the repeatability the greater the value in the business. Also, the greater the repeatability the greater the scalability…the simpler the training…etc. One Hit Wonders do not have much resale value. Businesses that can illustrate a successful, sustained track record do. Making errors and learning from those errors is important because (1) making errors proves you are innovative and (2) learning from your errors proves you are open-minded and change-tolerant. School of Hard Knocks education is of great value. Innovation is fundamental to surviving and thriving. Adaptation is the route to sustainability . Achieving small successes and converting them into larger successes is important because it proves an understanding of leverage and the ability to take advantage of leverage. At Spirited Leaders, we have a philosophy – task-multiing is better than multi-tasking . Task-multiing is all about leverage, scalability, institutionalizing, efficiency and effectiveness…all excellent value-injection processes. Communicating in magnetic ways is important because poor communication wastes and negates energy by distracting people from the business’s goals while magnetic communication injects a booster shot of energy and solidifies self-motivation. Magnetic communication engages and empowers. Magnetic communication is simple, clear, and laced with energy and enthusiasm…forward-driving enthusiasm . Magnetic communication is the key to the right business culture . Continuously driving to deliver value to other people is important because it energizes people by providing quality shareholder experiences, quality employment experiences, quality purchasing and payment experiences, quality sales and collection experiences and all of these quality experiences are taken home to families at the end of the workday. Quality experiences spread. Quality experiences are contagious. All of these things build value into business. The value exists in the people who perform the work and in the processes that help people perform the work.

## Thought Tweet #881
Date: 2013-12-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-881/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #881 My friend Ron…“ Every day I wake knowing I have 2 choices – to be positive or to be negative. I choose to be positive. ” The Thinking Behind The Tweet We can learn from our friends. The keys are (1) to be observant and (2) to ask questions. For example, if you observe someone who seems to have a much more positive mental attitude than the average person be curious...be inquisitive. Ask about it. Ask Why? and ask How? Some folks are born optimists with natural tendencies towards having a positive attitude and world-outlook. Some folks work at being positive....making a choice...sometimes every morning when they wake. Some folks do both. These folks stand out...magnetizing...inspiring...leading.

## Some day you and your business will part company
Date: 2013-11-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-day-you-and-your-business-will-part-company/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Family Business and CFFB, Succession

Some day you and your business will part company. Based on our Spirited Leaders’ experience, it appears about 2/3 of small-business owners do not realize some day they and their business will part company. While that sounds absurd, it is a reality in the small-business sector. So, it is worth repeating: some day you and your business will part company . Warning : harsh news to follow. When you and your business part company you may not be aware of it…you may have succumbed to some illness and your business is no longer a priority in your mind. That happens from time to time…especially when the owner of the small business has avoided succession planning for 60 or more years. That of course, does not have to happen. Some people experience an alternative exit…they decide why, when, and how they will exit and they create plans and perform actions that cause a smooth exit. This smooth exit involves a realization of the value embedded in their business. Money is transferred from the business bank to the owner`s personal bank…or to some other vehicle designed to minimize taxes, maximize usable money, and satisfy the needs of people. The value embedded in the business is realized and money is transferred to the owner when the owner sells some or all of his or her ownership shares. Beyond the money, there are many reasons why an owner may want to sell some or all of his or her ownership shares. And, there are many ways to accomplish the sale of ownership. Two considerations to keep in mind as you grow the value in your business are WHY? and HOW? WHY ? Why would an owner sell some or all of his or her ownership shares? Here is a sampling of reasons why an owner might sell some or all ownership shares… The key message is: there are good reasons to sell ownership and there are bad reasons. Here, good means higher selling price while bad means lower selling price. Higher selling price means higher return on time and effort invested; lower selling price means lower return on time and effort invested. Of course, the amount of money received by the owner who sells shares is not the only consideration. The other major considerations can be summed up in four words – the impact on people . This includes the impact the sale of shares will have on: you, the seller…is the seller comfortable and will that comfort last? your family…is your family comfortable and will that comfort last? the buyer…is the buyer comfortable and will that comfort last? your fellow shareholders…are they comfortable and will that comfort last? your employees…are they comfortable and will that comfort last? your clients…are they comfortable and will that comfort last? your suppliers…are they comfortable and will that comfort last? your community…are the people in the community comfortable and will that comfort last? For many of these people, comfort will be tied to money considerations…not just direct money but indirect money. Comfort will be tied to a range of indirect-money considerations like, Will I keep my job ? Comfort will be tied to interpersonal relationship issues like, What will this place be like when the new owner injects his or her ideas ? Numerous other considerations will be in the minds of the stakeholders affected by the sale of ownership: How will the new owner change the business? When the new ownership is in place, will policies change? Will payments to suppliers be affected? Will product quality suffer? Will the new owner close the place down and move production to the U.S.? Why wasn`t I given the chance to buy those shares? Most people tend to worry when change happens. Some of these worries are beyond the control of the person who is selling ownership shares. On the other hand, some of these worries can be alleviated if the person selling the shares wishes to do that. Succession planning and communication provide the opportunity to maximize people`s comfort levels. Succession planning and communication: the processes that maximize both money for the person selling ownership shares and people`s comfort levels. That would be the Ideal Scenario. The Ideal Scenario: the person selling the ownership shares receives maximum money the person selling the ownership shares is comfortable the person buying the ownership shares feels the money spent is a good investment the business continues delivering value to all stakeholders all stakeholders are comfortable with the change and future prospects As you create your succession plan, consider these things and assess how important each is to you. Consider your needs to be the highest priority: ensure your money needs are satisfied and ensure you are comfortable with the changes that will follow. Consider the needs of others. Perhaps, you will rank other people`s needs in the following order: the needs of your family the needs of your fellow shareholders or partners the needs of the buyer the needs of your employees the needs of your clients and suppliers the needs of the people in your community Perhaps, you will choose to plan ways to satisfy your needs and all of those other people`s needs. That would be the Ideal Scenario. HOW ? How would you do that? How would you satisfy all those needs? It will take time and much thought to figure out the best answers. The right approach is to start by considering your needs. One of those needs is maximizing the amount of money you receive when you sell ownership shares. How do you do that? In summary, you maximize the amount of money you receive by: Creating a plan to build value in your business Executing that plan, creating a track record of success….this means: having the right people in the right roles doing the right things and having top-notch processes to ensure scalability and transfer Creating a succession plan and working it so: people on your team know what success feels like, people on your team are groomed and able to take on increased responsibilities, and you are replaceable Nurturing buyers Knowing the value of your business Knowing the minimum price you will accept Being prepared and ready to sell when buyers want to buy To whom might you sell your ownership shares? Let`s assume you want to exit the business and sell all of your ownership shares. You might sell your ownership shares to: A financial buyer – a person who views your business as a good stand-alone investment A strategic buyer – a person who wants to gain advantage by meshing certain aspects of your business with other investments A family member who has been groomed to succeed you A family trust or holding company A fellow shareholder or business partner One or more of your employees A local competitor The public...i.e., go public by making a public offering Other creative options Or, you might sell the assets in your business and shut the business down. While it is natural to want to keep your options open, to maximize the money you receive when you exit you will need to reduce the above list to 2 or 3 possibilities. This is essential because – to maximize the proceeds from the sale you will want to strategize then take actions and the best strategies and best actions will differ depending on the target buyer. Some of the options will not apply – for example, if you do not have a family business then you can take the family-business options off the list. On the other hand, if you do have a family business then you must give the family-business options your best thoughts…before you decide to remove them from the list or decide to keep them on the list.

## Thought Tweet #880
Date: 2013-11-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-880/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #880 Negative feelings by their very nature tend to alienate and isolate us. Then they go about wasting much energy. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Feelings are mind states where egos are at work justifying their appetites. While the voices of ego are little, they are incessant. Barrages of little voices fight to serve and satisfy the huge appetites of egos. Egos, their appetites, and their little but incessant voices are not to be ignored.

## Thought Tweet #879
Date: 2013-11-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-879/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #879 The greatest of leaders change themselves. They mould their character to improve their ability to influence others. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes they replace combative ways with kindness; sometimes they replace softer ways with assertiveness. Other times they improve their voice, vocabulary, and body language to improve their communication style...adding clarity and power to it. Great leaders are attuned to their habits, both the good ones and the bad ones. They choose to replace their bad habits with new things - good habits, habits proven to deliver positive results. Beyond everything else, the greatest leaders are masters of self-awareness and self-control. And they know leadership is an ongoing series of thought-and-action choices. So they define thought-and-action boundaries for themselves and they work continuously at living within those thought-and-action boundaries.

## You are in business to generate money.
Date: 2013-11-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-are-in-business-to-generate-money/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Entrepreneur Thinking, Succession, Values: Personal Values

Yes – there are many other reasons why you are driven to be in business. Regardless, you are in business to generate money. You have set a plan for your business and those plans include the generation of money to cover costs, which will include your personal remuneration. When all of the costs are covered there will be profit…you have planned for gross profit. Linked to that profit, you likely have planned to make bonus payments to employees, including yourself and to other owner-operators, if any. After those payments are made, the remaining profit can either be left in your business as retained earnings or it can be paid out as dividends to owners. There are lots of choices in business. And, business is about generating profits and personal wealth. Don't be shy about that. Profit is a valuable thing in business. Be clear about that. Talk about profit. Talk about profit and its relationship with your other corporate Values. Use visual tools to clarify the picture as you see it. For example... In summary, you have 3 ways to receive money from your business: Salary [wages], Bonus, and Dividends. Many might view the following question as rhetorical. Nonetheless, we will ask it: Why would you want to receive money from your business? The answer is: (1) to cover your current needs for money and (2) to cover your future needs for money. Few small-business owners will argue with both those reasons. Fewer small-business owners will do both of them. Most small-business owners are challenged to succeed at the first one. In fact, succeeding at the first one consumes so much time and energy, most small-business owners never get around to working on the second one. Why? Because most small-business owners fail to plan. When they fail to business plan they pave the path for failing to succession plan. Time spent planning and particularly time spent succession planning keeps the end-point vision front and centre in the business owner’s mind. That vision is linked to longer-term goals. So, longer-term goals are also front and centre in the business owner’s mind. When the end-point vision and long-term goals are front and centre, actions have guiding lights to follow. With guiding lights in place, the likelihood of success increases. This is another key reason you should create a succession plan. Separate yourself from the pack . About the pack : Most small-business owners will be acutely aware of the need for current transfers of money from their business bank to their personal bank. They are acutely aware of the need because they know they need personal money to buy food, pay for a place to live, pay for a car…and pay for a long list of other things. Most small-business owners will expend a great deal of energy figuring out how to make these money transfers to cover their immediate, personal-money needs. Yet, most small-business owners will expend little or no energy figuring out how to make money transfers to cover future needs. As a result, most small-business owners are ill-prepared to cover personal-emergency cash needs and even more fail to prepare for their retirement-money needs. Increasing the likelihood of business success…that is one of the main reasons a business owner must perform succession planning. As Napoleon Hill taught in his 1937 classic ‘ Think And Grow Rich ’ – “Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan.”

## Thought Tweet #878
Date: 2013-11-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-878/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #878 With habits playing such a huge role in our lives, why are they so often left to chance? The Thinking Behind The Tweet What force enables habits to roll right over willpower? For those who believe in evolution...Why and how have habits adapted and risen to such a position of power and influence? Or, is that looking at it backwards? Are we witnessing an evolutionary battle between habits and willpower where willpower is slowly but surely gaining ground against [the more-primitive and firmly-established] habits?

## Setting Succession Plan Objectives – Covering Future Money Needs
Date: 2013-11-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/setting-succession-plan-objectives-covering-future-money-needs/ | Categories: Succession

Covering personal-money needs: that’s an iterative process. Do not expect perfection and do not waste time on details. In reality, none of us can forecast the future. The best we can do is make some estimates, make some predictions, and use them as guides. Recognizing this, covering personal-money needs is an iterative process. As with any planning process, the end results improve with review & adjustment…practice takes the plan closer to perfection. So, the best time to begin the succession planning process is – Now . Succession Planning: the recommended approach – 1. Make a ball-park estimate of when you will exit the working world. 2. Make a ball-park estimate of how much money you will need when you exit the working world. 3. Figure out how your current small-business fits into your career plan: · you may intend to keep your business until you retire? · you may want to exit your business soon? · you may see your current business as a stepping stone? 4. Figure out when you plan to exit your current business. 5. Figure out how much personal money you want to extract from your business between now and then. 6. Figure out how much personal money you want to extract from your business after you exit it. 7. Figure out when that money will be delivered from your business bank to your personal bank.

## Thought Tweet #877
Date: 2013-11-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-877/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #877 Our success in this world of other people increases when we develop abilities to observe people & understand them. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The challenge is sometimes we are so self-consumed by aches and pains and daily stresses and strains we are oblivious to other people.

## Thought Tweet #876
Date: 2013-11-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-876/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #876 Communication Tip: when you you know make presentations stop ah filling in gaps um with you know, ah, um...ad nauseam. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most of us do it from time to time. Some of us do it regularly. Some of us do it when we make presentations to large groups. PS: There's Power in the Pause...people will not be distracted & people will know your brain has other you know stuff ah in um it. PPS: One way to replace Bad Habits is trying New Things...but, you must know you have a Bad Habit before you can fix it. Record yourself...check it out. Then monitor your speaking and replace those fill-in words with pauses.

## Succession Planning - allying for success
Date: 2013-11-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/succession-planning-allying-for-success/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Succession

Regardless of what you are trying to build in your business, you will need the effort and results of other people. If you mention that to business people, they will say – “ That’s obvious! ” If you put on your succession planning eyeglasses and watch those same business people, you will observe – What’s obvious is regularly forgotten . If you study business people who have been in business for 30 or 40 or more years, you will confirm – If they build a succession planning team at all then they do it at the last possible minute . Most people put off working on succession planning. Even more people put off developing the team they need for succession planning until they are pressed into doing it. Often they are pressed by a personal health crisis or a surprise departure of a partner or key employee. Failure to spend up-front time building a succession plan that incorporates other people ensures two problems: 1. When the succession plan is built it will be built under stress, maybe even duress. 2. The resulting value received from the business, if any, will be minimized. Put another way… If you want to keep the value of your business low and subject yourself or your successor to a whole bunch of stress then make sure you do no succession planning until the last possible minute. For example: · wait until you are in the ambulance, with people bending over you with IVs and heart monitors, or · wait until you are 70 or so years old and your heir-apparent – your 40-something son or daughter – says, “ Dad, I have waited as long as I could. I have decided to take a job down the street .”, or · wait until your competitors bury your long-standing business by recruiting your top 5 people. …and, it almost goes without saying…never, ever discuss succession planning or your money needs with: · your family members, or · your business partners, or · an accountant, or · a lawyer, or · a wealth advisor. On the other hand… If you want to maximize the value of your business and maximize the comfort and contribution of your key people then make a habit of treating succession as an ongoing investment in your business. Identify the people who could be vital within your business and who could help you accomplish you vision and goals. Understand their needs and aspirations and learn how those needs and aspirations can be satisfied as you accomplish your vision and goals. Work to obtain the buy-in of key people and inspire their long-term performance. Work continuously at delivering value to these key people in exchange for their expertise. Work to help them accomplish their dreams. Nurture and develop a successor for your business. Mentor this person. Partner with this person. Make sure this person knows he or she is your most-trusted business ally. Make sure this person wants to be in that role. Do not assume…talk openly and regularly about succession…talk openly and regularly about needs and aspirations, both yours and theirs. Also, identify unbiased 3 rd -party experts who will support your business over the long-term. Build, over time, relationships with those experts. Work to understand their advice. And ensure your interactions with them satisfy their business needs and aspirations. Ensure your business succession planning aligns with your personal family-needs. Ideally, you will have the full support of a significant other . While this is beyond the scope of this Thought Post, the fact is – very few people achieve material business success without the support of a significant other . Failure to meet the needs of a significant other can have major negative implications on your business. Of course, this can be particularly true if you are involved in a family business. However, the negative impact marital disputes can have on a business is not isolated to family businesses or family. For example, your business and your business partners can be named in legal battles that follow marital disputes. Regardless of what you are trying to build in your business, you will need the effort and results of other people. Remember that piece of obvious advice . And, remember that applies on many fronts. While this is not intended to be a complete or comprehensive list, remember that piece of obvious advice applies: · to your significant other · to your family · to your business partners · to your chosen successor · to your key employees · to the rest of your employees · to your 3 rd party advisors · to your clients and suppliers Create plans that cover your needs and aspirations. Create plans that cover the needs and aspirations of the people who will contribute to your business success. View all of this work as an investment in your business and your personal success.

## Thought Tweet #875
Date: 2013-11-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-875/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #875 Making new errors proves you are innovative and learning from your errors proves you are open-minded and change-tolerant. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Change is a good thing...even if you disagree with that, you must agree there's a lot of it out there so one might as well get accustomed to it. Fear of making mistakes is a real spirit killer. Constructive criticism is an Oxymoron. With just a little help, Creativity springs back to life.

## The Vivid Vision of JFK
Date: 2013-11-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/jfk/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

When I was a young boy I had a small group of very close buddies. We played together. We played sports like baseball and football. We fought now and again. And we play-fought all the time. We played pirates. We played Cowboys and Indians. We played army games. Bang, bang…you’re dead. One Friday afternoon, when I was in Grade 3, our teacher told us the President of the United States had been shot and killed. I remember walking home with my buddies. Laughing and playing…bang, bang…you’re dead. When I got home, I headed for the refrigerator and I found my Mom in the kitchen…crying like I had never seen before. I remember that afternoon like it was yesterday. I remember my Mom sobbing, unable to talk clearly. I panicked, not understanding what was wrong. When she could talk she explained she was heartbroken over the death of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the President of the United States. I remember exactly how I felt that afternoon, including the joy I had playing with my friends, the panic about my Mom, and the guilt over my ignorance. Later, I understood why my Mom and all my friends’ Moms cried that day. That was the day the Vision known as ‘Camelot’ died. The death of that Vision shook my world and took a big piece of my childish innocence.

## Thought Tweet #874
Date: 2013-11-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-874/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #874 So you have a mind like a steel trap do you…then you will know intelligent life forms choose to avoid traps. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Illustrations of mental prowess can put people off....especially when performed by braggarts and wiseacres.

## Only when you know who you are can you influence others.
Date: 2013-11-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/only-when-you-know-who-you-are-can-you-influence-others/ | Categories: Influencing, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

If you lack self-knowledge then you will never be a great leader. In fact, if you lack self-knowledge then you will struggle to have any level of sustained success in business. Perhaps, you will get lucky and experience short-lived wins. If you do then don’t confuse that with success. Without self-knowledge the wins will soon disappear. They will disappear because sooner or later, likely sooner, followers will recognize the leader’s shortcomings. Quality people – good followers – lose interest in a leader when: the leader fails to illustrate intelligence or the leader fails to illustrate self-control or the leader fails to illustrate focused drive. Good followers want to vent their strengths. They want their talents, knowledge, and skills to be linked to opportunities. Good followers expect their leaders to generate those opportunities. Good followers also want to be part of something successful…if they sense the leader is exercising poor judgment then they will interpret that as a sign of weak intelligence, if they see the leader stray from the goal-path then they will interpret that as a sign of weak self-control, and if they see the leader lose energy or ambition then they will interpret that as a sign of weak drive. These are just a sample of the many ways a leader can lose quality followers. And, there is no question, the quality followers will be the first ones to leave. When a leader develops the skill of understanding self the leader can use that skill to understand others . Yes – this is far from an exact science. It takes concerted, life-long effort to understand self . It takes even more effort to improve skill at understanding others . But – do not let that dissuade or discourage you. Small improvements in understanding others result in huge payoffs. Huge payoffs? Yes – most people do an extremely poor job of understanding others. Anyone who makes an effort to understand others stands out as ‘a good listener’ or ‘a good communicator’. Because it happens so rarely, people quickly register positive feelings and thoughts when someone actually listens to them or illustrates the ability to empathize with them. So, simple steps to leadership success… 1. Work at self-knowledge: every day, take the time to think about what you think and what you do. 2. Use your self-knowledge to work at understanding others: observe, ask questions, listen. 3. Use your knowledge of self and others to build business strength: · Strategize: set vision and goals · Build relationships with people, influence performance, & execute actions - Develop and use your strengths - Develop and use others’ strengths to augment your strengths - Develop and use others’ strengths to offset your weaknesses

## Thought Tweet #873
Date: 2013-11-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-873/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #873 People like low-hanging fruit. I hear them talk about picking it all the time. But, they don’t pick it when it’s sour. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sour, victim-speaking, intolerant, downtrodden, and otherwise negative people put others off. If you are not getting what you want out of life check what you're giving .

## Thought Tweet #872
Date: 2013-11-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-872/ | Categories: Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #872 Great leaders don't drive people; great leaders fuel the drive in people. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Weak leaders have little choice but to force others to do what they are told to do. Great leaders have a spectrum of choices: their choices range from forcing people to do what they are told to do to inspiring people to want to do what is of value and of mutual benefit . Great leaders favour fuelling the drive in other people. However, great leaders will draw clear lines when that is required. These lines reflect the great leaders' Values and Master Rules . And - great leaders lead by example. They exhibit Integrity .

## On Execution: There's 2 ways to get things done in business
Date: 2013-11-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/theres-2-ways-to-get-things-done-in-business/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

There are two ways to get things done in business: self-selection/direction & mastered delegation. Some people are natural-born self-selectors/directors. Often, they are Achievers, Activators, & Executioners ...and sometimes workaholics. Other people are not. Often, they are Futurists, Visionaries, & Ideationists ...and sometimes procrastinators . One big problem in business: these opposites find themselves trying to work together. Another big problem in business: sometimes these opposites do not find themselves trying to work together!

## Thought Tweet #871
Date: 2013-11-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-871/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #871 In pre-historic times people who didn't listen got eaten...now they are able to roam the streets and work in offices. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Could it be 21 st Century predators are a forgiving lot of creatures? Could it be Darwin was wrong? ...survival of the fittest? ... or was it survival of the most adaptable? ... or is it survival of the least able to listen? Assuming evolution is an accurate theory - and I'm not so sure about that any more - How many generations will it take for human ears to shrink and disappear through lack of use?

## Thought Tweet #870
Date: 2013-11-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-870/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #870 5 reasons to listen: (1) to respond, (2) to act, (3) to understand, (4) because it's your job, & (5) because you like people. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most people listen poorly. It's reciprocal: people don't listen to them so they return the disfavour. Then there's this pent up ego demand to express thoughts rather than listen to them. *** If we don't relearn how to listen evolution is going to adapt our ears into oblivion. [One drawback of civilization: people who don't listen no longer get eaten by predators.]

## Take Steps Toward 'Change Leadership'
Date: 2013-11-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/take-steps-toward-change-leadership/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Influencing, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Integrity, Leaders' Thoughts, Master Rules, Optimism & Pessimism, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

If you want to lead change and influence others to help you achieve the success you desire, consider these things: Your Intelligence - This is a tough one! How can you be objective? How can you know whether or not you have the intelligence required to be a successful leader? Here's a few suggestions: (1) view this as a life-long process, work at self-knowledge, & figure out how to measure accurately [then you will be able to apply these things to understanding others], (2) ask for input from others then consider it from different perspectives [as examples, subjectively and objectively], (3) have at least one mentor...intelligence is not fixed - it is something you can expand if you work at it. Your Self-Control - There are two dimensions: (1) short-term control over emotions, feelings, thoughts, & actions and (2) 'Grit', the ability to control thoughts and actions so they align with personal Values , Vision , Rules , & Goals . 'Grit', as defined here, is the thing in you that determines whether or not you can illustrate Integrity to others and whether or not you have the conviction required to achieve your Desires . Your Talents & Strengths - understand them in detail, use them to perform specific Tasks [ Take Talent To Task ], align with other people who can cover your weaknesses with their Talents & Strengths...figure out how to effectively Influence those people. Your Emotions - Another tough one! Start by defining Emotions and how they differ from feelings, moods, and other mind states. Seek help from others who can observe you in a variety of Situations : under heavy workload, under stress, under assault [for example, while being criticized]. Assessments can help identify your weaknesses. Major weaknesses must be corrected. If they are not you will violate sacred things like Integrity and your stated Values...violations will destroy followers' Trust in a blink. Your Thoughts - Seek Simple , seek clarity, & consider the stories that touch you. Are you naturally optimistic or pessimistic ? Work on being more optimistic. Are you naturally interested in other People ? Work at being more interested. A leading Attitude is essential. Understand how human brains work. As an introduction: work at improving your ability to focus, initiate, plan, organize, shift, monitor, & regulate . Your Desires - these must mesh with your Values , Vision , Rules , & Goals . You must also understand them thoroughly. You must be able to communicate them with ease and with examples [ stories work best ]. Your Actions - and the Actions you must do to deliver value, lead others, inspire others, influence others, and help others. Dedicate at least one full, uninterrupted day each year to measure your progress. When you do this you will observe progress steps that look something like this...

## Thought Tweet #869
Date: 2013-11-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-869/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #869 Successful people have more time & you're too busy. Where's all this leading? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Successful people have more time. Do you believe that? Have you checked it out? Have you studied successful people? Are you too busy to study successful people?

## Delegation: The Decision-Making Engine of Business
Date: 2013-11-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/delegation-the-decision-making-engine-of-business/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Delegation & Decisions, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Influencing, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Delegation: the business-process engine

Delegation is the decision-making engine of business. The Delegation engine is fuelled by Influence . Influence is built on a track record of releasing control and growing trust...all laced together, consistently, with Vision , Values , Rules , Goals , & Measures ...all making best use of Talents & Strengths ...and, together, learning lessons from errors made along the road to Success. And the key to successful Delegation: make Decisions around How you will go about Releasing Control and How you will go about Growing Trust. For most people and most businesses, these things do not just happen naturally. They only happen after a great deal of forethought, self-analysis, and good planning. Practice the 80% Rule : If someone else can do the Task 80% as well as you can do it then Delegate . And remember... Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron ...so choose to celebrate lessons learned from failures rather than criticizing others' errors.

## Thought Tweet #868
Date: 2013-11-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-868/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #868 You ever notice nobody ever walks up and asks you, " What do we want? " The Thinking Behind The Tweet People ask us, " What do you want? " They do that when they are seeking the common ground, " What do we want? ", " What are our shared wants? " But, they never ask the simple question...they only know how to go about it the hard way.

## Thought Tweet #867
Date: 2013-11-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-867/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #867 Work at exhausting your Talents: the more you use them the harder it will be. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We struggle when we don't use our Talents...and many of us accept that struggling lot in life. Yet, few of us struggle to use up our Talents. That's unfortunate.

## Thought Tweet #866
Date: 2013-11-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-866/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #866 The only reason you are not a donkey is that your mother and father were not donkeys. The Thinking Behind The Tweet " The only reason you are not a rattlesnake is that your mother and father were not rattlesnakes. " Dale Carnegie, ' How to Win Friends and Influence People ', (1939 - Toronto publication) Don't judge too harshly. Don't judge too quickly. Don't judge. ...in search of political correctness ...Sure hope no donkeys are reading this.

## Thought Tweet #865.5
Date: 2013-11-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8655/ | Categories: Succession, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #865.5 Some people view succession planning as the last big step rather than a design/build process. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Succession Planning should be treated as a most-elite process: capturing the leader's Values, Vision, & Goals and enveloping business planning & other business activity.

## Thought Tweet #865
Date: 2013-11-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-865/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Influencing, Optimism & Pessimism, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #865 Listen to what people say...are their words the words of Victims or Initiators? The Thinking Behind The Tweet We do better with people when we understand them...as Stephen Covey taught - 'Seek First to Understand'. We all go through ups and downs and the ups and downs can skew our day-to-day personalities. So, yes - it is rash to judge personality too quickly. Setting day-to-day variances aside, we all have predominant tendencies. While we do not want to pretend we are armchair psychologists, our success in this world of other people increases when we observe people and develop an ability to understand them. And, people do have predominant tendencies. One of those tendencies has been captured by psychologists and labelled locus of control . Some of us 'have' an internal locus of control while some of us 'have' an external locus of control . People who 'have' the internal locus of control believe they can affect change and outcomes. They tend to be Initiators. People who 'have' the external locus of control believe they have little ability to influence change or outcomes. They are fatalists or Victims. Victims tend to complain about their lot in life. Victims tend to blame others. Victims tend to blame situations. Victims are pessimistic. Victims make excuses. [Feelings of envy and jealousy hang around the shadows of Victims.] Initiators are the opposite. [Give Victims comfort. Give Initiators latitude.]

## Integrity - such an interesting piece of human fabric
Date: 2013-11-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/integrity-such-an-interesting-piece-of-human-fabric/ | Categories: Integrity

I think people have a built-in need for Integrity. Then - so very often - we cause them to violate it. We do this in subtle, unplanned ways. We create work environments that conflict with their inherent Integrity. We construct tasks that do not fit their Integrity. We communicate in ways that offend their Integrity. And we promote situations that encourage and sometimes force them to act in ways that violate their Integrity. Integrity is a personal thing. Yes, it has common threads that bind us. Call them cultural or community threads. Yet, Integrity is a personal egoic thing. Unfortunately, most people struggle with it rather than work to understand it. Most people don’t even take the time to define Integrity. Yet, they place high standards of it on others.

## Thought Tweet #864.5
Date: 2013-11-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8645/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #864.5 " Men are ruled by toys. " [Perhaps, there is joy in things .] The Thinking Behind The Tweet My favourite composer, Richard Wagner apparently said, " Joy is not in us, it is in things. " I understand the 'theory' but struggle with the 'practice'. Many things, some small, trigger joy in me: pocket knives and souvenir coins are examples. More specifically, I get a kick out of my Laguiole jack-knives and my Napoleon Bonaparte coin. [200 years ago Napoleon bought Laguiole knives for his officers...that put the Laguiole company on the map... and their knives still display the 'Bonaparte Bee'.] Napoleon bought lots of trinkets and toys for his officers. When his practice of buying toys for his men was questioned, Napoleon replied, " Men are ruled by toys. " I understand the 'theory' and the 'practice'.

## Let's put an end to that "I'm too busy" mindset.
Date: 2013-11-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/lets-put-an-end-to-that-im-too-busy-mindset/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

" Successful people have more time " . "I'm too busy" is an extremely unhealthy way to be thinking and talking. It's a troubled self-image crying out for help. As Robin Sharma said in ' The Greatness Guide ' (2007), " Y our schedule doesn't lie ". [Just check your schedule. It will confirm you are not too busy.]

"I don't have time." "I'm too busy." Many people say those things. I say, " Successful people have more time " . And I say, "I'm too busy" is an extremely unhealthy way to be thinking and talking. It's a troubled self-image crying out for help. As Robin Sharma said in ' The Greatness Guide ' (2007), " Y our schedule doesn't lie ". [Just check your schedule. It will confirm you are not too busy.] Why is "I'm too busy" such a bad mindset? It's a resignation. It's victim-speak, a victim crying out. It's a person out of control, problems on the verge of happening. It's a negative contagion. I'm-too-busy misery enjoys I'm-too-busy company. After someone says "I'm too busy"...then what happens? Not much because everybody's thinking and talking about nobody having any time. That's a bunch of Hogwash! It is not accurate thinking and it is not helpful in any way. There's nothing good about "I'm too busy". That's it. That's the problem with "I'm too busy": nothing good ever follows it. Whenever anyone says "I'm too busy" or "I don't have time" nothing good ever follows. The life of a victim is an unpleasant one. How to remove "I'm too busy" from your repertoire of excuses: Stop thinking it. Stop saying it. Stop listening to it. Stop accepting it.

## Thought Tweet #864
Date: 2013-11-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-864-2013/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #864 Influence flows when actions are backed by strong appetites for & vivid visions of change. The Thinking Behind The Tweet And the results are constructive when formed by intelligence and self-control. Influence - Why, that's something every single one of us does every single day. But of most importance - What form does our Influence take? How have our intentions or inattentions shaped our influences?

## Thought Tweet #863.5
Date: 2013-11-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8635/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

Thought Tweet #863.5 A person who chases two rabbits is too busy to catch either. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Playing with the ancient wisdom of Confucius... “He who chases two rabbits, captures neither.” You don't have to chase two rabbits to be too busy. [There's plenty of other ways to multi-task your way to too busy.]

## Thought Tweet #863
Date: 2013-11-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-864/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #863 People are more inclined to follow than to lead. This can be painfully clear when egos are unleashed. The Thinking Behind The Tweet One of the most graphic examples is mob behaviour. A few mob leaders can inspire destruction and pillaging from many...just consider Vancouver's Stanley Cup embarrassment. As Mark Weber says, " If the bet is between People and the Situation, bet on the Situation ". [paraphrased] Betting on Situations is, in essence, betting on people following. And there's that Spirited philosophy - " Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations " To accomplish their dreams, leaders must remember these related things: Be the role model you want emulated Anticipate and construct Situations

## Thought Tweet #862.5
Date: 2013-11-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8625/ | Categories: Humour, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #862.5 A coach transports people to where they want to go. The Thinking Behind The Tweet That applies to sports stars. It also applies to people on a nice vacation. Sometimes it applies in business!

## Thought Tweet #862
Date: 2013-11-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-862/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #862 Business Valuation...difficult to have it survive the test of time...near impossible to do under dispute. The Thinking Behind The Tweet I favour Puts & Calls. Even wide-spread Puts & Calls have merit...at the least, they narrow disputes in terms of dollars...and they neuter frivolous claims.

## The 1 Thing Everyone Wants
Date: 2013-11-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-1-thing-everyone-wants/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

What's the 1 thing everyone wants? If we knew that then we would have a much better chance of understanding others, communicating with others, working with others...getting along with others...helping others...influencing others. So let's explore that together. One of the first things I can recall learning about human needs was Maslow's 'Hierarchy of Needs' [1940's psychology]. With 'people's wants' in mind, Abraham Maslow spelled out the basics and the hierarchy of human needs... Let's assume the basic needs are covered. Let's assume the physiological and safety needs are covered. That's a reasonable assumption: if you are reading this Thought Post then it is likely your basic needs are covered. You are reading in response to some other need. After the basic needs are covered, what comes next? and - What's the 1 thing everyone wants? Is Maslow right? Has he accurately narrowed it down to 4 things?, i.e., Love, Belonging, Esteem, and Self-actualization...with Love and Belonging coming ahead of Esteem and Self-actualization? Perhaps the one thing everyone wants is: Love - that inexplicable state of mind that connects 2 human beings in a most-special way Belonging - that sense of connectedness, being part of something larger Esteem - containing value and being held in high regard Self-actualization - to realize one's full potential In the late 1800's, Friedrich Nietzsche [my favourite philosopher] had a strong and clear view: "Physiologists should think again before postulating the drive to self-preservation as the cardinal drive in an organic being. A living thing desires above all to vent its strength - life as such is will to power -: self-preservation is only one of the indirect and most frequent consequences of it." ' Venting one's strength ' - that's a different twist. It captures both Esteem and Self-actualization. Sigmund Freud had a different view, which he expressed about 100 years ago. He felt people's actions are a result of two major drives: the sex urge and the desire to be great. And, he wrote: “What we call happiness in the strictest sense comes from the (preferably sudden) satisfaction of needs which have been dammed up to a high degree.” If we extract the physiological drive [sex urge], we are left with 'the desire to be great' . The often-quoted philosopher William James said, "The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated." And Dale Carnegie, mirroring the views of philosopher John Dewey, taught - "The deepest urge in human nature is the desire to be important." There's a common thread here: Everyone wants to use personal strengths to create value and influence others to confirm appreciation of that value. *** For another day... Internal: one's Strength [Innate Talent + Opportunity + Specialized Knowledge + Practised Skills = Strength] Action: more than just thought Ego: the thing that craves External: internal locus of control is at play here Influence: it is not enough to just do, others must be affected...others must be influenced *** And - no wonder Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron.

## Thought Tweet #861.5
Date: 2013-11-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8615/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #861.5 Don't put off to tomorrow what you can do some day. The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's procrastinationisticism at its best.

## Thought Tweet #861
Date: 2013-11-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-861/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #861 Balancing the strange comfort in ‘standing by’ against the positive change that follows ‘stepping up’. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you must place a bet favouring either People or Situations, place your bet on Situations. That's what some social psychologists are teaching. Why? Why would social psychologists recommend we bet on the situation influencing the person rather than bet on the person influencing the situation? Because there is much evidence illustrating how people are prepared to 'stand by' and do nothing in situations involving bad things ranging from workplace incivility and poor work ethics to pollution and its impact on Mother Nature to school bullying and public muggings to fundamentalism, bigotry, and genocidal atrocities. All that said, in every such 'bad' situation each of us has a choice: we can 'stand by' or we can 'step up'. The ancient wisdom… If not me who? If not now when?

## Thought Tweet #860.5
Date: 2013-11-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8585-2013/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #860.5 You wanna lead, you gotta read. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The Pharaohs and high priests of ancient Egypt knew that. Abe Lincoln knew it... "A capacity, a taste for reading, gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others. It is the key, to the already solved problems. And not only so. It gives a relish, a facility, for successfully pursuing the (yet) unsolved ones." " All I have learned, I learned from books. " You should know it too.

## Thought Tweet #860
Date: 2013-11-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-860/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #860 Business leaders are lighters of little fires...igniting baby steps of action, inspiring baby steps of value. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Inspire People. Influence Action. Grow Value! ...which naturally leads to Wealth. [That’s the path of Business Leadership]

## Thought Tweet #859.5
Date: 2013-10-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8595/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #859.5 When we behave - when we take action - our behaviour alters our brain…maybe only a little, maybe much more than a little. The Thinking Behind The Tweet It depends on the situation, the nature of our behaviour [our action], and the results/consequences/implications. This is the key to replacing Bad Habit s with Good Habits .

## Think in new/old/best ways!
Date: 2013-10-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/think-in-newoldbest-ways/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Many months ago I attached a Post It Note to my computer monitor. The note read, "Think in new ways!" I wanted to remind myself to be open minded and creative. Some time later, while tagging a Thought Post with ' Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time ' I felt the need to cross out the word "new" and replace it with the word "old". I wanted to remind myself there's much value embedded in the wisdom of the ages and there's no need to reinvent the wheel. Some time later, the Post It Note was crying out for more...like it was struggling between the "new" and the "old". I quieted it by crossing out the word "old" and replacing it with the word "best". Now, I am reminded regularly, throughout every work day, to

## Thought Tweet #859
Date: 2013-10-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-859/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Influencing, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #859 Few situations provide the opportunity to do big things; all situations provide the opportunity to do small things. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Business leaders want people to get it and they want people to step up . Business leaders want illustrations of insight and exertion of confident action. Those are the things business leaders want to influence.

## Thought Tweet #858.5
Date: 2013-10-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8585/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #858.5 Habits are like rivers. If your leave them alone they more or less follow the path of least resistance. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Habits are so integral to our success, we cannot leave them to chance. We must work on them before they work on us.

## Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, No      [...and now...likely...it's over!]
Date: 2013-10-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/yes-yes-yes-yes-yes-no-and-nowlikelyits-over/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Influencing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes. What a fine string of 'Yeses'. then... ...'No'. And, with that 'No'...'Yes' is likely over...resistance has kicked in...the other person is now either turned off, wanting to escape or ready to fight your every move.

Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, No [...and now...likely...it's over!] The Art of Good Questions is about asking questions that bring about 'Yes' answers. Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes. What a fine string of 'Yeses'. Then... ...'No'. And, with that 'No'...'Yes' is likely over...resistance has kicked in...the other person is now either turned off, wanting to escape or ready to fight your every move. There's a fine, sharp edge between 'Yes' and 'No'. That edge cuts quickly and deeply when you cause a person's thoughts to pass from the 'Yes' side to the 'No' side. Once the other person's thoughts are on the 'No' side, the constructive part of the conversation is over and irrecoverable. This is one of the reasons Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron . When you criticize people you trigger their 'No' responses....and, at that point, constructive communication is over. Sure, you may be able to present immaculate logic to try to extract the 'No' mindset from the other people...but remember, your chances are about the same as those of an unskilled rider trying to control a rather-out-of-sorts elephan t. Sure, you might try apologizing and asking to start over...if your trust bank account is flush with relationship assets then you may be able to pull that one off. And, sure - the other person may be one of those exceptional people with thick skin ...but, as you know, that's not very likely.

## Thought Tweet #858
Date: 2013-10-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-858/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #858 Our fingers naturally point outwards. So, it takes much effort to point at ourselves when it's time to place the blame. The Thinking Behind The Tweet This must be evolution in the works! We enjoy all the benefits of opposing thumbs and blame-pointing fingers.

## Thought Tweet #857.5
Date: 2013-10-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8575/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #857.5 Strange as it may seem, people shut down when they know you will put down their ideas. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Try putting an end to receiving input then vetoing ideas and shutting people down. Even better, try putting an end to asking for input then vetoing ideas and shutting people down...that one really burns people.

## Thought Tweet #857
Date: 2013-10-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-857/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #857 It is better to believe in people's ability to change than in people's fate for the status quo. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people believe people cannot change. They envision a future of status quo or some other fate. Some people believe people can change for the better. They envision bright and better futures. Leaders embrace the latter belief.

## Thought Tweet #856.5
Date: 2013-10-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8565/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #856.5 How to build relationships, earn trust, and influence people. [3 related essentials] The Thinking Behind The Tweet 'How to win friends and influence people.' [Dale Carnegie's classic....really, about how to influence people , starting with friendly relationships] So... How to influence people. How to build relationships to influence people. How to earn trust to influence people. How to build relationships, earn trust, and influence people.

## Taking SWOT to an even better place
Date: 2013-10-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/taking-swot-to-an-even-better-place/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

STRENGTHS : The Gallup people presented Strengths as a combination of Talent, Knowledge, & Skills. Talent is not enough on its own. It must be coupled with Knowledge. We clarify that the Knowledge must be specialized, focused, and consistent with what it takes to achieve goals. Talent coupled with Knowledge is not enough...it is essential that Skills be practised until tasks and processes are mastered. Only then can one possess and vent Strengths. On top of that Gallup wisdom, we added Opportunities. That's where leaders fit in. Leaders recognize Talent, provide access to Knowledge and training & development in the form of practising. In this way, leaders provide the Opportunities for the development of Strengths. P=2S+O : Bosses exist to delegate tasks and processes and manage the people who do those tasks and processes. That being the framework for business, bosses really don't want to hear Problems. Bosses only want to hear Problems when the Problems are used to introduce Solutions...and, every once in a while, Opportunities. That's the P=2S+O philosophy. That's why we created the P=2S+O tool. SWOT is a strategic planning tool developed a couple of generations ago. It can be used to sort thoughts about business processes & business situations. And, as was recently brought to our attention by Don Peart, SWOT can be used to sort thoughts about people. Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . The thinking around SWOT 's application for business Processes & Situations is on the record. Just Google ' SWOT ' and you will find much theory and practical advice. The first 3 thoughts that came to me when Don Peart talked about applying SWOT thinking to People were: There's a lot of common ground shared by SWOT and our definition of personal Strength. P=2S+O is a practical tool, designed to cause people to focus on Solutions while keeping their minds and eyes open for Opportunities. When recruiting we could use SWOT thinking as an umbrella over our definition of Strengths and our P=2S+O philosophy. Here's the picture... There are many possible ways to apply SWOT thinking to People: recruiting, training, etc. ...more to follow

## Thought Tweet #856
Date: 2013-10-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-856/ | Categories: Humour, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #856 Sycophants & lickspittles: friends in need serving egos in need. The Thinking Behind The Tweet A couple of funny English words for funny roles.

## Thought Tweet #855.5
Date: 2013-10-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8555/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #855.5 Stand down, Step up, & Listen. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Stand down - military folks say that when they want someone to relax or stop being aggressive. Step up - regular folks say that when they want someone to get to a better place by doing something significant. Listen - everyone says that more than they do it. PS: Shut up, Stand down, Step up, & Listen. [The first part goes without saying.]

## How much thought do you invest in training your people?
Date: 2013-10-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-much-time-do-you-invest-in-training-your-people/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Delegation & Decisions, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Influencing, Seeking Simple!, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

There are many ways to construct a training and staff-development plan for the people in your business. Here is one way to start. Think about how the 80/20 Rule applies to the tasks performed by your people. Create a list of the 20% of tasks that contribute 80% of the results you desire. Then, for each task, answer two questions: "Is this a routine Task or is it a not-Routine task?" "Is it a Technical task [specific to your business & industry] or is it an Interpersonal task [people influencing people]?" Create a 1-page picture [like below] and insert your Top 20% tasks into the 4 quadrants. When this is done you will have a picture of the Top 20% of the work-tasks you want your people to perform. This picture can be used to 'troubleshoot' your training and development programs...just ask, "What stands out?" Not sure whether a task is Routine or not-Routine? [Better figure that out!] Too much emphasis on Technical tasks, at the expense of developing Interpersonal strengths? [Better balance that out!] When you sort these things out and are comfortable you have the right balance, do a double-check: apply the 80/20 Rule again, then ask, "What stands out?" Are you balancing your training and development programs across your Top 4% tasks? Are you balancing your training and development programs at all reporting levels? *** Why do this Routine/not-Routine/Technical/Interpersonal quadrant picture of your 80/20 Rule tasks? Here's an introductory answer... Business consists of 3 things: People, Process, & Situations. People create the Process. The Process consists of series of tasks. The People find themselves in various situations. Often, when problems arise, Situations appear more complicated. Often, simple solutions are missed and time, effort, and money are wasted. For this reason, it is important to ensure Routine tasks are not ignored and are supported by simple tools, including checklists. Much time, effort, and money is dedicated to R&D, invention, & innovation. That covers a very important area of tasks. However, when these not-Routine Technical tasks and processes are ruined because Routine Technical tasks were not performed properly...well, the lessons can be very painful. Consider, for example the crashing of the Flying Fortress during its highly-touted test flight. Similarly, many businesses invest heavily in training and development for not-Routine Interpersonal tasks such as media training and handling crucial conversations while they fail to train people how to make decisions and listen to one another. These basic Routine Interpersonal tasks, when covered well, pave the path for top-notch business performance. And NOTE: time has a way of eroding and changing memories. So, we must repeat, repeat, repeat if we want to ensure our people have the training and development they need to possess desirable business strengths. And to inspire...let's inject some creativity into it and make training and development experiences enjoyable. Failure to Repeat: Well, that's a fatal flaw!

## Thought Tweet #855
Date: 2013-10-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-855/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #855 What comes first, pleasing customers or pleasing employees? The Thinking Behind The Tweet I hope you take that at least two ways. PS: In my travels I encounter many business people who bend over backwards preaching customer service and satisfaction. While they are doing that, they seem to be oblivious to the distresses of their employees. I wonder - Is it even partially sane to expect disgruntled employees to raise pleased customers.

## Thought Tweet #854.5
Date: 2013-10-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8545/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #854.5 When you criticize people you trigger their 'No' responses....and, at that point, constructive communication is over. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When 'No' thoughts are filling the brain there is little room for 'Yes" thoughts. In fact, chances are 'No' and 'Yes' thoughts will not want to occupy the brain at the same time. They would rather take turns. And, for most people the 'No' thoughts are much more sticky. When they find their way into people's brains they stick there until they run out of reasons to defend and bolster the ego. While 'No' thoughts are sticking around the brain, working away to defend and bolster the ego there is little, if any, opportunity for constructive communication...particularly communication involving the person who triggers the 'No' response.

## Some people simply do not get along...
Date: 2013-10-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-people-simply-do-not-get-along/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Influencing, Personalities @ Work

Some people simply do not get along. And, they never will. So - they will never work together in harmony. When you experience incivility at work or other forms of 'people not getting along', it is important to determine whether or not the situation you are facing is one where the people are never going to work together in harmony . This is important because if, in reality, people are battling and have made their minds up to never get along then there is no value in trying to influence them to change. You will never cause them to get along. The best you can do is cause them to behave in less-destructive ways. In fact, to generate constructive change you only have two options: One of the people must leave or One or both of the people must accept, truly accept, subordination to your demands and the fact he/she/they will have no control over the situation or the other person. Beware: it is rare for people to be comfortable and truly accept a situation they cannot control. It is also rare for people to exercise full control over themselves when they know they will never be able to work in harmony with and are conflicted with another person. Human nature - actually, the human ego - places strong demands around locus of control and sphere of influence . People are uncomfortable when they are in conflict with others and doubly uncomfortable when they know they have no or little ability to change that situation. Yes, I know, people can change. So, there is always a possibility the two conflicting people may get along some day. However, when people are really dug in against one another that's a sucker's bet. That's a very-low-probability-of-winning bet. So, working to cause two die-hard people in conflict to change their attitudes toward one another is the wrong approach. Instead, when you think two people will never be able to work together in harmony: Communicate your perspective of that situation to both of them...might as well sit the two of them down and talk to both at the same time...that will let them know you are not playing favourites and it will ensure both hear/witness the same message Obtain their agreement that your perspective is accurate...if one or both argue against your perspective then that could be a sign there could be hope for improvement...or it could be a really bad sign [you will have to use your judgement] Present the two options described above, telling both people you will use their input then make your decision [i.e., you will make a Consultative Decision after each of them has had an opportunity to provide their perspectives] Ask for their preferences...repeat the request at least twice so they understand you are serious Part company...if either person requests more discussion then make it clear that will only happen if the other person is present...you want full communication Make your decision, i.e., either (1) one goes or (2) both stay and agree to work within the boundaries you set Communicate your decision to both...whether one person remains or both people remain, explain your boundaries in writing so that person [those people] know exactly your expectations and how you will address future situations of this nature Monitor their actions and enforce your boundaries This approach has several benefits. As examples - You cannot ignore situations where people are never going to work in harmony ...sooner or later these situations get worse and cost much time and money Situations where people are never going to work in harmony affect everyone and mess up your business culture...people expect leaders to address and resolve these sorts of situations...the best employees leave when they see these situations linger and fester In the event your perception is wrong - in the event the situation is not really a never going to work in harmony situation - the two people may see the light, get their egos under control, and clean up their acts...in which case the problem will be solved in a win-win-win way and everyone can walk away feeling good about themselves and the other people The process you develop can be used to nip these situations in the bud if they arise in the future

## Thought Tweet #854
Date: 2013-10-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-854/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #854 If you don't know you influence people then chances are good you're observing negatives and confused why. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We can know ourselves. We can know we influence other people. We can know we can influence the way we influence other people. So, we can choose how we want to influence other people. If we do not so choose then we must accept the consequences of our influence on others...no matter how negative and confusing they will be.

## Thought Tweet #853.5
Date: 2013-10-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8535/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #853.5 If you cannot be interested at least be interesting. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Seek first to be interested and to understand. If you cannot handle that maybe you can compensate by being entertaining...or, at least, interesting. Stephen Covey - Seek First To Understand . Perhaps people will warm up to you and remember you if you seek first to understand them? That's consistent with Dale Carnegie's teaching. If you cannot bring yourself to be truly interested in understanding other people then your opportunities for influencing them drop significantly. You may be able to squeeze in some opportunities by: being interesting...attention-getting, magnetic...those sorts of things being entertaining...like a motivational speaker or a magician or a clown act

## Thought Tweet #853
Date: 2013-10-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-853/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #853 Using talent and venting strengths...that’s self-expression at its best. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Talents + Opportunities + Specialized Knowledge + Practiced Skills = Personal Strengths Venting our Personal Strengths - that's ' people-excellence '.

## Thought Tweet #852.5
Date: 2013-10-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8525/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #852.5 People criticize themselves sparingly. They expect no more from you. The Thinking Behind The Tweet I love double entendre. I'm not so keen on criticism.

## Thought Tweet #852
Date: 2013-10-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-852/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #852 For one reason or another we human beings were born with egos...so be it...don't fight it... live & learn with it. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Egos - Can't live with them; can't live without them. Egos - life's biggest challenges.

## Desires
Date: 2013-10-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/desires/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Personalities @ Work

I have noticed in people 4 dominant desires. These desires apply to people in business and to people in general: The desire to vent one’s strength. The desire to feel important. The desire to control. The desire to create things of value. The Desire to Vent One’s Strength At the philosophical level - Nietzsche considered this to be the #1 human desire , greater than the drive to procreate. At the day-to-day business level – People who are enthusiastic about their work are working at things that align with their personal talents & strengths; people who are worn down by their work are working at things that do not align with their talents & strengths. Both consciously and subconsciously, people know when their actions are not aligned with their strengths…it tends to bother them and it tends to eat away at their spirit. Their ambition shrinks. Their performance dulls. Their minds wander and their energies shrink. The Desire to Feel Important At the philosophical level – Dale Carnegie, the self-help pioneer, viewed this as the leading desire. In his lessons and his classic ‘ How to Win Friends and Influence People ’ he taught how to influence people by (1) appealing to this basic human desire and (2) not conflicting with this basic human desire…in summary: be hearty in approbation, be lavish with praise, and do not criticize. At the day-to-day business level – “Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron” . Criticism can cause behavioural changes; however, those changes are achieved at a cost. “Criticism finds few friends” . Criticism finds people who already recognize their errors. Some of these people have already given themselves a dose of self-criticism…so they don’t benefit and may hold a grudge against the extra dose of outside criticism. Others do not care about their errors and are predisposed to resist external criticism. Criticism finds people who do not recognize they have made an error. There are kinder ways than the use of criticism to educate them about their shortfalls. The Desire to Control At the psychological level – much has been written about locus of control . Some people believe they have within them an internal ability to control their lives while other people believe their lives are controlled by external factors. At the day-to-day business level – People with an internal locus of control can be driven and extremely self-motivated. Or they can be more passive. They can appear strong-willed and opinionated…even maverick or renegade. Some react very poorly to authority and rules. They are self-energized. For some reason these people have withstood the criticisms of others and their spirits have survived. People with an external locus of control may be content or they may be discontented...living the life of a victim. Some will be comfortable with authority and rules; some will be subversive. Few, if any, successful business leaders have an external locus of control. Unhappy followers may be displaying the impact of throttled internal locus of control or external locus of control discontent. The Desire to Create Things of Value I think people are born with natural desire and drive to innovate and create. Psychological studies confirm this and the fact that over time most people become less creative and less willing to try new things. That’s why entrepreneurs stand out in business. Entrepreneurs have an internal drive to create things of value and that drive survives the beatings placed on it by other people, the bureaucracies, the cruelty of the markets , etc. This desire to create things of value is not isolated to business. We see it in art, we see it in music, and we see it in philanthropy and charitable endeavours. PS: People's actions provide clues to their desires. However, we cannot jump to conclusions. For example, a resistance to authority or a resistance to change will signal certain possibilities. More work is required to uncover which one of the possibilities is most-accurate. People's words provide clues to people's desires...but, watch what they do at least as much as you listen to what they say .

## Thought Tweet #851.5
Date: 2013-10-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8515/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #851.5 If that task was done 80 percent as well as you could do it, compliment the doer. The Thinking Behind The Tweet That makes for a nice Rule of Thumb. Also, a Rule of Thumb like that forces you to stop and think before you criticize and kill spirit. Compliment the doer - the thoughts may or may not count...the actions always count. Complimenting a person - that's an action that counts.

## Thought Tweet #851
Date: 2013-10-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-851/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #851 You can't teach an old dog new tricks...unless, perhaps, you praise him enthusiastically...and feed him the meat he craves. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes old sayings go too far. If you can teach yourself some new tricks then you can teach old dogs new tricks.

## Thought Tweet #850
Date: 2013-10-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-850/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #850 If you want to influence others, influence yourself first. Make little changes for the better. Let others see you doing it. The Thinking Behind The Tweet All great leaders make major changes to their way of dealing with 'their personal challenges' and their way of interacting with other people. All great leaders learn how to replace Bad Habits with Good Habits . Self-control is magnetic.

## The Drive to Make Sense of Things
Date: 2013-10-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-drive-to-make-sense-of-things/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Human Beings are driven to make sense of things. There's an argument to be made we are slow learners. Compared to other creatures we are very helpless for a long period of infancy. It takes us about a year to stand on our two feet. That's just one example of our slow learning. For other creatures, walking comes much easier and quicker. Yet, people learn to walk the slow & hard way. Why is this? Perhaps, it only makes sense if we accept the fact the human brain is preoccupied from the start by a much larger project than actions like walking. At birth, the human brain is busy doing two things: 1. Making sense of self – things like: What's the best way to fill this aching stomach? How do these arm-things work? Etc. 2. Making sense of what's out there - Who's that making those soothing noises? What's that thing moving toward me? Etc. Perhaps, other creatures have little need to understand these things? Perhaps, other creatures are not driven to make sense of things? Regardless, people are driven to make sense of things. At least, most people are. Most people spend an entire lifetime doing just that. All leaders do just that.

## Thought Tweet #849
Date: 2013-10-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-849/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #849 If your business has some fragile pieces, replace those pieces with robust pieces...then add some anti-fragile pieces. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Thinking About Taleb's book - ' Antifragility '. Thinking about the benefits of practical risk management.

## Thought Tweet #848
Date: 2013-10-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-847-2013/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #848 If you don't prove you can change then people you want to change likely (A) will change or (B) won’t change. The Thinking Behind The Tweet So many people set the change-bar high for others while setting it low for themselves. When others do not change they are surprised. Perhaps they do not believe in lead by example.

## Thought Tweet #847
Date: 2013-10-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-847/ | Categories: Abundance, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #847 "You must let go of your attachment to success to attract success." Good Advice - Yes or No? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Napoleon Hill taught we must have a burning desire and a clearly defined definite purpose in life. [Seems to me he would vote - No] Joe Vitale teaches Yes [in fact, that's a quote from his 2009 book ' The Attractor Factor '] It's not an issue of The Power of Positive Thinking [Norman Vincent Peale]. Both Hill and Vitale embrace the concept of The Law of Attraction. However, their approaches to it differ in many ways. The Law of Attraction means different things to different people. When it comes to positive thinking, abundance thinking, and The Law of Attraction - dogma and over-zealous claims trouble me. Believe what works for you. Understand your limitations. Package your messages with care.

## Put your foot down...say "No" to "No"
Date: 2013-10-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/put-your-foot-downsay-no-to-no/ | Categories: Abundance, Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Measure & Monitor, Optimism & Pessimism, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Beliefs: some good, some not-so-good Beliefs intertwine with perceptions and patterns in your brain. Then beliefs manifest their influence, acting as your 'internal filters'. These filters guide your view of the world. These filters guide your behaviour. Your beliefs become deeply-held in your subconscious mind. From that strong base, your beliefs generate your habits…some good, some bad. Your beliefs determine your appetite for new things, your attitude toward change, and your ability to replace bad habits with good habits. Do you know the true nature and depths of your beliefs? Have you taken the time to 'dig deep' and understand your most-powerful beliefs? These beliefs, your strong-and-deeply-rooted beliefs, govern your life: deep beliefs are the roots of your greatest joys; deep beliefs are the roots of your darkest fears. Your deepest and most-strongly-held beliefs aid your efforts toward certain goals while they resist your efforts toward other goals. In these ways, your beliefs are fundamental to your life. They are fundamental to how you feel during your life and they are fundamental to whether or not you achieve the success you desire. Where did your beliefs come from? When it comes to questions like this, all of us are students. None of us know with certainty why or how we have beliefs. Yet, certain things make sense to us. As examples: · We perceive things and our perceptions of those things are taken to our brains · Our brains file vast amounts of information in memory, for future reference · Our brains like to simplify our lives so they sort things into patterns/concepts · With repetition bits and pieces of information solidify into bigger pieces and then into patterns · Diversity of perceptions expand and complicate perceptions, building a hierarchy of sorted/related patterns [and concepts] An illustration... When we are infants we hear our parents say the word "No". That's an audio perception. As our parents repeat the word "No" we learn "No" is an important part of our lives. Simple repetition of that spoken word causes neurons in our brains to construct deeper "No" pathways. Recognizing the importance of "No", our infant brains begin to build a "No" pattern. Our infant brains quickly pick up diverse perceptions that will feed into the "No" pattern. A parent may show an angry face while saying the word "No". The visual body language signal and the verbal sound signal send 2 separate messages, both of which feed into the growing "No" pattern in our infant brains. We notice/perceive that different situations precede our parents’ "No" messages. We perceive more diversity, more repetition and the "No" pattern becomes stronger, deeper, and more-nuanced. Even as infants we have a very broad and deep understanding of the word “No”. We recognize its sound, we recognize what it looks like when it is written, we recognize the facial expressions and the various forms of body language that accompany the word “No”, and we know the word “No” is expressed to us as a result of a wide range of different situations. We learn our parents are not the only ones who deliver "No" messages to us. Other family members, to varying degrees, deliver "No" messages. We meet neighbours who have little people of their own and both those neighbours and the toddlers they bring into our lives add more "No" to our perceptions. Why all this discussion around the word “No”? That question begs the questions… Do you understand how the pattern/concept “No” has fed negatives into your belief system? Do you understand the extent the pattern/concept “No” throttles your efforts toward your desired goals & success? Do you understand how to go about repairing the damage the word “No” has done to you belief system? Are you willing to make an effort to find out?

## Business communication...at its best
Date: 2013-10-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-communicationat-its-best/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts

Business communication, at its best, is: Positive & Energized [not negative or over-stressed] Solution-Oriented & Constructive [not problem-dwelling or blame-pointing] Clear & Concise [not vague or protracted] Interesting & Magnetizing [not rote or drawing lines in the sand] Each step we take to improve in each of these areas: Helps our people feel better about work and more motivated to make the right decisions and take the right actions Improves the results of our work, to the benefit of our people, our company, our clients & suppliers, and our community Increases our long-term profitability and sustainability Causes work to be an enjoyable and rewarding part of people's lives Yet, many people claim they are too busy to do these things. Those people, by their failure to invest the time it takes to change, are confirming: they accept negativity as an ongoing part of their workday...and they accept the resulting spirit-killing at their workplace they are OK with higher-than-required stress levels...and they are OK with the resulting physical and mental health problems they follow ego wherever it leads rather than aim thoughts and action at results...so they place little value on achieving goals they favour anxiety over thought-clarity...and they accept the resulting poor relationships and poor decisions they choose to confuse...and they choose to expose their company to the errors that will surely follow they see no need for inspiration in their workplace...by default, they know their people will fend for themselves

## Thought Tweet #846
Date: 2013-10-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-846/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #846 How do people who are too busy find time to (1) share their problems with others & (2) watch Reality TV? The Thinking Behind The Tweet When 2 pet peeves collide... (1) People ain't too busy - they just brainwash themselves that way. (2) Reality TV just ain't - at least it ain't the sort of reality that creates value.

## Thought Tweet #845.5
Date: 2013-10-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8455/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #845.5 “ If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. ” The Thinking Behind The Tweet I rarely tweet quotes made by famous people. However, from time to time I find a quote that resonates so thoroughly I cannot resist tweeting it. This quote passes that test for me. John Quincy Adams said this about 200 years ago. While I have not studied John Quincy Adams, I can imagine the experiences he must have lived...the son of the 2nd President of the U.S.A....knowing much about and likely meeting in person numerous great U.S. leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Ben Franklin. And, of course, becoming a U.S. President himself. Why I find this quote thoroughly resonating... Actions : when you boil life down to find its fundamental elements you find Actions. You find positive Actions, which are well remembered by those who do them and those who are influenced by them. You find negative Actions, which are well remembered by those who do them and those who are influenced by them. And, you find Actions that died in thought before they occurred, which are also well remembered...often poignantly on one's deathbed. Inspire Others : our company is named Spirited Leaders and the Baker family motto is Dum Spiro Spero . Dreams : Vision/Dreams/Imagining what could be...no question, that's a gift and a preoccupation shared by all leaders. Learn more : Spirited Leaders place much value in life-long learning...[and I am an assessed Learner]. Do more : doing more is even-better Action...it's stepping up. Become more : that's about growing and adding value and experiencing a fulfilled life. If one person can inspire and help other people do these things then, clearly, that person is a leader.

## Thought Tweet #845
Date: 2013-10-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-845/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, 80/20 Rule, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #845 Do you know the actions that will cause your company to succeed? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Do you know the actions you need to do in your role for your company to succeed? Are you volunteering and committing yourself to take those actions? Are you volunteering and committing to resist taking other actions that have no clear connection with your company's success? Do you have the tools you need to do what needs to be done? Do you have the people-support you need to do what needs to be done? Do you have the self-support you need to bolster the internal drive that will energize you to do what needs to be done?

## ‘Creative Engineer’ is not oxymoronic!
Date: 2013-10-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/creative-engineer-is-not-oxymoronic/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity

‘Creative Engineer’ is not oxymoronic. I know this for a fact. For example… Take a big bowl right out of the box.

‘Creative Engineer’ is not an oxymoronic pairing of words. I know this for a fact. For example… Take a big bowl right out of its box. Take a handful of entrepreneurial spirit. Add a sprig of philosophical curiosity. Blend these and some other stuff together vigorously until you get stuff on your shirt, on the counter-top, and on the floor. Using your mind's eye, lay the result out on a multi-coloured whiteboard. See the surprising things that rise to the top, even while they are half-baked.

## Not a problem
Date: 2013-10-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/not-a-problem/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Did you teach your children to say, "Thank You"? How often do you say those 2 simple words at work? "Not a problem"...how often do people say that after you say, "Thank You"? Whatever happened to, "You're Welcome"? Is "Not a problem" halfway between "Yes it is a Problem" and "I sure hate these pleasantries"? Is "Not a problem" a clever way of bringing problem-thinking into the situation? We should take these possibly small yet possibly very important communications more seriously...and make sure they do not become rote lukewarm Bad Habits .

## Thought Tweet #844
Date: 2013-10-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-844/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #844 Trust is gained in small increments, one understood-consistent action at a time. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Trust is lost in large lumps, one misunderstood-inconsistent action at a time. So, the scale is weighted against you ...or, is it weighted for you ? You can perceive it either way...it doesn't matter as long as you are objective about it and do not begrudge the reality of it. When it comes to trust, the scale is weighted: it isn't just about your perceptions of your intentions and your actions; it's about other people's perceptions of your actions and your intentions; small understood-consistent actions build trust in small increments; small misunderstood-inconsistent actions destroy trust in large lumps. PS: Trust: an interpersonal juxtaposition: so fragile, so essential, so egoic...Perceptions of Interests and Actions...laced with biases that are somehow and somewhy ingrained to protect egos. Trust: the fundamental human-to-human consideration.

## Thought Tweet #843
Date: 2013-10-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-843/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #843 Self-Improvement happens when mind-sets come to aid skill-sets. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people embrace life-long learning. Those people become the best leaders. They tend to understand their talents & strengths. They tend to apply their brainpower to focused work-tasks. That allows them to build skill-sets and master work-tasks. They take talent to task . They bolster that talent with knowledge, thinking, and practiced-skills.

## Popeye said, "I am what I am" but in the end he always ate his spinach.
Date: 2013-10-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/popeye-said-i-am-what-i-am-but-in-the-end-he-always-ate-his-spinach/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Hero Worship

Really, I don't want to get too philosophical about Popeye....although, I must admit, he possessed a unique character well worth the time and effort of concerted philosophical exploration. Anyhow... I first met Popeye via black-and-white TV when I was a young [and possibly impressionable] child. From the get-go, Popeye annoyed me. It seemed to me he wasn't very bright. He tolerated all that Brutus-abuse for no good reason at all. While he was a man of questionable vigor and fighting ability he knew he had a secret weapon...that can of yucky cooked spinach...that yucky spinach that made him invincible. He had the tool right there with him. Yet, episode after episode Popeye refused to eat his spinach until the very last minute...placing me in a situation where I was perilously close to failing to make it back to school before the bell. So, I grew up perceiving Popeye as: A rather weak-minded fellow...yet, his " I am what I am " confirms he had a level of self-knowledge and a grounding for an at-least-somewhat pleasing personality. An obstinate character, the kind of person who ignores that excellent Mary Poppins' spoonful-of-sugar-helps-the-medicine-go-down advice [in Popeye's case...helps the spinach go down]...yet, at the end of the day, a guy who does his best and gets the job done A loveable guy who was doomed to struggle through each and every battle. To this day, and defying all logic, I like cooked spinach! [I must remember to bring some cans of it to work.]

## Thought Tweet #842
Date: 2013-10-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-842/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #842 In business – discussions are good, decisions are better, and delegated decisions are best. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Discussions help you determine whether or not you have good/capable people on your leadership team. Quality discussions allow you to help the people you work with. Decisions set the paths to results, either failures or successes. Learning from failures is the route to better future decisions and top future effectiveness, success, & profit. Delegation of decision-making authority and accountability is the only way to grow a business. Master discussion first, then decision-making, then the art of delegation.

## Thought Tweet #841
Date: 2013-10-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-841/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #841 Major achievements flow in the wake of small wins. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes we find ourselves marveling in the overnight success enjoyed by people and businesses. Sometimes we feel a little twinge of jealousy, wondering why this doesn't happen to us. Sometimes we waste our breath talking about the fortuitousness of this or that person or endeavour. When we find ourselves tempted to think or talk along those lines we should pinch ourselves. As we wince under our own pinch we should remember major achievements flow in the wake of a series of small wins . Remember, the Beatles paid their dues, for years, in small clubs in Hamburg, Germany before they splashed onto the worldwide music scene. And, hobbyists played with backyard rockets long before NASA put men in lunar modules on the surface of the moon. And Beethoven learned his craft from taskmasters.

## Thought Tweet #840.5
Date: 2013-10-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8405/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #840.5 " I'm too busy ". That's a real good way not to be thinking. The Thinking Behind The Tweet I favour abundance thinking over scarcity mindsets. If I think "I'm too busy" then I have a scarcity mindset with respect to time, the most-precious commodity...or darned close to it. So - I must not think "I'm too busy." And - I must leave "I'm too busy" to the people who embrace those scarcity mindsets.

## Thought Tweet #840
Date: 2013-10-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-840/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #840 You can lead a horse to water & through hell and high water. But, it's not a good idea to make him drink from a fire-hose. The Thinking Behind The tweet Clint Eastwood accurately stated, "A man's got to know his limitations." And, as you know, Clint Eastwood treated horses and mules even better than he treated most men...he understood both. It's fair to say he was rather rough on men. Now, I suppose all of that could have been made up because of those movies he had a habit of playing in. Regardless, he never made a horse or a man drink from a fire-hose: [even if it's just metaphoric] that's going too far.

## Thought Tweet #839.5
Date: 2013-10-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8395/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Hero Worship, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #839.5 Misery enjoys company...but it makes a lousy dance partner. The Thinking Behind The Tweet A parody of Wisdom of the Ages wrapped in a tribute to Nietzsche's Zarathustra.

## Thought Tweet #839
Date: 2013-10-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-839/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #839 When people tell you they are giving 110%, do you think they are talking in superduperlatives? The Thinking Behind The Tweet When I was a child neighbourhood parents had a habit of stopping me and asking me to answer math questions. [At one point I thought none of the adults in our subdivision knew how to count their money.] I suppose I was naturally talented at math. Later in life I found myself answering math questions during university level exams...dozens of exams. So, I understand I developed a habit of knowing math. That knowledge of math has a few side-effects. One side-effect is, when people make claims like they are doing things beyond 100% it catches my attention and my thoughts. I have thoughts like, " Don't these people know when you've got 100% you've got it all & when you've given 100% you've given it all? " Giving 100% is superlative territory....that's the limit of your giving. Giving more than 100% - well, that's defying the laws of at least mathematics...probably, the laws of physics...and even the Laws of Nature. How can you trust a person who makes claims like, " Boss - I'm giving 110%! "? [Some go even higher. You hear 150% regularly and some people have the habit of claiming a preposterous 1000%! Don't you think all of these people going overboard?...being excessive?...being exorbitant?...over-killing their point and beating it to death too?

## Thought Tweet #838.5
Date: 2013-10-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8385/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #838.5 Over time, entrepreneurship beats the ego down to a manageable size. The Thinking Behind The Tweet To succeed for any extended period, an entrepreneur must have a balanced ego. When an entrepreneur's ego gets out of control, sooner or later, problems begin to arrive in waves. Like water on rough stones, repeated waves of problems take the cutting edge off of an entrepreneur's ego...offering the entrepreneur the opportunity to become a business leader.

## That wasn't a perfect storm, it was another rogue wave.
Date: 2013-10-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/that-wasnt-a-perfect-storm-it-was-another-rogue-wave/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

About 20 years ago, a business colleague was on vacation in Cabo San Lucas with his young family. While walking along the beach, he and one of his sons were swept away by a rogue wave. They drown. Instantly, a vacation became a nightmare. When I heard the story, I thought – what an unfortunate tragedy. As details were confirmed, we learned the beach my colleague’s family happened to walk along was known for its rogue waves. Warning signs were posted. If you Google ‘cabo san lucas rogue wave’ you will find numerous articles about the area and the inherent risks. Yet, year after year, people drown at Cabo San Lucas. It’s not like it’s a perfect storm situation…it's not like freaks of nature are conspiring against you to bring you down. No, it’s a rogue wave situation. It’s not about freaks of nature . It’s about situations that recur with some level of predictability. We may not be able to predict with accuracy when they will occur, however, we can predict with accuracy that, sooner or later, they will occur. And, as is the case in Cabo San Lucas there are warning signs. While you may not be familiar with the territory or the situation, others are. In business, we have rogue waves. They appear in the form of business cycles and market trends and in the form of aged accounts receivable and toxic employees. These rogue waves of business have their warning signs. And, if you turn your back on those warning signs then you do it at your peril. The question is… In your business… Are you blaming bad results on perfect storms ? And… How many rogue waves does it take to catch your attention? [Some people wouldn't recognize a rogue wave if it slapped them on the back.]

## Thought Tweet #838
Date: 2013-10-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-838/ | Categories: Humour, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #838 You are not paranoid - people ARE watching you. The Thinking Behind The Tweet They are watching what you do. They have little ability to understand what you are thinking. Regardless, they are watching what you do. That makes you a role model. That provides you an opportunity to lead by example.

## Thought Tweet #837.5
Date: 2013-10-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8375/ | Categories: Humour, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #837.5 Good risk managers are allergic to mediocre leaders [and vice-versa]. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Behind every great leader there is a great risk manager. It has always been that way. Now, more than ever risk management is an essential leadership priority. Risk management is an elite business function, intimately intertwined with strategic thinking.

## Failure To Perform- WHY?
Date: 2013-10-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/failure-to-perform-why/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Often, people don't do tasks because they don't know how. In other words, they lack knowledge or skill that is required to be competent at the task. In other situations, people are competent but, regardless, they don't do the tasks. There are many reasons why people fail to perform tasks. Here are some of the reasons: they don't like the task they don't think the task is important they don't feel appreciated they don't feel their co-workers are supportive they don't like the boss All of these things are flavoured with bad attitude. That is - all of these things could be remedied quickly if people adjust the way they think and feel about work [and prior to that, the way they think about themselves]. There are several ways to improve attitude: focus on talents & strengths, taking talent to task; communicate values & shared values; communicate visions of a better future; communicate the importance of all roles & tasks. Here are some more reasons: they are lost in work-multi-tasking they are work-distracted they are work-stressed All of these things contain an element of bad process ...individual's bad work process and, more often than not, a work-culture of contagious bad work process . There are several ways to replace bad work process with good work process: apply the 80/20 Rule, shaving off bad-work-process fat; systematize routine-work tasks & work-task strings [automated processes]; teach time/self-management; adjust work environments to enable focus & concentration.

## Thought Tweet #837
Date: 2013-10-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-837/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #837 Values are deeply-held beliefs...some about means and some about ends . The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some Values are about Means - they answer, How Should Actions Be Done? Some Values are about Ends - they answer, What Outcomes Are Desired? All Values are wrapped around Explanations of Why!

## Thought Tweet #836.5
Date: 2013-09-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8365/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Leaders' Thoughts, Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #836.5 Are the people who post warning signs pessimists or optimists? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some business people treat risk management as if it is just a dirty pair of words. Others treat it like it's the territory of the worst of pessimists. For me, risk management is a talent - a strength...naturally enjoyed by some of us and very foreign to others. Risk Management is about warning signs. It is about the ability to see risks before they happen and post warning signs about the risks to save others from injury. Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations. Risk Management is about the risks tied to these 3 things. Risk Managers may or may not be pessimists. Risk Managers may or may not be optimists. Regardless, good Risk Managers must be realists. Good Risk Managers are 'present' - they see the present reality, both the good pieces of reality and the bad pieces of reality. Their views are not tainted by pressure of the present or the baggage of the past. Good Risk Managers are 'visionary' - they have a good sense for patterns and trends and they have a good sense about how present patterns and trends can unfold into future situations. Risk managers deliver value to business processes and other business people. Sometimes, they deliver company-saving value. Risk Managers know much about The School of Hard Knocks and they know how to spare other business people the hardest of business knocks.

## Thought Tweet #836
Date: 2013-09-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-836/ | Categories: Influencing, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #836 Trust: it's a dynamic thing that flows 2 ways; you extend it in order to receive it; it's about Action. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Quality character is a gift. A pleasing personality is a powerful gift. But... Actions easily trump both. Ensure your Actions score winning points.

## Saying "No" & Seeking Simple
Date: 2013-09-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/saying-no-seeking-simple/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Entrepreneur Thinking, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities

Many big businesses are struggling with downsizing, rightsizing , and other kinds of sizing activities that are aimed at reducing costs and building efficiencies. As big companies do these sizing things they regularly use strategies that foist work on smaller businesses. Sometimes the big businesses insist their suppliers do the extra work...the auto sector and Walmart have embraced this strategy for decades. Sometimes the big businesses insist their customers do the extra work...perhaps that's what the insurance companies are doing right now. In any event, much work is off-loaded from the backs of big businesses onto the backs of small businesses. In many instances, the small business people accept this as a fact of life. Small businesses who serve as suppliers to the auto sector have informed me in no uncertain terms, " We must accept this as a cost of doing business ." And, I've let them know just how fragile their business model is and always will be if they accept that way of thinking. Why are these people more-or-less oblivious to the fact they have choices? Have any of these people taken the time to understand the 80/20 Rule? Why don't these people perform cost/benefit analyses or some other analyses that will help them understand saying "Yes" is killing their businesses? Why are these people so hungry for volume they bite off huge chunks of extra work then choke on them? Why don't these small-business people at least make an attempt to simplify or, better still, automate the work that gets dumped on them by the big businesses? I know how they'd answer those questions. " We're too busy to figure out stuff like that ." Too busy to seek out 3 rd Alternatives Too busy to borrow brilliance from other business sectors Too busy to negotiate Too busy to learn better ways No kidding... Of course they're too busy! They're too busy doing work that has been discarded by other folks who know they cannot afford to do it. *** True entrepreneurs don't let their businesses get caught in these sorts of traps. True entrepreneurs see the problem coming at them. As the problem approaches they make a quick decision: does this Problem contain the seeds of an Opportunity? 'Yes' or 'No'? Quickly now, 'Yes' or 'No'? If 'No' then simply don't accept the off-loaded work. If 'Yes' then figure out how - innovate how - to take on the extra work and gain profit from it. And - sometimes 'Yes' means the creation of a new service or product. And sometimes 'Yes' means the creation of a new small business. And, on occasion 'Yes' means the discovery of a gold mine. And... Regularly, people think or say - "Why didn't I think of that?" ...Exactly!

## Thought Tweet #835.5
Date: 2013-09-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8355/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #835.5 Your brain is pre-programmed to conserve your energy. Don't make your brain go against its grain. Avoid multi-tasking. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our brains are amazing things. They automatically sort information. They automatically recognize patterns. They automatically do all sorts of functions to minimize the use of energy. Then we go and mess all that up by trying to do too many things simultaneously. We multi-task our brains. As a result, we force our brains to operate in a low, grinding gear. Not efficient. Not effective.

## Thought Tweet #835
Date: 2013-09-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-835/ | Categories: Humour, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #835 You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear...but you can make a doggie treat...& maybe you can make a porcine purse. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Don't try to fit square talent pegs into round tasks. Don't burn up your energy battling weakness after weakness. Play to your strengths. There's a very-lucrative pet-food market and dogs have quite an appetite for treats. There's a very-lucrative clothing and accessory industry...it's just possible porcine purses could be the next fashion rage. Sow's ears have their place in the world's economy. But, that place isn't in the raw material sections of silk-purse production plants.

## Thought Tweet #834.5
Date: 2013-09-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8345/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #834.5 Values are the ground rules that drive actions/behaviour. Shared values are the ground rules for behaviour in business. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When there is clarity around and embracing of shared values: actions are magnetized in desired directions people behave well relationships are harmonious goals are clearer goals are achieved profits are greater people are energized

## 2 Different Ways to Solve Problems
Date: 2013-09-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/2-different-ways-to-solve-problems/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities

While the symptoms of many business problems are straightforward, the roots of many business problems are not straightforward. Often the roots of business problems are concealed under a shroud of human behaviour. To solve business problems we need to do one of two things: We need to get to their roots and inject remedies at the root level or We need to replace the existing processes with processes we believe will work. The more time I spend helping business people remedy serious business problems the more I'm swayed to favour the second approach. Here are some thoughts about each approach... Finding the roots of business problems and making changes around those roots in order to remove the problem : Three things combine to cause business problems. Those three things are people, process, and situations. To the extent you chose the people, designed the processes, and accurately anticipated the situations those people and processes would experience you have ability to understand where things went off course…you have the ability to understand the root cause (or causes) where the problem began (or escalated). All else being equal, the better you know the people, processes, and situations the higher the likelihood you will be able to zero in on the root causes of problems. 'All else being equal' assumes there is no people-baggage or ego-challenge that will confound your ability to investigate the causes behind the problems. Ignoring the root causes of problems and replacing the existing processes that lead to the problem with well-thought-out processes that remove the opportunity for the problem to continue : When you really stop to think about it, most business processes are simple strings of tasks. The tasks are performed by people or they are performed by machines, which are operated/managed by people. Most business processes happen in a limited number of different situations, which can be anticipated (with forethought). Leaders or managers (either with or without the help of the people involved) can consider the desired outcomes, think through the range of situations, and define the people requirements and the processes required to complete the necessary tasks. Both approaches to problem solving can generate solutions. If one approach fails then the other can be used as 'Plan B'. The question is, What approach should be pursued first? Often, newcomers favour the 2nd approach...for the wrong reason. Newcomers want to make their mark and prove what they know. That's the wrong reason to favour the 2nd approach because proving what you know is almost guaranteed to alienate people and deprive the newcomer the opportunity to understand the details of the processes. Often, founders or long-term people use only the 1st approach. Being familiar with the people and the processes founders and long-term people are confident they can quickly get to the roots of problems. Sometimes they achieve quick positive results much like a teacher can help a student correct an answer to a math question. Sometimes their solutions do not work despite their crystal-clear impression the solution is the right solution. When this happens, there's a high chance the roots of the problems are concealed in shrouds of human behaviour. There's also a high chance the solution efforts will stall and the problem will live on. It is important to step back when a serious problem arrives. It is important to consider the best way to address serious problems. If you are a newcomer, do you want to risk alienating people? Depending on the situation that could be the absolute worst thing to do...or it could be the absolute best thing to do. If you have been in your role for a long period, do you want to presume you can quickly find the root of the problem? Depending on the situation that could be the absolute worst thing to assume...or it could be the absolute best thing to assume. The more I help business leaders address their problems, the more I'm inclined to: • first, understand the desired outcome • next, focus on the situations • next, develop a solid process that ensures the desired outcome • then, present the new approach in a way that influences people to buy-in To be clear: while that's my favoured approach, I know it does not fit certain situations and will not work with certain people.

## Thought Tweet #834
Date: 2013-09-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-834/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #834 When you display worry people get nervous. (Wow - Who'd have seen that coming!) The Thinking Behind The Tweet Let's face it...some of us are natural-born worriers. When worry hits us we would do better if it wasn't for that body-language stuff that causes us to wear our worry on our faces...furrowed brows and similar give-aways.

## Thought Tweet #833.5
Date: 2013-09-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8335/ | Categories: Humour, Influencing, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #833.5 You cannot drive people when you work them in a fog. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Nor can you expect people in a fog to generate much internal drive. Nor will people in a fog drive one another around toward specific destinations. People get nervous when they are being driven in a fog. People get nervous when they are driving in a fog...well...at least the ones that notice the fog get nervous. *** Vivid Vision: the antidote to business fog.

## Thought Tweet #833
Date: 2013-09-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-833/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #833 When you display anger people get defensive. (Wow -Who'd have seen that coming!) The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some say we should not thwart the natural energy captured in the form of anger. Perhaps, a bit of anger in the workplace is OK. As long as you're OK with a bit of defensiveness.

## Thought Tweet #832.5
Date: 2013-09-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8325/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #832.5 Converting challenge into change...isn't that the essence of the leader's role? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Leaders see challenging situations....political, technological, interpersonal, economic, etc. Leaders envision and desire change. Leaders inspire other people to convert challenge into change.

## Thought Tweet #832
Date: 2013-09-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-832/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #832 Productive work gets done in that sweet spot between boredom and anxiety. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When people are anxious they perform poorly. When people are bored they perform poorly. We don't want our people to be either bored or anxious. Fortunately, there are plenty of options between those 2 extremes.

## Values Come First
Date: 2013-09-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/values-come-first/ | Categories: Values: Personal Values

If you want to make an intentional choice about personal values then some of your options are: You can believe personal values are a bunch of hogwash and only bleeding hearts waste time on such nonsense. You can believe there is no linkage whatsoever between personal values and doing business and leading people.

All of us have personal values . They are the concepts we hold dear. We hold them dear whether or not they are in our thoughts. Our personal values are 'in us'. They stay with us through our lives. Our personal values are deeply rooted. Our personal values are an essential part of our being. Yet, most people have only a vague sense of their personal values. Most people don't spend time thinking about their personal values. Most people cannot express their personal values. Most people don't take the time to consider expressing their values let alone take the time to actually express them. Most people go through life knowing they have values, never sorting out exactly what those values are, and never communicating their values to others...and, with little self-knowledge to call on for help, never having an ability to sense or understand anyone else's values. Some people half-borrow and half-adopt values from others...for example, the values taught by religions. Religions define values in terms of good versus bad and teach followers to embrace the good and act, accordingly, in ways congruent with the good values. To a degree, businesses do the same. Businesses cite corporate values. Sometimes that's all they do - they simply cite values, placing them on web-pages, annual reports, and policy & practice manuals. Other businesses go farther by both citing and defining values. Some businesses go even farther, citing, defining, and communicating values. Some businesses test prospective employees to determine whether or not their personal values are congruent with the business' 'shared values' . 'Shared Values' is an interesting term. It implies values are defined, communicated, understood, and embraced by all in thoughts and actions. At least, it assumes values are defined, communicated, understood, and embraced in thoughts and actions. Sometimes the intent behind corporate 'shared values' is noble. Sometimes it is just a bunch of Enron ish smoke and mirrors. (I won't dwell on Enron ish stuff...been there, done enough of that during my energy career.) Here, I'm writing about businesses that are truly making an effort to have 'shared values'...values embraced by the people at the business. And values that will be deemed as ‘acceptable’ by people affected by the business…the people who work there, the clients, the suppliers, etc. The shared values I am talking about may be deemed noble. That’s a subjective call by made by each person affected. Values are, of course, in their very nature laced with judgment. When I talk with people about personal and corporate values I often mention the list of possible values can be extensive. If you go on-line and search 'personal values', you will find lists of hundreds upon hundreds of different words describing personal values. When we do workshops on values we use a shorter list of 50 or 100 values. Regardless, we always tell people to feel free to add words that capture their personal views of the principles/things they hold dear. When we teach small-business leaders we use a phrase - "The Leader's Values Fuel Everything" . The same holds true for larger businesses, however, for smaller businesses the leader's values tend to be front-and-centre in day-to-day operations. In smaller businesses the leader’s personal values are visible in the form of the leader's actions, which will always be observed by followers, interpreted [or, more often than not, assumed] by followers, and judged by followers. In your role of business leader, with intent or by default, you make choices about personal values. If you want to make an intentional choice about personal values then some of your options are: · You can believe personal values are a bunch of hogwash and only bleeding hearts waste time on such nonsense. · You can believe there is no linkage whatsoever between personal values and doing business and leading people. · You can believe personal values are a factor in business, however, personal values are not important enough to take up precious brain-energy. · You can believe personal values are an important factor in business, however, you are way too busy to spend time thinking about them right now. · You can believe personal values are the most important thing in business and commit pen to paper to begin to identify your personal values, define them, create personal stories about them, communicate them to your followers…and seek to understand your followers' personal values…and seek to understand where your values are shared…and build your business on that shared-values common ground. We encourage business leaders to understand - "The Leader's Values Fuel Everything".

## Thought Tweet #831.5
Date: 2013-09-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8315/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #831.5 Bad apples don't have to spoil your trust...don't let bad apples sour your trust in people. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Without trust relationships are shallow and weak. Don't let people's actions sour your trust. Start With Self. On top of all the self-things I have written over the years, I'm adding self-trust. We judge others by their actions; we judge ourselves by our intentions. We blame situations for our failures: we blame other people for their failures. We give credit to ourselves when we succeed: we give credit to their situations when other people succeed. (Attribution Bias) Those are our tendencies. Let's not allow those tendencies to draw too much of our attention to the bad apples.

## Thought Tweet #831
Date: 2013-09-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-831/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #831 Allies will help you build your business. Work to choose allies . And choose your allies carefully. The Thinking Behind The Tweet And, work to build relationships with your allies. Work to understand their interests, their desires, and their needs. Work to find middle ground and opportunities that satisfies your needs and your allies' needs.

## Thought Tweet #830
Date: 2013-09-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-830/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #830 Continuously driving to deliver value to other people is important because it energizes people. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Continuously driving to deliver value to other people is important because it energizes people by providing quality shareholder experiences, quality employment experiences, quality purchasing and payment experiences, quality sales and collection experiences and all of these quality experiences are taken home to families at the end of the workday. Quality experiences spread. Quality experiences are contagious.

## Thought Tweet #830.5
Date: 2013-09-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8305/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #830.5 If you are going to teach someone, first find out what they believe they already know. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Far too often, we jump into teaching. Far too often, we assume others do not know what we know. Far too often, we conclude others are doing things poorly or incorrectly because they don't know what we know. More often than not, we waste time and 'make work' when we assume and conclude others don't know what we know. We can remedy this by asking simple questions before we give instructions and lessons.

## Delegation - you get the picture
Date: 2013-09-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/delegation-you-get-the-picture/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions

Release Control Grow Trust



## Thought Tweet #829.5
Date: 2013-09-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8295/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #829.5 They call them TV programs because they program your mind. But...why do they call those things Reality Shows? The Thinking Behind The Tweet We should program our minds with a better reality.

## Thought Tweet #829
Date: 2013-09-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-829/ | Categories: Succession, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #829 Nurture and develop a successor for your business. Mentor this person. Partner with this person. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Make sure this person knows he or she is your most-trusted business ally. Make sure this person wants to be in that role. Do not assume…talk openly and regularly about succession…talk openly and regularly about needs and aspirations, both yours and theirs.

## Thought Tweet #828.5
Date: 2013-09-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8285/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #828.5 You don't have to believe in gravity to fall and land on solid ground. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Gravity is a magnificent facet of Nature. And yes, it causes us to fall when we misstep. And let's not lose track of the fact Nature also provides us solid ground...so we can stop falling, pick ourselves up, and start again.

## Thought Tweet #828
Date: 2013-09-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-828/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Succession, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #828 Failure to spend up-front time building a succession plan that incorporates other people ensures two problems. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When the succession plan is built it will be built under stress, maybe even duress. The resulting value received from the business, if any, will be minimized.

## TurnAhead - repairing a damaged business, taking a business to the next level
Date: 2013-09-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/turnahead-repairing-a-damaged-business-taking-a-business-to-the-next-level/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!

Some businesses have slipped away into unprofitable territory. Some businesses have taken a serious hit and are sinking. Some business are doing OK, but/and face an opportunity to climb to the next level. Some of these businesses will gain advantage under a turnaround; all of these businesses will gain advantage under a TurnAhead . What's a TurnAhead ? The first step in a TurnAhead is getting control of Cashflow and tied to this, solidifying Gross Margin . With the 80/20 Rule in mind, what things have the greatest impact on Gross Margin - particularly, what Revenue pieces have the greatest impact on Gross Margin? Focus on those pieces. Solidify them. Expand them. Duplicate them. This first step involves clear and accurate communication with the most-trusted people available in the organization. This means a series of simple questions followed by simple answers . Questions beyond simple ones are the wrong questions. Answers beyond simple ones are signals of confusion and unhelpful thinking. The roots of big problems are simple roots. The keys to big opportunities are simple keys. The challenge you will always face is: simple does not mean evident or obvious ...in foresight. Simple means simple in hindsight and, if you are really skilled, simple means common sense in real-time. So, when you are working on a TurnAhead : concentrate on trusted people who think accurately, focus on Gross Margin and Cashflow, ask and repeat simple, clear questions, & act only on the simple, clear answers.

## Thought Tweet #827.5
Date: 2013-09-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8275/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #827.5 Take your big treasure chest of Curiosity off the shelf...dust it off...open it up...and put its contents to good use. The Thinking Behind The Tweet At one time, you were an incessantly curious and creative person. You were chock full of curiosity. Over the years and through the criticism, you've locked much of your curiosity away...right beside your childhood dreams...and near your adolescent dreams. Choose to take your big treasure chest of Curiosity off the shelf.

## Some people resist working towards goals...Why?
Date: 2013-09-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-people-resist-working-towards-goalswhy/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Why do some people resist achieving goals? I don't mean, Why do people fail to achieve goals ? I mean, Why do people intentionally fail to achieve goals? Are those people: expressing objections to authority...i.e., are they working to rule? attempting to build job security...by ensuring a queue of work? children seeking long-lost parental controls? permanently soured on work? thinking " Damn the Rich...this one's for Me!" ? What goes through people's heads when they know what their employer wants them to do, are capable of doing it, yet refuse to do so? What can we do to help those people feel comfortable exploring middle ground? What questions can we ask to gain a better understanding of what might motivate those people? What actions can we take to spark their enthusiasm for a job well done?

## Thought Tweet #827
Date: 2013-09-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-827/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #827 Good followers want to vent their strengths. And you want to see strength in action...am I right! The Thinking Behind The Tweet Good followers want their talents, knowledge, and skills to be linked to opportunities . Good followers expect their leaders to generate those opportunities .

## Thought Tweet #826.5
Date: 2013-09-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8265/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #826.5 We are problem specialists, each of us able to attract an ongoing series of a certain type of problem. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many of us don't see the problems coming let alone see we are the specialists who create them, with the huge capacity of help delivered by our unique talent shortfalls in certain areas.

## Finding & Keeping Top-Notch People - some questions
Date: 2013-09-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/finding-keeping-top-notch-people-some-questions/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Some questions to consider… What’s your most-successful recruiting technique? What 3 words would you use to sum up your best younger person? When it comes to recruiting, what’s changed in the last 10 years? Training leaders & managers: how do you go about that? Do younger people have an attitude of ‘entitlement’? Do you take special actions to take care of your best people? If so, what actions? Can you influence your people’s loyalty? If so, how?

## Thought Tweet #826
Date: 2013-09-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-826/ | Categories: Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #826 Focused effort becomes contagious. You want to make effort contagious...am I right! The Thinking Behind The Tweet When intelligent followers know the vision and see a leader illustrate willpower and self-control to achieve that vision , they emulate that skill. Leaders succeed when they act in ways that illustrate intelligence, self-control, and focused drive.

## Thought Tweet #825
Date: 2013-09-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-825/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #825 All great leaders are driven to create change and magnetize the minds and actions of other people. The Thinking Behind The Tweet All great leaders are driven to construction .

## Thought Tweet #825.5
Date: 2013-09-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8255/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #825.5 It isn't about who you are. It's about what you do and whether or not other people understand why you do what you do. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When people understand you they judge you more accurately...and - won't that be a good thing?

## Delegation - some questions
Date: 2013-09-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/delegation-some-questions/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

About “ Delegation ”… some questions to consider: • To what extent do we want to delegate? • When we delegate – What are the best practices ?

About “ Delegation ”… some questions to consider: To what extent do we want to delegate? o What’s our natural inclination? o About our experiences […the best of times…the worst of times] o What makes us feel comfortable when we are delegating? o What makes us feel uncomfortable when we are delegating? When we delegate – What are the best practices? o Do we set & communicate guidelines or rules for delegation?...if so, How? o What’s the #1 thing we have learned about delegation? o How do we help others feel comfortable when we delegate? o How do we maximize accountability when we delegate? o How do we use delegation to influence behaviour? o How do we use delegation to develop people? o How do we use delegation to develop teamwork?

## Resiliency - while I don't like the word, I do like this Dale Carnegie advice
Date: 2013-09-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/resiliency-while-i-dont-like-the-word-i-do-like-this-dale-carnegie-advice/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Recently, I listened to the audio book ' Make Yourself Unforgettable, Dale Carnegie Class-Act System ' (2005) [While for some reason I do not like the word 'resiliency' but have no concerns about the word 'resilient'], I was impressed by the Carnegie views on resiliency . Here's a summary... Resiliency helps you handle Problems ...i.e., you are able to bounce back from Problems and you are able to handle them better. [That alone is a good enough reason to work on building resiliency.] 7 Personal Resiliency Builders Sociability - ability to form friendly, positive relationships Humor - ability to see the comical elements in life and laugh at yourself Insight - ability to understand people and situation Adaptive Distancing - ability to recognize negative people and keep your distance from them Flexibility - the ability to adjust to change and adapt to handle tough situations Personal Competence - the ability to excel at one thing and renew self-confidence and energy Perseverance - the ability to keep trying despite the difficulties and 7 Ways to Build Resilience Make Connections - meet and learn from as many new people as you can Avoid seeing a crisis as an insurmountable problem - don't catastrophize Accept that Change, both positive and negative is part of living Move steadily and consistently toward your goals Look for self-discovery opportunities Keep things in perspective - don't fight against the current Take care of yourself, mind and body At Spirited, Good Habits are thoughts and actions that take you toward your goals. ...many Good Habits described above!

## Thought Tweet #824
Date: 2013-09-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-824/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #824 Self-Control is about illustrating the ability to do the right things, at the right times, for the right reasons. The Thinking Behind The Tweet One way to look at the relationship between Intelligence and Self-Control: · Intelligence is theoretical ability…assessable, measurable capability · Self-Control is performed ability…in-the-trenches, proven ability

## Thought Tweet #824.5
Date: 2013-09-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8245/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #824.5 If you know my personal Values, you have a fighting chance to understand why I'm doing what I'm doing. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you understand my Vision of a better future then you may want to support what I'm trying to do. I should share these things with you.

## Accountability - Match Tasks to Influence [and Strengths]
Date: 2013-09-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/accountability-match-tasks-to-influence-and-strengths/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Leaders' Thoughts

People cannot be fully accountable. Full accountability is an unrealistic expectation. That's setting the bar too high. There are many reasons why people cannot be fully accountable: they do not have 100% control over themselves ; willpower has its good days and its bad days; they cannot exert perfect influence on other people; other people have minds of their own; multi-tasking is a distraction that takes focus off specific-task accountability...and many other reasons. So... Some of the people can be accountable some of the time. None of the people can be accountable all of the time. People can, however, be fully accountable for a few certain actions within their control. They can Influence their own actions...not all their actions all the time, but definitely a few of their actions some of the time. One key to success is matching accountability with those actions people can self-Influence and perform with skill, repeatedly. Consider each person whom you want to be accountable. What specific actions do they believe they can be accountable for? Those are the things to focus on. Those are the right baby steps to take. Those are the actions that will bring constructive change. Note to Leaders: Unless you know you know what people can be accountable for, don't assume. Don't ever assume. Put another way, avoid the temptation to pick specific actions you believe or expect others can be accountable for. Instead, encourage others to help you understand what they believe they can be accountable for. Most likely they will pick items they know they can control or, at least, they think they have a good chance to control. Most likely they will pick items that align with their Talents, Knowledge, Skills, and Strengths ...i.e., they will Take Talent To Task . Most likely they will pick items that align with their ability to exert self-Influence. This approach maximizes the buy-in, which is a key facet of accountability. What if your people choose items that are unimportant vis-à-vis your company's goals? Well isn't that something worth learning up front before you waste energy force-fitting accountability on the person? Isn't that something you can state to them? And - can't you remind them of your company's goals and give them another chance to come up with a better-aimed thing to be accountable? Wouldn't your people learn how to self-direct from that sort of interchange? Wouldn't you learn about your people from that sort of interchange?

## Thought Tweet #823
Date: 2013-09-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-822-2013/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Influencing, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #823 Self-knowledge is an essential ingredient of success...it's the 1 st ingredient. Spend some time on that. You're worth the effort. The Thinking Behind The Tweet People who have a thorough understanding of themselves do better as business leaders. They understand their strengths and weaknesses; they understand their desires and goals, they understand their internal drivers and their behaviour; they understand their attitude toward and their reactions to situations and other people. And, according to Wikipedia ... The Ancient Greek aphorism " Know thyself " ( Greek : γνῶθι σεαυτόν, transliterated: gnōthi seauton ; also ... σαυτόν ... sauton with the ε contracted), is one of the Delphic maxims and was inscribed in the pronaos (forecourt) of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi according to the Greek periegetic (travelogue) writer Pausanias (10.24.1). [1] The maxim, or aphorism, "know thyself" has had a variety of meanings attributed to it in literature. The Suda , a 10th-century encyclopedia of Greek knowledge, says: "the proverb is applied to those whose boasts exceed what they are," [2] and that "know thyself" is a warning to pay no attention to the opinion of the multitude. [3] In Latin , the aphorism is generally given as nosce te ipsum [4] or temet nosce . [5]

## Thought Tweet #823.5
Date: 2013-09-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8235/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #823.5 Personality gives you a chance. What you do with it is what really counts. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Your personality may take a back seat to what you do...especially when the going gets tough. We judge others by what they do. We trust others by what they do. Others do the same to us.

## Thought Tweet #822
Date: 2013-09-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-822/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #822 Empathy - isn't that a genuine interest in and ability to understand another person's feelings? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people who teach social psychology and communication define empathy as the ability to share other people's feelings; others define empathy as the ability to understand other people's feelings. I think it is important to ask how a person defines a word rather than assume they use the same definition I use.

## Thought Tweet #822.5
Date: 2013-09-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8225/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #822.5 People mirror trust: if one shows evidence of it others sense it and show it too. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Actually it's a double-entendre, double-mirror metaphor: we have mirror neurons in our brains to help us understand other people's intentions...and we tend to mirror other people's behaviour.

## Change your thinking about Integrity & Improve your ability to Influence others
Date: 2013-09-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/integrity-moral-judgments/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Values: Personal Values

If you embrace a better definition of Integrity, you will improve your ability to Influence people. Due to the amazing nuances of our English language you have choices about Integrity. You can choose Integrity to contain moral judgment; you can choose Integrity to mean unimpaired and sound; you can choose Integrity to mean complete. And, you can choose Integrity to mean combinations of these concepts. Critical here is: you do not have to lace Integrity with moral judgment. And, if you choose to remove moral judgment from your Integrity-thinking you open your mind and you simplify your thinking. You open your mind by making Integrity an external thing…not about you…about other things. Not about right and wrong. You simplify your thinking by linking Integrity with non-judgmental concepts – ‘unimpaired’ and ‘complete’… the pieces fit together…the pieces tie together …the pieces withstand scrutiny… the pieces withstand the test of time…the pieces are simple and when combined, the pieces make sense. When compared to moral judgment, the concepts ‘unimpaired’ and ‘complete’ are easier to measure. When compared to moral judgment, the concepts ‘unimpaired’ and ‘complete’ are easier to communicate with other people. When compared to moral judgment, the concepts ‘unimpaired’ and ‘complete’ are easier to embrace with other people. The concepts ‘unimpaired’ and ‘complete’ open the door to common ground. Common ground is the framework for Influence. You can choose to define Integrity as: When you know your Personal Values and When you can express your Personal Values in writing [showing how you think the think ] and When you can talk with others about your Personal Values [ talk the talk ] and When your actions are consistent with your Personal Values [ walk the walk ] and When you acknowledge your think-talk-walk errors and strive to not repeat them …then you have Integrity. You can let people know this definition does not contain biases in moral judgment zones. It’s just about whether or not things are ‘unimpaired’ and ‘complete’. Then you will, naturally, seek first to understand . Then you will, naturally, keep your biases in check. Then you will, naturally, expand your Influence. PS: Very few other people have interest in your or anyone else's moral judgments...they have enough of their own...and constructive criticism is an oxymoron .

## Thought Tweet #821
Date: 2013-09-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-816-2013/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #821 Life's too short to beat the laughter out of me! The Thinking Behind The Tweet Psychologists claim people, in general, laugh less as they age. As toddlers we laugh regularly. After that, we laugh less and less. It's like life beats the laughter out of us.

## Is Self-Confidence a manifestation of Self-Esteem?
Date: 2013-09-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/is-self-confidence-a-manifestation-of-self-esteem/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Recently I read a book by a well-established and reputable self-help organization. It taught that self-confidence is an external manifestation of one's self-esteem. I don't agree. Or, more accurately, I don't find that sort of education helpful. Self-confidence is a state of mind that defines how a person thinks and feels about his or her ability to successfully handle a given situation 1 [or, at least, survive it]. Presence of self-confidence is a Good Habit 2 . Lack of it is a Bad Habit 3 . Self-esteem is a state of mind that defines a person's regard for self. It too can be composed of Good Habits or Bad Habits . Self-esteem doesn't generate self-confidence. If anything, the opposite is more likely to be true. Regardless, it seems to me the important thing to do is concentrate on building self-confidence. To the extent a person succeeds at building self-confidence, that person's self-esteem will increase. The path to building self-confidence is paved with Courage . Footnotes: A situation is a snapshot of an instant in business life…the people, the ‘props’, and the immediate environment. A Good Habit is a thing we think or do that takes us towards our goals . A Bad Habit is a thing we think or do that takes us away from our goals.

## Thought Tweet #821.5
Date: 2013-09-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8215/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #821.5 The leader's Values fuel everything; the leader's actions determine if the vehicle is in drive, neutral, reverse, or park. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Values are potential energy. When you take action are they put to constructive use.

## Use Fear as a catalyst for Courage
Date: 2013-09-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/use-fear-as-a-catalyst-for-courage/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Values: Personal Values

Fear is a precursor to Courage. Fear is a necessary precursor to Courage. Without Fear we could have no Courage. We know there is an abundance of Fear. We know Fear is capable of lurking at every corner. Fear is like a wild, untamed, insatiable beast. Courage – sometimes conscious, sometimes sub conscious, and certainly always having strong sub conscious roots – is the only trainer able to handle Fear. We can choose to view Fear as a catalyst for Courage. We can choose to view Fear as a thing life offers us to enable us to have and build Courage. We can choose to view Fear as a signal, alerting us to do some thinking and take some action to build Courage. When we choose to view Fear that way, we choose to use Fear as a catalyst to build Courage. We choose to put Fear to constructive use…as our bodies naturally, sub consciously, do when we face real danger. Put another way, we can choose to mirror the processes of Nature that automatically provide us with fight or flight reactions. Fight or flight fits certain high-risk-of-real-danger Fear-situations. Fight or flight doesn’t fit most everyday Fear-situations. Fight or flight doesn’t fit most workday Fear-situations. For most workday Fear-situations Courage is a better solution than fight or flight . So, when Fears visit us during the workday we should not allow them to cause us to do battle [in our heads or externally] and we should not try to ignore them or shrink away from them. Instead, we should use Fears as catalysts for building Courage. When we use Fears as catalysts for building Courage we enable Courage to drive Confidence. Confidence , molded by Courage, is that comfortable state of mind that is resistant to and resilient in even the most difficult Situations. Confidence: that's a state of mind we should want to maximize.

## Task-multiing beats up on Multi-tasking
Date: 2013-09-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/task-multiing-beats-up-on-multi-tasking/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Solutions & Opportunities

I've been asked, " What's your definition of multi-tasking and task-multiing? " And, there is more...

I've been asked, " What's your definition of multi-tasking and task-multiing? " Here's how I have answered... First - the way I use them, both words refer to processes/actions done by people's brains [not machines]. Multi-tasking is doing [or trying to do] a number of different tasks at one time. Task-multiing is doing one thing so well it can either be repeated for profit or used to accomplish more than one goal...or both. And, there is more... People do not multi-task well...if not all people then at least the vast majority of people do not multi-task well. When we multi-task our brains slice time & thought and actions up into small pieces to meet the requirements of multiple tasks. When brains do that they must repeatedly shift our attention . When we multi-task we focus, initiate , stop, shift, re-focus, re-initiate, etc. For a number of reasons, people's brains have trouble doing that. Another factor: when we are multi-tasking, much of the time we are doing things that are a waste of time. By 'waste of time' I mean things that do not take us toward our goals. By Spirited definition, those things are Bad Habits . The distraction caused by multi-tasking increases the likelihood of doing waste-of-time things. While we are wasting our time on excessive [multi-tasking] things or struggling with multi-tasking in general, we are not concentrating on activity that can be repeated for profit or can be used to serve multiple purposes. i.e., Many people's brains are too busy [because of their] multi-tasking to perform task-multiing. As a result, multi-tasking people miss many opportunities . Opportunities are found by people who are able to focus and concentrate the energies in their minds...[and let that focus and concentration fully escape...but that's a topic for another day]. Many brains are neuronally challenged to the point they are over-loaded...in other words - too busy. The people who own those brains are, in reality, too busy for constructive work. What's worse, even more people think they are too busy - these people are mixing I'm-too-busy thoughts with bits and pieces and fragments of multi-tasking thoughts. Now, that's a sure-fired way to waste brain energy and accomplish little. That's why I say task-multiing is better than multi-tasking. [It’s also explains why successful people have more time…but, that’s another Thought Post .] *** "The neural circuits devoted to scanning, skimming and multi-tasking are expanding and strengthening while those used for reaping and thinking deeply with sustained concentration are weakening or eroding." Clifford Nass, Stanford University

## An Equation for Trouble
Date: 2013-09-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-equation-for-trouble/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication

Control is the root of most disagreements. Control of people's behaviour is one major area. Control of money is another. Many interpersonal problems have roots in these two control areas. People want to feel in control. People know they lack self-control and, with choices limited, they learn how to live with that. And, they have their hands full living with their internal battles around self-control. No wonder they react so poorly to others who try to complicate things by injecting more control. Struggling with Self-Control + an Injection of 3rd-party Control = An Equation for Trouble! I mean 'live and let live'... cut me some slack ... already . That's what most people appear to feel and think most of the time. All of us feel and think that way some of the time. So, when an unsuspecting 3rd party, say our boss, happens to step into our world and tries to foist controls on us...well, that's an Equation for Trouble . And, we are more than prepared to deliver that Trouble and deliver it firmly and quickly. Or, perhaps we will deliver it subtly and silently...or maybe we will use the old behind-the-back approach? We have many more options for delivering the solution [the Trouble solution , that is]. We can do flights and we can do fights. We can be overt and we can be covert. We can be clear and we can be vague. We can be singular and we can be plural...we will not forget 'misery enjoys company' and we can help our Trouble find lots of company if we so choose. Delivering the Trouble solution - what a wonderful distraction from our internal self-control battles. Alas... So many options for delivering Trouble to the people who try to control us...and...so little time.

## Thought Tweet #820
Date: 2013-09-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-820/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #820 I'm so glad you mentioned that because I have some important things about me to share with you. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes we have such amazing things to share with other people we simply miss the fact they are trying to do the same. When amazing stories collide.

## Thought Tweet #820.5
Date: 2013-09-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8205/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #820.5 When you are open-minded differences are strengths ; when you are close-minded differences are weaknesses. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The strongest of leaders seek out differences. Work to your strengths. Find others who have strengths that cover your weaknesses.

## Thought Tweet #819
Date: 2013-09-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-819/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #819 Errors only become long-term limiting when we choose to give them that power. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We cannot practice what we don't know how: we cannot teach what we don't know how. But, do not expect your teachers will be masters: knowing how and doing are 2 different things. Mastery of task is rare; even the most skilled make errors; errors define near-term limits, however, the limits do not have to be long-term limiting. Errors only become long-term limiting when we choose to give them that power.

## Entrepreneurs: Driven to Construction; Driven to Distraction.
Date: 2013-09-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/entrepreneurs-driven-to-construction-driven-to-distraction/ | Categories: —

Strong entrepreneurs and strong salespeople see more opportunities. I have witnessed this phenomenon repeatedly. It's like entrepreneurs and salespeople have RADAR that lights up continuously, identifying other people's problems, solutions to those problems, and underlying opportunities. Strong entrepreneurs and strong salespeople carry a mixed blessing with them, wherever they go. The ability to identify opportunities for improvement is part of the mixed blessing. The other part is the inability to maintain focus. For some entrepreneurs and salespeople the inability to focus is so prevalent it removes concrete action and the ability to be on task ...and worse...it often removes the ability to succeed. Discarding ideas: that's a skill. Ignoring opportunities: that's a skill. For entrepreneurs and salespeople, these are essential executive-function skills. They can be summed up in one word - Focus . Focus is a major challenge for the strongest of entrepreneurs and salespeople. There are a number of reasons why it's a major challenge. To begin, strong entrepreneurs and salespeople are different breeds of cats. They often describe themselves as having ADD or some other affliction that causes them to be agitated, distracted, and unable to focus. On top of that, they are naturally curious people. Shiny opportunities always catch their attention...even when they are supposed to be focusing on the task at hand. Many entrepreneurs are fascinated by ideas [some thoughts on Ideation ]. This too can work against focus and concentration. While the best entrepreneurs and salespeople are driven to construction , they are also driven to distraction. This must be addressed. The best way to address it... Take Talent to Task . Don't fight to change gifted entrepreneurs and salespeople. Make use of the entrepreneurs' and salespeople's strengths. Cover their weaknesses with the strengths of other people.

## Thought Tweet #819.5
Date: 2013-09-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8195/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #819.5 Motivation def'n: a dissatisfaction that reflects your interests . The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you feel dissatisfaction, step back and identify the interest that is at the root of your dissatisfaction. Then you know your motivation .

## Thought Tweet #818
Date: 2013-09-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-818/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #818 Does wealth breed generosity or does generosity breed wealth? The Thinking Behind The Tweet It depends on how you define 'wealth'.

## Delegate Self-Motivation
Date: 2013-09-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/delegate-self-motivation/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Leaders' Thoughts

One of my early bosses advised me: Management is Motivating Mediocrity . While I like the alliteration, I do not accept that advice. I think we should not take the burden of motivating other people on our shoulders. That's a strategy doomed to fail. People are self-motivated...always. Their self-motivation applies whether or not we like the direction it is taking the person. And, poorly-directed self-motivation is rampant in business. Leaders must create situations where people can self-motivate in directions that are aligned with business goals. Leaders must delegate self-motivation and make sure they don't demotivate while they are delegating. When delegating a task to a person allow the person to embrace accountability for 2 things: responsibility for self-motivation for full performance of the task and responsibility for communicating about performance of the task. Take the task off your To Do List, literally and figuratively. Know the person has accepted full responsibility and full accountability. Create a process that will ensure both you and the person know how and when communication will occur...that is: (1) the person (not you) will lead the communication and the communication will be planned and concise and (2) the communication will occur at your next 'team meeting'. This advice also applies when you delegate authority for many tasks to a person, i.e., when you delegate tasks that will be performed either by the person directly or by people on the person's team.

## Thought Tweet #818.5
Date: 2013-09-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8185/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #818.5 Shared, or at least compatible, Values & Vision , allow people to align their focus toward common goals. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Another 80-20 Rule: make sure you score at least 80% common ground on Values and Vision. If you and your partners and key players do not share common Values & Vision ground then, sooner or later, your business life will be stressed and struggled. We have seen this time after time.

## P=2S+O and the 4 Hierarchies of Delegation
Date: 2013-09-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-4-hierarchies-of-delegation/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities

The 4 Hierarchies of Delegation When you assign responsibility and expect accountability you can give your subordinate one of the following 4 instructions: Investigate, report facts back to me, and I will make a decision on what you need to do. Investigate, give me alternative actions, with pluses and minuses of each, and give me your recommendation on the best option...then I will decide what you need to do. Think it through then activate your plan and advise me of what you did. Think it through then activate your plan and there is no need to inform me. These progressive steps for delegation of decision-making authority can be summarized as: Think, let me know, & I will decide Think, recommend, & I will decide Think, take action, keep me informed. Think, take action, no need to inform me. These steps can be used to help people learn how to handle responsibility and authority. These steps can be used to build trust between bosses and their subordinates. These steps can be used to help people learn...and develop Decision-Making knowledge and skill. *** Subordinates should be accountable for their performance of delegated tasks. This can be achieved by: Evaluating performance based upon subordinates staying within authority boundaries. Measuring performance based upon achieved results. Scheduling update meetings with the subordinates. Listening to subordinates and coaching about action adjustments. *** To be successful subordinates must be given the following structure: A detailed job description A written system to be followed Training, coaching, & mentoring Goals that can be measured Goals that are achievable Guidelines and standards of performance Timeline schedules to be followed Authority to act (Levels of authority should be pre-assigned...see above example of 4 Hierarchies) Rewards for performance of actions and results

## Thought Tweet #817
Date: 2013-09-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-817/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #817 For situations you cannot control, learn how to avoid feeling anger, anxiety, fear & frustration. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When people find themselves in situations they cannot control their reaction is, naturally, one of discomfort. For some people, the discomfort is extreme. This discomfort often leads to thoughts and actions that lead to dysfunction, stress, and a host of other negative things. We can learn how to do better than that. We can teach ourselves how to do better than that.

## Thought Tweet #817.5
Date: 2013-09-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8175/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #817.5 The day you stop learning...that's the beginning of the end of construction & achievement. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Never before has life-long education been so essential...that's another consequence of living through the Future Shock era.

## Thought Tweet #816.5
Date: 2013-09-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8165/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #816.5 Why do so many people let so many problems arrive as surprise packages? The Thinking Behind The Tweet A salute to risk management...

## Thought Tweet #816
Date: 2013-09-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-816/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #816 We have a choice: multi-task to mediocrity or concentrate for excellence. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Can this common sense [backed by brain science] withstand the urgencies of your day?

## A Spirited Leaders scenario - #5
Date: 2013-09-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/spirited-leaders-scenarios-5/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders

You are a small-business owner. You have a business partner, maybe more than one. There are times when you get along with your partner. There are times when you and your partner don't interact much. And, there are times when you and your partner do not get along. All of this is normal. Or, is it? It depends on how you feel about the relationship you have with your partner. On balance: do you feel things are absolutely excellent between you and your partner? do you feel things are touch and go once in a while but quite OK most of the time? do you feel stressed, knowing things are not right between you and your partner? do you feel your working relationship with your partner is trending downhill? The last 2 bullet points are symptoms of what we call ‘Partners In Dispute’. When the relationship between business partners becomes strained and that strain doesn't go away quickly it can set the pattern for Partners In Dispute. There are numerous causes: disagreement about money issues, including personal pay and expenses conflicting interpersonal styles, with at least one appearing dysfunction disagreement about risk, changes, and plans for the future Those are just a few examples. While the causes are different the situations are similar. When Partners In Dispute is present the situations are: stressed and strained, emotions run high disagreements are unresolved, they tend to linger for long periods of time and they tend to affect and complicate decisions communication falls off the tracks, often adding to the stress level of not only the partners but also the employees who work for them When you are deep into Partners In Dispute, you can feel cornered and perhaps even helpless. You may spend considerable time talking about the problem: talking with your spouse; talking with your friends; sometimes even talking with employees (who are caught up in the dispute; talking with advisors such as accountants and sometimes lawyers, etc. You may have spent a lot of time talking with many people. Yet, your Partners In Dispute problem did not go away. It simmered and cooled down for periods. However, it jumped back into full force as problems arose or opinions on actions differed. The good news... There are quick and simple ways to identify the root problems behind Partners In Dispute. Stress levels can be reduced quickly. And, often, Partners In Dispute situations can be remedied. We know this because we have done this and we have helped others do it.

## Thought Tweet #815
Date: 2013-08-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-814-2013/ | Categories: Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #815 The Layman's mindfulness: use more noggin, do less sloggin'. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Mind your Behaviour: use a little more brain, cause a lot less pain.

## The more you struggle the less you achieve goals. Yet, failure can trigger better ways.
Date: 2013-08-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-more-you-struggle-the-less-you-achieve-goals/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Entrepreneur Thinking, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Successful people have a burning internal drive to build things and accomplish things and to influence other people. At one point in their lives - perhaps when they are young, perhaps when they are in their 30's or 40's, perhaps as late as when they arrive at old age - this drive becomes focused on a single vision, which defines their goal. It is at that time that energy of their Drive, Intelligence, and Self-control blends to generate success.

When you take charge and command your willpower to deliver results you do not achieve those desired results. [forced discipline of willpower does not bring success] When your brain knows and understands it is in your long-term best interest to do something, more often than not you will not do that thing. [intelligence doesn't motivate] When you feel fear and stress, you will tend to either avoid action or take the wrong action. [fear is, at best, a temporary motivator...and it often sends you in the wrong direction] When you desire something intensely, more often than not you do not obtain it. [desire on its own doesn't bring results] So, what does work? How does a person obtain goals? How does a person succeed? Successful people provide the answers. A study of successful people delivers the answers. Here's what studying successful people confirms... Successful people, people who are known for their ability to magnetize the support of others and achieve desired goals possess 3 things : Intelligence Self-control Drive #1 - Successful people know Intelligence is a life-long process. It is a life-long process about people, about process, and about situations . Successful people are life-long learners. The day they stop learning is the day they stop being successful. Successful people place a high priority on self-knowledge and self-improvement. They apply their Intelligence toward self-development particularly in the areas of Self-control and Drive. In addition, successful people focus on their Talents until they become strengths. Successful people specialize and they stretch in the direction of their personal strengths . They vent their strengths . Successful people do not fear the intelligence possessed by other people: they seek out the best people and particularly people who possess strengths they do not possess. They are skilled at putting other people's strengths to use, ensuring their weakest areas are offset by others' strengths. #2 - Successful people learn how to set aside immediate gratification and focus energy toward long-term goals . They have a Vivid Vision of the future and they place a high value on learning what actions will take them toward their goals and determining how to excel at the performance of those actions. They self-monitor. They learn how to avoid distractions. They tend to view 'failures' as temporary obstacles and learning experiences. Related to failures and obstacles, successful people possess the self-control to direct negative feelings toward positive changes - changes for the better . In other words, failures spark improved focus and greater commitment and failures energize. Successful people use self-control to build positive attitude and winning character by stopping Bad Habits, starting New Things, and creating Good Habits . #3 - Successful people are born with powerful internal drives ...and they figure out how to keep those drives alive regardless of the pressure applied against them in the form of criticism from other people . They develop thick skin . The clearer their Vivid Vision the thicker their skin. Successful people have a burning internal drive to take action, build things, accomplish results, and to influence other people. At one point in their lives - perhaps when they are young, perhaps when they are in their 30's or 40's, perhaps as late as when they arrive at old age - this drive becomes focused on a single vision, which defines their goal. It is at that time that energy of their Drive, Intelligence, and Self-control blends to generate success. When Drive, Intelligence, and Self-control blend and Focus with intensity on a clear Vision and Goal...only then does success have no choice but to arrive. The good news is all of these things are available to most people. All of these things are available to you. Seek them out, package them, & put them to use.

## Thought Tweet #815.5
Date: 2013-08-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8155/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #815.5 Who is responsible for this work? [Do you ever ask questions about Delegation ?] The Thinking Behind The Tweet Does this person have the authority to take the required actions...to do the required tasks? Does this person have the natural talent to do the required tasks? Does this person have the knowledge to do the required tasks? Has the path been paved, providing the opportunity for this person to do the required tasks? Has this person practiced the required action...does this person have the proven skill doing the tasks? Does this person feel accountable for doing the work and communicating on work progress?

## Thought Tweet #814.5
Date: 2013-08-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8145/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #814.5 The purpose of leadership is positive change. The purpose of management is accurate action. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Leaders use Vision to guide people. Managers use Vision to see where people need to improve. PS: Only when you have followers are you a leader.

## People Want To Do Good Work
Date: 2013-08-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-want-to-do-good-work/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

For some reason, people want to learn and people want to do good work. The drive to learn is evident in our infancy. We see it in the seeking eyes of newborn babies. The drive to do good work is intimately tied to a need for approval. We see that in developing children. They do their best to do tasks in order to receive the approval of their parents, then authority figures, then peers. Those intrinsic drives to do good work stay with us though our lives. People are intrinsically driven to learn and do good work. Their intrinsic drive should not be questioned, regardless of their performance. If a person's performance does not illustrate learning or good work then do not conclude that person does not want to learn or want to do good work. Rather, conclude the person (1) has, for one reason or another, suppressed his or her drive to learn and do good work or (2) the person simply does not 'know how'. People want to learn but often nobody has taught them the specific things they require to do good work. Above all else, great leaders are great teachers. Great leaders cannot teach everything. Great leaders always have great weaknesses. They must not teach in areas where they have weakness. They must teach in areas where they have strength. In their areas of strength, great leaders are great teachers.

## Thought Tweet #814
Date: 2013-08-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-814/ | Categories: Humour, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #814 A Baker's Thought: It's easy to eat a cake, it's harder to make one, and it's even harder to create a cake recipe. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you don't see any cakes, check first to see if your people have cake recipes. Another Baker's Thought: Most of the time when people don't do what you expect it is because they do not know how! [Don't Tell them To - Show them How] *** Now see, I do listen. Not as often as I should. Not as well as I should. It's a process...

## Thought Tweet #813.5
Date: 2013-08-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8135/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #813.5 The vast majority of what we experience we do not understand...an interesting aspect of the human condition! The Thinking Behind The Tweet We go through life experiencing much and understanding little. However, we have been blessed with brains to think with, eyes and ears to observe with, and last and least mouths to speak with.

## Bewildering Subordinates
Date: 2013-08-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bewildering-subordinates/ | Categories: Humour, Leaders' Thoughts

While you may find subordinates bewildering, that's not the topic here. That's a topic for another Thought Post. This is an action-oriented Thought Post, designed to help you bewilder your subordinates. This isn't about solving subordinates' problems, it's about laying some serious confusion on your subordinates. Some may consider this 'treating them mean and keeping them keen'. Please do not take it that way or go that far. Life's too short to be mean. On the other hand, life provides plenty of opportunities to lay on some good-natured confusion. A quick look around you will confirm this fact - people love confusion. They talk about it. They complain about it. They share it with one another. And they deliver it to unsuspecting folks who were just trying to mind their own business or perhaps even trying to do some good work. Confusion rains/reigns and you know you feel a need to contribute your fair share of it. Perhaps, the people who lay confusion on other people need help? Perhaps, they will benefit from a fine list of ideas on how to bewilder subordinates? In any event, that's what's about to happen here... The following short-list will appeal to the discerning leader who appreciates the value embedded in Bewildering Subordinates : 4. Practice memory failure : When subordinates come to you to discuss some issue they deem important, feign any memory of the issue. This will take some practice so don't take it too lightly. To excel at this one you will have to learn to control your eyes, your tone of voice, other aspects of your body language. And, perhaps even more challenging, you will have to learn how to suppress your laughter while acting like your mind is a blank slate. NOTE: This technique can be used when subordinates bring stuff to you. It can also be used when a subordinate comes to you to report on a project you assigned. Practice the puzzled face. 3. Make bizarre claims : This one really keeps subordinates on their toes. No need to be straight-faced when you are using this technique...this can be your creative outlet. So, don't settle for no-brainers like " We tried that idea in 1978 and it didn't work ." That sort of claim is far too realistic...unless, of course you were born in the 1980's. If you are uncomfortable in any way then ease into this bizarre-claims technique. For example, claim you are receiving amazing business advice from fortune cookies...fortune cookies that command you to tell your subordinates to begin to implement the ideas immediately. 2. Jump to Conclusions : People get bored and you don't want your subordinates to be that way. You want them alert. You owe it to them to help them be on their toes. So, no matter how off-base a conclusion may feel when it pops into your mind...jump with it and express it with emphasis and enthusiasm. Don't just jump to a conclusion. Jump energetically to conclusions! Whatever you do, do not filter your conclusions...take them raw and just jump with them. This is the best way to put your carefree energy to great use. And, it is guaranteed to keep your subordinates on their toes. When you first start to use this technique you should write down some conclusions on cue cards and read them before the subordinate visits your office. But, don't ever pull out the cue cards when the subordinate is with you. That would look contrived...even worse, it might bring your sincerity into question. 1. Change your decisions frequently : There simply is no better way to throw a monkey wrench into your subordinate's day! Don't be dissuaded by responses that begin like, " But Boss, just yesterday you said.... " Never lose track of the fact - you are the Boss. You have the right to change your mind and change it as often as you want. While that's true, do not be haphazard with timing. For example, aim to inject the change of plans just before the subordinate has finished a project. That nick-of-time change of plans is the choicest piece of confusion. This technique alone, if practiced and honed to a sharp edge will guarantee your leadership in the area of bewildering subordinates.

## Thought Tweet #813
Date: 2013-08-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-813/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #813 Accountability: How much? How often? On a 1-to-10 scale, how do you rate your average accountability at work items? The Thinking Behind The Tweet How often do you feel accountable for work items? Once a year, say, when they sit you down for a performance review? Once a month? When you attend one of those monthly team meetings? Once a week? Because of those weekly team meetings? Once a day? All workday? 7/24...dammit, I own a business!

## Thought Tweet #812
Date: 2013-08-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-812/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #812 Money can separate people. Money can separate family members. And the damage can be deep and broad. The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's one of the differences between business and family business.

## Thought Tweet #812.5
Date: 2013-08-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8125/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #812.5 Interest: WHY I'm doing something. Intent: WHAT I'm wanting to do. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Communicating our Interests . Communicating our Intent . Good Habits to do.

## 8 Ways Employees Fail to Handle Delegation
Date: 2013-08-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/8-ways-employees-fail-to-handle-delegation/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

Delegation can fail when employees lack ability due to: Poor hiring - the employee doesn't meet the requirements of the role Poor or no coaching or training - the employee lacks knowledge or practice at developing necessary skills, or both Employee's lack of intrinsic incentive - the employee does not have the drive/self-motivation to perform the tasks Employee's unwillingness to take risk - the employee may feel the downside risk exceeds the upside reward Employee's fear of punitive action - the employee may be thin skinned and feel 'beaten down' as a result of former criticism Poor communication - the task/authority/responsibility transfer may not have been clear and the employee simply did not understand the intent...this problem could be caused by failure to listen Employee dysfunction - work to rule, sabotage, etc. The I'm-too-busy mindset - this is a really troublesome catch-all ...when we believe we are too busy we provide ourselves a blanket excuse for not listening, not remembering, not understanding, not accepting accountability, and not doing lots of other things Often, people do not do what you expect them to do because they do not understand. As examples, they do not understand instructions or they do not understand how to perform the work. What we do not understand we cannot do.

## Thought Tweet #811
Date: 2013-08-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-811/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #811 What's the difference between a small-business owner and an entrepreneur? It's in their Motivation. The Thinking Behind The Tweet It's in their Motivation: one is motivated to have no boss and have a job while the other is driven by an urge to design and build things of value.

## SITUATIONS, Bad Habit Reactions, Good Habit Reactions
Date: 2013-08-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/situations-bad-habit-reactions-good-habit-reactions/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Since People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits , Bad Habits , & New Things it make sense to reframe Initial Thoughts & Reactions and Corrective Actions in terms of Bad Habits (Initial Reactions & Reactions) and New Things to do (Corrective Actions, which if repeated successfully over a period of time can become Good Habits).

Workplaces provide a range of situations rich with ripe emotions. Neil Fiore, in his book ' The NOW habit at Work ' (2010), provided an interesting explanation of how Initial Thoughts produce natural Reactions and how people can take Corrective Actions to remedy those Reactions . Since People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things it makes sense to reframe Initial Thoughts & Reactions and Corrective Actions in terms of Bad Habits (Initial Reactions & Reactions) and New Things to do (Corrective Actions, which if repeated successfully over a period of time can become Good Habits). Here's a reframed look at the relationship between your initial thoughts and the reactions they produce:...and corrective actions When your initial thought is one of danger or fear, this Bad Habit can bring you stress . Your natural corrective action is to seek safety. The Good Habit you must develop to overcome this Bad Habit is the ability to accurately identify whether or not your sense of danger and your fear emotion are based in reality. If you find you have a Bad Habit of overreacting then you need to develop the Good Habit of taking the time to do a better job of analyzing situations . You need to anticipate tough situations and learn and practice how to handle them. You need to bolster your self-confidence . When your initial thought is one of indecision or passivity, this Bad Habit can bring you procrastination . The Good Habit you must develop to overcome this Bad Habit is adjusting your mindset to think in terms of options , choices , and empowerment . To get this done you can develop a way of investigating the root cause of your indecision or passivity and resolve that root cause. Or, better still, don't get tied up worrying about the cause - just give the situation a bit of thought then take the best action you can think of. Understand you always have the ability to act. When your initial reaction is one of self-doubt and self-criticism , this Bad Habit can bring you the feeling of being overwhelmed. The Good Habit you must develop to overcome this Bad Habit is the ability to focus your thoughts on tasks . Set small goals . Quickly, take the first baby-task step toward that small goal. Celebrate small achievements. When your initial reaction is to think about the past or the future, this Bad Habit can bring you anxiety . The Good Habit you must develop to overcome this Bad Habit is the ability to get present . You cannot change the past; you cannot predict the future; you can adjust how you think about the present and you can decide your next action.

## Thought Tweet #811.5
Date: 2013-08-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8115/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #811.5 One bad apple doesn't have to spoil the whole bunch...don't let your views be soured by other people's actions. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We tend to judge others by their actions; we tend to judge ourselves by our intentions. We tend to blame situations for our failures: we tend to blame other people for their failures. We tend to give credit to ourselves when we succeed: we tend to give credit to situations when other people succeed. ( Attribution Bias)

## A Spirited Leaders scenario - #4
Date: 2013-08-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/spirited-leaders-scenarios-4/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Spirited Leaders

Is your leadership team meeting your expectations? If it is – Congratulations - keep up the good work! If it is not – we can help. We know the small-business challenges: lack of time : everyone talks about being too busy to handle current work let alone something new lack of accountability : deadlines pass and goals are not achieved communication difficulties : there’s lots of talk…and too much of it is confused and negative lack of customer connection : something is getting lost between good intentions and delivery…and client satisfaction could be much better We have small-business solutions: simple tools and straightforward methods , designed to improve the way leaders communicate with one another, make decisions, and take the actions that deliver results mentoring and group guidance , designed to support, educate, and energize leaders and the people on their leadership teams We offer new approaches to problem-solving. We specialize in solving people problems and process problems. We do this by concentrating on: Talents – People generally only have a vague understanding of their talents. A couple of quick 1-on-1 sessions can identify Talents and create the Talent-Opportunity-Knowledge-Skills pattern that is proven to improve both motivation and performance of tasks. Communication – There are 4 key communication areas: General Communication : for accountability and results Idea & Innovation Communication : to promote changes for the better Resolving Disputes : clarifying interests and expectations Client Communications : from marketing to getting profitable deals done We offer support in these 4 communication areas.

## There are Task Donors, There are Task Recipients, & Task Transplants Involve Compatibility
Date: 2013-08-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/there-are-task-donors-there-are-task-recipients-task-transplants-involve-compatibility/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

There are Task Donors : those are the people who delegate tasks . There are Task Recipients : those are the people who receive those delegated tasks. Task Transplants involve compatibility...if compatibility is not present then the transplant is rejected. How might we test for Task-Transplant compatibility? If we are a donor of tasks we can ask ourselves questions like: Do I understand the various consequences of the assignment I am about to delegate? Have I properly sold the task? If we are a recipient of tasks we can ask ourselves questions like: Do I understand the various aspects of the assignment I am about to receive/accept? Have I bought the task? And, donors and recipients together can discuss answers to questions like: Do we both really understand the importance and urgency of the situation? Have we considered the other Task Dimensions ? Have we communicated fully? Task transplants succeed when the donors and recipients communicate fully, test for reasonableness, and test for task-transplant compatibility.

## 80/20 Rule
Date: 2013-08-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/8020-rule/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Master Rules

Roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.

The 80/20 Rule... also known as The Pareto Principle The Pareto principle (also known as the 80–20 rule , the law of the vital few, and the principle of factor sparsity ) states that, for many events, roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes. [1] [2] Business-management consultant Joseph M. Juran suggested the principle and named it after Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto , who observed in 1906 that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population; he developed the principle by observing that 20% of the pea pods in his garden contained 80% of the peas. [2] It is a common rule of thumb in business; e.g., "80% of your sales come from 20% of your clients". Mathematically, the 80-20 rule is roughly followed by a power law distribution (also known as a Pareto distribution ) for a particular set of parameters, and many natural phenomenon have been shown empirically to exhibit such a distribution. [3] The Pareto principle is only tangentially related to Pareto efficiency , which was also introduced by the same economist. Pareto developed both concepts in the context of the distribution of income and wealth among the population. Source: Wikipedia See Comments below for 80% Rules linked to 80/20 Rule thinking.

## When should I delegate work to other people?
Date: 2013-08-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-should-i-delegate-work-to-other-people/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Succession

When you reach a point in your business where you are juggling too many balls and you begin to drop them. When you want to free yourself of work in areas that do not align with your strengths or which you do not enjoy. When you want to free up your time to do money-making tasks [i.e., business development]. When you need to create free time to work on your business [i.e., strategic work]. When you want to reduce the amount of time you work [i.e., more free time]. When you want to leverage talents and create growth in your company. When you want to ensure task back-up [for example, to protect the company and cover illness, etc.]. When you want to prepare your business for your exit strategy [i.e., succession planning]. When you want to reduce your stress level. As you go about delegation, what should you consider? Some ideas... With the overall corporate best interest in mind - who is best skilled at doing the task? Considering “bang for buck”: particularly, the impact on your key corporate goals - who is best skilled at doing the task? Considering past practice involving similar tasks - who is best skilled at doing the task? Considering your track record of delegating tasks - have you illustrated good practice? Good Habits? Bad Habits? NOTE: in delegation of business tasks, one man’s trash isn’t generally another man’s treasure. Rule of Thumb: good leaders do not assign tasks they have not performed or would not perform themselves. Rule of Thumb [corollary]: leaders rarely assign unique tasks…so…Is this task unique? [If it is - step back and measure twice before you cut the wood.] Consider employee’s [business savvy] growth and development…are you training the person for the future? [Or, are you simply downloading stress?] Consider fairness: what amount of workload is already on the recipient employee’s plate, other staffs’ plates, and your plate? Consider job-content satisfaction: are you providing your people the opportunity to perform diverse, interesting tasks? [Or, are you piling up repetitive, tedious, non-challenging tasks?] Delegation; you have much to think about if you want to do it right!

## Thought Tweet #810
Date: 2013-08-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-810/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #810 What decision-making lesson do you learn from people who procrastinate or change their minds? The Thinking Behind the Tweet What comes first Learning decision-making skills? - or - Teaching decision-making skills? How do you feel when you procrastinate ? How do you feel when other people procrastinate? How do you feel when you reverse a decision you have made? How do you feel when other people reverse decisions they have made?

## Thought Tweet 810.5
Date: 2013-08-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8105/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Delegation & Decisions, Influencing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #810.5 What things affect a person's ability to be accountable in business? The Thinking Behind The Tweet What criteria drive the need for accountability in business? What things affect a person's ability to be accountable in business? Many talk about the need for Accountability. Few explain WHY? it is important; few explain HOW? it happens; few explain WHAT? things impact on the extent Accountability is important and whether or not Accountability happens.

## When we empower people...
Date: 2013-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-we-empower-people/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

When we empower people to think and take action and we expect them to put that empowerment to good use, what sort of action are we trying to delegate? Are we empowering a person to take action to perform: tasks? roles? responsibilities? decision-making? acts of power? Here's the simplest way to look at delegation... We delegate Processes performed by People and those Processes are strings of Tasks, some routine tasks and some not-Routine tasks . So... When we delegate, our intent is to delegate the performance of Tasks . Those Tasks may be performed by the person we delegate them to or they may be done by others who are under the authority of that person. Regardless of who will perform the Tasks, when we delegate it is our intent that the person we delegate them to accepts responsibility for the performance of the Tasks. It is also our intent that the person we delegate them to becomes accountable for the performance of the Tasks. Responsibility for Tasks: that means the person understands the Task is part of his or her role. Accountability for Tasks: that means the person not only understands the Task is part of his or her role but also accepts the responsibility as an obligation to perform the Tasks.

## Thought Tweet 809.5
Date: 2013-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8095/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #809.5 How do you know people are uncomfortable? How do you react when they are uncomfortable? The Thinking Behind The Tweet In my former business life, on occasion, I knew people were uncomfortable...mostly because I was the source of their discomfort. Sometimes I recognized people were in discomfort because they complained about some personal issue caused by something outside of work. Much of the time I didn't recognize people were in discomfort. That was what happened because I don't have an empathy bone in my body (I've been assessed) and I did nothing to offset that lack of natural empathy. So, without a conscious effort to better understand people's feelings, in general, I did little to react to let alone relieve other people's discomfort. In fact, I expanded their discomfort. That was then and this is now.

## Thought Tweet #809
Date: 2013-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-809/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #809 What time-management lesson do you learn from people who have the habit of saying, " I'm too busy "? The Thinking Behind The Tweet What skill comes first Using your time productively? - or - Helping others use their time productively? Would you want to learn time-management from a person who fails to arrive on time? Would you want to learn time-management from a person who does not deliver on promises? Would you want to learn time-management from a person who fails to return phone calls or email?

## Thought Tweet #808.5
Date: 2013-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8085/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #808.5 When misery enjoys company people don't accomplish constructive things. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Empathy - is it the ability to feel what someone else feels? Or - is it the ability to understand what other people are feeling? It seems to me Sympathy is the word for sharing feelings while Empathy is the word for understanding another person's feelings. Does it make a difference? Yes - people may not share feelings yet be quite capable of understanding them. People may share feelings and do it so intensely they exacerbate the feelings - misery loves company. When misery enjoys company people don't accomplish constructive things. When company understands misery there is an opportunity for constructive, comfortable change.

## Delegation - What is that?
Date: 2013-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/delegation-what-is-that/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions

One dictionary definition of Delegation is: ' empowering another to act '. Another dictionary defines Delegation as: ' appointing someone else to act on your behalf '. Delegation isn't just about taking action. I hope the dictionary writers really mean empowering another to think and act... and do the two in that order: If they don't mean thinking and acting - no wonder so many people have so much trouble with delegation. If they do mean thinking and acting then they ought to say it clearly so dictionary readers have a better opportunity to understand delegation. Let's set the dictionaries aside - when you boil it down what do you think delegation is about? Do you think the words 'empowering people' covers the whole story? Do you think 'empowering people' captures the concept of delegation? Certainly, that seems to be a common way of looking at delegation. Maybe that's why so many people have so much trouble with delegation. What do I mean by ' trouble with delegation '? Here's what I mean. The trouble with delegation: in the history of business, never have so many owed so much to so few...under so much confusion . Yes, 'empowering' is a component of delegation, but, delegation has another major component: 'expecting'. Expectation is embedded in delegation. In business, when we empower a person to [think and] take action we blend that empowering with things like paycheques and role descriptions. When we do that blending the delegation automatically takes on a flavour of expectation. Those who delegate expect results...most of them expect only positive results. Delegators expect the work they delegate to get done...and, the majority of them want the work to be performed well. Expectation: that's the thing dictionaries are missing when they define the word 'Delegation'. Let's not make that same mistake.

## Thought Tweet #808
Date: 2013-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-808/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #808 How do you know, with certainty, your perception of a person's behaviour is accurate? The Thinking Behind The Tweet If your perception is accurate then your understanding of the person's behaviour will help you have productive communication with the person. If your perception is not accurate then your understanding of the person's behaviour will confuse and possibly prevent you from having productive communication with the person. Flawed perceptions about other people: wasted energy; possibly, shared wasting of energy; the precursor for lousy communication.

## Thought Tweet #807.5
Date: 2013-08-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8075/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #807.5 Anger is better than frustration because it contains some belief/optimism you can control the situation. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we feel we cannot control a situation, it causes much discomfort. Frustration is a gnawing, spirit-killing feeling that often expands beyond a feeling to become a mood....an unpleasant mood.

## 10 Reasons to Refuse To Delegate
Date: 2013-08-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/10-reasons-to-refuse-to-delegate/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions

You believe “ This task needs to be done perfectly and no one can do it as well as I can .” [perfectionism] You lack confidence in the employee's ability to do the task. [specific lack of trust in an individual's talents and skills] You lack the desire to take risks. [fear of failure] You are reluctant to delegate tasks you enjoy. [hoarding the good stuff, selfishness] You think " If the current process ain't broken then there's no need to fix it. " [fear of change] You think, " Maybe they will not like me if I ask them to do this task? " [fear of criticism] You are afraid the employee will do it better than you can do it. [scarcity mentality, low self-confidence] You are concerned about sharing company systems or methods. [pervasive lack of trust, paranoia] When it comes to delegation, you have a lousy track record...many times burned, now shy. [still there, but resigned] Delegation - you know you've heard that word before...but, who wants to waste precious work-time exploring those sorts of things? [asleep at the wheel]

## Thought Tweet #807
Date: 2013-08-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-807/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #807 What's become of our leaders? And, isn't it time to make a deference? The Thinking Behind The Tweet I believe there was a time when it was common for leaders to be on the first horse, leading the charge. I believe there was a time when it was common for leaders to be considered noble. I believe people yearn for a deference. I believe leaders will see the value in earning a deference.

## Thought Tweet #806
Date: 2013-08-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-806/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #806 When we look outward and feel things are beyond our control it is most difficult to look inward and muster self-control. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some situations seem to be beyond our control. In fact, some situations are beyond our control. Other situations just appear to be beyond our control. Regardless, really beyond our control or appearing beyond our control - these are the situations that put our self-control to the toughest test. When our locus of control is tested, so is our self-control. We do better when we anticipate these situations and prepare, in our minds, for them.

## Thought Tweet #806.5
Date: 2013-08-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8065/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #806.5 Misery enjoys company...as long as that company is in agreement...Misery is selective. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Misery enjoys similarly-afflicted company.

## The problem with programmed How-To courses
Date: 2013-08-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-problem-with-programmed-how-to-courses/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Seeking Simple!

When it comes to education, people won't bend over backwards! The problem with programmed How-To courses - I mean the problem with book-long, multi-lesson, packaged education with role playing - is - they do not work. On average, people can remember about 7 things, maybe 9. So, no matter how terrific a How-To education course might appear to the folks who spent hundreds or thousands of hours creating it, other people will understand little of the content and put even less of it to good use. Most people cannot remember dozens let alone hundreds of pages of How-To instructions. So, as soon as they see a volume of self-improvement education they turn off. Even if they suspect it could contain good stuff, most people know they will not take the time to study the volume. If they start to read it, most people soon stop and replace the activity with something offering more-immediate gratification. Everyone knows that. And most people don't bend over backwards to obtain self-help. To address this problem, the folks who teach self-improvement focus on increasing the entertainment value in the delivery of the knowledge. Yes, entertainment value = near-term gratification [of some sort]. But, single doses of entertainment value do nothing to promote improved learning of good habits. Prolonged repetition of single doses of entertainment value may breed some near-term warm-and-fuzzy-this-education-is-fun thoughts...and may even go so far as to provide a little jolt of self-motivation. However, entertainment value will not cause the lessons to stick and take hold. To help people self-improve we need to do 2 things well: We need to deliver education in small doses...small simple steps . In the long run, simplicity outruns entertainment value. Simplicity captures clarity and appeals to common sense. Learners have always built their learning on simplicity: consider the building blocks of our childhood and the building blocks of the Great Pyramids. Simple pieces. Spirited Leaders has developed 1-Page Tools with this in mind. To accomplish much - learn, take, and repeat simple steps until they become foundations for good habits. We need to resist the urge to create even-more-clever emotion-grabbing phrases and fancy-packaging of advice. We need to keep our entertaining acronyms and educational mind-pictures under control. We need to be more comfortable expressing common sense. We need to customize the education to fit individuals . Textbooks work well when students are facing the gun that demands, " Learn or fail ". And, even if there is no performance gun, textbooks work well for some people...for example, those people whom Gallup assesses as 'Learner' tend to enjoy textbooks and full-length How-To manuals. On the other hand, Gallup-Learners are only a small fraction of the people we encounter every business day. Most people do not like textbooks, manuals, or other things that remind them of the learning-guns they faced when in school. Yet, most people do want to learn...they just don't want to do it your way...they want to do it their way. We can help them develop skills by incorporating their real-life situations into our education processes rather than asking them to suffer through things like awkward role playing. To do this, we need to expand 1-on-1 education activity...with a focus on customizing rather than standardizing. So, when we help business leaders we need to: ensure we capture common sense, seek simple , deliver education in small doses, & customize education to fit individuals.

## A Spirited Leaders scenario - #3
Date: 2013-08-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/spirited-leaders-scenarios-3/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders

Small business owners are the driving force supporting our Canadian economy. That has been the case for some time. It has been taken for granted. We can no longer afford to take small business owners for granted. The small business sector has experienced and will continue to experience new, complex challenges. Here are a few examples of special, complex problems: increased human resource demands, backed by government rules and regulations fast-paced technology changes, supported by more-complicated product & service options rapid expansion of methods to connect with customers, with growing customer demands These new, complex challenges require special attention because they go beyond the comfort zone of many small business leaders. Put another way, small business leaders are exposed to a growing list of new processes and new situations, many of which are outside their areas of experience and expertise. What is a small business owner to do? Hunker down and protect territory? Make radical changes and keep up with the times? Do some combination of these things? [But, what combination?] And, how should a small business owner go about making this decision? It makes sense they should seek help from: someone who has both entrepreneurial experience and big-company experience someone who has experience mentoring small business leaders someone who has developed simple tools, designed to help people make decisions in situations of high risk and uncertainty someone who helps leadership teams understand what it takes to get it done…then mentors them while they develop the required skills That is what we offer small business leaders.

## Thought Tweet #805
Date: 2013-08-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-805/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #805 Intrinsic drives stay with us throughout our lives. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Do you have some internal drives that have survived for decades? If you do then you know what I'm talking about. [I'm guessing it's one of those drives this is causing some of us to continuously seek out ice cream.]

## Thought Tweet #805.5
Date: 2013-08-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8055/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #805.5 If poor behaviour is rampant at your business, the problem is in your Process not your People. The Thinking Behind The Tweet One bad egg can spoil the bunch. While I have not witnessed it firsthand, that may be true for eggs. But, it's highly unlikely that applies to people at your work. If you have one poorly behaving employee then chances are good that employee has some problems and is bringing those problems to your workplace. If you have many poorly behaving employees then you either have flawed hiring systems or you have flawed training systems or you have flawed supervision systems, etc. In summary, you have flawed Processes. Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations. Don't place blame on People when the blame should be placed on Processes. *** "We should work on our processes, not the outcome of our processes." W. Edwards Deming

## Delegation - That Tightrope Act
Date: 2013-08-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/delegation-that-tightrope-act/ | Categories: —

Delegation of authority and decision-making in business has much in common with walking a tightrope: if your mindset is too cautious then you over-think your way to failure if your mindset is too carefree then you over-step your way to failure when you are learning the skills it is best to have a safety net Delegation - That Tightrope Act Damned if you do [it wrong]; Damned if you don't [do enough]. Delegation succeeds when the donors and receivers of it are in balance . Donors and receivers are in balance when the donors are comfortable with and skilled at delegating the authority and the receivers are comfortable with receiving the authority and making the decisions that follow. If either of these comfort levels is not in place then delegation fails. In business, delegation problems tend to show up at polar extremes . At one extreme, for one reason or another, the donor - the Boss - is not comfortable delegating and is prone to hold decision making close to the chest. Sometimes this is done quietly and few people know what the Boss is thinking. Other times it is done openly, with the Boss dictating a thick and long string of decisions. At the other extreme, the Boss either hates details or avoids difficult situations or is uncomfortable telling people what to do [or some combination of these things] and makes a habit of allowing people to make decisions without guidelines, let alone rules. At both these extremes, safety nets are absent...there are no: linkages between work-tasks and individuals' talents [ Whom ] systems for communicating Why knowledge transfer about How practice to develop skill at doing What Without thinking and planning Whom, Why, How, & What, failures are inevitable. That is why - Delegation: Damned if you do [it wrong]; Damned if you don't [do enough]. And that is why - Delegation of business authorities and decision-making is a tightrope rope. To avoid the slips and falls, delegate with balance. If you are over-cautious, understand that will never breed excellence in your work or the work of your people. Figure out how to get over your over-cautiousness. Hire a coach or, even better, hire a mentor . Allow yourself to fail....small failures...with safety nets so you suffer as little as possible while you learn and build confidence in your ability to delegate. Place the tightrope close to the ground so your errors are small mis-steps rather than painful plummets. Take baby steps along the tightrope wire. Gain confidence with each step...until you master your delegation performance. If you are carefree, understand that will bring your business demise. With no grounding in place, sooner or later, you and all your people will fall from the rope. Would you assume the people at your business can perform a tightrope walk?...I mean a real tightrope act...I am now talking outside the metaphor - Would you take your people to a circus and put them on the high wire ? Of course you wouldn't do that. Keep that in mind the next time you assume your people can handle authority and decision-making. Do not assume . Know. Know your people can handle authority and make good decisions . And, prove you Know by investing the time and effort to ensure your business uses Processes for: Taking Talent To Task: using the right linkages between work-tasks and individuals' talents [ Whom ] communicating Why delegation is essentialif business is to succeed transferring knowledge about How delegation must be performed if business is to succeed practicing to develop skill at doing What ... i.e., both doing the delegation and doing the work that falls under the delegation

## Sir Isaac Newton & the power of the Mastermind Alliance
Date: 2013-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sir-isaac-newton-the-power-of-the-mastermind-alliance/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Sir Sir Isaac Newton Newton said, “ If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants. ” He also said, “ Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy. ” Sounds like a good example of Integrity, as defined earlier in this chapter. Yet, the historical records show two sides of Sir Isaac Newton:

While most of us didn’t fully appreciate it when we were introduced to the stuff in high school classes, certain mathematicians and scientists have made monumental contributions. Few reached the level of recognition enjoyed by Sir Isaac Newton. Sir Isaac Newton is remembered as one of the greatest scientists of all time. He lived from 1642 to 1727… a ripe old age in those days. His contributions to science included: the universal law of gravity, the laws of force and motion, the laws of optics, and the founding of the mathematics known as calculus. These contributions surpassed those of almost every scientist before or since Newton. Newton said, “ If I have seen a little further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants. ” He also said, “ Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy. ” Sounds like a good example of Integrity , as defined in another Thought Post. Yet, the historical records show two sides of Sir Isaac Newton: He illustrated the humility of a leader as the quotes above illustrate He engaged in a decades-long, public battle with the German mathematician Gottfried Leibniz, debating which one had been the first to create the mathematics of calculus. Newton had accused Leibniz of plagiarizing his calculus work. Sir Sir Isaac Newton Gottfried Leibniz By the time of this Newton-Leibniz dispute, Newton was a very well-known and well-respected leader in many fields of science and mathematics…and other fields. With such a reputation and long list of amazing and diverse accomplishments, what motivated the great Newton to engage in such a battle with Leibniz? Perhaps the answer lies in a bit of thought around the Royal Society of London, a prestigious scientific community chartered by King Charles II in 1660. The founders created the Royal Society to promote scientific research and discussion. Newton was president of the ‘Royal Society’ from 1703 until his death 24 years later. Newton was knighted by Queen Anne in 1705. A few years later, during Newton’s term as president, the Royal Society accused Leibniz of plagiarizing Newton’s calculus work, created a committee to respond to Leibniz’s objection, and decided in favour of Newton, not Leibniz. When that happened, like Newton, Leibniz was in his sixties. His reputation was ruined by the Royal Society’s decision. He died a few years later. More than two centuries passed before Leibniz’s name was cleared…the history books now show both Newton and Leibniz as independent creators of calculus. Today, three hundred years after the fury of the dispute, Leibniz is remembered as one of many great mathematicians. Sir Isaac Newton is remembered as one of the handful of greatest scientists of all time. While this story contains many lessons, one stands out in my mind. Whether we are a fan of Newton or Leibniz, whether we believe Newton illustrated an error of Integrity, and regardless of who was right or wrong we must acknowledge the power contained in a focused group of people, acting in harmony toward a shared goal [ a Mastermind Alliance, as defined by Napoleon Hill ]. The Royal Society served as Newton’s Mastermind Alliance, a group of people working in harmony towards a common goal. Newton used that Mastermind Alliance. Throughout the last half of his long life, Sir Isaac Newton had stature as a leader in the field of science. During his lifetime science was beginning to be respected. The Dark Ages had cleared and it was more acceptable to question European religious beliefs. That was especially true in England. Newton’s work validated recently-accepted scientific claims including ‘the Earth orbits the Sun, not vice-versa’. That aspect of Newton’s thinking resonated well with the English royalty. It also resonated well with England’s scientific community. Newton took advantage of that. Newton used the Royal Society Mastermind Alliance to etch his name indelibly into front pages of the history books. That’s a graphic example of what we mean when we say focusing the power of a Mastermind Alliance. PS: both Newton and Leibniz are among my list of heroes.

## Thought Tweet #804
Date: 2013-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-804/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #804 " If you haven't had to make payroll month after month, you haven't really learned how to be practical. " John Rose The Thinking Behind The Tweet My friend John Rose said that when we met recently. I like it so much I asked if he would be OK with me using it as a quote. If you are an entrepreneur this quote will resonate.

## Thought Tweet #804.5
Date: 2013-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8045/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #804.5 What is it about Urgency that allows it to beat Importance, time after time? The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we face urgent situations they almost always capture our attention and action...even if we know we should be doing more-important things. Urgency is always hanging around the roots of Bad Habits .

## Thought Tweet #803.5
Date: 2013-08-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8035/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #803.5 I'm sure that slow-boiling the frog doesn't work. Business gurus got to stop feeding that nasty rumour. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Here's the Wikipedia introduction: "The boiling frog story is a widespread anecdote describing a frog slowly being boiled alive . The premise is that if a frog is placed in boiling water, it will jump out, but if it is placed in cold water that is slowly heated, it will not perceive the danger and will be cooked to death. The story is often used as a metaphor for the inability or unwillingness of people to react to significant changes that occur gradually." What a bunch of hogwash thinking! Business gurus should place disclaimers on their snake-oil metaphors.

## Thought Tweet #803
Date: 2013-08-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-803/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #803 It takes two to tug-of-war...unless, of course, you choose to battle people in your head. The Thinking Behind The Tweet It takes two to tango; it takes two to tangle; it takes two to tug-of-war. And, more often than not, the two must bring an excess of emotion to escalate the situation. *** Sometimes it only takes one to tango, tangle, or tug-of-war. We all are quite capable of dancing with and fighting with imaginary foes in our heads.

## Thought Tweet #802
Date: 2013-08-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-802/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #802 Loose lips sink ships. Loose cannons sink 'em too. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Loose Cannons Fire At Will...and they fire at pretty much everyone else within earshot and nearshot . Loose cannons get unhinged before you can blink and they blast-fire with little or no warning. Sometimes their pins slip and they tilt and blow the planks right from under your feet...leaving you with nothing to stand on. And, sometimes, after repetitive volleys they cause your ship to list, take on water, and maybe even sink. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for loose cannons. When you hear them rumbling around and exploding, take corrective measures...for the sake of ship safety and security.

## Thought Tweet #802.5
Date: 2013-08-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8025/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #802.5 We have a choice: multi-task for mediocrity or focus for excellence. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Brain experts are telling us: The uptrend in multi-tasking, especially multi-tasking involving high-tech communication devices, is changing neural patterns strengthening some paths and weakening others. The neural paths that allow us to talk on the cell phone while surfing the web or creating s spreadsheet are strengthening while the neural paths that allow us to focus and concentrate are taking a back seat. As this trend continues huge numbers of human beings will be able to do huge amounts of mediocre stuff. We have a choice: we can choose to multi-task our way to mediocrity or we can focus & concentrate for work-performance excellence. Put another way: we can choose to multi-task or we can choose to task-multi . [And major success only happens when w choose the latter.]

## A Philosophy for Living...Part 2
Date: 2013-08-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-philosophy-for-livingcontd/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Cont'd... LINK to August 8th, 2013 Thought Post A living thing above all desires to vent its strength . Friedrich Nietzsche wrote that thought. That thought is at the centre of Nietzsche’s philosophy, Will to Power . "Physiologists should think again before postulating the drive to self-preservation as the cardinal drive in an organic being. A living thing desires above all to vent its strength - life as such is will to power -: self-preservation is only one of the indirect and most frequent consequences of it." Friedrich Nietzsche ‘ Beyond Good And Evil ’, (1886) People above all desire to express their strengths. We above all desire to express our strengths . That is a good starting-thought for another perspective on a philosophy for living . We have strengths. We perceive our strengths in our conscious minds. Awareness of our strengths also exists beyond our conscious minds. We have desires. When one of our desires is met neurons in our brains automatically self-administer a dose of reward. That’s a fact of our brain chemistry and electrics. We have emotions. Most of them, perhaps all of them, do us little good. Rather, emotions seem to cause a life-long series of challenges. We have thoughts. Often, if not always, our thoughts are entangled in emotions and desires. From time to time, our strengths are at the centre of our thoughts. Two human abilities rise above all others: intelligence and self-control. Every human being possesses these two abilities at birth. To a certain degree, and the degree varies from person to person, we develop these two abilities over time. The amount of intelligence and self-control we develop determines the extent we are able to express our strengths . A philosophy for living must focus first on the interplay between personal strengths, thoughts, emotions, desires, intelligence, and self-control. And, a life is lived in full when intelligence and self-control are harmoniously applied to emotions, desires, and thoughts so they enable the expression of strengths. Intelligence and self-control must be applied to: work around or counter emotions, create and direct desires, and create and direct thought. These three processes enable the expression of strengths . These processes involve a conversion of internal energies into actions. And actions, which have external form, bring about external changes…we perceive those changes as results. Life, of course, is much more complicated than personal strengths, thoughts, emotions, desires, intelligence, self-control, and how they interplay. Regardless, and this is specifically intended to cover spiritual considerations, a philosophy for living must include these human abilities and their interplay. None of them can be excluded or denied. None of them is contentious. Other aspects of the human condition, including spirituality, are contentious and so they must be dealt with later rather than up front. Also, up-front simplicity is an important consideration. When it comes to sharing a philosophy for living - less is better. Removing contention, maintaining simplicity, and re-ordering for presentation this philosophy for living covers: intelligence, self-control, emotions, thoughts, desires, personal strengths, the interplay between them, and energy – the essential ingredient for life. Intelligence Intelligence is innate. This applies even when our lives are most-brief. Intelligence exists in our genes, intelligence generates our first breath, and intelligence generates our first heartbeat. When we are normal and healthy intelligence grows. With each moment of life we receive internal and external stimuli. Our brains experience chemical flow, electrical activity, and the growth of neuronal connections. All of this allows energy transfer, which, when we boil it down is information transfer. With billions of neurons and trillions of neuronal connections, over time, we build a vast storehouse of information in our brains. Our ability to access that storehouse of information and use it is, in a word, intelligence . Some argue that intelligence is predestined, that is, we are born with a predetermined upper limit. Perhaps, that is true if intelligence is defined in terms of cognitive capability as measured in IQ, SAT, and EQ tests. Perhaps, that is an understatement. Certainly, we lack the tools to state such things with certainty. We do, however, possess scientific evidence to prove physical neuronal growth occurs throughout life. These ongoing neuronal changes are caused by the addition of information and the storing of it. We learn as we live. Each of us has the ability to gain knowledge as a life-long process. Self-control It seems people are born with the potential to have and develop self-control and the degree of potential varies from person to person. As one example, some newborn babies exhibit a calm nature while others exhibit a distressed nature. It seems some people are born with a predisposition to self-monitor. Others learn how to self-monitor. When intelligence is applied with self-monitoring people have the ability to self-regulate. And, to some degree, all people self-regulate. Self-monitoring and self-regulation combine to form self-control. These attributes are wrapped up in the concept will power . Emotions Paul Ekman defines emotions as innate, beyond our consciousness, beyond our control, and of little value now humans are civilized. That’s what I mean when I use the word. Emotions hit us automatically. They affect us physiologically and our bodies react to them. Emotions differ from feelings and moods, both of which are flavoured by consciousness. An inverse relationship exists between emotions and self-control; when emotions run high self-control is low and vice-versa. Thoughts We experience a conscious phenomenon. It takes the form of a little voice, which talks to us. For most people, but not all, the little voice speaks to us from a point just inside our head, behind a point between our eyes. This little voice speaks to us without provocation. It chatters at us incessantly unless we are able to tune it out or replace it with focused thought. This conscious phenomenon is our ‘mind’. The mind is either closely bonded to but distinct from the brain. Or the mind, somehow, manages to make each of us believe it is distinct from our brain. Each person’s mind is unique. No other person possesses anything similar to it. Thought: that’s the name we apply to the process of the mind. Perceptions: in a variety of ways they work their way around the brain and then register in the mind. Memories: they are filed in the brain-library, much of which is accessible to the mind. And each person’s stupendously-complicated mass of thoughts, perceptions, and memories is unique. Desires People, naturally, experience thoughts that are flavoured in such a way that they create physical changes that can be felt…much as hunger causes hunger pangs, cold causes shivers, music soothes, and sweet things taste good. These felt thoughts are ‘feelings’. They come in two types: positive feelings and negative feelings. When feelings last for extended periods of time they are known as ‘moods’. Probably, people are predisposed [genetically] to be pessimistic, neutral, or optimistic and these predispositions are experienced as feelings and moods. Probably, through the application of thought and self-control most people can influence their feelings and moods. Certainly, some people are capable of influencing their feelings and moods. The most-intense felt thoughts are ‘desires’. Desires stoke thought and motivate action. Desires can couple with emotions, causing the mind to experience its most-intense ‘calls to action’. Two interesting and intertwined questions arise: (1) Can we, through conscious thought, master our emotions? and (2) Do we possess power of will? I believe the answers to those questions are both “ Yes…to a degree ”. People can employ thought to control and supress emotions: the extent to which this can be accomplished varies from person to person. Personal Strengths Each person is different from the rest. We can see that. We can hear that. We can sense that. Each of us has natural talents. Each of us has weaknesses. Each of us has strengths. Some people illustrate prodigious capabilities at a very young age: consider Mozart. Some people illustrate manifold-and-superior capabilities throughout long lives: consider da Vinci. Some people illustrate extraordinary insight: consider Einstein. Some people possess a super-human ability to persuade others: consider Napoleon. Some people somehow know the course of their lives at an early age and they live it. Most of us do not illustrate these things. Yet, each of us possesses natural talents which, if properly nurtured and developed, can be used to achieve amazing accomplishments. Ideally, that nurturing and development begins at the time of our birth and continues throughout our lives. But, for the vast majority if not all of us, that is highly unlikely and not required. It is never too late to nurture and develop personal strengths. A person develops personal strengths by using intelligence to understand innate talents, master thoughts, master desires, and apply self-control. The Interplay between Intelligence, Self-control, Emotions, Thoughts, Desires, and Personal Strengths Intelligence, self-control, and personal strengths are our greatest gifts. We live our lives to the fullest when we use our intelligence to understand, develop, and vent our strengths in a manner that rewards self and delivers value to others. We draw on intelligence and think in order to formulate desires; we create images in our minds of the future states where self is rewarded and others are receiving value. We have visions of desired goals. We use self-control to focus thoughts and guide actions toward the achievement of our desired goals. While we are doing this, emotions are distractions. We must use intelligent thought and self-control to develop habits to regulate our emotions, to the extent this is possible, so emotions do not thwart our ability to achieve desired goals. Energy – the essential ingredient for life We are made of energy. I mean that the way Einstein meant it when he clarified the equivalence of matter and energy. Our bodies are energy processors; we convert some of the energy contained in the substances we consume. Every cell in our body exists because it contains and converts energy. Our bodies are pre-programmed to process energy. These energy-conversion processes are incomprehensibly complex. We have identified order in these energy-conversion processes: as examples - chromosomes, genes, and DNA. We have also identified chaos in these processes: as examples – birth defects, cancers, and allergies. We understand some aspects of energy: as examples – some aspects of electricity, some aspects of the mechanisms of chemistry, and theories about nuclear forces. However, the more we learn about these things the more complexity we uncover. Our understanding of the energy that makes up our bodies is limited. Our understanding of the numerous chemical and electrical processes happening within our bodies is limited. We know energy is the essential ingredient for life and we know energy takes different forms. Some of these energy forms are accompanied by physical repercussions which we can perceive: as examples – electricity creates lightening, gravity keeps the Earth in orbit around the Sun, and light creates visible colours. Some of these energy forms are beyond the scope of our perceptions: as examples – none of us have seen an electron, none of us understand the energies that brought our species into existence, and none of us know the ‘spark’ that triggers life, apparently about 96 hours after the conception of the human embryo. ...to be continued

## Thought Tweet #801.5
Date: 2013-08-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-8015/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #801.5 People self-motivate when you provide situations that combine structure with ability to be creative. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Situation of pure structure don't promote motivation; situations devoid of structure promote unfocused motivation; situations can be constructed to uncrush creativity . Well-designed process can co-exist with creativity: well-designed process can breed creativity . Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . Spirited Leaders design situations, providing the opportunity to maximize self-motivation. Designing situations: that's the path to motivated work performance.

## Thought Tweet #801
Date: 2013-08-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-801/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Leaders' Thoughts, Master Rules, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #801 Discipline : It's about teaching, learning, & accepting correct ways of doing things. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Discipline is about embracing rules & accountability . Discipline is about directing actions toward goals .

## A Spirited Leaders scenario - #2
Date: 2013-08-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-spirited-leaders-scenario-2/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders

Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy. Yet, small businesses, perhaps more than any other group, have difficulty innovating - creating new products and services - and getting new, innovative products and services to market. Based on our last 5 years of experience it appears there are a few key reasons for this: some small business leaders have no interest in innovating some small business leaders want to innovate but struggle to generate quality new ideas for products and services some small business leaders want to innovate but are unable to inspire their people to accomplish successful innovation some small business leaders want to innovate but lack a key ingredient to get that done - often, that key ingredient is money or it is tied to money If a small business leader has no interest in being innovative then let's leave it at that. There may be good reasons for a lack of desire to innovate. On the other hand, if small business leaders want to innovate but are struggling to get it done then let's help them. · If they lack good ideas then we can help them borrow brilliance from other geographies and other business sectors, and we can help them use proven-successful techniques for idea-storming and other creative processes. · If they lack the ability to inspire their people toward innovation then let's share our 1-Page Tools, designed to help business people get beyond communication challenges. And, let’s mentor the leaders, showing them exactly how to lead by example. · If they do not know how to handle the financial aspects of getting new products and services to market then let's help them obtain funding and get comfortable with cash-flow. Yes, that’s what we do. We help small business leaders generate innovative ideas; we mentor leaders so they know exactly how to influence their people; we provide simple processes for improving financial performance. Yes – that’s what we do.

## Thought Tweet #800.5
Date: 2013-08-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-800a/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #800.5 Self-confidence is the magnetic recipe that attracts the things you need most to succeed in business. The Thinking Behind The Tweet You just need to know how to blend the ingredients together...your ingredients and other people`s ingredients. If you know how to blend them together, great. If you don`t know how to blend them together, learn. Confidence is Valued by Spirited Leaders .

## Thought Tweet #800
Date: 2013-08-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-800/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #800 Authentic Self-confidence, properly illustrated and linked to Vision: this is at the essence of leadership. The Thinking Behind The Tweet It takes various forms, as examples: Alexander the Great did it his way…on the backs of horses leading the charge Mahatma Gandhi did it his way…on the consciences of his nation’s oppressors Richard Branson does it his way…on the dreams in achievers’ hearts Confidence is a magical state of mind; Confidence is a much-valued state of mind. When your confidence meter is properly set your opportunity to succeed in business is amplified, often many times over. Self-confidence, near the upper end of reasonable bounds, is the magnetic recipe that attracts the things you need most to succeed in business: the co-operation and enthusiasm residing in yourself and in other people.

## Living is Learning
Date: 2013-08-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/living-is-learning/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity

I believe the purpose of life is to learn. I believe the reason for learning is growth, which takes form as the wisdom needed for personal development, the wisdom needed to understand and constructively interact with other people, and the comfort that comes with a confident relationship with self, others, and T he Universe . I believe the sequence of learning is important: first, we must learn about self, next, we must learn about other people, and then, we must learn about the spiritual . For most of us, perhaps for almost all of us, the order of learning is disrupted very early in our lives. Perhaps, for many or most of us the disruption starts the very instant we are born. Our learning is disrupted by well-meaning parents, our learning is disrupted by well-meaning figures of authority, and our learning is disrupted by other not-so-well-meaning people and by ignorant, self-serving, and malicious people. The point is, the order of our learning is disrupted early in our lives. So, we must at some point in our lives take responsibility for our learning. I will use the word “I” when I am making what I think could be more-contentious points. That will impress my view - life philosophy is a most-personal thing. I feel no need to give instruction or even claim my instruction would contain any value for others. I do feel some need to share. This is part of a Philosophy of and for Life… The Importance of the Learning Sequence Human beings are easily influenced during their early, developmental years. We are totally dependent on others for quite some time. That’s a fact of life. During our years of infancy, we develop deep and long-lasting relationships with people, many of whom: do not have life philosophies or have adopted more-or-less by accident the life philosophies of others or emulate bits and pieces of the life philosophies of heroes or have a fuzzy life philosophy backed by a few good sayings borrowed from others or ancient wisdom. 'Other people' includes parents, siblings, grandparents, kith, and kin. Next, 'other people' includes a variety of relationships with a range of people outside the family and near-neighbours: church people, store people, people who visit parks and playgrounds, caregivers, teachers, figures of other authorities, etc. During our years of infancy we experience incredible growth, much of it visible to others and even more of it happening beyond visibility. We learn about others. We learn about self. Our learning is rudimentary, practical, and critical. We learn about mothers smiles. We learn about our hands and mouths. We learn ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’ and we learn ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. And we learn much, much more…at an extremely rapid pace. When we are infants our early learning is captured by our fragile, developing minds. It registers. To the extent it impresses and to the extent it is repeated it becomes our personal set of experiences, knowledge, and memories. All of our early learning is skewed by the actions, the needs, and the beliefs of other people. As an infant and a child I was incapable of having a Life Philosophy. My mind was simply neither ready nor capable. This incapability carried on then diminished through my adolescence, early manhood, and into mid-life. When it comes to Life Philosophy - compared to some I am a late-bloomer; compared to others, I suspect I am a rest-of-a-lifetime ahead. I recall, from as far back as I can remember, feeling a resistance to certain actions taken by other people. I have early memories of my parents, whose actions I remember loving, hating, and wondering about. I remember my sister, hardly any bigger than I, always caring for me and protecting me. I remember registering an aversion and a resistance to childhood bullies and certain authorities who took the form of friends’ fathers. I am recalling my nursery-school years and my tonsillectomy: My feelings and sensory observations are still crystal clear…even though fifty years have passed. Similarly, I remember registering at a very young age an aversion to and a resistance to formal religion. I remember clamping my teeth and silently accepting the physical discipline delivered to me by our school principal…knowing I had earned what I was receiving. I remember my internal forces pushing me to be the prankster, and I remember the encouraging faces and words of my young friends. As I can recall and see very clearly, prior to and during my first years of schooling I was too young to have a Life Philosophy. Not so clearly understood by me is why it took the better part of half a century for me to figure one out. On the other hand, the need to understanding why it took so long is not strong...just a mild curiosity. I have one now and that is all that is important for the present and for the future. I hope this clarifies why I believe the learning must follow a sequence and why I believe the learning sequence must start with learning about and understanding self. To develop my philosophy of life, I had to consider my past as objectively as possible and work to answer: What motivated my thoughts and actions? How did other people impact on my thoughts and actions? What improvements would I like to experience vis-à-vis the ways of the past? What Philosophy of Life would help me achieve those improvements? As I considered these questions I knew seven things with certainty: I needed a Philosophy of Life. I needed to reach a conclusive decision about the spiritual aspect of my Philosophy of Life. I needed to use thought, feeling, and intuition to build my Philosophy of Life. I needed to consider, weigh, and self-test the written views of a large number of disparate people prior to finalising my Philosophy of Life. I needed to ensure my Philosophy of Life focused first on my needs and desires then on consideration of the needs and desires of other people. I needed to consider the effect of my Philosophy of Life on the people most-dear to me. I needed to consider the effect of my Philosophy of Life on my future work.

## Thought Tweet #799.5
Date: 2013-08-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7995/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #799.5 Delegation , decisiveness , and discipline . Blend them. Have a great business. (Yes, call me " old-fashioned ".) The Thinking Behind The Tweet It's a matter of choice. We can have good delegation, good decisions, good discipline, and great business. Or we can not. This isn't about sparing the rod and spoiling the child . This isn't about crushing creativity . This isn't about favouring sticks over carrots . This is about Seeking Simple . This is about common sense .

## Thought Tweet #799
Date: 2013-08-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-799/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #799 Suggestions for Leaders: How to make sure your confidence does not threaten your followers. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some followers are intimidated by Leader's self-confidence. Here are some Spirited suggestions, to make sure you do not come across that way: Be authentic…it is OK to be on the reserved side of centre if that is your character…it is OK to be on the boisterous side if that is your character Be committed to working on self-improvement…i.e., raising his or her own self-confidence when that is required, as it will be from time to time Focus on strengths: personal strengths and the strengths possessed by others As Dale Carnegie taught, Praise heartily Make full and appropriate use of humour…some leaders have just a little of it and will need to remind themselves of the importance of putting it to good use…other leaders have heavy doses of it and they will need to remind themselves to never let it go too far…self-humour is best…humour at the expense of others is an absolute no-no Listen…resurrect that art if it has become lost Master your emotions…and keep them under control [most of the time] Live with Integrity…as defined here

## A Philosophy for Living
Date: 2013-08-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-philosophy-for-living/ | Categories: Beyond Business

To get the most out of life or to put the most into life, one must have a life-philosophy. When developing a life-philosophy it is best to start by answering two questions like: Who a re we human beings? and Why are we here? Otherwise, if we start a life-philosophy without covering these first bases we will end up stalling. If we do not cover these important questions then sooner or later we will find the pieces making up the life-philosophy will not mesh or hold together. Who are we human beings? There are two most-common views. One says our ancestors are apes and, over eons of time, we have undergone a remarkable string of adaptations to evolve from primordial ooze into human beings. The other says we were created by a greater intelligence. From my studies, I believe there is no material and empirical evidence to support either view. There is no paper trail to prove human beings evolved from anything but human beings and there is no unchallengeable proof human beings were created by a greater intelligence. With no proof for either view, what does common sense tell us? Actually, I mean: What does my common sense tell me? and you can test that against What does your common sense tell you? My common sense tells me Man did not evolve from primates let alone from primordial ooze. That is not to say I disagree with evolution. I do believe Man and other living things can evolve over time. I read about flea experiments and I believe scientists when they say they have induced generation-to-generation changes in fleas. I read about Darwin’s observations of birds and his conclusions that birds adapted to fit their environments…adapting beak length, etc. This makes sense. So, I can accept the concept of evolution. However, I do not think it is reasonable to conclude Man or any other species evolved from some other species, let alone conclude all creatures sprang from a starter-molecule or a starter-creature dwelling in primordial ooze. My common sense tells me there is a greater intelligence out there . Two things influence my thinking: the sheer complexity of the things we perceive to be real and the baffling mystery behind those things we perceive to be alive. As examples of the sheer complexity, I cite (1) the amazing human brain, (2) the stupendously-big thing we call the Universe, and (3) the stupendously-small, sub-atomic things which we now believe we will never be able to see. Simply stated, the more we learn about the human brain, the cosmos, and the infinitesimal pieces of matter and/or energy the more complexity we uncover. And, the more we learn about the human brain, the cosmos, and the infinitesimal pieces of matter and/or energy the more we uncover what we do not know. Having now given the matter enough serious thought, I am convinced there is greater intelligence than that possessed by human beings. I mean, out there , somewhere or perhaps everywhere, there is greater intelligence than mine and yours...and all of ours put together. Not only is there a greater intelligence, there is a far -greater intelligence. We human beings are a unique and gifted species on our planet. We are here for a reason and that reason is somehow tied to an intelligence far greater than our own. None of us know with certainty who or what that far -greater intelligence is. None of us know with certainty how our existence is tied to that far -greater intelligence. During the last five or so millennia, written records confirm some of us human beings have experienced enlightenment : Krishna, Abraham, Buddha, Jesus, Muhammad, and others. These prophets experienced a personal connection with this far-greater intelligence, which, like others before me, I call Universal Intelligence . These prophets shared their experiences with others and over time formal religions evolved. All of these major religions share common aspects. Each religion is founded on the existence of Universal Intelligence . Each religion encourages good behaviour by human beings. All current major religions are based on the experience of prophets who lived as Men. All major religions consider human beings to be worthy and capable of achieving their best accomplishments when they live their lives in synch with Universal Intelligence . The bases of religions contain accurate thinking. Human beings are worthy. And, human beings will achieve their best accomplishments when they live their lives in synch with Universal Intelligence . We human beings may never fully understand Universal Intelligence . And, we may never know how our existence ties in with Universal Intelligence . I have chosen to do my best to enjoy the experiences of the linkage with Universal Intelligence on my own, in my own way, rather than through celebrating or following the experiences of other people, including the prophets who initiated the world’s major religions. That is not to say I believe the prophets are wrong in any way. Rather, it seems to me my experiences with Universal Intelligence will be more meaningful if I explore them and figure them out on my own. I am one human being. I do not know the full sequence of events that got me here. I believe there is a far-greater intelligence out there, which I call Universal Intelligence . I know my life is somehow tied to Universal Intelligence , however, I do not know how or when that began and I accept I may never know those aspects of my existence. Regardless, I have been blessed with a human life and I am on a journey, using it. I am on a life-long journey of learning and improving. I am developing a life-philosophy and I am happy with the progress I have made. The next question… Why are we here? While none of us know how we human beings got here, and that may always be beyond our comprehension, after our arrival and after we as individuals gather a level of awareness we can understand why we are here. Here is the framework: human beings are here to experience a physical life, feelings, thoughts, and actions human beings are here to learn and advance human beings are here to contribute and share experiences human beings are here to experience the link with Universal Intelligence Here are the most-important details: human beings are here to cohabit human beings are here to procreate human beings are here to consume each human being is truly unique in make-up, in experience, and in perception each human being has a unique physical aspect each human being has a unique spiritual aspect On purpose, every purpose is unique. And, every person has a unique purpose. Some feel a strong need to understand that purpose. Others do not. I am one who has always felt a strong need to understand my purpose. It has taken many years of thought. And now I understand my purpose is to learn and to help other business people learn better ways of interacting with people. To accomplish this, I must have clearly in my mind my life-philosophy. My life-philosophy will contain the major things I have learned about people and how to interact with them; it will be my sourcebook for building tools and communicating to help others learn. My life-philosophy will be grounded on the spiritual side and acknowledge the ‘real world’ we live in. I do not want to teach spiritual things. I simply want to disclose the spiritual aspects I have embraced so people know where I am coming from . Destined Fate or Self-Determination ? Destined Fate : Some people say things like “ All things are subject to decay and when fate summons, monarchs must obey ” [ John Dryden ], “ But blind to former as to future fate, what mortal knows his pre-existent state? ” [ Alexander Pope ], and “ Fate determines many things, no matter how we struggle ” [ Otto Weininger ]. Some people accept ‘their fate’ without really thinking much about it. Others think deeply on the matter and say it as their well-thought-out conclusions. Many people believe, at least to some degree, they have little influence over their future. Self-Determination : Other people say things like “ If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right. ” [Henry Ford].”, “ Our life is what our thoughts make it ” [Marcus Auelius], “ Whatever you create in your life you must first create in your imagination ” [Tycho Photiou], and “ Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice ” [William Jennings Bryan]. These sorts of thinking are key facets of spirituality and some religions. They are also the backbone of most leaders’ philosophies and approaches to life. What does my common sense tell me? My common sense tells me I must consider moderation. I have read about zealous proponents of fate. That is the legacy of Alexander the Great…or at least it is the story that has become legacy…a Man who believed he was a god and invincible. I have read the words of a zealous proponent of self-determination, Robert Collier [The SECRET Of The Ages]. At one point in this book, he claims a strong enough mix of faith, thought, and action can remove aging and death. While I believe Courage can lead to tremendous power and influence, common sense tells me human beings are not gods. While I believe Thought can lead to tremendous power and influence, common sense tells me human beings experience only a limited amount of and a limited control over physical life. I believe in Self-Determination, bounded by realism. For business, I believe in ‘ Plan the Work and Work the Plan ’. [Napoleon Hill] I believe the exercise of thinking and planning contains stand-alone, process value and I believe it allows us to engage a force conceptually similar to the force that gets engaged when a seed is planted in hopes of growing a flowering plant. As noted above, I believe human beings are here to contribute . To begin to explain: we are here to construct, we are here to be constructive, we are here to apply our unique contributions as we construct. To the extent we accept we are here to construct we must start that construction somewhere…and we know the beginning point. The beginning is in our Minds. Construction begins with thought. Perhaps, it is a thought triggered by intuition. Perhaps, it is a thought triggered by instruction. Regardless of the origin of the thought, it becomes an image in our Minds…details get added until the image becomes clear enough to motivate first action. The early thoughts, the image, the details, and the actions that follow are done with a level of faith and belief in the end point. The construct of the Mind becomes a construction: a building, a painting, a piece of music, a piece of art, a road, a bridge, a skyscraper, a book, a philosophy, etc. If we believe in Self-Determination then we live lives laced with positive mental states like hope and faith. These mental states are accompanied by good, positive feelings. It makes sense we should choose these sorts of mental states and feelings. And – our choices must be bounded by realism. ‘ Big Hairy Audacious Goals ’ [Collins] may work for some folks, but they do not work for most people. For most people goals must be challenging but realistic and goal-focused action must be properly paced, not too fast and not too slow. If goals are too big and hairy or the pace doesn’t fit, Courage and Confidence suffer. When Courage and Confidence suffer, people experience bad thoughts and feelings and these tend to shrink construction and spread to other people. All of this reduces the likelihood of achievement. In other words, unrealistic desires and goals work against their own construction. We can influence our future. Our choices today influence our future tomorrows. Our gift of choice is double-edged. Good choices lead to good outcomes. Bad choices lead to bad outcomes. Our gift of Self-Determination has limitations. Our goals must be realistic. We must truly desire the outcome. We must clearly imagine the outcome and its details in our Mind, we must have Vivid Vision...we must set images into our neuronal patterns. We must Plan our Work . And we must Work our Plan . As we do these things we must call upon accurate thinking, worthy intent, and focus and we must act with persistence. We will encounter obstacles and we must make adjustments. With these things in place, our ability to construct is directly proportional to our ability to keep the desired end-point vividly imaged in our Minds and thoughts. The Law of Attraction The Law of Attraction has been a topic of discussion for millennia. While it was not called by that name until the last handful of generations, it is an important part of major religions: faith and belief are the mental states, desire is the message, prayer is the action, and the Law of Attraction enables completion of the communication. A summary of The Law of Attraction : Our thoughts are pieces of unlimited energy. Our thoughts influence our future experiences. Our thoughts influence other people. Our thoughts connect with Universal Intelligence . We attract the ‘objects’ of our thoughts. When our thoughts are clear and focused and packaged with desire, faith, and belief we can attract to ourselves the ‘objects’ of our desires. We can, with intent, call upon Universal Intelligence to help us. Also, we can attract to us people who will help us achieve our goals, the ‘objects’ of our desires. That, in summary, is the Law of Attraction. One does not have to embrace formal religion to accept the existence of a Law of Attraction. However, I cannot see how a person can accept the Law of Attraction without accepting the existence of Universal Intelligence and the existence of connections between individual human Minds and that Universal Intelligence . Also, one has to accept the existence of a thought-force which operates ‘beyond’ the present laws of physics. For over 100 years, there have been claims of experiments confirming the existence of this thought-force . However, the scientific community does not embrace the existence of it or Universal Intelligence . Meta-physicists and many other people cite several common human experiences as evidence of the thought-force and/or Universal Intelligence . Examples include: synchronicity intuition déjà vu dreams memories of past lives [reincarnation] amazing recoveries from illness faith healing spreading of moods and mental states ‘clicking’ [Ori Brafman & Rom Brafman] I believe there is at least one force operating ‘beyond’ the laws of physics as we now know them. There is at least a source-of-life force , which, as yet, remains unexplained by the laws of physics. This source-of-life force illustrates itself in plants and animals, differentiating them from other forms of matter such as rocks, water, and oxygen. It is no stretch to believe this source-of-life force is not constrained by the laws that explain the ways of matter and the ways of other forms of energy such as gravitation, electricity, and atomic forces. I have read that this life force appears to kick in when the fertilized human egg is about 96 hours old. At that point in the cell-splitting something magic happens and things change…life appears to arrive . Concluding Universal Intelligence must be limited to the presently known laws of physics and other sciences is a gross underestimation of Universal Intelligence and it is sheer arrogance. Mankind has made that mistake before on numerous occasions. [Galileo provided a glaring example.] We must accept the limitations of our knowledge and the danger of dogmatic claims. If Mankind has learned one thing, we have learned the more we learn the more we realize the enormous complexity and the enormous volume of things yet to be learned. There is no question. Man has much to learn about thought and its interaction with Universal Intelligence . Until we learn more, we should accept thought is a force, a special gift enjoyed by human beings. A force so special must be tied to Universal Intelligence . As we have done with other forces, we should experiment to see the value tied to this thought-force . As we have done with other forces, we should use this thought-force to construct. That is what I am working to do. The Differences and The Strengths People are unique. Some view that comment as a trite point that ‘goes without saying’. Other people have vehemently argued ‘that’s just plain wrong!’ Our sensory faculties continually tell us people are different: we see it every day and we hear it every day, every time we sense and observe others. Yet, many of us underestimate the extent of The Differences. We tend to stereotype: we tend to see ‘us’ in contrast to ‘them’. In addition, we suffer from attribution bias and a spectrum of other biases: we are not objective, we tend to view others’ actions more harshly than we view our own actions, we tend to seek justifications, etc. To improve our dealings with other people we must: understand people are unique work to understand individuals rather than stereotype be objective as we work to understand others Everyone has Strengths and weaknesses. Most people dwell on weaknesses, their own weaknesses and the weaknesses they perceive in others. Perhaps, the Pareto Principle applies here…if we could isolate the time people spend thinking about Strengths and weaknesses then we might find people spend 80% of that time on weaknesses and only 20% on Strengths…that seems about right. I work at minimizing the amount of time I spend thinking about weaknesses. I believe there is no such thing as constructive criticism. Constructive criticism - that’s an oxymoron. My experience tells me very, very few people receive criticism as constructive. And, that applies regardless of how well we try to package the criticism so it is constructive. So, we should minimize the amount of criticism we deliver. That applies whether or not the criticism is written or verbal or conveyed by body language. Some people are born with a natural talent and ability to self-monitor. They show poise and they have a genuine and deep interest in other people. These people listen well. These people are magnetic. They possess an interpersonal gift. I am not one of those people. I gain comfort knowing, while most of us are not born with this gift we can learn enough to succeed and even excel in interpersonal relationships. One key to interpersonal success is the ability to focus interest in others while setting aside, temporarily, interest in self. Another key is being non-judgmental. Judgment is criticism regardless of whether or not or how it is expressed. The best way to minimize conveyance of criticism is to remove criticism-thoughts from your Mind. Rather than think criticism-thoughts, think about The Differences and seek to understand The Differences and particularly, seek to understand other people’s Strengths. I am not naturally skilled at self-monitoring. I have had to learn how to self-monitor and how to observe others. I have had to learn how to reduce my tendency to judge others. I have had to work at understanding, developing, and putting to good use my Strengths. I try to manage around or through my weaknesses and avoid trying to make strengths where strengths cannot be made. Also, I work to help other people do the same thing. Appreciate The Differences. Promote Strengths. Use Strengths to construct. The Power of Positive Thinking There is no question. Positive thinking has much constructive potential. It is contagious and magnetic. Positive thinking leads to a pleasing countenance…pleasing appearance, pleasing tone of voice, etc. Similarly, but in the opposite direction, negative thinking is destructive. Negative thinking is contagious and repulsive because it leads to an unpleasant countenance, unpleasant body language, etc…repulsive physical manifestations. What does my common sense tell me? Common sense confirms the above. I know how I feel uplifted by some people. I know we feel a need to avoid other people. I know it takes quite a bit of thought-control and practice to develop thick enough skin to withstand the force of unpleasant people. With the exception of the use of negative-logical thinking in certain circumstances [Black Hat thinking as explained by Edward de Bono], there are no good arguments in favour of the merits of negative thinking. Conversely, it is very difficult to come up with meaningful arguments against the merits of positive thinking. These two facts apply regardless of other aspects of one’s life-philosophy. Since positive thinking is so vital, it is important to check it by performing regular self-analysis. It is important to observe, as objectively as possible, how other people react to our presence and the things we say and do. This analysis leads to self-knowledge. Self-knowledge enables self-improvement. Continuous self-improvement work is required because positive thinking is not just an aspect of a pleasing personality it is also tied to Courage and Confidence. And Courage and Confidence are essential for action and for success. . ..to be continued

## Thought Tweet #798.5
Date: 2013-08-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7985/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #798.5 Get present, Stay present. Be present on paper. (A salute to My Journal) The Thinking Behind The Tweet When I write stuff in My Journal I find it helps me focus and concentrate...and remember. My Journal helps me be present . Some take 'being present' for granted. I do not. And, I see other people who shouldn't. My Journal helps me stay present...it's a tool for focus and concentration . My Journal: something I can use excessively and feel good about it. [...and, did I mention...My Journal helps me remember things?] PS: My Journal is a web-based tool, created for me by my son and partner, Jack.

## Thought Tweet #798
Date: 2013-08-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-798/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Personalities @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #798 When you chose to be a Leader you accepted the responsibility to Help People & Manage the Situations faced by People. The Thinking Behind The Tweet To accomplish these two additional responsibilities you will need to: Understand yourself Develop your strengths Maximize your personality Understand others …a life-long education and Communicate well

## Thought Tweet #797.5
Date: 2013-08-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7975/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #797.5 "I'm too busy." When you say that you inject yourself with a dose of stress. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Your brain reacts when you say things like, "I'm too busy." and "I don't have time." When your brain hears you say things like that it, subconsciously, begins to work to help you out. Your brain knows time is a thing it cannot control. Your brain knows your body is a thing it can control. So, your brain works to control your body by providing it chemical and electrical changes to help it deal with the stress you are telling it you are under by saying things like, "I'm too busy." and "I don't have time." Self-stressing about time...now there's a destructive habit ! PS: Successful People Have More Time .

## Thought Tweet #797
Date: 2013-08-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-797/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #797 Think back to the early years of your career. Does one of your first bosses glow fondly in your mind? The Thinking Behind The Tweet What causes that fond glow in your memory… · A bit of praise: perhaps, you were brought front and centre to receive it? · Some helpful words, when you needed to hear them most? · Rolling up sleeves together, all hands on deck to tackle a tough job? · A joke, where the boss smiled as broadly as the rest of the group? · A listening pair of ears, when you needed to blow off some steam? These are the glowing memories of the things bosses and mentors did for me…and I will never forget. It is your time to create such memories.

## The pulse of your business decisions: the beat goes on
Date: 2013-08-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-decisions-the-beat-goes-on/ | Categories: —

Consider the decisions made at your business: Are decisions made quickly? Do decisions receive attention and quality input from many people? Are decisions understood and implemented successfully? These are important areas: the simplicity with which decisions can be made, the quality of input received prior to finalizing decisions, and the success rates for implementation of decisions. If your leadership team scores high in these areas then your business will stand above most of your competitors. Your business will be fleet of foot. Your business will be thinking accurately and acting properly. Your business will be able to forecast, budget, and receive profitability. All of these things contribute to a best-in-class workplace and a sustainable approach to business. Less than these things…that’s a signal warning about potential problems. And more often than not, the problems have passed through the potential stage and they are real – they are real problems. Now, problems are a necessary ingredient if we want to make business our career. However, repeated problems are destined to ruin the business recipe. And, too many problems spoil the business meal. So, there is value in stepping back and checking the pulse of your business decision-making. Is it a healthy pulse? If so then you will find decisions are made relatively quickly. Is it a strong pulse? If so then you will find your key people are pushing in the same directions as your decisions. Is it a pulse that can withstand stress? If so you will find it is a variable pulse, able to hum away at methodical work and also able to ramp up when situations demand more. And, it is a pulse that complains rarely. If your pulse is healthy, strong, and stress-resistant then your business beat goes on. Desired results follow.

## Thought Tweet #796.5
Date: 2013-08-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7965/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #796.5 Discipline - without a good dose of it, where would civilization be? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Civilization: people, property, rules, roles, tasks...and discipline. The premium personal attributes: Intelligence , Drive , & Self-Control [the latter being a twin sibling of self-discipline]

## Thought Tweet #796
Date: 2013-08-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-796/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #796 Simplify your approach to business by accepting – Business contains only 3 thing s: People , Process , and Situations . The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you create this short list it increases the likelihood you will give people and situations the attention they deserve…and must have…if you are to excel as a business leader. More about Seeking Simple

## A Spirited Leaders scenario - #1
Date: 2013-08-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-spirited-leaders-scenario-1/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders

You want to make some changes at work. Things are not terrible. On the other hand, things just aren’t clicking. Too much time being spent unproductively. Not enough money for the time spent. So, you want to make some changes at work…to free up time…to increase cash. You can free up some time to work on this. But, the way things are during your workday, that’s a hard thing to do. Time is one thing that always seems to be in short supply…time…and money. What are your options? You could get an injection of motivational education at one of those seminars. But, you won’t do that. That provides some feel good but it does not bring results. The motivation wears off before you get back to the office. And, it has no chance to spread to the people who really need it. You could attend one of those 2-day educational programs. But, you won’t do that either. Those sessions are interesting for the first hour or so then they start to bore you with pre-set, role-playing exercises that do not work in real life. And, you certainly couldn’t justify wasting your people’s time at these sorts of sessions. You could attend an education session designed by an entrepreneur for entrepreneurs. Not a book-length, dragged out, lesson-after-lesson thing. Just a set of 10 ideas, simple ideas, which you can quickly buy into and put to good use at your business. Even if you only choose to put one good idea to use…that’s a start. Putting a new idea to good use: you know that’s the best way to make a positive change at work. Get started. And, improve your business one good idea at a time. One good idea…to free up time…to increase cash. At the very least – one good idea…to free up time…to increase cash. That’s what we promise. That’s what we deliver.

## Thought Tweet #795.5
Date: 2013-08-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7955/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #795.5 Good News: you have an emotionally charged group of leaders. Now: how do you convert that energy to the positive? The Thinking Behind The Tweet When our ancestors first saw fire, the first things they saw and understood were destruction and danger. As time passed, as they became more thoughtful and more adventuresome, our ancestors learned the energy of fire could be harnessed and put to productive use. Harnessing energy and putting it to good use...that's the territory of leadership. [So, when you see people blowing off steam at work recognize there is energy generating the steam. Energy is good. Energy does good when it is harnessed and properly directed. That's a thing of leadership.]

## Thought Tweet #795
Date: 2013-08-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-795/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #795 The Leader must set the overall Goals for the company. You know that. Do you do it? The Thinking Behind The Tweet The Leader must also set personal Goals....consistent with business Goals, Personal Values , and the Leader's Vivid Vision . These Goals must be well-communicated to all followers. And, the Leader must lead by example. And Actions speak louder than words.

## Teaching & Learning: Noble & Wicked Ways
Date: 2013-08-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/learning-noble-wicked-ways/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Who needs to learn? Who do you think is in most need of learning ...You? Others? Who is going to do the teaching ...You? Others? How will the teaching and learning be done...In a noble way? In a wicked way? Perhaps you do not know. Perhaps the teaching and learning ways will be left to chance? Perhaps, they will just happen ? *** People want to do better: people want to improve and make meaningful contributions. Some take time to accept that statement; others know it but forget it from time to time.

## Thought Tweet #794.5
Date: 2013-08-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7945/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #794.5 What skill comes first: (1) you using your time productively or (2) you helping someone else use his time productively? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Watch what they do, not what they say. Do what I say, not what I do. Physician, heal thyself.

## Thought Tweet #794
Date: 2013-08-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-794/ | Categories: Master Rules, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #794 Leaders do best when it is clear they have sacred Rules, which we call “ The Master Rules ”. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Master Rules: these are rules set by the Leader and well-communicated by the Leader to all followers. The Master Rules must not be bent. And, if they are broken then the consequences are clear and enforced. The Master Rules must capture the essence of the Leader’s Personal Values , mesh with the Leader’s Strengths , and serve as clear directions towards the Leader's Vivid Vision .

## Did our ancestors have thicker skin?
Date: 2013-08-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/did-our-ancestors-have-thicker-skin/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Family Business and CFFB, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thick Skin & Thin Skull

Our skin is about a millimetre thick. That's thick enough to protect our soft and vulnerable internal things from most damage. Yet, far too often, it is not thick enough to protect our soft and vulnerable egos. Somehow, the opinions of others can pierce our thin skin, offend our egos, and distract, dampen, and damage our spirits. Why does this happen? How does this happen? Has this always been the case? Or - Did our ancestors have thicker skin? Did our ancestors view criticism as a noble form of communication? Was there a time when many people, perhaps even whole tribes or communities, had skin that thick? If so, what happened? How did people's skin become thinner? Is it the larger the community the thinner the skin ? Is it the more-advanced the civilization the thinner the skin ? Is it the more the possessions the less the skin ? The more the stuff the less the skin ? And - Why don't more people take the time to do some self-analysis, obtain some help, and thicken up their skin? Do people see thin skin as an inevitable part of their destiny...pre-determined, evolution-engineered? Do they blame their parents, their grandparents, their great-grandparents and so on? Or - Do they wonder - Did our ancestors have thicker skin?

## Thought Tweet #793.5
Date: 2013-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7935/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #793.5 Habits have a special relationship with Time . Understand this relationship...it is mind-bending. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Habits have a special relationship with Time. Here's some thoughts of introduction... Many people complain about not having enough time . That complaint is a Bad-Habit symptom of a root cause - i.e., a root cause consisting of other Bad Habits. That I-don't-have-enough-time excuse is a puzzling way of justifying other problems...hence it is an 'excuse'. Time Management is a bugaboo that has the ability to generate Good Habits and Bad Habits . Good Habits are linked to long-term Goals. [time is long] Bad Habits are linked to short-term gratification. [time is short] New Things are the stepping stones along the route between Bad Habits and Good Habits. [planned baby steps in time] And, of course, regardless of how much time they think they have or think they do not have, People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things.

## The Attributes of a Leader
Date: 2013-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leadership-attributes/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

You may agree with the attributes/character traits presented below or disagree with them...either way, give them some thought. Create your own list...a list you can live and lead by. For my part, and seeking simple , I think the required attributes of leadership can be summed up in 3 major qualities : Intelligence Self-control Drive These qualities can be broken down into components and they can be combined to create a longer list of the attributes of leadership. Here are some classic thoughts on this topic... *** From ' Think and Grow Rich ', Napoleon Hill's 1937 classic: 1. UNWAVERING COURAGE. Based upon knowledge of self, and of one’s occupation. No follower wishes to be dominated by a leader who lacks self-confidence and courage. No intelligent follower will be dominated by such a leader very long. [ some thoughts on Courage ] 2. SELF-CONTROL. The man who cannot control himself, can never control others. Self-control sets a mighty example for one’s followers, which the more intelligent will emulate. [ some thoughts on self-control ] 3. A KEEN SENSE OF JUSTICE. Without a sense of fairness and justice, no leader can command and retain the respect of his followers. [ some thoughts on keen sense of justice ] 4. DEFINITENESS OF DECISION. The man who wavers in his decisions, shows that he is not sure of himself. He cannot lead others successfully. [ some thoughts on definiteness of decision ] 5. DEFINITENESS OF PLANS. The successful leader must plan his work, and work his plan. A leader who moves by guesswork, without practical, definite plans, is comparable to a ship without a rudder. Sooner or later he will land on the rocks. [ some thoughts on definiteness of plans ] 6. THE HABIT OF DOING MORE THAN PAID FOR. One of the penalties of leadership is the necessity of willingness, upon the part of the leader, to do more than he requires of his followers. [ some thoughts on doing more than paid for] 7. A PLEASING PERSONALITY. No slovenly, careless person can become a successful leader. Leadership calls for respect. Followers will not respect a leader who does not grade high on all of the factors of a Pleasing Personality. [ some thoughts on pleasing personality ] 8. SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING. The successful leader must be in sympathy with his followers. Moreover, he must understand them and their problems. [ some thoughts on empathy and understanding ] 9. MASTERY OF DETAIL. Successful leadership calls for mastery of details of the leader’s position. [ some thoughts on mastery of detail ] 10. WILLINGNESS TO ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY. The successful leader must be willing to assume responsibility for the mistakes and the shortcomings of his followers. If he tries to shift this responsibility, he will not remain the leader. If one of his followers makes a mistake, and shows himself incompetent, the leader must consider that it is he who failed. [ some thoughts on responsibility ] 11. COOPERATION. The successful leader must understand, and apply the principle of cooperative effort and be able to induce his followers to do the same. Leadership calls for POWER, and power calls for COOPERATION. [ some thoughts on cooperation and harmony ] *** From Wess Roberts' ' Leadership Secrets of Attila The Hun ' (1985/2009 audio) Loyalty Courage Desire Emotional Stamina Physical Stamina Empathy Decisiveness Anticipation Sense of Timing Competitiveness Self-Confidence Accountability Responsibility Credibility Tenacity Dependability Stewardship

## Thought Tweet #793
Date: 2013-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-793/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #793 Personal Values and Strengths are wonderful ingredients…when they are put to good use. The Thinking Behind The Tweet People can lead extremely happy and fulfilled lives when those two personal things are aligned and put to good use. That use does not have to be leadership. Leadership introduces another layer of complexity. To illustrate this, we added a wrapping called Vision - the Leader’s Vivid Vision . If you want to lead then you owe it to your followers to provide the Leader’s Vision. And – that Vivid Vision has to include the delivery of value to real clients. That way, the followers have at least a fighting chance to succeed. You expand that chance for success by making your Vision vivid. And, communicating it with sticky stories….real stories…personal stories. You are able to do that when you know how to apply your Personal Values and your Strengths and you can envision the end point and the generation of value…ie, the business value that must be exchanged if you are to get to that desired end point.

## Thought Tweet #792.5
Date: 2013-07-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7925/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #792.5 Isn't it a funny fact-of-life: nobody taught us how to do the most-important things...like changing Bad Habits . The Thinking Behind The Tweet People taught us reading ... People taught us writing ... People taught us 'rithmetic ... People explained the mistakes we made. People told us we needed to stop making them. People told us the good things we needed to do. Nobody told us how to switch from doing the wrong things to doing the right things. So...here we are...still trying to fend off Bad Habits .

## Fragility and The Ooch
Date: 2013-07-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/fragility-and-the-ooch/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Fragility runs the risk of shattering under changes. So, Fragility fears change. And, Fragility resists and avoids change. The Ooch is a cautious adventurer. The Ooch bites off small pieces of change. If they taste good, The Ooch takes more bites. If they don't taste good, The Ooch spits them out quickly and looks for another small meal. Fragility likes to go big or go home. The Ooch likes to step small and move ahead. Fragility thrives in the 'corporate environment'...planning for the next big meeting...orchestrating...posturing...politicking...mirror-gazing at that smile...crystal-ball-looking...opining with bravado. The Ooch sits behind an entrepreneur's desk...but not for long...just long enough to come up with another idea...likely a small one...one that can be quickly tested...one that can be quickly embraced or rejected. The Ooch - the curious, androgynous parent of invention.

## Thought Tweet #792
Date: 2013-07-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-792/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #792 Meshed closely with the Leader’s Personal Values, we find the Leader’s Strengths. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Strengths show themselves when the Leader performs in an excellent way at certain tasks…and the Leader feels good and glows while doing those tasks. Strengths are a very personal thing and they can only be judged by their owner and by very-skilled observers. The more the specific details of the Leader’s role are aligned with the Leader’s Strengths – the better.

## Thought Tweet #791.5
Date: 2013-07-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7915/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #791.5 Delegation: responsibility & authority flow from you to the employee; accountability flows from the employee to you. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Easy in theory; challenging in practice; most-rewarding when done well.

## Thought Tweet #791
Date: 2013-07-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-791/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #791 At the core of every Leader, we find Personal Values...the Leader’s moral compass. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Personal Values generate feelings, guide thoughts, they guide actions. A Leader’s Personal Values are the colours and the fabric that create the ‘character of the person’. To the extent the Leader possesses Integrity the Leader’s Personal Values will be visible in the form of consistent messages and consistent actions. Consistent Action : one of the most-important keys to success.

## Thought Tweet #790.5
Date: 2013-07-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7905/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #790.5 Do you test your Decisions against the Values you hold? The Thinking Behind The Tweet You will find decision-making becomes easier and 'less conflicted' when you develop the habit of testing your decisions against your personal values. Other people will find it easier to understand you and your decisions if they perceive alignment between your decisions and your values...that is, the values you express, which are consistent with the character you exhibit.

## 3 Ideas for Repairing Damaged Relationships
Date: 2013-07-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/3-ideas-for-repairing-damaged-relationships/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Family Business and CFFB, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities

When it comes to repairing damaged relationships, three simple tools provide a great deal of value. Here's an introduction to the 3 tools... Tool #1 - from Eric Berne's work in the 1950's - 'Transactional Analysis' People communicate 3 ways: Parent, Adult, Child. When you communicate with people, especially when situations are challenging, choose the Adult approach. Otherwise, you run the risk of Parent-Child communications or worse still Child-Child communications, both of which are not productive in business. Tool #2 - from Patterson, MacMillan, Grenny & Switzler's recent work - ' Crucial Conversations ' 'Crucial Conversations' happen when people disagree, emotions are charged, and the stakes are high. When approaching such conversations it is important to decide, up-front, the specific problem you wish to address. Is it a problem of dysfunctional Content? Is the problem a repeated Pattern of poor behaviour? Is the problem relationship damaging behaviour? Decide which problem form is to be addressed and limit your conversation to that single problem. Tool #3 - from Mark Weber - Interests, Rights, & Power [see Thought Post ] When we have disputes with people we have the ability to focus on Interests [the things we want], Rights [the things we are entitled to], or Power [the Rights we can enforce]. When resolving a dispute, we do better when we focus on Interests. Of course, much more can be said about all 3 of these concepts/tools. However, there is much to be gained by keeping it simple by considering the 3 pictures and the 3 pieces of advice: Think and talk like an Adult, not like a Parent or a Child. Test the nature of the dispute: is it a behaviour Content problem, a repeated Pattern of behaviour problem, or a Relationship problem. Pick only one of these types and stick to discussing the problem in that way. Recognize that people have Interests and thoughts about Rights and Power. To resolve disputes, focus on Interests and avoid arguments that escalate into Rights and Power territory.

## Thought Tweet #790
Date: 2013-07-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-790/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #790 Abraham Lincoln said, “ Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe ”. The Thinking Behind The Tweet And, as you already know, it is much harder to build up people and build up business than it is to chop down a tree.

## Thought Tweet #789.5
Date: 2013-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7895/ | Categories: Influencing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #789.5 You can influence people 2 ways: by what you do and by what you say. Doing is the more powerful of the two. The Thinking Behind The Tweet " I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts ." John Locke British Philosopher, (1632-1704)

## Thinking about Process...and Creativity
Date: 2013-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thinking-about-processand-creativity/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity

All aspects of everything we do, whether creative or not, involve process. Thought involves process. Emptying a dishwasher involves process. Innovation involves process. Eating a chocolate bar involves process. Going to the moon involves process. Not eating a chocolate bar, to the extent we do it with thought, involves process. Creativity involves process – always. On a micro scale: our bodies are laced with processes – electrical, chemical, and mechanical. On a macro scale: the methods that put men on the moon were complicated processes. Creativity and innovation are results of combinations of processes our bodies perform. That applies at the micro level and at the macro level. I think that's an important point for a number of reasons. If creativity happens without process then processes do not influence creativity. In addition, anyone who believes he or she can teach or learn creativity is a wrong-thinker. Clearly, there is much evidence to confirm creativity involves processes and in the absence of processes there can be no creativity. The same applies to innovation, (which is part of a process that starts with curiosity and creativity). Perhaps the strongest proof of this is the fact that the human body relies upon electricity to exist. Without micro electrical processes our brains and bodies would cease to function let alone be creative. From that micro level, moving from inside to outside, we can see much evidence that creativity relies on other processes. As one next-step-out example, we must eat to fuel the electrical processes that energize our bodies and our brains. As an example of another-step-out, our brain cells rely on blood flow. Without blood flow our brain cells quickly die…taking our ability to think creatively with them. So, our brain processes rely on our heart processes. As another step out toward macro – the neurons in our brains operate under processes. (see for example, Ray Kurzweil's recent book ' How to Create a Mind ') These neuronal processes are (at least) guided by our DNA. DNA is all about process. (see Richard Dawkins' recent book ' The Magic of Reality ') Our senses deliver perceptions to our brains and our brains house that information…for future use. Human beings learn through a process of perceiving, storing, recognizing patterns, retrieving, etc. And, creativity relies on all those processes. Here's a different view about creativity vis-à-vis right and wrong: creativity is not about right and wrong. If it can be summed up in one word, creativity is about 'new'. People have different perceptions…because people are different. When people perceive and think the same way and accept a situation, there is little ability to experience creativity. When people perceive and think different ways and accept a situation, creativity has a much easier time presenting itself. When people judge others as wrong, the likelihood of creativity arising or evolving into invention or innovation drops. When people accept others as being different and are OK not judging the differences as right or wrong, minds tend to be more open to new ideas…and creativity, invention, and innovation have an opportunity to flourish.

## Thought Tweet #789
Date: 2013-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-789/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Hero Worship, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #789 When it comes to people, each of us has some home-made putty to deal with: we can start with self. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Business is about people, process, and situations. People create the process and people create most of the situations. So, when you boil it down business is about people. We all know that. And, we all forget it…at least from time to time each of us forgets it. When it comes to people, each of us has some home-made putty to deal with: we can start with self. How can we expect to have any success leading other people if we cannot develop skill at leading self ? Napoleon Bonaparte had it right when he said, “ If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self ”. When we understand self we have a chance to guide self to better places. When we understand self we have a chance to increase our good habits and reduce our bad habits. When we understand self we have confidence and we are better-able to tackle new things. This is what Napoleon taught when he said, “ conquer self ”.

## Thought Tweet #788.5
Date: 2013-07-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7885/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Humour, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #788.5 Delegation is like walking a tightrope: a slip-up can bring you down and failure to step gets you nowhere. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Take Delegation seriously. It is really important to do it and to allow yourself and your people to learn from errors.

## Thought Tweet #788
Date: 2013-07-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-785-2013/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #788 One of our goals is: to help business leaders feel even better. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When leaders feel better they perform better. When leaders perform better performance will be contagious. Business will become ‘better’ and more profitable. If performed properly and with the right spirit this chain reaction circles back on itself: more profitability raises the leader's score…and the business-success process snowballs .

## Thought Tweet #787.5
Date: 2013-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thougtht-post-7815/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #787.5 You don't see yourself the way others see you. Need proof? Look in a mirror. See - you already got it backwards. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we invented mirrors we invented a useful tool...they allow us to check out our hair and fix our make-up before we leave the house in the morning. When you time a bit of time to think about it...isn't it a little annoying that when we get those things right we also get them backwards. The other 7,000,000,000 or so see us the exact opposite way.

## Should your business have a Mission Statement?
Date: 2013-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/should-your-business-have-a-mission-statement/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

No - a business does not need a Mission Statement. If people at a business want a Mission Statement then the first thing to do is ask them to define ‘Mission Statement’. If your people can truly communicate and reach a shared agreement on what a Mission Statement is then that might warrant further discussion of the merits of a Mission Statement. However, if your people do not, for whatever reason, truly communicate and instead give the exercise just ‘lip service’ then there is no value in pressing on to create a Mission Statement. We see this happen at many businesses. For most businesses a Mission Statement is a waste of time and an object of confusion. Similarly, if people communicate well but cannot reach a shared agreement on what the words ‘Mission Statement’ mean to them then there is no value in pressing on to create a Mission Statement. In those two scenarios, which are very common in business, people will not buy into the words of the Mission Statement. Those scenarios are common because most businesses do not define precisely what they mean when they use the words `Mission Statement`. Instead, they debate and end up agreeing to words that confuse [or annoy] themselves and all others who take the time to read them. If you review the Mission Statements of businesses then you will notice they range from tag lines to one-page ‘procedures guides’. There are two problems colliding here: (1) the word ‘Mission’ has multiple meanings and (2) people have difficulty taking the time to reach agreement on how to think through and word things. Many business gurus speak of ‘Mission’ as if it is ‘Purpose’…as in “ This business exists to _____________________” . The word ‘Purpose’ can naturally align with long-term intent…as in, “As long as this business exists, it exists to ____________________” . In common language, missions are not extended things like life-purposes. Missions are desired outcomes . For example, military people go on a mission – taking the hill. And caring people go on a mission – helping to solve a problem for people in another country, for example. These desired outcomes are in fact goals . Since they are goals, we can call them goals rather than missions. If, in business, we are doing a project then perhaps a mission statement for that project would be of value…the mission statement could capture the ‘Commander’s Intent’. For more thoughts in this area see: https://rickbaker.ca/search.aspx?q=commander's%20intent On the other hand, if a business wants to make an over-riding statement that explains why it exists in a way that at least everyone at that business understands and buys into then that statement should have a better name than ‘Mission Statement’. The word ‘Purpose’ works much better than the words ‘Mission Statement’. When we link the word ‘purpose’ to something we usually are not tempted to be long-winded or express things in a complicated way. Here’s an example: When asked, “What’s the purpose of a fork?” most people would answer something like “It’s a thing that helps us eat.” Most people would not go into lengthy descriptions of materials, form, colour, co-ordination with knives, spoons, plates, etc. The question, “Why Do We Exist?” works much better than ‘Mission Statement’. In everyday life, if someone [say, a child] asks us “Why does a fork exist?” we answer “To help us eat.” Then, “Watch, I will show you how to use it.” That is clear, concise communication. And, it works better than other types of communication. If we want to convey an important piece of information such as an explanation of why we are in business we must be clear and concise. Yet, in business practice, for most people, it is not easy to answer the question, “Why does your business exist?” But, at least business people can understand the question. And, that’s a lot better than the situation that follows when you sit at the boardroom table and ask business people to create a Mission Statement. So, NO - businesses do not need Mission Statements.

## Thought Tweet #787
Date: 2013-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-787/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #787 If you want to see bigger pictures, first learn bigger frames. The Thought Behind The Tweet Lots of business people talk about Vision. Some argue it is the essence of leadership. ' Seeing t he Big Picture ' - you have heard that expression. But - what about big frames? Who talks about the value inherent in big frames? Open your mind to bigger frames. Look at bigger frames from different perspectives. Understand - Value rarely exists in bigger pictures which have not been captured by bigger frames. Put another way - sure, [even though I have a pet peeve about the phrase] go ahead and think out of the box ...just make sure your big pictures are framed big. If you want to see bigger pictures, first learn bigger frames.

## Thought Tweet #786.5
Date: 2013-07-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7865/ | Categories: Sales, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #786.5 When you solve a problem at your workplace check to see if the solution could help your clients' businesses. The Thinking Behind The Tweet ...and your suppliers' businesses...and your allies' businesses. Spread good solutions. Spread better and best practices. Challenge your leadership team to understand what it means to be best-in-class or better. Be bold. Be confident your thinking is creating top-quality solutions. Share your solutions and be open to feedback that helps you improve on your solutions. Share your solutions with business peers...exchange ideas and improvements.

## Thought Tweet #786
Date: 2013-07-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-786/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #786 You think about how you act at work. Do you think about how you think at work? The Thinking Behind The Tweet While at work... you think you act While at work... you act without thinking...i.e., your habits kick in and you act in rote ways, with very little or no thought you think then act...relying on your judgment to lead you to better action [i.e., action that takes you toward your desired goals] While at work... do you think about how you think ? Thinking about how you think is the essential ingredient for change and for innovation. Stated in other words... if you do not think about how you think then it is highly unlikely you will broaden or deepen the way you think if you do not broaden or deepen the way you think then it is highly unlikely you will improve the way you take action if you do not improve the way you take action it is highly unlikely you will alter the results you achieve A related Thought Post

## Thought Tweet #785.5
Date: 2013-07-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7855/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #785.5 Make sure your business solutions are less complicated than your problems. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you cannot get your people to do what needs to be done, you are not alone. And, perhaps you are not in good company. Or, perhaps you need some straightforward help. Do not buy into the current trend of thinking that claim solutions need to be complex. That's untested...unproven smoke-and-mirrors opinion.

## If I was your CEO, I would...
Date: 2013-07-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-i-was-your-ceo-i-would/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

If I was your CEO, I would: Create an organization chart, clearly spelling out the key roles and activities required for success in 2013 in this industry sector. Create a clear written Vision statement, describing what I want to see in 3 years...complemented by 3 personal stories to help people understand: Why (I want it this way), How (I want people to behave...facets of Character and Values), and What (things are Vital Tasks and Actions). Set Goals , with first focus on: People`s Talents , Clients' Value Propositions , Gross Margin , & C ashflow Put in place the tools that ensure the ability to Measure performance...a Performance Tracking System Interview/review all staff, starting with the people in key roles, to determine if they are: clearly keepers, quality performers, or risky investments... taking talent to task Create and implement a People development Strategy : for each keeper and quality individual...with attention to role, role description, reporting, role-in-teams, self-monitoring and self-reporting...and with commitment to self-development, commitment to people & their Talents, commitment to systems (including Measures of Actions and results), commitment to self-development, and commitment to communication improvement. Create and implement an Operations Improvement Strategy: defining desired Client relationships and processes; defining philosophies about Money; clarifying what Service means (and how to deliver it); clarifying what Quality means (and how to deliver it) and clarifying what Profit means (and how to earn and collect it). In summary... If I was your CEO, I would set... the Required Strengths...an org chart picture the Vision the Goals the metrics and Measures for performance tracking the Right People in the right roles: taking talent to task the People Development Strategy the Operations Improvement Strategy And, I would do those things in that order.

## Thought Tweet #785
Date: 2013-07-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-785/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #785 Your Gut Feel : Is it good, bad, or indifferent? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Does your gut feel serve you well? Is it, somehow, a conveyor for wisdom? Does it, somehow, glom onto the right signals and paths? Or Does your gut feel fail you? Is it a conduit for wayward emotions - ill-aimed emotions? Does it steer you onto rocky, twisted roads? Or Has your gut feel been subsumed into silence? Is it now outside your awareness? Does it remain hidden while you think? *** If you had your way, how would you want your gut feel to serve you? Do you not have your way?

## Thought Tweet #784.5
Date: 2013-07-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7845/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Spirited Leaders, Succession, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #784.5 Two differences between Coaches and Mentors : Mentors have done it & Mentors introduce you to the right people. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Coaches are to Managers what Mentors are to Leaders. Leaders lead because they have proven their ability to know, do, and inspire ... and the best Leaders add mentoring to their roles. Managers manage because they have proven their ability to know, instruct, and monitor ... and the best Managers add coaching to their roles.

## Thought Tweet #784
Date: 2013-07-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-784/ | Categories: Sales, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #784 When you solve a problem at your workplace check to see if the solution could help your clients...and suppliers. The Thinking Behind The Tweet ...and business allies. Spread your solutions. Spread better and best practices. Challenge your leadership team to understand what it means to be best-in-class or better. Be bold. Be confident your thinking is creating top-quality solutions. Share your solutions and be open to feedback that helps you improve on your solutions and uncover opportunities. Share your solutions with business peers...exchange ideas, exchange improvements, and exchange opportunities.

## Take Talent To Task & Build Motivation
Date: 2013-07-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/take-talent-to-task-build-motivation/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Leaders have the ability to provide Opportunities and Specialized Knowledge to help their people Practise Skills and build Strengths. This is the way leaders can help people take Talent to Task. And Tasks can and should be broken down into discrete Actions…the Vital Behaviours that lead to successful completion of Goals. When people know they are using their Talents to perform essential Actions – when people know they are truly taking Talent to Task – they are naturally self-motivated. And Goals are achieved.

## Thought Tweet #783
Date: 2013-07-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-783/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #783 It isn't about who's right or who's wrong. It's about who doesn't have emotions under control - and Why? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Disputes in the work environment often escalate. And, they often spread and affect many people. When you face situations of conflict and dispute remember - It isn't about who's right or who's wrong. It's about who doesn't have emotions under control - and Why? And, of course, make sure you aren't among those who do not have their emotions under control. Emotional disputes do a lot of damage and waste a lot of energy [energy - which, if it wasn't being wasted, could be put to constructive use].

## Thought Tweet #783.5
Date: 2013-07-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7835/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #783.5 In a fanfare of keen sense of judgment , unleash creativity . The Thinking Behind The Tweet Keen Sense Of Justice - in his 1937 classic 'Think and Grow Rich', Napoleon Hill taught this leadership attribute. Somehow, our business leaders often miss this essential attribute. Perhaps, many business leaders see themselves as just too busy to spend time on considering their need to make people-decisions that confirm a keen sense of justice? Well then - just bear in mind the most successful people have more time .

## Thought Tweet #782.5
Date: 2013-07-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7825/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #782.5 What are your Top 10 decision-making gizmos? [Oh...don't tell me you do not have any!] The Thinking Behind The Tweet Take Talents To Tasks ...and while you do that, Take Tools To Tasks. Why do so many business people take risks with their work? ... Why leave so much to chance? ... Why leave so much to memory? Why not use tools? Why not use proven tools? Why not use proven Top 10 tools?

## Thought Tweet #782
Date: 2013-07-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-782/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #782 A heavy dose of motivation does not cure lack of skill ills. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Motivation is a wonderful thing. However, on its own it does not guarantee action or mastery of tasks. Certainly, motivation needs some support if it is to overcome lack of skill. And, it takes time and practice to master skills. Too often we conclude lack of motivation for the failures caused by lack of skill. The Good News: skills can be developed. First, focus on important Tasks and the Actions required to complete those Tasks. Then mentor and coach...to develop skills. Motivation will follow...it will walk on the path paved by the hard work of practicing skills. Leaders need to inject the Opportunity...the Opportunity to have the proper mentoring and coaching...that's the key influence behind skill development.

## Link your Goals to Actions...Measure Actions & Build Motivation
Date: 2013-07-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/link-your-goals-to-actions-measure-actions/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Measure & Monitor

Leaders succeed when they know how to set clear Goals , describing the Vital Results they desire. In some cases Vital Results could be as narrowly focused on a single thing that drives the business’s economic engine. For most businesses 5 Vital Results is enough. In no cases are more than 7 Vital Results required. Focus is essential for 2 reasons: (1) to reflect the way the 80/20 Rule applies and (2) to keep it simple. Leaders succeed when they establish ways to Measure performance of the right things at the right times…like the Vital Signs used in the medical profession to ensure the most-important things are covered. In business, Vital Signs cover timely measurement of Vital Behaviours, the most-important Actions that bring about achievement of Goals. Like Goals, the number of Vital Behaviours must be minimized. Very few Actions are Vital to the achievement of a Goal. Leaders must hone their focus on the few Actions that determine whether or not a Goal will be achieved. Ideally, the focus can be reduced to one Vital Action for each Goal. With desired Results and desired Actions clarified, the leader must influence behaviour. The key is leadership influence that sets the framework so people are intrinsically rewarded when they do the desired Actions…so they enjoy doing the Actions. Then people will be self-motivated and both Vital Actions and Vital Results will be maximized.

## Thought Tweet #781.5
Date: 2013-07-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7815/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #781.5 Introduce Interests, Express Expectations...do not leave these vital communications to chance. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you introduce your Interests people have a chance to understand what you want. Maybe they share your Interests. Maybe their Interests align with yours. Maybe they do not. If you introduce your Interests you, at least, have a fighting chance to know. If you express your Expectations people have a chance to understand what you want from them. Maybe they share your Expectations. Maybe their Expectations align with yours. Maybe they do not. If you express your Expectations you, at least, have a fighting chance to know. And at least of equal importance, other people have a chance to know. If you want to accomplish things with the help of other people, you must agree you owe them that. Interests and Expectations: around the essence of communication. Just add story and repetition.

## Thought Tweet #781
Date: 2013-07-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-781/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #781 People eat sour fruit sparingly. Yet they complain about it much. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes sour fruit is the best thing to consume. The British found that out several centuries ago and the practice of eating limes was encouraged by Scottish Dr. James Lind. He helped the British Navy understand limes and lime juice prevented sailors from the pain and suffering of scurvy. This fact was known prior to the arrival of Dr. Lind. And, the benefit of limes was well understood when he documented proof. Yet, the practice of eating limes to prevent scurvy was not adopted by the British Navy until some time later. The first sailors who ate limes were ridiculed. By fellow sailors and pirates alike. To this day the legacy of ridicule lives on in the form of a derogatory/racist ancestor of the word lime. To this day, people resist when others try to force them to eat sour fruit. So, take care when you try to unload sour fruit on your people. Care taken while introducing sour fruit is inversely proportional to the amount of complaining that introduction generates. The greater the care, the lesser the complaints.

## Cavemen: another tribute
Date: 2013-07-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/cavemen-another-tribute/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business

Cavemen had it tough. Yes, I know some are trying to make it look like cavemen had it cushy. Don`t believe it. Cavemen had it tough. When major problems arose they had to pull up their big-boy loin cloths and face the challenges. Cavemen faced a simple choice: meet the challenge or lose...and often losing meant death. Imagine how tough it must have been to watch your next-door cave-neighbour do things better than you...hunt better than you, gather better than you, build a better fire...let alone have a more elegant and ergonomic cave. How tough was that on the lizard brain ? So, if you believe in the 'theory of evolution', take comfort in the amazing genes that survived all those challenges and lived long enough to create you. You are made of good resilient stuff. If you don't believe in the 'theory of evolution', take comfort in knowing it could be worse. You don't have to live in a cold, dark cave. And, Mother Nature outside your home and around your office ain't gonna eat you. If not evolution, at least time has blessed you. PS: Either way it seems to me we owe a debt to those cave-people who walked this planet before us. They paved the path in so many ways. And, they did it the good-old-fashioned way - without designer shoes. Head-to-toe hardship...literally. Amazing! PPS: When I used the word 'literally' above I was not trying to imply cave-people were particularly literate. I mean - that sort of thinking is not etched in stone. link to earlier Cavemen articles (i.e., the Missing Link )

## Thought Tweet #780.5
Date: 2013-07-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7805/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #780.5 Grow your business by (A) Watching more Reality TV...say those alligator hunters or (B) Learning how to make changes. The Thinking Behind The Tweet I suppose I have a bit of a problem with Reality TV. It seems to me all the episodes about alligator hunters, child models, cake makers, pawn brokers, storage closet people, and garbage pickers are diluting rather than adding to reality.

## Thought Tweet #780
Date: 2013-07-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-780/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #780 Beware those vagrant thoughts. [Unless, of course, you want to waste a lot of time.] The Thinking Behind The Tweet Vagrant thoughts find their home in the endless mental chatter that flows through our minds. Vagrant thoughts make up much of our mental chatter. Some of our thoughts meet the criteria for statutory vagrancy - they are intentionally unproductive and [call it] allergic to gainful employment. Yet, somehow, vagrant thoughts manage to camp out in our minds. They take centre stage when we pay attention to them. They swell when we feed them. They are super-contagious, even able to infect and sour our attitude toward others and life. Yes, vagrant thoughts are super-powerful. As one example, vagrant thoughts overrule our common sense and convince us we can read other people's minds and motives while, at the same time, they confuse us about our own minds and motives. Vagrant thoughts confound. Beware those vagrant thoughts.

## Thought Tweet #779.5
Date: 2013-07-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7795/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #779.5 Zero in on your talented people...and construct tasks around them. The Thinking Behind The Tweet You can take talent to task . and You can bring tasks to talent. Or...you can ignore talents & tasks at your peril. It's all a matter of choice.

## Thought Tweet #779
Date: 2013-07-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-779/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #779 Be self-conscious. Be very self-conscious. And be positive about it. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We have been taught and conditioned to think of 'self-conscious' people as timid people, people who cower under negative self-images. Let's give this another think. Better still; let's replace that first-thought with a constructive thought. Self-conscious is a good thing: It means the person has given some thought to self...thinking about self is an important thing to do. It means the person is aware of self...self-awareness is a valuable commodity. Self-awareness, like any other skill, takes practice. That practice should be done with an open mind. Let's stop assuming self-conscious thought and awareness is only directed toward the negatives. Let's assume that self-conscious thought will result in finding positive things like talent, courage, confidence, conviction, & creativity. Put another way - "I was thinking and feeling rather self-conscious the other day. Wow, was I ever proud of myself!"

## Habits. What are they anyhow?
Date: 2013-07-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/habit-what-is-that-anyhow/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

What is a Habit? A Habit is a repeated behaviour...a repeated action. Habits fall under the influence of the subconscious part of our minds. Habits are either fully under the influence of the subconscious mind or for the most part under the influence of the subconscious mind. Yes - we weigh Habits with conscious thoughts. But, we do Habits because of subconscious influences. As an example, breathing is a Habit. It happens under the influence of the subconscious mind. Yes - we can think about how we breathe and we can decide to hold our breath. To that extent, our conscious mind can influence breathing. However, the influence of the conscious mind is short-lived. After holding our breath for a period of time we either give up and breathe or we pass out. Either way, the subconscious mind has taken over and it causes us to breathe again. With respect to Habits, the conscious mind is much weaker than the subconscious mind. However, there is some good news: we have the ability to use conscious thought to impress change on the subconscious influences and, with skilled practice, over time, the conscious mind can exert its will on the subconscious mind and change Habits. For example, the current world record for holding one's breath under water is currently over 22 minutes! Over time, with practice, meditation can help the conscious mind exert control over the subconscious. For example, meditating gurus can slow their heart rates to extremely low levels. Those are examples of ways to change Habits. They can be used to change Habits from Bad to Good...i.e., changing for the better . The process for changing Habits is challenging - it is a battle that pits conscious will for long-term gain and doing the right things against near-term gratification. For Spirited Leaders, Good Habits are actions that help us achieve our long-term goals [including living up to our personal values and standards of character] while Bad Habits are actions that do not help us achieve our long-term goals. So, stated another way, it is a battle that pits a conscious effort to do better actions against subconscious urges to do worse actions. More about Habits .

## Thought Tweet #778.5
Date: 2013-07-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7785/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #778.5 I didn't see the financial meltdown coming. I didn't see the economic recession coming. I do see some things now... The Thinking Behind The Tweet Having been through those challenges, and rethinking business, I have a better picture of what we need to do to protect our businesses. I know business leaders need to inject Maker-thinking into their business. And, they need to do more good-old-fashioned testing of ideas...that's the entrepreneur-proven route to innovation. Canadian leaders need to stop avoiding people problems and come up with better ways to remedy them. Canadian leaders need to start matching talents with tasks .

## Thought Tweet #778
Date: 2013-07-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-778/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Measure & Monitor, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #778 Crystallize your thoughts & desires...be clear about the details of Goals, Tasks & Actions. Do & Measure the Actions. The Thinking Behind The Tweet And Practice : if Practice doesn't make perfect then what does? Practice clarifying your desires. Practice clarifying your Goals . Practice communicating about your desires and Goals. Practice defining the details of Tasks , with emphasis on the Tasks that yield the results you desire. Practice taking Talent to the Tasks - i.e., Practice the best, most-focused-for-success Actions. Practice communicating about Talents & Strengths and about Tasks and Actions. Practice Measuring Actions . Practice Measuring results. These are the ways to better- and best-in-class performance. These are the ways to Skills . These are the ways to business success.

## Thought Tweet #777.5
Date: 2013-07-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7775/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #777.5 Go miniature or go home ...or do both...and add Maker-thinking to your business strategy. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Go miniature : Take Baby Steps of change; take small chances & test for success; fail small & frequently; check out the book, 'Makers'. Go home : when the going gets tough - take a time out... de-stress before you express .

## The Magic of AHA!
Date: 2013-07-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-triumph-of-aha/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

We all have AHA! Moments. These are moments when things fall into place, when things feel right & good, and when we feel at least a little bit wiser. Sometimes the AHA! is large and we feel enlightened and much wiser. AHA! Moments are among the most-positive internal events in our lives.

We all have AHA! Moments. These are magical moments when things fall into place, when things feel right & good, and when we feel at least a little bit wiser. Sometimes the AHA! is large and we feel enlightened and much wiser. AHA! Moments are among the most-positive internal events in our lives. They are linked in intuition and to insight , both powerful and constructive activities that occur within our minds. AHA! Moments are triumphant experiences. They help us get over hurdles. They provide better ways of doing things. They change paradigms. They energize us. AHA! Moments change our lives for the better. So, it makes sense that we should maximize the number of AHA! Moments we experience. How might we do that? How might we increase the number of AHA! Moments we experience? Can we design ways to experience more AHA! Moments? I have given this quite a lot of thought and I have concluded it would be very difficult and maybe even impossible for a person to design ways to self-experience more AHA! Moments. On the other hand, it is relatively easy to design ways to increase the number of AHA! Moments experienced by other people. Socrates knew this and he set up a question-method that guided his pupils and followers to AHA! Moments. A series of designed questions - baby steps of thought & action coupled with the art of good questions - is just one way to help other people experience more AHA! Moments. Idea-storming - a free-flow idea generation process - is another way. Properly performed coaching - non-programmed, free-flow coaching - is another way. The benefits of paving the path for more AHA! Moments for others [and encouraging others to do the same for you]... Here are 3: More AHA! Moments mean more learning...self-improvement - the best kind of learning. More AHA! Moments mean higher levels of work satisfaction...a great way to attract and keep top-quality people. More AHA! Moments mean you can ease off on telling , which often brings resistance...instead of telling you help by guiding. When you stop and think about it, why would you not make increasing people's AHA! Moments one of your highest priorities? Enjoy the Magic of AHA!

## Thought Tweet #777
Date: 2013-07-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-777/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #777 Civil Capital: that's the asset enjoyed by a business when its people act 'in community' with civility. The Thinking Behind The Tweet I like the wording 'Civil Capital' a lot better than the wording 'Social Capital'. To my mind, 'social' is too soft a word...to fuzzy and open to interpretation. 'Civil' is clear. It is the root of civilization - ideally, a community that works together in a mutually supportive manner. Civil is also the root of civility - acting like adults, with awareness and sensitivity to one another. Both 'community' and 'civility' are captured by the words 'Civil Capital'. And, 'community' and 'civility' are valuable assets.

## Thought Tweet #776.5
Date: 2013-07-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7765/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #776.5 Don't muddle through the same old problems. Engage Talents and address new, more-lucrative problems. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people muddle thought the same old business problems - day after day. [Often, 'people problems'.] These people experience stress and confusion but not success. Some people learn how to solve the basic problems. And, these people graduate to bigger and better problems...and success.

## Thought Tweet #776
Date: 2013-07-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-767-2013/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #776 It's Your Mind: do you choose to sculpt it or just let it wander lost? OR The Thinking Behind The Tweet Thinking...that's the way to sculpt your mind, solidify your thoughts, & shape your character. And what about food-for-thought? Well - observing people and what they create, particularly written words...that's food for thought. *** When you think about your Personal Values ... Do you believe you can sculpt your character? Do you see Value in sculpting your character? Do you think in ways that sculpt your character? Do you act in ways that sculpt your character?

## Thought Tweet #775.5
Date: 2013-07-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7755/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #775.5 Be clear about your Interests and state your Vision...then let your people express their Talents around your Vision. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Be clear about your Interests...people need to know what you want...stories help them understand and remember. State your Vision...people need to know what you see in your imagination..stories help them understand and remember. Admirable Interests and Vivid Visions are magnetic...they attract Talented people...and Talented people express their Talents...success follows.

## Good Decisions: at the heart of your business
Date: 2013-07-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-decisions-at-the-heart-of-your-business/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Delegation & Decisions, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities

Consider the decisions made at your business: Are decisions made quickly? Do decisions receive attention and quality input from many people? Are decisions understood and implemented successfully? These are important areas: the simplicity with which decisions can be made, the quality of input received prior to finalizing decisions, and the success rates for implementation of decisions. If your leadership team scores high in these areas then your business will stand above most of your competitors: Your business will be fleet of foot. Your business will be thinking accurately and acting properly. Your business will be able to forecast, budget, and receive profitability. All of these things contribute to a best-in-class workplace and a sustainable approach to business. Less than these things signals potential problems. More often than not, the problems have passed through the potential stage and they are real - real problems. Now, problems are a necessary ingredient if we want to make business our career. However, repeated problems are destined to ruin the business recipe. And, too many problems spoil the business meal. So, there is value in stepping back and checking the pulse of your business decision-making: Is it a healthy pulse? If so then you will find decisions are made relatively quickly. Is it a strong pulse? If so then you will find your key people are pushing in the same directions as your decisions. Is it a pulse that can withstand stress? If so you will find it is a variable pulse, able to hum away at methodical work and also able to ramp up when situations demand more. And finally, is it a pulse that complains rarely? If it does not complain too much about already-made decisions then it is a good and healthy pulse...a beating pulse . The beat goes on. Desired results follow.

## Thought Tweet #775
Date: 2013-07-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-775/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #775 Why are some people so inclined to be morale busters at work? And - How might we help them get over it? The Thinking Behind The Tweet I want to create a Top 10 list of ways to help morale-busting people get over whatever it is that causes them to want to spread negativity at work. I am not talking about people who express concerns openly, in front of those who they blame for this or that. I am talking about people who do their complaining behind the backs of the people about whom they complain. I'd like to create a list of the Top 10 Remedies for Behind-the-Back Complaints. Any help you can provide will be appreciated... Here's one - Ask people to accept an environment where others can, without risk, openly express concerns about one another directly to one another. And, if that doesn't work the concern must be escalated to the boss or the 'team'. Thick-skinned people can handle both sides of that approach. Do you agree?

## Thought Tweet #774.5
Date: 2013-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7745/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #774.5 Ease - note how success appears easy; Dis-Ease - note how non-success happens without ease or appearance of easy. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you fully engage your Talents & Strengths things happen with relative ease...and success follows.

## Thought Tweet #774
Date: 2013-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-774/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #774 Baby action steps pave the path to unshakable self-confidence. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We learn from our experiences. This learning grows experience by experience, piece by piece. And the more repetition of experience-pieces the stronger the learning. And, because we have gone through the learning process we know we know . When we know we know we become confident about our abilities. The more we know we know the greater the confidence. Simple repetition of properly-performed action steps are the key to self-confidence. We need to imagine future situations to determine the right action steps. That's the best path. However, if we are confused about the right action steps then we can perform the action steps we know we know ...and do them with mastery. Every one of us can do that! So, baby steps take every one of us toward unshakable self-confidence. Self-confidence is a process. We can design it. We can control it. We should all want to do that - self-confidence is a mindset to great value.

## Simplify Your Actions
Date: 2013-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/simplify-your-actions/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Seeking Simple!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Simplify Your Actions Identify the 20% of actions that generate 80% of your success toward your long-term goals. Exercise some self-discipline and delay actions that satisfy near-term urges.

If you are like most people, 20% of the things you do generate 80% of the results you desire. Stated another way, 80% of the things you do are not essential, not successful, and possibly counterproductive. they do not contribute toward your long-term personal goals & they do not contribute toward your work goals. You do many things. You do hundreds of different things...maybe even thousands. You do things subconsciously and you do things out of habit. Sometimes you think about what you should do. More often, you do not. Your actions are mostly habits, some good, some bad. Sometimes you think about what you should do then you do something quite different. When this happens, chances are good you are performing a bad habit. You know the 'right' thing to do to take you toward one of your goals but instead of doing that thing you choose to do something else that provides short-term gratification. For example, you know you should eat healthy foods but you eat that bag of chips or chocolate bar or fast-food burger because it tastes good. This battle between short-term urges and long-term goals is part of the human condition. Most of the time, you do not think deeply about the action you take. Rather, you act. Most of the time you do not focus your attention on actions: you are not specific about actions; you do not clarify actions in advance; you do not select proven-successful actions as often as you should. And, you do not take the time to identify, celebrate, and repeat proven-successful actions. That's perfectly normal...it is the way the vast majority of people go about their day-to-day activity. The vast majority of people perform far too many questionable actions: People perform far too many bad habits. People underestimate the huge benefits that exist in proven-successful actions. This isn't criticism. This is good news. It is good news because it confirms the huge upside we all face. If we can increase the attention we pay to proven-successful actions and then repeat those actions a little more then we will dramatically increase the likelihood of achieving our desired long-term goals. All of us can gain much by simplifying and organizing our actions. Here are 5 suggestions on how that can be done... Simplifying Your Actions Identify the 20% of actions that generate 80% of your success toward your long-term goals. Exercise some self-discipline and delay actions that satisfy near-term urges. When you perform proven-successful actions celebrate your successes...even tiny ones. Make a habit of repeating actions that are proven-successful in terms of your long-term goals. Make a habit of repeating actions that are proven-successful in building positive relationships with other people.

## Thought Tweet #773.5
Date: 2013-07-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7735/ | Categories: Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #773.5 Learn how Honey Boo Boo and the guys in those storage closets can help your business. Check Thought Behind The Tweet. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Of course, they can't help your business ... but don't let that dissuade you from filling in time watching them between all those excellent commercials.

## Thought Tweet #773
Date: 2013-07-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-773/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #773 About deviant behaviour in business: remove some, emulate some, & take care with the choices you make. The Thinking Behind The Tweet To influence change, you must focus on specific vital behaviours. Find 'deviant' behaviour that needs to be removed...find 'deviant' behaviour that needs to be emulated...do these things...and then you create change. *** DEVIATE... I mean, from the 'norm'...in the positive direction. Dare to be positively different. Drive to be positively different. Thrive to be positively different.

## Thought Tweet #772.5
Date: 2013-07-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-7725/ | Categories: Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #772.5 The U.S high school system has the lowest rating of G8 countries - on the bright side: they got Duck Dynasty. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most business people spend more time watching 'Reality TV' than they spend educating themselves on how to do better business. This phenomenon is not limited to the U.S.A....it applies in Canada as well.

## 3 great reasons to strive to excel!
Date: 2013-07-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/3-great-reasons-to-strive-to-excel/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Spirited Leaders, Values: Personal Values, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Doing excellent work. Mastering skills. Striving to be better or best. Excellent work is a truly wonderful thing to experience. I have had the opportunity to observe mastery of work and the gratification and other rewards work-mastery provides. I have worked with amazing people and had the good fortune to be part of amazing business teams. When I observe business people settling for less, sometimes much less, it gnaws at me. I know what they are missing. And it troubles me to stand by and watch. Why? Why should you strive to excel at work? 1. The Feeling of Satisfaction : Positive feelings warm us and enliven us. When we know we have excelled at a work-task we feel satisfaction. Everyone feels that way when they do a task really well. Think back to your childhood. Remember winning a race, getting a high mark in school, hitting that home run, drawing a wonderful picture, singing well...and other such achievements. There is much gratification in work well done...even small achievements create lasting memories. 2. The Comfort of Belonging : Recognition by other people energizes us. In our hearts, we are all social beings. When other people compliment us or recognize our work contributions we feel pleasure. We feel like we belong. We feel positive. This causes us to strive to achieve even more. Communities play a huge role in our lives: from family, to neighbourhood, to school, to city, to country. We learn this when we are young and it sticks with us. When at work, we feel most-comfortable when others recognize our good work...and when we extend to them similar recognition. When at work, we are most energized when we are part of a group that achieves and recognizes individual actions and successes. 3. The Power of Confidence : Self-confidence happens when we know we can handle situations and actions. And, better than anything else, baby action steps pave the path for unshakable self-confidence. You have watched little ones learn how to walk...perhaps a brother or sister when you were young...perhaps your own children. With each tiny step, with each little stumble, with each return to the standing position, with each start over and try again...confidence is built until, over time, walking becomes natural and easy. The same applies to work tasks. With planned practice work skills grow. With errors and trying again we learn how to generate better results. With effort and time work tasks are mastered. And, when we step back and celebrate just how far we have come we gain and reinforce self-confidence. You know these 3 states of mind. You have experienced them. You have enjoyed them. It is within your ability to experience them to a greater degree. That is why excellent work is a truly wonderful thing.

## Thought Tweet #772
Date: 2013-07-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-772/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #772 Business people resist participating in “company changes" when their managers fail to address dysfunctional employees. The Thinking Behind The Tweet It's just a fact of human nature. It's tough to be a boss...you must get a lot right...you must be consistent...you cannot obtain buy-in when people feel you are showing favouritism or avoiding people problems.

## Thought Tweet #771
Date: 2013-07-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-776/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #771 We are Canadians; we like happy endings. So, let's get back to flying our flag the right way. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Canadian Baby Boomers, not all - but far too many, continue to coast on their old business ways. This Is Not Sustainable. Denial ________________________________________Willing Suspension of Disbelief. Thinking along this line is killing the Canadian economy. Baby Boomers hold positions of leadership in Canadian businesses. With that power-of-position Baby Boomers have the ability to breed positive change. And, we are Canadians...and we do like happy endings. With 20 to 40 years of business experience many Baby Boomers have the savvy required to breed successful positive change. Positive & successful change can and will happen. On the Global scale, Canada has slipped down the Innovation List . That too will change for the better. We are Canadians. We like happy endings. Let's turn this problem into opportunity After you satisfy yourself that Canada's business sector can and will climb our of its current problems, ask yourself: "Should I be doing something about this?" "Should I be helping my country make some business improvements?" "How might I go about doing that?" Remember... All of us are Canadians; Canadians like happy endings. You can lend your Baby Boomer shoulder. Let's get started!

## Slipping a DISC
Date: 2013-06-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/slipping-a-disc/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts, Personalities @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

A few months ago, I wrote an article ' A Different Way to Look at DISC personalities '. That article was first written about 7 years ago. The original title was 'Slipping a DISC' . However, I chose to soften the title and massage some of the words. In hindsight, I am not sure why I softened the words or the title. I erred. This article contains an effort to fix my error and remove any confusion around my views of personality assessments. I avoid the use of personality assessments such as DISC, Myers Briggs, etc. because I have found them constrained by the viewpoint ‘ personality is set and cannot be changed ’. I disagree with that fully. I recognize personality rarely changes. On the other hand, I believe personality is a matter of choice. The problem is, people rarely choose to adjust and improve their personality . With leaders in mind... I embrace the 1912 wisdom of Charles F. Haanel, “Your personality is made up of countless individual characteristics, peculiarities, habits and traits of character; these are the result of your former method of thinking, but they have nothing to do with the real “I”.” With Canadian leaders in mind... I embrace the 2012 wisdom of Joe MacInnis, "All the leaders I've met, worked with, and read about have had one thing in common. Along the way to becoming practitioners and masters of leadership, they transformed their character." Combining these pieces of wisdom, I believe the most successful leaders are the ones who have, with much effort, changed their personalities. And, that's what we should focus on in Canada. We should help our leaders make adjustments to their personalities so they have a better chance of accomplishing their desires and goals. I avoid personality assessments like DISC [which parodied] because they: address symptoms of inflexible behaviour rather than the cause of it [which I will call Stagnant Personality Disorder] they miss the mark of taking talent to task they stereotype people too narrowly [people are multi-dimensional] they don’t go far enough celebrating and using innate talents they promote mediocrity and creation of artificial middle-ground over celebration of highly-valuable, natural-differences And worst of all, they make learning and self-development boring, not interesting, and not fun. I know these views are strong and non-standard. I have reached them because I have seen too many DISC and other personality assessments sitting forgotten and unused on their owners’ shelves. [including my own shelf] Conversely, I have seen talents assessments , aimed at helping people develop performance strength, provide enjoyable self-development experiences and very positive results.

## Thought Tweet #770
Date: 2013-06-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-770/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #770 That's So Obvious! If we had clone spray then we could communicate better. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Expanding on the good work of Thought Tweet #718 ... When people don't 'get us' [or 'get it'] we could clone-spray them. Then we would not have to waste a bunch of time repeating and repeating ourselves until they finally understand us. We wouldn't have to raise our voices to help them think more clearly. Similarly, they could clone spray us before they tried to tell us stuff...and we would finally be able to understand what they keep repeating. That's So Obvious! Wait a second. There could be some complications...some contraindications...nasty side-effects. We could end up with Wild-West style shootouts where the fastest draw becomes the winner of every communication. Or, sneak-up-and-spray pre-emptive strikes. And what about hired gun clone-sprayers. Damn..maybe clone spray isn't such a good idea after all.

## No Nonsense, Common Sense for Best Practice
Date: 2013-06-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/no-nonsense-common-sense-for-best-practice/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

If you want to improve your company’s performance, you need to improve your leadership team. If you want to improve your leadership team, you have to improve leadership people's actions. If you want to improve people's actions, you must first change how they think. If you want to change how people think, you must identify – precisely – the current thinking that is flawed and in need of change. Then, you must influence people in a way that causes them to want to change. And, you must help the people make the change. Change is either possible or impossible. Change is either easy or difficult. Change is either simple or complex. Change is either quick or slow. It depends on the extent of change and the extent of the person’s desire to make that change. It depends on the nature of the person’s Talents and the nature of the Tasks to be changed . It depends on the person’s comfort… changes are only constructive when people are comfortable . It depends on many other factors. Huge amounts of time could be dedicated to listing all those factors and creating strategies and tactics to deal with each and every one of them. However, it is best to not blow change out of proportion. And, it is best to dwell on the things that work rather than the things that are broken. It is best to limit the scope of change to 2 variables: How people are Thinking. How people are Taking Action. People on Leadership Teams need to answer 2 questions: What sorts of Thinking generate high-quality performance? What sorts of Actions generate high-quality performance? Then they need to challenge themselves: am I willing to think and do those things? This process for change is definitely possible. This process for change can be easy, simple, & quick. In fact, if this process is not easy, simple, & quick then you have to accept the likelihood you have the wrong people on your leadership team. *** If you want to improve your company’s performance, you need to improve your leadership team. If you want to improve your leadership team, you have to improve leadership people's actions. If you want to improve people's actions, you must first change how they think.

## Thought Tweet #769
Date: 2013-06-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-769/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #769 Talents tend to bounce off Tasks they do not like. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Consider Talents . Consider Tasks . Don't fight the fit. *** Don't try to force square Talents into round Tasks. Don't try to force round Talents into square Tasks.

## Thought Tweet #768
Date: 2013-06-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-768/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #768 WARNING Canadian Baby Boomers who are still working as leaders - Choose Change over Depression. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The economic doldrums linger on. The Canadian economy is screaming for change, innovation , & some spending/investment for 'growth'. Canadian Baby Boomers continue to hold positions of leadership and authority. Canadian Baby Boomers, not all - but far too many, continue to coast on their old ways. This Is Not Sustainable. Better Make Some Changes For The Better Quickly before we end up with a Depression. Here's the big picture ...

## Choices: I make mine - You make yours!
Date: 2013-06-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/choices-i-make-mine-you-make-yours-attitude/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change

Often, when people set goals then fail to achieve those goals the ‘failing’ people would rather not discuss it. Regarding personal performance at business roles, I think there is a lot of that ostrich stuff going on. Often, in business, I have been involved with or witnessed a string of events of this nature: The subordinate and the boss get together and agree upon goals – targets The subordinate contributes input and accepts the goals The subordinate works but fails to achieve the agreed-upon goals The subordinate fails to inform the boss The boss discovers the failure and discusses it with the subordinate Then the boss either eases off: and the subordinate achieves acceptable performance or the subordinate’s failure continues and the boss ignores it or the subordinate’s failure continues and the boss addresses it in an escalated manner Or, the boss commences a performance-monitoring and coaching-counselling process: and the subordinate achieves acceptable performance or the subordinate’s failure continues and the boss ignores it or the subordinate’s failure continues and the boss addresses it in an escalated manner When the boss addresses the subordinate’s failed performance in an escalated manner quite often the subordinate reacts defensively. The subordinate may make excuses in an effort to justify the failure, the subordinate may blame the boss for the failure, the subordinate may attack the boss personally, and on very rare occasions the subordinate may dig in and replace the failure with success. Whether up-front or behind-the-scenes, when subordinates fail at their tasks and the boss addresses it in an escalating manner, ‘motivation’ can become a focal point in the boss-subordinate discussions and interactions. The subordinate often blames the boss: “ You de-motivate me! ” Does any of this resonate? What are you doing about it?

## Thought Tweet #767
Date: 2013-06-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-767/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #767 We win when we improve Canadian businesses , one leader at a time. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The Spirited Leaders process is thought-by-thought and task-by-task .

## Thought Tweet #766
Date: 2013-06-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-766/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #766 Sales people should select heroes, learn from them, and emulate their strengths. ... The Thinking Behind The Tweet I see different ways of approaching Sales. I think Sales people can and should learn from ‘heroes’...as many as possible. And, if we are in doubt – Is this person a hero worth studying? – then we should give the person the benefit of the doubt, read about the person, and draw our own conclusions.

## Thought Tweet #765
Date: 2013-06-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-765-2013/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #765 Multi-tasking : Somehow, successful people 'get it'...naturally. Others require much self-discipline & practice. The Thinking Behind The Tweet ‘Tools’ are required. 'Atmosphere' is required. 'Support' is required. 'Mentoring' is ideal. And, there is more... In any event, task-multiing is better than multi-tasking.

## Who's motivating whom?
Date: 2013-06-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/whos-motivating-whom/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Hero Worship

Definition: What do we mean when we, in the business world, say: motivation ? Generally, when we say motivation we mean something like: the desire and willingness to do some action, with enthusiasm . That’s the motivation I am talking about here. Differing Views: For many years I have heard torturous, conflicting, and bi-polar views on motivation. Some people think every person is self-motivated. Some people think we motivate one another. Some people think both of these are true. Some people change their views of motivation as the situation changes….like, blowing with the wind on the restless seas . And, the rest of the people don’t have a clue. Accurate Thinking : People are self-motivated. Rocky Balboa provides a good example...People are self-motivated. If they are not self-motivated then they are not motivated. Yes, from time to time even the most self-motivated people slip up and lose confidence and drive. When that happens they, being human, need support in the form of good coaching and mentoring . And, soon, they react well to that coaching and support. Yes - they benefit from the support of other people. Regardless, their motivation comes from within. As one local CEO said , You can`t coach heart . PS: If you don`t like the Rocky example, consider Muhammad Ali (one of my real-life heroes).

## About Napoleon Hill
Date: 2013-06-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-napoleon-hill/ | Categories: Book Reviews, Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts

There are certain books I have read, which have done the things books are supposed to do…entertain me, educate me, inform me, etc. But, no book has caused as much of these things for me as Napoleon Hill’s 1937 classic – THINK and GROW RICH . Not only did this work have stand-alone value, but it also provided leads to other great works, which in turn do the things books are supposed to do and provide new leads . In his various works, which I have read, Napoleon Hill writes about an impressive list of business and world leaders and role models. These leads can be followed. And, when that is done a number of pieces of ‘hero worship’ can fall into place in your puzzle of life. I strongly encourage ‘hero worship’…I don’t mean fanatical hero worship , or anything like that. I don’t even mean worship . These special folks are not gods…however, they are special among Men. They are special, because they were not part of the ‘mob’. Due to that fact alone, they deserve some study. As we all do, they exhibited character and also character flaws. But, their character flaws took the back seat to their winning character attributes. Napoleon Hill introduced his readers to the bright side of life and the bright side of business riches. It is an easy step to say he also introduced his readers to the bright side of Sales. He talked and wrote about many successful entrepreneurs and many successful Sales people. And, he always approached it from the bright side . There is no question, Napoleon Hill experienced some of the darker things in life: ignorance and poverty, the Crash of ’29, the Great Depression, and the two World Wars. Yet he wrote about life and business in a most-positive, optimistic way. He hero-worshipped Emerson . And, Napoleon Hill hero-worshipped many others – Napoleon , Lincoln , Ford …and many others. Strength in admiration...

## Thought Tweet #764
Date: 2013-06-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-764/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #764 2 types of people succeed in business: (1) those who 'get it' and (2) those who observe & learn. The Thinking Behind The Tweet There are only 2 types of people who experience meaningful success in business: Those few, who somehow naturally 'get it' and seek their way until they obtain success. Those few who observe and attend to those who are willing to try to help them 'get it', emulate heroes, embrace heroes' ideas, and sooner or later 'get it' themselves. In business, no other types of people achieve meaningful success.

## Thought Tweet #763
Date: 2013-06-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-763/ | Categories: Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #763 Procrastination is a lot like using a dentist's drill on your own teeth... The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you have some skill at it, and you use it right, then procrastination can be a very good tool and you can end up with a big healthy smile on your face. If you use it wrong then you can cause yourself a lot of pain and end up with a rotten taste in your mouth. Related to this... You can put procrastination on a reduced-negative-thinking diet.

## Some thoughts about Delegation
Date: 2013-06-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-thoughts-about-delegation/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Leaders' Thoughts, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

How To Delegate Some thoughts: With the overall corporate best interest in mind, who should do the task? Consider ‘bang for the buck’: particularly, the impact on our key corporate goals. Under Delegation, there are task donors and task recipients. Task donors and Task recipients need to COMMUNICATE CLEARLY. Consider boss’s and subordinate’s views/likes/dislikes… Rule of Thumb: for business-task delegation, one man’s trash isn’t generally another man’s treasure. Rule of thumb [corollary]: leaders rarely assign unique tasks… is this task unique? Consider fairness: the workload already on recipient employee’s plate, other staff’s plates, and your plate. Delegation and Task Dimensions [8 key task considerations] Importance Urgency Time Requirement Strengths Efficiency Effectiveness Delegation Office Morale *** & Step Back and think a bit more before you do it.

## Thought Tweet #762
Date: 2013-06-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-762/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #762 Philosophy: when you feel you are absolutely underpaid and deserve a raise…earn one. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Actions speak louder than words.

## Thought Tweet #761
Date: 2013-06-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-765/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #761 How To Create A Real Scary Sales Monster...a recipe The Thinking Behind The Tweet Really, I am not 100% sure how I did it. I just know I did it. Actually, I did it more than once in my career. I somehow created some high-octane sales beasties that were real scary. While I don't have the exact recipe I do know the key ingredients and the key process steps: Take 2 big egos - make sure one is your own and the other junior [junior, in the hierarchical sense or you will not be able to claim credit for the creation of the Sales Monster] Apply some loud volume. Blend the big egos together harshly with some lofty goals. Send the junior ego out to the field under very-tight time deadlines. Allow a free run for a few days. Voila - a Sales Monster. [bon appetit]

## Thought Tweet #760
Date: 2013-06-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-760/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #760 “Don't ignore your gut feel. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't." The Thinking Behind The Tweet Consider those situations when your prevailing thoughts are: "everything is too tough" ...and... "everything shouldn’t be this tough” . Your gut feel is accurate. Your gut feel is telling you something needs to change. It is up to you to figure out what change is appropriate - then make that change.

## The Dysfunction Of Our Times - #1: Business People Who Don't Take Their Payment Obligations Seriously...addendum
Date: 2013-06-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-dysfunction-of-our-times-1-business-people-who-dont-take-their-payment-obligations-seriouslyaddendum/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Values: Personal Values

More thoughts about “ Customers Pay Me ” Failure to pay is a personal insult: you have been told, directly, you are not important to the customer Violates the principle of being best [i.e., best in class] Good Credit & Collection policy reduces risk of facing this Good Contracts reduce the likelihood of disputes caused by confusion Non-payment should be a huge red flag…and This applies also when we are the customer – i.e., Pay Our Suppliers Failure here is a personal insult: you are telling your supplier, directly, they are not important to you Violates the principle of being best Our Good Credit is at risk, and should never be taken for granted Non-payment should be a huge red flag of our performance failure *** And related to " Customers Pay Me " the broad principle " Pay Me " "Pay Me" Pay Well Pay on time Pay accurately Pay for Performance Earn what you receive Pay is Extremely Personal Pay is not a topic for open discussion with others

## Gravity & Levity: Why-How Opposites Attract [WHOA]
Date: 2013-06-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gravity-levity-why-how-opposites-attract-whoa/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Hero Worship, Humour, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Gravity & Levity: polar opposites, each laced with double entendre. Gravity was Zarathustra’s archenemy. Gravity is the fabric of Newton’s legacy. And, when I first heard John Mayer’s song ‘ Gravity ’ I was blown away…like Aristotle envisioned fire escaping gravity and levitating to the sphere of the moon’s orb… where the light is . Seneca saw levity as the bone of all good and virtuous. George Bernard Shaw believed levity to be the best package for communicating the right things to say. And, when I first read Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s ‘ Antifragile ’ I solidified my thinking about the importance of blending polar opposites into our lives…and our decisions. Then I read Galileo’s ‘ Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems ’: gravity & levity became front and centre in my thoughts…and they stayed there…two polar opposites, hand-in-hand, sharing centre stage. While some see him as dark, I think Nietzsche is the most-interesting philosopher…brilliant beyond bi-polar…meshing messages of and with gravity & levity: “Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.” “The certain prospect of death could sweeten every life with a precious and fragrant drop of levity – and now you strange apothecary souls have turned into an ill-tasting drop of poison that makes the whole of life repulsive.” “I would believe only in a God that knows how to Dance.” Friedrich Nietzsche [1844-1900] *** Why-How Opposites Attract [WHOA] WHY? An intentional blend of gravity & levity helps ensure variety and moderation. An intentional blend of gravity & levity promotes balance and curiosity. An intentional blend of gravity & levity builds character. HOW? Read works that blend gravity & levity…as examples, choose Nietzsche over Newton…choose Twain and Taleb Listen to works that blend gravity & levity...from the Beatles to Beethoven…with some Wagner samplers in between Experience the gravity & levity of the arts…from Michelangelo's David to David Blaine...without riding on high horses OPPOSITES ATTRACT! Gravity keeps our feet on the ground; Levity places our head above our feet. Gravity attracts one body to another; Levity adds dance to their relationship. Gravity draws and centres; Levity enjoys new horizons. So, when it comes to gravity & levity I will pay attention to When-How Opposites Attract. And I am with Nietzsche and Mayer, if I must choose between gravity & levity… WHOA gravity, stay the hell away from me Gravity & Levity: the Meaning & History of the Words Source: Online Etymological Dictionary gravity (n.) c.1500, "weight, dignity, seriousness," from Middle French gravité "seriousness, thoughtfulness," and directly from Latin gravitatem (nominative gravitas ) "weight, heaviness, pressure," from gravis "heavy" (see grave (adj.)). The scientific sense of "force that gives weight to objects" first recorded 1640s. levity (n.) "want of seriousness, frivolity," 1560s, from Latin levitatem (nominative levitas ) "lightness, frivolity," from levis "light" in weight (see lever ) + -ity .

## Thought Tweet #759
Date: 2013-06-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-759/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #759 I want to witness great business music... not just tooting of horns, let alone too much start-up cacophony. The Thinking Behind The Tweet And, I have no intention of settling for less. That may mean some new musicians - we must know where to find some good ones. That will mean people need to stick to the score and song sheets. That will mean unwavering conductorship. And keeping up with the maestro. That will mean much practice. And some level of error will be acceptable...while repeated striking of bad notes and wrong chords will not be. That will be covered with discipline for all and from all. Discipline for all and from all...top-quality musicians want to be part of a good band and they know discipline-packaging is fundamental to the generation of great music.

## Thought Tweet #758
Date: 2013-06-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-758/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #758 When you must have and hold a negative emotion in your mind, and sometimes you must – choose anger. The Thinking Behind The Tweet I believe Dylan Thomas had it right: “Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” If directed properly - internally...confined within one's mind - and that requires plan & practice - anger can generate constructive results. Anger enjoys that advantage over other negative emotions/feelings such as frustration, envy, and jealousy.

## Thought Tweet #757
Date: 2013-06-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-757/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #757 Love success and kill yourself striving for it OR Hate fear so much you do whatever it takes to remove it. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Based on all the ‘Can’t Do’ stuff I have seen and heard, I’d suggest you work on your minds to ensure you fear failing so much that you give yourselves one choice - success.”

## How to stop complaining
Date: 2013-06-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-stop-complaining/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Hero Worship, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

While in Italy last month, I re-read Marcus Aurelius' ' Meditations '. It is therapeutic to consider the self-help messages this famous Roman Emperor wrote over 1800 years ago. Here's an excerpt, from book 4 section 3... "What's there to complain about? People's misbehavior? But take into consideration: that rational beings exist for one another; that doing what's right sometimes requires patience; that no one does the wrong thing deliberately; and the number of people who have feuded and envied and hated and fought and died and been buried. ...and keep your mouth shut." One of my heroes... Marcus Aurelius 121 AD - 180 AD

## Thought Tweet #756
Date: 2013-06-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-756/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #756 Give yourself injections of that oxymoron , Constructive Criticism The Thinking Behind The Tweet Create a Do It Yourself hormesis-program, aimed at thickening your skin and building your tolerance for other people's shortcomings. CAUTION : If you are like most people then your initial tolerance for criticism will be unbelievably low...so start with very low doses of self-criticism. And, build the doses up slowly over time...until you are able to face your screaming vein-bulging face in the mirror. And Remember Do Unto Yourself Before You Do Unto Others

## So the customer wants a carrot, does he!
Date: 2013-06-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/so-the-customer-wants-a-carrot-does-he/ | Categories: Sales

[an excerpt from the unpublished ' The Dark Side of Sales '] You: the Sales Boss The Mob: your wide-eyed Sales guy The Situation: The wide-eyed Sales guy writes to you, “ He told me that he wants us to dangle a carrot in front of him, so that he can see how we will return his investment. He is much more interested in dollars saved than peace of mind. Is there anything I can give him to get him over the hump? ” Preamble: I know exactly what you are thinking. It is the first thing that hit me too. “ What! Are we grocers ?” ... " No, of course we are not grocers ". Then, I’m thinking, "We have no produce and we have no Sales people who can produce." "Our cupboard is bare." "And now this customer guy is asking us for carrots." *** and so, a sales lesson followed...

## Thought Tweet #755
Date: 2013-06-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-755/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #755 When we possess Courage we can sort out, in our minds, what we believe in and what we don't believe in. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We speak too infrequently about Courage , the #1 Value for Spirited Leaders.

## The Dysfunction Of Our Times - #1: Business People Who Don't Take Their Payment Obligations Seriously
Date: 2013-06-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-dysfunction-of-our-times-business-people-who-dont-take-their-obligations-seriously/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Spirited Leaders, Values: Personal Values

In times gone by, I used to talk about 3 Sacred Things in Business . And, out of the 3 things, #2 was: " Customers Pay Me ". Customers Pay Me A deal is a deal . That’s the starting point. We are only as good as our word. There’s nothing wrong with a hard-negotiated deal, as long as you don’t make it the ‘norm’. When that becomes the 'norm' - well, that’s no fun and that's not fair. Regardless, once a deal is done – a deal is a deal . The most insulting thing my customer can do to me is not pay me. When the customer fails to pay me, the customer is telling me what they think my work is worth - nothing. That not only violates a deal is a deal it also is just plain wrong. My work is worth much more than nothing. And, I will not sit back and allow anyone to argue, through actions, the contrary. It is offensive. Of course, having thick skin I will not take real offense…however, I will take immediate action to make sure it does not happen or, if that fails, it only happens once. Or, better still, and this has been the reality more than 99% of the time – I will take action to make sure the attempt to avoid paying me fails. To clarify my thoughts...and recognizing they are laced with my biases and my experience-filters: I do not think the above words are the screams of a sensitive big ego. This is not a what's-mine-is-mine issue. It is about personal Values and Integrity . It's about doing the right thing. And, it's about doing my part to promote better business practices. I will not jump to conclusions or act haphazardly, ignoring questions like, " Why would a normal, reasonable person fail to pay me? " [I used to do that in my younger years and I have learned that's not fair to anyone, including myself.] As a Business Leader... Do you instruct your people how to deal with payments? Does your organization treat suppliers with the same level of consideration expected from clients? PS: When Sales reps allow customers to renege on deals or fail to pay, I see weakness where there should be strength, conviction, and a high level of self-worth. If weakness exists then I try to illustrate a better way. PPS: Similarly, I think ' stretching accounts payable ' is a dysfunctional and entirely inappropriate way of dealing with suppliers.

## Thought Tweet #754
Date: 2013-06-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-754/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #754 Managers handle situations; Leaders plan situations. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Leaders & Managers - What's The Difference? About Situations And Napoleon set the high bar... “Circumstances-what are circumstances? I make circumstances” .

## Thought Tweet #753
Date: 2013-06-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-753/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #753 Do you spend more time (A) annoying people or (B) watching people you don't know annoying people you don't know on TV? The Thinking Behind The Tweet The mob loves reality TV . As technology advances the mob watches real TV people decorate cakes, dance with stars, and catch alligators. The mob has an insatiable appetite for annoying other people - both doing it and watching it being done. As the techies and academics work away at bringing us the Singularity, the mob gorges itself on a wide range of TV reality shows . What a juxtaposition.

## People are social creatures...with interesting approaches to making decisions
Date: 2013-06-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-are-social-creatureswith-interesting-approaches-to-making-decisions/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Delegation & Decisions, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!

Dealing with Other People: Making Business Decisions People are social creatures: we live with one another, we live near one another in community, and we 'work with' one another. The actions we take at work affect and influence one another. The thoughts we share about work affect one another. People approach work with differing attitude. Some of us are more serious about work than others. Put another way, for some people work plays an important role in their lives while for others it does not. Work-life involves a continuous string of dealings with other people. Boiling it down...we can choose to view other people: as very distinct and different (every Man is a stand-alone island), as very similar to us, as 'things' that can help us achieve our goals, and as individuals who are doing their best to deal with their challenges and to achieve their goals. We may view certain people one or more of these ways while viewing other people in entirely different ways. In business, we must 'work with people' to achieve what we hope are common work-goals. When we work with people, Decisions can be made 3 ways: Command-Consultative-Consensus. [I favour a 10-3-1 approach .] Command decisions are made by one person, the person with authority. Consultative decisions are made by the person with authority after gathering ideas from others (without being obligated to use any or all of those ideas). Consensus decisions are 'democratic' decisions made by groups of people, who commit to follow the group decision after it is made. Overlapping these 3 decision choices, business people can treat one another 3 ways: as 'tools/things' requiring instructions (essentially, components of process), as people requiring help (so they can do better in the immediate term and/or in the future), and as objects of criticism (that is, telling or showing them where they are thinking inaccurately or acting badly). As a business leader... How do you think about your people? How do you make decisions? How do you communicate about the way decisions should be made at your organization? How do you know your people understand your decision-making process? How do you cover off the fact sometimes you will be wrong ?

## Thought Tweet #752
Date: 2013-06-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-752/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #752 Think in new ways ; think in old ways...just don't waste time dabbling in-between. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Wisdom survives the test of time . Curiosity & Creativity are essential things. It's the stuff in-between that wastes time, injures attitude, and accomplishes little. Create a How To Think list .

## Thought Tweet #751
Date: 2013-06-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-751/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #751 Do Unto Yourself Before You Do Unto Others The Thinking Behind The Tweet Do unto others as you would have them do to unto you [The Golden Rule...the foundation of major religions] *** Don't do unto others what you wouldn't want them to do unto you [a restatement that aligns with a Spirited definition of Integrity ] *** Do Unto Yourself Before You Do Unto Others [a restatement that adds even tougher limits...and thickens the skin ] *** He who carries the gold makes the rules [as if that's not enough of them - another Golden Rule ] *** Constructive Criticism - make sure you can take a self-injection of that oxymoron

## A Safety Tip [few people know]
Date: 2013-05-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-safety-tip-few-people-know/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts

Despite everything you have done to meet legislation and best practices, your people do not feel as safe at work. Abraham Maslow and others have created pictures like this... ...to explain human needs. Physiological needs come first and Safety needs are next. Safety is the #2 most-basic human needs. And your people do not feel safe at work. This has nothing to do with workplace hazards and accidents. Your people do not feel safe because: Future Shock - T he pace of change is accelerating - we are experiencing the ' Future Shock ' Alvin Toffler wrote about 40 years ago: people know relationships in business are much more fragile than they used to be; people are more uncertain about the stability of their place at work; people are inundated with information , Attention Dilemma , etc. Economic Recession - The 2008 economic downturn shook people's confidence and the fact economic doldrums linger on prove people are still shaken. Shaken means uncomfortable, uncomfortable means insecure & unsafe. For these 2 reasons, your people do not feel safe at work. If you take a step back from the heat of day-to-day work, you can observe the behaviour that confirms this fact. You can observe increased ' fight ' and you can observe increased ' flight '. Some examples of increased fight : increased disharmony at the leadership team level, petty squabbles increased rudeness, name-calling increased complaining increased aggressiveness Some examples of increased flight : people failing to return phone calls people failing to pay bills...and stretching accounts payable people failing to take risks [including spending money] increased use of consensus decisions Change is Only Constructive When People Are Comfortable . To be comfortable...business people must feel more safe than they do now. As a business leader... What are you doing to make your people feel safer?

## Thought Tweet #750
Date: 2013-05-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-750/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #750 Curiosity, Moderation & Variety are the archenemies of Bad Habits . The Thinking Behind The Tweet Q: Why are certain habits called Bad Habits ? A: Because they reduce the ability to achieve our Goals ? Q: How might we change our Bad Habits for the better? A: Consciously, practice Curiosity , think and act with Moderation, & expand your exposure to Variety.

## Thought Tweet #749
Date: 2013-05-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-749/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #749 Some folks are so brutal in front of faces they don't have to repeat themselves behind backs. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Constructive Criticism Is An Oxymoron. When toxic people succeed in work environments that success is always short-lived...and the success comes at a high price. And related to this... If you feel compelled to repeat yourself make sure you don't do it behind people's backs. And... How is it that back-talk happens face-to-face?

## Cutting Through The Confusion: Seeing Good Qualities in People
Date: 2013-05-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/cutting-through-the-confusion-seeing-good-qualities-in-people/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

To excel as business leaders, we need to cut through the economic confusion, the technology fragility, and the media mayhem. We need to get back to the key ingredient: People .

Intertwined with our spirits and minds, each of us possesses 3 human qualities: Drive, Intelligence, and Self-Control. Drive Drive has 2 components: Emotions, which are hereditary vestiges, and Desires, which come in two forms - pleasure/gratification seeking and pain/difficulty avoidance. Put another way: Emotions are subconscious drives inherent in us, and all other human beings, designed to protect us from danger. Each of us has to figure out how to cope with Emotions . Desires are aimed at achieving positive rewards and avoiding negative outcomes. Desires are conscious drives, specific to each of us and linked to each individual's Intelligence and Self-Control....and Goals . Intelligence Intelligence has 4 components: Self-Knowledge, Innate Talent, Knowledge about People, and Wisdom covering self and interactions with other People in Situations . Intelligence spans a wide range from the rational/logical to the irrational/emotional...with feelings dancing in between. Each of us experiences Intelligence 2 ways, and only 2 ways: by Thinking & by Taking Action . Self-Control Self-Control seems to be a thing played out between spirit and mind....between logic and emotion...between right and wrong...between Good Habits and Bad Habits , between short- and long-term goals. Self-Control is much easier said than done . Coupled with clarity of thought, Self-Control ( power of will ) presents to each of us an exquisite & life-long series of mind-challenges .

## Thought Tweet #748
Date: 2013-05-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-748/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #748 Today is ' National Return An Unsolicited Phone Call Day '... [Give a salesperson or an innovator a break today] The Thinking Behind The Tweet People in our community are most-Intelligent. People in our community are most-caring. People in our community are most-giving volunteers. That's why people in our business community must lead the charge! Salespeople and innovators deserve a break ...let's give them one today...let's deliver some pleasant surprises in the form of returning an unsolicited phone call and asking them what they are trying to persuade us to do. And, let's not just give this lip service. Let's show some genuine interest...even if we have to fake it until we make it. If we want Canada to regain its position as a world leader in innovation...we need to start doing some stuff like this. If we want Canada to dig its way out of the lingering economic recession/doldrums...we need to start doing some stuff like this.

## This donkey has a burr
Date: 2013-05-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/this-donkey-has-a-burr/ | Categories: Beyond Business

In days of old, asses were wild creatures that looked similar to horses, but with long ears. Nowadays , when we hear the word 'ass' we tend to think of the thing we sit on, [regardless of what's under it]. When Mankind domesticated asses, we created what we now know as donkeys, [see picture above]. Human beings have a habit of using animal names to describe one another. When we call a person an ass, we mean the person is difficult to take. When we call a person a donkey, it means the person is stubborn or stupid. And, we use both words to describe people who annoy us. After everything asses and donkeys have done for Mankind over the last few millennia...we repay them by using their names to ridicule one another! I wonder if this is an example of anthropomorphism...or, is it the exact opposite...like zoomorphism? And, when did we start doing these cross-species insults? PS: an article about no carrots, no sticks...& no donkeys .

## Thought Tweet #747
Date: 2013-05-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-747/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #747 " Other people's mistakes? Leave them to their makers. " Marcus Aurelius The Thinking Behind The Tweet Marcus Aurelius is one of my heroes. Over 1800 years ago, the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote those words in what was later [much later] published as 'Meditations'. While nobody knows exactly why he wrote several short `books`, it certainly appears he wrote them as a self-help exercise...to keep his thoughts focused and his spirits up when times were tough. The 'books' were written late in Marcus Aurelius' life...likely during the 160`s AD. I re-read 'Meditations' in Italy while on my way to Rome last week. The above quote can be found at book 7, section 29. Clear, concise & nicely-worded wisdom. Constructive criticism is definitely an oxymoron .

## Thought Tweet #746
Date: 2013-05-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-746/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #746 Wisdom, defined: removing things that are wrong from your ' To Do ' & ' To Think ' lists. The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Experience guides intelligent people as they think and act ." Edward de Bono 'Six Action Shoes', (1991) (That's another definition of 'Wisdom'.)

## Thought Tweet #745
Date: 2013-05-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-745/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Hero Worship, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #745 The question shouldn't be, Is the glass half-full or half-empty? It should be, Is the glass half-full and half-empty? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Actually, the question should be - Is the glass at least both half-full and half-empty? Rather than limit people to 2 ways of thinking and claiming one is optimistic and the other pessimistic, we ought to encourage people to view Situations and People's actions from multiple perspectives ...by, for example, encouraging people to use tools like Edward de Bono's ' Six Thinking Hats '. In some Situations , it is appropriate to consider what has been added while in others it is appropriate to consider what has been subtracted. Sometimes we need to consider possibilities. Other times we need to identify the need for urgent action. This goes beyond optimism, pessimism, and realism . While that 'mindset' differentiation may be important, with people or with situations, it also may not be important. Situations & People deserve a lot more thinking than optimism/pessimism tests. PS: That glass-half-full-glass-half-empty saying has always annoyed me. It is too cliché and it puts people into a 2-dimensional box when all of us know we live in at least a 3-dimensional world.

## I have Big Beef About People Who Spew Out the Word INTEGRITY
Date: 2013-05-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/i-have-big-beef-about-people-who-spew-out-the-word-integrity/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Values: Personal Values

An excerpt from the unpublished ' The Dark Side of Sales ' The Lesson Called – I have Big Beef About People Who Spew Out the Word INTEGRITY You : A person, curious about Business Integrity The Mob : The hundreds of companies that cite Integrity as a Corporate Value or Corporate Commitment in their websites, or annual reports, or posted Corporate Statements, or in their promotional literature

An excerpt from the unpublished ' The Dark Side of Sales ', (2006) The Lesson Called – I have Big Beef About People Who Spew Out the Word INTEGRITY You : A person, curious about Business Integrity The Mob : The hundreds of companies that cite Integrity as a Corporate Value or Corporate Commitment in their websites, or annual reports, or posted Corporate Statements, or in their promotional literature The Situation : We were doing a business S.W.O.T. session. [Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats]. We got around to discussing the concept of Integrity. Our people, unanimously, proposed we continue to use Integrity as one of our posted Corporate Values. I had reservations. In particular, I felt the word meant different things to different people – i.e., the word 'Integrity' is wide open to subjective interpretation, whereas, I was working very hard to build a unified, understood corporate culture. Preamble : The following excerpt from instructions I gave to one of our people, will provide to you an idea of how in 2005 we approached about 50 Ontario businesses that, in their annual report or their website or both, touted Integrity as a Corporate Value or a Corporate Commitment: We need to define 'Integrity' in terms that reflect Clients' definitions [we are going to make contact with some Businesses]. We need to think of 'Integrity', not from 'our perspective' but from 'their perspectives'. For now, think of 'Integrity' in broadest of terms: find the definition of 'Integrity', which feeds the description of their corporate culture. We need to understand the Businesses' knowledge of 'Integrity' [and the essence of their corporate culture] and whether or not they practice what they preach…or, is it just lip service about 'Integrity'? Is 'Integrity' just a cliché? Or...is 'Integrity' genuine and well understood throughout the organization? in summary - do the Businesses even have a real corporate culture? ***** Postamble : OK, that’s how we approached the exercise. What happened? What did we learn? We learned, in 2005, Corporate Integrity was pretty close to an oxymoron. Certainly, it was ripe with irony and warranted the title of cliché. While all the companies had used the word Integrity in their website under the section titled Annual Report or Corporate Values or both: We could find no company that had created a written definition of integrity . We could find no CEO-type who had a verbal definition of integrity . We could find no company that had taken any steps to inform/educate its employees about integrity . In fact, when we offered to have our CEO-type [me] visit their CEO-types, for a 15-20 minute action-packed sharing of thoughts about corporate integrity only 3 of 50 companies agreed to a meeting. While all 3 were tremendous people, with tremendous family-business stories, none of them had clear and communicated definitions of 'Integrity'. *** Now, consider the Crash of 2008 in light of that 2005 exercise. Do you suspect there's a cause and effect at play? -and- We Canadians - have we learned the Integrity lesson? ANOTHER APPEAL ON BEHALF OF INTEGRITY

## Thought Tweet #744
Date: 2013-05-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-744/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #744 When you boil them down [of course, figuratively not literally] people have not changed. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Don't let new communication technologies and media-options confuse you. Yes, I accept the fact many people face computer lights hour after hour, day after day, and that probably has changed the way many of us read. For example, this probably has reduced both our interest in and ability to read lengthy paragraphs 'on-line'. So, we probably do prefer bullet points over lengthy on-line prose. And Yes, I accept we are inundated with advertising messages after advertising messages [the Attention Dilemma ]. So, the things we communicate must be interesting to catch and hold other people's attention. Don't let these things confuse you - people have not changed . We just need to pay more attention to them .

## Thought Tweet #743
Date: 2013-05-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-743/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #743 Procrastination can be OK...as long as you are not almost going through the motions. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some people have mastered the art of procrastinating for success . Somehow, intuitively, or through self-analysis, they know certain actions go against their grain . So, either consciously or non-consciously, they don't do. They don't almost do . They just don't do . And, they don't fret about it.

## Thought Tweet #742
Date: 2013-05-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-742/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #742 INTEGRITY : there's a word that may go without saying...but not with just saying. The Thinking Behind The Tweet After all these years...I still have a beef with people who spew out the word Integrity. [see May 23rd, 2013 Thought Post]

## Relationships Are Being Shocked Into Evolution
Date: 2013-05-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/relationships-are-being-shocked-into-evolution/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Seeking Simple!

Now, more than ever, business success relies on a combination of knowing your area of best performance and studying what your clients do. Most people feel they do not have enough time. This feeling is causing an evolution of business-people relationships . Relationships between business people are being shocked into evolution by technologies, the three broad categories in this area being: new communication media ...'social media', super-automated process equipment , & information-handling software and systems . Relationships between business people are being shocked into evolution by global commoditization : increased local & international competition, increased levels of employee turnover, & reduced job security. As this evolution of business relationships is happening a number of trends are adding to the confusion. Key examples include: the increased need for accurate and clear thinking about value propositions , the advancement of leadership priorities , & the increased value of insight [the commoditization beater ...or, at least, a big part of the solution]. With all of this stuff tending to complicate things, to perform best – we must first simplify…then we must build. For most businesses, value is created when simple tools are placed in the hands of solid work ethic. And, as a first step we need to seek simple . Now, more than ever, business success relies on a combination of knowing your area of best performance and studying what your clients do .

## Thought Tweet #741
Date: 2013-05-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-741/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #741 Over 2000 years ago, Roman Stoics developed the habit of waiting a day before beating slaves who had erred. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Speaking of Good Habits & Constructive Criticism... If those ancient Romans could have that kind of self-control, just think what 21st Century business people could accomplish if they put their minds to it!

## Thought Tweet #740
Date: 2013-05-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-740/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #740 It's easy to make a significant change: just tell everyone you have developed an electricity intolerance. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sure, change is tough. But you gotta look on the bright side: if you don't like that last suggestion - when the urge to change gets too annoying, you can always watch a TV rerun. Now, do you see the benefit in the power of positive thinking?

## Motivation, Self-Confidence...Entrepreneurship & Sales
Date: 2013-05-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/motivation-self-confidenceentrepreneurship-sales/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Entrepreneur Thinking, Sales

Some people are convinced their motivation is not their responsibility. They rely on others for motivation and they blame others when motivation isn't happening. In their world, self-motivation does not exist. For people with this view, company enjoys misery. Like-minded, these people naturally congeal around the lowest-common denominator. Low or even zero motivation becomes the benchmark and hue and cry [for example, around the water cooler]. And, within the group, there can be a lot of crying and other forms of complaining. These people tend to approach everything with a What's-In-It-For-Me? attitude. Or, they consider themselves victims. At best, these people spread out the breeding ground for the mind-virus called mediocrity....a 'mob' mentality. Each and every person who chooses not to join this 'mob' feels a personal responsibility for the task of self-motivation. Often, these self-motivated people railroad over the people in the 'mob'…and, often, the 'mob' responds by providing the things desired by the dominant person in command. Most of these not-in-the-'mob' people could not care less why the 'mob' refuse to self-motivate. Dominant people who are not in the 'mob' simply dominate and the people in the 'mob', to a large degree and with consistency, do what they are told or forced to do. Some of these not-in-the-'mob' people think about how people in the 'mob' might be converted into self-motivators. They wonder: Perhaps, the answer lies in big sticks and loud screams? Perhaps, the answer lies in nurturing arms and soothing tones? Perhaps, there is no answer and we must accept that resistance is futile , a necessity under the human condition? [I think, yes, for certain people we must accept it.] Needless to say, if you buy into anything I am saying, you will quickly understand why many business problems exist around self-motivation. For business-work the real problem is, the people in the ‘mob’ lack the self-motivation and the self-discipline to have the required level of work-drive to do well in the entrepreneurial or the sales environment. The people in the 'mob' may be able to survive in different-than-entrepreneurial environments but even that is getting tougher and tougher to do under globalization [if that exists] or global commoditization [which I know exists]. Certainly, these days , a complete career in a blue chip organization is not anticipated to be a most-likely outcome for very many people, especially the people in the 'mob'. In fact, the people in the 'mob' have no job security. A Key Point: Virtually 100% of the time, low self-motivation, low self-discipline , and low work-drive have a single root cause. That root cause is low self-confidence . Entrepreneuring ain’t easy. Sales ain’t easy. And, the 'mob' attitude is business-weak. So, the people in the 'mob' really suffer in entrepreneurial and sales environments. They suffer because they accept this defeat or that defeat , without accepting this responsibility or that responsibility or learning this lesson or that lesson . The people in the 'mob' make this excuse or that excuse . They choose to accept failure after failure while rejecting any we-can-win thinking. The 'mob' recognizes some struggling happens prior to achievement. And the 'mob' understands winning requires directed effort. Some struggling & directed effort…well, that's a whole bunch of work, isn't it?

## Thought Tweet #739
Date: 2013-05-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-739/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

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."

## Thought Tweet #738
Date: 2013-05-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-737/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #738 It's OK to voice clichés...as long as you don't make a practice of living them. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Common don't cut it in this world of global commoditization .

## Thought Tweet #737
Date: 2013-05-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-736-2013/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #737 Objective, well-intentioned, well-delivered criticism will still gnaw, rip, and tear thin skin. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Criticism will always gnaw, rip, and tear at thin skin. That is a given. The only question is: how will the thin-skinned person react as the thin skin rips and tears? The natural reactions are fight & flight...aggression & avoidance. And, of importance – will ‘ motivation ’ get dragged into the bloody discussion after the ripping and tearing of thin skin? Sometimes it will. More often the thought will be there, but it will be unspoken. And, as they say, “ It's the thought that counts .” I have strong views on ‘motivation’, and my strong views contain intolerance of those who blame others for the failures or the lack of motivation. Bosses have a tough enough job without having to bear the burden of every subordinate’s ‘motivation’.

## Can You Open Your Mind To Criticism?
Date: 2013-05-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/can-you-open-your-mind-to-criticism/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thick Skin & Thin Skull

For the sake of change and innovation , I hope you can. For the sake of future Canadian generations, I hope you can. For your piece of mind, I hope you can. I have written often - Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron [99.44% of the time]. To be clear... I mean that as an observation. I do not mean that as a moral or philosophical judgment against constructive criticism or a condemnation of criticism in general. It is simply an observation. Now...if I was inclined to make a moral or philosophical judgment then: Criticism is needed and an environment where it can and does happen should be promoted and appreciated. When applied with wisdom and sincerity, criticism should always be received well. You should have thick skin…criticism only injures you when you allow it to. Even offensively-applied criticism does not have to injure you. It is your choice. If you have t hick skin and a thin skull then you know this to be true. For other people, criticism can be offensive. That's their shortfall...you do not have to be offended by criticism. You can choose to not be offended. You have thick skin...or you can make some character adjustments so you have thick skin. Thick skin provides you the ability to make that sort of choice. Indeed, criticism cannot be done in a willy-nilly, free-for-all way. Nobody should deliver criticism that way. You are on very thin ice when you choose the targets of your criticism poorly...for example, when you choose to criticize The Boss. That's just common sense. So, inject wisdom before you prescribe criticism. And, Criticism needs to be bounded. Criticism is best when it is applied in small doses. Be concise. There are times and places for criticism. Be selective. Emotions should be under control when criticism is delivered. Be respectful. *** Thick Skin: if you prick me, I do not bleed Thin Skull: if you prick me, I think before I do *** Here's an idea...call it a Thick-Skin-Thin-Skull suggestion ... The next time you feel inclined to criticize someone take the time to write it out on a piece of paper. Then get another piece of paper and write out a criticism of yourself. Compare the two. Make sure they are about equally-important items and are of equivalent length, level of detail, wording/style and tone. Then make a choice: present both of them to the person you wish to criticize or tear them both up and move on to some other activity. If you choose #1...don't be bashful. Let the person know you are undertaking a Thick-Skin-Thin-Skull adventure...trying to help yourself and others prove Constructive Criticism shouldn't be an Oxymoron! If you choose #2...pat yourself on the back...celebrate the step toward thinning your skull and thickening your skin.

## Thought Tweet #736
Date: 2013-05-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-736/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #736 The 'mob' is convinced someone else is responsible for motivating each and every one in the 'mob'. The Thinking Behind The Tweet I used to write a lot about the 'mob'... wrong thinkers chronic complainers narrow minders finger pointers frowners ...people who are just going through the business motions.

## Do as I say, not as I do!
Date: 2013-05-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-as-i-say-not-as-i-do/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Values: Personal Values

Do as I say, not as I do... Why? ...Obviously, I've got that last part covered. That phrase - do as I say, not as I do - is the recipient of a bad rap . When people hear it they think things like: That person is a hypocrite! That person is giving bad advice! If that person cannot follow his or her own advice then why should I! If that person cannot follow his or her own advice then, definitely, I will not be able to follow it! All of that is wrong-thinking. Beware the Attribution Bias . Beware the excuse-taking. Slip-ups are a fact of life. Everyone fails to do what they say...from time to time, sooner or later. That alone is not a violation of Integrity. It is simply a fact of human life. Integrity, as Spirited Leaders define it , has this nuance: nobody is perfect! So, do not force wisdom to meet a perfection test. Despite best intentions: everyone slips up from time to time, everyone struggles to exercise power of will...sooner or later, everyone is prone to be weak in certain situations, everyone has a limited amount of energy, & everyone weakens, sooner or later, when challenging situations stack up against them . So, even the wisest people with the highest Integrity will slip up from time to time. Even as they slip up, their wisdom may be sound. Even as they slip up, their character may be sound. Even as they slip up, their Integrity may be sound. The question is: How do they react when they slip up? If they acknowledge their error, that’s a good sign. If they express regret, that’s a good sign. If they indicate a desire to do better in the future, that’s a good sign. With those good signs, trust can be rebuilt over time. Trust can be rebuilt when you believe the person’s Integrity aligns with your Integrity. And, as that is happening, make sure you cut some slack...Beware the Attribution Bias.

## Thought Tweet #735
Date: 2013-05-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-735/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #735 Slightly annoyed people used to say, " Get a Life ". Reality TV has taken the sting out of that admonition. The Thinking Behind The Tweet It's now incredibly easy to 'get a life'. Our TV remotes provide us a full range of lives...numerous reality choices with many variations on how to annoy other people - annoying co-workers, annoying family members, annoying aspiring singers & aspiring dancers & aspiring entrepreneurs...annoying all types of people in all types of real-life situations...all available at the flick of a switch. Question: Do you spend more time (A) annoying other people or (B) watching people you don't know annoying other people you don't know on TV? And, for those who are not avid practitioners in the art of annoying others... Do you spend more time (A) solving your own problems or (B) watching other people struggle with their problems on TV?

## 2 Simple Tools: 1 for Thinking, 1 for Action....both for Communicating.
Date: 2013-05-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/2-simple-tools-1-for-thinking-1-for-actionboth-for-communicating/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Book Reviews, Brain: about the Human Brain, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Hero Worship, Ideas, Leaders' Thoughts, Measure & Monitor, Optimism & Pessimism, Personalities @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Edward de Bono is one of my heroes. In my opinion, he is the world's greatest creative thinking educator. I have written about Edward de Bono and his ' Six Thinking Hats '...' Six Thinking Hats ' is an extremely helpful tool for sorting out your thinking and for communicating with others about thinking. Here's a picture-summary: Edward de Bono's ' Six Thinking Hats ' I have a de Bono section in my library. My goal is to collect and red all his books. That's a challenge because he has been prolific, writing well over 50 books. I have just completed reading de Bono's ' Six Action Shoes ', (1991). ' Six Action Shoes ' is an extremely helpful tool for sorting out your actions and for communicating with others about actions. Here's a picture-summary: Edward de Bono's ' Six Action Shoes ' These thinking and action tools provide excellent ways to Seek Simple ....a Spirited Leaders' philosophy. When thinking can be summarized in 6 ways...that's seeking simple. When action can be summarized in 6 ways...that's seeking simple. And, that's why Edward de Bono is so amazing. He has been able to unleash his genius [and help others do the same] because he is the master in simplifying before choosing how to think, simplifying before choosing how to act, and knowing when and how to be creative. In other books, he illustrates exactly how to be creative. [Our recent thought post ' Taking Curiosity to Creativity ' contains de Bono's signature contribution - lateral thinking.] Now, Seek Simple is one of Spirited Leaders' core philosophies...another is: Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations Much has been posted about People, Process, & Situations . Now we will show how Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats and Six Action Shoes can be incorporated. Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations. Here's the picture... A snapshot in time during your business day - that's what we mean by Situations . That snapshot will contain people [at least 1, you] and it will contain process [at least 1, your thinking]. Process either involves People or machines/mechanisms/tools [designed by People]. For the time being, let's concentrate on the Processes performed by People. There are only 2 types of Processes performed by People: Thinking and Action . If we embrace de Bono's tools, the Processes performed by People have 12 components: 6 ways of thinking and 6 ways of taking action. In any Situation, People can decide which of the 12 things they will perform. Here's the picture... Those are good questions to ask ! [That's Seeking Simple and finding it.] [That makes for one very Good Habit .]

## Are you updating your business tools?
Date: 2013-05-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/are-you-updating-your-business-tools/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, 80/20 Rule, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, IT & TECH

It started with rocks and sticks. In our early days, we used them to do work. And now, with really-advanced technologies, tools are creating really-advanced problems for us...call them techno-problems. Techno-Problems : here are a few examples: e-mail spam and internet hackers require us to have filters and firewalls and other security controls, which generate an unending series of updates information inundation see for example, the Attention Dilemma Future Shock and other worries about the future

About Tools & Business Improvements It started with rocks and sticks. In our early days, we used them to do work. We needed them to perform what our bodies could not do. We used tools to make work easier and less risky. We used rocks to injure prey. We used rocks to scrape the meat off bones. We used rocks to open shells. We burned sticks to keep us warm. We burned sticks to protect ourselves from animals. We used sticks & stones to make spears for hunting. We used sticks to support us when our legs were injured and we used sticks as spears for fishing. Later we used rocks and slings to hunt prey from a distance. We used sticks to create bows and arrows for protection and hunting. Tools have played a major role in our lives...in summary, 5 ways: Making them, Exchanging them, Putting them to good use, Maintaining them, & Upgrading them [as technologies and our bank accounts allow]. And now, with really-advanced technologies, tools are creating really-advanced problems for us...call them techno-problems. Techno-Problems : here are a few examples: e-mail spam and internet hackers require us to have filters and firewalls and other security controls, which generate an unending series of updates information inundation see for example, the Attention Dilemma Future Shock and other worries about the future Yes - our increasing demand for higher-technology and innovative tools has generated techno-problems. We need to fix that. The solution is : seeking simple and one important aspect is simplifying our tools. Some suggestions : Less is better...limit the amount of information you are exposed to. Be information-selective. Employ the 80/20 Rule . These reductions will allow you to focus on what's important. Use 1-Page Tools : demystify process and help your people get over work-process hurdles Take advantage of proprietary software Remove system & process gaps ...those work-flow disconnects that cause duplication of work, unnecessary month-end and project-completion overtime and other things that really annoy your people

## Thought Tweet #734
Date: 2013-05-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-734/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #734 I'm annoyed by that cliché, ' skin in the game' . I want to hear about skull in the game . The Thinking Behind The Tweet Let's forget about putting money in & getting that pound of flesh and set our sights a bit higher...that is, let's concentrate on kilograms of neurons packaged in open-minded skulls. It is time we started to recognize the attributes delivered in the form of thick skin and thin skulls .

## Thought Tweet #733
Date: 2013-05-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-733/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #733 Extra, Extra, Read All About It : The Future Shock Pandemic Is Upon Us. Many now unable to return phone calls. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When Alvin Toffler warned us about Future Shock he didn't mention all these people would become so shocked they wouldn't even be able to return phone messages !

## Thought Tweet #732
Date: 2013-05-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-732/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #732 " ...the parasites live where the great have little secret sores ." The Thinking Behind The Tweet According to history or legend, when the great Henry Ford was caught in a very compromising situation he said, " Never complain, never explain ". We cannot believe everything we read, so - perhaps Henry Ford was never in that compromising situation and even if he was perhaps he never said that never-never quip. And, perhaps Henry Ford was simply making timely use of the wisdom expressed earlier by the great British statesman, Benjamin Disraeli? Regardless, Disraeli or Ford or both, " Never complain, never explain " makes for an interesting story-example of what makes great men great. PS: " ...the parasites live where the great have little secret sores ." Many people have a negative impression of Friedrich Nietzsche. I'm not one of them. Just after Disraeli's death, when Ford was a young man, Nietzsche wrote those words. [' This Spoke Zarathustra '...written in 4 parts, during the 1880's]

## Do you ask the right questions about your problems?
Date: 2013-05-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-ask-questions-about-your-problems/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities

P=2S+O [a Spirited philosophy] For every Problem you bring to me, show me at least 2 Solutions and let me know if you see any Opportunities . Some Questions: Do you spend more time (A) working at solving your own problems or (B) watching other people struggle with their problems on TV? Do you spend more time (A) discussing problems from reality TV shows or (B) discussing your own problems? Do you spend more time (A) talking to co-workers about your problems or (B) thinking about possible solutions to your problems? Do you spend more time (A) figuring out the causes of your problems or (B) implementing solutions to your problems? Do you spend more time (A) thinking about your problems or (B) acting on solutions to your problems? Do you spend more time (A) looking for opportunities linked to your problems or (B) seeking the root cause of your problems? Do you spend more time (A) listening to others complain about their problems or (B) telling people about opportunities linked to your problems?

## Thought Tweet #731
Date: 2013-05-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-731/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #731 In days of old, fear made us fit and functional. Now, with many options as close as our remote, we rarely allow that. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Fear is the part of the human condition that provides us a fighting [or flighting] chance to survive. In tougher-times-of-old, fear-triggered physiological changes pumped blood to our arms so we could fight and to our legs so we could run. Now... Rather than fight we take out our aggression on a big bowl of popcorn while watching GSP doing MMA on PPV. And, rather than run we calm our troubled minds by watching Honey Boo Boo reruns. Now, more often than not, fear bypasses our arm and leg muscles and finds its way to our bellies and hips.

## Thought Tweet #730
Date: 2013-05-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-730/ | Categories: Humour, Marketing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #730 Social Media provides an excellent opportunity to say what you say instead of do what you do. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Are you hunkering down over anti-social media? Some thoughts about Fake Work . ...yes...pots do call kettles black.

## Thought Tweet #729
Date: 2013-05-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-729/ | Categories: Humour, Marketing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #729 Social Media - the convoluted opportunity to watch what they say, not what they do. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Are you hunkering down over anti-social media?

## I'm no Economist...
Date: 2013-05-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/im-no-economist/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

I'm no Economist. So, I have no delusion about being able to either understand the financial-facts and number-nuances or accurately forecast the future economy. I have, however, experienced instances where I felt 100% certain I could accurately predict the direction of [natural gas] commodity prices. Perhaps, I was lucky; perhaps, it was real intuition. Regardless, my big-picture financial thoughts are more-or-less limited to questions and untested answers. I understand people keep digging up gold, diamonds, and other precious things...which, for an interesting range of reasons, people value. As precious things are found and sold and bought - wealth increases. I understand people keep pumping up oil and gas and digging up other fuel sources...which, for practical reasons, people value. As these practical things are found and sold and bought - wealth increases...albeit, the growth in wealth is temporary for the buyer who sooner or later consumes them. Outside of that and other similar simplistic views about how economies work, my big-picture financial thoughts are more-or-less limited to questions and untested answers. Here are a few of them: Debt is increasing. So what! Isn't that the normal direction we should expect overall debt to take? Shouldn't debt follow the same trend as wealth? About the overall trend for wealth...isn't that trend an 'upward-sloping' line with overall wealth increasing with time? To the extent human beings place value on Value and call it wealth...haven't they always and won't they always tend to create it? Put another way, to the extent human beings innovate [in the commercial sense]...won't that tend to create wealth? And, as people create new pieces of Value and wealth and then exchange that new Value with other people won't the exchange be accompanied, in some instances, by new debt? So, isn't it natural for debt to increase as wealth increases? Shouldn't we expect that? And - Isn't the extent of debt limited by the extent of wealth? Wait a second...I worked through that Enron experience...let me rephrase that. Isn't real debt limited by real wealth? I'm no Economist...but...it seems to me the answer is 'Yes'. We cannot expect one without the other. Sure, greedy and tricky hucksters can and do balloon the presentation of wealth. [not to mention Enron, again] And, other folks - for example, the suckers Barnum said are born every minute - can be overconfident about the amount of debt they can afford and they can and do become over-extended. However... The aggregate of debt cannot exceed the aggregate of wealth...can it? In the event the extent of aggregate debt gets too high relative to the extent of aggregate wealth, doesn't that get cleared up quickly with 'market corrections'? Don't market corrections reduce [right-size] both wealth and debt? Questioned another way... If wealth is not real then isn't the related debt also not real? Don't stock-market corrections walk hand in hand with bankruptcy write-offs? Don't these things pave the path for post-traumatic economic growth? And... When we say "debt is too high" don't we also mean "wealth is too high"? PS: related to this - Do people, on average, take debt more seriously than wealth? Do people in debt feel more obligated to pay their debt than people possessing wealth feel obligated to state its value accurately? Aren't interest rates simply a reflection of confidence in [future] wealth creation?

## Thought Tweet #728
Date: 2013-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-728/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #728 Show & Tell...Pick Show! The Thinking Behind The Tweet In our younger days, our grade-school teachers tried to teach us how to Show & Tell. [Perhaps due to the latency effect ] Many of us only picked up the last half of the lesson. It is really tough to lead by example when you are long on Tell and short on Show.

## How do we develop Bad Habits?
Date: 2013-04-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-we-develop-bad-habits/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

In reaction to our fears and pain, we seek comfort & relief in the form of Bad Habits . Our Bad Habits happen as a result of 3 things:

In reaction to our fears and pain, we seek comfort & relief in the form of Bad Habits . We develop our Bad Habits 3 ways: When we protect our ego by avoiding challenging situations and replacing them with not-challenging, comforting situations. When we bolster our ego by being aggressive with other people . Aggression appears in a wide range of forms. It can be as blatant as physical assault and as subtle as a harsh glance. When we justify our ego - when we support and encourage our egoic frailties - by complaining to others . Perhaps, #3 is the most destructive because it: occupies the time and consumes the energy of at least 2 people, taking their attention and talents away from important work; tends to spread to other people...bad news tends to travel... misery enjoys company ; has a pernicious ability to linger over time. I call this tendency to linger over time a ' Complaint Lifetime ". Complaints have the ability to live longer than the people who express them. Prejudices are an example of long-living complaints. They are passed through time, generation to generation. It takes conscious and concerted effort to reduce and remove prejudices.

## Thought Tweet #727
Date: 2013-04-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-727/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #727 You know you are a leader when you feel confident in the face of confrontation. The Thinking Behind The Tweet You know you are a leader when you have confidence in situations of conflict . [Bearing in mind...even the best of leaders have bad days along with their good days. For example, read the biography of Lord Admiral Nelson .]

## Thought Tweet #726
Date: 2013-04-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-726/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #726 Like Beauty, Fairness is in the eye of the beholder. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Fairness - an admirable motive...but, one that has a really difficult time surviving both delivery and receipt. Fairness - a thing that tends to be torn between biased perspectives. The rest of the world will treat me unfairly...OK...I will live with that. I will treat others unfairly...OK...I will live with that too.

## Thought Tweet #725
Date: 2013-04-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-725/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #725 How do your inner insecurities handle themselves in tough situations ? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Do they champion courage? Do they cry out for help? Do they fluctuate in-between? Do you make the best of your tough situations ? Does your self-control grow?

## Let's not point fingers at Ontario energy policy
Date: 2013-04-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-clarity-around-ontario-energy-policy/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts

Ontario Energy Changes & Cancellations are a Consequence of Democracy. That's a starting point for better energy-policy communication.

Changes and cancellations in Ontario energy policies and rules have disrupted several businesses and careers. To be clear: I am not placing blame...just stating a fact. Background From the 1940's to the 1980's we had one Provincial Government. Since the mid-1980’s we have had many governments. During the last 30 years our Province's voters have ticked the boxes-for-change and brought a string of new and minority governments to power. The series of ruling-party-changes worked against good and sustainable energy policy. The [government-controlled] energy sector has a long lead-lag cycle between political cause and constructed-project effect. As a Province, Ontario continues to suffer the impact of major disruptions/cancellations in the energy sector. As examples: We were to deregulate electricity in 2001...the quasi-deregulation lasted from May 2001 to November 2001, when it was replaced with even-more-quasi-deregulation. We were to be off-coal by 2007. It is 2013 and we are still not fully off-coal. However, we do have some gas-generation plant, wind-power, and high-electricity-rates issues to deal with. As another example – the breaking up of Ontario Hydro into OPG, Hydro One, Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation [i.e., ‘DebtCo’], etc. has created a series of cancellations. The government’s intent, in 2001, was to take Hydro One public. That plan was cancelled in 2002. In 2002 Hydro One’s commodity-selling subsidiary Ontario Hydro Energy was shut down…cancelling many contracts between that subsidiary and its suppliers. OPG’s dominant position in the marketplace was to be removed…another cancellation…that did not happen. Generating the majority of Ontario's electricity, OPG controls the pricing of electricity in our Province. Now, that is not 100% true…the Province of Ontario itself has a say in the price we pay for electricity…to confirm this check the extent of ‘global adjustments’ on your monthly electricity bill. All of these aspects of more-than-quasi-deregulation of electricity and its brothers and sisters taking the form of solar-energy policy and wind-energy policy have had impact on the free market. The Ontario Government controls our electricity costs and our tax costs. At the time Ontario Hydro was dismantled the electricity debt was $38 Billion. When we are talking electricity we are talking huge dollars. We do not know the current level of Ontario electricity debt because it has been obscured by the dismantling of Ontario Hydro. The current ‘gas-generation plant issues’ are among the most-visible examples of the significant “cancellations” the energy sector has experienced during my career. I put the word “cancellations” in quotes because many will argue these are not cancellations…they are just changes. Ontario Energy Changes & Cancellations are a Consequence of Democracy The energy changes & cancellations problem is largely one of communication. Yes - energy policy changes and project cancellations increase either our electricity costs or our taxes or both. Yes - energy changes and cancellations affect all of us in Ontario. Again, that is not to say Ontario governments are to blame. Rather than pointing fingers of blame we should focus on accurate communication. It is more accurate to say these cancellations are a consequence of democracy. If we accept that fact we can begin to take steps toward better places. Voters elect governments. The extent of voters' fickleness determines the frequency of government change. The frequency of government change is directly proportional to the frequency of energy-policy change. And, energy-policy change creates energy-market changes and cancellations. And, energy-policy changes are very costly. Yes - energy-policy changes are costly...but, blaming governments is a futile strategy. Let's spend some time focusing on accurate communication.

## Thought Tweet #724
Date: 2013-04-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-724/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #724 Judge others carefully & know emotions cloud the truth. Believe emotions reveal the truth & judge others harshly. The Thinking Behind The Tweet It's not a question of right or wrong. It's just a couple of observations. Emotions [in contrast to feelings] are vestiges of formerly-useful genetically ingrained information. Thoughts & judgments are matters of some choice. Expressions of thoughts & judgments are matters of more choice.

## The Telephone-Tag Solution
Date: 2013-04-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-solution-to-wasted-voice-mail/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication

There's an ugly voice-mail epidemic out there. Let's put a stop to it. Numerous people are leaving voice-mail messages that go something like this: "Hello, you have reached ____________. I am not at my desk right now. If you leave a message, I will call you back as soon as I can." Isn't that just bizarre! So 20th Century!!! Clearly, a huge proportion of these people are either too lazy to update their phone-message or they delight in tricking callers. Or, perhaps they do not know how to present an accurate voice-mail message. Here is an effort at helping...' A Voice-Mail Message for the 21st Century '. "As you have noticed, I have not picked up my phone. Perhaps, I am not at my desk. Or, perhaps, I am making good use of my Caller ID service. If you are not my boss or our CEO or somebody in between, chances are very high I will not call you back. If you do not hear from me in 2 business days, please do not attempt to contact me again. My goal here is to waste no time; not yours, not mine. In case you are still on the line...for greater certainty: If you report to me, I hope your message is only good news...if so, I may call you back. If you are a co-worker, well you know enough not to waste your time leaving a message. If you are family, send a text message on my unpublished phone line and I will get back to you in a similar way. If you have an amazing new, cannot-fail idea...call one of my competitors. If you do not know me...wake up...get with the 21st Century and get off my phone system."

## Thought Tweet #723
Date: 2013-04-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-723/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #723 Leadership is about a better future. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Leadership is about holding a picture of a better future in your mind...and seeing others, better off, in it.

## Leaders...Talk about Change!...There's a mob out there!
Date: 2013-04-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaderstalk-about-change-theres-a-mob-out-there/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts

Leaders can benefit from a sampling of mob history… History Sample 1: Julius Caesar met with part of the ‘mob’ of his day, which at the time I believe they called the Senators. I believe Caesar had called an impromptu meeting with his team of senators and other business people. He was their boss but that didn’t stop each and every one of the ‘mob’ from poking away at him right out in public until he could stand for it no more. This is an early and classic example of the ‘mob’ gaining strength in numbers. History Sample 2: Napoleon Bonaparte saw them coming so he shot cannons at the 'mob' of his day...I believe he did this a couple of times…and a bunch of revolutionary things followed. As I understand it, and I admit this is a pretty scanty synopsis of it: Napoleon ordered some cannon shots, killed some of the ‘mob’, and over the next number of years a whole bunch of people got carried away and lost their heads. History Sample 3: Friedrich Nietzsche wrote about the 'mob' of his day and revolutionary things didn’t happen. And, if the publishers’ records have it right, I believe this is because virtually all of the ‘mob’ of his day never bought any of his books and, even after some of them did, it took a few generations for anyone to understand a damn thing Nietzsche was talking about. Now, that pretty much captures the important historical record about the ‘mob’ and its role in society during the last two millennia. Sure, we could have spent a lot of time talking about other important ‘mob’ celebrations: the various Huns getting down to their work, the crusades, the inquisitions, the witch hunts, the conquistadors, the holocausts, the genocide, etc., however, much like the events themselves – that would be overkill. So, with enough ‘mob’ history under our belts, let’s focus on the present day ‘mob’ – the ‘mob’ of the New Millennium . Roughly at the turning of the New Millennium, the 'mob' transformed and became a seriously-ingrained part of our North American culture....I mean, today, we just accept the ‘mob’ as it is regardless of its form. Today, we have totally open minds about the ‘mob’. Today, we forgive the quirks of the ‘mob’ and we ignore the ominous and embrace the ignorance of the ‘mob’. ...to be continued...

## Thought Tweet #722
Date: 2013-04-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-722/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #722 Intelligent people grow kinder with age. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Leaders have at least 3 strong qualities: Intelligence, Self-Control, & Drive . Leaders are life-long learners. As they age, often sooner rather than later, they gain Intelligence in the area of Self-Control and they put that intelligence to good use.

## Thought Tweet #721
Date: 2013-04-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-721/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #721 Did cavemen bite their fingernails? The Thinking Behind The Tweet My mind occasionally wanders into evolutionary thoughts. I think about cavemen. Sometimes I write about them . I wonder how cavemen dealt with complex things like child-birth and child-rearing. I wonder how they dealt with simpler things like fingernail care.

## Thought Tweet #720
Date: 2013-04-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-720/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #720 We praise our phones by calling them "smart" then we toss them away, replacing them in adolescence. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Following up on yesterday's Thought Tweet #719, our technologies are becoming as fragile as our relationships. Puppy Love used to apply to puppies...then it morphed toward hand-holding teenagers...now it has morphed toward hand-touched technologies.

## A Different Way to Look at D.I.S.C. personalities
Date: 2013-04-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-different-way-to-look-at-disc-personalities/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work

Here are some other helpful D.I.S.C. tidbits: Also, like the S, the I typically cannot remember even ball-park details like " I think it was about $200 " On the other hand a C will never say “ I think it was about $200 .” The C will say – “ It was $204.57 .” And, the D will say “ It was $205, and do not make me have to repeat myself .”

Slipping a D.I.S.C. and Getting Into Personality Style [an excerpt from ' The Dark Side of Sales '] When one considers people one must do a little work. One must first understand people exhibit diverse personality styles. There are many different ‘models’ and ‘tools’ designed and purported to help us sort out the various personality styles. Let’s start with D.I.S.C. approach D Dominance -Types I I nfluence -Types S Steadiness -Types (formerly called Security) C Compliance -Types (formerly called Consultative...sometimes called Conscientiousness) Obviously, or at least it is obvious to the people who learn this ‘theory’ and think at the same time…it is impossible to peg people into little 2-dimensional pieces of pie chart. People are a little more complicated than that…at least, they are 3-dimensional [trusting Descartes and many others had that right]. Whatever - 2-dimensions, 3-dimensions, or more - I think this D.I.S.C. thing has some real merits. At least, it is a starting point. There are many similar/comparable types of personality-style tools. Again, I admit I am just a student-apprentice when it comes to this sort of psychology…or is it philosophy? But, I think the D.I.S.C. and other such tools/theory about human personality styles is at least directionally-correct…and it can be used as a helpful little tool to help you span the big gaps between You and Them. Please take the following interpretation in stride…check out D.I.S.C. and other such theory/ideas/tools and draw your own conclusions. Here is a hint of the valuable things I have learned around D.I.S.C. D: D’s are dominant, pragmatic, let’s-act people who feel anger before anything else. If you are a D you might say - Now, I know why I find everyone so bloody irritating. It is my ‘nature’ so now I have not only a justification for my anger, I also can use anger - it’s my nature as an excuse any time I want. I: I’s are gregarious, will-act people who like people a lot more than facts. They are able to lead. These sorts are often able to get along on sheer personality. (This is how I first caught on I might not be an ‘I’.) S: S’s are outgoing too. They like to be led, and be part of a team . These S-folks like details. They can delve into details until the cows come home….especially, if they can do it as part of a committee. C: C’s don’t just like details…they love them. They are details-insatiable. They wish everyone could be a number. And, they make everyone give numbers…like Johnny 5, they need input . Here’s a pretty good sample of my D.I.S.C. mind pictures. It is hard for D's to sell to S's. This is like a 100 metre sprinter trying to adjust to compete in a synchronized swimming event. But, chameleon D , master sales people can do it. It is hard for I's to sell to C's. This is like a relay-racer trying to adjust to retiring as the person who is forced to measure how far other athletes long jump. But, chameleon I , master sales people can do it. D's can sell to D's. They can lose today’s 100 metre race and quickly forget it, and start training for the next racing meet...knowing they will win next time. ...no matter what it takes. D's can sell to I's. Both know how to sprint...while the one hates all that teamwork and passing of batons and the other would rather be on the podium with friends than take the gold medal alone....there is a strong mutual respect – both know how to get things done and win. I's can sell to I's. The relay team gets along real well...especially when they win. And, they don't have to win every time to be very, very happy. But, they always have to have done their best...and they have to have some laughs and poke fun at each other at least once and a while. I's can sell to D's. Again, there is the shared mutual respect between these sprinters...even though neither one sees the other's race as his preferred choice. And S's and C's cannot sell or understand anything I have written in this book. I mean they wouldn't ‘ get ’ any of ‘ it ’. This could be written in a different language and it would not distress an S or a C in the slightest…they wouldn’t even notice. S’s and C’s would rather get some repeat root canal work than read a book on sales. [ except, an S might pretend to be reading it if he/she thinks the boss is looking ] Furthermore, even if they were really, really trying it would be almost impossible for an S or a C to have read all the way to this point. I mean, that’s quite a few pages for an S to read. And, a C couldn’t handle the lack of numbers and math. These S and C types don’t like writing or reading other people’s words. S's like written stuff to a degree but they prefer much more fuzzy communication and the joy of the interpersonal experience. C's like a big fat meal of numbers, hold the people, and go light on the written words. Not one natural S or natural C has ever simply morphed into a master sales person...this has only happened on rare occasions when the natural S or natural C first altered, in a most-radical way, his/her character. And, you gotta believe any sort of radical character reconstruction is very rare, indeed. And, a radical character reconstruction is even rarer when the person is an S or a C. So, again, S’s and C’s don’t get any of this. And S's and C's cannot sell. S's lack the commitment to see most things through from start to finish - so, something like a radical character reformation is particularly tough for them. When you think of an S, think of: ready, ready, where were we?…no aiming, no firing. If given the choice between playing a game of pickup ball hockey in the laneway or doing business commerce - an S will always say “ Game on, let's play ball .” If a C is given the choice between climbing up into their next-door-neighbour’s attic to weed through 5 banker’s boxes, full of 5-year-old receipts, and income tax stuff or thinking about their character - the C will always say “ Has anyone seen my back-up calculator and that pack of fresh batteries?” Here are some other helpful D.I.S.C. tidbits: When a buyer says “ I know what you do. Been there, done that ”....chances are extremely good the person is either a D or a C Anyone who fesses up to being an accountant is likely a C or an S. However, if someone pretends to be an accountant then that person might be an I, a chameleon I , that is. [but not a D because any D, even a chameleon D , would get way too angry if asked to play an accounting role] Most engineers - although my scientific performance will confirm, not all - are C’s The I-type person wouldn't touch an audit with a 10-foot pole. For an I, working on an audit and actually bragging about it to complete strangers would be like standing naked at the side of the road, in a cold-rain shower, screaming at all the passing cars...“ Look at me .” An I or an S would do that sort of thing only if he had a bunch of buddies with him and was at least half-way through his 18 th beer Also, like the S, the I typically cannot remember even ball-park details like " I think it was about $200 " On the other hand a C will never say “ I think it was about $200 .” The C will say – “ It was $204.57 .” And, the D will say “ It was $205, and do not make me have to repeat myself .” Footnote: Chameleon : from the Greek words "chamai" (on the earth) and "leon" (lion), this is the name of a special creature that can change its colour to blend in with surroundings. This creature can also move with stealth and move its eyes independently. A Sales person who can perform his or her role like the chameleon will be “grounded” and “courageous”. Also, the Sales person will have ego and countenance under control, won’t command attraction, and will be extra observant. While we cannot change a tiger’s stripes, we can change the colour of an earth-lion. We simply must decide that is the role we want to play – the role of the Sales chameleon.

## Thought Tweet #719
Date: 2013-04-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-719/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #719 Nowadays...technologies are becoming as fragile as relationships. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you disappoint a person, trust drops. Maybe you'll get a second chance to repair the trust. Maybe you will not. It is easier to destroy an interpersonal relationship than build one. Interpersonal relationships are fragile - we know that. Now, there's another complication in our lives: technologies are becoming increasingly fragile. Technologies are becoming so fragile we replace them long before we break them.

## Thought Tweet #718
Date: 2013-04-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-718/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #718 How much would you pay for a can of clone spray? The Thinking Behind The Tweet People are genetically similar; people are radically different. Sometimes people differences lead to amazing results; sometimes people differences lead to mayhem. If we had cans of clone spray then we could take turns using them on one another. Wouldn't that improve communication?

## 7 Suggestions
Date: 2013-04-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-suggestions/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change

You get to choose who you want to be. If you disagree then shame on you. Even if you question what I have said in this bullet point, pretend you agree. Act like you agree. If you choose not to do that then you choose that at our own peril. Choose the character traits you value: hero worship and more hero worship . And read. If you get stumped on choosing who you want to be: keep working at it, working at it, and working at it some more and sooner or later it will come to you. Even if it is ‘later’, not ‘sooner’, it can never be too late. Work on your Self-Confidence : do this all the time. Do this every day. Seek new ways to do it. Make this the most important habit you maintain. Outside of health and a good brain, there is no single thing in life of more importance than true Self-Confidence . You have some ability to enhance your health. You have some ability to enhance your brain function. You have far more ability to enhance your Self-Confidence . Keep an open mind: be curious , be adventuresome, take some risks, and embrace change. Work on your Self-Control : again, this is fully within your control. Self-Control is a very broad concept. The way I look at it, it is closely linked to self-organization. Seek Action : laziness is a basic part of being Human…fight it. Fight it all the time.

## Thought Tweet #717
Date: 2013-04-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-717/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #717 Battles require people; people require battles. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We all have heard it takes two to tango . Tango requires people...two. Battles require people... at least one . Battles are a fact of human nature. The question is: Do you back into battles or do you pick them well? Is logic in action when you select your battles? Does self-control determine your battles and how you fight them? Do your battles align with your strengths?

## Thought Tweet #716
Date: 2013-04-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-716/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #716 The “Sales Choice”: (1) we can ignore ourselves and satisfy others or (2) we can care for ourselves and satisfy others. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you make the choice - Option 1 - then get out of Sales because you will never succeed. That narrows down the options available to a person who truly wants to succeed in a Sales role. There is only One Option: To succeed in Sales roles, we must care for ourselves and satisfy others .

## Yellow is not my favourite colour!
Date: 2013-04-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/yellow-is-not-my-favourite-colour/ | Categories: —

One day I was at my parents and they were sorting through some of that old stuff. The had a big scrapbook, filled with my artwork. When I opened it, I was shocked to see so much yellow in my artwork. No, that's not true. It wasn't yellow.

When I was a child I wanted a Boston Bruins hockey jersey. It wasn't that I liked the Boston Bruins. In those days they were a horrible hockey team. None of my friends took them seriously. No, I didn't like the Bruins...at the time I was a Leafs fan. I had a blue Leafs jersey. But, I was somewhat obsessed with the colour yellow and I begged my parents...and, my parents bought a Boston Bruins hockey jersey for me. I loved the colour yellow so much I wore the Bruins jersey despite the ongoing ridicule it generated from my friends. I wore the yellow jersey until it fell apart. The jersey looked a lot like this one. My parents were proud of their children. They must have been because they kept many souvenirs of our childhood....some rather-unruly report cards, many bad-haircut family pictures, and folders full of our artwork, dating back to kindergarten. One day I was at my parents' home and they were sorting through some of that old stuff. They had a big 'Rick Kindergarten' scrapbook, filled with my hand-made [including some finger-made] kindergarten artwork. When I opened the scrapbook, I was shocked to see so much yellow in my artwork. No, that's not true. It wasn't yellow. It was orange. Now, I have known for many years I have a level of colourblindness. But, I never thought I couldn't tell yellow from orange. I was shocked...there it was...orange...everywhere. Every painting contained orange. Numerous orange suns. Now, it is possible the paint changed colour over the years, however, I don't think that's the case. My memory contained yellow - my artwork contained orange. It's clear I have spent most of my life confusing yellow and orange. I still do. In my childish days it wasn't a huge problem. Sure I got razzed when I wore that Boston Bruins jersey...but 10 years later the Bruins were a force to be reckoned with and Bobby Orr and the gang put an end to the Bruins' embarrassment and my jersey faux pas. But now, I can no longer tolerate that yellow-orange confusion. Orange is our colour for Creativity: and, that said, Orange is my favourite colour! At Spirited, colours have meaning... Green is the colour we use for Good or Positive [as in Good Habits , Bad Habits, & New Things] Red is the colour we use for Bad or Negative [as in Negative Emotions ] Blue is the colour we use for New [as in Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things ] Gray is the colour we use for Uncertainty and Indecision [as in Maybe , which is much worse than No] And last, but certainly not least... Orange is our colour for Creativity [which leads to 3 awesome in-words - Insight, Invention, & Innovation and much more] Looking to the future, Creativity is an essential Leadership Priority .

## Thought Tweet #715
Date: 2013-04-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-715/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #715 When a combination of skills, goals, & plans is not present, people give up their dreams & hope. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Skills, goals and plans will always be required. Without these basics work is demoralizing and frustrating. Without these basics, unless they have tremendous will, people give up their dreams and hope.

## Thought Tweet #714
Date: 2013-04-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-714/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Solutions & Opportunities, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #714 The people you know have enough challenges and fears on their own plates to make your problems pale by comparison. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Also, your achievements do little to alleviate others’ fears, or address their challenges, or attack their opportunities, or resolve their problems. You will have excelled if your achievements alleviate some of your own fears, let alone touch at removing the fears of others. You may obtain value by considering that, from time to time.

## Looking out for #1
Date: 2013-04-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/looking-out-for-1/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thick Skin & Thin Skull

It can be very difficult to take care of oneself... looking out for #1 can be a real chore. Machiavelli knew this. Some 500 years ago Machiavelli wrote the facts of it. For all his wisdom, he is now seen by the ‘mob’ as the harbinger of bad things…sinister, the speaker of the unspeakable. But, like most of us, Machiavelli is at best understood just enough to be misunderstood. While he spoke simple, honest, straight-forward realism, his name is now a cliché for the toughness or nastiness of the human condition around strength and power. It seems to me Machiavelli just wanted to support his homeland. He just wanted to guide those more powerful than he. He just wanted to be factual and ‘pragmatic’ and he just wanted to sell his novel-efficient ideas concerning lordship and power. He just wanted a piece of the pie. He wanted to help others make the pie bigger…and he wanted his piece. But Machiavelli...boy...this guy was weak on sales skill. He was horrible at it. Not as bad as some of the people who have worked for me, of course, but that’s another story and Machiavelli’s sales skills were awful nonetheless. Sure, his words have stood the test of 500 years of time. But, at the time when he wrote them, his words were not selling anyone on anything. In fairness to him, there is no question – it was tough to find a good audience for much in the 1500’s. Yes, Machiavelli was not that successful in his day. And, history and ‘mob’ rote-thinking has not been much kinder to him. Today’s ‘mob’, none of whom I am sure has ever read a word he put to paper, view Machiavelli as the cliché for manipulative skepticism. And, that is a damn shame. After 500 years it is time to cut this guy some slack. I mean everyone is pretty happy about giving many others credit where credit is due: Galileo, etc. So, why not cut some slack for Machiavelli?

## Hunters & Thinkers
Date: 2013-04-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/hunter-thinkers/ | Categories: —

Man was a hunter before he became a great thinker. But, before Man was a hunter Man was a scavenger/hunter or maybe just a plain scavenger who ate the leftovers from better hunters such as lions. Considering the eons of time and the relatively short duration of Man's existence, Man's thinking ability grew tremendously quickly, hand in hand with his hunting ability...then farming ability, then trading ability, etc. OK, where am I going with this? Normal human beings have the capacity to be both great hunters and great thinkers. Normal human beings have natural (genetic) aptitude in these areas. Some more than others, some less. Because we are such a social species and we are frail at birth and so dependent on adults for many years, our environment (upbringing) can expand or throttle our natural aptitude...but, with discipline and never-ending effort we can remove the throttle effect and/or increase the expansion effect. Both these inbred processes - hunting and thinking - require systems and plans and effort and the ability to not just ‘talk the talk’ but also ‘walk the walk’ and ‘run the run’. OK, where am I going with this? My point is: for business people, the business environment is our hunting and thinking ground. As has (I'm sure) always been the case, the best hunters will be valued, admired, and rewarded. But, hunting in business is becoming more and more complicated so the best thinkers are needed in addition to the best hunters. What is really quite rare: finding a top-notch hunter who is also a top-notch thinker. That’s a rare breed. People who wish to obtain success in business, need to know themselves. They need to ask: am I a hunter? if so, am I a really good one? if not, am I prepared to improve my ability to hunt, do whatever it takes, to become a really good hunter? am I a thinker? if so, am I a really good thinker? if not, am I prepared to improve my ability to think, do whatever it takes, to become a really good thinker? Honest answers to these questions will provide the framework for the self-knowledge required for business roles. Just the framework...not the construction details.

## Thought Tweet #712
Date: 2013-04-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-712/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #712 Judge others' actions with balance...be sparing in frequency, be extra-considerate of situations, and be sincere. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Know your judgment is likely to sting. Anticipate the scenarios of reaction. If you must judge, be a creative judge. Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron

## Anyone can give a damn about other people in business
Date: 2013-04-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/edward-de-bonos-six-thinking-hats/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Hero Worship, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

You gotta take your hat off to Edward de Bono...

Recently, I wrote about a special set of binoculars that help us do a better job of seeing eye to eye . Here's a link to that article Now, here's a fact: anyone can give a damn about other people in business. Even folks with brutal track records can do it. I know...from personal experience. But, that message and the tirade in its wake must wait for another day. Today, I want to write about one simple tool that will help people who want to give a damn about other people but have never been taught how to do it. The tool is one of many created by Edward de Bono. Edward de Bono is one of the world's leading creative thinkers. He has designed numerous tools to teach people how to think creatively and how to make better decisions. To be more candid: Edward de Bono is one of my heroes...a beyond-gifted brain, a straight-up writer, a prolific writer, an inventor, a student of the brain, and one of the world's greatest thinking-teachers. These de Bono tools can be put to use by people who want to learn how to listen better and understand other people at their workplace. They can be used by people who want to give a damn about others and are prepared to dedicate attention to learning how to get that done. The starting point for appreciating the differences in others and better-understanding others is learning how to shift the way we look at and think about others. The shift happens in our brains - it's a pre-frontal cortex thing - and we are at the controls. We alone can exercise our brainpower and make thinking-shifts happen. We can choose the perspective we will use [rather than simply accepting the thoughts that arise in our brain through habits]. We can do even better than that. We can choose multiple perspectives and use all of them [rather than simply accepting the thoughts that arise in our brain through habits] . Here's an example of how we can select and use perspective-paradigms : Edward de Bono's ' Six Thinking Hats '. "Six Thinking Hats" is one of my favourite de Bono thinking tools. It is easy to understand and easy to use. You 'put on a hat' and allow it to govern the way you think while you are wearing it. You put on hat after hat as you consider a problem, or a person's actions, or a decision, or a situation. You wear one hat at a time, looking at the problem / actions / decision / situation from that hat's perspective. This is a simple way to get out of a thinking rut ...and it is a great way to make sure you don't get into thinking ruts. Here's the picture... Links to other articles about Edward de Bono P=2S+O & Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats Edward de Bono - An Amazing Thinker Edward de Bono's Plus-Minus-Interesting tool Change is Constructive When People Are Comfortable - so design comfort

## Thought Tweet #711
Date: 2013-04-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-711/ | Categories: Humour, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #711 Wasted brain-energy and wasted time...we're committed to cutting this scrap by 10% in 30 days! The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many businesses have scrap-reduction programs; few businesses have programs for reducing the wastage of brain-energy; every business should commit to cutting this scrap by 10% in 30 days!

## Thought Tweet #710
Date: 2013-04-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-710/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #710 Leaders who cannot see their forest need a good pruning. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some leaders do not have time to plan. Actually, they DO have enough time...they struggle with how to use time. That is an infectious condition. It tends to spread from the leader to others in the organization. Soon, there's a not-enough-time epidemic throughout the workplace. Consider the Feeling: 'I do not have enough time.' When you think you do not have enough time, how does that feel? It cannot feel good...can it? Fighting against the clock...all day...every day... That cannot feel good. Throwing up your hands and surrendering to the hands of a clock...and spreading the surrender to others at your workplace. That cannot feel good. So - Why do so many leaders feel they do not have enough time? When we dig deep, what lies at the root of that problem-tree? Certainly, a good pruning is part of the solution...Don't you agree? Links to some other articles: about Fake Work About Time

## Some people shovel horse manure
Date: 2013-04-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-people-shovel-horse-manure/ | Categories: Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

"When I get a job it will be shoveling horse manure."

When I was a child one of my friends said... He was a ‘good boy’ [relative to the average...and, I suppose, yours truly]. He worked hard at school and got good marks. He went to university and got good marks. He applied to medical school and was accepted. He graduated and became a doctor…and has been one ever since. I remember this so clearly because this fellow stands out as one of the very few people I have met who always knew exactly what he wanted in a career. *** When I was in Grade 8, we lived at the outskirts of Windsor near Windsor Raceway. Many of my friends had horses. One day, our teacher introduced us to career development. He asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. One of the boys in my class shocked all of us when he said he, " When I get a job it will be shoveling horse manure ". At first, we were shocked into laughter...he did not use the word "manure"...he used the 4-letter slang word the rest of us would never use when a teacher was in the room. When our childish laughter died down, I noticed our teacher wasn't smiling. And, he wasn't angry. I recall his face clearly...he was concerned. One of the toughest boys in Grade 8 had just bared his soul ...the boy's face was pained...and our teacher was concerned. The teacher spent the rest of the class trying to convince the tough boy to do more with his life than shovel horse manure. The boy kept saying, " Someone has to do it and it will be me ". We moved away from Windsor at the end of the school year. I do not know if my classmate ended up shoveling horse manure. However, when I think about this poignant childhood experience, in my imagination I see him doing what he said he would do. *** Two of the last three books I've read contained the well-travelled Nietzsche quote, “If you know the why, you can live any how.” When I encounter synchronicities like that I always pause to think. Many business author-gurus are using that Nietzsche quote to support their arguments in favour of having 'work purpose'. One must know one’s purpose! Many business author-gurus cite many reasons why, “One must know one’s purpose!” As examples: If you have a definite purpose in life then you will enjoy your work and be self-inspired. If you have a definite purpose in life then you know the direction of your career. If you have a definite purpose in life then you will make better job/role choices. If you have a definite purpose in life then it will be easier for you to figure out how to handle specific work tasks. So, we can apply Nietzsche's advice on many levels, from 'BIG Picture' choices to small day-to-day decisions. *** I do not meet many people who have a definite purpose in life. Perhaps, 1 in 20 people can express their purpose in life. And, I know some will agree with that and say something like, “ That’s exactly why so few people fail to achieve noteworthy success in life ”. Regardless, this winter I met a wonderful couple who have a wonderful farm-ranch, raise special horses...and are very happy shoveling after them.

## Thought Tweet #709
Date: 2013-04-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-709/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, Master Rules, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #709 To lead, use light fingers at the controls. Heavy-finger governance and control just sends things off kilter . The Thinking Behind The Tweet From Wikipedia... In 1868, James Clerk Maxwell wrote a famous paper "On governors” that is widely considered a classic in feedback control theory. An early governor James Clerk Maxwell In the 19 th Century, Maxwell proved that tight governing of steam engine speed created bigger surprises than light governing. We can apply this fact to 21 st Century business process. In business we need guiding principles and Master Rules .

## Creativity at Waterloo
Date: 2013-04-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/creativity-at-waterloo/ | Categories: —

This is a key point: our minds tend to resist one another’s Creativity . And, resistance to Creativity…that’s a basic-business problem because without Creativity and change businesses are stagnant or dying. The problem has a simple solution. At least…it is simple-to-state the solution.

I think the word "Creativity" means different things to each of us. For example, consider sayings such as - "Thinking Outside The Box". What does "Thinking Outside The Box" mean to you? What does “Thinking Outside The Box” mean to the person across from you? There's a strong likelihood that “Thinking Outside The Box” means quite different things to each and every one of us. The fact “Creativity is widely-not-understood” poses a problem because, in business, one key thing we'd like to get right is communication. We all agree, the clearer the communication - the better. We must never assume our thoughts are grasped by others. We should never assume our comments about Creativity are automatically understood by others. Rather, we should make a habit of going the extra-communication-mile to make sure there is a chance for a meeting of minds. When we are at work, we must take the time to describe, as best we can, what we mean when we talk about Creativity. This, and only this, will provide others the opportunity to understand us then be more open to our ideas. If, during our business day, we work to express and listen to one another’s thoughts about Creativity then we have a much better chance of bringing about the fruits only Creativity can deliver. Helping one another Bear Creative Fruit we can All Share and Enjoy...that is something each and every one of us in business ought to be very interested in doing. Creativity is often spurned because it brings Change. Change assaults our Concepts of the world around us. When our Concepts are assaulted our thoughts tend to be disrupted. When our thoughts are disrupted we tend to become anxious. Then we tend to become defensive. These are natural human reactions and states, which hold fast unless disciplined action is taken to remove or adjust them. For example, when something comes rocketing toward our face we instinctively duck or blink or flinch in an effort to protect ourselves from damage. Only masters such as hockey goalies can learn how to overcome the reaction to duck or blink or flinch in the face of an 'incoming object'. Instinctively, we protect ourselves when we sense danger…this applies when any of our senses is danger-triggered, including the 6th Sense - Intuition. How does this fight-and-flight stuff tie in with business and Creativity? Creativity brings Change. Change when it comes at us often assaults the Concepts we know and hold dearly and tightly in our minds. Changes are surprises, which often trigger defense reactions. As individuals we enjoy our own Creativity and that enjoyment sometimes inspires us to act. Our individual Creativity does not assault the Concepts we hold tightly in our own minds because our own Creativity arrives without threat. If our brain can be thought of as a pretty-much-bottomless well then Creativity can be considered an endless spring that naturally feeds that well…keeping all the water fresh and bubbly. So, one important conclusion is – and this applies to all of us - people react positively to their own Creativity and the result is personal Change and personal Growth. On the other hand, when we try to impress our Creativity and its inherent Change on others, we know the result is more-often-than-not resistance to that Change. Resistance to Change is fundamental in human nature. Resistance to Change is not a bad thing…it is just there! Resistance to Change is there because Change assaults our deep-rooted Concepts of the world not just as we know or perceive it…but also the world as defined in the framework our ancestors programmed into our genes to help us use sensory input to achieve many things, including protection from danger. As a general rule, we automatically flinch and do our best to duck when we identify Change coming at us. That natural human response is a thing business people need to understand. In business, Creativity can and should drive Change. Summarizing the business implications: We enjoy our own, individual, springs of Creativity. To the extent we accept and are inspired by our own Creativity we act and make personal Change. When we are really pleased with our own Creativity we occasionally attempt to get other people to embrace our Creativity. Meanwhile, the attempt we make to impress our Creativity on another person triggers the notion of impending Change in that person’s mind. And all of us, at least to a degree, are predisposed to resist incoming Change. So, we have a business dilemma – our minds are pre-set to resist one another’s Creativity. This is a key point: our minds tend to resist one another’s Creativity. And, resistance to Creativity…that’s a basic-business problem because without Creativity and change businesses are stagnant or dying. The problem has a simple solution. At least…it is simple-to-state the solution. It’s the doing of the solution that’s hard…because ingrained habits are tough to break...so, determined effort will be required. We must consciously replace existing habits with better habits. To ensure Creativity is not at odds with Change, we must first work to understand Creativity. Then we must be more tolerant of and more open to the Creativity presented to us by others. As our tolerance for Creativity from others becomes open-minded acceptance, so shall our resistance to change drop and our self-confidence level rise. And, with open minds and high self-confidence… ….our Waterloo Region business success will soar. We, in business, at Waterloo Region face a huge opportunity: WE CAN bring about Amazing Business Change WE CAN establish, in our own minds, a clear definition of Creativity, & WE CAN communicate with one another so Creativity is no longer widely not-understood. WE CAN open our minds to accept Creativity from others, and then… WE CAN BRING ABOUT AMAZING BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENTS.

## Creativity & Invention: Building on the Differences
Date: 2013-04-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/creativity-invention-building-on-the-differences/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things

Here's a thought about creativity vis-à-vis right and wrong: creativity is not about right and wrong. If it can be summed up in one word, creativity is about 'new'. People have different perceptions…because people are different. People have different ideas because people are different. People have different perceptions about ideas because people are different. When people perceive and think the same way and accept that situation, there is little ability to experience creativity. [The existence of differences is the seed for creativity.] When people perceive and think different ways and accept that situation, creativity has a much easier time presenting itself. [Tolerance breeds trust and comfort.] When people judge others as wrong, the likelihood of creativity arising or evolving into invention or innovation drops. [Intolerance breeds distrust and discomfort.] When people accept others as being different and are OK not judging the differences as right or wrong, minds tend to be more open to new ideas. [Open-mindedness breeds open and accurate communication.] Only when minds are open to new ideas can creativity, invention, and innovation have the opportunity to flourish.

## Thought Tweet #708
Date: 2013-04-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/process/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #708 Everyone requires Process . It is a necessity of life. So, it pays to know how to get Process right. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Without Process we'd have no life (let alone business). Life and Business Contain Only 3 Things: People, Process, and Situations . And, that applies to all of us; for each and every one of us, Business and Life contain all those 3 things. Taking it one step farther - every Creative person uses Process. (Granted, some of the Processes that bolster creativity are very-private or barely-conscious and others are very-dysfunctional.) Regardless, all of us use Process in everything we do. That's good news because curiosity, creativity , invention, and innovation can be taught...and learned.

## Thick Skulls & Thin Skin
Date: 2013-04-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thick-skulls-thin-skin/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thick Skin & Thin Skull

We will all do better if we spend some time increasing: self-awareness [Who am I?, How do I fit in?, etc.] self-knowledge [What inspires me?, What do I have to offer?, etc.] self-monitoring [What am I doing...and what's driving me to act this way?, How are others reacting to me?, Do I care about their reactions?, etc.] self-regulating [Oh...wait a second...I'm not doing the right thing here...How can I adjust my behaviour?, etc.] self-control [Which is a life-long, challenging process. And, self-control is one of the defining traits of a leader.] Put another way: am I being thick-skulled...close-minded about others and about myself? am I being thin-skinned...blaming others regularly and taking too many things personally? Put another way: is my personality magnetic or repulsive to others? do I feel positive or negative about myself? [link to self-image articles] On the bright side... Thick skulls can be thinned...the best way is to start with the one you carry around. & Thin skin can be thickened...the best way is to start with the one you carry around. Try looking at skins and skulls from different perspectives. Here's a dark-side way of looking at them... The majority of people have either thick skulls, or thin skin, or both. Certainly, 'both' is not a rare thing. About 9 out of 10 people have thick skulls or thin skin or both. You know this. You see it every day. You see it all the time. You know, when you go back to work tomorrow morning, you will be forced to deal with these people: thick skulls and thin skin will lurk or swagger all over the place. Thick skulls and thin skin will be the body parts of: many of your co-workers many of your suppliers many of your accountants & lawyers many of your company executives many of your business consultants Someone with a thick skull will have his car in your assigned parking spot. Someone with a thin skin will honk her horn at you, shake a finger or a fist at you, and mouth some words at you while you search around the parking lot trying to find another place to put your car. Good Morning! That stuff will happen before you even get into your work-place building. Then, you will make it into your building. Then what? Well, you will encounter more thick skulls and more thin skin. Perhaps, these will be worn by the person who lets you know your access key has expired? Perhaps, it will be the person at the reception desk who again shares with you that contorted frown like, “ Oh, it’s you again .”? Perhaps, it will be the nasty look on the coffee-cashier’s face or the nasty tone in the cashier’s voice when you muster the courage to mention you only received change for $5 when you had paid with $10? A barrage of thick skulls and thin skin will surround you. You will be under thick-skull and thin-skin siege …at your own workplace. Your little castle will have no moat or drawbridge to save you. But your castle...well, that's only the beginning of it. Thick skulls and thin skin will be on every beach, on every landing ground, on every field, on every street, and around every hill. Those with thick skulls and thin skin will be your customers . And, here’s another thing to remember… Those with thick skulls and thin skin will be your competition .

## Thought Tweet #707
Date: 2013-04-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-707/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #707 " There's a time and a place "...that's about Situations . How to be and how not to be in situations, that is the question. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We have been taught and we have learned this. So we adjust our behaviour to fit our perception of Situations . Put another way - Situations provide a container for behaviour and our behaviour flows from one situation-container to the next situation-container to the next situation-container and so on. All of us act like actors. We act all day long...adjusting to the time and the place...adjusting to the situation. Each of us plays a number of roles. Real-life situations are snapshots of scenes...the types of scenes we see acted out in plays, movies, and TV shows. Scenes contain people and process. The scripts embedded in our heads define the way we will act in given situations. We can accept those scripts or we can re-write them. We have that choice. We can decide how we want to act in given situations...even the most-challenging situations. We have choices. How to be and how not to be in situations, that is the question.

## Thought Tweet #706
Date: 2013-04-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-706/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #706 Leadership grit grinds & grows. The Thinking Behind The Tweet John Wayne is one of my heroes. Every time I hear the word 'grit' I think of Rooster Cogburn, the character John Wayne played when he won the Best Actor Oscar for his role in 'True Grit'. More specifically, I think of the scene where he single-handedly took on all the bad guys and won. The above picture shows Rooster charging at the bad guys...guns a blazin'...the perfect hero. Grit - firmness of mind or spirit : unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger John Wayne had true grit. We need more leaders with true grit.

## Thought Tweet #705
Date: 2013-03-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-696-2013/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #705 Vicarious Modeling...that's why emotional stories do a lot better than logical arguments. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The human brain contains a large quantity of mirror neurons. Mirror neurons allow us to understand what other people are doing...and share the experience...and emulate...and be conscious...and have empathy.

## Thought Tweet #704
Date: 2013-03-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-704/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #704 Good Leaders centre their attention and focus on the place where Talents meet Tasks. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Good leaders recognize you cannot force round individuals into square roles and you cannot force square individuals into round roles. Good leaders know you must take Talent to Task . More specifically, good leaders recognize you cannot force round Talents into square Tasks and you cannot force square Talents into round Tasks . To Take Talent To Task you must know the details of both the individual's talent and the task and you must know how they fit one another...the better the fit, the better the work, the more the value, the more the profit.

## When Emotional work gets too heavy, we cry out for help.
Date: 2013-03-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-emotional-work-gets-too-heavy-we-cry-out-for-help/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Family Business and CFFB

When Emotional work gets too heavy, we cry out for help. Using the Transactional Analysis “Parent- Adult -Child Model”…and some facts-of-life thinking: when we are first born, we are helpless yet we have a built-in talent for crying out for help, we use that talent from the start…we cry out for help, we learn – crying out for help works…it’s a successful way to get attention, we learn more – crying out for help actually brings the help we desire…food, comfort, other essentials, we develop a habit…crying out for help, when we are toddlers we notice something very surprising…we notice the word “No” and all the body language that comes with the word “No”, we do not like that word “No”…it goes against our natural desires: food, comfort, curiosity, etc., we resist the word “No”, we learn resistance can be futile, and we learn – all of us, to carrying degrees learn – how to adapt new behaviours that help us get around the word “No”. A small sampling of the behaviours we use to get around the word “No”: we scream and scream until finally those No-sayers realize their best choice is giving in…when we grow up we may learn ‘Transactional Analysis’ people call that behaving like a child …and others call it crying out for help we learn what is known as ‘Adult Behaviour’…i.e., socially-recommended stuff…this includes concepts like compromise, patience, and empathy, all of which tend to delay our near-term gratification. Most people cry out for help [at least, every once in a while]. Some people cry out for help frequently. Some people cry out for help at work. Some people, on their own, have little ability to control their crying out for help. They need help. Using the Child from transactional analysis… When a Child meets another Child, the response to a cry out for help is a cry for help. We see this in our workplaces…cries for help are exchanged and cries for help escalate. These cry-for-help versus cry-for-help interactions: eat up energy…they are heavy Emotion work for all involved & provide little, if any, value to anyone…either in the immediate-term or the long-term. So, cry-for-help versus cry-for-hel p interactions are Problems. There are many strategies for getting around these cry-for-help versus cry-for-help problems. One of the best strategies is – Plan & Apply Rules. Rules, when set, communicated and applied properly, place limits on Emotional work. With a little knowledge and practice, Rules can significantly reduce Emotional work. When this happens, self-confidence grows. In this way, Rules are conduits for self-confidence growth. Using the transactional analysis words, Rules help the Child to develop into an Adult. Rules send signals that express the boundaries around rewards...be they good or be they bad. That's how Rules encourage us to perform Good Habits and help us explore New Things in order to change our Bad Habits into Good Habits. Rules help us know when to march and when to fight. That was a lesson I learned [over time] from one of my early bosses. He said, on a number of occasions, “ There is a time to march and a time to fight .” He recognized I was far too busy fighting to be marching…on a clear path let alone in time with a drummer. He knew I would fight myself out of a job. So, he regularly reminded me there are times when marching is the best thing to do. This helped me keep my job and gain an appreciation of rules. [And, it planted the seeds that allowed me to adjust my approach, removing Bad Habits and replacing them with Good Habits…I view it as a life-long process….one worth working at continuously.] At Spirited Leaders, marching rules have evolved into “ Master Rules ”. Leaders have a right to set “Master Rules”; however, we recognize some folks may really object to using those two words. I never objected to the fact we need rules and order. That isn’t to say I did not break the rules regularly and dispute the intelligence of certain rules. [I did that regularly, actually more often than my co-workers.] While I have resisted certain rules and cried for help in reaction to some rules and some people who delivered rules poorly, I have been comfortable with the fact rules exist and the fact rules serve a purpose. Why all these personal comments about rules? Because: Rules are often seen as "No"...just like the "No" we heard , when we were infants "No" messages can trigger emotions and emotions consume brain energy...and that's work, Emotional work, Emotional work is personal and each of us has to do some self-examination if we want to feel better and succeed more when we deal with other people, and if we see cry-for-help problems, and we will see them at our workplace, we need plan how to communicate more openly about them...and then, when the dust isn't swirling, we need to do that communication. People are different; people are amazingly unique. Yet - most people understand the need for rules. Anarchists do not. Fortunately, anarchists are few in number. We must not confuse normal human reactions with acts of anarchy. Most people resist rules - that's normal - a part of human nature. Rules remove, reduce, delay, or change rewards. That's why we resist rules. We are more prone to resist the rules that connect with our personal desires. We have an easier time accepting rules that do not conflict with our near-term desires. Most people know we need rules. Most people know, at the very least, workplace rules create order by defining boundaries. When they are at work, people gain comfort when they understand the boundaries. They gain most comfort when they buy into the rules. That may not happen instantaneously...it may be a process over time. When people understand workplace boundaries they understand why, from time to time, they will hear and see “No”. When people understand they will hear and see “No”, they will have choices around how they are going to react to “No”. When people know they have choices, they have time to plan those choices. People can plan how they want to react to hearing “No” at work: they can respond with a cry for help [like the Child does], or they can respond with making demands [like a Parent does], or they can respond with Good Workplace Habits [like an Adult does], and they can develop a set of responses, customized Good Workplace Habits [like a Leader must do and a Leader must help others do]. Straightforward plans & guidance, mentoring, and coaching will help people build a set of responses in the Adult Zone.

## Where would you draw the line on workplace conflicts?
Date: 2013-03-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/where-would-you-draw-the-line-on-workplace-conflicts/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Leaders' Thoughts

T oo many people are getting away with too-bad behavior: they are gnawing up energy and profits …and they are getting away with it. The bottom line... Draw lines on workplace conflict

People battle one another. That’s happened for millennia. So, we should not be too surprised to see interpersonal battles in today’s workplaces. However, it seems to me situations of in-your-face employee-employee and boss-subordinate conflicts are increasingly more common. That’s a Problem . [In the old days…say the 1980’s] When I started my career, overt dysfunction was not that common. Sure, ‘the boss’ was regularly the subject of behind-the-scenes discussion...covert dysfunction existed but it did not permeate the workplace atmosphere. Sure, ‘the boss’ regularly made it clear that ‘ he who carries the gold makes the rules ’. Bosses favoured some folks over others. And, some people simply could not get along with others. However, a bar was set … ensuring a level of civility, respect, and order in the workplace. What would have been grounds for dismissal in the old days thrives with impunity today. In other words – too many people are getting away with too-bad behavior: too many people wearing their home-hearts on their work-sleeves, too much employee-to-employee incivility, too many people refusing to follow bosses’ instructions, too many people refusing to treat co-workers with respect, too many people sabotaging other’s work, & all of this eats away at people`s energy and company`s profits & ability to compete. Too many people are getting away with too-bad behavior: they are gnawing up energy and profits …and they are getting away with it. If you disagree, if you believe these things are not a problem at the workplaces you see then your organization and your colleagues must be operating better than some of the folks I see in action: Why? Why is that the case? How? How are you and your colleagues drawing the lines, making sure people are playing fair at work? What? What specific actions did you take? (at the time of hiring?, in conjunction with performance reviews? other actions?) If you agree, if you believe the balance between personal interests/problems and workplace needs has gotten out of whack then: Do you intend to take action? Why? Why do you think it is necessary to take action? How? How do you plan to take action? What? What specific actions will you take? How do you recommend drawing the lines on workplace conflicts? The bottom line... Draw lines on workplace conflict

## Thought Tweet #703
Date: 2013-03-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-703/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #703 I believe Leaders should provide Opportunities …that’s an obligation in the Leadership role. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Napoleon Bonaparte is reported to have said, " Circumstances-what are circumstances? I make circumstances ”. If he could do it so can we. Problems often are the seeds that grow Opportunities. So, P=2S+O Leaders are in the best position to create Opportunities

## Thought Tweet #702
Date: 2013-03-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-702/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Communication: Improving Communication, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #702 Who decides Intelligence? We all decide Intelligence! The Thinking Behind The Tweet We are sentient creatures. We are thinking creatures. We are curious and we like to measure and compare. We possess special neurons that help us understand other human beings. As we experience other people, we sense and gauge the signals of their intelligence [or lack of it], whether it is IQ-type or EQ-type or some other type of intelligence. Obviously, we are subjective as we observe and measure other people. We do not employ ‘exact science’. We tend to stereotype. We tend to downplay situations . We tend to have attribution bias, etc. Who decides intelligence? We all do and we do it every day. Here are a few articles that you might find interesting… New Binoculars Help You See Eye To Eye Body Language & Work Performance Attribution Bias

## Don't Give Ideas the Brake, Give Ideas a Break
Date: 2013-03-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-give-ideas-the-brake-give-ideas-a-break/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Here is a list of things that throttle ideas, nipping ideas in the bud or nipping them soon after... 1. Lack of Self-confidence 2. Lack of Self-knowledge around Talents & Strengths 3. Lack of Education, specifically in the areas of Creativity: 'Lateral Thinking', Ideation, Intellection, Invention, & Innovation 4. Narrow & Different Perspectives 5. Lack of Process for Idea-generation [Curiosity, Creativity, Invention, & Innovation] 6. Lack of Practise [at what we call ‘IDEA-storming’] 7. Bad Habits: blaming others rather than accepting responsibility 8. The mistaken belief that ‘Process kills Creativity’ 9. Confusion around Routine versus not-Routine work If you see your people or your business stagnating in old ideas...don't worry about it or complain about it - check for these 9 things and take action to remove them. Some related articles... About Courage & Confidence https://rickbaker.ca/search.aspx?q=self-confidence About Talents, & Strengths https://rickbaker.ca/post/talents-strengths-another-perspective/ About Ideation & Intellection https://rickbaker.ca/post/so-you-think-you-have-insight/ About Narrow & Different Perspectives https://rickbaker.ca/post/newbinocularshelpyouseeeyetoeye/ About Process for Idea-Generation https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-the-clutch-of-ideas/ About Practise https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-formula-for-personal-strengths/ About Bad Habits https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things/ About the Belief ‘Process kills Creativity’ https://rickbaker.ca/post/process-does-that-word-rub-you-the-wrong-way/ About ‘not-Routine Work’ https://rickbaker.ca/post/separating-routine-not-routine-work-tasks/ The bottom line... Don't Give Ideas the Brake, Give Ideas a Break

## Thought Tweet #701
Date: 2013-03-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-701/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #701 What makes you think you can mask that square talent in round task? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Dan Pink says little rhymes are a good way to catch people's interest and influence them [I'm working on it] You cannot force a Square Talent into a Round Task

## Thought Tweet #700
Date: 2013-03-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-700/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #700 Tools: things that make hard tasks easier. 1-Page Tools : things that make really-hard tasks easier. The Thinking Behind The Tweet OK - quick - Let me hear your 30-Second Elevator Pitch . Never mind that - quick - What's your business Vision ? No - how about - What's your Differential Advantage ? etc. These questions are among the ones that stump most business people. That's why we have tools, especially - 1-Page Tools .

## There is no Magic Formula For Hiring
Date: 2013-03-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/there-is-no-magic-formula-for-hiring/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Seeking Simple!, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Some time ago, I wrote, "When it comes to filling roles at your company, rather than dwelling on who is right and who is wrong, business leaders should dwell on 2 things: Character Differences …particularly, the interplay between individual’s egos Individual’s Talents …particularly, the extent individual’s talents deliver value to the business" [for more thoughts in that area, see Getting The Right People on Your Bus ] A little later, I wrote, " In a 2011 Canadian Corporate Culture study, 85% of respondents indicated that cultural fit is more important than necessary skills when hiring. When you are hiring a person to join your business you must work to understand whether or not they will 'fit in' your business Culture. That means at least 3 things: You must understand your business Culture and the details of its embedded Values and your rules [our Master Rules], You must understand the employee-candidate's personal Values , and You must determine whether or not the employee-candidate is compatible with our business Culture." [for more thoughts in that area, see Having Values, Delivering Value, & Recruiting Great People ] Why did I write those points? I wrote them because I have witnessed many people recruiting at the 50% level . I mean, when they are recruiting they do half the work they need to do: they cover the tangible-technical aspects of the role, making sure credentials are in place, spending time figuring out the candidate's ability to perform the key of the role, etc. and Tasks they fail to cover the intangible aspects of the role such as culture fit, values fit, etc. A month ago, I was involved in a very-interesting discussion about how to make sure leaders know how to apply the right people-talents to the right-work tasks. To sum up my view, we should not attempt to force round talents into square tasks or square talents into round tasks . Rather, we should spend more time than we now spend making sure we 'customize' roles and tasks to ensure people-talents mesh with the work we are asking them to do. It became clear to me, I was not communicating my thoughts clearly enough. People were interpreting my comments to mean leaders need to go the extra mile then another mile then another...meanwhile followers/workers/staff bore none of the burden. I did not want people interpreting my views as leaders must fully bend over backwards while everyone else could relax and have it their way. So, a month ago, I wrote an article called Right Butts, Right Buses, Right Seats, & Right Tasks . This article expands on the earlier thoughts [introduced above]. Now - There is no Magic Formula For Hiring. When I say that, I mean: We cannot hire with perfection....no matter how thorough we prepare and perform, there is no way to guarantee hiring process perfection No candidate will be perfect for the role...i.e., no candidate will be able to perform all aspects of the role perfectly. That applies whether we are referring to the hard-tangible-technical tasks of the role or the soft-intangible-interpersonal tasks of the role. We must be diligent - we won't be perfect. So, we should set simple rules for hiring process. Some of the rules should cover off the people side . Some of the rules should cover off the job-technical side . The rules should include flexibility so we can maximize the meshing of people-talents and role-tasks. Here are some hiring realities: Uncertainty is always the scenario: none of us can foresee the future. The best we can do is make predictions and make adjustments as less-desirable-than-forecast situations arise. Waiting for perfection is a luxury few can afford. Working for perfection is a strategy for disappointment. Have a thorough hiring process…but do not aim for perfection. Communicate openly…about tangible/technical facts and the intangible aspects of your business culture/environment. Involve many people…so your company and the candidate have the ability to observe one another…over a period of time. Be thorough. And take action. The bottom line... We must keep working at improving our hiring.

## Thought Tweet #699
Date: 2013-03-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-699/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #699 None of us can predict the future: the best we can do is predict ...do our best...then deal with actual situations. The Thinking Behind The Tweet About Planning: Why plan? Who should plan? etc. Predict! When the word 'plan' [as in 'strategic plan'] annoys people, don't argue it or fight it. Choose to use the word 'predict'.

## Thought Tweet #698
Date: 2013-03-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-691/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #698 Believe - one respected person can flow a tide of change. The Thinking Behind The Tweet As Napoleon Hill said, " What we conceive and believe, we can achieve. "

## Businesses should not have Mission Statements.
Date: 2013-03-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/businesses-should-not-have-mission-statements/ | Categories: —

When it comes to business, the words ‘Mission Statement’ have proven to be poor and confusing. An army unit can have a mission – “ Take That Hill ”. Caring people can have a mission – “Help those folks get access to clean drinking water”. Businesses can have a mission – “Build That Bridge”. And, in all cases the people could make statements…and call those things ‘Mission Statements’. But, somehow, businesses got off on a bad path. Someone started using the word ‘mission’ to replace the word ‘purpose’…or, even worse, to expand upon the word ‘purpose’. Regardless, it was an unfortunate mistake that many business people have struggled with since the idea of ‘Mission Statements’ came into vogue. The realities are: Most business people do not understand what the words ‘Mission Statement’ mean and they argue about the definition, Most business people do not share an agreed-upon definition of ‘Mission Statement’. A review of on-line posted Mission Statements proves this: Mission Statements range from tag lines to procedures manuals, & When the Mission Statement gets much longer than “Take That Hill” most people cannot remember the point let alone talk or walk in its direction. Instead of using words like ‘Mission Statement’ - that better fit business assignments and projects – businesses should stick with words like ‘ Purpose ’ . This makes sense: when the words ‘Mission Statement’ actually mean ‘Purpose’, when the words ‘Mission Statement’ are being used to expand upon or amplify another statement which is called ‘Purpose’, and in all other business situations. ‘Purpose’ is a fine, well-recognized, easy-to-understand word. And, it is enough . So, businesses should not have Mission Statements.

## Thought Tweet #697
Date: 2013-03-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-697/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #697 Perhaps common sense is so uncommon because people tend to choose action over thinking. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Perhaps people struggle to deal with the inundation of media that encourages them to take action. It seems we have allowed the rewards for being busy to exceed the rewards for thinking.

## The Power of a Story
Date: 2013-03-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-power-of-a-story/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication

When you hear someone telling a story , do you think: I know a person like that? or That could happen to me? If you feel and think things like that then, by definition, you have heard a good story. Bad stories do not generate those sorts of feelings or thoughts. Good stories touch our brains and our hearts, triggering emotions and causing our mirror neurons and our spindle neurons to fire. These neurons help us to understand what other people are thinking and empathize with other people's feelings. These neurons help us communicate, be social, and experience other 'high-level' feelings. Spindle Neuron Now, what kinds of feelings and thoughts do your stories generate? PS: About Sticky Stories Sticky messages = messages that are understandable, memorable, and effective in changing thought or behaviour

## Thought Tweet #696
Date: 2013-03-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-696/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #696 Inventors used to be a curious, special breed . Now, inventors are us! Then & Now The Thinking Behind The Tweet The need for creativity and its outcome ‘invention’ is increasing as a consequence of ' global commoditization ' and viral growth of the use of communication technology. Years ago inventors were unusual...eccentric...sometimes outcasts. Now, there are 6,000,000,000 mobile devices in use out there. And, each smart phone is more powerful than the laboratories of a few years ago.

## Family Business Success Story - Knapp Fasteners
Date: 2013-03-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/family-business-success-story-knapp-fasteners/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB

Isn't it tough to argue with a success rate like that! And, that's just the introduction to the Knapp Fasteners' family-business success story. Jenny Knapp presented her family business story at our Centre For Family Business [CFFB] February breakfast event. Knapp Fasteners is a successful local company and a member of CFFB. CFFB is a local association, created by members to support, educate, & energize people who work at family businesses. Jenny stepped up to the plate last month, volunteering to present her family-business story to CFFB members and corporate partners. Jenny's story ' hit it out of the park ': a perfect mix of humour, family and interpersonal sincerity, and business savvy. Here a sample of the highlights Jenny shared as she told the Knapp Fasteners' story: in business for 26 years. [Well done!] Knapp Fasteners is a distributor; they package and resell fasteners. [here's a link to Knapp Fasteners website ] Jenny studied business at our fine, local, Conestoga College. Just after they were married, Jenny and her husband Jim founded Knapp Fasteners. The business started small - in 1987, with a $15,000 loan in hand, they rented 1000 square feet of space on Colby Drive, Waterloo. Knapp Fasteners, like many start-ups, had to figure out how to manage the cash-flow squeeze ...suppliers wanted up-front payment while clients wanted 30 days to pay...the Knapps solved that problem [This is an inspiring fact, of benefit to other CFFB members who struggle with c ash-flow squeeze .] Parents helped out...it was family effort from the start. Knapp Fasteners had a great first year, with sales results exceeding forecast by a factor of two. But...quick, early growth brought some serious problems. Knapp Fasteners took a big hit in their first year of operation when one of their clients went bankrupt...again, Knapp Fasteners' ability to manage this problem provided another lesson of value to the audience. The solution involved Jim's brother Dave, who loaned money to cover the problem. What a vote of confidence...and a terrific example of how families inject value into our local business sector. Many years later, in 2010, Dave joined the company...he now works with Jenny and Jim. Jenny and Jim worked 70 hours per week for the first few years...that confirms the commitment required to establish a family business and make sure it is on firm ground. Knapp Fasteners has grown steadily and moved twice: to Bathurst Drive in Waterloo in 1989 and to the present location at 520 Boxwood Drive, Cambridge in 2010. Jenny & Jim Knapp Knapp Fasteners' culture promotes strong work ethic. Several people have joined and grown with the company, including family members and employees` children, who have enjoyed summer jobs at Knapp Fasteners. 'Knapp people' have friendly team competitions...clients and suppliers help pick the names for the teams...and the winning team receives a trophy at year-end. That's just one of the reasons why Knapp Fasteners is a great place to work. Here are a few pictures of Knapp Fasteners' current home - a fine example of what 2 family businesses can build when they put their minds to it (Knapp's new home was built by Schiedel Construction, another successful, local family business). Our community recognizes the contribution the Knapps are making: the Knapps and their company have been nominated for several awards. In 2012, Jenny and Jim Knapp were honoured by the college they attended in the mid-1980s. They received the Conestoga College Alumni of Distinction in Business award. Congratulations, Jenny & Jim ...on a family business well run and a family-business story well told! Thank you for sharing your story at CFFB.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: We work to create freedom for stakeholders...so they can accomplish what they want in their lives."
Date: 2013-03-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-we-work-to-create-freedom-for-the-stakeholdersso-they-can-accomplish-what-they-want-to-with-their-lives/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

Related articles… Freedom The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #695
Date: 2013-03-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-705/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #695 I'd rather tweet than taste defeat. [Whatever you think, please don't blame # DanPink. ] The Thinking Behind The Tweet Just finished Dan Pink's new book, ' To Sell is Human ', (2013). In the book, Dan talked about the importance of rhyme in marketing...psychologists have proven people deem messages that rhyme to be more believable than messages that do not rhyme. Also, Dan talked about using social media, including Twitter. So, I am working on some rhyme-marketing messages. Of course I agree To Sell Is Human!...I believe in Marketing!... and I sure want to keep up with Social Media! So I decided to kill all the birds with one stone and start my marketing-rhyme adventure with 'rhyming tweets about tweets'. Hence... I'd rather tweet than taste defeat . And... I'd rather tweet than feel the heat. I'd rather tweet than be less sweet. I'd rather tweet than forecast sleet. I'd rather tweet than lose my seat. I'd rather tweet than scratch my seat. I'd rather tweet than pound the beat. I'd rather tweet than walk the street. I'd rather tweet than stub my feet. I'd rather tweet than sand my feet. I'd rather tweet than smell your feet. I think I am getting the hang of this Dan...to sell is human...to rhyme is devine... I'd rather tweet than cook snake meat. I'd rather tweet than press a pleat. I'd rather tweet than shovel peat. I'd rather tweet than walk in sleet. I'd rather tweet than iron a sheet. I'd rather tweet than sink a fleet. I'd rather tweet than bah or bleat. I'd rather tweet than watch cows eat. I'd rather tweet than stroke from heat. I'd rather tweet than rub your feet. Definitely feeling good about this new-age social marketing! I'd rather tweet than give up wheat. I'd rather tweet than chew a beet. I'd rather tweet than be discrete. I'd rather tweet than eat raw meat. I'd rather tweet than press Delete... [ Oops ]

## Thought Tweet #694
Date: 2013-03-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-694/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #694 We learn more when we teach others. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When others teach us, we learn; when we teach others, we learn; we learn more when we teach others. Of course, all of this assumes we take teaching and learning seriously.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: CEO - "We take something we believe in and provide it to people that need it...that feels good."
Date: 2013-03-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-ceo-we-take-something-we-believe-in-and-provide-it-to-people-that-need-itthat-feels-good/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Entrepreneur Thinking, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

Related articles… About Entrepreneurs The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Taking Curiosity to Creativity
Date: 2013-03-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/taking-curiosity-to-creativity/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Not just 'taking'... planning the path to help curiosity find its way to creativity . Here's the picture... Who Cares? Who cares about curiosity and paths to creativity? Why Bother? Here's why...

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: CEO's views - "The local economy seems to be pretty good." & “Looks like a good Spring.”
Date: 2013-03-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-one-ceos-view-the-local-economy-seems-to-be-pretty-good/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

Related articles… The Economy The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #693
Date: 2013-03-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-693/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #693 Vagaries ain't gonna get it done. The Thinking Behind The Tweet So...there's an increased need for clarity in communication.

## What is more important- A great business idea or a great team?
Date: 2013-03-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-is-more-important-a-great-business-idea-or-a-great-team/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

I am with the folks who choose ‘team’ over ‘idea’. There are many reasons, I will focus on one – the ‘importance’ of ideas. When people work, in relative terms, few of them are really interested in ideas. Perhaps, 10% of business people are keenly interested in ideas. For example, consider the StrengthsFinder Talent Themes – Ideation and Intellection …assuming Gallup’s assessments are reliable, people who register these talent themes have something in them that makes ideas and thinking about ideas fascinating. Coming up with ideas and thinking about ideas is part of the fabric of these people’s lives. Based on the results we have seen, perhaps 10% of people register these ‘idea’ talent themes. So, the remaining 90% of people ideas are just not that interesting or important. On the other hand – people, people-interactions, and people-relationships are important to the majority of people. And, ‘a great team’ is the epitome of people-relationships…this applies to personal relationships, to sports teams, and to business. A small group of committed and capable team players can take mediocre ideas and make magic. A great idea in the hands of a mediocre team of people goes nowhere. If we want people to excel we must first make sure they and their team of co-workers are comfortable and capable of performing their roles…together. PS: Perhaps, we should re-phrase the question...If we wish to help Canadian businesses do better [or your business, if you prefer], what's a higher priority: improving ideas or improving leadership teams? On an international basis, Canada is slipping down the "Innovation Scale".

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Entrepreneurs like influencing destiny, maintaining lifestyle & feeling good about work.
Date: 2013-03-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-entrepreneurs-like-influencing-destiny-maintaining-lifestyle-feeling-good-about-work/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

This CEO comment triggered the idea for the survey: On a 1-to-10 Scale [where 1 is Doesn't Matter At All & 10 is Absolutely Critical], How important is it that people feel good at work? The survey result: 9.5 [Extremely Important] A related article... Measuring Emotions & Feelings The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #692
Date: 2013-03-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-692/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #692 Aren’t you glad you work with people who are not too busy to learn how to improve at business? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Don't you wish everybody did?

## Thought Tweet #691
Date: 2013-03-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-695/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #691 Leaders - we cannot hand over our precious time or energy to business bullies. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Unfortunately, business bullies tend to grow like weeds in the garden. If they are allowed to get too big they become prickly, they choke the flowers, and they sour the garden. Leaders cannot allow that. And, unfortunately, most business bullies are unwilling to change...without leadership-help. And, that leadership-help must be aggressive or else it will not be taken seriously by the bully. Generally, it is unwise to cross the line between assertiveness and aggression. Regardless, it is the route leaders must take when dealing with business bullies. It takes leadership strength to deliver leadership-help to business bullies. Why? Bullies are a cocky bunch...that's one of the signature traits shared by all business bullies. As examples... Closet Bully: someone that self-disguises and plays a fake role in business...and acts cocky while role playing Parasitic Bully: someone that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on someone else's business for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return...and acts cocky while doing [actually, not doing] that Business bullies are asking for iron-fist assertive leadership. They are crying out for it. Take care though - you must deliver it to business bullies properly.

## The Danger in Negative Feedback
Date: 2013-03-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-danger-in-negative-feedback/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thick Skin & Thin Skull

For most people, the feedback scales have been skewed in the direction of negativity and ' my perception is right and whatever you’re thinking and doing is wrong '. For most people, this skew has existed since…well, since before they can remember. Few people, if any, have been recipients of mostly appreciations and positive opinions ’. I have met none of them. If we do meet people who have received excessive ‘ appreciations and positive feedback ’ then perhaps we can feel confident they have put that positivity to good use and their skin is thick enough to take negative criticism. The rest of us, the vast majority that have been the recipients of excessive negative feedback, need to be handled with more care. I'm saying that with as objective a voice as I'm able to come up with. I am not making a moral judgement that 'more care' is the morally-correct thing to do, although for many people that will be the case. I am simply stating that we will achieve better results of we handle performance feedback with more care. Note: for many years, I have argued in favour of Thick Skin . To the extent we thicken up our skin we do not need to be handled with such care. But, few people take the time and effort to thicken up their skin. Few people have mentors, coaches, or teachers to help them thicken up their skin. And, when it comes to feedback, thin-skinned people need to be handled with care. Here’s my view: Based on my experience, well-packaged negative feedback will be received poorly by about 50% of people. Poorly-packaged negative feedback will be received poorly by 99% of people. When I say “received poorly” I mean it will not ‘construct’ the outcome the deliverer of the negative feedback desires. Perhaps, 1% of the time, negative/critical feedback can be constructive. This happens when well-packaged negative feedback meets a confident, high-self-image person. The other 99% of the time it cannot be constructive because it is either poorly delivered or poorly received. That's why I say ‘ Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron ’. Constructive criticism is an oxymoron and negative feedback does not work because most people cannot deliver it properly and most people cannot receive it properly. Why? Most people's skin is too thin. & Most people's skulls are too thick. Here's the picture...

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Family-Business CEO - "I like my family, fabricating, the time-money combination & the flexibility."
Date: 2013-03-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-family-business-ceo-i-like-my-family-fabricating-the-time-money-combination-the-flexibility/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… Do Family Businesses Have Better Values? The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: CEO - "I do what I do because I like to build from the ground to completion...and I enjoy people."
Date: 2013-03-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-ceo-i-do-what-i-do-because-i-like-to-build-from-the-ground-to-completionand-i-enjoy-people/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… 3 Forces Drive Entrepreneurs The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: A CEO said, "When we talk about our culture, we need make sure we don't regurgitate 'marketing speak'."
Date: 2013-03-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-a-ceo-said-when-we-talk-about-our-culture-we-need-make-sure-we-dont-regurgitate-marketing-speak/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

Related articles… Corporate Culture Matters and other articles The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Shared Perceptions = Better Business Results
Date: 2013-03-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/shared-perceptions-better-business-results/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

Perceptions affect Results. When people's perceptions are aligned the chance they will achieve desired results increases. While that may be obvious, it is rarely top of mind. And it is rarely walking hand in hand with actions during interactions. While common sense tells us aligned perceptions is the best state to be in, few of us stretch enough to make sure that state exists. When business people share their thoughts with me I observe perception gaps. This is most common when the business people share a direct reporting relationship, one reporting to the other...a "boss-worker pair". Sometimes the perception gap is glaring...glaring large and dysfunctional. When I see this I ask myself, " What can I do to reduce this perception gap? " Why do I ask this? I ask this because it really bothers me to see people carrying on while so disconnected. I recognize the human side: when people are disconnected, even if they don't register it consciously, they 'know it' and that knowledge places them in a position of dissonance which can show up as internal stress and external disharmony. That's the soft, intangible repercussion of the perception gap. There's also a hard, tangible repercussion: perception gaps reduce efficiency and effectiveness, neutering performance, stalling coworkers & projects, annoying & losing clients, etc. Yet - perception gaps dominate many boss-worker situations. A little more focus on perception gaps will generate a lot more bottom-line satisfaction. How? How can you reduce perception gaps? Here's a link to New Binoculars .

## Thought Tweet #690
Date: 2013-03-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-690/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #690 Are you proud of your leadership team's accomplishments? If so, some questions to think about... The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you are proud of your leadership team's accomplishments: How do you reward your leadership team when they achieve your company's goals? Are you sure those rewards will bring about continued excellence? How will globalisation and increased competition affect your leadership team? How tough is it to replace a person on your leadership team?

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: A CEO said, "We got into this business because we care about the environment and we believe in our product."
Date: 2013-03-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-a-ceo-said-we-got-into-this-business-because-we-care-about-the-environment-and-we-believe-in-our-product/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… Why Should I Buy From You? The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Are leaders born or created?
Date: 2013-03-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/are-leaders-born-or-created/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Born Leader? Based on my observations, obviously not scientific, it seems the right ratio is about 50-50. 50% of the qualities of a leader are there at birth; 50% of the qualities of a leader are created through life experiences. If a person has natural-born leader qualities but is never given

Both! The flavour is similar to that of the question, " Is it heredity or environment? " Based on my observations, obviously not scientific, it seems the right ratio is about 50-50. 50% of the qualities of a leader are there at birth; 50% of the qualities of a leader are created through life experiences. If a person has natural-born leadership qualities but is never given the opportunity to use leadership talents then we will never know that person as a leader. If a person possesses natural-born leadership qualities and those leadership qualities are recognized as talents, enhanced with knowledge, and honed with skills then that person, given opportunity or taking opportunity, becomes a leader. Some folks are born with the right stuff for leadership, which [if boiled down enough] can be summed up in 3 words: intelligence, drive & self-control. Some of those folks are able to put those qualities to use. Some folks are not able to put those qualities to use. Other folks who possess bare-minimum natural-born leadership qualities can learn to be successful leaders if they have ambition and good ‘guides’ & opportunities to learn from leaders [especially, in early life]. Maintaining leadership capability requires constant self-and-character development, otherwise it is lost. Sometimes, dormant leadership capabilities are ignited into full force by exceptional circumstances and crises. This is rare, but it happens. Born Leader?

## Thought Tweet #689
Date: 2013-03-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-689/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #689 Eating Elephant Emotions...you gotta eat them one bite at a time. The Thinking Behind The Tweet People behave like Riders on Elephants on Paths . And our emotional Elephants outweigh our logical Riders 40-to-1.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: [Using a 1-to-10 Scale written survey] How important is it that people feel good at work? CEOs say 9.5!
Date: 2013-03-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-using-a-1-to-10-scale-written-survey-how-important-is-it-that-people-feel-good-at-work-ceos-say-95/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

To related articles… Feelings @ Work? 9.5 out of 10 - Extremely Important! The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #688
Date: 2013-03-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-688-2013/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #688 When you boil it down, people only change their behaviour when they believe (1) they can & (2) it's worthwhile. The Thinking Behind The Tweet People will consider making a change in their behaviour when: They think it will be worthwhile & They think they can do it If either of these tests fail then the person likely will not seriously consider changing. The 'What's In It For Me?' test may come first.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Congratulations to our award-winning P2P CEOs: Doug @ Xylotek, Tracey @ Traces Screen Printing, Ted @ MTE, & Michael @ ODG!
Date: 2013-03-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-congratulations-to-our-award-winning-p2p-ceos-doug-xylotek-tracey-traces-screen-printing-ted-mte-michael-odg/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups

A related article… http://greaterkwchamber.com/en/networkingEvents/businessexcellenceawards.asp The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: I like to fix messy situations...just fixing them and not wasting time on "who screwed up".
Date: 2013-03-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-i-like-to-fix-messy-situationsjust-fix-it-and-dont-focus-on-who-screwed-up/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities

A related article… Do you feel that fear of failure can effectively motivate? The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #687
Date: 2013-03-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-687/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #687 People do not feel like "part of the team" when they are not contributing good work. The Thinking Behind The Tweet People only feel "part of the team" after they have contributed good work. Conversely, people do not feel like "part of the team" when they are not contributing good work. There is a correlation and a direct relationship between feelings and work quality. And people know it. And people show it .

## Do we need to suppress our emotions at work?
Date: 2013-03-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-we-need-to-suppress-our-emotions-at-work/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work

The quick answer is - Yes. Here's one explanation... Anger is a consequence of the ‘fight-or-flight’ mechanisms that come with having a body and a brain . Anger is a protection-emotion that comes with physiological changes – adrenalin and clenched hands, as examples. Human beings share this ‘old brain’ & physiological stuff with other creatures. Compared to other creatures, human beings possess a larger, more-complicated, and more-powerful brain. Our human brains have allowed us to be advanced - knowledge-wise, technology-wise, etc. – and they have allowed us to be social. ‘Being social’ has allowed us to exchange share value, in numerous forms. ‘Being social’ has allowed us to build things of tremendous value for ourselves and others. 'Being social' has come with a price; if we want to be business leaders or if we want to play the social game well, there is a ‘social price’. That being-social price is... Successful human beings must possess 2 defining qualities – Intelligence and Self-Control . So, to maximize our success in business we need to illustrate to others we have both intelligence and self-control. Control of anger is one aspect of self-control. When we illustrate the ability to control anger other intelligent people view that as a positive attribute of character, worth emulating, worth following. So... PS: Anger succeeds as a communication force when it generates fear…but typically, fear does not create extraordinary work or sustained performance. Sometimes anger succeeds as a communication force when it triggers anger in the other person and that anger in turn triggers self-motivation. But, this rarely is constructive. PPS: Physiologically speaking, anger is accompanied by a redirection of blood flow…and not to the prefrontal cortex where executive thinking happens.

## Leaders & Managers - What's The Difference?
Date: 2013-03-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-managers-whats-the-difference/ | Categories: INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Leaders' Thoughts

What are the key differentiators that separate a Leader from a Manager? Many people use the words ‘leader’ and ‘manager’ interchangeably. So, for some people it seems there is no difference. Business gurus and coaches argue there is a difference, as examples: Leaders are about ‘effectiveness’; Managers are about ‘efficiency’ Leaders champion ‘doing the right things’; Managers champion ‘doing things right’ We called our company “Spirited Leaders”. We intentionally avoided the use of the word 'Manager'. For us, there is a distinction between leaders and managers. Leadership is an elite function. Management is not. Here are some viewpoints we read on LinkedIn some time ago: "Leading is - inspiring a group to come together for a common goal. Leaders motivate and work with people to keep them bonded and eager to move forward. This means setting a direction, communicating it and keeping followers psyched when times get tough. Managing is - is establishing systems, creating rules, operating procedures, and putting into place incentive programs and the like. Management is essentially overseeing that things are executed in a smooth and correct manner." "Remember the children's game, "Follow the leader?" You have to do everything that the designated leader does and if you mess up you're out. I sort of equate that with leadership, you have visions, goals, set a precedence, as a CEO or president of a company, who knows where he wants to take his company, how to grow it, what markets to enter, what type of company culture he wishes to establish and then implements it with managers and employees who are of like mind. Managing a team has more to do with delegating responsibilities to ensure that what ever needs to get done or accomplished gets done in the best possible way by the team. The manager is responsible for timelines, deadlines, work flow processes, takes care of crises, or problems as they crop up, handles disputes, and makes sure everything is running smoothly to reach whatever goal is in place at the moment." "Leading is showing the path that should be followed. Managing is making sure the path is followed. A leader clearly defines a vision for a team, group or organization. The manager is the person that establishes or enforces rules to make the vision happen. Leadership is generally strategic, whereas management is generally tactical. Leadership says we need to increase revenue. Management says here are some things we can do in order to do that." "Leading a team is about serving people and taking them to a new level, one in which behaviours, sense of ownership, collaboration, recognition, sense of accomplishment are the measures of success; managing a team, like many others have already said, is about delivering results by building the team using resources and procedures made available to you. Leadership is a personal call, not a requirement: it's about inspiring people by example and dedication, and getting them to believe in you as a person more than their boss." The Spirited viewpoint... People choose to follow leaders because leaders are building things of value to others. Management is a role done by people in jobs. Leadership is not a job. Leadership is what people see in us when we are driven to build and create stuff of value to others. People are attracted to the energy that drives leaders to build new and improved things, new and improved systems, etc. Managers know about controls and process. Good managers use coaching to help individuals perform well. Good managers help people be self-disciplined. Management is a science, augmented by some art. Leaders possess high self-knowledge and they self-adjust to magnetize people. Leaders inspire people to be self-motivated and creative. Leadership is an art, supported by some science. PS: Managers monitor & count things like balls, strikes, singles, & home runs and coach people how to pitch, hit, and run better. Leaders serve people & design better places and ways to play baseball and attract winning players and loyal fans.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: People want to create value.
Date: 2013-03-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-people-want-to-create-value/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… About Creating Value The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #686
Date: 2013-03-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-686/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #686 Deliberate practice allows us to take talent to task . Don't Wing It. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Take Talent To Task: Take Task To Talent. That's a lot better than taking weakness to tasks and taking tasks to people who are not capable of doing the tasks well. And, it's a lot better than guessing or winging it at work. Take Talent To Task... Don't Wing It

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: You can't coach heart.
Date: 2013-03-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-you-cant-coach-heart/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… About Attitude @ Work The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Don't apologize for technical mistakes - apologize for the effort shortfall!
Date: 2013-03-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-dont-apologize-for-technical-mistakes-apologize-for-the-effort-shortfall/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… About Attitude @ Work The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: A Leader's Advice: make a lot of mistakes, learn a lot from them, & want to pass on the lessons.
Date: 2013-03-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-a-leaders-advice-make-a-lot-of-mistakes-learn-a-lot-from-them-want-to-pass-on-the-lessons/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities

A related article… The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Mastering Commander's Intent
Date: 2013-03-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/revisiting-commanders-intent/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Leaders' Thoughts

People resist being too constrained under firm rules, processes , and controls. That's because people value independence, the ability to influence and control situations , and the ability to satisfy their curiosity and innate creativity. People stray and wander, maybe even flounder or breaks laws, when given full freedom and autonomy. That's because people struggle with self-control and are prone to choose short-term gratification over long-term gratification. The extremes of too-much process and too-little process are gardens for dysfunction. When we apply too-much process, expecting people to follow our instructions and 'do things right' most people resist. When we apply too-little process, expecting people to be innovative and 'do the right things', most people fail to excel. So - what must business leaders do? Business leaders must: practice Commander's Intent to help people do the right thing while also doing things right use Vivid Vision to invigorate imagination set Master Rules ..closely linked to personal values

## Thought Tweet #685
Date: 2013-03-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-685/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #685 Presumably, complaining about other people is gratifying...it fills a need. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Why do people complain about the actions of another person? Presumably, the answer is - complaining about other people is gratifying, it fills a need. But, what exactly is that need? And, does complaining about other people satisfy a single need? Or, does the need-satisfaction vary with the person who is the topic of complaint? Self-monitoring : the next time you're about to complain about another person, stop and think. Ask yourself, " Why do this person's actions make me want to complain? " " What will happen if I delay complaining about this person for 15 minutes? Or, 1 hour? Or, 1 day? " " What gratification will I sacrifice if I delay or refuse to allow myself to complain about this person? "

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: People only feel "part of the team" after they have contributed good work.
Date: 2013-02-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-people-only-feel-part-of-the-team-after-they-have-contributed-good-work/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

Related articles… About Feelings At Work The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #684
Date: 2013-02-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-688/ | Categories: Abundance, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #684 Abundance - seems to me Abundance is the ability to control your thoughts...What do you think? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Abundance is the ability to control your thoughts...and this is easier if you have good health, a level of intelligence, and a level of financial comfort.

## Do you want your people to be more creative?
Date: 2013-02-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-transition-to-creative-input/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Seeking Simple!

Bosses complain about people not taking initiative, not taking advantage of opportunities, and not nipping problems in the bud. Bosses observe people doing things right , following the procedures but failing to pick up the fact that in certain situations following the right procedures takes you to the wrong outcome. As the saying goes, leaders focus on doing the right things while managers focus on doing things right . And doing things right means following set out procedures. However, when doing things right fails to satisfy clients or collect the money or generate new sales or other such things bosses and leaders tend to become frustrated and complain about people not taking initiative, not taking advantage of opportunities, and not nipping problems in the bud. When this happens, bosses and leaders want their people to use their heads and do the right things . In other words, they want their people to use some initiative, be innovative, and be creative . People get confused: Should I follow the rules & procedures? Should I use my imagination and not follow the rules & procedures? Damned if I do; damned if I don't! [and that's not a good way to be thinking] People get confused and communication gets bogged down and people get into performance ruts. If you experience situations like this then it is in your best interest to make some changes for the better. Here is a simple change you can make: Start telling people when you want them to be creative ...I mean, start telling them before the action rather than after the fact. First - before getting people to do the work, identify the parts of the work that are routine and systematize those parts...using step-by-step written procedures....using checklists . Next - identify situations where creativity is or could be required. For example, you could use the 80/20 Rule : if creativity is required more than 20% of the time when this task/step is performed then flag that task/step as Creativity May Be Required Here . You could use a little orange flag to signal: Creativity May Be Required Here When you know a task requires creativity then you can use the words not-Routine Task to make that step stand out from routine tasks...you can use orange to signal creativity. [see orange arrow below] Straightforward visual signals/cues will help your people know when they should side-step 'normal' procedures and check for opportunities to be creative & do the right thing . Use these visual signals/cues in your work-process checklists, flowcharts, role descriptions, etc. Here's the picture...

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: We have 40-year client relationships; businesses only exist to solve others' problems.
Date: 2013-02-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-we-have-40-year-client-relationships-businesses-only-exist-to-solve-others-problems/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities

Related articles… About Helping Clients with Clients The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #683
Date: 2013-02-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-683/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #683 It seems to me a person needs 3 things to excel in the world of business: Intelligence , Self-Control , & Drive . Do you agree? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . [That's a key piece of Spirited Leaders' philosophy] People who excel possess: Intelligence , Self-Control , & Drive .

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Our business exists to keep other businesses running. Our Purpose - Do Good, Do Well, Serve Others.
Date: 2013-02-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-our-business-exists-to-keep-other-businesses-running-our-purpose-do-good-do-well-serve-others/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Related articles… Leaders' Vision @ Work The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #682
Date: 2013-02-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-681/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #682 Negative feedback works when it is well-packed and the recipient of it has high self-confidence. The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's the good news. Here's a picture of the not-so-good news...

## Helping business people double their performance
Date: 2013-02-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/helping-business-people-double-their-performance/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

In order to improve how we perform in business we need to grow as business people. In order to grow as business people we need support: mentoring, guidance, education...in a word - leadership. People double their performance when they are in a supportive atmosphere . It has taken some time for me to learn this lesson…and, from time to time, I still slip up. It seems some of us were not born to be nurturing, empathetic, or patient. And some of us struggle with people-differences and relationships. Some of us will do much better as leaders if we recognize we need to make a major adjustment to our character . I was one of those people. I have worked at adjusting my character over the last 10 years. And, I have seen proof that support from the leader is an essential ingredient for positive change . The keys to positive change are talents and strengths. Every person has Talents …it takes time, effort, and expertise to find Talents and turn them into Strengths. *** "All the leaders I've met, worked with, and read about have had one thing in common. Along the way to becoming practitioners and masters of leadership, they transformed their character." Joe MacInnis ' Deep Leadership ', (2012)

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: A CEO said, "We exist because there are problems in business & in building teams."
Date: 2013-02-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-a-ceo-said-we-exist-because-there-are-problems-in-business-in-building-teams/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

Some related articles… Building Business The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Aligning Perceptions To Get Results
Date: 2013-02-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/aligning-perceptions-to-get-results/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts

When people's perceptions are aligned the chance they will achieve desired results increases. While that may be obvious, it is rarely top of mind. And it is rarely walking hand in hand with actions during interactions. While common sense tells us the state of aligned perceptions is the best state to be in, few of us stretch enough to make sure that state exists. When business people share their thoughts with me I observe perception gaps . This is most common when the business people share a direct reporting relationship, one reporting to the other...a 'boss-worker pair'. Sometimes the perception gap is glaring...glaring, large, and dysfunctional. When I see this I ask myself, " What can I do to reduce this perception gap? " Why do I ask this? I ask this because it really bothers me to see people carrying on with one another while they are so disconnected. I recognize the human side: when people are disconnected, even if they don't register it consciously or give it much thought, they 'know it'. That knowledge places them in a position of dissonance which often shows up as internal stress and external disharmony. That's the soft, intangible repercussion of the perception gap . There's also a hard, tangible repercussion: perception gaps reduce efficiency and effectiveness , neutering performance , stalling coworkers & projects , annoying & losing clients , etc. Yet - perception gaps dominate many boss-worker relationships and situations. A little more focus on perception gaps will generate a lot more bottom-line satisfaction . How? How can you reduce perception gaps ? Here's a introduction... link to New Binoculars Help You See Eye-to-Eye

## Thought Tweet #681
Date: 2013-02-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-682/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #681 Does leadership mean delicate hands at the controls? Sometimes, Yes; Sometimes, Definitely NO. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most of the time - 99% of the time - Leaders should be supportive. Why? Because constructive criticism is an oxymoron . Most of the time - let's think in terms of a bell curve, so about 2/3 of the time - Leaders need to be in the clear-to-assertive range. That does not mean aggressive...it means assertive. In the clear-to-assertive range - Leaders need to be unemotional, concise, emphatic, and firm...but not intimidating or aggressive. Sometimes, Leaders need to be very firm...so firm, others may find them aggressive. Here's an example: say you are a leader and one of the people you lead is an office bully; say you have exhausted all clear-to-assertive methods and the office bully does not correct his or her behaviour. In this scenario, you may find a very firm, even aggressive reaction is the only way to remedy the unacceptable bully-behaviour. Perhaps, natural-born leaders can perform like this without pre-thought or planning...'ad-libbing'. I wouldn't rely on ad-libbing. I recommend thinking about tough situations in advance - thinking about the scenarios that could happen when the office bully is around: planning your Leadership response; planning whether or not you will respond in a firm-aggressive; thinking through exactly how you will do that; thinking about how you will control your emotions so you will be in control of the situation; choosing your words and body language in advance; practicing, as required, to ensure you perform at your best When you are delivering firm-aggressive messages you are not being constructive...at least, the recipient of your message will not feel or think you are being constructive. However, sometimes, a ruling with an iron fist is the only way to control a bully. Bullies are asking for iron-fist assertive leadership. They are crying out for it. Take care though - you must deliver it to bullies properly.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: "I get a thrill out of being in a meeting and helping solve difficult problems."
Date: 2013-02-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-i-get-a-thrill-out-of-being-in-a-meeting-and-helping-solve-difficult-problems/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities

A related article… About Good Attitudes @ Work The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: CDN government is slowing down spend by adding another layer of review to procurement.
Date: 2013-02-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-cdn-government-is-slowing-down-spend-by-adding-another-layer-of-review-to-procurement/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: "We tried it years ago and it didn't work." [AN EXAMPLE OF THE WRONG WAY TO THINK]
Date: 2013-02-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-we-tried-it-years-ago-and-it-didnt-work-an-example-of-the-wrong-way-to-think/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

Some related articles… LINK The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #680
Date: 2013-02-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-680/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #680 The Earth must be the centre of the Universe. The Thinking Behind The Tweet After all, until proven otherwise, it is only we on Earth who perceive the Universe. Without us, it does not exist. With us, it exists as perceptions in our minds. Perhaps, our mathematics and laws of physics have not unlocked the secrets of the Universe; perhaps, we have constructed mathematics and laws of physics to match the Universe that exists only in our perceptions. If that's the case, and we have no proof to the contrary, the Earth, our home, must be the centre of the Universe. [The 'fact' Earth orbits the Sun is another consequence of our perceptions.]

## Thought Tweet #679
Date: 2013-02-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-679/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #679 Efficiency : doing what you know how to do faster and faster. Effectiveness : improving what you know how to do. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Before we work on either efficiency or effectiveness, we need to work on understanding: people process situations Business Only Contains 3 Things

## A new-and-improved picture of Leadership Priorities
Date: 2013-02-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-new-and-improved-picture-of-leadership-priorities/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Change: Creating Positive Change, Marketing, Sales

Here is a new-and-improved picture of leadership priorities.. This picture shows the way leadership priorities need to be adapted. This is the Strategic Picture. There is a hierarchy… Strategic Thinking is the elite business function. Action without strategy will deliver, at best, short-lived success. In our commoditized world the pace of change is hyper-quick and every product and service gets copied as prices drop with competition. Now - Leaders need step out of the rat-race and free up time for strategic thinking. Leaders need to adapt by... Creativity is key to differentiation. And differentiation is the key to attracting clients and growing volume and gross margin. Some folks have lots of creativity. Everyone can learn it. Leaders must lead by example or step aside and allow others to lead the creative process. Creative processes are the way to Insight. And, Insights plus Relationships are the foundation for Influencing and expanding sales. Here's a picture that captures that last point... The Delicate Balance Required To Meet & Serve Client Needs …and, prior to doing that, a tool to help you Clarify Internal Communications & Clarify Marketing & Sales [external] Communications

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Leaders should embrace the idea of coaching their people; talking about learning from failures.
Date: 2013-02-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-leaders-should-embrace-the-idea-of-coaching-their-people-talking-about-learning-from-failures/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… Do you feel that fear of failure can effectively motivate? The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## How to Compete & Succeed
Date: 2013-02-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/inverting-the-pqs-triangle/ | Categories: Marketing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales

Some time ago I took a Marketing course and learned about the Price-Quality-Service Triangle [ PQS Triangle ]. In summary, we were taught a company could provide one or two of these 3 things, but not all three. What's your business capable of doing? Providing lowest Price? Providing highest Quality? Providing best Service? We linked the PQS Triangle to Differential Advantage by creating "PQS + DA"...a simple tool to help people hone in on the differences [their clients would perceive ] and the advantages [their clients would receive ]. That lead to the following 1-Page Tool : It became clear that few companies can offer the lowest price and survive. So, we " x-ed out " Price as an option...helping our clients focus on Service & Quality...the only 2 options for delivering value to their clients. Now, we have made another update. We have flipped the PQS Triangle upside-down and precariously balanced it on 2 foundation pieces: Insight and Relationships . This picture summarizes the business-development advice we provide to clients: Do not compete on Price ...for 99% of business a lowest price strategy is a recipe for disaster...find other ways to provide value in the form of Service or Quality or both Identify the specific Differences your clients will recognize in your Services or Quality or both Identify the specific Advantages your clients will receive from your Services or Quality or both Build Relationships with your clients, multi-level if the client makes purchasing decisions by consensus Create and deliver Insights of value to your clients

## Thought Tweet #678
Date: 2013-02-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-678/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #678 A leadership mindset generates constructive behaviour ...creating, evoking, and building on great ideas . The Thinking Behind The Tweet Great ideas contain intangible potential: only in the hands of great leadership teams can that potential become reality. About thinking .

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: New Canadians are delivering results at work.
Date: 2013-02-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-new-canadians-are-delivering-results-at-work/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… Ratna Omidvar - "Dialogue on Diversity" The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #677
Date: 2013-02-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-677/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #677 In general, people don't lack the desire to make changes. They lack the skill . The Thinking Behind The Tweet " They lack the skill. " When it comes to change , skill is a multi-edged sword . One sharp edge - the person who delivers the change- decision must deliver that decision with skill . Another sharp edge - the person who receives the change-decision must receive that decision with skill . Another sharp edge - the people who implement the change-decision must perform the decision with skill . That's a lot of skill...that's the skill-work we must commit to if we want to make constructive change.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Leaders need to teach 3 things: common sense, innovation, & accountability.
Date: 2013-02-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-leaders-need-to-teach-3-things-common-sense-innovation-accountability/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

Related articles … Repeating Business errors: Defying Common Sense Process - Uncrushing Creativity Some Thoughts on Business Ledership The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #676
Date: 2013-02-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-676/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #676 If we want to change society then the best 1st step is spending 20 minutes a day working on self-understanding. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The question was asked at the HBR LInkedIn group..." How can we change society? Just give one step which you feel will change society. " Change requires Courage . Change requires knowledge of self and knowledge of others. Change cascades like dominos: Courage Self-Knowledge Self-Education Self-Discipline Self-Change Self-Confidence Confidence in Others Teaching Others: Courage, Self-Knowledge, Self-Education, Self-Discipline, Self-Confidence Working With Others: Creating Change For The Better This is the stuff of leadership

## Larry Smith visits our Centre For Family Business [CFFB]
Date: 2013-02-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/larry-smith-visits-our-centre-for-family-business-cffb/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB

Larry Smith is an economist at UW. About Canada's economy: we face rising competitive pressures millions of Latin American people are not our competitors [ex, Brazil & Mexico] the Philippines, Indonesia, China, and India are all expanding as competitors forecast: slow growth at best for the foreseeable future everyone is facing competitive pressure

Larry Smith is an economist at UW. When he visited CFFB in January, Larry softened that introduction by letting us know he has experience with family business...he grew up in a small town...he went through the child labour experience. That was the first hint of the presentation uniqueness about to follow. Larry talked about the serious disruption caused by economic recessions and the importance of being able to do economic forecasts. During the recession of 1980-1981 Canadian economists could forecast. Similarly, about a decade later the Governor of the Bank of Canada visited Kitchener and confirmed he would be raising interest rates to fight inflation. That allowed Canadian economists to forecast the danger that became the economic downturn of the early 1990's. In the last 5 years we have experienced another recession. This time inflation is gone, we are seeing a long-term, systematic decline in exports to the U.S. Larry explained, this is not a retreat. It is disengagement so, in the future, the U.S. will not pull us down with them. About the U.S. economy: During the 1990's the growth in the U.S. economy was mostly 'Internet hype"...so the U.S. took a major hit in 2000 Without mentioning names, a U.S. President ruined the economy one of the lowest taxes in the world/large military budget/less money for other sectors/major universities lowering enrolment & reducing class time more-recently - the U.S. has not had a budget for almost 4 years " The largest economy in the world has no fiscal plan. " " America, which could stimulate the economy around the world, is missing in action. " " The U.S. has to elect a President who is decisive and can knock heads. " And - the U.S. is still Canada's largest market. We are separating from the U.S. What about the rest of the world?: despite all its problems when compared to the U.S. Europe is well-governed Japan has had 8 Prime Ministers in the last 3 years China has 16,000,000 census takers/the entire Chinese government is 7 people India do not educate rural people/wealth is for the elite Canada may be seen as an oasis of dopiness About Canada's economy: we face rising competitive pressures millions of Latin American people are not our competitors [ex, Brazil & Mexico] the Philippines, Indonesia, China, and India are all expanding as competitors forecast: slow growth at best for the foreseeable future everyone is facing competitive pressure Larry summed up the Canadian situation, " We are in the most challenging economic environment we have ever encountered since I became a practising economist. " " This year it is hard. Next year it will be harder. " A message for 20-year-olds: " Your life will be more difficult that your parents' and your grandparents'. " The standards for getting a job keep rising and co-op programs around the world are providing work-experience for young people. Employers want to hear good answers to questions like, " What ideas do you have for me, your employer? " " Young people need to know they must offer ideas. " Is there a way out of this dilemma? there is no magic way we must not shave profit margins we must not reduce quality " In your hearts, you know what you need to do... " " Let us motivate ourselves. Let us steel ourselves to do things that we may not find comfortable and attractive. " Canadians must INVENT: " I own a Canadian family business. I am an inventor. " " Is that how you introduce yourself? " Invent - and have the ability to move quickly. " Your work is going to be exciting, scary...the antithesis of boring. " " You have the characteristic the market will reward the best. " And in closing, Larry said - " With resolve to do what you need to do, I wish success to all of you in the exciting times in which we live. " An amazing presentation Larry...captivating, educating, & energizing. Thank you!

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: If you've always been given stuff you will never learn how to measure excellent work.
Date: 2013-02-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-if-youve-always-been-given-stuff-you-will-never-learn-how-to-measure-excellent-work/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… Snakes & Ladders...and Entitlement The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: For Innovation: you have to celebrate failure...we need to teach young people how to fail.
Date: 2013-02-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-for-innovation-you-have-to-celebrate-failurewe-need-to-teach-young-people-how-to-fail/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… Let's Turn This Problem Into Opportunity The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Notes on John C. Maxwell's advice about Focus
Date: 2013-02-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/notes-about-focus/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

The following are notes taken while reviewing John C. Maxwell's 2009 book - ' HOW SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE THINK - CHANGE YOUR THINKING, CHANGE YOUR LIFE' ENGAGE IN FOCUSED THINKING… Unleashing the Potential of Focused Thinking Why should we engage in focused thinking? Focused thinking harnesses energy toward a desired goal Focused thinking gives ideas time to develop Focused thinking brings clarity to the target Focused thinking will take you to the next level Where should we focus our thoughts? Identifying our priorities Discovering our gifts Developing our dream How can you stay focused? Remove distractions (do highest-return things first, insulate yourself) Make time for focused thinking (remove multi-tasking) Keep items of focus before you (visible reminders) Set goals (written) Question your progress

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Have we made it too easy for incoming workers? New workers need to prove themselves.
Date: 2013-02-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-have-we-made-it-too-easy-for-incoming-workers-new-workers-need-to-prove-themselves/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… Who is responsible for your work situation? The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #675
Date: 2013-02-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-675/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #675 The 3 prongs of innovation : invention, discovery, and stumbling upon. The Thinking Behind The Tweet P=2S+O ...for every Problem [P], think of at least 2 Solutions [2S] and keep your eyes peeled for Opportunities [O]. Taking a P=2S+O approach to problems: that's a proven way to invent, discover, and stumble upon innovation.

## Is your gross margin growing?
Date: 2013-02-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/is-your-gross-margin-growing/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales

Is you gross margin growing? If not, Why not? You may sum up your answer in 2 words - "competitive pressures", which typically involve price competition. Your competition is offering lower prices and you feel pressure to do something to react to the competitive pressure. When your prices are under competitive pressure you often react 2 ways:

Is your gross margin growing? I'm assuming you have a concrete definition of gross margin, you measure performance against a gross margin target/goal, and your gross margin contributes to growth of cash-flow. Is your gross margin growing? If not, Why not? You may sum up your answer in 2 words - "competitive pressures", which typically involve price competition. Your competition is offering lower prices and you feel pressure to do something to react to the competitive pressure. When your prices are under competitive pressure you often react 2 ways: You drop your price "to meet the competition" and You hold your price and lose the client to the competitor who offered the lower price. When you drop your price in response to competitive price pressures and you keep the client, one of 4 situations exist: You are still able to meet your gross margin target...and your cash-flow is not impaired You make a positive gross margin but it fall shorts of meeting your gross margin target...and your cash-flow falls short of expectations You make a negative gross margin...and your cash-flow is reduced You are not sure about your gross margin because you do not measure it...and you are equally unsure about your cash-flow. When you hold your price and lose the client: sometimes they depart quickly, they slip away without fanfare; sometimes they leave following an agonizing energy-eating sales process. Either way, the client is gone. The gross margin you forecast is gone. And, the cash-flow you forecast is gone. In all of the above scenarios your gross margin is not growing. If the above scenarios are what you are experiencing on a day-to-day basis then your gross margin is not growing. And that's not where you want your business to be. You want to make some adjustments so: you have an accurate understanding of your gross margin you know how exposed your gross margin is to price competition, the less exposed the better you have strategies for growing gross margin you communicate those strategies to your people, especially your sales people Gross margin is intimately linked to Value proposition... Value as seen by your clients, that is.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Put significant effort into retaining your clients; do 'delicate daisy' analyses regularly
Date: 2013-02-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-put-significant-effort-into-retaining-your-clients-do-delicate-daisy-analyses-regularly/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing, Sales

A related article… Think About Your Clients' Clients The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #674
Date: 2013-02-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-674/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #674 Small, fresh thoughts compound to become amazing innovations. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Let's work together to help each other take small, inventive steps .

## Support, Educate & Energize
Date: 2013-02-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/support-educate-energize/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Here are the 3 most-important things… If you want a magic potion for success then this is the best one I can offer: Focus on every individual’s Talents & Strengths , Treat Routine work-tasks and not-Routine work-tasks as 2 entirely different things, and Teach Creativity .

Borrowing from the Centre For Family Business ' Mission... Leaders need to Support, Educate, & Energize their people. Here are the 3 most-important things…If you want a magic potion for success then this is the best one I can offer: Focus on every individual’s Talents & Strengths , Treat Routine work-tasks and not-Routine work-tasks as 2 entirely different things, and Teach Creativity .

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: There are so many demands on small businesses; training may get placed on the back burner.
Date: 2013-02-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-there-are-so-many-demands-on-small-businesses-training-may-get-placed-on-the-back-burner/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… Time for Learning! The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #673
Date: 2013-02-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-673/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #673 Talents are not what we do; Talents are the 'substances' that define us and make us unique. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Talents are the numbers of our personal combination lock; talents are the keys to our desires and action-drivers. Talents stand to explain why we do what we do.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: A local CEO confirms, "Construction on farmland is booming."
Date: 2013-02-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-a-local-ceo-confirms-construction-on-farmland-is-booming/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #672
Date: 2013-02-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-672/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #672 What appears to us as a treasure of difference often appears to others as a trash of similarity. The Thinking Behind The Tweet One man's trash is another man's treasure. Marketing and sales people tend to think their products and services are different, i.e., holding a differential advantage over the products and services of their competitors. The marketing and sales people 'treasure' those differences. Meanwhile, clients confirm they see little difference in the offerings of their suppliers; they see much similarity. So, when we go on about the differences in our products and services and the advantages and benefits those differences bring to our clients we need to make sure we are not trash talking.

## Business Leaders Need to Stop De-Motivating Their People
Date: 2013-02-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-leaders-need-to-stop-de-motivating-their-people/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

A leader cannot motivate anyone else. A leader can inspire followers. A leader can lead by example. Leaders are self-motivated…if they are not then they soon lose their followers. While people cannot motivate others, they can de-motivate others. Leaders do this far too often. When people are in roles that involve Tasks outside their Talent & Strength Zones, they will tend to be de-motivated. Leaders must ensure that roles and tasks fit people’s Talents & Strengths. Only then will people be self-motivated. Put another way…leaders need to make sure the seats on the bus fit the people and make sure the people fit the seats on the bus. This is a lot of detailed work…that’s the price 21st Century business leaders will have to pay in order to succeed. Here's the picture...

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: About Economic Forecasts: Vancouver and Toronto reports & forecasts don't fit our Region.
Date: 2013-02-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-about-economic-forecasts-vancouver-and-toronto-reports-forecasts-dont-fit-our-region/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… Let's Push Off These Economic Doldrums The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #671
Date: 2013-02-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-671/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #671 Desire to be different; Prepare to be provocative. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Provocative def'n : to provoke , excite or stimulate Provoke def'n : to arouse a feeling or action When we arouse feeling or action we have the opportunity to bring about productivity and we enable change . To arouse the specific feelings or actions required for the desired productivity and the desired change we need to prepare .

## 3 Energizing Ideas
Date: 2013-02-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/energy-work/ | Categories: INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Leaders' Thoughts

When your company name has the word “spirited” in it you spend a lot of time thinking about energy. You appreciate the huge role energy serves in business. Leaders need to energize their people. Energizing people is the opposite of de-motivating people. Here are 3 suggestions for energizing your people: Make changes that ensure the bus seats and the people ‘fit’ Automate and systematize Routine work…explaining Why, How, and What as you make this change Free up time for Creativity for not-Routine work…explaining Why, How, and What…the Why being the same as the Why of Routine work…and the How and What being different than the How and What for Routine work

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: One local CEO says, "The new-home market got off to a good start this year."
Date: 2013-02-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-one-local-ceo-says-the-new-home-market-got-off-to-a-good-start-this-year/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

A related article… An Economic Forecast The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Consider ex- Canadian Armed Forces people...they offer strong leadership skills.
Date: 2013-02-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-consider-ex-canadian-armed-forces-peoplethey-offer-strong-leadership-skills/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

A Couple of related articles… Crank Up Your Leadership Strengths General Rick Hillier visits Waterloo The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## My Business - a communication tool for business partners
Date: 2013-02-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/my-business-a-communication-tool-for-business-partners/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts

A picture of the "My Business" exercise...created 10 years ago to improve communication between business partners [Spirited Leaders logo added recently].

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: You cannot negotiate Values, they are your fabric.
Date: 2013-02-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-you-cannot-negotiate-values-they-are-your-fabric/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Values: Personal Values

A related article… Values & Personal Values The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Picture Your Strength
Date: 2013-02-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/picture-your-strength/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude

When people use their Talents & Strengths at work they feel better, they are self- motivated , and they perform better. For profit , you want your people working in their Strengths Zones. For ‘HR reasons’ and harmony in relationships, you want your people working in their Strengths Zones.

## Thought Tweet #670
Date: 2013-02-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-670/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Entrepreneur Thinking, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #670 Stepping from excelling at execution to excelling at delegating it...one giant leap for business growth. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some technical experts master supervision. Fewer master supervision and management. Even fewer technical experts master the ability to master delegation and influence . When a technical exert masters delegation and influence we have entrepreneurship at its best.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: One of our local CEOs is able to say, "We have 7 Values we fall back on in case you have questions."
Date: 2013-02-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-one-of-our-local-ceos-is-able-to-say-we-have-7-values-we-fall-back-on-in-case-you-have-questions/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Values: Personal Values

A related article... The Leader's Personal Values Fuel Everything The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Right Butts, Right Buses, Right Seats, & Right Tasks
Date: 2013-02-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-people/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Following a presentation about a week ago, we had a detailed discussion about ‘ getting the right butts into the right seats of the bus ’. I had presented this slide… And, the following slide... This was an effort to take Jim Collins’ bus analogy one step further. This is essential because, beyond theory, the advice provided by business educators and motivational speakers doesn’t go far enough to help business leaders and managers resolve the people problems that are common in real-life business situations. While creating the presentation, I spent a lot of time thinking about ‘ How? ’ … how do we get the right people on the bus? Carrying on with the bus analogy, I concluded the best first step is – Look at your existing people, your existing bus, and the seats on the bus …including the seat’s fabric, nuts & bolts, etc. And, specifically, look at each person’s talents & strengths and how those talents & strengths [or lack of them] present themselves when that person does a task. Understand the linkage between the person’s talents & strengths and the tasks you are asking the person to perform. That is the main point. To pave the path for good-to-great performance at work, a leader or manager must understand 2 things: 1. The details of the Person: Talents : does the person possess the talent to do the task? Knowledge : does the person possess the knowledge [often, specialized knowledge] to do the task? Skill : has the person practised and performed the task enough to possess the skill to perform it well? For Simple tasks skill will be developed with less practise For Complicated and Complex tasks it may take years to master the skills 2. The details of the Task : Is it a routine task or a not-routine task? Is there a system/process for doing the task? Is that system/process in writing? Has that system been well communicated to all involved and affected? If the leader or manager does not understand both those things then the leader is taking a chance – taking a risk – when people are assigned to perform tasks. To make this point more graphically - It is risky to assume bright people can perform simple tasks. Another graphic point – When a task is not performed well there are only a few reasons why it is not performed well. Seeking Simple , let’s create a short list of the reasons why a task is not performed well: The task is impossible, so nobody could do it The task is possible but not clearly defined/described, so people may do the wrong thing The task is possible but the person doesn’t understand it: the person isn’t capable of understanding the way the task was defined/described; the person, for one reason or another, didn’t listen…the communication failed The task is possible & the person understands it but lacks the talent to perform it The task is possible & the person understands it but lacks the knowledge to perform it The task is possible & the person understands it but lacks the skill [practise/experience] to perform it The task is possible & the person is capable of doing it but chooses not to do it: the person chooses to spend the time doing something else; multi-tasking - the person does something deemed more important and runs out of time; the person doesn't like the task; the person is prone to procrastinate; the person doesn’t like the boss or the company - sabotage Yes – even the short list contains many possibilities. That’s the challenge of managing and leading people. Many things can go wrong according to Murphy they do go wrong. So - leaders and managers need systems/processes for sorting through the possibilities to determine why things went wrong. Back to the buses…the leader needs to understand how to fit people into seats…get the right people on the bus and get the wrong people off the bus. What does that mean? Specifically, what do the words ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ mean? That question yields troubling answers. There are no ‘right’ people. There are lots of ‘wrong’ people. Let’s keep on using the bus analogy but let’s replace the words ‘right’ and ‘wrong’. Leaders need to make sure the people on the bus fit well in their seats. That’s what it is really all about. It is not about ‘right’ and ‘wrong’…it is about differences. Square pegs are not ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ they just don’t fit well into round holes. And – It is easier to adjust seats than it is to change people. It is easier to adjust seats than it is to remove & replace people. You cannot adjust a seat to fit a person without first measuring the person. The first step then is – measuring the person. How? How do we go about measuring the person? We must do this in small steps….one step at a time. We must consider each of these steps in an as-objective-as-possible manner. We must review 3 facets of each small step: The Task [thought and action steps/pieces] The Person’s Strengths [Innate Talent + Specialized Knowledge + Practised Skill] doing the Task. The Person’s Frame of Mind [good mood, bad mood, emotions, feelings - does the person enjoy the Task?] If the person accurately understands the task, has the strength required to perform the task, and has a positive attitude about doing the task then the task will be done right. If any of these 3 pieces are missing then there is a high likelihood the task will not be performed well. The keys to helping people succeed at work tasks are (1) assuming as little as possible and (2) helping as much as possible when people illustrate they are struggling to get over a hurdle. To help a person get over a hurdle the leader needs to be able to accurately identify the hurdle. Does the hurdle rest in the person or in the task? It is easier to remove the hurdles in tasks. So, leaders should remove as many of those hurdles as possible…establishing clear processes and testing those processes with many people to prove the task is doable. ...making sure the task is not going to be the hurdle

## Thought Tweet #669
Date: 2013-02-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-669/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #669 Business Growth = Innovation + Invention + Self-Improvement + Self-Improvement The Thinking Behind The Tweet In business, learning is a life-long learning experience aimed improving self, helping others to do the same, and adding innovation, & invention.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: A good question business Leaders should ask, "Help me understand __________________."
Date: 2013-02-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-a-good-question-business-leaders-should-ask-help-me-understand/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

A related article... New Binoculars Help You See Eye-to-Eye The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: After an employer provides 'work-education', everyone shares the responsibility for learning & doing.
Date: 2013-02-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-after-an-employer-provides-work-education-everyone-shares-the-responsibility-for-learning-doing/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

A related article... Time for Learning! The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #668
Date: 2013-02-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-668/ | Categories: Marketing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #668 Would you rather make things convenient for your clients or deliver unique value to your clients? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Convenience is important...we need to do what we can to make it easy for clients to buy. Unique value is tough to invent and deliver...most products and services are readily commoditized .

## Routine & not-Routine Tasks - Treat Them Different Ways!
Date: 2013-02-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/routine-not-routine-tasks-treat-them-different-ways/ | Categories: —

PS: Work process is a string of Tasks. Most Tasks can be systematized [set in clearly-defined Process steps] without crushing creativity . Routine Tasks & not-Routine Tasks must be treated differently!

## New Binoculars Help You See Eye-to-Eye
Date: 2013-02-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/newbinocularshelpyouseeeyetoeye/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

New super-binoculars help people work better.

When you see someone struggling or failing at communicating... Or When you see someone struggling or failing at performing a task efficiently and effectively... Imagine you have in your hands a pair of special binoculars. Imagine your super-high-tech binoculars look something like this: These special binoculars have 3 sets of dials to help you focus so you can have a clear picture of what's causing the struggling person to struggle. All those dials and gadgets are there to help you zero in on Perceptions , Intelligence , and Emotions . When you first look into the binoculars you see two separate but overlapping pictures...one is your view and the other is the view of the person who is struggling . By adjusting the various dials you will be able to see clearly how and where your views overlap with those of the struggling person and how and where your views differ. As you begin to focus you gain comfort because you know you will be able to help the struggling person. You are on your way to understanding the common ground and the differences in Perceptions , Intelligence , and Emotions . When these things are cleared up, you will deliver your 'best help' to the struggling person. Putting your new binoculars to work... Operations Manual: How To Use Your New Binoculars Step 1 - The Perceptions Dials : Use the Perceptions Dials to remove the distortion that exists between your view of the situation and the struggling person's view of the situation. In some situations people's perceptions have a lot of overlap...so you may not have to spend much time adjusting the Perceptions Dials. For example, if the task is being done outside and the temperature is 21 0 and the sun is shining through a gentle breeze then most people would agree with your perception, " This is a nice day ." However, to be safe you should perform Perceptions Tests whenever time allows...and, when time does not allow, make some time. When you first look through the binoculars the Perceptions picture will look like this: You and the struggling person share some common ground. You can see that clearly. Around that common ground there are gray zones where your perceptions differ from those of the struggling person. You want to adjust the Perceptions Dials to remove as much of the gray zones as possible. You need to perform tests to determine whether gray zones can be cleared up...and become shared perceptions. The best 'Perceptions Tests' are questions around the 5 human senses: sight, hearing, touch-feeling, taste, & smell...and the 6th sense - Intuition . So to help you adjust the Perceptions Dials, ask the struggling person 3 key questions: What do you sense here? What do you see in this situation? What is your intuition telling you about this situation? Listen to the answers provided by the struggling person and compare those answers to your own perceptions. Adjust your Perception Dials to find and expand the shared & clear [common] view between your perceptions and the struggling person's perceptions. When you have adjusted all the dials, the Perceptions picture you will see: You and the struggling person have more shared & clear perceptions and the question marks about perceptions have shrunk.Yes, you can expect gray zones around the outside...that's where your perception differences exist and where people either do not understand their own perceptions or do not communicate them...that's normal. Focus your attention on the shared & clear perceptions in the centre of the binoculars. Do not be distracted by the unknowns at the fringes. Step 2 - The Intelligence Dial : Use the Intelligence Dial to account for the facts (1) intelligence is multi-faceted and takes different forms and (2) people have different levels of various facets of intelligence. Some of the differences exist in areas of memory, recall, and standard logic as measured in IQ tests. Other differences exist in harder-to-quantify facets such as social intelligence. Since it is dangerous to assume actions are reliable indicators of other people's intelligence it is important to 'scope out' the differences in intelligence so you get a clearer picture of what is causing the struggling person's difficulties. At first glance, you will see an Intelligence picture like this: The shared & clear part of the initial Intelligence picture is larger than that of the initial Perceptions picture. That is due to the facts (1) intelligence is much easier to measure and share and (2) making judgments about intelligence and differences in intelligence are common practices whereas measuring perceptions and differences in perceptions are not. Your Intelligence Dial has 7 trim-tabs for fine-tuning 1 : A Focus trim-tab to clarify the struggling person's ability to control his or her attention and thoughts then actions to align with goals An Initiate trim-tab to clarify the struggling person's ability to commence thought or action aligned with goals A Plan trim-tab to clarify the struggling person's ability to formulate, set, and commit to goals An Organize trim-tab to clarify the struggling person's ability to think about systematic, integrated actions required to achieve goals A Shift trim-tab to clarify the struggling person's ability to intentionally replace one thought or action with another A Monitor trim-tab to clarify the struggling person's ability to observe the thoughts and actions of self and others in responses to self A Regulate trim-tab to clarify the struggling person's ability to bring Integrity 2 and order to the thoughts and actions of self As you use these trim-tabs, discover how the struggling person answers 3 key questions: What do you understand about the present situation? What have your past experiences taught you about this sort of situation? How do you see this situation unfolding into the future? As you use the 7 trim-tabs and ask the 3 key questions you will understand the shared picture of your intelligence and the struggling person's intelligence. Yes, again, there will be gray zones where your intelligence and the struggling person's intelligence differ. When you have finished adjusting the Intelligence Dial the picture will show an enlarged shared & clear zone. You will have identified at least 1 or 2 new ideas which now are in shared & clear view - they will shine bright like light bulbs. You will have a much clearer Intelligence picture: strengths and weaknesses will stand out as green plus signs for strengths and red minus signs for weaknesses. To the extent you can do it, you will make sure the struggling person's weaknesses are not going to blur the picture. And, you will note the strengths of the struggling person that are not in the picture now but may be relied upon in the future. Step 3 - The Emotions Dial: The Emotions Dial will help you understand how emotions are affecting the struggling person and, as a consequence, the situation. This is the most-tricky dial...it requires an objective yet sensitive touch. This dial may be affected by the user of the binoculars even more than it is affected by the struggling person. And, it takes time to handle this dial with skill. When you first look into the binoculars expect the Emotions picture to look like this: For most people, the Emotions picture is the fuzziest of the pictures...lots of gray zones of uncertainty and a smaller amount of shared or clear emotions. The Emotions Dial really requires a sensitive touch. You may find emotions are shared by the struggling person, yet you cannot identify the causes behind them. You may find the struggling person's emotions appear clear to you, yet the struggling person is not comfortable helping you as you try to clear up the picture. So, you may have to settle for shared or clear rather than shared and clear. As you learn to master the Emotions Dial you will be able to identify positive and negative emotions and feelings and you will be able to measure the size of the emotions and feelings. To start this process, you can ask the struggling person 2 questions: Do you understand how you feel? [If Yes] How do you feel? If the struggling person does not understand how he or she feels then you should set the binoculars down for a while. Allow the struggling person some quiet time to think about how he or she feels. Then, when the struggling person is in touch with his or her feelings, return to adjusting the Emotions Dial. As you adjust the dials, aim for clarity around emotions. Do not expect to share emotions the same way perceptions and intelligence can be shared: it is sufficient to understand emotions and identify them as good/positive or bad/negative. As you adjust the dials, keep the focus on clarity. The goal is to keep adjusting the dials until you gain a clear picture of how the struggling person feels and how feelings, yours and the other person's, are affecting Perceptions and Intelligence. Keep adjusting the dials until the picture is clear and as shared as possible. With this done you can be confident you fully understand Perceptions , Intelligence , & Emotions ...and you will help the struggling person. Step 4 - Helping the Struggling Person Once you have adjusted all the dials, you know the shared & clear picture of the situation at hand. You see the situation from both your viewpoint and the struggling person's viewpoint. You are now able to concentrate on the 3 most-important aspects of improving the struggling person's performance: putting the struggling person's talents & strengths to work, communicating effectively with the struggling person, & guiding/teaching the struggling person how to complete the task. NOTICE to OWNER: It will take you some time to get used to using your new, super-binoculars. The time and attention you invest with your binoculars will determine the performance magnification you get out of them. Footnotes: 1. These 7 trim-tabs are based on the '7 Executive BrainSmarts' presented in 'Secrets from the BRAIN ', by Dr. Lorie Saxby & Phyllis Hiebert, (2010) 2. Definition of Integrity 1. When you know your Personal Values and 2. When you can express your Personal Values in writing [showing how you think the think ] and 3. When you can talk with others about your Personal Values [ talk the talk ] and 4. When your actions are consistent with your Personal Values [ walk the walk ] and 5. When you acknowledge your think-talk-walk errors and strive to not repeat them …then you have Integrity .

## Thought Tweet #667
Date: 2013-02-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-667/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #667 Business leaders need to help their people adapt by creating Change-Opportunities The Thinking Behind The Tweet Leaders are in the best position to create Change-Opportunities. If leaders don’t create Change-Opportunities then their best workers will…by seeking work elsewhere or becoming entrepreneurs. If leaders don’t create Change-Opportunities then their best clients will…by seeking a new supplier.

## Thought Tweet #666
Date: 2013-02-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-666/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #666 You cannot force a round talent into a square task. The Thinking Behind The Tweet "A round man cannot be expected to fit in a square hole right away. He must have time to modify his shape." Mark Twain And... Too often we focus on roles as if they are a singular or homogeneous thing. We do better when we treat roles as a package of different tasks, some stand-alone tasks, some interpersonal tasks. People succeed in roles when their talents and strengths mesh with the tasks in the roles. [and, of course, the people have an achievement-oriented attitude] And...

## Separating Routine & not-Routine Work-Tasks
Date: 2013-02-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/separating-routine-not-routine-work-tasks/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Leaders' Thoughts, Seeking Simple!, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Leaders need to narrow their focus and dig deep into work-tasks. For Routine work-tasks we need to establish systems and processes. Many business gurus have taught this… Michael Gerber’s E-Myth series is a good enough what-to-do manual for Routine work. not-Routine work-tasks require a different type of attention. Few business gurus teach this. I have found Edward de Bono is the best guide…he has written over 70 books on creative thinking and how it can be applied to business. I have tried to Seek Simple … In the above picture of Routine work and not-Routine work you see the 80/20 Rule coming into play…at least 80% of our time is spent doing Routine work. That’s the light green part. A much smaller amount of time is spent on not-Routine such as strategizing, idea-storming, and innovating. That’s the dark green part. Does this visual look a little like PAC-MAN? I hope so. Routine work tends to eat up all of our time. This includes making mistakes and fixing them. This includes fire-fighting the same old types of fires over and over again. Routine work eats up our time and our opportunities for creative thinking. Here is one example - Leaders need to simplify Routine work to remove communication-confusion…McDonalds provides the best case study. Simple tools like checklists help: checklists stop airplanes from crashing and infections from spreading during major surgeries. If checklists can work such wonders in the airline and medical sectors you can be confident they will do the same thing at your business. not-Routine work requires a different approach... not-Routine work-tasks require different skills. And, as educators like Dan Pink point out and companies like Google prove, not-Routine work involves a fun-factor. Creativity happens when people are motivated. People are motivated when they are working in a Strengths Zone . Creativity can be taught. Everyone has creativity…many of us have to un-bury it. There are quick-and comfortable ways of doing this. And, Creativity is an essential ingredient in the magic potion of business success in the 21st Century .

## Thought Tweet #665
Date: 2013-02-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-665/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #665 Do you know the nature of the relationships between the talents and work-tasks? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Talents tend to bounce off tasks. This is especially true when talents first meet tasks...talents often resist new tests. And bounce off is predictable when talents meet repeated defeats at the hands of tasks...after repeated defeats, talents will avoid tasks at all costs. It's like talents have egos of their own.

## Let's Turn This Problem Into Opportunity
Date: 2013-02-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/lets-turn-this-problem-into-opportunity/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Poor Innovation Ranking Dims the Lights on Canada's Competitiveness and Prosperity “Overall, Canada’s ranking declined to 14th place in 2012 – from 12th place in 2011 and 10th place in 2010. But in the sub-area of innovation and business sophistication factors, Canada fell six places from 15th to 21st – no other top-ranked country dropped nearly as much.” Ottawa, September 27, 2012 Conference Board of Canada *** So - the studies are telling us... On a global scale, Canada is slipping down the ladders that measure business success. What this means is Canada is having a tougher time exporting its products and services while at the same time other countries are having an easier time selling their products and services to Canadians. It also means Canadians are spending too much time tripping over one another’s businesses…thinking small and doing unproductive, repetitive things. Here's the picture... This is about how the people in the rest of the world perceive Canadians: our clients are pulled toward other countries' innovation. It’s also about what’s happening in our own back yards: We are struggling too much with one another and that’s not good for any of our businesses…we sell cars at employee pricing, we advertise almost everything with an 'On Sale' message. While we think we are doing our best to compete during these tough times , hindsight will show we are acting like Nero, who was fiddling while Rome burned….we are fiddling while Canada's economic backbone is getting burned. *** The Problem Three aspects: We are falling behind other countries, We are struggling with local competition, & We are struggling with our own people…and not putting their Talents & Strengths to best use. The Opportunity Our business leaders are in the best positions to create opportunities. The best way to do this is to put Talents & Strengths to Work [at work] . Here are the M ajor Advantages : It is Quick, It is Inexpensive, & It is the “Right Thing” to do...for their future, for your future...for our future.

## 2 Ways to Inject Value Into Your Business
Date: 2013-01-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/2-ways-to-inject-value-into-your-business/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

There are 2 ways to inject Value into your business. When you boil it down - when you seek simple & boil it down - there are only 2 ways to inject Value into your business. To inject Value into your business: You can improve the way you perform Routine work and You can improve the way you perform not-Routine work. Both of these 2 types of work can be strategic and tactical; both of these 2 types of work can be thinking-work and action-work. Again seeking simple , there are 3 types of work: Routine work ...work that is systematized and handled with pre-defined process...the process may be formal [as examples: work-process manuals & checklists]...the process may be informal [as an example: word-of-mouth] not-Routine work ...work that is intentionally done without systematization and process [examples include: skunk work, innovation, & creative thinking] Gray-Zone work ...work that is neither Routine nor not-Routine...it is work that is neither prescribed nor expected ...it may be beneficial & it may be wasteful...it may involve pleasant surprises & it may involve unpleasant surprises...it may go without saying or it may be ignored...this works tends to happen to us rather than happen by us [examples include: firefighting, Ho-Hum actions, & browsing the Internet] Leaders need to create business cultures that promote: improved Routine work, improved not-Routine work, & reduced Gray-Zone work. The keys to getting this done... For Routine work: help your people understand the Routine work is an essential ingredient of success show your people how Routine work serves its goal-oriented purpose identify your people's talents & strengths and make sure their roles & tasks align with individual talents & strengths keep an eye on each individual's motivation...are individuals self-motivated? If Yes , then good. If No , then Why? Is this individual one of those people who has been soured by a poor past experiences with supervisors, managers, & leaders? You can or at least may be able to overcome that. Is this individual soured by life? You will not be able to overcome this. Is this person un -motivated because Routine work does not align with his of her Talents & Strengths? If so then you will need to address that by using strengths-based-business techniques . [i.e., remove the Gray-Zone ] For not-Routine work: help your people understand not-Routine work is the best way to inject Value into your business help your people feel comfortable taking risks & accepting failures...build or re-build trust in open communication provide people the time they will need to learn and practice creative thinking educate your people about creative thinking...you may be the first person who has helped them this way so make sure it is done right [non-judgmental environment...making sure every creative experience is enjoyable] know your people's Talents & Strengths separate Ideation & Intellection reward ideas & insight again, make sure it is fun or it will fail! Of course...there are many more ways to improve performance of Routine work and not-Routine work. Here's the big picture... Note: in real life the performance curve is blurry...this is not an exact science ...this is directionally correct .

## Thought Tweet #664
Date: 2013-01-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-664/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #664 Are we doomed to a massive adaptational breakdown? The Thinking Behind The Tweet "...the roaring current of change, a current so powerful today that it overturns institution, shifts our values and shrivels our roots" "...we are doomed to a massive adaptational breakdown" Alvin Toffler, `Future Shock`, (1970) PS: I think not...just a period of adaptational confusion.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: TRUST - without it, there is no truth in business.
Date: 2013-01-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-trust-without-it-there-is-no-truth-in-business/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #663
Date: 2013-01-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-663/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #663 When using the past to predict the future , choose only the proper pieces of your past as guides. The Thinking Behind The Tweet People love to make predictions... https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-632/ "Rational behavior, in particular, depends upon a ceaseless flow of data from the environment. It depends upon the power of the individual to predict, with at least fair success, the outcome of his own actions. To do this, he must be able to predict how the environment will respond to his acts. Sanity, itself, thus hinges on man's ability to predict his immediate, personal future on the basis of information fed him by the environment." Alvin Toffler, 'Future Shock', (1970)

## Squeezing Value Out of Each & Every Workday
Date: 2013-01-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/squeezing-value-out-of-each-every-workday/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!

On average, how do you spend your workday: _____% doing step-by-step routine work? _____% fixing problems that followed your routine work? _____% fixing problems that followed someone else's routine work? _____% handling emergencies? _____% tackling opportunities? _____% planning & organizing...for your organization's future? _____% creating & choosing Ideas for future products & services? _____% leading, mentoring, & coaching? 100% We haven't shaken off the economic doldrums because the pie chart for many leaders looks something like this:

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: TRUST - if you don’t have trust at your organization it is pretty difficult to discern what’s real.
Date: 2013-01-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-trust-if-you-dont-have-trust-at-your-organization-it-is-pretty-difficult-to-discern-whats-real/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #662
Date: 2013-01-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-662/ | Categories: Humour, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #662 Unknowns: it's a good thing we only have to deal with them when we solve problems, do tasks, & think creatively. The Thinking Behind The Tweet I've read there are 3 types of knowledge: knowledge we know we know knowledge we know we don't know knowledge we don't know we don't know If we didn't have those things we know then everything would be unknown.

## Thought Tweet #661
Date: 2013-01-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-661/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #661 The brain doesn't contain gray matter. It's dark in there. I imagine some flashes of green and orange signals too. The Thinking Behind The Tweet While I admit I am no brain surgeon, I don't believe the brain contains gray matter. Those "little gray cells" are a myth and a misnomer. It cannot be possible that the cells of our brains are achromatic. Even after just a bit of thought, whose brain can seriously buy into brain-parts devoid of hue? While some may argue it's tough to stain brain cells, that wouldn't be sufficient to paint our brain cells with the ho-hum description "gray". PS: I might accept the existence of "little gray cells" if they prove that's where indecision happens.

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Just listening...not making pre-conceived judgements…keeping an open mind…that’s my challenge.
Date: 2013-01-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-just-listeningnot-making-pre-conceived-judgements-keeping-an-open-mind-thats-my-challenge/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## At the Core of Spirited Leaders' Philosophy
Date: 2013-01-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/at-the-core-of-spiriteds-philosophy/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Spirited Leaders, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Links to articles about these 3 keys to business success... Seeking Simple Building On Strengths Adding Creativity

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Talk with people about their strengths…some have difficulty with details yet excel at generating ideas.
Date: 2013-01-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-talk-with-people-about-their-strengths-some-have-difficulty-with-details-yet-excel-at-generating-ideas/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #660
Date: 2013-01-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-660/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Leaders' Thoughts, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #660 Focus is attending to & concentrating on important things; leaders need to Focus on People, Process, & Situations. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Focus is an Executive BrainSmart , Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations , and This is an example of Seeking Simple .

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: If you take your Mission statement, apply it to your competition and it fits…you got it wrong.
Date: 2013-01-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-if-you-take-your-mission-statement-and-apply-it-to-your-competition-and-it-fits-you-got-it-wrong/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## When should business leaders seek "outside help"?
Date: 2013-01-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-should-business-leaders-seek-outside-help/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!, Succession

When should business leaders seek "outside help"? When I use the words "outside help" I mean help from mentors, coaches, consultants, etc. Business leaders should seek "outside help" when 3 conditions are met: The leader identifies a situation that must change . The leaders is ready to accept "outside" opinions, which will expand options for future action and, perhaps, test the thickness of the leader's skin , & The leader is ready to embrace changes...including some small personal adjustments .

## Thought Tweet #659
Date: 2013-01-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-659/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Entrepreneur Thinking, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #659 Entrepreneurs have an innate talent: moving back and forth between narrow and wide focus...identifying opportunities. The Thinking Behind The Tweet I have talked with many successful entrepreneurs who possess this innate talent . Many of these talented entrepreneurs work in our Waterloo area. This innate 'focus-talent' provides them the ability to see problems & opportunities before others see them. Because of their innate Focus BrainSmart , it is accurate to say these entrepreneurs see things that are invisible to most people. They see problems before others see them. Sometimes this is interpreted as pessimism. It isn't pessimism. It's better-than-most vision . These entrepreneurs also see opportunities before others see them. Sometimes this is seen as maverick. If it is maverick then maverick is a really good thing because it opens the doors for innovation and insight...and injection of value for clients . When this valuable talent is not recognized by employers...well, that's a common cause of successful entrepreneurial start-ups .

## @GKWCC #CEOP2P: Some of us were brought up thinking if it is a “touchy-feely” thing then it cannot be measured.
Date: 2013-01-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceop2p-some-of-us-were-brought-up-thinking-if-it-is-a-touchy-feely-thing-then-it-cannot-be-measured/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Measure & Monitor, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## 7 Strong Action Steps
Date: 2013-01-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-strengths-points/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Here's a 'How to Put Talents & Strengths to Work [at Work]' process: 1. Context: Answer the question, Why do you want to put talents & strengths to work at work? 2. Define the Problem - most people feel their talents are not being used at work...so they dis-engage. This evolves into a negative-feedback and poor-performance loop. 3. The Solution - Leaders need to send signals that putting talent to work is a key to success and everyone - everyone , including you the leader - has untapped talent. And leaders need to take action steps to make strengths-based business a part of organization culture. 4. The Action Steps ...

Here's the 'How to Put Talents & Strengths to Work [at Work]' process: 1. Context: Answer the question, Why do you want to put talents & strengths to work at work? 2. Define the Problem - most people feel their talents are not being used at work...so they dis-engage. This evolves into a negative-feedback and poor-performance loop. 3. The Solution - Leaders need to send signals that putting talent to work is a key to success and everyone - everyone, including you the leader - has untapped talent. And leaders need to take action steps to make strengths-based business a part of organization culture. 4. The Action Steps - #1 - Prove an interest in each Individual : make an open and honest Talent-&-Strengths statement about where you are now, where you want to be, and where you want the people in your organization to be. Paint the Talent & Strengths picture! #2 - Provide a comfortable, enjoyable, first-step : we have found a simple on-line assessment followed by guided 1-on-1 sessions works best. #3 - Help Individuals become more self-aware ...this is a critical early step. The more candid the leader is at step #1, the better. Self-awareness leads to accurate self-knowledge, which leads to improved self-confidence, which is an essential ingredient of top-notch performance. #4 - Help Individuals appreciate the fact they are uniquely talented - and - so is everyone else! Don't just say those sorts of words, provide numbers, detailed descriptions, and personal sticky stories. #5 - Build acceptance and appreciation of the differences in people . Without getting overly philosophical - embrace the fact that generally speaking perceptions are just differnet, rather than right and wrong. People have differnet perceptions because they have unique talents, strengths, weaknesses, and life experiences. #6 - Provide education on Strengths [Talent + Opportunity + Knowledge + Skill] #7 - Build a process that uses many strength-threads to weave your team's fabric.

## Thought Tweet #658
Date: 2013-01-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-658/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #658 Jog a mile in the other person's shoes. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The times are a-changing ...at a fast & ever-increasing pace. Walk a mile in the other guy's shoes ...old but good advice...assuming you actually know how to walk a mile in your own. Baby Steps : crawl before you walk, walk before you jog, jog before you run, & run before you sprint & do hurdles. Talk the Talk, Walk The Walk, & Run the Run .

## @GKWCC #P2P: Spend 2 minutes every meeting talking about your Vision, or Values…the invisible drivers of your culture.
Date: 2013-01-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-spend-2-minutes-every-meeting-talking-about-your-vision-or-values-the-invisible-drivers-of-your-culture/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Jim Beretta visits our Centre For Family Business [CFFB]
Date: 2013-01-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/jim-beretta-visits-our-centre-for-family-business-cffb/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Marketing

Jim Beretta spoke at our last CFFB breakfast...at The Hub. The topic of the day was " Customer Attraction in the Google Era ". Here's a summary of some of Jim's points... Customer Attraction #1: reduce customer friction everywhere in your organization make it easy for customers to find you be lean be responsive...next day is not good enough! create customers who want to work for you weave empathy into the DNA of your company invest in volunteerism ...a positive differential advantage Customer Attraction #2: educate, train and invest in your staff have an awesome website with relevant content, blogs, and tweets communicate with your customers ' eat your own dog food ' Why do these things? When you get recommended by Google, as a top-rated site: you are perceived to be a leader and sales happen. And, 2 key messages stood out for me: Be relevant...website visitors reward relevance and Stories are the fodder of the Internet...especially when they are told by your customers! Thank you, Jim, for the fine presentation - full of specific ideas, examples, and recommendations. I know from talking with family business folks after your presentation - many people received a lot of value. Well done!

## Thought Tweet #657
Date: 2013-01-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-657/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #657 Here's a quirk of human nature: we are prone to value authenticity in others over self-awareness. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Trust : a time-consuming thing to build, yet easily ruined. Attribution Bias : we are tough on others; we cut ourselves slack.

## @GKWCC #P2P: Our staff wrote the Vision statement for our family-owned business…what we do and how we approach clients.
Date: 2013-01-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-our-staff-wrote-the-vision-statement-for-our-family-owned-business-what-we-do-and-how-we-approach-clients/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #656
Date: 2013-01-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-656/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #656 People know what they like: they know how to show it; they know how to hide it. The Thinking Behind The Tweet I wonder how many other creatures are able to hide it when they like or dislike something? [Dogs are lousy at it. Yet, dogs are Man's Best Friend. Isn't that interesting.]

## @GKWCC #P2P: To be believed, Vision & Mission statements have to be relevant…and concise.
Date: 2013-01-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-to-be-believed-vision-mission-statements-have-to-be-relevant-and-concise/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## @GKWCC #P2P: We cannot let ‘the past’ or ‘habits’ hold us back.
Date: 2013-01-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-we-cannot-let-the-past-or-habits-hold-us-back/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## @GKWCC #P2P: Business culture is about common values – not 1 person’s – identify & express where your values really are.
Date: 2013-01-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-business-culture-is-about-common-values-not-1-persons-identify-express-where-your-values-really-are/ | Categories: Values: Personal Values

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #655
Date: 2013-01-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-655/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #655 Advancement in science happens when insightful theories test known 'truths'. The same applies in business. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If the writers of screen and theater plays decide the status quo is good enough and stop coming up with new ways to get our attention and entertain us, few of us will continue to go to the theaters and cinemas. If scientists decide the status quo is good enough and stop coming up with and experimenting around new theories, few of us will continue to fund scientific research. If business owners decide the status quo is good enough...

## @GKWCC #P2P: As you introduce changes, make sure your staff knows your reasons, “communicate the Why”.
Date: 2013-01-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-as-you-introduce-changes-make-sure-your-staff-knows-your-reasons-explain-why-these-new-things/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Taking a more-creative approach to business problems
Date: 2013-01-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/taking-a-more-creative-approach-to-problems/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Huge prizes await those who are better-than-average at identifying problems with accuracy and creating action-plans that actually remedy the problems. Huge prizes! So: consider expanding creativity when you work at identifying problems [as one example, consider Edward de Bono's 'Six Thinking Hats' ], spend more time exploring the root causes underlying problems, & spend more time designing flexibility into your action-plans...so you can adapt to fit what actually happens in the future.

It is better to have several definitions of a problem than risk reliance on the wrong one. Do not assume you have the right definition of the problem. Human beings are blessed with an innate gift for identifying patterns in situations. This gift serves us well in many situations...often past experiences are very good guides for understanding the future consequences linked to present situations. However, the times are really changing and because of the escalated pace of change the innate human ability - pattern identification - is not as reliable as it used to be. While in the past consideration of what happened in the past was a fairly good indicator of what would happen in the future, now what happened in the past is having trouble keeping up with what will happen in the future. Put another way - it is getting more difficult to identify the causes behind problem situations. So, business people are making more mistakes when they define problems and define the causes of problems. A more-creative approach will lead to better definition of problems. A more-creative approach will lead to more flexibility in future action. And, more flexibility is required because it is getting harder to predict the future. That said, huge prizes await those who are better-than-average at identifying problems with accuracy and creating action-plans that actually remedy the problems. Huge prizes! So: consider expanding creativity when you work at identifying problems [as one example, consider Edward de Bono's 'Six Thinking Hats' ], spend more time exploring the root causes underlying problems, & spend more time designing flexibility into your action-plans...so you can adapt to fit what actually happens in the future.

## Thought Tweet #654
Date: 2013-01-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-654/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #654 Commodity + Creativity = not-Commodity The Thinking Behind The Tweet Less than a generation ago specialized knowledge , alone, could tip the scale in favour of business success. Now, specialized knowledge is nowhere near as special as it used to be. Now, with the press of an 'Enter' button specialized knowledge can be shared broadly and deeply...globally. Now, a business that relies on specialized knowledge to tip the scale in its favour is dreaming. Now, specialized knowledge provides little protection and, at best, short-lived differential advantage . We can no longer protect our commodities with specialized-knowledge bubble wrapper. Those bubbles have burst. Now, we need to inject our commodities with Creativity .

## @GKWCC #P2P: Things are changing so much faster…leaders need to explore new ways.
Date: 2013-01-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-things-are-changing-so-much-faster-leaders-need-to-explore-new-ways/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## About customer loyalty...seeking a simple measurement
Date: 2013-01-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-customer-loyaltyseeking-a-simple-measurement/ | Categories: Marketing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!

Are you on the lookout for simple, reliable business tools? [i.e., Are you Seeking Simple business solutions?] Are you interested in understanding your customers' perceptions of your company, product or service? If you answer yes to these 2 questions, here's one simple & straightforward answer... *** About customer loyalty, there is one ultimate question. It allows you to quantify your level of customer loyalty. On a scale of 0-10... "How likely is it that you would recommend this company, product or service to a friend or colleague?" Tally the answers under the following 3 classes: 9-10 means Promoter 7-8 means Passive [and at some risk to competition] 0-6 means Detractor [and that's a real problem] Then your customer loyalty score is calculated as follows: Promoters - Detractors = NPS NPS: your ' Net Promoter Score '...the higher the better...and, an upward trend-line is a good thing. NPS: a terrific example of Seeking Simple. Footnote Source of the NPS customer-loyalty question: Fred Riechheld, ' The Ultimate Question ', (2003)

## @GKWCC #P2P:  People sometimes focus on price because they are uninformed about other aspects of your product/service.
Date: 2013-01-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-people-sometimes-focus-on-price-because-they-are-uninformed-about-other-aspects-of-your-productservice/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Sales

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #653
Date: 2013-01-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-653be/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #653 When your people do routine tasks, do they illustrate the winners' attitude? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Routine tasks do not have to be de-motivating . Yet, for many people they are just that. Perhaps, we have lost track of the fact that each of the cogs in the wheel is important? Perhaps, too many leaders forget to mention that frequently enough? Perhaps, too many leaders fail to do some of the routine work...seeing themselves above-the-cog... and neutering their ability to lead by positive example?

## Aimplification
Date: 2013-01-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/aimplification/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

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 .

## @GKWCC #P2P:  For CEOs - it's all about trust & relationship-building...for many others, this seems to be forgotten.
Date: 2013-01-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-for-ceos-its-all-about-trust-relationship-buildingfor-many-others-this-seems-to-be-forgotten/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #652
Date: 2013-01-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-652/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

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: You know the work, even if it is the most-simple of tasks, is a step toward a positive outcome and 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.

## @GKWCC #P2P: A CEO thought - You're really not investing in strategies, you're investing in people who have ideas!
Date: 2013-01-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-a-ceo-thought-youre-really-not-investing-in-strategies-youre-investing-in-people-who-have-ideas/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts

From last week's #CEO-P2P: A CEO thought - You're really not investing in strategies, you're investing in people who have ideas!

## Thought Tweet #651
Date: 2013-01-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-651/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #651 Thinking is no substitute for information; information is no substitute for thinking. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Inspired by Edward de Bono who wrote " Thinking is no substitute for information. " And... knowledge is not power . Information is much more plentiful and accessible that is used to be. Is thinking keeping pace?

## @GKWCC #P2P: Website FAQs can back-fire - people have unique questions & they want to talk with people!
Date: 2013-01-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-website-faqs-can-back-fire-people-have-unique-questions-they-want-to-talk-with-people/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## @GKWCC #P2P: CEOs - your website delivers the 1st impression, so use it as a sales tool & make 'people-contact' easy.
Date: 2013-01-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-ceos-your-website-delivers-the-1st-impression-so-use-it-as-a-sales-tool-make-people-contact-easy/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing, Sales

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #650
Date: 2013-01-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-650/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #650 Focusing on people's strengths helps them feel more engaged & motivated, which leads to increased profit. The Thinking Behind The Tweet How does that lead to more profit? If you can help people feel more engaged and motivated about their work, then: they are interested, so they concentrate better and make fewer errors, they are happier and have less interpersonal conflicts, they are happier and there is less staff turnover, they are more able to face challenges and embrace change. All of these things lead to increased profit. [and these are just a few examples of how strengths-based business leads to increased profit]

## @GKWCC #P2P: A CEO thought about tech companies - few are able to articulate their 'difference'...their 'main message'.
Date: 2013-01-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-a-ceo-thought-about-tech-companies-few-are-able-to-articulate-their-differencetheir-main-message/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #649
Date: 2013-01-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-649/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #649 One key to business success is freeing up as much time as possible for not-Routine work. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we systematize routine work it can be done quicker, with fewer errors. Seeking Simple When we do routine work quicker we have more time for not-Routine work. not-Routine work contains the most Value and the only Value that is resistant to commoditization. So, more time spent on not-Routine work means more time creating value. And, more time creating Value means higher returns on investment...and more profit.

## @GKWCC #P2P: From the CEO's perspective - time is more important than money!
Date: 2013-01-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-from-the-ceos-perspective-time-is-more-important-than-money/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Leaders' Thoughts

This @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## About not-Routine work
Date: 2013-01-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/routine-work-not-routine-work/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Seeking Simple!

I have written numerous articles and given many presentations covering Process, in general. The way I look at it, businesses need to cover routine work with highly-reliable Processes . These processes do not have to be complicated. In fact, when building Processes for routine work you should Seek Simple . When routine work is done under good Process there is less time spent fixing problems. The freed-up time can be used to do higher-value work...specialized work - what I call not-Routine Work © . Not-Routine work is where value gets added and money gets earned. One key to business success is freeing up as much time as possible for not-Routine Work © . It takes up-front time to do this…defining and setting up process templates for Routine work, etc. The up-front time should be viewed as an investment in a smoother-operating and more-profitable future. Once the processes for routine work are clarified, defined, and set up they deliver repeated value, over and over again…with much less stress and strain over avoidable and repeated problems.

## @GKWCC #P2P: CEOs see polarization - people offering too-low, unprofitable pricing...this is not good & not sustainable!
Date: 2013-01-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-p2p-ceos-see-polarization-people-offering-too-low-unprofitable-pricingthis-is-not-good-not-sustainable/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups, Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing

The @GKWCC #P2P series of thought tweets contains ideas, quotes, & suggestions provided by local business leaders at "CEO Peer-to-Peer" group meetings, sponsored by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. The goals of the thought tweets: to help local business leaders and to promote the sharing of business thoughts. The thoughts expressed are not opinions of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce...they are opinions of local business leaders who are Chamber members and participate in the Chamber's CEO P2P program.

## Thought Tweet #648
Date: 2013-01-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-648/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #648 Talent without discipline is a hobby-in-waiting. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Malcolm Gladwell [in his book, ' Outliers '] taught us, regardless of Talent, people need to spend at least 10,000 hours to become performing masters. I think - if you are not paid to be a performing master then you are performing a hobby [not work]. I think - if you lack discipline then you won't even be good at hobbying . And, I think - if you are not good at stuff then you do not enjoy it...and that's not a good way to spend your time.

## @GKWCC #P2P Thought Post
Date: 2013-01-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/gkwcc-ceo-p2p-thought-post/ | Categories: Greater KW Chamber - CEO P2P Groups

From this week's #CEO-P2P: we see polarization ; people offering too-low, unprofitable pricing...not good, not sustainable!

## Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas
Date: 2013-01-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/firmitas-utilitas-venustas/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

First... firmitas. If you want to build something...consider strength first. Vitruvius, a Roman, was a 1st Century BC architect, engineer, and author. He wrote what many believe to be the first treatise on architecture - 'De Architecura' - outlining among other things the virtues that a good building should possess. Vitruvius taught that a good building must possess firmitas , utilitas , venustas ...strength, function, and delight or beauty. NOTE: of the 3 attributes, strength comes first. This explains why numerous Roman constructions exist to this day: roads, bridges, buildings, and aqueducts. For example, the aqueduct pictured below remained in operation until early 20 th Century...nearly 2000 years after its construction. Aqueduct of Segovia, in modern Spain. For buildings, strengths is the first consideration. The same applies to business... In business, strengths are the first consideration...and business strengths exist in people . Lead with talents & strengths. Footnote: Vitruvius also studied people and their 'construction'...Vitruvius' work was captured about 1500 years later by the Leonardo da Vinci ( Homo Vitruvianus , "Vitruvian Man"). From Wikipedia: Vitruvian Man by Leonardo da Vinci , an illustration of the human body inscribed in the circle and the square derived from a passage about geometry and human proportions in Vitruvius' writings

## Thought Tweet #647
Date: 2013-01-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-647/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #647 Creativity is like a good sauce - you have to boil it down before it has the flavour. The Thinking Behind The Tweet This is about one aspect of Seeking Simple !

## Thought Tweet #646
Date: 2013-01-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-646-2013/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #646 A dust mite, almost invisible to the naked eye, contains about as many atoms as there are stars in the Universe. The Thinking Behind The Tweet There is much to marvel at...atoms so small and at least one universe so big...and such amazing things in between.

## Thought Tweet #645
Date: 2013-01-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-645/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #645 We can not assume the purpose of our thinking is obvious. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We can not assume the purpose of our thinking is obvious. We can not assume the purpose of their thinking is obvious. And, we are far better off over-communicating about the purpose behind out thoughts, ideas, and requests than under-communicating about them.

## Making the Best of Your Situations
Date: 2013-01-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/making-the-best-of-your-situations/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things

"Our main thinking habit is to analyse situations so that we can recognize standard situations and then apply standard answers." Edward de Bono ` The Six Value Medals `, (2005) Business Only Contains 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations. & People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things. *** If you want to make the best of your Situations : recognize Situations have a tremendous effect on People 's behaviour [ link to more thoughts ] design and use Good Habits for the analysis of People [ link to more thoughts ] design and use Good Habits for the analysis of Situations [ link to more thoughts ] As you analyse Situations , do not assume they are 'standard'...explore and see if there are important nuances that deviate from familiar patterns: direct your attention toward the key parts of the Situation [the People , the place, the level of urgency, the 'props', the background noise, etc.] compare those parts, looking for similarities - the parts that fit a pattern you recognize compare those parts again, looking for differences - the parts that do not fit a pattern you recognize look for the parts that catch and pull at your attention...they can be the most-important aspects of the Situation set logic aside and take some time to focus your attention on your gut feel

## What Was I Thinking!
Date: 2013-01-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-was-i-thinking/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Say you are 40 years old. That means you are about 350,000 hours old. If you are like the average person then you spent 1/3 of that 350,000 hours sleeping. So, you have been awake for about 230,000 hours. During, at least, those awakened 230,000 hours your brain has been thinking about stuff. That's a huge amount of time and you have done a huge volume of thought. What did you think about? ...i.e., did you ask yourself, What was I Thinking? As you think about what you thought about for all those hours, do you find the analysis of your thinking tends to sort things under dimensions or categories? A few examples... The Time Dimension , did you sort your thoughts into 3 time buckets: thinking about the past, thinking about the future, & thinking about the present? The Feelings Dimension , did you sort your thoughts into 2 feelings buckets: thoughts linked to positive emotions and feelings like happiness and joy & thoughts linked to negative emotions and feelings like worry and unhappiness? The Locus Of Control Dimension , did you sort your thoughts into 2 control buckets: thoughts about things I can control & thoughts about things beyond my control? The Identity Dimension , did you sort your thoughts into identity 3 identity buckets: thoughts about self [Internal], thoughts about others [External], & thoughts about bigger things like your place in the Universe [Spiritual]? The Creativity Dimension , did you sort your thoughts into 3 or more creativity buckets: thoughts where you, alone, were thinking creatively [Individual], thoughts where you worked with others to achieve a creative result [Team], & thoughts where you determined creativity was not required? Did you also happen to zero in on your thoughts about your thinking ? Asking yourself questions like: How often do I step aside to think about what I'm thinking about? How often do I work to develop my ability to focus my thoughts? How do I go about improving my ability to focus my thoughts? Can I stop the 'chatter' in my mind at will? What's the best way to stop the 'chatter' in my mind? When you know the answers to these sorts of questions, you know what you are thinking and why you are thinking it.

## Thought Tweet #644
Date: 2013-01-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-644/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #644 If you had no problems on your mind, would you think? The Thinking Behind The Tweet I have shared thoughts about problems...for example - some motivational experts are confounded by the word 'Problem'. Here`s another - sometimes our brains find themselves stuck in Problem Ruts . We spend so much time thinking about problems that we forget we can think about other things. Specifically, we spend so much time thinking about viewing problems as opportunities-in-disguise we forget we can think about other things. As a few examples, we can also think about: making the most out of a situation, inventing a new process, and making one small improvement to a specific task.

## Thought Tweet #643
Date: 2013-01-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-643/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #643 It seems you can build a business on very complex things and on very simple things, but not in-between. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Simple things, especially those that touch the emotions, form the foundation of many successful businesses - from your favourite local diner and your favourite hair stylist to pet rocks . Complex things amaze us, especially the early adopters . Say no more than 'Apple products'. Or, consider the impact special effects have on the movies and the entertainment sector.

## Thought Tweet #642
Date: 2013-01-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-646/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #642 HAPPY NEW YEAR! The Thinking Behind The Tweet Finally...2013...the Year of the Baker's Dozen From Wikipedia A baker's dozen, devil's dozen, long dozen, or long measure is 13 , one more than a standard dozen. The oldest known source for the expression "baker's dozen" dates to the 13th century in one of the earliest English statutes , instituted during the reign of Henry III (1216–1272), called the Assize of Bread and Ale . Bakers who were found to have shortchanged customers (some variations say that they would sell hollow bread) could be subject to severe punishment including judicial amputation of a hand. To guard against losing a hand to an axe, a baker would give 13 for the price of 12 in order to be certain of not being known as a cheat. Specifically, the practice of baking 13 items for an intended dozen was insurance against "short measure", on the basis that one of the 13 could be lost, eaten, burnt, or ruined in some way, leaving the baker with the original legal dozen. The practice can be seen in the guild codes of the Worshipful Company of Bakers in London .

## 2013 - a good year for Bakers
Date: 2012-12-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/2013-a-good-year-for-bakers/ | Categories: Beyond Business

13: for some, an unlucky number; for Bakers, a dozen. Isn't it hard to believe my genes may contain some of the remnants of the scoundrel Bakers of yesteryear? Long before the Enron and Bre-X scams, long before we had aluminum-siding and used-car salesmen...we had the Bakers. The Bakers were notorious for taking short positions to the marketplaces of the Middle Ages. Certainly, as far back as 1000 years ago, the Bakers were known to sell a dozen buns or pies and deliver as few as 10 or 11. I guess the Baker clan somehow evolved to the point they had a flair for profiteering. And, the Bakers' scheme of over-promising and under-delivering worked well 1000 years ago because, apparently, in those days the typical purchaser of baked goods could not count up to 12. On occasion, however, a purchaser of baked goods could count past 10 and an objection would be filed against the Baker. That did little to improve the Baker's counting. Unfortunately for the Baker clan, during the 13th Century [yes, a Baker's Dozen of centuries] laws were created to place and enforce penalties on the customer-cheating Bakers. Penalties included the loss of a hand...if the Baker was found guilty of delivering 11 instead of a dozen then the Baker would have a hand cut off. That really improved the Bakers' ability to count. It also brought about a paradigm change for Bakers. Bakers, in fear of losing more hands, made a habit of delivering 13 when they sold a dozen. That provided a factor of safety for the Bakers. And, it paved the path for the better-Baker business we now enjoy. So, while many feel 13 is an unlucky number...to this day, Bakers like it a whole lot better than 10 or 11 or even 12. 2013, no doubt about it, a good year for Bakers...expect them to over-deliver.

## Thought Tweet #641
Date: 2012-12-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-641/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #641 New Year's Resolution: I shall not eat a single scoop of ice cream in 2013. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our English language...what a wonderful thing. You can have your cake and eat it too. Everyone knows doubles, triples, and home runs are better anyhow.

## Thought Tweet #640
Date: 2012-12-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-640/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Marketing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #640 Rather than loud blaring and flashing your products and services, try simply explaining why you are building them. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Inspired by a combination of Simon Sinek's " Discover Your Why " [The Golden Circle of Why-How-What] and Mark Weber 's approach to conflict resolution [the Interests-Rights-Power Circle].

## Straightforward Sales Steps
Date: 2012-12-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/strightforward-sales-steps/ | Categories: Sales, Sales

In simple terms the Sales Steps are: Start : contact some Leads Qualify : determine if those Leads contain Opportunities Propose : when those Leads contain Opportunities, present Proposals Close : when it is clear the Proposals are embraced by your clients, Close the Deals Start : We could add a whole bunch of details. We could try to anticipate every possibility around people's behaviour. We could philosophize at length about sales process and messages. We could let uncertainties baffle and stall us. We could weigh the merits of social-media this and traditional networking that. But, if we want to make sales then sooner or later we will have to Start . That happens when we make contact with at least one other person. We have choices on how we make that contact. We need to consider some of those action-choices, predict some scenarios of how things might unfold under each of the action-choices, perform some of the actions to test the action-choices, measure the results, and keep doing this testing until the most successful Start action-choices are confirmed. Those most-successful Start choices should then serve as the foundation, your process to Start sales. Start is a distinct piece of sales process. And, it should be measured and tested that way. Qualify is the sales step that separates possible/likely client-people from the people who will not be a client, for one reason or another. When we Qualify prospective client-people we must consider, at least: Emotions - your emotions and the prospective clients' emotions. Some argue that emotions are not important...remove those people from your company because you do not have the time or energy to correct the problems they will create for you and your clients. Relationships - yes, I recognize some people think relationships do not matter anymore...strike those people from your list of prospective clients because you cannot afford to serve them. Needs - your needs and the prospective clients' needs. Needs will be heavily laced with emotions...that can make them very hard to understand. Start with yourself. Consider your needs and what drives them. After you take the time to do some introspection and you understand the complexity of your needs then you will have a better chance of understanding other people's needs. Money - your money and the prospective clients' money. Money serves two roles: (1) it facilitates the exchange of value by providing a benchmark and (2) it provides a great excuse for not making purchases [and, similarly, a great excuse for not making sales]. Performance - what?, when?, where?, how?, quality, delivery, service, etc. These qualification details are the simplest part of the sale. Make sure they do not creep toward complexity. Propose : A sales proposal is a process that informs, entertains, touches the emotions, and helps the client take purchasing action. A proposal should be clear, concise, pointed and it should include: What? - A statement of the problem/opportunity (the two sides of the same coin). This statement will include your Key Insight. Why? - Why it's worth solving/winning (dimensions things and puts them into perspective) Who? Who is the competition and the prospective clients' competitive status (quantitative & qualitative assessment of 'belief' systems - tangible and perceived - in play) How? How to address the problem/opportunity and beat the competition (the key elements of the value proposition and 'differentiators') The Plan - The roadmap (key activities and milestones over the next significant period of time) Close : In order to Close a sale the salesperson needs 4 things: Talent - each salesperson needs to spend time assessing and working to understand his or her unique talents Specialized Knowledge - the company [through Strategic Planning & Marketing study] and the salespeople [on their own initiate] must gather focused specialized knowledge and insight Skill - each salesperson must practice all sales steps and actions until they become part of his or her nature Opportunity - timing is critical...sensitivity to 'best timing' can be intuitive ['natural-born salespeople'] and it can be learned by anyone who is truly committed to succeeding in a sales role

## Thought Tweet #639
Date: 2012-12-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-639/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Master Rules, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #639 One thing I've learned about drawing lines in the sand: before you draw them, set your Master Rules . The Thinking Behind The Tweet Note to self... Know the rules you want to live by....your Master Rules Anticipate possible situations & predict a set of outcomes...'scenarios'. Visualize how people will feel and act. Visualize how you will feel and act. Do these things before drawing lines.

## Getting the People part right
Date: 2012-12-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/getting-the-people-part-right/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts

Business contains only 3 things: People, Process, & Situations . And in this new era, if leaders don't get the People part right - their businesses fail. That last sentence was qualified by the words " in this new era ". In this new era, if leaders don't get the People part right then their businesses will fail. Q: What's changed? Q: What's escalated to importance of getting the People part right? A1: Technology has changed & escalated. A2: People have changed & escalated. Handful of examples & explanations: Technology has changed: this point can be summed up in one word - Google. The pace of Technology has escalated exponentially - from slide rule to electronic calculator to PC to iPhone and in less than 40 years. Technology & People have changed: from closed/corporate-created Encyclopedia Britannica to open/volunteer-created Wikipedia in less than a generation. [the "Information Free-For-All"] People have changed: they read differently now...tending to scan and look for small bullets of information rather than wading through paragraphs. The pace of People's lives has escalated: from multiple cars taking-kids-to-sports-events-and-lots-of-other-after-hours-activities to 5,000 advertising hits per day, [the " Attention-Getting Dilemma "...the "Attention Free-For-None"]. Yes, Leaders need to know their People are experiencing: an Information Free-For-All an Attention Free-For-None . These are New Things [in the context of People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things ]. People struggle with New Things . Leaders are uniquely positioned to help People remove/reduce their struggles. Helping People understand and handle the Information Free-For-All and the Attention Free-For-None situation as it applies to business, that's one way Leaders can get the People part right.

## Thought Tweet #638
Date: 2012-12-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-638/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #638 Ernest Seller's barber is an ex-boxer. Ernest is at the barber shop with him now...about to get an uppercut. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Not sure why we celebrate boxing every year...anyhow...it always reminds me of when I was a kid and wanted to try my hands at boxing...had a problem with my hands....the ref kept stepping on them.

## Thought Tweet #637
Date: 2012-12-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-637/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #637 MERRY CHRISTMAS!

## Thought Tweet #636
Date: 2012-12-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-636/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #636 Last Christmas, two snowmen were chatting in Ernest Seller's front yard. One said, " You're right…I smell carrots too !"

## Thirsty Goals
Date: 2012-12-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thirsty-goals/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

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?

## Thought Tweet #635
Date: 2012-12-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-635/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #635 Aside from Ernest Seller, who has blue suede shoes and makes Christmas toys? [Santa's little Elvis.]

## About prospecting for Clients
Date: 2012-12-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-prospecting-for-clients/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Influencing, Sales

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.

## The END OF THE WORLD  will not happen tomorrow
Date: 2012-12-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-the-end-of-the-world-will-not-happen-tomorrow/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Sixteen years ago, my friend recommended I buy a copy of 'The Fingerprints of the Gods' . That book contained many startling facts about our world, alien visitors, and an emphatic prediction - our world will end in 2012 . This end-of-the-world-in-2012 prediction dates back to at least Mayan times, [for example, see http://www.december212012.com ]. Now, for some reason, for the last 16 years, I've had it in my head the end of the world was to happen on December 12, 2012...i.e., 12-12-12. I even mentioned, to a number of friends earlier this year, my intent to put off buying Christmas gifts until after December 12th just in case the prediction proved to be true. [Why waste time buying stuff that will never get unwrapped?] As the date 12-12-12 neared, many folks helped me understand the end of the world will not be happening until the winter solstice , December 21st, 2012. So, I have been thinking about re-setting my Christmas gift-buying strategy. Regardless, I'm still considerate of the potential there is a bigger fish to fry...actually, all the fish and everything else to fry. While there is a potential the world will end tomorrow, I am predicting that the Mayans were wrong, those alien-worshipers are wrong, and even my friend who recommended I buy that book 16 years ago is wrong. I mean, I predict THE WORLD WILL NOT END TOMORROW! I must write off for now...I've got some shopping to do...

## Thought Tweet #634
Date: 2012-12-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-634/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #634 Ernest Seller's boss joked about bilking the snowman in the meadow. Now, the snowman is giving him the cold shoulder.

## Thought Tweet #633
Date: 2012-12-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-633/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #633 Ernest Seller wants his kids to believe in Santa Claus…he wants his wife not to. The Thinking Behind the Tweet You got it - Ernest Seller is a bit cheap! When he was a boy, Ernest believed Santa Claus snuck into his house using the chimney. Now he thinks Santa gets in through the hole is his wallet.

## Thought Tweet #632
Date: 2012-12-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-632/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets

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!

## So you think you have INSIGHT...
Date: 2012-12-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/so-you-think-you-have-insight/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Marketing, Sales

Entrepreneurs have deal-doing insight . Good salespeople have deal-doing Insight , which can be defined as: a natural, deep capacity to understand people and situations , a tuned intuition that identifies patterns & trends, and an ability to see gaps and know ways to fill them. True entrepreneurs and salespeople possess a set of natural talents that work together to create insight strength. As one example: Consider Ideation and Intellection ...the ability to imagine ideas and the ability to think about and understand ideas. These are two distinct aspects of Talent : that is, to a degree they can be viewed as distinct. Ideation and Intellection are 'intertwined'. Many people tend to be 'set' in one mode or the other. As a result - few people possess the ability to shut off Intellection in order to free up Ideation. Few people possess the ability to set aside judgment and replace it with open-mindedness or free-flowing creativity. Indeed, very few people can switch back and forth between Ideation and Intellection . Most people get stuck in thought ruts ...thought habits. Q: Can a person develop Insight Strength ? A: Absolutely - Yes! Here's a great way to start - read some of Edward de Bono's work . Applaud curiosity . Spend more time with inwords . Remember - deal-doing insight can be converted into fortunes.

## Thought Tweet #631
Date: 2012-12-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-631/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #631 Business Leaders must help people handle the Information Free-For-All and the Attention Free-For-None situation. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Information Free-For-All The Pros include: the creation of Wikipedia, by volunteers contributing over more than 100,000,000 hours of information entry, real-time access to worldwide information, fantastic education and entertainment in a small smart phone...or an even smaller device if you wish the ability to connect 7/24/anywhere ever-increasing and improving measurement capabilities The Con is Attention Free-For-None .

## A Picture of Leadership Priorities
Date: 2012-12-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-picture-of-the-leadership-functions/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

How should leaders set their priorities? How should a leader balance important work and urgent work? Here's my picture of leadership priorities...

## Thought Tweet #630
Date: 2012-12-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-630/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #630 With the pressing of all those buttons, the 30-Second Elevator Speech is going down. The Thinking Behind The Tweet As you no doubt have noticed, there's been quite a bit of growth in the area of social media. This is impacting on good-old-fashioned sales work. The sales gurus are now recommending a 17 or 18 second Elevator Speech [AKA - 30-Second Commercial.. .or, should I say 17- or 18-Second Commercial? ]. I favour shrinking the Elevator Speech to zero and, if and when the time is right to sense & catch attention, using words less canned and more natural.

## Thought Tweet #629
Date: 2012-12-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-629/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #629 When business leaders express their difficulties, we should listen well before we attempt to suggest solutions. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Often, when business leaders express difficulties we either: wave them off and change the topic, reply with a difficulty of their own, or reply with a quick and concrete piece of solution-advice. These 3 reactions provide little if any value to the business leader [or to us]. If we want to help business leaders then we need to change the way we react/reply when we hear them express their difficulties. We need to listen better. We need to do our best to get into their shoes . We need to think, coming at the difficulty from different directions/perspectives. We need to do these things to (1) improve the quality of our response and (2) build trust with the leader. When these things are done, then we can help with solutions.

## Figuring People Out?
Date: 2012-12-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/archetypes-branding/ | Categories: Marketing, Personalities @ Work

People have been trying to figure out other people for a long, long time. People-patterns have existed for millennia. For example, consider archetypes . An archetype is a broadly accepted description of a pattern of human behaviour. Below are examples of archetypes obtained through a simple internet search. Interesting to note the similarities and also the grouping nuances & differences. The question: Do archetypes and related pattern-tools such as personas actually help marketing efforts?

## Thought Tweet #628
Date: 2012-12-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-628/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Optimism & Pessimism, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #628 Problems wave eagerly at me...huge flags of action & opportunity. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Some leaders take every day and situation as it comes ...with a strong belief they can handle things as those things arise. Some leaders are risk identifiers & risk managers. Problems jump out at them, waving huge flags. Sometimes the flags are red; sometimes the flags are green ; always, the flags demand attention and thought. To some degree, the differences in leaders are innate, 'natural-born' differences. To some degree, the differences are planned, developed skills & strengths. Link to some thoughts on optimism vs pessimism .

## Thought Tweet #627
Date: 2012-12-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-627/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #627 The Boss is trying to figure out the best ways to kill ideas. About Ernest Seller and The Boss. The Thinking Behind the Tweet So far, The Boss has come up with 3 ways to kill ideas: The angry ‘NO’…that always works, however, he doesn’t want to overuse it; Death by Delay…he can send the work to a committee where the Chair is from some other department in the company…it doesn't matter who is Chair of the committee is as long as the Chair isn’t one of his people, and Belittling the person who has the idea: that works real well with Don Trodden , but isn’t so effective with Ernest Seller . Do you have MORE IDEAS about how to KILL IDEAS? If you have any the please email us so we can relay them to The Boss.

## What's New?
Date: 2012-12-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/whats-new/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

" Of all the things you seek to control in life, it turns out that one of the most important ones is the introduction of new ." " Bottom line: setting your sights on enjoying new experiences regularly is one of the greatest ways to remain fully engaged, energized, and enthusiastic throughout your lifetime. " Brendon Burchard, ' The Charge ', (2012) When you really stop to think about it, people only do 3 things . People do good habits, bad habits, and new things. How do new things help you remain fully engaged , energized , and enthusiastic ? You can do New Things to displace Bad Habits . Bad Habits , by definition, feel bad. They feel bad because they are not aligned with your goals. They distract you from your goals and that reduces the likelihood of you achieving your goals. New Things provide information. You can test New Things to determine if they are taking you closer to your goals. Some New Things will take you closer to your goals. If you repeat them then they become Good Habits , which by definition feel good. When you feel good you are engaged in thoughts and action...you are energized. When you feel really good you are enthusiastic. New Things provide the bridges and paths from Bad Habits to Good Habits . New Things provide the way to make adjustments so you achieve your goals. New Things are the key to interesting and positive work experiences. PS: link to Thought Tweet #556

## Thought Tweet #626
Date: 2012-12-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-626/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #626 Power of Will & Spontaneous Creativity ...aren't they the wonderful, bi-polar highlights of our human condition! The Thinking Behind The Tweet Power of Will - a much-praised attribute and process of character ( willpower ). Creativity & Spontaneity - humour, music, art, & invention - these add magic to our lives. " Do you appreciate both? " " Do you balance both? "

## Thought Tweet #625
Date: 2012-12-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-625/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Business Plan: Writing Plans, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #625 Know what you know, see what you don't know: then, learn about making your business grow. The Thinking Behind The Tweet There's an old saying, " What you don't know cannot hurt you ." ...not a good idea to apply that to business In business, 2 functions reign over all others. They are: Strategic Planning and Risk Management. At the heart of Risk Management: discovering how to uncover & see what you don't know - being present & checking reality anticipating situations that contain risk and considering & planning for them before they happen

## No more racking our brains
Date: 2012-12-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/wracking-our-brains/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Solutions & Opportunities

From time to time, we all do it. We rack our brains. We mull over the facts, the people, the situation, and the opportunity at hand...or the problem at hand. Time passes and, still, we see no real clarity and we find no solution. It's not that we are indecisive. We just don't have the experience or perhaps it's knowledge of the facts. Or we cannot get comfortable about the possible outcomes or actions and changes. Regardless, we are not comfortable making the decision. So, we are racking our brains. When that happens, wouldn't it be nice if we had a proven way to stop racking our brains. Here's a suggestion: ask a string of questions, focusing on each question and writing a simple & clear answer to each question before moving to the next question. Questions: About People: who is involved in the situation? About People: why are these people involved in the situation? About Process: what key tasks are involved? About Process: when, where, and how are the tasks being done? About People & Process: who is doing each task and why? And how? About Process: what could change for the better ? About People: how will the people react to these Process changes for the better ? After writing the answers, set the facts and the decision aside...let it simmer...then a good decision will pop into your mind.

## Thought Tweet #624
Date: 2012-12-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-624/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #624 When business leaders can step aside, understand their challenges, and express them without bias...solutions are at hand. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When you are in the heat of day-to-day business work, leadership work, it seems difficult to free up the time to be objective...to step aside and consider the situation in an unbiased way. Regardless, this needs to be done if challenges are to be kept in context and understood. And, these are the first steps toward taking significant business-growth steps.

## Getting process right - how important is that?
Date: 2012-12-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/getting-process-right-how-important-is-that/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Work Process is made up of 2 things: links of tasks done by people links of tasks done by technology, designed by people The Purpose of Work Process: to systematize and automate work tasks. Isn't that a straightforward and simple enough concept? Yes. Work Process is straightforward and simple when you place it in writing. But not always... Work Process often becomes confused and complicated when we put it into action. When we put Work Process into action we find conflicting views and approaches to things like: Who should do those tasks and why? Why me? and What's in it for me? How do we improve that process? Why should we improve that process? We need to do more of that process! You need to do more of that process! How do we sort out those conflicts? There are 7 critical steps: Ensure your work process is understood: ensure all work tasks are clear and ensure the linkage of the work tasks [the work flow] is clear. Ensure your work process actually works: that is, ensure the linkage of tasks of work process achieves the results you desire. Test cause and effect on an ongoing basis. Capture your work process in writing: work-flow picture & descriptions, role descriptions, etc. Match your peoples' individual/personal strengths with their roles. Make a habit of asking your people questions about process and how they feel while doing their work-process tasks. Listen. Make the necessary adjustments to ensure your work process and your people are in synch .

## Thought Tweet #623
Date: 2012-12-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-623/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #623 When it comes to your work - Who mentors and coaches you? How does that happen? The Thinking Behind The Tweet The best athletes have mentors and coaches. The best musicians have mentors and coaches. The best artists have mentors and coaches. Who mentors and coaches you?

## Thought Tweet #622
Date: 2012-12-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-622/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #622 When it comes to your work - What do you practice? How much do you practice? The Thinking Behind The Tweet The best athletes practice. The best musicians practice. The best artists practice. What do you practice?

## Are you positively charged?
Date: 2012-12-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/are-you-positively-charged/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Positively charged. That applies to: words, actions, emotions,

Spirited Leaders has a colour code: Green = Good Red = Bad Blue = New Orange = Creative Gray = Neutral or Undetermined We use a Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale to describe a spectrum of feelings: Sh eer Bliss : Plus10 Enthusiasm Zone : Plus7 to Plus9 Enjoyment Zone : Plus4 to Plus7 Acceptance Zone : Plus1 to Plus4 Ho-Hum: 0 Uncomfortable Zone : Minus1 to Minus4 Distress Zone : Minus4 to Minus7 Excruciation Zone : Minus7 to Minus9 Absolutely Unbearable : Minus10 We believe people only do three things: Good Habits , Bad Habits , & New Things : Good work habits , work enjoyment , and work enthusiasm ...all are positively charged. Related to this there are specific positive and negative emotions, emotions are coloured . We know words are also positively and negatively charged. As examples: CAN CAN'T YES NO AND BUT CERTAINLY PERHAPS GO STOP ENCOURAGE CRITICIZE When we go to work, we have a number of choices to make about how we feel, think, and act. Some of those choices are positively charged . Some of those choices are negatively charged . When choices are to be made...we recommend, changing for the better .

## Thought Tweet #621
Date: 2012-12-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-621/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #621 Procrastination feeds on negative feelings....so, you can put it on a diet. The Thinking Behind The Tweet You can reduce your negative feelings and starve procrastination. Or, you can approach procrastination with positive feelings and... procrastinate for success .

## Thought Tweet #620
Date: 2012-11-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-620/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #620 As a rule, you don't see happy faces when people are struggling with their work. The Thinking Behind The Tweet People struggle when they lack required talents, they lack opportunity to use their talents, they lack the knowledge required to do the task, or they lack experience. Rather than seeing happy faces, which happen naturally when people are using their personal strengths , when people struggle with their work you are more likely to see... OR OR OR EVEN Create a Strengths plan - Learn people's strengths - Engage people's strengths.

## The wrinkle in customer complaints
Date: 2012-11-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-wrinkle-in-customer-complaints/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron

There's a wrinkle in customer complaints. The wrinkle has a couple of waves: wave #1 - Customer complaints are legitimate , whether you agree or not. When seeing things from the clients' shoes it matters little what you think. What matters is how clients feel and think. Their complaints signal their feelings. Their complaints signal their perspectives about your weaknesses. wave #2 - Constructive criticism is an oxymoron . And that's the way your people are prone to receive customer complaints. How do you iron out customer complaint wrinkles? Be interested. Listen. Think. Ask questions. Listen. Seek & discover solutions. PS: Have thick skin and a thin skull.

## 10 hours on the treadmill for every game of golf
Date: 2012-11-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/10-hours-on-the-treadmill-for-every-game-of-golf/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Many people enjoy the game of golf. If you are one of them...please read on. The people who are really good at golf tend to play regularly, say 3 times per week during the golf season. Question: how would these good golfers react if they had to spend 10 hours on a treadmill for every game of golf they play? Would that spoil golf for them? *** Statistics show people at work are engaged, using their personal talents, skills & strengths , about 30% of the time. That means for every hour they work in their strengths zones they spend about 2 hours doing work/things outside their strengths zones . That amounts to 10 hours of treadmill for every game of golf. *** The next time you feel the urge to play a round of golf, force yourself to do 10 hours of treadmill before hitting the links. Then check to see how motivated you are to continue to be a regular performer on the golf course.

## Thought Tweet #619
Date: 2012-11-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-619/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #619 The need for clear differential advantage and crisp value propositions is increasing. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Social media has created a huge volume of information - available and accessible to buyers. And, buyers do their homework. They can sift the chaff of lame marketing and sales thoughts with the blink of a mouse or keypad. Social media has created a huge volume of information - available and accessible to strategists and marketers. And, it can overwhelm strategists and marketers. Time to get back to the " PQS basics ".

## Thought Tweet #618
Date: 2012-11-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-618/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #618 What we do not know has never increased so quickly....choose focusing over fretting. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Alvin Toffler predicted it . Now, we're up to our ears in it. People are strong when they have talent, opportunity, knowledge, and skills. While the knowledge requirement is growing exponentially, so are the opportunities. People have not changed. People need to focus more....and that takes more work because of the escalation of interruptions . [There's a lot going on out there.] *** "If you're not moving forward as a learner then you're moving backward as a leader." John C. Maxwell ' The 360 Leader ', (2007)

## How do people react when you get angry or aggressive at work?
Date: 2012-11-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-people-react-when-you-get-angry-or-aggressive-at-work/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Do you observe 'fight or flight'? If so, how do these reactions present themselves? Do you observe Resistance ? fight? verbal resistance? body language resistance: physical resistance, facial resistance, frowns or stiff upper lips? battles of egos? Do you observe Withdrawal ? flight? acquiescence? humiliation? crushed egos? Do you observe Compliance ? Affected Compliance : a win-lose where the other person accepts your position and you apparently win. If you observe well then you will observe the other person losing. 'Unaffected' Compliance : apparently a win-'no change' where you win and you observe a person who has emotions under control. On balance, having emotions under control is a good thing. However, it should not be misconstrued as a good thing that is sustainable. We have a colour code at Spirited Leaders : Green = Good Red = Bad Blue = New Orange = Creative Gray = Neutral or Undetermined When you get angry or aggressive at work, you will not observe the green in other people. If you don't care whether or not you see green, you will not see much green . And, this applies to both your people and your bottom line.

## Thought Tweet #617
Date: 2012-11-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-617/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #617 Eagerness to know what you don't know: there's a key to growing profitable business. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We live in an interesting time. What we don't know has never increased so quickly. The need to learn specialized knowledge that links our product/service to our clients' wants/needs has never seen such change.

## Thought Tweet #616
Date: 2012-11-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-616/ | Categories: Beyond Business, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #616 Will you continue to watch TV when commercials take up 40 minutes of each TV hour? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Over the years, the amount of TV commercials has crept up from about 10 minutes per hour of TV to about 20 minutes per hour of TV. Will you continue to watch TV when the amount of commercials is greater than the amount of TV show? Before you answer: “Less than 20 percent of workers worldwide say they are actively engaged and enjoying their work.” Brendon Burchard, 'The Charge’, (2012) Will people accept that sort of mix from their TVs too?

## Thought Tweet #615
Date: 2012-11-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-615/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #615 Marketing is about knowing client needs, discovering insights, & 'packaging' help. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sales is about persuasive people interactions, listening, confirming needs, & closing.

## People & Process - 10 Recommendations
Date: 2012-11-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-process-10-recommendations/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Business Only Contains 3 Things : People , Process , & Situations ... People Excellence - 5 Recommendations 1. Build a culture that observes, talks, and walks personal strengths 2. Give up 80% of options – focus on your people's individual strengths 3. Design all roles to fit individuals’ personal strengths With self & existing employees – immediately, ensure the bases are properly covered With new hires – well before hiring them 4. Create remuneration that promotes and rewards strengths-based actions & results 5. Reward strengths-based results…frequently Process Excellence - 5 Recommendations 1. Seek process/system problems - find, & cure their roots 2. Create system-solutions that cover human weaknesses and confirm replication of actions & accountability for performance 3. Production technology – lead the pack…or, at least, be a front runner 4. Information & communication technologies & process – make them struggle-free 5. Make profitable business growth an enterprise function

## Thought Tweet #614
Date: 2012-11-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-614/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #614 " The power of the incomplete works because the human mind hates loose ends ." " Confused shapes arouse the mind ." The Thinking Behind The Tweet The first quote is by Steve Jones, ' Brand Like A Rock Star ', (2012). The second quote is attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci, (1452-1519). " Unfinished business gnaws away at brain energy. " ...in other words, " If it's in sight, it's in mind ."

## A tribute to JFK
Date: 2012-11-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-tribute-to-jfk/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

When I was a young boy I had a small group of very close buddies. We played together. We played sports like baseball and football. We fought now and again. And we play-fought all the time. We played pirates. We played Cowboys and Indians. We played army games. Bang, bang…you’re dead. One Friday afternoon, when I was in Grade 3, our teacher told us the President of the United States had been shot and killed. I remember walking home with my buddies. Laughing and playing as usual…bang, bang…you’re dead. When I got home, I headed for the refrigerator and I found my Mom in the kitchen…crying like I had never seen before. I remember that afternoon like it was yesterday. I remember my Mom sobbing, unable to talk clearly. I panicked, not understanding what was wrong. When she could talk she explained she was heartbroken over the death of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the President of the United States. I remember exactly how I felt that afternoon, including the joy I had playing with my friends, the panic about my Mom, and the guilt over my ignorance. Later, I understood why my Mom and all my friends’ Moms cried that day. That was the day the Vision known as ‘Camelot’ died. The death of that Vision shook my world and took a big piece of my childish innocence.

## Thought Tweet #613
Date: 2012-11-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-613/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #613 Work performances are mirrored in work feelings. Work feelings are mirrored in work performances. The Thinking Behind The Tweet As a rule, you don't see happy faces when people are struggling with their work. As a rule, you don't see unhappy faces when people are doing a good job. When put to good use, personal strengths generate two things: positive body language and quality work results.

## Thought Tweet #612
Date: 2012-11-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-612/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #612 One key to success: learn how to create situations that allow people to deliver short-term results. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Big Hairy Audacious Goals are not for everyone. And, most people deliver their best performances with they are allowed to achieve and celebrate short-term results.

## Who is responsible for your work Situation?
Date: 2012-11-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/who-is-responsible-for-your-work-situation/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

"Let me hear another sound from you and you'll keep Christmas by losing your situation!" Ebenezer Scrooge, to his assistant Bob Cratchit, about 170 years ago. Back in the mid-1800's people like Ebenezer Scrooge used the word "situation" to mean "job". When his well-meaning assistant, Bob Cratchit, annoyed him Scrooge put a quick stop to it be telling Cratchit he would lose his job. In Scrooge's mind, it was very clear who was responsible for Cratchit's situation. The Golden Rule comes to mind, "He who carries the gold makes the rules." That's the way Scrooge went about his business. Now, when we use the word " situation " we mean: a snapshot of an instant in business life...the people, the 'props', and the immediate environment When you go to work, who is responsible for your work Situation? the leader, boss, owner? you? someone else? a blend of the above? Before you finalize your answer, consider: work ethic ...what's a fair balance between the company, the boss, and the employee entitlement ...what's a reasonable expectation self-confidence ...and the interplay between personal strengths & weaknesses the view from other people's shoes ...shareholders/owners, leaders, bosses, employees

## Thought Tweet #611
Date: 2012-11-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-611/ | Categories: INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #611 Good leaders don't drive people; good leaders fuel the drive in people. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Performance is about desire and drive, enthusiasm takes energy. Leaders are uniquely positioned to fuel the drive in people. Leaders have the power to re-spark fires.

## Thought Tweet #610
Date: 2012-11-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-610/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #610 We ought to avoid the " Negative Society " The Thinking Behind The Tweet We can choose to avoid or choose to limit our exposure to negative situations , experiences, and people . Bad news does not have to make good news. Criticism has no right to reign. Nero should not have fiddled while Rome burned.

## A Formula for Personal Strengths
Date: 2012-11-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-formula-for-personal-strengths/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

We have revised our formula for personal strengths. Up until recently, we have used the Gallup/StrengthsFinder definition of Strengths . We have taught the following formula: Talent + Knowledge + Skills = STRENGTHS There is no question, this Gallup/StrengthsFinder description of Strengths is accurate, valid, and very helpful. We have seen 100's of people put it to good use. When we modified it as follows, we found it was easier to understand: N atural Talent + Specialized Knowledge + Practised Skills = STRENGTHS These word additions helped people understand: Everyone possesses talents. Talent is part of the human condition. We are born with talent. Some of the things we do will naturally align with our talents . Some of the things we do will cut across the grain for our talents. Knowledge alone is not enough. When it comes to work, the knowledge must be specialized, related to the work role. Skills are not natural...skills don't just happen . They have to be learned; they have to be 'made and formed'; they have to be practised. Skills are Good Habits . Now, we have made a major improvement to our definition of STRENGTHS : N atural Talent + Opportunities + Specialized Knowledge + Practised Skills = STRENGTHS We thank Malcolm Gladwell for being so clear and persistent in his book, ' Outliers '. A few years ago I met Malcolm Gladwell and listened to him talk about ' Outliers '. While I bought a hard copy of the book some time ago and I understood his message and its importance, I did not grasp the full significance until I listened to the audio version of the book recently. In particular, (1) my thinking about Strengths and their application at work has changed and (2) my thinking about the Leader's role has become more textured. I reached the following conclusions: Spirited Leaders must include '' Opportunities " in their definition of Strengths . Spirited Leaders have the ability to create and influence ' Opportunities ' for others. In the past we have said, " Business Only Contains 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations " and we have said it is the Leader's responsibility to anticipate Situations and to pave the path for Situations . Now, we have specifically identified 'Opportunities' as a subset of 'Situations'...a very-desirable subset. Leaders must deliver Opportunities to followers. PS: Malcolm Gladwell is one of my heroes. I had the honour of chatting with him and having my picture taken with him in 2008.

## Thought Tweet #609
Date: 2012-11-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-609/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #609 It is getting far more difficult to run with the silent, hobbled majority. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Apathy has inertia. Apathy has always had inertia. However, in the past apathy faced much less distraction than it faces today. In our 21st Century life, our apathy faces an intense barrage of information input: particularly, visual stimuli and audio stimuli. This intense barrage of information wraps itself tightly around our apathy...weakening...and at the same time making our apathy feel more comfortable. Our apathy has been hobbled by information overload.

## Body Language & Work Performance
Date: 2012-11-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/body-language-work-performance/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

One important facet of leadership is the ability to accurately observe others and understand how they are feeling. Work performances are mirrored in work feelings. Work feelings are mirrored in work performances. When you observe positive body language that is an indicator people are working in their strengths zones...and that is also an indicator performance is on track toward desired goals. When you observe negative body language that is an indicator people are not working in their strengths zones...and that is also an indicator performance is not on track toward desired goals. As examples... ENTHUSIASTIC Zone If you see faces that look like these then your people are in the ENTHUSIASTIC Zone . When you see faces like these at your workplace you will be prone to return the broad smile. You will know people are inspired about work...self-motivated because they are putting their strengths to good use. Enthusiastic people are treasures. Enthusiastic people get it done. Enthusiastic people pave the path for others around them to self-motivate . ENJOYMENT Zone If you see faces that look like these then your people are in the ENJOYMENT Zone . Leaders cannot and should not expect people to be enjoying or enthusiastic about their work all the time. However, it is essential that faces of enjoyment are seen regularly. That is the best signal a leader can receive that work-in-progress is being done with strength and that work is likely to achieve desired goals. ACCEPTANCE Zone If you see faces that look like these then your people are in the ACCEPTANCE Zone . Many people accept work as a necessary evil. Work is the thing they do to get money to pay for the things they'd far rather be doing. People in the ACCEPTANCE Zone can be engaged...but that wears off quickly. Often, they become soft-voiced, behind-the-scenes complainers and that can annoy other folks. HO-HUM Zone If you see faces that look like these then your people are in the HO-HUM Zone . When people look like this they are going through the motions. Their work may be satisfactory, but it will never be impressive. These sorts of faces can be contagious; they let co-workers down; they are deadwood. And, if it is possible at all, something significant has to happen to shake these people out of their doldrums. UNCOMFORTABLE Zone If you see faces that look like these then your people are in the UNCOMFORTABLE Zone . These sorts of faces are often linked with loud and regular complaints, aches and pains and absenteeism. These faces can be the antidote for enthusiasm and enjoyment. Fear exists behind these faces. One of the fears: people know when they are not operating from strengths zones. Yet, most times, they refuse to accept it or admit it. Leaders must address these faces...help the people overcome their fears or sooner rather than later help them off the bus. DISTRESS Zone If you see faces that look like these faces then your people are in the DISTRESS Zone . They are not working in their strengths zones. Continued work under distress is pretty much guaranteed to result in very poor performance, failure to meet goals, and strained-to-broken interpersonal relationships. Perhaps most people suffer distress from time to time. We all have bad days, many have very bad days. Infrequent incidents of distress are not necessarily a major problem. However, when you see faces of distress frequently or on a continuous basis that is a huge warning sign...something MUST be done! The leader holds the obligation to take/help with remedial action.

## Thought Tweet #608
Date: 2012-11-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-608/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #608 We seek out fun and rewards, even adventure...and then, out of the blue, a small change raises the fur on our backs. The Thinking Behind The Tweet People get bored quickly and remove that problem by seeking out input, fun, novel experiences, pleasures, and adventure. When people are actively working at replacing their boredom with something more stimulating they inevitably come face to face with new things , sometimes surprises, and sometimes shocking outcomes....they experience a range of different aspects of changes to the status quo . All of this is to be expected and is, to various degrees, accepted....by each and every one of us. But, try telling someone to make a change. Anyone.

## Don't shoot for the moon
Date: 2012-11-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-shoot-for-the-moon/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts

“ Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars .” This saying is attributed to Les Brown [motivational speaker] and Brian Littrell [lead singer - Backstreet Boys]. This is absolutely horrible advice. I'm no physicist, but...if you miss the moon then the chances of landing among the stars is infinitesimal. There's a greater chance of hitting our Sun, which is of course a star, than there is escaping our solar system and landing among all those other trillions of stars. But, even with this nearest-star there's a hitch. You will burn up before you can land. I'm no philosopher, but...there's an argument to be made: you have already landed among the stars. Fortunately, you have landed here on Earth where the nearest star does you much more good than harm and the rest of the stars, at least those visible to us, provide an awe-inspiring view at night. There is little to be gained in trying to re-position oneself among the stars. I'm no rocket scientist, but...if you shoot for the moon then you just might hit it or, if you plan properly, you just might land on it. When I was a boy the Americans used to do that every once in a while. Yes - in the early 1960's President Kennedy spearheaded a space race to the moon. Kennedy began the race with one of the greatest motivational speeches of all time. Here, thanks to Wikipedia, is a transcript of his words: " We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win, and the others, too. It is for these reasons that I regard the decision last year to shift our efforts in space from low to high gear as among the most important decisions that will be made during my incumbency in the office of the Presidency. " John F. Kennedy, Speech at Rice University, Houston, 12 September 1962 Kennedy's vision was realized July 20, 1969..here's a picture of the crew. Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, Buzz Aldrin P.S.: Don't shoot for the moon. If you want to go to the moon check out Richard Branson .

## Thought Tweet #607
Date: 2012-11-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-607/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #607 Even young Mozart was too busy playing notes to focus his mind on quality music. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Apparently, even the greatest, including the child-prodigy composers, could get all wrapped up in their instruments and their talents at the expense of gaining the specialized knowledge required to excel. [Fortunately, they had mentors.] Strengths = Talent + Opportunity + Specialized Knowledge + Practiced Skills.

## Thought Tweet #606
Date: 2012-11-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-606/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #606 4 reasons to listen: (1) to respond, (2) to act, (3) to understand, & (4) because it's your job. BIG difference! The Thinking Behind The Tweet I wonder if anyone has done a study of listening skills in those 4 categories. If such a study has been done, it probably shows: Many people's minds are focused on how to respond rather than how to understand [or asking themselves , "Am I understanding?"]. Many people's minds are thinking more about how to act than how to understand [or asking themselves , "Am I understanding?"]. Listening to understand is much rarer that we assume. If we expect people are listening to us because it's their job and we're the boss then we are likely to be disappointed regularly.

## Thought Tweet #605
Date: 2012-11-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-605/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #605 Wouldn't it be nice if we had X-ray vision so we could see the roots of our problems! The Thinking Behind The Tweet Often, the sources of our problems are like chameleons...they appear to be one thing when they are really something quite different. So, it would be even nicer to have X-ray vision and Ultrasound....and RADAR...etc.

## Thought Tweet #604
Date: 2012-11-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-604/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #604 Do people want to be accountable? I expect the answer is, "Yes". The Thinking Behind The Tweet People want independence, however, and perhaps even more, they want relationships. Trust is the essence of relationships and trust gets built slowly while it gets destroyed quickly. Accountability reminds us to perform as we said we would. We want to be accountable and trusted so we can have quality relationships.

## Successful local businesses
Date: 2012-11-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/successful-local-businesses/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Entrepreneur Thinking, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

We are fortunate to live near numerous successful businesses. I've had the privilege of visiting many of these businesses, meeting the people who generate the success, and seeing the winning processes in live-action. In a nutshell , here's how I would summarize our local, successful businesses: the owner-leaders lead balanced lives...as opposed to being eccentric at least one of the business owner-leaders has a magnetic personality, which is regularly put to use with clients, suppliers, and commercial allies the business models can be described in simple, easy to understand words the products and services are straightforward, tangible, and widely used in many geographies the businesses have leading-edge process equipment [that fits the products, services, and client needs in their industry sector] the owner-leaders have access to real-time information on business performance [ERP, CRM, Accounting, Dashboards]...either expensive world-class information systems or proprietary systems created to fit their specialized needs [and their people] a workforce that confirms right-sizing [consistent with leading-edge process technology] and the right people on the bus [which seems to be a combination of Jim Collins' Good-to-Great thinking and a conscious balancing of people & technology] generally happy employees throughout the hierarchy and all departments and roles

## Thought Tweet #603
Date: 2012-11-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-603/ | Categories: Sales, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #603 Solving Problems: that's the essence of growing relationships with clients and growing business. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Problems are the seeds that allow opportunities to flower. And, when problems are solved the results are things of beauty and value. And, from the customers' shoes, providing value is the only reason your business exists.

## Alligator Shoos
Date: 2012-11-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/alligators-work/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities

Having witnessed many business leaders fighting fires and alligator challenges day after day, I am concerned. Alligators are sneaky and hungry. They seek out prey and when they find a feeding ground other hungry alligators join them.

Having witnessed many business leaders fighting fires and alligator challenges day after day, year after year, I am concerned. Alligators are sneaky and hungry. They seek out prey and when they find a feeding ground other hungry alligators join them. Alligators tend to come in packs. Business success happens when alligators are anticipated and removed before they arrive. While it is not possible to anticipate and remove all alligators before they arrive it is very possible to anticipate and remove most of them. Strength in this area can be developed. Success happens when business leaders find the best ways to anticipate alligators and do this at the same time they fight alligators [in those ongoing day-after-day battles]. Experience helping owners fix business problems confirms month-after-month, alligator-after-alligator, fighting does not work unless it is coupled with permanent alligator repellents. Inevitably, alligator fighting drains energy and weakens spirits. And the reality is, alligators keep on arriving. When the list of business alligators is too long it signals a larger ‘root’ problem - the environment, the culture, and the atmosphere is such that alligators are able to feed and breed in the territory . When this is the case, the environment needs to be changed so alligators no longer find it easy to feed and breed. Clear fencing needs to be constructed to establish the alligator boundaries. The territory itself needs to be changed so it repels alligators. And, all people in the territory, not just the owners, need to know how to shoo away alligators not just when they are big and scary but also when they are babies…before they grow and become annoying and troublesome and require expert handlers. It's best to handle alligators when they are babies.

## Thought Tweet #602
Date: 2012-11-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-602/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #602 If we had not learned the word "No" when we were young, we would spend a lot less time thinking about our mistakes. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we were young a lot of people started to say "No" to us. We were made to believe it was wrong to say and do certain things....many things. The rules of "No" versus "Yes" were inconsistent, depending on who was saying them and where all of us were when they were being said. Regardless, when we were instructed "No" we received the message we were doing something wrong...i.e., making a mistake. We heard "No" so many times when we were young we still think about our mistakes, sometimes even the mistakes we made when we were young. We should shake that off.

## Thought Tweet #601
Date: 2012-11-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-601/ | Categories: Humour, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #601 Solving Problems: that's the beauty and the beast of business. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Remember... Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. and "A beast does not know that he is a beast, and the nearer a man gets to being a beast, the less he knows it." George MacDonald, Scottish author, (1824-1905)

## Thought Tweet #600
Date: 2012-11-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-600/ | Categories: Humour, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #600 Understanding Fire: That's one of Man's greatest achievements. That applies both externally and internally. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Where would we be without an understanding of how to use fire? Wouldn't we be cold and uncomfortable? Wouldn't we be uninspired? Wouldn't we be in the dark...at least, half the time?

## Building Strengths Into Business
Date: 2012-11-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/building-strengths-into-business/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

People feel good when putting their strengths to work. People do not feel good when working outside of their strength zones. People feel particularly bad when they are putting their weaknesses to work. When people feel bad they do poor work and get poor results. *** If people are not meeting their business goals then work to understand their feelings. If people are not meeting their business goals and they are feeling good then there’s a high probability your plans must be improved. If people do not feel good at work then there’s a high probability their roles do not align with their personal strengths. If this is the case then the best strategy is altering their roles to align work actions with their personal strengths. *** Helping people understand then use their strengths at work is the quickest, least-expensive, and most-productive thing you can do to improve your business. As you gain a clear understanding of each person’s strengths: · Engage strengths at work, wherever possible, · Avoid using weaknesses at work, · Cover weaknesses with strengths, · Build strengths-based strategic plans, & · Enable your people to take strengths-based action. *** Personal Strengths: the #1 key to profitable and sustainable business. ne

## New Things Energize
Date: 2012-11-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/new-things-energize-us/ | Categories: Beyond Business

If we want to grow, we need to add energy. There's an energy in New Things. It is clear - if we want to grow, we need to do New Things . *** People need and seek novelty, challenge, & [curious as it may seem] struggle. When people do not perceive novelty, challenge, or struggle they pine and become lacklustre. Innately, people know it is essential to add to energize . *** Small, wisely chosen New Things deliver enormous energizing value. New Things cure boredom; New Things expand and focus pupils; New Things stretch the mind and the body. Simply put - New Things enliven.

## Thought Tweet #599
Date: 2012-11-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-599/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #599 I used to give people pieces of my mind. Now, I know I cannot afford such giveaways. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Even if I could afford to waste my brain, it's much more fulfilling to cut people up to size.

## Thought Tweet #598
Date: 2012-10-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-598/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Humour, Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #598 If you're in the dark, don't make light of things. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Optimism, Pessimism, & Realism ... how do you find the right overall balance and the right strategy for the situation at hand? Some thoughts: Overall, be Optimistic: look for the bright side, consider the possibilities, be around and listen to others who are enthusiastic. Optimists live happier lives. Place realistic bounds on Optimism. Despite what they say about big, hairy audacious goals - BHAGs are not for everyone . And, often, over-zealous optimism injures other people. Pessimism demotivates. If you are naturally pessimistic...think before your share your views and your body language. Leaders - anticipate situations. And plan for situations ...of course not all situations - but some. Recognize some people handle stress well and some folks handle stress poorly.

## Thought Tweet #597
Date: 2012-10-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-597/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #597 Beware: a dose of your own medicine could be a tough pill to swallow. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most of us have heard the proverb " Physician heal thyself ." The moral of the proverb is fix your own defects before you criticize other people's defects . And the essence of this and other similar proverbs is constructive criticism is an oxymoron . Constructive criticism is an oxymoron: that's a rule to live by.

## If it's the last thing I do I'm gonna change that person!
Date: 2012-10-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-its-the-last-thing-i-do-im-gonna-change-that-person/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change

If it's the last thing I do I'm gonna change that person! How much brainpower has been consumed with schemes and dreams around changing other people? I mean: we observe what other people do and say, we assume we know what they are thinking or we choose to believe that's not an important factor, we think about how those other people are all wrong, mistaken, and making errors, we concoct a vision of their better future, we compare notes with accomplices to make sure we get our arguments airtight, and we set about persuading the wrong, mistaken, error-making people how to go about getting their better future. How much brainpower has been consumed doing that? I suspect many of us have spent considerable time in that I'm-going-to-change-other-people zone. It isn't time well spent, is it?

## Thought Tweet #596
Date: 2012-10-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-596/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #596 Without batting an eye...or crossing a 't'. The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's what you can expect from a good liar with bad hand-writing.

## Thought Tweet #595
Date: 2012-10-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-595/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #595 Don't thumb your nose at the grindstone. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you cannot put your nose to the grindstone, you might be tempted to thumb your nose at it. Thumbing noses at good-old-fashioned hard work is not a good strategy. Quality work ethic is an important part of a life well lived. Some say work mastery is bliss.

## 80% of people are not engaged at work.
Date: 2012-10-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/80-of-people-are-not-engaged-at-work/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Most people have, at best, a vague understanding of their personal strengths. They have perceptions of things they can do well...but, they have little understanding of "why". Without an understanding of "why" they have little ability to put their natural talents to best use or to full use. That’s one of the main reasons 80% of people are not engaged at work. *** Again - Most people have, at best, a vague understanding of their personal strengths. And - Most people have even less understanding of other people's personal strengths. That’s another one of the main reasons 80% of people are not engaged at work. *** Most people understand results better than causes...and personal strengths are the root causes leading to success-effects. Most people, if they apply their minds to it can gain a good understanding of their personal strengths. Most people do not take the time to apply their minds in that direction. They are too busy. As a result, most workplaces score poorly when it comes to putting personal strengths to work. Personal strengths align with good feelings and better results. When feelings and actions are out of synch with personal strengths we see: Substandard performance Negative attitude Inattention Errors Fire Fighting And we see 80% of people not engaged at work.

## Thought Tweet #594
Date: 2012-10-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-594/ | Categories: Humour, Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #594 When there's no reason or rhyme it's time to change the tune. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Human beings are biased creatures. One bias is known as the rhyme-as-reason effect . According to Wikipedia - "The rhyme-as-reason effect is a cognitive bias whereupon a saying or aphorism is judged as more accurate or truthful when it is rewritten to rhyme." And "For an example of the persuasive quality of the rhyme-as-reason effect, see " if it doesn't fit, you must acquit ," the signature phrase used by Johnnie Cochran to gain acquittal for O.J. Simpson in Simpson's murder trial." Consider the rhyme-as-reason bias when you: create leader's messages create marketing communications

## Change: should you take it personally?
Date: 2012-10-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/change-should-i-take-it-personally/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts

When it comes to influencing people, how can you do better? That's a question many leaders ask themselves...and think about. The question spreads to and sometimes consumes leadership teams - How can we inspire our people to do better ? Leaders can accept the present level of their influence on their followers or they can decide they would like to expand and improve the level of influence they have on their followers. They can take and make their business more people-focused or they can carry on as is. If leaders decide they want to influence then they must first adjust their own character/personality. Perhaps, you find that last statement ridiculous? Nonsense - that's the tail wagging the dog! Enough - bleeding heart stuff! Or perhaps, you find it basic common sense? Of course - you must give before you receive! Yes - that follows Emerson's 'Law of Compensation'. Before you discard the statement that leaders need to adjust their personalities to inspire change consider: Albert Einstein said, “ Insanity is doing the same thing, over and over again, but expecting different results. ” and Joe MacInnis said 1 , " All the leaders I've met, worked with, and read about have had one thing in common. Along the way to becoming practitioners and masters of leadership, they transformed their character ." Footnote: Joe MacInnis, ' Deep Leadership ', (2012)

## Thought Tweet #593
Date: 2012-10-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-593/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #593 Speak of the devil's advocate...better still, bite your tongue. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Constructive criticism is an oxymoron. Devil's Advocates ... here's an excerpt from Wikipedia: "In common parlance, a devil's advocate is someone who, given a certain argument, takes a position he or she does not necessarily agree with, for the sake of argument." Those words - "Devil's Advocate" have a nasty connotation....we should not use them or the practice they capture. Instead, consider using a planned strategy for seeking different perspectives when large problems are to be solved and important decisions are to be made. Try, for example, using Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats .

## What a Negative Mob out there!
Date: 2012-10-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/theres-a-negative-mob-out-there/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Optimism & Pessimism

There's a lot of negative stuff out there! Bad news makes good news. Bad news sells. Crimes and unfortunate accidents get lots of air time . It seems we receive news in a ratio of 5 doses of bad news for each dose of good news. The reality TV craze shows us an unending string of personal difficulty: interventions, biggest losers, mental illness, fallen celebrities, and workplace dysfunction. As we are exposed to all these poor folks, those less fortunates , we receive regular breaks in the form of TV commercials. The TV commercials show us many new remedies for regular aches and pains and also many new physical and mental diseases we have never heard of. Some of the remedy side-effects described in these commercials are mind-numbing. And, the rule seems to be 'no statement of a long list of nasty side effects then call your doctor'. In effect, we are being trained to contact our doctors to request medications for ailments that people choose not to name on TV. Negative stuff! Video games and movies, thanks to exceptional special effects and relaxed regulation, are delivering buckets full of violence, blood, & gore. We live in a continuous bombardment of readily-available information. And, those who deliver that bombardment make sure it contains a very heavy dose of negative stuff. Over time, the assault of the Negative Mob affects us...some more than others.

## Thought Tweet #592
Date: 2012-10-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-592/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #592 An ounce of predilection is worth a pound of objection. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Human beings are biased creatures. Our minds are geared to recognize patterns and, sometimes, our minds jump to conclusions. As one example, this happens when we accurately identify a piece of information but conclude, inaccurately, it is part of a certain pattern. In common words, we call that " jumping to conclusions ." When we jump to conclusions we use one piece of information to reach an inaccurate conclusion. This was a real benefit in prehistoric times... jumping to conclusions saved lives. In business, often, jumping to conclusions is more problem than benefit. Sometimes, when we jump to conclusions , we also try to foist our inaccurate conclusions on others. If we happen to be a leader who does this then an ounce of our jumping to conclusions can offset a pound of followers' objections...and this, over time, kills followers' spirit. [That's the reality of position power.]

## Thought Tweet #591
Date: 2012-10-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-591/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #591 Leadership is about meaningful stories well told and important actions well done. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When good-to-great leaders tell inspirational stories , their stories are laced with personal values and visions of better future situations . Stories well told : call them Sticky Stories ...because they stick in people's minds. Sticky stories are remembered. Actions well done : the most-productive actions are driven by emotions and guided by true desires and goals .

## Born to learn
Date: 2012-10-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/born-to-learn/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Values: Personal Values, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

People are born with a natural talent for learning. Our learning takes the form of a life-long series of self-corrected behaviours coupled with a life-long series of successful outcomes and not-so-successful hard knocks. People are created with a remarkable capacity for learning.

People are born with a natural talent for learning. We learn by: understanding self (starts with our body parts and how they interact with surroundings), observing other people (our parents having a huge initial impact), observing our surroundings (identifying patterns, posing & testing hypotheses) perceiving (creating unique & personal explanations of the vast array of stimuli that 'hit' our senses), memorizing knowledge (short-term & long-term memories of manifold experiences and perceptions), imagining (holding images in our mind's eye...remembering past events and envisioning future events) practicing skills (so they get hard-wired into our brains), and , of course, interacting with people and things around us (from mirror neurons and Theory of Mind to mentors, trainers, and championship teams). Born to learn: that's the way we are born. Our learning takes the form of a life-long series of self-corrected behaviours coupled with a life-long series of successful outcomes and not-so-successful hard knocks. People are created with a remarkable capacity for learning. All people are created that way. Then individual experiences affect the duration and extent of learning. Also, individual choices affect the extent and duration of learning. Here's an example of a string of thoughts about learning: I was born to learn. In the past, as I went about my learning, some people encouraged me and some people put me down. Now, I see learning as my responsibility...I don`t seek encouragement and I am not put off by put downs. Now, I see introspection as the ongoing starting point for learning...as the ancient Greek aphorism states - Know Thyself . Now, I see individual strengths, wisdom, self-control, and positive attitude as the key ingredients for success in any endeavour...and each of these is the substance of life-long learning. I know, to succeed in a business role, I must combine my talents and specialized knowledge with life-long practice and exploration of new things. That is the only way to master business work. I know, because I have seen it first-hand, the capacity for learning does not have to wither with age...it is the one blessing that remains with us as long as we want it to and are prepared to do the brain work that self-feeds. The capacity for life-long expanded learning is our unique blessing.

## Thought Tweet #590
Date: 2012-10-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-590/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #590 You're approaching an intersection and the amber light is on. Do you run it? The Thinking Behind The Tweet When business caution lights are on do you run them?

## Thought Tweet #589
Date: 2012-10-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-588-2012/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #589 Interest generates Attention; Attention generates Interest. That's a double-sworded edge you can use to advantage. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Learn from what they do, not from what they say.

## Begin with the Start in Mind
Date: 2012-10-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/begin-with-the-start-in-mind/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Stephen Covey teaches ' The 7 Habits of Highly effective People '. Covey's Habit #2 is ' Begin with the End in Mind '. In summary - know where you want to go before you waste time and effort doing & going. That's definitely good advice...however, I think it is more important to 'Begin with the Start in Mind'. I say this for 2 reasons: Now is as real as it gets. Certainly, it is more real than the future. So, as we go about our business we do better when we get present and be present . Business is not primarily about end points. Business is about a chain of present thoughts, present feelings, and present actions. Business is about envisioning a future and acting now...and now is always the Start...in fact, now is the only time we have. When it comes to highly-effective performance, individual success is intimately tied to individual strengths . When we start business work, regardless of its nature - whether physical work or brain work - we start with a unique personal set of talents. Our innate talents exist prior to the arrival of our work. When work arrives we gain work-knowledge and we gain work-skills and to a degree we learn how to do the work. How much we learn and how well we do work depends on many things including the 'Big 3' - attitude, intelligence, & self-control. Most people know the Big 3 and make efforts to cover them. But - most people do not spend the time required to understand or measure the innate talents that represent the 4th major condition for successful performance of business work. Any serious plan for the future must give quality consideration to individual's innate talents - and do that now . To successfully perform and delegate Business Tasks, we recommend a ' Big 4 Checklist ': I understand the Innate Talents of the individual performing the work. The person has the right attitude about the work. The person has the intelligence - both cognitive and emotional - to do the work. The person has the self-control required in the work situation .

## Thought Tweet #588
Date: 2012-10-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-588/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #588 Why do so many people throttle back on learning as they mature and age? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Are they disenchanted with work - uninspired ? Has 'the world' beaten curiosity out of them? Do they not understand an active mind has the ability to self-sustain... to a ripe old age ?

## Thought Post #587
Date: 2012-10-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-post-587/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Post #587 As our needs decrease our wants increase...in novelty, scale, and complexity...so far, wants are readily fulfilled. The Thinking Behind The Tweet People's needs - like shelter, food, water - must be met. Not too long ago, the vast majority of our energy was spent fulfilling needs. Now, needs are easily met. So, our desires have escalated from needs to wants. Over the last generation or two, wants have become more novel, larger, and more complex. Even still, for the most part, these escalated wants have been easily met.

## Controlling for New - the Power in New Things
Date: 2012-10-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/controlling-for-new-the-power-in-new-things/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Sometimes good habits can be a little annoying...like eating the right food, getting the right exercise, getting the right amount of sleep, being organized, brushing your teeth...etc. Sometimes bad habits can be a little stressful...like eating that 3rd scoop of Baskin & Robbins, watching all those commercials between the TV shows, sitting in a cubicle all day long...etc. And - when you boil it all down people only do 3 things: people do good habits, bad habits, and new things. Which, brings us to New Things . New Things can be annoying and stressful. Change can be very fear-filled stuff. That's one way to look at New Things. There is another way to look at New Things , a better way. New Thing s have the following positive qualities: N ew Thing s relieve boredom, which when it really gets hold leads to apathy and bad habits New Things energize and invigorate New Things create new possibilities, opportunities for self-expression According to Brendon Burchard , author, motivational speaker and the founder of High Performance Academy : “ Bottom line: setting your sights on enjoying new experiences regularly is one of the greatest ways to remain fully engaged, energized, and enthusiastic throughout your lifetime. ” In summary, Burchard sees ' Controlling for New ' as a vital part of a charged life: “ It means that we should spend as much time strategically planning the introduction of new things and experiences into our lives as we spend planning for what we’ll eat, when we’ll work out, and how we’ll accomplish our goals. Much of the boredom, depression, misery, and emotional malaise in life can be remedied by this concept of “control for new”, and recent advances in neuroscience prove why. ” This meshes with Spirited Leaders' founding philosophy: People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things . Good Habits : these are the things we do that align with our goals . Our goals - true goals - are fabric that runs through us throughout our adult lives. They are long-term goals. For example - maintaining good physical health would be a true goal. Good Habits , being in alignment with our goals, are accompanied by positive feelings and emotions . Bad Habits : these are the things we do that do not align with our true goals. Often, they involve near-term gratification. Since Bad Habits do not align with our true goals, they are accompanied by or they bring about negative feelings and emotions [guilt, fear, etc]. New Things : If we find ourselves doing something new, and that is rare, say about 5% of the time, there are 3 possible outcomes: We will continue to do the New Thing and it will lead to another Good Habit . We will continue to do the New Thing and it will lead to another Bad Habit . We will stop doing the New Thing . In this manner, people experiment from the start to the end of their lives. Human life, and business life is a big part of it, is a series of discoveries and explorations of new experiences. Some of those new experiences take hold and remain as habits. The experience-habit cycle can be haphazard or it can be planned. Excellent performers in life and business choose to plan. If we spend time strategically planning New Things - ' Controlling For New ' - then we will maximize the likelihood we create Good Habits which will bring good feelings and emotions and increase the likelihood we will achieve our true goals. This is the magical power in New Things .

## Thought Tweet #586
Date: 2012-10-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-586/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #586 The competitive-business climate has changed at least as much as the weather patterns. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Leaders must change...they must step it up a bit...they must show better leading by example ...they must lead the way to better business activity and more-profitable times.

## Thought Tweet #585
Date: 2012-10-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-585/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #585 Most of the time we know the right things to do, yet, often, we don't do those right things. The Thinking Behind The Tweet In particular, we tend to do things that offer short-term gain over long-term gain. Dieting provides a good example. Most diets work if people follow them. Most people don't follow them. So, the reality is most attempts at dieting fail.

## Thought Tweet #584
Date: 2012-10-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-584/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #584 Mediocrity: living in bad-habit shadows. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Bad Habits follow us like shadows. Bad Habits make us mediocre. We can replace Bad Habits with Good Habits ...it's a matter of choice...and commitment & self-discipline .

## Simply put - Leaders Must Change!
Date: 2012-10-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/simply-put-leaders-must-change/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Leaders' Thoughts

If you are a business leader then you must change. You must change or the following will pass you by: your good people your good clients your good suppliers your competition your goals Why? Why state so emphatically that all these things will pass by the business leaders who choose not to change? Answers: Only leaders can shake businesses out of these lingering economic doldrums . If your business is volume-stagnant or delivering too-low profit levels then your business is among the many businesses that have been unable to shake off the economic doldrums. If, after several years of struggling, your business has been unable to escape the economic doldrums then change is essential. Followers will not change unless they perceive leaders are making changes...i.e., followers need to see leaders 'changing by example'. Followers crave quality leadership. If your business has been stalled or suffering then your followers know it. And, they know who to blame - the leader. Followers will not be adventuresome or innovative if they believe the leaders is driving with one foot on the brake. Good followers do not follow indecisive leaders. Good followers seek out leaders who can help them expand their knowledge and skills. Good followers want to work in progressive, opportunity-filled workplaces. Good followers look for business teams that have a good chance of winning . Some leaders will inject change into your business sector. You will either be one of those leaders or you won't - that's up to you - that's your choice. If you are one of those change-leaders then your business will have the opportunity to shake the economic doldrums. If you are not one of those change-leaders then your business will fail...sooner or later. "All the leaders I've met, worked with, and read about have had one thing in common. Along the way to becoming practitioners and masters of leadership, they transformed their character." Dr. Joe MacInnis 'Deep Leadership', (2012)

## Thought Tweet #583
Date: 2012-10-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-583/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #583 Toe the line and be ready to leap before opportunity knocks. The Thinking Behind The Tweet " A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds ." Ralph Waldo Emerson ' Self-Reliance ', from ' Essays ', (1841)

## Mark Weber visited our Centre For Family Business ... our 2012/2013 kick-off event
Date: 2012-10-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mark-weber-visited-our-centre-for-family-business-our-20122013-kick-off-event/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Family Business and CFFB, Leaders' Thoughts

As always, Mark educated and energized the 100+ folks who attended CFFB's 2012-2013 kick-off breakfast event. Mark, a social psychologist, talked about social engineering ...he described his " interest in how situations that you find yourself in affect what you perceive, how you think, and what you do ". He went on to talk about the importance of storytelling in business... " You are part of the definition of the situation ." " You are a storytelling animal ." " It takes a story to really engage people ." Why should business leaders tell stories? people are more emotional than rational people use analogies to make sense of the world people use proxies for analysis of their complex, social worlds [to simplify the world - situations and decisions] people don't pay attention most of the time Here's an interesting research fact, shared by Mark: If you want to persuade people then speak quickly [not slowly]. People who speak quickly project confidence and signal competence. Here's one of Mark's recommendations: Become a better story listener, ask questions like " Tell me about __________________. ", " How did you come to _________________? ", and " Did something happen that _________________? " Characteristics of good stories: memorable build connection between the storyteller and the audience evoke emotions that serve the purpose of the storyteller connect with the core [driving] interests of the audience In contrast, most business communication is: dry overly complicated more about the speaker than the audience When you create business stories, be clear about your purpose: after this presentation/story/conversation my audience will ____________________, ____________________, & ___________________. And, before you communicate, think about your audience: how does the audience see themselves? how does the audience see me? [my company? my industry?] how much does the audience know? [on average, speakers tend to overestimate how much the audience knows] Mark suggested four good story buckets : a time you shone a time you blew it about mentors [humility & gratitude] books, movies, & current events Mark Weber

## Thought Tweet #582
Date: 2012-10-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-582/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #582 Ignorance is bliss; enlightenment is bliss: only the working in between is challenging. The Thinking Behind The Tweet For some reason, we have an old saying, " Ignorance is bliss. " Obviously, that's an exaggeration...or is it? At the other end of the spectrum, many gurus have taught, " Enlightenment is bliss. " I think that may be true...however, not having reached that state I cannot say for sure. Yes - work is challenging...it tests us, it resists our desires, and it strengthens us. And perhaps, as James Allen taught, perfection and work-mastery bring bliss as work-challenges vanish.

## Thought Tweet #581
Date: 2012-10-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-581/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #581 It's OK to have an ego; it's not OK when an ego has you. The Thought Behind The Tweet When it comes to ego, I believe moderation is the right course. Eastern philosophies teach the merits of reduction of ego...removal of it to the extent that is possible. [Total removal of ego being a blissful state.] Western capitalists have illustrated the serious damage caused by high, out-of-control egos. It seems to me human beings were meant to have egos...why else would virtually all of us [if not all of us] have them? But, moderation is required...self-control, that is.

## Thought Tweet #580
Date: 2012-10-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-580/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #580 Maybe, curiosity kills cats; definitely, curiosity motivates people. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Perhaps, many animals are curious. Certainly, some are...cats have a reputation for it. Human beings must be the most curious animal on Earth. Curiosity is in our DNA. Curiosity is the root of innovation, invention, and creativity. [I don't think curiosity kills cats...it just makes them very interesting.]

## Thought Tweet #579
Date: 2012-10-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-579/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #579 When you get the hang of a thing you can execute it well. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The English language contains some wonderful nuances...idioms, plays on words, double entendre, etc.

## How to get off a Business Roller Coaster
Date: 2012-10-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-get-off-a-business-roller-coaster/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Entrepreneur Thinking

Some people enjoy riding roller coasters. They love the crazy ups and downs. They love the rush of the wind in their faces. They ride the thrill and they step onto solid ground when the roller coaster slows to a halt and the ride is over. Sometimes business work seems like a roller coaster ride...fast-paced, with ups and downs, with highs and lows, with lots of curves, with some squealing as brakes are put on, and with a few jerks along the way. But business roller coasters differ from those at amusement parks. In business, most times you cannot get off a roller coaster and this is especially true when the roller coaster is speeding, out-of-control, downhill, with sparks flying. So, how can you get off a business roller coaster when it is out of control? Let's make the question a little more challenging: How do you get off a business roller coaster when it is out of control and you own it? Answer: Change is required...all key people in the business, including the leader, must change. Change starts with one individual then it spreads to others. Change must be planned...objective 3rd party advice helps. Change must be gradual...but the change must be ongoing, directed, and evident to all - partners, shareholders, employees, clients, suppliers, business allies, etc. Change must be discussed...and repeated. Interesting, pertinent, real-life stories help. When your business is on a roller coaster the best people are looking for a smoother ride.

## Achieving Business Goals
Date: 2012-10-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/achieving-business-goals/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

Your senior people have talents and business strengths. To the extent their jobs and workplace environment allow, they will use those strengths. To the extent they have knowledge and they practise skills, their personal strengths will generate desired, positive business results in the form of money well earned, money well spent, and fair money-profit on time, talents, and personal strengths 'invested'. Business goals are achieved when individuals use personal strengths and combine those strengths with other people's strengths in a manner that both: allows people to maximize the time they spend working in areas aligned with their talents and strengths and allows people to minimize the time they spend working in areas of personal weakness. In addition, and this is essential, business goals are achieved when people find the way to work together, with a level of harmony, and function as a winning team . Winning teams: have specialists, people with specific talents and strengths [for example, hockey teams have goalies] have leaders [for example, hockey teams have captains] have coaches and plans, where individual talents and strengths are meshed together to perform in specific situations [for example, hockey teams have penalty-killing units] have discipline and rules, exhibited by the individuals and often mirrored in team image [for example, hockey teams use curfews] learn from studying real-life action [for example, hockey teams study game tapes] practice, practice, practice

## Thought Tweet #578
Date: 2012-10-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-578/ | Categories: Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #578 If you're so busy you can't catch your breath, you better give your Tic Tacs a head start. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you spend your day fighting fires at work, that's a bitter pill to swallow. That can be remedied.

## Thought Tweet #577
Date: 2012-10-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-577/ | Categories: Humour, Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #577 Give credit where credit is due...and make your payments too. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Realism: Lack of money is the root of lots of evil. Pessimism: if you receive a pat on the back, check to make sure your wallet is still in its place. Optimism: the cheque's in the mail.

## Stretch in the direction of your Strengths
Date: 2012-10-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stretch-in-the-direction-of-your-strengths/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Don't go against the grain; stretch in the direction of your strengths. Engineering teaches us about tensile forces and shear forces. Tensile forces are forces that stretch things. For example, if we hold two ends of a rope in our hands and pull the rope then the rope is under tension...and it stretches. The more force we apply the more the rope stretches. Shear forces are forces that cut. For example, if we take a pair of shears we can cut through the cross-section of the rope. It takes much less force to shear the rope than it takes to pull both ends of the rope and break it into two pieces. Engineers would say it takes less shear force than tensile force to cause the rope to fail. In layman's terms: the rope likes to stretch in the direction of its strength and the rope is less tolerant when the force is applied against its grain. People have strengths and weaknesses. With respect to strengths and weaknesses, each person is unique. People can stretch and grow in the directions of their personal strengths...and people do not do well when we apply force against their weaknesses. In business, we need to make sure we know people's strengths and weaknesses...this, of course, is better than assuming people's strengths and weaknesses or not bothering to understand people's strengths and weaknesses. This applies in the broadest of terms: it applies to industry-technical strengths and weaknesses; it applies to interpersonal/communication strengths and weaknesses; it applies to situation -strengths and situation-weaknesses; it applies to individuals and it applies to work-teams. We should help people stretch in the direction of their strengths...this inspires people and provides them the opportunity to be self-motivated and to excel. We should work to use one person's strengths to cover another person's weakness...this is better than cutting against the grain . We should anticipate situations that resonate with strengths and situations that resonate with weaknesses. These are important leader and manager responsibilities. PS: instead of saying tensile stress , some engineers would call it normal stress . That makes for an even more compelling argument. When we stretch in the direction of our strengths...that's normal. When we cut across our weaknesses...it hurts. PPS: this overlaps the fact that constructive criticism is an oxymoron . Most of the time, criticism hits people right on their weak spots.

## Thought Tweet #576
Date: 2012-10-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-576/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #576 Keep your chin up...even when things are a pain in the neck. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Of course, take this much more figuratively than literally.

## Optimistic to a fault...
Date: 2012-09-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/optimistic-to-a-fault/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Optimism & Pessimism, Solutions & Opportunities

Many entrepreneurs are optimistic to a fault. This is a common side-effect of an entrepreneurial spirit and it is encouraged by expert advice that goes something like: throw caution to the wind and have big, hairy audacious goals . Success, if achieved too quickly and without enough struggle, can also fan the flames of unrealistic entrepreneurial expectations. Entrepreneurs' unrealistic expectations can fuel all sorts of business problems. Business problems are to be expected; it is impossible to build without encountering problems; it is impossible to grow without struggle. Regardless, certain types of business problems are unreasonable, unnecessary, and counterproductive. Certain types of business problems make work ...actually, they make fake work . These problems take the form of distractions, fire-fights, and wild goose chases. Distractions: Regardless of claims to the contrary, people do a poor job of multi-tasking . Focus and concentration are important facets of work-action and distractions reduce both. So, distractions increase errors, which lead to fix-up work, inefficiency and ineffectiveness. Fire-fights: Few people excel during workplace emergencies. Strings of workplace emergencies - extended fire-fighting actions - create excessive stress and bad decisions. People change when they experience stress...they really change when that stress is sustained over long periods of time. Wild Goose Chases: Some people are optimistic to a fault. They believe anything and everything is possible. They place ill-conceived demands on others without consideration of the human reactions linked to those demands. They de-spirit people. Distractions, fire-fights, and wild goose chases are unnecessary problems in business. When these unnecessary problems are caused by the owner-entrepreneur...well, that's inexcusable.

## Thought Tweet #575
Date: 2012-09-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-575/ | Categories: Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #575 If you burn the candle at both ends, don't set it down on your desk. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you do then you will be fighting even more fires.

## Thought Tweet #574
Date: 2012-09-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-574/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #574 When someone really pulls your leg it may cost you that and an arm. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Too little to explain.

## ...with best Intentions...
Date: 2012-09-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/with-best-intentions/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Entrepreneur Thinking

Thoughts and actions are laced with intention of two types: intention can be ego-driven, backed by desires; intention can be spirit-driven, backed by personal strengths. On its own, ego-driven intention is not necessarily aligned with personal strengths so it often generates more problems than solutions and causes more chaos than accomplishment. Spirit-driven intention builds, creates, and constructs and it naturally aligns with personal strengths. We see evidence of spirit-driven intention in entrepreneurs. While it may lack direction, entrepreneurs have a burning desire to achieve something . While it may lack direction, entrepreneurs have a burning desire to build things of value. These are signals of spirit-driven intention. In entrepreneurs, spirit-driven intention is clear when: the entrepreneur's thoughts and actions are aligned with personal talents and personal strengths, which are developed through much effort and practice, the entrepreneur has sufficient intelligence, and the entrepreneur's ego is managed through self-control. At the foundation of this... Friedrich Nietzsche wrote, in his 1886 classic ' Beyond Good and Evil ': "Physiologists should think again before postulating the drive to self-preservation as the cardinal drive in an organic being. A living thing desires above all to vent its strength - life as such is will to power -: self-preservation is only one of the indirect and most frequent consequences of it." When entrepreneurs vent their strengths, with ego under self-control, their work is backed by spirit-driven intention. And - their spirit-driven work is creative, special, and sustainable.

## Thought Tweet #573
Date: 2012-09-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-573/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #573 When you put two and two together you have the answer. The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's just an idiom's logic.

## Thought Tweet #572
Date: 2012-09-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-572/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #572 If you think you are over the hill, you're on the declimb . The Thinking Behind The Tweet It's all about attitude.

## About Your Business - Strong? Smart? Both?
Date: 2012-09-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-your-business-strong-smart-both/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Human beings evolved from lightly-furred prey to Earth's dominant species. How did that happen? Certainly, 2 things played a large role: brawn and brains. When I say 'brawn' I mean muscular strength. When I say 'brains' I mean intellectual strength, including cognitive intelligence and emotional intelligence. Brawn and brains helped us, over time, crawl out of caves with clubs in hand and build office cubicles with smart phones in hand. Human beings had the muscular strength to survive on the available land and travel to better lands in search of safer homes and more-abundance and richer food sources. Of even more importance, human beings learned: how to understand one another, how to associate with one another, how to cooperate with one another, how to think strategically, how to work together in teams. Which brings us to business... Your business will be at its best when each of your people uses his or her individual business-brawn and individual business-brain . Individual Business-Brawn One hundred years ago, over 90% of the people in Canada earned money by exchanging physical effort for money. They used their bodies to do farm work, construction work, heavy industrial work, etc. Now, in business, muscular strength has been replaced by individual strengths where: Individual Strength = Talent + pertinent business Knowledge + Skill , developed through repeated practice of work-thought and work-action Each person has unique talents and some of those talents align with working in business. The key is to find those business-fitting talents and put them to use at work, gain knowledge about work and about the talents to learn how to best mesh the two, and practice, test, measure, practice...practice, practice. Individual Business-Brain Every person's brain is wired differently. That applies to learning, remembering, to understanding other people, to communicating with other people, and to getting along with other people... and to a whole lot more. In business, we cannot come even close to covering the enormous and unfathomable range of individual-brain nuances. Nor do we need to. A huge step is to believe every person's brain is unique and that uniqueness is both the source of species greatness and the source of interpersonal misunderstandings and conflict. The biggest mistakes a business person can make fall in the following areas: assuming people think alike, assuming people possess similar business desires, assuming people communicate the same way, assuming people remember the same facts [i.e., never facts , just perceptions], etc. If you want your business to be strong and smart you must work continuously to address and improve in these areas.

## Thought Tweet #571
Date: 2012-09-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-571/ | Categories: Humour, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #571 Do tennis players return back-handed compliments? The Thinking Behind The Tweet It's just a question...

## Thought Tweet #570
Date: 2012-09-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-570/ | Categories: Humour, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #570 If you cannot see the forest for the trees, check to see if you're out on a limb. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Few people possess the ability to think strategically while having a solid grasp of the details of the plan. Some people do not know they are out on a limb until they suffer a painful fall. Yes - that's part of the learning experience...as long as they are able to get up after the fall.

## Thought Tweet #569
Date: 2012-09-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-569/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #569 If there's no two ways about it, it isn't good conversation. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Well...it's an idiom wrapped up in an aphorism wrapped up in a bit of truism.

## One plus One plus One minus One equals Zero
Date: 2012-09-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/one-plus-one-plus-one-minus-one-equals-zero/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Personalities @ Work

When we were children, learning arithmetic, our teachers taught us 1+1+1-1=2. For arithmetic that is true. When building relationships with people, negative interpersonal experiences tend to register more than positive interpersonal experiences. One negative interpersonal experience can destroy all the prior positives: so, 1+1+1-1=0...maybe <0.

When we were children, learning arithmetic, our teachers taught us 1+1+1-1=2. For counting that arithmetic rings true. For dealings between people that arithmetic does not ring true. And this is an important aspect of people when it comes to doing business. Businesses receive many more letters of complaints than letters of commendation. When we read the paper, listen to the radio, and watch the TV we hear much more reporting of bad news about business than good news. Business occurs across a spectrum. Commoditized business sits at one end of the spectrum. Relationship business sits at the other end. And, aside from the extreme of full- commoditization all business contains human interaction and so - human relationships. When building relationships with people, negative interpersonal experiences tend to register more than positive interpersonal experiences. Stephen R. Covey talked about this in terms of an emotional bank account. He explained we must make regular positive deposits in order to build a positive account-balance with a person. As we show a string of positives, the other person trusts us. The bigger the positive account-balance the more the person trusts...the stronger the relationship. When the positive account-balance is large enough it should be able to withstand the impact of a negative experience we may deliver [intentionally or accidentally] to that person. And, sooner or later we will deliver a negative experience or the person will perceive we delivered a negative experience and that will amount to the same result - a reduction in the level of trust. Unfortunately, the way relationships between people work, the negatives carry more weight than the positives. So, one single negative experience can sour a person's view and totally remove trust. In business, this has wide implications for: clients, employees, owners & everyone else.

## Thought Tweet #568
Date: 2012-09-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-568/ | Categories: Humour, Optimism & Pessimism, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #568 If you're over your head, it's too late to keep your chin up. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Ego and Pride and Denial...they have their purposes, they have their limits. Best to invest time in self-knowledge before, not after, those limits are surpassed.

## Thought Tweet #567
Date: 2012-09-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-567/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #567 If you want to get something out of your system, make it productivity. The Thinking Behind The Tweet I believe it was James Watt who first said, " If you want to blow off steam, put it to work ." [I could be wrong about that one.]

## How To Increase Profits
Date: 2012-09-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-increase-profits/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Community, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Leaders' Thoughts, Measure & Monitor, Solutions & Opportunities

After meeting with and investigating 100's of businesses that have been unable to achieve their profit goals, it is clear there is need for a simple process for profit-improvement. The simple process needs to work for all sizes of businesses and work across a broad range of business sectors. Here is a simple profit-improvement process that works: The RAISE Process R eview your issues, objectively A ssessment of situation, people, & process I nsight, to create options & best practices S upport, of your solution implementation E valuation against agreed benchmarks More details... Review your issues, objectively : There are 2 ways to be objective. (1) be a possibility-thinking master of self-discipline and (2) obtain unbiased 3 rd party input. Definitely, there are ways to expand open-mindedness, possibility thinking, and creative thinking. Here are 2 examples: Edward de Bono's ' Six Thinking Hats ' and John C. Maxwell's ' How Successful People Think '. Assessment of situation , people , & process : These are the 3 basic elements of business. They inter-play with one another. Of course, it is all about people. Yet, the differences in people are often underestimated. People create the process. Yet, sometimes they do not do a good enough job explaining what they have created. And, people regularly underestimate the impact situations have on people's behaviour....especially, tough situations . Insight, to create options & best practices : Some people appear to possess a natural gift of insight; some people rarely exhibit insight; any person who works at it can develop skills for insight. Business leadership and business development [sales & marketing] are two areas where insight is most essential. Here is an illustration of the importance of insight - the Entrepreneurial Dilemma . Support, of your solution implementation : It is impossible to implement a solution if your people do not buy into it. It is difficult to make a good consensus decision; it is really tough to implement any decision without people buying in. For some people - and you will need their help - the path to change must contain small steps ...at least, at first. Evaluation against agreed benchmarks : Business is an iterative process: building things you believe contain value and testing to determine those things actually do contain value. Here, I am talking about value for clients, value for owners, value for employees...i.e., value, as seen from these and other [different] perspectives. And, all these perspectives must be understood and used as performance benchmarks...to define success and guide behaviour. Then, with benchmarks understood - measure , report, adjust, etc.

## Thought Tweet #566
Date: 2012-09-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-566/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #566 If you are spending too much time fighting fires at work, your career is getting doused. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The economy would get a serious boost if 10% of business people would apply the 80/20 Rule and spend more time doing work directly linked to building value [ planning the work and working the plan ] and less time fighting fires.

## Accurate? One of the inherent flaws in the minds of nearly all salespeople is something resembling an inferiority complex.
Date: 2012-09-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/accurate-one-of-the-inherent-flaws-in-the-minds-of-nearly-all-salespeople-is-something-resembling-an-inferiority-complex/ | Categories: Sales

Do you agree or disagree with this quote? " One of the inherent flaws in the minds of nearly all salespeople is something resembling an inferiority complex ." Frank J. Rumbauskas Jr. 'Never Cold Call Again', (2006)

## Thought Tweet #565
Date: 2012-09-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-565/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #565 While physical force has lost prominence, conflict has not. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Human beings are creatures of conflict. Internal conflict. External conflict. Big and small conflict.

## Layering On Business Achievement
Date: 2012-09-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/layering-on-business-achievement/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Solutions & Opportunities, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

If you want to ensure your business is solid from top to bottom and from bottom to top, consider a pyramid of 3 layers:

If you want to ensure your business is solid from top to bottom and from bottom to top, consider building a solid 3-layer pyramid: The first layer to build is: Solving Problems . There are 3 major considerations: People : you and your people must have the right attitude and the right strengths ...analytical, creative, experiential, etc Process : you and your people must have access to good problem-solving systems and tools...as one example, P=2S+O Situations : you and your people must be able to not just analyse but also anticipate situations The next layer to build is: Growing Profit s . There are 3 major considerations: People : as above and remember, people have radically different views about money and many handle it poorly Process : key considerations are finger-on-the-financial-pulse measures and metrics , performance tracking models, and cash-flow forecasts Situations : as above and work to look at things from different perspectives...including your banker's perspective The final layer to build is: Increasing Value . Again, there are 3 major considerations. In fact, Business Contains Only These 3 Things : People : as above and business value increases as value delivered to clients, employees, suppliers, & owners increases Process : as above and more - the process must fit the people, and vice-versa Situations : as above and more - the business culture must be constructed so situations are easier to anticipate and it is the responsibility of the leader to guide people and guide processes so situations are constructed .

## Thought Tweet #564
Date: 2012-09-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-564/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #564 Seeing the forest and understanding the workings of the veins in the trees' leaves: that's genius at work in business. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many people possess skills for understanding and doing the technical details of business. Some people are visionaries...they accurately see the big-picture of their business. Few people, perhaps less than 1% of people, possess the ability to do both.

## Thought Tweet #563
Date: 2012-09-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-563/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #563 Sometimes it seems willpower gets tossed about on a stormy sea of temptation. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Probably, most people accept John Locke's view, " The discipline of desire is the background of character ." And, character is a good thing. Yet, for many if not most of us, discipline of desire is not an easy thing. Sometimes, it feels downright unnatural! Consider, for example, chocolate ice cream.

## Thought Tweet #562
Date: 2012-09-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-562/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #562 If you want to learn how to sell at higher prices, first learn how to buy at higher prices. The Thinking Behind The Tweet It has been my experience that cheap people do a poor job of selling. If you are a penny-pincher who happens to be in a sales role, it seems there are only 2 choices: figure out how to buy at higher prices so you have a proxy for selling at higher prices or find a new career.

## A bit about Puts & Calls
Date: 2012-09-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-bit-about-puts-calls/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Communication: Improving Communication

Investors and traders choose Puts & Calls to manage financial risks...and to speculate. Puts & Calls are options. At the time they are sold, Puts & Calls deliver money of value to the seller and provide rights of value to the buyer/holder. The extent of the value of these rights will depend on future situations (in the financial markets) and future choices/actions taken by the holder of the Puts & Calls. We also use Puts & Calls during other day-to-day interactions with people. So, these interpersonal Puts & Calls involve a different sort of speculation . Like financial-market Puts & Calls, these interpersonal Puts & Calls are based on options/choices...and they also contain rights . The value in these rights is also dependent on future situations and the choices made in reaction to the situations. In addition to rights , these interpersonal Puts & Calls contain wrongs . The wrongs expand the value and the risks tied to these other Puts & Calls. Here are some examples... There are numerous examples of Puts that are wrong things to do in business... Putting on airs, Putting people on, Putting people on the spot, Putting people in their place, Putting all your eggs in one basket, Putting it to 'em, Putting people through the wringer, Putting your foot in your mouth, Putting words in other people's mouth Putting people's noses out of joint, literally Putting your nose to the grindstone. There are also Calls that are wrong things to do in business...here's a few: Calling someone on the carpet, Calling it quits, Calling off the dogs [and Calling them on in the first place], & in some bosses' minds, even Calling it a day can get you into trouble.

## Thought Tweet #561
Date: 2012-09-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-561/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #561 The Business Riddle: How do you buy low, sell high, deliver quality, solutions, & value all at the same time? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Unfortunately, the Business Riddle has only one solution.

## Thought Tweet #560
Date: 2012-09-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-560/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #560 Up-skill the hands that use your finest business tools; make master craftsmanship a top priority. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Failure isn't caused by lack of talent, it's caused by discouraged thoughts and words. Practice makes perfect. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. Strength = Talent + Focused Knowledge + Skill through practice.

## The Blades of Confusion Cut Deep
Date: 2012-09-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-blades-of-confusion-cut-deep/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts

Fighting business fires is a process. Business planning is a process. We choose the processes we experience and live with. A business-planning meeting is a situation. An office fire fight is a situation. We choose the business situations we experience and live with. We get bogged down in unimportant details, false urgencies, and interpersonal stumblings. So, from time to time, we need to step back and demystify our business. *** Here's a simple-but-accurate way of looking at business: Business contains only 3 things: People, Process, & Situations. Processes and situations always involve people; people are integral. While this fact seems obvious as we sit and think about it, it is often lost during the heat of business fire fights. People, processes, and situations always provide the opportunity for forethought. We choose whether or not to apply that forethought. And... "He who has not first laid his foundations may be able with great ability to lay them afterwards, but they will be laid with trouble to the architect and danger to the building." That's a quote from a book that has survived 5 centuries: Niccolo Machiavelli's ' The Prince ' [written in 1513 and first published in 1532]. Granted, Machiavelli was writing about political leadership rather than business. Granted too, Machiavelli was writing about people - those wanting leadership positions and those wanting to keep leadership positions. And, in Machiavelli's day, no question, the blades of confusion cut deep.

## Thought Tweet #559
Date: 2012-09-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-559-2012/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #559 Marketing isn't dead. It's just having a bit of a conniption, Sales isn't dead. It just needs a breath of fresh work. The Thinking Behind The Tweet In response to a recent Harvard Business Review article/blog exchange titled " Marketing Is Dead ". The Marketing Conniption : some activity around social media brings back to mind some of the activity around 'Y2K'. Much ado about nothing. Sales Work : yup - no easy way out of it or around it.

## Thought Tweet #558
Date: 2012-09-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-558/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #558 Desire: the fan that stokes the flames of imagination. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Desire - desire for something - isn't that what stokes imagination?

## Thought Tweet #557
Date: 2012-09-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-557/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #557 Very tough to make good decisions by consensus; very tough to implement good decisions without buy-in. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Best to strive for buy-in...with forethought about implementation. For example, use SMARTACRE Goals .

## Driven to Construction
Date: 2012-09-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/driven-to-construction-entrepreneur/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

3 forces drive entrepreneurs: a desire to achieve a burning desire to create and build things of value a need to be recognized as a different type of contributor Entrepreneurs are driven to innovate and construct

3 forces drive entrepreneurs : a burning desire to achieve a burning desire to create and build things of value a need to be recognized as a different type of contributor Entrepreneurs are driven to innovate and construct products and services; entrepreneurs are absorbed in creating new products and services, which must contain value for others. Invention on its own is not enough. Inventors are a different breed of cat. Entrepreneurial drive is a most-important source of economic growth. Entrepreneurial drive is a key to re-energizing economic growth and to sustaining economic growth. The entrepreneurial dilemma...it is difficult to institutionalize the entrepreneurial way of doing business. In other words, the entrepreneur has it but has trouble passing it on to others. In fact, it seems impossible to generate an entrepreneurial spirit in someone who doesn't possess the 3 forces outlined above. So, if you are an Entrepreneur and you are having difficulty spreading it to others then consider their internal drivers: Are they Achievers ? Are they Builders ? Do they stand out as Different ? Achievers: the existence of the drive is more important than its specific direction...it is much easier to focus or re-focus a strong drive to achieve than it is to create a strong drive to achieve. Builders: the existence of the drive is more important than its object...it is much easier to focus or re-focus a strong drive to build than it is to create a strong drive to build. Different: many entrepreneurs are odd characters, who are very comfortable with the fact they are not viewed as standard/normal/average people. They notice how others perceive them. They are motivated if not delighted by the fact they are viewed as a different type of contributor.

## Thought Tweet #556
Date: 2012-09-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-556/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #556 If, as Aristotle said, we are what we repeatedly do then by doing a few new things we can change who we are. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Watch what they do, not what they say. Help people do new things ...little-but-new things...that is, if you want to help them make changes for the better .

## Thought Tweet #555
Date: 2012-08-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-550-2012/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #555 Do you ask yourself what you want to be: a business owner?, an entrepreneur?, or a business leader? The Thinking Behind The Tweet What's the difference? A business owner owns a business and works really hard to make sure everyone gets paid. An entrepreneur owns a business and invents stuff or ideas and works really hard to make sure everyone gets paid. A business leader guides, teaches, mentors, & coaches followers...and knows the difference between those 4 things.

## A recruiting test that LASTS
Date: 2012-08-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-recruiting-test-that-lasts/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Some samples of links that will help you create the details of your recruiting program... L EADERSHIP POTENTIAL Leadership Teamwork A TTITUDE Attitude Positivity S TRENGTHS Strengths Talents T HINKING POWER Think Thought S ELF-CONTROL Self-Control Self-Monitor

When you are recruiting senior business people, consider using an approach that can survive the test of time. An approach that... ... LASTS LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL : does this person possess the ability or potential to contribute at the leadership team level? ATTITUDE : does this person have the ability to remain helpful, positive, energetic, & focused under negative situations? STRENGTHS : does this person possess the talent, knowledge, & skills for the role and its specific tasks? THINKING POWER : is this person able to think accurately, creatively, strategically, with an open mind, & a solution-orientation? SELF-CONTROL : is this person able to self-monitor & self-regulate, particularly when situations are stressing and straining? Some samples of links that will help you create the details of your recruiting program... LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL Leadership Teamwork ATTITUDE Attitude Positivity STRENGTHS Strengths Talents THINKING POWER Think Thought SELF-CONTROL Self-Control Self-Monitor

## Thought Tweet #554
Date: 2012-08-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-559/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #554 As people change jobs at an accelerated pace business relationships evolve quickly - expanding independence. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most people don't stay in jobs, companies, or careers anywhere near as long as they did in previous decades. And, for many people, the time spent in a job, or a company, or a career is shrinking at an accelerated pace. This impacts on business relationships. It is harder to maintain business relationships because the exchange of value must evolve as work roles, companies, and careers change. All of this tends to make business people more independent. And, the fast pace of technology advancements - easy access to information - makes it much easier to be independent. [Consider for example, the implications on selling, buying, recruiting, employee turnover...]

## Change, Criticism, Caring, & Candor
Date: 2012-08-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/change-criticism-caring-candor/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Leaders' Thoughts

I have written and repeated (1) " Change is Only Constructive When People Are Comfortable " and (2) " Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron ". In summary, my experiences and observations of others and their experiences cause me to believe very few people are open to criticism, regardless of whether or not we try to package it constructively. Also, experiences and observations confirm people resist change unless they are comfortable with it. For many people: change is threatening to the ego, criticism is threatening to the ego, and change and criticism trigger deep-rooted emotional responses [i.e., fight or flight responses]. Regardless, in business [as in life] we must deal with change if we want to hold ground, make progress, or prosper. And, in business we must work with other people, all of whom have different perspectives on people and situations. And these differences in people's thoughts, ideas, and perspectives become the breeding ground for communication of desired changes. At least as often as not, changes are not accepted with open minds and with open arms. Instead, changes are resisted either overtly or covertly. John C. Maxwell teaches and writes about leadership excellence. In his 2011 book ' The 5 Levels of Leadership ' he wrote about "Caring" and "Candor", which he described as important aspects of leadership. He also provided guidance on how leaders can find the proper balance between "Caring" and "Candor". As I read the following section of Maxwell's book, I thought about "Change" and "Criticism" and how his "Caring" and "Candor" advice is helpful. Leaders must be caring people. Leaders must inspire change [rather than demand and enforce it]. Leaders must communicate openly with their followers and sometimes that communication must contain fact/perception that, in one word, is criticism. How can leaders help followers be comfortable so the constructiveness of criticism is maximized? How can leaders avoid assaults and battles of egos? Maxwell's recommendation of a combination of "Caring" [empathy, with kindness] and "Candor" [open communication, frankly delivered] is a great starting point. He adds value by summarizing how the leader must find the right balance between "Caring" and "Candor". The way I see it, too much "Caring" places people outside of business and in the social-service sector not enough "Caring" is unacceptable under today's societal and business norms too much "Candor" is guaranteed to trigger a broad and deep resistance to one's ideas, instructions, and changes not enough "Candor" leaves people confused, guessing, and often guessing wrong All of those too muches and not enoughs signal nothing but stress, strain, discomfort, and unpleasant challenges. So, Maxwell's words help us by explaining how to find the right balance between "Caring" and "Candor". Here's a quote from his recent book: “Caring Values the Person While Candor Values the Person's Potential. Caring Establishes the Relationship While Candor Expands the Relationship Caring Defines the Relationship While Candor Directs the Relationship Caring Should Never Supress Candor, While Candor Should Never Displace Caring The next time you find yourself in a place where you need to have a candid conversation, just remember this: Do it quickly - shovel the pile while it's small. Do it calmly, never in anger - use the caring candor checklist. Do it privately - you want to help the person, not embarrass him or her. Do it thoughtfully, in a way that minimizes embarrassment or intimidation.” Here is a link to more articles about Leaders and Communication .

## Thought Tweet #553
Date: 2012-08-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-553/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #553 If trust is at the heart of meaningful business relationships, insight is in the brain. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Trust, based on a history of past experiences, is not enough to guarantee business relationships contain value. When insight is added to trust, business relationships can thrive.

## Some Thoughts on Business Leadership
Date: 2012-08-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-thoughts-on-business-leadership/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Entrepreneur Thinking, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

What's the difference between business leaders and people who own or run businesses? The best business leaders approach the role of leadership as a career, rather than a necessary aspect of owning or running a business. Most business leaders have heard the admonition: work on your business rather than in your business . I believe Michael Gerber first coined that phrase in his classic series of E-Myth books. That's great advice for entrepreneurs [the "E" in "E-Myth"]. That's also great advice for business leaders. But, for business leaders that's not enough advice. Put another way: if you aspire to be an entrepreneur that's one thing; if you aspire to be a business leader that's a different thing. Entrepreneurs are driven to invent/innovate/create and deliver products and services of value. Entrepreneurs may or may not be excellent business leaders. In fact, often entrepreneurs are far more idea-driven than people-focused and that reduces their ability to be good leaders. Business Leaders are driven by a vision of change of one sort or another...changing the world one way or another. Success at achieving the vision of change , depends on the leader's ability to inspire other people to join forces and work together in harmony toward shared goals. What's the difference? In summary, Leaders : Make learning a life-long practice : they recognize the importance of understanding self; they know one key to success rests in people's differences so they embrace and work to understand the differences in people Are able to attract strong and talented followers : their ability to show disciplined behaviour coupled with their ability to understand and relate to other people is a magnetic combination Are accountable for their actions and inspire accountability in followers : they show the wisdom captured in lead by example ; they are able to provide clear instructions; they obtain buy-in from their followers Guide, teach, mentor , and coach : they know the differences between these approaches; they also know the differences between these leadership techniques and the techniques employed by talented managers Delegate so the work matches people strengths : they understand the importance of dealing from strength; they understand the importance of using one person's strength to offset another person's weakness...the essence of teamwork Communicate openly , with candour and a standard of care : they know how to deliver tough messages when necessary; they know how to read people and anticipate situations so tough messages are rarely required Of course, there is much more...but, this is a good start.

## Thought Tweet #552
Date: 2012-08-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-552/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #552 Invest in developing your people, building their strengths, and covering their weaknesses. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The essence of a Leadership Team: leading by building a team; focusing on using strengths rather than focusing on fixing weaknesses; fully engaging every individuals' strengths; making sure all key areas of performance are covered with at least one person's individual strength.

## Thought Tweet #551
Date: 2012-08-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-551/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #551 People connections become business relationships when knowledge exchange is sparked by business insight. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Everyone knows relationships are an important part of business development. Many people think relationships are the most important part of business development. Some people understand an exchange of insight is one of the two fundamental aspects of business relationships, the other fundamental aspect being trust.

## Thought Tweet #550
Date: 2012-08-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-550/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #550 Plan to make major changes...and help your people be prepared for major changes. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We are living through the Future Shock Alvin Toffler wrote about 40 years ago. The pace of change is accelerating. And: "When the individual is plunged into a fast and irregularly changing situation, or a novelty-loaded context, however, his predictive accuracy plummets. He can no longer make the reasonably correct assessments on which rational behavior is dependent." Alvin Toffler 'Future Shock', (1970)

## Thought Tweet #549
Date: 2012-08-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-549/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #549 You can help your employees maintain and grow a positive mental attitude . Here's how... The Thinking Behind The Tweet For example, here's an excerpt from Boyé Lafayette De Menthe's ‘ The Japanese Samurai Code ’, (2004) Talking about how Japanese companies go about building positive mental attitude... “These companies follow a set of four principles in creating the mental attitude they want their employees to have. These four principles are: (a) to have a basic business philosophy that provides a clear reason for the existence of the enterprise, along with management practices to fulfill this philosophy; (2) the precepts of the company philosophy must be ingrained in the minds of the employees to the point that they will instinctively behave according to the precepts; (3) that employees must be trained to work without constraint, have a strong sense of responsibility and be creative in their approach to everything they do; and (4) that all employees be trained to develop a sense of social responsibility.”

## Herd Mentality - The Beastly Side of People
Date: 2012-08-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/herd-mentality-the-beastly-side-of-people/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts

Years ago, I wrote about the mob - people who didn't seem to care; people going about their work without taking much time to think about the consequences of their actions; people who endured the burdens of others as if that was their destiny; people who, without visible question or resistance, accepted the norm and the status quo; people who reacted perfectly to the dominant acts of others then, behind the dominant backs, spent considerable time complaining about their unhappy lots in life. As I defined it: The mob = the herd . And mob mentality = herd mentality . I rarely write about or talk about the herd any more. Yet, recently, while listening to an audio book 1 I could not help but recall some of the things I have written about the herd . Assuming I transcribed all of the words accurately, the audio book stated: “Self Betrayal: An act contrary to what I feel I should do for another is called an act of self-betrayal. When I betray myself I begin to see the world in a way that justifies my self-betrayal. When I see the world in a self-justifying way my view of reality becomes distorted. So, when I betray myself I enter the box. Over time certain boxes become characteristic of me and I carry them with me. By being in the box I provoke others to be in the box. In the box we invite mutual mistreatment and obtain mutual justification. We collude in giving each other reason to stay in the box.” I suppose people in the mob rarely, if ever, get out of their boxes. I suppose self-betrayal is the defining essence of the herd, herd mentality, & mob mentality. Footnote: ' Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting out of the Box ', The Arbinger Institute, (audio book), (2012)

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #15
Date: 2012-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-15/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Here's a link to the first 14 CHANGING FOR THE BETTER Thought Posts . And here are links to other articles about Change: Making Change , You Want to Make Some Changes at Your Business , Change is Only Constructive When People are Comfortable , What Does Change Mean To You? , and Change or Die . *** I write a lot about change. And, I read a lot about change. I do these things because when it comes to business change is pervasive, underestimated, ignored, and mishandled. And, those are just some of my mistakes. Change is a topic worthy of life-long learning. Change affects every aspect of our lives. It is very personal, yet it defies being contained so it spreads from person to person and it affects one and all...in different ways. A solid understanding of change, how it affects self, and how it affects others is an essential piece of leadership knowledge. Without a good understanding of these aspects of change a leader is not and never will be much of a leader. So, I study change. I select wisdom from various authors, scientists, leaders, and heroes and I do my best to understand that wisdom and use pieces of it to improve my understanding of change, how it affects me, how it affects the people I work with, and how it affects the people I serve. Here is an excellent sample of such wisdom, an excerpt from John C. Maxwell's 'T he 5 Levels of Leadership ', (2011). "Change in an organization is always a leadership issue. It takes a leader to create positive change. And the best way to start working as a change agent is the same as when trying to build a relationship. You need to find common ground. Any leader who wants to make changes is tempted to point out differences and try to convince others why change is needed. But that rarely works. Instead, focus on the similarities and build upon those. To get started, look for common ground. In the following areas: Vision: when the vision is similar, you can bet that the people are standing together and they have the same view. If their vision is similar to yours, you all see it clearly, and everyone has a strong desire to see it come to fruition, you can probably work well together. Values: It's difficult to travel with other very long if your values don’t align. Find out what others stand for and try to meet where you share the same standards. Relationships: Great teams have people who are as committed to one another as they are to the vision. If you've done the work on level 2, you should already share common ground in this area. Attitude: If you are going to get people to work together for positive change, their attitudes need to be positive and tenacious. If they're not, there will be trouble ahead. Communication: For change to occur, communication must be open, honest and ongoing. When people are in the dark they start to speculate about what’s happening. And their assumptions are often wrong. Inform people so that everyone is on the same page." Here are some links to Spirited Leaders' thoughts about: Vision , Values , Relationships , Attitude , & Communication .

## Thought Tweet #548
Date: 2012-08-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-548/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #548 Evolution of business: it's about survival of those most adaptable...ensure your DNA contains imagination and insight. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Global commoditization is accelerating and it will cut deeply into both products and services. Only the most-adaptable [the most-creative and the most-innovative and the most-disciplined] businesses will survive and thrive.

## Thought Tweet #547
Date: 2012-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-547/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #547 Plan for the particular and the peculiar...because that's what you are...and so is your perspective. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Particular, peculiar, distinctive, & unique: in the English language the meaning of these words overlap. Of these 4 words, we should give 'peculiar' its fair share of consideration. While many people will struggle with defining themselves as 'peculiar', others will barely hesitate to do it...I mean, to other people...of course.

## How To Develop Better Work Habits
Date: 2012-08-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-develop-better-work-habits/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

" A whopping 85 percent of us have had bosses who have tried but failed to get us to change in order to improve our performance. " 1 If you want to develop better work habits then you need to: Plan some baby-step changes...then take them Shake it off when you make mistakes or stumble...and count on it - you will stumble...that's OK, in fact it is a necessary part of the learning and improving processes Spend a bit of time thinking about your mistakes with the view to understanding the lessons embedded in your stumbles...and getting to truly understand yourself : think about how you handle work-pressure/stress & strain; think about how you handle interpersonal differences; think about how you handle surprises; think about how you handle change [both good change and bad change]. Pay attention to situations around you...think about how situations cause you to succeed or stumble...make sure you plan for them, or plan around them if that's the best route: avoid situations that enable/encourage/align with your bad work habits when that's possible; prepare strategies and tactics that help you manage situations that you struggle with but cannot avoid. Link to a variety of Thought Posts about Changing Habits Footnotes: Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, & Al Switzler ' Change Any-Thing ', (2011) You have some bad work habits. All of us do. And we all have choices. For work habits, we can: wait for a rainy day to make change, or tackle them now...like a work leader must do. deny they exist, try to ignore them,hope they go away, If you do not want to develop better work habits...think about what that means to you, to your co-workers, to your family...etc.

## Thought Tweet #546
Date: 2012-08-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-546/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #546 Remove office and desk clutter - reduce stress & increase clear thinking. The Thinking Behind The Tweet "Thought Tweet #468 There's no question: unfinished business gnaws away at brain-energy. A link to articles on this topic A link to articles on a related/overlapping topic - Seeking Simple "Look around your environment. If your environment looks cluttered, overloaded, your nervous system probably is too. There seems to be a magic in decluttering, simplifying ." Steven Gurgevich, ' Relieve Stress with Medical Hypnosis ', (2010)

## Thought Tweet #545
Date: 2012-08-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-545/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #545 When you criticize others you run the big risk of messing up the way they view the situation. The Thinking Behind The Tweet link to Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron articles Another way of looking at it: "The stronger the threat to feeling good about yourself, it seems, the greater the tendency to view reality through a distorting lens." Leonard Mlodinow - ' Subliminal ', (2012)

## Thought Tweet #544
Date: 2012-08-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-544/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Delegation & Decisions, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #544 About Decisions: as a general rule, avoid making them when you are stressed or pressed The Thinking Behind The Tweet Only on rare occasions do we need to deliver decisions with urgency. For the vast majority of situations we can take time to de-stress or reduce negative feelings before we make decisions. Given a little time for clear thought we can consider options, we can check our gut , and we can perform common-sense tests. As the saying goes, " If it's worth doing it's worth doing right ".

## Entrepreneurial Dilemma
Date: 2012-08-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/entrepreneurial-dilemma/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Delegation & Decisions, Entrepreneur Thinking, Sales

The Entrepreneurial Dilemma: how to delegate [or institutionalize] the entrepreneur's deal-doing insight . True entrepreneurs have deal-doing insight . They possess the natural strength of insight: a combination of wisdom, curiosity, and imagination that, without effort, identifies problems and their solutions. Deal-doing insight can be converted into fortunes. It can also be the cause of entrepreneurial 'aloneness'...a gap between the entrepreneur and all the other people in the organization. Put another way, true entrepreneurs are a different breed of cat. They are driven to create, innovate, and deliver new things of value. They are inventors. Also, true entrepreneurs know how to sell the things they create. Otherwise, if they could not sell the things they create, they would be inventors not entrepreneurs. So, true entrepreneurs - the best of the entrepreneurs: know how to create things of value and know how to sell what they create. Philip Delves Broughton 1 presented an excellent example of this when he described Ron Popeil, the inventor [for example, Popiel Pocket Fisherman], infomercial personality, and master salesman: "Popeil grew up selling at state and county fairs before making his fortune in infomercials. He wrote about selling not as a stand-alone business activity but as one piece of a process that begins with great ideas, includes patents, design, packaging, pricing, manufacturing, advertising, and publicity. The greatest salesman, by Popeil's definition, understands how all these steps are integrated because he is the inventor, manager, and seller. The moment selling becomes a separate business function you're sunk." That last line describes a thought-key to sustained entrepreneurial-business success: The moment selling becomes a separate business function you're sunk. Selling cannot become a stand-alone business function. To sustain business success, the true entrepreneur must be able to transfer deal-doing insight . That means the entrepreneur must be able to teach it or transfer it to someone who has the natural strength of deal-doing insight . That raises [more than] 4 important questions: Can true entrepreneurs teach others how to possess deal-doing insight ? If so, who can be taught? How would one go about doing the teaching? How would one identify, attract, and hire a person who possesses deal-doing insight ? The quick answers are: Yes...but it requires time, focus, and complete dedication [and often true entrepreneurs are inclined to do what it takes] A rare few...people who are 'driven' One-on-one training, mentoring, and coaching. There are several essential steps: First, deal-doing insight must be an ongoing priority at the organization [part of its fabric]. Second, a process must be designed and proven before people can be recruited. Third, a customized sales training program must be designed and proven [as alluded to in #3 above]. Fourth, a multi-prong recruiting program must be designed to fit the specific needs of the organization [again, part of its fabric]. Footnote: The quote was transcribed from the audio book ' The Art of The Sale ', by Philip Delves Broughton (2012) True entrepreneurs can invent and sell things of value. The dilemma: most true entrepreneurs are not able to transfer that combination of strength to other people. So, sooner or later, invention and selling become two separate functions...and, sooner or later, the business fails.

## Thought Tweet #543
Date: 2012-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-543/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #543 Plan and Integrate your Sales activity: do not view Sales as a stand-alone business function. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Phillip Delves Broughton, talking about 'The Art of the Sale', (2011) About Ron Popeil: inventor [for example, Popeil Pocket Fisherman], infomercial personality, and master salesman: "Popeil grew up selling at state and county fairs before making his fortune in infomercials. He wrote about selling not as a stand-alone business activity but as one piece of a process that begins with great ideas, includes patents, design, packaging, pricing, manufacturing, advertising, and publicity. The greatest salesman, by Popeil's definition, understands how all these steps are integrated because he is the inventor, manager, and seller. The moment selling becomes a separate business function you're sunk." source: copied from audio book...' The Art of the Sale ', (2011)

## Thought Tweet #542
Date: 2012-08-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-542/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #542 Who, in our community, is responsible for improving our manufacturing sector? The Thinking Behind The Tweet link to recent post about manufacturing contracts Government - Federal?, Provincial?, Municipal? Community - Prosperity Organizations?, Chambers of Commerce? Industry - Trade Associations? Industry - the various manufacturing sectors? Individual manufacturing companies?

## Manufacturing Sector Contracts: what you don't know...
Date: 2012-08-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/manufacturing-sector-contracts-what-you-dont-know/ | Categories: Borrowing Brilliance, Entrepreneur Thinking, Sales

Manufacturing Sector Contracts: what you don't know...will hurt you. What's bad - manufacturers in Ontario continue to leave money on the contract-table and accept the burden of a transfer of risks. We have seen evidence of this on many occasions. What's worse - we've encountered a resistance to advice on how this problem can be remedied. Frequently, we have heard responses like " That's just the way it is " and " We can't do that in our industry ". What's worst - a good number of Ontario manufacturers are no longer in business, at least in part due to their refusal to accept contracting advice. Poor contracting practices - narrow-focused negotiation and industry-sector-biased negotiating - and failure to borrow better practices from other sectors has contributed to the reduction of the Ontario manufacturing sector. Ontario can and will do better. There's no question - many Ontario manufacturing companies can do a better job of negotiating major contracts. Here are some bullet points to consider... an objective 3rd-party view on contracting : When you restrict your thinking to your industry sector, or even to industry in general, you leave money on the table or expose your company to extra risk When you do not know and have confidence in your differential advantage you are negotiating on weak legs When you believe you are negotiating from a position of weakness...then you are [so, terminate that thinking] Borrow brilliance and better negotiating practices from other industry sectors and from commercial sectors...seek out different perspectives When you approach RFPs with a limited-possibilities mindset you open the door to problems Major companies utilize a variety of people to explore and test contracting boundaries...not just company executives and [in-house and 3rd-party] lawyers and accountants Major companies combine thorough contracting processes with creative thinking processes It's time to get back into auto-sector work...but, this time use enhanced negotiating practices What do you think?

## Thought Tweet #541
Date: 2012-08-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-541/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #541 Bad habits make no one feel good. The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's the essence, the definition, of Bad Habits .

## Thought Tweet #540
Date: 2012-08-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-540/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #540 Some say, " Forget your mistakes ". That's not good advice. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our brains are powerful machines, designed to remember, not to forget. Why waste brain-energy fighting the natural flow? Invest brain-energy learning from mistakes and then celebrate that learning.

## Thought Tweet #539
Date: 2012-08-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-539/ | Categories: Optimism & Pessimism, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #539 Common sense: easy to see in self but tough to find in others. A pessimist said that. I have no idea why. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Or was it an optimist...

## What Sales Managers Want
Date: 2012-08-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-sales-managers-want/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing, Sales

How often do you step away from your day-to-day work to think about what Sales Managers want? Sure, if you're a business leader then sales managers have disappointed you in the past...so you may find it tough to listen when they talk to you. Sure, if you're a sales rep you've got a pretty good handle on every mistake Sales Managers are capable of making...so you are often on your guard when you talk with them. Sure, if you're a controller or CFO...you've got some reservations too. But - maybe it would be a good thing to know what sales managers want? I've taken a shot at creating a sample list...perhaps, you could discuss these sorts of items with your Sales Manager? To set realistic goals for their Sales Departments To achieve those goals, or perhaps, to fall just a tiny bit short of them To deliver insightful and pertinent communications to their sales reps so the reps can use those communications to gain advantage with customers To have the authority to treat sales reps as individuals [and as members of 'categories'] To understand a broad range of clients To thoroughly know sales reps and others at the company have personal relationships with certain clients To understand their industry and how their company is different from the rest of the pack To deliver quality products and services - on time Real support from Marketing Departments...especially: help segmenting target markets, help identifying the company's differential advantage , and help creating 'unified' company messages for clients To hear the truth To see more smiles than frowns What does your Sales Manager have to say?

## Thought Tweet #538
Date: 2012-08-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-538/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #538 4 things businesses must work at: leading-edge work ethic, people strengths, business development, & technology. The Thinking Behind The Tweet These 4 things are the loudest-speaking signals. Make sure they are screaming positive messages...to your people, to your clients, to your suppliers, to your shareholders, etc.

## Seven well-kept secrets on...How To Maintain A Closed Mind
Date: 2012-08-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seven-well-kept-secrets-onhow-to-maintain-a-closed-mind/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts

With all this innovation, creativity, and technology expanding and swelling up around us it is getting harder and harder to maintain a closed mind. Regardless, some people manage to do it. It's time we expose some of their secrets. Here are 7 ways to maintain a closed mind: When you hear a new or unusual idea, quickly discard it: rely solely on what's worked in the past [that's making good use of your Anchoring Bias ) Keep a keen focus on the negatives: use this with people, situations, and information [ Negativity Bias ] Seek and favour information that supports your views [that's the essence of Confirmation Bias ] Minimize the time you spend on risk management: refuse to plan of or react to extremes or disasters [the Normalcy Bias ] Don't go overboard asking too many questions - just conclude other people almost always agree with you [take comfort in the False-Consensus Effect ] Underestimate the time it will take to complete tasks [the Planning Fallacy ] Know you are far less biased than anyone you have ever met [that's perfect use of your Bias Blind Spot ] Of course, there are many more biases that can be used to close and hermetically seal your mind. Remember, if you don't do it nobody will [ Personal Bias ].

## Thought Tweet #537
Date: 2012-08-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-537/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #537 Personal strengths, desire to achieve, & attitude: 3 keys you can develop. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Lou Holtz, the famed Notre Dame football coach, said something like: "Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." What is Ability? The key to ability is Personal Strengths and Personal Strengths = Natural Talents + Pertinent Knowledge + Skill development through practice. [link to Strengths ] What is Motivation? Motivation is an internal driver that makes you want to understand the [external] world and exert your influence on it. [link to Will to Power ] What is Attitude? Positive Mental Attitude exists when your mind is able to guide and focus your thoughts and actions toward your desired ends/goals. [link to Attitude ]

## Thought Tweet #536
Date: 2012-08-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-536/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #536 The ground is shifting more...and you are building...your business. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When the ground has a tendency to shift, for example in earthquake-prone areas, special measures must be taken during building design & construction. Well, when it comes to building a business - the ground is shifting more than ever. So, you need to rethink business design & construction.

## Thought Tweet #535
Date: 2012-08-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-535/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #535 Better to fix the problem than to fix the blame. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Winners seek solutions and think of better places. Losers agonize over problems and fear uncertainty.

## Thought Tweet #534
Date: 2012-08-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-534/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #534 About problematic circumstances: get over them, not under them....better still, get prepared for them. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Business Contains Only 3 Things : People, Process, & Situations Situations are perceived in terms of 'circumstances': some problematic, not really surprises if we stop to think about it...before hand, or during, or with the benefit of hindsight.

## If you don't get significantly more productivity per employee, you will be out of business
Date: 2012-08-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-dont-get-significantly-more-productivity-per-employee-you-will-be-out-of-business/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Leaders' Thoughts

Many economic gurus are talking of impending global doom and gloom. For a truly blistering example, if you want a damned good scare, check out the INO link [below], which was issued, presumably world-wide, via e-blast last week. I don't see the future in that doom-and-gloom light. I do see a need to get more productivity per employee ...simply stated, "We must get more productivity per employee if we are to survive and thrive." How do we do that? Here's a suggestion... I've written, many times, messages about emotions. My core message can be summed up as "happier people do better work" . When I deliver this message I am not talking at the extreme . For example, I am not talking at the extreme James Allen wrote about when he described " work and bliss " about 100 years ago. When I read James Allen's words about bliss, I cannot help but think of the blissful state near the essence of Zen...Eastern religion...and other religions, albeit well-buried by centuries of translations. And, I'm sure that's exactly what James Allen intended when he wrote about work, work mastery, life-purpose-guided work, and work bliss. But, that's not what I'm talking and writing about. I'm talking and writing about a balance between that extreme extent of work-enjoyment and the reality - work must generate the creation and exchange of true value . We all know, at the very least work needs to generate a sustained 'break-even". And, on an overall basis the exchange of value must grow. It must grow at least enough to cover population growth. That said, do you choose to rely on newcomers to the business world to do that expanding of value or do you choose to take charge, right now, and do the expanding of value yourself? [Was that a leading question?] Isn't the right answer rather clear? [Was that another leading question?] Footnote: http://free.ino.com/accept/106D3E/108707636.html

## Thought Tweet #533
Date: 2012-08-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-533/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #533 As counter-intuitive as it may seem - today, more than ever, for human interactions, thoroughness outstrips quickness . The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you don't believe me, spend some time in the B2B sales arena. And...don't forget, in races - turtles can beat rabbits

## Thought Tweet #532
Date: 2012-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-532/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #532 When you think on narrow paths you can be efficient; when you think on broad paths you can be effective. The Thinking Behind The Tweet And, being effective is twice as productive as being efficient. That 2:1 ratio makes sense...it signals the value of leadership [' effectiveness ' being a, or the, key word] and management [' efficiency ' being a, or the, key word]. About Business Paths Reference for the 2:1 ratio comment above: Dixon & Adamson, ' The Challenger Sale - Taking Control of the Customer Conversation ', (2011)

## Selling is the horse that pulls the cart of business.
Date: 2012-07-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/selling-is-the-horse-that-pulls-the-cart-of-business/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Sales

So what!...quotes from recent books about selling: don't make sales-challenge mountains out of sales molehills and sales quotes. Here's what! Take a good close look at your business development function: is it keeping up with the times?

This is the first time I have used a 3rd party quote as a title for a Thought Post. "Selling is the horse that pulls the cart of business." Philip Delves Broughton ' The Art of the Sale ', (2012) Why use that quote? Because it is beyond crystal clear - the time has arrived for Canadian B2B people to double check to make sure strength exists in front of their business-carts . I have personally witnessed hundreds of situations where local, SouthWestern Ontario, businesses are struggling and failing to forecast or maintain let alone grow sales. The problem is beyond crystal clear, it is perfectly clear; there is much B2B sales discomfort around forecasting and performance; we need to improve our B2B sales performance, and we need to do it sooner rather than later. Here's another quote that captures some of what I am thinking: "Sales success today is much less about getting better at what you already know and much more about creating an ability to tackle what you don't know. In order to thrive in that world, you're going to have to build a sales organization - and a sales culture - that enables that kind of innovation activity. A world where effectiveness is elevated above efficiency." Matthew Dixon & Brent Adamson ' The Challenger Sale - Taking Control of the Customer Conversation ', (2012) So what...quotes from recent books about selling: don't make sales-challenge mountains out of sales molehills and sales quotes! Here's what! Take a good close look at your business development function: is it keeping up with the times? If it is - great...you are in the successful, leading-edge minority. If it isn't - don't sweat it...just get at making some changes for the better .

## Thought Tweet #531
Date: 2012-07-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-531/ | Categories: Master Rules, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #531 While leaders must set Rules , they must also empower managers to be innovative as they pursue goals. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Few companies have that sort of culture ...so - they must change if they wish to survive and thrive.

## Thought Tweet #530
Date: 2012-07-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-530/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #530 About structure ...shouldn't your people see your business at least as solid as the building you work in? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Overall, small and mid-sized businesses lack the structure they need to be sustainable, let alone be excellent. Business is about 3 things: People, Process, & Situations. Process means structure: structure for plans; structure for roles; structure for workflow; structure for communications; structure in the form of rules. Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations Master Rules

## Let's push off these economic doldrums
Date: 2012-07-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-build-confidence-in-the-economy/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts

When people talk to me about the economy, I repeatedly hear comments like: times are still tough people are hesitant to spend people are waiting for signs Let's push off these economic doldrums. Let's work together to create a list of the ways we can do our individual parts to push off these economic doldrums. Here's a start... Buy something: if you've been worried about the future and avoiding spending, cut the future some slack and buy that thing you want now. After all, nobody can predict the future so why believe you can predict it will be a continuation of tough times. Sell something: I mean, sell something in a new way . Prove to yourself that selling things your old way will not plant seeds for a better future. Get excited about the prospect of a bright future and help a buyer share that excited mindset. Stop thinking and talking about how tough things are going to be and start imagining and talking about a bright future. Start sharing business success stories...even if they are small ones. Work at improving at work. If striving for excellence is too big a leap then strive for betterness ...doing little tasks a little better. Mentor a salesperson: mentor a sales co-worker or mentor a sales friend or volunteer to mentor a sales person from another company. Help generate better sales techniques. Mentor a buyer or purchasing agent: mentor a buyer/co-worker or mentor a buyer-friend or volunteer to mentor a buyer from another company. Help generate better purchasing techniques. What would you add to the list?

## Thought Tweet #529
Date: 2012-07-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-528-2012/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #529 Howling at the moon won't make it any brighter. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Constructive criticism is an oxymoron ...in relationships, it's an interpersonal liberty taken one step too far.

## Is it time you fixed your voice-mail message?
Date: 2012-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/is-it-time-you-fixed-your-voice-mail-message/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing, Sales

More than 50% of business people have a voice-mail message that says something like, " Thank you for calling. I am not here. Leave a message and I will call you back as soon as possible ." At least half those business people have that message on their phone system even though they know they will not return many phone calls. For example, they know they will not return phone calls when: They don't know the person. They think the person is trying to sell something. They think the person is trying to talk them into sponsoring or donating something. They think the person is too junior to talk to. They feel they are too busy with other work. In other words, some business people don't return phone calls when the caller doesn't pass their What's In It For Me? test. The question is... When they know they will not return all those types of calls, why do they use a voice-mail message that says they will? Using blunt words, why do they provide voice-mail proof they are liars? People who use a phone for business should not ignore this inconsistency or how other people will react to it. Why? Other people notice lies. While people tend to cut themselves slack...they almost always judge others more harshly. And, when they find other people acting inconsistently it is viewed as untrustworthy. It sours relationships and closes doors. While you may think otherwise, regardless - there is no long-term 'win' for you when you say one thing and do another ...no reward - just risk; sooner or later that risk will catch up to you and visit you as a problem. So, if you are using your phone 'inconsistently' you should correct that: there are a number of ways you can correct it. The top 3 are: Change your voice-mail message so it aligns with the action you know you will take after receiving messages on your phone. Start returning phone calls so your actions align with the message you have on your voice mail. Remove voice mail from your phone. PS: Successful People Have More Time PPS: There is an economic justification for 'consistency'. And, of course, there is an interpersonal justification.

## Thought Tweet #528
Date: 2012-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-528/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #528 Customers hate to be sold but they love to learn, even if you have to teach them how. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Gitomer, and others before him, have said " Customers hate to be sold but they love to buy ". But, let's face it - sometimes people don't love to buy and, of more importance, 'some things' people don't love to buy. Many people enjoy learning and some people need to be taught how to learn...or, at least, reminded.

## Thought Tweet #527
Date: 2012-07-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-527/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #527 Business leaders possess strong drive and will. Those are defining traits. But, there must be more... The Thinking Behind The Tweet The best business leaders have the ability to focus their drive and will. They focus it, usually, in one of two ways: (1) toward ideas and (2) toward people. The very-best of business leaders possess extreme drive and will and the ability to pick the perfect focal point, exactly balancing ideas and people.

## Bad Signals & Signs of Existing and Impending Business Problems
Date: 2012-07-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bad-signals-signs-of-existing-and-ipending-business-problems/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Leaders' Thoughts, Sales, Solutions & Opportunities

All businesses experience a series of problems. Solving problems is essentially what business is all about. However, business should not be a strung-out set of stressed-out problem-solving experiences. Business should not be that painful. When you boil business down you find people. So, restating the above: People's jobs and careers should not be struggling, painful experiences dragged out over long periods of time. People should step back every once in a while and check the health of their job, career, and business. Does their workday contain any unhealthy symptoms? As introductory examples, people could check for: Failure to reply to phone messages and email messages...2 main reasons why this is unhealthy: it closes the door to potential opportunities, especially the value embedded in weak links and it brands you and your company as self-focused....this is especially a problem if you and/or your business are active with other aspects of social media such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and You Tube. [another idea to consider - ] Successful People Have More Time Stalled Sales...there are root causes. What are they? [ an idea to consider ] Chronic errors...there are root causes. What are they? [ an idea to consider ] Software or process technologies falling behind [ an idea to consider ] Tightening cash flow [ an idea to consider ] Increased disharmony among employees [ an idea to consider ] Increased turnover [ an idea to consider ]

## Thought Tweet #526
Date: 2012-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-526/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #526 Invest the time it takes to understand people. Understanding provides for trust, motivation, & leadership. The Thinking Behind The Tweet In part, inspired by a re-reading of Michael Gerber's ' The E-Myth Revisited '. Pick a demographic - learn its psychographics - and don't forget, we're dealing with people...not statistics.

## Thought Tweet #525
Date: 2012-07-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-525/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #525 Most people tend to express problems in ways that do not reveal the true source of their pain. The Thinking Behind The Tweet And most people reply to such cries for help with cries for help. It's all about the huge influence our unconscious brain exerts, as part of the human condition.

## The Attention Dilemma
Date: 2012-07-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-attention-dilemma/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Communication: Improving Communication, Marketing, Sales

Have you had trouble getting people's attention? Is it becoming more difficult to get people's attention? If you have had trouble getting people's attention and that problem seems to be worsening...you're not alone. And, there's good reason for it. Here's the picture... Some experts say each of us is 'hit' by 5,000 advertising impressions a day...others say the number could be as high as 50,000 per day. Regardless, 5,000 or 50,000, that's a lot of advertising hits per day. The ads hit our eyes and ears...as we drive down the street, look at magazines, get our hair cut, stop behind a bus, read our mail, look at our BlackBerry or iPhone, watch a movie at the theatre, visit a restaurant, buy gas for our car, rent a movie, watch TV, surf the Internet...logos, marketing messages, branding, branding, branding. 100,000,000 hours per weekend...that's how much time people in North America spend every weekend watching TV commercials. We are mostly immune to the ads. Let me rephrase that - our conscious minds are mostly immune to the ads. However, all those thousands and thousands of ads and branding pictures get through our eyes and ears and into our unconscious brains. And, that's where the problem starts. I mean - if you want to get people's attention - that's where the problem starts. All of the incoming stimuli - 5,000 or 50,000 advertising hits per day on top of numerable other stimuli Mother Nature, Man, and everyday life expose our brains to - gnaws away at our brains. That's why it is so darned hard to get people's attention.

## Thought Tweet #524
Date: 2012-07-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-524/ | Categories: Humour, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #524 So many people think they are too busy when, really, they are too unprepared. The Thinking Behind The Tweet A gram of prevention is worth a kilogram of cure.

## Thought Tweet #523
Date: 2012-07-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-523/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #523 When you help people relax you have their attention...or, at least, a better chance to have it. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most people lead hectic lives. Or, they think they do [and their perception is their reality]. When people think they are too busy, they are too busy. When people think they are relaxing, they cannot be thinking they are too busy. When people are not thinking they are too busy, we have a chance to catch their attention.

## Mistakes I have made buying and selling businesses
Date: 2012-07-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mistakes-i-have-made-buying-and-selling-businesses/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

Mistakes I've experienced, buying and selling businesses, more or less ranked in order from excruciating to awfully painful: Ignoring gut feel Not correcting over-valuation immediately Believing accounting data & reports Setting the wrong time expectations Taking it personal Not getting to know key suppliers Not getting to know key clients Not getting to know key personnel Underestimating the cost to correct flawed operating systems Too much focus on EBITDA, not enough on cash flow Now, I am committed to learning from my mistakes and helping others avoid some of the hardest knocks .

## A New Wave of Sales Philosophy...or is it?
Date: 2012-07-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-new-wave-of-sales-philosophyor-is-it/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing, Sales

During a conversation last week, I mentioned I had been studying sales performance at a number of companies. During the last 15 years, many B2B enterprises have experienced difficulties with sales. For some, the tech meltdown about 12 years ago caused major changes which neutered their sales performance. For most, the worldwide economic meltdown which began about 4 years ago and still lingers on as [at least] the tail of a recession shook sales performance to its core. It is time for better sales performance, better results in the near-term and growing results as the future unfolds. All of us who run B2B enterprises should be working on this. As part of my effort, for small to mid-sized B2B enterprises, I have been considering 4 main questions: Does a Sales System - that is - does a process containing specific steps and routes - when followed, lead to sales success? If the answer to #1 is 'Yes' then can a wide range of people be trained to follow those steps, or, are only certain types of people able to learn how to succeed? If the answer to #1 is 'Yes' then is that the only way to succeed? Have the steps/routes changed in response to technological developments commonly known as social media? My conclusions: Yes - more than ever it is essential to have a sales system. Also, more than ever it is important for your sales system to reflect and be a sub-set of your overall business premises, philosophies, vision, values, mission, rules, goals, & measurements. This must be your CEO commitment and part of your company mandate. Yes...to a degree...most sales people can improve their performance if they adhere to their company's sales system. However, that Yes only applies if the company's sales system is 'integrated' as introduced in Conclusion #1. Also, it only applies if the sales system receives an ongoing stream or premises/insights to fuel the salespeople's efforts. And, of course, some salespeople will be far better performers than others. Providing food for sales-process thought must be a company mandate. Yes - sometimes the sales system is not formalized, housed in a single brain or a few brains...we see that in successful entrepreneurial start-ups. We see that when entrepreneurs lead with revenue . However, soon, as staff are added, the sales system must be formalized and it must be taught. Teaching sales process must be a company mandate. Yes - the most important change is the increased difficulty in capturing and keeping clients' attention...at the outset of the sales process and throughout the sales process.

## Thought Tweet #522
Date: 2012-07-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-522/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #522 Leaders must #1 listen so people talk and #2 talk so people listen. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Marketers and Salespeople must be able to do this too...and co-workers must do it...and committee workers...and teachers...parents...spouses...

## Thought Tweet #521
Date: 2012-07-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-521/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #521 Two ways to excel at Sales: #1 truly like & enjoy people and #2 truly understand people. The Thinking Behind The Tweet It seems to me most sales training and most sales systems don't put enough emphasis #1.

## Thought Tweet #520
Date: 2012-07-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-520/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #520 If you are uncomfortable with your work, that's contagious. If you enjoy your work, that's contagious. The Thinking Behind The Tweet What type of attitude are you spreading? How much is your attitude affecting the people you work with? Are you inspiring people & growing profits?

## Repeating business errors: defying common sense
Date: 2012-07-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/repeating-business-errors-defying-common-sense/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts

If you see too many errors and repeated errors in your workplace, there likely are several causes at play... information overload, overwhelmed & overworked feelings poor communication, mixed-up & unclear messages weak processes, insufficient discipline & misunderstanding of work steps unclear goals or lack of goals lack of confidence in your company's ability to succeed If you believe there are too many errors at your workplace then set aside time to fix that problem: some suggestions - consider apparent causes...but also dig deeper to find root causes: most people have difficulty identifying the true causes of their errors and need help to get over their 'error filters' consider individuals...but, of more importance, consider the various situations around the errors good process helps people, so, remove ambiguity around routine aspects of work: as examples - have clear role descriptions, clear goals , clear & regular performance reviews create a system for handling e-mail and phone communication...set some best-practice guidelines create a system for problem solving: for example, P=2S+O be clear about your expectations of accountability and follow-up regularly, implementing consequences lead by example...make personal changes to illustrate you are serious...show the standard you desire to see in others

## Thought Tweet #519
Date: 2012-07-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-519/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #519 In business, the best relationships are built when pleasant personalities exchange interesting ideas. The Thinking Behind The Tweet And, of course, following through on commitments. Link to Thought Tweet #278

## Thought Tweet #518
Date: 2012-07-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-518/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #518 The tighter we try to grip the status quo, the more it slips through our fingers. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Those who cling to old ways of doing business find times are tough and, for them, it ain't gonna get any better.

## Thought Tweet #517
Date: 2012-07-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-517/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #517 The busier we are the less we remember...that's why there's value in writing things down. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Writing things down: it's a simple thing to do...it's also a powerful strategy for aiding memory and a powerful tactic for delivering on promises. And, that builds trust. So, writing things down provides support for building trust.

## Symptoms of recession-ridden businesses
Date: 2012-07-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/symptoms-of-recession-ridden-businesses/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing, Sales

After talking with several hundred business owners and leaders during the past 4 years, I have noticed some trends. Many businesses are struggling with social media... people seem to believe there are magic formulae and secret prescriptions for social media & marketing success people don't realize nobody has a clear image of the future [...we are making it as we go along] some people think they have exact/precise prescriptions for social-media success [yet, they cannot deliver on their claims] as communication tools become more advanced and widespread, the less actual contact we have with other people Many businesses are struggling with sales... many lack good hiring process...accepting too many unknowns at the time of hiring many lack good sales process & training, putting too much reliance on old methods and past success many lack insights of true value to good salespeople and clients few pay attention to clients' clients Many businesses are struggling with communication... many people have difficulty handling the volume of communication they face [e-mail is often cited as the key problem] many people fail to reply to communications...unless they see immediate value they do not reply to e-mail to phone messages most people fail to grasp the proven value of weak links for many businesses communication shortfalls create extra work, kill morale, and stifle innovation

## Thought Tweet #516
Date: 2012-07-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-416-2012/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #516 If you want to be a leader in your industry sector, return phone calls and respond to e-mail. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Successful people seem to have more time . Also, with the current trend of slackening business etiquette, returning phone calls and responding to e-mail will be a differential advantage. Why not take the lead...in a return to common courtesy, improved communication, and real relationships.

## Thought Tweet #515
Date: 2012-07-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-515/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #515 A piece of social-media advice: consider first the relationships your activities are building. The Thinking Behind The Tweet ' Just Do It ' worked real well for Nike. But...

## Removing the blur of Social Media
Date: 2012-07-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/removing-the-blur-of-social-media/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales

Social Media is forcing business - worldwide business - to get back to the basics. In business, the Marketing & Sales functions are about testing for value and, where it exists, exchanging value through transactions. Social Media has blurred the lines around both testing for value and exchanging value through transactions. That's the nature of new media . When innovations lead to new media, the new media complicates Marketing & Sales. For some business the complication is a boon. For others it is a bane. For example, when the printing press spread across Europe the common man had the opportunity to write as never before...that led to Shakespeare. Then, widespread plagiarism quickly led to patent laws [by Queen Elizabeth I]. Now, 400 years later, social media is creating an even larger communication/media change. For some people it's a boon: marketing consultants and website designers are a couple of examples. For some people it's a bane. Perhaps, B2B salespeople have suffered the most? B2B salespeople have been (1) distracted then (2) taught how to dilute the relationships that link them to their clients and potential clients. Diluting the relationship between B2B salespeople and their clients: that's the blur of social media. We can and we must remove that blur by getting back to the basics ...the basics of salesperson-client relationships. Those Sales [and Marketing] basics are: testing for value and exchanging value through transactions

## Thought Tweet #514
Date: 2012-07-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-514/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #514 You can improve your ability to focus by first controlling your mental chatter... all those free-flowing thoughts . The Thinking Behind The Tweet getting present mindfulness attention, concentration

## Thought Tweet #513
Date: 2012-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-513/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #513 An ideal way to help people: show them how to 'un-entangle' the energy and power they, naturally, possess. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Energy & Natural Talent: 2 things we all possess. But, rarely, we experience people helping us put those 2 things to best use.

## People are so astonishingly different
Date: 2012-07-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-are-so-astonishingly-different/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Leaders' Thoughts

Extremes of People differences Some people believe compassion is the defining characteristic of a life well lived. Some believe will to power , in the most self-serving sense, is the defining characteristic of a life well lived. Some people live in a middle ground between these two extremes; other people vacillate between the extremes. At the extremes… Extreme Compassion The most-extreme proponents of compassion live humbly, abstemiously, in seclusion, mostly alienated from fellow man, with much silence, with simple diet, and with much meditation. When I think of people who live with compassion, Tibetan monks always come to mind (although, often, they do not share their views with outsiders). Extreme Will to Power The most-extreme proponents of will to power live with bigger-than-life public presence, audaciously, cunningly, with much authority, with much demands of others, and with self-gratification. When I think of people who live with will to power I think first of Friedrich Nietzsche (who philosophized about it in the late 19 th Century) and Niccolo Machiavelli (who wrote an instruction manual about it – ‘ The Prince ’ - in the early 16 th Century). In business... In business we rarely, if ever, see examples of compassionate leaders. Note: I mean compassionate as described above. In fact, few business leaders ever exhibit compassion at the extreme let alone exhibit it on an ongoing basis. For some business leaders, sensitivity to other people increases with age. We do see business leaders exhibit will to power . Some leaders operate for short periods at the extreme envisioned by Nietzsche and Machiavelli. Few, if any, leaders can sustain that operating style: the current business and legal climates do not allow it. In politics... Political leaders provide a number of examples of extreme leadership...as examples: Gandhi was close to (or at) the compassionate extreme and Hitler was at the will to power extreme.

## Thought Tweet #512
Date: 2012-07-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-512/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #512 The best leaders set the stage and set the example. The Thinking Behind The Tweet They, more than others, are comfortable with uncertainty. And, as the assault of information continues to accelerate, leaders must figure out how to maintain the skill of accurate thinking .

## Thought Tweet #511
Date: 2012-07-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-511/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #511 With the current fast-pace-of-change leaders need, more than ever, to be confident. The Thinking Behind The Tweet And confidence requires lots of energy...because energy is needed to fuel clear thought and action.

## Thought Tweet #510
Date: 2012-06-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-510/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #510 Businesses survive and thrive when they are adept at adapting to change. (Of course, easier said than done.) The Thinking Behind The Tweet Charles Darwin said the same things about species...about 150 years ago.

## Can You See The Future?
Date: 2012-06-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/can-you-see-the-future/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Business leaders are expected to have 'visions' of the future. How do they go about that? There are many suggestions, some ancient, some recent. Here are three modern-day suggestions: Visualization in Seven Steps Deserve: Know that you can have what you repeatedly see. Be willing to create the picture exactly as you want it. Intend: Direct the picture; concentrate your mind. See the picture and hold it. Don't let your mind wander. Ease: relax, don't tense or strain. You may want to do muscle relaxation exercises first. Intensity: Pour your feelings into the image. Let yourself feel an intense longing, or desire, for what you see. Detail: Step into your picture and see the detail. See the grain in the wood, the dew in the grass. Include: If you want the object of your visualization, be sure to include yourself in the picture. Enjoy: Feel good about what you see. Express gratitude for receiving it. Let it go. Know that it is done. Laurence G. Boldt ' ZEN and the art of making a living ', (2009) Visualization Elements ...consider these as you solidify your Vivid Vision Frequency...the more you visualize your Vivid Vision the better Duration...the more time spent visualizing your Vivid Vision the better Vividness...the clearer you picture your Vivid Vision the better Intensity...the more you inject emotion into your Vivid Vision the better adapted from... Brian Tracy ' GOALS! ', (2010) 6 Visualizing Guidelines Visualize once a day Visualize no longer than 5 to 10 minutes at a time Imagine every conceivable detail Feel the emotion: feel what you expect to feel Put yourself in the picture Dwell on the end result or beyond [not the 'hows'] paraphrasing... Mike Dooley, ' Manifesting Change ', (2011) *** January 13th, 2013 addition... “ Visualization Made Simple Make it Vivid : Use all your senses to make the experience real. Choose a Perspective : When you visualize, are you looking through your own eyes or are you watching yourself on a stage? Some research suggests using the audience perspective is the most beneficial. Visualize in real time : That’s the speed you’ll use in reality. Maximize control : You control everything that happens in visualization – successes, comebacks, other people’s reactions, etc. Use that control to take yourself where reality may or may not go.” Jeff Brown & Mark Fenske ' The Winner;s Brain ', (2010)

## Thought Tweet #509
Date: 2012-06-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-509/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #509 Desired Actions are always preceded by desired Thoughts . To achieve Goals we must first discipline our Thoughts . The Thinking Behind The Tweet Or, we could just leave things to chance and self-confidence...however, at the very least, that would deprive us of the pleasure associated with the cause and effect between our thoughts ( causes ) and our achievements ( effects ).

## Putting Your Power of Will to Work
Date: 2012-06-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/putting-your-power-of-will-to-work/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Leaders' Thoughts

Power of will is required: when you make choices, particularly when short-term gain and long-term gain are in contest with one another; when you want to focus on a thing, especially when you are not attracted to that thing or you don`t find it interesting; when you want to relax, lower your pulse, lower your blood pressure, or control your body language; when you want to daydream [and you want to know you are doing it]; when you want to 'get present' and 'be in the now'; when you want to meditate. Will to power is the innate force that causes us to want to vent our strengths. When power of will and will to power are aligned...that`s mastery.

## Thought Tweet #508
Date: 2012-06-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-508/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #508 Courage is the ' Great Enabler '. It enables self-analysis, self-confidence, curiosity, creativity, innovation, and more. The Thinking Behind The Tweet It takes courage to face adversity. It takes courage to face criticism. It takes courage to face change. Children are born courageous and independent-minded. But, often, that is dis couraged. It takes wisdom to re-build courage.

## Thought Tweet #507
Date: 2012-06-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-507/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #507 Every leader wants to build something of value...with individuality & personality. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Personal strengths are at the root of leadership. And personal strengths display themselves in physical form and legacy.

## The Need to Do Better Business...call it Spirited Business
Date: 2012-06-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-need-to-do-better/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Leaders' Thoughts, Measure & Monitor

We have been spoiled by a relatively-easy business environment for the last couple of generations. Now, as the last 4 years is showing us, just to 'keep up' let alone thrive, there is a need to do better business than we have done in recent generations. Call it Spirited business. As in... Bad Feelings At Work Good Feelings At Work Working With Weaknesses Working With Strengths Doing Work That Exhausts Doing Work That Energizes Being Uninspired Being Spirited

## Thought Tweet #506
Date: 2012-06-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-506/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #506 Feelings are contagious. If you want positivity, optimism, and enthusiasm then spread those things. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The positivity, optimism, and enthusiasm do not have to be unreal or outrageous. They simply have to be.

## Thought Tweet #505
Date: 2012-06-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-505/ | Categories: Borrowing Brilliance, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #505 How do you adjust your thought process to tackle the next task, as it arrives? The Thinking Behind The Tweet This is something worth thinking about: you could ignore it and just 'do what you do' the next time a task arrives; you could create, with intent, a process to follow when you switch from one task to the next; perhaps, you could have a ritual like golfers use when they approach the ball .

## The Force of Personality
Date: 2012-06-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-force-of-personality/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

It seems to me personality is one of the most underestimated forces. Also, the impact of flawed personality is equally misunderstood or overlooked or underestimated. Certainly, the make-up of a magnetic personality is subjective...as is the make-up of a flawed personality. Yet, with a little observation or a check of gut feel we know when we are in the presence of magnetic personalities and flawed personalities. Most people judge others and they judge others quickly . We judge others unconsciously or consciously and often we judge others both ways. Despite our ability to quickly judge others, most of the time we underestimate the impact of personalities, both good ones and not-so-good ones. We must underestimate personalities. If that was not the case then we would take more constructive action to improve our personalities and help other people improve theirs. How would we do that?

## Thought Tweet #504
Date: 2012-06-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-504/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #504 There is no set reality; reality is but what we make of it, nothing more, nothing less, unless we ask someone else. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Along the lines of perception is reality and don't assume, ask questions ...and much more.

## Thought Tweet #503
Date: 2012-06-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-503/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #503 Work-process needs to be simple & usable, systematic & clear, & properly communicated. Otherwise, it will not be catchy. The Thinking Behind The Tweet As the discipline of hierarchy has changed with the times , so must work process.

## Social Media Confusion
Date: 2012-06-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/social-media-confusion/ | Categories: Marketing

Many people who run small and mid-sized businesses struggle with social media. They have made major website changes, yet cannot confirm direct links between that work and new/expanded sales or brand-awareness. They have spent time on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other social-media vehicles, yet cannot confirm direct links between that work and increased business. Many small and mid-sized businesses have hired 3 rd parties to develop social-media software and programs. Others have hired staff to do their social-media work. Some businesses have hired 3 rd parties to act as them , delivering social-media programmed messages 'by agent'. Much money has been spent. And, for many businesses there is little evidence to confirm the money has been well spent. Social media programs work marvellously for some businesses. These businesses can illustrate clear evidence, proving money spent on social media has delivered ROI. However, for most businesses social media has delivered more confusion than profit. Small and mid-sized businesses need to consider 2 questions: To what extent do consumers/customers/clients desire our product/service? Truly, how bad is our product/service wanted and needed? And, exactly when is it wanted and needed? To what extent have consumers/customers/clients enjoyed a series of positive and trust-filled experiences with us? [When strings of positive and trust-filled experiences are long enough they can be considered "relationships".] With those 2 questions fully and accurately analysed, the next question is: How, exactly, will these social-media vehicles expand or enhance our business in ways we can verify with measurements? Will social media activity: Increase the amount consumers/customers/clients desire our product/service? Increase the ease and timeliness with which consumers/customers/clients can access our product/service? Increase the existing strings of positive experiences consumers/customers/clients have with us? If the answer is "Yes" then: The social-media options should be compared and ranked against Sales and Profit goals, The best social-media option(s) should be selected, and Results should be measured against benchmarks to ensure the social-media cause is creating the expected increased-sales or increased-profit effect .

## Thought Tweet #502
Date: 2012-06-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-502/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #502 Take a peek past the business of day-to-day life, catch another glimpse of your imagination. The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Do not quench your inspiration and your imagination; do not become the slave of your model ." Vincent Van Gogh

## Chapter 6
Date: 2012-06-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/chapter-6/ | Categories: A Book, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Now, you have completed Chapter 5 and you know: • your existing Norm (on average, how you feel while at work) and • your desired Norm...your Goal for how you want to feel at work in the future. Do not be concerned if there is a large gap between your existing Norm and your goal Norm. The distance is not something you need to worry or even think about. What's important is - are you committed to make one small step - a baby step - toward your goal Norm? If you can state emphatically " Yes, I am! " then proceed. If you cannot state that then stop reading and return later, when you are prepared to make a commitment to a small change. One Small Change One small positive change will move you toward your goal...a higher, more-positive Norm. And, there are many ways to make one small positive change. The simplest ways to increase the amount you enjoy your work are: • You can remove one small work-activity you do not enjoy and • You can add one small work-activity you do enjoy. Start by looking at the small work-activities you enjoy the most….that’s the most-positive way to explore changes. Consider only work-activities that contribute to your work goals. Pick 5 from your list of small work-activities: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ Double check to make sure they are small things, preferably activities that do not impact on coworkers. Double check to make sure the activities contribute to your work goals [even though, only in a small way]. Now, for each of those 5 activities, write out at least 3 ways you can either do more of the activity or do a new variation of the activity. 3 ways to do more or do a new variation of Activity #1 ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 3 ways to do more or do a new variation of Activity #2 ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 3 ways to do more or do a new variation of Activity #3 ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 3 ways to do more or do a new variation of Activity #4 ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ 3 ways to do more or do a new variation of Activity #5 ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ From your list of 15 ways to do more or do a new variation of small work-activities you enjoy, pick 1...just one small change: My 1 small change is _______________________________________________________________________________________ Commit to doing that 1 small change at least once a week...from now on.

## Thought Tweet #501
Date: 2012-06-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-501/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #501 Necessity, when imaged in a courageous mind, is the mother of invention. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We must not underestimate the courage required to think and act in new ways.

## Thought Tweet #500
Date: 2012-06-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-500/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Spirited Leaders, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #500 " It is better to be high-spirited even though one makes more mistakes, than to be narrow-minded and all too prudent ." The Thinking Behind The Tweet In celebration of the 500 th Thought Tweet...a wonderful Vincent Van Gogh quote.

## It only takes 3 little improvements
Date: 2012-06-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/it-only-takes-3-little-improvements/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

In light of the current economic situation, more than ever before, it is essential to perform work tasks as well as possible. When I say 'the current economic situation' I mean, most small and mid-sized businesses continue to face significant challenges in the areas of growing sales and growing profits. These challenges are both people challenges and process challenges. During challenging times, small improvements in performance of tasks deliver, in relative terms, a large return on effort...including new sales and increased profits. Also, small improvements in performance pave the path for: • More small improvements • Larger improvements • Job satisfaction • Workplace harmony and teamwork These are all good things. These all lead to increased profitability. So…here’s a self-help suggestion: Look at your 'normal work tasks' and work at performing 3 of your 'normal tasks' a bit better. Measure the results of these 3 little improvements and observe how your business results improve...and celebrate those improvements along the way.

## Thought Tweet #499
Date: 2012-06-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-499/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #499 Some things are urgent; some things are important; very few things are both urgent and important. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The vast majority of important things are not urgent and so they can be postponed. And, quite a bit of the time, that's exactly what we do.

## The Convergence of Physics, Philosophy, & Metaphysics
Date: 2012-06-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-convergence-of-physics-philosophy-metaphysics/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain

Over 100 years ago, there was a wave of new theory about thought. In summary, the new theory of thought could be described as ' Thoughts are Things '. This was the book title Prentice Mulford used when he first wrote about it in 1889. This ‘Thoughts are Things’ theory was often linked to what is now well-known as the 'Law of Attraction'....which has gained widespread popularity during recent years as a result of people like Esther Hicks [and Abraham], numerous self-help books, and other mass-market presentations like 'The Secret '. Late-19 th Century ‘Thoughts are Things’ In the last half of the 19th Century several authors claimed that thoughts are things...more specifically, thoughts are physical waves, like light and sound. Thought waves are not limited to a person's brain/mind (where the thoughts originate). In fact, under the theory, thought waves are 'Universal': they emanate from the originator's brain/mind in all directions...over great distances, throughout the Universe. Unlike light and sound, thought waves are not bounded by space or time or speed limits. So, they defy the current laws of physics. The theory is: our thoughts form part of 'Universal Intelligence' and are available to every other human being. In addition, in accordance with the Law of Attraction...our thoughts attract 'like' and so they bring about the physical manifestation of 'like'. That’s the way new wave authors described thoughts 100 years ago. As one example, here is a quote from Prentice Mulford’s ‘ Thoughts Are Things ’, (1889): "Our thought is the unseen magnet, ever attracting its correspondence in things seen and tangible." Wind the clock ahead to the New Millennium… Thought is a hot topic. Brains and minds and how they use their key ingredient – thought – is a hot topic. Spiritual authors are writing about physics: Deepak Chopra is one example. Physics authors are writing about psychology: Leonard Mlodinow is one example. We are living through the era where physics, psychology, and metaphysics are converging. Bold folks are speculating: perhaps, when we determine the true nature of thought we will discover it is the root of the elusive universal theory Albert Einstein chased to the very last day of his life.

## Thought Tweet #498
Date: 2012-06-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-498/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #498 Pay more attention to consistency than to level of performance/behaviour. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Apparently, a long time ago a hare raced a tortoise.

## Chapter 5
Date: 2012-06-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/chapter-5/ | Categories: A Book, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

At Chapters 1 & 2, you considered your feelings then placed them on a Minus10 -to- Plus10 Scale . You defined the "Low" and "High" ends of the range of your feelings and the "Norm":

At Chapters 1 & 2 , you considered your feelings then placed them on a Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale . You defined the "Low" and "High" ends of the range of your feelings and the "Norm": In Chapter 3 you considered whether or not you were fully satisfied with these 3 measures of your work-feelings. If you are still reading then you are doing that because you are not fully satisfied. Also, in Chapter 4 you considered the first fundamental choice - Determine how to become satisfied with the Low, Norm, and High feelings you experience while you work . Having completed that thought process, you decided to explore the second fundamental choice, which is: Determine how to raise at least one of your Low, Norm, or High feelings you experience at work. There are many ways to go about raising - improving - the feelings you experience at work. And, that is the topic of the following chapters. To help you place more detail around your feelings, refer to the Spectrum of Feelings presented in Chapter 1. You must set a Goal for your feelings Norm. To do this you must first select one of the 3 Plus Zones : Acceptance Zone: Plus1 to Plus4 Enjoyment Zone: Plus4 to Plus7 Enthusiasm Zone: Plus7 to Plus9 Acceptance Zone: Plus1 to Plus4 If you select this zone for your Norm then you are deciding that work is not going to add enjoyment to your life. In general, your workdays will not be uncomfortable...they will be comfortable to the extent they will, on average, at least be tolerable [ Plus1 ] and at best be right at the border of enjoyable [ Plus4 ]. Also, this zone must offer an opportunity for you to raise your current Norm. So, your current Norm must be no higher than Plus3 and likely Plus2 or lower. Enjoyment Zone: Plus4 to Plus7 If you select this zone for your Norm then you are deciding that work is going to be an important and enjoyable aspect of your life. Your work experiences will not be thrilling, but they will be at least enjoyable. In general, you will not complain about work; you will regularly think about and mention the positive things you experience at work. Also, this zone must offer an opportunity for you to raise your current Norm. So, your current Norm must be no higher than Plus7 and likely Plus6 or lower. Enthusiasm Zone: Plus7 to Plus9 If you select this zone for your Norm then you are deciding that work is a major aspect of your life. Work will be self-actualizing . Work will offer some of your most-positive life experiences. Work will be exciting. You will be inspired by work....and everyone who works with you will know it. Also, this zone must offer an opportunity for you to raise your current Norm. So, your current Norm must be no higher than Plus8 and likely Plus7 or lower. So, when you think about the way you want to feel about your future work...which Plus Zone do you select for your Norm: Enthusiasm Zone ? or Enjoyment Zone ? or Acceptance Zone ? Answer: my Norm will be in the ________________ Zone .

## Thought Tweet #497
Date: 2012-06-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-497/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Humour, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #497 Tackle problems: hit them high, hit them low...rip the ball out from their hands. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Unresolved, lingering problems gnaw away at your brain energy. Attack problems and pluck that destructive power away from them.

## Thought Tweet #496
Date: 2012-06-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-496/ | Categories: Abundance, Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #496 Perhaps, we can do anything; definitely, we can do better. The Thinking Behind The Tweet In his 1926 classic, ' The Secret of the Ages ', Robert Collier wrote about the power of thought and the Law of Attraction . He described how thought could accomplish anything, even avoidance of death. I know people who believe that is true. Most people do not believe it. I believe we can use thought to do better . [That's a good start isn't it?]

## Thought Tweet #495
Date: 2012-06-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-495/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #495 I am working on a remedy for IDHD [Increased Difficulty Handling Details] The Thinking Behind The Tweet Alvin Toffler was right...that 'Future Shock' is here...even more of it than expected!

## An Introduction to Time Management - Part 4
Date: 2012-06-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-introduction-to-time-management-part-4/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Leaders' Thoughts

It seems to me - when people feel overwhelmed and unable to cope with the sheer volume of things on the go, that's precisely when the best thing to do is stop everything , get present , and get grounded . To explain: Stop Everything! Really, we all know that 99% of the time we can stop whatever we are doing and have a little time out. That applies regardless of how busy we feel. The only time it might not apply is when we are in the midst of an extreme emergency. Even then, as Julius Caesar illustrated , it may still be possible to stop everything to have a time out from the heat of the action. And, time outs are helpful: they provide relief from stress and an opportunity to re-energize...even if it is only a small amount of energy it could be a vital amount, when recovered. Get Present! While some folks do this naturally [ see Comment ], most do not. People get lost in time : they spend lots of time agonizing over undesirable things done and said in the past; they spend lots of time worrying about undesirable things that may happen in the future. Meanwhile, they miss out on the present...they miss the Power of Now . Get Grounded! Some things are urgent; some things are important; very few things are both. There is a saying, an adage, " Where there is smoke there is fire ". When it comes to 'Time Management', this saying is wrong. When it comes to 'Time Management', the saying should be, " Where there is smoke there is fire...or maybe it's just a smoke screen?...or maybe that's not even smoke, maybe it's just a whole bunch of dust up in the air? " Metaphors aside - people who feel they are dealing and struggling with too many things will benefit from asking questions like: " Is this task really that important? " and " Are any of these things really that important? " Sometimes the answer will be "Yes"...but, that will not always be the answer.

## Thought Tweet #494
Date: 2012-06-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-494/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #494 ' Just Do It '...then do some more! The Thinking Behind The Tweet First go through then go beyond the motions. Go the extra mile; catch someone's attention; impress and amaze.

## Thought Tweet #493
Date: 2012-06-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-493/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought tweet #493 The mind feeds and grows...depending on the calibre of its dominating questions. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We see that in children...they approach life as if it is a question free-for-all. They must do that or they learn little. Curiosity is one childlike habit we should not give up.

## To Improve Your Capacity to Learn
Date: 2012-06-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/to-improve-your-capacity-to-learn/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Leaders' Thoughts

Perhaps, the essence of life is 'learning'. If learning is not the essence of life then it is closely linked to the essence. This must be so or why would we be blessed with such brain-powerhouses? I mean, why bother having 100,000,000,000 neurons in each human brain if each person is not intended to put them to good use? Leaders are life-long learners. Spirited Leaders value life-long learning. LINK Every leader can improve his or her capacity to learn. Here are some of the Ways To Improve Your Capacity To Learn : Focus On Seeking Specialized Knowledge : Set aside time to obtain knowledge required to achieve your goals. Book time into your calendar. Seek knowledge Internally : Solidify in your mind what you believe, with certainty, to be facts then use deductive reasoning to add pieces of knowledge, expanding your linked-network of specialized, clear knowledge...picture it growing like clear crystals grow. This is your Crystalline Knowledge . Or, if you prefer, imagine your neurons - all those axons, dendrites, & synapses - making hard-wired connections...building your Neuronal Network of Specialized Knowledge . Seek Knowledge Externally : ' Borrow Brilliance ' from others...select technical experts, role models, and Heroes and blend their knowledge and wisdom with your thoughts. Open Your Mind To Patterns : Allow your intuition a free reign. Then attend and use it to expand your Crystalline Knowledge . Pay Attentions To Nuances : Devils and other magical things lie in the details; also, good things come in small packages. You can store vast quantities of this important nuance-knowledge in invisible packages , in your mind, which you can open on demand.

## Chapter 4
Date: 2012-06-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/chapter-4/ | Categories: A Book, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Consider the first fundamental choice presented in Chapter 3 : Determine how to become satisfied with the Low, Norm, and High feelings you experience while at work . Why would you want to do this? Why would you want to accept or learn to live with less-than-optimal feelings during your work-life? There are many reasons why you may want to accept or learn to live with your Low, Norm, and High. Some of the reasons are good reasons; some of the reasons are not good reasons. That's a judgment you can and should take the time to make. First, write out a list of possible reasons then take some time to think about each one. Is it a good reason? If so, keep it on your list. If not, discard it. Make sure your list only contains good reasons [to accept or learn to live with less-than-optimal feelings during your work-life]. Here are some possible reasons to help you get started on your list: Work is a means to an end. Work is a necessary evil that provides money, which I need for other things. I am too busy to think about how I feel at work. My brain can only handle so much and I am using it to improve in other areas of my life. ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Now, you have a list of reasons. Spend a minute or two thinking about each reason: is it a good reason? If so then keep it on your list; if not then strike a line through it and never think of it again. Take a look at the reasons that remain. which one rises to the top? My #1 reason for accepting or learning to live with less-than-optimal feelings during my work-life is: __________________________________________________________________________________________ You have a good reason and you know you have given it some thought...enough thought. Now, is not the right time to invest thought and effort into improving your work-feelings. And, later, there will be a right time. When that right time arrives, return to read the next chapter.

## Thought Tweet #492
Date: 2012-06-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-492/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #492 Intention: when your mind squeezes the starting-pistol trigger & the neurons in your brain leave the starting blocks. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Whether you like metaphors or not...something's got to get those neurons off the starting blocks and into the race.

## Thought Tweet #491
Date: 2012-06-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-491/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #491 Take a peek beyond the grind of your day-to-day business tasks...catch a glimpse of your imagination. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Getting present ...getting curious...being adventuresome...enjoying work. Why Not!

## Thought Post #490
Date: 2012-06-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-490/ | Categories: Humour, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #490 Recipe for Complication: mix up a few simple things, set basic courtesy aside, and watch people get heated up. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we do simple things right we pave smoother paths. When we are courteous or at least civil with others we pave smoother paths. When we do not do these things we should expect a rough road ahead.

## Here's a way to develop better judgment
Date: 2012-05-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/heres-a-way-to-develop-better-judgment/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Delegation & Decisions, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Seeking Simple!

Reduce the number of mistakes you make. If you write out simple procedures and follow them when you do repetitive, boring-but-important tasks then you will make fewer errors. When you make fewer errors you will spend less time fixing errors. When you spend less time fixing errors you will have more time to spend thinking about your difficult challenges, which require judgment. When you spend more time thinking about your difficult challenges, which require judgment, you will make better decisions. This process will grow, over time, into the good habit - better judgment . Does that come across as a rather weak or trite piece of advice...as in, " that goes without saying "? If so then perhaps a little self-test will convince you of the value in the advice. For a few days: Track how much time you spend fixing errors, either your own or someone else's, either technical/process or interpersonal/process and Track how much time you spend thinking strategically, weighing various options in your mind, comparing pros and cons then selecting the best course of action Then you will understand the hidden value in simple technical and interpersonal procedures performed well: judgment is enhanced by procedures . Footnote Link to Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

## Thought Tweet #489
Date: 2012-05-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-489/ | Categories: Hero Worship, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Spirited Leaders, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #489 Physical proximity can spark & ignite inspiration; physical proximity can cause the release of creative excellence. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many most-excellent things have been created when people were inspired by others. Observing how, in reaction to others, some people achieve extremes in creative excellence provides insight into this phenomenon. The story of Beethoven's creation of ' Moonlight Sonata ', whether the story is embellished or not, provides an explanation of the thinking behind this tweet. [For the Beethoven story see page 169 of Orison Swett Marden's 1911 classic ' Pushing To The Front '.]

## Structure: the double-edged sword
Date: 2012-05-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/structure-the-double-edged-sword/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things

I wrote Process Blankets Provide Comfort. In that article, I discussed the delicate balance between the need for process-discipline and the need for autonomy. Recently, I read 1 " The simple truth is this: Structure cannot be avoided. If you don't create your own structure, you will have to deal with someone else's. " I believe Business Only Contains 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . When I use the word Process , I mean it in the broadest way...Systems...and Structure. So, I can reword the quote to read... The simple truth is: Process cannot be avoided. If you don't create your own process, you will have to deal with someone else's. That fact applies in all Situations. It applies when we consider self-control ; if we do not create our own self-controls then others will dictate their's on us. It applies when we consider the performance of work processes; if we provide no input on how to go about things others will tell us what to do. It also applies as a double-edged sword. People want to control Situations and outcomes. Bosses do. Employees do. And, bosses structures may not align with employees structures. This happens frequently. And, sometimes people dig in to enforce the structure they desire: My way or the highway ! Key Point : People want Structure. Stated another way, People want Process . Regardless of how we act, all of us want structure/process. The challenge, of course, is finding ways to have meetings of the minds on the form of the Process. Footnote Laurence G. Boldt, ' ZEN and the art of making a living ', (2009)

## Thought Tweet #488
Date: 2012-05-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-488/ | Categories: Beyond Business, IT & TECH, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #488 As technology advances at an ever-increasing pace we are at a similarly-increasing pace becoming isolated individuals. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Thinking about ' Future Shock ' while reading ' ZEN and the art of making a living '...people can be immensely connected while, at the same, time most isolated. It is difficult to match the power of physical proximity.

## Thought Tweet #487
Date: 2012-05-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-487/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #487 Concentration is about presence, attention, & observation; focus is about presence & seeking greater understanding. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Focus wraps context around concentration.

## Chapter 3
Date: 2012-05-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/chapter-3/ | Categories: A Book, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Measure & Monitor

If you have not read Chapter 1 or Chapter 2 then check out the chapters of 'A Book' at this link *** Having completed Chapter 2, you should have a picture in your mind that looks like this: The picture shows how your feelings are described within a range while you are at work and it shows how you normally feel at work. Check your range to make sure it does not include your absolute best or worst feelings. The intent is to capture how you feel 90-plus% of the time...but not 100%. Stated another way, we want the range to include feelings that have a 90-plus% likelihood of being experienced in the future. Now, consider the "Low" and "High" ends of the range and the "Norm". Test them for reasonableness . Focus, one at a time, on the following 3 things: Where is your range situated on the Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale ? How broad is your range? Where does your Norm sit within your range? If you are comfortable with doing it then ask a trusted friend, co-worker or boss to check your range and Norm...do they agree with these 3 aspects of your self-assessment? When this is done think about how satisfied you are with your Low, your Norm, and your High. If you are truly satisfied then - terrific. If your scores do not satisfy you then you have some options. You could: Determine how to become satisfied with your Low, Norm, and High Determine how to raise at least one of your Low, Norm, or High Those are the fundamental choices you should consider. If you are like most people then you would like to enjoy work more. After all, you are spending a large amount of your waking hours at work...it makes sense to enjoy that time as much as you can. To accomplish that you can reduce the amount and extent of negative feelings or expand the amount and extent of positive feelings. With your range of feelings established with 'Low' and 'High' points and your feelings 'Norm' established you have benchmarks to help you accomplish those objectives.

## Thought Tweet #486
Date: 2012-05-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-486/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #486 If you do not know your limitations then your willpower won't. The Thinking Behind The Tweet " A man's got to know his limitations. " Clint Eastwood said that when he played Dirty Harry in 'Magnum Force', (1973). And, about 2500 years earlier Socrates is supposed to have said, " Know thyself ." If you know yourself and you know your limitations then you have a fighting chance to know when you will need willpower. If you do not know your limitations then your willpower won't.

## Thought Tweet #485
Date: 2012-05-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-485/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #485 Do you ever wonder about the lines of code that govern the operation of your brain? The Thinking Behind The Tweet "Genetic coding - DNA" "Mental scripting" "Formal education and knowledge - ABCs', 'Times Tables', etc" The key point is: there are single lines of code that govern the operation of the human brain. That does not necessarily mean everything that operates in our brains is governed by 'lines of code'. But, there is no question...single lines of code govern some of the operation of our brains. And, that's one key to understanding and changing Habits .

## Take The Time-Out To Think...
Date: 2012-05-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/take-the-time-to-think/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Leaders' Thoughts, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Take the time out to think... Apparently, Julius Caesar said, " Under my tent in the fiercest struggle of war I have always found time to think of many other things ." This, to me, is an example of successful people have more time . Now, you can interpret that Julius Caesar quote many ways - as examples: He had a unique ability to select topics for his thoughts even under the most-difficult situations. He found a way to shut out undesirable noise and distraction so he could think about things important to him. He excelled at selecting leaders of men and delegating the actions of war. He was a very confident fellow. Probably, all of the above are true. Some people are naturally gifted with an ability to concentrate under difficult situations. Those who do not possess this natural ability can develop it. It is true - most people will not be able to develop concentration and thought-power to the level attributed to Julius Caesar. Then again - business people don't have to lead Roman armies. Business people can develop the ability to concentrate on important things even while fires are being fought around them. Today, more than ever, this is a necessary skill to develop. Four of the keys to this skill are: getting present using simple tools practicing conditioning via baby steps

## Thought Tweet #484
Date: 2012-05-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-484/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #484 If our Bad Habits could only have Watch Dogs ...even little Bichons. The Thinking Behind The Tweet My dog barks when she sees strangers walking by our home. She has a keen eye for strangers...picks them out from long distances. Imagine...if our Bad Habits had could only have such little Watch Dogs ...always alert, like little Bichons...vigilant...attentive to our best interests...

## Thought Tweet #483
Date: 2012-05-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-483/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #483 A little piece of advice: Do The Right Little Things Right. The Thinking Behind The Tweet " If it's worth doing then it's worth doing right. " That's what our mothers and fathers taught us. Good advice. “ Go to the bottom of your business if you would climb to the top. Nothing is small which concerns your business. Master every detail. ” That's an excerpt from Orison Swett Marden's 1911 classic ' Pushing To The Front '. The devils are in the details...master every detail and remove the devils...more good advice. " Managers are people who do things right, while leaders are people who do the right thing ." Warren Bennis taught that. While we may not agree with drawing that boundary line between leaders and managers, we cannot argue the importance of doing the right things. So, Do The Right Little Things Right .

## Geordie Raine visits our Centre For Family Business [CFFB]
Date: 2012-05-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/geordie-raine-visits-our-centre-for-family-business-cffb/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Master Rules, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Geordie Raine serves as Montana Consulting Group's Director, Corporate Learning. He traveled from Montreal to speak at CFFB's breakfast event on April 27 th . Geordie described his company's Turnaround Interview ® process, that is, a process for helping employees correct inappropriate behaviour. His presentation was 'hands-on'; Geordie interacted with the audience with 'role playing' and he got into details. Turnaround Interview ® has underlying assumptions. When we want to correct employee behaviour: we need to talk about the little things [and catalogue precise and accurate details about what, where, how, who, etc] we have good people, however, they do things we do not want; good people change the deal on you we need to understand people are predictable [we should expect defensiveness, denial, trivializing, etc] we need to reserve discipline for when we really need it [ie, like Spirited Leader's Master Rules concept] Our members received copies of the Quick Reference Guide to the Turnaround Interview ® . [It is an excellent little book] The Turnaround Interview ® process has 5 Steps: Key Question: I think we agree that this has happened X times in Y weeks. Right? Key Question: Do you agree this shouldn't go on forever? Key Question: What could you do to eliminate/control this behavior? Key Question: What does it make sense to do now? Close: the employee makes a promise to change the behavior/habit What a terrific example of the art of asking good questions . Here's one of the many pieces of good of advice Geordie shared with us: " In order for change to work it has got to come from within ." I have talked to a number of our members...every one of them felt Geordie's presentation was one of the most valuable presentations of the year. Well done, Geordie!

## Chapter 2
Date: 2012-05-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/chapter-2/ | Categories: A Book, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Chapter 1 If you have not read Chapter 1 then you should do that before reading this chapter.

link to Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Having completed Chapter 1, you 'got present' and you rated how you feel about your work-situation . That's an important first step. You took a time out . You allowed your mind to step away from its busy day and you focused on your feelings about work. Consciously, or unconsciously, you weighed your work against other important aspects of your life including your health and your family. Consciously, or unconsciously, you also weighed your work-situation relative to your work-goals, your financial needs, and other needs and desires important to you. These other important aspects will be dealt with later in this book. For the time being, it is important to concentrate solely on your feelings about your work-situation. In the last chapter, you rated your feelings. As you did that you determined the general nature of your feelings. You chose either Plus or Minus or, perhaps, you chose Ho-hum . The next step is to consider the range of feelings you have experienced about your work-situation. Think about your workdays during the last year or two. During that period, if you are like most people, you have had terrific days, good days, ho-hum days, not-so-good days, and terrible days. Perhaps, you would rate a few of those days as Plus10 days or Minus10 days...think of those as extreme days . For this second step... The goal is - to define the range of the feelings you normally and regularly have about your work-situation. If you have only had a few extreme days during the last year or two then, for the time being, ignore them. If you have experienced extreme days on a frequent basis then include them. Using the Minus10 -to- Plus10 Scale ... What is the normal range of your feelings about your work-situation? As you answer this question, test your thoughts. Take some time to think about how your 'getting present' rating from Chapter 1 fits within the range you just defined. Does the fit between the low end of your range, your getting-present rating, and the high end of your range make sense to you? Make sure the range accurately describes the feelings you regularly experience about your work-situation.

## Thought Tweet #482
Date: 2012-05-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-482/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #482 Good things come in little packages: that's the key to excellent work-process success. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Dr. Richard Carlson taught - " Don't sweat the small stuff ". That's good advice as long as it confined within the following context: (1) do small stuff and do it well & (2) don't feel distressed while you are doing it. There's nothing wrong with sweating while working out the body....although perspiration is a more-delicate word for that body exhaust. When the body works hard it sweats. When the mind works hard it also vents exhaust. This is particularly so when the mind is undisciplined. When we break work into small pieces we reduce the amount of that exhaust. And, of more importance, we increase the opportunities to receive [mental, self-generated] rewards for jobs well done.

## Thought Tweet #481
Date: 2012-05-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-481/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #481 There's wisdom in the old adage, 'Do One Thing at a Time'...especially, if you do that one thing well . The Thinking Behind The Tweet Most brain experts will tell you it is impossible to think about more than one thing at a time. So, really, when we are multitasking the neuronal circuits in our brains are flipping switches back and forth and up and down, on then off then back on, etc. While all this is happening our brains don't lend their full power to any single task. This, of course, is part of our natural human condition . Our brains naturally multitask; consciously and unconsciously our brains sense and process vast amounts of stimuli. This allows us to accomplish many things more or less at the same time. Regardless, if we want to do any single task as well as we can then we need to concentrate on it.

## Thought Tweet #480
Date: 2012-05-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-480/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #480 We can alter our emotions, at least some of them. We can, for example, reduce the emotion of anger from high to low. The Thinking Behind The Tweet In his 1918 classic, ' The Greatest Thing In The World ', Henry Drummond wrote, " Hence it is not enough to deal with Temper. We must go to the source, and change the inmost nature, and the angry humours will die away of themselves. " This is true. It is not easy to do, but it can be done. I know from first-hand experience. We can alter our emotional reactions, at least some of them. If anger is one of our natural emotions, and some of us do tend to be that way, we can take steps, over time, to reduce that natural emotion. We know we have reduced our anger-emotion when we no longer feel the chemicals like adrenalin flowing.

## Thought Tweet #479
Date: 2012-05-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-479/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Entrepreneur Thinking, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #479 Planning is not a cookie-cutter process; planning must blend strategic thinking with strategic intuition . The Thinking Behind The Tweet In his 2007 book ' Strategic Intuition ', William Duggan says his pilot course on strategic intuition begins with asking people to select the one statement, A or B , which best reflects how you think: A : You achieve anything you want if you believe in yourself, set clear goals, and work hard. B : You can achieve many things if you prepare for opportunity, see it, and act on it.

## Power of Will - Fact or Fiction?
Date: 2012-05-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/power-of-will-fact-or-fiction/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Very intelligent people have said things like: “ Fate determines many things, no matter how we struggle. ” [ Otto Weininger ] . Very intelligent people have said things like: “ Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. ” [William Jennings Bryan]. In business we spend a lot of time trying to be the cause of future effects. We plan, set goals, set priorities, take predetermined actions, measure results, etc. So...is power of will fact or fiction?

Do human beings possess power of will? Are we destined to a fate? or Are we masters of our own destiny? Destined Fate : Very intelligent people have said things like: “ All things are subject to decay and when fate summons, monarchs must obey. ” [John Dryden], “ But blind to former as to future fate, what mortal knows his pre-existent state? ” [Alexander Pope], and “ Fate determines many things, no matter how we struggle. ” [Otto Weininger]. Some people accept ‘their fate’ without really thinking much about it. Others think deeply on the matter and say it as their well-thought-out conclusions. Many people believe, at least to some degree, believe they have little influence over their future. Self-Determination : Very intelligent people have said things like: “ Our life is what our thoughts make it. ” [Marcus Aurelius], “ Whatever you create in your life you must first create in your imagination. ” [Tycho Photiou], and “ Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice. ” [William Jennings Bryan]. Some people believe what you can conceive and believe you can achieve 1 . Under the ' Law of Attraction ', achievement in life is yours to be had ...it is a matter of your power of will . This sort of thinking is a key facet of major religions. It is also the backbone of most leaders’ philosophies and approach to life. What applies to life must apply to business, a subset of life. And, in business we spend a lot of time trying to be the cause of future effects. We plan, set goals, set priorities, take predetermined actions, measure results, etc. So...which is it... A or B ? A : Our destinies are pre-determined by Fate? B : We possess power of will and we can use it to determine our destinies? or is it... C : Both A and B are correct [in which case wouldn't it be nice to understand which one applies when, where, how, etc] Footnote: Napoleon Hill, ' Think and Grow Rich ', (1937)

## Handling Tough Situations
Date: 2012-05-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/handling-tough-situations/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

You have intelligence. You have self-control. You have 2 of the 3 essential ingredients required to handle even the toughest situations. And, the toughest situations you experience all have one thing in common... People ...at least 2 people - you, being one of them. In addition to intelligence and self-control you need to have the correct mindset. James Allen captured that correct mindset as follows: "No situation can be difficult of itself; it is lack of insight into its intricacies and the want of wisdom in dealing with it, which give rise to the difficulty." James Allen, ' Byways of Blessedness ', (1904) To handle tough situations you must have insight into the intricacies ... As the saying goes, " The devil is in the details ". You remove those devils by mastering the details of situations. You excel at this when you excel at understanding people because the toughest challenges are always about people....the differences in people. To gain insight into the intricacies of people you start with yourself - gain self-knowledge. Then you learn about the differences in people. Understanding the differences in people will cause you to want to listen to others. And, the more you listen the more you will understand the differences in people. That's like adding tools to your tool kit. The more tools you have the more intricate work you will be able to perform. And, of key importance, the more confidence you will possess. That confidence will serve you well when difficult situations arise. Wisdom: wisdom is gained when trials-and-errors are blended with thought and a desire to do better. Knowledge comes from books and personal observations. Wisdom comes from the addition of personal experiences. To handle tough situations one must first learn by experiencing them, making mistakes, and doing better next time . That's the School of Hard Knocks way. As an alternative to learning everything that way, one can anticipate tough situations. Then one can predetermine the best ways to handle those tough situations. That's what sales people are taught to do when they role play various aspects of the buying-and-selling process. Well-designed mental exercise can be practiced and confidence can be gained. Confidence is key. Handling Tough Situations: your Intelligence your Self-Control your knowledge of self and other people your wisdom from the School of Hard Knocks your ability to anticipate Situations your ability to think through best courses of action for those Situations your self-Confidence References: for more thoughts see the Category called Business Contains Only 3 Things : People, Process, & Situations. for more thoughts on Confidence visit this link Confidence

## Thought Tweet #478
Date: 2012-05-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-478/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #478 We simply must spend more time imagining Possibilities. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Robert Collier wrote, " Think of things - not as they are but as they MIGHT be ." ...'The SECRET Of The Ages', (1926) If we follow Robert Collier's advice then we will get beyond our personal biases, especially our tendency to judge others harshly. And, we will create. Robert Collier, 'The SECRET Of The Ages', (1926)

## Chapter 1
Date: 2012-05-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/chapter-1/ | Categories: A Book, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Quite a few people have said, " You should write a book " and " Have you ever thought of writing a book ?" I know at least one fellow who wrote a book on-line...over time. That's what I have decided to do...1 little chapter per week. About 300 words per week....one or two pages per week. Perhaps you will want to read it? Here is the first chapter.

Drop what you're doing and take a time out . During your time out , think about how work fits into your life. Forget, for the moment, the past and how you got to where you are. And, set aside thoughts about the future. 'Get present' about your work-situation. Think about the role you do at work. Think about your work-tasks, your work-place, the people you provide service to, and other aspects of your work. When you are sure you are focused on your present work, answer this question: " How do I feel about my present work-situation ? " Think about your feelings. Decide how to measure them. Be clear. And use a measuring tool so you can pinpoint exactly how you feel. The tool you use to measure your feelings must be simple, easy to understand, and easy to use. The Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale meets those requirements. Here's how it works. When people use this scale to measure feelings, there are two extremes - one most-positive and the other most-negative. When answering the question " How do I feel about my present work-situation ? ": If you answer Plus10 then you are telling yourself your work-situation could not possibly be better. Every aspect of your work-situation is sheer bliss . If you answer Zero then you are telling yourself your work-situation is ho-hum . Your work contains no highlights. Nothing about your work is particularly good or particularly bad. Your workdays are uneventful. If you answer Minus10 then you are telling yourself your work-situation could not be worse. Every aspect of your work-situation is absolutely unbearable . The Spectrum of Feelings Sheer Bliss : Plus10 Enthusiasm Zone : Plus7 to Plus9 Enjoyment Zone : Plus4 to Plus7 Acceptance Zone : Plus1 to Plus4 Ho-hum: 0 Uncomfortable Zone : Minus1 to Minus4 Distress Zone : Minus4 to Minus7 Excruciation Zone : Minus7 to Minus9 Absolutely Unbearable : Minus10 These descriptions and the six zones provide context to allow you to pick the rating that best describes your feelings. So...on a Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale ... " How do you feel about your present work-situation? " ...to be continued

## Thought Tweet #477
Date: 2012-05-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-477/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #477 We benefit when someone or something makes us do what we can. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Even the great Ralph Waldo Emerson needed that sort of help. Emerson said, " What I most need is somebody to make me do what I can ." People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things . When we want to develop better habits we need an injection of accountability; we benefit when someone or something makes us do what we can. A link to Changing for the Better

## Thought Tweet #476
Date: 2012-05-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-476/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #476 Some people somehow know the course of their lives at an early age and they live it. Most of us do not. The Thinking Behind The Tweet For many generations, self-help gurus have taught the importance of having a life purpose. Napoleon Hill called it definite chief aim . Orison Sweet Marden wrote, " Power is largely a question of strong, vigorous, perpetual thinking along the line of the ambition, parallel with the aim - the great life purpose ." ['Pushing To The Front', (1911)] I have written and talked about my heroes, as examples - Napoleon , Gandhi , and Alexander the Great . These heroes did have life purposes, which they understood at a young age. But, they are anomalies, not the norm. From now on, when I write about my heroes I am going to make sure I give at least equal time to the vast majority of us who are accomplishing meaningful and important things at somewhat lower levels than the extreme standards set by our heroes.

## Thought Tweet #475
Date: 2012-05-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-475/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #475 Emotions hit us automatically; emotions differ from thoughts that are linked to our senses and desires...those are feelings. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Emotions were ingrained into 'our heredity'...they are evolutionary, subconscious, calls-to-action. They happen without thought. Some argue, emotions happen despite thought and so emotions are of little or no value in the modern civilized world. Feelings are felt-thoughts. Feelings are the interplay between thoughts and the 6 senses in the mind. Desires are the most-intense feelings. When feelings are sustained for longer periods, say over 24 hours, they are called moods. Emotions and feelings both act as drivers of behaviour. They do this different ways...and that's a key to change management.

## Written Goals = More Success...Yes? or No?
Date: 2012-05-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/written-goals-more-successyes-or-no/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

For many years, self-help and business gurus have cited a Harvard Business School study summarized as follows: In the 1950's, Harvard interviewed students in the graduating class of its business program. They found 3% had written goals while 97% did not. Harvard followed up about 20 years later to measure the financial success of these students. Harvard found the 3% of students who had written goals were earning as much as the other 97% combined. Many authors of self-help books and business-help books have cited this study. Sometimes the dates change. Sometimes it is Yale and not Harvard. Always, it's 3% written goals = 97% without written goals. But...here's an eye opener. The fact is, there has been no such study...it is like an urban myth 1 . So, with that huge-justification-for-having-written-goals myth busted... Can we link written goals to greater success? The simple answer is Yes. Written goals help people achieve greater success. We know this from everyday life: we know it when we read a STOP sign we know it when we make a grocery list we know it when we mark a friend's birthday on our calendar we know it when we make a reservation at a restaurant When it comes to business and job success, we should have no doubt about it: WRITTEN GOALS HELP PEOPLE ACHIEVE GREATER SUCCESS. In business, we do not need astonishing 'facts' like 3% delivers 97%. We already have the 80/20 Rule . People can buy into the 80-20 Rule because we can illustrate it to them by digging into the facts of their roles and their businesses. When we make hyperbolic claims, like 3%=97%, people intuitively know we are talking about getting them in over their heads. We need to be realistic when we talk about Goal setting . For business and job success the Top 2 questions leaders and planners need to ask are : What Goal Culture do we want? [What form will our written goals take? How much detail do we want in those written goals?, etc] How do we create and communicate that Goal Culture? [so people buy-in and people feel good about doing the Actions we desire] Footnote: We know this because my friend, Lois Raats , and I are working on a ' time management ' presentation. As part of our preparation work, Lois researched this topic and discovered the frequently-quoted Harvard study never happened. If you want to learn more about what people have written and placed in their websites about ' The Harvard Study ' visit Google and search " Harvard 3% success " .

## Thought Tweet #474
Date: 2012-05-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-474/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #474 When intelligence is applied with self-monitoring people have the ability to self-regulate. The Thinking Behind The Tweet To some degree, all people self-regulate. Intelligence with self-monitoring + self-regulation = self-control.

## Don't children have a high opinion of themselves!
Date: 2012-05-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-children-have-a-high-opinion-of-themselves/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business

While out to dinner last week, I noticed a young couple at a nearby table. They had a young daughter. I would guess she was a little over two years old. At one point the father tried to spoon-feed the child. As he did this his young daughter quickly held up her hand and turned her head away from her father...clearly signaling she didn't want the food he was offering. As the father and the spoon retreated his daughter had a half-smile on her face. With bright eyes, she looked at both her parents, from one to the other, then back. No words. Not defiant. Just confident. Her expression said it all. This happened in no more than a few seconds...and, for some reason, I thought to myself, " Don't children have a high opinion of themselves! " Even as young as 2 years old, don't children have a high opinion of themselves! Tots, possessing that sort of communication ability and self-confidence...what a marvelous gift to have at such a young age. Then, as Baumeister 1 said: " Life is a tempering experience. " Footnote: 'WILLPOWER', Roy F. Baumeister & John Tierney, (2011)

## Thought Tweet #473
Date: 2012-05-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-473/ | Categories: Beyond Business, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #473 Two human abilities rise above all others: intelligence and self-control. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Every human being possesses intelligence and self-control at birth. To a certain degree, and the degree varies from person to person, we develop these two abilities over time. The amount of intelligence and self-control we develop determines the extent we are able to express our strengths .

## Self-Control: The Battlefield
Date: 2012-05-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/self-control-the-battlefield/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thick Skin & Thin Skull

Self-Control: the battlefields where logic is outnumbered by emotions and desires. It seems most people face a life-long war over self-control. The battles about Self-Control happen on 2 fronts: The Desires Front : where short-term 'pain' fights & struggles with long-term gain The Emotions Front : where Logic is alone, surrounded & ounumbered, and must face Emotions The Desires Front I am going to make this personal...I am going to talk about chocolate ice cream. I desire that. I desire it on scorching-hot summer days. And, I desire it on bitter-cold winter days. And, I desire it on many days in-between. I also desire healthy arteries and 36" belts. So, the battle lines get drawn. I can have and enjoy the chocolate ice cream today...or...I can have and enjoy good health in the future. Now, I know I could choose a compromise where I limit the amount of chocolate ice cream I eat; however, it is very hard for me to do that because I'm dealing with (1) chocolate and (2) ice cream. Self-control is the battlefield. Logic is surrounded by conflicting desires for and against chocolate ice cream. The Emotions Front One example: Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me . I remember my parents teaching me that when I was a child. And, I believe I understood the underlying message. However, it took me a number of decades to be able to conquer my emotions to the point where I felt comfortable writing The Joys of Thick Skin & a Thin Skull . The logic is sound: there is no reason why criticism should cause injury or trigger negative emotions. Yet, for some people, likely for most people, it does. And, some people are born with, or develop at an early age, a natural tendency to experience the emotion of anger when they are criticized. I know that's the way I was. Self-control is the battlefield. Logic faces, its Goliath, Emotions .

## Thought Tweet #472
Date: 2012-05-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-472/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #472 The work of learning is justified by the growth that follows. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The reason for learning is growth. Growth takes form as the wisdom needed for personal development, the wisdom needed to understand and constructively interact with other people, and the comfort that comes with a confident spirit.

## Thought Tweet #471
Date: 2012-05-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-471/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #471 Better to be stuck on sticky problems than to be burned by fire-fighting. The Thinking Behind The Tweet In business, we need to save our brainpower for innovative and creative work. When we fire-fight those daily fires, we remove our ability to excel at problem-solving and opportunity-capturing. This is especially so if our ongoing fires generate emotional heat, which they often do. When we fight fires we get burned at least 2 ways: (1) we burn energy in our brains that could be used to fuel better-caliber thinking and (2) we burn time that could be spent on better-caliber work or other important activity. This is confirmed by the 80/20 Rule . It is at the root of ancient wisdom, " An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure ".

## Thought Tweet #470
Date: 2012-05-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-470/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #470 Often, people don't do stuff because they don't know How. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Often, it can be that straightforward. People simply do not know How. Perhaps, they have been told and shown...but the still don't know How. Perhaps, they have read the manual but they don't know How. There could be any number of reasons. The really important thing is - they don't know How. When people don't know How a display of emotion is the last thing they need.

## Thought Tweet #469
Date: 2012-05-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-469/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #469 Better to procrastinate when the task is under-whelming than when it is over-whelming. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Much as our mothers admonished about other matters and manners, "There is a time and a place". This applies too to procrastination. Procrastinate For Success .

## Inspiring & Empowering People
Date: 2012-05-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/inspiring-empowering-people/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Leaders' Thoughts, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

If you inspire people, you have the first ingredient for growing profits. If you do not possess a magnetic personality, you can still inspire people and grow profits. You do that by developing your communication skills. Perhaps, Warren Bennis said it best 1 : " successful leaders have an extraordinary, though not necessarily charismatic, ability to communicate their vision in a way that allows their people to make it their own and give it personal meaning ." Bennis boiled it down to 4 traits of leadership: Attention - the leader's intentions are clear, strong, and visible...successful leaders exhibit focus Meaning - followers understand and buy into the leader's vision Trust - the leader's actions are consistent with the leader's expressed vision [i.e., Integrity as Spirited Leaders defines it] Self - the leader has high self-regard and high regard for others...errors are seen as mistakes, a necessary opportunity to learn These 4 traits of leadership empower people by: making them feel significant, focusing on their developing competence rather than failure, creating a shared sense of community, and making work exciting and worthy of dedicated commitment. Making people feel significant : this matches the wisdom of Dale Carnegie who taught - people want to feel important . Stated another way, people want to be recognized in a positive light. And this explains why constructive criticism is an oxymoron . We all know this. We all forget this. Successful leaders forget it much less frequently. Focusing on developing people's competence rather than failure : a great way to do this is to do strength assessments, embrace strengths-based learning, and provide your people strengths-tools . Creating a shared sense of community : community has taken on a whole new meaning with the explosive growth of social media...consider, for example, the impact of Facebook. So, it now takes much more thought and effort to create a meaningful sense of community. Creative thought must be applied. Making work exciting and worthy of dedicated commitment : again, the pace of change makes this more complicated. The businesses that figure out and make workplaces more exciting will have a chance to survive. The rest will not. Footnote: ' The Leader-Manager ', (1986), edited by John N. Williamson

## Competing - using a Value-Based Price strategy
Date: 2012-05-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/competing-using-a-value-based-price-strategy/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing, Sales

Value-based pricing is the exact opposite to competing with a low-price strategy. So, the spectrum of pricing strategies goes from low-price at one end to value-based on the other end. Where do you position your pricing in that Price-Strategy Spectrum ? Value-based pricing has 5 characteristics...

A year ago, I wrote about Competing - Using a Low-Price strategy ….the introduction was: At our Leaders’ workshops we tie two marketing concepts together. The two marketing concepts are ‘the PQS Triangle’ and ‘Differential Advantage’. Both of these concepts are ‘vintage’ marketing thoughts…..things we learned a few decades ago. PQS Triangle is a picture, designed to make it clear businesses can set its marketing strategy based on a combination of Price, Quality, and Service. Rarely, if ever, can a business succeed if its marketing strategy is designed to win at all of P, Q, & S. Put another way – it is virtually impossible to deliver the lowest Price, the highest Quality, and the best Service all at once. Something has to give. For most of our Clients the thing that has to give is Price: most of our Clients are not in a position to offer the lowest Price. Differential Advantage answers the question: Why do our Clients buy from us rather than do nothing or buy from one of our competitors? When the PQS Triangle and Differential Advantage are combined we have the essence of the marketing strategy. For certain businesses the marketing strategy does contain Price – i.e., the business can compete by offering better prices than their competition. Now, about Competing – using a Value-based Price strategy : Hanan & Karp expressed the concept concisely in ‘ Competing on Value ’. "A value-based price has five characteristics: Price is premium price. Price is compared with the improved profits it contributes to a customer’s business, not to competitive prices. Price is recoverable by the customer’s improved profits and is therefore an investment rather than a cost. Price is not discountable. Price is applications-specific. It varies in direct proportion to each customer’s improved profits." This, of course, is the exact opposite to competing – using a low-price strategy. So, the spectrum of pricing strategies goes from low-price at one end to value-based on the other end. Where do you position your pricing in that Price-Strategy Spectrum ?

## Thought Tweet #468
Date: 2012-05-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-468/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #468 There's no question: unfinished business gnaws away at brain-energy. The Thinking Behind The Tweet There's only so much energy in your brain. If you leave unfinished business - paper clutter - around your office then it serves as an ongoing reminder of your... unfinished business . Even if that unfinished business does not register consciously in your thoughts it does gnaw at your subconscious. And that gnawing consumes energy...energy your brain can put to far better use. As the saying goes, " Out of sight, out of mind ".

## Your retirement and your stakeholders
Date: 2012-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/your-retirement-and-your-stakeholders/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Family Business and CFFB, Succession

According to a recent poll 1 of small-business owners, 24% have a succession plan for their retirement. When asked about how the business would be handled at the time of retirement: · 23% of the owners said they would simply close the business · 20% of the owners said they would sell the business to a 3 rd party · 18% expected to transfer the business to a member of the family · 12% said the business would be sold to a partner or employee · 27% were not sure what would happen to the business It seems that 3-out-of-4 owners of small businesses either (1) see no need to set a succession plan or (2) see a need for a succession plan but don’t get around to creating it. About 1-out-of-4 owners intend to simply close the business so they do not see much need for a succession plan. About 1-out-of-4 owners don’t know what would happen to the business…apparently they can tolerate the ambiguity. The remaining 2-out-of-4 owners – 50% of owners – anticipate the formal transfer of their business either to a 3 rd party, a family member, a partner, or an employee. Putting this into a few perspectives: · For employees of small businesses: If you work at a small business then the odds are 1-to-1 [even money] that the owner of the business expects to sell or transfer the business to someone when he or she retires. And, the odds are 3-to-1 ‘against’ there being a plan in place to cover that sale or transfer. · For clients of small businesses: If you buy products or services from a small business then the odds are 1-to-1 [even money] that the owner of the business expects to sell or transfer the business to someone when he or she retires. And, the odds are 3-to-1 ‘against’ there being a plan in place to cover that sale or transfer. · For suppliers to small businesses: If you sell products or services to a small business then the odds are 1-to-1 [even money] that the owner of the business expects to sell or transfer the business to someone when he or she retires. And, the odds are 3-to-1 ‘against’ there being a plan in place to cover that sale or transfer. Footnote: 1. TD Waterhouse’s early October 2011 Business Succession Poll of 609 small business owners

## Thought Tweet #467
Date: 2012-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-467/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #467 Consequences are the legs that support accountability. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Where consequences do not register, in the end there can be no accountability. Consequences take the form of rewards...either positive or negative. Consequences are the 'effect' half of 'cause & effect'. If we remove the 'effect that follows accountability' then we also remove the accountability. Better carrots than sticks ; better sticks than nothing.

## Thought Tweet #466
Date: 2012-04-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-466/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #466 Really, self-control is all about crises: how to handle them and how to avoid them. The Thinking Behind The Tweet This applies to crises big and small, to internal crises [negative emotions ], and to external crises [other people's crises].

## Thought Tweet #465
Date: 2012-04-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-465/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #465 High self-esteem increases one's appetite for risk; appetite stimulates initiative. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If we work at maintaining high-enough-but-not-excessive self-esteem then we automatically build personal initiative. We also automatically gain more appetite for risk...and comfort with change. That's one little explanation of why it is important to have Thick Skin .

## An Introduction to Time Management - Part 3
Date: 2012-04-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-introduction-to-time-management-part-3/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Seeking Simple!

Take Command of Your Day…and don’t call that process Time Management Time Management is a misnomer. Really, when we say those words we are talking about Task Management and Self-Management. And, there is an important distinction between managing tasks and managing self. The key distinction is one must precede the other. Self-Management is the first thing. Two of the greatest gifts a person can possess are intelligence and self-control. Both of these gifts are housed in the brain…our emotion and information processing powerhouse. If we want to manage our workload or ‘To Do List’ of actions and tasks then we must first manage our thoughts. We can manage our thoughts by: wanting to – truly desiring to - change for the better , using our intelligence – focusing and thinking - to figure out how, planning the habit – a Good Habit – of self-monitoring, planning a habit – a Good Habit – of self-regulating, organizing - creating - better ways to think about and perform work tasks using our will power to initiate, maintain, and grow those Good Habits of thought, backing up our Good Habits of thought with persistent, consistent, goal-aimed actions, and taking on, focusing on, and attending to one task at a time. When we manage our thoughts that way and back them up with actions we make full use of our innate, but often overlooked, gift of self-control. We are organized. When we do these things we are able to do a much better job of handling crises. And, of even more importance, we are able to do a much better job of avoiding crises. When we have mastered self-control we have mastered tasks...and time, as it always has, will take care of itself. Link to An Introduction to Time Management - Part 1 Link to An Introduction to Time Management - Part 2 Link to ' Time' Management Link to Successful People Have More Time

## Thought Tweet #464
Date: 2012-04-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-464/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #464 If you want to develop more self-control, start by setting goals. The Thinking Behind The Tweet No point getting chicken-and-egg bogged down thinking about what comes first - goals or self-control. No point debating whether or not there are values in goals. No point debating whether or not long-term gain justifies short-term pain. If you believe self-control is a valuable trait...then set a goal, focus on it, and work at it. [That's the way to build self-control and achieve goals.]

## An Introduction to Time Management - Part 2
Date: 2012-04-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-introduction-to-time-management-part-2/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

The business world rewards clarity. Brain-energy: we should put that to its best use. When people, processes, and situations are clear business can be both effective and efficient…and all that leads to pleasing bottom-line profits. When people are not clear other people misunderstand them and their messages. Misunderstandings add distraction to an already-complex-enough world and workday. Misunderstandings are time-wasters and money-wasters and, even worse, they are energy-wasters. Specifically, when people are not clear brain-energy is wasted because it is consumed by confused thoughts. When processes are not clear they are not understood and they are not followed. This creates confusion and it multiplies the amount of decisions required. This consumes and wastes brain-energy. To the extent people disagree with one another’s interpretations of processes or decisions about processes, again, brain-energy is wasted. When situations are not clear the people in those situations must use extra brain-energy to get their bearings and determine proper actions. When people deal with unknowns it places special demands on their brains and it often triggers negative emotions and mindsets such as fear, doubt, worry, frustration, and anger. These negatives consume brain-energy. Every person has a limited amount of brain-energy. Experts say the human brain consumes about 20% of the energy consumed by the human body. The brain represents about 2% of body weight…yet, it consumes 20% of the energy. Where does all that energy go? In simple terms, the brain uses up the energy doing 4 things: Overseeing the operations of the body…all those involuntary but necessary things we take for granted…like breathing, growing fingernails, and digesting food Handling other subconscious things…all those things that few if any of us really understand…like, emotions, where do hunches come from?, and how did we ever come up with that weird dream? Processing incoming stimuli…what we see, hear, feel, smell, and taste… perhaps more ? In conjunction with the mind, processing conscious thought, which leads to conscious action and more conscious thought These 4 things are ranked. Conscious thought doesn’t get the gold, or the silver, or even the bronze. Thought sits in fourth place. That’s why people say they do not have enough time. The neurons in their brains are very busy doing lots of other things. Link to An Introduction to Time Management - Part 1 Link to An Introduction to Time Management - Part 3 Link to ' Time' Management Link to Successful People Have More Time

## Thought Tweet #463
Date: 2012-04-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-463/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Measure & Monitor, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #463 At work, empowerment is about significance, competence, quality relationships, & positive feelings. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If it can't be measured it won't get done. If it can't be defined it can't be measured. So, it behooves us to define empowerment and measure it. Empowering people, that's one way to Inspire People & Grow Profits .

## An Introduction to Time Management - Part 1
Date: 2012-04-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-introduction-to-time-management/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Leaders' Thoughts

Time Management...even though those are the wrong words...you know what I mean. I'm talking about feeling good about the pace of your work and the pace of your life. I'm talking about feeling you have control over the things you face. A need to have a feeling of control: that's the root we are trying to get at when we work at time management. When we believe work and life are reeling out of control, we feel uncomfortable. We feel uncomfortable because we feel rushed, confused, and too busy. When we feel like that we complain we do not have enough time. We brainwash ourselves into thinking and saying 'time' is at the root of our problem. Let's take a more objective approach. We know many or most of us are naturally inclined to skirt the blame for things and place the blame on others. Psychologists, for example, talk about attribution bias . Also, for some reason, when we feel we are too busy we blame it on 'time'...we say we don't have enough of it. Time, or lack of it, is not our problem. On top of that, even if it was the problem we cannot manage time. Time is beyond our control. We can, however, control what we are thinking and what we are doing as 'time passes'. Really, those are the only two things we can control; we can control the way we think and we can control the way we act. If we want to feel less rushed, less confused, and less busy then we need to do the following: stop blaming the problem on ‘not enough time’ start treating the problem as an issue of self-management realize self-control is one of the most important capabilities in life treat the symptoms of the problem: Habits – that is, replace Bad Habits with Good Habits Link to An Introduction to Time Management - Part 2 Link to An Introduction to Time Management - Part 3 Link to ' Time' Management Link to Successful People Have More Time

## Thought Tweet #462
Date: 2012-04-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-462/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #462 Many people find it much easier to choose from options (a),(b),&(c) than to create their own option. The Thinking Behind The Tweet There are 3 good options: (1) help those people by providing options, (2) help those people by providing decision-making help such as P=2S+O tools, and (3) help those people develop imagination and creativity .

## Thought Tweet #461
Date: 2012-04-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-461/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #461 How to talk so people listen; how to listen so people talk. The Thinking Behind The Tweet ' How To Talk So People Listen ', that's the title of a book written by Sonya Hamlin in 2006. How To Listen So People Talk...well, that's in the territory of the art of asking good questions .

## Thought Tweet #460
Date: 2012-04-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-460/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #460 Gather specks of agreement...make a molehill and use it to construct a mountain of agreement. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Constructive criticism is an oxymoron . Rather than be critical of other folks...focus on the areas of agreement. Build on those areas. Help people feel comfortable. Change is only constructive when people are comfortable .

## The Big Value in Small Change
Date: 2012-04-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-big-value-in-small-change/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!

Have you ever dreamed about an ideal business ... your ideal business . If you could call upon that Genie in a bottle and be granted the business-wish of your dreams, what would it be? What would your ideal business be like? What would you be doing? Who would be working with you?

Have you ever dreamed about an ideal business ...your ideal business ? If you could call upon that Genie in a bottle and be granted the business-wish of your dreams, what would it be? What would your ideal business be like? What would you be doing? Who would be working with you? What would they be doing? Now, unfortunately, if you are like the rest of us, there is no Genie so wishing will accomplish nothing. If your dream about your ideal business is to come true then you will have to do a gap analysis of some sort to figure out how much must be accomplished to get from here to there . You will have to think. You will have to act. You will have to persuade other people, your followers, to do the same. If you expend the energy to think, act, and persuade then you have a chance to build your ideal business . You will build your ideal business through a series of small changes. Do not allow others to distract or dissuade you by arguing about the reasons for or the value in a small change. You know it...as you build your ideal business each piece of small change contains big value.

## Thought Tweet #459
Date: 2012-04-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-459/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #459 If you are not ready to change then don't waste energy complaining. The Thinking Behind The Tweet If you are ready to change then perhaps complaining does some good: it could help you clarify the nature of the change you need to make; it could generate some constructive feedback to help you plan your change...etc.

## Saying No to Passion in the Workplace
Date: 2012-04-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/saying-no-to-passion-in-the-workplace/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Measure & Monitor

After reading several 100-year-old self-development classics 1 , I have concluded there is no room for Passion in the workplace. I realize that may come across as a contradiction: I have written several articles about Passion in the workplace 2 . In presentations, workshops, and one-on-one sessions, I have explained my thinking. Spirited Leaders uses a Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale to measure feelings. When we are not feeling good about work we score somewhere between Minus10 and Zero ... Minus10 being this is absolutely the worst I have ever felt in my life and Zero being neutral [not bad, not good, just ambivalence]. When we are feeling good about work we score between Zero and Plus10 . In the past, I have said: a score from Plus1 to Plus4 means we Accept our work. At Plus1 we Tolerate work...don't have much good things to say about it...but, it is bearable and better than doing nothing. As we approach a score of Plus4 we experience increased positive feelings about work. a score of Plus4 to Plus7 means we Enjoy our work. We consider our work-time as time well spent and we feel our work-activities are productive. a score of Plus7 to Plus10 means we are Enthusiastic about our work. In this range, our work is an important part of our lives. As we approach Plus10 we feel our work is aligned with our life purpose. And - a score of Plus10 means Passion...as in Passion for Work Excellence. Now, I say all of that except I will not use the word 'Passion' to describe Plus10 . Instead, I will say a score of Plus10 means work is ' Completely Aligned with Life Purpose ' or, using a more modern phrase, work is ' In The Zone '. I will not use the word 'Passion' because I now believe Passion is the wrong word. Passion is an inflamed emotional state. It does not fit with work. In fact, it is damaging at work. If we see Passion at work then it will likely be a symptom of unbridled, excessive, optimism or mania...both of which are damaging indeed! I will use descriptions like ' Completely Aligned with Life Purpose ' and ' In The Zone ' because they accurately describe how the best feelings of work happen and how we can recognize those feelings. NOTE: During our workdays, none of us can expect to sustain a score of Plus10 . However, almost all of us can feel Plus10 from time to time and feel at least Plus7 most of the time. Footnotes: Particularly, the works of Robert Collier and the works of James Allen. Articles about Passion in the workplace: one , two three , four , five

## Thought Tweet #458
Date: 2012-04-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-458/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #458 Happiness, even if that seems to be all that's happening, brings Value. The Thinking Behind The Tweet There are many reasons why this is true. Here's one: when we are happy our faces show it, then others register that fact, and that at the very least eases situations. Happiness tends to be contagious.

## Nurture + Demand = Progress
Date: 2012-04-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/nurture-demand-progress/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Entrepreneur Thinking, Leaders' Thoughts, Personalities @ Work

" Moderation is the silken string running through the pearl-chain of all virtues . 1 " Recently, I have spent considerable time thinking about moderation...thinking how often people violate the common sense called moderation , which we all know from firsthand experience and from watching others struggle without it. So, when I read ' 21 st Century Leadership ' 2 , the heading " Become More Nurturing and More Demanding " captured my attention. That, according to the author, Dave Lefkowith, is the 2 nd step to becoming a 21 st Century Leader. Many entrepreneurs and business leaders do need to step back and take a good look at how they go about: Placing demands on their followers Handling interpersonal activity with their followers Spirited Leaders recommends moderation. Like Lefkowith, we see a need for Leaders to be either more nurturing. When we think of nurturing we think of Transactional Analysis , 60-year-old behavioural psychology, which, in summary, states people behave like: Parent s, Adult s, & Child ren According to Transactional Analysis , most of us behave all three ways. We adjust our behaviour in reaction to other people and in reaction to differing situations. This is a big part of Spirited Leaders' philosophy - Business Only Contains 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . When doing Parent behaviour we can be demanding or we can be nurturing. When in the Adult behaviour mode we are more logical and less emotional. And, in the Child mode we can act anywhere between most-accommodating to most-belligerent. This Parent-Adult-Child behaviour model makes it easy to explain exactly how business leaders, especially hands-on entrepreneurs, can go about Becoming More Nurturing and More Demanding . Actually, Spirited Leaders recommends: Becoming More Nurturing and Making Better Demands. How to become More Nurturing : that's simple, just think of the best behaviour either of your parents [or parental figures] presented to you. That's your best example of a Nurturing Parent ...ie, how to behave like a Transactional Behaving Nurturing Parent . Clearly, in the business environment, there are limitations to the amount of nurturing. Too much is a turn off: your followers are not Children. Too little is uncaring: at least, that's the way some or perhaps many of your followers will feel. How to make Better Demands : defining this is more challenging. Here's a question that might help. When you became an Adult, did either of your Parents ever, from time to time, still treat you like a Child? I mean, after you became an Adult, did either of your Parents continue to give you advice about money?, how to raise children?, how much to drink?, how fast to drive?...etc? If this never happened to you...then you are one of the lucky few. If this did happen to you - how did you feel? Being an adult - getting advice from your Parent - how di that feel? Remember that feeling when you place a demand on one of your followers. That's the safe way to be. Summing up: Make sure you maintain some desire to be Nurturing . That will be of most value when your followers are struggling at work tasks and are bringing the results of tough [after-hours] personal situations to your workplace. Aim for more open, Adult-to-Adult behaviour; set boundaries on your emotions before and during interactions with your followers. As trust builds, present more Adult-to-Adult demands on your followers. And, allow a bit of the Child within you to generate and enjoy workplace humour. PS: Dave Lefkowith's Ten Steps to Becoming a 21 st Century Leader: Broaden Your Style Become More Nurturing and More Demanding Become Less Predictable Focus Like a Maniac on Opportunity Create "Opportunity Laboratories" for Top Prospects Celebrate (the Right Type of) Failure Anticipate and Address Emerging Issues Create an Explicit Stakeholder Management Strategy Touch Individuals Deep within Your Organization Create Brutally Direct Self-Development Mechanisms Footnote: Thomas Fuller , ' The Holy State and the Profane State', (1642) Dave Lefkowith , ' 21st Century Leadership ', (2001)

## Thought Tweet #457
Date: 2012-04-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-457/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #457 Unfinished business tends to linger in the mind...distracting it. The Thinking Behind The Tweet When we agree to do things and then postpone doing those things they tend to sit in memory and pop up from time to time. That distracts focus, taking the mind away from the task at hand. It's like accidental multi-tasking . 'Loose ends' consume time, brain-space, and thought-energy.

## Thought Tweet #456
Date: 2012-04-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-456/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #456 Intrinsic Goals feel right ...they inspire & they energize. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Intrinsic Goals envision life purpose, mastery of task, and self-actualization. Naturally, intrinsic goals align with talents and Strengths . And, in contrast to extrinsic goals, intrinsic goals tend to broaden rather than restrict experiences.

## Titanic Courage
Date: 2012-04-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/titanic-courage/ | Categories: Beyond Business

" John Jacob Astor had practical talent in a remarkable degree. During a storm at sea, on his voyage to America, the other passengers ran about the deck in despair, expecting every minute to go down; but young Astor went below and coolly put on his best suit of clothes, saying that if the ship should founder and he should happen to be rescued, he would at least save his best suit of clothes ." That's an excerpt from Orison Swett Marden's classic ' Pushing to the Front ' [page 263 of my copy]. When I read that paragraph, it sent a shiver down my spine. I immediately set down the book and went to Wikipedia...to look up John Jacob Astor . My memory was accurate, John Jacob Astor perished with the sinking of the Titanic, during its maiden voyage to America. I remembered that because John Jacob Astor was one of the world's richest men during the late-19 th and early-20 th Centuries. The Titanic sank on April 15 th , 1912...this weekend marks the 100th anniversary of that enormous tragedy. The reason for the shiver down my spine...the book was published before the sinking of the Titanic. ' Pushing to the Front ' was written in the mid-1890's and published later. Apparently the original manuscript was lost in a fire and the author had to spend another year re-writing it. Then, after being shelved for a period of time, it was published. My copy was printed in 1911, the year before the sinking of the Titanic. [see ' Pushing to the Front '] Synchronicity, serendipity, and such things always catch my attention. PS: It is possible Orison Swett Marden was referring to one of John Jacob Astor's namesakes ...after all, he was John Jacob Astor IV. Either way, it is rather chilling to read those words, created by Orison Swett Marden in an effort to motivate and inspire young people during the difficult economic times of the later 1890's...knowing that John Jacob Astor IV perished at sea shortly after the book was published, during Orison Swett Marden's lifetime.

## Thought Tweet #455
Date: 2012-04-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-455/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #455 We need to take a single, small side-step to get out of a Bad-Habit rut. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Habits exist in loops of brain circuitry. [Or, at least, that's a description that allows us to understand and address Habits.] With each repetition, a Habit becomes more ingrained...the Habit groove or rut becomes deeper and deeper. While it may seem this applies more to Bad Habits than to Good Habits, we must not underestimate the force of the good. We must understand the grooves and ruts of several Habits are 'overlapped' and 'intertwined'. Good Habits support one another in positive grooves. Bad Habits support one another in negative ruts. To escape a Bad-Habit rut we must focus our attention and interest on making a single, small side-step . That's the way to get out of a Bad Habit rut.

## How to Build Self-Confidence - #2
Date: 2012-04-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-build-self-confidence-2/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Values: Personal Values

When it comes to Business , and considering the day-to-day work environment, there is a compelling argument supporting the fact: What's going on in your brain is of #1 importance. What's going on between you and other people is #2, less important. What Mankind has created around you is #3, even less important.

Yesterday, I posted an article that contained the following conclusion about Processes , which, for us, is a synonym of Systems: Processes/Systems have 4 major categories: things that happen in our brain [as de Bono describes in the quote above], interactions between People, Man-made Processes/Systems [as examples: manufacturing processes and accounting systems], and Processes/Systems of Nature and the Cosmos. Consider how these 4 categories of Processes impact on a person's Confidence . When it comes to Business, and considering the day-to-day work environment, there is a compelling argument supporting the fact the above list of 4 categories is 'force-ranked': What's going on in your brain is of #1 importance. What's going on between you and other people is #2, less important. What Mankind has created around you is #3, even less important. Things beyond Mankind's control are of least importance, #4. I appreciate the ranking would need to be revisited if a volcano erupts near our community tomorrow. But, this post is about day-to-day business. And, for day-to-day business the above ranking is valid. Regarding a person's self-confidence, of most importance are the things happening in a person's brain. This applies whether or not you believe you can control your own thoughts and whether or not you believe other people possess that same abilit y. Certain thought processes align with and enhance self-confidence. Certain thought processes do the opposite. If a person is predisposed to being pessimistic , and either believes that or is influenced by it unconsciously, then that person will tend to possess lower self-confidence than a person who is predisposed to being optimistic and either believes that or is influenced by it unconsciously. So, if we want to help a person develop more self-confidence we must start by considering the person’s brain and mind…the mind which makes use of the brain...one way or another. If we want to help people develop more self-confidence we must help them learn how human brains and minds function. *** Jumping beyond #1 to #2 or #3 or #4 brings a very-diminishing return. Here are 2 examples to explain: Some people get really down and destine themselves to have an unproductive day when the weather is less than ideal...too cold, too much snow, to rainy...too hot, etc. Business leaders and managers will waste quite a bit of energy if they decide to spend their time working on controlling the weather so their people can be happier, despite the fact that mood/emotion/feeling aligns well with self-confidence. There is little benefit in providing or teaching conflict-resolution tactics to a pair of die-hard pessimists who believe wholeheartedly pessimism is in their genes. Sure, these pessimists will be inclined to complain about the actions of one another. And, those complaints will be 100% valid. However, little positive gains will happen in self-confidence as a result of working on interpersonal interactions.

## Thought Tweet #454
Date: 2012-04-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-454/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Influencing, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #454 Loyalty is the better half of trust...and a wonderful aspect of relationships. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We should cut loyal people some slack. They should not be taken for granted. They deserve much-better-than-average treatment. They deserve the best treatment we can deliver.

## ATTENTION! [a simple way to develop that skill] - Part 2
Date: 2012-04-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/attention-a-simple-way-to-learn-that-skill-part-2/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Brain: about the Human Brain, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Measure & Monitor, Seeking Simple!

PMI ( Plus - Minus -Interesting ) 1 You can develop your faculty of ATTENTION by taking the time to focus on 3 things: the Plus aspects of the situation the Minus aspects of the situation the Interesting aspects of the situation I recommend we take this Edward de Bono tool a step farther.

Yesterday, I introduced a simple tool Edward de Bono provided to help people develop the ability to Pay Attention . The tool was called PMI . In summary: PMI ( Plus-Minus-Interesting ) 1 You can develop your faculty of ATTENTION by taking the time to focus on 3 things: the Plus aspects of the situation the Minus aspects of the situation the Interesting aspects of the situation I recommend we take this Edward de Bono tool a step farther. Spirited Leaders believes Business Only Contains 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . For us, the word Process is a synonym of the word System , when both words are taken in the broadest context. Again, drawing on de Bono, this time form his 1969 classic ' The Mechanism of Mind '... A definition of the word, ' System ' and what we mean when we use the word ' Process ': “ A system is just an arrangement of circumstances that makes things happen in a certain way. The circumstances may be metal grids, electronic components, warm bodies, rules and regulations or anything else. In each case what actually happens is determined by the nature of the system .” “ The brain is a system in which things happen according to the nature of the system. What happens in the brain is information. And the way it happens is thinking .” Plus Minus Interesting People Process Situation You can use this little table, a 1-Page Tool , to develop your Attention skill: it can be used to develop the skill of Attention by focusing on Situations [as de Bono taught in ' Water Logic ' , (1991)] it can be used to develop the skill of Attention by focusing on People [the #1 thing Spirited Leaders recommends] it can be used to develop the skill of Attention be focusing on Processes [also known as Systems ] Processes/Systems have 4 major categories: things that happen in our brain [as de Bono describes in the quote above], interactions between People, Man-made Processes/Systems [as examples: nmanufacturing processes and accounting systems], and Processes/Systems of Nature and the Cosmos. To be more specific about the ' People ' uses of this 1-Page Tool : self-analysis and self-development [introspection and creative-thinking progress] conflict resolution [a person-to-person application] getting present More on this topic of Attention in future future Thought Posts... Footnote: Source; Edward de Bono's ' Water Logic ' (1991)

## Thought Tweet #453
Date: 2012-04-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-452-2012/ | Categories: Humour, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #453 Allow a bit of the child in you to generate and enjoy workplace humour. The Thinking Behind The Tweet A sense of humour is a facet of a pleasing personality and it is a gift possessed by the greatest of leaders. Of course, your humour has to be 'fitting', not destructive, and in good taste.

## Thought Tweet #452
Date: 2012-04-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-452/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #452 Here's a paradox - we must learn to relax if we want to improve our faculty of attention. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Meditation guru B. Alan Wallace introduced it this way: “ Before we can develop attentional stability, we first need to learn to relax .” And, as an introduction to his meditation instruction, he wrote: " Our minds are bound up with our bodies, so we need to incorporate our bodies into meditative practice. In each session we will do this by first settling the body in its natural state, while imbued with three qualities: relaxation, stillness, and vigilance ." Source: B. Alan Wallace ' The Attention Revolution ', (2006)

## ATTENTION! [a simple way to develop that skill] - Part 1
Date: 2012-04-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/attention-a-simple-way-to-develop-that-skill/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Seeking Simple!

Pay Attention! Probably, very few of us can remember the first time we heard that instruction. But - we know it happened way back when we were children. And - for some of us, it happened quite a bit. Yet - who has ever taken the time to tell us how to do it? Answer ...Edward de Bono 1 . Here is an introduction to a simple tool de Bono presented in his book ' Water Logic '. First...about Directing Attention , de Bono explained: Attention flow is determined by: what is out there, the outer world our standard perceptual patterns the context of the moment and what we are trying to do Then de Bono presented his simple attention-directing, thinking, tool... PMI ( Plus-Minus-Interesting ) You can develop your faculty of ATTENTION by taking the time to focus on 3 things: the Plus aspects of the situation the Minus aspects of the situation the Interesting aspects of the situation de Bono clarified, " PMI is not at all natural. Rather, it is natural to interpret, recognize, and judge as quickly as possible. PMI ensures a basic exploration of the subject before judgment ." The way I describe it... PMI is provocative. It disrupts the normal [natural] way our brains/minds function. It enables our thoughts to escape from deeply-patterned ruts. When our thoughts get out of the ruts the neurons in our brains say to one another, " Wait a nanosecond here...something isn't right...we better pay attention to this ." The next thing our minds know...we are paying attention. In essence, when we use PMI we trick our brains into allowing our minds to pay attention. And, if we practice PMI until it becomes a Habit then that Habit will be a good one. The Good Habit will be the strength/skill known as the ability to Pay Attention ! PS: If you have not tried PMI before then, for you...it is a New Thing . Footnote 1. 'Water Logic' (1991)

## Thought Tweet #451
Date: 2012-04-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-451/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #451 Expanding Good Habits : that is Life's Major Construction. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Our Habits define us. Our Good Habits will be viewed positively by other people...assuming the other people are thoughtful and balanced . So, for the benefit of other people there is nothing more worthy of construction than Good Habits . And, by definition, Good Habits make us feel good because they align with our Goals . And finally, Bad Habits make no one feel good; they do the opposite; so, the more they are replaced with Good Habits the better.

## Thought Tweet #450
Date: 2012-04-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-450/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #450 “Self-help has accomplished about all the great things of the world.” The Thinking Behind The Tweet Recently, I made a rule - not to post any more quotes in my Thought Tweets . However, it wasn't a hard-and-fast rule [like a Master Rule ], so, here I am, today, breaking it. I am breaking my no-more-quotes rule because I am impressed by Orison Swett Marden's wisdom. And, this particular quote expresses, in a much better way than I am able to do, a major piece of my life philosophy. This quote is one of 151 quotes I copied from Orison Swett Marden 1911 self-development classic - ' Pushing to the Front '. [I am fortunate to own a first printing of this 2-volume classic.]

## Principle-based Leadership
Date: 2012-04-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/principle-based-leadership/ | Categories: Values: Personal Values, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Many leaders understand the merits of principle-based leadership. But...what does principle-based leadership mean? Specifically - what exactly does principle-based leadership mean? James Allen 1 provides most-clear answers to this question. For example...excerpts of James Allen's wisdom: “ The first things in a sound life – and therefore in a truly happy and successful life – are right principles. ” “ The first principles in life are principles of conduct .” Allen states 5 of them... Duty “T he principle of duty means strict adherence to one’s own business, and just as strict non-interference in the business of others .” Honesty “ It means not cheating or overcharging another. It involves the absence of all trickery, lying and deception of word, look or gesture. It includes sincerity, the saying what you mean and the meaning what you say .” Economy” “ The conservation of one’s financial resources is merely the vestibule leading toward the more spacious chambers of economy. It means, as well, the husbanding of one’s physical vitality and mental resources .” Liberality: “ Liberality follows economy. Only the man of economy can afford to be generous. The spendthrift, whether in money, vitality, or mental energy, wastes so much on his own miserable pleasures as to have none left to bestow upon others. ” Self-Control: “ Self-control is the last of these five principles, yet it is the most important. ” “ The five principles are five practices, five avenues to achievement, and five sources of knowledge .” Footnote 1. James Allen, ‘ Foundation Stones to Happiness and Success ’, (1913)

## Tom Deans visits our Centre For Family Business (CFFB)
Date: 2012-04-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/tom-deans-visits-our-centre-for-family-business-cffb/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Family Business and CFFB, Succession

" To Gift or Not To Gift ", that was the question...at CFFB' s March breakfast. At our breakfast event, Tom Deans explained why gifting a family business is generally not the best course of action. And Grant Robinson, of event sponsor BDO , provided some opposing thoughts...creating a friendly debate on the topic of family-business transition, succession, and exit. Tom described himself as a contrarian who tends to challenge people. He has owned and operated a family business. And he explained, he sold it at the right time and at the right price. He planned ahead. He spent the better part of 5 years 'working his plan', then he sold his family business. Tom Deans has entrepreneurship in his blood. His great grandfather ran an East Coast tire distribution business. His grandfather was a chemist, who founded what became a $100,000,000 publicly-traded enterprise. Tom's father created a plastics business, the largest employer in Orangeville. Tom's ancestors never, ever 'gifted' their businesses...they sold them! Tom recommended all owners of family businesses consider that option: rather than gift family businesses to relatives, sell the family business. That's the gist of Tom's message to the owners of family businesses. In his book, ' Every Family's Business ', Tom provides 12 important questions...designed to help families consider the best course of action for business 'transition or exit'. Quoting Tom, " I am offering, in a way, permission for business owners to take care of themselves ." Tom understands the feelings of guilt family business owners can experience when they think about selling their businesses. He cautions, those feelings are often followed by business failure. The fact is most family businesses do not survive for generations. For a family business to survive for generations, each generation must sacrifice something...just as the founder did before them. Gifting the business to the next generation often results in business failure and loss of the wealth that existed in the business and the family before the gifting. Tom explained... " This issue is very important in Canada because we have never had so many aging business owners ." " Banks are doing due diligence on how well prepared family businesses are for transition. " Summing up Tom Deans' contrarian view , using his words: " A family business is a set of ideas and values that you pass on to your kids. " " Pursue the longevity of wealth and family...but not the business itself. " " Teach your children to love commerce: to love business...not to love a business. " Well said Tom! ..and, thank you Grant & BDO for sponsoring this entertaining and educational CFFB event.

## Thought Tweet #449
Date: 2012-04-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-449/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #449 Little of value exists without self-confidence. Self-confidence moves the world. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Self-confidence sustains. Self-confidence is the catalyst of progress. Self-confidence moves people. Self-confidence constructs. Self-confidence moves the world.

## Ratna Omidvar visits our Region of Waterloo Immigrant Civic Participation - Dialogue on Diversity
Date: 2012-04-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ratna-omidvar-visits-our-region-of-waterloo-immigrant-civic-participation-dialogue-on-diversity/ | Categories: Community, Leaders' Thoughts

Ratna Omidvar was the Key Note Speaker at our Region's March 22 nd Dialogue on Diversity event. Ratna Omidvar Ratna is the president of Maytree Foundation , a private foundation that promotes equity and prosperity. Ratna described her organization, " We are not a complaint-driven organization. We recognize problems and focus on solutions ." To provide context for her audience, Ratna briefly described her background: she was born in India and attended university in Germany; she married an Iranian and lived in Iran; and 30 years ago she moved with her family to Canada. So, Ratna spoke from personal experience when she said " Immigrants have to decode the unwritten rules ". People who come to Canada have few problems learning the written rules such as speed limits and instructions on signs. Challenges exist in the many unwritten rules. As examples, newcomers to Canada must learn: You may be curious but some topics are just off limits: by watching how Canadians react, newcomers can learn which topics are safe for discussion and which aren't Politeness, while very important, shouldn't be mistaken for interest Democracy belongs to all, but it belongs most to those who participate in it Ratna talked straight-up about the Waterloo Region. She enjoys regular visits to our community, including trips to St Jacobs. While she was pleased with our effort to discuss diversity, we still have more work to do when it comes to Immigrant Civic Participation. To have our institutes reflect the diversity of our region we need to see more visible minorities in leadership roles in politics and on governance boards. However, Ratna was optimistic about the potential for the Waterloo Region. She recommended we follow the formula of the three Is to give legs to aspiration and make reality of hopes and dreams: Intentions, Investments, and Instruments. She then focused on some examples of "Instruments", or some ideas for action. Ratna shared five good ideas with us: New language for new times : use words like Inclusion and Inclusive [rather than words like participation] Work with local institutions where impact can be magnified: they will take your plan from concept to reality Measure, count, report out : What gets measured gets done; for example, count the number and percentage of visible minorities on civic boards Don't let perfection stand in the way of good : take the freedom to experiment with your ideas Beg, borrow, & steal good ideas : many communities throughout the world are taking action to embrace and help newcomers Thank you for your very-well-presented thoughts and images, Ratna! Footnote Throughout Ratna's presentation I kept thinking how broadly her advice applies. It applies to people in general; it applies to people at work...people doing business. While there are many, I will provide one specific example: Immigrants have to decode the unwritten rules . That applies to all people and we see evidence of that throughout workplaces. There is a widespread need to express and clarify personal values and personal rules. If we do not make these things clear then other people can only guess what we are thinking and feeling. We can make it easier on other people. For the sake of better communication and more-prosperous business, we ought to make it easier on other people.

## Thought Tweet #448
Date: 2012-04-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-448/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #448 Don't let Situations catch you unprepared...anticipate Situations, engage forethought The Thinking Behind The Tweet So many people think they are 'too busy' when the reality is they are 'too unprepared'. They live a business life consumed by a repeated series of fire-fights. Many of the fire-fights are directly linked to specific individuals' behaviour. And, habits being what they are, to a very large degree, behaviour is predictable. Think of a probable Situation. Think of who will be in the Situation. Think of how the people in the Situation will act. Plan your best Actions before the fires start.

## Process Blankets Provide Comfort
Date: 2012-04-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/process-blankets-comfort/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

People gain comfort under discipline. People gain self-esteem under discipline. People gain happiness under discipline. The extent of the gain depends upon application of the discipline. For the gain to be maximized, the discipline must be created with accurate forethought and applied with fairness and top-notch communication. Successful work environments maintain a fine balance between autonomy and discipline: not too much discipline because that kills enthusiasm not too much autonomy because that creates work-Frankensteins not too little discipline because that raises decision-making confusion not too little autonomy because that fires up the spirit of rebellion Routine work is most-suited to the discipline of Process Systems. Routine work lends itself to the application of blankets of Process Systems. For routine work, Process blankets provide comfort...and effectiveness...and efficiency. And, when Process Systems are planned with accurate forethought and applied with fairness and top-notch communication they provide comfort. This comfort allows the building of Good Habits for smooth performance of routine work. And, this frees up brainpower for creative thinking and innovative work.

## Thought Tweet #447
Date: 2012-04-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-447/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #447 Wild Goose Chases: Stop makin' 'em; Stop takin' 'em. The Thinking Behind The Tweet One reason why salespeople fail to make a sale is they never had any chance of making a sale in the first place. David Sandler, the sales educator, said something like that. And, it's true. So, salespeople should do what they can to stop takin' Wild Goose Chases. Similarly, buyers waste their time with dysfunctional buyer-seller interactions. Everyone should stop makin' & takin' Wild Good Chases.

## Thought Tweet #446
Date: 2012-04-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-443/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #446 Hope is not a strategy but it is an essential ingredient of leadership. The Thinking Behind The Tweet 'Hope is not a Strategy' , an interesting business book by Rick Page. " Hope is an essential ingredient of leadership. " a Deepak Chopra quote from his book, 'The Soul of Leadership' Both are accurate statements.

## Thought Tweet #445
Date: 2012-03-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-445/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #445 Better to anticipate and massage Situations than to spend business days fighting fires. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Many, if not most, Situations are predictable . Many, if not most, business People do not enjoy fighting fires. Yet, many business People's days are consumed by fires and fire-fighting...with Processes, with People, in Situations. For most People, fire-fighting kills self-esteem. That's why Napoleon Hill taught, "Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan".

## About Self-Management
Date: 2012-03-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-self-management/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

I have touched on the topic of self-management , but, as yet, I have not presented a concise summary of how to go about it . I am about to remove that shortcoming. Here are some suggestions on how to go about obtaining the benefits of Self-Management : Have a definite purpose - also known as a life purpose. People who have a definite purpose have an easier time with self-discipline. The reality is - most people, perhaps as many as 98-out-of-100 people, do not have a life purpose. Put another way, most people do not have a consuming, driving, life-long ambition/goal. The natural next question is, can you develop one? The good-news answer to that question is - Yes. [It will take a concerted & lengthy introspection...but, it can be done.] "Know Thyself" . Perhaps Socrates said this first? Anyhow, it is ancient wisdom which spans many cultures and at least 2 millennia. Again, most people do not have a detailed knowledge of 'self'. That's because they have not taken the time to regularly perform concerted & lengthy introspection. The good news is - many self-development gurus provide help at a cheap price. For example, check out Napoleon Hill's 'Think And Grow Rich' . In that classic, Hill provides a list of questions for an annual self-assessment. Understand your personal Values, your personal Rules, and your Habits. And, work at trying New Things which you think may, with your continued effort, become Good Habits . Write our Your Vision and Your Goals...and update them at least once a year . Many self-help experts and many psychologists state this is a major key to success. Rather than argue whether or not that can be proved...I suggest you just do it. Really, it does not take much time so why not take a leap of faith and accept it as a good piece of advice. Each morning, write out a TO DO list for the day . Make a practice of receiving the merits of The 80/20 Rule , also known as the Pareto Principle: 80% of results are due to 20% of causes. So, focus on the 20% of Actions that generate 80% of the desired results. These 5 things will take you a long way down the path of Self-Management ....and SUCCESS .

## Family Business Success Story - Menno S. Martin
Date: 2012-03-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/family-business-success-story-menno-s-martin/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Leaders' Thoughts, Succession, Values: Personal Values

As soon as you enter the offices of Menno S. Martin Contractor Limited, you will notice it is a comfortable place. That was my first impression, the first time I visited. As you get to know the people at Menno S. Martin you will learn about the fabric of their business, as woven by their founder 70 years ago. The fabric consists of: forethought, fair deals, hard work, mastery, loyalty…and stories. Founder Menno S. Martin is remembered with fondness. The fabric of Menno’s values, his character, and his business lives on. His sayings and stories are retold with fondness and admiration. Menno S. Martin created a business where people want to work. Several people have worked there for over 25 years. Here is a Menno S. Martin picture that is worth much more than a thousand words. I was touched and impressed when Laverne Brubacher gave a copy of this picture to me. I was touched because this document from the early days of the company is clearly a special gift. The original and copies are proudly displayed in the offices at Menno S. Martin. I was impressed because this picture illustrates the best of strategic planning: a single page, chock full of Vision, Mission, Values...and communication. Clearly, Menno S. Martin practiced principle-based leadership. Quoting Laverne, “ Three things were important to Menno: his faith, his family, and his business – in that order ”. The above picture illustrates that and it links everyone at Menno S. Martin to the founder they honour. Menno S. Martin passed in 2005. His legacy of work and leadership lives on. “ Family is first. ” That quote captures a big part of Menno’s wisdom and legacy. It applies to the people who work at the company. It applies to the people who do business with them. The people at Menno S. Martin incorporate ‘ family is first ’ when they do projects for their clients. If you check out the testimonials at the company website then you will see ‘ family is first ’. Loyalty – that’s a word both Laverne Brubacher and Art Janzen used several times when they spoke about their business. Laverne joined Menno S. Martin on his 21 st birthday in 1965. Menno trusted Laverne enough to offer him shares of the company in 1968. The trust and loyalty between these two men remained solid throughout the rest of the time they worked together. Laverne took over from Menno in 1976 and Menno retired in the early ‘80s. However, Menno was a regular visitor at the offices long after he retired. Laverne and Menno had a very special relationship. The men shared values: forethought, fair deals, hard work, mastery, and loyalty. In addition, Laverne was a willing student of business and Menno was a willing teacher of business . This mentoring of business know-how is a key facet of Menno S. Martin’s success story. Laverne talks about Menno, “ Menno had a built in sense of business ethics. Honesty, care, loyalty, trust – all came naturally to him. He was an entrepreneur – and he seemed to come by that naturally. His quiet enthusiasm was contagious .” And, Laverne has shared his education with another generation of Menno S. Martin leaders, Art Janzen and Trent Bauman. He shared the key lesson - ' treat your people well and they will be loyal '. In anticipation of his retirement, Laverne led a thorough transition planning and implementation exercise, which included selling his shares to Art and Trent...over a comfortable period of time. Now, Laverne has eased out of his operating role and Art and Trent run the business. And now, like Menno before him, Laverne stills shares his time and expertise, at the office, with the fellows he mentored. Laverne, Art, and Trent have kept alive the legacy of Menno S. Martin’s business leadership - covering the important things like Vision, Mission, and Values. To these things each of them has added a personal touch…personal talents and strengths. This allowed smooth transition to a new generation of owner-leaders. From Menno To Laverne To Trent and Art Smooth transition of ownership – well, that’s good for all involved: it is good for families, owners, employees, clients, allies, and community. That’s the Menno S. Martin legacy. A Family Business - Well Done!

## Thought Tweet #444
Date: 2012-03-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-442-2012/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Delegation & Decisions, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #444 Strike while the iron is hot...Yes! - but first, learn how to recognize the signs of heat. The Thinking Behind The Tweet 'Strike while the iron is hot'...we all know that means we must take advantage of opportunities before they vanish. 'Carpe diem', 'Seize the day', etc. Good advice. But how do we truly and accurately know the iron is hot ? The few Blacksmiths who are still working have an advantage over other business people. When hot, their irons glow with heat and that glow provides to them clear and accurate visual cues. The Situations at hand contain vivid visual cues for the Blacksmiths. But - how do you know when your irons are hot?

## So, You Want More Control...Do You?
Date: 2012-03-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/so-you-want-more-controldo-you/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Personalities @ Work

We are complex creatures...I mean, People are complex creatures . We want autonomy. We want freedom. We want decision-making authority. We want to be able to choose what to do, how to do it...and where...and when. When our locus of control 1 is threatened by others we feel uncomfortable. At the same time... We want relationships. We want to belong in community . [We find stability and comfort in Place . 2 ] We want law and order for protection. We want shoulders to cry on and we want help when we call for it. Our egos are powerful drivers, our emotions are powerful drivers, and our needs are complex. Abraham Maslow 3 ranked a hierarchy of human needs... Self-Actualization Self-Esteem & Confidence Love/Belonging [family first] Safety [shelter, security, health] Physiological [air, water, food, etc] If we under-estimate how complex People are then we do it at our peril. If we fail to appreciate The Differences in People then we do that, too, at our peril. Footnotes: Locus of Control In his classic ' Future Shock ', Alvin Toffler does a wonderful job of explaining the importance of 'Place'. Abraham Maslow

## Thought Tweet #443
Date: 2012-03-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-441-2012/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #443 Written Goals don't just help you set your work-priorities, they help you define your personal Values. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Values, Purpose, Vision, Rules, & Goals are not discreet, stand-alone concepts. They are intertwined. For most People, they are iterative-too...gaining more clarity with time. When you boil business down, its essence is People, Process, & Situations . People come first. People bring with them 'Character'...which, for each person, is a summing up of his/her Values, Purpose, Vision, Rules, & Goals.

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #14
Date: 2012-03-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-13-2012/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

To make changes for the better you must: reflect on what you are trying tom accomplish in your role perform introspection, recognizing you sow the seeds of the things you reap self-analyse, to understand why you do the things you do think in an orderly and focused way work to perceive accurately and objectively, rather than with bias and judgment

" Life is a repetition of the same things over again. " " Life is ceaseless reiteration ." James Allen wrote those sentences 100 years ago. He did not say these things as a complaint: they were observations. He did not say these things in resignation; they were explanations. Allen explained why people are the way they are so he could go on to help them make changes for the better . Below is one example, which shows how Allen approached changing for the better and how he helped other people change for the better . It is an illustration of step-by-step thoughts about change. Step-by-step, often in baby steps rather than giant leaps...that's the correct way to approach change. Here is how Allen described the 5 Stages in Regeneration : 1 IGNORANCE Reflection : Deep and earnest thought on the nature and meaning of life. Introspection : Looking inwardly for the causes and effects which operate in life. Self-analysis : Searching the springs of thought and purifying the motives in order to find the truth of life. Meditation : Pure and discriminative thought on the facts and principles of life. Pure Perception : Insight. Direct knowledge of the laws of life. ENLIGHTENMENT Of course, Allen's aim here is spiritual - 'Enlightenment'. That aim will appeal to some. It will not appeal to others. The 5 Stages of Regeneration parallel the stages needed to make any change for the better . To make changes for the better you must: reflect on what you are trying to accomplish in your role perform introspection, recognizing you sow the seeds of the things you reap self-analyse, to understand why you do the things you do think in an orderly and focused way work to perceive accurately and objectively, rather than with bias and judgment Footnote: Source: ' The Shining Gateway ', published in 1915 - 3 years after Allen's passing

## Thought Tweet #442
Date: 2012-03-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-442/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #442 Problems are like icebergs: the biggest parts of them are below the surface. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We human beings have a curious habit. We tend to express problems in ways that conceal the real sources of our 'pain'. I suppose our egos make us play word and mind games... prettying up our real problems with make-up so other people will view us in [what our egos hope will be] a better light.

## Thought Tweet #441
Date: 2012-03-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-441/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #441 Good things come in invisible packages. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Of course, there's that old saying, "Good things come in small packages". And, it's true. And, good things come in invisible packages. Thought: it comes in invisible packages. Even when probes and scans pick up the flashes of neuronal activity, they cannot capture Thoughts. Thoughts are invisible.

## About Needs &  Wants
Date: 2012-03-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-needs-wants/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

100 years ago, the great British philosopher, James Allen 1 , described the process of how needs and wants develop and how they span the gap between Inaction and Action. Here's the picture: 2 INACTION Perception : Objects of Sensation perceived as such. Cogitation : Objects of Sensation considered as a source of pleasure. Conception : Objects of Sensation conceived as affording pleasure. Attraction : Objects of Sensation perceived as pleasurable in possession. Desire : Objects of Sensation coveted as such: i.e., desired for personal delight and pleasure ACTION Allen argued, "The only external tempters of man are the objects of sensation. These, however, are powerless in themselves until they are reflected in his mind as desirable objects to possess . " James Allen's 5 Stages approach to ' wants and needs ' provides a blueprint for self-improvement...another way of looking at Habits and clues on how to go about trying New Things aimed at reducing Bad Habits and expanding Good Habits . 3 Footnotes: About James Allen Source: ' Men and Systems ', published in 1915, 3 years after James Allen's passing Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

## Thought Tweet #440
Date: 2012-03-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-440/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #440 GRIT ...we don't use that word enough! The Thinking Behind The Tweet According to the Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary, the GRIT I'm talking about is defined as - firmness of mind or spirit : unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger . Spirited Leaders place Value on GRIT .

## 27,000 People wonder...What's In It For Me?
Date: 2012-03-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/27000-people-wonderwhats-in-it-for-me/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Values: Personal Values

Communication has been a lively topic lately ... over 27,000 people have viewed this Thought Post . " What's in it for me? " That's the key question under discussion. Some people argue, " That's all other people care about...they only care about themselves...all they want to know is what's in it for them! " Some people point fingers at other generations and state, " They have an attitude of entitlement...what's wrong with them! " Meanwhile, Chopra, Covey, and others keep on teaching - 'Seek First To Understand'... and more . *** What's the point here? The points are: People do have needs 1 ...a whole range and a whole hierarchy of them People's minds do work to serve and protect self-interests...that's part of our DNA And, of most importance, this fact of life does not have to be a problem; it is only a problem for you if you make it so. People do not have to spread the rumour that the fact people have needs is a problem; you can choose to be silent and let the rumour die from lack of interest. The fact people have needs does not have to be viewed negatively by you ; you are the only one who can make you view it negatively... you can choose to be neutral or you can even choose to be positive about it. The fact other people have needs should not be viewed as a signal of conflict or viewed as competition against your interests. It is not against you, so it should not be taken personally and judged harshly...that is, it should not be judged harshly by you . Instead... We can appreciate The Differences in People 2 ...as expressed to us when they help us understand their needs...for example, when they ask " What's In It For Me? " Footnotes: Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs [from lowest to highest]: physiological, safety, belonging, esteem, self-actualization. Appreciation of " The Differences" in People is one of Spirited Leaders' Corporate Values .

## Thought Tweet #439
Date: 2012-03-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-439/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #439 We ought to celebrate our Good Habits more often. The Thinking Behind The Tweet People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things. Urged on by well-meaning friends, not-so-well-meaning foes, and perfect-image TV commercials - People often agonize over their Bad Habits . People ought to cut back on that and celebrate their Good Habits more often!

## Courage - a discussion of 3 Standards
Date: 2012-03-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-3-standards/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Hero Worship, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Values: Personal Values

Phy sical Courage – the lowest standard of Courage Human Beings are animals. Like other animals - for example, like lions - we possess internal 'workings' that allow some or all of us to have and illustrate physical Courage. Soldiers provide a good example. Soldiers risk their lives for country and comrade. Like lions, soldiers are fearless in attack and in defense. Like lions, soldiers forfeit their lives rather than yield.

Courage is Spirited Leaders' #1 Corporate Value . Why is Courage so valued? I will use excerpts from James Allen's 1914 classic, ' Men and Systems ' to explain. James Allen described a hierarchy of 3 standards of Courage: all good, for different reasons. Physical Courage – the lowest standard of Courage Human Beings are animals. Like other animals - for example, like lions - we possess internal 'workings' that allow some or all of us to have and illustrate physical Courage. Soldiers provide a good example. Soldiers risk their lives for country and comrade. Like lions, soldiers are fearless in attack and in defense. Like lions, soldiers forfeit their lives rather than yield. Soldiers even sacrifice their lives to save comrades. These are common-enough phenomenon...illustrations of physical Courage. Moral Courage - a higher standard of Courage People possess Courage above and beyond that illustrated in the animal kingdom. Quoting James Allen, " In moral courage the other person's ideas, opinions, or principles are attacked, one's own idea, opinions, and principles are defended. " Moral Courage places Man above beast. Allen described an evolutionary process where Man's brain evolved to the point where it became able to add much texture around thought before action and around 'right' versus 'wrong', and around 'good' versus 'evil'. Put another way - Man illustrates an expanded consciousness , an expanded capability for cognition...reasoning...thinking. And, People began to judge other People's thinking. There is written evidence Moral Courage has existed for millennia. For example, ancient literature tells us, Socrates , the 5th Century BCE philosopher, drank poison rather than concede his principles . The New Courage - the highest standard of Courage James Allen described a Courage exceeding physical and moral fearlessness. Here are Allen's words: " He who has the New Courage does not attack other men or defend himself; does not attack their opinions or defend his own; he is the defender of all men, and that from which he defends them is their own folly, their own ungoverned passions. While never seeking to protect himself, he so acts as to shield others from their deadliest enemy, namely, the evil within themselves .” “ The New Courage may, indeed, be described as the courage to be silent .” Certainly, the great prophets [the founders of the major religions] possessed 'The New Courage'. Hero 'Worship' When I think of some of my heroes... Nelson, Napoleon, and Alexander the Great led with Physical Courage and Moral Courage . Lincoln, Gandhi, and Mandela led with The New Courage .

## Thought Tweet #438
Date: 2012-03-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-438/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #438 Negative thoughts happen when we resist 'what is'. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Negative emotions can hit us 'out of the blue' or 'in response to external stimuli'. When negative thoughts follow these negative emotions the negative thoughts are happening because we are resisting 'what is'.

## 10 Reasons Why You Should Not Volunteer for Difficult Tasks
Date: 2012-03-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/10-reasons-why-you-should-not-volunteer-for-difficult-tasks/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Here's #3. You will deny yourself the pleasure of watching other people struggle, especially folks who are a lot less skilled or experienced than you. Some of those folks put on a terrific performance. [Side benefit: you get to watch dramas unfold at work...it's like getting free movies.]

Perhaps, these reasons go without saying...and writing...and reading. If you already have this topic covered then please check out How to Kill a Good Idea . For those who want help... 10 Reasons Why You Should Not Volunteer for Difficult Tasks 10. Difficult tasks, all else being equal, take more Time ...time is a precious commodity! 9. Difficult tasks, all else being equal, involve more Work ...that drains your energy....no reason to drain a limited commodity. 8. Difficult tasks often create exposure to New Things ...New Things can be real scary. 7. Difficult tasks lead to Innovations ; innovations generally mean more work...you might knock over a string of work-dominoes. 6. Sooner or later, someone else will volunteer. When that happens you can take on the important role of Devil's Advocate . 5. That's not part of your job . Develop the habit of stating " Not my Job! " promptly and with confidence as soon as you catch wind of a difficult task. That way, other folks will learn to respect the boundaries of your role. [PS - of course, persistence is required here if the other person is your boss.] 4. You will lose the opportunity to talk behind people's backs. Certainly, you don't want to risk falling off the gossip grapevine. 3. You will deny yourself the pleasure of watching other people struggle, especially folks who are a lot less skilled or experienced than you. Some of those folks put on a terrific performance. [Side benefit: you get to watch dramas unfold at work...it's like getting free movies.] 2. You will remove your ability to say, " I told you so...I told you that wouldn't work! " if/when other folks fail at the difficult task...as they most certainly will do from time to time. 1. Difficult tasks can be dangerous! If you ever start to lose sight of that, think about Tightrope Walkers . It is thrilling to watch them...but have you ever known anyone who volunteered to be one?

## Thought Tweet #437
Date: 2012-03-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-437/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #437 It ain't the cards yer dealt... The Thinking Behind The Tweet ...it's how you play the hand yer dealt. And, it ain't just the way you flip yer cards...it's the look yer showin' on yer face.

## Thought Tweet #436
Date: 2012-03-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-436/ | Categories: Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #436 Seeking Simple : (1) easy to understand, (2) easy to weigh against alternatives, (3) easy to implement. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Apply Seeking Simple to Client interactions, Co-worker interactions, Supplier interactions, Business Ally interactions...etc.

## Thought Tweet #435
Date: 2012-03-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-435/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Measure & Monitor, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #435 On a Minus10 -to- Plus10 Scale , how much do you like People? The Thinking Behind The Tweet On this topic, that is not the most important question. The most-important question is: when it comes to liking People, how are you trending? Is your 'liking of People' increasing, decreasing, or status quo? And...Why? Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations People Do Only 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

## Thought Tweet #434
Date: 2012-03-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-434/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #434 Sure it's difficult: that's why they call it work. The Thinking Behind The Tweet But, Difficult should not mean Unpleasant . Physically-difficult work burns up energy in muscles, etc. It strengthens the muscles...that's a good thing...unless you're lazy, in which case physically-difficult work would be annoying. Cognitively-difficult work burns up energy in neurons and other places. It strengthens neuronal connections ...that's a good thing...unless you're lazy...then work, again, would become annoying. About being annoyed or stressed out, etc: the cause behind negative feelings is not work. So, let's not place the blame on work when, in fact, there is another culprit.

## Family Business Success Story - Flanagan Foodservice Inc.
Date: 2012-03-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/family-business-success-story-flanagan-foodservice-inc/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Succession

Flanagan Foodservice Inc. is another local family business success story. The members of our Centre For Family Business, CFFB , got to learn some of the amazing Flanagan story when Dan Flanagan, Flanagan's President, spoke at our February breakfast event. Here are some of the Flanagan-facts that caught my attention when Dan spoke: Dan showed the most-amazing sales chart I have ever seen. The Flanagan family business has had 34 consecutive years of sales growth and profitability! From zero to almost $400,000,000 in 34 years! The Flanagan's sales chart spoke loudly about growth...direction...consistency...planning and perseverance. Dan talked about the early days when his father Joe left a secure position at a local grocery store called HiWay Market in 1977 and started his own business. Joe worked at expanding his business within north Waterloo and Woolwich township...he added trucks and vans. Flanagan's moved its main operation to Kitchener in 1983. That's where the Flanagan family business story gets really interesting. In order to finance the building of a 2,500 square foot freezer at its new location, the company sold shares to its employees and selected outside investors. The company sold blocks of 20 shares at $50 per share and the new shareholders could appoint a board member. A progressive action...and, a successful one. The shares have been re-valued every year. Each $1,000 invested in 1983 is worth over $37,000 today! In addition, the company has paid out regular annual dividends to its shareholders. [a spectacular ROI] Perhaps it was that set of 1983 actions that solidified a bond between the Flanagan family and the people who work with them at their company? Perhaps, that set the stage for 3 decades of growth and profitability? I am sure the progressive 1983 actions were an important aspect of the Flanagan magic. " People serving other people ." " Our team is our greatest asset ." That's the way Dan described his family's business. And, it is clear the family doesn't just talk that talk - it walks that walk . Here is a summary of The Ingredients of Flanagan's Success : Think/Plan Ahead Democratic Decision Making Treat People Really Well Employee Share Program/Profit-Sharing Community and Industry Involvement/Support Grow Sales Own Your Property Customize Your Software Open Branches Close to Your Customers Business success is all about people working together: thinking together, serving together, and succeeding together. Flanagan Foodservice Inc . is a terrific example of how to achieve family-business success. Thank you for sharing the Flanagan's Family Business Success Story with us, Dan. PS: Here is a picture of the Flanagan brothers. It strikes me that 4 brothers working together and achieving such family-business success must be quite rare. The Flanagan brothers: Rick, Murray, Dan, & Jeff

## Thought Tweet #433
Date: 2012-03-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-433/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #433 Needs are those distracting 'sideways' feelings we have on the way to our Goals. The Thought Behind The Tweet Actually, I mean - 'sideways' feelings & related thoughts. This Thought Tweet applies, unless, of course, you have perfectly mastered a Purpose-based Life...in which case your 'sideways' feelings and thoughts would vanish. About that little chattering voice About feelings

## Setting Sales GOALS
Date: 2012-03-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/setting-sales-goals/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Sales, Seeking Simple!

I have been thinking a lot about Goals, specifically B2B Sales Goals. Over the last few years, I have met with and talked with many people who have struggled with B2B Sales work and failed to meet their B2B Sales Goals. I do not think it is a coincidence that these B2B Sales struggles are happening at the same time social media activity is expanding exponentially. Clearly, there is either a cause-and-effect relationship between these two phenomena or both these phenomena are the effects of a common cause. Either way, it is not a coincidence that 20th Century B2B Sales methods are faltering and failing in the 21st Century. The 21st Century is a time of unleashed creativity and unprecedented self-expression...captured in real time, worldwide, via 'social media'. In contrast, 20th Century B2B Sales methods are, for the most part, laced with pedantic formula-driven thinking and action. 20th Century B2B Sales methods just don't work any more. And, the 20th Century goal-setting methods linked to B2B Selling just don't work any more. Carrot-and-stick approaches to Sales performance are doomed to fail. That's true. However, the matter is either much simpler or much more complex than the choice of intrinsic versus extrinsic rewards for performance. Given the choice, and considering Ockham's Razor and other time-tested wisdom, let's choose - the matter is much simpler than the implications of intrinsic versus extrinsic rewards. The matter is about relationships....interpersonal relationships between buyers and sellers. B2B Sales, if they result in exchange of [more-or-less] equal value always involve real interpersonal relationships. The best of these real interpersonal relationships, the ones that sustain over time and allow both buyers and sellers to prosper, are broader than the product or service in the hands. They are also deeper than the product or service in the hands. It is that simple.

## Thought Tweet #432
Date: 2012-03-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-432/ | Categories: Sales, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #432 Sales mastery involves a clear & narrow focusing of Personal-Strength Energy . The Thinking Behind The Tweet About Focusing on Personal Strengths About Personal Energy About Keeping Your Personal Energy Dry

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #13
Date: 2012-03-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-13/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Over the last 2 years, I have written several Thought Posts on the topic of ' Changing for the Better ' , which, it seems to me, is something most People expend much energy thinking about and trying to do. People Only Do 3 Things : Good Habits , Bad Habits , & New Things . And, working at Changing for the Better is a Good Habit . In fact, there is no better habit. Life-long learning, aimed at self-improvement...for Spirited Leaders there is no better habit. Recently, I read the following quote in James Allen's 1912 book - ' Light on Life's Difficulties ': “ To live is to think and act, and to think and act is to change. While man is ignorant of the nature of thought, he continues to change for better or worse; but, being acquainted with the nature of thought, he intelligently accelerates and directs the process of change, and only for the better .” 100 years ago, James Allen presented these key pieces of life and work philosophy as well as they can be presented. James Allen was a brilliant man and an elegant and eloquent writer. In the above two sentences he captured the philosophy behind ' Think and Grow Rich '. He also captured the physiological fact now known as brain neuroplasticity . Brilliant!

## Thought Tweet #431
Date: 2012-03-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-426-2012/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #431 How to Master Sales: learn how to ask good questions, listen, think, & share solutions. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Despite the views of new-era social-media gurus, the Sales function is not dead. The Sales function will live and breathe as long as people do. The essence of Sales is ' people, one-to-one, exchanging value '. It is incorrect to conclude people are no longer doing that. It is equally incorrect to assume that's going to change. Sales - or barter, or trade, or whatever term one chooses to use for it - is part of the human condition. PS: about the Art of Asking Good Questions

## Thought Tweet #430
Date: 2012-03-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-430/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #430 Role Mastery happens when personal Strengths are combined with 10,000 hours of hard work. The Thinking Behind The Tweet The folks from Gallup concluded that Personal STRENGTH = Natural Talent + specialized, relevant Knowledge + Skill . It is generally accepted that people take about 10,000 hours to master skills. Putting those two together: people can master a business role if they draw upon their natural Talents, gain specialized Knowledge related to their role, and develop Skills through practice, practice, practice.

## About Energy
Date: 2012-03-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-energy/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Hero Worship

Over the years, I have written about energy: 4 years ago, about energy and our economy last year, about one of my heroes - Lord Nelson and keeping your energy dry most recently, about DELIVERS & Energy - the source of all change and growth Today, my thoughts are about the major role energy serves in our lives. A century ago, another of my heroes, Albert Einstein, showed the world E=mc 2 ...that is, energy and mass are directly linked and proportional. [ and Einstein said more ] Perhaps this is true? Perhaps, in the future, another great mind will prove there are nuances not captured in that fascinatingly-straightforward Einstein equation? Regardless, for life, energy is necessary. For human life, energy is necessary. Here's how Brad Sugars expressed this a few years ago, when I attended his session in Las Vegas: People can live about 3 weeks without food People can live about 3 days without water People can live about 3 minutes without oxygen People can live, perhaps, 3 seconds without electricity Brad's point: without electricity the neurons in our brains would not fire ...and life would cease. Energy cannot be created or destroyed. That's the Law of Conservation of Energy we were taught in physics and engineering classes. So, we know our bodies consume energy and we process it without destroying it. In fact, we use energy to fuel everything we think, feel, and do...our muscles, our internal processes, etc. Our brains consume energy as our neurons fire . Scientists have measured the voltage and the current over neuronal synapses. While it would be rather intrusive work, scientists could insert a bunch of probes and do a pretty good job of figuring out just how much energy is required to fuel the parts of our brains that do our thinking work. Yes, it would be an intrusive and tedious exercise...and dangerous. So, let's not spend more time on that extreme approach. Let's accept the fact our brains use quite a bit of energy to fuel our thoughts. On a micro scale, all those billions of bits and pieces of our brains do work when we think . There is a limited amount of energy available to the parts of our brains that do our thinking. As we try to do with oil and coal and other non-renewable sources of energy, we ought to consume the energy in our brains as prudently as possible.

## Thought Tweet #429
Date: 2012-03-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-429/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #429 At your enterprise, are your Sales people more like artists or more like scientists? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sales is becoming more like art than science. Selling, when it is performed properly, is an art...good Sales people have interesting personalities, curiosity, and creativity. And, they use those natural gifts. Selling, when businesses get hold of it, is a science. Much Sales Management . Much focus on Sales Systems and sales-process training. And Conversions . As many say, " Sales is a numbers game ." What do your Sales people think - art? science? a combination of the two? a wonderful, re-invented combination of the two?

## Should You be in a Sales role?
Date: 2012-03-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/should-i-be-in-a-sales-role/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales

Here are some of the questions you should consider then answer Yes No or Maybe: Yes No or Maybe - I have self-knowledge about my Strengths Yes No or Maybe - I have self-confidence, even when the going gets tough

To be or not to be...in a Sales role... that is the question. There is another question: isn't it time to re-invent the Sales role? The quick answer to that question is - Yes. A longer answer will follow in a future Thought Post . Today, the question is - Should You be in a Sales role ? In order to answer that big career-choice question, you should break it down into bite-size pieces. For example, you could ask then answer the following questions. You could use your answers to create lists of the 'pros' and cons' about your choice of a Sales role. Here are some of the questions you should consider then answer Yes No or Maybe: Yes No or Maybe - Do I have self-knowledge about my Strengths? Yes No or Maybe - Do I have self-confidence , even when the going gets tough? Yes No or Maybe - Do I think Sales is a very-important business function? Yes No or Maybe - Am I interested in other People? Yes No or Maybe - Do I have a strong work ethic? Yes No or Maybe - Am I a self-starter, with lots of energy and drive? Yes No or Maybe - Do I know how to listen? Yes No or Maybe - Do I know how and when to stop talking? Yes No or Maybe - Do I have a pleasing personality? Yes No or Maybe - Do I enjoy delivering value? In addition, at some point the questions will involve other factors...the company you will work for, the product/service you will sell and, of course, the Clients who will buy your product/service. Yes No or Maybe - Does this Company creates and delivers value to its Clients? Yes No or Maybe - Does this product/service is of value to Clients, whom I know I can serve well? Yes No or Maybe - Do I know how to go about selling this product/service and delivering value to these specific Target Clients? Yes No or Maybe - Am I enthusiastic about working at this specific Sales role? PS: the more Yes answers the better. In fact, a single No answer could mean you should seek another career, another company to work at, or another product/service to sell. And, about Maybe answers - BEWARE - successful Sales people do not like Maybe answers!

## Thought Tweet #428
Date: 2012-03-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-428/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #428 Do you have mental chatter? Can you stop that chatter when you choose to? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Controlling mental chatter: that's one of the most important aspects of self-management [which some people call Time Management or Time Leadership]. Perhaps, some people possess a natural ability to control their mental chatter? Perhaps, some people are born with a predisposition that causes them to experience much less mental chatter than the average person? If you are one of those people - terrific. You are a naturally-gifted self-manager. You possess genius because you possess focus and concentration excellence.

## How to get People to like you even better - #1
Date: 2012-03-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-get-people-to-like-you-1/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Optimism & Pessimism

Here are the Top 10 results of a recent impromptu and unscientific survey on the topic... How to get People to like you even better : 10. Don't armtwist People...that is to be taken literally 9. Don't make jokes at other People's expense...even if they aren't with you 8. Don't scream at People when they are right in front of you, [it might be OK to do it if they are a long way away]. 7. Don't steal People's ideas or their successes. 6. Don't badmouth People behind their backs. 5. Don't swindle People. 4. Don't make bored faces when People are talking to you. 3. Don't make funny faces while People are talking to you. 2. Don't check for notes on your smart phone when People are talking to you. 1. Don't tell People to shut up when they are talking to you. [Imagine how many more People will like you if you add all these Good Habits to your TO DO List.]

## Thought Tweet #427
Date: 2012-03-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-427/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #427 How do you find the proper balance between 'free' & 'disciplined' thinking? The Thinking Behind The Tweet Creativity versus Logic . Entrepreneurship versus Big Business. Rock Logic versus Water Logic . Einstein versus Socrates. The School of Hard Knocks versus Academia. Right-brain versus Left-brain [which I think is a dangerous over-simplification of how the human brain actually works]. Regardless of how we define their difference we need to keep these opposites in proper balance . How do you find the proper balance between 'free' & 'disciplined' thinking?

## "Time" Management
Date: 2012-03-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/time-management/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Measure & Monitor, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

First of all, I believe we all understand we cannot manage time. We cannot slow down clocks or speed them up...the ticking of the clocks was agreed upon and set by our scientific forefathers long before we were born. We can, however, manage our thoughts and our actions . We can manage the energy consumed by our thoughts and actions. Managing our energy , that's an important thing to do. I don't think too many people would argue with that last point. Manage your energy! That's good advice. *** Related to managing your energy , here are some questions to consider. Per day, on average, how much time do you spend: 100% concentrating/focusing on a single task? concentrating on a single task, as best you can, while being interrupted by people, thoughts, noises, etc? multi-tasking? stewing about things that happened in the past? being annoyed by things other people do? being instructed by people who have authority over you? giving instructions to people who follow you? worrying about things that could happen in the future? getting present ? meditating? thinking or saying - " There are not enough hours in the day "? learning how to focus and concentrate ? *** You have energy. You can only use it 2 ways: Thinking Acting The next level of detail... You can only use your energy 4 ways: Thinking in a manner that aligns with your Goals Thinking in a manner that does not align with your Goals Acting in a manner that aligns with your Goals. Acting in a manner that does not align with your Goals. These apply regardless of how clear or how fuzzy your Goals may be. These are the 4 ways you use your energy. These are the 4 ways you spend your time. You can, by doing #1, choose the right 'balance' of these 4 ways... ...or you can not do that. To the extent you choose and do #1 you can maximize #3, make the best use of your energy, and spend your time in a way you define as - well.... as in time well spent . *** Really, what would you rather say... " That was time well spent ." or " There are not enough hours in the day . " PS: People Only Do 3 Things : Good Habits , Bad Habits , & New Things ! PPS: Successful People Have More Time

## Thought Tweet #426
Date: 2012-03-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-426/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #426 It ain't 'empowerment', it's 'un-entanglement'. The Thinking Behind The Tweet We often hear advice like, " You should empower your people, provide them autonomy, give them decision-making authority, and get them to take responsibility ". That's not the right mindset. We do not 'empower' people or 'give' people things like autonomy: we do not transfer power or energy from us to other people. People have, within them, all the energy and power they need. We can help people by showing them how to 'un-entangle' the energy and power within them. One good way of doing this is leading by example . [And, we should be clear about another thing: 'delegation of authority' is not 'empowerment'.]

## Thought Tweet #425
Date: 2012-03-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-425-2012/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #425 "Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future." The Thinking Behind The Tweet That's a quote from the Danish Physicist, Niels Bohr (1885-1962). Bohr had a terrific personality and sense of humour. And, of course, he was a deep thinker. Here is another example: “ The opposite of a fact is falsehood, but the opposite of one profound truth may very well be another profound truth. ”

## Mark Weber visited our Centre For Family Business again
Date: 2012-03-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mark-weber-visited-our-centre-for-family-business-again/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Leaders' Thoughts

Mark Weber is a 'regular' guest speaker at CFFB ...he has spent time with us once a year for a number of years now. At this year's February breakfast meeting, Mark's topic was: ' Leading & Motivating '...a topic near and dear to pretty much all of us. One of Mark's Key Messages: " If you have to bet on the outcome...considering people and situation...put your money on situation . " The point is: Situations have a major impact on People. " When the situation is strong people with very different personalities will behave in similar ways or even exactly the same way ." Mark provided an example of research performed on this topic: the Good Samaritan study . Mark put it another way, " Situation is an overwhelmingly powerful influence over what people do ." And he added, " Human beings don't have a lot of bandwidth so they develop habits of behaviour to deal with that lack of bandwidth ." About Goals , Mark talked about research that confirmed, " Aggressive goals lead to unethical behaviour ". About running a business, Mark explained, there are skills and habits for starting a business and there are different skills and habits for leading . This, of course, has implications in family business. For example, the founder had certain skills and habits and as the business grows [or transitions to the next generation] different skills and habits are needed to ensure sustainable growth and leadership. Here is a great piece of Mark Weber wisdom: " Good leaderhsip is highly motivating. Bad leadership sucks the life out of all you do ." About good leadership - " ...it is hard to pin it down and define it but you know it when you see it. So try to be a good leader but if you can't manage that, at least, avoid being a lousy one" . Mark outlined 6 Leadership Tasks: Define reality 1 : " good appreciation has has the same characteristics as good constructive feedback " Appreciate your people [this was Mark's Dad's #1 Rule] Have and communicate a Vision ...and having the Vision is easier than doing the work to make it reality Model the desired behaviour Focus on Learning 2 : " reward effort; knowledge, even after failure, endures " [another terrific quote by Mark] Don't blow it: avoid behaviour that kills motivation 3 Mark closed his excellent presentation with some advice he received from his uncle: " People care how they feel about themselves when they are with you. How do you make people feel about themselves? " Footnotes: A Leader's reality can be defined up front: in terms of Values and Master Rules More about Life-Long Learning More about Motivation

## Thought Tweet #424
Date: 2012-03-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-424/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #424 Leaders, more than others, need to be comfortable with uncertainty. The Thinking Behind The Tweet Change is only constructive when people are comfortable . For Change: Leaders must set the stage and set the example. Leaders, more than others, need to be comfortable with uncertainty. This allows them to help others get comfortable with uncertainty. When people are more-comfortable with uncertainty the path for change is paved.

## Boil Down Your Business
Date: 2012-03-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/boil-down-your-business/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Seeking Simple!, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Boil down your business. That's what Robert Collier did at Volume 5 of his 1926 classic, ' The SECRET of the Ages '. He stated, " Volumes have been written about personal efficiency, and general efficiency, and every other kind of efficiency in business ." Then he said, " But when boiled down, it all comes to this: Know what you want. Analyze the thing you've got to do to get it. Plan your work ahead. Do one thing at a time. Finish that one thing and send it on its way before starting the next. Once started, KEEP GOING !" I got a kick out of that straightforward, simple advice. Points #4 and #5 are keys to developing talents involving Attention , Concentration, & Focus. They are also keys to overcoming frazzled Emotions .

## Thought Tweet #423
Date: 2012-02-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-423/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #423 Confidence & Readiness go hand in hand. The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Readiness is aliveness. It is that spirit of alertness by which a situation is immediately grasped and dealt with. The observance of system fosters and develops the spirit ." James Allen said that over 100 years ago. In our Spirited words - Confidence , Situation , Process ["system"] When you are ready you are confident ; when you are confident you are ready.

## Improving Management Reporting
Date: 2012-02-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/improving-management-reporting/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Measure & Monitor

Your Key People will buy into improving Measurement & Reporting on Results when: Key People view the work-action-changes as Common Sense Important . [Key People need to buy into the fact, this is not contentious work – this is Important work] Key People view the Measurement method as Simple . Key People view the work-action as Not-Urgent . The less pressure they feel the quicker and better the results. Less pressure does not mean less importance or less dedication to the duty. It means, taking a realistic and less emotional approach. We build on successes. The first Change may seem incredibly slow to observers [and entrepreneurial owners]. The second change will happen a little faster, the third change again a little faster…the pace will increase as People gain confidence. Key People feel Comfortable with the pace… Change is Only Constructive when People are Comfortable …break the change up into small steps [Baby Steps] The Key People have Positive Attitudes . Pressure tends to cause backfires while positive attitudes tend to be contagious. The Key People focus on individual’s Strengths [for example, talking about People's StrengthsFinder Top 5 Talent Themes ], never on weaknesses. Key People repeat the need-for-measurement messages. Repetition! They must ensure their messages are clear and simple...then they must repeat, repeat, & repeat them. Change is a process, not an event. To improve Measurement & Reporting on Results the key thoughts are: Common Sense Important, Simple, Non-Urgency, Comfortable pace, Positive Attitudes, Focus on Strengths, and Repeat!

## Thought Tweet #422
Date: 2012-02-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-422/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #422 Energy is primal. Your energy is your gift. How are you using it? The Thinking Behind The Tweet In 1911, James Allen wrote - " Energy is a moral virtue, its opposing vice being laziness. As a virtue, it can be cultivated, and the lazy man can become energetic by forcibly arousing himself to exertion. " James Allen picked Energy as the 1st of his ' Eight Pillars of Prosperity '. Energy - that's the starting point of all achievement!

## CHANGE...why it's like pulling teeth
Date: 2012-02-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/change-why-its-like-pulling-teeth/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change

CHANGE ...why it faces a D ENTAL thing. D is for Doubt . When you boil it down, Doubt is a lack of confidence. Doubt is a lack of self-confidence and it shrouds everything. Doubt seeks the comfort of safe territory. Change is the arch-enemy of Doubt. Change is always trying to drag Doubt out of safe places and drop it into uncharted, scary territory. Knowing this, whether it is visibly evident or not, Doubt always resists change.

CHANGE ...why it faces a DENTAL thing. D is for Doubt . When you boil it down, Doubt is a lack of confidence . Doubt is a lack of self-confidence and it shrouds everything. Doubt seeks the comfort of safe territory. Change is the arch-enemy of Doubt. Change is always trying to drag Doubt out of safe places and drop it into uncharted, scary territory. Knowing this, whether it is visibly evident or not, Doubt always resists change. E is for Ego, excessive Ego . Sometimes Ego is like Doubt. It can be silent and invisible. Other times Ego can be boisterous, side-tracking, and demanding attention. Excessive Ego likes to rule behind the scenes and it likes to blind-side us. Your own Ego can do that to you if you don't take action to keep it in check. N is for Negativity . Negativity is closely related to Doubt. While Negativity is also born from fear , it does not necessarily appear so fearful as Doubt. Sometimes Negativity appears cynical, sometimes aggressive, even hostile. Other times it self-justifies by making statements like " I don't want to be a Devil's Advocate...but" . T is for Time ...specifically, not enough Time . When you hear those 3 words in a sentence you know you are facing deep-rooted resistance to Change. Probably, most people believe they don't have enough time. That's a side-effect of busy times and busy lives. Some people actually accept that thinking as justification for their status quo . About Time A is for Ambivalence . Ambivalence is a mindset that can be described this way, " that may be a good idea but we tried something like that a few years ago and it didn't work...so...I just don't know ". Ambivalence is conflicted thoughts: without a clear winner the thoughts keep on conflicting and nothing gets resolved, and so - no change gets done. L is for Laziness . We all have of some of that, don't we. Most of us resist its influence. Most of us view Laziness as a weakness that should be countered...at least, while we are at work. But...some people don't resist their Laziness. Some people embrace Laziness as a fact of their business lives, a necessary part of their workdays. Yes - CHANGE...Why...it's like pulling teeth!

## Thought Tweet #421
Date: 2012-02-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-425/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #421 " Sales is an outcome, not a goal. " Jill Konrath The Thinking Behind The Tweet This quote is from Jill Konrath's 2010 book, ' SNAP Selling - Speed Up Sales and Win More Business with Today's Frazzled Clients '. Jill goes on to add, " It's a function of doing numerous things right, starting from the moment you target potential prospect until you finalize the deal ." This thinking aligns with Spirited Leaders' philosophies and education tools. For example, it aligns with our Clients' Clients Concept .

## Thought Tweet #420
Date: 2012-02-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-419-2012/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #420 " Man was born into fear in that he was born into a world of which most of the energies were set against him ." The Thinking Behind The Tweet An interesting quote from [Canadian-born] Basil King's ' The Conquest of Fear ', (1921) Yes - most of the energies we experience are set against us…but, fortunately, (1) not the most-important one & (2) we have managed to partially-harness some of those set-against-us energies and put them to good use [as examples: fire & heat, electricity & magnetism, wind and solar energy].

## Thought Tweet #419
Date: 2012-02-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-419/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #419 " Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it ." #ReneDescartes The Thinking Behind The Tweet Descartes: what an interesting man! He started a philosophical revolution when he said, " I think; therefore I am ." He also said, " I am accustomed to sleep and in my dreams to imagine the same things that lunatics imagine when awake. " [And, from what I've read, he might not have felt dogs are 'Man's Best Friend'.]

## About Napoleon Bonaparte and the 'thought-force'
Date: 2012-02-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-napoleon-bonaparte-and-the-thought-force/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Hero Worship

About Napoleon and the thought-force " Napoleon's army is in the East. The plague is beginning to make inroads into its ranks. Long lines of men are lying in cots and on the ground in an open space adjoining the army. Fear has taken a vital hold of all, and the men are continually being stricken. Look yonder: contrary to the earnest entreaties of his officers, who tell him that such exposure will mean sure death, Napoleon with a calm and dauntless look upon his face, with a firm and defiant step, is coming through these plague-stricken ranks. He is going up to, talking with, touching the men: and, as they see him, there goes up a mighty shout, - The Emperor! the Emperor! and from that hour the plague in its inroads is stopped. A marvelous example of the power of a man who, by his own dauntless courage, absolute fearlessness, and power of mind, could send out such forces that they in turn awakened kindred forces in the minds of thousands of others, which in turn dominate their very bodies, so that the plague, and even death itself, is driven from the field. One of the grandest examples of a man of the most mighty and tremendous mind and will power, and at the same time an example of one of the grandest failures, taking life in its totality, the world has ever seen ." From Ralph Waldo Trine’s ‘ This Mystical Life of Ours ’ (1919 edition)

## Thought Tweet #418
Date: 2012-02-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-418/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #418 " You wouldn't look for good scores from a ball team whose pitcher was at odds with the catcher. " The Thinking Behind The Tweet Robert Collier wrote this in his classic work, ' The Secret of the Ages - Book 1 ', (1926). While I do not like the saying " There is no I in teamwork ." I do like this one!

## LEADERS - as defined by Deepak Chopra
Date: 2012-02-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-as-defined-by-deepak-chopra/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Leaders' Thoughts

Deepak Chopra spelled out his thoughts about Leadership. L - L ook & Listen , fully and without bias E - E motional bonding, your needs to theirs A - A wareness of People and Situations D - D oing, being an Action -oriented role model E - E mpowerment R - R esponsibility, considering risk and exhibiting Integrity S - S ynchronicity , harnessing it Footnote: ' The Soul of Leadership ', Deepak Chopra, (2010)

## Thought Tweet #417
Date: 2012-02-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-417/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #417 " The average American worker has fifty interruptions a day, of which seventy percent have nothing to do with work ." The Thinking Behind The Tweet W. Edwards Deming said this. He is the fellow who revolutionized the auto industry. Here's a link to more about Deming .

## Spirited Definitions
Date: 2012-02-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/spirited-definitions/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Spirited Leaders

Action : things people do, and there are only 3 types - Good Habits , Bad Habits , or New Things Change : the arrival of New Things Client : a person who receives value from you and pays you for that value Commander's Intent : (1) the commander's stated vision which defines the purpose of an operation, the end state [Sanjay Mishra] and (2) the unmistakable core of the message [Chip Heath & Dan Heath] Confidence : what you feel and think when you believe you have what it takes to excel, do well, or at least handle the task and situation at hand. Conversion : the measurement that confirms the rate of success of an intentional Action [the cause ] performed to accomplish a desired result [the effect ] Courage : self-inflicted mental and moral strength to act in the face of fear, difficulty, and criticism; the ‘ Great Enabler ’ Creativity [in business]: using Intuition and imagination to deliver value to Clients Definite Purpose : the business Leader’s Vision , implemented in accordance with the business Leader’s Personal Values / Master Rules & directed at satisfying Ideal Clients ’ needs Ego is the part of the Mind that causes us to do what feels good to us or looks good to others Emotions : Paul Ekman’s 7 characteristics: Signals : Emotions are mental states, most of which exhibit consistent visible cues. Automatic Appraisal : Emotions occur automatically and very fast...1/4 second. Lack of Awareness : Consciousness plays little role if any...most emotions are opaque to consciousness and thought. Nature did not want us to be able to consciously control emotions. However, thoughts can re-trigger emotions. Not Unique to Humans : Other animals exhibit the same emotions as humans. There is no human emotion that cannot be seen in at least one other animal. Short Duration : Emotions can last for extremely short periods (seconds) or longer, but they never last longer than a day. (longer-lasting ‘states of mind’ are defined as moods) Conscious Awareness of Emotions is a Skill : using special exercises, it can be developed. We can become skilled at self-monitoring, being present, and self-regulating. We need to explore the motivation and intent behind our emotions. Knowledge and skill around motivation and intent will help us understand and control our emotions. Emotions can get us into trouble ..." I lost my head ". In fact, Ekman thinks emotions do present-day humans little, if any, good. Emotions, all of them, are vestiges of evolution. Entrepreneur: 3 forces drive Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs have this burning feeling inside them…a Need To Achieve something. I describe it as " a wanting" . Entrepreneurs have a desire to create and Build Things Of Value. Entrepreneurs have a need to Be Recognized As Different – a different type of contributor. These are defining internal forces driving An Entrepreneur . In addition, An Entrepreneur is a business leader who: Recognizes, uses, & develops People Strengths…first in self and then in others, Clicks with other People [has self-control & a pleasing-enough personality], and Is ready, willing, and able to lead change…first in self and then in others. E ssence: the singular attribute that makes a person, place or thing what it fundamentally is, which it has by necessity and without which it loses its identity. Focus: to control one’s attention and thoughts then actions to align with goals [this definition developed with Lorie Saxby PhD] Genius: a person who possesses the ability to get beyond his/her emotions, regardless of his/her character, and the ability to remove/minimize mental noise, with the result the genius’ mind is free to fully concentrate under the guidance of a focused purpose. Goal: a desired result: That is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bounded [SMART] and That has considered the tangible and intangible Action , Conversion , Repercussion , and Emotion required for its attainment. Habits : thoughts, feelings, and actions that are repeated Habits [Bad]: do not contribute to our betterment and do not take us toward our Goals Habits [Good]: contribute to our betterment and take us toward our Goals Imagination : the source of creative power: creating images in the mind, picturing things in your mind's eye Initiate : to commence thought or action aligned with goals [this definition developed with Lorie Saxby PhD] Innovation [in Business] : arranging old concepts, ideas, or plans into new combinations to solve customers’ problems or satisfy customers’ needs Inspire: to exert an animating, enlivening influence on; to encourage, impel & motivate; to excite and impart motion; to bolster Focus ed Action Integrity: When you know your Personal Values and When you can express your Personal Values in writing [showing how you think the think ] and When you can talk with others about your Personal Values [ talk the talk ] and When your Actions are consistent with your Personal Values [ walk the walk ] and When you acknowledge your think-talk-walk errors and strive to not repeat them …then you have Integrity . Intuition : William Duggan’s 3 types Ordinary Intuition is a feeling, a gut instinct Expert Intuition is snap judgments, when you instantly recognize something familiar Strategic Intuition is not a vague feeling, like ordinary intuition. It is slow, clear thought which works in new Situations Justice : giving and receiving of equal values [James Allen] Knowledge : information and understanding related to interacting with people, or the details of your business and industry sector, or the details of your role Leaders : People who possess deep & Vivid Vision and use it to help other People experience improved lives Manipulation is when you get a person to do something for your good [Zig Ziglar] Master Rules : 5 to 7 simple, clear, top-down rules that reflect the core values of the business leader Mind : the personal Essence , which uses energy and information beyond that of the organs of thought and feeling Monitor : to observe the thoughts and actions of self and others in responses to self [this definition developed with Lorie Saxby PhD] Motivation is when you inspire a person to do something for their own good [Zig Ziglar] Networking is meeting new people and re-meeting people in a business or social context with the purpose of delivering and receiving value [this definition developed with LinkedIn Friends] New Things : anything a person does that is not a Good Habit or a Bad Habit Organize : to think about systematic, integrated actions required to achieve Goals [this definition developed with Lorie Saxby PhD] Plan : to formulate, set, and commit to Goals [this definition developed with Lorie Saxby PhD] Positive Attitude or Positive Mental Attitude means enjoying a predominance of positive Emotions and having a predominance of positive thoughts, which align with personal Goals ...and it means having the ability to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Process : an arrangement of circumstances that makes things happen in certain ways [based on edward de Bono's definition of 'System', which is a synonym of Process] Regulate : to bring Integrity and order to the thoughts and actions of self [this definition developed with Lorie Saxby PhD] Repercussion : the positive or negative result that follows an Action Shift : to intentionally replace one thought or action with another [this definition developed with Lorie Saxby PhD] Situations : a snapshot of an instant in business life…the people, the ‘props’, and the immediate environment Skill : learned and practiced competence of thought or Action; a Good Habit Strength : consistent near-perfect performance of an activity...with passion Strength = Talent + Knowledge + Skill [Marcus Buckingham] Talent : any recurring pattern of thought, feeling, or behaviour that can be productively applied [Marcus Buckingham] Thick Skin : a state of Mind containing an optimal balance between Ego [which is kept under control] and Confidence [which is kept high, but not too high] Values & Personal Values: the qualities, standards, and principles a person desires, admires, and aspires to the driving forces, which influence a person’s thoughts and actions the driving forces, which influence the character a person presents to other People Vision : holding the Mind 's-eye picture of the thing you desire, seeing beyond the things that are and conceiving and idealizing what can be, and communicating the desire you idealize to other People

## Thought Tweet #416
Date: 2012-02-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-416/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #416 “ He has a right to criticize who has a heart to help .” #AbrahamLincoln The Thinking Behind The Tweet Abraham Lincoln is one of my heroes. So is Winston Churchill, who, on the same topic, said, “ Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things .”

## Thought Tweet #415
Date: 2012-02-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-415/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #415 " Only the strongest survive. " That's not what Darwin said! The Thinking Behind The Tweet Here's what Darwin said, “ It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change .” Here's a link to an article about Change .

## Getting Present
Date: 2012-02-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/getting-present/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Entrepreneur Thinking, Leaders' Thoughts, Networking: The Joys of Connection

Often, we start meetings with a 'getting present' chat. Either we take turns answering a non-business question or sharing with one another how we feel...personal, but not intrusive. We find getting present questions are a great way to start group sessions and workshops. Getting present questions: help People get comfortable help People with one another connect help People focus All of these are very important things to do. Why is it important to help People get comfortable? Answer : " Change is only constructive when People are comfortable. " Why is it important to help People connect with one another? Answer : Some People are natural Connectors . Most People are not; most People benefit when Situations allow them to relax and exchange warm-up communication. Why is it important to help People focus? Answer : Most People find it tough to concentrate; most People spend a lot of time thinking about the past, for example - the last task they were working on; most People spend a lot of time thinking about the future, for example - the work they will complete later in the day; few People are able to concentrate and Focus on the present. So, Leaders must help People be comfortable, get connected, and get Focused. Tactics like getting present questions help Leaders get this important work done. Leaders can obtain quick & straightforward help in these areas. For example, if you want to understand more about 'getting present' and 'focusing on Now', check out: B. Alan Wallace's or 'The Attention Revolution' Eckhart Tolle's 'The Power of Now'

## Thought Tweet #414
Date: 2012-02-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-414/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #414 “ The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance. ” Nathaniel Branden The Thinking Behind The Tweet With respect to "Change", I think there is at least one step between "Awareness" and "Acceptance". That middle step is perhaps best captured with the word "Desire". A link to more thoughts about "Change"

## Social Media - getting more than you pay for
Date: 2012-02-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/social-media-getting-more-than-you-paid-for/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

In this ' Age of Social Media ' it is easy to get more than you pay for. Never before has so much been so available to so many, so easily, so quickly, at so little cost. 'Never before' is a huge understatement: we are living in a time of learning & teaching frenzy . Social Media - a pandemic of awesome opportunities... ...including The Opportunity - to give more than you are paid for.

## Thought Tweet #413
Date: 2012-02-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-413/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #413 Self-control..." It should not be associated with a destructive repression, but with a constructed expression ." The Thinking Behind The Tweet This is a James Allen quote. Here is a link to an article containing more of James Allen's wisdom

## Process - Uncrushing Creativity
Date: 2012-02-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/process-does-that-word-rub-you-the-wrong-way/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Delegation & Decisions, Leaders' Thoughts, Seeking Simple!

The word Process annoys many people. Some feel Process locks them in closets and beats down their independence. Actually, the exact opposite is true. So, when someone like me talks about the value of business Process ...for these people, it's like I am throwing a wet blanket at them... Process turns some People off. I see that. I hear that. It is between the lines and it is the lines. I want to help People get over their aversion to Process . To succeed in my job, I must do that. Why? I will let W. Edwards Deming 1 , the extraordinary teacher who changed the world's auto sector, answer that question: " If you can't describe what you are doing as a process, you don't know what you're doing. " And, I will expand on that a bit: Business Contains Only 3 Things : People , Process , & Situations [that's a Spirited philosophy] If you can't describe what you are doing as a Process , then you don't know what you're doing. [that's Deming's wisdom] Even if that Deming wisdom can be proven wrong on some occasions, if you can't describe what you are doing as a Process then you can't delegate to other People what you are doing. If you can't delegate to other People then you can't grow your business beyond the weight your single set of shoulders can bear. And - if you can't delegate to other People then you can't smoothly exit your business. [Addendum - February 5 th , 2013 - If you cannot delegate work-tasks to other People then, even if you do not want to exit, sooner or later you will hit the plateau where you will not be able to grow your business.] On top of that, and of most importance, clearly defined Process helps People feel more comfortable and confident...making your workplace more harmonious, more satisfying, and more fun. Process does not throttle creativity. The reverse is true. When the numerous repeated work-tasks are organized and well-defined People have two things that open the door for creativity: (1) they have more time to use their imagination and (2) they enjoy a more-positive frame of mind. Footnote: Deming was visionary and he taught many people. For example, in his book ' The MasterMind Marketing System ', Jay Abraham talked about what he had learned while working for Deming, in summary: well-defined process is essential process consists of finite elements we must isolate and identify each element of every process we must measure & monitor each element we must compare each element against alternative: testing each with a view to enhancing and improving it we must focus on the benefits each element provides

## Thought Tweet #412
Date: 2012-02-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-412/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Humour

Thought Tweet #412 What does a carpet salesman give his wife for Valentine's Day? Rugs and kisses! The Thinking Behind The Tweet Who's a hopeless romantic?

## Plan Your Work &  Work Your Plan
Date: 2012-02-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/plan-your-work-work-your-plan/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Some business people Plan Their Work & Work Their Plan . These people feel most comfortable when they have spent the time to plan before they act. These people feel confident because their plan-then-work approach to business has been successful. They expect there is a good chance success will repeat itself. Other business people Take Each Day As It Comes . These people feel comfortable about their abilities and see no need to spend much time planning. These people feel confident because their day-by-day approach to business has been successful. They expect there is a good chance success will repeat itself. There is one more group of business people: people who are not particularly comfortable or confident. They, for one reason or another, receive no particular forward-guidance or positive-direction from their past experiences. They feel, at best, acceptance of today's business-at-hand. Similarly, they feel, at best, acceptance of the fact they will experience tomorrow's business-at-hand. They feel no particular need to plan. They obtain no particular gratification from work actions. Self-development experts and business gurus teach support Plan Your Work & Work Your Plan . I am not aware of any business guru who teaches Take Each Day As It Comes . I have written a number of articles on this topic...for example, Strategic Planning - Why Bother! I know, and am fascinated by, a very-successful business leader who favours Take Each Day As It Comes . I learn everything I can about planning. Here are a few things I have learned: Napoleon Hill may have been the first to write the phrase " Plan the Work and Work the Plan "...in his classic self-development bestseller ' Think and Grow Rich ' (1937). Experts have identified 'Plan' as distinct activity linked to the pre-frontal cortex of the human brain.... Executive BrainSmarts. Planning provides an opportunity to think through the possible scenarios and possible actions before they are performed...optimizing the use of talents and skills...and developing a mindset that understands we are not limited to accepting circumstances and situations, to a degree we can create circumstances and situations . There are many ways to approach planning: if you want to inject some creativity then I recommend Edward de Bono...for example, Six Thinking Hats . Footnote: I just re-read Brain Tracy's 2003 book GOALS! [and I recommend this book] In GOALS! , Brian Tracy provides the following answers to the question - Why Plan? To Organize your thinking about the key issues. To think through the Actions before you begin. To allow thorough discussion in order to identify flaws and say What if? To identify weaknesses To identify Strengths and Opportunities To focus time and money on those 1 or 2 vital things that are essential To save Time, money, and Energy

## Thought Tweet #411
Date: 2012-02-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-411/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #411 Persistence is Self-Discipline in Thought then Action. The Thinking Behind the Tweet Brian Tracy said, " Persistence is self-discipline in action. " I believe desired Actions are always preceded by desired Thoughts. In order to achieve Goals we must first discipline our Thoughts then those disciplined Thoughts will govern our Actions.

## Thought Tweet #410
Date: 2012-02-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-410/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #410 Good Habits contribute to our betterment and take us toward our Goals. The Thinking Behind the Tweet That's a Spirited Leaders' definition. And, Spirited Leaders thinks People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, and New Things .

## Know Negativity
Date: 2012-02-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/know-negativity/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Optimism & Pessimism, Thick Skin & Thin Skull

Have you ever stopped to think about negativity ? I mean - have you ever set aside 30 minutes or so to consider what negativity does and the many forms negativity takes. An Introduction to What Negativity Does It consumes and wastes our precious personal-energy. It is contagious, affecting one then infecting other people...wasting their personal-energies. If you believe in the Law of Attraction then negativity attracts more negativity and causes negative outcomes. The Forms Negativity Takes Eckhart Tolle says each and every one of us is born with a pain body [some larger than others] Our Egos can be homes and outlets for negativity Our faces and bodies can express negativity ...i.e., body language We feel n egative Emotions We have negative Thoughts We perform negative Actions We talk negatively , justifying our reasons for it, explaining it, rationalizing it, finding fault in others, and blaming situations We do not have to think and do these negative things. We do them because they are part of human nature . We do them because many of us were not born with the gift of self-monitoring and self-regulation....so, if we want to be less negative then we must learn how to do it. And, learning how to be less negative takes work and discipline. It is a skill. Being less negative is a skill we can learn if we choose to. Working on being less negative is a Good Habit .

## Thought Tweet #409
Date: 2012-02-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-409/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Business Contains Only 3 Things, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #409 Confidence : what you feel when you believe you have what it takes to do well, or excel at Actions in Situations The Thinking Behind the Tweet That's a Spirited Leaders' definition. Like Courage , Confidence is one of Spirited Leaders' Values. Courage and Confidence go hand in hand...with Courage taking the lead.

## An Economic Forecast
Date: 2012-02-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-economic-forecast/ | Categories: Beyond Business

People's attitudes tend to spread. One person expresses a view to many people. Some of those people embrace the view. Then some of those people express the view to other people. This chain-communication spreads views and attitudes. Technology advancements have radically changed communication capability. We now enjoy a communication capability that is very close to real-time and very close to fully-worldwide. When we feel and think then talk in more-optimistic ways we spread more-optimistic thought and messages. When we feel and think then talk in more-pessimistic ways we spread more-pessimistic thought and messages. When we spread more-optimistic thoughts and messages the economy tends to grows and prosper. When we spread more-pessimistic thoughts and messages the economy tends to shrink and fail. This happens because People's Actions always follow their Feelings and Thoughts . While there are some exceptions to this 'rule' such as blinking in reaction to a surprise motion or jumping in reaction to a surprise sound or touch...this 'rule' certainly applies to buying, selling, and the various other trans- Actions that generate economies. How to Improve the Economy : Accept as a fact of life - nobody can accurately predict the future. Accept as a fact of life - some people tend to be optimistic, others tend to be pessimistic, and everyone else tends to be neutral. Accept as fact of life - the louder few always get more ear-time than the silent majority. Choose to be just a little more optimistic about the economy. Talk as enthusiastically as you feel about your optimism. If you cannot accommodate #4 or #5 above then - be silent. [Spreading pessimism is of no value to anyone.] An Economic Forecast The economy is changing for the better...are you ready for the ride!

## Thought Tweet #408
Date: 2012-02-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-408/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #408 Ego is the part of the mind that causes us to do what feels good to us or looks good to others. The Thinking Behind the Tweet That's a Spirited Leaders' definition. Some say Ego is a flaw. For example, if I understand him accurately, Eckhart Tolle considers Ego to be a pain body that really provides no benefit. [And I have a great deal of respect for Eckhart Tolle.] I think Ego is a valuable piece of the human condition but it is only valuable when people self-monitor and self-regulate to make sure Ego stays within boundaries of moderation.

## Talk About PRESSURE
Date: 2012-02-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/talk-about-pressure/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

In science classes they teach PV=nRT . As the Pressure goes up so does the Temperature. Put another way - under pressure, things heat up. Sometimes we see that in business. When the pressure is on, say because of a major-deal deadline or a market crash, people can get hot under the collar ...or get all steamed up ...or crack under the pressure . When business pressures rise, some people do better than others. Some people seem to perform their best when the pressure is on. Others seem to perform their worst. How might we predict whether or not a person will handle pressure well? How might we help people improve their handling of pressure situations? Here are a few of thoughts... Personality assessments, for example D.I.S.C. , give 2 results: the person's 'natural' personality the person's personality we are likely to see when that person is 'under pressure' And, 'programs' are provided to help people understand the different types of personalities and how to adjust actions to communicate better with each different style. [I know this does not do justice to the assessments...I am just trying to provide a concise introduction.] I have found these assessments are of some value, however, I have not seen many people who have received lasting benefits. I believe the assessment reports are too lengthy and too complicated for most people...people find the amount of follow-up work daunting. So, they don't do it. Dr. Sian Beilock wrote a book called CHOKE . That book presents some counter-intuitive points, which are definitely worth considering. Specifically, I agree it is dangerous to assume a high IQ is a benefit when it comes to working under pressure. Another important area must be considered: innate Talents and personal Strengths. There should be no question, people do better when they are operating in their Talent & Strength zone. During the last 2 years, we have found STRENGTHSFINDER assessments to be very well received and very helpful. It is clear - Leaders can help others do a better job of preparing for and handling business pressure. And, today, this is a responsibility Leaders must take on.

## Thought Tweet #407
Date: 2012-02-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-407/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #407 COURAGE: self-inflicted mental and moral strength to act in the face of fear, difficulty, and criticism The Thinking Behind the Tweet That's a Spirited Leaders' definition. For us, Courage is the ' Great Enabler '. It enables self-analysis, self-confidence, self-development, lifelong learning, curiosity, creativity, innovation, and a host of other very good character traits and action orientations.

## Measurement of Meaningful Things
Date: 2012-02-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/measurement-of-meaningful-things/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Measure & Monitor

Some years ago we created a new product and we wanted to meet with industrial buyers to test the market . We forecast what we felt might be realistic numbers and we planned actions. We created a small telemarketing operation to make contact with industrial buyers. We wrote scripts for the telemarketers. We gave them lengthy lists of potential client names and contact information. We set a Goal of 70 calls per day per telemarketer. The telephone action commenced. A few weeks passed. The results we desired did not arrive. We understood each telemarketer was making 70 calls per day. Yet, the number of meetings set up by our telemarketers was far below the target volume we had planned. The manager could not explain why results were falling so short of the target number and he assured us each telemarketer was making the planned 70 calls per day. This carried on until the next telephone bill arrived. A quick review of the bill confirmed our outgoing calls were far short of 70 calls per day per telemarketer...far less than 50%. So, we installed a telephone call monitoring device and told the manager about it. The very next day our outgoing calls increased to 70 calls per telemarketer. I learned a valuable School-of-Hard-Knocks lesson that day. It took a situation that graphic to help me fully understand why, for many years, business experts have expressed thoughts like " What gets measured gets do n e . " and " What cannot be measured cannot be managed. " Now I know: meaningful things must be measured. Now I encourage the use of SMARTACRE Goals .

## Thought Tweet #406
Date: 2012-02-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-406/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #406 Computers and Salespeople have a couple of things in common: they prefer YES and NO over MAYBE. The Thinking Behind the Tweet David Sandler taught Salespeople to ' Go for the NO '. Better to understand the answer is NO than to bump along assuming the answer is MAYBE with a chance of YES.

## Thought Tweet #405
Date: 2012-02-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-405/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #405 NEWSFLASH - Curiosity did not kill the Cat! The Thinking Behind the Tweet Curiosity helped the Cat initiate and innovate. That's the saying we ought to pass down from generation to generation.

## About GOALS
Date: 2012-02-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-goals/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Entrepreneur Thinking, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

Do you regularly achieve the business goals you set? If you do then Great! You are among the Highly Successful minority. If you do not regularly achieve your business goals then this Thought Post provides some ideas that will help you if you take heed and then take Action . Write down your goals. Every business guru will tell you that. Business gurus have been telling business leaders that for at least 100 years. For at least 50 years, reputable scientific studies confirm it is sound advice....when you write down your goals you increase the likelihood you will achieve them. Yet, most people do not write down their goals. And, based on what we have seen during our interviews of 400 businesses, very few people - I mean, very few people - write down goals in a manner that maximizes the likelihood of achieving the desired future results. The method for setting MAXIMIZER GOALS is simple. And, it really isn't that time-consuming. Yet, for a number of reasons, people avoid it. It boils down to a matter of discipline. We are living through a business era where discipline is being tested to its limits...and, more often than not, discipline is failing the test. Inject some discipline into your business processes. Inject some goal-setting discipline. There are simple tools for goal setting. Spirited Leaders offers a number of free tools. Here are links to a couple of our 1-Page Tools : SMART Goals and SMARTACRE Goals . Footnote: Here's a link to Brian Tracy's 2010 book - GOALS! In this book he provides his thoughts about " 7 Keys to Goal Setting: Goals must be clear, specific, detailed, and written down Goals must be measurable and objective Goals must be time bounded Goals must be challenging Goals must be congruent with your values and in harmony with each other Goals must be balanced You must have a definite purpose for your life "

## Thought Tweet #404
Date: 2012-02-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-404/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #404 If you could only build one thing, what would it be? The Thinking Behind the Tweet For leaders, this question can be a reality check. After all - deep down - doesn't every leader and every aspiring leader want to build something?

## INITIATIVE...TAKE IT!
Date: 2012-02-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/initiative/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Entrepreneur Thinking, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!

INITIATE. Few people excel at it. Why? Probably because, at some point in their lives, they embraced once-burned-twice-shy thinking. Or maybe they succumbed to the criticism of some well-meaning authority figure. Really, it doesn't matter why many people struggle to INITIATE. What matters is, regardless of the past, people can learn how to overcome their reluctance to INITIATE. Here are a couple of suggestions on how to help people INITIATE: Understand, at least, the basics about the human brain. Understand the executive functions of the brain 1 . Understand, INITIATE is one of the executive functions. For the most part, our brains operate along habit lines. INITIATE can be a habit. Or, it can not be a habit. That's a matter of choice. Like any other habit, it takes time to build the INITIATE habit. Give yourself an INITIATE pep talk...or, better still, let Seth Godin 2 give you an INITIATE pep talk. Check out his recent audio-book ' Poke The Box ' . In this book, Seth champions a new way to do business under 7 Imperatives 3 . Seth puts INITIATIVE at the top of the list of his 7 Imperatives. And, of course, practice INITIATIVE...focus...think...make decisions...take Actions . Sure, you will make more mistakes...that's the way to learn. INITIATE: that INSPIRES people! Footnotes: A link to an article about Executive BrainSmarts TM INITIATE . A link to Seth Godin's video-introduction to his 2011 book ' Poke The Box ' Seth Godin's 7 Imperatives : (1) Be aware of the Market , (2) Be Educated , (3) Be Connected so People Trust you, (4) Be Consistent , (5) Build an Asset, (6) Be Productive , & most-important (7) Take INITIATIVE .

## Thought Tweet #403
Date: 2012-02-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-403/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #403 "But you've got to use your talent if you want to profit from it." Robert Collier (1926) The Thinking Behind the Tweet Two thoughts here: First, Collier put the word 'use' in italics to stress the fact Thought alone is not enough...there must be Action. Second, and this is reading between the lines, when it comes to work - Talent and Action together do not guarantee success. Talent and Action must be backed by relevant Knowledge and Focused practice to create Skill development.

## How to Build Self-Confidence - #1
Date: 2012-02-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-build-self-confidence-1/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Entrepreneur Thinking, Hero Worship, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Values: Personal Values, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

This is the first in a series of Thought Posts about building self-confidence. To get started, here is our definition of self-confidence: Confidence is what you feel when you believe you have what it takes to excel, do well, or at least handle the task and situation at hand Now, here are some facts about Confidence : each of us has Confidence , at least some of the time our Confidence levels ebbs and flows many factors influence our Confidence : situations, other people's actions, amount of sleep And, of course, a healthy level of Confidence is a very good thing. So, how might we build Confidence ? First, let's check out some advice from experts. Today, we will start that process with Jack Canfield's Six Confidence-Building Strategies Every day remind yourself that you did some things well. Give yourself a mental pep talk at the beginning and the end of the day. Read inspiring biographies and autobiographies: build a file of the stories that inspire you most. Be thankful. Focus on the benefits you enjoy. Build excellent support around you. Excellent relationships will boost you. Push yourself to accomplish short-term goals. Get things done. Do something for yourself every week. Celebrate your accomplishments. What about Jack Canfield's 2nd recommendation: read inspiring biographies and read stories that inspire you ? Do you do that? There is no question, Spirited Leaders do that. I imagine Spirited Leaders have always done that...from sitting around campfires listening to the elders and chiefs tell their stories to reading about Mahatma Gandhi or Alexander the Great to watching inspiring movies. Great Leaders study the lives, the successes, and the defeats, of other great Leaders. They do this for several reasons. They do this to inspire themselves. They also do this to learn. Knowledge is a key to Strength and Strength is a key to Self-Knowledge and Self-Confidence.

## Thought Tweet #402
Date: 2012-01-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-402/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #402 You cannot exhibit a positive image in a negative frame of mind. The Thinking Behind the Tweet Emotions and moods tend to be contagious. If you want positivity, optimism, and enthusiasm then spread what you intend, starting with self.

## Invigorating Imagination & Vivid Vision
Date: 2012-01-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/invigorating-imagination-vivid-vision/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The other day I read 1 : " The source and center of all man's creative power - the power that above all others lifts him above the level of brute creation, and gives him dominion, is his power of making images, or the power of imagination. " " Imagination pictures the thing you desire. VISION idealizes it. It reaches beyond the thing that is, into the conception of what can be. Imagination gives you the picture. Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own. " Do these quotes resonate with you? Do those quotes help you understand what people mean when they say things like: What's your Corporate VISION? Can I see your VISION Statement? Do you agree: Leaders must have a Vivid VISION ? Leaders must capture and communicate their Vivid VISION ? Leaders must lead-by-example along the path to their Vivid VISION ? Imagination? What about IMAGINATION? How important is it for Leaders to possess the power of IMAGINATION? Do you agree, IMAGINATION is Invigorating...both to the owner of it and to those it affects? How well do you understand the Leadership power sourced in Invigorating IMAGINATION ? *** I have been interested in IMAGINATION and VISION for many years. And, my interest increased as I took on supervisory, then managerial, then leadership roles. Now, looking back, I better understand the errors I have made in business and with People . One of those mistakes was not explaining things well enough: not explaining what I was thinking, assuming people heard and processed my words the same way I said and intended them, etc. That was a major communication problem. Often, the words we think we say are not actually the words we say. And, often, the words we say mean different things to other People....even when they are doing everything they know to try to listen, to understand, and to follow. To help fix my communication problem I now define words. So, when I read words like those of Robert Collier, quoted above, I use those words to firm up and clarify the words we often use but rarely troubleshoot for shared meaning . As examples: Definitions... IMAGINATION : the source of creative power: creating images in the mind, picturing things in your mind's eye VISION : holding the mind's-eye picture of the thing you desire, seeing beyond the things that are and conceiving and idealizing what can be, and communicating the desire you idealize to other People Link to Vivid Vision #1 Link to Vivid Vision #2 Link to Vivid Vision #3 Link to an article about Creative and Synthetic Imagination Link to an article about Creative Energy Footnote: ' The SECRET of the AGES - Volume 3 ', Robert Collier (1926)

## Thought Tweet #401
Date: 2012-01-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-401/ | Categories: Humour, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #401 About Leadership: Be a booster not a rooster. The Thinking Behind the Tweet Unless, of course, you are leading chickens...in which case you will want to be a booster and a rooster but you won't want to be a boaster or a roaster.

## Inwords.
Date: 2012-01-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/inwords/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Leaders' Thoughts

Many important words begin with 'in'. One important Inword that cropped up several times this week is: INITIATE. Seth Godin cited Initiative as the #1 imperative for future business and Lorie Saxby and I spent time honing a definition... INITIATE : to commence thought or action aligned with goals Spirited Leaders defines words to maximize the likelihood of communication...we have found clarity of message is critical. Spirited Leaders has defined another Inword - INTEGRITY . We saw a need for that. INTEGRITY - a word that too often is taken too lightly. For example, years ago Integrity was cited in the Enron website as a corporate Value . [Perhaps a clear definition of the word might have helped the folks at Enron.] Here's another Inword that's at the core of Spirited Leaders: INSPIRE. And our definition... INSPIRE: to exert an animating, enlivening influence on; to encourage, impel & motivate; to excite and impart motion; to bolster focused action Spirited Leaders' mantra is: INSPIRE PEOPLE, GROW PROFITS! A few more important Inwords : INTROSPECTION: this is all about self-analysis and self-knowledge, which paves the path for self-monitoring and self-regulation...key things for leaders who want to INSIGHT: the capacity of understanding hidden truths, especially about people's character and situations INTENTION: allowing wisdom, judgment, and volition to guide thoughts and actions INFLUENCE...and, of course, INFLUENCE is something leaders must do. Leaders also need to pay attention to their INTUITION. The largest mistakes I have made in business have happened when I have ignored my INTUITION. Laziness and logic should not take precedent over INTUITION . When laziness kicks in, as it tends to do from time to time, Leaders need to figure out how to set aside the facts and figures and opinions and check out gut feel . INVIGORATE themselves and other people. The words INVIGORATE and INSPIRE cover similar territory...important territory. When people are INSPIRED and INVIGORATED their fears have less hold on them. They are more confident and that confidence enables INVENTION and INNOVATION. Business Leaders know the status quo is not good enough. And, INVENTION and INNOVATION are remedies for the status quo . To quote Seth Godin, " The relentless act of invention, innovation, and initiative is the best marketing asset there is. " That's enough Inwords for now.

## Thought Tweet #400
Date: 2012-01-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-400/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #400 "Focusing on what to do rather than how to do it can help prevent cracking under stress." Sian Beilock The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Beilock explains: Focusing on what to do is a strategy focus while focusing on how to do it is a technique focus. When under pressure, some people get messed up when they focus on how things are done.

## Do you have a "SELLING PURPOSE"?
Date: 2012-01-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-have-a-selling-purpose/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales

Business Leaders: do you have a Selling Purpose ? Here is the way Spencer Johnson 1 presented this concept in 1985: " MY SELLING PURPOSE is to help people get the good feelings they want about what they bought and about themselves. " He went on to add: " I quickly reduce my stress because I no longer try to get people to do what they don't want to do. When I sell On Purpose, it's like swimming downstream. " (I did not add the underlining...that was in the book.) Now, that advice can apply to: Sales people, Leaders, Everyone who wants to sell an idea, & Everyone who wants to inspire other People. I propose it be applied to all 4. Leaders need Purpose ...and they should do things On Purpose . Leaders need to explain their Purpose to the People who are following. And, Leaders need to repeat, repeat, repeat...ideally, using sticky stories . Leaders should aim to have less stress...that applies to them and to their followers...that only makes good sense...Right? Purposeful, focused action generates less stress than haphazard, unfocused fire-fighting...Right? And, the bottom line... People want to feel good . Footnote: ' The One Minute Sales Person ', Spencer Johnson (1985)

## Thought Tweet #399
Date: 2012-01-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-399/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #399 It isn't enough to be right. It's better to have accurate thinking, bounded by realism! The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet As an example: do you enjoy it when other people prove to you that they are right? Say, you are wrong and they are right and they prove that to you…is that a good thing or a bad thing?

## Inspire People - Grow Profits!
Date: 2012-01-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/inspire-people-grow-profits/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Spirited Leaders

Two Facts: When it comes to doing business, inspired People generate better results. Business Leaders can inspire their People. Another even-more-important Fact: You can expand your ability to inspire the People who follow your Leadership. This is an accurate statement, regardless of how well you inspired your People in the past. The keys are: Accepting the fact People will need your injection of Inspiration : they need and want that from their Leader. Working at it: taking specific inspiration-actions designed to accomplish specific inspiration-results. Wise folks have taught this throughout the ages. Here is one example: about people who are struggling, in 1926, Robert Collier 1 wrote: " For men and women like them do not need "Charity" - nor even sympathy. What they do need is Inspiration - and Opportunity - the kind of Inspiration that makes a man go out and create his own Opportunity. " Everyone struggles from time to time. The People who follow your Leadership will struggle from time to time. So - from time to time, your People will need an injection of Inspiration . As a Leader, you can assume or hope somebody else will deliver that injection of Inspiration . Or, you can embrace it as part of your role. Spirited Leaders will choose to embrace it. HOW? There are many ways... 1-Page Tools are really helpful. *** Spirited Leader's Definition of INSPIRE 2 : to exert an animating, enlivening influence on to encourage, impel, & motivate...to excite and impart motion, to bolster focused Action Footnotes: ' The SECRET of the AGES ', Robert Collier (1926) based on Merriam-Webster's on-line dictionary definition Were You Born to Inspire Action? Inspired Measures

## Thought Tweet #398
Date: 2012-01-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-398/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #398 "Win-Win" deals are where consideration of others is combined with personal courage. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Stephen R. Covey teaches that. Embedded in this view of "win-win": it takes courage to win & it takes consideration of others to create win-win. These are the building blocks for exchanging value.

## What to do when Confidence slips
Date: 2012-01-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-to-do-when-confidence-slips/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

I was about 30 years old when I learned that specific actions can be taken to build Confidence. I learned this from books, not directly from people. Perhaps, that's unusual? Perhaps, most people learn about plans and actions for Confidence at a much earlier age? Perhaps, most people learn about plans and actions for Confidence through direct conversations with other people? I did not...plans and actions for Confidence building just wasn't something people I knew discussed. And, it wasn't something I thought through and figured out on my own. Likely, my experience is not singular; I expect some, perhaps many, people do not know planned actions can bolster Confidence. This Thought Post is for those people...and for others who may need a reminder. There are many ways to build Confidence. Here is a summary-introduction to one example, from the work of Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Les Hewitt in their book 'The Power of Focus', (2000) 1 . Six Confidence-Building Strategies Every day remind yourself that you did some things well: give yourself a mental pep talk at the beginning of the day Read inspiring biographies and autobiographies: build a file of the stories that inspire you most Be thankful: focus on the benefits you already enjoy Build excellent support around you: excellent relationships will boost you Push yourself to accomplish short-term goals: get things done Do something for yourself every week: celebrate your accomplishments *** Confidence is one of Spirited Leaders Values . When Confidence is healthy good things happen. Here is a link to Spirited Leaders' definition of Confidence . Here is a link to one of our favourite inspiring stories about Confidence . Footnote: ' The Power of Focus '

## Thought Tweet #397
Date: 2012-01-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-397/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #397 "Courage begets strength, fear begets weakness. And so courage begets success, fear begets failure." The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Ralph Waldo Trine wrote that in 1896. We don't use the word 'begets' too much any more. However, the logic of the old words still rings true. The quote illustrates why Spirited Leaders value Courage.

## Thought Tweet #396
Date: 2012-01-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-396/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #396 "Past and future are dreams; now is a reality. All things are now; all power, all possibility, all action, is now." The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet British author/philosopher James Allen said that in 1903. It seems to me Allen's advice is a key to what most people refer to as 'time management'. I mean, if people pay more attention to the present and less attention to agonizing over the past and worrying about the future then they will feel less stressed...and they will feel like they have more time.

## What does CHANGE mean to you?
Date: 2012-01-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-does-change-mean-to-you/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

My friend and I got into an interesting discussion of CHANGE the other day. We ended up sharing thoughts about the definition of CHANGE. Obviously, the word 'change' has a very broad definition, including: make different, alter, make radically different, transform, replace with another, shift from one to another, etc 1 When it comes to business, we must be able to provide a definition of CHANGE that is: clear and easily understood accepted by the business people who hear and see us use the word About CHANGE, 2 parameters 2 must be considered as most-important: Consciousness [Yes or No] Origin [Internal versus External] Now, to be clear, Spirited Leaders believe People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits , Bad Habits, & New Things . These 3 Things register or show up as thoughts and actions . When Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things register or show up they are within the realm of at least one person's Consciousness. So, for business purposes CHANGE is a Conscious thing. And, for all involved it is has both Internal and External impact and implications. As we blend in Spirited Leaders' view that People Only Do 3 Things , it is clear, CHANGE is pretty much the opposite of Habit. In fact, CHANGE is so close to the opposite of Habit we can say Habits do not contain enough meaningful amount of CHANGE to justify further consideration. So, for business purposes: CHANGE = the arrival of New Things . [that's our definition] There are two types of CHANGES: CHANGES For The Better other changes Business Leaders want to focus their energy on CHANGES For The Better . Footnotes: Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary Origin: we are not going to get all philosophical here, debating chickens-and-eggs about what goes on in human brains etc. Nor will we get all metaphysical here. Those are topics for another day...or another week...or, is it, another millennium.

## Thought Tweet #395
Date: 2012-01-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-395/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #395 "Build excellent support around you: excellent relationships will boost you." The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet That’s a good piece of advice from Jack Canfield. He states it as a strategy for building self-confidence. And, self-confidence is a good thing! I mean, don't the vast majority of people want to feel self-confident?

## Finding the forest around the trees
Date: 2012-01-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/finding-the-forest-around-the-trees/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Put Your Best Brain Forward, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities

Can you imagine what it would be like to be an ant specialist? I mean, can you imagine making a career of studying ants - being a myrmecologist. That's what E. O. Wilson did. What started as a study of ants led E. O. Wilson to some very-interesting conclusions on a variety of topics. He wrote a number of books, including 'On Human Nature '. About human beings, E. O. Wilson said, "We are drowning in information while starving for wisdom." He went on to forecast, "The world henceforth will be run by synthesizers, people able to put together the right information at the right time, think critically about it, and make important choices wisely." This forecast makes sense. The question is, how do we prepare ourselves to be the synthesizers E.O. Wilson describes? One factor that cannot be ignored is SEEK SIMPLE : at least every once in a while, take the time to look for the simplest solutions. And, as a piece of Seeking Simple, we must slow down enough to consider the obvious: as an example, we can learn from Obvious Adams . Obvious Adams is a book written by Robert. R. Updegraff almost 100 years ago. Updegraff wrote about common sense and he wrote about the fact simpler is almost always better. Updegraff also wrote Five Tests of Obviousness . You can use that test when you analyse situations and problems. That is one step toward becoming a synthesizer .

## Thought Tweet #394
Date: 2012-01-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-394/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #394 Change happens when people experience New Things….as in 'Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things' The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet And, those 3 things - that’s all people do. People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, New Things. Here's a link to explain the thinking.

## When your propeller stops turning...
Date: 2012-01-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-your-propeller-stops-turning/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain

Some airplanes are still powered by engines and propellers. Sometimes airplane engines fail and airplane propellers stop working. This is a problem. It is a problem that has only 2 solutions: get the propeller working or land the plane safely. When I took some flying lessons 10 years ago, we used a little single-engine plane. Not that I was nervous or anything... I asked my instructor, " What happens if our engine fails and our propeller stops turning ?" And, I asked about the relative safety of 1-engine planes [which have no engine when the engine fails] and 2-engine planes [which have 1 engine left when one engine fails]. I was surprised to learn - when an engine fails 1-engine planes have a better safe-landing track record than 2-engine planes. Why? Why would propeller less single-engine planes have better safe-landing results than 2-propeller planes with one propeller not working? Was it something to do with engineering, pitch and yaw and all those things? No. It was due to a human factor. Specifically, it was due to FOCUS 1 . Put simply, when a pilot is flying a single-engine plane and the engine fails the pilot immediately shifts full attention to finding a safe landing spot and finding it immediately. Immediate landing is the singular FOCUS. When a pilot is flying a 2-engine plane and one engine fails the pilot faces a less-urgent situation. With less urgency, some pilots seek ideal or almost-ideal landing sites. And, that splitting of FOCUS increases the risk of crash landings. So... When your propeller stops turning...you gotta FOCUS! Footnote: a link to a Thought Post about Executive BrainSmarts , an introduction to our thoughts about Focus

## Thought Tweet #393
Date: 2012-01-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-393/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #393 “No, no, you're not thinking; you're just being logical.” The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet The Danish physicist, Niels Bohr, said that. And, Bohr's point applies in business. In business, we often hear people talk about 'doing the right things' as opposed to 'doing things right'. 'Doing things right' is all about doing process 'right'…doing a good job when performing logically-generated processes. 'Doing the right things' is about dealing with people 'right'...doing a good job when working with people.

## Wages in the world of work
Date: 2012-01-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/wages-in-the-world-of-work/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Measure & Monitor, Optimism & Pessimism, Values: Personal Values

As part of our BIG PICTURE, Spirited Leaders has 5 Values . One of those 5 Values is: Labours of Enjoyment & Enthusiasm . In simple words, we want our People to at least enjoy their work. Why? We have several reasons, here are 3: work Enjoyment means People are putting their Strengths to productive use, work Enjoyment paves the path for work Enthusiasm, which in turn paves the path for work Passion , and work Enjoyment results in full wages . Full Wages ...what does that mean? It means People, in return for their work, receive much more than money. In the 100-year-old words of James Allen 1 , People receive " the completion of wages in its sevenfold fullness as follows: Money Usefullness Excellence Power Independence Honor Happiness " Now, James Allen had strong thoughts about People and work. He wrote, "Work is of two kinds - it is either loving labor or enforced slavery ". At one end of the spectrum, Allen described working People as slaves . At the other end of the spectrum he described working People as true workers . And, he didn't see much middle ground. That's not the way we see working People. We see working People experiencing a range of feelings about work. People's feelings at and about work change frequently. People's feelings at and about work tend to fluctuate within a range. We use a Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale to describe and measure People's feelings at and about work. Our goal is to help People feel good about work...that is, at least Enjoy their work. Using our Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale , that means People score on average at least Plus4 . When People score at least Plus4 their enjoyment is contagious... That's why we Value it! Footnotes: James Allen - an excerpt from his book ' Men And Systems ' (1914) link to a friend's thoughts about Workplace Passion

## Thought Tweet #392
Date: 2012-01-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-392/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #392 "We bemoan the loss of our forests. We worry over the dwindling resources of coal and oil." The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet and..."We decry the waste in our factories.” This is a quote from Robert Collier, 'The Secret of the Ages' (1926). This book was written the year my father was born. Clearly, some of the current worries are not new worries.

## Thought Tweet #391
Date: 2012-01-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-391/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #391 "A person can only perform from strength." Peter Drucker The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Regarding peak performance, excellent performance, & all other types of superlative performance - Spirited Leaders agrees 100%! Build on your STRENGTHS. Here's a link .

## Some Questions about DELIVERS
Date: 2012-01-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-questions-about-delivers/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Entrepreneur Thinking, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

The most-successful leaders take regular time outs to ask themselves tough questions. The main reason they ask themselves questions is to better understand how well they are performing as leaders. And the most-successful leaders write out the answers to these questions so they do not have to rely 100% on their memories when they perform periodic reviews of their leadership performance. What sorts of questions do the most-successful leaders ask themselves? Answer: here is a sampling of... Some Questions about DELIVERS Are my people making better choices than the choices my competitors are making? [ D iscipline] Are my people expending their energies in constructive ways? [ E nergy] Are my people learning from their mistakes? [ L earning] Do I really know what motivates my people? [ I ntention] During a typical workday, what percentage of the time are my people focusing on business? [ V igilance] Do I understand what my people are trying to communicate to me? [ E mpathy] Do my people believe they will achieve their business goals? [ R esolve] How often do my people deliver near-perfect performance? [ S trengths]

## Thought Tweet #390
Date: 2012-01-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-390/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #390 For bakers, 13 is a special number…it's a Baker's Dozen.

## Plucky & Pithy...#2!
Date: 2012-01-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/plucky-pithy2/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication

On November 17, 2010, I posted a short 'blog' titled ' Plucky & Pithy '... here's a link to that Thought Post . Heading into the New Year, 2012, we decided to summarize our Top 5 Thought Posts for the last 4 years. It was interesting to note - of my well-over-300 Thought Posts the one titled ' Plucky & Pithy ' ranked #2 in views. That means, of the articles I have posted ' Plucky & Pithy ' has received more hits than all but one. That's very interesting! Considering 'social media'...it is interesting. Considering 'writing & posting'...it is interesting. Why do you suppose that brief ' Plucky & Pithy ' posting received so many hits?

## Thought Tweet #389
Date: 2012-01-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-389/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #389 "The terms balance and restraint rarely come up as descriptors of powerful people…" The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet "The terms balance and restraint rarely come up as descriptors of powerful people or are cited as reasons for their success." That's what Dirk Schlimm said in his book 'Influencing Powerful People' (2010)

## Change or Die
Date: 2012-01-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/change-or-die/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Most people have trouble making changes. Even when faced with the choice of ' change or die ' most people are unable to change. I have heard experts say that for quite some time. And, I know from personal experience and from observing other people it can be difficult to make certain changes. So, let's accept that as a fact of Nature . What should we do about that? The answer depends upon the future you desire. In the future, do you want: changes for the better ? no changes? changes for the worse? To be clear, I am not questioning whether or not you want other people to change...[that pretty much goes without saying]. I am asking, do you want: changes for the better ? no changes? changes for the worse? Unless I am missing something, those are the only 3 possibilities. And, most people would remove #3 from the short list and many people, if not most people, would choose #1 If you choose #1 - if you choose changes for the better - then here is some advice that will help... First: accept that facts, fear, & force will not lead to sustained changes for the better . Positive change, constructive change, has calmer and more comfortable sources. Relax yourself. Set aside time to think about yourself and the changes you desire. Think about baby steps of change . Think about what you want to accomplish...think about the end point. While you do that, set small achievable-action goals. But, don't expect immediate perfection. It takes desire and persistence and time to create Good Habits . Educate yourself...using expert advice. For example, here is a recommendation from Alan Deutschman 1 : The First Key to Change: Relate - Form a new emotional relationship with a person or community that inspires and sustains hope. The Second Key to Change: Repeat - The new relationship helps you learn, practice, and master the new habits and skills that you'll need. It helps tremendously to have a good teacher, coach, or mentor to give you guidance, encouragement, and direction along the way. The Third Key to Change: Reframe - The new relationship helps you learn new ways of thinking about your situation and your life. You change the way you look at the world. Putting all of that together: Relax, Relate, Repeat & Reframe That's one way to create changes for the better . Footnote: Alan Deutschman, ' Change or Die ' (2007)

## Thought Tweet #388
Date: 2012-01-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-388/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #388 "We go into change rehearsing the history that brought us to this point." Parker Palmer The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet

## Mentoring
Date: 2012-01-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mentoring/ | Categories: Borrowing Brilliance, Hero Worship, Succession, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

The best of mentoring happens 'naturally' when an eager-to-learn business person 'connects' with a more-experienced business person who is eager to teach. For both people, mentoring is of value. This type of 'natural' mentoring tends to happen in cycles: over time, the student of the present becomes the teacher of the future. One of my favourite examples of 'natural' mentoring is the story of 25-year-old Napoleon Hill meeting steel-baron Andrew Carnegie in 1908. At the time, Andrew Carnegie was well into his 70's and he was one of the richest men in the world. Yet, for some reason, when Napoleon Hill visited to interview him about business success, Carnegie took Hill home and spent 3 days with him. That was the starting point for Hill's labour of love...and the creation of his classic self-development books, including my favourite 'Think and Grow Rich' . This story does not end with the creation of books like 'Think and Grow Rich' in 1937. That's just the beginning. For example, one of the greatest leaders of the 20th Century - Mahatma Gandhi - read Hill's book. The book was translated and widely circulated throughout India; I suppose supporting the good work of Gandhi. Some business and education organizations promote mentoring. I am honoured to be able to participate in Conestoga College's mentoring program. Mentoring at the student level is a tremendous idea! I am keeping my eyes and ears open for mentoring ideas, advice, and suggestions. If you have any then please share them. Here is a sample of the things I have learned about mentoring. This is the advice of Eric Chester, the author of a recently-published book titled 'Reviving Work Ethic' : 5 Tips on Mentoring Find your style Develop trust Value tact and timing Tell stories Cast a vision Good, simple advice!

## Thought Tweet #387
Date: 2012-01-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-387/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #387 Mahatma Gandhi read 'Think and Grow Rich'. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet ...and the classic self-development book was translated and distributed throughout India.

## Thought Tweet #386
Date: 2012-01-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-386/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #386 "Heightened attention to detail can actually mess you up." Sian Beilock The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet From Sian Beilock's 2010 book 'Choke'.

## This is guaranteed to get your ATTENTION!
Date: 2012-01-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/this-is-guaranteed-to-get-your-attention/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain

You know what gets your attention? Pleasing and beautiful things, Surprising things, and Things that are out of place Those 3 things get your attention. But, those 3 things sure have a tough time getting your attention! You know why those 3 things have such a tough time getting your attention? Your FOCUS 1 and Their COMPETITION 2 ATTENTION, actually the lack of success in capturing it, has led to some rather bizarre business activity...marketing activity, social media activity, etc. Footnote: I am not picking on YOU here. When I say 'you' I mean almost all of us. The fact is, people have plenty of thoughts going on in their brains, all day, every day...some experts say as many as 50,000 thoughts/day. It is tough to FOCUS with all those thoughts keeping us so occupied. When you look out at the world you observe lots of stuff...their COMPETITION outnumbers THEM by orders of magnitude.

## Thought Tweet #385
Date: 2012-01-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-385/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #385 Workplace High-Pressure: does it cut the feet out from under your smartest people? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet A high IQ doesn’t mean a high ability to work under stress. In fact, it is possible the opposite is true. Do you assume smart folks operate smart when the pressure is on? If so, perhaps, when the pressure is on people disappoint you.

## Your Feelings & Your Bottom Line
Date: 2012-01-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/your-feelings-your-bottom-line/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Optimism & Pessimism, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Business Leaders : how do you feel when your bottom line is positive, healthy, and growing? When your bottom-line profits are pretty darned good, do you feel: Terrible? or Nothing? or Pretty Darned Good? I am going to hazard a guess and say, " When your bottom-line profits are pretty darned good you feel Pretty Darned Good ". So, to some degree, perhaps to a large degree, your bottom-line profits impact on how you feel. There is a cause-and-effect at play here. Good bottom lines lead to good feelings . How about flipping it around... Wouldn't you agree with the following: Good feelings lead to good bottom lines! PS: In fact, isn't it impossible to imagine how bad feelings could ever lead to good bottom line profits?

## Thought Tweet #384
Date: 2012-01-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-384/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #384 "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society." Mark Twain The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Mark Twain had amazing wit. Twain's quotes make good pick-me-up reading. They are laced with gifted insight and fascinating use of the English language.

## Do Family Business People Have Better Work Ethic?
Date: 2012-01-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-family-business-people-have-better-work-ethic/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Family Business and CFFB, Optimism & Pessimism, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Values: Personal Values

Here is the thought behind that Question... Recently, I read Jim Estill's CEO blog 1 about work ethic. It reminded me of the stinging little Thought Post I wrote last year to address claims about attitudes of entitlement around the workplace. [ Snakes & Ladders...and Entitlement ] Since reading Jim's blog, I followed his advice and I read the book ' Reviving Work Ethic '. And, I re-listened to the short version of Napoleon Hill's ' Think and Grow Rich '. [I do that quite regularly] I like many of the points Eric Chester made in ' Reviving Work Ethic '. Particularly, I like his views about of Work Ethic Markers : Positive Attitude Reliability Professionalism Initiative Respect Integrity Gratitude Those definitely are facets of a good work ethic . And, Leaders ought to lead by example as they promote and encourage those facets of good work ethic. Here is another way to look at it - the Napoleon Hill way... QQS Napoleon Hill taught: we must over-deliver on Quantity of service, we must over-deliver on Quality of service, and we must render that service with an enthusiastic Spirit 2 . That, in summary, is Napoleon Hill's QQS Formula [" QQS "]. We can use QQS as the guide for good work ethic . And, we can quickly see how the institution and practice of QQS provides tremendous benefits, ranging from workplace harmony to differential advantage . That said, the question remains: Do family business people have better work ethic? Footnotes: Jim Estill's blog Spirit , as in Spirited Leaders

## Thought Tweet #383
Date: 2012-01-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-383/ | Categories: Abundance, Thought Tweets, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #383 "He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it." James Allen The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This is a quote from James Allen's 1903 book 'As a Man Thinketh'. Allen was a [modern-era] pioneer in the areas of positive thinking, abundance thinking, and the law of attraction. Apparently, Napoleon Hill and other self-development gurus were influenced by Allen's work. And, it seems Allen was influenced by Eastern philosophies.

## Blinded by our own Brilliance
Date: 2012-01-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/blinded-by-our-own-brilliance/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Optimism & Pessimism, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities

To what extent are we blinded by our own brilliance? [Of course, I mean our perception of our own brilliance...whether or not we are anywhere near as bright as we perceive.] An old friend of mine, George, talked to me many times about his early career where he worked at a multinational energy company that continually found itself ' blinded by its own brilliance '. In fact, some senior folks at the company used that expression almost as often as they use the expression ' paralysis by analysis '. My memories of George's stories came back to me when I read the following last week 1 : " So, what can business managers do to become better estimators of their team members' skill and ability? Consulting with someone less experienced may do the trick. " [Sian Beilock] This reminded me not only of my friend George's 'big-company stories' but also the story of Obvious Adams 2 . Obvious Adams was the unassuming fellow who saw obvious and simple solutions while all the people around him were confounded by visions of complexity and mired in unimportant details. We will definitely take advantage of Sian Beilock's advice: it aligns with Spirited Leaders' philosophy ' Seek Simple '. It is easy to believe business is more challenging now than it ever was...and it is easy to forecast that trend will continue. I have heard many people say that. I have said it myself as recently as last week. But now, after rethinking , I have decided to make a change. I will never say things like ' business is tougher than it used to be " again. Instead, I will spend the time seeking out and getting advice from more Obvious Adamses. Footnotes: Sian Beilock , ' Choke ', (2010) Robert R. Updegraff, ' Obvious Adams ', (1916)

## Thought Tweet #382
Date: 2012-01-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-382/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #382 Courage, Core, Encourage, and the Latin word Cor ["Heart"]…it isn't coincidence! The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Spirited Leaders values 'Courage'. Courage is our #1 corporate Value. Courage is the finest ingredient of character. It enables other fine aspects of character. Courage is something everyone can work at….like all fine aspects of character it takes time, effort, and commitment.

## Hello. How do you do?
Date: 2011-12-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/hello-how-do-you-do/ | Categories: Networking: The Joys of Connection, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Hello. How do you do? or Hi. How are you doing? Where did these sorts of greetings come from? Why do we do them? [and...lurking behind the curtains of the business scenes...is this 'Networking'?] Some traditions are wonderful things. I mean, there is a good reason behind the lingering of some traditions. These greetings are examples. Consider the Bedouins...the desert-dwelling, Arabic nomads of the Middle East. There are some great Bedouin stories, which can help us understand why 'greetings' exist as they do today. Here is an often-quoted piece of Bedouin philosophy: " I against my brother, my bothers and me against my cousins, then my cousins and I against strangers. " About a dozen millennia ago, that thinking developed in the fertile crescent [at or close to Bedouin homelands]. And, that thinking has existed throughout the evolution of civilization. It is part of the human condition ...our legacy, our present, and our future. For millennia the Bedouins have asked questions when they meet or greet people. Trust is earned or lost first at home: I against my brother Then trust, if it can be gained, radiates from home outward. That's the way civilization grew. People wanted to explore. People wanted to own property. And, people did those things by conquering first and later by trading. As people began to venture out into new territories greetings became a part of life... friend or foe was the first test performed by a greeting. As trading routes expanded the greeting tests expanded beyond friend or foe . As an example, when meeting new people the Bedouins asked a series of questions... Who are you? Where are you from? Where are you going? Simple, straightforward questions, designed millennia ago to help strangers feel comfortable enough with one another to determine 'common ground'...including common ground for exchanging goods in trade. [now I hinted above, some business thoughts were lurking here] Isn't that more-or-less what Networking is all about? Put another way, wouldn't it be OK to continue the habit well-proven by the Bedouins thousands of years ago. Wouldn't it be OK to meet new people and ask: Who are you? Where are you from? Where are you going? Of course, you will be tempted to massage those words a bit to make them more-catchy. Really, there is no need to do that.

## Thought Tweet #380
Date: 2011-12-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-380/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #380 "Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on #New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to." Bill Vaughn

## If you could travel in time...
Date: 2011-12-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-could-travel-in-time/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

If you could travel in time... ... and if you could only meet one person! Whom would you choose to meet? I bet you've heard that question before. I bet you've thought about it. Maybe, you've answered it. Maybe other people have told you their choices? Maybe you've heard choices like Jesus and Einstein...I once read those were the top 2 choices when North Americans were asked that question. [Certainly, I have considered those choices.] So many great people...it would be so tough to choose. Probably, if I had the opportunity I would choose Lord Nelson, the flamboyant heart of the British Navy during its heyday...or maybe it would be Sitting Bull...or Cleopatra...or... Maybe I would choose the great Roman philosopher and statesman, Marcus Tullius Cicero? What an interesting fellow! Cicero: Prior to his execution/assassination, legend has it, he looked his assassin in the eye and said something like " There is nothing proper about what you are doing, soldier, but do try to kill me properly ." Then he offered his neck for the killing blow. Like Lord Nelson, Cicero illustrated courage in his last actions and words. Marcus Tullius Cicero 1 was a successful lawyer and champion of constitutional law. Cicero left us a long list of meaningful and memorable quotes. Cicero, a little over 2000 years ago, created the classic Six Mistakes of Man. The Six Mistakes of Man 2 The illusion that personal gain or advancement is made up of crushing others. The tendency to worry about things that cannot be changed or corrected. Insisting that a thing is impossible because we cannot accomplish it. Refusing to set aside trivial preferences. Neglecting development and refinement of the mind and not acquiring the habit of reading and study. Attempting to compel others to believe and live as we do. It would be nice to spend a sunny afternoon, in Rome's senate building, sitting and chatting with Cicero...and I suppose, also keeping an eye open for Julius Caesar's and others' henchmen. Footnote: Cicero : the origin of this family name is the 'chickpea'...an old and important crop. Probably, Cicero's ancestors' family business was growing chickpeas. There are several different interpretations, using slightly different words to convey these 'Six Mistakes of Man' messages. I have blended them.

## Do you have what it takes to DELIVERS?
Date: 2011-12-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-delivers/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Recently, I was listening to an audio book about ' Courage '. When the audio used the words 'Vigilance' and ' Intention ', I wrote those two words in my notepad - one below the other. For some reason, I felt the need to add the word 'Learning' to the bottom of the list. With this done, the sheet in my note pad contained: V igilance I ntention L earning I like lists and memory tools. When I see lists like this the first letters of the words jump out at me. The first letters of these 3 words caught my attention. While the natural order [top-down] of the first letters of these 3 words was well on its way to spelling the word 'VILE', I read them from the bottom up and saw the word 'LIVE'. And, that's when the word 'Energy' jumped into my mind. So, I reversed the order of the 3 words and added 'Energy' to the bottom of the list: L earning I ntention V igilance E nergy That was the start of a little list of important words for business people. But, too much was missing. For example, when it comes to business 'Discipline' and 'Strengths' are of about equal importance. One cannot thrive and deliver advantage without the other. I wanted to add both 'Discipline' and 'Strengths' to the list...and the first letters of these two words did not lend themselves to simple addition. If I was going to create a 'memory tool', I needed more words with just the right letters to deliver an important, concise, and memory-friendly message. On the other hand, this isn't something you can force...at least, I cannot force it. Either words arrive and fit or they don't. I allowed this to simmer for a few days. And a few words came to me. Here is where I ended up. This list DELIVERS 8 Success Ingredients : Discipline : knowing the choices are many and knowing the better and best choices are not so many Energy : recognizing energy is the source of all growth and change, including that of attitude Learning : viewing life as a long-term school of experiencing and discovering how to avoid hard-knocks Intention : allowing wisdom, judgment, and volition to guide both thoughts and actions Vigilance : focusing attention and observing, while keeping personal biases under control Empathy : being able to understand other people, engage them, and build upon their differences Resolve : fixing sights on a purpose and having faith about getting to that end point Strengths : drawing on talent to consistently deliver near-perfect performance Do you have what it takes to DELIVERS ? Footnote: We have a 1-Page Tool, which helps people DELIVERS

## Thought Tweet #377
Date: 2011-12-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-377/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #377 Another one for 'Boxing Week'...Muhammad Ali said, "Joe Frazier's so easy to hit, he gets mad if you miss him".

## Thought Tweet #376
Date: 2011-12-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-376/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #376 Here's one for Boxing Day…Mike Tyson said, "Everybody has a plan until they get hit".

## Time for Learning!
Date: 2011-12-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/time-for-learning/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Spirited Leaders, Values: Personal Values

Do you spend enough time L earning ? Do you view learning as knowledge sharing? Do you view learning as knowledge creation? According to experts 1 , learning is essential to Leadership. Leaders with Good Judgment Are Committed Learners They constantly evaluate their own performance. They seek knowledge and build on experience. K nowledge Creation for All Constituencies Is an Explicitly Stated Goal Operating mechanisms support teaching and learning. Judgment capacity is a key leadership development target. Customers, Stakeholders, the Larger Community Are Tapped for Input Everyone teaches. Everyone learns. Front-line employees are the new knowledge workers. That's how Tichy and Bennis introduce the importance of learning in the business sector. Learning is one of Spirited Leaders' Values ....part of our corporate culture. We approach Learning this way: Learning must be embraced naturally...curiosity is the best starting point. Learning must be life-long...the fun of it must not diminish with age. The majority of learning must be aimed at understanding and communicating with People . For your work, focus much of your learning time on specialized knowledge. For your work, concentrate specialized knowledge around your talent themes. For your work, use specialized knowledge to hone your skills. For your work, learn cutting-edge theory...and learn even more about practical things. For your work, learn how to tap into your creativity. Footnote: ' Judgment - How Winning Leaders Make Great Calls ', Noel M. Tichy and Warren G. Bennis (2007)

## Character & Courage
Date: 2011-12-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/character-courage/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Spirited Leaders, Values: Personal Values

An excerpt 1 , about Character & Courage: To Sustain Good Judgment, a Leader Must Have Character and Courage Character provides the moral compass. Courage produces the results. People With Character Have Clear Standards They take responsibility and hold themselves accountable. They value self-respect over public esteem. Maintaining Standards in the Face of Obstacles Requires Courage Character without courage is meaningless. Courage without character is dangerous. Spirited Leaders values Courage. I mean Courage is our highest-ranked personal/corporate Value . The above excerpt...well, we could not say it better ourselves...so we embrace and 'relay' the wisdom of Tichy and Bennis . Footnote: 1. An excerpt from ' JUDGMENT - How Winning Leaders Make Great Calls ' , Noel M. Tichy and Warren G. Bennis, 2007

## How Successful People Act
Date: 2011-12-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-the-collapse-of-our-discontent/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Years ago I was full of fury. At least, that's how one professional assessment described me. While in that state, as a result of a corporate change, I was given a new boss. My old boss was just fine and I felt no need for a new one. Regardless, I was in my car driving to the first meeting with my new boss. The drive took an hour so I had plenty of time to build up a head of steam. So I did. That assessment was accurate: by the time I arrived at my new boss' office I was full of fury. After we had shaken hands, I sat down in a chair across from him. My new boss asked me to be candid and let him know what was going on. I gave him an earful. In fact, I gave him more than two ears full. When I was done, he had a very pleasant look on his face and he thanked me. I will never forget that day...the day I received my first real-life lesson on leadership...the day I met a friend for life.

## Emotions - Defined - Positive & Negative
Date: 2011-12-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/emotions-defined-positive-negative/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Hero Worship, Optimism & Pessimism

Napoleon Hill practiced and taught emotional control, seeing it as one of the keys to a pleasing and attractive personality. He taught, feelings drive and hurl us...either up or down. It is a matter of self-control, actually - self-control over one's mind. It is as simple as accepting or rejecting emotions as they 'hit you'. It is as difficult as accepting or rejecting emotions as they 'hit you'. Self-control: simple and difficult. Difficult because, when it comes to actions and habits , emotions play such a major role. As a starting point, Napoleon Hill defined 7 positive emotions and 7 negative emotions. The 7 Positive Emotions Love Sex Hope Faith Sympathy Optimism Loyalty The 7 Negative Emotions Fear * Hatred Anger Greed Jealousy Revenge Superstition Footnote Napoleon Hill defined 7 Fears : Fear of Poverty Fear of Criticism Fear of Ill Health Fear of Loss of Love Fear of Old Age Fear of Death Fear of Loss of Liberty [he added this fear to the original 6 later in his life]

## Thought Tweet #371
Date: 2011-12-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-371/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #371 Who has blue suede shoes and makes Christmas toys? [Santa's little Elvis.]

## Tonic for Toxic Business
Date: 2011-12-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/tonic-for-toxic-business/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Leaders' Thoughts

Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations. When People are doing Processes in Situations - when People are doing business - the business culture can be described as: as good as it gets good satisfactory bad as bad as it gets A survey of business people, regular 'normal' folks, confirms: Given a choice of work culture most people would choose ' as good as it gets ' or 'good' or, at least, ' satisfactory '. I would like to feel comfortable when I am working. I would like to feel positive about my work environment. I would like to enjoy my work environment. I would like to be enthusiastic about my work environment. I would like to be passionate about my work. People say things like that. People do not say things like... I want to feel uncomfortable when I am at work. I want my blood pressure to hit all-time highs every single workday. I get a kick out of arguing with co-workers. I like it when my boss takes a big strip off my hide...that's the way to keep me on track. Hating the thought of another workday...that's what turns my crank. Regardless, many business people struggle in a negative work culture every single workday. Sometimes the work environment becomes so negative people become toxic. People become poisonous. Some people become infectious. And, sometimes work cultures become unhealthy. When work environments become unhealthy people have choices: complain, which feeds spreads the problem be silent, ignoring the unhealthy culture and doing nothing to address it depart...either quit or fire people in an effort to ablate the unhealthy parts, much like a surgeon does make constructive changes Constructive Change means Constructive People Change, which means Individual People making Constructive Changes by removing Bad Habits and adding Good Habits . And, it means Individual People sharing stories about and celebrating the arrival and spread of new Good Habits . Carefully planned new Actions are the keys to change...new Actions are the tonic!

## Thought Tweet #370
Date: 2011-12-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-370/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #370 Sometimes we want to be apart. Most times we want to be a part. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet That's the fabric of most People. We like to stand apart…and receive attention. It is nice to be noticed. Beyond that, we value being a part of community…united we stand, etc.

## Positive Mental Attitude - Defined
Date: 2011-12-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/positive-mental-attitude-defined/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined

Napoleon Hill said, " Positive Mental Attitude means your actions and thoughts further your ends ". Hill's definition aligns with Spirited Leaders' concepts and philosophies...so; we have adopted it as the definition of Positive Mental Attitude . Here are some links to examples of how this definition works with the education provided by Spirited Leaders: Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale , particularly for measuring feelings & emotions Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things Leaders must Inspire People Related to Positive Mental Attitude , Napoleon Hill also said, Sow actions and you reap habits, Sow habits and you reap character, Sow character and you reap destiny.

## Thought Tweet #369
Date: 2011-12-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-369/ | Categories: Marketing, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #369 80% on Marketing, 20% on your Product & Operations…that's the way to spend your time and effort. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet That's Harv Eker's advice…Harv is the fellow behind Millionaire Minds. He thinks most people spend far too little time Marketing and Selling. He is right.

## Frisbee Business
Date: 2011-12-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/frisbee-business/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Solutions & Opportunities

" I wondered why the Frisbee was getting bigger, and then it hit me ." Steven Wright delivered that line in his somewhat-nasal, soft, and slow voice. And, I laughed. Whenever I think of that joke it reminds me of something I observe when I look at businesses and listen to business people. I call it Frisbee Business . Here are some Frisbee Business examples I have seen, over and over again: I wondered why our accounts receivable were getting bigger, and then it hit me. I wondered why our bank debt was getting bigger, and then it hit me. I wondered why our supplier demands were getting bigger, and then it hit me. I wondered why our partner problems were getting bigger, and then it hit me. I will not argue, experience is the best teacher. Yes, the School of Hard Knocks is a very good school. But, sometimes the School of Hard Knocks delivers such knock-out blows. And, sometimes the knock-out blows are death-blows . We have seen lots of those death-blows during the past few years. Business Frisbees , including the ones I wrote above, can deliver death-blows . Once you identify a Business Frisbee address it quickly and definitely. Get your hands on Business Frisbees and wrestle them into submission while they are small enough to handle. If you find the Business Frisbee is too big to handle then do not think you can duck it...chances are 9-out-of-10 you cannot duck it. Immediately - get help from someone who can handle it. I offer this advice in an effort to help people avoid the hardest of knocks .

## Thought Tweet #368
Date: 2011-12-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-368/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #368 Leaders need the paradoxical combination of self-confidence and humility to learn. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Noel Tichy and Warren Bennis said that in their 2007 book 'Judgment - How Winning Leaders Make Great Calls'. Jim Collins talked about Humility in 'Good to Great'. And, I have had the pleasure of talking with local business leaders who display self-confidence, humility, and a quest for learning.

## Communitech's Iain Klugman visits our Centre For Family Business ["CFFB"]
Date: 2011-12-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communitechs-iain-klugman-visits-our-centre-for-family-business-cffb/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Community, Family Business and CFFB

"Family business is intertwined with our community." That's one of the first things Iain Klugman, Communitech 's CEO, said when he spoke at CFFB's October breakfast. He talked about the strong legacy of family business success in our community. We enjoyed hearing about how our community showed entrepreneurship from the outset...being off the major trade routes - that's how it all got started. For many of our members, this was their first visit to the downtown-Kitchener ' Communitech Hub '...and they enjoyed the morning. Terrific venue, a great tour of the facilities, and the opportunity to be updated about our vibrant tech community....a key part of the entrepreneurship cluster that makes Waterloo Region such a special place. Iain explained, " Communitech helps tech companies start, grow, and succeed ". And he added, " Homegrown economies are made more durable over time " and " This community has a strong history of bootstrapping ". Some Communitech facts: A National mandate...the plan is to be in every major community in Canada A broad mandate...not just helping tech companies, also helping schools An advocate for our community...recently opened an office in Ottawa A champion for digital media...raised $107Million over the last 3 years Currently house 40 companies and help 400 companies Serve as a mentor for other communities: Niagara and Guelph, are examples What has Communitech learned? Iain's answer, Communitech has learned the most-important things are: Intentionality, Hard Work, Pulling Together, Thinking Big, and Being Relevant and Valuable to the Customer [Great lessons and great advice.] In closing, Iain answered the question, How can family businesses get involved? His advice to family business was: do the best you can do at your business and get involved in community events. Thank you, Iain!

## Thought Tweet #367
Date: 2011-12-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-367/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #367 REPUTATION: a thing that slowly grows before it glows. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet But, WOW, it can sure get tarnished quickly.

## Thought Tweet #366
Date: 2011-12-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-366/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #366 “Expect the Best and Get It.” Norman Vincent Peale The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I like the double entendre, despite the likely fact it was unintended. Let's pull out that double entendre by putting it another way -"Get It and Expect the Best." Really, there is much value in Getting It.

## When I think about the future...
Date: 2011-12-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-i-think-of-the-future/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Change: Creating Positive Change, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

I was listening to ' Keys to Success ' when the following picture popped into my head: I like It I don't like it I see I don't see In ' Keys to Success ', Napoleon Hill was asking his readers/students questions like: Where are you going? How strong is your desire to get there? What changes are you making to ensure you get there? These are straightforward-enough questions. And, straightforward-enough does not necessarily mean easy enough or simple enough . One of the things we have noticed when we help people with Vision statements is: most people experience some difficulty. This is absolutely normal. About 19 out of 20 people experience difficulty describing in vivid detail the future they would like to live . For many people, it is difficult to be concrete about the future. After all, when it gets right down to it nobody can predict the future. On the other hand, most people have desires, wants, and needs. Often, those needs are strong, embedded, life-long needs. And, everyone has some level of imagination. Imagination exists in us. Why, it even works while we are asleep - creating various types of dreams...some quite fantastic. Yet, when it comes to people picturing their future, most people have difficulty. To help them, we have designed 1-Page Tools . for example, here is a link to one VISION: 1-Page Tool . The picture above forms the basis for another 1-Page Tool ...a simpler tool, which will help people who need help to get into the swing of visioning, envisioning, contemplating, and finally holding a Vivid Vision of their desired future, firmly in their minds. In relative terms, it should be easier to start by considering the near-term future...say tomorrow. When you think about what you expect to live through tomorrow: What do you see happening? What don't you see happening? How do you feel about those things you expect to happen and those things you expect will not happen tomorrow: Do you like them? Do you dislike them? Use the results to help your imagination take baby steps farther and farther into the future. Then you can answer those important questions: Where are you going? How strong is your desire to get there? What changes are you making to ensure you get there?

## Thought Tweet #365
Date: 2011-12-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-365/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #365 Sometimes people do a lot of going through the motions just to keep the status quo. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Business people go through the motions: (1) when they are just accepting their work/workplace, (2) when they are tolerating their work/workplace, and (3) when they are not enjoying their work/workplace. You can apply a graduated scale to it. (1) is better than (2) and (2) is better than (3). But, none of those 3 is particularly helpful when you are trying to grow or change a business.

## How much must YOU CHANGE to realize your dreams?
Date: 2011-12-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-much-must-you-change-to-realize-your-dreams/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Measure & Monitor, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

You probably will not read the words in this sentence if: you don't dream about achieving you think change is overrated or you think you are incapable of making personal changes. It is times like this I wish I was the most-gifted writer...then you would still be reading and wanting to read more. However, the reality is there are more people who 'turn off' to this topic than people who 'tune in' to this topic...let's call the business people who do not dream of achievement or embrace change with an open mind the Unchanging Majority . Hopefully, you have less than the normal share of Unchanging Majority people at your business. Regardless, you will have some of them. That's not 'bad news', it is just a fact. And, it is a fact you can deal with. You simply need to recognize people are different. Some people, due to past events dating back perhaps as far as the day they were born, for a huge range of reasons, do not dream of business achievement and do not embrace personal or business change with an open mind. Is this a material problem for you? You can get a better handle on the extent of the problem by rating yourself and rating others, using a Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale . Rate yourself in 3 areas: How vivid are my business dreams and how strong is my desire to achieve them? How important is it for me to make personal changes for the better? How willing am I to do the tough work of creating new Good Habits ? Rate your people, one by one, in the same 3 areas. Compare yourself to your people...check out the gaps. Consider the significance, the broad implications, of your Good Habits !

## Thought Tweet #364
Date: 2011-12-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-364/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #364 Success can mean Failure. Failure can mean Success. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet And, Failure can mean Failure. And, Success can mean Success. It all depends on what you believe, what you truly know, and how you use what you truly know. And, of course, Emotions & Egos often have the ability to overrule Common Sense.

## Strengths & Weaknesses
Date: 2011-12-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/strengths-weaknesses/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Hero Worship, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

The great Ralph Waldo Emerson said, " Our strength grows out of our weaknesses ". Ralph Waldo Emerson isn't a fellow I would want to debate. Well...let me re-state that. Actually, I would love the opportunity to exchange ideas with Emerson even if the only way to do it was debating him. And, I recognize the likelihood of me winning a debate with Emerson would be pretty close to absolute zero. I know...more information than you needed...I could not help myself because I rarely disagree with the wisdom Ralph Waldo Emerson put to paper. ...back to the topic of Strengths and weaknesses. Specifically, I am writing about Strengths and weaknesses people exhibit in workplaces...this is about business. Speaking about my personal experiences and my observations of other people, I do not believe people's strengths grow out of weaknesses. I like the way the folks at and from the Gallup organization described the source of people's strengths: natural talent themes + specialized, pertinent knowledge + skills development = Strengths, where Strength is the ability to perform actions nearly perfectly almost all the time. [I have written, in some detail, about Strengths .] The starting point for a person's Strengths is inborn, natural talent. For the vast majority of people, Strengths are due to innate talents coupled with a lot of hard work. *** That is not to say it is impossible to move from what we perceive as weakness to what we perceive as strength. Perhaps, Helen Keller illustrated this best. Helen Keller was born deaf and blind. She overcame these 'weaknesses' to be the first deaf and blind person to earn a Bachelor's Degree. She authored many books. And, she served as an inspiration to millions of people. Even still, it is difficult for me to agree with Emerson, " Our strength grows out of our weaknesses ". When I think of Helen Keller, I think " People can do amazing things despite what other people perceive to be weaknesses ". And, I think, " Embedded in Helen Keller, deeper than those perceived weaknesses of deafness and blindness, was some innate gift of talent...perhaps it was - LEARNER ". Clearly, Helen Keller also had an amazing desire to ACHIEVE. Our Strength can grow despite our weaknesses . Nobody can argue with that!

## Thought Tweet #363
Date: 2011-12-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-363/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #363 Control Things & Relate to People…Covey, the elder, said something like that. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet When I say 'the elder' I mean Stephen R. Covey. This fellow has delivered some well-packaged pieces of wisdom. For example, I believe he was the first to teach the 4 time-&-task management quadrants generated by Important, Urgent, Not-Important, and Not-Urgent. Consideration of the Importance of actions and the urgency required for actions is a great starting point for 'Controlling Things'. And, when things are under control, you remove most of the excuses that limit your ability to 'Relate to People'.

## Having Values, Delivering Value,  & Recruiting Great People
Date: 2011-12-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/having-values-delivering-value-recruiting/ | Categories: Master Rules, Spirited Leaders, Values: Personal Values

Everyone knows personal values influence people's behaviour. Most people know the interplay between people's personal values create culture, including the culture at their business place. Some people understand and agree personal Values lead to business Culture, which must be Communicated well. When that's done it leads to the generation of Value: Value for the business [profit] and Value for its people, its Clients, suppliers, shareholders, etc. At Spirited Leaders, we call this concept VCCV . If you desire business success then the best starting-point, the strongest driver, is Personal Values. Values-Culture-Communication-Value. We speak about the many ways VCCV adds potency to business. Consider, for example, the function of Recruiting Great People. In a 2011 Canadian Corporate Culture study, 85% of respondents indicated that cultural fit is more important than necessary skills when hiring 1 . When you are hiring a person to join your business you must work to understand whether or not they will 'fit in' your business Culture. That means at least 3 things: You must understand your business Culture and the details of its embedded Values and your rules [our Master Rules], You must understand the employee-candidate's personal Values , and You must determine whether or not the employee-candidate is compatible with our business Culture. And, if you are not in a position to complete the first step then you do not know your business Culture. If that's the case then that's the first thing to remedy. If you are the Leader at your business then you must remedy that immediately. Here is a link to get you started Leaders Personal Values Fuel Everything Footnotes: Waterstone Human Capital , "2011 Canadian Corporate Culture Study"

## Thought Tweet #362
Date: 2011-12-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-362/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #362 If a picture is worth 1000 words then Jacks’ apps are worth at least 100,000 words! The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet (Now, doesn't that sound like a proud father.)

## 10 Tips to Running Scared
Date: 2011-12-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/10-tips-to-running-scared/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude

10 TIPS TO RUNNING SCARED: How to do business with a Scarcity Mindset Embrace the Win-Lose Mentality: aim for 100%/0% transactions, always Be Subversive: sabotage and undermine the efforts of your co-workers Yell a Lot: screaming messages get heard & remembered Withhold Information: but, make sure you spring it on people just before the last minute Parade Your Position: never assume people know you are important...show & tell it Lie a Lot: know you possess the ability to succeed with even the biggest & fattest lies Steal the Limelight: whatever it takes - get your face in the pictures Stick With Sticks: ignore all that advice about motivational carrots Trust No One: ever Own Many Mirrors: place them strategically so you can always enjoy the view

## Thought Tweet #361
Date: 2011-12-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-361/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #361 MONEY - what's it mean? It means freedom; and if you earned the money then it may also mean self-discipline. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet The other day, a discussion of that question arose during one of our meetings. It seems to me money is a major thing in our society. Almost everybody wants more of it. Most people want things that money can buy more than they want the money itself. Some people want the money itself…stored away somewhere as security. Some other folks spend money before they get it. It seems to me money means freedom. Certainly, if you believe you have more money than you need then money brings freedom. If you have more money than you need you have choices: keeping it in a secure place, buying stuff, giving it away, working, playing, learning...whatever you choose.

## The Master Rules - Part 2
Date: 2011-12-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-master-rules-part-2/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Master Rules, Spirited Leaders, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Values: Personal Values

Part 1 of The Master Rules can be summed up just the way my 2nd boss taught it to me: He who carries the gold makes the rules . Part 2 of The Master Rules is about the importance of setting over-riding rules to help people understand: HOW things are to be done and HOW & WHAT the Right Things means when it is used in that admonition `Do the Right Things` and other admonitions like `Managing is about doing things right - Leadership is about doing the Right Things`. The Master Rules are simple, clear, top-down Rules. The Master Rules reflect the core values of the business leader. Every successful business has a culture, wrapped around high-quality core Values. At successful businesses, those core Values act like an internal compass, which helps keep People comfortable. That comfort derives from the fact People feel - not just think, People feel - comfortable about their Actions and about their Situations. When People feel comfortable and guided their action is offered with more enthusiasm and their performance is more productive. And, business is more successful. The purpose of The Master Rules is to provide the guidance which sets the stage for People comfort and People Action. Here is one example, close to our own hearts. One of Spirited Leaders` Values is Labours of Enjoyment & Enthusiasm . At Spirited Leaders, we want our People to at least enjoy their work. We know People who enjoy their work perform more and better Actions. We also know enjoyment precedes enthusiasm. When People enjoy Actions they are much more likely to be enthusiastic about repeating those Actions. We also know the feeling of enjoyment is closely linked to personal strengths: when personal strengths are engaged People feel good. One of Spirited Leaders` Master Rules is Embrace Strengths! When People know one another`s personal strengths and then work in harmony to put those different personal strengths to best use the likelihood of Labours of Enjoyment & Enthusiasm increases. That is one example of how our Master Rules mesh with our Values . Master Rules - Part 1 Footnote: At a prior Thought Post we explained Commander`s Intent underpinning Goals . The Master Rules are conceptually similar to Commander`s Intent...that`s a topic for another day.

## Thought Tweet #360
Date: 2011-12-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-360/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values

Thought Tweet #360 Integrity means different things to different people! The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Merriam-Webster online Dictionary defines INTEGRITY as: 1: firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility 2: an unimpaired condition : soundness 3: the quality or state of being complete or undivided : completeness. Incorruptibility, soundness, and completeness...the dictionary illustrates our point about the 'difference in meaning'. However, that's only the tip of the iceberg. We define Integrity another way. If you describe yourself of your business using the word Integrity then you should define it too!

## The Master Rules - Part 1
Date: 2011-12-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-master-rules-part-1/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Master Rules

My second boss taught me `The Golden Rule`. He explained it this way: He who carries the gold makes the rules . Some people might have been annoyed... like... Who does he think he is! The boss thinks he gets to tell me what to do! Huh, we will see about that! For some reason, I was not annoyed. (It might have had something to do with that little new mouth to feed in our family.) For some reason, I liked the idea of the boss telling me some rules and telling me what he wanted done. I liked the clarity of his communication too: He was the boss. I was not the boss. He carried the gold. I wanted some of it. OK - I get it. For some reason, I embraced the subordinate role...the role of a follower. While it would be an exaggeration to say I understood any of the details of it at the time, I had a general sense that to be a good leader a person must first be a good follower. And, to be a good follower a person must respect the authority of others. Acceptance alone is not enough. A follower must respect and admire the people who have the authority. I am not talking about admiring every single aspect of the boss` character or admiring every single action the boss does or every decision the boss makes. I am talking about recognition of the fact the boss has some admirable qualities and capabilities. If that were not true then the boss would not be the boss. Good followers learn from all their bosses: maybe a little, often a lot. Followers who do not accept, respect, and at least to a degree admire authority do not learn from their bosses. Followers who do not learn from their bosses do not become leaders. The Master Rules - Part 1: He who carries the gold makes the rules . Master rules - Part 2

## Thought Tweet #359
Date: 2011-12-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-359/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #359 In your business, if you could only measure one thing - what would it be? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet According to Jim Collins [the author of ‘Good to Great’ and other business books], this is a key to business greatness. To excel you must know what drives your economic engine. To be clear - you and the people at your enterprise must know the single thing drives your economic engine. And, you must measure it.

## Auftragstaktik     [Commander's Intent]
Date: 2011-11-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/auftragstaktik/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts, Seeking Simple!

A little over 200 years ago Napoleon Bonaparte's army crushed the Prussian army in the Battle of Jena-Auerstedt. In summary, Napoleon's French army was nimble and flexible in comparison to the more-bureaucratic forces of his enemies. The Prussians learned 'the hard way' about Napoleon's organizational genius and his inspired, almost invincible, followers. The 1806 defeat stung so badly it caused the Prussians to review their military methods. The resulting Prussian military thought is now known as 'Auftragstaktik'. Auftragstaktik is one of many legacies/tributes to Napoleon. In English, we call it 'Commander's Intent'. Commander's Intent has been taught in military schools throughout the world for two centuries. And, more recently, it has found its way into business literature. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia, which will clarify how Commander's Intent works in the military: " Auftragstaktik can be seen as a doctrine within which formal rules can be selectively suspended in order to overcome "friction". Carl von Clausewitz stated that "Everything in war is simple but the simplest thing is difficult". Problems will occur with misplaced communications, troops going to the wrong location, delays caused by weather, etc., and it is the duty of the commander to do his best to overcome them. Auftragstaktik encourages commanders to exhibit initiative, flexibility and improvisation while in command. In what may be seen as surprising to some, Auftragstaktik empowers commanders to disobey orders and revise their effect as long as the intent of the commander is maintained." Here is a more-succinct definition, provided by Sanjay Mishra: " Commander's Intent is " the commander's stated vision which defines the purpose of an operation, the end state with respect to the relationship among the force, the enemy and the terrain; it must enable subordinates to quickly grasp the successful end state and their part in achieving it" ." Now, with a few tweaks [like replacing the words 'commander' & 'enemy' with the words 'boss' & 'clients'] all of that applies perfectly to business... In ' Made to Stick ' the Heath brothers, Chip and Dan, made the following point about Commander's Intent: " Commander's Intent: it's about elegance and clarifying priorities...the unmistakable core of the message ." Commander's Intent is an essential part of business communication. This applies everywhere in business, but I am particularly aiming my thoughts at 3 business communications: Leadershi p communications Marketing communications, & Sales communications You will gain advantage if your communications in these 3 business areas contain Commander's Intent. As the Prussians did 200 years ago, we can learn from the example set by Napoleon: we can strive to excel at vividly envisioning the desired end state [ Vivid Vision ], we can strive to think through, in advance, hurdles our people may encounter, we can strive to excel at organizing the roles and actions of our people, we can strive to inspire our people to use their ingenuity, and we can strive to deliver concise & clear core-messages about the desired end state [ Commander's Intent ]. Footnote: I want to impress many things captured [and perhaps hidden] in the above Thought Post , but I will limit it to 2: That Carl von Clausewitz quote..." Everything in war is simple but the simplest thing is difficult. " I suppose we are saying the same thing when we claim ' Murphy's Law '. At Spirited Leaders, we promote Seeking Simple . That's a Spirited Leaders' concept. Find the simple things that go wrong before they go wrong...find the simple things that work before wasting time 'going wrong'. As Chip Heath and Dan Heath taught in ' Made to Stick ', if you want people to understand and remember your messages make them sticky - Sticky SUCCESs Stories - Simple , Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, Story. Commander's Intent is embedded in Simple .

## Thought Tweet #358
Date: 2011-11-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-358/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #358 Some business people are so stressed out they are like attacks waiting for human encounters. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet You don’t want these sorts of people on your team…do you? And, if you have some of them on your team then you want to figure out how to stop them from consuming so much of your time and your energy…right?

## Here's a question for you...
Date: 2011-11-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/heres-a-question-for-you/ | Categories: Measure & Monitor, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

Measurement serves a key role in business: we all know that. Plan, Lead, Organize, & Control...those are the keys to good business and Measurement is the mechanism of Control. Some say, " If you cannot measure it then do not do it ". Marketing experts, including Jay Abraham, teach that. Business coaches, including Brad Sugars, teach that. Quality control experts and ISO experts live and breathe control and measurement. As a business leader, you recognize the importance of measurement. I promised a question for you, here it is... How do you help your people rise up the Ladder of Great Measurements ? Where the ladder works like this: The Highest Rung - everyone looks forward to measuring the vital stuff and everyone is absolutely thrilled every time things are measured The Middle Rung - people are inspired, self-driven to measure important stuff with timeliness and accuracy The Lowest Rung - people must be policed...otherwise they avoid measuring stuff How do you inspire best measurement practices?

## Thought Tweet #357
Date: 2011-11-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-357/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #357 Winners embrace ownership of task. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Winners are self-starters and they embrace delegation and accountability. Winners go the extra mile, providing unexpected work for the employer. Winners self-monitor and self-regulate.

## Thought Tweet #356
Date: 2011-11-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-356/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #356 Failing isn't pleasant…but it's OK. Figuring out how it happened is better. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Some experts say, ‘fail often and fail quickly’. The point being: do not expect perfection and do not criticize failure. Some say, if you succeed 51% of the time then you will ultimately be a winner. Regardless of the statistics on the right balance between successes and failure, there is no question – failing can be very educational. But, you only receive education when you are willing to situation-analyze, self-analyze...and learn.

## The Wonderful World of Sales
Date: 2011-11-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-wonderful-world-of-sales/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Sales

As you can see from my book reviews, I just read a sales book and re-read an old one. The two books are called: Stop Whining! Start Selling! Profit-Producing Strategies for Explosive Sales Results & Stop Selling & Do Something Valuable Stop whining, start selling, stop selling, & do something valuable. What end's up & what's a salesperson to do? Welcome to the Wonderful World of Sales . No end to the sales advice...almost all of which is good advice. *** Question : Why so much appetite for sales advice? Answer : Because, for most folks Sales just keep getting tougher and tougher. *** I am working at creating a simple & fool-proof recipe to help Salespeople. Here are the primary ingredients in my Sales-Success Recipe : A compelling and precise answer to this question: ' Why are you in a Sales role? ' A definite Purpose...a clear picture of a Career Goal. An emphatic commitment to Self-Discipline. A commitment to Life-Long Learning...about People. Footnotes: The answer to the question ' Why are you in a Sales role? ' is always 'telling'. Few answers cut the mustard. So, we need to keep our eyes and ears open for the answers that do cut the mustard. [All the less-than-acceptable answers signal future failure in the making.] Sales must be done 'on Purpose'...it is as simple as that. Self-discipline is essential because Sales roles tug at the Salesperson's emotions and emotions pull and shake Salespeople every which way but rarely point them in the successful direction. Life-Long Learning about People...remembering, People really do want to buy...buying stuff - well that's a perk enjoyed by most human beings.

## Thought Tweet #355
Date: 2011-11-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-355/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #355 Knowledge can backfire. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Selling, for example, has little to do with the technical things you know and/or can talk about. As time goes on, sales people learn more and more about the product/service they sell. Human nature being what it is they cannot resist sharing with prospects all the technical stuff they know. As they do this, they talk too much and listen too little. They educate the customers. The customers applaud. But, your Sales fall off.

## 'Being Evocative'...that's the new Starting Point
Date: 2011-11-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/being-evocativethats-the-new-starting-point/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Marketing, Personalities @ Work, Sales

People get bored real quickly these days! Probably, I have lulled you to sleep already and I have only begun to write. If you will just hang in a bit more I will try to be quick with this message. Maybe bullet points will help? People get bored real quickly these days! So, we need to do special stuff when we want to communicate with them! The experts say, " You must be evocative ". [translation - "You must pluck at people's emotional chords."] That's the way to get people's attention. How do you do that? How do you pluck at people's emotional chords? Here are some suggestions: Be Authentic : If you have a magnetic personality then use it. If you don't have natural charisma then work at improving your personality traits. Pick traits you desire to have then work at incorporating them into your character...I mean - want to improve and then work at it for the rest of your life. Be Intentional : Know exactly why you want to pluck at people's emotional chords. Your intent must have more substance than just trying to cram a sale or an idea down somebody's throat. A purely self-serving intent will not succeed. Be Colourful : Emotions have little interest in logic. Emotions like shiny objects, fast-moving things, colourful things, sharp sounds, funny things...stimulating things. Emotions like all these types of things but emotions do not like logic. This is just an introduction. If your communications are not achieving the results you seek then make some adjustments. If you think your people are not 'getting it' then make some adjustments. If you think younger folks don't listen then make some adjustments. After all...your goals are important! And... 'Being Evocative' is the new Starting Point!

## Thought Tweet #354
Date: 2011-11-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-354/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #354 When people feel too busy difference is a problem rather than a blessing. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet If you feel 'too busy' or if, without feeling 'too busy', you think differences in people is a problem then you may find you need some education on: how to be honest with yourself how to know yourself how to embrace difference

## In the Clutch of Ideas
Date: 2011-11-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/in-the-clutch-of-ideas/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Hero Worship, Personalities @ Work

People are fond of their own ideas. As a rule, the attachment is strong: I like my ideas and you like your ideas. That`s the way normal people feel and think. And, those normal feelings and thoughts influence people's behaviour. When you come up with an idea, say a solution to a problem, you tend to like your idea better than alternative ideas presented by other people. Your idea is your invention, your 'brain child'. Your ideas clutch you. If you do not self-monitor and self-regulate then you can find yourself held firmly in the clutches of your own ideas. While the clutch of ideas can lead to great innovations and inventions, more often than not, it also adds a repulsive flavour to your personality. Of course, that's not a good thing. A repulsive personality is not a good thing because it reduces your ability to gain the cooperation of other people...which is necessary for your success. A magnetic personality is a good thing. So, no matter how terrific your ideas are you must self-monitor and self-regulate their delivery. Some say you should use pre-thought-out series of questions, designed to trick or manoeuvre other people so they come to the conclusions you desire. Socrates used those techniques. That was over 2400 years ago. It is clear, this in-the-Clutch-of-Ideas problem has been around for quite some time. It is part of the human condition. Other people take advantage of various forms of power to cause people to accept their ideas. This worked really well for millennia, however, it is becoming increasingly less effective....for a number of reasons beyond the scope of this article. The points are: People are prone to find themselves in the clutch of their own ideas. It is much harder than it used to be to bulldoze your ideas through other people. Better solutions are required to succeed in the 21st Century. The 1st Action steps are: Self-monitor...understand the extent of the clutch your ideas have on you, then impose limits on that clutch. Self-regulate...be at least a little bit more open to other people's ideas. Allow your thinking to be more creative...for example, take a lesson from Edward de Bono's 'Six Thinking Hats'.

## Thought Tweet #353
Date: 2011-11-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-353/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Leaders' Thoughts, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #353 If you are uncomfortable networking, that's contagious. If you enjoy networking, that's contagious. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet So, as a networker...what are you spreading?

## Baby Steps
Date: 2011-11-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/baby-steps/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Family Business and CFFB

When babies learn how to walk they make all kinds of mistakes. I don't remember making mistakes when I learned how to walk but I do remember our boys making walking-mistakes when they were about a year old. And, I know this is common because I have seen every one of my friends' and relatives' babies do it. Sometimes babies' little legs give out and they fall straight down, onto their little behinds. Sometimes they trip over the smallest of obstacles. Sometimes their little feet just slip right out from under them...and down they go. Sometimes their little hands cling to things like tables, they walk a bit while they are holding on then fall down as soon as they let go of the tables. Babies fall down a lot. And while that is going on people applaud them...especially parents and grandparents and other close relatives. They don't mind it at all when babies make all those baby-step mistakes. In fact, many of them seem to derive great joy from these experiences. Often, people carry on in celebration of the failed baby steps...encouraging all the babies to keep on taking more and more baby steps. I suspect this is a world-wide phenomenon...a baby-step pandemic. Why? Why do people put up with let alone derive great joy out of all these baby-step errors? Perhaps, the answer lies in a 200 year old quote from William Drayton, American politician and author: "Change starts when someone sees the next step." Maybe people see the baby's next step? Maybe, when people see that next step it is a fine step? Maybe people always see a fine next step? Maybe it doesn't matter if the baby makes a mistake...it is always a fine step? Maybe babies, who illustrate to us just how challenging a baby step can be, help interested people see Change before it happens?

## Thought Tweet #352
Date: 2011-11-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-352/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Thought Tweet #352 When Leaders tell followers what to do they need to limit that telling to BIG PICTURE things. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Some think Leaders should provide followers latitude to do their work as they choose. Some think that’s the way to breed creativity and maximize motivation, innovation, and results. Meanwhile, many [perhaps most] entrepreneur-Leaders tend to micro-manage. 4 keys to success in business: The Leader must pick strong/capable followers, The Leader must tell those followers the desired BIG PICTURE things such as VALUES, VISION, MASTER RULES, and MAJOR GOALS, The Leader must show those followers how he/she [the Leader] goes about his/her work [actions]…i.e., setting one example, the example that fits the Leader’s strengths and personality, and the Leader must make it clear he/she expects followers to take action that fits their unique strengths and personalities.

## Thought Tweet #351
Date: 2011-11-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-351/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Seeking Simple!, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #351 When we are able to describe things in 1 or 2 words we possess a tool of genius! The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Most people need to make their communication more concise. They can learn how to do that by studying creative thinking.

## Entrepreneur - Defined
Date: 2011-11-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/defining-an-entrepreneur/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Personalities @ Work, Entrepreneur Thinking

3 forces drive entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs have this burning feeling inside them…a Need To Achieve something. I describe it as ‘ a wanting ’. Entrepreneurs have a desire to create and Build Things Of Value. Entrepreneurs have a need to Be Recognized As Different – a different type of contributor. These are defining internal forces driving An Entrepreneur . In addition, An Entrepreneur is a business leader who: Recognizes, uses, & develops People Strengths…first in self and then in others, Clicks with other People [has self-control & a pleasing-enough personality], and Is ready, willing, and able to lead change…first in self and then in others. These are the defining characteristics of – the key Personal Strengths of - An Entrepreneur . These 3 forces coupled with these 3 characteristics form Spirited Leaders’ definition of An Entrepreneur .

## Thought Tweet #350
Date: 2011-11-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-350/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #350 "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." Einstein The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Good Questions are a key to excellence. Good Questions can maximize self-knowledge and lead to excellent communication…and life-long relationships. A link to more thoughts about “Good Questions” .

## Emotions - Defined
Date: 2011-11-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/defining-emotions/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

In this Thought Post I consider dictionary definitions around the word ‘Emotion’ then adopt what I find to be a much-more-helpful description of Emotions, provided by the world-renowned psychologist and pioneer in the study of Emotions, Paul Ekman. I go into this detail because: I believe People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things I believe Emotions play a huge role in day-to-day business life First, I looked at the on-line Merriam-Webster dictionary to obtain their definition of Emotion. I have copied below Merriam-Webster’s definition of ‘Emotion’ and their definitions of two words used in their definition of ‘Emotion’ [‘Affective’ and ‘Feeling’]. It seems to me the Merriam-Webster definition of Emotion is cumbersome and circular. And, it is inaccurate. So, Spirited Leaders has adopted Paul Ekman’s definition of Emotion [see below]. *** From Merriam-Webster’s on-line dictionary: Definition of EMOTION 1 a obsolete : disturbance b : excitement 2 a : the affective aspect of consciousness: feeling b : a state of feeling c : a conscious mental reaction (as anger or fear) subjectively experienced as strong feeling usually directed toward a specific object and typically accompanied by physiological and behavioral changes in the body Definition of AFFECTIVE 1 : relating to, arising from, or influencing feelings or emotions: emotional <cognitive and affective symptoms> 2 : expressing emotion < affective language> Definition of FEELING 1 a (1) : one of the basic physical senses of which the skin contains the chief end organs and of which the sensations of touch and temperature are characteristic: touch (2) : a sensation experienced through this sense b : generalized bodily consciousness or sensation c : appreciative or responsive awareness or recognition 2 a : an emotional state or reaction <a kindly feeling toward the boy> plural : susceptibility to impression: sensitivity <the remark hurt her feelings > 3 a : the undifferentiated background of one's awareness considered apart from any identifiable sensation, perception, or thought b : the overall quality of one's awareness c : conscious recognition: sense 4 a : often unreasoned opinion or belief: sentiment b : presentiment 5 : capacity to respond emotionally especially with the higher emotions 6 : the character ascribed to something: atmosphere 7 : the quality of a work of art that conveys the emotion of the artist b : sympathetic aesthetic response *** Definition of EMOTION [ Paul Ekman’s , which we have adopted] According to Paul Ekman, and to a degree I am simplifying and paraphrasing here, Emotions are defined by 7 characteristics: 1. Signals : Emotions are mental states, most of which exhibit consistent visible cues. 2. Automatic Appraisal : Emotions occur automatically and very fast...1/4 second. 3. Lack of Awareness : Consciousness plays little role if any...most Emotions are opaque to consciousness and thought. Nature did not want us to be able to consciously control Emotions. However, thoughts can re-trigger Emotions. 4. Not Unique to Humans : Other animals exhibit the same Emotions as Humans. There is no Human Emotion that cannot be seen in at least one other animal. 5. Short Duration : Emotions can last for extremely short periods (seconds) or longer, but they never last longer than a day. (longer-lasting ‘states of mind’ are defined as Moods) 6. Conscious Awareness of Emotions is a Skill : using special exercises, it can be developed. We can become skilled at self-monitoring, being present, and self-regulating. We need to explore the motivation and intent behind our Emotions. Knowledge and skill around motivation and intent will help us understand and control our Emotions. 7. Emotions can get us into trouble ..." I lost my head ". In fact, it seems Ekman thinks Emotions do present-day Humans little, if any, good. Emotions, all of them, are vestiges of evolution. Footnotes To learn about Paul Ekman Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary

## Thought Tweet #349
Date: 2011-11-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-349/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #349 Pay attention to your Client's work culture. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Culture: observe your Client's work environment...what 'group norms' do you see and hear? Every business has a Culture...either a planned one or one that developed without a plan. When you observe the business culture at your Client's workplace you can adjust your expectations and actions. as examples: (1) if it is clear to you that your Client works in a firefighting atmosphere then you will want to consider that and (2) if your Client works in a high staff-turnover environment then you can consider that.

## Defining A Goal
Date: 2011-11-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/defining-a-goal/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals

Some time ago I found the following quote: “A goal is not the same as a desire, and this is an important distinction to make. You can have a desire you don't intend to act on. But you can't have a goal you don't intend to act on.” Then I found the author of the quote…here is a picture of the fellow – ‘Old Tom’ Morris: Then I learned a bit about the fellow: Many consider Tom Morris to be the Father of Golf. Born 1821 – St. Andrews, Scotland Died 1908 – St. Andrews, Scotland 4 major championships in the 1860’s World Golf Hall of Fame - 1976 Upon examining Tom’s quote, I uncovered a concise definition of ‘A Goal’: “ A goal is not the same as a desire , and this is an important distinction to make. You can have a desire you don't intend to act on. But you can't have a goal you don't intend to act on .” A Goal is a desire you intend to act on. That’s Spirited Leaders’ definition of A Goal . And, when we teach that definition we bear in mind the advice of Old Tom Morris. *** Another Goal quote: “In moving toward, fighting for and completing goals, energy is renewed and released, and as Blake said, "Energy is Bliss!" Laurence G. Boldt Laurence G. Boldt William Blake [“Energy is Bliss!”]

## Thought Tweet #348
Date: 2011-11-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-348/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #348 If you want people to buy into your ideas then you must 'pre-communicate'. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet (1) Experts have been studying people connections, networks, and hubs for over 40 years. Experts concluded weak links, including the most casual interactions with people we only know briefly or through friends-of-friends, often provide the greatest rewards, including access to innovation. (2) Far too many businesses operate like sheep following the herd in their business sector. Even casual connections with people outside your business sector can open doors to tremendous innovations.

## Robin Todd visits our Centre for Family Business [CFFB] - “Confessions of a Bad Boss”
Date: 2011-11-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/robin-todd-visits-our-centre-for-family-business-cffb-confessions-of-a-bad-boss/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Family Business and CFFB, Leaders' Thoughts, Succession

Robin Todd, President/CEO of Marks Supply Inc., was the special-guest speaker at CFFB’s October breakfast. Robin shared her family-business story and she shared her ‘boss’ experiences. That title “ Confessions of a Bad Boss ” send many messages. Here are some of the thoughts that went through our minds as we listened to and talked with Robin: No Boss is perfect…all Bosses make mistakes Owning up to those mistakes…that involves self-awareness, courage, and a desire to improve All Bosses can learn…it starts with self-monitoring Bosses can learn from their mistakes Robin has a habit of testing herself with tough questions…here are a few samples: What if you impede the success of your company? Great people have options: how do I find them? Entice them? Keep them? What did you do wrong to allow this person to leave? Robin’s key message was: How much better would your company be if you were a better boss? About Marks Supply Inc. – a local Family Business Success Story . Marks Supply is a wholesaler of top-quality Plumbing, P.V.F., Hydronics and HVAC products. Recognizing their products, to some degree, are viewed as a commodity, Marks Supply strives to out-service its competition. Robin joined the family business when she finished schooling. That required an adjustment on the part of her Dad. He wanted to separate family and business. None of Robin’s 3 older sisters worked at the family business. Robin was the first and only to join her father. They agreed to a one-year period. After the year, when her Dad agreed to keep her full time he provided this piece of advice: “Show up earlier, stay later, work harder, and be happier than everyone else. Don’t embarrass me.” What clarity and candour of advice. What valuable Father-to-Daughter advice. Particularly the part about being happier, what a way to lead by example: working hard and being happy while you do it! Working for her father, Robin moved through a number of jobs…as her career unfolded and her responsibilities grew. In 1995, when her father decided it was time to sell, he sold the business to Robin. That was a surprise to Robin and others in her family and her business. At this ‘transition’, Robin’s Dad provided another excellent piece of advice: “Don’t be trapped…make sure you have money…there will be surprises that require money.” Robin followed her father’s advice. She repaid her ‘buy-out’ debts in 5 years. During the last 16 years, Robin has led Marks Supply to impressive growth - from $8Million to $71MM. Robin was very candid. She plans for continued growth. Why?... ”Because you grow or die!” It was very clear to all of us…Robin isn’t a Bad Boss …Robin balances the numbers side of business [impressive growth of revenue] with the personal side of business [the Human side]. She thinks a lot about the people who choose to follow her at Marks Supply . She has learned from the people-mistakes she has made. She takes full responsibility for her errors…and her self-development. Robin closed with: “If you care about your people, you should let them know” *** Congratulations on your personal and business achievements, Robin! THANK YOU for sharing your Family Business Success Story with our CFFB . PS: Robin Todd was recently has selected as one of Canada’s 100 Top Women Entrepreneurs in the 12th annual PROFIT W100 ranking . This, of course, is far from the first time Robin’s leadership has been recognized…and there’s no question – it will not be the last. Link to Marks Supply Link to CFFB

## Thought Tweet #347
Date: 2011-11-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thought-tweet-347/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #347 Do you know your company's Differential Advantage? Are you thrilled about it? Are your Clients thrilled? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Differential Advantage answers the question, Why should people buy from your company rather than buy from one of your competitors or do nothing? If your company cannot answer this question then you better figure one out or find a new employer.

## Thought Tweet #346
Date: 2011-11-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-346/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #346 What questions do you ask to gain better understanding of people? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Every sales person should have a repertoire of BEST QUESTIONS. Every hiring manager should have a repertoire of BEST QUESTIONS. Every networker should have a repertoire of BEST QUESTIONS. Every interested boss should have a repertoire of BEST QUESTIONS. Every CEO should have a repertoire of BEST QUESTIONS.

## Why should I buy from you?
Date: 2011-11-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-should-i-buy-from-you/ | Categories: Marketing, Measure & Monitor, Sales

After all…I have lots of choices: I can buy from one of your competitors I can buy stuff nobody in your market sector sells I can keep my money So, with all those options… Why should I buy from you? Picture yourself as a salesperson. You are supposed to be selling…and you want me to become your customer, your Client. Then, right out of the blue I spring this question on you, Why should I buy from you? How, on a Minus10 -to- Plus10 Scale , do you feel when I ask that question?… …where: Minus10 means you have a panic attack right on the spot…when you are revived you are pleased to see that I have left the building Minus5 means you squirm a bit, look down, and then look over my shoulder in hopes of finding a more-reasonable shopper Zero0 means you don’t really understand the question so you smile politely and feign poor hearing, offer you hand, I shake it, and you walk away Plus5 means you really like sales work and you are pretty sure you know the right answer…you move into selling mode while I am looking puzzled Plus10 means you are thrilled…you know your company’s Differential Advantage and you know exactly how to communicate it with enthusiasm to people like me *** In an effort to help you get to Plus10 … Answer these questions: What makes your company different from your competitors? What’s special about your company? Why would I even give a care about that special thing? What’s special about your products or services? Why would I need that special thing? What feelings make me want that special thing? How do you package a communication that excites and magnetizes buyers? Of course, you should ask yourself many more questions before you finalize your company’s Differential Advantage . PS: A suggestion from Michael Gerber: Make a promise your Clients want to hear. Make a promise your Competitors wouldn’t dare to offer. Footnote Our definition of Differential Advantage : a company’s Differential Advantage is a concise statement that answers the question, “Why should I buy from you rather than buy from one of your competitors, buy some other thing, or do nothing?” Even if you have the best answer in the world, your answer, your Differential Advantage , will not appeal and magnetize everyone. It will appeal and magnetize your Ideal Clients …and that’s the whole point.

## Thought Tweet #345
Date: 2011-11-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-345/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #345 You should deliver positive messages. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet We tested positive and negative marketing messages. We tried both "in these tough economic times" and "to build for the future". We found our positive messages were twice as successful as our negative messages. So we work to keep our communications on the positive side of centre.

## Making Change
Date: 2011-11-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/making-change/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change

From time to time, you want people to change. For example, you want them to change the way they act at work. I am thinking about what you may be thinking: you may be thinking about two extremes: You cannot assume people will change their actions…even when people say they will change You cannot demand people to change…even though people say they accept your demands I mean – you must have noticed people say they will change their actions then later you observe they have not changed. And, you must have noticed you have made demands of your people and those demands fell short of getting done. After noticing these things, you probably would like to do better in the future. When people say they are going to do something you rely on their word...so, you would like people to live up to their word. When you have authority, as a business leader, from time to time you need to make demands of people. You don't overdo your position of authority. On occasion, you make 'executive decisions' and demands of people. When you have the need and you make the executive decision followed by a demand you want the demand to generate the action you desire. Regardless, too often the action you expect does not happen. So, in order to generate the action you desire you must help people change. To help people change you need to find the middle ground. WARNING: The middle ground probably isn’t where you think it is. It isn’t situated in logic discussions and arguments. It is situated in simple tools, which get around the emotions that cloud over logic.

## Thought Tweet #344
Date: 2011-11-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-344/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #344 It happens. People have bad-mood days...don't push people when they are in bad moods. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Here we are talking about both listening and watching body language. If a person is having a real tough day then it is better to come back another time or another day.

## About Spirited Leaders & our Unicorn logo
Date: 2011-11-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-spirited-leaders-our-unicorn-logo/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Entrepreneur Thinking, Spirited Leaders, Unicorn, Values: Personal Values

WHO are we? Our Vision : Canada’s best source for entrepreneurial business education WHAT do we do? Our Purpose : We educate entrepreneurs. HOW do we do that? Our Values : Courage, Confidence, ‘The Differences’, Learning, Labours of Enjoyment & Enthusiasm Our Branding Proposition : Inspire People, Grow Profits! WHY are we doing what we do? We enjoy learning. We enjoy business. We enjoy teaching. WITH WHOM – Who receives benefit? Our Ideal Clients are entrepreneurial business leaders who want to champion change. WHAT DO OUR CLIENTS GAIN? With enjoyable and helpful business education, action lessons, and tools - we help our Clients inspire practical business. WHY THE NAME SPIRITED? Spirited is defined as: full of courage, energy, and action. We like the adjective - spirited . WHY THE UNICORN LOGO? Unicorns are spirited, courageous creatures. Perhaps…if not likely…they are creatures of mythology. Regardless, they are symbols of inspiration for many cultures around the world. Some say unicorns are the only mythological creature not created out of fear. We really like that last part. [Sure, we know unicorns have some weaknesses…but wow, what Strengths!]

## Thought Tweet #343
Date: 2011-11-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-343/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Thought Tweet #343 Know Nature’s laws, use those laws, and obtain the help of other people. Time, thinking…then wisdom. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This is my interpretation of a piece of Napoleon Hill’s message. He defined wisdom in terms of Nature’s laws and the co-operation and harmony of people, as they use Nature’s laws to create things of value. At least, that’s how I understand Napoleon Hill’s teachings.

## Business people are struggling with Networking
Date: 2011-11-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-people-are-struggling-with-networking/ | Categories: Networking: The Joys of Connection

If you think that is hogwash then – Congratulations ! [I would love to hear your stories.] *** If you are still reading this Thought Post then you know some business folks who are struggling with networking . Here is the advice I gave at a recent Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce networking event: If you are uncomfortable networking, that's contagious. If you enjoy networking, that's contagious….so If you are uncomfortable networking, either: Don’t do any more business networking [business networking is not a necessary evil…it is not an interpersonal exercise where misery enjoys company] or Figure out how to get comfortable before you do any more business networking [a little creative thought can go a long, long way toward making business networking an enjoyable experience] In addition to those ‘basic rules’… If you haven’t given much thought to whether or not you are comfortable with business networking then don’t do business networking until you are prepared to check your networking pulse . Again, business networking is not a necessary evil …if you view it that way then what you see is what you’ll get. If you have no networking goals then don’t do business networking until you are prepared to set some business networking goals . Whatever you do – do not settle with going through the business-networking motions . Just going through the business-networking motions will be unsatisfying for you and for the all the business folks you encounter while you are doing it. *** The Good News : regardless of how you feel today, you can learn to get comfortable with and maybe even enjoy business networking [if that is something you want to learn]. *** What is Networking? I have written several articles on the topic…here’s a link . In summary, Networking is a way to meet other business people. Networking is a way to accomplish ‘personal branding’. And, from time to time Networking may become the step in a buying process connecting with a step in a selling process [and, of course, vice-versa].

## Thought Tweet #342
Date: 2011-11-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-342/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Thought Tweet #342 Don’t keep guessing why results didn’t happen: define and measure the Conversion of Actions. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet More often than not people ignore the need to measure the conversions that link actions to results. One of my friends uses a PIE approach. PIE: Plan, Implement, and Evaluate. His PIE approach allows him to make adjustments and achieve goals.

## An unbelievable ‘selling’ experience
Date: 2011-11-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-unbelievable-selling-experience/ | Categories: Sales

A few months ago, it was mid-afternoon and I was sitting alone at a table in a coffee shop. I was trying to put the 15 ‘free’ minutes between meetings to good use….i.e., some coffee and some reading. I looked up just in time to see my friend Jim enter with another fellow. Jim walked over to my table and said, “ Rick, meet Bob. Bob, meet Rick. Bob, this is the fellow I was talking to you about last week. How about I get the coffees while you talk with Rick. Bob…maybe the two of you can hash out a deal so Rick provides the service we discussed .” Jim got in the coffee line-up and Bob sat down at my table, across from me. Bob summarized the situation at his business. He outlined his understanding of what Jim had told him about my services and asked what it would take to have me sitting in his office providing the first piece of my service within 2 weeks. I told him. He extended his hand and we shook on the deal. We both put the first meeting date and time into our BlackBerrys. Bob thanked me. Then Bob got up to join Jim in the coffee line-up. The entire interaction took perhaps 2 or 3 minutes. I had a sip of coffee, looked up at the coffee line-up and a question popped into my mind….what can I do to deliver experiences of that quality?

## Sales Tweet #340
Date: 2011-11-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-340/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #340 People lie. Don't take it personally... they're only human. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Everyone lies. Some people lie a lot. Some people only lie a bit. Some people tell whopping lies. Some people are pathological liars. Most people tend to judge others harshly when others lie while they tend to forgive themselves when they lie.

## My Uncle Jack’s Plus-Minus Theory
Date: 2011-11-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/my-uncle-jack-s-plus-minus-theory/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Measure & Monitor

On a warm summer afternoon a couple of months ago, I was sitting on my Uncle Jack’s porch…chatting with him about many things, some serious and some definitely-not. That’s when he surprised me by asking, “ Haven’t I ever told you my Plus-Minus Theory? ” I said “ No ” and sat back to catch a little more shade and listen to my Uncle Jack’s Plus-Minus Theory . He explained, “ At the end of the day we should think about the ‘pluses’ of the day and the ‘minuses’ of the day. If we find the ‘minuses’ consumed more than 75% of the day then we better make changes. ” Now, since that afternoon, I have thought about pluses and minuses every single day. And, I have shared my Uncle Jack’s ‘theory’ with a number of folks. Each time I share the story and the theory I talk about the thoughts I have had for several years about feeling good and feeling bad at work and the thoughts I had about measuring these feelings. I talk about the fact I have worked at teaching and helping people learn the importance of doing these things. I talk about the Minus10 -to- Plus10 Scale we use to measure feelings. And, I never fail to mention I had no idea my favourite Uncle had already established a ‘theory’ on this topic, beating me [and many of the motivational gurus by decades]. Clearly, this is proof we need to spend more time with our Favourite Uncles! Footnotes: At Spirited Leaders we use colours as visual signals: green = good things…especially Good Habits blue = New Things red = Bad Habits Minus10 -to- Plus10 Scale : like my Uncle Jack’s ‘pluses’ and ‘minuses’ we are talking about monitoring feelings throughout the workday. Negative feelings are feelings that signal you are not in situations or taking actions aligned with your goals. Positive feelings are feelings that signal you arein situations or taking actions aligned with your goals. Plus 1-4 : you are at least accepting the situation and have some comfort about your action Plus 5-7 : you enjoy the situation and the action you are taking Plus 8-10 : you are enthusiastic about the situation and your actions Link: How do you feel when you are at work?

## Sales Tweet #339
Date: 2011-11-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-339/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #339 Today. Talk no more than 30% of the time and listen at least 70% of the time. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This applies not just to sales but to all conversation. People will tend to like you more if you are skilled at listening. If you struggle with listening the work at self-monitoring. A small percentage of people are born with the character trait known as self-monitoring. If you want to succeed in business and you were not born with this character trait then you have to learn it.

## Buried Treasures – Inspired Measures
Date: 2011-11-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/buried-treasures-inspired-measures/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Measure & Monitor, Spirited Leaders

Buried Treasures - Inspired Measures It’s fun to measure your steps when you know the path leads to gold ! *** That’s the title of Spirited Leaders’ workshop on ‘ Measurement ’. The workshop is an introduction to our views about and tools for measurement of business things . In the workshop we guide business Leaders toward the measurement of most-important Actions . Our introductory workshop covers two of the most-important aspects of Action : the cause-effect linkage Actions have with business Goals and the interpersonal implications of Actions …specifically, the implications in the areas of self-monitoring, self-regulating and Inspiring others. These aspects of business are vital to Leaders’ success. For our workshops, we make an effort to provide at least a little theory & creativity and at least two practical tools, which we call 1-Page Tools . Intentionally, at workshops we do not get too deep into our theories or philosophies. Some people ask us for more details, more details about the theories and philosophies. The following is an effort to explain a bit of the thinking behind the workshop title Buried Treasures - Inspired Measures It’s fun to measure your steps when you know the path leads to gold ! First, here is a quote from the 2009 revision of ‘ ZEN and the art of making a living’ by Laurence G. Boldt: “If we limit our knowledge to that which can be quantified, we miss not only the wonder of the Mystery but also the possibility of the revelation.” We are in 100% agreement with Boldt. To confirm we are giving more than lip-service support to his statement…check out a little piece I wrote about 6 months ago titled ‘ Marvel & The Mysteries of Life ’. We marvel at the wonder of the Mystery . And, we know the most-important things are un-measureable. Certainly, at this time they are un-measureable. We can neither measure the details of the tiniest things like atomic particles nor the secrets at work in the simplest of animal brains. That said, most of us must go to work and earn livings. That said: we can approach our work as: a great-big-necessary-evil part of life or an opportunity to fulfil our life-purpose or a confusing thing lying between or waffling between (1) and (2) From those options, we choose (2). Our workshops are our effort to help business Leaders who also choose (2). About… Buried Treasures – to the extent we are on a business quest, why not think in terms of looking at rolled up maps and taking measured Actions…in search of treasure? Wouldn’t that sort of thinking make the journey a little more exciting and cause one to take the time and care to perform Inspired Measures ? Won’t it be more fun to measure your steps when you know your path leads to gold ? Footnote…about the coloured fonts At Spirited Leaders, we use colours to signal & highlight certain things: green = good things… Good Habits blue = New Things …which can lead to Good Habits gold…well…gold = Gold!

## Sales Tweet #338
Date: 2011-11-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-338/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #338 People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits & New Things. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Everything people do can be classed as a Good Habit, a Bad Habit, or a New Thing. Mostly, people do Good Habits and do Bad Habits. From time to time they do New Things. Doing New Things is a major key to making changes…and developing Good Habits. Doing New Things is the major key to success.

## What are your Intentions?
Date: 2011-11-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-are-your-intentions/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Intention may be one of the most underrated forces. I recently listened to a CD where Deepak Chopra said: Intention has organizational power…in a way; Intention is the most powerful force in the universe . If that is even partially true then, definitely, Intention is one of the most underrated forces. Intention is closely linked to Inspiration . When I use the word Intention, I mean – ‘ a determination to act in a certain way ’. When I use the word Inspiration, I mean – ‘ a power to influence emotions and move action’ . Putting that together… Be determined to act in certain ways and that will give you the power to influence emotions and move action…your emotions and actions – and – the emotions and actions of other people. Be determined to act in a certain way. What way is that? [you might ask] Seems to me the choices are unlimited! [you might think as you ask] True - the choices are unlimited. So – we need to figure out a way to do this sort of exercise quickly…before we get bored or annoyed or distracted by easier and perhaps more immediately-rewarding things. Get a piece of paper and write across the top: Actions I Do at Work Draw a line down the middle of the page On one side of the line write Feel Good when I do them and on the other side of the line write Do Not Feel Good when I do them . Then, think about the actions you do at work… consider the specific actions you take as you perform tasks. Think of the specific actions you take as you interact with other people. Think of the specific actions you take when you are working on your business goals. Think of 30 or so specific actions. Write those actions on the page…on one side or the other. Now, circle the actions you believe contribute to you work goals. Take a close look at the actions you have circled on the side of the page titled ‘ I Feel Good when I do them ’. Focus on these actions as you begin to plan how you will be determined to act in certain ways that will give you the power to influence emotions and move action…your emotions and actions – and – the emotions and actions of other people. That’s a good 1st step toward acting with Intent and acting to Inspire. Actions I Do at Work I Feel Good when I do them I Do Not Feel Good when I do them

## Sales Tweet #337
Date: 2011-11-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-337/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #337 Find Clients for your Clients. Then your Clients will be enthusiastic about you. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Definitely, your Clients would appreciate it if you would lead by example and deliver a Client to them!

## the Transporter of your messages
Date: 2011-10-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-transporter-of-your-messages/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Communication: Improving Communication

You ship messages… …every waking moment …every single day. Why not spend 30 seconds or so, right now…thinking about “ the Transporter of your messages ”? Before you present your messages to the Transporter of your messages you flavour your messages with your Mood and with your Thoughts, particularly your assessment of the Situation at hand. Then, your message is delivered by your appearance, your body language, especially your facial expressions, your tones, and the gestures you make with your hands and arms. Those are the transporters of your messages .

## Business Problems…Will $ help?
Date: 2011-10-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-problems-will-24-help/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities

Most people think money solves most business problems. Our experience says otherwise. An injection of money, in most situations, either delays solutions or obscures problems so they appear to be solved. But, root problems are tough things…like weeds in a garden. You can cover them over. But, somehow they manage to sprout back. You can cut them down. But, somehow they manage to sneak back at you. Business problems are like weeds. Strong roots. Hidden roots. Tough-to-get-at roots. While it is much less widespread in Ontario than it used to be, you can get rid of weeds by applying chemicals to them. But, as a general rule, you cannot apply chemicals to business problems. And, as a general rule, you cannot apply money to business problems. Money cannot find its way to the roots of business problems. You can apply money to businesses. However, that money does not filter its way to the roots of business problems. So, after the money arrives the roots of the business problems are doing what weeds do to re-sprout.

## Sales Tweet #334
Date: 2011-10-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-334/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #334 A little sales advice: Under-Promise and Over-Deliver …Under-Talk & Over-Listen The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet While people are very busy, somehow they manage to remember the promises you didn’t deliver on. And, if people are talking there is a reason for it. I mean, people have reasons for saying things even if the things they are saying are not on the same topic as the things you are thinking while you could be listening while they are talking. Rather than thinking all that stuff by yourself and waiting for them to stop talking so you can get your thoughts delivered…listen.

## Doing - things right, right things, & less things
Date: 2011-10-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/doing-things-right-right-things-less-things/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!

Focus on doing the right things, not doing things right. That’s now conventional wisdom. Focus on the important things rather than the urgent things…‘The 80/20 Rule’ wisdom. Here’s our take… Combine all 3: Do the right things Do things right Do less things And, if this ‘strategy stuff’ seems foggy then remove some of the fog by starting with the simplicity of: Business Only Contains 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . When you want to improve the performance of your business, start by asking & answering 9 questions… An exercise of 9 Questions People What does doing the right things to, for, & with People mean to us? What does doing things right to, for, & with People mean to us? What can each Person in our business stop doing…right now? Process What does doing the right Processes mean…especially, from our Clients’ shoes? What does doing Processes right mean…especially, from our Clients’ shoes? What are our Clients telling us we can stop doing…right now? Situations What right things do we need to do to create better Situations for our People? What things do our People need to do right when they face potentially-challenging [personally challenging] Situations? What Situations must we remove in order to allow our People to feel better? Those 9 questions… a good start.

## Situations
Date: 2011-10-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/situations/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Leaders' Thoughts, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined

We say Business only contains 3 things: People, Process, & Situations . We need to clarify what we mean by ‘ Situations ’. Situation def’n: a snapshot of an instant in business life…the people, the ‘props’, and the immediate environment At Spirited Leaders, we teach: The right People , of course, are the most-important assets of your business People create Process People influence Situations …ideally; the majority of the influence is in the positive direction Let’s spend a bit of time clarifying that last one: People influence Situations Example #1 : Say you or one of your salespeople show up to a meeting and your Client is there as expected. But, not expected, your Client’s boss is sitting beside your Client. You walked in the room expecting one Situation and, instead, you found another. Everything but one was exactly the same as you expected. The one thing that wasn’t expected – actually, not a thing, a person – was the addition of your Client’s boss. So, the Situation changed. As any good sales school would teach…you need to make an adjustment to accommodate the unexpected Situation . Example #2 : Again, you or one of your people is about to visit that same Client. This time when you arrive everything is as expected except for one small change. Your Client’s office is sweltering hot and the humidity feels like 100%. Same people, different environment…different Situation . Again, you need to make an adjustment to accommodate the unexpected Situation . Example #3 : Like above, except no boss and the room is room temperature. This time there is a power failure so you cannot deliver your presentation on the big screen as planned. A ‘prop’ has changed. Again, you need to adjust. Or… you spilled coffee on your shirt on the way to the Client’s office or lightning knocked a tree across the road and that made you late for the meeting or you forgot those important papers or or It only takes a little thing to change a Situation . But – and this is good news – a little change in Situation can mean everything!

## Sales Tweet #332
Date: 2011-10-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-332/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #332 A little comment on criticism: remember - if you dissect a person you kill that person. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Constructive Criticism – what an oxymoron!

## Michelangelo’s magnificent 'David'
Date: 2011-10-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/michelangelo-s-magnificent-david/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron

There's a story, perhaps legend, about Michelangelo - the famous Italian Renaissance painter and sculptor…and much more. Apparently, someone asked Michelangelo how he carved such a magnificent statue of David out of a block of marble. Michelangelo said something like, " I could see David in the marble block and I uncovered him by removing the pieces of marble that didn't belong ". This story about Michelangelo 'gets me thinking' . Certainly, Michelangelo did David a great favour...releasing him from the marble block and allowing him to be seen and enjoyed by millions of people for at least hundreds of years. Great teachers face a situation similar to the one Michelangelo faced with his David. Great teachers can see the unique talents embedded in people. Because they are great, great teachers are able to help people chip away the pieces of stuff that covers and sometimes buries the unique talents and skills. To some degree, most of us try to teach... we try to teach our family members [particularly our children], we try to teach our co-workers [particularly, those who report to us], and we even try to teach strangers [for example, people who do things like steal 'our' parking spaces]. When we try to teach we should remember: We can help people chip away at their block of marble to help them uncover their ‘hidden Davids’. And, to the extent we desire to do that, wouldn't it be awesome if we had even half the talent and skill of Michelangelo! Michelangelo’s David

## From Dire Straits to Great
Date: 2011-10-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/from-dire-straits-to-great/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Change: Creating Positive Change

Many people tout the book ‘Good to Great’, by Jim Collins. I am one of those people. My favourite parts are two of the analogies: The Hedgehog Concept and the Flywheel. However, I have recently discovered few people in our geography know what a hedgehog is. So, for the last 10 years when I have said things like, “ the Hedgehog Concept in Jim Collins’ classic ‘Good to Great’ really resonates with me ” most people have not understood a word I was talking about. …I am working on that. A hedgehog is a little insect-eating creature that lives in Europe, Asia, and other places…but not North America. While they are not the same species, hedgehogs and porcupines both have pointed things sticking out of their bodies…to protect them from predators. Enough about hedgehogs… When I say things like “ the Hedgehog Concept in Jim Collins’ classic ‘Good To Great’ really resonates with me ” I have another problem. The other problem lies in the title of the book, i.e., the words ‘Good to Great’. For many people, business days are not full of passion in search of excellence. Business days are a struggle in search of simple solutions. Maybe the following category descriptions will explain what we are seeing at SouthWestern Ontario businesses: Great Good OK Struggling Dire Straits We could create detailed descriptions, backed by many years of research, to define these categories…as Jim Collins did for ‘Good’ and ‘Great’. But, that’s not necessary. Most business leaders know where their businesses sit. And, of more importance, they know if they are prepared to make the changes necessary to move their business up the list . Jim Collins discussed and answered the question “ Why be Great ?” near the end of his book. What about the question “Why be better?” Some would answer like George Bernard Shaw: “ Why Not ?” Some would answer from a different philosophical direction: “ Because you can .” What’s your answer? Why would you want your business to be better? and Are you willing to lead the changes, making personal changes, to make your business better?

## Constructive Criticism: that’s definitely an oxymoron
Date: 2011-10-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/constructive-criticism-that-s-definitely-an-oxymoron/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Master Rules

Most people would agree, it makes sense to have ‘thick skin’ so when people say and do things that are negative toward you those things do not cause injury. Some people are bullies. Nobody trusts them. But, bullies can get to you if you let them. Bullies are, by nature, offensive and if your skin is too thin then bullies can offend you. So, from a young age, we are taught how to deal with bullies. We know the intent behind the actions of the bully: the intent is to offend. So, when our willpower holds firm we can cause the bullies to fail. There are many examples of how this process can work. Mahatma Gandhi illustrated it to the world during the first half of the 20th Century. So, when we see intent to offend coming at us we label the ‘offender’ a bully and we call up our ‘defensive strategies’ to protect ourselves from offense and injury. The question is, egos being what egos are – how skilled are we at differentiating between bullies and other folks who mean no offense? There is no question: from time to time we misinterpret other people’s intentions. Attribution bias can confuse us. Our moods can influence us. All kinds of things can fog our judgment. Here is a single example, everyone can relate to: interrupting a conversation. Interrupting an ordinary ‘everyday’ conversation When you are speaking and someone interrupts you, how do you feel and what do you do? We see many different reactions…here’s a sampling: Some people stop talking mid-sentence and allow the other person to replace their conversation Some people keep talking, as if the interruption didn’t happen Some people raise their voice in an effort to override the interrupter Some people politely say something like, “ Excuse me, may I finish my point .” Some people less-politely and more-firmly say something like, “ Hey, it’s not your turn to talk .” Some people get very angry and say much worse things, using much-louder voices Whether the interruption came from an intentional bully or from an excited friend or co-worker…it could be received as an incivility . When received as an incivility , the interruption will cause the offended person to become more timid or become more vexed…it depends on the person’s ‘nature’. Now, all that can happen with everyday occurrences…like, an interruption of conversation. Imagine how the interpersonal sensitivities become magnified when there is more at stake. Imagine how the situation changes when one person is The Boss and the other person…isn’t. The balance of power in conversation has shifted in favour of one person. [At least, most bosses would tell you that.] So, when conversations take place the game has changed: What happens when the subordinate interrupts the boss? What happens when the boss interrupts the subordinate? What happens when the boss criticises the subordinate? What happens when the subordinate criticises the boss? Now, when it comes to incivilities and offending other people the example of interrupting a conversation is like a shaving off the tip of the iceberg. The list of things that can offend people is lengthy…the ways to offend are almost limitless. As examples*: Talking loudly in common areas Arriving late Not introducing a newcomer Failing to return a phone call Showing little interest in another individual’s opinion Without much thought…each of us could add a few dozen more examples to the list. Whether we intend to offend others or not…often…they get offended. Constructive Criticism…no question – that’s an oxymoron. PS: To gain business advantage, we recommend self-monitoring and “ The Master Rules ” Footnotes: A link to more about The Master Rules . Source of this list: ‘ The Cost of Bad Behavior – How Incivility Is Damaging Your Business and What to Do About It ,’ Christine Persona & Christine Porath [2009]. From this book… The Top Ten Things a Firm Should Do to Create a Civil Workplace Set Zero-Tolerance Expectations Look in the Mirror Weed Out Trouble Before it Enters Your Organization Tech Civility Train Employees and Managers How to Recognize and Respond to Signals Put Your Ear to the Ground and Listen Carefully When Incivility Occurs, Hammer It Take Complaints Seriously Don’t Make Excuses for Powerful Instigators Invest in Post-departure Interviews

## Sales Tweet #328
Date: 2011-10-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-328/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #328 "Put your best people on your best opportunities, not your best problems." Jim Collins The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Spirited Leaders likes this Collins’ advice for a number of reasons. Here are two: (1) It aligns with an abundance mentality and (2) it aligns with how most people’s strengths can be put to best use.

## Getting the right people on your bus
Date: 2011-10-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/getting-the-right-people-on-your-bus/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Ten years ago, Jim Collins wrote about getting the right people on the bus . And, business people and business teachers have been talking about getting the right people on the bus ever since. Many of the business people who talk about getting the right people on the bus struggle to get that done. Specifically, many business people struggle with: Repositioning and removing the wrong [existing] people from their business bus Attracting and hiring the right [new] people for their business bus We see evidence of this pretty much daily. It bothers us. It bothers us because we know many people suffer when people don’t fit on the business bus. It is not a matter of who is right and who is wrong . For some people, the use of the words ‘ getting the right people on the bus’ compounds their problems. It is not a matter of who is right and who is wrong! Who is right and who is wrong is subjective…just ask anyone or everyone! The more people you ask the more subjectivity you will discover. Rather than dwelling on who is right and who is wrong , business leaders should dwell on 2 things: Character Differences …particularly, the interplay between individual’s egos Individual’s Talents …particularly, the extent individual’s talents deliver value to the business For each of these major areas, we will provide a few thoughts… the tips of icebergs. And, please, think of these 2 major areas as icebergs. If you spend some time then you can understand what exists at the surface. However, it will be much more difficult to understand what lies below the surface. Most people have not taken the time to understand their own character. Many people are uncomfortable with the topic…so it must be addressed with at least a bit of empathy. Similarly, most people have not taken the time to understand their business strengths. Many people will be able to describe success stories; however, they will have much more difficulty accurately describing the roots of their successes. Character Differences At the time of hiring or working at stuff that may result in de-hiring, consider several questions. As examples: Will these egos be under control? What are the major differences in character? What personal ‘rules’ caused these differences in character? When push comes to shove and those personal ‘rules’ are tested…what conflicts and dis-ease do you anticipate? Will those anticipated conflicts and dis-eases be tolerable? Individual’s Strengths At the time of hiring or working at stuff that may result in de-hiring, consider several questions. As examples: How do you define strength of character? What tasks/actions are critical at your business and what talents/strengths must an individual have to repeatedly do those tasks/actions in at least a very good way…hopefully, in a near-perfect way? And – How do you set the balance between Character and Strengths ? Will task & action Strengths outmuscle weak Character ?

## Why some people - or is  it most people - react that way
Date: 2011-10-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/why-some-people-or-is-it-most-people-ndash3b-react-that-way/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Some time ago Man became Man. We say Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations . Using that view…some time ago, a long time ago, People became People . When that happened, People began to face Situations . We know some of those Situations must have been awe-inspiring…imagine our ancient ancestors looking up and marvelling at the fullness of the moon and all those twinkling stars. And, no question, our ancient ancestors faced some really unpleasant and dangerous Situations . Picture the snarling jaws of a Saber-Toothed Tiger…or picture an invading marauder trying to steal your ancestor’s cave. When your ancestors faced those dangers, your ancestors prevailed….at least they prevailed long enough to allow you to get here. Your ancestors prevailed because People were blessed with an ‘internal system’. It is a complicated self-protection system…involving chemistry, electricity, the brain, and most other body parts. Here is how it operated in ancient times. When your ancestors faced danger their ‘internal system’ provided them 3 options: Fight Flight Standing Ground Depending on the nature of the danger, your ancestors either fought or ran or stood fast in an effort to intimidate the cause of the danger. The ‘internal system’ that our ancestors used still exists in People . We see it in action on the streets and in the places where children sort out their differences. In those places and Situations we see fights, and fleeing, and drawing lines in the sand. However, in business 2 of these 3 natural actions/reactions are unacceptable. When confronted by danger [or perceived danger], business People cannot resolve things by beating up on one another or by running away from one another. However, business People can stand their ground, get defensive, and protect their turf. We see quite a bit of that.

## How do you feel when you are at work?
Date: 2011-10-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-do-you-feel-when-you-are-at-work/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Measure & Monitor

We recommend people take a bit of time to ‘register’ how they are feeling while at work. We keep things simple with our 1st rule: there are only two types of feelings – good feelings and bad feelings. Good feelings are positive… Plus . Bad feelings are negative… Minus . Often, that’s all a person needs to consider: do I feel good or do I feel bad? Of course, every person wants to spend more time feeling good and less time feeling bad …everybody wants that! But…how do we do that? The first step is to attend to our feelings…register them…and measure them. We use a Minus10 -to- Plus10 Scale to measure feelings. The worst bad [Minus] feelings such as terror and hatred score Minus10 , or very close to it. The best good [Plus] feelings such as passion and utter joy score Plus10 , or very close to it. A number of experts, psychologists and self-development gurus, have described and ranked ‘feelings’…so, you can use their descriptions and rankings or you can generate your own. Here is an example of how you could go about generating your own measurement scale… I get a kick out of listening to Eckhart Tolle. He is a crusader for ‘ living in the now’ . I like to describe ‘ living in the now’ or ‘being present’ this way: ‘ being present ’ is experiencing the present moment rather than using the present moment to agonize over past things or worry about future things. Eckhart Tolle talks about the modalities of ‘ being present ’, they are: 0-4 Acceptance 5-7 Enjoyment 8-10 Enthusiasm I am thinking of adopting these ‘modalities’ as the next layer of detail in our Minus10 -to- Plus10 Scale . I will quickly describe what I mean when I say ‘ the next layer of detail ’: Layer 1 : people will do better at business if they take the time to measure their feelings Layer 2 : the 1st rule – there are 2 types of feelings: good [ Plus ] feelings and bad [ Minus ] feelings Layer 3 : you can use our Minus10 -to- Plus10 Scale as a tool for measuring your feelings Layer 4 : you could adopt, with a slight adjustment, Eckhart Tolle’s modality descriptions and use them as the 3 major types of good [ Plus ] feelings: If you do this then your Minus10 -to- Plus10 Scale would contain: Plus1–Plus4 “ Acceptance” …while I cannot say I am enjoying this task, I feel this work serves a useful purpose…I am heading in the right direction Plus5–Plus7 “Enjoyment” …this task is pleasant…it aligns with my talents and strengths Plus8–Plus10 “Enthusiasm” …this task really turns my crank Footnote We are talking about your feelings. We understand the huge significance of this topic. Here, in this Thought Post , we are offering suggestions. You can choose whatever scale, descriptions, and rankings you want…we are not trying to direct those choices. We are illustrating suggestions. Our major message is: we recommend people take note of and measure how they feel while they are doing various tasks at work…and we recommend measurement of people’s overall feelings about work. Is work a Plus in their life…or a Minus ? Are changes-for-the-better required?

## WHAT DO YOU WANT?
Date: 2011-10-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-do-you-want/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

Can you tell me what you want? I ask business people that question a lot. It is a simple question yet, for most people, it is difficult to answer. Up until the last few years, I only ‘ did lip service ’ to that question. I asked it. People answered it. And, if I thought I understood their answer then that was pretty much the end of the discussion. If I didn’t think I understood the answer then I politely worked with the other person as they changed the subject. That was my mistake. I hope you are not making that one. Now, I ask business people the question a lot: Can you tell me what you want? Most business people find this question difficult to answer. I expect that…I have experienced it myself and I have seen it in many other people. When well over half the population are doing it, it is normal…absolutely normal. So, when business people cannot state clearly what they want, that’s a very normal thing. 3 examples: If you ask business owners what they want and they cannot tell you in clear and simple words – that’s normal. If you ask business allies what they want and they cannot tell you in clear and simple words – that’s normal. If you ask bosses what they want and they cannot tell you in clear and simple words – that’s normal. Now, this normal behaviour does create a bunch of problems in the business sector. In fact, most business problems are a direct result of this normal behaviour. The normal behaviour is the cause…and business problems are the result. Business people spend huge, absolutely huge, amounts of time remedying the resulting problems. We recommend: business people must spend time removing the cause and those ounces of prevention will save them pounds of problem-cure . Business people need to think about what they want then know how to express that in clear and simple words.

## Sales Tweet #323
Date: 2011-10-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-323/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #323 "While worthwhile endeavours may seem hard, like hard work, they do not feel that way." John P. Kotter The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet In business we all have the choice to: work at a labour of love or a labour of enthusiasm or a labour of enjoyment or tolerable labour or boring labour or painful labour…it is our choice…a choice we get to make every day for, say, 40 or 50 years.

## You are about to be attacked…
Date: 2011-10-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-are-about-to-be-attacked/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work

It happens in business all the time. Right out of the blue …or at least it seems that way…one person is attacking and another person is under attack. Much more often than not, it is not right out of the blue . Rarely is the attack right out of the blue . Rather: Many business people are under such stress or distress they are like attacks waiting for human encounters. Many business people are so busy they prepare so little for human encounters that they paint targets all over themselves, inviting attacks from all sides. And, many business people are so consumed in their own thoughts and needs that they have little time to listen to others. Many business people have these problems so it isn’t surprising at all to see a regular stream of human attacks in the business world. Sometimes these attacks start before regular working hours…say, at the coffee line-up or coffee drive-thru. Other times, the attacks get stored until the work-day starts…like a pent-up demand. Few people give this the correct amount of thought so it seems attacks to them come right out of the blue . And, when/because the attacks come right out of the blue people are not prepared for them and people do not handle the attacks well. Instead of handling the attacks well, people resort to our deepest hereditary gifts of fight and flight : the dominant types fight and the not-dominant types flee or at least find a safe spot to hide. The fight response shows up as honking horns and screaming matches in the coffee drive-thru…or crowded roadway. The flight response shows up as a bowed head behind the bully who just butted into the coffee line-up or the bully who just insulted a co-worker. Conclusions[a few of them]: Nobody trusts bullies so bullies have no real relationships with other people Few people can handle surprise attacks Everyone would be better off if a bit more time is spent considering these human attacks before they happen

## Douglas Porter of BMO visits our CFFB
Date: 2011-10-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/douglas-porter-of-bmo-visits-our-cffb/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Leaders' Thoughts

Douglas Porter, BMO’s Deputy Chief Economist and Managing Director, helped CFFB kick of its 2011/2012 year. Douglas was the keynote speaker at our September AGM and Program Launch. To get a feel for the audience, the full crowd of family business people and their allies and friends, Douglas asked how people feel about the future. He asked: “Do you feel Optimistic, Cautious, or Pessimistic about business?” While we didn’t record an exact score, here is how the audience responded: Optimistic about the future: about 50% Cautious about the future: about 50% Pessimistic about the future: 2 or 3% Douglas said our level of Optimism is about double the national average. Then he said something like, “that makes sense…you are family businesses”. I talked with people after the presentation. I asked how they felt about that comment…and family-business people felt good about the comment. I suppose family business people see themselves as being a bit different than other business people. And, if part of that difference is ‘being more optimistic’ then that’s a good thing. Douglas provided some positive economic indicators: Oil price relief Interest rate relief Japan’s recovery U.S. households in better shape Corporate finances strong More Canadians working now than ever before Home prices are increasing and home sales are holding Canada has a triple-A credit rating Sure, there are some negatives too. But, with these sorts of positive things it is understandable that half of family businesses are feeling more optimistic than cautious. Thank you, Douglas for doing such a good job of delivering a very well-prepared package of economic information to our CFFB members, sponsors, advisors, and friends. You helped our 2011/2012 year get off to a great start!

## The joy embedded in ‘work worth doing’
Date: 2011-10-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-joy-embedded-in-work-worth-doing/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Hero Worship

Now, I know the famous composer Richard Wagner said, “ Joy is not in things; it is in us ”. However, at least from time to time… When we want things and don’t get them we are disappointed. When we do ‘hard work’ and the results fall short we are disappointed. When we want things and we get them we are, at least, momentarily satisfied or happy. When we do ‘hard work’ and achieve desired results we feel satisfied or happy. When it comes to work…some of our desires are positive, normal, and healthy in nature and some of our desires are not. According to Eckhart Tolle, all negative desires represent frustrations of positive desires inspired by defeat, failure, and neglect. I’m still thinking on that cause-and-effect way of looking at desires. Sometimes, when we ‘work hard’ and are defeated we wind down a bit...and the work starts to taste sour. Sometimes when we ‘work hard’ and people don’t notice we wind down a bit...and the work tastes sour. Perhaps, after more defeats and more neglect the taste gets so sour we give up. And our attitude towards life sours. Perhaps, that’s how positive intent ends up becoming negative attitude, the breeding ground for negative desires. Regardless of where joy is and how desires become desires there is a piece of ancient wisdom we should keep at the front of our thinking. This wisdom has been described in writing for well over 2000 years. This ancient wisdom is the key to ensuring our work does not put sour tastes in our mouths. There are numerous quotes, capturing this wisdom. I particularly like this one, from ‘ The Old Lion ’, Theodore Roosevelt: “Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” I bet most people want to work hard at work worth doing…to ‘ make a difference ’. If we put our minds and hearts to it then we can create their chance to do just that. Footnotes A Wagner quote, “ I am convinced that there are universal currents of Divine Thought vibrating the ether everywhere and that any who can feel these vibrations is inspired ”. Like Napoleon Hill, Alexander Graham Bell, Richard Wagner, and many others before him, Eckhart Tolle teaches thoughts are vibrations . Tolle says negative thoughts have shorter wavelengths than positive thoughts. He talks about the hypnotic rhythm .

## If you feel people are not listening to you…
Date: 2011-10-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-feel-people-are-not-listening-to-you/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

We say people only do 3 things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things. Most people don’t do too many New Things. Most people are, as the saying goes, creatures of habit ….some good, some bad. Some people want to make some changes. If you are still reading then probably you are one of those people. IF YOU FEEL PEOPLE ARE NOT LISTENING TO YOU… Here are a couple of ideas Pre-Communicate : Pre-pave the path before you deliver the intended communication, your important communication. Don’t spring important things on people. While it is necessary to communicate crisply from time to time it often becomes a problem if people label you as a person with crisp/curt/instructional communication style. As backward as it may strike you, it is often a problem if you are seen as a person who is a fountain of new ideas or a promoter of new things. So, people will listen better if you pre-communicate . This can range from serious sit-downs like brainstorming sessions to ‘ I want to bounce an idea off you ’ to chats about the family or favourite sport. Consider your character and be natural. Some people are naturally gregarious…others are naturally introverted. If you are naturally introverted then do not view that as a limitation…it is not a limitation. It is just a difference, requiring a different approach. Introversion, if you make some small adjustments, can be the foundation for quick trust . The best key to quick trust is asking questions. Free up time to dedicate to pre-communication…pre-paving the path for ideas…pre-paving the path for change. Tell Sticky Stories : Listening, if it happens at all, happens as a step in a process. The process begins with Attention , moves to Interest , and Listening follows. It is relatively easy to ‘get Attention ’. You can prove that to yourself…just place yourself among some people and make a loud noise. There are many ways to ‘get Attention ’. Keeping it is more challenging. To ‘keep Attention ’ we must trigger Interest . The best key to triggering Interest is speaking from [and to] the heart…by telling personal stories. Sticky Stories can capture and hold Interest so long that Interest becomes Listening . Important Point : Interest needs to survive for a period of time before Listening can begin…prior to that time people may be hearing you…but they ain’t Listening . Interest is fickle. If Interest hears things like, “ I’ve got a list of statistics I’d like to review with you… ” then Interest leaves the room. If Interest hears things like, “ Did you hear the one about… ” then Interest might stay around for a while. If Interest hears things like, “ WOW , did you see the… ” then Interest will probably want to hear what’s said next. We have written, talked, and taught a lot about Sticky Stories . For samples of our work, check out our Workshop #2 and these links: Sticky SUCCESs Don’t let your messages fall from all those ears

## Sales Tweet #318
Date: 2011-10-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-318/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #318 The Joy of Pro-active Procrastination - http://www.spiritedsalestweets.ca The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I think procrastination is a lot like using a dentist's drill on your own teeth. If you have some skill at it, and you use it right, then it can be a very good tool and you can end up with a big healthy smile on your face. If you use it wrong then you can cause yourself a lot of pain and end up with a rotten taste in your mouth.

## 4 ways to kill a good idea
Date: 2011-10-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/4-ways-to-kill-a-good-idea/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude

As mentioned recently, I read a really interesting book. It taught me how to kill good ideas. Here is a sample of what I learned, 4 ways to kill good ideas : Fear Mongering …use genuine facts from the past to create a picture of a fearful future You know many people agonize over the mistakes they have made in the past. And they worry horrible events will repeat themselves…causing misery. So, when someone has a good idea and you want to kill it you can try this strategy. Just recall some extremely painful event from the past and express your concern that this terrifying situation could happen again if we accept this new idea. Death by Delay …one great way to do this is send the idea to a committee Here’s a nuance you can incorporate when you use this strategy. Dig up some abstruse fact from your company’s history. Applaud the idea then introduce the abstruse fact and talk as if you are convinced the idea and the abstruse fact must be addressed by a committee of various intelligent people. Suggest a chairperson for the committee…i.e., suggest someone you know to be a curmudgeon. Confusion …inject lots of irrelevant facts and support them with illogical arguments Keep a list of irrelevant facts in a file in the MemoPad area of your BlackBerry. Gather these over time, wean out the weakest ones, and replace them as you find really-choice irrelevant facts. Have at least a dozen fresh irrelevant facts ready for use. Then, whenever people come up with ideas pull out your BlackBerry while stating something like, ``What a synchronicity…I was writing some notes around that topic last week`` . Then go on to cite a list of irrelevant facts…keep it up until at least one person dozes off. Ridicule …with a good-natured demeanour and calm voice, assassinate the character of the person who has the idea This one should come with a warning: DO NOT show anything close to a negative emotion while you do this. That could backfire on you, making you look like some sort of unreasonable person. CAUTION: this will take practice…if you are real busy then pick another strategy. To pull this one off you must be pleasant and calm. You must prepare your assassinating words well in advance and practice them in front of a mirror so they come across just right. I recognize that is barely an introduction to this 4th way to kill ideas. But, a more-detailed explanation is beyond the scope of this Thought Post . You may be saying to yourself, surely there must be more ways to kill good ideas . Yes, do not fret; of course there are many other wonderful ways to kill ideas. Footnote The book I am referring to is ‘Buy-In, saving your good idea from being shot down’ , John P. Kotter and Lorne A. Whitehead. According to the authors of the book I just read, the average person receives about 10,000 ideas [other people’s plans, demands, suggestions, and proposals] every week. That’s a lot of incoming ideas to deal with. Many people are overwhelmed. Most people figure out ways to kill the vast majority of those ideas. The authors provide some solutions…i.e., how to save your good ideas from being shot down . But, it’s a double-edge sword…you can also use their wisdom to hone your skills at killing good ideas.

## Sales Tweet #317
Date: 2011-10-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-317/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #317 Many business people are under such stress or distress they are like attacks waiting for human encounters. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet You don’t want these sorts of people on your sales team…do you? And, if you have some of them on your sales team then you want to figure out how to stop them from consuming so much of your time and your energy…right?

## Sales Tweet #315
Date: 2011-09-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-315/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #315 "If you don't execute your ideas, they die." Roger Von Oech The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet That’s an oxymoronic or at least paradoxical ifferism…ie, it is an aphorism that begins with ‘if’. An aphorism is an original thought expressed concisely in a memorable way….memorable wisdom. [that's an 8-word example of how to hit a bunch of nuances in our wonderful English language...even though, I believe, it fails to meet the rules of proper grammar]

## Too much batter on your business ideas?
Date: 2011-09-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/too-much-batter-on-your-business-ideas/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Perhaps…I’m a bit unusual. I say that because on a more-or-less regular basis people give me funny looks. From my perspective, these looks on people’s faces range from ‘pained’ to ‘puzzled’ to ‘I’m going to get even with this guy…if he ever stops talking’. I am not saying I know for sure that’s what people are thinking or feeling; I’m just saying that’s what it looks like their faces are trying to tell me. Q: When does this happen most? A: Well…it happens when I express ideas…ideas I would describe as ‘creative ideas’. Here’s the sequence: I express a creative idea then people look pained or puzzled or annoyed. This does not happen every time I express creative ideas but it does happen often enough to cause me to write about it, which is what I am doing here. Q: Is this a good thing or a bad thing? A: Overall, I think it is a good thing…and…it is particularly good when people look that way then do not batter my ideas too much. If they batter my ideas too much then it isn’t such a good thing. Q: What do I mean by ‘ batter my ideas ’? A: I am going to borrow from John P. Kotter, the author of ‘ buy-in, saving your good idea from getting shot down ’. John P. Kotter says there are four ways to kill good ideas : Fear mongering [playing on fearful memories] Death by delay [dragging out the process] Confusion [presenting irrelevant facts] Ridicule [character assassination…of the person with the good idea] When I hear things like fear mongering, death by delay, confusion, and ridicule I know the look of pain/puzzlement/annoyance isn’t a good thing. I know I have not pre-paved the path for good discussion let alone pre-paved the path for change. When I don’t hear those 4 ‘bad’ things…that’s good. When I don’t hear those 4 ‘bad things’ I generally see and hear one of the following: Nothing An effort to change the topic Questions I like it best when I hear Questions because that lets me know there will not be too much battering of my business ideas.

## Sales Tweet #314
Date: 2011-09-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-314/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #314 Then The Boss just snapped…“Don Trodden, this is the perfect time for you to become a missing person”. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet “When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.” Mark Twain said that. Obviously, Mark Twain never met a combination of characters like The Boss and Don Trodden. Don Trodden did not disappear and he wasn’t mad…just more fearful. The Boss was mad…or, at least, he remained angry. And, life around the office continued to defy explanation.

## Were you born to Inspire Action?
Date: 2011-09-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/were-you-born-to-inspire-action/ | Categories: Hero Worship, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!

Did you know some people are born with a special quality that makes it easy for them to inspire and lead other people? Some experts describe it as a natural talent to self-monitor and self-regulate. This self-monitoring is so natural and so real, without effort, it magnetizes and attracts other people. It causes other people to be motivated to take action. It inspires other people. Many experts say Napoleon Bonaparte had this natural talent. I have read the singer Lionel Richie has this gift. The gift is rare. Few are born with this natural gift. So, most of us must learn how to inspire other people…and the process begins with self-monitoring.

## Sales Tweet #313
Date: 2011-09-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-313/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #313 We’d rather hear less-than-perfect decisions than questions, which absolutely delay Buyer’s decisions. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Consider that Rule of Thumb before you ask your Sales Manager your next question.

## Business Only Contains 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations
Date: 2011-09-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-only-contains-3-things-people-process-situations/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Entrepreneur Thinking, Leaders' Thoughts

OK…you might think that’s true…or you may think it isn’t. AND – you might think - even if it is true…what difference does that make? Here’s the point: Many people are struggling with their work. I suppose people have said that for generations. But, now, struggling at work seems to be a worse problem than it used to be. If you do not agree then please do not read on. *** If you are still reading then you are interested in people struggling at work. Maybe you are a life-long student of self-development and you want to expand your knowledge so you can continue to excel at work…sharpening your saw…keeping your leadership tools up to date and in good working condition] Maybe you are trying to figure out why your work seems to be less successful than it used to be…and you want some solutions. Maybe you want to learn so you can help other people struggle less as they go about their work. *** Back to Business contains only 3 things: People, Process, & Situations . Q: Is that true? A: Nobody has proven otherwise…until someone can prove there are more than 3 things we will not change our minds. There is no need to over-complicate things. In fact, the opposite is true: there is a need to simplify things. So, we challenge any over-complication of the content of business. Business contains only 3 things. Q: OK, only business contains only 3 things – what difference does that make? A: Since you are still reading, you know people are struggling in business. And, probably, you want to do something to relieve that struggling. One way to begin to relieve business struggling is to clarify and simplify things to the extent that is possible and practical. Do your part to clear the fog of business. Defining the components of business in a simple/straightforward way is the best way to start. So – Business Contains Only 3 Things: People, Process, & Situations. You can start with these 3 basic elements of business . You can focus on each one. You can focus on how each of the 3 interrelates with the other 2. Then you can increase your ability to understand the sources of the struggling at work that naturally happens when all 3 basic elements are mixed together in your business workplace. The more you know about the basic elements of business and how they interrelate the more you will understand the keys to reducing work struggles. Footnote: We have approached the topic – What is Business All About? – from several perspectives: psychological, social, and business-bottom-line to name a few. We have read the education provided by numerous authors. For example, here are some thoughts and excerpts provided by Alvin Toffler in his book, ‘Future Shock’ . Related to what we call the basic elements of business, Toffler described 5 relationship experiences people have, ‘outside of themselves’. Toffler taught, people have only 5 relationship experiences, they are: Relationships with people Relationships with things Relationships with places Relationships with institutions and organizations Relationships with ideas and information Quote: "These five relationships -plus time- form the fabric of social experience. This is why, as suggested earlier, things, places, people, organizations and ideas are the basic components of all situations." This quote provides seeds you can use to help you develop a different perspective of people and the huge impact situations have on people. These are the 2 most-important elements of business and knowledge of and skills around these 2 elements are the foundation for great leadership.

## Genes, Optimism, & Pessimism
Date: 2011-09-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/genes-optimism-pessimism/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Optimism & Pessimism

When we are born we are predisposed to be negative or middle-of-the-road or positive. I envision this like a Bell Curve where: 25% of people are genetically negative/pessimistic, 50% are genetically middle-of-the-road, and 25% are genetically positive/optimistic. The extent of negativity or positivity is not fixed. Picture it as falling within a range…i.e., each of us is born with a predetermined range where we either ‘tend’ to be negative , ‘tend’ to be neutral, or ‘tend’ to be positive. While, as research strongly suggests, a range like the one I have described is set by genetics: pessimistic people can work at being at the most-optimistic end of their range, neutral people can work at being more-optimistic, and optimistic people can work at making sure their optimism stays within the bounds of realism. [Too much optimism carries some unfortunate consequences.] When genes tend toward optimism: Some folks are born with a tendency toward optimism and their life experiences taught them how to keep their optimism within realistic bounds. When compared to pessimists, these realistic optimists have a far greater chance of seeing the world as an abundant place. Other folks allow their optimism to rule them…I mean, their ego is taking advantage of the optimistic predisposition and their optimism, call it mania, causes them to become disconnected from other people. They live in their own Can-Do world where there are few if any limits. While, from time to time, this shows up in the form of great genius more often it shows up as in the form of alienation from ‘lesser folks’. When genes tend toward middle-of-the-road: Some folks are born without a tendency toward optimism or pessimism. They are born neutral. They have broader choices. It makes sense these people should choose to be as optimistic as possible. They should do what it takes to maximize their optimism. The risk of overachieving and becoming too optimistic is small. When genes tend toward pessimism: Some folks are born with a tendency toward pessimism. They will rarely if ever be able to leap from pessimism to optimism. They will, however, be able to be neutral, neither pessimistic nor optimistic…call them realists. Realistic people: nothing wrong with being in that zone.

## Business Leaders should help their followers
Date: 2011-09-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-leaders-should-help-their-followers/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

You can help your followers overcome Bad Habits. Every person has Bad Habits. Often people wish to remove their Bad Habits. But, their wishing doesn’t get it done. Some coaches/guides say to us, " If we dwell on the problem then we will attract more of the problem ". [see, for example, some explanations of The Law of Attraction ] You need to illustrate successful techniques if you want to show your followers how to overcome their Bad Habits. You need to teach the techniques that have worked for you. You need to ensure your followers learn other techniques for Good Work Habits. And you need to open the doors wide for discussion of many paths that lead to Good Work Habits. There are two keys to getting this done: New Things and People's Strengths. New Things inject value two ways: they offer distraction from Bad Habits and, if packaged well, they offer comfortable ways to displace Bad Habits. People's Strengths : these are the action-areas where your people can perform at their best…and they smooth out the paths to Good Habits. *** “ It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts. ” Robert H. Schuller

## Sales Tweets #308
Date: 2011-09-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweets-308/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #308 There are only 2 types of people who achieve Sales excellence. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet There are only 2 types of people who succeed: Those few, who somehow naturally 'get it' and seek their way to success. Those few who attend to other people who try to help them 'get it', emulate them, embrace their ideas, and sooner or later 'get it' themselves.

## Magnetic Personalities
Date: 2011-09-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/magnetic-personalities/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Personalities @ Work

I have read enough and thought about it enough to believe some people are born with magnetic personalities. Maybe it’s a matter of chemistry . Or, maybe charisma is a good-enough way to describe it? Or, as some suggest, maybe it’s about a natural gift known as self-monitoring …like an empathy that both gives and takes without trying or injuring. Regardless of how we define it - these people are real, unpretentious. These people are magnetic in the literal sense of the word. When these people walk in a room the room’s atmosphere is uplifted. [Years ago, I was fortunate to have a mentor who possessed this natural presence.] I see people who strike me as being gifted in the manner I am describing. The actor John Wayne is a striking example. My son, Frank, just loves John Wayne…and I do too. I knew about John Wayne before he died…I had watched some of his movies when I was very young. My favourite cousin was named ‘John Wayne’…my uncle and aunt and many in their generation named baby boys after the screen hero. I knew all of this. Yet, I did not know about ‘the man’ John Wayne until recently. My son and I have watched many of his movies. We have watched You Tube clips of the great actor, being interviewed, and speaking after he won the Best-Actor Oscar. The more I watched the man, the more I was captured by his natural magnetism….his larger-than-life personality on screen was ‘real’. If there was any doubt about that then it was removed when I listened to other actors, like Harry Carey Jr., talk about their experiences with ‘ The Duke ’….sheer admiration! John Wayne is one of my heroes.

## Sales Tweets #307
Date: 2011-09-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweets-307/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #307 “If you haven't struck oil in the first three minutes, stop boring!” George Jessel The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Speaking of boring….did you hear the one about the termite who strolled into a pub, walked up to the counter, and asked “Is the bar tender here?”

## GOOD NEWS ABOUT BUILDING GOOD HABITS
Date: 2011-09-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-news-about-building-good-habits/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

The Habit Changing Formula BAD HABITS + [NEW THINGS + STRENGTHS] = GOOD HABITS As you know, I seek simple . I try to boil things down to manageable volumes. My main philosophy is, People Only Do 3 Things: Good Habits , Bad Habits, & New Things Related to this philosophy, People are creatures of habit, so the two types of habits consume most of the time…people spend 95% of their time doing habits and 5% of their time doing New Things. That’s what we think. Successful people are successful because their habits enjoy better-than-average alignment with their goals. As Brian Tracy explained so clearly, “ Successful people are simply those with successful habits. ” Good Habits are successful habits because Good Habits move a person toward a goal. New Things are the best bridges to take to get from Bad Habit paths to Good Habit paths [and the opposite is true…but, of course, not beneficial] New Things become potent bridges for change when they are combined with Personal Strengths Also related to this philosophy, we agree with the famous opera singer, Jerome Hines, who said: “ The only proper way to eliminate bad habits is to replace them with good ones. ” We add a couple of nuances to that solid advice… There are only two ways to eliminate Bad Habits: they can replaced with Good Habits and they can be replaced with New Things Often it is difficult to remove Bad Habits by simply replacing them with Good Habits…put another way it is tough to go cold turkey and often when we try to go cold turkey on a Bad Habit. A link to the first Thought Post on Good Habits , Bad Habits, & New Things [ check out the video ]

## STOP CRITICIZING PEOPLE!
Date: 2011-09-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stop-criticizing-people/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Constructive criticism is an oxymoron. You can use that as a general rule…it is a Rule of Thumb . You will find it rings true something like 99.44 % of the time. The only times this Rule of Thumb will not be true are when you are criticizing someone who has super-thick skin or someone who has interpersonal strengths that go a deep notch beyond 'tolerance' and 'appreciation of the differences in people'. Put another way, the only people who will receive your criticism as constructive are people who have confidence untainted by problems of ego and people who allow others to say what they must say and do what they must do. Those people are few and far between. Most people do not react well to criticism. OK, but certainly criticism can be packaged and delivered in a way that is constructive. That’s logical…isn’t it? Yes – that’s logical. But, remember logical Riders must deal with the reactions of emotional Elephants. And, 99.44% of Elephants do not like to be criticised. 99.44% of Elephants react negatively to criticism. It is that plain and simple. Carl Jung said it this way: “ Criticism has the power to do good when there is something that must be destroyed, dissolved, or reduced but it is capable only of harm when there is something to be built. ” Franklin P. Jones made the same point in a slightly-humorous way: “ Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger. ” *** Recognizing the general rule Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron , we recommend 3 things: Leaders should work to make their skin thick enough to place them among the few people who have developed the strength to violate the rule. Leaders should refrain from criticising people. Leaders should help followers develop thicker skin.

## Sales Tweets #303
Date: 2011-09-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweets-303/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #303 Self-starters embrace ownership of task. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Self-starters embrace delegation and accountability. Self-starters go the extra mile, providing unexpected work for the employer. Self-starters micro-manage themselves.

## Thick Skin & Thin Skull…and Lies
Date: 2011-09-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thick-skin-thin-skull-and-lies/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Spirited Leaders, Thick Skin & Thin Skull

As we have written about many times, we believe Leaders need thick skin and thin skulls … Here are some of the nuances of our thinking: Everybody lies, at least in certain situations and about certain topics - everybody lies! There are levels of lying...like little white lies, lies made in an effort to ease other's pain, manipulative lies, lies for the sake of secrecy or deception, and pathological lies. " Honey, does this new red dress make me look slimmer ?" The person who answers that question may lie while intending to be kind and aiming for win-win. That sort of lie is a low-level lie. And that sort of lie may represent the best course of action in the given situation. The intent behind the lie is 'admirable'. Integrity, as we define it , allows for lies. Recall the last part of the definition: “ When you make errors as you talk-walk-run you admit them and you strive to not repeat them ”. But, our definition of Integrity does not allow for repeated lies where the intent behind the lie isn't 'admirable'...Integrity cannot exist where the intent behind repeated lies is deception or manipulation...i.e., win-lose. Our definition of Integrity allows for some of those win-lose lies. After all, as the saying goes, we are only human . Each of us makes mistakes. People say things and wish later that they could retract their words. An acknowledgement of their error when coupled with a true commitment to do better passes our ‘Integrity’ test. And, our key point on the two closely-intertwined topics, Lies & Integrity: the onus is on the leader to set the standard. The leader sets the standard by: Defining Integrity Incorporating Integrity into leading by example Having thick skin…it isn’t about you, it’s about them Having a thin skull…being open minded, observing others, taking care to minimize judging of others while maximizing understanding of others

## People lie…get over it!
Date: 2011-09-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-lie-get-over-it/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication

Many years ago the sales people at my company were discussing buyers’ objections . The salespeople, more or less en masse , were troubled by what they perceived to be unfair treatment. Most of the sales people felt buyers were tricking them by stating false objections. In plain words – the buyers were lying to them. The buyers were saying things like “ Your pricing is too high ” when in fact the pricing was not too high. This annoyed my salespeople. In an effort to help, I wrote a little piece titled ‘ The Facts of Lies ’. Here is an excerpt from that piece: “ …don't be overly judgmental about people because of their lies. Everybody ‘Lies’ all the time...so, it really isn't that big of a deal. It simply ‘is’ ...‘what it is’. And, our motive - our motive - is not windfall, win-lose money, or power, or fame...etc. We just want to provide some Value to energy/environment users...make the world or at least Ontario a little bit better place for future generations...and make a few bucks as is required in commercial business. ” So, in summary: everyone lies lies are far more common than facts we don't judge - we observe, we listen. ” Since I wrote that note, I have learned much more about people. I now have a much better understanding around why people lie. As I blend in my new knowledge and re-think the topic of ‘lies’ I see no need to change the thrust of my advice to salespeople. And, I offer that advice to leaders – not just salespeople. When you realize you are biased - when you realize your filters cause you to judge others more harshly than you judge yourself – that’s an important starting place. Next - you can be comfortable looking beyond the vast majority of those things most folks describe as 'lies'. Imagine yourself in a place where you are immune to other people’s lies. I don’t mean you are unable to see or hear the lies…I mean you can breathe other people’s lies in and you do not feel ill in any way….you can let other people’s lies get into in your ears and you don’t feel dizzy in any way….and I mean you can watch other people as they lie to you and your eyes do not squint in any way. Imagine you are immune to other people’s lies…other people’s lies are their issue. You can observe the lies coming at you from all directions in a variety of different forms and none of the lies phase you. You do not ‘take it personal’. Imagine yourself in that place - that’s a good place to be.

## Sales Tweets #299
Date: 2011-09-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweets-299/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #299 "If a man makes himself a worm, he must not complain when trodden upon." Immanuel Kant The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Don Trodden and Ernest Seller are as different as night and day. Here is one example...Don Trodden likes philosophy...Immanuel Kant is his favourite philosopher.

## You want to make some changes at your business
Date: 2011-09-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-want-to-make-some-changes-at-your-business/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

You want some changes. You spend a lot of time thinking about and planning changes. You think about and plan many types of changes: building new things, creating new products and services, changing your behaviour, changing other people’s behaviour, etc. You come up with new ideas…new ideas you expect will bring about change for the better . When those ideas work and you create change for the better you feel good. When those ideas do not work and there is no change for the better you feel either bad or you have mixed feelings, some bad feelings mixed with some good. To succeed as a leader you must cause other people to make changes . That’s a big part of your role as leader. Some would argue that’s close to 100% of your role as leader. Successful leaders cause change for the better . Obviously, people’s behaviour is the fabric of change. Leaders must cause people to change their behaviour in order to bring about change for the better. Leaders do that directly or indirectly; they get it done one way or they get it done another way. Leaders must get it done, because that’s the essence of their role. Here’s a philosophy and shortcut to that end: “ People only do 3 things: (1) Good Habits, (2) Bad Habits, and (3) New Things .” Remember that when you want to make some changes at your business.

## Sales Tweets #298
Date: 2011-09-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweets-298/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet 298 CHEAP people cannot sell! The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet If you know someone who audits and edits their restaurant ‘checks’ then know too that person can’t sell. If you know someone who shops around, say 3 stores, to buy an electrical appliance then know too that person can’t sell. If you know someone who always shops when stores have their sales then know too that person can’t sell. You know the person who either forgets his/her wallet or is always the last one to reach for it when it is time to buy the next round of beer? Yup, that person can’t sell too. The examples are endless: cheap people can’t sell. [They can barely handle buying.]

## A Note to Leaders: About What Followers Want
Date: 2011-09-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-note-to-leaders-about-what-followers-want/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders

After talking with numerous people at numerous local places of business, we have learned… What followers want is, in this order: To feel confident To have a confident leader It is the leader’s job to optimize these two things. The second one – leader’s confidence – is a double-edged sword. If it is not carefully real and controlled leader’s confidence then it will cut deep into the first. And, the damage can be irreparable. So. How does a leader maximize her confidence without going too far? How does a leader illustrate his confidence without going to far? How do leaders make sure their confidence is non-threatening to the self-confidence levels of followers? Here are some Spirited Leaders’ suggestions: The leader must be authentic…it is OK to be on the reserved side of center if that is your character…it is OK to be on the boisterous side if that is your character The leader must be committed to working on self…i.e., raising his or her own self-confidence when that is required, as it will be from time to time A leader must focus on strengths: personal strengths and the strengths possessed by others The leader must praise heartily…as taught by Dale Carnegie The leader must make full use of humour…some leaders have just a little of it and will need to remind themselves of the importance of putting it to good use…other leaders will heavy doses of it and they will need to remind themselves to never let it go too far…self-humour is best…humour directed at others is a leadership no-no The leader must listen…resurrect that art if it has become lost The leader must learn to master emotions…and keep them under control [most of the time] The leader must live with Integrity…as defined below Definition of Integrity When you know your personal values and When you can express your personal values in writing [showing how you think the think ] and When you can talk with others about your personal values [ talk the talk ] and When your actions are consistent with your personal values [ walk the walk ] When the heat is on and stresses are high you do your best to run the run and When you make errors as you talk-walk-run you admit them and you strive to not repeat them …then you have Integrity.

## Sales Tweets #294
Date: 2011-09-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweets-294/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #294 "If you want to kill any idea in the world today, get a committee working on it." Charles F. Kettering The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet The Boss loved this advice so much he immediately set up a committee for the sales department…Ernest Seller’s list of ideas became their one-and-only project.

## Work: Do You Feel Good About it? - #2
Date: 2011-08-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/work-do-you-feel-good-about-it-2/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Link to Work: Do You Feel Good About It - #1 People have two types of feelings: good feelings and bad feelings. When you feel good your emotions are letting you know your actions and the situation at hand are in synch with your personal values and your goals. When you feel bad your emotions are letting you know your actions and the situation at hand are not in synch with your personal values and your goals. In certain situations, as you walk down certain paths , your logical side will work hard to explain away or resist the feelings generated by your emotions. Your logical side will tell you there is nothing to fear, yet you will continue to feel fear. Link to ‘the Haidt metaphor’: Riders on Elephants on Paths . Using the Haidt metaphor, the Rider will tell the Elephant it’s just a little, tiny mouse. It cannot harm a huge Elephant like you. Yet, Elephants fear mice…let’s assume that’s fact. You know what will happen. The Elephant will panic and bolt. Fear: that’s an extreme bad feeling . Hopefully, it rarely shows up in your workplace. Let’s use the Haidt metaphor to look at a less-extreme example. Say, it’s a real simple thing. You want a person to do a task for you. You make it a simple task…the task is walking down a path. And, you politely say to the person, “ Would you please help me by walking down the path .” The person does nothing. No matter what the Rider did, the Elephant just kept eating grass. Why did the Elephant keep doing that? Answer: the Elephant felt good…Elephants place a lot of personal value on eating grass…it helps them sustain life, an important goal for Elephants. Getting back to the task you tried to assign, but failed… You asked a person to walk down a path The person did not walk down a path Now what are you going to do? 2 pieces of advice: “ When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudice, and motivated by pride and vanity. ” Dale Carnegie “ Take the trouble to stop and think of the other person's feelings, his viewpoints, his desires, and needs. Think more of what the other fellow wants, and how he must feel. ” Maxwell Maltz

## Sales Tweets #293
Date: 2011-08-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweets-293/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #293 Your 'prospect' claims to want the lowest price. That’s it. The lowest price…what do you do? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Remember this...the reality: the cold, hard facts like lowest price aren’t the things that matter. What matters is ‘how people feel’, how they perceive the experience. Neither selling nor buying is about ‘lowest price’. ‘The lowest price’ is fleeting ...it will soon be forgotten. It will always be forgotten. However, perceptions will not. When the buyer feels good...we have sold. If the buyer maintains a good feeling over time then we have a business relationship. Buyers need help ‘packaging’ their purchase. So...help them ‘package’ their purchase.

## Abe Lincoln
Date: 2011-08-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/abe-lincoln/ | Categories: Hero Worship

Abraham Lincoln said, “ Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe ”. And, as you already know, it is much harder to build up people and build up business than it is to chop down a tree. Eventually, Lincoln became skilled at both chopping down trees and leading people. The history books are not clear on whether or not chopping down trees came easy to Lincoln. On the other hand, there has been much written about the people challenges Lincoln experienced during the early part of his unusual career. Lincoln fought some bitter public battles, embarrassed himself, and experienced some bitter lessons before he learned how to develop strong interpersonal and leadership abilities. I imagine Abe Lincoln, sitting with his back rested against a tree on a hot summer day. The sun is beating down, the leaves are rustling under just a little breeze, and the insects are humming. I see Abe chewing on a piece of straw. That tall hat of his is tilted down at the front, almost resting on his nose. Abe is thinking to himself: These interpersonal things have caused such problems for me Maybe I should plan my dealing with people, like I plan chopping down trees? Say I have 6 hours to spend on a person-to-person interaction… Should I spend no time planning up front and 6 hours with the people? Should I spend 2 hours planning then 4 hours with the people? Should I spend 4 hours up front planning then 2 hours with the people? I think I will spend 4 hours planning up front then 2 hours with the people Hold on…I just thought of a tree-axing metaphor I can use to explain why I do things that way When Abe Lincoln did hone his people skills he was as prepared as any leader could be. His preparation served him and his countrymen well. Abe Lincoln is one of my heroes.

## BUSINESS CONTAINS ONLY 3 THINGS:
Date: 2011-08-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-contains-only-3-things/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Seeking Simple!

PEOPLE, PROCESS, & SITUATIONS Focus your strengths on people and situations. You can simplify your approach to business by accepting the conclusion – business contains only 3 things: people, process, and situations. When you create this short list it increases the likelihood you will give people and situations the attention they deserve…and must have…if you are to excel as a leader. How often do you get annoyed at people who offer sincere attention and service to you? Think back to the early years of your career. Does one of your first bosses glow in your mind? What causes that glow in your memory… A bit of praise: perhaps, you were brought front and center to receive it? Some helpful words, when you needed to hear them most? Rolling up sleeves together, all hands on deck to tackle a tough job? A joke, where the boss smiled as broadly as the rest of the group? A listening pair of ears, when you needed to blow off some steam? These are the glowing memories of the things bosses and mentors did for me…and I will never forget. It is your time to create such memories.

## Sales Tweets #289
Date: 2011-08-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweets-289/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #289 The Boss had a horrible nightmare last night. The Boss was in San Francisco and the earth began to shake. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet In the weird dream, The New Guy was with The Boss like they were friends or something. It was a nightmare! The earth kept shaking and The New Guy kept talking about the fault lines that cause the problem. The New Guy asked The Boss if he had ever seen a fault up close. The Boss confirmed he had not. Then The New Guy handed him a mirror. That's when The Boss woke up in a cold sweat.

## Work: Do You Feel Good About It? - #1
Date: 2011-08-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/work-do-you-feel-good-about-it-1/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Hero Worship

Some successful leaders favour a fun, kind, and calm work environment. U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower said: “ A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done ”. Some successful leaders favour a serious, hard-driving, and formal work environment. Henry Ford comes to mind. Some claim Henry Ford fired people for smiling during working hours. The important thing: your work environment must align with your personal values and your personality. Otherwise, sooner or later, you will lose patience and enthusiasm. With the loss of patience and enthusiasm…it will be tough to enjoy your work. In simple words: you will feel bad about work. That will remove the possibility of major business success. To make matters worse, it will cause dysfunction to grow and spread. Stresses will erupt. Attitudes and behaviours will become troubling, quite uncomfortable, and possibly even vicious. You want none of these things. Right! You want your people to co-operate with one another and get along. Right! You want to enjoy your workday. Right! So, what do you need to do to bring that about and make sure it remains? Let’s start with a seek simple thought: people only have two types of emotions/feelings. Some emotions cause people to feel good Some emotions cause people to feel bad Yes, some emotions such as utter bliss or supreme joy make us feel much better than other emotions such as mildly amused and pleased. Similarly, feeling enraged is more extreme than feeling impatient or annoyed. You can make your interpersonal activities simpler and more effective if you can accurately identify good feelings from bad feelings. That’s an achievement. For the most part, it doesn’t matter how extreme the feelings are. It is the direction of the feelings that counts the most. Are they ‘good’ or ‘bad’? Let’s be honest about our ability to read other people’s feelings. When it comes to understanding other people’s feelings many of us are not very skilled. We struggle with understanding our own feelings let alone understanding other people’s feelings. So let’s start by looking at feelings only 2 ways: feelings are either (1) Good or (2) Bad.

## Sales Tweets #288
Date: 2011-08-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweets-288/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #288 Failing is OK. Figuring out how it happened is better. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet We hear recommendations like, ‘fail often and fail quickly’. The point being: do not expect perfection. Some say, if you succeed 51% of the time then you will ultimately be a winner. Regardless of the statistics on the right balance between successes and failure, there is no question – failing can be very educational. But, you only receive education when you are willing to learn and you take the time to learn.

## About Master Mind Alliances
Date: 2011-08-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-master-mind-alliances/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders

Napoleon Hill taught us the immense value contained in a Master Mind alliance. When two or more people apply their minds, in harmony, toward a shared goal they create an incremental 'force' that otherwise would never exist. The 'whole' is greater than the 'sum of the parts'. Truly successful business leaders know this to be true. They have lived the Master Mind experience and enjoyed the experience. They notice its absence when it fades...and even though it takes a tremendous amount of work to lead a Master Mind they crave its return. We have seen Master Minds do tremendous good. We have seen Master Minds do tremendous business. It’s all about people and how they can become inspired to desire and take desired action. Your Master Mind can do tremendous business too. We offer suggestions to help you with that. First, you must create it…perhaps you will have to start with just two people…you, the leader, and one follower. That’s not just OK: it is the best way to start. Interpersonal harmony and like-minded ness are essential to building and growing a successful Master Mind Alliance. The steps are: Determine the business you want to build Select one or more followers…people who align with your values, vision, major rules, and goals Ensure a meeting of the minds…on personal values, shared vision, major rules, and goals Work together to create plans Work in harmony Never criticize Meet frequently and make adjustments to plans Praise successful action Praise desired results Learn from failures, but don’t dwell on them Praise lessons learned Enforce the major rules, which we call Master Rules Pre-pave the paths This is a lot of work. If done properly, it is very pleasant and very fulfilling work.

## Spirited Leaders BUSINESS PATHS
Date: 2011-08-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/spirited-leaders-business-paths/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders



## Sales Tweets #284
Date: 2011-08-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweets-284/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #284 Sales by Wandering Around…that's one of the ways Ernest Seller prospects The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Some time ago, Management by Wandering Around (or of some similar name) was in vogue. Managers were encouraged to wander around, be accessible, etc. Ernest's approach to prospecting appears to be similar to that. He loves prospecting. While he doesn't go for all that scripted phone or e-mail schmooze...he does have some remarkable success at prospecting. And, his prospecting can be described as 'wandering around'. Wherever he is, whether walking or driving, he is always looking around...he's a curious guy. If he sees something that catches his commission-focused eyes he either drops in to introduce himself and check it out. Or he writes a little note on his notepad for future follow up. He's been known to wander in with a big smile and strut out with a bigger smile. (Sometimes he has his faithful dog "Commission" with him. But, that's another story.)

## The Leader, alone, is responsible for the Paths to Business Success
Date: 2011-08-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-leader-alone-is-responsible-for-the-paths-to-business-success/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts

Business is about people, process, and situations. People create the process and people create most of the situations. So, when you boil it down business is about people. We all know that. And, we all forget it…at least from time to time each of us forgets it. When it comes to people, each of us has some home-made putty to deal with: we can start with self. How can we expect to have any success leading other people if we cannot develop skill at leading self ? Napoleon Bonaparte had it right when he said, “ If you do not conquer self, you will be conquered by self ”. When we understand self we have a chance to guide self to better places. When we understand self we have a chance to increase our good habits and reduce our bad habits. When we understand self we have confidence and we are better-able to tackle new things. This is what Napoleon taught when he said, “ conquer self ”. Conquering self … Only after we have worked at that and had some success at that can we have the chance to guide other people to better places. This business of understanding and conquering self cannot be left to chance or to best intentions. It requires forethought and focussed action. That’s the business Leader's responsibility! That’s the essence of leadership!

## Sales Tweets #283
Date: 2011-08-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweets-283/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #283 Develop ‘pet names’ and ‘pet sayings’ to remind your Sales people… “Size Does Matter”. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Sometimes Sales people focus on wee pieces of low-hanging fruit. That can happen when it is easy to sign up wee pieces...so they do it…even if your business cannot afford to serve those wee clients. Maybe you need some strategies and sayings to address this problem? For example: “Well that's a really good start: you’ve picked up a nice little blip on the radar screen…”

## Feel Better – Inspire People – Grow Profits
Date: 2011-08-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/feel-better-inspire-people-grow-profits/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Measure & Monitor

Business Leader How do you feel? We have found: if you generally feel good then you have a greater chance to inspire followers and you have a greater chance to achieve the business profits you desire. Feel Better – Inspire People – Grow Profits The first step – measure your feelings. How? We recommend leaders use a Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale , where: A Score of Minus10 means I feel absolutely horrible, couldn’t be feeling any worse than this A Score of 0 means I don’t register any good feelings or bad feelings A Score of Plus10 means I am absolutely ecstatic, never been more pumped up in my life People will score their feelings higher some days. Some activities will receive higher scores than others. Some situations will cause the score to rise. Some situations will cause the score to drop. When situations change the score could change radically…for example, consider the impact of surprises…pleasant surprises tend to generate good/positive feelings, not-so-pleasant surprises tend to generate bad/negative feelings. No business leader scores Plus10 all day long. Rather, under normal business situations, leaders’ feelings fluctuate between a high and a low. And, over time their feelings fluctuate above and below their average score . Leaders who are truly happy sorts tend to feel better about almost everything they experience during their workdays. So, their average scores are high. They might assess themselves at an average score of Plus8 . Stress tends to reduce scores. When leaders experience sustained high-stress levels their scores can drop significantly….and remain low, perhaps even in Minus territory. When a leader’s score drops the leader becomes less productive and frequently this is clearly evident to the leader’s people, clients, suppliers, and business allies. That has a negative impact on business. And, that has a negative impact on business profitability. Our goal is: to help business leaders feel even better. Feel Better – Inspire People – Grow Profits

## Sales Tweet #281
Date: 2011-08-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-281/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #281 English proverb: If two ride a horse, one must ride behind. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet But, “If the world were a logical place, men would ride side-saddle.” [Rita Mae Brown]…in which case, “If two ride a horse, they are side-by-side.” But…maybe that’s only from the rider’s perspective…or riders’ perspectives. The horse and most outsiders would agree…”If two ride a horse, one must ride behind.” Remember that when you are a boss, a subordinate or a partner in business.

## Sales Tweet #280
Date: 2011-08-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-280/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #280 If your girlfriend laughs at your tie, don't take it personally. Find another tie or find another girlfriend. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Remember that quote from Marilyn Vos Savant? [see the Thoughts Behind Sales Tweet #279] Anyhow, I wanted to clear any confusion about Ernest: he didn't find another tie, he was perfectly happy with the one he was wearing!

## CONFIDENCE IS KEY
Date: 2011-08-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/confidence-is-key/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Entrepreneur Thinking, Hero Worship

Self-Confidence is the 1st accomplishment. I have often told the story of Alexander the Great who eased his commanders’ fears and inspired his army by telling them they were guaranteed to win because they had one thing the enemy lacked. When his followers asked them about the one thing that would guarantee victory, Alexander the Great answered, “ We have me .” Now, to be clear, when I tell that story I make sure to mention I have no way of knowing if this is just legend, let alone the exact words used by Alexander the Great. However, the history books confirm his father was a warrior-king and Alexander was private schooled by Aristotle. Alexander was a young fellow at the time he became ruler. Think about people today who become famous at a young age. If we compare Alexander the Great to the rock stars of today, he would be at least a stage full of them. If compared to the business leaders of today, he would be at least the Chairman of the Board of at least a few upstart car makers, oil producers, and technology disruptors. So, some 2300 years ago we had this young Alexander fellow with a huge amount of fame and absolute power. Perhaps, it could have gone to his head just a little bit. Perhaps, he did say things like “ We’re gonna win because we got me ”. On a much lesser scale, of course, I have made similar claims. I have seen myself as the best person to do the job at hand. Isn’t that a big piece of the definition of entrepreneur ? Entrepreneurs and leaders need to be the difference makers…isn’t that right? A leader must be confident about his ability to succeed…right? A leader must be confident about her ability to succeed…right? None of us wants to follow an unconfident leader. None of us wants to be an unconfident leader. Some of us feel confidence is near or at the top of the list of leadership attributes. To be crystal clear: I think self-confidence is very, very close to the top of that list.

## Sales Tweet #278
Date: 2011-08-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-278/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #278 Knowledge can backfire. Selling has little to do with the technical things you know and/or talk about. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Does this sound familiar? ...As time goes on, you learn more and more about the product/service you sell. Human nature being what it is you cannot resist sharing with prospects all the technical stuff you know. You are brilliant and you want to light up the prospects’ offices. As you do this, you talk too much and you listen too little. You educate the customers. They applaud. But, your Sales fall off. You are all tied up in technical know-how and forgetting how Sales are achieved.

## People Behave like Riders on Elephants on Paths
Date: 2011-08-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-behave-like-riders-on-elephants-on-paths/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Logic faces a life-long battle to control emotions Have you ever ridden an elephant? If not, pretend for a moment you are doing just that. You are sitting about 10 feet above the ground, on the top of an elephant. The elephant is not huge, only about 3,000 pounds. Regardless, when you compare your sizes; that means: the elephant is big and you are small. On average, elephants weigh about 40 times as much as people. So, here you are sitting on top of the biggest creature on land. It has its head down and it is eating some grass. You say giddee up in an effort to cause the elephant to move ahead on the path. The elephant keeps eating the grass. You say giddee up a little louder. The elephant keeps eating the grass. You really raise your voice and holler out giddee up . The elephant keeps eating the grass. You really don’t like to hit animals…so you are tentative about using the switch you were given. But, after a few more hollers you decide to give the elephant a gentle tap with the switch. You yell giddee up and at the same time you swat the elephant with the switch. The elephant keeps eating the grass. You keep doing that routine for a while…all to no avail. The elephant just keeps on eating the grass. You finally give up and turn your mind to thinking, how can I get off this elephant? It’s a long way down to the ground . As you are giving that some thought you notice, out of the corner of your eye, a little movement at the side of the path. You turn your head to focus on it…a little grey mouse. Isn’t that cute, a mouse…way out here in the middle of nowhere. Before that thought has time the settle the earth begins to shake. No wait, it isn’t the earth, it’s the elephant. Then there’s this deafening trumpet sound. Its sound bangs into your ears at the same time the head and trunk of the elephant stretch so far back the trunk conks you square in the forehead. It delivers such a wallop that you end up falling off the elephant and crashing down on the grassy path below. While that’s happening the elephant is running full speed ahead. Through your dizzy fog, you marvel at it… who would have thought an elephant could run so fast . People behave like Riders on Elephants on Paths. That’s a metaphor created by Dr. Jonathan Haidt. The Rider represents our Logical side. The Elephant represents our Emotional side. The Paths represents the Situations we face. As the story above illustrates: The Rider has little control over the Elephant…like our Logic has little control over our Emotions Situations play a huge role in Elephants behaviour…as do Emotions in people’s behaviour

## People’s Weaknesses Don’t Build
Date: 2011-08-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-s-weaknesses-don-t-build/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Although I have not been able to discover any written confirmation of it, I believe, since the beginning of time, when Man wanted to build something for himself he or she chose the best materials available. If a shelter was desired then a nice rock cave would be favoured over a hole in a tree stump or a lean-to made of tree branches. If a fire was desired then dry sticks would be favoured over wet rocks. Etc. Similarly, our ancient ancestors learned some cave-people were good at some things while other cave-people were good at other things. Over time, for example, some cave-people became makers of arrow heads, some became makers of wheels, some became gathering experts, some became hunters of land animals, and others became hunters of fish. Later, specialization leapt to new technological heights. Some of the cave-people evolved into doctors, engineers, abstract painters, astronauts, and sales folks. While all these changes occurred, people built on strengths and failed when they tried to build on weaknesses. Now, in the 21st Century, we find our education systems and our businesses so developed we occasionally forget the lessons of the past. Particularly, we forget people weaknesses don't build.

## The Art of Good Questions
Date: 2011-08-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-art-of-good-questions/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales

While this probably has never been the subject of a scientific study, I believe the most-successful people of all time form the same crowd as the most-successful question askers of all time. In some disciplines, this is self-evident: teachers, trial lawyers, philosophers, scientists, inventors, sales people, and market researchers come immediately to mind. In those disciplines, the master-players all excel at The Art of Good Questions . How about your discipline...your chosen field of business? Could you and your people learn the Art of Good Questions ? The answer is - Yes . Consider buying & selling as one example and think about it this way… You are a sales person. You are on one side of a chasm…a wide, deep, dark, bottomless crevice…it looks like a mini-Grand Canyon, except it is pitch black and you can see nothing when you stand on the edge and look down Your probable client is on the other side…too far to jump to be with you You and probable clients have been here and there before…lots of your probable clients are in that wide, deep, dark, bottomless crevice…somewhere You can do one of two things: You can do and say the same old things you have always done and said You can ask a terrific question that magically launches your probable client over the wide, deep, dark, bottomless crevice…over to your side If you picked #2, well done, you know the The Art of Good Questions .

## Sales Tweet #274
Date: 2011-08-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-274/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #274 Busy people often see difference as a problem rather than a blessing. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet If you compare where you are against where you could be then you may find you need some education on: how to be honest with yourself how to know yourself how to embrace difference

## If it ain’t broken then…
Date: 2011-08-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-it-ain-t-broken-then/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

A traditional aphorism of wisdom states: if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it . If that thought is kept in the isolation ward then it is fine. In reality, the human mind has few if any isolation wards. And, it seems many people take that if-it-ain’t-broken-don’t-fix-it thought and stretch it into new dimensions, specifically: if it ain’t broken, leave it alone and if it is broken, fix it. We have learned those can be serious-problem dimensions. Here are some thoughts Successful people in all occupations build on their strengths. Successful people focus attention on their talents, their passions, and their strengths. They dedicate a larger-then-average amount of their time gathering knowledge and honing skills around their talents. Successful people surround their strengths with action and they aim their strengths toward results. When successful people have weaknesses they do not dwell on them. They do two other things: they improve in their areas of weaknesses just enough to ensure the weakness does not disrupt or negate their strengths and they ally with others who possess the necessary but missing strengths This approach to strengths & weaknesses is one of the major reasons successful people are successful.

## Sales Tweet #273
Date: 2011-08-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-273/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet # 273 A Rule for Elephants: "Whatever you feel compelled to do, don’t." The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet If Tony Schwartz met Jonathan Haidt then that could be the topic they discuss. The quote above is from Tony Schwartz’s book ‘The Way We’re Working ISN”T WORKING’ and Jonathan Haidt is the author of ‘The Happiness Hypothesis’. In that book, Haidt likens people’s behavior to Riders, on Elephants, on Paths…where riders are our logical side, Elephants are our emotional side, and Paths are the situations we face. [Elephants can be very compelling.]

## Crank Up Your Leadership Strengths
Date: 2011-08-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/crank-up-your-leadership-strengths/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Influencing, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Here’s a picture to help you crank up your Leadership Strengths. Specifically, if you want to expand your skill at inspiring followers or influencing the outcome of actions or persuading people to join your way of thinking – here is a picture and a checklist: a How To Inspire checklist : Do You Want It…enough to do some serious work to get it? Are You Clear & Specific About It…the more-clear and more-specific the better? Do You Really, Really, Really* Want it…Do You Have A Burning Desire For It? Can you Communicate a Vivid Picture Of It...a ‘sticky’ Mind-Picture? Are you Leading The ‘ Good Habits ’* For It…showing by example how to bring it about? Footnotes: Remember when you were a kid…often kids got what they really, really, really wanted A link to Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things …[this Thought Post is a New Thing , a 1-Page Tool you can think about as you plan how to achieve your goals]

## Change is Constructive Only When People are Comfortable
Date: 2011-07-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/change-is-only-constructive-when-people-are-comfortable/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change

Sure, given the right amount of power you can force certain changes. You can play on people's fears and cause them to act the way you desire or the way you command. So, change is possible even if people are not comfortable. The fact is: if you cause people to perform change when they are not comfortable then sooner or later you will find the result is destructive. You can play upon people's weaknesses and fears...causing them to act to remove the pain they are feeling. You can cause that sort of change to happen. But, as you do it, recognize that type of change cannot be mutually constructive. To twist on an old cliché, that’s short term gain for long term pain. If your goal is to construct , to build, to sustain, then you cannot lay out uncomfortable-change paths for your followers. To be extra clear: it doesn’t matter if you feel comfortable on those change paths. What matters is – Do your followers feel comfortable? Will your followers feel comfortable? If you want to generate constructive change then the paths of change need to be pre-paved. They need to be pre-paved with material and surrounding that will be comfortable when your followers travel on it. To do this pre-paving you must take the time to analyse your people, to understand your people, and to anticipate situations. Only then can you have the knowledge you need to pre-pave comfortable paths of change . Then, and only then, will change be constructive. Use comfortable materials and surroundings as you pre-pave the paths of change .

## Feel that Ooze of Abundance
Date: 2011-07-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/feel-that-ooze-of-abundance/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts

Most of the successful Leaders we have met with feel the ooze of abundance. They are inspired by competition. They are solution-oriented. They are optimistic. The Leaders who have an abundance mindset really stand out. They tell some amazing stories of how they have done things that many folks find counterintuitive. Their businesses operate in no-bad-mouthing zones . Optimism bounded by realism is a wonderful character trait. I wrote about that last week: Is our way of thinking affected by our personality? Some folks are born with a tendency toward optimism and their life experiences taught them how to keep their optimism within realistic bounds. When compared to pessimists, these realistic optimists have a far greater chance of seeing the world as an abundant place. As a Leader you will employ optimists, pessimists, and other folks who fall between the two extremes. Given a choice you will want to help some of those people become more optimistic...you will want to help them feel that ooze of abundance. How might you do that? Feeling the Ooze of Abundance - the 4 major steps : Self-Assessment, Setting clear rules, Communicating those rules so they are sticky , & Leading by example Self-Assessment : you will need unbiased outsider help to do this. It isn’t a huge time-consumer but you must be a little tough on yourself. Better to air on the tough side than the lax side. That’s why unbiased outsiders are helpful. Setting clear rules : Depending on how strongly you feel about abundance mentality, this could be one of your “Master Rules”: the major rules that cannot be bent at your business. [refer to our Spirited Leaders’ Workshop #4] Communicating those rules so they are sticky : don’t just ‘tell’…inspire your followers. Describe your most-interesting real-life abundance experiences and how they have caused you to feel the ooze of abundance. Leading by example : as they say, ‘talk the talk and walk the walk’…and when the heat of major business stresses is burning down on you…. run the run . If you slip up and fall into scarcity talk or scarcity action, and that may happen from time to time, remedy your error quickly and with full force.

## The K.I.S.L. Principle
Date: 2011-07-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-kisl-principle/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Leaders' Thoughts, Entrepreneur Thinking, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Seeking Simple!

You know that K.I.S.S. Principle - Keep It Simple Stupid. Now, isn’t that an annoying little saying! People are not stupid…they just have more Bad Habits than you would like. And, I am sure you can accept it’s their Bad Habits that make you a whole lot less interesting to them than you would like. So, do not underestimate or pooh-pooh the intelligence of others. Do not assume people are stupid. Do not make light of intelligence or make light of yourself by using the word stupid when you describe what you are doing [and why you are doing it]. Instead, assume you better crank up your interesting ness a bit and, even better, you better provide tools that will help people do the actions you desire as accurately, quickly, and painlessly as possible. At our business, we use " 1-Page Tools ". Design a terrific 1-Page Tool and give it to your people. They will use it. While they may not give you a huge pat on the back...they will appreciate the effort you have made to minimize the disruption in their already-too-busy lives. I hope you will now take the K.I.S.S. Principle and throw it in the garbage where it belongs. Replace it with the K.I.S.L. Principle … K eep I t S imple… L eader Develop Good Habits : for communication for ‘sticky stories’ for expressing ‘rules’ for goal setting for task assignment for 1-Page Tools Remember It’s a double-edged sword: People ain’t stupid…you just have more Bad Habits than they would like.

## The Joys of a Thick Skin & a Thin Skull
Date: 2011-07-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-joys-of-a-thick-skin-a-thin-skull/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thick Skin & Thin Skull

If I prick you, you better not bleed. William Shakespeare wrote something near-opposite to that about 400 years ago. Shakespeare wrote, "If you prick us, do we not bleed?" That question gets to the obvious point: people are people…we all bleed. Sure we do. And all that bleeding and all those stories about bleeding makes for great literature and theatre. But… Bleeding's not going to help you one iota if you are a business Leader . Actually, if the Leader is going to be bleeding all over the place then that will likely put some people off . And, other people will play follow the Leader and they will start bleeding all over the place too. Other people, the shark-like people, will smell the …[never mind…that would be getting too carried away] Here’s another way to look at it – You're the Boss. Some people are going to be pricking at you….take that as a given. So, with that a given, thicken up your skin. Accept the fact followers, at least from time to time, will challenge you, take some stabs and cheap shots at you, etc. In fact, every once in a while followers will do some things to you that will be downright annoying! Annoying to you if you have thin skin , that is. Do not have thin skin. Leaders: Take steps to ensure your skin is sufficiently thick . PS: And, while you are working at that, also work at keeping your skull thin. That will help you keep an open mind...for example, to embrace other's ideas.

## Sales Tweet #267
Date: 2011-07-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-267/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #267 You want Clients? Learn from successful job seekers! The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Successful job seekers pave paths….directing them toward specific doors. Successful job seekers pave those paths well before they reach doors. When successful job seekers get to their doors they don’t beat down doors…they don’t even knock too hard!

## Neither Donate Nor Collect Negativity
Date: 2011-07-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/neither-donate-nor-collect-negativity/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

How many times have you heard the saying, 'misery enjoys company' ? Apparently, this is widely-accepted as a fact of the human condition. And, it has been accepted for quite some time. Many years ago, I argued that ‘company enjoys misery’ too. I mean, some people get a kick out of knowing others are worse off…as if being less worse off than those unfortunate creatures is a consolation prize. But, I do not argue that anymore. I mean, aside from making the point clear again here in this paragraph I do not argue that anymore. But, I will argue the following points. For one reason or another, lots of people have the habit of sharing their stories of woe. If we sat these people down and asked them if sharing woes is a Good Habit or a Bad Habit I expect the vast majority of people would state, “ That’s a Bad Habit ”. They might even add, “ People who spend time dealing with stories of woe are doing nothing positive or constructive. Those discussions do not bring people closer to their personal goals or to their business goals .” People know the time is wasted. People know that damage is done. Yet, people do it anyhow. And, some people do a lot of it! The Bottom Line: Negativity consumes a great deal of people’s lives. It consumes a great deal of business people’s work-lives. It may be consuming a great of your followers’ work-lives. Every one of us engages in negativity to some degree. The Leader’s challenge is to minimize that negativity. Again, the Leader enjoys a unique opportunity – leading by example. Leaders can lead by example by making a conscious effort to refrain from collecting other people's garbage. Leaders must also work to refrain from dumping garbage on others. This is one area where leading by example is absolutely within the Leader’s control: the Leader has an exclusive opportunity to send out visible signals of self-confidence and interpersonal harmony.

## Is our way of thinking affected by our personality?
Date: 2011-07-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/is-our-way-of-thinking-affected-by-our-personality/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work, Put Your Best Brain Forward

Is our way of thinking affected by our personality? Are we born positive thinker or do we learn from experiences (usually difficult)? One of my LinkedIn friends asked those questions. Here is how I answered… Like you I think about these questions. Based on personal experience and expert opinions [which I have read], the answers appear to be yes, yes, and yes. Yes - some of our personality is directed by our genes. For example, experts have apparently identified long and short forms of a gene that is correlated with optimism and pessimism. Optimism-pessimism is connected with ‘positive thinking’, so – Yes – the genetic predispositions we are born with can cause us to be ‘by nature’ more-positive, less-positive, or middle-of-the-road. The good news is – Yes – regardless – we can learn and teach ourselves how to become more positive. It seems to me genetics influences about 50% and we can choose the other 50%...by working on things we see as promoting ‘positive attitude & positive thinking’. Here’s what I mean by 50% - 50%. When we are born we are predisposed to be negative or middle-of-the-road or positive. I envision this like a Bell Curve where 25% of people are genetically negative, 50% are genetically middle-of-the-road, and 25% are genetically positive. The extent of negativity or positivity is not fixed. Picture it as falling within a range…i.e., each of us is born with a predetermined range where we either ‘tend’ to be negative , ‘tend’ to be neutral, or ‘tend’ to be positive. While, as research strongly suggests, a range like I have described is set by genetics…pessimistic people can work at being at the most-optimistic end of their range, neutral people can work at being more-optimistic, and optimistic people can work at making sure their optimism stays within the bounds of realism. [Too much optimism carries some unfortunate consequences.] How do we make sure we are positive enough? What can we learn from experiences? Many things... As examples: We can learn how to understand ourselves, particularly our moods We can learn how to avoid negative situations [because situations impact on mood] We can learn how to focus on using our strengths rather than correcting our weaknesses We can learn how to have a thick skin…i.e., so others do not offend us We can learn how to bolster our self-confidence

## Sales Tweet #265
Date: 2011-07-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-265/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #265 The Boss was having a really tough day. He called the local Urologist and was put on hold. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet And, wouldn’t you know that’s the day Ernest chose to ask for a raise. He decided to soften The Boss up by bringing him a coffee. When The Boss saw the coffee he grimaced….even more than he normally does when he sees Ernest at his door. He must have really grimaced because Ernest caught on…and Ernest asked him if he would rather have a tea…or maybe a nice cold glass of lemonade…with extra ice…

## Sales Meeting – Agenda or No Agenda?
Date: 2011-07-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-meeting-agenda-or-no-agenda/ | Categories: Sales

Here’s a way to look at why a meeting agenda is an important tool and why sharing views on ‘ Why are we meeting? ’ are important. Create an agenda, review it at least a day or two before the meeting. Then quickly review it when the meeting starts. If, at the beginning of the meeting, people are on different wavelengths then that’s a big problem. Something must be done to correct that problem. Here is a set of steps you can discuss with your sales people… Always have meeting agendas. When the meeting with the Client/Probable Client begins, confirm the agenda...if there is any hesitation on the Client’s part...take the time to understand the situation and decide whether the situation is better or worse than the situation you thought was agreed to under the agenda. If it is worse then step back and do not start the meeting until you believe something has changed for the better. If nothing changes for the better....you should recognize the Client probably does not want to do the business meeting with you at this time. Have strategies ready for that situation. Let the Client know you are sensing maybe this not the right time for the Client to do the meeting . See how the Client reacts. Perhaps, insist on returning later rather than proceeding. Use your judgment. If the situation is better than expected under the agenda...try to go with it. Try to understand what has changed and what the Client is now thinking and wanting. Then decide whether or not you can get that done, and make money. If you feel you are not prepared then maybe you will be uncomfortable and that may be a good reason to re-book the meeting? Or, maybe you will sense a major opportunity and go with the flow as it takes you to even greater success than anticipated? Rarely do people want to stick with the pre-planned agenda. That comes out when the agenda is being reviewed at the very beginning of the meeting....so, the meeting rarely goes exactly as anticipated. So, try to adjust what you say to optimize/maximize the situation. The main point: do not assume the situation…understand the situation . Never give “canned” presentations or spiels...and, rarely use the same approach twice even if you are selling the same thing. [about the underlining…I have found many Sales people really struggle with this one. Ordinary Sales people really struggle with it.] The keys are : understanding what the Client wants...and recognizing situations change. Situations will change between the times you book the meetings/set the agendas and when you visit to have the meetings. Don’t assume or take chances: figure out those changes.

## Sales Tweet #264
Date: 2011-07-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-264/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #264 Doubters do not build. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet That’s a fact. You can read about it in a Thought Post… at https://rickbaker.ca/post/doubters-don-t-build/

## Measuring Emotions & Feelings
Date: 2011-07-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/measuring-emotions-feelings/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Measure & Monitor, Put Your Best Brain Forward

We don't bother to measure our feelings and emotions. At least most of us, most of the time, don't measure our feelings and emotions. That's not to say we don't 'register' our feelings and emotions. And, that's not to say we don't behave in accordance with our feelings and emotions. We do those things. We do register the fact we feel this way or that. And, we do recognize our feelings and emotions play a role in what we do. We just don't measure what's going on. Maybe we are generally content with our feelings and emotions...so, why bother analysing them or taking the time to measure them? Maybe we don't think we can do much about our feelings and emotions...like, they happen and that's it? Maybe we've thought of measuring our emotions and feelings but couldn't quickly identify how that might be done...then, we got busy and that thought slipped away? Regardless, maybe today we are thinking it would be a good idea to figure out a way to measure our emotions and feelings. If that's something you’d like to do then there are simple ways to do it. About a dozen years ago Brian Tracy recommended a technique which is simple and helpful. He recommended a scale from Minus10-to-Plus10 . a rating of ‘ Minus 10 ’ means you have the most negative possible feeling about the situation at hand. As examples...utter disgust and raging anger a rating of ‘ Zero ’ is absolutely neutral...take it or leave it a rating of ‘ Plus 10 ’ is the most positive feeling about the situation. As examples…sheer bliss and pure love I like the Minus10-to-Plus10 approach much better than any other 'yardstick' for measuring emotions/feelings. A Minus10-to-Plus10 approach forces us to accept the reality of negatives and positives. It also makes sure we do not lose track of the fact, when you boil it down, we only have 2 types of emotions : Emotions that make us feel Good Emotions that make us feel Bad That helps remove all the mumbo jumbo about optimists versus pessimists. Everyone experiences Good feelings and everyone has Bad feelings. A Minus10-to-Plus10 approach also allows us a wide enough range to make and be pleased about baby-steps of improvement. It’s easy to give and receive advice like, " Your problem is you don't have a positive mental attitude. Think positive and all will be well ." On the other hand, that's not really very practical. To alter our feelings , if our goal is to have more good feelings then, we need to overcome deeply ingrained Bad Habits ...some of which we know and can identify...and some of which are deeply rooted in our subconscious. While we may never uncover the deep roots of habits we can always register and measure our feelings and emotions. Using a Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale© we can calibrate any and all our feelings [or emotions if you prefer to describe it that way]. Some of this goes without saying...catastrophes can generate extreme frustration or anger or compassion or grief, etc. Other feelings and emotions, the ones that we experience throughout every waking moment of every day, are more subtle and their root causes are less clear. Regardless, the feelings and emotions influence what we do next...they influence how we feel next…and, repeating, they influence what we do next. And, they generate patterns of behaviour that show up later...including years later. We can choose the behaviours we desire then create those behaviours. We can use the Minus10-to-Plus10 Scale© to create those behaviours.

## Our Changing Brains
Date: 2011-07-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/our-changing-brains/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Put Your Best Brain Forward

Here’s what I think... When we behave [take action], our behaviour alters our brain…maybe only a little, maybe much more than a little…depending on the situation...and the nature of our behaviour [our action]. When we think, our thoughts alter our brain… maybe only a little, maybe much more than a little…depending on the situation around and the nature of our thoughts…probably, also depending on the strength of the emotions/feelings we are experiencing at the time we are thinking. When we are not consciously behaving or thinking [for example, when we are asleep] things happen inside us that alter our brain… maybe only a little, maybe more than a little…likely, these changes are minor but they build over time. For example, brain-things likely happen during our sleep to place experiences of the day into our ‘memory bank’. Considering the fact we are thinking and behaving 100% of the time we are conscious and we are not conscious the rest of our living hours… I am saying our brain is constantly changing…physically…maybe a little, maybe much more than a little…but always at least a little. I recognize this has not been verified empirically…i.e., it is not proven. It seems to me this is just common sense. While many people have said our brains are like computers I do not agree with that. Our brains have wiring, connections, and on-off switches like computers. Maybe once they are established most or maybe all of the connections are unchangeable. Maybe some of the brain wires are unchangeable. Regardless, the brain wires are replacing themselves, and growing, and moving around and the connections are multiplying/popping up in new places and dying/ceasing activity in some places. And, the switches are doing that too. On a macro scale the brain is changing slowly unless there is a catastrophe like a stroke. On a micro scale the little pieces of stuff in the brain are in a constant state of flux…ebbing and flowing with our thoughts, our behaviour, and all the mysterious workings of our subconscious. Certain behaviours and thoughts align with Good Work Habits . The more of these behaviours and thoughts we do/have the more we will self-inflict brain changes aligned with Good Work Habits …as described in the Napoleon Hill classic ‘ Think and Grow Rich ’. [Note: I do not recall Napoleon Hill ever indicating the brain itself changed. Rather, he said our thoughts resonated and connected with “ Universal Intelligence ”.] Certain behaviours and thoughts align with Bad Work Habits . The less of these behaviours and thoughts we do/have the less we will self-inflict brain changes aligned with Bad Work Habits . As in – Don’t Think and Don’t Grow Poor’ . The truly great news is recent scientific developments have provided much new evidence to illustrate/suggest the above is more than just directionally correct. While many have said ‘Think and Grow Rich’ is a nice little motivational book, recent scientific developments are illustrating/suggesting the book contains ‘the secret’ – as in the book, ‘The Secret’ - to successful business [and life]. Recent scientific developments are beginning to validate the fact business people who desire riches can get them using a ‘Think and Grow Rich’ process. This validation will help business people understand how simple actions [ New Work Things ] can generate material people changes and those people changes can generate profitable business.

## “Running the Business Run”
Date: 2011-07-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/running-the-business-run/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts

You: the Leader The Situation: The business is in a start-up mode, or a re-directed mode, and everyone seems to be struggling too much. Preamble: You don’t know whether you should: send everyone home so you can concentrate on getting some work done or crack the whip take another shot at leading with passion and inspiration As you are just about to make the right choice, the following thoughts hit you… Running a business is a different thing than talking about running a business. Consider ‘talking the talk’ and ‘walking the walk’. Running a business is, by the words themselves, definitely something more than ‘talking the talk’. In fact it must be something more fast-paced than ‘walking the walk’. Nobody says, “ Hey, let’s go and walk a business .” People always say, “ Run a business .” Just taking the words as they are, ‘running a business’ must be about ‘Running the Run’. That’s more than and better than either ‘talking the talk’ or ‘walking the walk’. ‘Running the Run’ is clearly cranking it up a notch. ‘Running the Run’ is about giving the business an out-of-the-blocks chance to get over the 80/20 Business-Failure hurdle. It is about giving the business a fighting chance to be there for the tough race that lies ahead. Like any other ‘race’, ‘Running a business’ is about mental toughness. It is about training. It is about competing. It is about understanding what it takes to win. It is then about doing what it takes to win. ‘Thinking the think’ is the right first step: Napoleon Hill, for example helps in this area by showing us how to spend time obtaining the value of thought and autosuggestion. ‘Talking the talk’ can be a good next step too: Muhammad Ali, for example, showed the link between thought and talk and results. He said, “ I am the greatest .” Then he proved it. After ‘talking the talk’, ‘walking the walk’ is a required next step: consider the great leader Mahatma Gandhi.... now that guy was a talker and a walker. And, from what I know about him, he ranks as my favourite lawyer. But, ‘Running the Run’...that’s where the rubber hits the road. Actually, that’s more than a just a metaphor. That’s double entendre...maybe even triple. " Running the Run "…now these 4 fellows could really run the run … Achilles (who got the eternal fame history tells us he craved) Roger Bannister (who did what was impossible…he broke the 4:00 minute mile) Forrest Gump...not only did that guy get lots of money, but even though he acted a little strange everybody seemed to really like him and he ended up getting an Oscar for it. Terry Fox...A Canadian inspiration…got himself on a coin. Not many Canadians have done that. With that running the run inspiration completed..... Are you prepared to do what it takes to ‘Run the Run’ for your business? I mean: Do you really want to run your own business? As Napoleon Hill said, is your desire white-hot, burning? Or is that just talk? Just a wishful dream? Nothing wrong with dreaming....as long as you know and admit you are asleep while it is happening. White-hot desire ….tough to sleep through that!

## Human All Too Human
Date: 2011-07-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/human-all-too-human/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Father-to-Son Lessons, Hero Worship

Father-to-Son Business Lesson #28 From the 2005/2006 series of Father-to-Son Business Lessons… A little advice on people, failing, succeeding…and not giving up. *** As you ‘get it’...I hope you enjoy ‘getting it’. These things I am suggesting may not work for you. On the other hand, these ways have worked for me. Certainly, I’ve had my share of failures. Actually, I’ve had way more than my share. But, that’s not a problem. Business life is about a long string of successes and failures. Probably, for everyone - many more failures than successes. That isn’t important enough to waste more time on. What is important is: and important in this sequence, as Business Lesson #28: what do you think is going to happen next?...and, what are you doing to make it happen? When I look to the future, I think of the amazing things that can happen. Sure there’s a maze ahead. What do I do about it: well, in my own way, I try to make things happen. Sometimes easy things. Sometimes tough things. Whatever seems the best approach at the time. I do think it is important to be positive. But to me, of more importance, we must be realistic. If it ain’t broken...win with it. If it is broken...then at least recognize that and learn from that as you lose the game (but not the series). Make changes in an effort to learn: about yourself, about other people, and about business. As Einstein more-or-less said: “ If you keep doing the same things and you expect different results then you are a fool. ” As you father says, “Many times you better change direction when you hit the wall of the business maze....on other occasions you must keep the course and gnaw your way through the underbrush.” And, “There are reasons why, of all the animals, they put rats in mazes. Rats are smart, they are curious, and they have sharp teeth capable of gnawing through almost anything. Rats see no faze in the maze.”

## When you struggle to collect accounts receivable
Date: 2011-07-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-struggle-to-collect-accounts-receivable/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Entrepreneur Thinking, Pay! - a philosophy about money

When an employee feels unprepared to collect money owed to your company something important has been missed. The key is: seek out and find what has been missed. Here are some things that are often missed: No written process for collection. Collection should not be viewed as a single-employee function or even a department function. It is an 'enterprise' function. The exercise of thinking collection through and writing process out is important. Collection is not a problem when clear actions are taken at all the steps that 'precede the due date'…good credit process, good contracting process, good invoicing processes, etc. Failure to set goals and metrics for measurement of collection success. Goals and metrics should span the hierarchy, from C-level through to the employee with the keyboard and the phone. Without collection goals and action metrics, often, collection becomes a fire-fighting exercise. Under the firefighting mode the task importance is escalated and that places [undue and often extreme] stress on the employee. Situations of escalated stress reduce employee performance and results. Failure to make collection a shared priority…i.e., providing training and training-by-example. Collection is one of those tasks that are viewed as unpleasant. Often it is not delegated properly. For example, it is generally a mistake to delegate a task when the 'donor' of the task [the boss] can not or has not performed the task with success. Often, collection is simply handed over to the employee. That places the entire burden on the shoulders of the 'recipient' of the task [the employee]. Some/most people learn from watching others. Most people appreciate knowledgeable support…to backstop their efforts, to bounce ideas off, etc. Employee not suited to the collection task. People have areas of personal Strength, i.e., Strength = Talent + Knowledge + Skills. Sometimes the collection person's Strengths are not tapped properly. If that's the case then the collection person needs to change the way collection work is done. That may mean the company's collection process needs to change to suit the incumbent employee. Sometimes the collection person's Strengths do not align with collection work. That means the person should not be performing collection work. Failure to place a high-enough priority on collection. For example, many businesses rely on 3rd parties to handle cash-flow problems. Many businesses go about it this way: " If Clients don't pay then we don't pay our suppliers ". This approach provides a series of band-aids, which cover up collection problems and reduce the likelihood collection problems will be handled. So, when the collection must be done it is always a piece of firefighting work. Issues around Corporate Culture: Paying debts when debts are due is an admirable way of going about business. For any business this is a double-edged sword. And, both edges should be sharpened at the same time. I mean, a business needs to look at how it pays its suppliers at the same time it looks at how it is paid by its Clients. This is a matter of Integrity …which for us is about consistency, not about judging what's right or wrong [i.e., we do not use the word Integrity to judge right from wrong]. If the prevailing corporate culture accepts dragging accounts payable then it will be very difficult to excel at collecting. Conversely, companies that excel at paying suppliers on time have Clients that pay on time. Both edges of the sword are sharp. When businesses want to do better at collection, a good starting point is Values. Values-Culture-Communication-Value . It starts with Values and it ends with Value. When we truly deliver Value to Clients, Clients are more inclined to pay on time. Here is a link to our V-C-C-V philosophy Here is a link to our definition of Integrity I hope the above thoughts are helpful. Footnote: Steps to Consider When Collecting A/Rs

## Sales Tweet #258
Date: 2011-07-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-258/ | Categories: Abundance, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #258 Don’t just get by, get more. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet That’s an appeal to those among us who are unmotivated. None of us is destined to just get by. Regardless of the difficulty we face we can do more than get by. As Napoleon Hill said – at the very least we can adjust the way we feel about and our reactions to the situation.

## Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron
Date: 2011-07-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/constructive-criticism-is-an-oxymoron/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron

Objective, well-intentioned, well delivered criticism will still gnaw, rip, and tear thin skin. Criticism will always gnaw, rip, and tear at thin skin. That is a given. The only question is: how will the thin-skinned person react as that thin skin rips and tears? And, of importance will ‘motivation’ get dragged into the bloody discussion after the ripping and tearing of thin skin? Yes it will. Sometimes a voice will say, “You demotivate me” or something similar. Other times the thought will be there, but it will be unspoken. Regardless of who’s to blame , when skin is thin criticism will demotivate. PS: Going one layer deeper, I think the 2 words ‘constructive criticism’ form an anti-oxymoron [which is a word I made up]. The words ‘constructive’ and ‘criticism’ are neither contradictory nor apparently contradictory. Quite the opposite: the 2 words appear compatible. That’s the problem. That’s why ‘constructive criticism’ is so widely used and so widely embraced as ‘good way to deal with other people’. Regardless, those 2 words ‘constructive’ and ‘criticism’ should never be paired. Together, they do not guide, they mislead.

## Sales Tweet #257
Date: 2011-07-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-257/ | Categories: Ernest Seller, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #257 The Boss wants a photographer to take staff photos…he wants someone with reproduction experience. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Now tell me that ain’t gonna get him into some trouble!

## The Facts of Lies
Date: 2011-07-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-facts-of-lies/ | Categories: Beyond Business

I read this recently and I had to smile… Damn it – people lie. All the time. Rather than complaining about it, get on with living in the real world. Get on with Selling. Start understanding people. Stop ranting about all the people who lie. THINK

## Mind CONTROL
Date: 2011-07-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mind-control/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Put Your Best Brain Forward

WARNING : "The following interviews and commentaries may fail to provide entertainment only. The views and opinions expressed herein, unless copied from some other source or sources, are those of an individual speaker or writer as the case may be and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of any of the aforementioned sources, their respective affiliates, or their employees." Mind CONTROL Have you ever made up your mind ? Probably, you’ve said you’ve done that many times. Probably, you’ve said something like, “ Well, I have given it some thought and I have made up my mind ”. Then you went on to explain your decision. OK, you agree, you have made up your mind in the past. How did you do it? When you made up your mind , I suppose: You started with your mind ‘as it was’, You considered some options, You thought in an organized way, & You came to a decision and got it done. Yes…that sounds like the way you make up your mind . Much like you have make up your bed …. right ? You make up your mind and you make up your bed …those are just parts of everyday life… right 1? OK, you agree…let’s compare those two facts of everyday life. When you made up your bed: You started with your bed ‘as it was’…it was all messy, You considered some options…including, doing nothing because you’re just going to undo it later, You thought in an organized way…including thoughts like: what happens if relatives visit and go through my room... I shall fluff up the pillows and place them just so... I shall pull up the sheets... etc, & You came to a decision and got it done...you stepped back and admired your fine work. Notice how I slipped in some detail at each step. Let’s go back and try to slip some detail into the sequence of making up your mind . You started with your mind ‘as it was’… OK – how ‘was it’? How was your mind when you started to make it up? Here’s a tougher question… What was your mind when you started to make it up? What is your mind? Write out a clear answer to that last question: My mind is *** If you are struggling with defining or describing your mind then recognize you are not alone. For example, see Footnote 2…it provides the Merriam-Webster dictionary’s definition of the noun ‘ mind ’ *** If you are thinking “ I don’t need to know what my mind is in order to be able to use it or make it up or control it ” then you may be treating your mind worse than you treat common possessions like your bed. *** When you have a clear answer to the question “What is your mind?” then we will be able to move on to step #2 of Mind CONTROL . Footnotes: Please review the at the beginning of this ‘commentary’. For greater certainty, it would be extremely dangerous to interpret this metaphor as a statement in support of the art of . . WARNING making up beds This bed-making example is for solely presented because of its rich illustrative value Merriam-Webster on-line dictionary definition of the word MIND 1 : recollection, memory <keep that in mind > <time out of mind > 2 a : the element or complex of elements in an individual that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and especially reasons b : the conscious mental events and capabilities in an organism c : the organized conscious and unconscious adaptive mental activity of an organism 3 : intention, desire <I changed my mind > 4 : the normal or healthy condition of the mental faculties 5 : opinion, view 6 : disposition, mood 7 a : a person or group embodying mental qualities <the public mind > b : intellectual ability 8 capitalized Christian Science : god 1b 9 : a conscious substratum or factor in the universe 10 : attention <pay him no mind >

## TRUST THE INTEGRITY OF OUR SERVICE
Date: 2011-07-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/trust-the-integrity-of-our-service/ | Categories: Marketing

I drive by this sign at least 10 times a week…probably, closer to 20 times. It caught my attention the first time I saw it and every time I pass it I wonder if the sign works. I have had a thing about Integrity claims ever since Enron claimed Integrity as its Corporate Value . Here are a couple of links to prior Thought Posts ….the first one contains a definition of Integrity: Defining Integrity Corporate Culture Matters About that sign advertisement: “ TRUST THE INTEGRITY OF OUR SERVICE ”. Does the sign work? Does it bring clients into jiffy lube , the business that posts the sign? Is it intended to speak to new prospective [probable] clients? Is it intended to speak to existing clients, providing a reminder of past good service? Does it exude ‘Trust, Integrity & Service’ the key points of the advertisement? Does that fellow in the picture have a face of Integrity? Does he look like someone you can Trust? Does the sign differentiate jiffy lube from its competitors? Does the sign help jiffy lube achieve its business goals?

## Sales Tweet #251
Date: 2011-07-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-251/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #251 Loose cannons miss their targets. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet When your cannon parts become loose you must tighten up a few things. You will want to make sure your cannon is secure in its moorings. You want to make sure the measuring mechanisms work properly and won’t slip up when you fire your shots. The same things apply to ‘loose sales operations’.

## Start
Date: 2011-06-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/start/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Entrepreneur Thinking, Seeking Simple!

Say you are thinking about starting something…like a project at work. Why not make it easy on yourself by stating up front, “ I have 3 choices ”. “ I can: Start, finish & fail or Start, finish & succeed or Start & quit without finishing .” Make an agreement with yourself… “ One of those outcomes will happen. Regardless of which one, I will learn from the experience. ” Certainly – your desire will be to Start, finish & succeed . Regardless, the reality is: Human beings fail at things regularly. Human beings have control over their Actions . Human beings have less or little control over the Results of their Actions . And: Failing is not ‘all negative’. Failing is a necessary source of education. Long-term success happens when we learn from a string of failures. When we experience situations and choose Action , regardless of our optimism, realism illustrates we will fail from time to time. And we will quit from time to time. Rigid perseverance of Action on its own does not bring Success . The Main Point : blind faith in Success is destructive. Optimism bounded by realism is the best way to approach situations. And, Action is essential. *** I spend time creating ritual thinking . What’s that mean? It means I spend time trying to reduce situations to 3 things/options. Why? Answer: I know I can manage to keep track of 3 things and I know I can choose between 3 things. If I have a 3-piece ritual to cover the most-common situations I face then I find my confidence is as bolstered as it can be. This is an example of what I mean when I say, Seek Simple . When we face most situations we can make good decisions if we give ourselves 3 choices. [see Footnote 1] Why not 1 or 2 or 4 or 5 or more choices? Because: 1 thing is the easy way out…while 1 thing is simple it isn’t prudent…it reeks of bias 2 things are better…still simple, but limited options…as if things can be sorted ‘right’ & ‘wrong’ 3 things are best… 4 things are too much…at least, for me, I have found a diminishing return in using ‘personal brainstorming’ [see Footnote 2] 5 things are too too much What’s that got to do with Start ? Well Start is essential. Start = Action = Essential . *** The Start ritual works like this… You say to yourself, “ I have 3 choices : I can start, finish & fail, I can start finish & succeed, or I can start & quit without finishing. Regardless of the outcome, I will learn something ”. You decide on Action , confident you will do your best. You Start the Action . Footnotes: Obviously, if the situation is urgent then you will not want to overdo the up-front ritual. Similarly, if the situation is routine then you will not want to overdo the up-front ritual. Edward de Bono provides a great tool for brainstorming. The tool can be used for ‘personal brainstorming’ and group brainstorming [as brainstorming is normally defined]. The tool is Six Hats . You can couple a Six Hats process with the above Start ritual . That will ensure you make high-calibre decisions and implement them with an open and confident mind.

## Habits are like rivers
Date: 2011-06-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/habits-are-like-rivers/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Seeking Simple!

Habits are like rivers. If your leave them alone they more or less follow the path of least resistance. Indeed, if you look close enough at habits they are very consistent and if they meander at all then that meandering takes time. That’s similar to what rivers do when the terrain is flat and gently sloped. No surprises. No sudden obstacles. So, a continuous flow of water. Most of the terrain around our habits is flat and gently sloped. No surprises. No obstacles. So, a continuous flow of habit. That’s the nature of habits. Once they flow…they flow...and they stay the course. A habit stays the course, be it good or be it bad. When we compare habits to rivers, each has its ‘pros’ and ‘cons’. The main ‘pro’ enjoyed by a river is: it is governed by an amazing force we call gravity. Gravity makes rivers flow downhill…always toward a larger body of water, either a larger river or a lake or an ocean…always downhill…with feeding a larger body of water being the ultimate purpose/goal. The main ‘con’ suffered by a river is: it has no ability to choose. Gravity grips and controls it…always. The main ‘pro’ enjoyed by a habit is: the owner of the habit has choices so the owner can influence the course of the habit. When the course feeds into a positive purpose/goal the habit is a Good Habit. The main ‘con’ suffered by a habit is: somehow, ‘somewhy’ habits have a tendency to favour the negative. Bad Habits take hold easier than Good Habits. Bad Habits are tougher to break than Good Habits. The easiest way to adjust habits, if that’s what you want to do, is accept you only do 3 things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things. To correct Bad Habits, do New Things …that’s the way to reduce the time available for Bad Habits. New Things are the bridges to Good Habits . Footnote: When in grade 12 I spent some time thinking about becoming a geographer. I was grabbed by the relationship between earth topography and simple mathematics….maps and contour maps…and, of course, treasure maps [but, that’s a different story]. This week, while listening to a new Napoleon Hill audio book I heard something close to “Habits are like rivers…it takes force to change course”. That triggered this Thought Post .

## MARVEL & THE MYSTERIES OF LIFE
Date: 2011-06-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/marvel-the-mysteries-of-life/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Where did our marvel go? Eons ago, Mankind marvelled at the mysterious. We see evidence of that in all continents, in all peoples, and the legacies they have created. We see ancient Japanese artefacts, which look like creatures from space. We read Homer’s Iliad, containing repeated examples of the Ancient Greeks’ daily-life acceptance of the presence and superiority of ‘the gods’. Now, it seems few of us marvel. Few cultures embrace the marvel. It seems we demand scientific evidence and when science can not describe and quantify things with facts and figures we conclude those things can not be real. Even worse, human beings overestimate what we know a priori. Scientists entrench around dogma. Here are a few examples of scientific views to explain what I mean about entrenched dogma: The Sun orbits the Earth, not vice-versa: accepted for at least a few hundred years. The world is flat: accepted for at least a few hundred years. We are born with brain neurons and those brain neurons operate like wires and survive unchanged until they die: accepted for at least a few hundred years. Atoms are the smallest pieces of matter: accepted for at least a few hundred years, while for some it has been a couple of millennia. Time is a fixed thing: accepted for at least a few hundred years. Nothing can travel faster than the speed of light: accepted for at least a few generations. The red shift confirms the universe is expanding….hence, the Big Bang theory: accepted for at least a few generations. Our DNA sets a firm and fixed recipe, which lasts our lifetime: accepted for a least a few decades. Human beings are the only animal on Earth that is capable of reasoning and making choices…all other animals are only capable of reacting. I suppose it is human nature to presume or conclude our knowledge to be factually accurate…to be ‘real’…and in some cases ‘to be a priori’. I suppose it is easier that way. It is easy to accept dogma and allow it to squeeze out the marvel. I suppose dogma affords us comfort. For example – religious and political dogma provide such comfort, so, religions and politics have flourished. Desire for comfort is a major part of the fabric of the human condition. And Mankind is fractioned by the hard lines of the major religions and political boundaries. Conflicts, essentially tribal battles and warfare, exist on a worldwide scale. This is a dangerous situation and there is no question, Mankind can put its feelings and its knowledge to more-constructive use. While that helps introduce why and how ‘knowledge’ may be accepted as a priori it does not explain why or how ‘knowledge’ beyond religious and political boundaries is accepted as a priori. Some folks believe our knowledge can be split into components: Things we know Things we do not know but we are capable of knowing Things we do not know and we are not capable of knowing I have a different opinion…or, is it a question? I wonder if we truly know anything. Over the last few years, things keep catching my attention. Here are examples: I read about Egyptians preserving mummies’ hearts and other body parts for the afterlife while throwing away the brains…what did the Ancient Egyptians know when they did that? I experienced a 4-piece synchronicity around the word ‘Matrix’…I can shrug off 2-piece and maybe even 3-piece synchronicities but I absolutely had to draw the line at 4! What do we know about synchronicity? I read about Milarepa's Cave in Nepal where a handprint is embedded in the wall of the cave…supposedly a result of the power of thought…what did Milarepa know? I watched a TV documentary about cities, or at least things that look much like cities, hidden deep in the ocean at various places around the world….what do we know about that Lost City of Atlantis?. I listened to an audio book that stated we now know all the particles in the universe…and I had to rewind to make sure my ears weren’t playing tricks on me. How can we be anywhere near confident enough to say we know that? I listened to an audio book that stated Konrad Zuse, an early computer pioneer had postulated the universe could be a simulation, the consequence of programming much like computer software…and now I have watched a TV documentary where a fellow insists machines/robots will self-evolve during the next 20 or 30 years to the point they will do a ‘Planet of the Apes thing’ on humans. Did Konrad Zuse know what he was talking about? I have read experiments have confirmed information has travelled faster than the speed of light: in fact, particles have defied other laws of physics including time travel. So, do we now know at least one thing can travel faster than the speed of light? These examples joined other thoughts that have lingered with me for several years. Examples: Humans knew the world was spherical more than 1000 years before they believed it was flat. We have minimal evidence confirming the universe is expanding. So much rests on the ‘red shift’ including the age of our universe. Human perception is a fragile thing. Our brains exhibit plasticity: our perceptions alter the physical structure of our brains and that in cycle alters how our brains operate. It is an iterative process. When we observe things we change them: this is graphic when we are observing [with the help of machines] small subatomic things. This is also becoming evident at the neuronal level. Things happen at the boundaries of perception. We understand the Earth’s crust shifts with time: mountain rock striations and fossils confirm the extent of major changes over time. We live close to 500°F. For the people of Tokyo the distance between homes and inferno is about 3 miles. We know little about our subconscious ‘mind’: curiously, we struggle with a name for that ‘thing’. During recent decades we have called it subconscious, unconscious, and non-conscious. On top of that we debate whether or not we have minds. [Science hasn’t found one yet.] We debate whether or not we have souls. [Again, science hasn’t found one yet.] I have concluded we really know very little. Human beings really know very little. We perceive and accept estimates. We call those estimates knowledge. Sometimes we call the estimates a priori knowledge. That’s not a condemnation. We should not view that as a bad thing. However, we must keep in mind as we learn more. As we learn more we must keep our minds wide-open, ready to receive knowledge, as unbiased as possible, and non-judgmental. For the benefit of humankind, we should direct attention to resolving the most-important questions: The mystery of the ‘intelligence’ greater than that of Mankind known as the Universal Intelligence, God, etc. The marvel of the life-force…what is it that causes life forms to desire survival and ‘to be fittest’ so they evolve? The history of civilization on Earth: particularly, resolution of the common ground in the various creation stories in major religions The details of the major driving components in humans known as soul, mind, heart, and brain: what are these things, where are these things, how do they operate, and how do the interact internally and externally The mystery of humanity: how does the life and death of humans fit in the overall scheme of the universe These topics should be approached in a manner that paves a better path for future knowledge growth, a human consensus on: What do humans truly know? What are humans capable of knowing if we approach these questions with a worldwide pooled effort? What knowledge lies beyond human capabilities? We can set flexible boundaries, knowing we will have better information in the future. We can use a multi-disciplinary approach, involving scientists and religious leaders…using methods like those embraced by the Dalai Lama. We can nurture an attitude of wonder and marvel. We can use the tremendous power of our new worldwide technology and ‘social media’ communication tools…bringing the value of developed competence to bear on these important mysteries. We can unite the brainpower of the world… …and, while we do it, we can marvel.

## Do you believe in the concept "Mastermind"?
Date: 2011-06-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-believe-in-the-concept-mastermind/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts

I don’t mean the ‘ Mastermind ’ you find when you look up the word in a dictionary…which yields something like ‘ a creative person who directs a project ’. I mean the ‘ Mastermind ’ described by Napoleon Hill in his classic motivational book ‘ Think and Grow Rich ’ and in his other writings. In summary, Napoleon Hill defined Mastermind as the ‘new mind’ that is created when two or more people work together in perfect harmony toward a shared goal. Napoleon Hill gave credit to Andrew Carnegie. He said Andrew Carnegie planned and used a Mastermind to generate his enormous business success. Apparently, when interviewed, Henry Ford confirmed he had used the Carnegie ‘formula for success’ to generate his enormous business success. Both Carnegie and Ford were among the richest and most-powerful business men of their time. And, assuming the records are accurate, we can conclude each of these 3 men – Carnegie, Ford, and Hill – believed when 2 or more people work together, in perfect harmony, toward a common goal they generate an intangible force that can be likened to another mind. And, the power of this new mind is available to all the people in the group. And…these 3 men were not alone in this thinking. Other tremendously successful business people, politicians, and people in other disciplines believed in the power of the Mastermind as Napoleon Hill defined it. Thomas Edison believed it and ‘lived it’. Alexander Graham Bell also believed it and used it to his advantage. Do you believe it? Do you believe in the concept Mastermind ?

## Sales Tweet #244
Date: 2011-06-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-244/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #244 The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. [Anonymous] The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I enjoy the English language…all those puns and plays on words and all the opportunities for double or more entendre. This saying is sticky…a little ‘extra’ plus ‘ordinary’ makes ‘extraordinary’. Certainly, this is technically correct. Possibly, it is theoretically correct. But, is it practically correct? Regardless, we can conclude: it doesn’t take a huge effort to be more than ordinary. We just need to do a little extra. That’s why I like this saying.

## Long-term business relationships
Date: 2011-06-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/long-term-business-relationships/ | Categories: INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!

What exactly does that mean? Everybody talks about building business relationships. But, what do they mean when they say building business relationships ? Can they state it in simple words so their co-workers, bosses, subordinates, and Leaders understand exactly what they mean? The quick answer is: No . If you ask for a definition of building business relationships … Most business people, including most business development people, cannot state in simple words exactly what they mean when they say ‘building business relationships’. Isn’t that an interesting dilemma! Also…aside from being interesting… It explains why there is so much business-development confusion out there. It explains why people have so much trouble setting clear business development goals. It explains why people cannot figure out how to set up social media programs. It explains why people struggle to create meaningful business-development measurements. It explains why CRM systems are surrounded by so much confusion. It explains why staffing for business development roles is such a challenge. It explains much.

## Sales Tweet #243
Date: 2011-06-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-243/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #243 Life is like a mirror, if you frown at it, it frowns back; if you smile, it returns the greeting. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet That little saying reminds me of a story Napoleon Hill told. A down-and-out fellow, living in the streets of Chicago made one last desperate attempt to get help…while contemplating suicide. He visited Napoleon Hill. [In summary] Hill said he could introduce the fellow to a man who could remove all the troubles and woe. He guided the down-and-out fellow to another room. He stood the fellow in front of something covered in a sheet. As the fellow stood in front of it, Hill removed the sheet to reveal a full-length mirror.

## About business development Excellence – Hunters & Farmers & Others
Date: 2011-06-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-business-development-excellence-hunters-farmers-others/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Marketing, Sales

Below, when I state numbers I am basing them on my experiences. I agree with the thinking behind the 80/20 Rule [Pareto’s Principle/Law/Rule]. So, I have used 80% and 20% whenever possible rather than try to pretend I have more accurate statistics. I have used 99.44% pure to signal areas where we should not hold false hope for finding the 0.56% needles in haystacks. At least 80% of businesses need both Hunters & Farmers . Few businesses can expect to prosper with ‘social media’ alone or a combination of ‘social media’ and Hunter or ‘social media’ and Farmer. Start-up businesses need Hunters …they may not need to hunt end-use Clients but they need to hunt business-development allies, funding, etc. [Allies, like CONNECTORS ] Smaller businesses need Hunters . This is a major problem area because smaller businesses have no ‘room for sales slack’. If the 80-20 Rule is a reasonable guide [and I think it is] then Smaller businesses need to hire 5 sales people to get one Hunter. That’s a real burden on Smaller businesses and their Leaders. Less than 20% of salespeople are Hunters [some experts say 15%] For business development Specialists trump Generalists at least 80% of the time…that’s giving sales Generalists [Hunter Farmer Hybrids] the benefit of the doubt. [I would not seek Generalists.] For complex/conceptual sales, a strong Hybrid sales person [Hunter-Farmer Hybrid] will outperform all others [that’s 99.44% pure]. On the other hand, because so few people are strong Hybrids [as in STRENGTHSFINDER strong] it would be unwise to build a sales plan that relies on finding Hybrid business developers. There are exceptions to this 99.44% Rule. For example, when sectors are deregulated, opportunities open up where the best Farmers in the regulated sector can become the very-good Hunters in the unregulated sector. [I would not seek Generalists.] For sales of simpler products and services, Hunters will outsell Farmers and Hybrids 99.44% of the time Disruptive Technologies and Viral Products : as the saying goes…sometimes rules are made to be broken . But, be really, really, really sure your technology is highly likely to be disruptive and your product is highly likely to be Viral. As you can see, I am comfortable creating names for Roles …Hunter roles, Farmer roles, etc. I believe it is important to ensure people know exactly what their Roles mean to the organization. Following up on a comment I read about Law Firms and their descriptions of Roles…yes, I would use Role names if I was running a law firm. Maybe I would use ‘Readers’ and ‘Writers’…but before I did that I would work to come up with better descriptions. And I would add at least ‘Talkers’. ‘Talkers’ would be the Role I would want presenting cases to juries…i.e., presenting persuasive verbal communication. I would spend time coming up with a better word than ‘Talkers’… ‘Verbalists’…something more creative. Similarly, we could come up with better words than Hunters, Farmers, & Hybrids for our Sales Roles. After all, Clients are neither ‘prey’ nor ‘livestock’ nor ‘crops’.

## Doubters don’t build!
Date: 2011-06-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/doubters-don-t-build/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Optimism & Pessimism

I have said and repeated, “ There is no such thing as constructive criticism ”. I have said and repeated, “ Constructive criticism is an oxymoron ”. While those conclusions came to me through independent thought, I have discovered many hold similar views and some folks even use the same words. 2 examples: I came across the following quote by the famous psychiatrist/psychologist and student of Sigmund Freud…Carl Gustav Jung “Criticism has the power to do good when there is something that must be destroyed, dissolved or reduced but it is capable only of harm when there is something to be built.” I came across a poem http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/constructive-criticism-an-oxymoron-for-all-but-a-few Both of these references describe the same thoughts I have come to accept as reality. In summary: Criticism, regardless of how carefully we try to package it, is poorly received almost each and every time it is delivered Almost each and every time we deliver criticism it is destructive Often, criticism is well-intended, well-packaged, and well-delivered…yet, it has no chance of being received as constructive [the door is closed and locked tight before it arrives] And…people will always have differing views and there will often be a need to share those views…particularly, if we wish to create change…and, in business, we often do want to create change…hence, a major question: How do we create change without being received as deliverers of destructive messages? That last bullet point gets to the root of business…people, interpersonal relationships, and change. *** Napoleon Hill taught the value of faith. He made it clear he meant 'faith' in the broadest sense, not just religious faith. And, he expressed his view, 'doubters do not build'. Hill's research showed every major business development and contribution had been founded on faith. And, Hill established, ‘those who doubt do not build’. *** You have ideas. You want to build business things. You have visions of what could be....what could be created...what could be built. Do you have the right amount of faith to achieve 'what could be built'? I say 'the right amount of faith' because I want to highlight a balanced approach to building business. I am not comfortable with blind faith. Few things lend themselves to blind faith. Blind faith fails too often. Few things in business lend themselves to blind faith. So, in business, blind faith is a problem in the making. Blind faith is whimsical wishing. And, wishing and hoping don’t get it done! So, faith in business needs some boundaries. How will those business boundaries set? Will they set by you alone? Will they set by you, working with others? I think you will set your business boundaries both ways. Sometimes, you, alone, will set the boundaries. You will use your personal values to guide you and you will use your good judgment. Other times, you will work with other people to set business boundaries. And, that’s where criticism arrives. Why? Because… Doing things right is subjective…you have views and other people have views…often the views differ Doing the right things is subjective…you have views and other people have views…often the views differ Predicting or forecasting the future…you have views and other people have views…often the views differ…and none of us have a crystal ball…and some of us fail to recognize that last point Obviously, we are discussing a fundamental issue here. We are discussing a fundamental people-issue with broad business application. I think constructive criticism is an oxymoron. I think most people disagree with that point. Most people believe in or blindly accept the constructive capability of criticism. And that causes more problems than are required. Footnotes: - An idea on how to prepare - A tool that helps

## Sales Tweet #239
Date: 2011-06-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-239/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #239 When selling: Don't be redundant. Don’t say more than required or be excessive. Don’t be superfluous. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Some sales people have this habit of talking too much. They go on and on. They provide a plethora of information when that’s not needed. They overkill things. They flog dead horses. They go overboard. They provide a surplus of facts. That’s not the right way to go about selling. That’s the wrong way to go about selling. It doesn’t work. It fails. It won’t get the results you desire. It’s a flawed approach…incorrect…

## Don’t push Elephants…
Date: 2011-06-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/don-t-push-elephants/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Sure, you can try to push Elephants. However, do not expect to accomplish much when you do it. Why? Why am I being so negative about pushing Elephants? Well, they are big. And, we are not-so-big. While I am sure it will be difficult to obtain scientific proof, I believe it is safe to say every minute of time we spend pushing Elephants will be a wasted minute of time. So… Don’t push Elephants! *** That’s what I was thinking a year ago as I read Dr. Jonathan Haidt’s book, ‘ The Happiness Hypothesis ’…specifically, I am talking about the part of the book where Dr. Haidt provides a metaphor describing people’s behaviour as ‘ Riders on Elephants on Paths ’. In summary: Rider – our logical side Elephant – our emotional side Paths – the situations we face Compared to Elephants, Riders are small…about 1/40th the size. Similarly, our Emotions outweigh our Logic. As one example, consider the maxim: People base their purchase decisions on their emotions and, later, use logic to justify those decisions. The way I look at it, as a General Rule , that is true. When I say General Rule I mean it will be true almost all of the time. For almost every purchase decision, emotions rule. Then, later, if required, people spend the time to create the logic to justify the decision. Consider, for example, the phenomenon known as ‘ post-purchase dissonance ’ . Purchasing action is just one example where Elephants [emotions] play the lead role and Riders [logic] play a supporting role. Most human behaviour is triggered by our emotional Elephants and our Riders face the ongoing task of trying to control our Elephants. Probably, for every 40 pieces of behaviour only 1 is governed by logic. That means, for every 40 pieces of behaviour 39 are governed by emotions. That 39/40 ratio is as good an estimate as is required to explain much of the behaviour we exhibit and we observe other people exhibiting. Put another way, our emotional Elephants play the major role in our behaviour. Recognizing that… Don’t push Elephants! Recognizing that…do far better things like: Learn how help your Rider understand your Elephant Learn how to help other Riders understand their Elephants Take care to structure Paths so your Elephant is comfortable Take care to structure Paths so other people’s Elephants are comfortable Think about other ways to gain value from the Riders on Elephants on Paths metaphor And…of course… Don’t push Elephants! Footnotes: - Riders on Elephants on Paths - ‘ The Happiness Hypothesis ’ by Dr. Jonathan Haidt

## About business development Excellence…
Date: 2011-06-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-business-development-excellence/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Marketing, Sales, Seeking Simple!, Spirited Leaders, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Values: Personal Values

A dozen things you better know 1. You better know your Chief Desire Whether you have a vivid lifelong Vision or a keen interest in accomplishing something important during the next few months, know what you want . Write down what you want in as simple and clear terms as possible. Napoleon Hill used the terms ‘Definite Purpose’ and ‘Definite Chief Aim’ to describe ‘what you want’. He stressed the importance of definiteness of purpose. To get through the toughest times, which you will no doubt encounter…you must make a habit of stoking the flame of your Chief Desire. Key Resources: Napoleon Hill, ‘ Think and Grow Rich ’ Spirited Leaders Academy Workshops #1 & #2 2. You better know how to apply your Strengths to work Some activities invigorate you so much you shine and time flies when you perform them. You perform at your best when you do these activities. These signal your strengths and your personal strengths are your key to business development success. Key Resources: Tom Rath – ‘ StrengthsFinder 2.0 ’ Spirited Leaders Workshop on Strengths 3. You better know how to manage your Weaknesses for work You find some activities grating. They drain your enthusiasm. Even if you perform them well you will never excel at them and they will never cause business development excellence. Learn how to manage your work so your weaknesses have minimal impact. Key Resources: Marcus Buckingham, ‘ GO Put Your Strengths To Work ’ Spirited Leaders Workshop on Strengths 4. You better know how to make Connections With People Business is about PEOPLE. To do business you must connect with people. Your good reputation is an essential ingredient. If you are a natural connector then you have a tremendous advantage. If you are not a natural connector then you will need help from ‘matchmakers’ who illustrate strength in making valuable, timely business connections. Key Resources: Malcolm Gladwell, ‘ The Tipping Point ’ Spirited Leaders Workshop on Connecting 5. You better know how to Click With People You must learn how to obtain what you desire while satisfying the needs of other people or, at the very least, not violating the needs of other people. Excellence happens under an environment of aligned, harmonious effort. Work on expanding your pleasing personality. Ask great questions. That’s so important it must be repeated: Ask great questions! Key Resources: Ori Brafman and Rom Brafman, ‘ Click ’ Spirited Leaders Workshop on Connecting 6. You better know how to Lead Change People only do 3 things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things. And, ‘Constructive Criticism’ is an oxymoron. Remember those two simple facts when you work to cause Clients to feel good about having a long term relationship with you…and remember those two simple facts when you want to help other people to become your Clients. Key Resources: Dr. Jonathan Haidt, ‘ Happiness Hypothesis ’ Chip Heath and Dan Heath, ‘ Made to Stick ’ & ‘ Switch ’ Spirited Leaders Academy Workshop #2 7. You better know your business development Hedgehog & More* * Hedgehog, Differential Advantage or Unique Selling Proposition, & Value Propositions Stand out! Work at a business that can provide simple clear answers to tough questions like: What do you excel at doing? How are you different from your competitors? How are your products & services different from your competitors’? Why should I buy from you? Key Resources: Jim Collins, ‘ Good To Great ’ [Hedgehog Concept] Competing – using a low-Price strategy Spirited Leaders Academy Workshop #3 8. You better know your business Target Markets Do not limit your target market thinking to demographics. That just scratches the surface. Always remember people place the orders. Always remember people’s buying habits are heavily influenced by emotions and justified [later] with logic. Watch what they do. Observe with a clear and open mind. Seek the roots of behaviour patterns. Key Resources: Jeffrey Gitomer, ‘ Sales Bible ’ Guy Kawasaki, ‘ Reality Check ’ Spirited Leaders Academy Workshop #3 9. You better know your Business Development Pillars Today, your business development must be supported by several marketing & sales pillars. You need a pillar of social media presence. You need at least one pillar of promotion. You need a pillar of cold calling. You need more than that. And, all your pillars must be pointed in the same direction…your marketing & sales actions must be integrated…your marketing & sales pillars must complement and enhance each other. Key Resources: Jay Abraham, ‘The Mastermind Marketing System’ The Marketing & Sales Picture Spirited Leaders Academy Workshop #3 10. You better know your business ‘Master Rules’ 4 strategic things set the stage for your ‘Master Rules’. Those 4 things are your business’ shared Values, Vivid Vision, key success factors, and key failure factors. ‘Master Rules’ are the link that bonds your strategic thoughts to your practical actions. So, ‘Master Rules’ must be clear and simple. And, ‘Master Rules’ must be repeated. ‘Master Rules’ must also be few in number…this ensures boundaries are set on actions without stifling creativity. Key Resources: Not Key Success Factors – Key Success Rules Spirited Leaders Academy Workshops #1, #2, & #4 11. You better know your business Goals S.M.A.R.T. Goals worked well in prior generations ago and they worked well a decade or two ago. Now, Goals must be more textured. When you set goals, it is essential to anticipate people reactions…specifically, you must understand in advance the emotional reactions your goals are likely trigger. This applies to the emotional reactions of your people, your clients, your suppliers, etc. You can do this by adding an ACRE of considerations when you set SMART goals: A Action C Conversion R Repercussion E Emotions Key Resources: SMARTACRE Goals Spirited Leaders Academy Workshop #5 12. You better know what you must Measure and Measure what you must know Performance Tracking & Key Performance Indicators : these are pure gold when you have the discipline to establish them and make them Good Habits. This is one area in business where zero tolerance is the best policy: if it’s worth doing then it’s worth measuring. Conversely, if it isn’t worth measuring then why would you bother doing it? Key Resources: Douglas W. Hubbard, ‘ How To Measure Anything ’ Brent Peterson and Gaylan Nielson, ‘ Fake Work ’ https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things/ Spirited Leaders Academy Workshop #6 13. You better know exactly how Your Role contributes to your business There are 3 Steps : Ensure role clarity…role descriptions, etc Ensure reward clarity…goals, performance, & rewards Perform an iterative process: test Your Role against every one of the first 12 Things You Better Know . Do this step now. And do this step at least once per year. Key Resources: Roles in Business…what Gerber & Covey have taught Spirited Leaders Academy Workshop Series

## Sales Tweet #237
Date: 2011-06-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-237/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #237 LinkedIn is a sales tool - join Groups where your Clients are members…that's a way to prospect. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet The value of LinkedIn is the value it captures around Strong Links [1st Contacts] and Weak Links [2nd and 3rd Contacts]. There is an argument to be made the most value exists around Weak Links. Weak Links such as 2nd and 3rd Contacts under LinkedIn are prospecting territory. More about Weak Links .

## Clients’ Clients philosophy
Date: 2011-06-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/clients-clients-philosophy/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Clients' Clients Philosophy, Marketing, Sales

Why you must give this idea your best thought We ask people, “What’s the best thing you could deliver to your Clients?” We hear a variety of answers: Top quality products Excellent service Competitive pricing Reliable advice Going the extra mile A smile We ask a follow-up question, “What if you delivered a Client to your Client…would your Client like that...how would that stack up against the other things you mentioned?” We always hear something like, “Our Clients would be thrilled if we did that!” So, we created a philosophy we call ‘ Clients’ Clients ’. Clients’ Clients philosophy: Your Clients will be thrilled if you bring them Clients But, don’t stop there – do even more How to put this philosophy to work for your business… Getting started on Part 1: Your Clients will be thrilled if you bring them Clients Start with the person in your organization who loves to connect people to other people…if you want a more-detailed description of the ideal person for this task then think about the Connectors described by Malcolm Gladwell in his book ‘ The Tipping Point ’ ...this type of person will be able to lead you to immediate success Consider the 80/20 Rule …think about your best clients…the top 20% that brings about 80% of the value received by your company…think about how to bring Clients to these Clients If your business is B2B then you need to start by understanding your Clients’ business and their desired ideal Clients…just ask them, they will appreciate your interest and they will be inclined to tell you If your business is Retail then most of your Clients work somewhere…and the place they work has ideal Clients then go back to the last bullet point Once you understand what your Clients’ Clients look like, have your Marketing & Sales people do a little brainstorming exercise…come up with some names of Clients’ Clients whom your people already know. Contact those Clients’ Clients and tell them you are trying to help one of your prized Clients…etc…arrange introductions where win-wins are evident Getting started on Part 2: But, don’t stop there – do even more Part 1 was just the starting point. You can do more than providing Clients to your Clients: You can provide top-quality employees to your Clients You can provide top-quality suppliers to your Clients You can provide top-quality advisors to your Clients You can do much more than that The key: your business and your Marketing & Sales people need to have a differential advantage . You can add value to your slate of products and services by embracing the Clients’ Clients philosophy . This will help your Clients. And your Clients will want to help you. Links to more Clients’ Clients thoughts How can you be sure your company delivers Value to its Clients More about our Clients' Client philosophy Think About Your Clients' Clients

## Sales Tweet #234
Date: 2011-06-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-234/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #234: Business involves 3 things: People, Process, & Situations. As we set KSFs and KFFs it is important to cover these 3 things. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Some folks think Leaders should butt out and provide followers free reins to go about their work as they choose. Some folks think that’s the way to unleash creativity and maximize motivation, innovation, and results. On the other hand, many [perhaps most] entrepreneur-Leaders tend to micromanage. 4 keys to success in business: (1) The Leader must pick strong/capable followers, (2) The Leader must tell those followers the desired BIG PICTURE things such as VISION and MAJOR GOALS, (3) The Leader must show those followers how he/she [the Leader] goes about his/her work [actions]…i.e., setting one example, the example that fits the Leader’s strengths and personality, and (4) the Leader must make it clear he/she expects followers to take action that fits their unique strengths and personalities.

## Make your business life easier…
Date: 2011-06-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/make-your-business-life-easier/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Seeking Simple!

When you boil it down, people only do 3 things! There is an easy way to improve how you deal with people. In fact there are several easy ways to improve how you deal with people. Sure. People are complicated. Sure. People are unpredictable. In fact, other people can baffle us at every turn. And…it does not have to be that way. Here is a simple way to start simplifying and improving your dealing with other people. This applies whether you are trying to persuade someone to accept your opinions or you are trying to understand where your boss is coming from. It also helps you understand why people make curious hand signs at you when you are driving or honk their horn at you when you lose track of time while looking at your BlackBerry in a coffee drive thru. When you boil it down, people only do 3 things! People only do: Good Habits, Bad Habits & New Things. Good Habits are things that increase the likelihood they will achieve their goals . Bad Habits are things that reduce the likelihood they will achieve their goals . New Things are things they have not done before or haven’t done in a while. Goals come in 2 forms: Conscious goals and Unconscious goals. Samples of Conscious Goals : To be healthy To sell $X of stuff by the end of the month To complete a training course To relax for an hour by the trees Samples of Unconscious Goals : To maintain life by an intake of oxygen [breathing] To protect body safety [that fight-or-flight adrenalin surge] To make sense of incoming stimuli [neuron systems, etc.] To protect one’s ego [emotions, etc.] When we recognize people only do 3 things, the drivers behind those things is something we can and often should set aside…at least, we can make sure we do not waste a bunch of time trying to figure out the drivers. The reality is: it is extremely difficult to deduce other people’s motivations/goals/driving forces. In general, we are better off not trying to deduce the motivations/goals/driving forces behind other people’s actions. In order to make sense of other people’s actions, we can save a lot of time by sorting out those things into the 3 categories: Good Habits, Bad Habits & New Things Sure, it requires judgement. But, really, it isn’t very hard to do. People rarely do New Things . So, most times the choice is either a Good Habit or a Bad Habit . More to follow in future Thought Posts …but…in the interim, a few thoughts: When people do Good Habits they want you to notice or compliment them When people do Bad Habits they want you to ignore or help them When people do New Things they want you to encourage or support them When people do Good Habits, Bad Habits, or New Things they do not want you to criticize them.

## Then my sales guy says to me…
Date: 2011-06-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/then-my-sales-guy-says-to-me/ | Categories: Sales

“Aw c’mon boss, you know I love cold calling!” I thought I had made it real clear…we won’t be doing any more cold calling. We had instituted several programs designed to remove the need for cold calling and this stubborn fellow, my best sales guy, is pressing me to change our plans…all because he loves cold calling. In case you think I don’t have an open mind…in fairness to this sales guy…he has had tremendous sales success, using traditional methods, mostly cold calling. He keeps explaining that to me. Over and over. He tells me he has a sales system for generating sales. And, according to his story, a big part of his success can be directly linked to cold calling. He tells me he has made a habit of keeping his eyes and ears open for people who may be interested in buying our products and services. He says he finds these people in the strangest places. He finds them everywhere. When he finds them he records their contact information. Then, he inserts the names into this thing he calls his sales funnel …and he begins the process of contacting those people. Cold calling. Right out of the blue…cold calling. I happen to know, from personal experiences, cold calling is a real annoying and frustrating experience. Sure, I used to do it. But that was then. When I felt I had to. Now, I see cold calling for what it is…and I have come up with better ways to generate new business. We have built a nice website. We have written up some tremendous marketing pieces. We make sure we attend all the industry trade shows. And, we make sure we do a bunch of other stuff…including lots of social media stuff. We have our bases covered. So, we do not need to do cold calling any more. I’ve told our people that. Then, as strange as I know it sounds, I have this sales guy who says to me… “Aw c’mon boss…you know I love cold calling!” And, you know what’s worse? This sales guy goes on and on and on about how much business he can generate if he keeps on doing and loving those cold calls. Some folks…you just can’t teach them.

## Sales Tweet #232
Date: 2011-06-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-232/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #232 When we are able to boil essences of things down to a single word we possess a tool of genius! The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet When we have that tool of genius we can apply it to our business thought and communication. We can benefit from creative thinking, putting it to use daily (in our marketing, as just one example); quickly get to the true root of problems…so solutions jump out at us; understand the Leader’s Role…and communicate it well, and expand Business Success.

## The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce celebrates  125 years of business leadership.
Date: 2011-06-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-greater-kitchener-waterloo-chamber-of-commerce-celebrates-125-years-of-business-leadership/ | Categories: Community

I had the pleasure of attending last week’s kick-off event, celebrating our Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce ’s 125th anniversary. The kick-off event, held at our new Waterloo Region Museum in Kitchener , was a tremendous success. I particularly enjoyed the great venue, the great company, the to-the-point presentations and the video history story created by Modevation Media . The video provided a list, a long list, of the contribution our Chamber of Commerce and its predecessor organizations have worked on to help our community prosper during the last 125 years. Also, of course, the video contained some great pictures. I get a kick out of old pictures…the people and how they dressed, the historic community gatherings…all those hats, the historic cars, and the historic buildings. I tried to picture what it would have been like in the 1880’s when our Chamber of Commerce was created. So, I checked some statistics. Here are some of the facts I found: The British gifted the land of our community to the Six Nations in recognition of their support during the American Revolution just over 100 years before our Chamber of Commerce was formed The Six Nations began to sell land to Colonel Richard Beasley 90 years before our Chamber of Commerce was formed…Beasley soon began to sell land parcels to settlers Mennonite families arrived from Pennsylvania 80 years before our Chamber of Commerce was formed The Town of Berlin was just over 60 years old when our Chamber was formed The Grand Truck Railway had served our community for about 30 years when our Chamber was formed The province we live in received the name Ontario 19 years before our Chamber of Commerce was formed Canada’s 10th Prime Minister, William Lyon Mackenzie King was 11 years old and attending Berlin Central School when our Chamber of Commerce was formed The Town of Waterloo was 10 years old when our Chamber of Commerce was formed Alexander Graham Bell’s patent for the telephone was 10 years old when our Chamber of Commerce was formed Thomas Edison’s patent for the light bulb was 7 years old when our Chamber of Commerce was formed The Province of Ontario had approximately 2,000,000 people when our Chamber of Commerce was formed The Town of Berlin [now City of Kitchener ] had a population of about 6,000 people when our Chamber of Commerce was formed The Town of Waterloo had a population of about 2,500 people when our Chamber of Commerce was formed When the prescient business folks of our community gathered 125 years ago to create an organization to lead and help local commerce: telephones and light bulbs were new and barely-proven technologies there were no electrical utilities or natural gas utilities they saw no airplanes they saw no automobiles Regardless, those business leaders saw in their minds a vivid picture of a prosperous future for our community. And, together, they took the action required to help bring that future about. PS: I am honoured to have had the opportunity to participate in our Chamber of Commerce, working to follow the amazing early footsteps taken by business people in our community 5 generations ago.

## Sales Tweet #230
Date: 2011-06-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-230/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #230 "Old and adequate ideas, like old and adequate cities, come to polarize everything around them.” The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This is a quote of Edward de Bono, from one of his early books 'The Use of Lateral Thinking'. The question to ask is, "Are adequate ideas good enough?" If your answer is anything but "Yes" then it is time to inject some fresh ideas…some 'New Things'. [As in - People only do 3 Things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things]

## Sales Tweet #229
Date: 2011-06-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-229/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #229 Is it possible people are not inspired to 'play the game of work' because they think they cannot win? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Some very competitive people, perhaps most very competitive people, will only play games they think they can win. That applies to work roles too. So, it is important to ensure the right people are in the right roles working on the right goals and doing the right tasks.

## There is no scarcity of Scarcity Mindset
Date: 2011-06-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/there-is-no-scarcity-of-scarcity-mindset/ | Categories: Abundance, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Spirited Leaders

That’s not a complaint. It is simply a fact. I know this because I cannot stop myself from observing people, listening to them, and watching how they react to other people’s ideas and requests. Last month, I wrote a little Thought Post entitled ‘ Let’s get rid of Scarcity Mindset ’ . Now, like most ‘blog sites’, our Thought Post site provides readers the opportunity to rate our Thought Posts . Our site has little stars at the bottom of each posting…readers can select and enter 1 star, 2 stars, 3 stars, 4 stars, or 5 stars. Generally readers do not rate our Thought Posts . That’s typical of blog sites, unless maybe the person who does the writing is really, really gifted. [I aspire to that…and…clearly I have some work to do…but…I digress.] It seems a posting must really annoy or really resonate before people take the time to rate it. It is interesting to note, the Thought Post about getting rid of Scarcity Mindset received 2 ratings: one was 1 star and one was 5 stars …so, the average is 3 stars. Now, I assume the person who rated it 5 stars liked the posting and agrees with its message. But – what about the person who gave the 1 star rating? Perhaps, this person agrees we should work to get rid of Scarcity Mindsets but thinks I did a poor job of delivering that message? Perhaps, this person disagrees with the message and thinks we should not get rid of Scarcity Mindsets? Perhaps, this person thinks something else? We will never know…unless the person provides comments to clarify. I do know scarcity mindsets permeate many business environments. So, I will keep writing in an effort to help folks understand the problem so they have a chance to fix it before it causes too much damage. During the last 2 weeks, people have talked to me about 3 separate instances of scarcity mindset in the workplace. When people describe their situations they usually do not use the words ‘scarcity mindset’…people usually talk about the results they see/hear, not the underlying cause. Perhaps I need to write more clearly… Scarcity Mindset is an underlying cause…a fear-driven, underlying cause Scarcity Mindset leads to many poor decisions, inappropriate actions, and workplace stresses

## Talents
Date: 2011-05-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/talents/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

As many of you know, we buy and give away many copies of the book STRENGTHSFINDER 2.0 . We do that because we believe the Gallup organization has come up with a terrific solution to a problem that has troubled and stalled many people for many years. The Problem : focusing on people’s weaknesses. Our exposure to ‘focus on weakness’ may have started in our family home when we were infants or toddlers. Or, our exposure to ‘focus on weakness’ may have started when we met our first teachers. Or, it may have started at the hands of neighbourhood bullies. Or, it may have started when we joined the workforce and received our first performance appraisal. The point is it happened. If we happened to be among the fortunate few who received a balance of positive/supportive feedback to offset the ‘focus on weakness’ then… we are among the fortunate few . Most people have received much more negative feedback than positive feedback. Most people have become accustomed to focusing on weaknesses…their weaknesses, other people’s weaknesses, employees’ weaknesses, etc. And, that’s the Problem. The Solution [at least one big piece of the Solution]: focusing on people’s STRENGTHS . How do we focus on Strengths? Well, according to all the Gallup research, the key is understanding the innate talents that drive and set boundaries on people’s personalities and people’s behaviour. Each person has a unique set of talents. Each person has the ability to use his/her unique talents to generate great performance of certain actions…not all actions, just some actions. Marcus Buckingham’s definitions: Talent : any recurring pattern of thought, feeling or behavior that can be productively applied Strength : consistent near-perfect performance of an activity...with passion When we know our talents – I mean when we really know the details of our talents – we have the ability to understand our Strengths and our weaknesses. And, we have the ability to spend as much time and effort developing Strengths aligned with our talents rather than mending weaknesses not aligned with our talents. And – working on areas of Strength delivers more bang for the buck . When we focus on Strengths we focus on the positives. When we focus on the positives…people like it…and people tend to embrace positive change. Footnotes: Tom Rath, STRENGTHSFINDER 2.0 Marcus Buckingham

## Sales Tweet #227
Date: 2011-05-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-227/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #227 "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning." Einstein The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Good Questions are a, perhaps even the, key to excellence. Good Questions [to oneself] can maximize Self-knowledge. Good Questions can lead to excellent communication…and life-long relationships. Good Questions can lead to excellent Sales Performance. A link to more thoughts about “ Good Questions ”.

## Brain neuroplasticity: is it overrated?
Date: 2011-05-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/brain-neuroplasticity-is-it-overrated/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Put Your Best Brain Forward, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

I think we should focus on strengths. We should spend time working on our strengths rather than our weaknesses. So, I have been captured by the good work the people at the Gallup organization have done to create STRENGTHSFINDER . I own copies of all the books written by Marcus Buckingham and by Tom Rath…and I am re-reading all of them. While doing this re-reading, I was slowed down by one section of Marcus Buckingham’s book ‘ Now, Discover Your Strengths ’. Marcus talked about brain neuroplasticity and he had a strong view that brain neuroplasticity is overrated . His words made it clear he knew the facts – ie, the 2001 facts – about brain neuroplasticity. He knew about neurons and lost-limb work [I immediately thought about Ramachandran], etc. Marcus made it clear he thought people were overestimating the value of using ‘brain plasticity’ activities/exercises to create better results at work. He stressed, at the very least, this is an inefficient way to go about self-improvement. Rather, he recommended [I am using my own words here]: Focus on Strengths …that’s the best place to improve one’s performance When the job/role requires it, patch up Weaknesses …or work around them if that is possible. Also, Marcus talked about: Talent Themes …how they are innate and cannot be changed Values …how we can choose to adjust them [and adjust our character] Marcus Buckingham got me thinking . First I believe people only do 3 things. I believe if we boil things down then people only do 3 things: Good Habits Bad Habits New Things That’s it. Whether I do things voluntarily or in reaction to some unknown drivers in my involuntary back-up systems, whether I do things in reaction to subconsciously-driven emotions, or whether I logically plan out things and do them…every single thing I do can be sorted into one of 3 categories: Good Habits Bad Habits New Things Not to get too bogged down in detail [assuming it isn’t already too late], some examples: I breathe whether I want to or not…that’s a Good Habit because it tends to keep me alive I look both ways before I cross the street…that’s a Good Habit my Dear Mom taught me I eat too much ice cream…that’s a Bad Habit because it removes my ability to buy smaller belts I have trouble getting to sleep…that’s a Bad Habit because it wastes time, annoys me, etc I read books…depending on the book that’s a Good Habit [re-reading Napoleon Hill’s ‘ Think and Grow Rich ’] or that’s a New Thing [when it is my first reading of the book] I took the STRENGTHSFINDER test…that was a New Thing that led to some Good Habits I read plenty of books about the brain: de Bono, Ramachandran, Doidge, Schwartz, Amen, Glynn, Lynch, Maltz, Ratey, Robbins, Calvin, Begley…etc, etc Here’s the point Yes - I read plenty of books about the brain and I am specifically interested in reading about brain neuroplasticity. Putting Marcus Buckingham’s thought together with my philosophy about Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things … Is that a Good Habit or a Bad Habit ? What if I asked Marcus Buckingham, “Marcus, is that a Good Habit or a Bad Habit ?” I wonder if Marcus would say, “Rick, that’s a Bad Habit ”. I wonder if Marcus would say, “Rick, that’s definitely a Bad Habit because you are not focusing on one of your Strengths! ” Ouch! Footnotes - Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - Marcus Buckingham

## Do you feel that fear of failure can effectively motivate?
Date: 2011-05-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-feel-that-fear-of-failure-can-effectively-motivate/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

A LinkedIn friend asked that question. Here is my answer. If people recognize they fear failure then they may be motivated to overcome that fear. If their motivation to overcome the fear results in ACTION that creates GOOD HABITS [success-oriented ACTION ] then...that could be considered “effective motivation”. On the other hand, if we [Sales/Marketing Leaders] try to press fear buttons to motivate our fearful followers then it is highly unlikely we will generate “effective motivation”. While Leaders may win some battles by pressing fear buttons , they will not win wars. Followers will/may comply in the short term, however, value, if any, will be fleeting. The fear will remain...and it may grow. Fear is a powerful driving force. But – it does not have the ability to drive toward “effective outcomes’. Fear drives in the opposite direction. Fearful people need a lot of help to change themselves so they can achieve effective outcomes. Conscious THOUGHT and repeated ACTION are required. And, the process of “effective motivation” takes TIME . We have a philosophy… when you boil it all down People Only Do 3 Things : Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things. Here is a link to one of our Thought Posts on that topic … When people fear failure they need to: Understand they possess that fear Want to do something to reduce/remove that fear recognize that fear has created Bad Habits [whether they can identify them or not] want to make changes to remove those Bad Habits want to make changes to create Good Habits understand those changes must be specific ACTIONS …which we call New Things take baby steps…baby ACTION steps celebrate the little successes I hope this helps.

## Sales Tweet #224
Date: 2011-05-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-224/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #224 Who needs rhetorical questions? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Certainly Clients don’t! A link to more thoughts about Good Questions .

## General Rick Hillier visits Waterloo Region Home Builders Association
Date: 2011-05-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/general-rick-hillier-visits-waterloo-region-home-builders-association/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Leaders' Thoughts

I had the pleasure of attending Canadian General Rick Hillier’s presentation at the recent WRHBA lunch. What an interesting military leader! What a clear message! “If you are or want to be a leader then remember one thing – people. Focus on people.” General Hillier talked about process, technology, structure, and organization. But he was emphatic about the most-important thing ... “focus on people” … Choose people well Give them credit when they do things well Your job is to free up people…their bodies and their minds One person can make a difference! Perpetual optimism translates into the emotion - Passion People outside your company can help…don’t limit yourself When there are dark days go back to the basics – focus on people. General Hillier also talked about Action : Leaders Actions speak loudly Take Actions to back up your words Look them in the eye! General Hillier talked about “being yourself” …he told many stories…and the stories confirmed our famous General has quite a sense of humour. As our General Hillier told one story [about relaying the affection of a young Canadian girl to her soldier sweetheart in the Middle East] I couldn’t help but think about General George Patton. U.S. General Patton had a profound sense of duty and honour. During World War 2 he was disciplined for ‘ roughing up ’ one of his soldiers who, apparently, did not live up to Patton’s high standards for courage. General George Patton was a leading strategist who illustrated more than enough action to back up his words. Yet, his reputation is tarnished by what was considered to be excessive force on his own people. Our Canadian General Hillier took a different approach during his 35-year career. Certainly, ‘times have changed’ . And, that may explain some of it. However, when people are in the battlefields, as our forces are now in Afghanistan, I expect the most-important things, the ‘human conditions’, have not changed… the people still experience the fears, the fatigue, the stresses of warfare as a big part of their daily life. We owe much gratitude to the people of our armed forces…for the risks they take and the work they do to ensure freedom and fairness in our country and around the world. And, we owe much gratitude to our General Rick Hillier for the top-notch service he provided during his military career and the uplifting messages he now shares with leaders in our Canadian communities. Let’s follow General Hillier’s advice: “focus on people” .

## DO NOT tell me what to do!
Date: 2011-05-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-not-tell-me-what-to-do/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Delegation & Decisions, Personalities @ Work

To be clear about it up front, I am a big fan of Jeffrey Gitomer. I am able to get over the fact he favours bald people over people who are bald-challenged. And…while it is possible this is off on a little tangent…sometimes I get this strange feeling baldness is creeping up on me from behind… Regardless, the fact is: I am a big fan of Jeffrey Gitomer. As far as I know, I own a copy of every book and every CD he has published. I think the set of ‘LITTLE BOOKS’ is a must-have for salespeople. Terrific sales advice. Terrific sense of humour. Terrific packaging. In a word: terrific. So, I bought his new book ‘ Jeffrey Gitomer’s LITTLE BOOK of LEADERSHIP’. At page 18, I read: “ When you lead people by example, there is nothing your people will not do for you and with you. Don’t tell me what to do, show me how it’s done. Then delegate. What kind of example do you set on a daily basis?” Don’t tell me what to do, show me how it’s done. Is that really what followers think and want? Is that the right advice to give Leaders? Yes! And, No! Yes! Yes – Leaders need to show people how Leaders go about doing things. Yes – Leaders should refrain from setting tight restrictions on followers’ actions. Each follower should be able to use his or her unique talents and personality. Followers should not feel hand-cuffed or micro-managed. Yes – Leaders should delegate. Yes – Leaders should set and show leading examples. No! No – Followers must understand the desired outcome. So, Leaders must tell them that desired end-point outcome. That applies to the end-point Vision…the Leader gets to tell that to followers. And Goals…the Leader gets to pick at least some of them and tell them to followers. If followers call that ‘telling them what to do’ then…great! That means they understand their Leader’s direction. No – Leaders cannot leave all what-to-do decisions in the hands of followers. Leaders must set some structural bounds on followers’ actions. For example, the Leader must state/demand/tell things like - “You must follow our safety policies.” The bottom line: Leaders must tell followers what to do…and limit that telling to the BIG PICTURE things.

## Sales Tweet #222
Date: 2011-05-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-222/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #222 LinkedIn is a sales tool - browse through your Clients' Contacts…that’s a way to prospect. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet The value of LinkedIn is the value it captures around Strong Links [1st Contacts] and Weak Links [2nd and 3rd Contacts]. There is an argument to be made the most value exists around Weak Links. Weak Links such as 2nd and 3rd Contacts under LinkedIn are prospecting territory. More about Weak Links https://rickbaker.ca/post/networking-the-strength-of-weak-links/

## ACRES of SUCCESS
Date: 2011-05-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/acres-of-success/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Spirited Leaders

You want business success. And you can define what success means to you. S.M.A.R.T. Goals are a good place to start. And more is required. *** In an effort to capture 'more than S.M.A.R.T. Goals' we created the ACRES of SUCCESS metaphor. What's that all about? In summary: We view S.M.A.R.T. as a filter for testing Goals. Are Goals specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bounded? If they are then they survive the S.M.A.R.T. filter. And more is required. For our business Goals to succeed we need at least an ACRE more of testing: We need to anticipate and test: A - Action C - Conversion R - Repercussion E - Emotion Picture 'Your Dream Property’ . Let your mind wander…imagine 'Your Dream Property’ . Like a post-card picture… 'Your Dream Property ’. What needs to be done to make that dream a reality? To create and maintain Your Dream Property you will need to take ACTION , specific planned action: preparing soil, considering sunlight, planning water and drainage, purchasing seeds, purchasing shrubs, and purchasing trees…arranging tools and equipment, etc. You will design all that action with CONVERSION in mind. You will add things to your property and apply your energy to your property with the intent of converting your property from what it is to something much better...Your Dream Property. You will do the work. There will be REPERCUSSIONS . To the extent you plan your work well, inject the right things, and 'Mother Nature' assists your work will result in Your Dream Property. While you are doing the work and when it is done, you will experience EMOTIONS . It would be normal to feel fatigue as you toil. If the result of your work…stated another way…if the tangible repercussion of your work is Your Dream Property then when you are done all your work your emotions will be very positive. You will feel joy, justified pride, and a sense of accomplishment. Perhaps, you will feel the special bond that happens when people are in synch with Mother Nature. If this happens, if you succeed at building Your Dream Property, then you will have created ACRES of SUCCESS . You will feel ACRES of SUCCESS . Similarly, you can create and feel ACRES of SUCCESS at work. To experience ACRES of SUCCESS at work: Create Business Goals that pass the S.M.A.R.T. requirements Specific Measurable Attainable Relevant Time-Bounded Put those S.M.A.R.T. Goals through your ACRES filter ACTION …consider the Top 3 actions you expect people to take CONVERSION …consider the way you will measure what follows the actions REPERCUSSIONS …consider the Top 3 most-likely tangible results EMOTIONS …consider how people will feel before, during, and after the actions When your Goals pass both the S.M.A.R.T. test and the ACRES test you know you have SMART ACRES Goals . When you know you have SMART ACRES Goals you know you have set the stage for ACRES of SUCCESS at work. When you teach all your people how to create SMART ACRES Goals you know you have set the stage for ACRES and ACRES and ACRES of SUCCESS at work.

## Sales Tweet #220
Date: 2011-05-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-220/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #220 Change is only constructive when people are comfortable. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Here is an example of the thinking behind this Sales Tweet. From Edward de Bono’s website…comfort for defeat...How often do we deliberately design comfort for others? In an argument do we seek to design a comfortable way for the other party to accept defeat? In conflicts how much effort do we put into designing a way forward that suits both parties? Our primitive instincts of fighting and conquering are rather too dominant. Design is important but usually neglected. Link: http://www.edwdebono.com/index.html

## Striving, Driving, & Relating
Date: 2011-05-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/striving-driving-relating/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

What are your talents? Most of us have a fuzzy answer to that question. How do you define the major categories of talents? Most of us have a fuzzy answer to that question. Isn’t that interesting! Stop the next business person you see. It doesn’t matter who the person is. Could be someone you know. Could be a stranger. Regardless, stop that next business person. Ask that next business person: Are talents an important thing…YES or NO? I am guessing the person will answer, “YES”. Ask a bunch of people that same question. Again, I am guessing the vast majority of them will answer, “YES”. “YES, talents are an important thing.” If I am wrong then the rest of this Thought Post is wasted effort…please do not read the rest of it. If you are still reading... Ask that next business person the following question: What talents do you rely on when you do your job? Listen carefully to the answer. Doesn’t the answer sound fuzzy! I am re-reading ‘First, Break All The Rules – What The World’s Greatest Mangers Do Differently’ [Marcus Buckingham & Curt Coffman, 1999, by the Gallup Organization]. Their observation is accurate. People do not have a clear understanding of their talents. And, as Gallup concluded in 1999, people often provide answers that mix up talents and weaknesses… people claim their talents is also their weaknesses. Often, the talent they mention is not a talent…rather, it is a skill. Or, instead of a skill or a talent, people claim a piece of specialized knowledge is their talent. The fuzziness expands if you ask about the major categories of talents, let alone how to structure a business team to make the best use of people’s talents. [that is, people’s amazingly-diverse talents] Isn’t that interesting!

## Strategic Planning – Who should bother?
Date: 2011-05-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/strategic-planning-who-should-bother/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

For some business people, strategic planning is not helpful. Business people: who among them should spend time strategic planning? Who will obtain the most benefit from the process of strategic planning? Here’s a checklist to help you determine if strategic planning is for you . Place a check in all the boxes that fit your character or situation…the more you check the more benefit you will obtain from the process of strategic planning. I want my business to stand out…as different I would like to pack more action & results into each day I want to be certain I understand my Clients’ needs I encourage ideas from people who follow me and from my allies I am a life-long learner I want people who follow me to communicate as fully as possible I volunteer time to lead community, not-for-profit or other charitable organizations I want my followers to draw clear lines between planning-thought & tactical-action I enjoy hands-on education I embrace change A business leader who has or wants followers Is a life-long learner Prefers hands-on education over lectures Volunteers time to lead community or charitable causes Wants to grow business success

## Sales Tweet #218
Date: 2011-05-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-218/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #218 Entrepreneurs have a need to be recognized as different – a different type of contributor. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet While grade school teachers may not appreciate how this need to be different manifests itself in children…with some guidance and some help the need to be different can mature and generate tremendous value in the years to follow.

## Ernest Seller’s first Thought Post
Date: 2011-05-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ernest-seller-s-first-thought-post/ | Categories: Ernest Seller

Some readers of our Sales Tweets have asked me questions about Ernest Seller . I sincerely want to answer the questions and clear up some of the confusion. After pinning Ernest down with a pot of coffee and a plate of donuts, I think I have made some tremendous headway here. However, I am sure you will be the better judge of that than I. Is Ernest Seller a real person? The quick answer is, “ Absolutely Yes ”. In fact, a quick search of the internet will confirm there are numerous Ernest Sellers out there. To be crystal clear - when I write about Ernest Seller I am not writing about any of those individuals. I am writing about another guy. Please accept that as a full ‘disclaimer’. [If you want more disclaimers then please let me know…there are plenty more where that one came from.] At the risk of a flogging...Our Ernest Seller is a totally different character than any of those other Ernest Sellers. The key point is – Yes, Ernest Seller is real. I see him regularly…perhaps that’s because I am looking for him? He is easy to spot because he always wears 2 things: (1) a great big smile and (2) a bright plaid jacket. To learn a little more about Ernest Seller’s wardrobe, check out the 1st footnote below. Is Ernest Seller really a Seller [a Salesperson]? Here’s where we start to get into a bit of a ‘grey zone’. When we ask Ernest Seller that question he proudly embraces that noble profession as his own. He considers himself to be a natural-born salesman…like all the great ones . I asked his boss – ‘The Boss’, “Is Ernest really a salesperson?” I received an incoherent but emotional response…somewhere between soft laughter and a loud sneeze. In an effort to find a tie-breaker, I asked to see Ernest’s business card. Unfortunately, Ernest forgot to carry any business cards again. Check the 2nd footnote if you are interested in learning more about The Boss. Is Ernest really earnest? Certainly! Ernest gives it all he’s got . Now, some folks, including Mr. Kaye, Ernest’s #1 Client, will argue that all he’s got isn’t monumental or anything close to that. But [if you twist his arm hard enough] even Mr. Kaye will admit Ernest is earnest. While no one has actually tested it, probably takes a few hundred foot-pounds of arm-twist to get that sort of compliment out of Mr. Kaye. On the other hand, Mr. Kaye volunteers a lot of other feedback to Ernest. See the 3rd footnote below to experience a bit of the buyer-seller action between Mr. Kaye and Ernest. I know Ernest raises more questions than answers…he also raises more eyebrows than answers…so, I will work on this. In the meantime, I sure hope this clears things up a bit. Footnotes: A link to Ernest Seller’s dress code . A link to Ernest Seller and The Boss . A link Ernest Seller and his #1 Client, Mr. Kaye .

## Sales Tweet #217
Date: 2011-05-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-217/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #217 When you recognize your strengths, click with people, and can lead change….you can sell. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet These 3 things are the talents of leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Successful leaders and successful entrepreneurs have much in common with successful sales people.

## Keep Your Energy Dry
Date: 2011-05-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/keep-your-energy-dry/ | Categories: Hero Worship

Keep your energy dry. In times gone by, before they had pre-made bullets - military people, hunters, and other folks who used guns had to make their own bullets. Every time I think of this it reminds me of the story about Lord Nelson…Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson…the fellow who defeated Napoleon’s navy in 1805 at Trafalgar. The first role in Nelson’s naval career was coxswain on HMS Carcass . The ship, under Commander Lutwidge, was part of an expedition seeking the fabled NorthWest Passage [to India]. During the trip toward the North Pole the ship landed in [I believe it was] Iceland. The year would have been 1771, maybe 1772. Horatio Nelson was about 13 years old. While on shore young Horatio came face to face with a polar bear. He took aim with his gun and fired. At least, he tried to fire his gun. The gun failed to fire. His gunpowder just flashed in the pan . That means it fizzled and did not result in a fired shot. Obviously, Nelson lived to fight another day…Nelson became England`s most-famous Naval leader. I am sure Nelson learned a big lesson that day. I am sure that lesson caused him to take extra care to ensure his firearms were always ready for use. Probably part of the lesson was - keep your powder dry. Maybe damp powder caused his near-fatal flash in the pan ? Regardless, there is an important message here. From time to time, we can think of old muskets and how people who owned old guns knew they had to keep their powder dry. Their gunpowder provided the energy they needed to take their shots. They had to keep their energy dry. Similarly, you need to keep your ‘energy dry’…so your energy is ready to perform when it is time for you to make your shots…your best business shots. If you are a low-energy person then this makes immediate sense. If you are a low-energy person then you cannot afford to waste any energy. So, you must use your energy wisely to get the highest results possible. You know you have a ‘limited amount of gunpowder in your pouch’…so you want to keep it dry and you want to conserve it. If you are a high-energy person it still makes sense to keep your energy dry…and there is an additional reason. ‘High-energy’ needs to be handled with care because ‘high-energy’ can burn other people and it can burn out its owner. “Muskets can only handle so much powder.” One of my Leadership heroes… Lord Nelson

## Sales Tweet #214
Date: 2011-05-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-214/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #214 Don’t make a career out of weaknesses….sounds simple enough…but… The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet …but…do you know your Strengths? Do you really know your Strengths? If so – how do you know you know them? If so – what actions are you taking to make sure you employ them at work? Have you spent as much time on this as you did learning how to spell? Have you spent as much time on this as you did learning how to do math?

## David Wood visits our Centre For Family Business
Date: 2011-05-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/david-wood-visits-our-centre-for-family-business/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Leaders' Thoughts, Succession

David Wood spoke at CFFB’s April 29th breakfast…telling his family’s 3-generation business story and providing education and recommendations about strategic planning. David’s stories contained and excellent mix of family pride, family respect, and business savvy…particularly, the ability to make major changes when major changes had to be made. David first talked about his grandfather Wilbert Copeland (Bert) Wood, who, after losing his job in 1930 founded the family business - W.C. Wood Company . The Wood family business started as a machining operation in the back of a candy shop in Toronto. As David told this story, I thought of my father and his stories of men knocking on our family’s front door in the 1930’s…asking if they could work for food. And, my Dad also told stories of his group of buddies fishing in the Thames River and giving fish to the transient men who camped there while they tried to find work. “The Depression” – what a difficult time that must have been…imagine 30% unemployment…imagine losing your job while trying to feed your family…imagine being a child trying to understand it all. Yet – even the darkest clouds can have silver linings ! David’s grandfather W.C. (Bert) Wood found such a silver lining. He must have been quite a fellow…founding a very successful family business while other men knocked on doors to work for food and other men camped in groups by the rivers…cooking fish over open fires. David described his grandfather as a “fabulous engineer”. I could picture him machining parts in the back of the candy shop, designing and building electrical farm equipment. The business community would have been in disarray…money tight, some folks shell-shocked, morale low…spirits tested to the limit. Somehow, no doubt largely due to an unfailing commitment to succeed, Bert Wood created a family business during those difficult Depression years. And, in 1938, he built the W.C. Wood Company’s first freezer. David explained the highlights of W.C. Wood Company history. David’s father John F. Wood joined the company in 1964. John graduated from the University of Western Ontario’s Business School…now the Ivey School of Business, where David teaches. By the mid-1960’s W. C. Wood Company manufactured a range of products: David mentioned farm equipment, home appliances, military equipment, hardware, water heaters, and aircraft equipment…including landing gear parts for Avro Aircraft Limited. John Wood brought a new level of business savvy to the family business. John took over leadership of the family business in the mid-1970’s. John Wood retired in 2005. That’s when David took over leadership of his family’s business. It was clear major changes were required. He refocused on growth of core-business profits. The company right-sized and returned to profitable operations by 2007. David made the decision to sell W.C. Wood Company. Whirlpool owns the company now. David stayed to help transition the business until 2008. And, still involved in family business, David serves on the boards for Danby Products Ltd and Westminster Woods. David is a full-time lecturer in operations management at the Ivey School of Business. Ivey summarizes Operations Management as “ a discipline about managing productivity, inventory, quality, and other processes related to making products or providing services ”. In addition, David provides business consulting services. So, at our CFFB event, it was easy for David to move from providing a history of his family’s business to providing education and recommendations about strategic planning. David started by sharing a startling pair of facts: 10% of family businesses have a strategic plan 53% of companies have a strategic plan That signals an area where family businesses can and should improve. “Strategic planning is important because it realigns management’s direction towards a common goal.” David helped CFFB members understand another important point… “ Strategic Planning offers an opportunity to develop the next generation. ” David asked - if strategic planning provides such value then why don’t business people do it? David provided what he believes to be the top reasons business people fail to do strategic planning: Lack of time…people say they don’t have time to plan The planning process is frustrating…business people know the day-to-day work and they feel comfortable doing the day-to-day work whereas people do not feel as comfortable working on long-term decisions For governance and planning at family businesses, David described 3 important considerations…3 partsof business: Ownership Family Business Managers He recommended family business people discuss at least these 3 parts of their business at least once a year. He also recommended we separate these 3 parts and consider them individually. To help start the process, David provided his definition of strategic planning. Strategic Planning def’n : What you DO to create a sustainable competitive advantage. (and…what you DO NOT DO) [If you are like me then you keep your eyes open for straightforward business definitions…and you will remember this one David provided.] Strategic Planning is what we family business people must do to create a sustainable competitive advantage. As David noted, things change rapidly in business. The value doesn’t rest in the pieces of paper created under strategic planning. The process of planning is where family business people will obtain the most value. The value is in the sharing of thoughts and ideas. Quoting David Wood : “the document is the by-product” “companies that engage in the process have higher success rates” David provided a summary of the MBA strategic planning process, he talked of the importance of the implementation work, and he answered questions for our members. Thank you, David, for sharing your family story and your strategic planning recommendations.

## About Entrepreneurs
Date: 2011-05-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-entrepreneurs/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

I think 3 forces drive entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs have this burning feeling inside them…a need to achieve something. I describe it as ‘ a wanting ’. Entrepreneurs have a desire to create and build things of value to other people. Entrepreneurs have a need to be recognized as different – a different type of contributor . Entrepreneurs have taught me 3 Major Lessons: You must recognize your strengths You must click with other people and You must be willing to lead change Recognize strengths, click with people, and lead change. Those are Key Success Rules .

## Sales Tweet #212
Date: 2011-05-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-212/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #212 When you design change you must do it in a way that helps people get over their fears. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Dr. Jonathan Haidt described people’s behaviour using the following metaphor. People behave as if they are Riders on Elephants on Paths. Riders are our logical side. Elephants are our emotional side. And, Paths are the situations we face. Elephants are tough to control and they get worried or frightened easily. Also, Elephant cannot jump…over hurdles. So, when we design Change we must do it in a way that helps Elephants get over their fears.

## Getting to the Essence of things – Part #1
Date: 2011-05-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/getting-to-the-essence-of-things-part-1/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Seeking Simple!

Here are a few good reasons why business leaders need to be able to get to the essence of things: “The essence” is the major key to creativity “The essence” is the core required for better and best communications “The essence” is the hinge to problem solving “The essence” of Leadership…makes sense each leader will want to figure that one out. There are more reasons why leaders need to know how to get to the essence of things, however, those first 4 reasons are more than enough to justify working on this. Now we have good reasons…which answer the question, “ Why get to the essence of things? ” The next thing we need to do is make sure we have agreement on the answer to, “ What, exactly, is the essence of a thing? ” We will work at creating a definition. Now, the best way to start working on that is providing some examples of ‘essences’. WARNING These examples are not intended to be ‘facts’. Rather, they are people’s viewpoints on the essence of various things. Of course, we could debate whether or not these people have accurately identified the essences. In fact, there are many views on the essence of things, including the essence of business leadership and the essence of the role of the business leader. We will discuss that later. Here are some folks’ beliefs about the essences of things : “The essence of knowledge is, having it, to apply it; not having it, to confess your ignorance.” Confuscius “It is better to create than to be learned, creating is the true essence of life .” Barthold Georg Niebuhr “The essence of true friendship is to make allowances for another's little lapses.” David Storey “The essence of Government i s power” James Madison “The essence of intelligence is skill in extracting meaning from everyday experience.” Anonymous “Self-trust is the essence of heroism ” Ralph Waldo Emerson “The essence of genius i s to know what to overlook.” William James The real essence of work is concentrated energy.” Walter Bagehot “The essence of poetry is will and passion.” William Hazlitt “The essence of all slavery consists in taking the product of another's labor by force.” Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy “Duty is the essence of manhood .” George S. Patton “Desire is the very essence of man .” Baruch Spinoza “Thinking is the essence of wisdom. ” Persian Proverb “The real glory is being knocked to your knees and then coming back. That's real glory . That's the essence of it.” Vince Lombardi “The essence of all art i s having pleasure giving pleasure.” Mikhail Barishinikov “The essence of childhood , of course, is play.” Bill Cosby *** Here’s a hint about essences …the fewer words the better. ‘Getting to the essence’ is a starter exercise for teaching creative thinking. For example, “What is the essence of a lamp?” “Can you boil the essence of a lamp down to a single word?” (The essence of a lamp is __________.) When we are able to boil essences of things down to a single word we have a tool of genius! When we have that tool of genius we can apply it to our business thought and communication. We can: Benefit from creative thinking, putting it to use daily (in our marketing, as just one example) Quickly get to the true root of problems…so solutions jump out at us Understand the Leader’s Role …and communicate it well Expand Business Success Getting to the Essence of Leadership…see #2 next Thought Post

## Strategic Planning – Why Bother!
Date: 2011-05-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/strategic-planning-why-bother/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Leaders' Thoughts

Strategic Planning does not have to be an annoying, frustrating, waste of time! Strategic Planning does not have to be a ‘necessary evil’! I don't think people object to the idea of planning. However, I do think many people are turned off when we use that 2-word combination - Strategic Planning . I suspect many people have had negative planning experiences including: They planned the work then failed to succeed when they implemented the plan. They hated the planning process because it was boring or bureaucratic or too slowly paced. They were frustrated by the planning process because it took away time they needed to handle important day-to-day work or perhaps even time they needed to handle an emergency. Strategic Planning has left bad tastes in people's mouths. OK. We all are in agreement. Many of us have participated in strategic planning efforts, which have failed. So, when it comes to strategic planning - Why Bother? Here’s why… The strategic planning process is the vehicle for important communication…absolutely critical if businesses are to have a competitive advantage…let alone sustain a competitive advantage. Strategic planning does not have to be frustrating, boring, or in any way an unpleasant process. Certainly, there are necessary ingredients that, if not properly packaged, can be boring or bureaucratic. The key is – better packaging of the strategic planning ingredients. The process can be entertaining, enjoyable, provocative…even inspiring and motivating! You simply need to make sure your process is refreshing . When the process is refreshing you and your people will be invigorated by the time spent together creating your future business success. The strategic planning process does not have to be time-consuming. Sure, it will take some time. Here’s a hint: you should do the most-important things first. Another hint: focus on Strengths. When constructed properly the planning process builds upon itself…in an inspiring way. Another thought… Many of us volunteer considerable time to community and charitable service. Much of that service is dedicated to planning…planning committees, planning events, planning speakers, planning fundraising, planning celebrations, etc. While some of these contributions compete with the time we need for our work interests, we nonetheless freely volunteer our time… to do planning work. We choose to volunteer time for strategic planning because we know it is essential for community and charitable success. We must make the same choice if we desire sustained business success.

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #12
Date: 2011-05-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-12/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Hero Worship

Experts tell us people change when they are exposed to crime for extended periods of time. Their tolerance for the crime escalates this way: At first they abhor or object to the crime Then they become tolerant of or unbothered by the crime Then they embrace and participate in the crime Then they gain an appetite for escalated crimes We know real-life situations…for example, the way violence by captors can escalate as unfair treatment of prisoners of war. Psychology experiments have shown the crime situations do not even have to be real to have a major impact on behaviour. For example, consider the shocking results of the Stanford Prison Experiment [conducted in 1971]. In the Stanford Prison Experiment, students were placed in two groups: prisoners and guards. In a very short period of time the ‘guards’ became very abusive and the ‘prisoners’ became passive. The organizers had to stop the experiment before it resulted in serious damage. Real-life experiences confirm crime has other surprising effects on people’s behaviour. For example, consider ‘ Stockholm Syndrome ’. Stockholm Syndrome [in summary]: sometimes prisoners develop positive feelings for their captors and sometimes prisoners emulate the attitudes and actions of their captors. Crime can change deep and well-rooted thoughts and habits….replacing Good Habits with Bad Habits. If crime can change habits then it isn’t too much of a leap to accept more positive and constructive endeavours such as the pursuit of financial success can also change habits… wealth and success orientations and situations can change habits for the better . This has been known for millennia: We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit. Aristotle…student of Plato…tutor to Alexander The Great

## Let’s get rid of Scarcity Mindset
Date: 2011-05-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/let-s-get-rid-of-scarcity-mindset/ | Categories: Abundance

Scarcity mindsets sure wreak havoc in our business community! Scarcity thinking invades our business environment. Scarcity thinking attacks abundance thinking. To the extent people embrace scarcity thinking, abundance thinking is beaten…and hungry business people fight for their pieces of the shrinking pie. Often, when people think they cannot have something they want it all the more…the scarcity of it creates the intense need. So, scarcity mindsets can grow and spread very quickly. If people in our community wish to enjoy sustainable businesses then it is time to correct the damage caused by scarcity mindsets. Some questions to consider: How many of your best friends have scarcity mindsets? How do you build trust with people who have scarcity mindsets? How do you build long-term relationships with people who have scarcity mindsets? If your personal relationships are laced with scarcity mindsets and ‘all is well’ then this Thought Post contains little value for you. If your personal relationships are laced with abundance mindsets then compare your personal relationships and activities with your business relationships and activities. To start this process, think about some specific business actions…as examples, during your workday do you: Drive for hard, win-lose deals? Stretch accounts payable? Cut quality corners when you can get away with it? If the actions you take while at work had a voice then what would that voice broadcast about your mindset: Would it say you have a mindset of abundance? Would it say you have a mindset of scarcity?

## Stop And Think
Date: 2011-05-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stop-and-think/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Personalities @ Work, Put Your Best Brain Forward, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

I notice ‘Stop And Think’ is a common thread in self-help literature. On the other hand, maybe I notice it because I am predisposed to finding it? I notice an array of Stop And Think recommendations: Stop And Think before you act… an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure Stop And Think before you react… social skills and conflict resolution education Stop And Think and Grow Rich 1 …“ what Man can conceive and believe Man can achieve ” One piece of Stop And Think advice really catches my attention: Stop And Think about how you feel That is the most powerful piece of Stop And Think advice. It is most powerful because, with practice, it can be done very quickly, it can yield immediate rewards, and it can solidify long-term success. Stop And Think about how you feel can be done quickly… It is as easy as taking a few seconds to make a mental note as you face situations and activities. Stop And Think about how you feel can yield immediate rewards, with practice … You can learn to adjust your feelings and behaviour. You can replace Bad Habits with Good Habits. You can be more comfortable in situations. You can do better at many tasks. Stop And Think about how you feel can solidify long-term success… You can uncover the nuances of your unique Strengths. That’s a major key to success. You can develop a more pleasing personality. That’s another major key. You can hone your decision-making skills. That’s another major key. You can find it easier to set life goals. That’s another major key. You can enjoy your work. That’s another major key. Stop And Think About How You Feel Success Simplified Footnote: Napoleon Hill, ‘Think and Grow Rich’ www.naphill.org

## Not Key Success Factors – Key Success Rules
Date: 2011-04-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/not-key-success-factors-key-success-rules/ | Categories: INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Master Rules, Spirited Leaders, Values: Personal Values

Spirited Leaders conducts a series of 6 workshops, designed to share our key thoughts about 6 areas where Leadership skill results in ‘big ROI’. The 6 areas are: Leader’s Values Leader’s Vision Ideal Clients Key Success Rules [formerly, Key Success Factors or Critical Success Factors] Goals Performance Measurement As we revisited our plan for Workshop #4, we decided to replace the words ‘Key Success Factors’ with the words ‘Key Success Rules’. Some might view this as a small change, ie, a slight tweaking of the wording. Others might view this as a major alteration of the thrust and requirements of strategic planning. We understand both viewpoints. Here is why we made the change to ‘ Key Success Rules ’ it and why this change warrants some attention: The word ‘factor’ is nebulous. The word ‘rule’ is not...or, at least, it is much less nebulous. We do better when we use clear words during the strategic planning process. Clear words lead to better communication. Clear words lead to more interest in communication. ‘Rules’ are needed in business. We do not need to mince words about rules. We need to state rules clearly. The sports and games we enjoy so much teach us important lessons about rules. For example, if we can accept and maybe even enjoy the rules of the sports and games we play then we can certainly be comfortable accepting rules when we go to work. Rules set boundaries for fair play. Rules give direction to accurate thinking. In the business planning process, Key Success Rules [formerly called Key Success Factors] connect strategy to action. Here, we mean the Leader’s Vision, Values, and most-desired Clients are the main pieces of strategic thought. Something is required to serve as the bridge from those strategic thoughts to the actions needed to bring about the desired outcomes/results. Key Success Rules are that bridge. Summing this up… When we view Key Success Rules as the bridge between strategic thought and practical action we construct a clear connection. Key action-tests are clear. And the planning process is a quicker and more-enjoyable experience. In addition, Key Success Rules promote accurate thinking about the important operational details to follow.

## Personal Values: your little Panel of Judges
Date: 2011-04-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/personal-values-your-little-panel-of-judges/ | Categories: Master Rules, Values: Personal Values

Your personal values act like a little panel of judges. This little panel of judges renders judgements with lightning speed. This little panel of judges can render judgements with lightning speed because the judges do not have to think. Many of the judgements are not just lightning-fast but also clear and simple: This is RIGHT That is WRONG This is GOOD That is BAD These types of clear and simple judgements are your moral compass . They happen when all your judges are in agreement, when the vote is unanimous. There are other types of clear and simple judgments. Your little panel of judges often deliver these sorts of judgments in reaction to other people. Every judge on the panel tends to be biased in your favour. After all, they are your panel of judges. If you are like most people then your panel of judges can be very harsh when confronted with the actions of other people. If you are like most people then your panel of judges rarely miss the opportunity to render judgement on other people…after all, they are there to protect your interest…and they are vigilant. Sometimes your panel of judges cannot reach a unanimous judgment. I mean, sometimes judges are in conflict with one another. For example, one of your judges works to ensure you take care of your physical health. Meanwhile, another of your judges works to ensure you take care of your financial wealth. Sometimes these two interests compete. Yes - from time to time, your judges are conflicted. When they are conflicted they let you know. And, you begin to think…and maybe you begin to worry…and to overcome that worry maybe you begin to use your logic skills to take over where your little panel of judges left off. More about the little panel of judges in future Thought Posts …

## Problems still confound the motivational experts
Date: 2011-04-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/problems-still-confound-the-motivational-experts/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Hero Worship, Solutions & Opportunities

I recently listened to a well-known and respected motivational speaker. I was surprised to hear him say we must not use the word ‘Problem’. He advised, instead of saying ‘Problem’ we should say ‘Challenge’. For at least 2 good reasons, I think this is bad advice: The word ‘Problem’ is not the problem with problems . The problem with problems is the reaction we have when they visit us. Motivational speakers, including the one I just listened to, know this. They make it clear we must adjust our reaction to problems…which many of them prefer to call – challenges . And, they give advice on how we can adjust our reactions. Regardless, many of them say the use of the word ‘Problem’ is a part of the problem with problems. If their thinking is accurate and the use of the word ‘Problem’ contributes to the problem of problems then…soon…after we all are accustomed to using the word ‘Challenge’ in place of the ‘P-word’…soon…the word ‘Challenge’ will become part of the challenge of challenges. We will have gone through a full word circle to get to the same place we are now. At the risk of flogging a dead horse: the word ‘Problem’ has evolved from the Greek word ‘problema’… "a problem, a question"…literally "a thing put forward". So, a word that started as a thing put forward has become such a problem of a word we need to change it to challenge . If we do this then sooner or later we will also end up having to change the word challenge… some new word. I do not believe we can trick the subconscious mind into believing those things called Problems somehow are eased by changing their names to Challenges . Maybe, they would be eased over generations…but, that wouldn’t solve this matter because #1 [above] would happen at a similar pace. Conclusions: We will always have Problems. And, we will always have a word for them…that word might as well be ‘ Problems ’. At least, we are used to that word. We will always do better if we learn how to adjust our reaction to Problems. That takes time and thought and effort. Tools help. That’s why we created the P=2S+O © tool. For every P roblem you can come up with at least 2 S olutions and, from time to time, you will uncover O pportunities. A link to P=2S+O . Footnote: “Intellectuals solve problems, geniuses prevent them.” Albert Einstein

## Little Voices, ANTs, Biases, and Robbins
Date: 2011-04-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/little-voices-ants-biases-and-robbins/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Put Your Best Brain Forward

Most normal people hear little voices. Their little voices talk to them constantly. Most people ‘hear’ that little voice in their heads. For most people, the little voice sounds like their own voice . For other folks, the voice may come from just in front of their face, in front of the place where the top of their nose connects with the spot between their eyes. Apparently, for some folks [and this is rare] the voice comes from another place…like in front of their chest or in front of the pit of their stomach. Regardless, a natural part of the human condition is having that little voice. Some, perhaps most people, consider the little voice to be their guide – the voice of their conscience. Most people – most normal human beings – hear their little voices chatter negatively throughout the day…their little voices are saying negative this and saying negative that…over and over and over….all day…every day. Their little voices feed them a continuous string of negative thoughts. Dr. Daniel Amen calls negative thoughts ANTS ANT s = Automatic Negative Thoughts 1 For example, Dr. Amen describes 2 of these ANTs as: ANT 4 [red ant]. When the little voice delivers this ANT it tries to make us believe we know what other people are thinking even when they have told us what they are thinking Mind Reading ANT ANT 7 – the Labeling ANT. When the little voice delivers this ANT it tries to make us place labels on ourselves and other people These ANTs contribute to our biases . Bias 2 = a : bent, tendency b : an inclination of temperament or outlook; especially : a personal and sometimes un reasoned judgment : prejudice c : an instance of such prejudice In a prior Thought Post 3 I wrote: People are biased and make a fundamental attribution error In summary, when the bias is at work we judge like this: When other people do poorly we blame their behaviour [ie, we blame them]. However, when other people do well we give credit to the situation. We do the exact opposite when it comes to judging ourselves. I believe Tony Robbins 4 recognized these sorts of biases. He recognized many people get upset when things do not go their way. He recognized even he, a well-experienced motivational educator who knew better, got upset from time to time in response to other people’s actions. He decided to create a tool to help himself and other people get over this negative thinking….get to a much better way of thinking and get to a much better way of communicating. Tony Robbins called his tool the ‘ Reality Check tool ’. He describes that tool in his audio CD ‘ Live With Passion ’. The tool contains a list of 7 questions we can ask ourselves when we feel upset with/about another person. The tool contains value: I recommend the audio CD. Wrapping up… That’s how Little Voices, ANTs, Biases, & Robbins fit together. The great news is we can ‘CHANGE FOR THE BETTER’. Here’s a link to introduce more thoughts on this topic… PS: that link takes you to my 1st effort at creating an educational video….one take…with my son Jack doing the production, direction, and camera work. That experience is a fond memory. Footnotes: Dr Daniel Amen Merriam Webster on-line Dictionary 2 closely-related links Mark Weber visits our Centre For Family Business CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things Tony Robbins : [refer to his audio CD ‘ Live With Passion'

## BHAGs ain’t for everyone!
Date: 2011-04-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/bhags-aint-for-everyone/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

The graph below shows the way Goals and Self-Esteem are correlated. Moving from left to right along the curve, the key points are: When Self-esteem is low it is difficult to set goals...so Goals, if any, are weak and don’t cut it When Goals are weak and they don’t ‘test the mettle’ Self-esteem tends to suffer and drop When Self-esteem is ‘normal’ people are comfortable setting Goals [some thrive on it] When Self-esteem is ‘normal’ it tends to increase with the challenge of the Goals When Self-esteem is at a peak Goals can be challenging…they can be ’stretch’ Goals When Goals become too challenging Self-esteem starts to drop, sometimes it plummets When Goals become unrealistic Self-esteem can quickly drop below ‘normal’ levels…and stay there BHAGs ain’t for everyone! Conclusion : the concepts of success-consciousness are not for everyone. For many, it is better to set short-term stretch Goals , encouraging the use of S.M.A.R.T. goals than to use that ‘word’ BHAG.

## Sales Tweet #198
Date: 2011-04-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-198/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #198 Entrepreneurs have a desire to create and build things of value. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This is one of the 3 traits of entrepreneurs…they are born with this trait. While they may not know the trait exists or what value they want to create or what they want to build, the trait is there. The details of what/when/how are recognized when they present themselves to the innate desire.

## Time, Self & Action Management
Date: 2011-04-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/time-self-action-management/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Hero Worship, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

While listening to audio book 'The Now Habit At Work ’, it occurred to me the words time management may be stalling people. I mean, most people can not manage time nor would they even try to manage time. Time is a concept. Time is a concept most people either take for granted or don’t think about. Time is a concept most people don’t want to dwell on let alone manage. When we use the words 'time management' we are not speaking accurately. And, we may be stalling people, which, of course, is the exact opposite of our goal. I am not saying people may be consciously aware we are stalling them. I am saying, when other people experience us using that word combination – time management – maybe we are setting off a subconscious reaction that causes them to stall. Regardless, I think that word combination is just plain wrong. Few human beings have the ability to manage time. Maybe some monks or yogis probably can manage time? Perhaps Albert Einstein could manage time? [He knew a lot more about time than most of us.] We hear stories about people who face extreme danger and, somehow, their subconscious mind slows time for them. Or, at least, they manage to cram a huge amount of indelible perception into a small amount of time. Maybe those are some examples of time management? There are other examples like that...if they are examples of time management then time management is rare. So, for most people the words 'time management' set a confusing ‘bar’. Maybe that bar is set too high or maybe that bar doesn’t make sense at all. I think it is the latter. So, we need to use other words when we want people to ‘manage their time’. We could use self-management but that is not ideal because that’s a broad topic that goes beyond the ‘management of time’. From now on, I intend to use the words ‘action management’. That’s what we want to do and that’s what we want other people to do. We want to manage our actions. Back to that audio book, ' The Now Habit At Work ’… It mentions 'strategic cramming', i.e., leaving some things to the last minute. I like that strategy because it is a way to Procrastinate For Success . I believe you can build 'action strength' by using methods like strategic cramming. You can - and at least some of the time you should - intentionally refrain from doing tasks until the very last minute. Then, when you [finally] do the task you should concentrate, focus, and expedite your action. Build this strength. It is a valuable strength. Teach yourself you can do it – teach yourself you can handle last-minute crunches. This is a sample of Procrastinate For Success . Methods like strategic cramming help you gain skill (concentration) and it help you gain something more important - confidence. When we Procrastinate For Success that skill and the benefits it provides snowball...the more you do it the better you get at it. Maybe your skill will become so great you will want to leave everything to the last minute? Maybe you will be a Master of Procrastinate For Success ?

## Sales Tweet #197
Date: 2011-04-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-197/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #197 You must Click with other people. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet When other people like you they will be much more inclined to meet you half way…at least, some of the time. And, the opposite is true. Bottom line: a pleasing personality is a key to success. Clicking is the elite area of interpersonal relationships. For more on Clicking check out the book ‘Click’ by Ori and Rom Brafman: http://www.brafmanbrothers.com

## One of those Synchronicities
Date: 2011-04-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/one-of-those-synchronicities/ | Categories: Beyond Business

The other day I was returning to the office. As usual, I was listening to an educational CD book. The CD book was 'The Spontaneous Healing of Belief' by Gregg Braden: The author was describing a fellow named Konrad Zuse , a pioneer in the computing industry. Apparently, at one point Konrad Zuse posed questions (something like), “ Does the universe operate on the same principles as a computer? " and " Is our reality actually a simulation? " Apparently, these questions were posed 50 or more years ago. The author then mentioned these Konrad Zuse thoughts were a precursor to the 1999 movie " The Matrix ". I remember that movie, my memory is - my sons watched it over and over….and over. While I was thinking about Konrad Zuse and the Matrix movie, I was in a Tim Horton’s drive thru line...about to order. So, I turned off the CD so I could place my coffee order. After my order was placed I returned to thinking about the movie " The Matrix ". I was deep in thought and forgot to pull ahead...I looked up at the car in front of me and was amazed to see its model name - Matrix. It was a Toyota Matrix. I was captured by the synchronicity so I took a picture of the car in front of me…here it is [with the licence number blacked out]: Then I got my coffee and headed to the office. Synchronicities always slow me down. And I talk about them…this time with Robin. Robin suggested I look at what I was holding in my hand. I did that. Here is what I saw… When that happened I was really paying attention to this synchronicity. So I started to tell Cecil my Matrix-synchronicity story. As I started to tell the story Cecil warned me the Matrix-synchronicity wasn’t over… When I finished telling him my story he told me he had bought a copy of the Matrix movie the night before I had my Matrix-synchronicity. So…what do you figure all that means! PS: do any of you know… Is the universe a massive computer-program-generated simulation…like in that Matrix movie?

## Sales Tweet #194
Date: 2011-04-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-194/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #194 Dr J. Haidt says people behave like - Riders [logic], on Elephants [emotions], on Paths [situations]. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Elephants are huge – they weigh 3 or 4 tonnes. Riders are about 1/40th the size of an elephants. 40-to-1. Elephants-to-Riders. Emotions-to-Logic. Yes – that is a good way to look at thre causes of behaviour. http://www.happinesshypothesis.com ‘The Happiness Hypothesis’, Dr Jonathan Haidt.

## Some thoughts about ‘Fake Work’
Date: 2011-04-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-thoughts-about-fake-work/ | Categories: Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

You can do work that contributes to your business goals. You can do work that does not contribute to your business goals. You can do work that maybe does or maybe does not contribute to your business goals. I think people only do 3 things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, and New Things . Say you have business goals. Say you do work that contributes to your business goals – that work is Good Habits. Say you do work that does not contribute to your business goals – that work is Bad Habits. Say you do work and you are not sure if that work contributes to your business goals – that work is also Bad Habits. When you do work that contributes to your business goals, that work is ‘real’…it has meaning and substance. When you do work that does not contribute to your business goals; that work is fake…according to Peterson & Nielson 1 that work is Fake Work . According to Peterson & Nielson, there are 10 Causes of Fake Work : Failing to Understand Your Job - Your Real Job Failing to Recognize the Finish Line Failing to Focus and Prioritize Failing to Understand the People Around You Failing to Communicate About the Right Things Failing to Understand the Importance of Your Team Failing to Clarify and Drive Strategy from Top to Bottom Failing to See the Execution Gap - Alignment Then Execution Failing to Manage - No Matter Our Level Failing to See That Culture Creates an Environment of Fake Work Footnote: 'Fake Work ' (2009) by Brent D. Peterson & Gaylan W. Nielson

## Sales Tweet #193
Date: 2011-04-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-193/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #193 Entrepreneurs have this burning feeling inside them…a need to achieve something…a ‘wanting’. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet …and one day, often when they least expect it, they figure our how to satisfy that ‘wanting’.

## The ancient Egyptians threw away their brains
Date: 2011-04-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-ancient-egyptians-threw-away-their-brains/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, Put Your Best Brain Forward, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

If the historical record is correct then the ancient Egyptians threw away their brains. I mean, when they preserved people’s bodies using the mummification process they did not preserve the brains with the other body parts, which included the heart, the liver, the lungs, the stomach, and the intestines. The ancient Egyptians preserved all those parts for the afterlife. And they preserved the skeleton and muscles. But, they did not preserve the brains. They threw them away. I found that fascinating. So, I did a little research. Here are the Egyptian hieroglyphs for the brain and the heart: Brain Heart NOTE: the above hieroglyph for ‘ brain ’ is what you will find if you search the Internet. Since drafting this Thought Post I became even more interested in hieroglyphs and I purchased Jean-Francois Dumon’s ‘ Aaou Hieroglyphic Dictionary’. That dictionary indicates the above hieroglyph does not represent ‘brain’; it represents ‘viscera’…which, of course, means other organs [not the brain]. Jean-Francois Dumon presents the following hieroglyph for ‘brain’: D36-G17-G17-F51 [I am trying to contact Jean-Francois Dumon to sort this out] Here is an excerpt describing ancient Egyptian thinking about the heart … “Heart (ieb) Appearance: Those used to the valentine-related heart of Western Culture may be surprised at the Egyptian concept of the heart. Theirs looks more like a vase with handles, and indeed many vases and jars were shaped like the hieroglyph in question. The heart of Egyptian iconography is a fairly faithful representation of a section of the heart of a sheep. The "handles" correspond with the connection of the veins and arteries to the organ. Meaning: The Egyptians early in their history realized the connection of the heart to the pulse. An ancient Egyptian medical treatise of the heart says that it "speaks in the vessels of all the members." It is not surprising then that they believed that the heart held the mind and soul of the individual. Another Egyptian author stated emphatically that "the actions of the arms, the movement of the legs, the motion of every other member is done according to the orders of the heart that has conceived them." It was sometimes said of the dead that their hearts had "departed" because it was believed that the heart was the center a man's life force.” Source: http://www.egyptianmyths.net/heart.htm The above excerpt is representative of the way experts describe the ancient Egyptian view: the heart held the mind and soul of the individual...and the heart governed the body . Now, ‘Western’ thinking – thinking heavily flavoured with science - has a different view. I hope I do not do an injustice to that ‘Western’ thinking when I describe [my understanding of] it this way: The brain governs the body [although there is at least a partial acceptance that spinal neural systems can influence the body, independent of the brain] The brain may contain the mind…probably, if ‘the mind’ exists then the brain does contain the mind…however, there is no scientific evidence to confirm the mind exists whether as a thing independent of the brain or as a subset of the brain The heart is a pump, which pumps blood…it governs circulation of blood…that’s it Considering all that and more… Is it reasonable to conclude the ancient Egyptians, when they preserved their hearts and threw away their brains, were primitive and ignorant? Is it reasonable to conclude the ancient Egyptians were 100% wrong? Footnote: Related to this …the folks who follow my Thought Posts know ‘I Wonder’ about a lot of things. This ancient Egyptian heart and brain topic has me wondering. I have read ancient Greeks, pre-Socratic Greeks, did not take credit for most or maybe even all of their thoughts. As a rule they believed the gods caused them to think what they thought and feel what they felt. As examples, if while on the battlefield they became fearful they blamed it on a god and if they prevailed over the enemy they credited a god. [Refer to Homer’s ‘Iliad’] So, it is easy [but not necessarily accurate] to conclude the ancient Greeks heard voices in their heads...similar to the voices normal people now hear in our heads [or perhaps just in front of our faces]. I mean that voice that talks to us all the time, helping us sort out things and decide what to do. Assuming the ancient Greeks heard voices as we now do, they heard [essentially] their own voice but concluded the gods were using that voice to speak to them. Today, we tend to believe the voice belongs to us rather than a God or the gods. I wonder: Did the ancient Egyptians ‘hear’ voices? If so then were those voices in or near their hearts rather than their heads?

## Sales Tweet #191
Date: 2011-04-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-191/ | Categories: STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #191 You must recognize your Strengths. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I see this as the 1st key to success. Know your Strengths. And, I like the way StrengthsFinder defines Strengths: Strengths = Natural Talents + Knowledge + Skills. This straightforward definition allows us to zero in on the things required to build Strengths. And, StrengthsFinder provides a good way to get started at this very-worthwhile work. www.strengthsfinder.com

## Edward de Bono – an amazing thinker
Date: 2011-04-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/edward-de-bono-an-amazing-thinker/ | Categories: Put Your Best Brain Forward, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

I re-read the notes I made a few years ago while reading Dr. de Bono’s book ‘ Water Logic ’. In that book Dr. de Bono describes 3 types of questions. Here is an excerpt from my notes… Three Types of Questions: A Shooting Question ...we know what we are aiming at and the answer is 'yes' or 'no'. A Fishing Question ...we bait the hook and wait to see what turns up. An open-ended search for information. A Trapping Question ...we prepare the trap to suit what we want to catch. This is exactly the same as pre-concept. Straightforward…and I like the metaphor style. A sampling of de Bono quotes : Quotes that fit our Seek Simple philosophy… Dealing with complexity is an inefficient and unnecessary waste of time, attention and mental energy. There is never any justification for things being complex when they could be simple. One very important aspect of motivation is the willingness to stop and to look at things that no one else has bothered to look at. This simple process of focusing on things that are normally taken for granted is a powerful source of creativity. Sometimes the situation is only a problem because it is looked at in a certain way. Looked at in another way, the right course of action may be so obvious that the problem no longer exists. Quotes that fit our views of the value of Humour… Humour is by far the most significant activity of the human brain. It has always surprised me how little attention philosophers have paid to humour, since it is a more significant process of mind than reason. Reason can only sort out perceptions, but the humour process is involved in changing them. Quotes about Thinking… Many highly intelligent people are poor thinkers. Many people of average intelligence are skilled thinkers. The power of a car is separate from the way the car is driven. Most of the mistakes in thinking are inadequacies of perception rather than mistakes of logic. Footnote: Edward de Bono

## Sales Tweet #189
Date: 2011-04-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-189/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet # 189 We must be able to think when we want to but be able to set thinking aside, at least, when we need to. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet It seems to me this is the way to blend the wisdom of Napoleon Hill ['Think and Grow Rich', for example] with the wisdom of Eckhart Tolle [‘The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment’, for example]. www.naphill.org www.eckharttolle.com

## Do you hire Lieutenant Columbo or Sherlock Holmes for your sales role?
Date: 2011-04-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-hire-lieutenant-columbo-or-sherlock-holmes-for-your-sales-role/ | Categories: Sales

Lt. Columbo Sherlock Holmes Lt. Columbo : To outsiders: he was a real sloppy guy with a terrible memory. Always writing stuff down, always bumbling around, always confused…never threatening…easy to talk with…a little annoying after a while. Inside: a clever stalker who never lost track of what made criminals tick....greed & fear. Sherlock Holmes : To outsiders: he was really intelligent, dealt with facts. Not afraid to let everyone know how brilliant he was. He was assertive, intimidating, and aloof. Often, he chose to look the other way rather than maintain eye contact. Inside: He dealt with facts and logic. But, when he had to do it...he could get down and dirty and think and act like a criminal. He could fight well. And, he had good informants. So, Columbo or Sherlock Holmes: who is the better sales candidate? Both can succeed in sales roles. Sherlock Holmes is a super analyst. He will know all the details of his services and all the ins and outs of his products. He will be logical and his selling process will be well thought out. He will ask questions with a stern, challenging voice. He will succeed when selling to some technical buyers…people who say things like, “ Just give me the facts ”. Lt. Columbo is an actor. Proof: he had his own, long-running TV show. He doesn’t take opium like Sherlock Holmes. He never gets stressed out because he performs his role with humility and tremendous people-reading ability. He will observe and listen as clients talk themselves into buying. He will just ask strings of fair, reasonable, and simple questions…until the deal is closed. So – you better hire Lieutenant Columbo.

## about the way we think
Date: 2011-04-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-the-way-we-think/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Put Your Best Brain Forward

People underestimate the adaptability of their brains…with intent and effort we can improve the many ways our brains serve us . People underestimate their biases … with some adjustments we can improve our relationships with other people. Communication is trickier than we would like it to be. People are not too busy …they just need to use their time more carefully. Understand individual strengths – play to strengths & work to strengths . When it feels like something is wrong, something is wrong. Decisions are easier when we seek simple . If we want to experience smooth change then we must continuously pave the path for it. Change is only constructive when people are comfortable. As a rule there is no such thing as constructive criticism … that’s an oxymoron 95% of the time. We can nurture creativity… humour is one key, practice is another. Technology advancement, including social media, has changed the pattern for future business success… we must tap into the ‘cognitive surplus’. Clients’ Clients are a key to success. Taskmulti-ing is better than multitask-ing. It is easier to be objective when observing another business than it is when observing our own.

## Sales Tweet #187
Date: 2011-04-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-187/ | Categories: Put Your Best Brain Forward, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #187 You can do better than minding your own business. You can Put Your Best Brain Forward. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Isn’t this an interesting Harry Houdini quote: “My brain is the key that sets my mind free.” Is the opposite also true? ... “My mind is the key that sets my brain free.” Our LinkedIn group – Put Your Best Brain Forward .

## About entrepreneurial styles
Date: 2011-04-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-entrepreneurial-styles/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

One of my colleagues on LinkedIn asked the following question: Calling all Entrepreneurs: What kind of an Entrepreneur are you? University of Virginia research indicates that Entrepreneurs fall into two categories - those that use effectual reasoning (developing business goals and adapting them as they go), or use causal reasoning (set goals at the outset and strive to achieve them in the most effective manner). I would like to know what you think. For more info see Inc. Magazine article "How Great Entrepreneurs Think" in February 2011 edition. Stephen Beech, MBA, CMA President, Padgett Business Services - helping small businesses with value added accounting, bookkeeping & tax services Toronto, Canada Area Here is my answer to that question... Stephen, While ‘causal’ is my natural mode, it seems to me for most of us it is not either/or. It is always a blend. I am a big fan of Napoleon Hill’s ‘Think and Grow Rich’. I believe Napoleon Hill was the first person to write “Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan”. That’s ‘causal’. My approach to business is wrapped in ‘causal’. On the other hand, I don’t think people’s styles can be quantified as simply as that. To expand a bit, here are three pairs of factors to consider… People & Process: While process is a good fit with the ‘causal’ approach, people are not nearly as good a fit. So, when it comes to people I adapt as I go [effectual]. Rudimentary tasks and Conceptual tasks: Rudimentary tasks align with a ‘causal’ approach. Conceptual tasks are not so good a fit. Time Frame: A ‘causal’ approach works well with longer-term goals. This factor is the one that lets me know ‘causal’ is my natural mode. Regardless, for shorter-term goals I adapt. I suppose it could be argued that still fits with the ‘causal’ definition. I hope this is helpful. Rick PS: Stephen’s question is a good one: I know entrepreneurs of each kind…I know many more of the ‘causal’ type than the ‘effectual’ type.

## Sales Tweet #186
Date: 2011-04-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-186/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #186 A salesperson without enthusiasm will be, at best, an order taker. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet A Baker of sales would say, "Enthusiasm is the ingredient that causes sales to rise". Which reminds me…you know why Bakers tend to succeed at selling?...because they sell what is kneaded.

## Laziness
Date: 2011-03-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/laziness/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business

People do better when they align their work with their talents and strengths than they do when their work collides with their weaknesses. So - how does being lazy fit in? A few months ago I wrote an article called ‘ Procrastinate for Success ' . Similar thinking is feeding this article. Procrastination may be a consequence of laziness, or maybe it’s vice-versa. Certainly, procrastination and laziness are causes of the same effect: when we procrastinate stuff doesn’t get done and when we are lazy stuff doesn't get done. At least, it doesn’t get done ‘right now’. It seems to me a good question to ask is, "Why isn't stuff getting done?" .... "Why am I procrastinating?" "Why am I being lazy?" Specifically, "Am I procrastinating or being lazy because this work/activity does not align with my talents and strengths?" If the answer to that question is "Yes, I'm not doing this work/activity because it not aligned with my talent or strengths and I know it will frustrate me" then - that's not all bad. Sure, other people may tend to judge you harshly. The work may align with their strengths and they may have no idea why you make such a fuss...or…do nothing. If the work aligns with their strengths then for that exact reason they may not even be able to understand why you are avoiding it. That's their bias at work. Their bias may be causing them to see you as lazy when you are actually just procrastinating for success.

## Sales Tweet #184
Date: 2011-03-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-184/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #184 If you think you are too busy then you have set the limit on the amount of value you can generate. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I believe successful people have more time. I have written Thought Posts about it . At a recent conference I was fortunate to join a group of business leaders who presented their thoughts to University of Toronto students…those successful people had the time to do this on a Saturday… 500 students obtained value.

## Entrepreneurs must click with other people
Date: 2011-03-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/entrepreneurs-must-click-with-other-people/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Entrepreneur Thinking

I look at entrepreneurship success this way… Entrepreneurship success has 2 components: the tangible wealth – money and what money can buy the feelings of self-worth & the quality relationships with other human beings. Few people are fully satisfied by money alone. Deep down, you know that. But, you will be tempted to dis -remember it. I say dis -remember to make the point – you will not forget people are more important than money, however, that fact can be buried during the heat of entrepreneurial battles. And – that’s when problems start. That’s when self-esteem suffers. That’s when success, if it comes, is bittersweet . That’s when success can not fill the ‘wanting’ that drives entrepreneurs to carry on. Much has been written about how special people connections can generate amazing success stories. As one example, I would recommend ‘ Click ’ by Ori & Rom Brafman . Dedicate time to understanding what it means to click. To succeed as an entrepreneur you must click with other people.

## Sales Tweet #183
Date: 2011-03-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-183/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #183 "It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech." Mark Twain The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I am fascinated by skilled public speakers. What value for their audiences! And, Mark Twain, with that amazing wit of his…provides a very important message with this quote. Here is another you can apply to public speaking: Abraham Lincoln – "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe."

## Entrepreneurs must know about people strengths
Date: 2011-03-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/entrepreneurs-must-know-about-people-strengths/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

Some time ago I was hired to help a sales person overcome a sales slump. The fellow had many years of sales experience and success. He had joined a new company and sales were not being made as planned. When I asked how he felt about his situation he said he did not believe he could succeed in his current role. I asked why he stayed in the job. He said he felt obligated to the company that had hired him. I talked with the company executives. They also felt the salesperson would not succeed. I asked why they kept the salesperson. They said they felt the salesperson just might change and succeed. They wanted to give him a full chance. Some weeks later, the sales person was fired. That is a story I have witnessed or been involved directly in many, many times during my career. Sometimes it was a sales person, sometimes it was a Controller, sometimes it was a President…but…the story was essentially the same: A person was struggling in a business role That person knew success was highly unlikely The person’s boss knew the person was struggling The person’s boss believed the person probably would not succeed Somebody thought the person might change Later, maybe in a week or maybe years later, the person was fired After witnessing that story many times I asked myself, Why? Over time, the answers became clear. One answer is: To excel as an entrepreneur you must know about people strengths. You must know Your own strengths Other people’s strengths How to best use as much of those strengths as possible That sounds simple enough, but in practice it is not simple. I read a lot of self-help literature. A couple years ago, I read a series of books inspired by the Gallup group, good work called StrengthsFinder . StrengthsFinder is a system designed to help people identify their talents and build their strengths. You can buy the books and take an on-line assessment. I did that. Then I introduced as many business people as I could to the StrengthsFinder concept. StrengthsFinder may or may not identify your exact themes of talent. However, based on the numerous assessments I have seen it is directionally correct. StrengthsFinder is one tool for self-knowledge…there are many other tools. The point I am trying to make is I have learned people’s strengths are a key to entrepreneurial success. And, you can educate yourself on how to go about understanding your strengths. When a team of people works at learning each person’s individual strengths there is a much greater likelihood goals will be achieved. When work aligns with peoples’ strengths people can be passionate about the work. Passion can focus the work. Passion can reduce stress. These are good things, worth working on.

## Sales Tweet #182
Date: 2011-03-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-182/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #182 When you are angry: yell your complaints while in your car…get rid of them before you face your Client. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet No question – this is better than yelling at co-workers and family members, etc. But, WOW, whatever you do, think twice before you search the words ‘scream therapy’ on Google. Like virtually every idea that pops into our minds…you can find volumes of words and videos about it on-line…what an amazing free resource for exploring ideas and thoughts. PS: I don’t advocate scream therapy…just yelling in your car every once in a while.

## Entrepreneurs must be able to lead change
Date: 2011-03-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/entrepreneurs-must-be-able-to-lead-change/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Entrepreneur Thinking

When I say, “ Entrepreneurs must be able to lead change ” I am talking about ‘people change’. You must be able to lead ‘people change’. Start with yourself….understand yourself: Know your strengths Know your weaknesses Learn how your brain operates Know how your logical mind and your emotions interplay Know how different situations will influence your reactions Only when you understand yourself will you have a fighting chance to understand other people. Do not be lazy about it. Do not let your mind trick you. Do not presume you fully understand yourself, even worse, that you understand other people. These skills require long-term effort. There is a metaphor to explain what I am trying to convey here. Dr. Jonathan Haidt wrote a book called ‘ The Happiness Hypothesis ’. In that book he describes people’s minds as Riders, on Elephants, walking on Paths. Riders, Elephants, & Paths. The Rider is the logical part of our mind. The Elephant is our emotional part. And the Path is the situation. When logic and emotions disagree…emotions win. Our emotions [the Elephant] ignore our logic [the Rider] and act or react to the situation at hand [the Path]. We must understand this interplay between logic, emotions, and situations if we are to make Changes For The Better .

## Sales Tweet #179
Date: 2011-03-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-179/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #179 Instead of saying "Thank You", prove your gratitude by delivering a Client to your Client. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Is there anything your Client would rather receive than a custom-picked Client? For example, would your Client rather have...a piece of your sales literature?...a phone message where you introduce your new product?...a thank you card?...a gift fruit basket?

## A Social Media question
Date: 2011-03-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-social-media-question/ | Categories: Marketing

You and the people at your business are on a path. You walk along that path, keeping your eyes open for Clients. Your Clients walk on their paths. Your path and their paths overlap at the times and places you do business with your Clients. As business grows the paths get bigger. Your path gets bigger. Your Clients’ paths get bigger. Soon you begin to use a range of vehicles to make your travels more efficient and effective. Your Clients do the same thing. A little later all the roads become paved with commercial success. Maybe they are not yet the superhighways of your dreams [or your Clients’ dreams]…but they are well-travelled and well-paved roads. You maintain your road; you keep all the lanes in good shape. You want to make sure your roads connect with your Clients’ roads…you want to connect with your existing Clients, your Ideal Clients, the Probable Clients you have met, and many, many other Clients whom you have not yet met. So, you always work to make sure your main road and your side-roads are headed in the right directions. You want to maintain your vehicles. You want to add new vehicles…you keep your competition in the rear-view mirror. Then, you hear about a new vehicle called Social Media. Maybe at first you try to ignore it or keep out of its way? Maybe you think it is a fad that will wear off? But, the Social Media vehicle does not go away. You hear its horns honking every day, everywhere. So, you get yourself a Social Media vehicle….a ‘starter’ vehicle. And you begin to drive your social Media vehicle. The question is: When your Social Media vehicle travels along, does the rubber hit the road?

## Entrepreneurship Highs & Entrepreneurship Lows
Date: 2011-03-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/entrepreneurship-highs-entrepreneurship-lows/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

As the saying goes, for Canadian natural gas marketers 1997 was a year when “ one man’s trash was another man’s treasure ”. Enron had re-entered the Canadian marketing sector in 1993, following a 5-year non-compete. I know this because Enron’s exit from the Canadian marketing sector in 1988 created the job opportunity that changed the course of my career. Enron sold its Canadian marketing arm to the “Westcoast group” in 1988. Westcoast owned Union Gas Limited and its affiliates. By 1988 I had spent 6 years at Union Gas, experiencing energy deregulation from the utility perspective. By late 1988 Westcoast had merged 3 of its holdings, including the Enron marketing group, to create Unigas Corporation. Unigas was Westcoast’s unregulated marketing arm, with a primary focus on selling natural gas. Unigas sold to utilities and end users, to Canadians and Americans. I joined Unigas in November 1988. My role had an Eastern Canada focus: Ontario and Québec, with a bit of activity in Manitoba. About the “entrepreneurship highs”… By 1993 I had left Unigas and joined with friends and partners to create Cibola Canada Energy Marketing Company. This was not an unusual thing to do. Many of my ‘energy buddies’ had created their own independent marketing businesses. Some focussed on selling to the industrial-commercial-institutional sector, some focussed on selling to residential users…i.e., using door-to-door sales activity. All of us were experiencing success. The market was ripe with growth and endless opportunity. Almost every marketer and consultant enjoyed the “entrepreneurship highs”. Businesses were built…quickly. As one of the more extreme 1990’s examples of “entrepreneurship highs” - one friend bought and parked a Rolls Royce in front of another friend’s home…the car and keys were a surprise gift given as thanks for help in ‘going public’. Now…about the “entrepreneurship lows”… Enron re-entered the Canadian market in 1993. Enron had the mindset “ go big or go home ”. That “ go big or go home ” strategy spread to the other major [not independent] energy marketing companies in Canada. From our independent perspective, “ go big or go home ” could be translated as “ you are a fool if you buy from an independent marketing firm ”. Within 2 years, another saying joined “ go big or go home ”. That saying was “ credit is king ” and it could be translated as “ you are an absolute fool if you buy from or sell to an independent marketing firm ”. Some major players – could it possibly have been Enron & friends? – pushed market pricing to very low levels throughout 1996. In September 1996, a Canadian independent marketing firm became ‘offside’ to the point it could not meet its obligations. From our perspective, that meant we lost a large amount of low-priced supply. We were not alone. Other independent marketing firms also lost large amounts of low-priced supply. Many marketing firms, whether independent or deep-pockets, found themselves with a very negative mark-to-market position. The deep-pockets players didn’t lose much supply in relative terms and absolute losses of say $200,000 - $1,000,000 per hit didn’t dent the businesses too much. Smaller players, the independents, took the same $ hits however the relative impact was somewhere between very-troubling to catastrophic. People reacted tentatively at first…during the first 2 weeks market pricing held…then market pricing started to increase about 1% per week…then 1% per day…then more…then it became almost impossible to buy at any price. I know this because throughout 1996 I had been speculating natural gas futures. Consistent with our company’s physical position…we were bearish. We favoured shorting the futures market. The end result was, when we lost physical supplies we became even shorter and we doubled up on that problem by also being short in the futures market. That is a wonderful combination if you thrive on maximized stress levels and minimal sleep. Throughout the last few months of 1996, once a week or so another independent marketing company failed. That increased tension in the marketplace. It was a time when experienced and tough business men were bewildered, shaken, and in some cases overtaken by emotion and tears. Many months later, I sat in the ‘audience’ at bankruptcy proceedings and watched grown men sit front-and-centre, outcasts in the eyes of most of their peers. These were very painful things to watch. In our business sector it was the Year of the School of the Hardest Knocks . By November 1996 most of the Canadian independent natural gas marketers were very short and very squeezed. A number had failed. Many more would fail during the next few months…when the dust finally settled and prices softened. “ Go big or go home ” had proven to be a winning strategy for the majors. Few independents survived that year when the most-powerful in the Canadian energy marketplace flexed their muscles. But - we were lucky. Within 4 weeks of the first supply-failure in September 1996 event we had made the absolutely agonizing decision to reverse our [commodity] position from ‘short’ to ‘long’. That meant we faced one of two outcomes: If the market continued to rise for a few months then we would win. When I say ‘we would win’, I do not mean we would receive a windfall…I mean we would have an OK year….assuming our suppliers delivered. If anything else happened we would lose…I mean we would lose our business and face the bankruptcy experience…we would LOSE BIG. We began to implement our strategy the day we made it. For some of us the first purchases were beyond painful. Each of those purchases solidified 6-figure accounting losses. Regardless, we had decided to go long and so we bought. And we bought more…and we bought even more. We didn’t haggle over price…we just bought from anyone who would sell to us. Each time we bought gas in October, November, and December 2006 it sent buying signals to the market. Prices increased. And the pace of increase increased. Soon, our very-negative mark-to-market position had become very positive. With our mark-to-market position reversed…we “ lived to fight another day ”. We had survived the best and worst of the Entrepreneurship Highs & the Entrepreneurship Lows .

## Sales Tweet #177
Date: 2011-03-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-177/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #177 People should learn from hard knocks…but, not from the hardest of knocks. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet The School of Hard Knocks is an excellent teacher. However, it can be an unduly cruel school. For those who are not prepared, the hardest knocks can be spirit-killing blows. We should help folks avoid the 'hardest knocks'….at least until they are fully ready to survive them.

## Competing – using a low-Price strategy
Date: 2011-03-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/competing-using-a-low-price-strategy/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Marketing, Sales

At our Leaders’ workshops we tie two marketing concepts together. The two marketing concepts are ‘the PQS Triangle’ and ‘Differential Advantage’. Both of these concepts are ‘vintage’ marketing thoughts…..things we learned a few decades ago. PQS Triangle is a picture, designed to make it clear businesses can set its marketing strategy based on a combination of Price, Quality, and Service. Rarely, if ever, can a business succeed if its marketing strategy is designed to win at all of P, Q, & S. Put another way – it is virtually impossible to deliver the lowest Price, the highest Quality, and the b set Service all at once. Something has to give. For most of our Clients the thing that has to give is Price: most of our Clients are not in a position to offer the lowest Price. Differential Advantage answers the question: Why do our Clients buy from us rather than do nothing or buy from one of our competitors? When the PQS Triangle and Differential Advantage are combined we have the essence of the marketing strategy. For certain businesses the marketing strategy does contain Price – ie, the business can compete by offering better prices than their competition. We think this is rare [even though we recognize many of our Clients’ Clients want it or demand it]. We think many businesses struggle and fail because they use a low- Price strategy when that is a doomed strategy. However, there are 2 scenarios when a business can compete using a low- Price marketing strategy. Those 2 scenarios are: Volume Leadership scenario : when your business has massive volume you can use your buying clout to reduce your supply costs and you can use ‘economy of scale’ to reduce your operating costs. Then you can reduce your Prices, hold a Price advantage over your competition, and grow your business. Big-box stores can always offer better Prices than boutiques. Educated Entrepreneurship scenario : when you have obtained specialized knowledge [for example, from being an employee at a big business] you can draw on your specialized knowledge to compete with bigger, less-entrepreneurial or more-bureaucratic businesses. This is how many entrepreneurial businesses get started. Now – there may be other scenarios where you can use a low-Price marketing strategy and run a profitable and sustainable business. If there are then we would really like to know them.

## Mark Weber visits our Centre For Family Business
Date: 2011-03-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mark-weber-visits-our-centre-for-family-business/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Entrepreneur Thinking, Family Business and CFFB

“Resolving Disputes in Business and in Life” That is the title of the presentation Mark Weber gave at our last Centre For Family Business breakfast. As always, Mark provided a fun, educational session. I took lots of notes and this Thought Post outlines a couple of my take-aways …which I have already used to help myself and other folks with decisions. For more information, please contact Mark Weber . 1st take-away : When resolving a dispute, first focus on Interests There are three approaches to resolving disputes: the Interest approach, the rights approach, and the Power approach. Mark pictured it this way: Interests are our needs, desires, concerns…that’s the best place to resolve disputes. When we escalate discussion from Interests to Rights we get into negative emotional territory. An example of Rights would be, ‘the contract says _______’. Beyond discussion of Rights , disputes could escalate into Power territory. An example would be, ‘setting an ultimatum’. When facing a dispute, first, take time to focus on Interests . 2nd take-away : People are biased and make a fundamental attribution error While Mark was talking, I drew a little table to capture another lesson. When it is me When it is someone else When things go well I give the credit to myself I give the credit to the situation When things go poorly I blame the situation I blame the person I don’t believe this is intended to apply to all the people all the time. Rather, it is a tendency we should consider as we judge other people…and, as we try to understand how other people judge us. In summary, when the bias is at work we judge like this: When other people do poorly we blame their behaviour [ie, we blame them]. However, when other people do well we give credit to the situation. We do the exact opposite when it comes to judging ourselves. Thank you , Mark, for presenting very helpful advice on this thought-provoking topic…a topic that, as your presentation title says, applies both to Business and to Life. *** A personal story – about Bias Clearly, to the extent bias exists in us we should work to find at least middle ground. As an example - Performance Appraisals are not a dispute per se…but they can quickly and even quietly become disputes. Many years ago I recognized I tended to judge people too harshly when I gave performance reviews. My view at the time was - people judged themselves too leniently. I came to these conclusions because I asked people to write their own self-assessments and provide them to me before I presented the performance review I had written about them. When I received their self-reviews and compared them to my boss-created-reviews I noticed a consistent, big gap. I gave this quite a bit of thought. I tried to put myself in the other peoples’ shoes so I might understand how they reached their self-review scores. Then I thought about why the gaps in our views were so large. I concluded I set very high standards on myself and those standards could not, in general, be applied to others. [Perhaps that conclusion was wrong…I hope to discuss this with Mark Weber.] I decided to refrain from reviewing people’s self-assessments until I had completed a first draft myself. Then, I took my first draft and before looking at the self-assessments I raised every grade…about 20 points out of 100. That removed the gap for some people, removed more than half the gap for most people…however, a too-big gap still existed for some people. That was many years ago. I now understand situations are a vital consideration. I now know under the same situation some people succeed while other people fail. I know leaders and co-workers must do their best to construct ‘winning’ situations. And, we must do what we can to help one another be better prepared for the ‘challenging’ situations. More on this topic in future Thought Posts…

## Sales Tweet #174
Date: 2011-03-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-174/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #174 Do you sometimes act like a 6-yr-old soccer player, focusing on the ball instead of the goal? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Not a bad metaphor. While it is a joy to watch those little players do that in sports games it is no where near as enjoyable watching sales people do it. Just ask a sales manager.

## work at Work? or work at Home?
Date: 2011-03-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/work-at-work-or-work-at-home/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Entrepreneur Thinking

On LinkedIn, a question was asked about the pros and cons of working at home versus working at work. Here are some of my thoughts: Excellence happens when people have the benefit of face-to-face interactions with other people: relatively few people achieve their full potential in isolation. So, if it is an either/or decision then the answer is ‘workplace’. For many roles, some tasks may actually be performed better in isolation…less interruptions. As the requirement for collaboration increases face-to-face interactions become increasingly necessary. This can, in part, be mitigated by video conferencing. But, that’s not as good as face-to-face discussion. How to change work conditions to obtain a more home-like mindset? That’s a great question. Recently, a friend decided to build a new plant facility for his business. He went to each employee and asked them what they would like to see in the new building. Then, he included everything his people requested. The plant was awesome: lots of light, bright colours…and a squash court. Now, everyone can not go that far. But, the big lesson I learned was – Ask people what they want. Ask with sincerity. Listen. Follow through.

## Many businesses struggle because…
Date: 2011-03-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/many-businesses-struggle-because/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

1. People do not do the work required to understand themselves or others Why don’t people do that work? Because we didn’t realize this is important Because we believe we do not have time* Because we assume Because we have not been taught: how to do self-analysis how to listen how to ‘read’ people Because it is hard work 2. People’s Values are in conflict...and often, they never even know it Why don’t people work to ensure Values are in synch? Because we didn’t realize this is important Because it is personal and can be sensitive territory Because we underestimate the possibility and extent of the differences 3. People do not think accurately before they act Why do we act without the support of accurate thinking? Because action receives attention and applause Because most education delivered by others is about what we should do and how we should do it But we are rarely, perhaps never, taught how to think accurately Footnote Statistic: people of the U.S.A. watch 100,000,000 hours of TV …every weekend …and that’s just the commercials!

## Sales Tweet #172
Date: 2011-03-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-172/ | Categories: Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #172 Only two things stand between you and Success: thinking and working. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet What a great combination: thinking-working, thinking-working, thinking-working…"Plan your work and work your plan" [Napoleon Hill]

## Sales Tweet #171
Date: 2011-03-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-171/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Sales Tweet #171 Some sales people are like ship captains in the fog...repeatedly blowing their horns. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Don’t blow your own horn. That's an old piece of communication wisdom. It appeared in popular-quotes books almost 100 years ago.

## Positive Attitude & Genius: definitions
Date: 2011-03-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/positive-attitude-genius-definitions/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined

Positive Attitude means enjoying a predominance of positive emotions and having a predominance of positive thoughts...plus having the ability to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. The Genius possesses the ability to get beyond his/her emotions, regardless of their character, and the ability to remove/minimize mental noise, with the result the genius’ mind is free to fully concentrate under the guidance of a focussed purpose. Now – can we simplify those definitions? [Should we?]

## OK – we get it – building relationships is a good thing…but How? - Part 1
Date: 2011-03-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ok-we-get-it-building-relationships-is-a-good-thing-but-how-part-1/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

This is the first Thought Post in a series about how to go about building relationships. At the end of the series, I will provide a customized summary… Building Relationships, from A to Z . This Thought Post introduces the Brafman Brothers, Ori and Rom. The Brafman Brothers wrote ‘ Click - the magic of intimate connections ’ Link to Click and the Brafman Brothers . Brafman Brothers - how to go about building relationships : Magic matters...many describe the moment that way when they experience an instant or very-quick connection with another person [this will be rare – so, when it happens do not ignore it] There is power in vulnerability: many people are reluctant to open up...therein lies a key to connection on an emotional level…let down your protective guard A few feet make a big difference: proximity is important…get close [but not too close] Resonance begets resonance: (1) flow & presence , (2) flow - the experience of being in the zone, and (3) being fully present helps us create resonance...that draws people to us Similarity counts...quantity trumps quality...similarity helps create an ‘ In Group ’ dynamic: focus on the ways you are similar (humour, music, sports, etc.) The environment can help foster intimacy Certain people are magnets [I immediately thought about Malcolm Gladwell's ‘ Connectors ’] Quickset intimacy can bring out the best in us: the good news is quickset intimacy does not have to be left to chance

## Sales Tweet #169
Date: 2011-03-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-169/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #169 Perfectionist: someone who takes great pains…and gives same to others. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Perfectionists have trouble finishing. That becomes a problem when others rely on them. In sales this can show up as failure to close.

## The Power Of and the Problem With Thinking
Date: 2011-03-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-power-of-and-the-problem-with-thinking/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts, Optimism & Pessimism, Put Your Best Brain Forward, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich

Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. Napoleon Hill, W. Clement Stone Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking. Marcus Aurelius No problem can withstand the assault of sustained thinking. Voltaire Clear thinking requires courage rather than intelligence. Thomas Szasz You must continue to gain expertise, but avoid thinking like an expert. Denis Waitley A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices. William James Let our advance worrying become advance thinking and planning. Winston Churchill Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Most of us are consumed with our own thoughts and desires and are not always thinking about what other people may want. This is not necessarily being egocentric; it is just being human. Bo Bennett The reason why so few people are agreeable in conversation is that each is thinking more about what he intends to say than others are saying. Francois de La Rochefoucauld Rarely do we find men who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think. Martin Luther King, Jr. Most of one's life is one prolonged effort to prevent oneself thinking. Aldous Huxley Don't think. Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It's self-conscious, and anything self-conscious is lousy. You can't try to do things. You simply must do things. Ray Bradbury Our thinking and our behaviour are always in anticipation of a response. It is therefore fear-based. Deepak Chopra Misery is almost always the result of thinking. Joseph Joubert

## Stress & emotional resilience – Part 1
Date: 2011-03-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stress-emotional-resilience-part-1/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Put Your Best Brain Forward

For a while now I have wanted to write a paper about workplace stress. I decided, rather than wait to complete it I would write out some preliminary thoughts…this Thought Post is an introduction. First, here’s an excerpt from Wikipedia: “ Stress is a term in psychology and biology , first coined in the biological context in the 1930s, which has in more recent decades become commonly used in popular parlance . It refers to the consequence of the failure of an organism – human or animal – to respond appropriately to emotional or physical threats, whether actual or imagined. [1] Signs of stress may be cognitive , emotional, physical or behavioral. Signs include poor judgment, a general negative outlook[ citation needed ], excessive worrying, moodiness, irritability, agitation, inability to relax, feeling lonely, isolated or depressed , aches and pains , diarrhea or constipation , nausea , dizziness , chest pain , rapid heartbeat, eating too much or not enough, sleeping too much or not enough, social withdrawal, procrastination or neglect of responsibilities, increased alcohol , nicotine or drug consumption, and nervous habits such as pacing about, nail-biting and neck pains.” Next, here’s some information provided in David J. Lieberman books: What causes stress and how do people react to it? Stress happens : When we have doubts When we are not Confident When we do not feel in control of the situation 5 different kinds of stress : Acute & short-lived Example – many people are stressed when they must give a speech Acute with a sequence of challenge of some duration Example – the 911 tragedy Chronic demands, pervasive and personal Example – taking care of an ailing relative Lingering Example – child abuse Background stressors Examples – traffic, loud music People react to stress 3 ways : Avoidance Problem-focused coping, when the stressor/situation can be changed Emotion-focused coping...change the way we feel Link to David J Lieberman http://us.macmillan.com/author/davidjlieberman …to be continued

## Sales Tweet #167
Date: 2011-03-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-167/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #167 Avoid arguments: when you don’t know, when you are wrong, and when you are right. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I am working on the list of situations where it is good to argue…if you are a lawyer in a court case…if…

## Your brain needs the proper amount of sleep
Date: 2011-03-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/your-brain-needs-the-proper-amount-of-sleep/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain

It is important to get the proper amount of sleep...say 7 to 8 hours per night. In order to get that sleep, it is important to get to sleep when you want to get to sleep. I mean, laying around thinking about sleep doesn’t count. There are some things you should not do just before going to bed because those things tend to reduce your ability to fall asleep. Conversely, there are some things you can do to promote falling asleep sooner rather than later. I listened to an audio book that provided a list of things we shouldn't do just before bedtime. As examples: Don't exercise just before bedtime. Don't drink coffee. Don't eat. Don't watch TV, especially the news…which tends to raise blood pressure. Don't read exciting stuff. To be clear - reading before bed can help us fall asleep. However, that sleeping aid doesn't work if the reading material is exciting. I see opportunity here. I'm thinking of writing a series of before-bedtime ‘blogs’: I will make sure they are not exciting at all. In the meantime, I sure hope my Thought Posts are not depriving you of too much sleep.

## Sales Tweet #165
Date: 2011-03-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-165/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #165 Just the other day, we heard a fellow bragging that he never boasts. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Sometimes we judge others more harshly than we judge ourselves.

## Humour in the workplace
Date: 2011-03-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/humour-in-the-workplace/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Hero Worship, Leaders' Thoughts

Did Henry Ford fire people for smiling during working hours? Did Henry Ford believe the workplace was for work and everything personal should be left at home before we head off to work? Did Henry Ford believe casual chats and humour had no place in the workplace? Whether fact or legend, perhaps the answer is not important. But, the topic of humour in the workplace is important. I agree with U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who said: “A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done” Whether you agree or not, you may want to consider the following sorts or questions: Does workplace humour promote creativity or innovation? Does workplace humour promote harmony amongst co-workers? Does workplace humour reduce people’s stress levels? If workplace humour is a good thing…what type of humour is acceptable? If workplace humour is a good thing…how much is the right amount? If workplace humour is a good thing…how should we bring it about? Henry Ford Apparently, as he grew older Henry Ford relaxed his approach to discipline. ← an interesting expression… Mona Lisa → “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.” Henry Ford “Don't find fault, find a remedy.” Henry Ford

## Sales Tweet #164
Date: 2011-03-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-164/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #164 Simple advice: speak up and be heard, shut up and be appreciated. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Jay Abraham tells a great story about meeting a fellow at a convention-hotel bar. Jay asked the fellow dozens of questions and the fellow talked about himself for hours. At the end of the evening, the other fellow said Jay was the most-interesting person he had ever talked to.

## no carrots, no sticks…no donkeys
Date: 2011-03-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/no-carrots-no-sticks-no-donkeys/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!

After attending Daniel Pink’s recent presentation, as I walked across the parking lot to my car that phrase found its way into my thoughts – no carrots, no sticks…no donkeys . That was one of two major ‘ take-aways ’ I received from spending a half a morning with Dan Pink. Why no carrots, no sticks…no donkeys ? Dan Pink made a compelling argument: we must alter how we deal with people if we want them to be motivated at work. In times gone by people were motivated to work under a combination of carrots & sticks…much as carrots & sticks had succeeded with donkeys. As Dan Pink stated at one point… people are not donkeys . Today, our people no longer perform much rudimentary work. Our people perform an increasing amount of conceptual work. And – this trend will continue to grow. Now that conceptual work is the norm: To ensure future success, we must alter our approach to motivation . We must pay people enough to remove money from the table. Actually, we should pay people a little more than enough. People must feel they are being treated fairly. After that, money generates at best a diminishing return. After money is off the table, our people we will be motivated by 3 things: Autonomy Mastery Purpose Here’s a link to learn more about Autonomy, Mastery, & Purpose . I mentioned above, for me, Dan Pink provided 2 major ‘ take-aways ’. Here’s the 2nd one… Throughout but particularly near the end of his presentation, Daniel Pink engaged the audience in discussion. He asked and he answered questions. At one point, after answering a question he paused for a moment, looked at the fellow who had asked the question, and said “ talk to me…you look sceptical…talk to me more ”. The fellow did talk more and he and Dan Pink shared more thoughts. I was really taken by “ talk to me…you look sceptical…talk to me more ”. Dan Pink is an excellent public speaker. It is clear he truly cares about the people in his audience. And, he wants to help them. What a great example of how to deliver value to your audience. P.S.: Communitech deserves a big round of applause for bringing Daniel Pink to our community.

## Sales Tweet #162
Date: 2011-03-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-162/ | Categories: Thick Skin & Thin Skull, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Sales Tweet #162 Some ancient wisdom for Success: Have bone in back, not bone in head. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Probably no ancient person ever said that. But, we will never know for sure. On the other hand, I did write “people should work at having thick skin and thin skulls”. Thick skin will help people be less influenced by the criticism of others. A thin skull will ensure important stuff gets in easier.

## Our Brains: from Good to Great – Part 1
Date: 2011-02-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/our-brains-from-good-to-great-part-1/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Put Your Best Brain Forward

With all the research and recent breakthroughs concerning the human brain, how are we to know fact from fiction? For example, for at least a couple of generations most people accepted the following to be a fact – a human being only uses 10% of his or her brain . Today, most experts are saying that is Hogwash …we use much more than 10% of our brains. On the other hand, we do not use all our brain at once. Some experts claim our brain consumes 20% of the oxygen and 20% of the calories burned by the human body. I suppose that can be estimated with some accuracy. As a small piece of proof, consider the thermal pictures showing lots of heat emanating from the head. Something is causing our heads to generate much more heat than the other parts of our bodies. Since the brain consumes so much fuel…I wonder…what would happen if all of a sudden every neuron in our brain fired? Would there be enough blood flow to fire all our [give-or-take] 1000-trillion neurons? Would we pass out from lack of oxygen? Over the last generation certain authors have tended to classify some people left-brained while classifying other people right-brained . I don’t believe that ever meant to imply people only use one side of their brains. It meant one side of the brain dominated. If the left-brain dominated then the person tended to be logical. If the right-brain dominated then the person tended to be empathetic and creative. Recently, much texture has been added to these sorts of views. Brain tests such as SPECT [single photon emission computed tomography] and FMRI [functional magnetic resonance imaging] have confirmed neurons ‘fire’ in specific parts of the brain, depending on the stimulus. That doesn’t mean neurons only fire in one place at one time. It seems we use bits and pieces of our brain when we experience certain stimuli. And, the process is far from random. Here is another aspect of our brains that is debated: when you get older you lose your memory . The blogosphere seems to favour – that’s fiction – we are not destined to lose memory as we age. On the other hand, it is a hard to ignore Alzheimer’s Disease. Here is something I feel good about…Dr. Daniel Amen says our brain requires 3 things: oxygen, glucose, and stimuli. I like this because it is simple and because it provides us a way to think about improving the operation of our brains. I especially like the last one – stimuli. If the brain needs stimuli to thrive then let’s choose as much of that stimuli as possible. Whether 10% or 100% of the brain is used, whether we tend to be left-brained or right-brained or neither, whether we would pass out from using too much of our brain at one time or not, whether we will lose some memory with age or not…I like the idea – we can choose to provide stimuli to our brains . We can choose stimuli. We can choose behaviour. We can choose Good Habits . And, our brain will respond positively. It seems to me carefully-chosen behaviour and stimuli will help us use more of our brains…and carefully-chosen behaviour and stimuli will help us develop and improve the parts of our brains best suited to perform the chosen brain-work. …to be continued

## Motivation, Manipulation, and Leadership: definitions
Date: 2011-02-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/motivation-manipulation-and-leadership-definitions/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined

Zig Ziglar said: Motivation is when you inspire a person to do something for their own good, Manipulation is when you get a person to do something for your good, and Leadership is when you persuade a person to take action which is in your mutual best interests. Good definitions! [I feel motivation comes from within and not from other people…however, that point of debate does not reduce the value of Zig Ziglar’s definitions.] A link to a Thought Pos t about Problems & Motivation . A link to more Zig Ziglar thoughts on this topic.

## The Art of Introducing a Speaker – Part 1
Date: 2011-02-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-art-of-introducing-a-speaker-part-1/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication

I am amazed every time my friend Rob Caldwell introduces a speaker. Introducing speakers – doing a good job of introducing speakers – that’s an art . For a couple of years now, I have wanted to talk with Rob about this. I have wanted to know how he came to be so skilled at introducing speakers. Was Rob born with the talent? Did he learn it? If so – when?...and – from whom? It seemed to me, if I could write about Rob’s experience then that story would help other folks: Understand the importance linked to the role of introducing speakers, and Perform better when they are called upon to introduce a speaker. I know no one more capable than Rob of providing advice on this topic. Earlier this month, I finally took the time to ask Rob these important questions. I asked Rob how he came to be so skilled at introducing speakers. Now, it seemed to me Rob was truly surprised by my question. He talked about local people who impressed him when they are called to introduce speakers. He talked about the speaking skills of David Johnston…and the speaking skills of his long-time friend John Turner. Perhaps, like many skilled folks, Rob does not understand the exceptional role model he provides when he introduces speakers? I offered more details to explain what impressed me when Rob served as emcee and we talked. Then Rob shared a most-memorable story with me: When Rob was a young man, still in his teens, he was asked to introduce the well-known local politician - Mr. John Wintermeyer. Mr Wintermeyer was our MPP, representing Waterloo North. In the late 1950’s and early 1960’s Mr Wintermeyer had served as leader of the Liberal Party of Ontario. In that position he came close to becoming premier. Following a brief retirement he attempted to run again as a member of provincial parliament, representing the people of Galt. Rob Caldwell was invited to introduce him to the nomination meeting - as a very young liberal. Rob was in Grade 12 at the time. Mr. Wintermeyer was a senior politician, with an impressive track record. The audience was about 400 people and the event was held at Southwood Secondary School. And – Rob did I very good job of it. That is how Rob began to introduce speakers. At this point in Rob’s story I began to ask questions: How did you come to have such ability at such a young age? What did you do that allowed you to stand up in front of 400 people and do a good job of it? Rob explained… As a youth he got tongue-tied, he stammered. This made public speaking a real challenge. This made public speaking a very stressful activity. Rob knew he needed to take action to overcome his difficulty. He decided on two major strategies: to speak slowly and to practice quite a bit . There is a parallel here. Rob and I talked about the wonderful movie ‘ The King’s Speech ’. Both Rob and I thought Colin Firth did a tremendous job of the lead role. When I watched him perform I could feel the King’s frustration and his desire to overcome. At the theatre, the audience resonated with Firth’s gripping portrayal of human triumph. Perhaps, it was this movie that caused me to slow down enough to talk with Rob about this talent – introducing speakers . Back to Rob’s story… Somehow, as a teenager Rob understood it was important to understand the person he was about to introduce. So, Rob did research on John Wintermeyer. Somehow, he understood it was important to include personal things. So, Rob talked about Mr Wintermeyer’s ties with our local Mennonite community. Somehow, he understood the need to be very well-prepared, leaving nothing to chance. So, Rob studied and practiced and blended in his personal style. That was an introduction of how Rob began to introduce speakers. … to be continued

## Family Business Success Story – Pioneer Craftsmen
Date: 2011-02-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/family-business-success-story-pioneer-craftsmen/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Succession

Two separate paths came together. One path started at a farm near the Pioneer Tower, by our Grand River. The other path started in England…then crossed the ocean to end up at our Cambridge. The two paths came together in 1970 when the country fellow, Gary, met the city girl, Marie. That is a very quick summary of how the second generation of the Pioneer Craftsmen family business came about. Gary Adam’s father, Ken Adam, started the company in 1953 when he transitioned from farming to building and home renovations. In 1972 Marie and Gary married and they had two sons, Jamie and Jeff. Jamie chose to work at the family business. Jeff is a teacher in Kitchener. Since the 1970’s Gary and Marie have worked together, building the family business. Their grounding forces were hard work, care for clients, and an ability to read the market. That’s the solid ground Pioneer Craftsmen has been built on for over 30 years. Marie summed it up this way, “If you don’t treat your clients well and give them more than they expect then you are not going to be successful in business” . That way of thinking existed from the start, when Ken Adam created the business. Ken is fondly remembered as a man who was “light on talk and heavy on walk” . Ken was a family-business role model for Gary and Marie and also their son Jamie who became President of the family business in 2009. Marie and Gary are a close couple: they credit one another for providing long-term support… good sounding boards for one another…and helping one another see the big picture . And, it’s also important to have fun…that’s key to survival . That’s strong fabric for a family business! Gary and Marie Adam Sharing fond memories… When asked about fond memories, Marie smiled and told the story of her teenage son, Jamie, making his way to and from job sites on his bicycle during the summer. This started in 1988 when Jamie was 14 years old. “It was expected he find his way. He never asked for a ride” . Then, another broad smile as Mom admitted – “I did drive him once in a while when it was pouring rain” . Jamie, the 3rd generation Pioneer Craftsmen Adam, studied and worked through the roles of labourer, office, sales, and General Manager before earning the role of President. A long-time employee, Paul Meier, also worked his way up from on site roles to Sales Manager. Paul is now part owner of the company. Paul and Jamie will be the guiding forces as Pioneer Craftsmen steps toward its exciting future. Jamie Adam & Paul Meier “Poised to take Pioneer Craftsmen to the next level!” Marie’s story continued… “Our son…watching the progression from bicycles and summer jobs to earning the job of company President…that’s our proudest family-business memory” . *** Pioneer Craftsmen works out of its new home at 1510 Victoria Street North, Kitchener. The Pioneer Craftsmen team, at their new Kitchener work place. Pioneer Craftsmen is proud of the strong client relationships it has built. Here is a sample to explain what that means: in the early 1980`s Pioneer Craftsmen did a project for a client in Guelph. During a recent visit this client mentioned to Gary that Pioneer Craftsmen became part of the family during that renovation. That’s why they have chosen Pioneer Craftsmen to do all renovation work over a period of almost 30 years and 22 projects. When clients consider you part of their family…that’s business excellence! And that is one of the stories Jamie, Paul, Gary, and Marie use to help their team understand their company’s client relationship goals. A couple of samples of the impressive work Pioneer Craftsmen is doing at our community: Before Pioneer Craftsmen magic After Pioneer Craftsmen magic Before Pioneer Craftsmen magic After Pioneer Craftsmen magic Awesome work! Family : that’s the starting point for a family business. And, it is the ending point for this Family Business Success Story . Marie and Gary Adam enjoy 4 grandchildren: Marcus, Johnathan, Maddy, and Kaylee. Here’s a picture of Marie & Gary, their sons Jamie & Jeff and their sons` families…having fun! Congratulations to a fine local family and a fine local family business!

## Am I a salesperson?
Date: 2011-02-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/am-i-a-salesperson/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales

(The Am I a Sales Person? quiz) Some folks are horrified by the thought they will be placed in a sales role. Some folks are horrified to have the word sales on their business card. Some folks are horrified to have the word sales at the top or in the body of their role description. “ What! I have to show people I am a salesperson – what a stigma…what an embarrassment! ” The energy sector got around the problem by calling its commercial folks ‘ originators ’. [That sure cleared things up.] Other folks argue everyone does sales . “You wanna talk your kids into doing this or that – well, that’s sales .” Or, “You and your spouse disagree about your next vacation spot – well, that’s gonna require some sales too!” Gitomer says something like, “ People hate to be sold, but people love to buy ”. And, he has written many sales-help books, including a Sales Bible. Anyhow, the debate - to sell or not to sell - rages on. Regardless of all the stress and strain around being called a salesperson or the logic around selling versus enabling people to buy, the root question remains – Am I a salesperson ? If that is your question then you will want to answer it! You will want to know whether or not you are a salesperson. But, how will you know for sure? Here’s a way to start: you can take ‘ The Am I a Sales Person? quiz ’: It goes like this… The Am I a Sales Person? quiz The perfect scores are 0 and 100…ie, extreme scores, one at each end of the spectrum. 100 means you really are a salesperson. 0 means you really are not a salesperson. [So, if you score below 0 you must round up to 0. If you score over 100 you must round down to 100.] Start by giving yourself 50 points. That proves you have an open mind on the topic. No matter what outcome, you will have the comfort of knowing the quiz started at even keel. If you are still reading this Thought Post then add 20 points. If that last line was the final straw and you have now quit reading then subtract 40 points. Check your calendar – from today forward, how many hours are booked as sales calls ? If there are less than 6 hours then you could be a salesperson. On the other hand, you could be a troubled sales manager. Use your judgment on this one: either add or subtract 15 points. Do you have a goal to generate Profit for your organization? If you answer ‘absolutely, and I know those numbers’ add 50 points. If you answer ‘I think my boss mentioned something like that once’ subtract 25 points. If you aren’t sure then stop taking this test and either find such a goal or agree to a score of 0. Do you wish you had closed a sale last week? If your answer is ‘sort of’ then add 10 points and buy a motivational CD. If your answer is ‘no’ then add 25 points and take a day off next week. If your answer is ‘yes – very much so’ then subtract 25 points and buy a how-to-sell CD. Check your calendar again – if you have less than 6 sales meetings booked and you have tremendously skilled support folks who do that sort of detail work to keep you on track then add 35 points. When you see those front-door signs that say something like ‘No Solicitation’ do you wish you had a new job…if your answer is even close to ‘ yes ’ then subtract 75 points. If you have decided to ignore the limitation of a maximum score of 100 for this quiz and insist you scored more than 100 then give yourself another 25 bonus points. Do you read and retweet @WFCRickBaker ‘Daily Sales Tweets’ to business friends? Score as many points as you want…I appreciate having you as a follower on Twitter.

## Sales Tweet #158
Date: 2011-02-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-158/ | Categories: Humour, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Sales Tweet #158 Ancient advice: better to have broad mind than long face. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Body language is a powerful source of communication. While none of us wants to be robotic or unnatural, there are times when we should refrain from wearing our feelings on our faces.

## A CEO does only three things
Date: 2011-02-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-ceo-does-only-three-things/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

That’s what I read on a ‘scroll’ in my friend’s office last week. My long-time friend, Rob Kirkby, founder of Energy Advantage, has a plaque standing a few feet from his desk and chair. The scroll on that plaque caught my attention. I asked if I could take a picture and write a Thought Post about it. Rob agreed… Here is the picture…taken with my BlackBerry Obviously, I was in a bit of a rush…the picture is a bit fuzzy. Here’s what the scroll says: “ A CEO does only three things Sets the overall vision and strategy of the company and communicates it to all stakeholders. Recruits, hires, and retains the very best talent for the company. Makes sure there is always enough cash in the bank .” Business Leaders spend much time thinking about best practices. I know Rob is a very thoughtful fellow…there is no question he has spent much time thinking about best practices, including the best practices of his role - the CEO. When I saw ‘Rob’s scroll’ my first two thoughts were about key success factors and vital signs for business performance. Key Success Factors are the very-most-important things we must get right in order to succeed in business. Vital Signs are our way of describing specific business tasks we must monitor if we are to achieve our Goals in order to succeed in business. When I saw ‘Rob’s scroll’ it was clear Rob had decided key success factors and the daily vital activities for his CEO role. I say daily vital activities because Rob can not avoid seeing his scroll every day, every time he sits at his desk. So, his scroll stands as a constant reminder…Rob’s benchmark for action. For me: ‘Rob’s scroll’ provided an excellent reminder about many things required for excellent Business Leadership… recognize what’s most important…keep it simple…monitor daily vitals…remind yourself…breed good habits…and lead by example . Thanks for this great illustration of leadership, Rob! A link to Energy Advantage’s website: www.energyadvantage.com

## Sales Tweet #156
Date: 2011-02-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-156/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #156 Trying times... the terrific time to try. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet If you need any help with that, heres a link to a book I found to be helpful - http://www.jeffblackman.com/growthtools/stopwhining.htm

## Innovation & Brainstorming – Tom Kelley’s approach
Date: 2011-02-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/innovation-brainstorming-tom-kelly-s-approach/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work

Some good thinking... From Tom Kelley - ‘The Ten Faces of Innovation’ The Anthropologist The Experimenter The Cross-Pollinator The Hurdler The Collaborator The Director The Experience Architect The Set Designer The Storyteller The Caregiver Link to Tom Kelley’s 10 Faces website . And, some suggestions for Brainstorming ... go for quantity (say 100 ideas) encourage wild ideas (check out www.halfbakery.com) be visual defer judgment one conversation at a time have a facilitator and a scribe Helping organizations innovate: www.ideo.com .

## Put Your Best Brain Forward
Date: 2011-02-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/put-your-best-brain-forward/ | Categories: Put Your Best Brain Forward

Put Your Best Brain Forward Our LinkedIn Group - Profile The unicorn is the only mythological creature not created with fear in mind. That unicorn trait impresses us. We have called this LinkedIn group ‘ Put Your Best Brain Forward ’ because the people in this group have a particular interest in understanding the human brain. We are thinkers who are interested in how brains work. We want to get the most out of our brains…we want to understand how we can help our brains help us perform better. When others are interested we want to help others understand what we have learned about the human brain. The people in our group are curious. We enjoy self-education. We are life-long learners. And, many of us enjoy teaching. We also enjoy exchanging thoughts and ideas with one another: that’s a key method we use to expand and solidify our thoughts. Who should join this group? • People who think the human brain is important enough to study and talk about • People who want to keep up to date with what is known about the human brain • People who want to read about the brain • People who want to write about the brain • People who want to improve their brains so they can perform better, particularly at their ‘work role’ • People who have a sense of humour/humor • Creative people Restrictions? • Our group has committed to meet and surpass all LinkedIn requirements and rules, so a request to join our group will signal your agreement to help us excel in this area. • We encourage creative thought and hearty debate….and ‘fair play’.

## Allison Graham visits our Centre For Family Business
Date: 2011-02-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/allison-graham-visits-our-centre-for-family-business/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB

‘Business Cards to Business Relationships’ Allison Graham gave an excellent presentation of her ‘business relationship’ ideas at our January CFFB breakfast…lots of buzz during and after the event. While everyone knows relationships are an essential part of business success, few people provide straight-up advice on how to go about building better relationships with other business people. Allison Graham is exceptional. Allison provides straight-up advice…both in person, as she did at CFFB last month, and in her book ‘BUSINESS CARDS to BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS, How to Build the Ultimate Network’. Here are some examples of Allison’s views and recommendations: Networking is connecting with others and letting others connect with you Networking can be taught and learned Put some strategy into your networking Make eye contact when you shake hands Your business card is still a great marketing tool Print out your database, read through it, figure out the top 20 people you should get to know this year and the top 20 events you should attend this year If you are over 50 then mentor younger folks…help them understand how to give As you can see from the above samples, Allison provides definitions, covers the thinking behind building relationships, and recommends specific actions you can use to build your ultimate network. That’s a full package of help. Yes – those were just a few samples of how Allison goes about helping people network. To learn much more, you should buy a copy of Allison’s book ‘BUSINESS CARDS to BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS, How to Build the Ultimate Network’. Here’s a link to Allison’s website www.elevatebiz.ca Thank you for sharing your expertise at our January CFFB event, Allison. PS: We like Allison’s book so much we bought more copies to give to our clients. Allison took the time to sign these copies. We would be honoured to give one of our author-signed copies to the first CFFB member who sends an email to us, requesting a copy of ‘BUSINESS CARDS TO BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS’.

## The Perfect Pitch
Date: 2011-02-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-perfect-pitch/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Communication: Improving Communication

More thoughts on pitching business ideas I had the pleasure of visiting with my friend Chris Labrador at The Communitech Hub a week ago. At one point in our conversation we discussed business ideas and how to pitch business ideas, what works and what does not work. I was impressed by Chris’ recommendations, which I will now share with you. Chris recommended pitches be no longer than 5 slides. Chris recommended those 5 slides cover the following: Clearly state the problem/opportunity (the two sides of the same coin) Why it's worth solving/winning (dimensions things and puts them into perspective) Who is the competition (quantitative & qualitative assessment of 'belief' systems - tangible and perceived - in play) How to address the problem/opportunity and beat the competition (the key elements of the value proposition ad differentiators) Assuming you've made it this far, the roadmap (key activities and milestones over the next significant period of time) Chris – thank you for sharing your thoughts and excellent advice.

## Sales Tweet #153
Date: 2011-02-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-153/ | Categories: Borrowing Brilliance, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #153 If you can not come up with a new idea then figure out a new way to use an old one. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet In fact, many experts report this is the key to innovation. Recently, I bought a book on this topic titled ‘Borrowing Brilliance – The Six Steps To Business Innovation’. Here is a link to the book www.borrowingbrilliance.com

## Sales Tweet #152
Date: 2011-02-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-152/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thinking as in Think and Grow Rich, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #152 If you have tried your hand and failed…try your head. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet And – don’t forget: No one appreciates constructive criticism as much as the person who is giving it.

## Similarity is a powerful thing
Date: 2011-02-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/similarity-is-a-powerful-thing/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

Some studies have shown people tend to be attracted to other people when those other people hold similar views. Conversely, people tend to be repulsed by other people when those other people hold differing views. This applies whether or not the matter at hand is important or not important. As examples: Important Matters would include topics like religion, politics, ethics, etc. Not Important Matters [or, likely not so important matters] would include topics like favourite colours, music preferences, choice of clothing, etc. Here is a picture of the Impact of Similarity … If the Matter Is Important If the Matter Is Not Important When we Agree with the Other Person's Opinion We tend to be Attracted We tend to be Attracted When we Do Not Agree with the Other Person's Opinion We tend to be Repulsed We tend to be Repulsed The Impact of Similarity … These tendencies tied to Similarity are helpful pieces of knowledge. They explain why misery enjoys company. [yes…a feeble attempt at similarity humour] They support the logic of Stephen Covey’s 5th Habit – Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood . [no point running the risk of alienating people by illustrating our differences, especially if those differences are of little importance or are off topic] They help us understand how and why first impressions are of such importance. They help us understand how rapport gets built [and destroyed]. They help us understand the driving forces behind community.

## Barry’s Corner - Long-term sustainable relationships
Date: 2011-02-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/barry-s-corner-long-term-sustainable-relationships/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

Barry talked about long-term sustainable relationships the other day. Here are a few excerpts from Barry’s comments… “This defines our company.” “Sometimes you have to give 90% or 95%.” “You can not expect it to be 50%-50% all the time.” I know from our earlier discussions, Barry meant his comments should apply broadly: not just to Client interactions, not just to workplace interactions, but to interactions between people – to personal relationships in general. Barry provided pieces of advice around the extremes of this interpersonal topic: “let the little stuff go by” & “never burn a bridge” I took these to mean: Recognize little upsets are a part of daily life. Being ‘petty’ is a route to interpersonal disaster. Pettiness annoys others. And it injects stress where stress does not need to be. If stress must exist then it should not be around the little things. From time to time disagreements will happen. Forceful personalities will collide from time to time. When that happens, even if it means ‘departure’ that ‘departure’ does not have to be done in a way that is stressed or permanent. Instead, it can be done in a let’s-agree-to-disagree way. “You can choose the person you want to be.” The bottom line: Choose how you will handle day-to-day glitches and act in ways that bring you closer to your long-term goals…and one of those goals must be sustainable relationships.

## Sales Tweet #149
Date: 2011-02-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-149/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #149 More ancient sales advice: when not able to move ahead, kick self in behind. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet If [like me] you have less-than-perfect knees then you may have to ask a friend to do the kicking for you…wouldn’t want you to self-injure while you are self-starting.

## Mini-Message - About Communicating
Date: 2011-02-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mini-message-about-communicating/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

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## Leaders & Vivid Vision – #3
Date: 2011-02-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-vivid-vision-3/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

"Success is Clearly in View" - The Leader's vision must be vivid and shared*. How often do you stop what you are doing, sit back, and quietly ask yourself - “Why am I working?” I don’t mean, ask yourself - “Why am I doing this piece of work right now?” I mean, some day you will no longer be working. When that day arrives, what do you hope you will have accomplished? I mean, asking yourself questions like…“ When I stop working how do I want to be remembered?” what will my memoirs say?” what legacy will I leave? who will replace me? I mean, asking yourself – “When will my career end?” And, asking yourself – “How will my career end?” *** Obviously, none of us has a crystal ball. None of us can predict the future. And, for some people the credo is ‘ Live For Today ’. Those people stopped reading this Thought Post many lines ago. Leaders have the ability to choose. [That perk comes with the territory.] Leaders have the ability to choose…and none of us can predict the future. However, leaders can ‘approach the future’ with intent . Leaders do that by ‘living the present’ with intent . Intent opens the door to many powerful things: high self-motivation high self-confidence high self-esteem better ability to attract and connect with other talented people better ability to lead other people The Power of Intent nurtures Good Habits when the leader (1) has clear Vision of the end point and (2) shares that clear Vision repeatedly with those who follow. The Power of Intent can only be maximized when the leader has a clear Vision of the end point. Link to Vivid Vision #1 Link to Vivid Vision #2 Footnote: " Success is Clearly in View " - The Leader's vision must be vivid and shared. That’s the title of the 2nd workshop in our 6-workshop Leaders’ Academy series.

## Sales Tweet #147
Date: 2011-02-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-147/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #147 Ancient sales advice: salesperson better to wear out soles of shoes than seat of pants. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This has been paraphrased. The original version, I believe translated from Greek around the time of Plato, was: “When a man desires to succeed at the noble profession of sales that man must wear out the soles of his sandals before he wears out the backside of his toga”.

## ‘Flexible Rightsizing’
Date: 2011-02-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/flexible-rightsizing/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Leaders' Thoughts, Measure & Monitor

Jill Schichter of Lexicon Canada presents at Trovo Resources Last month, I had the pleasure of attending a Jill Schichter education event, organized by our friends at Trovo Resources. Jill’s presentation covered a number of things that must be done when ‘reductions’ are required at our workplaces. Jill injected a great blend of thought, thoroughness, and people-sensitivity. For me, 8 things resonated: Definitions: Jill provided a number of definitions, as examples she defined downsizing, rightsizing, and flexible rightsizing…expressing a preference for flexible rightsizing when that is possible. Make sure all decision makers are using the same measurements. Jill provided a Cost/Benefit template to help us capture all the facets that must be considered. For strategic workforce planning, build on your previous successes. [focus on the ‘bright lights’] Focus on the most critical high-impact jobs [the ‘ 80/20 Rule ’ applies] Don’t underestimate the power of your employment brand. [news travels…so, we should make it good news] The most difficult job a manager does is letting a person go. [we must be sensitive to the people aspects] Related to all of the above, and particularly the human sensitivities tied to #6, Jill did a great job of answering the many questions posed by the attendees. Jill shared a fond memory from her time spent working with Stephen Covey [one of my favourite teachers]…Covey taught - the difference between a manager and a leader – “you manage things, you lead people”. And, Jill explained - managers say “What are you doing?” while leaders say “How are you doing and how can I help?” Thank you Jill for the excellent presentation. And, thank you Tony, for the invitation and hospitality. Email connections: Jill Schichter, Lexicon Canada jschichter@rogers.com Tony Pace, Trovo Resources Tony.Pace@TrovoResources.com

## Sales Tweet #145
Date: 2011-02-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-145/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #145 When climbing to Success: Take your hands out of your pockets & Take one step at a time. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Get busy and make progress one step at a time. Many years ago, one of my university professors gave me advice along these lines. When a big problem overwhelms you, take it on one little piece at a time. Success does not happen in leaps like the leaps in that Snakes & Ladders game…Success happens in a series of smaller steps.

## Maybe your boss is wrong!
Date: 2011-02-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/maybe-your-boss-is-wrong/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

Or, maybe you are the boss and you are wrong - at least, maybe once in a while you are wrong. So…what happens? Say you are the boss and you are wrong…what happens? It is common for people to overestimate the correctness of their views and decisions – that’s called knowledge overconfidence *. So, likely when you are wrong you do not know it. The alternative is you know you are wrong but press on anyhow…isn’t that unlikely? Summing up the scenario: You are the boss, You are making a mistake, Your people know you are making a mistake, but You don’t know you are making a mistake. What do you want your people to do: Pretend they don’t know you are making a mistake and say “ Yes Boss ”? Let you know they think you are making a mistake? Do something else? It seems to me this is a rather common scenario. People make mistakes. People don’t know they make mistakes. So, it is not a stretch to say bosses make mistakes and don’t know it. The bosses’ mistakes could be trivial and of little impact. Or, maybe, they could be catastrophic. But…what will happen when those mistakes are made? It pays to have a plan to cover this scenario. Here’s a suggestion… Bosses can set guidelines. For example, I use the following guideline for Command Decisions . I call it the 10-3-1 Guideline : For every 10 [command] decisions I make I expect about 3 will be questioned For every 10 [command] decisions I make I expect about 1 to be strongly resisted For more details… see the Thought Post about Knowledge Overconfidence .

## Mini-Message - About Personal Values
Date: 2011-02-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mini-message-about-personal-values/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders, Values: Personal Values

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## Leaders & Vivid Vision – #2
Date: 2011-02-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-vivid-vision-2/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Spirited Leaders, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

"Success is Clearly in View" - The Leader's vision must be vivid and shared*. During my parents’ lifetime, a leader said, “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” That leader had a vision of freedom for his country; not just freedom from foreign rule but freedom in the broadest sense of the word. This leader inspired the people of his country with quotes such as, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” This leader’s motto was: “Simple Living, High Thinking” This leader lived a life of peace and demanded the same from his followers. He encouraged non-violent civil disobedience from foreign authority he believed was unnecessary and unjust. He asked his people to refrain from retaliating when they were attacked with physical force. His people rallied and followed his Vision and his guidance. He lived to see his country of 300,000,000 people freed from foreign rule. This leader was Mahatma Gandhi . *** Now, that is a summary of the amazing achievement of a 20th Century leader. The historical record confirms the details of a leader who, with Vision, set the global standard for peaceful human relations, and freed an entire nation. *** Now, such an extreme example of pacifistic leadership is unusual. Regardless, we can benefit from understanding the following about Mahatma Gandhi : He had a Vision – freeing the 300,000,000 people of his country He clearly communicated that Vision – his people knew exactly what he envisioned He led by example – his peaceful demonstrations and his hunger strikes setting examples for all Link to Vivid Vision #1 Link to Vivid Vision #3 Footnote: "Success is Clearly in View" - The Leader's vision must be vivid and shared. That’s the title of the 2nd workshop in our 6-workshop Leaders’ Academy series.

## Sales Tweet #142
Date: 2011-02-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-142/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Sales Tweet #142 Two more Keys to Success: Be easy to start & Be hard to stop. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This is a rewording of an old saying. A penchant for action is a good thing. A habit of persistence is another good thing. Put 'em together…what a powerful combination!

## Sales Tweet #140
Date: 2011-01-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-140/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Sales Tweet #140 Two Keys to Success: Don’t let down & Don’t let up. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Napoleon Hill wrote “Winners never quit and quitters never win”. He also wrote about not just meeting commitments but rendering more service than is owed.

## The Rise & Fall of the Irrational Investor
Date: 2011-01-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-rise-fall-of-the-irrational-investor/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

I know people who retired with a nest egg , had major investment losses, and are now back to the old grind of work. Backing in to another career or job…that, of course, is something we would like to avoid. *** The other day a friend and I shared stories and thoughts about investor habits. We talked about many things: the charm of income trusts, the appetite for dividends, pension fund challenges, that reluctance to exit lost-cause stocks, a range of private investments, and the enticing advice provided by next-door-neighbours. We talked about retired folks who lost a huge part of their net worth when the markets crashed in 2008…very sad stories, in some cases life-changing stories. All of this raised a few thoughts: Emotions , not logic, play a major role when people make decisions. Let’s think about the irrationality factor , a component of human nature…how does that fit in and what, if anything, can be done about it? Let’s think about knowledge over-confidence , another component of human nature…again, how does that fit in and what, if anything, can be done about it? Considering this in terms of Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things… Perhaps people will do better at investments if they carve their current investment activity into 2 pieces: Investments that pass a Good Habits test Investments that do not pass a Good Habits test …and must be classed as investments that are Bad Habits The first step would be writing out a list of criteria that when combined will become the Good Habits test for investments. The next step would be sorting through existing investments to determine the investments that will be retained because they pass the Good Habits test . The next step would be replacing all the other investments with new investments that pass the Good Habits test . Of course, this requires some self-discipline and some work. And, the work should be done when: emotions are under control, knowledge over-confidence is in check, and we are 100% comfortable receiving 3rd party advice.

## Mini-Message - Spirited Leaders Motto
Date: 2011-01-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mini-message-spirited-leaders-motto/ | Categories: Spirited Leaders

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## Leaders & Vivid Vision - #1
Date: 2011-01-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-vivid-vision-1/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Spirited Leaders, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

"Success is Clearly in View" - The Leader's vision must be vivid and shared*. Many, many years ago a military leader led his army into a crucial battle. His army was greatly outnumbered. His army faced an enemy on its homeland…a skilled enemy, an enemy determined to protect its home and people. The leader’s army was tired from fighting years of campaigns in foreign lands. His forces were demoralized by the loud celebrations screaming from the enemy’s huge encampment. The leader’s commanders approached him, expressing their grave concerns and their fears about the utter defeat they most-certainly faced. The leader agreed with every concern his commanders expressed. Yet, the leader assured his commanders they would triumph. The leader envisioned victory. The leader only envisioned victory. The commanders asked the leader how he could have such confidence of victory when he knew his army was outmatched in every critical area. The leader responded – we will win because we have one thing our enemy does not have… we have me . According to the records of history – that is how Alexander the Great inspired his commanders and his army to conquer even the most-challenging parts of the world 23 centuries ago. *** Now, that story may be fact or it may be legend. Regardless, it remains as a defining picture of a leader who set the standard for military excellence. Alexander the Great led with Vision and he led by example. *** Today, such ego-heavy leadership would be frowned upon. However, we can benefit from understanding the following about Alexander the Great He had a Vision – conquering the known world He clearly communicated that Vision – his commanders and his troops knew exactly what he envisioned He led by example – his horse charging ahead, compelling his army to keep up Link to Vivid Vision #2 Link to Vivid Vision #3 Footnote: "Success is Clearly in View" - The Leader's vision must be vivid and shared. That’s the title of the 2nd workshop in our 6-workshop Leaders’ Academy series .

## Sales Tweet #136
Date: 2011-01-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-136/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #136 Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I read that somewhere, many years ago. An interesting mind-picture. An accurate metaphor. Avoid the darkrooms and the dark spots…seek brilliance and concentrate on the Bright Lights.

## What 3 pieces of advice would you give to ‘young people’?
Date: 2011-01-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/what-3-pieces-of-advice-would-you-give-to-young-people/ | Categories: Beyond Business

That question was asked this week. Imagine you could provide the best 3 pieces of advice to young people. Imagine your 3 pieces of advice would help these young people have better, more-successful lives…regardless of how they choose to define ‘ better ’ or ‘ success ’. What an important thing. What a responsibility! What 3 pieces of advice would you give? I would be thrilled to know the pieces of advice you would give. That would help me test my own thoughts. That would help me provide the best advice. Here are my thoughts… The 3 pieces of advice I would give to ‘young people’ : Dedicate part of each day to understanding yourself: learn confidence and be happy 1 Seek first to understand, then to be understood 2 …while embracing the differences in people Use your strengths in play and in work 3 Footnotes: Learn from people like Napoleon Hill www.naphill.org …and Eckhart Tolle www.eckharttolle.com This is Stephen R. Covey’s 5th Habit www.stephencovey.com Here’s a link that can help – ‘StrengthsFinder’ www.strengthsfinder.com

## Mini-Message - Problem Solving
Date: 2011-01-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mini-message-problem-solving/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Solutions & Opportunities, Seeking Simple!

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## Sales Tweet #133
Date: 2011-01-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-133/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #133 A sales person should be proud of his/her calling…and ashamed of his/her not calling. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet The thing to try when all else fails is again. Give it a try - not an alibi.

## Values & Personal Values – our definition
Date: 2011-01-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/values-personal-values-our-definition/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Spirited Leaders, Values: Personal Values

At Spirited Leaders , values and personal values mean the same thing. Values & Personal Values the qualities, standards, and principles a person desires, admires, and aspires to the driving forces, which influence a person’s thoughts and actions the driving forces, which influence the character a person presents to other people We believe the business Leader’s personal values are not just the driving force for the Leader, but also the main driving force for the business. Businesses have a chance to excel when: the Leader has ‘admirable’ Values the Leader is able to clearly state those Values the leadership team discusses, understands and embraces the Leader’s Values the personal Values of the members of the leadership team mesh with and complement the Leader’s Values…this combination of personal Values becomes the basis of the business Culture…Culture Statements are communicated repeatedly, set in writing, and posted for all to see the leadership team works to ensure all employees at the business discuss, understand, and embrace the business Culture All of this is captured in our V-C-C-V Philosophy [see links below] Values → Culture → Communication → Value That is, Values fuel the delivery of Value …and delivery of Value fuels business success and profitability. Sample links to V-C-C-V : Yes people do bring their Values with them The Value of Good Behaviour Do family businesses have better values

## Sales Tweet #132
Date: 2011-01-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-132/ | Categories: Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Thought Tweets, Wisdom: Surviving the Test of Time

Sales Tweet #132 "Great geniuses have the shortest biographies." Ralph Waldo Emerson The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Reading thoughts like this one from the great Emerson remind us: Don’t blow your own horn too loudly or for too long Don’t badmouth other people

## Eckhart Tolle…writes about Time
Date: 2011-01-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/eckhart-tolle-writes-about-time/ | Categories: Beyond Business, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

A month ago, one of the LinkedIn groups asked a question ‘What is time?”. That started an exchange of thoughts. One fellow mentioned Eckhart Tolle would have views about Time. I said I would write to him to check it out firsthand. So, I wrote to Eckhart Tolle to ask him to explain his views of Time. I let him know I had read some of his books and I knew he had commented on Time and I was interested in a summary of his views. I have not, as yet, received Eckhart Tolle’s response. However, my sister gave me a copy of his 2005 book titled ‘A New Earth, Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose’ . In that book, Eckhart Tolle writes about Time. Here are some excerpts: At the section titled ‘ The Paradox of Time ’… ‘The space of Now is confused with what happens in that space. The confusion of the present moment with content gives rise not only to the illusion of time, but also the illusion of ego.’ Note: Time is an illusion…Eckhart Tolle has written that more than once. That captures a piece of his view of Time. At the next section titled ‘ Eliminating Time ’... “Time, that is to say, past and future, is what the false mind-made self, the ego, lives on, and time is in your mind. It isn’t something that has an objective existence “out there”. It is a mind-structure needed for sensory perception, indispensable for practical purposes, but the greatest hindrance to knowing yourself. Time is the horizontal dimension of life, the surface layer of reality. Then there is the vertical dimension of depth, accessible to you only through the portal of the present moment. So instead of adding time to yourself, remove time.” Eckhart Tolle then goes on to talk about two types of time: clock time and psychological time. That is another piece of his view of Time. Provocative… Footnote: A link to Eckhart Tolle http://www.eckharttolle.com/home

## Sales Tweet #129
Date: 2011-01-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-129/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #129 Go out on a limb. That’s a good way to find some fruit. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet The worst that can happen is you may be out there hanging once in a while. If that happens…do some chin-ups. No point wasting a good opportunity!

## Empowering people for great decisions
Date: 2011-01-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/empowering-people-for-great-decisions/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Seeking Simple!

Of course, good leaders want to: Do a good job at delegating authority for decision making Empower people so they are motivated to expand their decision making Here are a couple of important considerations: Delegation must be consistent…people need to be told the rules and the extent of their authorities Delegation must be communicated…it is not enough to say “ Our people are empowered to make decisions ”. It is important to ensure people understand how and when their authorities should be exercised. It is important to ensure people understand your decisions can be questioned…’within bounds’. How should we go about setting up Decision-Making authorities so people are empowered? Leaders - here is simple way to approach this: consider the people who directly report to you then have those people perform the same exercise for the people reporting to them. According to Brian Tracy 1 there are 3 types of decisions: Command Decisions : decisions made by the Leader alone Consultative Decisions : decisions made by the Leader after the Leader has consulted with his/her direct reports [and other folks, as required] Consensus Decisions : decisions where the Leader delegates the decision-making authority to his/her Leadership team…i.e., like the others, the Leader gets a single vote As mentioned above, communication is important. The first step is informing everyone you think it makes sense to follow Brian Tracy’s advice and use 3 types of decisions. After that, start by saying, “ This is a consultative decision ” or “ This is a consensus decision ” or “ This is a command decision ”. This probably will not be required because people will understand the decision type by the way you introduce the decision. On the other hand, there is no harm in making sure by saying things like “ I would like to consult you about this ” or “ Can we come to group consensus about this ” or “ I have made the following decision ’. When in doubt – over-communicate. About Command Decisions : I have told people I have a 10-3-1 Guideline : For every 10 [command] decisions I make I expect about 3 will be questioned For every 10 [command] decisions I make I expect about 1 to be strongly resisted Why? It seems to me 10-3-1 is about the right ratio. When I make command decisions I will make mistakes…hopefully, I do not err more than 3 times out of 10 decisions. If I do then I shouldn’t be the boss. Occasionally I will make a glaring mistake…hopefully; I do not do that more than 1 time out of 10 decisions. My communication of the 10-3-1 ratio is an effort to ensure everyone is comfortable questioning my decisions…’within bounds’. *** According to Dale Carnegie... " When Theodore Roosevelt was in the White House, he confessed that if he could be right 75 percent of the time, he would reach the highest measure of his expectation. " Roosevelt's 75%... that supports the selection of 3 in 10-3-1...or, at least, it suggests having 3 of 10 decisions questioned is in the right ballpark. Footnote: Link to Brian Tracy www.briantracy.com

## “The Driving Force” - The Leader’s personal Values fuel everything
Date: 2011-01-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-driving-force-the-leader-s-personal-values-fuel-everything/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Spirited Leaders, Values: Personal Values

Why? Why do personal Values fuel everything ? As an introduction, here are a few answers: Decision-Making is simplified when values are clear and known. When decision-making is simplified, that creates efficiency…and efficiency means lower costs, higher gross margins, and higher profit. Trust can be built quickly. Deals are easier to do when the parties each knows the other’s ‘good values’. Trust promotes prompt and fair deals, so more opportunities are realized. Trust helps us build long-term relationships…an efficient and effective way to grow business. A group of people who share common ‘good values’ and work together toward shared goals have an opportunity to achieve excellence & accomplish great things. 3 examples to introduce why personal Values fuel everything Decision-Making is simplified “It is not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” Roy Disney, Film Writer & Producer [nephew of Walt Disney] “Values provide perspective in the best of times and the worst” Charles Garfield, Business-Leadership Author Building trust becomes easier & quicker “Earnings can be pliable as putty when a charlatan heads the company reporting them.” Warren Buffet, Investment Entrepreneur "Trust is equal parts character and competence... You can look at any leadership failure, and it's always a failure of one or the other." Stephen M. R. Covey, Author & CEO Higher likelihood of accomplishing excellent things “Authentic values are those by which a life can be lived, which can form a people that produce great deeds and thoughts.” Alan Bloom, Philosopher “Executives will have to invest more and more on issues such as culture, values, ethos and intangibles. Instead of being managers, they need to be cultivators and storytellers to capture minds.” Leif Edvinsson, Intellectual Capital pioneer

## Sales Tweet #127
Date: 2011-01-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-127/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #127 The optimist may be as wrong as the pessimist...but the optimist has more fun. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Just don’t let the optimism get outside the bounds of realism.

## Sales Tweet #126
Date: 2011-01-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-126/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #126 Good salesmen are like good cooks: they create appetites when people aren’t hungry. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Gitomer says, "People hate to be sold but they love to buy". [Similarly, many people love to eat but they don’t want food crammed down their throats.]

## Sales Tweet #125
Date: 2011-01-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-125/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Humour, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #125 People are talking and obviously it's nonsense so you begin to speak. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Eckhart Tolle said that in one of his 'retreats'. People laughed. They laughed because they recognized that’s exactly what they do, at least from time to time. This Sales Tweet is another reminder - Listen Well!

## About Time
Date: 2011-01-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-time/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Communication: Improving Communication, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Optimism & Pessimism, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities

I don’t have enough time to do that! How often do you say that? How often do you think that? Do you ever question whether or not that is true? I have been thinking about Time quite a bit lately. I started thinking about Time a couple of months ago when, one after another, I heard a number of people say they did not have time to do this or to do that. It expanded when a friend asked me if I had read anything by the [Canadian] author Eckhart Tolle 1 . It expanded more when the people in the LinkedIn group called Positive Thinkers started to exchange ideas about Time. While this was going on I wrote Thought Posts expressing an opinion Successful people have more time 2 . Some people argued this was absolutely impossible. Other people said they agreed with the view. And, the LinkedIn group discussion of Time continues. And, I wrote and asked Eckhart Tolle if he would share his thoughts about Time. I know, in one of his CDs, he said “Time is an illusion”. Perhaps, that’s enough said ? Eckhart Tolle teaches the Power of Now and the Art of Presence : We only have the present. When the present passes, it becomes the past...and it is gone. It is at best a memory. The future is not guaranteed to any of us. If it arrives then it arrives as the next piece of ‘the present’. So, I am about ready to set aside the question “ What is Time ?” Although, before I do that I will restate my views: Time is an organizing-tool designed by Man. Time is an introductory effort at measuring the incomprehensible [universe]. Setting aside the definition of Time, most people would agree each of us has ‘the present’. And, during our lives we have a string of pieces of ‘the present’ . As each piece of ‘the present’ passes it becomes the past. As the next piece of ‘the present’ arrives it ceases to be the future. We do not know how many pieces of ‘the present’ will come to us. All we know for sure is we have ‘the present’. We can succeed if we make the best use of the present. Successful people have 2 good habits: They do better at defining what success means to them They make the better use of the present I continue to think successful people have more time. Footnotes: I have now listened to several Eckhart Tolle audio books. A link to . Eckhart Tolle Successful people have more time links Successful People Have More Time and About Time

## Stephen Covey - The 8th Habit
Date: 2011-01-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stephen-covey-the-8th-habit/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Put Your Best Brain Forward

Here is a table I created after reading Stephen R. Covey’s The 8th Habit . The 8th HABIT - Stephen Covey WHOLE PERSON 4 NEEDS 4 INTELLEGENCES / CAPACITIES 4 ATTRIBUTES VOICE VALUES / MANIFESTATIONS MIND To learn Mental Intelligence (IQ) Vision Talent (Disciplined Focus) desire, dreams, hopes, goals, plans, imagination... sense of self, destiny, mission, role in life, purpose and meaning BODY To live Physical Intelligence (PQ) Discipline Need ("See" Meeting Needs) define and accept reality, subordinating today's pleasure for a greater longer-term good HEART To Love Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Passion Passion (Love To Do) optimism, excitement, emotional connections, determination SPIRIT To Leave a Legacy Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) Conscience Conscience (Do What's Right) fairness, honesty, respect, contribution Footnote: Link to Stephen R. Covey – The 8th Habit .

## Sales Tweet #123
Date: 2011-01-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-123/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #123 Today, every 30 minutes, stop what you are doing to check and make note of your mood. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Most people spend time thinking about “To Do” lists and personal organization. They do things to ensure they are organized: take courses, keep a calendar, use CRM systems, etc. However, most people do not keep tabs on their moods, emotions, & feelings. Since moods have a strong impact on our behaviour and performance, it makes sense to do a mood-self-check. Doing it every 30 minutes for one day is a way to begin to create this Good Habit .

## P=2S+O…and Brian Tracy’s 7 Steps to Effective Problem Solving
Date: 2011-01-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/p3d2s2bo-and-brian-tracy-s-7-steps-to-effective-problem-solving/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities

We have a P=2S+O © philosophy… For every P roblem we should come up with at least 2 S olutions. And, we should keep our eyes and ears open for O pportunities. We think: We should work at Solutions before we take Problems to our bosses: when we have a need to receive help from our boss we should at least take 2 Solutions with each Problem. Our bosses will appreciate that. And, this approach will help us develop keen problem-solving skills. Problems do not equal Opportunities in disguise. It makes little sense to seek out Opportunities each time a Problem visits us . This could very well turn out to be an exercise in frustration. On the other hand, Opportunities sometimes jump out at us when we think about Problems. From time to time Opportunities do ride on the wings of adversity . When that happens we must give our Opportunity-ideas our full attention. Here is a link to our P=2S+O template . I have been asked: How should we go about finding Solutions for Problems? There are many different ways. A few months ago, we described one creative framework for Solution generation, Edward de Bono’s “Six Thinking Hats”. Here’s a link to that Thought Post . Here is another suggestion, Brian Tracy’s 7 Steps to Effective Problem Solving : Define the problem clearly, in writing. Go slowly. You want to make sure you identify the components of the problem because one of those components must be solved first, before the others. What else is the problem? You need multiple definitions. Identify the causes underlying the problem. Identify all the possible solutions. Do not assume there is only one solution. Define your boundary conditions for the solutions and the result you wish to achieve. Make a decision: select the best of the solutions. Ask yourself why this is the best solution. Establish a fall-back solution, an alternative solution...Plan B, which would be implemented if the solution fails. This forces you to expand your view and it may cause you to change the solution. Ask yourself, what's the worst possible outcome if the solution fails and if Plan B fails? Again, this may cause you to alter the solution. Assign specific responsibility, who, what, and a deadline for when. Footnote: Link to Brian Tracy http://www.briantracy.com

## Sales Tweet #122
Date: 2011-01-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-122/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #122 R&D Prospecting: let Research & Discipline guide your prospecting activity. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Time spent researching Probable Clients can double or triple or quadruple the success rate of prospecting. And, information is readily available…Google search, LinkedIn contact search & questions, talking with the sales people employed by the Probable Client, etc. All it takes is the discipline to plan the prospecting work and work the prospecting plan.

## Seeking Simple & subtracting before adding
Date: 2010-12-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seeking-simple-subtracting-before-adding/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Seeking Simple!

Maybe, your plate is too full . On top of having a too-full plate, you may be missing the forest because of the trees . Those idioms exist for good reason…I mean, where there is smoke there is fire . Questions: How do people’s plates get too full? Why do people miss the forest because of the trees? Answer: Because people often do not Seek Simple . There are several ways to Seek Simple : We can look for the essence of the thing at hand…we can do that by peeling off the layers of complexity until we approach ‘the essence’. For example: at our home we have a white, four-legged, domesticated mammal, which others [not so close to the trees] would call a dog. We can pay attention to our intuition, like Obvious Adams 1 . When our gut feel says this or that we can accept that our gut feel is often able to help us. We can strip away complexity…when stuff doesn’t make sense we can assume it is mumbo jumbo until someone proves it is not. We can do a good job of delegating. There are many other ways to Seek Simple . As we peel off and strip away layers of complexity…we are subtracting. Subtracting is one key way to Seek Simple . And subtracting provides several benefits, including: Subtracting is one way to initiate the Creative process. The ‘ look for the essence ’ point above is actually a step recommended by creative-thinking experts. When we know the essence we can begin to use creative-thinking processes. It is not the only way to go about a program for creative thinking…but, it is one way that works. Subtracting is a key to good communication. For example, it is key to marketing messages. Chip and Dan Heath 2 provide tremendous advice in their books Made to Stick and Switch . Here is a link to a Thought Post that provides an introduction to the Heaths’ views. Subtracting is a key to problem solving. Remove the chaff so you can see the wheat of the problem. As you remove the chaff good solutions will jump out at you. Here is a Thought Post on problem solving. Subtracting also works in mathematics. In fact, it is one of the first mathematics functions we learn. When we want people to understand us we must build our messages, from arithmetic to algebra to calculus. We can not assume people follow our jargon or our complicated spreadsheets or our complicated charts. We need to start with subtracting. Footnotes: Obvious Adams Chip & Dan Heath, Made to Stick

## Sales Tweet #117
Date: 2010-12-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-117/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #117 Relationships: that's where Sales takes over from Marketing. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Regardless whether it is brief or time-staged or if it is deeply meaningful or superficial, the Sales function happens directly between 2 or more people. The purchase-and-sale experience is personal…for both the Client and the Salesperson.

## Sales Tweet #116
Date: 2010-12-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-116/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #116 Do Not Forget: low self-esteem can easily outmuscle both intelligence and logic. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet So – keep your eyes and ears open for low self-esteem…yours…and your Clients’…and your Probable Clients’. Everyone experiences lower self-esteem from time to time. Some experience low self-esteem most of the time. Regardless, when self-esteem is low, logic and intelligence get trumped. The good news: there are ways to increase self-esteem.

## The Value of Good Behaviour
Date: 2010-12-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-value-of-good-behaviour/ | Categories: INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!

As we work to add sales revenue and control operating costs, we will do better when we also work to improve people’s behaviour. The more clearly we understand the basics of human nature the bigger our bottom line. Some months ago, one of our Thought Posts touched on the economic Value of Trust . This Thought Post provides a similar message about appropriate [or better] behaviour . Positive & constructive behaviours generate profit . It sounds simple enough…if people respect one another and their actions illustrate consideration then the workplace will be harmonious. And, harmony is one key to achievement 1 . Harmony is particularly important at the Leadership Team level, where leading-by-example originates. Key message: the business Leader and the Leadership Team must define the behaviour they desire. They must build a Culture for good behaviour 2 . They must illustrate that behaviour as they go about their day-to-day work 3 . They must reward others for behaving properly. Another way of looking at this… Bad behaviour is expensive and incivility damages businesses. Major corporations are beginning to recognize this fact and they are taking action to ensure ‘good behaviour’ 4 . Smaller businesses can make quick changes and realize immediate bottom-line gains. PS: we could have called this Thought Post The Cost of Bad Behaviour [like the book at Footnote 4, below]. We remember the results of our marketing test: in our geography positive messages yield twice the results of negative messages 5 ...so; we called this Thought Post The Value of Good Behaviour . Footnotes: Napoleon Hill wrote much about the need for harmony at the leadership team level. Spirited Leaders has a philosophy called V-C-C-V This aligns with the Spirited Leaders definition of Integrity Here’s a link to a book on this topic [check Chapter 12 for some ‘program’ Solutions implemented by major companies] I have some good news for you

## About Relevant Brands
Date: 2010-12-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-relevant-brands/ | Categories: Marketing

Many of us spend a lot of time thinking about Business Development. We think about Marketing & Sales, we think about Communication, and we think about Branding. We know business-development things that are working. We know things that worked at one time but no longer work now. We keep our eyes open for thoughts and ideas on how we can improve what we are doing. Here is something I read recently about branding 1 … “Relevant brands understand certain principles: Insight . Relevant brands care about what we actually do, not just what we think 2 . Innovation . Relevant brands know the difference between what is purely remarkable and what actually works. Investment . Relevant brands understand the imperative of sparing no expense when it comes to satisfying our needs. Design . Relevant brands live and breathe simplicity 3 . Experience . Relevant brands realize that it is more important to touch us in real life than on television. Value . Relevant brands are more than worth every penny 4 . Footnotes: ` Relevance, Making Stuff That Matters `, Tim Manners (2008) This aligns with Spirited Leaders` definition of Integrity This aligns with Spirited Leaders` philosophy Seeking Simple Our business contains Value when Clients know we deliver Value to them. This aligns with Spirited Leaders` philosophy V-C-C-V

## Keep an eye on your Human Resource gaps
Date: 2010-12-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/keep-an-eye-on-your-human-resource-gaps/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

Business is about People, Process, & Situations. Since People create the Process and the vast majority of the Situations… … business is about People . That sounds too basic to be of much value. That last point would be true if the People aspects of business received due consideration all, or at least most, of the time. That is not the case. Frequently, people feel they are caught up in the hectic pace of business. They feel so caught up they forget to give enough consideration to the People aspects of business. Many businesses, particularly smaller businesses, have no Human Resource Dept. Considering the large number of smaller businesses; the majority of businesses have no skilled Human Resource personnel. So - many businesses handle their Human Resource issues in an unplanned, reactive way. Simple Human Resource steps can be taken to cover the People aspects of your business. Those steps should be taken at the strategic level: Vision Mission Values/Culture Communication Overall Goals Etc. Those steps should also be taken at the operational/tactical level: Dept. Goals Individual Goals Role Descriptions Performance Reviews Etc. Those steps should also be taken at the business-function level: Marketing Sales Purchasing Etc.

## Sales Tweet #110
Date: 2010-12-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-110/ | Categories: Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #110 Weak links, connections with people you barely know, provide access to innovation. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet There are 2 thoughts behind this Sales Tweet. (1) Experts have been studying people connections, networks, and hubs for at least 40 years. They have concluded weak links, including the most casual interactions with people we only know briefly or through friends-of-friends often provide the greatest rewards, including access to innovation. (2) Far too many businesses operate like sheep following the herd in their business sector. Even a small amount of connection with businesses outside your business sector can open the door to tremendous rewards, including marketing & sales innovations.

## How would you describe your personality?
Date: 2010-12-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-would-you-describe-your-personality/ | Categories: Personalities @ Work

Wikipedia provides the following “Big Five” factors of personality: Openness Conscientiousness Extraversion Agreeableness Neuroticism [i.e., emotional stability] Considering these “Big Five” factors of personality… How would you describe your personality? How would you describe the personalities of the key people at your company? There are many tools for assessing personality. It seems to me they often make things much more complicated than necessary. Here are some suggestions for a simpler way to assess other people’s personalities: Understand personalities will affect behaviour…so, behaviour provides some clues Understand situations will affect behaviour…so, check behaviour under a variety of situations Consider the “Big Five”…that’s a good starting point...and that may be enough Spend a bit of time learning about each of those “Big Five” [they are clusters] Learn how each of these “Big Five” factors show up in people’s behaviour Work at observing people’s behaviour Encourage people at your company to observe people’s behaviour Make it a priority to communicate about behaviour and personality Do not criticize what you believe to be people’s weaknesses Focus on people’s strengths

## Sales Tweet #109
Date: 2010-12-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-109/ | Categories: INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #109 Discipline/manage yourself if you wish to persuade/lead/manage others. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Do what I say not what I do does not cut it. Probably, most of us can remember incidents when we were children and adults in positions of authority gave us instructions that they themselves did not follow. To the extent that happened, we learned to resist instructions that came to us as do what I say not what I do. As we gained experience and confidence our resistance to these inconsistent demands increased. Now, we have much trouble following instructions from people who do not lead by example. And, we distrust those who talk the talk but don’t walk the walk.

## The value of not thinking
Date: 2010-12-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-value-of-not-thinking/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Put Your Best Brain Forward

If you can stop thinking then you can give your brain a rest. That will provide some significant benefit, particularly when you are under stress. Here are a couple of suggestions about the Value of not thinking : If we are not thinking then we have managed to turn off the mental noise that consumes and wastes much of our brainpower. Freeing up some brainpower…that’s a good thing. If we are not thinking then we are more capable of being selective about our next thought choices. Our next thought choices can be better concentrated on a single topic. That is a thing of genius. And, our next thought choices can be more positive: it is easier to set negative thoughts aside by not thinking for a time rather than trying to replace a negative thought with a positive thought. That is a practical step toward the area known as positive mental attitude. For most people, it is not easy to stop thinking. It takes practice.

## Collecting Accounts Receivable…7 Tips
Date: 2010-12-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/collecting-accounts-receivable-7-tips/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Pay! - a philosophy about money

7 Tips for creating smoother & less-stressful collection of money owed to you Understand the party you are dealing with: Is the party creditworthy? What’s the party’s current financial and ownership status? What’s the party’s process for paying its bills? [who, what, when, where, how…why?] Who are the key contacts? Understand exactly how they go about making payments Understand how the party pays its best supplier Understand the specifics of the Purchase & Sale agreement Keep your invoices simple and clear Issue your invoices consistently…same timing, same method of delivery, etc. Over-communicate about your invoicing process…example: send notes explaining your process Have a disciplined collection process…write it out…make sure each step is clear. For example: Step 1: issue invoice on the __ day of the month Step 2: __ days later contact __________ to ensure your Client received your invoice Step 3: __ days prior to due date contact ___________ to __________ Step 4: depending on the complexity of your Client’s internal approval process…repeat Step 3 Step 5: [from time to time] when due date arrives contact your Client to thank them for paying Step 6: in the event payment did not arrive on time immediately contact your Client to let them know request your Client’s – i.e., your key contact’s - help…ask for an immediate correction be friendly, be objective, be clear, & be firm Step 7: in the event payment is ‘stretched’…see the next Thought Post on this topic…or contact us for suggestions Make sure your employees are trained on all aspects of your collection process…including ‘ interpersonal skills ’ training Footnotes: Question: How can we do better at collecting? Answer: Have a disciplined collection process, make sure your people always follow that process, and make sure your Clients know your people have a process and will be following up closely if/when payments are not made on time. Question: Why spend time on improving collection? Answer: Improving collection increases your bottom line a number of ways: At one end of the spectrum – it reduces bad debt At the other end of the spectrum – it reduces your people’s stress levels…better concentration, less mistakes, less talk & more action, etc. In between – it reduces use of your line of credit and interest costs, it makes your accountant happy, etc.

## Sales Tweet #107
Date: 2010-12-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-107/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #107 Question for Clients: What are the 5 most-important things you need to succeed in business? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet If you know what your Clients need to succeed in business then you are able to help them get what they need. One example is Clients’ Clients. If you provide a good Client to your Client then your Client will appreciate it. That is a slam dunk. Every business wants good Clients. But – what else do your Clients want? Good suppliers? Good employees? Good technology? All of these sound like good ideas. But – why guess when you can ask you Clients what they need?

## Sales Tweet #105
Date: 2010-12-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-105/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #105 When you plan your next sales call...include a selection of a 'Top CD' for your car trip. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Zig Ziglar called it Automobile U. Jeffrey Gitomer talked about using rock & roll music to get himself primed for the sales call. Whether you use motivational CDs or music or both…pay attention to what gets you primed and pumped and ready to excel at those major sales calls. And use it.

## Feel good, look good, be good
Date: 2010-12-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/feel-good-look-good-be-good/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Values: Personal Values

We have defined Integrity . Definition of Integrity When you know your Personal Values and When you can express your Personal Values in writing [showing how you think the think ] and When you can and do talk with others about your Personal Values [ talk the talk ] and When your actions are consistent with your Personal Values [ walk the walk ] and When you acknowledge your think-talk-walk errors and strive to not repeat them …then you have Integrity That definition of Integrity is ‘personal’: each person is the judge of his/her own Integrity. When we created the definition we intentionally avoided including judgmental things such as ‘honesty’, ‘probity’, etc. Our definition of Integrity is about do the pieces hold together rather than what is [morally] right or wrong . Normal people know right from wrong. Yes – there is a range. At the centre there is common ground. Regardless, normal people know when they are doing right and they know when they are doing wrong. Dr. David J. Lieberman states our mind consists of 3 parts: The Body …this part of the mind causes us to do what feels good The Ego …this part of the mind causes us to do what looks good The Soul …this part of the mind causes us to do what is good That simple summary captures normal people know right from wrong. That does not mean we always do what we know is right. As an example: sometimes self-esteem is low and ego takes over, causing us to do what makes us look good rather than what we know is right. Other times our desire for short-term pleasure trumps the right thing to do. When we do wrong – when people of high Integrity do wrong – we find ourselves at Point 5 of the Integrity definition. So - people possessing high Integrity do not need us to act as their judge: they are self-regulating.

## Successful people have more time….sharing another thought
Date: 2010-12-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/successful-people-have-more-time-sharing-another-thought/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Beyond Business, Brain: about the Human Brain, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Leaders' Thoughts, Optimism & Pessimism, Put Your Best Brain Forward

Who is your biggest critic? Who consumes a huge chunk of your time…day after day after day? If you are like the vast majority of us then the answer is… that nagging, incessant voice of dissatisfaction in your head that little voice which, for most of us, sounds like our own voice and seems to talk at us from a place just inside our heads behind the base of our nose That little voice keeps rehashing our past errors and reminds us of past difficulties. That little voice repeats and repeats would’a’ , could’a’ , should’a’ and that little voice never runs out of topics to talk about. That little voice keeps telling us we must worry about future problems. That little voice talks on with unwavering insistence in its ability to predict the future…I mean, predicting the negatives that will visit us in the future: the problems, the difficulties and the w hat ifs . We listen to that negative-chatterbox voice…it is so tough to ignore it. We let it mess up our concentration during the daytime. We let it mess up our sleep at night. We let that little voice consume huge amounts of our time. To the extent you can quiet that little voice you will be more successful and you will have more time.

## Sales Tweet #103
Date: 2010-12-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-103/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #103 Finding Clients for your Clients...that's one way to ease your collection of A/Rs. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Here’s the logic: Assume you find a very good Client for your Client…2 things will happen. (1) Your Client will appreciate you more and, all else being equal; your Client will be more inclined to pay you on time. (2) Since the Client you provided to your Client is a very good Client it/he/she will pay your Client on time and your Client will then have more money to pay you. So, finding Clients for your Clients is a win-win-win…not just in relationships but in cash flow.

## How can you be sure your company delivers Value to its Clients?
Date: 2010-12-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-can-you-be-sure-your-company-delivers-value-to-its-clients/ | Categories: Clients' Clients Philosophy, Leaders' Thoughts

You can prove you have delivered Value to Clients when… You can list the Clients’ Clients you have provided to your Clients You can list the Clients your Clients have voluntarily provided to you You can list the Testimonials your Clients have voluntarily provided to you You can confirm statistically-significant growth of “Buzz” about your company You can confirm statistically-significant growth of your Social Media stats (ex, website action)

## Sales Tweet #102
Date: 2010-12-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-102/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #102 Don't forget 6 degrees of separation. You can connect with almost anyone. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet LinkedIn is a great tool. Through LinkedIn you can: keep in touch and keep track of colleagues, re-connect with colleagues from former jobs, communicate with groups of like-minded people, find experts, find new connections, ask questions, learn what questions other people are asking, answer questions…etc.

## Sales Tweet #100
Date: 2010-12-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-100/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #100 What do the purchasing people at your company do with all the brochures they get from sales people? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet 3 points here: (1) In general: Sales people can learn from Purchasing people and vice-versa…so, we should encourage them to talk and help one another. (2) Specifically: Maybe your Purchasing people will be able to guide your Sales and Marketing people about brochures and how they help or do not help the Sales process. (3) About brochures and handouts: we must not assume they contain value for our Clients and Probable Clients – we must prove it and we must revisit that proof frequently to make sure our written sales-support ‘tools’ have not become stale dated.

## Confidence…a definition and more
Date: 2010-12-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/confidence-a-definition-and-more/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined

Def’n : Confidence happens when you believe you have what it takes to excel, do well, or at least handle the task and situation at hand. I like the StrengthsFinder thinking: Every person has dominant talent themes . If we so choose then we can gain knowledge in the area of these talent themes . If we apply that knowledge and take persistent, focused action in the area of the talent themes then we become skilled. When all of this is done… talent theme + knowledge + skill …we possess strength . And, when tasks and situations arise requiring that strength …we know we have it…so we have confidence . Link: www.strengthsfinder.com

## Sales Tweet #99
Date: 2010-12-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-99/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #99 Sure, Curiosity killed the cat...but it also pumped life and personality into the salesperson. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Questions are a powerful tool. Questions are a wonderful ice-breaker for communication. Questions illustrate interest. Questions can serve as confirmation of trust. Questions live next door to creativity.

## How to deal with people when their egos seem to be out of control
Date: 2010-12-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-deal-with-people-when-their-egos-seem-to-be-out-of-control/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

First , spend the time to understand your own ego. And, as you do that recognize you will tend to see yourself as less egotistic and possessing higher self-esteem than other people. At least, that’s the way most people view themselves, as compared with others. Next , work to limit your judging of other people. When you observe what you believe to be excess ego…you may be judging too harshly? Your judgement may be inaccurate? You may be unskilled at judging accurately? Or, your judgement may be accurate. Assuming your judgement is accurate – assuming the other person is showing an excess of ego – recognize you are seeing the other person’s reaction to fear. You probably will not be able to guess the fear. And the person with the big ego may not understand the fear that is causing excessive ego. Recognize – your logic will not remove another person’s ego problem. Ego is not about logic. Ego is about emotion. And the underlying driver is fear. Next , analyse the situation. Situations have a major influence on people’s feelings and actions. The situation includes something that is triggering fear in the high-ego person. To the extent you can alter the situation you may be able to reduce/remove the thing that is triggering the fear. However; the situational thing that is triggering the person’s fear could be very broad/general. For example, most people show signs of changed behaviour when they are under stress. And, the stressful thing could be as broad as ‘having to go to work...and be around people’. Does the person have a large ego in all situations? If so then do what you can to avoid the person…you will not change the person. If the person only shows ‘large ego’ in certain situations then do what you can to avoid those situations or remove them. If, for example, you are the boss then you can influence the situation. You can influence when, where, and how interactions happen with the person. Neither feed nor assault the other person’s ego. Be matter-of-fact, not emotional. Make sure your actions align with your personal values…not the other person’s. Do not criticize or work to outmuscle the other person because that could push things into ‘bully territory’. Diffuse the situation rather than escalate it.

## On the realistic side of optimism
Date: 2010-11-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-the-realistic-side-of-optimism/ | Categories: Hero Worship, Optimism & Pessimism

Considering optimists and pessimists, optimists are more fun to be around. That applies except, according to some, when one is in misery...then, similar company is enjoyed. The point here: optimism is most valuable when it is within the zone of realism . Optimists can be annoying and disruptive. The most extreme optimists can annoy almost everyone they deal with. For optimism to contribute value it must fit within the bounds of realism. The challenge is: realism is subjective (1). Apparently, some of Guglielmo Marconi's relatives, including his father, thought Marconi was a bit of a lunatic. Marconi, of course, became an acclaimed inventor and a pioneer in the science of wireless transmissions. In that situation, the realists were wrong and Marconi's thoughts were prescient, not the imaginative rantings of a lunatic. Realism is subjective. To the extent realists wish to influence optimists, realists need to base their influence on accurate thinking. To the extent optimists wish to create change for the better, optimists need to accurately focus their optimism. The balance between optimism and realism…. thought provoking. Footnote: (1) Realism is subjective. And, regardless of how well it is packaged in logical argument, subjectivity is often at the mercy of emotions.

## Sales Tweet #97
Date: 2010-11-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-97/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #97 Deliver messages different ways, use different sources, and repeat. That’s the way people learn. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Some suggestions: • Keep the message simple, concise, and clear • Use stories to convey the message • But, also deliver the message in your own words • Deliver the message yourself and through other people • Deliver the message in writing, verbally, and with pictures

## Sales Tweet #96
Date: 2010-11-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-96/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #96 What kind of people do you like to meet? Ask Clients & Probable Clients that question. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This is a good question for a handful of reasons: it is an ice-breaker; it provides an opportunity to gain some understanding of the person’s personality, interests, etc., it will help you understand things you have in common with the person, it may generate a connection opportunity…i.e., you may know someone who you could introduce to help the person.

## Sales Tweet #95
Date: 2010-11-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-95/ | Categories: Humour, Personalities @ Work, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #95 Personality friction: too much is abrasive, too little is no connection, & the right amount brings warmth. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet OK. We admit it is a metaphor on the verge of being out of control. But, we believe it is much better to accept the reality of people's personality differences than to do things like ‘mirror the Client’ to build rapport. If we work at keeping our self-esteem high then we will tend to do the right things. Our natural personality + high self-esteem + doing the right things = More Than Enough

## There are 3 types of business development
Date: 2010-11-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/there-are-3-types-of-business-development/ | Categories: Sales

There are 3 ways to do and grow business: through relationships with Friends through Conceptual ‘meeting of the minds’ through Traditional methods…prospecting, qualifying, closing Here are some details… Developing business through Friends Throughout our business careers we develop relationships with friends and allies. They know us. We know them. They know what we can do. We know what they can do. Strong bonds of trust lead to strong relationships. From time to time an idea hits us – this looks like a win-win deal for my Friend and me . Or, a similar idea hits one of our Friends. That’s how we grow business through relationships with Friends. Put another way: we have strong links with people whom we consider to be Friends. These close links last for years. Relationships are solid. Interactions can be frequent. Or, they may slip. Strong relationships survive separation. So, when we are reunited with Friends the relationship resumes quickly, often more or less as it was the last time we interacted. To the extent business deals make sense, since trust is strong deals can be done quickly. Developing business through Conceptual ‘meeting of the minds’ Through weak links we are either directly or indirectly connected to a huge number of people. Consider the people who work at your company. Consider all the people you have met in your industry sector. Consider 1st and 2nd level connections under LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. From time to time an idea hits us… maybe we could do a deal with one of our weak-link connections . Or, maybe the idea hits one of those people and they contact us. I call these ideas faint signals …signals that register….signals worth a call. To the extent these faint signals prove to be good business ideas – win-win deals for both parties – they turn into Conceptual deals. That’s how we grow business through Conceptual ‘meeting of the minds’. Developing business through Traditional methods When we have no business-development ideas involving strong links [ Friends ] or weak links [ Conceptual ] we must resort to Traditional methods. Traditional Methods are in a state of major transition. This is primarily due to [what I call] global commoditization. Put another way: to succeed at Traditional sales…we can not use good-old-fashioned sales process. Old methods rarely work. Cute tricks like comedic phone messages and clever packages are of short-term, if any, value. Focus on what is working, focus on your bright lights . The Bottom Line Build real relationships with Friends , keep an open mind for new connections, pay attention to faint signals to maximize Conceptual sales, focus on bright lights , and develop winning approaches for Traditional sales.

## Think About Your Clients’ Clients
Date: 2010-11-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/think-about-your-clients-clients/ | Categories: Clients' Clients Philosophy, Marketing, Sales

How much time do you spend thinking about your Client’s Client? Whatever the amount…that’s time well spent. Most of us spend much time thinking about our Clients. We ask ourselves questions like: What’s our Target Market? What Value does that Target Market need and seek? What do we do to satisfy that need? Often, we get so tied up in the details of market niching and market differentiating we miss the obvious. Often, we miss the thing every one of our Clients want. Our Clients want more Clients. Your Clients want more Clients. So, we should set aside some time to think about our Clients’ Clients. Thinking about individual Clients , one by one, you can ask yourself questions , including: Who do I know who would like to be a Client of my Client? How can I set up a meeting between my Client and a probable Client for my Client? What does my Client need to do to attract more Clients?...How may I help? How does my product or service mesh with my Client getting more Clients?...Be specific. Am I LinkedIn with probable Clients for my Clients? Are my LinkedIn friends connected to probable Clients for my Clients? Ask yourself the questions. Then act .

## Sales Tweet #93
Date: 2010-11-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-93/ | Categories: Humour, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #93 Apes and monkeys solve problems for the fun of it. If they enjoy solving problems then so can we. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Of course, I can not prove this from first-hand experience…although; I have always been very fond of monkeys. The point: problem solving is a key to small things and things as big as civilization. We might as well approach it as enthusiastically as the other primates. Let’s not forget the tough time Charlton Heston had to go through in those Planet of the Apes movies. And relax - we human beings have a leg up on the lower primates. We have P=2S+O !

## To bcc or not to bcc, that is the question
Date: 2010-11-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/to-bcc-or-not-to-bcc-that-is-the-question/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication

Recently, the topic of “email bcc” cropped up. That got me thinking …When & why do people use the email bcc option? So, to get the facts, I sent out the following LinkedIn question to many of my LinkedIn friends. When we send email – when should we use the BCC option? I am curious to know when and why other folks use the BCC option when they send e-mail. I know some folks use the BCC option to send 'mass' emails...ie, so the recipients do not see the names of other recipients. I am interested in knowing - how else is “BCC” used? To date, 30 of those friends have written to provide their views. Here is a summary of what friends have told me : Many people use the bcc option to protect the privacy of the email addresses of all participants. They are sending a mass email to a group of people and nobody gets to see any email address other than that of the sender. Everyone is treated the same. Few people use the bcc option to entrap the poor devil who does not know anyone else is bcc’d…to make sure that person is in the dark, to embarrass that person, or to catch that person in a lie. However, there are some people who use bcc that way. Some people use the bcc option to create a soft-paper trail …i.e., to protect themselves. A few people use the bcc option to keep ‘important’ people such as their boss or their partner in the communication loop , without ‘complicating things’ for the email recipient. A few people use the bcc option to bcc themselves . Some people have multiple email addresses because they are affiliated with more than one organization. Others have set up multiple email addresses – like, Rick1@, Rick2@, Rick3@, etc. – so they can automatically sort their outgoing email, much like one would use the Outlook folders to sort one’s email. One person uses the bcc to educate another person …i.e., a mentor/mentee relationship. Some people never use bcc when they email. 2 final thoughts… covert and negatively-directed uses of bcc should be discouraged…they violate the integrity of most business Values & Cultures [we encourage Open Communication and such bcc’s would not pass our tests] considering 6 Degrees of Separation – or is it less – it is unrealistic to assume one’s bcc’s will remain “b”

## Sales Tweet #92
Date: 2010-11-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-92/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #92 Are you still trying to close that sale? Is your Persistence based on accurate thinking or denial? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet When does persistence become the wrong thing to do? There are differing views: we discussed this at the Thought Post called ‘ The Eighth Step Toward Riches or The First Mental Trap ’ When should the sales person draw the line…pull the plug? Ideally, this should happen when two things align: 1. Your gut feel tells you ‘It is over.’ 2. Your accurate thinking tells you ‘It is over.’ That’s much easier said than done. But, like all other aspects of sales…it is a talent that can be learned & honed.

## Defining Integrity
Date: 2010-11-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/defining-integrity/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Values: Personal Values

On many fronts, Integrity is important to me. Many who know me have heard about the Integrity Experiment we conducted in 2005. Prior to 2005, I had this concern about business people and businesses using the word ‘integrity’. My concern focused on the fact many people could not provide a definition of the word and even when others could define it the definitions were weak and different. So, it seemed to me business people were confused about the meaning of Integrity. So, the next time the topic of Integrity came up…I created a real-business-life Integrity experiment. *** Five years later, this year, I wrote the Thought Post titled ‘ A Definition of Integrity ’, where I provided just that. My definition was and still is… Definition of Integrity When you know your Personal Values and When you can express your Personal Values in writing [showing how you think the think ] and When you can talk with others about your Personal Values [ talk the talk ] and When your actions are consistent with your Personal Values [ walk the walk ] and When you acknowledge your think-talk-walk errors and strive to not repeat them …then you have Integrity . *** Still very interested in Integrity and what it means to other people…recently I found a CD. Here’s an introduction to that CD on Integrity… In 1983, at the age of 87, R. Buckminster Fuller began to share the details of his thoughts about the need for Integrity at “ Integrity Days ” sessions. His first session was held in Los Angeles, February 26th, 1983. I listened to a recording of that ‘classic’ session. Buckminster Fuller died 4 months after that first session. At the February 26th, 1983 session, when asked to define Integrity “Bucky” paused for about 15 seconds then said: “I find I have to use the word courage due to the circumstances of humanity …the courage to cooperate or initiate based entirely on the truth, all the truth, and nothing but the truth as the divine mind within you tells you the truth is…it does require a courage and a self-disciplining.” Now, isn’t that quite a definition!

## Sales Tweet #89
Date: 2010-11-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-89/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #89 Who congratulates you when you achieve something noteworthy? There's a true friend and ally. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet The thought behind this Sales Tweet goes without saying.

## Plucky & Pithy
Date: 2010-11-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/plucky-pithy/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Plucky & Pithy…spirited, courageous, to the point, and packing a bit of a punch. Plucky & Pithy…a fine pair of adjectives.

## Sales Tweet #88
Date: 2010-11-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-88/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #88 Do you use ‘marker’ questions and comments to gauge your Probable Client’s interest? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Direct questions and comments often annoy people. And, people with hidden agendas are skilled at evading direct questions and redirecting conversations. When trust is strong ‘markers’ are not required and they should be few and far between. When relationships have not existed long enough to confirm trust is strong ‘markers’ are one way of gaining an understanding of the other person’s thoughts and desires. When you know relationships are strained or when Client information is guarded ‘markers’ may be the only successful communication strategy.

## People We Know, Fate, & Power of Will
Date: 2010-11-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-we-know-fate-power-of-will/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Hero Worship

The best laid plans…often don’t work out. You know this from your experiences…often ‘fate’ intervenes or ‘people things’ change and plans need to be adjusted or shelved. Maybe, the best laid plans rarely work out in the manner our ‘power of will’ wants them to work out. So, why bother planning? Why not just take each day as it comes to you, recognizing you have the strength and talent to face whatever circumstances and situations happen to come your way? Of course, there are spiritual implications and these sorts of questions touch deep at ‘the human condition’, ‘what is success’, and ‘why we are here’. But, that’s not territory of this Thought Post . We are business people. At least, that’s one of the roles we play. And, it is a role that captures a good portion of our days…and lives. So, recognizing we are in business … Why bother planning? Here are 2 reasons, one very practical and the other, for some readers, will require a leap of faith: The Value of Direction : Consider the native guide who described with animation the magnificence of the thundering waters …then raised a hand , showing the European explorers the right direction …then helped them cross difficult terrain, all the time adjusting the hand as it pointed…until they heard the water thunder and saw what we now call Niagara Falls. Direction supports a positive attitude. When we see fingers pointing toward our desired destination it is easier to be confident, courageous, honest, persistent, creative, adventuresome, etc…enjoying those states of mind aligned with success. The Magnetism of Purposeful Action : some believe fate, [or is it luck], favours those who act and especially those who act with purpose. Quality people are drawn to their cause…some of these quality people become acquaintances…some become friends, some become champions for the cause…others become crusaders, expanding the envelope and the experiences. The better the cause, the more the magnetism. Consider Terry Fox. Just one young man, filled with hope and a dream…knowing exactly the direction he was going…supported only by family and friends. Then…

## Sales Tweet #86
Date: 2010-11-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-86/ | Categories: Sales, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #86 Free up some time by having a pre-set process for dealing with problems. See P=2S+O www.activestor.ca The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Another piece of free up some time advice… Many people waste a huge amount of time worrying about and even agonizing over problems. Business life is laced with problems…some small, some not-so-small. So, it makes sense to have a ready-to-use system for addressing problems. This provides many benefits…but, here, we will only mention 3: • It ensures time is not wasted thinking about how to go about addressing the problem • It forces a solution orientation…i.e., positivity trumps worry • It builds confidence That’s why we created P=2S+O© A link to P=2S+O©

## Sales Tweet #84
Date: 2010-11-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-84/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #84 The #2 and #3 Things: #2 determine your Client’s interest and #3 determine your Client’s self-esteem. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet If your Client is not interested, if your Client has little personal vested interest, then that is something you must understand. This does not necessarily mean your Client will not say, “Yes”. However, it is the most important thing to understand before you proceed. Your Client’s self-esteem is the next-most-important thing. To excel at the sale you must understand whether or not your Client has low self-esteem or high-self esteem. Your decision on this is required if you want to confidently guide your sales actions.

## Credibility and your Marquee Clients
Date: 2010-11-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/credibility-and-your-marquee-clients/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing

If you do not have a Marquee Client then it would be worth your while to figure out how to solve that problem. You could make that your #1 priority. If you do have one or more Marquee Clients, then…well done. You have one of the most-important ingredients. Your business-success recipe calls for this ingredient, your Marquee Clients. How do you know if you have Marquee Clients? Marquee Clients have these sorts of qualities: They are well-known in your target market area They are respected They are successful They are growing and vibrant They illustrate leadership qualities in their market sectors They employ business leaders They employ community leaders When you serve a Marquee Client you prove your strength and your capability. Marquee Clients validate your ability to live up to your word. As the Heath Brothers say, in their Sinatra Test … ‘if you can make it there you can make it anywhere’.

## Sales Tweet #83
Date: 2010-11-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-83/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Humour, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #83 People pass lie detector tests 2 ways: telling the truth and lying while believing the test won't work. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I am pleased to confirm I have no first-hand experience to prove this is a fact. I am basing that Sales Tweet on things experts have written. Experts say… • If one is telling the truth then one feels no fear. When one feels no fear a lie detector will not register any of the automatic physical reactions the body experiences in reaction to fear. • If one does not believe the lie detector test will work then one experiences no fear so, again, the lie detector test registers no ‘fear reactions’. What’s the point? There are at least 3: 1. Belief is a powerful tool…as Napoleon Hill said, “What the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve.” 2. The human body reacts automatically to situations – particularly, stressful situations. However, these automatic reactions can be controlled. There is no more astonishing example than the Navy SEAL example . 3. Obviously, lie detectors can provide a great deal of great fun…however; we recommend you experience them in places not called the ‘Interrogation Room’.

## Family business thoughts
Date: 2010-11-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/family-business-thoughts/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Entrepreneur Thinking, Family Business and CFFB

Joan Fisk shared many personal stories with us at the October 22nd Centre For Family Business breakfast event. Several of Joan’s comments and stories struck chords with the audience. Joan was kind enough to let me share with you some excerpts from her presentation. Joan’s grandfather, Edward Warnock, while in his early 40’s conscripted to support the Canadian Second World War effort in 1939. This point struck me because my grandfather, almost the same age, did the same thing…leaving his teenage children for 7 years. From time to time, we must pause to remember the war-courage and war-sacrifice recent generations have been spared . In 1954: Joan’s father, James Adam Warnock, picked up the broken pieces of the family business and started over. Within less than 10 years, James Warnock’s life had changed from that of a privileged private-school graduate to a ‘broke’ husband with 4 young children…soon to be 6 young children. Joan’s story of her father’s dedication to re-building the family business is one of the most fascinating family business success stories I have heard. And, the way Joan told the story was laced with openness, respect, realism, tolerance, and love. Joan’s words will show you what I mean… “My father, as you have heard, was a true entrepreneur. He refused to give up when he was faced with the demise of his family business empire, and it was this unbending drive, energy and passion he passed on to his children.” Joan also spoke about ‘change-for-the-better’, including the positive change confirmed by the roles women now serve in business… “In previous generations, generally accepted business practices did not include taking a woman into the company. That was on a par with taking women to sea: bad luck at worst and a lot of trouble at best. As you heard in the history of the Warnock Family business there were no women successors in the first 4 generations.” In 1978 Joan became the 5th-generation President of the family business, Tiger Brand Knitting Company Ltd. And, Joan shared a touching father-daughter story about how that happened too. Joan: Thank You for sharing your sharing your family-business stories with CFFB members, sponsors, affiliates, guests, and friends. Footnotes: Joan Fisk …samples from Joan’s bio Pres & CEO, Greater K-W Chamber of Commerce, 2008-2010 VP International Women’s Forum, 2007-2010 Director – Wilfrid Laurier University, 2005-2010 Owner – Joan Fisk Designs, 2005-2010 Director – Gore Mutual Insurance, 2000-2010 President – Tiger Brand Knitting Company Ltd., 1978-2005 Link to Centre For Family Business , CFFB .

## Sales Tweet #82
Date: 2010-11-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-82/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Hero Worship, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #82 ""Well things usually change for the better."" John Wayne, ""The Duke"", said that in the movie 'Chisum’. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Just about everyone admired and respected The Duke. The man was an icon and his legacy remains strong. Now, The Duke did not always prevail…in a few movies the bad guys got him before he got them. However - his courage, his confidence, and his conviction to do the right things never waivered. So, when The Duke says ""Well things usually change for the better"" we better listen to him and heed his words. A link to Changing for the Better .

## New People = Opportunities
Date: 2010-11-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/new-people-3d-opportunities/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Leaders' Thoughts, Optimism & Pessimism

We have a few ways of thinking about those ringing phones, those buzzing emails, those stacks of incoming paper. The first thought that crosses our mind can be: I am too busy . Or, the first thought can be: Here come some New Things laced with Opportunities. From time to time I remember the lesson taught in a sales management course, several years ago…when I was a young sales manager. The lesson went like this: Sales Manager “A” receives 20 customer phone calls a day, cringes every time these customers call to complain about product problems, sales staff problems, delivery problems, etc. Sales Manager “A” can not wait to get home at the end of the day. Sales Manager “A” can barely manage to get out of bed in the morning and come into work. Sales manager “B” also receives 20 customer phone calls a day. Yet, Sales Manager “B” enjoys a dream job…loves to come into work, hates to leave, etc. The instructor then asked, “Why is Sales Manager “B” doing so much better than Sales Manager “A”?” Totally stumped me… How could that Sales Manager “B” possibly enjoy all those days on the phone dealing with all those complaining customers? [I knew I didn’t enjoy it.] Perhaps: Sales Manager “B” had some innate problem-solving gift? Sales Manager “B” had some problem-solving tool like P=2S+O ? Sales Manager “B” had some other trick up a sleeve? “No”, explained our sales instructor, the customers of Sales Manager “B” were calling to compliment Company “B” on the amazing performance of its sales force. I often think of this lesson when I see a stranger’s email address in my Email Inbox.

## Sales Tweet #79
Date: 2010-11-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-79/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #79 Free up some time by improving your concentration skill. CDs and books will educate you on concentration. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This is the 2nd Sales Tweet linked to the Thought Post titled ‘Successful People Have More Time’. These Sales Tweets contain suggestions on how to make better use of that most-precious resource – Our Time. This Sales Tweets series is called “Free up some time”. Each tweet in the series starts with the words Free up some time…so this series of suggestions will stand out in the www.spiritedezine.com website. Note: I have avoided calling these ‘time-management’ suggestions. A more accurate description would be ‘action-management’ suggestions….or ‘thought-management’ suggestions. As the introduction - Free up some time – states, the suggestions are aimed at creating Good Habits that, at the end of the day, allow us to feel ‘WOW - that was a day well spent’. As the series progresses, I will begin to provide CD and book recommendations. A link to the ‘ Successful People Have More Time ’ Thought Post.

## Factors that influence how we think and what we do
Date: 2010-11-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/factors-that-influence-how-we-think-and-what-we-do/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work

Figuring other people out…now there’s a challenge. There is much to consider. The task is a worthwhile one: but, where to start? 2 suggestions on how to prepare for doing a better job of understanding other people: Riders, Elephants, & Their Paths : Dr. Jonathan Haidt’s metaphor The Rider : the logical part of us that struggles to control how we think and how we act The Elephant : the emotional part of us that tends to do whatever it wants The Path : the situation, which will alter Rider-Elephant action Primary and Secondary Factors that Influence How People Think : Dr. David J. Leiberman Primary Factors: Self-esteem …the person’s view of self-worthiness Confidence …how the person feels about the task/situation at hand Level of Interest …does the person have a vested interest, what's at stake Secondary Factors: Effort ...how much emotional, physical, financial work must the person do Justification ...the person’s rationalization Beliefs ...the person’s beliefs, whether or not those beliefs are true/accurate Mood …the person’s frame of mind Related Thought Post : Creating Positive Change: Riders, their Elephants, & their Paths . More about understanding other people in future Thought Posts… Footnotes: Link to Dr. Jonathan Haidt . Link to Dr. David J. Lieberman .

## Sales Tweet #78
Date: 2010-11-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-78/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #78 If you respond to Requests For Proposals then what's your strategy for maximizing success? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I have never been a fan of the RFP process. I suppose that is due to my preference for niche marketing over forcing one’s business communications to conform to the demands of 3rd parties. On the other hand, I recognize in many organizations business development relies on a base of RFP success. So – how does a business go about maximizing its success under 3rd-party ‘controlled’ RFP processes? We have spent time teaching business developers how to improve results. Here are a few samples of our advice: • Build relationships well in advance of the RPF issue • Understand the Probable Client o Through pre-RFP discussions o By thoroughly understanding the RFP questions o By knowing or surmising what lies between the lines of the RFP questions • Work to guide the RFP process o Innovate…use R&D to gain advantage over competitors o Have amazing products and services that few, if any, can match…get those in the RFP specs • Answer the questions and make it easy for the Probable Client to find and understand your answers o Don’t insert a bunch of your cookie-cutter mumbo-jumbo • Offer options • Offer Valuable stuff you know your competition cannot deliver

## Yes - people do bring their Values with them
Date: 2010-11-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/yes-people-do-bring-their-values-with-them/ | Categories: Values: Personal Values

During a conversation last Friday, we were discussing personal values and my friend said something like, “ Well, they bring their values with them ”. This triggered a number of thoughts, which were important to me but not a good fit for the conversation last Friday. So, I promised [myself] I would write them down later …later is today. Yes – people do bring their personal values with them. If we work at it then we can get a sense of other-people’s-values by observing those other people. After we have observed people we make decisions about their character . According to experts, this assessment of character can happen very, very quickly. And, we do not need to rely on experts alone. We know this from firsthand experiences. Every once in a while we get immediate ‘bad vibes’, bad ‘gut feel’, when we meet someone. At the other extreme, we find other people ‘magnetic’. These positive and negative feelings contribute to our assessment of other people’s character. As we decide on character we make assumptions about the underlying personal values that create character. Yes – people do bring their personal values with them. But – we must understand more if we are to succeed in dealing with other people. As we observe and make decisions about people’s character and personal values we should not lose track of: Many people will not have taken the time to understand their own values/character For those who have worked at it, their self-analysis will be skewed by their bias: Often people look at themselves through rose-coloured glasses People rarely wear those glasses when they observe other people Few people get into open discussions of values and character When the stakes are high, personal values can take a back seat to personal needs Situations can cause personal values to take a back seat, particularly: When a person is under extreme stress When a person is subjected to a powerful yet dysfunctional leader When a person is surrounded by ‘mob thinking’ Situations can help people use their personal values to create Value for other people When people are encouraged to use their Strengths [talents, knowledge, skills] When people are comfortable with a powerful Values-grounded leader When people work in a harmonious environment, with success-orientation Bottom line: Corporate Culture is a process under the leader’s control… Values-Culture-Communication-Value Link to some thoughts about V-C-C-V .

## Sales Tweet #76
Date: 2010-11-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-76/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #76 How do you psych yourself up for that really important sales call? Special clothes? Self-talk? Loud music? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet The sales gurus have lots of ideas. But, never mind that for now. This Sales Tweet is about self-analysis. What do you do to psych yourself up when lots of chips are on the buyer-seller table? Think about each thing you do and when you do it. Think about the details of these things. Get a piece of paper and write down at least 3 things. Think about - WHY?

## Family Business Success Story - Wright Landscape Services
Date: 2010-10-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/family-business-success-story-wright-landscape-services/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Family Business and CFFB, Succession

When you sink that absolutely amazing putt at the Conestoga Golf Course do you think of the Wright family? Well, if I ever manage to sink a long putt then I will think of the Wright family. Without the Wright family that putt would not be possible. Here's the Wright family history… James Wright came to Canada from England, where he was a haberdasher. When he arrived in Canada James became a gentleman farmer, and politician. Two of James’ sons, George and John, were born on the family farm in Guelph. In 1867, the year Canada was born, George and his brother John bought the farmland now occupied by the Conestoga Golf & Country Club, then known as the Bend Farm. The Wright family farmed the land for almost 100 years: George passed it to his son William who passed it to his son Oliver. In addition to all the work put into his farm, Oliver Wright helped build our community. Oliver served as president of many agricultural organizations, reeve and warden of Waterloo County, and he was a founding member and president of the board of the Doon Pioneer Village Foundation. In 1960 Oliver Wright sold the farmland and that led to the development of the Conestoga Golf & Country Club. That’s why that absolutely amazing putt would not have happened without the Wright family. Oliver Wright’s son John carried the family’s deep passion for the land…our green environment . John Wright attended the University of Guelph and began his career by working pest control in Toronto where he ended up focusing on weed control. In 1967 John created Wright Lawn Care in Bloomingdale, not far down the river from his hometown. John has always been a conceptual thinker who has a knack for hiring skilled workers to deliver the services. The Wright Family Home - 1967 The Wright Lawn Care Fleet – Early 70’s While all of this was happening on the work front, on the home front John and his wife Ruth brought another generation of the Wright family to our community. Following shortly after an older sister their son Dave arrived in 1972. The same year Dave was born, John Keenan joined Wright Lawn Care. John Keenan has been with the Wrights ever since… more about John Keenan later . Dave Wright grew up in Bloomingdale, surrounded by his father’s bustling lawn care business. As a university student, Dave worked at other local landscape businesses. Dave suspects his Dad might have had a hand in getting him those jobs. Certainly, that could have happened…John was and still is well known in the landscape industry, not just locally but throughout Ontario. John helped create the Hamilton Chapter of the industry association ‘Landscape Ontario’ in the early 1970’s and John championed the founding of the Waterloo Chapter of Landscape Ontario. In recognition of his long-term contribution to Landscape Ontario, John Wright was awarded a lifetime membership in 2007. Another proud Wright achievement Dave, like his father, ventured from our community to seek work. But, this time the son travelled even farther. After obtaining a landscape architecture degree from the University of Guelph, Dave Wright spent 7 years consulting on major landscape projects in North America and Asia, including exotic places such as Dubai. Dave worked out of offices in Cambridge, Houston and Vancouver. Then, like his father before him, Dave returned to our community. In 2002 Dave joined the family business and the Wrights began succession planning. The succession plan was completed and John Wright retired about 4 years ago. Now, some more about John Keenan. John has been a vital part of the Wright family business since 1972. John illustrates the important role key, valued employees can play in family businesses. John Keenan is one of those straight-up fellows who says what’s on his mind. He has analytical skills and he knows how to take care of the details. In the early years John Keenan worked in the field and later made sure the operations were kept on track while John Wright used his vision to build an entrepreneurial enterprise. As the Wright family-business succession happened and the company was passed from John Wright to his son Dave, John Keenan provided stability. John Keenan Dave Wright John Keenan had been a part of the leading-generation success and he was excited about the prospects for future growth. Today, John Keenan runs the operations in all divisions of the Wright family business. And the Wright family business is doing very well, tripling in size since Dave Wright and John Keenan pooled their skills in 2002. The 2010 Wright fleet Dave Wright carries on the Wright family tradition of building our community. Dave is past-President of the Waterloo Chapter of Landscape Ontario, where he now serves as the provincial board representative. Dave is also a director of the board of our community’s Centre For Family Business. The Wright family has a 5-generation tradition of making our community a better place to live. They cared for the land and paved the path for the Conestoga Golf Course. Then they created beauty throughout our community…and at our homes. Here’s a sample of terrific Waterloo Region landscaping… Quality work, a Waterloo Region project by Wright Landscaping Well done Wright family!

## Sales Tweet #74
Date: 2010-10-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-74/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #74 If you don’t know it and can not find it then ask your CEO, "What's our Differential Advantage?" The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Another twist on the thinking behind Sales Tweet #62…If your CEO can not answer that question then ask your CEO how you should go about convincing people they should be your Client.

## Believing it makes it true
Date: 2010-10-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/believing-it-makes-it-true/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Marketing, Optimism & Pessimism, Personalities @ Work, Sales

Seth Godin wrote a book titled 'ALL MARKETERS Tell Stories, The Underground Classic That Explains How Marketing Really Works - and Why Authenticity Is the Best Marketing of All' . The title was 'ALL MARKETERS ARE LIARS' and the words 'ARE LIARS' are crossed out and replaced with two handwritten words, 'Tell Stories'. Here’s a sample of Seth… Yes, the revised cover of the book is catchy... ALL MARKETERS ARE LIARS (in big capital letters) catches our attention. It appeals to the side of us that is inundated with poor marketing messages. The handwritten 'Tell Stories' softens the blow and The subtitle about 'Authenticity being the Best Marketing of All' takes us to a really nice place I think the book cover alone confirms Godin is worth reading. At the inside of the front cover flap, we see Seth Godin's three essential questions for every marketer: "What's your story?" "Will the people who need to hear this story believe it?" "Is it true?" "All marketers tell stories. And if they do it right, we believe them." "And believing it makes it true." The cover flap then states: "But beware: if your stories are inauthentic, you cross the line from fib to fraud. Marketers fail when they are selfish and scurrilous, when they abuse the tools of their trade and make the world worse." This is a great example of advice that passes the Seek Simple test. We should understand how experts such as Godin reach their conclusions and we should understand the real-life examples they provide to illustrate 'what works' and 'what doesn't work'. That will allow us to make best use of the advice provided by experts. That will allow us to train our people. For example, we should train our marketers to ask Godin's three essential questions: "What's your story?" "Will the people who need to hear this story believe it?" "Is it true?" Footnotes: Here’s a link to a closely related blog https://rickbaker.ca/post/sticky-success/ Napoleon Hill said: Whatever the mind can conceive and believe the mind can achieve . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hA-7aq6OXI

## Sales Tweet #73
Date: 2010-10-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-73/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #73 Who is the most successful real-estate sales person in your community? What's the story there? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Expanding on Sales Tweet #63. Why not pick 5 market sectors and find out who is the best sales person in your community. Then contact that sales person and ask for help. Obviously, be respectful of these people's precious time…but don’t be shy. Successful sales people will help you if you ask the right way.

## Beginning to Answer Rhonda’s question…”About Time”
Date: 2010-10-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/beginning-to-answer-rhonda-s-question-about-time/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Hero Worship, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

Rhonda, Thank you for your question. The quick answer is, “One must change the way one thinks about time ”. Time is a concept. Time is an underestimated abstraction . Now, I recognize this sort of theoretical mumbo-jumbo will not be helpful so I will limit it [for now] and only make a few points. First, a century ago, Einstein altered the way Man considers time. The way Man viewed time before Einstein is an example of what I mean by an ’ underestimated abstraction ’. And, Einstein only scratched the surface of time…granted he made a huge scratch. Here’s another point, not quite so theoretical: a person’s perception of time is influenced by many things. Here are a few examples: People facing imminent danger often experience time in slow motion As we get older it seems time moves more quickly When we enjoy experiences time moves quickly When we are in pain time moves slowly In the same way we can accept situations alter our perception of time, we can also accept our mind, the human brain, is a tool that links each human being to time. Each of us has a unique personal relationship with time. So, if we can change the way our brains work then we can change the way we perceive and experience time. An example: if we accept people perceive time as if it were moving in slow motion when they experience extreme stress such as being robbed at gunpoint then is it possible those same people could create for themselves the same mindset without the extreme stress? The answer must be, Yes – that is possible. Another point with practical value: I believe a person’s self-esteem influences the way that person experiences and uses time. The higher the person’s self-esteem the more effective the person’s time will be used. So, the first practical thing one must do is work on maximizing one’s self-esteem. Some successful people were born with a predisposition to possess high self-esteem. I am sure that has not been proven…but I believe it is true. Other successful people learned how to maximize their self-esteem either unconsciously or through conscious effort. Again, I doubt this has been proven…but I believe it is true. Regardless, each of us can work at maximizing our self-esteem. Two more points: Considering self-esteem, many human factors come into play: personal strengths, confidence, mood, vested interest, etc. Some time-management gurus claim the act of employing personal time management has a very positive impact on one’s ‘mindset’…Brain Tracy, for example. Success at managing how one uses one’s time could tend to increase one’s self-esteem. Even if that isn’t true there are other benefits, which have been catalogued by the time-management gurus. So, Yes, for a number of reasons it is a good idea to commit to personal time management. Time management is a misnomer. Better to approach this as ‘personal organization’. Think about Napoleon Hill’s observation…when required to sum it up in one word he said successful men and women were ‘organized’. That is, successful people appeared to live organized lives. I hope this helps. Rick

## Sales Tweet #71
Date: 2010-10-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-71/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #71 Free up some time by improving your memory skills. CDs and books provide advice and memory exercises. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet In response to the Thought Post titled ‘Successful People Have More Time’, I am writing a series of Sales Tweets containing suggestions on how to make better use of that most-precious resource – Our Time. This Sales Tweets series is called “Free up some time”. Each tweet in the series starts with the words Free up some time…so this series of suggestions will stand out in the www.spiritedezine.com website. Note: I have avoided calling these ‘time-management’ suggestions. A more accurate description would be ‘action-management’ suggestions….or ‘thought-management’ suggestions. As the introduction - Free up some time – states, the suggestions are aimed at creating Good Habits that, at the end of the day, allow us to feel ‘WOW - that was a day well spent’. As the series progresses, I will begin to provide CD and book recommendations. A link to the ‘ Successful People Have More Time ’ Thought Post.

## Sales Tweet #70
Date: 2010-10-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-70/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #70 Client Culture: observe your Client's work environment...what 'group norms' do you see and hear? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Every business has a Culture...either a planned one or one that has just developed. By observing the business culture at your Client's workplace you can adjust your expectations and actions. For example, if it is clear to you that your Client works in a firefighting atmosphere then you will want to consider that. Or, if your Client works in a high staff-turnover environment then you will want to consider that. Before you leave a telephone message or send an e-mail...try to put yourself in your Client's shoes and in your Client's chair.

## Procrastinate For Success
Date: 2010-10-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/procrastinate-for-success/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Optimism & Pessimism, Solutions & Opportunities

The first two, equally-important, Rules of Procrastination For Success are: You must minimize, with a view to totally eliminating, the annoyance factor for others and for yourself You must set aside the common wisdom of the time-management gurus and give yourself a fair 60-day trial period [including the time you feel you need to cover your procrastination]. Why these Rules of Procrastination For Success? To Procrastinate For Success You must not over-promise and under-deliver...that's poor form...that annoys other people and, because you have pride in your performance, it causes you to annoy yourself with anxiety or worry. You can not stress yourself because that reduces your ability to be effective...you are a procrastinator or else you wouldn't be reading this. So, procrastination aligns with the natural state of your character and your talents. Don't fight procrastination. Make the most of it. How does one go about Procrastinating For Success? Action Steps to Procrastinate For Success First, spend some time every day telling yourself you Procrastinate For Success. Make that a daily affirmation...write it on a mirror, repeat it at least twice a day, say it, sing it with emotion, scream it from an open window - I procrastinate for success, I procrastinate for success, I procrastinate for success… Next, tell other people you procrastinate for success....tell your boss, tell your co-workers, tell your Clients...and explain to them how your acceptance of this fact will benefit one and all. Once you have completed those first 2 set-up-for-action steps Take Action . Take Action as follows: First, immediately, drop every thing you are doing and finalize your To Do List: Ensure your To Do List is complete Force-rank your Most-Important work items: as you do the force-ranking consider the urgency of the work, consider the time required for each item, and set the limit for your total available time at 8 hours/week. This step creates your work plan. Next, immediately following the setting of your work plan – Do Absolutely No Work …do nothing. This is a critical step. This is the procrastination step. Then, when you hit the point where you must do the work under your procrastination plan, do that work at lightning speed , with laser-like focus , and with genius-like concentration . Benefits of Procrastinating For Success It builds trust. And, trust is right up there with time - a truly precious commodity. Trust begins to build immediately because you will no longer feel the need to tell fibs about getting stuff done under unrealistic time lines. Since you will be comfortable talking with others about your procrastination, your over-promising will stop, your on-time delivery will increase, and trust will build all around you. You will be aligned with rather than fight against (Pareto's) 80/20 Rule . Knowing and accepting 80% of your production must happen in 20% of your time, you will stop wasting the remaining 80% of your time thinking about, worrying about, and fighting the natural laws of the human condition, i.e., you will not struggle with procrastination. You will be a comfortable procrastinator and you will make the most of it. You will free up a huge amount of time. Embracing (Pareto’s) 80/20 Rule you will free up 32 hours of prime time per week. And, this freed-up time will be devoid of the problems linked to having to be productive. You will never complain about being too busy to do this or to do that because: 80% of the time you will not be busy at all and everyone will know it so you will be very reluctant to claim otherwise the other 20% of the time you will be far too busy to complain and everyone will know it so they will not lay trivial requests on you On top of this, you will reduce your overall stress and, all else being equal, that will prolong your life so you will have even more time to Procrastinate For Success .

## For Fully-Productive Meetings
Date: 2010-10-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/for-fully-productive-meetings/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Measure & Monitor, Seeking Simple!

From time to time it is good to check out expert advice for holding productive meetings. Expert advice reminds us of the importance of controlling the meeting process and helps us set better meeting guidelines….this is about clarifying what you mean by Good Habits for Meetings. To maximize meeting results, here’s what Brian Tracy recommends in his book, ‘Time Power” 7 Ways to Make Meetings More Efficient Is the meeting necessary, if not then don't have it. Consider alternatives to holding a meeting. Who should attend? - Only invite those people. And ask - is it necessary for me to attend? Have a written agenda for the meeting. Write out the purpose of the meeting. Send the agenda to participants at least 24 hours ahead. Start and stop on time. Don't wait for latecomers. Perhaps, lock the door from the inside so latecomers can not get in…this helps them develop self-discipline. Cover important items first. That way you ensure they get done. Summarize each conclusion. Assign specific responsibility for next action steps. Include deadlines for their completion. Send out meeting minutes shortly after the meeting. This will confirm what action will be taken, who agreed to be responsible for taking that action, and when that action will be completed. Footnote: Link to Brian Tracy’s Time Power

## Sales Tweet #68
Date: 2010-10-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-68/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #68 Your Top 10 Clients - what are their work hours? Place that in your calendar until you memorize it. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Many of your Top Clients will tend to be creatures of habit. They will tend to have set work hours. Also, according to time-management gurus, they will have 'prime time'. That is, at certain times of the day your Top Clients will tend to be far more productive than they are at all other times of the day. Why not ask your Top Clients about their 'time habits' and their prime time. Why not make sure you are accessible during those prime times.

## People’s Strengths
Date: 2010-10-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-s-strengths/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

StrengthsFinder* presents Strengths as… Strengths = Talent Theme + Knowledge + Skills If I understand StrengthsFinder properly then our top 5 Talent Themes do not confirm Strengths, rather, they confirm Potential Strengths. To create Strengths we need to: understand our Talent Themes, gain Knowledge related to the Strength we desire, and take planned action aimed at developing Skills that allow us to illustrate our Strengths. I think StrengthsFinder is directionally correct. It is a tool that should not be used in isolation. It should be used in conjunction with other tools and guides. For example, our ability to exhibit Strengths is influenced by many factors including: Interest …Are we interested in, or passionate about, the end-goal that is the motive driving our actions? A strong and well-grounded Interest increases the likelihood a Strength will be developed. Situation …does the situation allow us to act in accordance with our Strength? As Haidt and the Heaths * explained to us, situations can be designed to promote action aligned with Strengths. Self-Esteem …the higher the self-esteem, the better we feel about ourselves, the greater the likelihood our Strengths will be realized Confidence …if we perceive we can be effective at the task, in the given situation, then the greater the likelihood our Strengths will be realized Mood …we all have good days and bad days …our Strengths tend to shine during our good days Footnotes: Web link for StrengthsFinder Web link for Haidt Web link for Heath brothers

## Sales Tweet #67
Date: 2010-10-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-67/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #67 What sales-education CD are you listening to in your car today? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Many sales gurus will help you with the math. They will walk you though how many hours you spend in the car every day and recommend you spend at least some of those numerous hours listening to sales-help or self-help CDs. On the other hand, if you are too busy listening to the radio, etc., then you may never listen to a sales-help CD...so you may never hear the sales guru advice about listening to the CDs. [Hence, this Sales Tweet #67]

## Sales Tweet #65
Date: 2010-10-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-65/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #65 It's time to check your dance card...how many VITOs are you selling to this week? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Selling to VITO - Very Important Top Officers - the wisdom of Tony Parinello. Whether we call them VITOs or C-Level or Business Leaders or something else, sales people should work to expand the number of top-level decision makers they serve directly. Networking and serving above-and-beyond-the-call-of-duty are 2 good ways to add VITOs to your business connections.

## More Suggestions for Compelling Presentations
Date: 2010-10-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/more-suggestions-for-compelling-presentations/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing

From ‘ How To Talk So People Listen ’, by Sonya Hamlin The number-one guidelines for planning and presenting Business Communications: Audiences need to visualize your ideas to bring clarity, interest, and credibility to them. You must be challenging, interesting, surprising, alive, energized, and original to get and hold the audience’s attention today. You need to involve your audience and interact with them to keep them with you. Sonya Hamlin’s advice meshes well with that of Philip Theibert and the advice of the Heath brothers, Chip & Dan. So, from now on, every time I create a new presentation I will refer to the following 3 Thought Posts: How to Give a Damn Good Speech – Philip Theibert Sticky SUCCESs – Chip Heath & Dan Heath More Suggestions for Compelling Presentations [this Thought Post] And, at least once a quarter, I will revisit the compilation of advice from Dale Carnegie, Peter Urs Bender, and Stephanie Palmer contained in Compelling Presentations . Footnote: Why improve your public speaking skills? Brian Tracy provides lots of good reasons… You will attract the attention of people who can help you New doors will open for you You will feel more confident You will increase your self-esteem You will be given opportunities to use your developing skills at higher and higher levels

## Sales Tweet #64
Date: 2010-10-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-64/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #64 How many referrals did you get so far this month? Does your referral program need a tweak? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet There are 2 major categories of Referrals: Type (1) the referrals you solicit and Type (2) the referrals that happen naturally…i.e., Type (2) happen when you are pleasantly surprised as your happy Clients bring you new Probable Clients. Type (2) referrals are the supreme compliment. They signal you are providing most-excellent service and Value.

## Networking & The Strength of Weak Links
Date: 2010-10-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/networking-the-strength-of-weak-links/ | Categories: Networking: The Joys of Connection

You have a network of people connections. Some of those connections are strong and some are weak. Your strong connections include your family and your friends. Strong connections contain special significance and they exist over long periods of time. As the saying goes “blood is thicker than water” , so strong connections are thicker than weak connections. Strong Connections are considered the Strong Links of your network. Your weak connections are occasional and unplanned: some of them happen by sheer coincidence. Weak Connections are considered the Weak Links of your network. The Strength of Weak Links : that is a phrase used by Richard Koch and Greg Lockwood in their new book titled ‘ SUPERCONNECT, Harnessing the Power of Networks and The Strength of Weak Links ’. How can there be Strength in Weak Links? The answer to that questions starts with Mark Granovetter, who attended Princeton and Harvard. His research paper titled ‘The Strength of Weak Ties’ was published in 1973. In that paper, he concluded weak ties or links are often much more valuable than strong ties. Here is how Koch and Lockwood explain Granovetter’s puzzling conclusion: “Granovetter said that people with whom we spend little time can frequently be far more useful to us than those we see every day, those with whom we have intimate and intense relationships, those who actively try to help us.” He also argued that weak ties between acquaintances or strangers are more important to society that the strong ties of friendship.” How could this be? Put simply, his argument is as follows. Our close friends tend to be similar to us and mainly move in the same social circles. Close friends operate in a dense network, what Granovetter called a ‘closely knit clump of social structure’, where most people know each other and share the same information.” and “The weak tie between the individual and his acquaintance ‘therefore becomes not merely a trivial acquaintance tie but rather a crucial bridge between the two densely knit clumps of close friends…It follows, then, that individuals with few weak ties will be deprived of information from distant parts of the social system and will be confined to the provincial news and views of their close friends’.” [the part in italics is an excerpt from Granovetter’s paper] Here’s a link to Granovetter . Question : Have you every experienced absolute surprise when a relationship that started from sheer coincidence turned into something truly amazing? Bottom line : maybe it is a good idea to keep our minds open to new relationships…and, keep our doors open…and our phone lines, our BlackBerrys, our desktops, our mail boxes, our…

## Sales Tweet #63
Date: 2010-10-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-63/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #63 Who's the best sales person you know? Are you keeping in touch with this person? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet First, consider your friends and co-workers. Who excels at sales? How do they do it? To what do they attribute their sales success? How many hours do they work? How did they learn the skills that lead to successful sales? Do they self-educate?

## Successful People Have More Time
Date: 2010-10-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/successful-people-have-more-time/ | Categories: Beyond Business, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

A Sales Tweet* introduced this philosophy a few weeks ago…here it is: Sales Tweet #9 Successful people pick up and return more phone calls. Don’t ignore successful people. Call one today . Successful people have more time. I observe many business people, some successful and some not-so-successful. Watching what they do and listening to what they say…it seems to me, successful people have more time. Of course, that’s misstated: everyone knows each of has only 24 hours per day. The fact is successful people use their time more efficiently and effectively and this is integral to their success. So, from the observer’s perspective – it seems successful people have more time. As examples: Successful people tend to return phone calls far more often than not-so-successful people Successful people tend to respond to email far more often than not-so-successful people Successful people tend to have far more time to volunteer than not-so-successful people Successful people tend to have far more time for diverse activities than not-so-successful people Successful people tend to be far more curious than not-so-successful people Successful people tend to be far more inclined to meet new people than not-so-successful people And, when I ask successful people for help they tend to help. So, I am convinced, “successful people have more time”. In fact, I use this as a filter…my antennae go up when people tell me they are too busy to do this or to do that. It seems to me when a person says “ I am too busy ” that is a signal the person may have self-management difficulties…and those self-management difficulties could lead to not-so-successful performance. I keep my eyes and ears open for “ I am too busy ” when I recruit and when I train people. I also listen and watch for “ I am too busy ” when we select business allies. As I watch and listen, I think successful people have more time. Footnote: Link to Sales Tweets http://www.spiritedsalestweets.com

## Sales Tweet #62
Date: 2010-10-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-62/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #62 What's your company's Differential Advantage? Are you thrilled about it? Are your Clients thrilled? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Why should people buy from your company rather than buy from one of your competitors or do nothing? If you can not answer this then ask your boss. Or ask the Marketing Vice-President. Check your marketing literature. Check your website. Can you see how your company's Differential Advantage screams out to Probable Clients?

## Barry’s Corner - Why focus on strengths?
Date: 2010-10-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/barry-s-corner-why-focus-on-strengths/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

Recently I asked my friend Barry the question, “ Why do you recommend a focus on people’s strengths? ” Barry shared the following thoughts. When we focus on people’s strengths… We look in the mirror and that helps us understand ourselves We concentrate on other people and their uniqueness We have an opportunity for a positive experience for everybody The process itself helps create better results on many fronts, for example, we effectively apply The 80-20 Rule More about people’s strengths in future Thought Posts… Footnote: According to the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment, Barry’s Top 5 themes are: Strategic, Individualization, Futuristic, Woo, & Communication.

## Sales Tweet #59
Date: 2010-10-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-59/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #59 Check your journal...how many C-level people did you connect with during the last 30 days? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet It is relatively easy to connect with C-level people. Many sales gurus have written numerous chapters, full of suggestions. Yet - as we talk with sales people we find the vast majority rarely meet C-level people and very few sales people have set a goal for meeting C-level people.

## Using R.A.D.A.R. to succeed at complex sales
Date: 2010-10-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/using-radar-to-succeed-at-complex-sales/ | Categories: Sales, Seeking Simple!

If you sometimes feel your major sales efforts are a little out of control then an injection of organized sales process will help. If you have any of the following symptoms then your major sales process could use a tune-up: You have this feeling of discomfort about your overall sales...you know budgets are not being met or you worry they won't be met While enough major deals are being done you believe money is being left on the negotiation table when your team works with major Clients Your sales team is doing lots of deals but the deals are too small; you wonder if your sales people are afraid or unable to take on larger challenges...when you talk about this with your sales team you get the sense results could be much better You do not have enough major 'Marquee Clients'...or, borrowing from the Heath brothers, you are not passing 'The Sinatra Test' There are several ways to solve this problem. One way is to use R.A.D.A.R. For military applications, R.A.D.A.R. was developed to provide early information - early warning - and that allowed smaller forces to do the right things, at the right time, in the right place. In his book ' Hope Is Not A Strategy, The 6 Keys to Winning the Complex Sale ', Rick Page outlines the R.A.D.A.R. process he developed to help sales teams manage a portfolio of sales opportunities. Page presents his R.A.D.A.R. Sales process as: R .eading A .ccounts and D .eploying A .ppropriate R .esources™. Concentration of force is Page's first principle of strategy. 'You must pick the battles you can win, then win the battles you pick.' That means sales people can not waste time on lower-quality prospects. Page outlines 6 keys to winning a complex sale: Challenges R.A.D.A.R. Process Value. 1. Link solutions to Pain (or Gain ) Resource Allocation. 2. Qualify the Prospect Competition. 3. Build Competitive Preference Strategy. 4. Determine the Decision-Making Process Politics. 5. Sell To Power Teamwork. 6 Communicate the Strategic Plan The first 5 steps are inputs and the last step is the plan. The steps are performed simultaneously. The sales team receives the following benefits when (Step 6) Communicate the Strategic Plan is fully performed: • Increases competitive advantage from consistent, effective execution • Crystallizes your thinking and forces a decision • Provides early detection of blind spots and visibility into the future • Leads and empowers your team with a clear direction • Prioritizes the urgent from the important • Increases your ability to control and manage multiple accounts • Develops respect with peers and management R.A.D.A.R. can be used on its own if your sales team presently has no defined major-sales process. Or, R.A.D.A.R. can be used to complement your existing major-sales process. And, small sales teams or even individual sales people will benefit from the injection of some discipline like that provided by R.A.D.A.R.

## Did you ever wonder… - #2
Date: 2010-10-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/did-you-ever-wonder-2/ | Categories: Beyond Business

…if Man created language so we could gossip about one another? …why dogs continue to set the animal-kingdom standard for tail chasing? …when we will stop using pennies? …how our brains, without any help from us, manage to come up with those unusual dreams? …if Man's first effort at writing was done to account for property owned or money owed? …how can it possibly be 300 degrees Celsius only 50 kilometres from here? …why our genes haven't evolved to cause us pain when we think up stupid ideas? …who was the first Roman to decide 'important things' should be written in Greek rather than in Latin? …how the first "farmer" came upon the idea people could guide the growth of plants? …if negative thinking kills more people than cigarettes? …when human beings began to criticize others for doing things wrong? …if there are any 5-word English-language homonyms? …if you were traveling in space at 50 miles per hour without a space suit then would your hair trail behind or just sit normal?

## Sales Tweet #57
Date: 2010-10-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-57/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #57 How are your FAQs? How impressive is your repertoire of Client-emotion touching questions? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I am not talking about being manipulative. I am talking about appealing to emotions that are higher than the base emotions. I am talking about asking questions that are designed to discover the Client's true desires.

## Sales Tweet #55
Date: 2010-10-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-55/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #55 How do you react to Clients' FAQs? How deal-getting is your repertoire of answers to your Clients' FAQs? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This is similar to Sales Tweet #50. It is about working to understand Clients and working to anticipate what will likely happen when meeting with Clients. And, it is about tailoring communication to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of sales calls. And, efficiency and effectiveness are important to both the Client and the sales person. Planning ahead - thorough-planning ahead - increases the likelihood of completing action steps in a smooth and comfortable way...the Client will appreciate the time you have taken even if he or she doesn't mention it.

## Your Customer's Brain is 100,000 Years Old
Date: 2010-09-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/your-customers-brain-is-100000-years-old/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Sales

Your Customer's Brain is 100,000 Years Old . That's the title of Chapter 3 in Dr. A.K. Pradeep's new book ' The Buying Brain, Secrets for Selling to the Subconscious Mind '. And, this introduction to Chapter 3 follows: “ At the end of this chapter, you'll know and be able to use the following: Key ways to engage the primal part of the human brain Core mechanisms the brain uses to determine whether to pay attention to your message The three ways in which the brain can be frustrated, and how to avoid them in your marketing The four triggers the brain loves and how to use them in marketing ” When I first saw this book on the shelf at Chapters I couldn't believe my good fortune...it was like Made to Stick[1] meets Executive BrainSmarts[2] or like Jeffrey Gitomer, Napoleon Hill, and Sigmund Freud might be having a little get-together. Anyhow, Chapter 3 continues with 'Caveman In A Wired World '. And, that reminded me of the message I was trying to communicate when I wrote about the cave-people in Stories & Questions[3] . Dr. Pradeep ends Chapter 3 with a summary of what we learned. Here is some of that summary: Honor the brain's precious resources - its limited processing ability, and its restricted, focused attention Be interesting. The brain loves puzzles and humor Use emotion to reach out to consumers, especially women Clear your message of clutter Use active, direct verbs to guide the brain swiftly and directly to its goal Indulge the brain in messaging, images, displays, and environments that celebrate sensuality and deep pleasure Celebrate the multi-tasking wizardry of your female consumers in images and copy Provide networking opportunities through your brand, product, or environment for female consumers Dr. Pradeep has written a very interesting book. Footnotes: Sticky SUCCESs Executive BrainSmarts Stories & Questions

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #11
Date: 2010-09-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-11/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

As mentioned in prior blogs, when you boil it down people only do 3 things: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things. At least, that's a simple way to sort out how our time is spent. Many people believe they waste time. Many people feel they do not have enough time. We feel time is precious and we are annoyed when we feel it is lost and wasted. Many people consume even more time, stewing over the time they know they have wasted. That means they must be troubled by their Bad Habits or by trying New Things that did not work. Some expert advice should help reduce this problem. Brian Tracy wrote a book, 'Time Power' , to help people make the best use of their time. Here are Brian Tracy’s 7 Action Exercises to Improve Your Time Management Select one area where you would like to improve your time management. Start to work on it immediately. Think back to a situation where you performed at your best. Replay this in your mind when you face new tasks. Talk to yourself positively all the time, repeating affirmations such as " I always use my time wisely ". Imagine everyone around you is looking up to you as a role model for personal efficiency. Think about teaching a time-management course to your friends and colleagues. What would be the most important lessons? Think about the areas of your work that give you the most satisfaction and resolve to be even more productive in those areas. Resolve today to act to become one of the most efficient, effective, and productive people in your field. Take action immediately. NOTE #1: Brian Tracy and other experts, for example Jim Estill, believe Time Management/Leadership is the key place to start to develop the skills a leader must possess to be successful. Brian Tracy states that clearly at the beginning of ‘Time Power’ . NOTE #2: All time management/leadership experts are emphatic about the value of setting clear Goals . I have never read expert advice stating we should not set clear Goals. Experts are saying we need to set clear Time Management/Leadership Goals . NOTE #3: Experts have differing views on positive affirmations as described by Brian Tracy in Exercise #3 above, which overlaps other Exercises including #2 and #4, probably #5, maybe others. The value of positive affirmations is becoming a contentious topic. Footnotes: Brian Tracy link – http://www.briantracy.com Jim Estill link – http://www.jimestill.com

## Sales Tweet #53
Date: 2010-09-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-53/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #53 As Gitomer says, people hate to be sold but they love to buy. You can expect people will love to buy today. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Jeffrey Gitomer's stuff is a must read for sales people. His books are eye-catching and most of them are available on CD. So, we can listen to them and learn while driving or relaxing after hours. He is right, many people do love to buy…that is, many people do get an emotional kick out of the buying experience. Watch your Clients - do they show signs of loving to buy?

## Sticky SUCCESs
Date: 2010-09-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sticky-success/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Marketing, Sales

There is no need to read on if the following apply to you: You had to put in a new set of phones and a new set of internet lines to handle your recent avalanche of new Client business. When you give instructions to your staff you are always surprised by how quickly the instructions are understood and followed to the letter. OK, for those who face challenges like the ones I face… Chip Heath and Dan Heath provide advice on how to improve the way we communicate our ideas. http://www.madetostick.com a link to their book – ‘Made to Stick’ For the Heath brothers, communications succeed when they are Sticky . Sticky messages = messages that are understandable, memorable, and effective in changing thought or behaviour The Heath brothers provide a summary to help us remember their advice… The Heath brothers’ Six Principles of Sticky communications: SUCCESs S imple : Sticky messages contain a core message, which is shared with an audience in a compact package U nexpected : Sticky messages contain an unexpected element, which surprises the audience, makes them pay attention, holds their attention, and sustains their interest C oncrete : Sticky messages contain concrete details, not abstract concepts. This helps the audience understand and remember the message. And it allows people to bridge the gaps between their thinking. C redible : Sticky messages cause people to agree and help people believe. Experts provide external credibility. Convincing details help the audience experience internal credibility. E motional : Sticky messages make people care. They appeal to us as individuals: they appeal to self-interest and they appeal to sense of identity. S tory : Sticky messages contain stories, which tell people how to act and give people the energy to act. Sticky messages inspire. Whether we are leading, managing, supervising, marketing, selling, or working to persuade co-workers we can use the Sticky SUCCESs Checklist to test and improve our communications. [ Sticky SUCCESs Checklist ] Footnote: We should use the Heath brothers’ Sticky SUCCESs Checklist as a filter when we consider marketing of Value Propositions [ VALPRO ] and Differential Advantages [ DA ]…i.e., this checklist is a very helpful guide to better TARMARVALPRODA communications.

## Sales Tweet #52
Date: 2010-09-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-52/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #52 Don't strangle your sales calls…stop choking your Clients with facts, figures, graphs, and analytics. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet When you mention numbers you will cause your Client to think about numbers. The Client's mind, a Buyer's mind, will call up the tools a Buyer uses to analyse numbers. Unless performed with care and skill, that will take you farther away from closing a sale…not closer.

## Sales Tweet #50
Date: 2010-09-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-50/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #50 What are your most-successful questions? I mean the ones that almost always lead to a closed sale. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Every sales person should have a repertoire of BEST QUESTIONS. [Search the word "question" at the Activestor website for more about this topic...here's a link www.activestor.ca ]

## it’s about Ptime well spent
Date: 2010-09-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/it-s-about-ptime-well-spent/ | Categories: I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Marketing, Solutions & Opportunities

Recently, at a sales-training session, one fellow said people should spend more time thinking before they act. Another fellow said he was too busy and did not have any extra time. I bet most of us have been in these sorts of conversations. Most of us are well aware of the stresses of fire-fighting throughout the work day. Sometimes it seems we fight fires all day, everyday. And, we interact with people who are also fighting fires….we see them fixing drive-thru errors, replacing damaged goods, fixing poor paint jobs, and repairing blown tires… Most of us also understand we could do better if we spent more time thinking before speaking and taking action. If we could measure twice then we could cut once . And, we could keep our feet out of our mouths . We could get it right the first time . We could have fewer problems. We know we could be more efficient, make fewer errors, speak more clearly, and reduce our stress levels… We could define the time we spend on Problems as Ptime . Ptime takes up a big part of our lives. Ptime will continue to be a big part of our lives. So, it makes sense to step back every once in a while and decide how we want to use our Ptime . We can use our Ptime 2 ways: We can use our Ptime to fight fires. We can use our Ptime to work on Problems that to some degree catch us by surprise when they ignite around us. We can use our Ptime to think about Problems that may visit us some day and determine solutions to those Problems well in advance. Most of us must accept we can not totally remove #1. All of us must fight Problem fires. When it comes to #2, we have a choice. We can choose the amount of time we spend thinking about Problems before they visit us. We can consider different ways of solving those problems. And, we can be prepared to act quickly and effectively if/when those Problems visit us. And, that’s about Ptime well spent . Footnotes We have a philosophy called P=2S+O …for every Problem we should find at least 2 Solutions and we will, from time to time, find Opportunities linked to Problems. As we use our Ptime wisely we should keep our minds open for Opportunities .

## Maximizing your creative energy - #1
Date: 2010-09-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/maximizing-your-creative-energy-1/ | Categories: —

Jim Estill’s August 26th blog caught my attention. Thank you, Jim, for the opportunity to relay your thoughts about ‘ creative energy ’. Here’s what Jim wrote on August 26th… “In my experience, there are limits to creative energy. Sometimes in a very short period of time I can prepare a great speech, powerpoint or article. Other times, it takes me five times as long to produce quality material (or it never gets produced). And what I have found is these creative periods tend to be short. Of course my goal is to make them more and longer. Some tricks I try are: The old timer trick. Set my Blackberry timer for 25 minutes. And just do it. 25 minutes is short enough that I can do it any time. Stimulation. I find reading often acts as a stimulus. I take notes while I read. Rest. Obvious but I am more creative if I am rested. Health. I am more creative if I am healthy. Exercise. A good run or weight lifting session can inspire. Setting goals. I always work better with goals . Creative goals work for me.” *** As I read Jim’s blog, I thought about 3 things: How we can be more creative… About the quality: being able to do work that scores high on the ‘creativity scale’. About the quantity: being able to produce a larger amount of creative or innovative work. How we can be creative when we want to be creative… About the timing: being able to do creative work when we want to do it. The definition of creativity. In this note, when I write ‘ creative energy ’ I mean whatever it is [inside us] that provides us the ability to do innovative or creative business work . About understanding how the human brain works when it performs innovative and creative work. In this blog-series – Maximizing your creative energy – I will write about all 3 of these topics. To finish off this first blog in the series, I will share a few things I do to bolster my ‘creative energy’. At first reading the set of things may appear strange or disconnected…or worse. Hopefully, after I have finished the blog-series the things will make much more sense. Things I do to bolster my ‘creative energy’… Sometimes I intentionally procrastinate to force a tight deadline I keep a file on my Blackberry to record " Did you ever wonder... " things Sometimes I brush my hair with my left hand [being right-handed…that explains why my hair looks messy] I listen to volumes of business and personal-development audio CDs Sometimes I write poems, many of them designed for humour and song lyrics Footnotes: Link to Jim Estill’s website: CEO Blog – Time Leadership www.jimestill.com Link to an Innovation & Creativity blog .

## Sales Tweet #48
Date: 2010-09-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-48/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #48 Pull out the stops for your next trade show. Spend one hour preparing for each hour of attendance. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet While visiting some 300 or so businesses during the last 2 years, I have been fortunate enough to see some absolutely amazing work done in preparation for trade shows. Trade show participation has been treated like a project and given a full project-management effort...including: trade show floor plan with colour coded pins and coloured connecting strings, pre-set meetings under coordinated timetables, competitive analyses, attendee lists, video shoots with Clients, special touches added to break-out meeting rooms, etc. Time spent planning for trade shows pays off in multiples.

## The Art of Questioning #2
Date: 2010-09-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-art-of-questioning-2/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

The Art of Questioning #2 is about sales people using questions to uncover Client needs. This blog is inspired by Neil Rackham , the author of SPIN Selling. For the sales process, Rackham defines the purpose of questions: to uncover Clients’ implied needs and to develop them into specific needs. Rackham talks about 2 types of questions: Uncovering Questions which ask buyers about their problems or implied needs Developing Questions which took those implied needs and, somehow, developed them into explicit needs Rackham toured with sales people from multi-national companies and he found: Uncovering Questions were more strongly linked to success in smaller sales There are several types of Uncovering Questions, the main categories being: Situation Questions : designed to find facts about the Client’s existing situation the more Situation Questions the higher the likelihood of a failed sales call Situation Questions are overused by inexperienced sales people Problem Questions : designed to learn about Clients’ problems, difficulties, or dissatisfactions Problem Questions happen more when sales calls are successful Experienced sales people ask more Problem Questions Developing Questions were more important and more strongly linked to success than Uncovering Questions When it comes to sales people presenting questions to Probable Clients , here's a sample of our recommendations: Consider each of your Target Markets and its Value Proposition Consider the Ideal Client Profile for each Target Market Design Questions to help discover whether or not the Probable Client fits the Ideal Client Profile : Spend a lot of time planning these Designed Questions Design supplementary questions, at least 2 layers of them Be consistent when you ask the questions Observe the results and score 'success' or 'failure' Where your Client relationships are very strong...ask for Clients’ help as you hone and improve your questions and your delivery of your questions Footnote: Compare Rackham’s ideas with those of Bruno Gideon: The Art of Questioning #1 .

## Sales Tweet #46
Date: 2010-09-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-46/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #46 When you simply listen with an open mind...what are your Clients saying about your competition? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet The main point is - Listen. Don’t make comments about your competition. And 'overrule' yourself if you are tempted to ask leading questions. When your Client brings up your competition it means something. Your challenge is to determine what it means. You can prepare for this inevitable situation by planning the questions you will ask your Client after your Client raises the topic of your competition. When you design those questions, design them carefully. [Search the word "question" at the Activestor website for more about this topic...here's a link www.activestor.ca ]

## Don’t let your messages fall from all those ears
Date: 2010-09-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/don-t-let-your-messages-fall-from-all-those-ears/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication

When you speak to another person a number of things can happen: The message is heard, listened to, understood, remembered, and influences that person’s future action The message is heard, listened to, understood, remembered, and ignored The message is heard, listened to, understood, and forgotten The message is heard, not fully listened to, and not understood The message is heard but not listened to The message is not heard I suppose there could be other things but the short list above captures most of things that can happen when you speak to another person [or a group of people]. Of course, you can perform tests to understand where your message ‘sits’ with the other person…but that’s a topic for another day. When the message is important to you it makes sense to aim for the first result: your message is heard, listened to, understood, remembered, and influences future action by the person or people whom received your message. How might you increase the likelihood your messages will receive #1 treatment? According to brothers Chip and Dan Heath, the answer is: you need to make your messages more sticky . Here is a summary of how the Heath brothers say you can go about making your ideas stick… A Process for Making Your Ideas Stickier Identify the central message you need to communicate - find the core Figure out what is counterintuitive about the message, ie, what are the unexpected implications of your core message? Why isn't it already happening naturally? Communicate your message in a way that breaks your audience's guessing machines along the critical counterintuitive dimension. Then, once their guessing machines have failed, help them refine their machines. Common sense is the enemy of sticky messages. It's your job to help them understand uncommon sense. I have given quite a bit of thought to item #1. Finding the core – finding the essence - is a common starting point taught by creative-thinking experts. But, again, that’s a topic for another day. In business, Making Your Ideas Stickier is something that should be high on your list of priorities because success in communication impacts in all areas of business: Employee supervision, management, and relations Project team success Marketing & Sales R&D Every other aspect of business More about Sticky Ideas and Messages in future thought posts…

## Sales Tweet #44
Date: 2010-09-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-44/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #44 You make embarrassing, little 'human' mistakes: share a personal story with a buyer today. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Obviously, judgment and discretion is required…and we shouldn’t overdo it. But, don’t be uncomfortable sharing some personal things with buyers. Most people like stories and many people like the personal touch. Be careful not to be too personal too quickly. And, pay attention to reactions. Does the Buyer 'clam up'...letting you know you better ease off? Does the Buyer reciprocate, sharing his or her stories with you?

## How you can improve your sales performance
Date: 2010-09-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-you-can-improve-your-sales-performance/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales

According to Huthwaite research , you can improve your sales performance or the performance of your sales team if you: Choose Behaviour: Identify specific actions you believe might tie in with sales success. Watch for that Behaviour during Sales Calls: how often does the behaviour happen? Keep track of the statistics. Divide Sales Calls into 2 groups: successes and failures. (Obviously, this is subjective, depending on how you define success.) Then, you will have two groups: one with the behaviour and sales success and the other with the behaviour and sales failure. Analyse Frequency Differences: if the successes outnumber the failures then the Behaviour likely is a factor of sales success. In theory, that's a simple way to go about analysing and improving sales process. In practice it isn't. For example, Huthwaite uncovered some surprising things: Most of the closing techniques taught do not work. Closing techniques which work for small accounts will actually lose you business as the sale grows larger. Open and closed probing questions may work for small sales but they won't work for bigger sales. In major sales, objection-handling skills will contribute little to your sales effectiveness. The benefit-from-feature approach to selling can be very successful for small sales but it will fail entirely with larger sales. At Spirited, we recommend a TARMARVALPRODA process, summarized as follows: Identify your company's Target Markets (typically 2 to 4 TARMARs) Identify the specific Value Propositions linked to your Target Markets (1 VALPRO for each TARMAR) Confirm your company's Unique Selling Proposition, also known as Differential Advantage (DA)...and sometimes called Distinct Advantage Set Marketing Programs for each of your Target Markets Set Sales Programs for each of your Target Markets (to maximize success these must be perfectly aligned with your Marketing Programs) Set roles for and assign your Sales people in a manner that ensures their individual skills align with the requirements of selling to the different Target Markets Set SMART sales goals for each sales person Establish clear sales process, using multi-media communication [writing, audio-visual, etc] Train your sales people regularly: help them understand how sales activity meshes with marketing activity and your company's goals. Repeat your sales training messages using different perspectives and communication media. Establish sales-performance reporting process ( Daily , Weekly , and Monthly Vital Sign reporting) Do that sales-performance reporting in groups and one-on-one: as you do it celebrate lessons learned (whether they were learned through failure or success). Be specific. Don’t accept ambiguity. Ensure your sales department has a Can-Do Culture Link to TARMARVALPRODA

## Sales Tweet #43
Date: 2010-09-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-43/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #43 What's the best compliment a Client has paid to you during the last year? What, exactly, caused it? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Take the time to re-live your successes and your brightest-light moments. Work to understand the exact things you did to cause others to compliment you. Don't assume you know. Ask enough questions to make sure you know.

## You probably suffer from Knowledge Overconfidence
Date: 2010-09-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/you-probably-suffer-from-knowledge-overconfidence/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Put Your Best Brain Forward, Solutions & Opportunities

According to experts most people suffer from Knowledge Overconfidence . That is, most people think they are more knowledgeable than they really are. As individuals we think we are smarter than we really are. As members of groups we think we are smarter than we really are. Put another way – in general, when it comes to knowledge most people have an inflated self-image. One often-cited example of proof goes like this: Experts [psychologists etc.] pick a random group of people A problem is presented to the group of people and they are asked to come up with solutions The people are split into groups and the groups brainstorm to come up with as many viable solutions as possible The solutions from all the groups are compiled All the people get to see all the solutions and they select the best solutions Then the group of people are asked to assess how well it did creating viable solutions to the problem…for example, rating its solutions on a scale of 1-to-10 Typically, the group of people scores its solutions high, say 8-out-of-10 In a separate process people who are considered to be experts in the problem area are asked to create solutions to the same problem. Then the experts’ solutions are compared against the solutions created by the random group. And, it is confirmed the experts’ solutions are much better than the solutions created by the random group. The experts have a broader range of solutions and the experts have better quality solutions. These sorts of experiments are interpreted as proof people have knowledge overconfidence . I don’t believe everything I read. However, when things I read catch my attention as this knowledge overconfidence concept did I find myself thinking… So, I have been thinking about knowledge overconfidence . How might knowledge overconfidence show up in day-to-day life? To the extent people suffer from knowledge overconfidence , they probably tend to: Be intolerant toward other people’s ideas Listen poorly Stop seeking solutions too early Bulldoze over other people Have a win-lose attitude in competitive situations Under-estimate the value of expert advice Now, I don’t think I suffer from any of these things. On the other hand, isn’t that exactly what we would expect a person with knowledge overconfidence to believe?

## Sales Tweet #41
Date: 2010-09-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-41/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #41 Your Top 10 Clients: what are their proudest achievements? If you don't know then start asking today. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet If you understand the things that cause your Clients to feel positive emotions like personal pride then you will probably find some common ground for building a relationship. Often, the Client's office provides signals: pictures of family, pictures of pets, pictures of boats or cars, diplomas and awards, etc. Some Clients are not so 'public' and do not display things. They still may enjoy the opportunity to share stories of proudest moments with you.

## 4 Good Samaritans at Waterloo
Date: 2010-09-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/4-good-samaritans-at-waterloo/ | Categories: Community

Late on Friday afternoon, with all of us heading into the last long-weekend of summer… what are the odds of witnessing the work of a Good Samaritan? Much higher than one might expect…if one is fortunate enough to live in our community. I had finished a meeting on the afternoon of September 3rd and my watch said 4 o’clock. I thought about calling it a week and heading home but decided to clean up some paperwork at the office. I turned off King Street on to Weber Street, in Waterloo. In front of the Faith Life building, my lane was partially blocked by a woman trying to push her car to the side of the road. I squeezed past her, almost touching the curb because there wasn’t much room. I could see a couple of people running from the Faith Life laneway…it looked like they were coming to help the lady out. I decided to go past and do a U-turn so I could come up behind the lady…to block traffic so no one would accidentally hit her or the people who were helping her. By the time I had driven up behind to block traffic the lady was inside steering and 4 people were pushing her car to a safe spot. I pulled out my BlackBerry and took the following picture: The 4 Good Samaritans We traded business cards and I exchanged email with 2 of these Good Samaritans. Here is a picture of those two Good Samaritans, the Ackermans, taken while they were on vacation in New Zealand. Dan and Bethany Ackerman If you know Dan or Bethany…give them a pat on the back for the nice thing they did for a lady in distress on a busy Friday afternoon.

## Obvious Adams & the Five Tests of Obviousness
Date: 2010-09-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/obvious-adams-the-five-tests-of-obviousness/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Father-to-Son Lessons, Seeking Simple!, Solutions & Opportunities

‘ Obvious Adams ’ is a curious little book, roughly 6,000 words placed on 50 pages. The book, first published by Robert R. Updegraff in 1916, can be read in a lunch hour…or quick readers can finish it in a coffee break. It is the story of a successful business fellow – Obvious Adams – who is able to see through the fog of the details around problems and find excellent solutions in the obvious . Obvious Adams sees the obvious while others do not. The little book is a great introduction to marketing and problem solving. This book has much to do with the little philosophies I call Seeking Simple and P=2S+O I will write more about Obvious Adams , Seeking Simple , and Making It Stick in the near future. Today, I am introducing more of Updegraff’s thinking… In 1953, almost 40 years after he first published ‘Obvious Adams’ , Updegraff added a section describing the “Five Tests of Obviousness”. Updegraff’s Five Tests of Obviousness Test One: The problem when solved will be simple. The obvious is nearly always simple--so simple that sometimes a whole generation of men and women have looked at it without even seeing it. Test Two: Does it check with human nature? If you feel comfortable in explaining your idea or plan to your mother, wife, relative, neighbours, your barber and anyone else you know, it's obvious. If you don't feel comfortable, it probably is not obvious. Test Three: Put it on paper. Write out your idea, plan or project in words of one or two syllables, as though you were explaining it to a child. If you can't do this in two or three short paragraphs and the explanation becomes long, involved or ingenious--then very likely it is not obvious. Test Four: Does it explode in people's minds? If, when you have presented your plan, project or program, do people say, "Now why didn't we think of that before?" You can feel encouraged. Obvious ideas are very apt to produce this "explosive" mental reaction. Test Five: Is the time ripe? Many ideas and plans are obvious in themselves, but just as obviously "out of time." Checking time lines is often just as important as checking the idea or plan itself. PS: I am fortunate to own an original printing of Obvious Adams, complete with a touching hand-written father-to-son note that reads” John A tip here, boy, towards Success. Dad

## Sales Tweet #38
Date: 2010-09-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-38/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #38 Positive messages are twice as magnetic as negative messages. (Make the better choice) The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet We have tested positive and negative marketing messages. For example…"in these tough economic times" versus "to build for the future". We found positive messages were twice as successful as negative messages. We believe the same applies to verbal messages made during sales calls. Keep your communications on the positive side of centre. Don't badmouth your boss. Don't badmouth your products. Don't badmouth your service department. Don't badmouth your competition. Don't badmouth the economy. DON'T BADMOUTH ANYTHING!

## Snakes and Ladders…and Entitlement
Date: 2010-09-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/snakes-and-ladders-and-entitlement/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Snakes and Ladders. That’s the name of a board game many of us were introduced to when we were children. It is a game that demands no skill. The outcome of the game is caused only by the kind or cruel roll of dice. With Snakes & Ladders everything rests on chance. When the dice deliver luck we players of the game quickly leap up ladders and experience the joy of getting closer to our goal. When the dice bring no luck we players slide down the snakes and face the annoyance of starting over to recover the ground lost. Even young children lose interest in this pure-luck game soon enough. In real life ladders are meant to be climbed…not leaped. In real life there's no toss of the dice to take you up ladders in leaps and bounds. Similarly, there's no toss of the dice to take you down the slippery-slopes. Regardless of how we define success and failure, they don't happen as consequences of pure luck*. We learn this early. So, most children soon tire of the Snakes and Ladders game and very few adults play it. Most people lose interest when they face only chance...most people lose interest when they face no challenge beyond that contained in chance . Put another way, most people feel a need to have influence on outcomes. When I hear people complain about their children exhibiting an attitude of entitlement I wonder what they use as the measuring stick. And I think about that Snakes & Ladders game. Footnotes Snakes & Ladders http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snakes_and_ladders Regardless of how we define success and failure, they don't happen as consequences of pure luck *. This comment is intended to apply to people who have the good fortune – the good luck – to be born in places like Canada, where the privilege of opportunity is pretty much unlimited.

## Sales Tweet #37
Date: 2010-09-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-37/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #37 Record your next 'please-call-me-back' message. Does the recording 'blow you away'? (It better) The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet If less than 50% of your voice-mail messages get returned when you are cold calling then you need to figure out why you end up wasting so much of your time. Perhaps your voice-mail messages are ear-shattering or stumbling and bumbling? If you want to start this self-review process on the right foot then check out the "Talking Tom" app. That should put a smile on your face and that's a good start for cold calling.

## The Art of Questioning - #1
Date: 2010-09-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-art-of-questioning-1/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

…based on Chapter 8 of Bruno Gideon's book Don't Take No for an Answer! Bruno praises the art of questioning: " If you consider the putting of questions you will realize that no other mode of communication lets you express your interest so clearly. You want to know something, you want to test reactions, elicit opinions, criticize, praise, or provoke - communication in its purest form ." You can concentrate your persuasive powers through well-thought-out questions. Take, for example, the recruiting process - hiring employees. Most people spend time creating top-quality questions for the interview process. But, few create top-quality questions for the job posting process. I find that puzzling. Questions can be used to 'influence'. Gideon tells the story of 2 monks, each hoping the Pope would allow them to smoke during prayer time. They both wrote letters to the Pope. The Pope allowed one to smoke but not both. Why only one? Here is how the 2 monks posed their questions: "May I smoke during prayers?" "May I pray while I am smoking?" Whether the story is true or not, it provides a good example of how the wording of a question can influence the response. Questions can be used to determine the motives of others and determine their sincerity. While I may be understating Gideon's thinking, it appears people who do a good job of listening to your questions (both listening to your words and registering your body language) are illustrating an interest in you, rather than a preoccupation with themselves. Gideon divides questions into two main groups: Self-contained or closed-ended questions Open-ended questions Here's a summary of how he describes these two types of questions. Self-contained questions : Purpose: to get simple information - 'Yes' or 'No' Advantage: speed Disadvantage: they constrict the flow of conversation Danger: they can lead to a loss of control Open-ended questions : these are framed so they can not be answered with 'Yes', 'No', or 'Maybe'. Purpose: to help keep the conversation flowing, show interest in the opposing position, and make use of the information at your disposal Advantage: you don't give up control Disadvantage: you are dependant on the other person's cooperation. If he or she is in a bad mood and gives monosyllabic answers you have nothing to go on. This approach is more time-consuming than asking self-contained questions. Beware: don't embark on a cross-examination. Don't bombard your discussion partner with questions. That would be counterproductive. Gideon also writes about goal-specific questions , which can be asked in either the open or closed style: Investigative questions: to acquire information and ideas, to help you decided how to proceed Deflecting questions: to redirect the conversation Association questions: to form mental connections Leading questions: to directly influence someone Conversational questions: to fill gaps in the conversation, to encourage the other person, and to set the mood Supplementary questions: to delve deeper or to get around evasive answer

## Sales Tweet #34
Date: 2010-09-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-34/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #34 When you're late hand the Client $100, to be spent on staff. "A donation to remove your bad habit." The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet First: since tweets have to be so darn concise I didn’t insert the words “$100 of your own money”. But, that’s what I meant. Why would I suggest you give your Client $100 of your own money and tell your Client to spend it on co-workers/staff? 2 reasons: (1) hopefully, that personal $100 consequence would make sure you are rarely, if ever, late for meetings and (2) at least your Client will understand you place a value on his/her time. [You can always say something like: I know you are worth more than this $100 but I am not rich…however, I may be rich some day if I can lick this late-for-meetings problem.]

## Thank You: Celebrating my 100th Waterloo MIN Blog
Date: 2010-09-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/thank-you-celebrating-my-100th-waterloo-min-blog/ | Categories: Community, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Thank You - Waterloo MIN for providing me the opportunity to share my thoughts with people interested in fostering a vibrant local manufacturing community. And Thank You - everyone who has taken the time to read my blogs, rate them, and comment on them. For my 100th MIN blog I am summarizing the highlights of the MIN blogging experiences I have enjoyed over the last year. The Top 3 posts If #visits, ratings & comments are good measurement sticks then here are my Top 3 Blogs : Changing For The Better: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things #1 7 Powerful Answers #1 P=2S+O #1 If provoking behind-the-scenes communication and obtaining polarized feedback is a good measurement stick then these would be my Top 3 Blogs : People Networking…Succeeding in the 21st Century #1 To succeed in Sales I need… A Contrarian Thought About Creativity If having fun writing stuff is a good measurement stick then here are the ones I would choose as my Top 3 Blogs : Don’t put the cart before the horse… - Part 1 Did You Ever Wonder STOP THE PRESSES! Some FAQs about my blogs: Q: How do you find the time to write all that stuff? A: I cut back on watching CSI. Q: Why do you write all that stuff? A: To share and inspire thinking. Q: What was the funniest thing? A: Some of the things that didn't make the 'Did You Ever Wonder' short list. Q: What was the biggest surprise? A: My little Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things video didn't go viral and get me spots on Oprah and Letterman. Q: What's the #1 thing you've learned? A: The more I write the more I read and the more I read the more I am impressed by skilled authors.

## A Family Business Success Story – Stemmler’s
Date: 2010-08-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-family-business-success-story-stemmler-s/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB

Children should be able to enjoy the fun of a hotdog at the ball game. Adults with Celiac disease and other similar problems should not have to miss life’s food pleasures. Here’s a story told to me by Kevin Stemmler… When he was a boy, family and friends in Kevin’s community gathered at the local baseball diamond to enjoy one another’s company and to play and watch baseball. When the summer weather was hot the ball park was the place to be for fun with friends. While a few decades have passed, Kevin still vividly recalls one experience he had at the ball park when he was a teenager. Kevin and his buddies were watching younger boys, about 10 years old, playing a game. When the game was done the younger boys came to the concession booth. All the boys were ordering hotdogs and drinks. Then Kevin heard one mother tell her young son he could not have a hotdog because it would make him sick. Kevin imagined how bad it must have felt to not be able to have a hotdog with your friends. Kevin felt bad for the young boy because he knew the young boy was missing an experience that was a big part of childhood and growing up: bonding with buddies, having fun and gatherings, and sharing fun food like hotdogs. Kevin knew the boy would stand out from his buddies. Kevin felt it was important for children to fit in and since the boy was not able to eat the hotdog he was not fitting in with his baseball mates. For Kevin, the experience was poignant and filled with emotion. A few years later, just after his teenage years had passed, Kevin joined his family’s business. His memory of the young boy’s hotdog allergy remained vivid. Children with special food needs had become a motivation for change. Kevin was thinking, “Children should not have to deal with these food challenges. Children should be able to enjoy their childhood years”. Children should be able to enjoy the fun of a hotdog at the ball game, with their buddies! That is one of Kevin Stemmler’s inspiring stories. [For another inspiring story please check the comments linked to this family business blog-story.] When Kevin decided to join his mother and father and work at the family business, Stemmler Meats & Cheese, he was inspired by this thought, “We can develop specialty foods and we can make children’s lives easier and more fun” . The Stemmlers - from left to right - Kevin, Shawn, Mom [Maryann], Terry, & Dad [Gerry] Proudly holding their Junior Achievement Retailer of the Year Award Kevin’s vivid teenage memory is one of the seeds behind the passion that thrives at Stemmler’s today: a passion for creating healthy things that taste good …. healthy things with in-your-face flavours . I wondered how Kevin came to have such empathy for others. As Kevin talked, it became clear his father Gerard (Gerry) Stemmler provided Kevin and his brothers Shawn and Terry a role model with solid character: “My father enjoys people and personal relationships.” “We are workaholics, passionate, with devotion and drive to succeed…and doing it with humour.” “My father set the base.” And Mom was a solid role model too, injecting strong work ethic into the family business. Maryann Stemmler, the boys’ Mom, especially enjoys the produce and baking areas of the business. As Dad works at cutting the meat Mom visits the produce auction to make sure Stemmler’s has a great supply of quality locally-produced foods. As an aside: when we first talked Kevin explained his Dad [Gerry] is now retired. That means Gerry now works 3 hours in the morning, has a break for 3 hours or so, then returns to work for another 3 hours. And Mom [Maryann] is working right along with her sons and Gerry. Clearly, Mom and Dad still enjoy the work and the relationships with all the good people at the store and all the people who do other jobs that make the store possible. And of course they enjoy the long-term relationships with their clients’ families. Stemmler’s is proud to be serving generations of clients. This local family business has been recognized by peers and by community. The following is just a sampling of the recognition received by these proud people at this Heidelberg-based company: 2nd recipient of the Small Meat Manufacturing Award from the Ontario Independent Meat Processors Association Small Business of the Year award from the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce Junior Achievement retailer of the Year [see picture above] And, how do the Stemmlers react when they receive these awards? They are honestly surprised, they feel honoured, and they display them with pride in their lobby. Over the last 25 years, the Stemmler’s store has grown and taken on a fresh new appearance. Here’s a picture of the original Stemmler Meats & Cheese store at Heidelberg: Here’s a picture of the new Stemmler Meats & Cheese store at Heidelberg: And here’s the inside of the new Stemmler’s store: The Stemmler family has built on the strong base set by the father and mother 25 years ago. Stemmler’s is the place to go for specialty meats and cheeses and other foods. When major health organizations such as McMaster University Hospital started to recommend Stemmler’s products to people with special dietary needs, the Stemmlers received the good news as confirmation they were helping people and they were doing things right. The Stemmlers are excited about serving a specialty niche…they like the challenge of building a reputation for doing the tough things, creating specialty products. They want to always be able to provide the personal touch. They see an advantage in remaining small enough to focus on what they do best. And, they can tackle new product challenges quickly. Their approach is: “Let’s hash it out and let’s go!” Kevin and the Stemmler family are also passionate about supporting our local farmers. Kevin cites two very good reasons: the local food is more tasty and the value we create when we build community through supporting one another is of benefit to all. If all of that hasn’t tempted you to visit the Stemmler family in Heidelberg…here’s a picture of some of Stemmler’s specialty products: To the Stemmler Family: Congratulations for setting such a fine example for people who work in or are considering working in a family business. Here’s a link to Stemmler’s website www.stemmlermeats.ca

## Sales Tweet #32
Date: 2010-08-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-32/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #32 Spend some time on LinkedIn. How active are your best Clients today? What are they doing and saying? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet LinkedIn is a tool: a tool for self-education and a tool for building relationships. If you totally disagree with that comment then don’t read on. If you are still reading then…pick the 10 Clients who impress you the most. Or, pick a mix of Clients and Probable Clients…people who fit the profile of your Ideal Target Client. Now, check out those people on LinkedIn. You probably want to do this on your laptop while watching TV [i.e., this lends itself to multi-tasking]. What are your ‘ideal’ buyers doing on LinkedIn? Are they well-connected? If so, then – to whom? Do they ask LinkedIn Questions? If so, then – what questions? Do they provide answers to other folks’ LinkedIn Questions? If so, then – what types of questions do they answer? What can you learn about your Client by watching what they do? [There are several other LinkedIn things to look at. We will cover them in later tweets.]

## Sales Tweet #31
Date: 2010-08-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-31/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #31 Where do you have your favourite shopping experience? Can you find probable Clients at that place? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This tweet is about the valuable information we can gain if we spend time thinking about the fact everyone buys stuff. So, every sales person is a buyer. This has several implications. There is 'cause and effect'. What causes us to buy the things we buy and what causes us to buy the way we buy? If we happen to notice our Clients buying the same things we buy at the same places we buy them then we have a piece of valuable information about our Client. Sure, maybe this will not be a huge piece of value. But at least it will be a little piece of valuable information. And - when it comes to understanding our Clients...every little bit helps.

## Sales Tweet #30
Date: 2010-08-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-30/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #30 Warning. People make mistakes. Have an action plan ready in case a Client stands you up. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I used to have a "20 Minute or Free" rule. I would wait 20 minutes if a client was busy. With today's technology - my BlackBerry - 20 minutes can go by in a blink…checking and responding to email, writing Sales Tweets, etc. However, there could be a better way. I could make a practice of confirming all meetings the day before. That would reduce the likelihood of 'disconnects'. And, when I set meetings I could let the other person know I will either call or email them, whichever they prefer, an hour [or 2] before the start of the meeting to make sure we are both on time. PS: I believe sales people should go out of their way to be on time for all meetings. We can support this Good Habit by setting standards and leading by example when we have internal sales meetings.

## The Marketing & Sales Picture
Date: 2010-08-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-marketing-sales-picture/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Marketing, Sales

Recently, I created a picture to help me explain some of my thoughts about marketing & sales. A copy of The Marketing & Sales Picture is shown below. In summary, the picture contains 5 pieces: Marketing & Sales Entrepreneurship Marketing & Sales Management Marketing Action Sales Action A cross-hatched section where Marketing & Sales activity overlap My intent was to provide a simple [as in Seeking Simple ] picture that would serve several purposes. The key messages behind the picture are: We need a Picture to remind us business development work requires: Planning Integration and Coordination Marketing & Sales demand entrepreneurship. I have used the word ‘entrepreneur’ instead of the word ‘leader’ [I learned that from following Michael Gerber, the author of E-Myth, etc]. I define entrepreneurship as: having a vision for change and having the drive to keep pressing ahead with action aimed at that change. Marketing & Sales Entrepreneurship leads Marketing & Sales Management. Simply stated, there is a hierarchy and entrepreneurship wins over management. Marketing & Sales Management guides and controls Marketing Action and Sales Action. There are 2 major points: Marketing Action and Sales Action should not be done in isolation Marketing Action and Sales Action overlap Action: Action is so critical we should spell it out at least twice.

## Don’t put the cart before the horse... - Part 1
Date: 2010-08-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/don-t-put-the-cart-before-the-horse-part-1/ | Categories: Family Business and CFFB, Father-to-Son Lessons, Personalities @ Work

Another father-to-son note… “ There are carts and horses and chariot drivers and chariot warriors. I figure the Greeks, about 3000 years ago, looked at it this way: Horses were horses and they were worked so hard they knew enough to drink when they were taken to water. If they didn't, then they died. Then the soldiers ate them. Horses also became eaten if the soldiers ran short of other meat. War carts were chariots. Horses pulled these carts, these carts didn't get to go before the horses. If the carts broke then they were either fixed or taken apart and the pieces were used for other things. If fuel was in tight supply then carts could be burned to create warmth and to cook food. Chariot drivers : chariots contained two men. One drove. He was either junior, less skilled at fighting or both. His key roles were to protect the other more-valued man, the warrior, to protect the horses and the carts because they were expensive, and to place the warrior in a position where the warrior could have a good shot (spear shot, bow shot) at the enemy. The warrior . He was the leader. He got all the gold - the spoils of war. He also, as a general rule, took the largest risk and got to die first. He only drove the chariot when the driver was thrown, was too injured to drive or was killed. If a driver was injured or killed then, after the skirmish, the warrior would replace the lost driver. I mean: the warrior wouldn’t want to be the driver because warriors fought, while drivers drove. Drivers and warriors didn't pull the chariots. If the horses were injured or killed and the chariot was immobilized during the battle then the driver and warrior either ran, or tried to hitch a ride on another ‘single-manned’ chariot...or they stood their ground and fought. Carts were deaf. The chariots simply could not hear or think or do anything on their own. So, they required hands-on supervision and controls. Without horses the chariots were only as valuable as the adornments they displayed, the cargo they held, and the protection and the maneuverability they provided to the men. Without horses, the chariots just stood around and did nothing. With horses but no men, the chariots looked good but for the business at hand (warring or terrorizing or perhaps parading) they were absolutely useless. At best when men weren’t around the horse and cart ran around in circles or took off and got lost. When a driver was added, the cart and horse did a lot better. As a unified group they really got places. And, as long as the path was simple, without obstacles and without treachery the horse and cart and driver got along just fine. When minor issues arose, including attack by lesser-skilled fighters, the horse, cart, and driver prevailed. They did some off-road stuff and they killed some guys, got some loot, returned to camp, and bragged to their buddies over some wine and roasted meat. But, when the combo of horse-cart-driver met an unfriendly horse-cart-driver with a warrior the following happened: the driver without the warrior died and was stripped naked and left for the kites to pick away at, the horse and cart and the driver's armour and weapons all got a new owner. That new owner was the opposing warrior…he took their lives then their stuff. However, when there was a shortage of manpower or a real dirty job needed doing, sometimes the driver didn't die. The opposing warrior just stripped him down and took him into slavery. Warriors had a wonderful, absolutely terrible life. The horses had it pretty good. At least, they had it good as long as they could perform. Horses really didn't plan for the future. They didn't have to worry about planning their day, or next week, or next year. They just plodded along until they got whipped - then they ran. When their usefulness was over, and that is something they didn't worry about because they were pretty much thinking about a bag of oats, their life ended quickly. The only pain they had was the pain of the whip and the pain of injury sustained in battle. But, when the pain was extreme it was quickly ended when they were killed and eaten. Carts: again, they were senseless. Just tools for the men and work for the horses. Drivers: these guys were doers. They got to manage carts and horses and from time to time they got to fight. Of most importance, they had the vital job of protecting the most-valuable asset: the warrior. They succeeded when they managed the horses and chariots in a manner that allowed the warrior to do his job. Killing. They got to fight after the warrior had taken his best shots or when the warrior was injured. If they fought well then they received rewards (a bit of loot, plunder, and maybe even slaves). If they had sufficient skill then they might be able to become warriors. What's the point? There are several: horses are horses carts are carts drivers are drivers warriors are warriors Don't get them confused. ”

## Sales Tweet #28
Date: 2010-08-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-28/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #28 Ask sales-role candidates how they buy (1) shoes, (2) a big TV, and (3) a car. So - how will they sell? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet I believe there is value in analysing how sales people buy. Sales people's approach to buying will impact on their approach to selling. There are many specific things to look out for. For example, is the sales person an impulsive buyer? If so, then is the sales person as impulsive as the price of the item to be purchased increases...i.e. from shoes to a big TV and from a big TV to a car? Another example, does the sales person involve others or go it alone for purchasing? The self-image of the sales person will influence how the sales person perceives buyers.

## The Art of Recruiting - #2
Date: 2010-08-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-art-of-recruiting-2/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Entrepreneur Thinking

In an earlier blog I described some of Guy Kawasaki’s thoughts about - The Art of Recruiting . In his book Reality Check, Guy presents thoughts he obtained from a colleague, Craig James of eMolecules . Craig James is a former Hewlett-Packard employee. Craig describes how his unit of H-P achieved noteworthy success using a project-management approach to recruiting. They treated recruiting like a project. They used a project-team approach, with a team leader. They used the same interview process for each candidate. They worked to perform the recruiting under a short time frame…i.e., they worked to reduce the variables so each candidate was treated in a very similar way. The H-P interview process steps can be summarized as: Host: greet candidate, give tour, explain interview process [20-30 minutes] Technical interview #1: tough, detailed, technical grilling [60 minutes] Project manager interview: the hiring manager, non-technical interview with focus on the job [45-60 minutes] Lunch: with the project manager and one other project team member...informal Human Resources interview: details about benefits and the company...reference checks [30 minutes] Technical interview #2: like technical interview #1 but less intense...explore candidates prior work…dig into the candidate’s explanations of his/her successes and failures [60 minutes] Host (reprise): ...follow up questions and discussions of the next step...thank candidate [15-20 minutes] Ultimately, the H-P team would reach a decision. Regularly the team members reached similar decisions so when the met as a team to discuss the candidates, consensus was, in general, easy to achieve. As usual Kawasaki provides lots of good ideas, including many more helpful pieces of advice provided by Craig James. More on the art of recruiting in future blogs…

## Sales Tweet #27
Date: 2010-08-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-27/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #27 When you buy things observe the sales people. Some are quite amazing. What are they doing right? The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Sales people will do better if they observe like Sherlock Holmes and ask questions like Lieutenant Columbo. If they must make a choice then they should choose to act more like Columbo because he was observant and he always managed to get the criminals to trap themselves. Links to learn more about these famous detectives .

## Sales Tweet #25
Date: 2010-08-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-25/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #25 If your boss is all over you then the best wrestling escape move is called 'Closing Some Sales'. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Often very good sales people forget to close deals. There are many reasons why this happens. Regardless, it tends to trouble both the sales people and their sales managers. Sometimes, sales people place the majority of the blame on the boss rather than on themselves. Actions, successful sales actions like closing sales, are the best way to succeed in the sales role.

## Strategic first, creative when necessary, and always specific
Date: 2010-08-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/strategic-first-creative-when-necessary-and-always-specific/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Seeking Simple!

My friend Terry De Witte says that. I mean, he says “ strategic first, creative when necessary, and always specific ”. The last time he said it, I said I planned to write a blog about it. Now, the challenge is – I didn’t ask Terry to explain what he means when he says “ strategic first, creative when necessary, and always specific ”. I intentionally didn’t ask him to explain what he meant because some thoughts came to mind quickly and I wanted to test if the initial thoughts I received were similar to or different from the message he was trying to deliver . So, Terry will have the right to veto everything to follow. “Strategic first, creative when necessary, and always specific” Strategic first: This resonated because the first time I read them I borrowed Napoleon Hill’s words ‘ Plan Your Work and Work Your Plan ’. While the thoughts have more texture than a simple sequence that starts with planning and follows with working, the guidance of plan first then work later is solid. And strategic planning is the elite business function…it envelopes the other business functions. It is tough to argue with the wisdom of doing at least a little strategic planning ahead . It would be unwise to ignore advice such as this, which comes in so many forms [and I will spare you from those forms and clichés…except for mentioning ‘Measure twice and Cut once’]. Creative when necessary: My immediate thoughts were ‘ don’t make change for the sake of change ’ and ‘ don’t fear change ’. Also, Seek Simple …. Seeking Simple is one of my philosophies. Sometimes very simple solutions are unhidden yet unseen right before our eyes. We don’t see them because we are seeking the complex. Sometimes we are seeking the complex because we feel a need to create…we place a high value on creativity. And, sometimes the perception of that high value clouds our ability to Seek Simple . Putting it another way, often creativity is overkill. However, we better be creative when necessary . We must take a balanced approach to creativity. and always specific: Again, my immediate thought was a lesson learned from Napoleon Hill. Napoleon Hill taught 11 Major Attributes of Leadership. Attribute 9 is “ MASTERY OF DETAIL. Successful leadership calls for mastery of details of the leader’s position. ” Carrying that to another level, most achievements of significance require mastery of details. We are more efficient and more effective when we master the specifics : examples include specifics of process, specifics about people, specifics of communication, and, of course, specifics about ourselves. OK Terry – how did I do? References: Napoleon Hill: www.naphill.org Seeking Simple: www.activestor.ca/post/2010/03/23/Seeking-Simple.aspx Creativity: www.activestor.ca/post/2010/07/01/Innovation-Creativity.aspx

## Stories & Questions
Date: 2010-08-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stories-questions/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions

People like to hear stories. I bet this dates back to the early caveman-hunter days. In those days they didn’t have iPads and I’m pretty sure they didn't even have books. So, some hairy fellow, all beaten up and scarred would arrive at his cave after a hard day chasing sabre-tooth tigers and other such creatures, beating them into submission, and dragging them home for the clan dinner. And, of course, everyone wanted to hear the story behind the huge, charred racks of ribs. So, the proud hunter would share the story of the day. Everyone would get full and get entertained. Then they would fall asleep beside the safety of the fire. The next morning, they would wake up and tackle a new day…another day, another huge beast to cook. At some point, cave folks didn’t completely follow the hunters’ stories. So, they started asking questions. That was a pivotal point in human pre-history. The story tellers learned how to delve into the details. Also, they noticed certain stories and certain details generated more interest and more excitement amongst the cave-crowd. They concentrated on these types of stories with a win-win attitude. Every once in a while one of the cave people would ask a really bad question and the story teller would bonk him with a tree-branch club. This helped the cave community develop guidelines for fair and reasonable questions. That's a prehistoric rendition of how storytelling and questioning began. Sure, there were stories before these exciting cave-hunter stories. There were cave-gatherer stories and questions and later cave-scavenger stories and questions. But, those stories lacked cave-pizzazz. No sizzle. Like: "Blork... [I found some berries today.]" "Gluck... [where?]" "Mrunk... [over by the river.]" Simply, not very exciting stuff. But, when cave-living folks started telling hunting stories and asking hunting questions, well, that was magic. That's when civilization took off. As did evolution. And, ever since those cave-days the hearts and imaginations of human beings have been captured by good stories and good questions.

## Sales Tweet #23
Date: 2010-08-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-23/ | Categories: Emotions & Feelings @ Work, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #23 It happens. If a Client is in a really bad mood...don't push. Volunteer to come back another day. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet: Here, we are talking about both listening and watching body language. If a Client is having a real tough day then it just might be better to end the visit and come back another day. One sales error I made taught me this lesson. I met for over an hour with a fellow who was in agony due to a recently-broken foot. All of us kept asking if he was OK and he kept saying Yes. The meeting was a waste of time for all of us. I could have saved all of us the time and the poor fellow the agony by cutting the meeting real short.

## The Art of Recruiting - #1
Date: 2010-08-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-art-of-recruiting-1/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts

Recruiting is one of the purest forms of evangelism. At least that’s what Guy Kawasaki says in his book, Reality Check . Here’s a summary of some of Guy’s thoughts about – The Art of Recruiting Ignore the irrelevant: don't be impressed by education that isn't of direct value Hire infected people: rather than limit tests to education and work experience...look for people who are infected with a love of your product Hire better than yourself: great people hire great people Double check your intuition: maybe do the first interview by phone so you are not unduly swayed by ‘gut feel’...ask all candidates the same questions and take copious notes so you have a base of objectivity Don't be afraid to issue a challenge: quality candidates will embrace challenges Check independent references: consider using LinkedIn, talk to former bosses, talk to former employees Apply the shopping centre test: if you saw this person in a shopping centre would you (1) go to him, (2) wait and see if you bump into him then talk, or (3) leave and go to a new shopping centre to make sure you don’t bump into him…if you didn’t choose (1) then don’t hire the person Use all your weapons to land the right candidate: people are motivated by more than money and share options Sell all the decision makers: spouses, etc Wait to compensate...use the offer letter as the last step, not an early step Don't assume your recruiting is done: you should not stop recruiting a person once the person is hired. Recruiting is one of the purest forms of evangelism. More on the art of recruiting in future blogs…

## Sales Tweet #22
Date: 2010-08-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-22/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #22 Google the words "how to listen better". Millions of ideas! Just pick 2 or 3. Start trying them today. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet: When we asked the LinkedIn question 'What does it take to be a good sales person?' the #1 answer was - 'Be a good listener.' So, from time to time, our Sales Tweets will contain messages about How to Listen Better.

## An argument on the sequence of strategic planning work
Date: 2010-08-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-argument-on-the-sequence-of-strategic-planning-work/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Leaders' Thoughts, Values: Personal Values, Vision: The Leader's Vivid Vision

This blog contains an argument in support of doing strategic planning in the following sequence: Vision Statement Mission Statement Culture Statements Market-Sector Statement Market Niche[s] Statements Target Markets, Value Propositions for each Target Market, Differential Advantage/Unique Selling Proposition Goal Statements Etc *** Placing a personal or business Vision in writing is tough thought-work. Placing a personal or business Mission in writing is tough thought-work. To believe one can understand one's Clients’ needs and desires or one's Clients' Clients' needs and desires when one can not express one's own needs and desires in writing is flawed logic. Starting from flawed logic neuters one's ability to succeed…or, at the very least, makes the next tasks a game of chance. So, we need to start with our own needs and desires: our Vision, our Mission, etc. Perhaps the best example of proof is the fact the vast majority of people can not write out a Unique Selling Proposition (Differential Advantage) for their business. To make sure my point is clear: a USP/DA is a concise statement that answers the Clients’ question: Why should I buy this from these folks rather than (1) buy something from someone else or (2) do nothing? Many people may be able to state something, place it in writing, and call it a USP/DA but after a bit of scrutiny it doesn't pass the test. We can consider the USP/DA as the teeter-totter fulcrum that balances one's needs and desires against the needs and desires of one's Clients. Put another way....if there's a meeting of the minds between us and our Clients then the USP/DA is how that meeting of minds is described in simple and clear words. The USP/DA addresses my needs and desires. The USP/DA addresses my Clients’ needs and desires. Things are in balance. As a general rule, it is a challenge to understand others. As a general rule, it is challenging enough to understand oneself. And, if we do not understand ourselves (to the point we can describe our needs and desires in writing) then we are deluding ourselves if we conclude/presume/assume we can understand other people's needs and desires. I suppose we could start our strategic exercises at the USP/DA [ie, at the teeter-totter fulcrum]. We could then quickly determine whether or not the 'us' side and the 'Client' side are in balance, But, that will rarely work. So, we should start with our needs and desires: our Vision, our Mission, etc. I'm saying, something like 99 out of 100 people can not or will not write out USPs/DAs. So, starting there is pretty much doomed. And, the 1 time out of 100 it will work the person will ask why we aren't starting with the Vision statement.

## Sales Tweet #19
Date: 2010-08-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-19/ | Categories: Measure & Monitor, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #19 Measuring the results of defined action steps. That's a key to understanding rather than guessing. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Just about everyone agrees we need to measure things. A quick look at most of the things we consume proves just about everything is measured: automobile horse-power, drink millilitres, lumber board-feet, bolt inches and thread size, flour kilograms, etc. Most things we handle are measured. Yet, very often sales people and marketing people ignore the need to measure the results that follow the action steps. My friend says success is easy as PIE: Plan, Implement, and Evaluate. The PIE thinking allows us to make adjustments and achieve our goals. However, if we fail to Evaluate then we deprive ourselves of the information we need to make Changes For The Better.

## More about breeding passion at our workplaces
Date: 2010-08-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/more-about-breeding-passion-at-our-workplaces/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change

We should reduce and control negative thinking and negative action. If we make it clear we are working to stamp out negativity then that will help breed passion at our workplaces. As we stamp out negativity we will promote self-control and consideration of others. These are good things. Why should we make conscious efforts to stamp out negativity? Our performance is the consequence of our thoughts and actions...or the lack of them. And, human nature is such that negative thoughts and negative actions are often more powerful and more contagious than their positive counterparts. When the contagion of negative thought or negative action enters the situation it has the ability to immediately affect and infect each person in the situation. Body language and voice tone, for example, register immediately. Many people are under-equipped to resist the contagion of negativity. And, many people have difficulty coping with negative situations. Even if the people 'in the situation' have thick enough skin to resist the contagions, negative thoughts and negative actions tend to stall others and create the need for follow up by others. The 'stalls' may be as small as wondering why so-and-so is in such a bad mood today. The 'actions' may be as large as drawn-out slugfest battles. These workplace ‘stalls’ are inefficient. Inefficiency costs money. So, there is an economic argument to support the reduction and control of negativity. In addition there is the benefit of paving the path for workplace passion. If cost control is our desire then we need to work hard at keeping our thoughts and actions on the positive side of centre. If passion for success is our desire then we need to work hard at keeping our thoughts and actions on the positive side of centre.

## Sales Tweet #18
Date: 2010-08-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-18/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #18 Perhaps Probable Clients will tell you a fib or two today. Don't take it personal... they're only human. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet People lie. People lie a lot. Some people limit their lies to the point we can call them fibs. Some people set few limits and they tell whopping lies. Some people have no ability to control their lies. Most people set the liar-bar higher for others than they set it for themselves. That is, they tend to judge others harshly when others lie while they tend to forgive themselves when they lie. Or, at least, they struggle admitting to their own lies. This Sales Tweet is linked to self-confidence, self-image, and communication with others.

## The qualities of a good website
Date: 2010-08-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-qualities-of-a-good-website/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine shared some website thoughts with me. The thing that really caught my attention was how emphatic he was and how he expressed his views in simple, clear words. Here is the note I wrote to myself after the discussion. The 4 things a good website must have: Interesting content...encouraging people to read on. Fresh content...giving people a reason to return soon. User-friendly commerce…making it easy for your clients to do business with you. Lots of contact options…making it easy for your clients to connect with you. My friend shared many more details with me. I will write more details in future blogs. However, for now, Seeking Simple makes sense. A link to Seeking Simple .

## Sales Tweet #16
Date: 2010-08-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-16/ | Categories: Sales, Solutions & Opportunities, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #16 The tea leaves say a Client will call today to ask why you haven't delivered yet. Don't wait. Call first. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Over-promise and under-deliver. That raises stress levels for all involved. If you are the recipient of the problem then you feel let down and perhaps cheated. If you are the cause of the problem then you feel at least a little guilty and obligated to recover ...or, you feel the need to hide. Since Murphy's Law does apply from time to time, problems do arise and sometimes we can not fulfill our commitments. When that happens we should make sure we call our Clients before they call us. Better still we should call them and outline a clear plan for the delivery of the thing we promised.

## How to Give a Damn Good Speech
Date: 2010-08-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-give-a-damn-good-speech/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Influencing, Leaders' Thoughts

‘How to Give a Damn Good Speech’ …that’s the name of a book written by Philip R. Theibert. When I find books like this, I like to create summaries so I can look at them when I am preparing a presentation. I find it helpful to look at different perspectives. Here is a summary of some of the points made by the author The Basics of a Good Speech Identify your topic and goal Write your opening line Identify a few key points Support your key thoughts Wrap it up with a summarizing conclusion Beyond Basic – To a Damn Good Speech! Acknowledge your audience Take a moment to define your terms! Clarify your qualifications Address audience biases Tell them what you are going to talk about! Tell the audience why they should care Back up your points with stories Back up your points with facts Back up your points with history Build strong transitions Wrap it up Include a call to action Conclude with the beginning A couple of thoughts.. Take a moment to define your terms! and Address audience biases : these are interesting facets. Under Take a moment to define your terms! we need to avoid industry jargon and keep our words simpler/straightforward. We can not assume others understand ‘ our world’ or our train of thought. On the other hand we can excel if we are able to accurately discover and understand then Address audience biases. We need to understand the audience…that takes preparation. We need to do what we can to make sure the audience understands us…that takes preparation. More on speeches and presentations in future blogs…

## Sales Tweet #14
Date: 2010-08-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-14/ | Categories: Thought Tweets, Ernest Seller

Sales Tweet #14 Ernest Seller gets no respect. He asked his boss for a raise and his boss placed him on a filing cabinet. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Some people think Ernest's boss is a mean guy. But, Ernest doesn't see it that way. Ernest thinks his boss isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer. Ernest was raised to believe people who are all muscles and look like football linebackers often are not gifted with the huge brainpower bestowed upon all those in the Seller family. So, when his boss does strange things like placing Ernest on top of filing cabinets Ernest cuts his boss some slack. The same applies when Ernest's boss gets angry...and that happens a lot when Ernest is in the room so... [more about Ernest's boss in future Sales Tweets]

## How a leader can help to change people's attitudes and behaviour
Date: 2010-08-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-a-leader-can-help-to-change-peoples-attitudes-and-behaviour/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change

I was listening to The Dale Carnegie Leadership Mastery Course … …the following set of suggestions caught my attention: How a leader can help to change people's attitudes and behaviour Begin with praise and honest appreciation. Call attention to people's mistakes indirectly. Talk about your own mistakes before criticizing the other person. Ask questions instead of giving direct orders. Let the other person save face. Praise the slightest improvement and praise every improvement. Be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise. Give the other person a fine reputation to live up to. Use encouragement. Make the fault seem easy to correct. Make the other person happy about doing the thing you suggest. Point 6 includes a recommendation Dale Carnegie repeats frequently: Be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise. Now, well into the 21st Century, numerous folks teach this sort of advice. So, sets of suggestions such as those above probably do not stand out as particularly innovative or novel. However, when we consider Dale Carnegie was adventuring into this territory during the first quarter of the 20th Century…it is interesting to wonder how this sort of advice was received when he first provided it. Carnegie’s 1937 classic, “ How to Win Friends and Influence People ” was a major success, a bestseller. So, we don’t have to wonder if people bought the book…but, how readily did those who bought the book practice what Carnegie recommended?

## Knowledge Is (Not) Power
Date: 2010-08-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/knowledge-is-not-power/ | Categories: Beyond Business

For some time I have had a pet peeve with that saying, “Knowledge is Power” . At best, knowledge is potential power . I know the purist philosopher-types can opine here: an expanse of knowledge will provide the terrain for enlightenment and enlightenment will set you free. And, is or is not enlightened freedom nothing other than pure power? But, in business, we have to combine some skilled action with our knowledge. And, to oversee that skilled action , we have to blend in thinking … thinking ahead – let’s call that planning . Of knowledge and thought, thought is more closely linked to power. So Thought is Power is closer to fact. However, in business, thought on its own isn’t of much value. Skilled action is required. Thought, when coupled with specialized knowledge and skilled action, is power.

## Sales Tweet #10
Date: 2010-07-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-10/ | Categories: Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #10 Ah Friday. Who helped you this week? Call 1 or 2. Surprise them. Let them know what they did. Thank them. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet This message is along the same line as Sales Tweet #5…Friday afternoon is a good time to set aside 30 or 60 minutes to thank everyone who has helped you. Try calling them and thanking them that way. If they are not able to talk then write the thank you note. Resist the temptation to leave a message...while that's better than nothing...it isn't much better...messages are not too impressive. And, of course, there are far better ways to thank people than placing phone conversations or sending thank-you notes. You can create a long list of them.

## A Definition of Integrity
Date: 2010-07-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-definition-of-integrity/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Values: Personal Values

After being inspired by Stephen Covey* and others, and giving it all some thought, I have come up with and adopted the following… Definition of Integrity When you know your Personal Values and When you can express your Personal Values in writing [showing how you think the think ] and When you can talk with others about your Personal Values [ talk the talk ] and When your actions are consistent with your Personal Values [ walk the walk ] and When you acknowledge your think-talk-walk errors and strive to not repeat them …then you have Integrity . *a link to Stephen Covey

## Sales Tweet #9
Date: 2010-07-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-9/ | Categories: Beyond Business, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #9 Successful people pick up and return more phone calls. Don’t ignore successful people. Call one today. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet On average, I believe successful people return more phone calls and return more email messages than people who are not so successful. Here's why I believe that: (1) it aligns with my personal experiences when I leave messages, (2) successful people are more organized than less successful people so successful people have more time to do things like return phone calls, (3) successful people are more open-minded curious than less successful people, and (4) successful people expect good news while unsuccessful people expect not-so-good news.

## Roles in Business…what Gerber & Covey have taught
Date: 2010-07-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/roles-in-business-what-gerber-covey-have-taught/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Seeking Simple!

Stephen Covey & Michael Gerber have provided great advice…and much of it overlaps…these two ‘gurus’ have presented similar messages but they have expressed them in different ways. Here, I am referring to Dr. Stephen R. Covey…the father of Stephen M.R. Covey [who is continuing the family tradition of using the name ‘Stephen’ and teaching business folks]. About roles in business…Gerber and Covey each set 3 levels: Leaders [Covey] or Entrepreneurs [Gerber] Set the Vision Set the Mission Set Overall Corporate Goals Are proactive not reactive Define Success Then what do they do? They provide Hands-Off Latitude [Covey] They oversee The Mapping [Gerber] Managers Follow the Leader’s Instructions on Goals Report Progress to the Leader/Boss, at agreed-to Timing Their levels of Delegated Authority range from Go-fer [the minimum] to Results Reporting [ the maximum] Create the Maps…to take the business from “Here – where it is” to “Goals – where it wants to be” Organize, Prioritize, Establish and Document Process, & Supervise People, who are called: Technicians [Gerber] Producers [Covey] Technicians [Gerber] or Producers [Covey] Understand the Goals Do the day-to-day Work Are Specialists in their selected areas Follow Instruction This outline of roles , whether applied to business roles or to roles in not-for-profit organizations, is a good benchmark. From time to time, I like to refer to this Covey-Gerber benchmark. It aligns with Seeking Simple …: role clarity removes ambiguity role clarity improves the hiring process role clarity improves the performance-review process role clarity removes inefficiency and duplication of effort role clarity ensures all the bases are covered role clarity creates a starting point for decisions [example - who to invite to brainstorming sessions]

## Sales Tweet #8
Date: 2010-07-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-8/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #8 Today. Measure meeting talk. Talk no more than 30%, Listen at least 70%…especially, when trying to sell. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet David Sandler taught this to his sales students. It applies not just to sales but to all conversation. Limiting the amount we talk is closely linked to Listening. It is also closely linked to our ability to keep our emotions in balance.

## A Contrarian Thought on Creativity
Date: 2010-07-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-contrarian-thought-on-creativity/ | Categories: —

Creativity often does not survive addition. That is – when we attempt to add one person’s creativity to another person’s creativity it is possible the sum of the parts is much less than the whole. In fact it may be less than either of the parts. Creativity (1+2) < Creativity 1 + Creativity 2 When one person’s creative gifts meet another person’s creative gifts in an effort to join to create greater things it is possible creativity shrinks rather than grows. I think it is far more likely that creativity shrinks. Truly creative people are able to keep their left brains * in the proper place…that is, they don’t just keep their left brains left of center where they belong but they also keep their left brains silent and minding their own business while their right brains fire away creatively. For the truly creative person that just happens. For everyone else it is a task…often a huge task. In fact, for most people keeping the left brain minding its own business so the right brain can perform at its best is such a huge task it is a full time job. There is no room to add more work…like trying to keep someone else’s left brain where it ought to be. Our left brains are so pervasive…it is like they are inclined to undo right brain stuff whenever they encounter it. So, despite our desire for creativity, we regularly see many left brains attacking the output of right brains…and the result is stifling experiences. That’s often what happens, so: when creativity is the goal we must learn to keep our left brains in check. * Footnote: This is not to say the workings of the human brain are actually so simple they can be defined in terms like right brains handle everything creative while left brains handle everything logical . On the other hand, to the extent this common wisdom may or may not be true…this contrarian thought may or may not be true.

## Sales Tweet #7
Date: 2010-07-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-7/ | Categories: Humour, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #7 By 9:45 tonight, write down the funniest things that happened today. Share one with a Client tomorrow. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Humour is a truly unique human attribute. Humor interests people. Humour connects people. And, some claim humour can invigorate health, cure disease, etc. So, humour is a relationship-building tool…it is one of the strongest tools for relationship building.

## Sales Tweet #6
Date: 2010-07-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-6/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #6 Try a low-negative-thought diet. Grab your next 3 worries & refuse to let your mind chew on them anymore. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Napoleon Hill and many others to follow have taught us the value of keeping our mind free of negative thoughts. FYI: Dr. Daniel Amen provides some very useful techniques that he has provided to help his patients. He talks about getting rid of your ANTs...Automatic Negative Thoughts. All of us have them. Few of us have proven techniques for minimizing them.

## Sales Tweet #5
Date: 2010-07-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-5/ | Categories: INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #5 Who helped or inspired you the most this week? Pick 2 of these people and mail to them hand-written thank you notes...today. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Many people help us and they know they helped us. Some people help us and they do not realize they helped us or they do not realize how much they helped us. Regardless, hand-written thank you notes - sincere hand-written thank you notes - can deliver a nice little pat on the back. And - who can't use a pat on the back!

## Business Premises Statements – The Starting Point for Strategic Planning
Date: 2010-07-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/business-premises-statements-the-starting-point-for-strategic-planning/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Succession

The disciplines of mathematics taught us ‘first principles’. Like first principles, statements of business premises provide a grounded starting point for business planning. Business Premises Statements = statements of perceived truths …the major facts, as we see them, about the marketplace environment we are choosing to work in. Before setting annual goals, we need to make clear statements of our business premises. Business Premises statements describe only our most-important views about our chosen market niche. 5 statements, one for each of 5 Business Premises works well. Business Premises statements must be more than descriptions of our business environment. They must explain our perception of the reasons our business makes sense. If you practice Jim Collins’ Hedgehog Concept * then your business premises statements describe why your Hedgehog makes sense. If you practice SWOT analyses then your business premises statements show why your strengths are strengths, why your weaknesses are weaknesses, etc. If you are starting a new business venture then your business premises statements must provide logic supporting your entrepreneurship. If you are working to bring about major change at your business then your business premises statements must support the need for such change. Regardless, do not rely solely on your own perceptions or those of your people. Before you finalize statements of your business premises have them reviewed by people capable of providing sound opinions about big-picture items…and only seek help from people who you know possess that big-picture capability. If you are interested in seeing sample statements of Business Premises then let me know… * Link to a blog about Jim Collins’ Hedgehog Concept .

## Sales Tweet #4
Date: 2010-07-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-4/ | Categories: Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #4 How about finding Clients for your Clients. Clients' Clients...keys to help you unlock many more doors. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Jeffrey Gitomer provides some great ideas in this area. For example, he talks about setting up 4-person lunch meetings where your Client brings a referral for you and you bring a referral for your Client. That is, you bring a Client for your Client.

## Trust paves the path for Passion in the Workplace
Date: 2010-07-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/trust-paves-the-path-for-passion-in-the-workplace/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Leaders' Thoughts

While listening to Stephen M.R. Covey’s CD-book ‘The Speed of Trust’ , I was thinking – if we could build trust at our workplaces then that would help pave the path for more passion at our workplaces. I have been keeping my eyes and ears open for ways to build passion at our workplaces ever since a friend asked me – “ How would we do that? ” . How can we build trust at our workplace? According to Stephen M.R. Covey : Trust impacts the ‘economics’ for your business. Trust is not just the warm and fuzzy right thing to do. A workplace with trust is much more efficient than one without trust. And, the economics of improved trust can be measured. Trust is the #1 responsibility of leadership. Trust can be learned. There are 5 Waves of Trust: Self-trust (give them a leader)...credibility upon which to build trust Relationship Trust...behaviour Organizational trust...alignment trust Marketplace trust...your brand, your reputation trust Societal Trust...contribution trust How to Build Trust at your workplace: Make trust an explicit goal…corporate and for employees Explain its value in economic terms Measure it Implement it: train and apply For well over 10 years I have told folks 3 things are sacred to me in business. One of those 3 things was and is – Don’t Lie To Me . I have spent some time explaining exactly what I mean. From now on I will not have to do that. I will either simply use the word “ Trust ” or I will recommend reading/listening to ‘The Speed of Trust’ . PS: This Covey book strikes several other chords for me: the father-son ‘chat’ illustrates an example of family business at its best, the trust message encourages us to aim for a better business future, the statement ‘trust can be measured’ is compelling…and more.

## Sales Tweet #3
Date: 2010-07-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-3/ | Categories: Borrowing Brilliance, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #3 Think about your 7 best Clients...your "bright lights". What do they have in common? Duplicate the bright lights. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet To maximize our success we need to focus on our Strengths. Similarly, when we determine what makes our best Clients stand out as best Clients we have an opportunity to template or profile our Ideal Client…to avoid the trap of commodity-like competition target marketing is an essential.

## On Governance…
Date: 2010-07-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/on-governance/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Values: Personal Values

William Dimma has served on over 50 corporate boards and 40 not-for-profit boards. He is well-recognized with doctorate and honourary degrees from several Canadian universities, an Order of Ontario, and an Order of Canada. In 2006 Dimma published ‘ Tougher Boards for Tougher Times ’. Here is an excerpt from page 44: “You know and I know that best practice in governance is a complex synthesis of many things: board composition, structure, process, chemistry, leadership, culture, behaviour, and values. But it’s also influenced, at least to some degree, by a host of largely uncontrollable external variables (what economists like to call exogenous factors).” While the book has a big-enterprise thrust – ie, a subtitle of “Corporate Governance in the Post-Enron Era” and the use university boards as an illustration of a not-for-profit organization – directors of smaller-enterprise boards can learn from the messages Dimma teaches. We can start with the above Dimma quote…his list of things required under the complex synthesis of governance. We need to simplify Dimma’s list. We also need to get to a point where we agree governance does not have to be a complex synthesis. We can start by simplifying the ‘Dimma list’. To simplify the list we can repackage it as follows: Values > Culture > Communication > Value . I have blogged about this … for example . In summary: Values lead to… Culture , which should include top-notch Communication , which when done with excellence creates Value for all stakeholders Values : By Values , I mean the Personal Values of the directors. To the extent a director holds more power than others the Personal Values of that director will dominate. For example, if one director controls the corporation then that person’s Values ought to reign supreme. This works when a majority owner is a director of a corporate board. It also works for a not-for-profit board where control isn’t through ‘ownership’…consider, for example, the founder. I expect some will argue this is not the correct approach. I expect some will argue it isn’t good governance. If a person in control has Personal Values that conflict with those of the other directors then good governance will not be possible If Values are not genuine or properly ‘encultured’ then good governance will not be possible. Values must be solidified. I designed a process several years ago to address this need: the My Business & Our Business process. Personal Values, when they are genuine and shared by directors, capture chemistry and set the boundaries for behaviour so those two words can be removed from Dimma’s list. Culture : When the Personal Values of the directors are discussed, clarified, well-understood, agreed-to, and aligned we have set the framework for culture . We have set the foundation for process and leadership . This should never be left to chance. This is particularly true when governance is to be overseen by a Board of Directors [rather than a single individual, or a pair of founders, etc]. If Personal Values did not capture chemistry and set boundaries on behaviour then Culture better! So, we can remove those two words from Dimma’s list. That simplifies the under-our-control pieces of Governance to: Values Culture Composition Structure Process Leadership More on simplifying this list [and simplifying governance] in future blogs… PS: some hints… Composition – shared Values is the most-critical factor for selection, next is ability to deliver measurable Value Structure – the simpler the better…have role clarity [ process ] Process – the key process is Communication Leadership – inspiring the People to prepare, perform, and perfect the Process

## Sales Tweet #2
Date: 2010-07-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-2/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #2 Good Habits, Bad Habits & New Things... It's your choice. Why not try doing a New Sales Thing today. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet When you boil it down, people only do three different things. They do Good Habits. They do Bad Habits. And, from time to time, they do New Things. Doing New Things is the major key to success.

## Sales Tweet #1
Date: 2010-07-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/sales-tweet-1/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Questions?: The Art of Asking Good Questions, Sales, Thought Tweets

Sales Tweet #1 if you want to sell then Learn to Listen...that's the #1 message I am receiving today...see my LinkedIn Q&A. The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet LinkedIn is a valuable tool. We can use it to discover what other people think about topics. I asked some of my LinkedIn friends the Question: What does it take to succeed at sales? And, the most repeated piece of advice was - Listen Better.

## To succeed in Sales I need…
Date: 2010-07-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/to-succeed-in-sales-i-need/ | Categories: Sales

Here is an excerpt from a sales lesson I provided several years ago. To succeed in Sales a person needs: Average or better health The use of an average or better brain High self-confidence [Thick Skin] An open and curious mind [Thin Skull] Self-discipline A penchant for action When these 6 exist, everything else falls into place.

## Simplicity, Complexity, Simplexity, & Complicity
Date: 2010-07-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/simplicity-complexity-simplexity-complicity/ | Categories: Beyond Business, Seeking Simple!

I get a kick out of words. In 2008 Jeffrey Kluger published his book ' Simplexity '... When the words simplicity and complexity were blended they came up with simplexity . You can learn about simplexity at Wikipedia. On the other hand, they could have chosen complicity over simplexity. You can learn more about complicity by Googling the letters “e, n, r, o, n”. Around the same time Jeffrey Kluger was publishing Simplexity , ie, May 2008, I published a blog titled ' Seeking Simple '. I am now reading Kluger’s Simplexity book… actually, I have just started it. When I am done the book, I want to see if it has altered my going-in thoughts…which are along these lines: Everything is simple and everything is complex, it depends on how our minds are working when we 'experience' the things The way our minds work is heavily influenced by our genetics, our past experiences, and the situation at hand Our desires, particularly our short-term desires, influence how we experience things To a lesser degree, our longer-term goals influence how we experience things Our emotions regularly dictate how we experience things All that said, we have the ability to choose how we experience things: We can choose to view things as complex or We can choose to view things as simple. That's one of the premises that holds up the mini-philosophy I call 'Seeking Simple' . The other premise is – we can boil things down and find their essence. When we choose to Seek Simple and we boil things down to their essence many experiences become easier: corporate culture, communication, marketing, training staff, problem solving, etc. More on Seeking Simple and Simplexity in future blogs…

## Secrets from the BRAIN
Date: 2010-07-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/secrets-from-the-brain/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain

On June 23rd, Lorie Saxby gave a very-educational presentation to our Kitchener-Westmount Rotary Club . Lorie Saxby, PhD is the co-author of Secrets from the BRAIN and she is President of Working Brain Associates Inc. www.loriesaxby.com Lorie delivers workshops and training to people seeking to improve work performance by tapping into brain science. Based on the many questions asked at the end of Lorie’s talk it is clear her insight will benefit not just business people but also their relatives and friends: for example, consider anxiety around public speaking. In an earlier blog, I wrote about Executive BrainSmarts , the 7 key frontal lobe executive cognitive functions identified by Lorie Saxby: Focus, Initiate, Plan, Organize, Shift, Monitor, and Regulate. In this blog, I will summarize the feedback loop Lorie described during her presentation…and please refer to pages 26-29 of Secrets from the BRAIN …an excerpt from Page 28: “ While the Executive BrainSmarts are interrelated, they fall into a continuous and ongoing feedback loop that allows us to gauge our progress and revise action plans accordingly. ” The Executive BrainSmarts Feedback Loop consists of 3 phases: Prepare : to begin our work tasks we use our Focus & Initiate Executive BrainSmarts Perform : to perform our work tasks we use our Plan , Organize , & Shift Executive BrainSmarts Check : to check the impact our actions and emotions have on ourselves and others we use our Monitor & Regulate Executive BrainSmarts For a copy of this informative book, please visit www.loriesaxby.com More about Executive BrainSmarts in future blogs…

## About Writing a Business Plan…a note to a friend
Date: 2010-07-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/about-writing-a-business-plan-a-note-to-a-friend/ | Categories: Business Plan: Writing Plans, Communication: Improving Communication

As promised, I'm writing to provide a summary of content for a mini business plan . By "mini business plan", I mean something much more like an executive summary than a detailed MBA-style document. I mean paperwork designed to be well-received by potential funders. As a first step, I am forwarding what Guy Kawasaki recommended for a business plan executive summary. The following is an excerpt from his book, ' Reality Check ', pages 33-34. 1. Problem. What pressing and important problem are you solving or opportunity are you addressing? 2. Solution. How are you solving this problem or tapping this opportunity? 3. Business model. Who are your customers and how will you make money? 4. Underlying magic. What makes your company special? 5. Marketing and sales strategy. What is your go-to-market strategy? 6. Competition. Whom do you compete with? What can you do that they can't? What can they do that you can't? 7. Projections. What are your financial projections for the next three years? What are the key assumptions and metrics to achieve these projections? 8. Team. Who is on your team? Why are they special? 9. Status and timeline. Where are you now and what are your major, close milestones? Guy Kawasaki thinks these are the most-important things potential investors want to know. And, investors have a very-limited interest in things outside these topics or an avalanche of details at the early stage of discussion. Guy is not that keen on using Powerpoint, however, when it is used for 'funding pitches' he recommends a 10-slide limit. I think it is better to start with brevity...and build content carefully. I'd suggest writing out answers to Guy's questions under each of the 9 topics. Then you can add (selectively add) more details. I suggest limiting the entire mini business plan to 4-1/2 pages...1/2 page for each of the 9 topics. Less is better. And, I suggest leaving white space on each of the pages...make sure about 1/3 of each page is white. I'm suggesting the white space for 3 reasons: (1) it makes it easier for you to highlight most-key points, (2) it makes it easier for the reader to write notes, and (3) it will stand out from the stuff written by others, signalling you have your pen under control. And when this is coupled with a quality personal presentation it confirms you have more to say but don't want to bog others down with unnecessary or untimely details. Later, when you prepare a presentation you can make it align with the mini business plan. If you use Powerpoint then you can have one slide for each of the 9 topics. I have written a number of blogs that cover similar territory, using different words. We ask a lot of questions during our strategic planning training...starting with questions like those discussed yesterday. For example, please visit the series on "7 Powerful Answers". That series is an example of our "CEO Thinking”. When you visit my blogsite – www.activestor.ca – go to the Search tool and type the words “ powerful answers ”…that will take you to the blogs. You could consider our Spirited questions after you have answered Guy's questions. [or vice-versa] Our questions require more interpretation than Guy's...that is, our questions were designed for one-on-one discussion while Guy's were designed for a book. I hope this helps. Rick

## Did you ever wonder…
Date: 2010-07-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/did-you-ever-wonder/ | Categories: Beyond Business

…why being described as “ stunning ” is a great while being described as “ stunned ” is not? …if people who watch horror movies are more inclined to embrace Change? …how many substances behave like water, shrinking when heated and expanding when cooled? …if the Internet will commoditize trust? …why Saturn got those pretty rings while the rest of our planets did not? …when the Greeks first used Arabic numerals? …if it is sheer coincidence that the greatest modern physicist was named after one beer glass? …if there is only one word in the English language that ends with the letters “mt”? …why the Sun isn’t getting a bit more blame for global warming? …if Dog The Bounty Hunter could catch Osama Bin Laden? …why whoever made up our alphabet messed up the letter “w” so badly? …why Evolution hasn’t come up with something less violent than the sneeze? …if the bottled-water market is saturated?

## Innovation & Creativity
Date: 2010-07-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/innovation-creativity/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Put Your Best Brain Forward, Values: Personal Values

During a recent strategic-planning session we discussed corporate Values and Culture. I mentioned Spirited’s corporate Values are: Courage, Confidence, Conviction, and Creativity. I also mentioned each of these words had been defined, discussed, and described in blogs…because it’s risky to use words unless those words are understood. This meshes with our philosophy: Values – Culture – Communication – Value Some discussion and lots of thinking about innovation and creativity ensued. So, now I am writing to share more of my thoughts… About Innovation … Do some search-engine exploration. Or, check LinkedIn questions & answers. If you do this then you can find hundreds of definitions of innovation, perhaps dozens credited to Peter Drucker alone. A couple of years ago, I blogged about Innovation In that blog, I proposed the following definition for Business Innovation : Business Innovation [def’n]: a thing done or provided to add value by solving a customer’s problem or satisfying a customer’s need That definition of Innovation still works for me. But – perhaps that’s because I have drawn some clear lines between Innovation and Creativity. What’s the difference between Creativity and Innovation? And, how do I define Creativity? First, Innovation and Creativity have two very important things in common. Each is heavily grounded in Imagination and closely tied to Change . Creativity and Innovation also have in common, but to differing degrees, elements of Surprise . I argue Creativity contains more element of Surprise. In some cases the element of Surprise is too great to be tolerated [apparently they placed Marconi in an insane asylum when he created the vision which led to wireless communication]. In other cases the element of Surprise shows up in revolutionary art forms [such as the jump-shift of Picasso’s art and Mozart’s music]. While, to my knowledge, Napoleon Hill did not present arguments in this direction, I believe his description of the two types of Imagination - synthetic imagination and creative imagination - provides an excellent way to describe the difference between Innovation and Creativity. Here is an excerpt from Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich , (1937): Synthetic Imagination – Through this faculty, one may arrange old concepts, ideas, or plans into new combinations. This faculty creates nothing. It merely works with the material of experience, education, and observation with which it is fed. It is the faculty used most by the inventor, with the exception of the “genius” who draws upon the creative imagination, when he cannot solve his problem through synthetic imagination. Creative Imagination - Through the faculty of creative imagination, the finite mind of man has direct communication with Infinite Intelligence. It is the faculty through which “hunches” and “inspirations” are received. It is by this faculty that all basic, or new ideas are handed over to man. It is through this faculty that one individual may “tune in” or communicate with the subconscious minds of other men. My point is: when we have successfully used what Napoleon Hill called synthetic imagination the result is a thing of Innovation and when we have successfully used what Napoleon Hill called creative imagination the result is a thing of Creativity . In simplest terms: Innovation is adjusting or repackaging existing things. Creativity brings new things. Napoleon Hill described, as many others have done since [using different words], how to go about the processes of developing skills related to both synthetic imagination and creative imagination . The process he outlined for developing skills related to creative imagination will not be well-received by some...perhaps many. For example, some people firmly believe Creativity is something you are born with...or not born with. That is, Creativity cannot be learned. Other folks, my favourite being Edward De Bono, prove through training Creativity can indeed be learned. And, what about that Infinite Intelligence thing Napoleon Hill talked about? Some will be very comfortable considering that to be God. Some will be extremely uncomfortable with the whole chapter of the book. Regardless, few will argue against the existence of the amazing human experience we call “hunches”. That alone provides enough common ground for explaining the difference between Innovation and Creativity. With all that and much more considered: Innovation happens when we think. Innovation happens when we consciously engage the logical and deductive workings of our brains...and we might as well call that thinking process and the brain parts used in that thinking process our synthetic imagination . So, we can revise our definition of Business Innovation as follows: Business Innovation [def’n]: arranging old concepts, ideas, or plans into new combinations to solve customers’ problems or satisfy customers’ needs And... Creativity happens when “flashes of inspirations” or “hunches” come to our consciousness. Since it is nicer to think each of us possesses a level of creativity and it is nicer to think each of us can learn to be more creative...we might as well call “inspirations” and “hunches” gifts of our creative imagination . So, we can define Business Creativity as follows: Business Creativity [def’n]: using “flashes of inspirations” or “hunches”, the elite gifts of our imaginations, to solve customers’ problems or satisfy customers’ needs *** Footnotes: The definitions of Innovation and Creativity contain the phrase “ to solve customers’ problems or satisfy customers’ needs ” . The phrase is a qualifier, intentionally added to draw attention to the fact business innovation and creativity must serve a purpose and that purpose must be tested in terms of ‘value added’ as perceived by customers. This is required under the Values–Culture–Communication–Value philosophy , which is introduced at https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-family-businesses-have-better-values/ Napoleon Hill link http://www.naphill.org

## Assertive Curiosity – Igniting Passion at our workplace
Date: 2010-06-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/assertive-curiosity-igniting-passion-at-our-workplace/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication, Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity

Dale Carnegie, in The 5 Essential People Skills , educated us about assertive curiosity. Assertive curiosity is a multi-faceted concept, described in 10 elements. www.DaleCarnegie.com If we want to summarize these 10 elements in a single word then that single word would be ‘ passion ’. You may recall, I was asked, “How can we build passion into our workplace?” Here is another answer: building a culture of assertive curiosity is a way to build passion . Dale Carnegie Training suggests 10 elements for building assertive curiosity at our workplace: Remember assertive curiosity is an emotional as well as an intellectual experience. Assertive curiosity is more about passion than about gathering facts. It is about teaching ourselves how to learn in ways that are meaningful, memorable, and effective. It is about conveying to your co-workers an excitement about learning. See yourself as both a student and a purveyor of real knowledge. Gather information from within and outside your field, striving to have leading-edge knowledge. Be dynamic about it, bridging the gap between theory and practice. Become an authority. Be comfortable saying, “ I don’t know ” [which is a mark of true authority] and couple that with an intention to find out. The operational/interactive component of assertive curiosity involves listening, questioning, being responsive, and remembering each human being is different from every other. Find the best in people. Ask the right questions and want to hear the answers. Seek the opinions of others. Find out what people think. Assertive curiosity involves being curios about and interactive with people without having a fixed agenda. Adjust to accommodate others’ interests. Be confident enough to understand other people’s ideas may be better than your own. Be a patient teacher. Share information about yourself in order to inspire others to share their personal information. Share your dreams. Work at having an appealing personal style. Be theatrical. Be interesting. Develop a fine sense of self-deprecating humour…to attract and engage others. Remember, both curiosity and humour thrive on the pleasure of surprise. Recognize what other people want to learn and also what they need to learn. Then, be creative as you work to spark their curiosity. But, be sure to have no agenda and have no expectation. Your company culture, as a whole, must support assertive curiosity. You must have visionary leadership coupled with tangible resources throughout you organization. Assertive curiosity should be mentored by senior management. Make curiosity a factor in employee performance appraisals. Provide training about curiosity. Reward curiosity. Build fun into your workplace. If we work on these 10 things then we will ignite passion at our workplace .

## Here’s a way to build passion into our workplace
Date: 2010-06-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/here-s-a-way-to-build-passion-into-our-workplace/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Entrepreneur Thinking, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success

A few weeks ago I wrote a blog about The 4th Ingredient – Passion . After reading that blog, one of my friends wrote, asking, “Considering the state of the marketplace over recent years, how can we build passion at our workplace?” My immediate reaction was to comment that there is evidence of a groundswell of change…a change for the better…a move toward better values and better business practices. My point was the groundswell will make it easier to build passion into our workplaces. But that may only be theory. So, I made a decision to sketch out some practical suggestions on how we can build a culture of passion around our workplaces. Here’s where I am at… The SVP TEST [yes, a little double entendre around the French words for ‘please’ ] The SVP TEST consists of considering our work options and the actions we are about to take and asking 3 questions: Will this work engage my personal Strengths ? My Innate Talents? The Knowledge I have gained around my innate Talents? The Skills I have gained around my innate Talents? Will this work provide sufficient Value to all affected by it? To clients? To people at our company? To allies? Does this work strike my Passion chords? Will I enjoy doing it? The more YES answers the better! We will not want to get overly analytical about this and we can not expect perfection. Some, perhaps many, things we must do at work will not receive a full set of YES es. We must recognize: the more YES es the higher the likelihood of building a Culture of Passion at our workplace. We must work to expand our YES answers as we take our SVP TEST .

## How to get your business humming
Date: 2010-06-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-get-your-business-humming/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Marketing

In his book The Sticking Point Solution Jay Abraham explained why businesses experience stagnation. www.abraham.com Rather than post the negative , I will reword Jay’s 4 points as How to get your business humming How to get your business humming 1. Incorporate growth thinking into every aspect of the business 2. Measure, monitor, compare, and quantify results 3. Have a detailed strategic marketing plan with specific performance growth expectations 4. Know how to set appropriate, specific goals No question, Jay’s advice is good advice. *** Some suggestions on how to go about getting your business humming : Concentrate on gross margin growth Measure the ‘net present value’ of new clients...ie, don’t underestimate the value of new clients Take simple tactical action and make simple strategic decisions…rather than doing one or the other* Use simple practical tools and processes…aiming for timeliness of action rather than perfection Learn simple measurement methods…if you are not convinced the action can work then don’t guess…don’t do it…only take action you think will work When goals are being set…intentionally set the bar on the low side Be open to ideas…that doesn’t mean act on all ideas…just be open-minded and consider many ideas Make decisions quickly…act, test, and repeat what is working Focus on the bright lights …some things will work better than other things…do more of the things that are working better Build on your human Strengths [where Strengths = Talent + Knowledge + Skills] Enjoy your success . Footnote: Strategy and tactics should not be treated as isolated things. Whether openly discussed or not, the tactics we have employed in the past tend to remain 'nearby' in our minds. Tactics guide action and action generates results….results, accurately measured results, feed and inject value into the planning process.

## People Networking…Succeeding in the 21st Century #5
Date: 2010-06-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-networking-succeeding-in-the-21st-century-5/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Networking: The Joys of Connection

The purpose of this blog series is to develop a framework for best-practice people networking. That is, to provide those interested in succeeding at people networking with a guide…a guide to help them . Not only are we trying to develop the How To Network framework, but we are doing it in a collaborative way. Business associates - LinkedIn friends - are sharing thoughts and exchanging input. This blog series presents some of the details of our idea exchanges. The full set of interactions can be found at LinkedIn . My LinkedIn contact name is WFC Rick Baker . Prior blogs can be found at these links [ #1 , #2 , #3 , #4 ]. At the Blog #4, I promised to adjust my definition of Networking and discuss the changes I make. My first draft of the definition was: Networking is meeting new people and re-meeting people in a business or social context My LinkedIn friends felt this was not sufficient. The definition should contain a description of not just ‘what’ networking is by also ‘why’ we do it. We should define the purpose/goal of networking. While my LinkedIn friends had differing views about the purpose/goal of networking there was a common theme. The differences were more about the extent of the purpose than the direction of the purpose. My LinkedIn friends felt the direction networking should take is delivering value. The purpose/goal should be to deliver value. My LinkedIn friends had strong views about making sure the value was given or exchanged rather than just taken . Some strongly felt giving value without expecting to receive value was the right starting mindset. My LinkedIn friends had differing views about the extent value must be delivered. At one extreme, successful networking could be as small as helping the other person smile . At the other extreme, successful networking could be as large as building a life-long relationship, a two-way commitment based on trust with an ongoing sharing of value . I believe a one-way delivery of value to others could be sustainable for life. I mean, as long as we accept success happens when we deliver a small value to others there is no reason why we cannot keep delivering small value to others when they do not reciprocate. For example, we can smile at others every time we see them even if they never let us know they receive value. My original definition did not attempt to incorporate success . I was trying to define networking in as simple terms as possible. I agree with my LinkedIn friends : in business we should not just do things, we should have some purpose behind the things we do. So, on behalf of our group of LinkedIn friends , I have added ‘ purpose/goal ’ words to our 2nd draft definition, to ensure people know successful networking is about delivering value. However, we have not attempted to set limits on the extent delivering value must happen. If the delivery of value is as small as trying to help another person smile then that is successful networking. If much more happens and the exchange of value is as large as life-long shared commitments and value exchange then that, of course, is successful networking too. Here is 2nd draft of the definition - Successful Networking: Successful Networking is meeting new people and re-meeting people in a business or social context with the purpose of delivering and receiving value

## Do family businesses have better values?
Date: 2010-06-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-family-businesses-have-better-values/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Family Business and CFFB, Values: Personal Values

Recently, I was chatting with a business friend and he felt family businesses had better values than other businesses. To be more specific, we were discussing bait-and-switch and other deceptive marketing tactics employed by some businesses. My friend made the point his family business does not engage in that sort of marketing. That got me thinking . My family company is a member of our community’s Centre For Family Business [CFFB]. www.cffb.ca Every month the CFFB members meet, have breakfast, network, enjoy a family business presentation, and receive education from an expert. The 3-hour sessions, which I spend with my son Jack, are my favourite business experiences. So, I look forward to the sessions. Now that I have relayed my pro-CFFB thinking, I suppose I may be a little biased…favouring family businesses? Regardless, I am wondering if family businesses have better values than other businesses. Could family businesses serve as ‘role models’ and ‘mentors’, helping other businesses create and sustain better values? The question is important to me because I believe Values are the starting point for business success. I mean Personal Values . I believe business success follows a path like this: Values ► Culture ► Communication ► Value V-C-C-V Where: Values = the personal Values of the Leaders of the business Culture = the business Culture the Leaders of the business demand/accept Communication = how well the business Leaders communicate the Culture Value = the Value the business delivers to one and all, but especially to its Clients Again - I am wondering if family businesses have better Values than other businesses. I am going to give that more thought. More on family business values in future blogs…

## Should we badmouth our competition?
Date: 2010-06-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/should-we-badmouth-our-competition/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales

People ask me how they should go about comparing themselves against their competition. Should we hand out those lists comparing features and benefits, illustrating item-by-item how our stuff stacks up against the stuff our competition sells? Should we badmouth our competition, badmouth the people, badmouth the products, and services, and badmouth the company? My quick answers are: I think badmouthing the competition is worse than a total waste of time…it is a backward step in the marketing and sales interaction I don’t see much merit in comparing head-to-head against the competition…these comparisons are better placed when in the hands of unbiased third parties [journalists and mavens] Don’t Badmouth Competitors : Buyers are assaulted over and over again with this. Often, it is more subtle than blatant. But, few sales people can totally refrain from taking shots at their competition. Some do it more than others. Almost all do it sooner or later. So, this is one area where sales people can differentiate themselves in a positive way. I will not get into arguments of a psychological nature...ie, that negative messages breed negative thinking in buyers’ minds and that negativity blankets the interaction…etc. While that is likely true, I think the differentiation opportunity alone is good reason enough. There are better ways than comparing head-to-head against Competitors: If we ask our clients and probable future clients to confirm [that is, prove to us] the important factors and we then create accurate comparisons of the factors – ours versus our competitors’ – then perhaps this can be of some marketing/sales value. Regardless, there are at least 2 better ways to illustrate the advantages you enjoy over your competition. They are: Become acknowledged as leading experts in your market sector…that is, employ a strategy of market pre-eminence [branding] Have independent 3rd-party mavens trumpet the strengths and values of the things you create and sell While these things take time they yield huge future value. More details to follow in future blogs…

## People Networking…Succeeding in the 21st Century #4
Date: 2010-06-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-networking-succeeding-in-the-21st-century-4/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Networking: The Joys of Connection, Personalities @ Work

Recently, I posted 3 blogs about ' People Networking ' [ #1 , #2 , #3 ]. After posting the blogs, I asked some LinkedIn friends to look at the blogs and provide their feedback about what I had written and provide input about what they thought I ought to write next. [FYI - my LinkedIn account is under WFC Rick Baker ] I notice a few readers 'rated' these blogs…and, overall, they were rated rather low. [I have dealt with that as best I can by (1) committing to improve my writing and by (2) recommending to some other friends they should use my blogs as a remedy for their insomnia.] Back to People Networking … First: to my LinkedIn friends who provided their thoughts to help me and others… Thank You! Here is a summary of the LinkedIn -friends feedback I received about People Networking : I agree with your analysis of the two extremes of networking. When I began networking, I definitely fell into the latter group, i.e. the ones who go into a shell. You don't mention the third type of networker, i.e. the one who actually knows how to network, but I assume you will cover that in future instalments. I don't necessarily disagree with the inner-directed questions to ask yourself, but I'm not sure it's the best place to start. For one thing, when it comes to the first type of networker who grabs everyone to explain to them why they should be clients, many of them would give themselves a 10 as networkers, even if they are really a 2. The self-assessment won't work, in other words, if you don't first know what a good networker does. For me, my turnaround came when I realized that networking is not about what you can do for me. It's about what I can do for you. As soon as I changed to an outer-directed focus, I came out of my shell. There was nothing to cringe about if I focused on how I can help the other guy. Yes I agree but I think it is deeper than that. You concluded: "Networking is meeting new people and re-meeting people in a business or social context." I would extend that beyond "meeting" to "developing a relationship with". A relationship can be, as you said, both social and business, but it goes beyond meeting which is often one-way (you introducing yourself to them) to a two-way commitment where you learn more about each other and start looking for ways to add value to each other. This builds trust over time - which from my perspective is the ultimate goal of networking. Once trust is established, an opportunity may present itself. Great way to drive traffic! I agree with your description of the two extremes of networking, the proverbial shrinking violets on the one hand and the gregariousness personified on the other hand. As a former shrinking violet, what works for me is to understand that effective networking starts and ends with providing value. It's not about me, it's about what can I do for someone, something, the world. Doing this consistently establishes credibility and provides the basis for a productive relationship that engenders trust. For me, meeting and re-meeting people in a business or social context is not a satisfactory goal, it is only a tool. The goal of networking, for me, is to develop relationships based on providing mutual value. I'm not sure I agree with your definition of networking. Simply making and remaking contacts doesn't really add value. A network consists of a series of connections. The stronger those connects the better the network. In your example you explain that networking starts by looking at your own personality and development. I don't think that's where people should start. I think people should network with the intent of helping the other person. Help them smile, help them learn something, help them meet someone that is better able to help them. I would much rather network with someone that is more interested in what other people have to say than someone that knows how to nod at the appropriate time. In business I work on a simple axiom - people buy from people. Regardless of whether it is offline or online the idea of helping others will take you much further than polishing your presentation skills. This confirms: My LinkedIn friends who provided feedback understand others have a wide range of ways of approaching networking: some are shrinking violets , some are gregariousness personified , some people think they are excellent at networking when really they are not, and some other folks are excellent at networking. The friends who provided feedback think my definition ' Networking is meeting new people and re-meeting people in a business or social context ' is not sufficient because it does not capture the goal/intent of networking. My friends believe the goal/intent of networking is helping the other person and/or helping the other person smile and/or providing value and/or i t's not about me, it's about what can I do for someone else and/or adding value and/or making strong connections and/or developing relationships based on providing mutual value and/or even more than building relationships it is growing a two-way commitment and building trust over time My friends who provided feedback had differing views about my statement regarding the starting point . I had stated: So, the first Networking step is spending some time thinking about oneself: What are my interpersonal strengths? What are my interpersonal weaknesses? Have I educated myself and learned enough about 21st Century networking? What do the results of my past-actions tell me about my networking skills? On a scale of 1-to-10, how do I rate my networking talent? Overall, it seems the friends who provided feedback are at least a little uncomfortable with the starting point I suggested. So, in my next blog in this series - blog #5 - I will make [and discuss] some adjustments to my definition of People Networking and I will revisit ' the starting point '. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions about these things then please let me know.

## Too busy to be great at what you do?
Date: 2010-06-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/too-busy-to-be-great-at-what-you-do/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, I'm too busy! - I don't have time!

Too busy to be great at what you do? Are you really busy at work? Too busy? Are you too busy to be great at what you do? If you feel that way once in a while then that’s to be expected…that’s not a problem. If you feel you are too busy most of the time then that is a problem…not good for you, not good for your employer. If you feel you are too busy most of the time then you have some choices: Keep doing what you are doing and hope the feeling goes away [the ‘procrastination’ option] Quit and get a new job [the ‘change my job’ option] Change the way you go about your job so the feeling goes away permanently [the ‘change the way I work’ option] Most people make an effort to change the way they work. They make changes like working extra hours, taking a time-management course, reading a self-help book, asking others for advice, etc. But, more often than not their effort to change the way they work is short-lived and they move into the procrastination mode. They feel overworked yet they continue and carry on. Sometimes people who feel they overwork but underperform free up enough time to find a new job. Other times their employers pave the path for that by terminating their employment. Question: how many people do you know who felt overworked [while underperforming], made some changes in the way they went about their business, and lived happily ever after? I mean, how many people made permanent changes for the better? I have ideas. We should compare notes on this and create a list of How To strategies and tactics. Things You Can Do To Overcome The Feeling You Are Too Busy To Be Great At Your Job: Five to ten suggestions ought to give people a good start at it…

## Marketing by Avalanche
Date: 2010-06-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/marketing-by-avalanche/ | Categories: Marketing

Huge numbers of people are hammering away, trying to capture other people's attention and cause them to do this or to do that. *** Every Thursday someone places on my laneway a plastic bag filled with flyers and other direct sales stuff. I was very glad it didn't snow much last winter. I only choked my snow blower twice with those bags of sales flyers. Now, getting all those jammed-in chunks of paper out of my snow blower was quite a task. Now, I'm hoping it doesn't rain on Thursdays: it is annoying when those flyer bags get all wet and mushy. Last week I received 5 e-mails promoting an upcoming presentation to be held in Oakville. I guess I could press a button somewhere to unsubscribe from these communications. But, I have decided not to do that. I'm very curious about watching these folks going about their marketing. And, maybe someday I will want to visit Oakville. Yesterday, I received a note from a friend. The note was part of an exchange we are having about networking (ie, people networking). One phrase caught my attention: most work environments are about "more" versus "better" That said, I'm going to cut this blog short...

## People Networking…Succeeding in the 21st Century #3
Date: 2010-06-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-networking-succeeding-in-the-21st-century-3/ | Categories: Networking: The Joys of Connection

For business, I define networking as: meeting new people and re-meeting people in a business or social context . People will succeed at networking when they understand themselves, recognize other people have their own interests, and spend the time and expend the effort to do the necessary work. Understanding Oneself : generally, we have a pretty good idea of what we like and we dislike. Do we like crowds? Some do, some do not. Are we proficient with computers? Some are some are not. Could we walk up to a complete stranger, introduce ourselves, and walk away 5 minutes later with a pretty good idea about whether or not we could ever do business with that stranger? Some could, some could not. Could we go to our LinkedIn account, do some quick searching, press some keys, and within 5 minutes find a probable client for one of our friends, who had asked for a quick favour? Some could, some could not. The main things are to understand our strengths and understand our weaknesses. It will be a shame to not fix certain weaknesses. It will be a shame to not take full advantage of all strengths. Other People Have Their Own Interests : that statement surprises none of us…or, at least, very few of us. Many people are preoccupied with what’s in it for me? in a huge way. None of those people are good networkers. That bears repeating: people who are preoccupied with what’s in it for me? can not be good at networking. Networking is a two-person process. While there may be many people on a chat line or gathered in a group at an event, networking boils down to a one-on-one interpersonal process. Both people must connect with one another. Networking is a process of growing positive feelings between two people and finding the extent of the common ground shared by those two people. A person consumed by what’s in it for me? has no room for common ground and that sort of personality quickly pushes away most folks. Spend the Time and Expend the Effort to do the Necessary Work : networking is a process that can not be rushed. Rushing the process will result in failure. Networking is about doing work to connect with people who you believe you could do business with at some point in the future. The future could be 10 seconds after your 30-second commercial ends – however, for most of us that is highly unlikely. That’s one of the reasons I am not that keen on 30-second commercials. There is a fascinating fine line between being efficient at networking and being just another what’s in it for me? person. To be efficient at networking we must be able to meet many people, quickly initiate interchanges with them, quickly impress them in a positive way [even if just a little], quickly understand whether they positively impress us, quickly understand whether or not we could do business with them at some point in the future, and quickly terminate all the interchanges without undoing the good stuff that was accomplished. As mentioned, there’s a fascinating fine line between that work and the work done by all those unsuccessful what’s in it for me? people. The key is being truly interested in the other person. Links to other blogs about networking: People Networking...Succeeding in the 21st Century #2 Networking: The Joys of Connection More about networking in future blogs…

## People Networking…Succeeding in the 21st Century #2
Date: 2010-06-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-networking-succeeding-in-the-21st-century-2/ | Categories: Networking: The Joys of Connection

Lately, I have been spending quite a bit of time talking with quite a few people about networking . The people I meet have disparate views about networking. Some folks tweet dozens of times a day, follow other folks on Twitter and Facebook, and tell me ‘getting your name out there’ is what it is all about. Other folks tell me they attend local business-social events and don’t find this networking to be productive. For business, I define networking as: meeting new people and re-meeting people in a business or social context . 3 points for networking success: understanding yourself…that’s the best starting point networking is a people-process…it takes 2 and it takes time to obtain value from networking be prepared…you must work at it Q: Are Facebook and LinkedIn and Twitter networking? A: Yes, under the above definition, networking does not have to be face-to-face it can be face-to Facebook, etc. In other words social networking is a type of networking. Face-to-face networking is another type of networking. And, for most business people both types are networking can provide value. Q: How do selling and business networking differ? A: A successful selling process happens when one party feels persuaded to purchase something from another party. A successful business networking process happens when two people understand enough about one another to assess whether or not there is a probability for them to do business together at some future time. Networking is distinct from selling/buying. It is a good precursor to selling/buying… networking paves the path to selling/buying . Links to other blogs about networking: People Networking...Succeeding in the 21st Century #1 Networking: The Joys of Connection More about networking in future blogs…

## People Networking…Succeeding in the 21st Century #1
Date: 2010-05-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-networking-succeeding-in-the-21st-century-1/ | Categories: Networking: The Joys of Connection

Lately, I have been spending quite a bit of time talking with quite a few people about networking . The people I meet have disparate views about networking. At one extreme, some think every person they meet is a potential client. They spend a great deal of time explaining [to almost anyone and everyone they meet] what they do and why that’s so important, etc. At the other extreme, some cringe at the thought of attending another cocktail party. As the years pass they get deeper and deeper into their shells, isolating themselves. In between the extremes, the majority of people go about doing what they describe as ‘ networking ’ without setting plans or guidelines or assessing the results of their activity. In addition, many people are now saying, “What used to work does not work any more” . Many have asked for simple answers… ”How can I improve my networking?” Obviously, everyone is different. What works for some folks will not work for others. One person’s comfort zone will not necessarily be the same as the next person’s comfort zone. So, the first Networking step is spending some time thinking about oneself: What are my interpersonal strengths? What are my interpersonal weaknesses? Have I educated myself and learned enough about 21st Century networking? What do the results of my past-actions tell me about my networking skills? On a scale of 1-to-10, how do I rate my networking talent? For business: Networking is meeting new people and re-meeting people in a business or social context . That’s the way I define networking. More on networking in future blogs…

## Manufacturing: Adaptability, Excellence, Attitude…and Passion
Date: 2010-05-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/manufacturing-adaptability-excellence-attitude-and-passion/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Hero Worship

My friend Paul Hogendoorn is President of OES, Inc in London, Ontario. OES is a leader in the advanced electronics sector…check out their website www.oes-inc.com . Paul also writes articles for Manufacturing Automation magazine. www.automationmag.com . Since a summary will not capture his message anywhere near as well as Paul conveys it, I have provided a complete copy of his May 2010 column “Passion: The Fourth Ingredient” . Enjoy! *** Passion: The Fourth Ingredient By Paul Hogendoorn George Harrison, a Dallas Mavericks’ game, and a cab ride to the airport. How could these topics have anything at all to do with a column about the manufacturing industry today? The editors of this fine magazine have graciously extended me a lot of latitude over years – let’s see if they let me try to put this one together! Actually, it won’t be too much of a stretch at all. In previous columns, I have written about what I believe are 3 of the key ingredients for survival in the manufacturing industry today: adaptability, excellence and attitude. The fourth ingredient, in my mind, is “passion”. Last month I was in Dallas and was watching the Maverick’s play the Lakers. One of my company’s divisions designs and manufactures scoreboards, and Dallas is one of “our” venues. During one break in the action, the camera spotted a couple of celebrities in attendance and put their faces on the big video board. The crowd erupted in spontaneous applause and the celebrities smiled and waved graciously. I had no idea who they were, so I leaned over and asked a colleague sitting beside me. But, since he was in my age bracket, he was equally clueless. We started polling the people immediately around us until we got to a couple in their late teens or early twenties. “It’s Beyonce and Jay Z” they said incredulously, amazed that we didn’t recognize these two mega-stars. I had heard of the names and through my kids, probably had heard some of their music too. But it wasn’t “my” music, from my era – an era that I would describe as “when music mattered”. I don’t want to argue that music in my era was the best, or most creative, or most popular, but I think I can make a strong case that music in my era – the last 60’s and early 70’s – mattered more than music before it or after it. The music of that day tried to actually change the world, a truly audacious objective - and in a lot of ways it did. There were all the songs about “peace” trying to stop the war in Viet Nam; about “love”, trying to change society’s focus from capitalism to personal enlightenment; about a new generation coming of age, with anti-establishment protest songs heralding their arrival. And then there was George Harrison’s classic two-record masterpiece, drawing our attention to the poverty and misery in Bangladesh. My colleague was in complete agreement with me. John Lennon, The Who, CCR – so many of the bands and musicians of that day had something important to say. It wasn’t really their music that was trying to change the world though – it was their passion that was. Their music was their means of change, but the power that drove it was their passion to effect change. There are many today that suggest that the changes in the USSR that led to the eventual dismantling of the Iron Curtain and the tearing down of the Berlin Wall began when the Beatles first toured Russia and a new generation had been awakened with a fresh sense of their own ideals, ambition and identity. Today, we have many companies in need of life saving change. They are holding on by their fingernails, hoping for “the economy to turn around”, or a life saving concession from their workforce, or a government guarantee or bailout. But what they really need is what I wrote about in 3 of my previous columns – an ability to adapt quickly, a focus on excellence, and an all-inclusive change in attitudes. And, they need world changing passion; a passion strong enough to change their world. The next morning, I took the shuttle to the airport. In a casual conversation with the driver, he told me was from Bangladesh. “Do you know anything about Bangladesh?” he asked me. “Only what I know from George Harrison” I replied. “Oh, George Harrison” he says breaking into a reverent smile, “He is a true hero in my country, everyone knows about him!”. He goes on to tell me that in his hometown there is a big museum dedicated solely to him, about how he drew the world’s attention to that country, how the country has never been the same, and that there’s a picture of his face that covers an entire wall. George Harrison did change their world with his music, but it was far more than his talent for writing words and creating melodies, it was his passion and commitment for that cause. Passion is what makes you go on when logic tells you to stop. Passion is what makes you deaf to unbelievers and blind to distractions. A good idea may attract people to your cause for a quick look- and-see, but passion is what keeps them there. Passion is what makes your efforts powerful beyond simple strength; it’s the critical ingredient needed to change a world. Paul Hogendoorn is president of OES, Inc. and chair of the London Region Manufacturing Council. He can be reached at phogendoorn@oes-inc.com . This column was originally published in the May 2010 edition of Manufacturing Automation. *** Thank you, Paul.

## Waterloo Manufacturing Innovation Network (MIN)
Date: 2010-05-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/waterloo-manufacturing-innovation-network-min/ | Categories: Community

Through the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce , I had the pleasure of attending a presentation on the Waterloo Manufacturing Innovation Network ( Waterloo MIN ) last week. www.greaterkwchamber.com www.waterloomin.com Valerie Machado, Business Development Officer for the City of Kitchener and Chair of the Waterloo MIN Advisory Board and Rod Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development for the City of Kitchener presented the update about Waterloo MIN . www.cityofkitchener.com Waterloo MIN is supported by many local organizations, including the City of Kitchener and the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. Many communities are watching us here at Waterloo Region…and they are watching the Waterloo MIN …they see it as a social networking business vehicle they should emulate. [that’s great news!] Here are a few of the highlights Valerie and Rod presented: About Waterloo MIN ’s members & participants: 173 ‘Full’ Manufacturing Members 105 Limited Members – outside the region, government, academic, institutions, consortiums 48 Promotional Members – advertisers, sponsors, expert bloggers 182 Service Providers and Suppliers 193 ‘Basic’ Members About the most-visited pages of the Waterloo MIN website: Homepage Job Board - over 300,000 individual views and received over 13,000 applications for local manufacturing jobs Blogs Company Directory - Did you know 30% of Waterloo Region Manufacturers don’t have a website? Waterloo MIN provides these companies with a no-cost, branded web presence. Calendar As a Waterloo MIN blogger, I was pleased to see the blogs registering in the top 5 areas of website activity. I am sure most Waterloo MIN bloggers will be pleased to know this. They will be pleased to understand their blogs are of value to the Waterloo MIN members and supporters. I mean – that’s what blogging as all about. Blogging = sharing what we have learned and the way we think with others…in an effort to help them.

## Creating Positive Change: Riders, their Elephants, & their Paths
Date: 2010-05-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/creating-positive-change-riders-their-elephants-their-paths/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Emotions & Feelings @ Work

In 2006 Dr Jonathan Haidt published his book, `The Happiness Hypothesis` . www.happinesshypothesis.com This year, 2010, Chip Heath and Dan Heath published their book, `SWITCH – How to Make Change When Change is Hard` www.heathbrothers.com This book by the Heath brothers builds on the analogy set by Haidt: that is, the rider, the elephant, and their path. For Dr Haidt, the way humans go about things brought to mind a rider on an elephant. The rider represents our logical side and the elephant represents our emotional side. Our logical side is constantly struggling to control our emotional side. The choice of elephant bangs home the point we are often under the control of our emotions rather than vice-versa. The Heath brothers provide many examples of how we can use the Rider-Elephant-Path analogy to understand how to bring about positive change. The Heath brothers recommend a 3-part framework to guide you when you need to change behaviour: What looks like a people problem is often a situation problem So, we must Shape the Path What looks like laziness is often exhaustion So we must Motivate the Elephant What looks like resistance is often a lack of clarity So, we must Direct the Rider The Heaths provide a convincing argument…we should consider all three factors – the rider, the elephant, and their path – when we work to create positive change. And, there are several strategies and tactics for helping people with each of these three factors. We can build the Haidt-Heath thinking into our methods for creating positive change. More on creating positive change in future blogs…

## Found Online: Building Your Online Strategy For 2010
Date: 2010-05-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/found-online-building-your-online-strategy-for-2010/ | Categories: Marketing

Last week, we had the pleasure of attending ‘ Found Online: Building Your Online Strategy For 2010 ’, an education seminar presented by Erin and Ryan Schnarr of Springpad Media . www.springpad.com This event was a well-attended Centre For Family Business ’ education seminar. www.cffb.ca Here are a couple of the good pieces of advice provided by Springpad Media at the event last week. Questions you should ask when Building Your Website Strategy : What is the goal of the site? How will people find you? What are your competitors doing? What is the desired action for each visitor? Following these points, Springpad Media presented a flowchart showing the various ‘action steps’ taken by different types of visitors ‘walking through’ a website. Much of this resonates with thoughts we have been working on. Question 2 above… How will people find you ? resonates perfectly with Question #5 of the 7 Powerful Answers series, that is How do you PLAN to connect with those people who care? 7 Powerful Answers #5 Springpad Media provided many tips about website design. Here are examples: keep your website content simple, focused and relevant and don’t limit yourself or do more than your customers want. Great advice! We appreciated the way Springpad Media customized their presentation to fit the audience. Here is another introduction to Erin and Ryan’s advice…about online advertising: What’s your goal? building brand awareness? creating customer response? At this section of their presentation, Erin and Ryan explained how different website design approaches fit different goals. I will not try to relay their advice, which is based on their many years of solid experience…I recommend contacting them to learn more. www.springpad.com

## Canada 3.0/2010
Date: 2010-05-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/canada-302010/ | Categories: Community

How do we Canadians use digital media technologies to build value into 'our economy'? How do we Canadians use digital media technologies to gain differential advantage in the global marketplace? How does an individual Canadian, like you or I, use the power of digital media technologies to create commercial value? These sorts of questions were running through my mind as I listened to the opening presentations of the " canada " conference. http://www.canada30.com/ We Canadians recognize we are in the midst of a technological growth explosion. As a small example, this blog was written via BlackBerry...a tool I knew nothing of 10 years ago but prize as my most-valuable tool today...a tool created by [in relative terms] a young company, Research In Motion, which now shines as an example of business excellence in Canada. As I wrote that last paragraph I looked to the person on my right...and saw an iPhone in use. I looked to the person on my left...a BlackBerry in use. I looked over the shoulder of the person in front of me...a BlackBerry in use. I looked behind me...another BlackBerry in use. (And, my son Jack was sitting beside me so he can verify I didn't fabricate any of this.) So, there is no question the use of technological tools is rampant...and growing. But, how do we Canadians use and build digital media technologies to gain differential advantage in the global marketplace? And, how will we Canadians know our use of technological tools and our development of new digital media technologies is building value? It seems to me we Canadians need to first understand our strengths. The leaders of the canada 3.0/2010 conference talked about the U.S. President Kennedy and the early-60's mandate he set for the placing the first man on the moon. Yes, from what has been documented about the process President Kennedy followed as he reached his first-man-on-the-moon mandate, we Canadians can use this 'analogy' as a guide. Speaker Tony Chapman talked of our Canadian strengths. He talked about the confidence around our capital markets, our positive multi-cultural fabric, our tolerant society where people work together toward shared goals, and he praised regional leadership such as 'The Waterloo Way' . After Day 1 of the canada 3.0/2010 conference, I'm excited about ‘our moon shot’ …and 2017...when Canada will achieve its goal of global, digital media leadership.

## P=2S+O…and Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats
Date: 2010-05-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/p3d2s2bo-and-edward-de-bono-s-six-thinking-hats/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron, Solutions & Opportunities

I have written about P=2S+O © ,..a philosophy and a template to help create good habits for problem solving: link to P=2S+O template www.rickbaker.ca/Blog_Files/P2SO-Template.pdf link to P=2S+O blogs www.activestor.ca/post/2009/11/03/P3d2S2bOc2a9.aspx P=2S+O presents ideas about a mindset for problem solving and it provides a simple template, which can be carried in a binder or briefcase…as a daily reminder and a daily tool for problem solving. P=2S+O provides an introduction of How To solve problems. Many experts have provided education on the topic of problem solving. One of my favourite authors for this topic is Dr Edward de Bono. www.edwdebono.com Below is an excellent example of the calibre of help Dr de Bono can provide. Before providing a quick introduction to de Bono’s idea, I want to mention my son, Jack, recently purchased for me an original signed edition of de Bono’s ‘ Six Thinking Hats’ , (1985). de Bono suggests we should approach problems from 6 different directions. He suggests we use a mind picture - putting on six thinking hats [like our teachers used to say…except six of them]. Each hat represents a different way of approaching the decision. A summary of those six de Bono thinking hats…I have copied these directly from pages 31 and 32 of the book: White Hat White is neutral and objective. The white hat is concerned with objective facts and figures. Red Hat Red suggests anger [seeing red], rage and emotions. The red hat gives the emotional view. Black Hat Black is gloomy and negative. The black hat covers the negative aspects - why it cannot be done. Yellow Hat Yellow is sunny and positive. The yellow hat is positive and covers hope and positive thinking. Green Hat Green is grass, vegetation and abundant, fertile growth. The green hat indicates creativity and new ideas. Blue Hat Blue is cool, and it is also the color of the sky, which is above everything else. The blue hat is concerned with control and the organization of the thinking process. Also the use of the other hats. There are some interesting consequences of putting on 6 different hats when we make decisions and solve problems. If nothing else, the six-thinking-hat mind exercise allows us to better understand others’ perspectives. And that, on its own, is a rather important skill. More on Six Thinking Hats later…

## How To - Pitch Your Business Idea
Date: 2010-05-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-to-pitch-your-business-idea/ | Categories: Investor Funding, Personalities @ Work

A fascinating experience… …watching people pitch their business ideas to people who possess money For example: Dragon’s Den, Shark Tank, and other such TV shows enjoy a level of popularity. Our universities have business-pitch contents. Also, our community has its Golden Triangle Angelnet. goldentriangleangelnet.angelgroups.net And, of course, Spirited Investors receives many requests. www.spiritedinvestors.ca In an effort to help people who struggle with pitching their business ideas I am working on a book, which will provide ‘How To’ advice. Here is a sample – How To Pitch Your Business Idea Know the way business funders think Project a pleasing presence…unleashing your personality Impress them with your natural confidence Keep it concise...in less time than provided, absolutely nail a few key points Keep it simple...do not bore them with details or annoy them with jargon Anticipate the questions...and when they are asked, answer them crisply Know the way business funders think A couple of points: Yes, I know I repeated “know the way business funders think” . I wrote that twice because I thought writing it 5 times might annoy you and subtract from the value. Business Idea Pitches: it seems to me this is an extreme territory for human communication. Certainly, it is much more intense/extreme than everyday business communication. And, it is more intense/extreme than the average sales pitch or deal negotiation. For most people who take the adventure, doing a Business Idea Pitch is one of the most-challenging communications in business.

## STOP THE PRESSES! #7
Date: 2010-04-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stop-the-presses-7/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

You are the CEO. For some strange reason a loud voice declared “ STOP THE PRESSES ” and everything at your operation, all the people and all the machines, came to a screeching halt. But, you were unscathed. So you took some time to rest and relax. Then, after doing that for a while, you became bored and you asked yourself: " How should I get things back on track ?" " How should I re-start the people and re-start the presses ?" “What are the right things to do?” As you stopped to think, ideas came to you…here’s the “ Right Things ” you decided for your business future: *** We Enjoy the Time We Spend at Our Workplace because: our workplace exudes a hassle-free atmosphere where winners Share the Right Culture our people understand one another’s talents and we Make the Most of Our People’s Strengths we ensure stress levels are under control and we Maintain an Appreciation of Humour We Truly Connect With People because: our people commit to understanding themselves and others and we Make Networking a Career Goal our people feel generous about going all those extra miles and we Commit to Delivering Value First we refuse to let policy or process get in our way and we Guarantee We Will Get Things Done Right We Are Idea Leaders because: our people always work to revitalize self-confidence so we always Empower Decision-Making we know with certainty ideas are a key ingredient for success and we Inspire Creativity our people are convinced prosperity happens with new things and we Promote Emergent Change We Excel at Doing Deals because: we feel so good about our company, and our services that Every One of Us Promotes Our Company we are confident enough to take the right risks and We Commit to Leading With Deals we feel so strongly about the merits of action we rekindle a habit called We Celebrate Our Errors We Are Always Able to Prove We Deliver Value because: our people decided they will only do fair deals and they will live by the motto Fair Deals Or No Deals we do money decisions while in the other guys’ shoes under The Other Guy’s Shoes Money-Rule we truly know our target markets and their value perceptions… a mindset we call Tarmarvalproda *** You wrote out your detailed plans for these things so you could share them with all your people. You made a commitment to yourself…these things would be in place when you re-start your people and you re-start your presses…when you re-start your business and STOP THE PRESSES becomes a very fond memory. You were pleased with your accomplishment. You decided to sleep on it one more night. To be continued…

## STOP THE PRESSES! #6
Date: 2010-04-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stop-the-presses-6/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Marketing, Sales

You are the CEO. For some strange reason a loud voice declared “ STOP THE PRESSES ” and everything at your operation, all the people and all the machines, came to a screeching halt. But, you were unscathed. So you took some time to rest and relax. Then, after doing that for a while, you became bored and you asked yourself: " How should I get things back on track ?" " How should I re-start the people and re-start the presses ?" “What are the right things to do?” As you stopped to think, ideas started to come to you… *** Wouldn’t it be great if We Are Always Able to Prove We Deliver Value after we re-start our operation. How might we go about making sure that happens? What if… What if our people decide they will only do fair deals and they will live by the motto Fair Deals Or No Deals …that would help What if we commit to handling money decisions as if we were in the other guy’s shoes and we adopt The Other Guy’s Shoes Money-Rule …that would help What if we truly know our target markets and the value propositions they perceive and we cover this in a mindset we call Tarmarvalproda …that would help *** You gave these things deep thought, creating plans for Fair Deals Or No Deals , The Other Guy’s Shoes Money-Rule , and your marketing mindset called Tarmarvalproda so you and your people will be able to accurately state We Are Always Able to Prove We Deliver Value . You wrote out your plans for these things so you could share them when the time was right. You made a commitment to yourself…these things would be in place when you re-start your people and you re-start your presses. You decided to sleep on it and see if any more ideas came to you. To be continued…

## STOP THE PRESSES! #5
Date: 2010-04-27 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stop-the-presses-5/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

You are the CEO. For some strange reason a loud voice declared “ STOP THE PRESSES ” and everything at your operation, all the people and all the machines, came to a screeching halt. But, you were unscathed. So you took some time to rest and relax. Then, after doing that for a while, you became bored and you asked yourself: " How should I get things back on track ?" " How should I re-start the people and re-start the presses ?" “What are the right things to do?” As you stopped to think, ideas started to come to you… *** Wouldn’t it be great if We Excel at Doing Deals after we re-start our operation. How might we go about making sure that happens? What if… What if we feel so good about our team, our company, and our products and services that Every One of Us Promotes Our Company …that would help What if we are confident enough to take the right risks and we are spirited enough that We Commit to Leading With Deals …that would help What if we feel so strongly about the merits of action we rekindle a habit called We Celebrate Our Errors …that would help *** You gave these things deep thought, creating plans so Every One of Your People Promotes Your Company, Your People Commit to Leading With Deals, and Your People Celebrate Your Errors so you and your people will with pride be able to say We Excel at Doing Deals . You wrote out your plans for these things so you could share them when the time was right. You made a commitment to yourself…these things would be in place when you re-start your people and you re-start your presses. You decided to sleep on it and see if any more ideas came to you. To be continued…

## STOP THE PRESSES! #4
Date: 2010-04-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stop-the-presses-4/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

You are the CEO. For some strange reason a loud voice declared “ STOP THE PRESSES ” and everything at your operation, all the people and all the machines, came to a screeching halt. But, you were unscathed. So you took some time to rest and relax. Then, after doing that for a while, you became bored and you asked yourself: " How should I get things back on track ?" " How should I re-start the people and re-start the presses ?" “What are the right things to do?” As you stopped to think, ideas started to come to you… *** Wouldn’t it be great if We Are Idea Leaders after we re-start our operation. How might we go about making sure that happens? What if… What if our people always work to revitalize self-confidence so we always Empower Decision-Making …that would help What if we know with certainty ideas are a key ingredient for success and we Inspire Creativity …that would help What if our people are convinced prosperity happens with new things so we Promote Emergent Change …that would help *** You gave these things deep thought, creating plans for Empowering Decision-Making, Inspiring Creativity, and Promoting Emergent Change so you and your people will with confidence be able to say We Are Idea Leaders . You wrote out your plans for these things so you could share them when the time was right. You made a commitment to yourself…these things would be in place when you re-start your people and you re-start your presses. You decided to sleep on it and see if any more ideas came to you. To be continued…

## STOP THE PRESSES! #3
Date: 2010-04-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stop-the-presses-3/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

You are the CEO. For some strange reason a loud voice declared “ STOP THE PRESSES ” and everything at your operation, all the people and all the machines, came to a screeching halt. But, you were unscathed. So you took some time to rest and relax. Then, after doing that for a while, you became bored and you asked yourself: " How should I get things back on track ?" " How should I re-start the people and re-start the presses ?" “What are the right things to do?” As you stopped to think, ideas started to come to you… *** Wouldn’t it be great if We Truly Connect With People after we re-start our operation. How might we go about making sure that happens? What if… What if our people commit to understanding themselves and others and Make Networking a Career Goal …that would help What if our people feel generous about going all those extra miles and Commit to Delivering Value First …that would help What if we refuse to let policy or process get in our way and we Guarantee We Will Get Things Done Right …that would help *** You gave these things deep thought, creating plans for Making Networking a Career Goal, Committing to Delivering Value First, and Guaranteeing You Will Get Things Done Right so you and your people will be able to honestly say We Truly Connect With People . You wrote out your plans for these things so you could share them when the time was right. You made a commitment to yourself…these things would be in place when you re-start your people and you re-start your presses. You decided to sleep on it and see if any more ideas came to you. To be continued…

## STOP THE PRESSES! #2
Date: 2010-04-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stop-the-presses-2/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

You are the CEO. For some strange reason a loud voice declared " STOP THE PRESSES " and everything at your operation, all the people and all the machines, came to a screeching halt. But, you were unscathed. So you took some time to rest and relax. Then, after doing that for a while, you became bored and you asked yourself: " How should I get things back on track ?" " How should I re-start the people and re-start the presses ?" "What are the right things to do?" As you stopped to think, ideas started to come to you… *** Wouldn't it be great if We Enjoy the Time We Spend at Our Workplace after we re-start our operation. How might we go about making sure that happens? What if… What if our workplace has a 'hassle-free' atmosphere where winners Share the Right Culture …that would help What if our people understand one another's talents and we Make the Most of Our People's Strengths …that would help What if we ensure stress levels are under control and we Maintain an Appreciation of Humour …that would help *** You gave these things deep thought, creating plans for Sharing the Right Culture , Making the Most of Your People's Strengths , and Maintaining an Appreciation of Humour so you and your people will Enjoy the Time You Spend at Your Workplace . You wrote out your plans for these things so you could share them when the time was right. You made a commitment to yourself…these things would be in place when you re-start your people and you re-start your presses. You decided to sleep on it and see if any more ideas came to you. To be continued…

## STOP THE PRESSES! #1
Date: 2010-04-20 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/stop-the-presses/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

You are the CEO. Imagine you are at work at your plant. Imagine your plant’s alarm sirens scream and a larger-than-life voice blares through your loudspeaker: " STOP THE PRESSES! " Imagine you look up at your large clock, the white one with the black hands, high up on the wall of your production area. The clock ever so slowly ticks one more second then it stops. All your machines groan and screech as they halt their work…the whole place is silent. As in one of those sci-fi movies we see advertised on TV, all your people stand frozen in time. That is, every person but you. You are unscathed. You are able to walk about…in the calm, still, and eerie silence. Once the surprise wears off your next reaction, of course, is... “Finally…some time to rest and relax!” You do that. You rest. You relax. After some time, you are refreshed and invigorated: so, the joy of all that rest and relaxation wears off. You get really bored and you begin to think. You wonder..." How can I get things back on track ?" “ How can I re-start this business of mine ?" And, recognizing you are under absolutely no pressure from anyone or anything, your mind takes it one step farther. You don’t just ask yourself " How can I get things back on track ?" You ask yourself: " How should I get things back on track ?" " How should I re-start the people and re-start the presses ?" “What are the right things to do?” As you focus your thoughts and envision the future, ideas start to come to you… To be continued…

## Executive BrainSmarts
Date: 2010-04-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/executive-brainsmarts/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Put Your Best Brain Forward

I had the pleasure of visiting with Dr. Lorie Saxby last week. Lorie co-authored Secrets from the BRAIN – Sharpen Your Thinking, Power Your Performance , (2010). Lorie provided an autographed copy of her book, which now has a place in my little but growing library of author-signed books. link to Lorie’s website http://www.workingbrainassociates.com Secrets from the BRAIN – Sharpen Your Thinking, Power Your Performance provides a fresh new way to think about the behaviour and performance we experience in our workplaces. The book has a top-notch design. It provides reader-friendly explanations of the brain and how our brains, specifically the frontal lobes of our brains, operate and influence our behaviour. Many examples of both good and not-so-good behaviour - ie, the real-life things we are all familiar with – are provided. The straightforward examples allow us to quickly grasp the authors’ points. And, I appreciated the balance between good behaviour and not-so-good behaviour. Of most importance, Secrets from the BRAIN – Sharpen Your Thinking, Power Your Performance provides help for those who want to perform better and/or help other people perform better. And, isn’t that exactly what business leaders want to do! The authors created Executive BrainSmarts . In summary, Executive BrainSmarts is a tool to help us understand and improve behaviour. Here is an excerpt from the book… “To this end, we have identified seven key frontal lobe executive cognitive functions that are particularly relevant to optimal work performance and productivity. We call these 'Executive BrainSmarts.'” While I will list the 7 functions – focus, initiate, plan, organize, shift, monitor, and regulate - I recommend reading the entire book to understand the relationship between these functions…all of which is summarized in an excellent way in Figure 3: Executive BrainSmarts Paradigm . I found Figure 3 so helpful I photocopied and enlarged it so I can post a copy in my office and carry a copy in my notebook. I intend to re-read this book. It expands my thinking about ‘CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, and New Things’ . The book has triggered several ideas already and I believe more ideas will come with each reading. More on Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things in future blogs …

## Building A Quality Attitude
Date: 2010-04-13 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/building-a-quality-attitude/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude

Most people know the importance of having a good, positive attitude. Many people talk about it. Some argue with the words like ‘ positive mental attitude ’…for example Gitomer talks about the ‘YES Attitude’. Link to Gitomer – YES Attitude http://tinyurl.com/4zrgfl No matter what we call it, we all know we are better off when we have it...so, I like it when people tell us how to go about developing a positive metal attitude . I recently listened to the CD version of Nido Qubein’s ‘ How to Position Yourself for Success ’. Link to Nido Qubein books http://www.nidoqubein.com/prodresults.cfm?cid=4 Nido Qubein presents a helpful summary for Building a Quality Attitude : have a positive mental outlook about situations, people and ourselves associate with people committed to excellence study the lives and actions of great people, read good books, etc focus on long-range goals, nothing motivates like achievement always know what you are going to do next (To Do lists help), set yourself up for easy beginnings...leave a half-completed sentence on your typewriter, lay out your clothes, do a pleasant task first thing in the morning put real meaning into your life...give everything you've got to everything you do...every minute adopt a Can Do vocabulary More about attitude in future blogs…

## 7 Ways to Turn Problems into Opportunities
Date: 2010-04-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-ways-to-turn-problems-into-opportunities/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Solutions & Opportunities, Optimism & Pessimism, Seeking Simple!

In his book ‘ How to Position Yourself for Success ’, Nido Qubein provides a summary of 7 ways to turn problems into opportunities. www.nidoqubein.com 7 Ways to Turn Problems into Opportunities Expect Problems...and be willing to tackle them head on Plan Solutions for Problems in Advance...so you are confident when they arrive Focus on Fixing the Problem not on Fixing the Blame Make sure you understand the Problem before you start to work on fixing it; ensure you are fixing the problem and not just a symptom Formulate several possible solutions to the problem and examine them Choose a solution and act Turn you back on the problem and face your next challenge This meshes well with P=2S+O ©. For every P roblem we should be able to come up with at least 2 S olutions. And, we should keep our eyes and ears open for great O pportunities, which often are hiding under P roblems. http://www.waterloomin.com/blogs/activestor/p2so [a link to the first in a series of P=2S+O blogs] Several of Nido Qubein’s thoughts about problems resonate with me. A couple of examples: We should not avoid problems. We should face them with courage and confidence [two of our Corporate Values ]. And, even better we should expect problems and plan their solutions in advance. We can use the P=2S+O template to help us sort out our thoughts and create our plans. [ download P=2S+O template ] We should think of many solutions then compare them. In the past, I have been happy to see people present to me two solutions under the P=2S+O process. I have been reluctant to press for more than 2 solutions. I’m going to give that more thought. More on problems, solutions, & P=2S+O © in future blogs…

## Networking: A letter to local business leaders
Date: 2010-04-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/networking-a-letter-to-local-business-leaders/ | Categories: Networking: The Joys of Connection

A Prescription for Business Prosperity Fellow Business Leaders, Imagine your doctor has a finger on the pulse of your business. Your doctor says the vital signs are good enough... but …they could be better. The doctor says your business would benefit from an injection of profit-generating sales . Now, imagine your doctor hands you a prescription that reads' " YOUR PEOPLE MUST EXPAND THEIR NETWORKING SKILLS " Where would you go to fill that prescription? Your Chamber of Commerce has a suggestion that makes a lot of sense. You should go to the new University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, Tuesday, April 13th, at 5:00 p.m . That's when the Chamber introduces its new networking event: Chamber Connections , sponsored by Rogers. The first Rogers Chamber Connections event has an HST theme coupled with an awesome venue so the event provides 3 opportunities of value to business leaders and their people: 1. An opportunity to begin to take networking to a higher, profit-generating plane. That applies whether or not you want to lead your employees by example or have other successful 'Connectors', including Directors of your Chamber Board , help your people hone and expand their networking skills. 2. An opportunity to learn about HST . Jane Adams of KPMG will be providing a concise explanation and Jane and other experts will answer your questions so your company handles HST implementation as simply and smoothly as possible. 3. An opportunity to tour our community's new School of Pharmacy ...a fine example of vibrant innovation. More details are provided in the attached event flyer. As a Director of The Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce , I'm honoured to have the privilege of sending this note to you, introducing the inauguration of Rogers Chamber Connections . The leaders of your Chamber and the founding committee for this event look forward to serving you at Rogers Chamber Connections . You can register to attend this event at your Chamber’s website www.greaterkwchamber.com . Or, if you would like assistance then please contact Tara at TTurner@greaterkwchamber.com or Julie at JTedesko@greaterkwchamber.com . Click here to view the Rogers Chamber Connections flyer Yours truly, W.F.C. (Rick) Baker CEO Spirited Investors Corporation

## Emergent Change
Date: 2010-04-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/emergent-change/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Values: Personal Values

Planned Change & Emergent Change…these are the two types of business change Linda Gregorio described when she presented to the Centre For Family Business last Friday morning. www.cffb.ca [ Linda can be reached by email . ] Here are some of the notes I took as Linda summarized Emergent Change. Emergent Change is happening in your workplace when you can spot: A business-literate work force where people have role knowledge People get the context for Change People understand how Change meshes with Corporate Vision A work force that has permission to act Not managers swooping down on people like seagulls A work force that will challenge the status quo ‘Leaderness’ that encourages a ‘ readiness to change’ culture So, whether or not change happens successfully at your organization depends on your business culture. Put another way…you have the ability to influence that culture. As a leader, or an aspiring leader, you have an obligation to work at creating a business culture that encourages ‘ readiness to change ’. Here is a sample of the process I am thinking about to encourage a proper business culture, including ‘readiness to change’. I call the process V-C-C-V. Values – Culture – Communication – Value Values: the leader’s personal Values Culture : the sum of the leader’s Values and the Values of everyone at the organization Communication : the leader must share his/her Values…repeatedly Value : then, all parties - employees, clients, shareholders, suppliers, etc – will receive Value More about V-C-C-V in future blogs…

## 10 Rules for Building a Great Organization
Date: 2010-03-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/10-rules-for-building-a-great-organization/ | Categories: Hero Worship, INSPIRE PEOPLE - GROW PROFITS!, Master Rules, Values: Personal Values

My friend, Ben Bach, thoughtfully loaned me his copy of the book ‘Enough. True Measures of Money, Business, and Life ’, written by John C. Bogle, the founder and former CEO of Vanguard Mutual Fund Group. http://www.johnboglemedia.com I recommend the book to anyone interested in understanding the current status of capitalism. Of more importance, John C. Bogle offers clear ideas on how we can help build a better future for our businesses and for our investments [and for generations to follow]. I will be picking up a copy of ‘Enough.’ for my library. [ some personal comments at the footnote ] Here is a sample of John C. Bogle’s wisdom… 10 Rules For Building a Great Business Rule 1: Make Caring the Soul of the Organization Rule 2: Forget about Employees (the word hardly suggests teamwork and cooperation at Vanguard, Bogle uses 'crew member'… see footnote for an explanation ) Rule 3: Set High Standards and Values - and Stick to Them Rule 4: Talk the Talk, Repeat the Values Endlessly Rule 5: Walk the Walk, Actions Speak Louder than Words Rule 6: Don't Overmanage Rule 7: Recognize Individual Achievement Rule 8: A Reminder - Loyalty Is a Two-Way Street Rule 9: Lead and Manage for the Long Term Rule 10: Press On, Regardless Footnote: John C. Bogle is an avid admirer of Lord Horatio Nelson. We have that in common. Lord Nelson is very high on my list of historic heroes. Nelson inspired a nation to heights rarely accomplished and his legacy lives on in the hearts of many. In honour of his ‘patron saint’ , Admiral Nelson, Bogle decided to remove the word employee from his company’s lexicon and instead call his people crew members . [PS: Bogle also named his company Vanguard out of respect for Lord Nelson.] A link to Lord/Admiral Horatio Nelson http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horatio_Nelson,_1st_Viscount_Nelson More about Standards and Values [Rules 3 and 4] in future blogs…

## Some Ideas About Optimism
Date: 2010-03-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-ideas-about-optimism/ | Categories: Optimism & Pessimism, Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude

We all know when people say “That glass is half full” they are optimists. But, how else can we spot them? Does a person’s communication give us clues? According to Susan C. Vaughan M.D. the author of ‘ Half Full Half Empty, Understanding the Psychological Roots of Optimism ’, we can identify optimists through the following 2 characteristics. http://us.macmillan.com/author/susancvaughan Dr. Vaughan says we can identify optimists two ways: They exhibit a specific attributional style: when they experience successes they tend to take more credit than they deserve and when they experience failures they tend to blame others or unfavourable circumstances. They make downward comparisons. For example, they think or say things like “ I am sure glad I am not so and so ” [some less fortunate person]. Apparently, the Dalai Lama does this. According to Susan Vaughan, when we see/listen to optimists we perceive them to be people who inflate their own ‘worth’, fail to give credit to others when such credit is due, and fail to accept responsibility for their failures. And, optimists sustain their positive self-image by feeling good about being better than others. Isn’t that just a bit surprising. Regardless, we can use this to bolster an argument supporting realism…or at least an argument in favour of optimism tempered by realism . Perhaps the above 2 ‘tests’ could be altered as follows… Here are two ways to identify realistic-optimists: They enjoy and celebrate their successes but don’t reduce the role played by others or ignore the fact fortunate circumstances [or luck] also contribute to success [some of the time]. They express appreciation for their good fortune…but keep their downward comparisons to themselves. PS: here’s a link to another thought about optimism-pessimism…from a prior blog. More about P=2S+O and how to be more optimistic in future blogs…

## Seeking Simple
Date: 2010-03-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seeking-simple-2010/ | Categories: Delegation & Decisions, Seeking Simple!

A couple of years ago I wrote a blog, more like a detailed paper, titled Seeking Simple . Seeking Simple is about making good decisions. Seeking Simple is about really communicating. Seeking Simple is about solving problems. Seeking Simple is about reducing our stress levels. Seeking Simple© is about more than that…but that’s a good-enough introduction for now. Here are a couple of pieces of inspiration… A 14th century English friar, William of Ockham, came up with a razor [rule of thumb] that has been translated many ways, one being: "When confronted with multiple solutions to a problem, choose the simplest one." In 1916, Robert Updegraff created a little classic book titled, ‘ Obvious Adams: the story of a successful businessman ’. [I am thrilled to have a 1916 copy, with a most-endearing father-to-son note penned on the title page.] Obvious Adams is a little story about a fellow who sees what everyone else misses. While everyone else is bogged down in the details, Obvious Adams sees the obvious. And, the obvious is simple. We can learn from Obvious Adams. Here’s a link to an Obvious Adams book review http://www.leadershipnow.com/leadershop/2030-3.html My goal here was to introduce the concept - Seeking Simple . I would like to obtain help from you folks who read my blog…I would like to hear or read your stories about how simple decisions or simple communications or simple solutions to problems have served you well. So, please, if you have some personal anecdotes then please share them with me…and our other readers. More about Seeking Simple in future blogs…

## 21 Words for the 21st Century
Date: 2010-03-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/21-words-for-the-21st-century/ | Categories: Marketing

The communication expert Dr. Frank Luntz recommends 21 Words for the 21st Century . To be accurate, he recommends a few more than 21 words and some of his recommendations are short phrases. Frank spends most of his time consulting to businesses; however, he is well-recognized for helping politicians. Most of his 21 Words for the 21st Century apply to both politics and business. A listing of the words, as I am doing below, does not come close to doing justice to the thought Dr. Luntz has given to these words. Not just the thought...but also the research and the intense testing through surveys. The 21 Words for the 21st Century are: Imagine Hassle-free Lifestyle We Deliver (Accountability) Results and the Can Do Spirit Innovation Re-words: renew, revitalize, rejuvenate, restore, rekindle, reinvent Efficient and Efficiency The Right to... Patient-centered (medical) Investment Casual Elegance (travel) Independent (no conflicts) Peace of Mind Certified All-American [in our case…All-Canadian] Prosperity Spirituality Financial Security A Balanced Approach A Culture Of... Throughout his book, ‘Words That Work - It's not what you say, It’s what people hear’ , Dr Luntz stresses 'being positive' over 'being critical'. He also stresses simplicity….keep your messages simple, easy to read, and easy to understand. www.luntz.com What impresses me most about Dr Luntz’s approach is he is a champion for targeting messages to meet the audience…putting yourself in the audience’s shoes, doing what you can to understand their views, doing your best to understand how they hear things, etc. That approach to communication is perhaps the most-important thing in 21st Century business. This is what Tarmarvalproda© is all about. More on communication in future blogs…

## I have some good news for you
Date: 2010-03-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/i-have-some-good-news-for-you/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change

Initially, I wanted to title this blog, ‘ I have some bad news for you ’. I remembered the experiment we did last year. It proved people read ‘ good news ’ communications twice as much as they read ‘ bad news ’ communications. So, I used the ‘good news’ title. [I offer that as a little communication tip.] Also, I really don’t have bad news. I just want to share some thoughts on how to deliver bad news. These are not my thoughts. I am relaying a summary of Jill Malleck’s thoughts. Link to Jill - www.epiphanyatwork.com I had the pleasure of attending Jill’s presentation at our Centre For Family Business meeting last month. www.cffb.ca Jill provided a great presentation. She also provided books. A number of names were drawn and I was fortunate to have my name drawn. Jill wrote a nice note in my book and signed it for me. So, ‘ Epiphanies @ Work ’ will have a place in my library of author-autographed books. [that library – well, that’s another story] Here is an introduction to some of Jill’s thoughts… Delivering Tough Messages Plan what you will say Increase your credibility Think ahead about the receiver’s likely questions or concerns But don’t assume the worst Accept emotions with empathy and neutrality Allow the receiver to digest the message Don’t take it personally Good advice! I particularly like 3 followed by 4. Thinking about the possible reactions people could have when they receive tough messages is not pessimistic. It is realistic. It is prudent. It is the decent thing to do. Assuming people will have the worst reactions would be pessimistic. That’s not a healthy way to think. More on communication in future blogs…

## Do you hear what I’m saying?
Date: 2010-03-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/do-you-hear-what-i-m-saying/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication

Words That Work: it's not what you say, it's what people hear That's the title of a book by Dr. Frank Luntz http://www.luntz.com/ The book title grabbed me. The book is worth the read…or 'the hear' if you prefer audio books. Dr. Luntz draws strong reactions. He strikes people's chords. In some cases he hits sour notes. In others he finds believers. I am a life-long learner…at least that's what one assessment told me. And, the topic of communication fascinates me. While politics is not one of my areas of interest, the communication skill of politicians is. Dr. Luntz's book is not restricted to political communication…it digs into marketing communication. Of more importance, it addresses communication with the hearer in mind . The book offers vivid examples of what works and what does not work. One section of the book really struck my love-of-writing-and-books chord. Comparing one section of George Orwell's classic ' 1984 ' to the [same] scene in the movie ' 1984 ', Dr. Luntz illustrated how written messages can out-communicate visual messages. [I have never read such a clear argument of this point. I have read numerous arguments, arguing in favour of visual messaging.] Here is a summary of Dr. Luntz's 10 Rules for Successful Communication Simplicity Brevity Credibility Consistency Novelty Sound and Texture Matters Speak Aspirationally * [humanize, personalize] Visualize Ask a Question Provide Context and Explain Relevance Excellent advice. Footnote: Aspirationally - that's the 'word' I heard when I listened to the audio book…I cannot find that word in the dictionary [yet]. More about communication in future blogs…

## A Thought About Networking
Date: 2010-03-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-thought-about-networking/ | Categories: Networking: The Joys of Connection

There has been much talk about networking recently. For example, I have the privilege of working with one of The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce ’s networking committees…the recently announced Chamber Connections . The Greater KW Chamber is working to refresh and enhance its events, formerly held as BA5. The first new event will be held in April. Here’s a link to the Chamber’s website. www.greaterkwchamber.com Recently, I listened to the audio-book ‘Greater Than Yourself’ , written by Steven Farber www.stevefarber.com In the book Farber recommends we help other business folks achieve their potential. He uses the name Greater Than Yourself [GTY] to describe his philosophy. He provides a simple set of guidelines on how to go about doing GTY, which can perhaps be summed up as philanthropize for life . At least, that’s how one of the characters in the book described it. Farber used a story-telling style to convey his Greater Than Yourself message. The writing style reminded me of the Og Mandino classic ‘ The Greatest Miracle in the World ’and our friend Dave Chilton's major best seller ‘The Wealthy Barber’ . The author or a very-similar character plays the lead role in the book and he learns as the reader learns. www.ogmandino.com Og Mandino | www.wealthybarber.com Dave Chilton To my thought about networking… This thought hit me: the Greater Than Yourself philosophy is networking at its best extreme. To truly network, we must expand ourselves and we must give to others. We must have a sincere interest in helping other folks achieve their goals. We must give without keeping track of favours owed. More on networking in future blogs…

## Compelling Presentations
Date: 2010-03-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/compelling-presentations/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication

This blog provides a sampling of what experts have to say about how to give compelling presentations. We should only give public presentations if the following circumstances exist: We love to give public presentations. Our boss tells us to give public presentations. Both 1 and 2 apply. I wish I could say I made that up. I did not. I read it somewhere, some time ago. Here are some more pieces of advice… From Dale Carnegie ’s book ‘ The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking ’, to make sure your mind is in the right frame to improve your public-speaking skills: Take heart from the experience of others Keep your goal before you Predetermine your mind to success Link: The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking From Peter Urs Bender ’s book ‘ Secrets of Power Presentations’ , a speech has to have at least one of four objectives: To inform To entertain To touch the emotions To move to action A good presentation covers all four objectives. Link: Secrets of Power Presentations From Stephanie Palmer ’s book ‘ Good In A Room’ , the secrets of rapport: Allow yourself to really care about the other person and to be curious about who he or she is. Empathic interest creates trust. Common ground cannot be faked or fudged. Rapport requires honesty. The warmth that signifies true rapport is not something you can force. Keep the spotlight shining on the buyer. Link: Good In A Room ***** I will never forget my first two ‘engagements’, when I was called on with short notice to speak to major groups of business people. But, I certainly hope the audiences have forgotten them. ***** My next blog will be on Networking…

## Mr. Magoo would have made a good salesman
Date: 2010-03-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/mr-magoo-would-have-made-a-good-salesman/ | Categories: Sales

Thank you folks who read my blogs. And, thank you for the feedback you have provided…the criticism, the pats on the back, the suggestions, the questions, and the requests. This blog is a response to a specific request, a request to provide a sample of a sales lesson. Over the years I have been honoured to participate in some terrific email exchanges with sales people. During these exchanges, I strived to share sales philosophy laced with content-value, wrapped in humour. The following is an introduction to these email exchanges…a gentle sample. ***** “Dear ____ __ The key is: are you prepared to choke down all your pride, be comfortable knowing next to nothing while giving ‘our technical geniuses back at the office’ all the credit, and make the customers feel like winners? Get Columbo 1 down. Get that role learned. That’s a real good first role to play. Have fun learning that Columbo role. Then, as you get it, you will have a solid, strong base-character in your sales repertoire. Why push on ropes when you can quickly ‘noose them’ around your own neck and let the customer hang you quickly and get it over with or .... save you? When you noose your own neck the customer has to do something: hang you, save you....or, on those real special occasions just break up in laughter. People want to feel powerful. People want to feel smart. People want to feel in control. People want to laugh and relieve their stress. Why smack your face into brick walls when you can role-play them to not exist? Do like Mr. Magoo 2 used to do. He feared nothing. He saw no obstacles. He always got to where he wanted to go. Danger couldn’t get him. Now, that guy would have made a great salesman. The traps are only real if you allow them to catch your mind.” ***** Footnotes: Referring to Lieutenant Columbo, the TV character who felt no need to show or talk about his brilliance. A link to a Columbo tribute website http://www.columbo-site.freeuk.com Referring to Mr. Magoo, the TV cartoon character who perceived neither threats nor danger and always managed to get to where he was going. A link to Mr. Magoo’s opening theme http://ishare.rediff.com/video/entertainment/mr-magoo-opening-theme/550367 My next blog will be about public speaking…

## To agree or not to agree, that is the question
Date: 2010-02-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/to-agree-or-not-to-agree-that-is-the-question/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Criticism: Constructive Criticism is an Oxymoron

Have you ever suspected there is no such thing as constructive criticism? Here are some words from Professor James Harvey Robinson’s essay 'The Mind In The Making’ “ We sometimes find ourselves changing our minds without any resistance or heavy emotion, but if we are told we are wrong we resent the imputation and harden our hearts .” Link: The Mind In The Making William James said, “ The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated .” Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dale_Carnegie Both of those quotes were used by Dale Carnegie. The William James quote appears in Carnegie’s 1936 classic, ‘ How To Win Friends & Influence People ’. [The title says it all.] The key Dale Carnegie message is – Every human being wants to feel important . Carnegie teaches we should not criticize because it will be received as an attack on the person’s need to feel important. And, that need to feel important is a huge, consuming need. Some argue that same need is the thing that causes people to criticize. That is, we act like a mirror perceiving in others the faults that actually are our own faults. Perhaps it is as difficult to refrain from criticizing others as it is to accept criticism from others. I have a saying… work at having thick skin and a thin skull . To the extent we can thicken our skin we can tolerate criticism. Thick skin allows us to contain in safety our self-image and our self-esteem. It protects ‘our importance’. To the extent we can have a thin skull we can be open-minded. We can, as Stephen Covey recommends, “ seek first to understand then to be understood” . A thin skull allows us to be tolerant and to appreciate the differences in people. Link to Stephen Covey: https://www.stephencovey.com/7habits/7habits-habit5.php Considering all of this, is there no such thing as constructive criticism? My next blog will be a sample from a series of Sales Lessons, written a few years ago.

## Corporate Culture Matters
Date: 2010-02-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/corporate-culture-matters/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Values: Personal Values

Here’s a quote from an article titled ‘ Does Corporate Culture Matter? The Case of Enron ’, written by A.J. Schuler, Psy.D. “Enron’s corporate culture best exemplified values of risk taking, aggressive growth and entrepreneurial creativity. These are all positive values. But these values were not balanced by genuine attention to corporate integrity and the creation of customer - and not just shareholder - value. Because the Enron corporate culture was not well grounded, a single scorecard - maximized price per share of common stock - became its reason for being, and even its positive values became liabilities.” Link: http://www.schulersolutions.com/enron_s_corporate_culture.html Why was I reading about Enron? 2 reasons… We were having a discussion about corporate values and culture. During my energy career we worked with many Enron and ex-Enron people: many personal experiences are still vivid in my memory. Here’s the gist of our discussion…our conclusion. We agreed, over our business careers many of our failures were consequences of opposed values. We had one set of values. The other folks had a different set of values. And the two sets of values were in [unspoken] conflict. Expanding on A.J. Schuler’s point, the corporate values reported by Enron appear to be positive. The fact is to those values are only positive when they are guided and bounded by certain attributes of character. What attributes of character? A.J. Schuler used the words ‘ genuine attention to corporate integrity ’. That captures it…as long as we have a common definition of ‘corporate integrity’, we have a common description of ‘ genuine attention ’, and we communicate our views about integrity accurately. That’s where the devil really does hide in the details. A few years ago, we did a real-life, SouthWestern-Ontario-CEO study of Integrity. If you would like to know the results of our study…email me and I will send a little report to you. Contact Rick My next blog will be titled To agree or not to agree, that is the question .

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #10
Date: 2010-02-18 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-10/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

People only do 3 things: (1) Good Habits, (2) Bad Habits, and (3) New Things. This is the final blog in a 10-blog series about Habits, doing New Things, and Change. In the last blog, I wrote: Business people continuously face P roblems. Some people handle the Problems quickly and effectively. Some do not. There are many reasons why some people do not handle P roblems as well as other people or as well as they could if they themselves could do if they were operating at their best . The same applies to Change. Most people struggle with or resist Change some of the time. Many people struggle with or resist Change most of the time. Business is about People and Process. And, since People design the Process…when you boil it down, business is about People. We can help People succeed at Change For The Better when we: (1) understand the basics of psychology and physiology and (2) provide ideas and tools [New Things] to create Good Habits Good Habits are one key to Change For The Better. In this blog series, I presented some facts, all samples of things we can do to help people create Change For The Better. My next blog will be about Corporate Values.

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #9
Date: 2010-02-16 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-9/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Solutions & Opportunities, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

A New Habit, P=2S+O© and Change For The Better This is the 9 th blog in a 10-blog series about Habits, doing New Things, and Change. P=2S+O © has been introduced in prior blogs . Now, P=2S+O © will be discussed in terms of Good Habits and Change For The Better. P=2S+O © means: for every Problem [ P ] there are at least 2 Solutions [ S ] and possibly one or more Opportunities [ O ]. Be alert for P roblems and, when you find them, replace them with at least 2 S olutions. This philosophy/tool can be embraced by most employees. So, when employees encounter P roblems they can, on their own, replace them with S olutions and perhaps also identify an O pportunity. I created a P=2S+O © template, a tool people can carry with them as a constant reminder of our desired approach to P roblems. Link to P=2S+O © template [ click to download ] Business people continuously face P roblems. Some people handle the P roblems quickly and effectively. Some do not. There are many reasons why some people do not handle P roblems as well as other people or as well as they could if they were operating at their best . P=2S+O © can help. When people start to use P=2S+O © it is a New Thing. If they keep using P=2S+O © then it becomes a Good Habit…a Change For The Better . Most experts say it takes 30 days to create a habit. So, working with P=2S+O © for 30 days should create a new Good Habit. The next blog, the final blog in this series, will summarize and wrap up this sampling of things that can help us create Change For The Better.

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #8
Date: 2010-02-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-8/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Human Strengths & Weaknesses and Change For The Better This is the 8 th blog in a 10-blog series about Habits, doing New Things, and Change. When we request Changes, make sure those Changes align with people's strengths. While New Things can be the bridge between Bad Habits and Good Habits, sometimes it doesn't make sense to cause other people to do New Things. In general, we do not want to cause Change that makes a person work in an area where they are not strong. That may sound trite. "Of course we would not, in general, ask people to do New Things or make other Changes if the Change caused the person to work at things they were weak at." The challenge is: How do we truly know another person's weaknesses and strengths? More basic: How does a person truly know his/her own strengths and weaknesses? And, more important: Often, for many different reasons, people refuse to share their personal 'secrets'. As mentioned in a prior blog , there are assessments to help us better understand our human strengths . Marcus Buckingham advises we, in business, will achieve much more if we help people gain full advantage from their areas of strength while reducing, where possible, the amount of time they spend trying to fix their weaknesses or work at things that do not align with their strengths. So, aligning Changes with people's strengths is something we can consider when we request Changes For The Better. The next blog in this series will cover another practical tool - P=2S+O © - a tool designed to help people make Changes For The Better.

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #7
Date: 2010-02-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-7/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Put Your Best Brain Forward

Physiology and Change For The Better: Change Your Brain, Change Your Life This is the 7 th blog in a 10-blog series about Habits, doing New Things, and Change. In the last 3 blogs, I presented introductions to Ideas about change, the Psychology around change, and Tools for change…and Habits, which are intimately linked to Change and whether or not it happens. Blog 4: 5 Ideas about Change [John Oesch's ideas] Blog 5: Psychology related to Change [Maxwell Maltz on self-image, habits, and change] Blog 6: A Tool to aid Change [the MotivAider] My goal in those blogs was to introduce the diversity of the facets - some of the pieces of the puzzle - of human behavior, habits, and Change. We need to understand these and other puzzle pieces if we are to optimize Change For The Better. More-specifically, we need to understand how to overcome resistance to Change. Here are two more important facts about Change: Some people cannot Change. Some other people need targeted, professional help to Change. Daniel Amen was very clear about this in his bestseller Change Your Brain, Change Your Life . When I read his book, I came away with the opinion he categorized people into 3 groups: (1) people who could not change regardless of their desire or anyone else's, (2) people who had major problems but could change if they uncovered the right 'remedy' or mix of 'remedies', and (3) normal folks who struggled with certain problems and could , without help from others, change themselves to alleviate or remove their own problems. People who can not Change: Brain damage, through birth defect or head injury or stroke [etc], can alter the brain to the point remedies will have limited or no success. Some people brains are 'wired' or become 'wired' in a manner that defies remedy. People who need help to Change: Our knowledge of how brains work has escalated over recent decades. Dr Amen is emphatic when he draws a line between the psychology of the brain [like Maxwell Maltz studied] and the physiology of the brain…such as can be understood by SPECT tests [single photon emission computerized tomography]. Physiological problems can lead to anxiety, depression, inability to concentrate, and other problems. All of these problems can wreak havoc with one's life…including one's worklife and one's ability break habits and Change For The Better. Dr Amen recommends professionals consider 4 remedies to target the problems: medication, behavioural change techniques, nutrition, and exercise. People who can Change on their own: Most people, from time to time, suffer from 'brain problems'. A good example is anxiety around public speaking. Another common one is inability to concentrate. These people do not need medication. The other 3 remedies can be used to create Change For The Better. Amen 'remedies' can be used for self-improvement whether or not there is major dysfunction. The next blog in this series will contain an idea about when not to make Change…because it will not be For Better.

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #6
Date: 2010-02-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-6/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Solutions & Opportunities

MotivAider…A Tool for Change For The Better This is the 6 th blog in a 10-blog series about Habits, doing New Things, and Change. This is one example of a New Thing, a tool, one could use to remove a Bad Habit and create a Good Habit… The MotivAider® [ http://www.habitchange.com ] I bought one of these tools to learn what caused these folks to create the product and to see how it works. In the instruction manual, the MotivAider folks explain their thinking in straightforward words. They have concluded the human brain gets in our way when we try to change ourselves [let alone try to help others change]. The MotivAider people say, What's wrong with the mind is that it has absolutely no built-in mechanism for keeping good intentions on "the front burner." So, they created a tool - the MotivAider - to ensure good intentions are repeatedly brought to the 'front burner'. They describe how the MotivAider can be used to help a business person change his posture for the better…to help achieve the person's career goals. They also talk about other business applications such as improving customer relations. The MotivAider can also be used to help children develop Good Habits. Another application: the MotivAider can be used to help people to stop biting their nails. Speaking of nail biting, here's a quote from Anderson Cooper: I suppose if you've never bitten your nails, there isn't any way to explain the habit. It's not enjoyable, really, but there is a certain satisfaction - pride in a job well done. We all have good intentions that are quickly forgotten or replaced by other thoughts during the heat of our workday action. For example, we all want to have positive attitudes and be optimistic…yet, often during the heat of 'battle' we revert to far-less-productive Bad Habits. That's the main reason I created P=2S+O © . In the next blog I will take a look at what Dr Daniel Amen [author of Change Your Brain, Change Your Life] has to say about Habits…and the realities about whether or not and how people may Change For The Better.

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #5
Date: 2010-02-02 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-5/ | Categories: Brain: about the Human Brain, Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Psycho-Cybernetics, Habits, and Change For The Better This is the 5 th blog in a 10-blog series about Habits, doing New Things, and Change. Dr Maxwell Maltz wrote Psycho-Cybernetics in 1960. Dr Maltz was a plastic surgeon who noticed the huge impact self-image has on people's lives. He wrote about people who had experienced facial injuries and been scarred. Some facial scars ruined lives. Some facial scars were worn like medals of honour. Dr Maltz became a pioneer in psychology when he recognized the injury itself wasn't the problem. How the person viewed himself after the injury was the important thing. North American men who had suffered facial injuries often developed a negative self-image…became depressed, etc…and, as an example, failed to be able to sell as well as they were able to sell before the injury. Meanwhile, Spanish men gained prestige when their faces were injured in sword duels. Dr Maltz wrote about numerous other examples where people's self-images caused problems like anorexia, paranoia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, etc. While that may sound like the stuff psychologists and medical doctors will or should figure out, it isn't restricted to those sciences. People are people and self-image problems can wreak havoc with people's lives…including their worklife. Small self-image problems can cause major difficulties in the form of firmly set Bad Habits and resistance to change. People have habits, some good, some not. Here's how Dr Maltz described Dr Knight Dunlap's study of habits and learning processes: His experiments proved that the best way to break a habit is to form a clear mental image of the desired end result, and to practice without effort toward reaching that goal. Here is some advice from Dr Maltz: …by arranging things so that we can succeed in little things, we can build an atmosphere of success which will carry over into larger undertakings. Dr Maltz created 'mental exercises' to help people remove Bad Habits [like worry and negative thinking] by replacing them with Good Habits [like confidence and courage]. We can employ these techniques when we work on Change For The Better. Many sales-training courses use these types of techniques. Here's a Maltz excerpt, part of his instruction on how to get out of a Bad Habit rut: Go back in memory and relive those successful experiences. In your imagination revive the entire picture in as much detail as you can. In your mind's eye "see" not only speech, business deal, golf tournament, or whatever, that accompanied your success. What sounds were there? What about your environment?... The next blog in this series will present a practical tool - the MotivAider ® - for Change.

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #4
Date: 2010-01-28 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-4/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

Five Unusual Ideas About Change…Change For The Better This is the 4 th blog in a 10-blog series about Habits, doing New Things, and Change. Last month, the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce hosted a presentation by Dr. John Oesch of the Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto. The presentation was titled: Five Unusual Ideas About Change [John Oesch, UofT - oesch@rotman.utoronto.ca ] Here is a summary of the notes I took during the Five Unusual Ideas About Change session: Rather than emphasizing the benefits of the proposed change, highlight the potential losses that will happen if the change does not happen. John described 'prospect theory'. Be explicit about 'what's in it for me'. When you ask your people to change their behaviour, differentiate (1) how it is good for you, (2) how it is good for them, and (3) how it is good for the company. Be candid. Recognize there will be resistance to change. Put a label on it - Status Quo Bias . Don't just talk about the change, talk about the end point and how this change helps us get to that end point. A 'pull' can be as, or even more, powerful than a 'push'. For example, demands from clients can pull change through your organization. The Data Dilemma: when our people ask us for change we say, 'Show me the business case'. When we ask for and lead change, we cannot ask them to take a leap of faith and expect success. Share data. Now those are ideas we can test in our workplaces. Perhaps, we already have tried them? If so - and if they worked, helping us create Change - then we may have repeated them enough so they are Good Habits. If we have not tried these 5 ideas then we could consider one or more of them as potential New Things we could try. Our goal is to generate Change, both in ourselves and in those we lead. Perhaps, for you, these 5 ideas contain seeds for creating new Good Habits. In the next blog, I will describe some of Maxwell Maltz's ideas about self-image… Psycho-Cybernetics and Changing For The Better.

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #3
Date: 2010-01-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-3/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Solutions & Opportunities

People only do 3 things: (1) Good Habits, (2) Bad Habits, and (3) New Things. This is the 3 rd blog in a 10-blog series about Habits, doing New Things, and Change. To do better, to grow our businesses and to prosper, we must help people make Changes For The Better. And to make Change we must replace Bad Habits with Good Habits. Often, we can change Bad Habits into Good Habits by doing New Things…ie, doing New Things specifically designed to remove the Bad Habit and create the Good Habit. The next 6 blogs will present some example of ideas, tools, and techniques aimed at helping people create positive Change. A summary of blogs to follow: Blog 4: Five Unusual Ideas About Change …John Oesch, PhD Blog 5: Psycho-Cybernetics …Dr Maxwell Maltz Blog 6: MotivAider ® …a habit-changing tool Blog 7: Physiology & Change Your Brain, Change Your Life …Dr. Daniel Amen Blog 8: Human Strengths & Weaknesses: StrengthsFinder …Marcus Buckingham Blog 9: A New Habit, P=2S+O © …a habit-changing tool Blog 10: Wrap-up discussion To create Change For The Better people need to consider New Things and develop Good Habits. To develop Good Habits people need to be open to considering new ideas and new tools. The next blog will introduce John Oesch's Five Unusual Ideas About Change.

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #2
Date: 2010-01-21 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things-2/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

People only do 3 things: (1) Good Habits, (2) Bad Habits, and (3) New Things. This is the 2 nd blog in a 10-blog series about Habits, doing New Things, and Change. Change often meets resistance. Here's an example of what I mean: Why? Why do people often fear and resist Change? To answer that question we must first understand Habits. Some facts about the word 'Habit': The English word dates back to the 13 th century From the Latin word habitus …'condition, demeanor, appearance, dress' Has both an internal and an external connotation…'what we wear' Today, we still refer to certain religious apparel as 'habit' So, for centuries, the word Habit has described what other folks see when they look at us and our internal [psychological/physiological] workings. Our Habits show what we are because they are very closely bonded to what we are. While that may come across as too much detail or too much theory, the fact is if we do not understand the roots of Habits then we will have difficulty effecting Changes For The Better . Successful people from all walks of life have recognized the extreme importance of Habits. Here's a few samples of their thinking: We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit. Aristotle Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits. Mark Twain The successful person makes a habit of doing what the failing person doesn't like to do. Thomas Edison One word of caution…the subconscious is just as apt to pick up a bad habit as a good one. Thomas D. Willhite A change in bad habits leads to a change in life. Jenny Craig In the next blog I will begin to look at ways to create Good Habits and Change For The Better .

## CHANGING FOR THE BETTER: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things - #1
Date: 2010-01-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/changing-for-the-better-good-habits-bad-habits-new-things/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Entrepreneur Thinking, Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

This is the first blog of a 10-blog series about Changing For The Better . The Purpose : (1) to introduce the important role habits play in performance and (2) to provide some examples of ideas and 'tools' to help people create success-directed habits. People only do 3 things: (1) Good Habits, (2) Bad Habits, and (3) New Things. Some may argue that's an oversimplification…however, as yet, I have not felt the need to expand the list. Good Habits contribute to our betterment. Bad Habits do not. New Things may or may not contribute to our betterment. When we set goals defining what 'our betterment' means we generally wish to use our Good Habits, reduce our Bad Habits, and perhaps do some New Things. When we do New Things we end up either turning them into Good Habits or Bad Habits or we stop doing them. It makes sense to try doing New Things to create new Good Habits. Often, and this is important to this blog series, we choose to do New Things in a conscious effort to remove Bad Habits and replace them with Good Habits. New Things are often the only mechanisms that will help us to move from Bad Habits to Good Habits. Enough theoretical stuff…at least for now. Here's a video clip of how I picture Good Habits, Bad Habits, and New Things… Some things to think about… There's a 'thin line' between Good Habits and Bad Habits One good way to move from Bad Habits to Good Habits is - Doing New Things Doing New Things: the choices are essentially infinite Doing New Things = Change Doing New Things that lead to our betterment = Changing For The Better Changing For The Better …that's what this 10-blog series is about. The next blog will talk about Habits and introduce some of the ways we can expand our Good Habits, effect Change, and achieve our goals.

## 7 Powerful Answers - #8
Date: 2010-01-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-powerful-answers-8/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

This is blog #8 in an 8-blog series about Powerful Answers to 7 important business questions. The series is intended to be an introduction to strategic intuition and planning. Preamble : As we have talked with hundreds of businesses, from time to time, we have come across situations where unnecessary disasters happened. I mean disasters that took companies to bankruptcy. Three examples of company-killers come vividly to mind: (1) partner dysfunction, (2) faulty raw materials, and (3) foreign exchange volatility. While it is not possible to foresee every company-killer risk, it is possible to foresee things/risks like the 3 company-killers I just mentioned. A group of advisors with a range of experience in different business sectors can help, for example, at the Board of Directors level. This is an underlying premise at our company…a role of our Activestors ™ . [ Activestor™ definition ] Question 7: How do you manage your CRITICAL risk factors every day? Powerful Answer : 'We do a SWOT analysis at least once a year. We identify Critical Failure Factors. And we place those CFFs into our Vital Signs plans and action. That ensures we keep them in mind. Here, let me show you on my BLackBerry' Postamble : SWOT - analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats has been around for 5 decades. CFF - analysis of Critical Failure Factors is a more-recent activity, however, it is well established. We can and should anticipate the worst-case scenarios. CFFs are not something we should be agonizing over. Well, actually, we do have to agonize over them a bit at the planning and training stage. Business CFF tests will not be life-threatening like Navy SEAL tests. [ U.S. Navy SEAL metaphor ] However, some business challenges will cause us to stall and some will cause us to panic. Thinking about such situations, planning around them, and writing plans down reduces the likelihood of surprise-stall and surprise-panic. [And, we don't have to go under water to do it.] Footnotes : SWOT link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SWOT_analysis CFF [ERP sample] link http://www.pacis-net.org/file/2005/395.pdf CFF [e-Commerce sample] link http://portal.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1189898 This is the last blog in the 7 Powerful Answers series. The next blog will be the first of a series titled - Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things

## 7 Powerful Answers - #7
Date: 2010-01-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-powerful-answers-7/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, Solutions & Opportunities, Values: Personal Values

This is blog #7 in an 8-blog series about Powerful Answers to 7 important business questions. The series is intended to be an introduction to strategic intuition and planning. Preamble : In blog #3 of this Powerful Answers series I wrote, Business is about People and Process . And I wrote, People do only 3 things: good habits, bad habits, and new things . Considering the 3 things People do, business leaders want their People to do Good Habits and New Things to help the company accomplish its Vision , Mission, and Goals…and do those things in a manner aligned with the Corporate Culture. This is a broad topic so I will limit this to two examples: the first is a tool designed to promote a Good Habit and the second is a written statement intended to guide how people should act and make decisions. P=2S+O© , covered in earlier blogs, is a tool we designed to promote both Good Habits and ideas about New Things [ P=2S+O blog ] At Spirited Investors, our Corporate Values are - Courage, Confidence, Conviction, & Creativity - were selected to promote Good Habits and New Things [ Spirited's Corporate Statement ] Question 6: How do you prove your people do the RIGHT things EVERY day? Powerful Answer : 'Let me show you. Here, on my BlackBerry . This web-link takes me to my Daily Vitals Journal. I can access this web-based journal from my BlackBerry, my desktop, my laptop, and my notebook. My Daily Vitals Journal keeps my actions organized and aimed at my goals. Everyone at our company has a Daily Vitals Journal, customized to help them achieve his/her goals.' Postamble : John Medina* said people have about 5,000 thoughts per day. While listening to the audio CD, I did the quick math. Rounding it off I calculated that's about one thought every 10 seconds, every waking hour, every day. That little voice, which for most of us sounds just like our voice, is active all day long…perhaps, presenting a different thought about every 10 seconds. Even if that's half-right, that's an awful lot of distraction. No wonder we have trouble concentrating. No wonder things slip from our memories. Processes and tools can help. We recommend processes like Monthly Vital Signs , Weekly Vital Signs , and Daily Vital Signs and tools like the PlanBudget © and the web-based Daily Vitals Journal ©. Footnotes : John Medina, 'Brain Rules' www.brainrules.net The next blog will consider Question 7: How do you manage your CRITICAL risk factors every day?

## 7 Powerful Answers - #6
Date: 2010-01-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-powerful-answers-6/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Marketing, Sales

This is blog #6 in an 8-blog series about Powerful Answers to 7 important business questions. The series is intended to be an introduction to strategic intuition and planning. Preamble : I created a word to cover the last 2 questions, Question 4 and Question 5. That word is Tarmarvalproda© . Tarmar: Target Market , also known as Market Niche valpro: Value Proposition , as seen by the Client da: Differential Advantage , also known as Unique Selling Proposition, as seen by Client Tarmarvalproda© is the heart of Marketing. Question 5 is aimed at What ? - What Marketing & Sales work must be done? Many experts have influenced my thinking…to name just a few: Jay Abraham, Tony Parinello, Jeffrey Gitomer, and Malcolm Gladwell. Some introductory thoughts about Marketing & Sales plans: Think before doing Think about how best to use multi-pronged actions Measure and test…everything…be selective Network well Use pictures Use video testimonials Be creative Inject humour…just the right amount, with the right timing Question 5: How do you PLAN to connect with those people who care? Powerful Answer : Let me show you. My written plan is here in my briefcase. Postamble : About 15 years ago, I created a template for strategic marketing planning programs. I called it SMP Programs ©…here's a link to a sample of that template [ SMP Template ]. Putting the plan in writing: that's a good start. Using plans as benchmark-tools - so useful and so important to us they are in our briefcases and in our BlackBerrys - that's proof of a deep-rooted motivation to succeed. Footnotes : links…Jay Abraham www.abraham.com , Anthony Parinello www.vitoselling.com , Jeffrey Gitomer www.gitomer.com , & Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point www.gladwell.com/tippingpoint/index.html The next blog will consider Question 6: How do you prove your people do the RIGHT things EVERY day?

## 7 Powerful Answers - #5
Date: 2010-01-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-powerful-answers-5/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication

This is blog #5 in an 8-blog series about Powerful Answers to 7 important business questions. The series is intended to be an introduction to strategic intuition and planning. Preamble : There is a direct linkage between Question 3 and this Question 4. Question 3 is about Differential Advantage over competition and Value Proposition [both, as seen from the Clients' perspective]. Question 4 is about Target Clients or Market Niches . When faced with the question… Would you rather assume or know your Clients' needs? …everyone we talked to said he/she would choose to know, not to assume. The challenge is - between assume and know sits a whole bunch of work. It's the sort of work Sherlock Holmes, Lieutenant Columbo, and those FBI profilers would be good at. Some keys to doing that work are: Listening to what existing Clients have to say Listening to what prospective Clients have to say Working to understand people: in general and one-on-one Understanding psychographics [ emotional drivers …definition below] Understanding demographics [ physical things …definition below] Question 4: Who REALLY CARES about what you do best? Powerful Answer : in the last blog, I provided a reference to Jay Abraham's website. Here are the first 15 words readers see when they visit that website… 'Welcome, My goal for www.abraham.com is really very straight forward. To help you make money.' Postamble : Embedded in those first 15 words is Jay's answer to Question 4. People who want to make money and need help…that's who Jay believes REALLY CARES about what he does best . In demographic terms, he is aiming at business people…ie, because business is about making money . Within the population of business people who want money is a sub-set of people wanting help getting that money. Wanting money and wanting help to get money - that's the general psychographic description of Jay Abraham's target market. Footnotes : Psychographics def'n: psychographic variables are any attributes relating to personality, values, attitudes, interests, or lifestyles Demographics def'n: the physical characteristics of a population such as age, sex, marital status, family size, education, geographic location, and occupation The next blog will consider Question 5: How do you PLAN to connect with those people who care?

## 7 Powerful Answers - #4
Date: 2009-12-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-powerful-answers-4/ | Categories: Marketing, Sales

This is blog #4 in an 8-blog series about Powerful Answers to 7 important business questions. The series is intended to be an introduction to strategic intuition and planning. Preamble : Question 3 is about Differential Advantage , also known as Unique Selling Proposition , and about Value Proposition . During the last 30 years numerous experts have advised us of the need for uniqueness and holding a differential advantage over our competitors. Tom Peters, for example, went into detail in his book Thriving on Chaos [1987]. Jay Abraham and many others provide guidance and ideas. However, for most business people at most businesses this is a real challenge. Differential Advantage: the potential Buyer asks - Why should I buy from these people instead of buying from their competitor…or doing nothing? Value Proposition: the potential Buyer asks - What value do I get when I buy this thing? At the surface it seems it should be easy to answer these questions, However, that is not what we have seen when we talk to hundreds of business people. When it comes to understanding and describing Differential Advantage and Value Proposition, it is appears the grass may be greener on the other side of the street. Often, it is easier to answer the question for another company than it is for our own company. Question 3: What do you do BETTER and DIFFERENT than anyone else? Powerful Answer : an excerpt from the SWOGG Canada Inc website www.swogg.com We guarantee your order will be delivered RIGHT! ON TIME! OR FREE! Postamble : When we decided to invest in SWOGG we understood the decorated-apparel industry was fraught with over-promising and under-delivering. Examples: (1) corporate golf tournaments would happen before the shirts with logos arrived and (2) children would be wearing white T-shirts for the opening game of their soccer season…all because decorated apparel did not arrive on time. So, in reaction, we created the above statement of difference…a differential advantage . Now, we think it is a powerful statement…but, we are biased. What do you think? Footnotes : references… Tom Peters, Thriving on Chaos - tompeters.com/dispatches/010639.php Jay Abraham - abraham.com The next blog will consider Question 4: Who REALLY CARES about what you do best?

## 7 Powerful Answers - #3
Date: 2009-12-29 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-powerful-answers-3/ | Categories: Habits: Good Habits, Bad Habits, & New Things, STRENGTHS: People-Focused for Success, Succession

This is blog #3 in an 8-blog series about Powerful Answers to 7 important business questions. The series is intended to be an introduction to strategic intuition and planning. Preamble : Business is about People and Process. Since People design the Process, when you boil it down business is about People. People do only 3 things: good habits, bad habits, and new things. There is a relationship between actions and strengths. I like the way Marcus Buckingham and Tom Rath [former Gallup folks] have written about strengths. While I know this doesn't do justice to what they have written, I summarize their message this way: Strengths = innate talent themes + knowledge + skill Contribution = strengths + the influence of personal value systems [attributes of character] As business leaders, we should understand the Strengths our People possess and we should understand the Values or attributes of character we desire. These combine to become our corporate culture, whether planned or not planned. Question 2: What HUMAN strengths will you use to build your business? Powerful Answer : an excerpt from Conestoga-Rovers & Associates website, www.craworld.com ' Mentoring - One area that is continually emphasized is the responsibility that all senior employees have to mentor junior staff. Mentoring is key to the continued success of CRA into the future.' Postamble : Question 2 is around corporate culture . CRA provides other similarly powerful statements that touch human strengths. I selected the mentor statement because it struck one of my chords. It is refreshing to see a company culture committed to mentoring...communicating about it so clearly…and clearly telling people they are responsible. This empowers and emboldens. Footnotes : references… a couple of fellows who have written about their Gallup strengths experiences Marcus Buckingham - strengthstest.com/strengths-tests/go-put-your-strengths-to-work-access-code Tom Rath - strengths.gallup.com/110440/About-StrengthsFinder-2.aspx The next blog will consider Question 3: What do you do BETTER and DIFFERENT than anyone else?

## 7 Powerful Answers - #2
Date: 2009-12-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-powerful-answers-2/ | Categories: Marketing, Networking: The Joys of Connection

This is blog #2 in an 8-blog series about Powerful Answers to 7 important business questions. The series is intended to be an introduction to strategic intuition and strategic planning. Preamble : Perhaps you have life-goals, including a life-goal for the business-work part of your life? If you do then that makes it easier to answer Question 1. If you do not have a life-goal for business and would appreciate a simple tool designed to help people write one out then let me know. I created a tool called My Business © about 10 years ago. I can email a copy of it to you. Question 1: What will your business look like when you are finished building it? Powerful Answer : an excerpt from the Waterloo MIN website www.waterloomin.com 'The Manufacturing Innovation Network (MIN) is the central place for local manufacturers in the Waterloo Region to: Build Awareness - raise awareness of products and services manufactured in the region both on a local and global scale. Network - improve collaboration and knowledge sharing between companies and industry professionals in an effort to create shared best practices, standard protocols and new innovations. Members can join peer groups, create professional profiles and access experts in blogs and online discussion forums. Trade - a centralized e-marketplace for buying, selling and promoting goods and services online, such as classified ads, job board and a comprehensive company directory.' Postamble : Question 1 is around business Vision and Mission . Waterloo MIN expresses its raison d'être in a clear, straightforward statement. Clear, straightforward statements are powerful. Written statements are powerful. Trivia: according to William Duggan, the word strategy did not enter the English language until 1810. The word tactics had been in English dictionaries almost 200 years before the word strategy arrived. Footnotes : Statements of Vision apply to organizations and also to people. Napoleon Hill [ www.naphill.org ] called this definite purpose and chief aim in life . My observations indicate - if a person has a personal Vision then it is easier for that person to create a Vision for his/her organization. So, I created a 'tool' many years ago, to help people set and write out their thoughts about what they want to accomplish during their business careers . I called the tool My Business ©. Heres a link to that tool - My Business© . The next blog will consider Question 2: What HUMAN strengths will you use to build your business?

## 7 Powerful Answers - #1
Date: 2009-12-22 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/7-powerful-answers/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Spirited Leaders

We found 7 fundamental building blocks linked to 7 business questions awaiting 7 Powerful Answers . This is the first in a series of 8 blogs, exploring the 7 fundamental building blocks…and 7 Powerful Answers . As a starting point, Spirited poses 7 business questions: What will your business look like when you are finished building it? What HUMAN strengths will you use to build your business? What do you do BETTER and DIFFERENT than anyone else? Who REALLY CARES about what you do best? How do you PLAN to connect with those people who care? How do you prove your people do the RIGHT things EVERY day? How do you manage your CRITICAL risk factors every day? In the blog-series I will describe our thinking behind the 7 Questions and share thoughts about 7 Powerful Answers . I am going to use a presentation format adapted from a sales book I wrote a few years ago. The format will look like this: Preamble : where I will talk about the things that caused us to create each question. Question : the seven business questions will be presented in the same order as above Powerful Answer : where an example will be presented Postamble : where I will provide some thoughts about the Powerful Answer Footnotes : references and tools will be provided If you would like to share your Powerful Answer to any of the 7 Questions then please send it via email to me. I will include it in the applicable blog. Please let me know if you would like your name mentioned with your Powerful Answer . The next blog will consider Question 1: What will your business look like when you are finished building it?

## eCRMine© - #2
Date: 2009-12-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ecrmine-2/ | Categories: IT & TECH, Marketing, Networking: The Joys of Connection, Sales

Our CRM system works! We built our CRM system – which we call our eCRMine – using our own software-engineering savvy and our own sales-management savvy. We did that because experience showed us off-the-shelf tools did not allow us to inject creativity…a necessary ingredient of a successful CRM system. To summarize, we think a CRM system is successful when it has the following attributes: It gets used…used by staff, used by management, and used by leaders It serves the needs identified by staff, managers, and leaders [ie, it serves The Plan ] It can be expanded or contracted…ie, it can be changed to meet changing needs When we talked about creating eCRMine we knew about Wikipedia and The Internet Movie Database . www.wikipedia.com www.imdb.com We knew about those information systems and we knew people embraced them…they were user-friendly and they were comprehensive, containing huge amounts of cross-referenced information. That’s what we wanted in our CRM system. We wanted to capture names and facts. We wanted cross-referencing like that contained in Wikipedia and IMDb . I used to say - we want it Wikipedia-ish and IMDb-ish . Using IMDb as a metaphor – we didn’t just want to know everything about Sylvestor Stallone…when he was born, what movies he was in, when those movies were made, etc. We wanted to be able to quickly find out who else was in those movies. We wanted to know the people who know Sylvester Stallone: the movie producers, the movie directors, the fellow actors, etc. Thinking about what Malcolm Gladwell [ www.gladwell.com ] had written in The Tipping Point , about Kevin Bacon and Rod Steiger [the best-connected actor of all time], we wanted to capture relationships on multiple levels. The good news: it is not difficult to build a powerful CRM system…and we would be pleased to share the results of our work with you. If you would like to learn more about our eCRMine then let us know. *** Over the last 2 years, Spirited has talked with hundreds of businesses, all seeking help. We noticed trends and we developed a short list of questions to help us understand the precise nature of the help required. In the next blog series, I will share and discuss those questions.

## eCRMine© - #1
Date: 2009-12-15 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/ecrmine/ | Categories: IT & TECH, Marketing, Networking: The Joys of Connection, Sales

We are pleased to announce: Our CRM System Works! For many years, we have seen people suffer with client-contact and relationship management systems..."CRM systems". And, we have suffered ourselves. In the early 1990's I discovered Lotus123. That software allowed me to create a database/spreadsheet combination that had some positives: information capture, user-friendly, sorting, reports, etc. Lotus123 software allowed us to get some basic organization in place. This happened about the same time cell phones were shrinking from luggage-size to hand-held size. Back then - the world of information and communication seemed a much-simpler space. Back then - people spent more time building relationship than talking about the need for them, let alone talking about the need for relationship-support tools. Things have changed. Now - lots of people have a desktop computer, a laptop, a BlackBerry, and a notebook. That's what I have and (ask anyone) I'm not a high-tech fellow. Now - I'm writing a blog about CRMs. Actually, this blog is about introducing our proprietary CRM, which we call our eCRMine . e - electronic CRM - contact relationship management Mine - our gold mine of specialized information [ Value repository ] Here's a link to a picture of the opening page of our eCRMine . ( link to eCRMine ) Over the years, we have suffered and watched others suffer with CRM systems. To remove this suffering, after exploring many other options for many years, in 2007, we decided to build our own eCRMine . We built eCRMine using our own software-engineering savvy and our own sales-management savvy. eCRMine is 'modular' - it can be customized and we can transfer its 'technology' to other businesses. In the next blog, I will provide some more details about our eCRMine …

## Leading With Revenue© - #4
Date: 2009-12-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leading-with-revenue-4/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Marketing

There are simple ways to ensure profitable business. One way is Leading With Revenue , which I have talked about in my last 3 blogs. In the last blog, we looked at a couple of examples of how a Leading With Revenue approach can help businesses succeed. I am going to provide another example and some comments about the hands-on application of the philosophy I call Leading With Revenue . Angel investors have an interesting relationship with Leading With Revenue . This is important when new products/services are invented and the entrepreneurial process is under way. In a similar way it should also be important when a company wishes to obtain funding, say an equity injection, to cover an expansion into new products, new services, or new territories. Angel investors, and equity investors in general, ought to contribute to Leading With Revenue rather than replace the need for Leading With Revenue . The Road Map: I view strategic planning as the elite business function. The drive to business growth can follow several routes. One avenue is Leading With Revenue . It is not the only avenue. However, it is an avenue that will get us to the destination – financial success. Business people can drive alone or they can drive with partners. If they choose to have equity partners then they and their equity partners should be in synch…working from the same map, using the same compass, etc. Including a discussion of Leading With Revenue at the strategic planning stage is a good way to prepare to start your engines. Leading With Revenue is a strategic philosophy and a strategic-thinking tool. Hair-Pin Turns In The Road: When we drive at selling, from time to time, we encounter rough weather and troubling road conditions. If we have no guidelines – no maps, no road signs, no shoulders, no medians, no bumper blocks, no danger signs – then sooner or later we find ourselves off the road and in the ditch, or worse. The step-by-step process of Leading With Revenue provides a solution. Leading With Revenue is a tactical tool, for testing everything from product development to sales efforts. Leading With Revenue [ link to the summary of Leading With Revenue ] I hope Leading With Revenue provides to you the comfortable feeling it has provided to me. This is the last blog in this Leading With Revenue series. In the next blog will begin to explore eCRMine …

## Leading With Revenue© - #3
Date: 2009-12-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leading-with-revenue-3/ | Categories: Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing

There are simple ways to ensure profitable business. One way is Leading With Revenue , which I have talked about in my last 2 blogs. From the last blog, we know Leading With Revenue can add Value whether we are dealing with new products and services [inventions] or existing products and services [which aren’t selling as well as we would like]. The key is obtaining Client input… and a revenue-generating purchase by a Client is powerful positive feedback. I promised some Leading With Revenue success stories. Here are a couple of success stories…again, I have altered the details to ensure confidentiality. Example 1: Dave was approached by a large local company to provide consulting services under a short-term project. Dave was flattered by the acknowledgment of his expertise, confirmed by the attention offered by the large company. However, Dave declined the offer and provided a counter-offer. Dave’s counter-offer consisted of a multi-year contract providing a Value-adding service that included the consulting but also included a clear and expert solution to a major problem well-known to exist at the large local company…at least, well-known to Dave . Dave’s counter-offer contained pricing and other terms that reflected Dave’s senior-level Value. Result – the large company accepted Dave’s counter-offer and both parties enjoyed the Value-exchange that followed. Example 2: Jim and Sarah run a local manufacturing company. One of their larger clients came to them and requested a price discount, to match the competition. Jim and Sarah were somewhat puzzled because the relationship had been strong with the client and Jim and Sarah’s company had a habit of over-delivering with quality. After some discussion, it became clear there was a disconnection between the Value as seen by the client and the Value as seen by Jim and Sarah. To satisfy the client’s price-discount request, Jim and Sarah would lose money. They discussed this with the client. Jim and Sarah confirmed they would not drop their price. Now, there are two alternative endings to this example…the choice of ending depends on which ‘Jim and Sarah’ we are talking about…both happened: Ending 1: The client checked with his head office and confirmed to Jim and Sarah that no price discount was required. Since that event, there has been no further discussion of price discounts. Ending 2: The client took his business to a new supplier. That supplier went bankrupt in 6 months and the client had no choice but to return to Jim and Sarah. The client then accepted the price increase offered by Jim and Sarah. Since that series of events, there has been no further discussion of price discounts. The next blog will be the last in this Leading With Revenue series…

## Leading With Revenue© - #2
Date: 2009-12-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leading-with-revenue-2/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Marketing

There are simple ways to ensure profitable business. One way is Leading With Revenue , which was summarized in my last blog. From the last blog we know Leading With Revenue is not easy. While it is simple [straightforward] to describe, it is not easy – it requires work and disci pline. It requires some thinking followed by set action steps. The most important part of the work is – Listening to Clients [starting as early as possible in the process]. In the summary, at the last blog, the Leading With Revenue process started with a product or service Idea, backed by Specialized Knowledge. That happens when an inventor comes up with a new mousetrap. Leading With Revenue should definitely happen then. It also should happen when one of our sales people comes to work tomorrow morning and wonders – What shall I do today ? Leading With Revenue will add tremendous Value in both situations. That Value includes: Higher profit Lower stress Higher work satisfaction Lower staff turnover Here are a couple of real-life examples I have experienced during the last year. I have changed the names of people and companies and been vague about products to ensure confidentiality. Example 1: Joe invented a tool. He spent hundreds of thousands of dollars and years of time de-bugging the product, creating top-notch packaging, creating a good sales presentation, and manufacturing samples. He visited numerous prospective buyers, distributors who could serve as future buyers. These folks said, ‘ the product looks great’ . Joe gave hundreds of samples away so the distributors could display them and promote them to consumers. The result was - very few sales and very little feedback about ‘ why so few sales? ’. Example 2: Jane had a well-established, profitable business with hundreds of clients. Jane felt changes were required to improve sales. A new CRM system seemed to be the right answer so steps were taken to select a new CRM and a company to install, de-bug, and get it operational. After many months and tens of thousands of dollars, the CRM is almost operational. The results – zero increase in sales. Obviously, those were not the Leading With Revenue success stories. Leading With Revenue success stories will be presented in the next blog…

## Leading With Revenue© - #1
Date: 2009-12-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leading-with-revenue-2009/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Marketing, Sales

There are simple ways to ensure profitable business. WARNING TO READER I did not write – There are easy ways to ensure profitable business. [Work is required] There are simple ways to ensure profitable business. I call one of those simple processes Leading With Revenue . ANOTHER WARNING TO READER I am assuming here, money is an issue. If you have no issue with money – if you have more than plenty – this blog may not be of any Value. Leading With Revenue summarized: Start with a product or service Idea, backed by Specialized Knowledge Test your thinking – This Idea Should Work! [if that’s what you think then go to next step] Do a little product/service development work [to proof your Idea] Come up with a Value Proposition, which answers – Why will Clients want to buy this? Start with a suspicion of what you think Clients may want to buy Select some trusted best-prospect Clients [real people, not paper-demographics] Meet, talk, but mostly Listen as these Clients tell you if this Idea will work for them If these Clients give concrete positive signals - Yes, I will buy - then go to the next step Fine-tune the Value Proposition to align with what Clients have told you they want to buy Set Pricing to cover cost/benefit and risk/reward [for all parties] If problems arise at that last step – from your or the Clients’ perspective - then go back to at least step #4 Ensure everything meshes with your company’s Unique Selling Proposition…or go back to at least step #4 Quickly, set simple marketing & sales action plans Quickly, take action to sell to those Clients whom you have been told [or you believe] want to buy Watch, Listen, and Monitor sales results…the Clients’ actions will tell you what you need to know Fine-tune the product/service as required to match what Clients show you they want to buy If product/service fine-tuning is not possible or practical then go back to at least step #4 Over the last two years, we have seen some folks Leading With Revenue . And, we have seen lots of folks not Leading With Revenue . I will provide examples of each at the next blog… Link to another, more-theoretical blog about Leading With Revenue [ August 4, 2008 blog ]

## P=2S+O© - #8
Date: 2009-11-26 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/p3d2s2bo-8/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities

For every P roblem, there are at least 2 S olutions and there may also be some hidden O pportunities. Link to P=2S+O worksheet/template. [ click to download ] Experts tell us we have thousands of thoughts every day. Perhaps, on average, our thoughts arrive every 10 seconds. Of this large number of thoughts, coming to our minds every day, we categorize some as problems… problem-thoughts . Some of these problem-thoughts happen once or twice and are forgotten while others keep coming back until we find ourselves thinking, “Something should be done about this” . When this happens to me, that’s when I step back and say ..."How do I turn this P (Problem-thing that just keeps popping into my mind) into at least a couple of S 's (Solutions) and at least one O (Opportunity)?" I work at that. As you have seen, I call the process P=2S+O . I’m not as good as I’d like to be at initiating P=2S+O . Sometimes I find myself being annoyed by a persistent thought…I mean I catch myself being annoyed yet inactive. [I see this as a bad habit.] Then, something clicks in and I realize I am annoyed because the thought is a problem-thought and it probably will keep annoying me until I replace it with some ideas about S olutions and O pportunities. At that point, the good habit P=2S+O begins to replace the bad habit being annoyed by a problem-thought . I'm not as good as I'd like to be at generating immediate S olutions. I wish I could say, “Much to my surprise…I catch myself being lazy and procrastinating” . But, that wouldn’t be accurate because I have caught myself far too many times to use the word ‘surprise’. However, I am getting better. I keep a laminated copy of the P=2S+O template/worksheet close by…as a reminder. And I keep several paper copies of it on hand so I can fill them out on the spot. Also, I have a neat little web-based tool with me at all times…which removes any excuse for not doing P=2S+O . If you are interested in learning more about the web-based tool then please email me at rick@spiritedleaders.ca . I have developed an ability to be very open/receptive to O pportunities. O pportunities tend to pop into my mind very regularly. So, for me, P=2S+O is working well….and it is becoming a good habit. I will be thrilled to learn it works as well for you….so please, let me know. … my next blog will introduce a new topic - Leading With Revenue ...

## P=2S+O© - #7
Date: 2009-11-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/p3d2s2bo-7/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Solutions & Opportunities

For every P roblem, there are at least 2 S olutions and there may also be some hidden O pportunities. Link to P=2S+O worksheet/template. [ click to download ] In the last blog, I mentioned from time to time intuition may come to you and you may obtain O pportunities that way. There is an interesting argument favouring an ‘opportunistic’ approach over the ‘traditional’ approach to strategic planning. Rather than Plan the Work and Work the Plan, be prepared to recognize, receive, and act on O pportunities. See for example, Strategic Intuition [2007] by William Duggan... here’s a link to William Duggan http://columbiapress.typepad.com/ At that link, you can read about the three kinds of intuition... “The third kind, strategic intuition, is not a vague feeling, like ordinary intuition. Strategic intuition is clear thought. And it’s not fast, like expert intuition. It’s slow.” “Strategic intuition works in new situations. That’s when you need it most.” Business people should do both. Business people should Plan the Work and Work the Plan. Much of the value lies in the process of planning. That’s captured [maybe a little too strongly?] in this Dwight D. Eisenhower quote: “In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless but planning is indispensible.” Business people should also work to understand and use intuition and creative thinking. When these are operating in high gear we are able to respond quickly and successfully while the pace of business change continues to increase. P=2S+O stands on middle ground. P=2S+O is process . P=2S+O is a system . The process & system of P=2S+O was planned. The application of the P=2S+O template [worksheet] has some structure...that is, the template/worksheet contains sections for describing P roblems, S olutions, and O pportunities. On the other hand, the template/worksheet does not set boundaries on how to come up with S olutions and O pportunities. The P=2S+O template/worksheet provides a picture or what needs to be done. This series of blogs provides an introduction to why a P=2S+O is important and how people can use P=2S+O to obtain business success. The next blog will be the final blog of this P=2S+O series.

## P=2S+O© - #6
Date: 2009-11-19 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/p3d2s2bo-6/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities

For every P roblem, there are at least 2 S olutions and there may also be some hidden O pportunities. Link to P=2S+O worksheet/template. [ click to download ] Some quotes & comments about O pportunities... Quote: “We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” [Charles R. Swindoll] Comment: Twenty-something years ago I was listening to a Bob Proctor tape and he talked about “ opportunity riding on the wings of adversity ”. I grabbed on to the phrase the first time I heard it. It caused me to start to think about P roblems in a different way. Here’s a link to Bob Proctor – www.bobproctor.com Quote: “It is often hard to distinguish between the hard knocks in life and those of opportunity .” [Frederick Phillips] Comment: Milton Berle said, “If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.” We built P=2S+O to be an open door to O pportunity...and a clear window too. Quote: “The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes. [Benjamin Disraeli] Comment: In the last blog I said we do not expect to find O pportunities every time we find P roblems. P=2S+O means we may find O pportunities hiding in P roblems. It is like playing a game of cards: sometimes the P roblem deals great cards and the O pportunity jumps out at you, other times no O pportunities come to mind, and other times the hand doesn’t look that impressive at first but intuition hits you and you recognize a ‘hidden’ O pportunity. Keep your mind open for O pportunities and work at making the most out of the hands you are dealt. The next blog in this P=2S+O series will share some thoughts about intuition ...

## P=2S+O© - #5
Date: 2009-11-17 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/p3d2s2bo-5/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities

For every P roblem, there are at least 2 S olutions and there may also be some hidden O pportunities. Link to P=2S+O worksheet/template. [ click to download ] In his LITTLE GOLD BOOK of YES1 Attitude [2007], Jeffrey Gitomer states, “Instead of griping or wallowing in your problems, why not spend the same amount of time working on solutions? Being solution-oriented has done more for me and my path to success than any single strategy. Every obstacle presents an opportunity – if you’re looking for it. If you’re too busy concentrating on the problem, the opportunity will pass you by. " Link to Jeffrey Gitomer www.gitomer.com P=2S+O aligns well with the direction of Gitomer’s thinking. Is there a better way to ensure solution-orientation than linking S olutions to P roblems in a formula? I don’t think so. The same applies to O pportunities. P=2S+O , however, is not as demanding about O pportunities as it is about S olutions. For S olutions, there is no option. If there is a P roblem then there must always be at least 2 S olutions attached to that P roblem. On the other hand, for O pportunities, there may or may not be one attached to the P roblem. Why? I do not agree with Gitomer’s point, “ Every obstacle presents an opportunity – if you’re looking for it .” That’s not been my experience. Sometimes O pportunities are hiding in P roblems. Sometimes O pportunities are not hiding in P roblems. Even if I am wrong and O pportunities always hide in every P roblem, most times there is a diminishing return trying to get them out of their hiding spots. If a situation is annoying enough to count as a P roblem requiring our attention then we must replace that P roblem with a good S olution. That’s what P=2S+O demands. We must convert P roblems into S olutions. Bosses like that - Clients like that - Co-workers like that... etc. From time to time as we work at finding and doing S olutions we come across O pportunities. The key is having an open mind...a mind open to receiving O pportunities when they visit. Based on this thinking, P=2S+O means: for every P roblem, there are at least 2 S olutions and there may also be some hidden O pportunities. More about Opportunities in the next blog...

## P=2S+O© - #4
Date: 2009-11-12 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/p3d2s2bo-4/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities

For every P roblem, there are at least 2 S olutions and there may also be some hidden O pportunities. Link to P=2S+O worksheet/template. [ click to download ] In the last blog I mentioned P=2S+O is about thinking…thinking aimed at success. I recently read ‘HOW SUCCESFUL PEOPLE THINK, Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life’ , John C. Maxwell, 2009. Here is a link to John C. Maxwell http://www.johnmaxwell.com Providing a formula like P=2S+O is intended to be a starting point. Tools are required to help our people excel at converting P roblems into S olutions and O pportunities. We create tools for problem-solving. And, we seek out the advice of experts...seminars, audio tapes, books, etc. John Maxwell’s little book - HOW SUCCESFUL PEOPLE THINK, Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life - is as good a guide as I have come across. In clear and simple words, John introduces several types of thinking and he provides some good suggestions on Why we should and How we can approach thinking from different directions. Here are samples of John Maxwell suggestions that fit very well with P=2S+O : HARNESS CREATIVE THINKING - Characteristics of Creative Thinkers: Creative Thinkers value ideas Creative Thinkers explore options Creative Thinkers embrace ambiguity Creative Thinkers celebrate the offbeat Creative Thinkers connect the unconnected Creative Thinkers don’t fear failure EXPLORE POSSIBILITY THINKING – why you should become a Possibility Thinker: Possibility thinking increases your possibilities Possibility thinking draws opportunities and people to you Possibility thinking increases others’ possibilities Possibility thinking allows you to dream big dreams Possibility thinking makes it possible to rise above average Possibility thinking gives you energy Possibility thinking keeps you from giving up P=2S+O meshes well with thinking as John Maxwell describes it...thinking aimed at Success. More on this in the next blog...

## P=2S+O© - #3
Date: 2009-11-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/p3d2s2bo-3/ | Categories: 1-Page Tools, Solutions & Opportunities

For every P roblem, there are at least 2 S olutions and there may also be some hidden O pportunities. Link to P=2S+O worksheet/template. [ click to download ] In the first blog of this series I mentioned realists should call problems P roblems. That is, we will do better if we don’t mince words or try to pretty up words in an effort to make sure other folks see us as optimists or positive-thinkers. Clarity is important. I ended the last blog saying, “We encourage our people to seek out P roblems” . Why? There are many reasons why we say and do these things: Communication improves when words are straightforward and simple P roblems are catalysts for business Change Change brings progress S olution-orientation is the best direction Simple tools improve both communication and results Every P roblem does have many S olutions...so, thinking of 2 isn’t that tough a challenge O pportunities do ‘ride on the wings of adversity’...n ot all the time, but sometimes The better question is, Why Not! Why Not force ourselves to spend quality time with P roblems! Why Not force ourselves to come up with multiple S olutions for our P roblems! Why Not force ourselves to think about O pportunities every time we think about P roblems! Why Not force ourselves to write all this down simply and clearly on one page! Why Not share these pages with our co-workers! Why Not show our bosses S olutions...regularly! Why Not show our bosses O pportunities...from time to time! P=2S+O isn’t just a work guide and a communication tool, P=2S+O is a piece of business philosophy. P=2S+O is about thinking...thinking aimed at success. More on this in the next blog...

## P=2S+O© - #2
Date: 2009-11-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/p3d2s2bo-2/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Solutions & Opportunities

For every P roblem, there are at least 2 S olutions and there may also be some hidden O pportunities. As promised in the last blog, here is a link to the P=2S+O worksheet/template. [ click to download ] The worksheet is easy enough to use. I kept it to one page. At one page, people should be more inclined to use it. At one page, it can fit into a binder. Several copies can be printed in advance and completed later as P roblems arise throughout the day. I would like to thank the author Dan Kennedy - NO B.S. Ruthless Management of People & Profits, 2008, Figure 37.1, Problem-Solution Communication Template – for the idea of using a straightforward one-page format for communicating Problem-Solutions. Here is a link to Dan Kennedy http://www.nobsbooks.com Bosses think things like, ‘Don’t bring me problems, bring me solutions’ . Dan Kennedy provided an easy way to do that. When I read Dan’s book, his template jumped out as a great fit with our P=2S+O philosophy. I adapted Dan’s template. So, now we have a P=2S+O worksheet/template. We encourage our people to use the template. We go beyond saying, “Don’t bring me Problems, bring me Solutions” . We say, “Bring me P roblems and bring me S olutions, and, from time to time, bring me O pportunities” . We encourage our people to seek out P roblems. More on this in the next blog...

## P=2S+O© - #1
Date: 2009-11-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/p3d2s2bo/ | Categories: Solutions & Opportunities

Some time ago, I made up the math formula P=2S+O . It means, for every P roblem there are always S olutions and there are often hidden O pportunities. P=2S+O is a philosophical statement. P=2S+O is a positive-thinking tool. P=2S+O is a problem-solving tool. In a series of a few blogs, I will explain things from the philosophy behind P=2S+O to the practical value it provides for problem-solving. Perhaps the best starting point is “ P ”. P = P roblem “You can’t start a formula with Problems. That’s pessimistic. You must start with Solutions or Opportunities!” “You can not call problems Problems. You need to come up with a less-negative description.” I’ve heard that. I have disagreed. Problems are P roblems. We do not need to make it prettier or any more complicated or any more palatable than that. This ‘let’s just call problems Problems’ approach ties in with two other pieces of philosophy I embrace: Seek Simple [when things are straightforward, keep them that way] Seek Obvious [more on this later, or Google ‘Obvious Adams’ if you can not wait] So, the formula starts with P ... for P roblem. For every P roblem there are at least 2 S olutions and there may be hidden O pportunities. Bosses tend to buy into this. Bosses have said things like, “Don’t bring me problems - show me solutions.” And, that’s the main reason the formula P=2S+O was created. It was designed to help business people convert P roblems into S olutions. Later, a ‘worksheet/template’ – a hands-on tool – was developed to help people. At the next blog, I will provide the worksheet/template and more discussion of – Why use P=2S+O ? Also, I will explain why spending time thinking about P roblems is not the work of a pessimist…it is the work of a realist.

## A Lesson on Cold Calling
Date: 2009-07-06 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/a-lesson-on-cold-calling/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Marketing

Last week I met a fellow...an entrepreneur . As we exchanged information about ourselves, he mentioned doing business with Disney. I asked - how did you get that done? He told me the story... Several years ago, he and his partner were enthusiastically going about building a business. They met regularly on Sunday evenings to strategize for the upcoming week. One Sunday night they were discussing the difficulty they were having 'making contact' with Disney. They had made numerous attempts to connect with the 'key contact', who happened to be female. Numerous attempts, phone messages, etc - zero success. Then, one Sunday evening as they were strategizing, they decided they would send a bouquet of flowers to the lady with a note ' From the guys who have been bugging you for a meeting '. They sent the bouquet of flowers the following day. That generated a positive response. They met the lady at Disney. Then they did the deal with Disney. [What a nice little story and lesson on cold calling.]

## How should we view and analyse a Market Sector?
Date: 2009-06-05 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/how-should-we-view-and-analyse-a-market-sector/ | Categories: Curiosity - Invention, Innovation & Creativity, Delegation & Decisions, Entrepreneur Thinking, Leaders' Thoughts, Marketing

A few decades ago, Michael Porter presented a way to analyse an industry sector…ie, a marketplace. He recommended “Five Forces Industry Analysis”... see Michael Porter, ‘ Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors’ , [1980]. Porter’s Five Forces are: threat of new entrants bargaining power of suppliers bargaining power of buyers threat of substitute products or services d egree of rivalry among existing competitors It is wise to consider the Five Forces described by Procter…[perhaps after almost 30 years that’s now considered common sense]. It also makes sense to look at your choice of business sector from different perspectives. This note is about a different way to think about your market niche…the sector where you are doing or will do business. Last year, Fernando Trías de Bes presented some different thinking in his book ‘ The Little Black Book of Entrepreneurship – A Contrarian’s Guide To Succeeding Where Others Have Failed’ [2008]. The book focuses on why businesses fail. Rather than talking about only KSFs [Key Success Factors] it recommends we consider KFFs [Key Failure Factors]. The author answers the question – “Why?”…”Because in order to apply the success factors, you need to clear the terrain of failure factors.” Is that contrarian? [What about the W and the T of SWOT?] According to the author, one reason entrepreneurs fail is poor choices of market sectors. The author believes the root of the problem is many entrepreneurs do not consider the market sector to be a decision. Rather, they consider it to be a consequence of a random idea. The chapter on market sector is titled ‘ROUND NINE - No Novice Ever Won a Nobel Prize’ . An example is given: a vacationer sees a new type of shoe while visiting a foreign land. The vacationer – the entrepreneur – knows that shoe is not available at home. The entrepreneur’s random idea is: we could sell that shoe at home. And the consequence of that random idea is: we will go into business in the shoe sector. Another example is given: a fellow became enthralled with a particular fast-food outlet. He spent six months studying the business of that fast-food outlet but failed to ask himself if he had a real interest in being in the fast-food sector. The author believes entrepreneurs often fail because they ‘back into’ the market sector because they are convinced they have a good idea for a product or have a good idea for a specific business. The way I’m looking at it, Fernando Trías de Bes tells us what we better think about before we follow the ‘process-analytics’ advice provided by folks like Michael Porter. Fernando Trías de Bes provides the following advice: “The choice of the market sector for your business venture must be the result of a considered decision. Choose your sector or product because it appeals to you. Go into a sector you know. If you don’t know the sector, either take time to learn it or surround yourself with people who do know it. You must bring something new into the market sector you choose to do business in. Innovate by knowing the rules so you can break them.” *** Some Additional Thoughts: Fernando Trías de Bes at the cover of his book describes himself as a contrarian . It is sometimes difficult to tell the traditional from the contrarian. One section of the Introduction of The Little Black Book of Entrepreneurship – A Contrarian’s Guide To Succeeding Where Others Have Failed’ caught my attention. At page 3 of the Introduction the author describes an on-line exercise he did using the words ‘key success factors’ and ‘key failure factors’. The author states,” Out of curiosity, I typed ”key success factors” into a search engine and found 636,000 pages; a search engine for “key failure factors” yielded only 119 pages .” Last December, I performed an exercise using a few combinations of words like “Why Businesses Fail” and “Why Businesses Succeed”. My results, at least , my views about my results, are certainly contrary to those of the author. I feel I obtained the opposite result. For my search, I was not interested in the number of pages search engines found. I was interested in what the first 10 pages [using Google] contained for each search [see www.google.com ]. My goal was to find 10 lists where writers provided their views about “Why Businesses Fail” and 10 lists where writers provided their views about “Why Businesses Succeed”. I was astonished to find a huge amount of free on-line articles and summaries covering the topic of “Why Businesses Fail”…it was easy to find free-information and compile numerous lists of “Why Businesses Fail”. Going from memory, I believe the first 12 websites contained 10 lists…so, my task of generating the 10 ‘failure lists’ was done quickly. Conversely, I had to read through almost 100 websites to find 10 ‘success lists’…and, I had to cheat a bit to get that done. I had to cull the ‘success’ verbiage to create lists while the ‘success’ writers volunteered simple lists…some numbered, some with bullet points. After performing the above free-information-search exercise, I reached two conclusions: People who write about “Why Businesses Succeed” want to be paid for their opinions…so, they don’t write them out the way others write about “Why Businesses Fail”. Rather, when you search those business-success words you end up at sites that sell books…and People who do express free advice about “Why Businesses Succeed” make far more subjective claims than do people who write about “Why Businesses Fail”. For example, they state things like business success is linked to long-distance running, meditiation, etc whereas the people who write about failure focus almost entirely on business reasons such as poor marketing, inadequate finance, etc. My December 2008 exercise coupled with the author’s differing view about on-line searches cause me to think two things: Many people think other people will pay for business-success education, so business-success information is not offered as freely as is business-failure information. There’s a good argument to be made this is all about packaging… and I’m not sure Fernando Trías de Bes is a contrarian. His search-engine test...I struggle with that.

## Injecting Value - Systemizing Your Business
Date: 2009-05-31 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/injecting-value-systemizing-your-business/ | Categories: Business Contains Only 3 Things, Entrepreneur Thinking, Marketing

Over the past month, not by sheer coincidence, I have participated in many discussions about ‘business systems’ . People have differing views, ranging from ‘the need’ for systems to ‘the design’ of systems. I am not writing about my personal views at this time. However, I’d summarize them this way: with respect to ‘the need’ I am of the view business systems are essential and with respect to ‘the design’ I am of the view business systems should be comprehensive yet user-friendly and containing user input, automated within reason, simple to follow yet sufficiently detailed, and crystal clear. Business systems must be taught and they must be learned. They must be embraced. Here is one way to look at business systems…it is an introduction to the good work Brad Sugars is doing with his business-consulting company ActionCOACH…for more information visit www.actioncoach.com . As part of his ‘INSTANT SUCCESS’ series, in his 2006 book titled ‘Instant Systems’ , Brad Sugars wrote about “The Nine Steps to Systemizing Your Business”. While one needs to read the book to understand the strength of Brad Sugars’ 9 points, the following summary illustrates his approach to business systems. 1. Step 1: VISION – this is a long-term [Brad says a 100-year view] of the grand picture of what your business will be like when it is finished. The Vision should be clearly understood by everyone at your business. Brad provides his company’s Vision, which is captured in 5 words. 2. Step 2: MISSION STATEMENT – this states how you are going to accomplish your business Vision. It should clearly explain: who you are, what business you are in, who your customers are, and what makes you different than your competition. Brad provides his company’s Mission Statement, which is described in one page. 3. Step 3: CULTURE STATEMENT – Brad says this is usually a 14-point statement covering: the company leader’s 4 most-important values, the team’s 4 most-important values, and the customers’ 4 most-important values. At his company, Brad covers these using the following 14 points: Commitment, Ownership, Integrity, Excellence, Communication, Success, Education, Teamwork, Balance, Fun, Systems, Consistency, Gratitude, & Abundance. 4. Step 4: GOALS – your Goals help you achieve your Vision. Your Goals should be SMART, consider the end point, ie, your exit from the business, and provide direction and focus. 5. Step 5: ORGANIZATIONAL CHART – again, consideration must be given to the end point. 6. Step 6: POSITIONAL CONTRACTS – using Brad’s words, ‘It’s very important to tell your people what they’re supposed to be doing.’ And, ‘Spell it out in clear, unambiguous terms.’ 7. Step 7: KPIs – Key Performance Indicators for every position. Brad recommends 5 to 10 KPIs. He ties pay-for-performance bonuses to each person’s KPIs. 8. Step 8: HOW-TO MANUALS – written down, video- or audio-taped…whatever works. 9. Step 9: MILESTONES – you must consider the main stages your business will go through from infancy to maturity. That’s a summary of a concise set of instructions for setting up Business Systems. Perhaps, the most striking piece is the step called Culture Statement . Many businesses have given little thought to culture. Based on our discussions with many businesses, the first three steps – Vision, Mission Statement , & Culture Statement – appear to be the most difficult.

## An excerpt from a note sent to a business associate
Date: 2009-05-07 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-excerpt-from-a-note-sent-to-a-business-associate/ | Categories: 80/20 Rule, Entrepreneur Thinking, Investor Funding, Marketing, Sales

Spirited Investors helps businesses tackle their problems and opportunities. We do this by investing money, know-how , effort, and time. Spirited’s key investment focus, at this time, is smaller businesses . Smaller businesses : think in terms of private companies ranging from early-stage revenue to $10,000,000 in sales. Smaller-business success is influenced in a profound way by the presence or absence of good Marketing & Sales performance. Unfortunately, the absence is more common than the presence . Together, we can fix this. Marketing: Most small businesses do little marketing, aside from a very-limited set of things such as attending trade shows and having a printer do up some brochures to support sales. Websites exist but often they are neither compelling nor updated. When marketing activity does happen it is rarely measured or tested. Marketing work receives perhaps sporadic attention. There is little commitment to doing marketing. Some say it is not required. They are wrong. Many think they do it right or state ‘these things are under control’. Yet, most businesses struggle at identifying: [1] target markets, [2] value propositions, and [3] unique selling propositions. Meanwhile, the whole marketing & sales process, from strategic to tactical, must start with those 3 things. Sales: Often, small-business owners personally handle much of the sales activity at their company. They regularly choose to do sales work rather than delegate it. They have problems when they do try to delegate it. The recruiting of sales people is another real challenge. And, about 7 out of 10 sales people shouldn’t even be in sales jobs. The 80/20 Rule is confirmed, that is, if sales success is happening at all then ‘the few’ generate the lion’s share of the sales revenue. Within an industry, most competitors do sales work more or less the same way. Not much innovation, not much creativity. So, sales attitudes can be quite lackluster and even when sales performance is happening the work isn’t much fun. Most small businesses do not have a written Plan for their Marketing & Sales. Almost all smaller businesses need help with marketing & sales [not just sales work on its own]. Even those that are earning profit are leaving money on the table and leaving clients less than fully satisfied. They would do better if they had a Marketing & Sales Plan. Marketing & sales must start with Plan the Work [ie, Napoleon Hill – Plan the Work and Work the Plan ]. Planning offers at least 2 major benefits: (1) it forces folks to think through the issues and that ‘thinking through’ alone adds value and (2) the Plan serves as a guide and a reference…it is a map. Maps help. We will do the smaller businesses of our community a tremendous service if we can create together an education and training ‘tool’ for marketing & sales. The marketing & sales training tool we create should have 3 overall components: [1] marketing, [2] sales management, and [3] sales. The existing sales training programs can provide a good starting point for the work in the sales area. Most of the sales training I have purchased is too complicated…it needs to be simplified. We must make our marketing & sales training tool ingenious and simple - that is...we must make our marketing & sales training tool elegant. Many good books and tapes exist to help us create all 3 of the parts. These 3 parts must be integrated because sales work can only be excellent and resilient if it is meshed with the results of good sales management and marketing work. And, there will be no excellence [or peace of mind] if marketing & sales work is not handled in a Plan the Work and Work the Plan way…much strategic thought, much tactical thought, alignment, measuring and testing, training, etc. We can create a special ‘tool’ for Marketing & Sales education and training. And then, we can share it.

## An Excerpt from a Message Sent to a Friend Today
Date: 2009-04-30 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-excerpt-from-a-message-sent-to-a-friend-today/ | Categories: Communication: Improving Communication, Marketing, Sales

Commerce is changing. Communication is changing. The 'old ways' do not work as well as they used to. We have seen rapid sales-marketing-and-purchasing changes creeping up and around us during the last 10 years. Now, things seem to have reached a new commercial zone . [The pace of change is hastening: mail, fax, email, Web 2.0, etc.] To grow business we need to know how to succeed in a new commercial zone . The current economic climate presents an ideal time for growth. Many businesses are struggling to some degree and many are seeking better ways and solutions. This opens the doors for new forward-looking alliances. Some competitors will fail and many will be distracted and doors will be opened to upbeat and strong businesses. Clients will be taken from the weak and the distracted businesses. And, these clients will be better served. People have not changed. But, the things that catch their attention and interest have… The keys to marketing & sales success are still the 'old' basics: • Accurate identification and understanding of Market Niches/Target Markets/Clients • Real Value Propositions, confirmed and proven by the Clients who receive the Value • Real Differential Advantages (Unique Selling Propositions or whatever the currently-accepted descriptor is)… differences that ensure attractiveness to Clients vis-à-vis their choices to either do nothing or do business with one of our competitors • Quality Relationships • Effective Referrals and Other Routes to connect us to our Target Market Clients The last bullet point contains most of the new stuff (ie, the stuff of the new commercial zone ). Businesses can no longer rely on one or two routes to commerce. Old sales approaches are stale and yield lacklustre results. Sales training on its own does little to generate improvement of results. So - how do we construct a multi-prong Marketing Plan that contains new & effective routes to commercial success? That’s the interesting challenge testing our brainpower. How do we construct a multi-prong Marketing Plan that contains new & effective routes to success? But, let’s make sure we do not rush into this backwards. Every day we see people ignore this crucial point: that last question is and must not be the first question . The bullet points for the thinking process and the questions are presented above. The first question is at the 1st bullet point. The next question is at the 2nd bullet point...and so on. Yet, we see business people violate these steps. They assume or presume or conclude they have an accurate understanding of their Target Markets when they do not. Then they assume presume and conclude they understand the Value Proposition as seen from their Clients’ perspectives when they do not. Almost everything they do after that is a waste of time, effort, and money. We must start by putting ourselves in our Clients’ shoes…and we must not free our feet from those shoes until we have finished the strategic-thinking process…and, of course, all of the implementation and tactics, the testing and measuring, and the feedback.

## The Eighth Step Toward Riches - or - The First Mental Trap?
Date: 2009-02-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-eighth-step-toward-riches-or-the-first-mental-trap/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Hero Worship, Influencing

In 1937, in his classic book 'Think and Grow Rich' , Napoleon Hill stated Persistence as the 8th of 13 steps toward riches. If I'm not mistaken, Bob Proctor stated he forced himself to read the Persistence chapter of Think and Grow Rich every night for a month. Proctor did that to impress upon himself the merit of Hill's words about Persistence...ie, an exercise of leading the mind by example. An excerpt of Napoleon Hill thought... 'There may be no heroic connotation to the word "persistence", but the quality is to the character of man what carbon is to steel.' Another quote... 'Lack of persistence is one of the major causes of failure.' Another... 'Those who have cultivated the habit of persistence seem to enjoy insurance against failure.' And one more... 'One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat.' *** I recently purchased a copy of André Kukla's 2007 (Anchor Canada) publication of 'Mental Traps - Overthinker's Guide to a Happier Life' . Now, the book title caught my attention. The back cover explains André Kukla is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto...that expanded my interest. (Why not support the efforts of local writers.) And, the table of contents secured my purchase: Kukla’s first mental trap was - Persistence. Immediately, having a good memory of the details of the Hill classic and being pretty sure Bob Proctor read the chapter on persistence every day for a month, I was intrigued to see persistence holding the #1 mental-trap position. The opening paragraph of Kukla's chapter on persistence is: 'The first trap, persistence, is to continue to work on projects that have lost their value. The activity had meaning for us once - or we would never have begun. But the meaning has evaporated before we reach the end. Yet we go on, either because we don't notice the change or out of sheer inertia.' Another quote... 'Incredibly, our culture teaches us to regard persistence as a virtue'. And another... 'A useful distinction may be drawn between persistence and perseverance. We persevere when we steadfastly pursue our aims despite the obstacles that are encountered along the way. But we merely persist if we doggedly carry on in directions that are known to lead to a dead end.' And one more... 'The moral imperative to finish everything we start is deeply ingrained. We find it difficult to abandon even the most transparently vapid enterprises in midstream. The mere act of beginning already binds us to continue to the end, whether or not the original reasons for the activity remain valid.' *** Now, here's how one of my dictionaries defines perseverance and persistence... Perseverance: a sticking to a purpose or an aim; never giving up what one has set out to do; persistence Persistence: the quality or state of being persistent or the act of persisting....where, in the same dictionary, persistent is defined as: persisting; having lasting qualities, especially in the face of dislike, disapproval, or difficulties *** As mentioned above, I was intrigued to see a table of contents citing Persistence as the first mental trap in an 'Overthinker's Guide to a Happier Life' . To at least some degree, I grew up with Napoleon Hill's philosophies...including his view that Persistence is a necessary step toward riches. To put this into perspective, I've read the Napoleon Hill chapter dozens of times while I've read the Kukla chapter a handful of times. So, I believe I fully understand the gory details of Napoleon Hill's thinking and message while I'm much less comfortable with my understanding of Kukla's thinking and message. At first-reading of Kukla's differentiation between persistence and perseverance, I thought I was gaining some ground on his views. However, my dictionary removed that. My dictionary seems to consider the words persistence and perseverance as more or less interchangeable...note, perseverance is defined as persistence. *** So, what is persistence? Is it the 8th step to riches? Or, is it the first mental trap? An attempt at an answer: ...going back to my dictionary's definition of persistent: persisting; having lasting qualities, especially in the face of dislike, disapproval, or difficulties. Specifically, consider the words 'in the face of dislike, disapproval, or difficulties'. This may be a good place to begin to sort out the similarities and differences between what these authors are trying to tell us. There's no question Napoleon Hill wanted his readers to be persistent in the face of disapproval from others. That's a very major part of the Hill philosophy. He wrote words like, 'never mind what they say' . And, be persistent in the face of difficulty is another major Hill message....he wrote, 'If you give up before your goal has been reached, you are a "quitter". A quitter never wins - and a winner never quits. Lift that sentence out, write it on a piece of paper in letters an inch high, and place it where you will see it every night before you go to sleep, and every morning before you go to work.' What about 'in the face of dislike' ? Napoleon Hill had a strong view on what type of work people should do...that is, he felt people should do work that is a labour of love. That doesn't mean Napoleon Hill expected all aspects of one's work would always be enjoyable/liked. Napoleon Hill felt people should think, set goals, create detailed plans, and take persistent action to complete those plans. Conversely, André Kukla begins his explanation of the mental trap, persistence, with the following example... 'We start a Monopoly game with great enthusiasm and - inevitably - get bored before we reach the end. But instead of quitting, we toil on without pleasure "just to get it over with". There can be no clearer waste of time.' Kukla presents a number of similar examples. Taken on there own, I expect these examples do not do justice to the substance of Kukla's views. He goes on to say... 'We may perpetually persist at relationships that have turned irretrievably sour, jobs that hold no present satisfaction for us and no hope for the future, old hobbies that no longer bring us pleasure, daily routines that only burden and restrict our lives.' Obviously, this last excerpt covers matters of much more significance than monopoly games. Napoleon Hill comments on all of these matters too, except the old hobbies. Hill cautioned against carrying on with things like irretrievably sour relationships and jobs that are not satisfying. He had strong views that most people continued with these sorts of things because of fear of criticism. So, there is common ground covered by both Kukla and Hill. However, there are fundamental differences and they are not explained away by writer’s style or the fact some common ground exists. As mentioned above, Kukla states, 'But we merely persist if we doggedly carry on in directions that are known to lead to a dead end.' On the other hand, Hill tells the story of how Henry Ford reacted to his engineers after '...the engineers agreed, to a man, that it was simply impossible to cast an eight-cylinder engine-block in one piece'. Here is part of the Henry Ford story, as told by Napoleon Hill: '...the engineers agreed, to a man, that it was simply impossible to cast an eight-cylinder engine-block in one piece. Ford said, "Produce it anyway." "But," they replied, "it's impossible!" "Go ahead," Ford commanded, "and stay on the job until you succeed, no matter how much time is required." The engineers went ahead. There was nothing else for them to do, if they were to remain on the Ford staff. Six months went by, nothing happened. Another six months passed, and still nothing happened. The engineers tried every conceivable plan to carry out the orders, but the thing seemed out of the question; "impossible!" At the end of the year Ford checked with his engineers, and again they informed him they had found no way to carry out his orders. "Go right ahead," said Ford. "I want it, and I'll have it." They went ahead, and then, as if by a stroke of magic, the secret was discovered. The Ford determination had won once more!' Consider Kukla's definitions... 'We persevere when we steadfastly pursue our aims despite the obstacles that are encountered along the way. But we merely persist if we doggedly carry on in directions that are known to lead to a dead end.' Under Kukla’s definitions, Napoleon Hill's story about Henry Ford and his engineers contains one man persevering and many men merely persisting. Clearly, knowing the single-cast engine block could be done, Henry Ford persevered and that is something Kukla would not describe as falling into a mental trap. However, all of Henry Ford's engineers agreed to a man it was simply impossible to single-cast the engine block yet they doggedly carried on with work they ‘ knew’ would lead to a dead end. So, the engineers merely persisted. And, Kukla would describe that as activity done in a mental trap. Some could argue that example is not a fair-game way of trying to sort out whether persistence is a necessary step towards riches or a destructive mental trap. After all…Henry Ford – why that’s just an exceptional example. Exactly.

## Leading With Revenue
Date: 2008-08-04 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/leading-with-revenue/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Marketing, Sales

Here is an excerpt from the Introduction of Ford Harding's book, 'Rain Making - Attract New Clients No Matter What Your Field' : "Historically, training of professionals to win new clients has been haphazard. Law, accounting, engineering, medical, and architectural schools teach nothing about selling. This is also true of most business schools, surprisingly so, given that a sale is what defines the existence of a business." The Introduction goes on to explain how the author, while doing consulting work, experienced good times then bad and due to particularly bad times was called upon to 'sell'. About 'selling', the author reminisces: "Slowly, with a little mentoring and coaching and after my share of mistakes, I learned what to do. Knowing how to bring in business, and so build a practice, has helped ensure a good income and more control over my own destiny than many people have in this turbulent world. It has ensured a flow of interesting work with interesting people. It has allowed me to develop and maintain a team of professionals. It has earned me respect among my peers." (That excerpt contains a summary of many of the reasons why one might want to succeed in business.) *** The Introduction to the book contains the following major headings: • Sales mean survival. • Lack of time is no excuse. • You must take responsibility for your own development. • You have to get over the hump before it starts to be fun. • You must adopt new measures of productivity and success. • Marketing is an emotional roller coaster. • You can gain a sense of control in business development. • It is always better to be doing some marketing than none. • You need to get face-to-face with a prospect to make a sale. • Everyone can make a contribution. • When you win, celebrate. • Now is the time to start. (Many good points) *** A couple of sentences in the Introduction also stood out and impressed me. "Clients almost always return phone calls; prospects often don't." "Marketers market." *** Harding says, "Most professionals who succeed as marketers begin by doing." and "Such people are doers first and planners second." Harding doesn't just talk the talk on this, he also walks the walk. This is confirmed by the structure of his book, which begins with three parts action/tactics and ends with one part planning/strategy. To explain his belief he states, near the end of the Introduction, "Part IV shows how to build a marketing strategy that is appropriate for you and your firm. It comes last because you must understand something of the tactics at your disposal before you select a strategy." (This caused me to think about plans and action…and about Leading With Revenue. ) *** "Leading With Revenue" is a philosophy I coined in an effort to describe how successful entrepreneurs go about being successful. Leading With Revenue has particular impact during an entrepreneurial start-up. *** I feel Napoleon Hill's advice "Plan your work and work your plan" is the essential framework for sustained success. *** When asked to state the key ingredients of success, from start-up success to sustained success, I always include Napoleon Hill's "Plan your work and work your plan" . I also always include Leading With Revenue. Leading With Revenue is a philosophy containing about as much emotion as logical argument. Being that way, it is hard to learn it if you don't 'get it' . I suppose, like the 'secret' Napoleon Hill embedded in and talked about throughout his 1937 classic ‘Think and Grow Rich’ ...if you are ready to receive it then you will 'get it' . The 3 words - Leading With Revenue - can and should be taken literally. But, that's where the understanding of the philosophy begins, not where it ends. Regardless, Ford Harding's words offer help....perhaps a good way to present some of the thinking behind the philosophy. Ford Harding said, "....you must understand something of the tactics at your disposal before you select a strategy." This aligns with the 'how' of Leading With Revenue . *** Here is a simplistic, theoretical and hypothetical example - an effort to explain Leading With Revenue : Assume you come up with an action-tactic for selling something to someone. Assume you do the selling action. Assume the someone buys your something. Assume you find a similar someone and repeat the process. Assume the second someone also buys your something. Assume this process is repeated at least one more time. After three successful actions proven by three sales, you have generated some revenue and you have reason to conclude you have come up with a successful something to sell and a successful way to sell it. Assume you decide to feed this result back to your plans/strategies and make adjustments to reduce all the other somethings you sell and reduce all the other somethings you do in sales while expanding the one combination of somethings that has proven to be successful in generating revenue. After that strategic change is made, assume your fourth sales effort succeeds, your fifth sales efforts succeeds, etc. Then, assume you feed that additional success back to your plan and assume, because you feel you are definitely on the track to success, you remove everything but the combination of somethings that has worked and you etch your plan in stone ...at that point, your plan only contains instructions/guidance about the successful product/service and the action that leads to the successful sale of it and the generation of maximum (or at least optimum) revenue. Assume all that... The business-develoment stars have aligned . Not only have the stars aligned but they have aligned in about as efficient and simple a way as one could ever expect. That would be an ideal example of Lea ding With Revenue . · Have at least one product or service · Have a plan, which contains at least one good sales tactic for action · Do that selling action · Succeed every time you sell (sales success means revenue) · Feed the results (successful product/service, sales tactic, and resulting generation of revenue) back to your plan · Revise your plan to remove things that don't work, leaving only the things that do work · With your revised and fully-precise (perfect) plan, do more selling · Grow your business rapidly and without any challenges whatsoever *** That's a picture of the ideal Leading With Revenue. That incorporates Ford Harding's points and Napoleon Hill's philosophy. The only problem is, being 'ideal' it is purely hypothetical and theoretical and it will never happen in the real world of business development. But, the fact the example is 'impossible theory', does not reduce the need to understand Leading With Revenue . The impossible example illustrates the iterative, back-and-forth relationship between plans and action, the foundation of Leading With Revenue . While Ford Harding quite intentionally teaches tactics before planning, we must agree plans come first. We must agree with Napoleon Hill: one must Plan the Work before one Works the Plan. However, one must not expect to plan with perfection or completeness at the first try. (Actually, I would argue plans are never close to perfect, but that's another topic.) One must not underestimate the value of one good idea, backed by action. (Napoleon Hill repeated that message frequently.) And, one must not underestimate the danger of excessive planning, at the expense of action. The initial plan may be just an uncomplicated combination of an idea about a product and a process for selling it to a buyer. In fact, isn't that what's near or at the heart where invention meets entrepreneurship? Or, the plan could be 50+ pages of verbiage, tables, graphs, and pictures. That's not an unusual thing at mature businesses and larger corporations. *** Regardless, whether it is applied to nascent plans or to mature plans, Leading With Revenue is the driver for initiating, expanding, and sustaining business. • Have a plan... whether large or small, whether deeply personal or widespread corporate doctrine • Take action in the field... whether in strict compliance with your marketing plan or due to leading-edge entrepreneurial spirit • Monitor the results of your business-development actions....both the absolutely-essential failures and the to-be-celebrated successes • Feedback those failure results and success results to your planning process • Adjust your plans, to organize, guide, and optimize your action • With optimized action, expand your sales…expand your revenue…grow and sustain your business *** While that is not how I have done it in the past, that is another way to begin to describe the iterative, success-oriented processes around plans-action-results-plans ....which I call Leading With Revenue .

## Courage
Date: 2008-07-09 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage/ | Categories: Marketing, Values: Personal Values

Here's an excerpt from Jeffrey Gitomer's 'Little Black Book of Connections'. When I read it, I thought of our Values - Courage and Confidence coupled with our discussion of the importance of Connections. *** Per Jeffrey Gitomer... "Courage is a self-inflicted quality that gains momentum every time you try it. Think about learning to swim. At first you're scared, then you jump in the pool, then you flail your arms, then eventually you begin to swim. And by the end of the day, or by then end of the week, you're diving off the diving board, head first into a pool of self-confidence. It's the same when you learn to ride a bike. Transfer those lessons (learning to swim or ride a bike) into your world of making connections. And begin to build your own momentum by stroking and pedalling your way to the first one, and then the next, and then the next." *** Jeffrey Gitomer presents things in a straightforward, common-sense way. Courage » Confidence » Connections ...with Courage defined as a self-inflicted quality . I like that analogy or metaphor or whatever it is... Self-inflicting Courage. That is an excellent way to think about the way one builds the character attribute known as Courage. In fact, I think we could argue it is the only way to build the attribute, Courage. I've called Courage 'the great enabler' because it enables other major character attributes such as Confidence...(particularly, Confidence). And, I've talked about the fact one can (rather easily) build self-Confidence...the mechanisms for building self-Confidence have been presented by many, with one of the best presented by Napoleon Hill 70 years ago. Some have said, 'Confidence drives Courage', which is the opposite of the way I see it. I agree that's not flawed logic because it makes sense that Courage will tend to grow as self-Confidence grows. However, even if the logic works most/all the time the cause-effect thinking does not. Courage can exist in the absence of Confidence. I'd argue Courage has its base in instinct while Confidence has its base in logical thought. Courage is a fight-or-flight phenomenon while self-Confidence is a thing of ongoing process. Courage is of the heart, confidence is of the brain. Borrowing from Jeffrey Gitomer...we can self-inflict the quality of Courage. We can also self-inflict the quality of self-Confidence, but, I don't think many of us would describe the process that way. If we do like the analogy/metaphor of self-inflicting self-Confidence then we must accept it is a methodical process of 'a thousand cuts'. Regardless, 'self-inflicting the quality of Courage' ...what a great way to help us understand what it takes if one wants to maximize the success embedded in our Values: Courage, Confidence, Conviction, & Creativity.

## Maybe there is an 'I' in Teamwork?
Date: 2008-05-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/maybe-there-is-an-i-in-teamwork/ | Categories: Attitude: Creating Positive Attitude, Change: Creating Positive Change, Goals - SMARTACRE Goals, Leaders' Thoughts

In the past, I've written strong critiques of cliché talk about Teamwork in Business . I've really objected to sayings like, " There is no 'I' in Teamwork ". And, I've penned a new organization structure that would fit both well if business and team sports truly wished to be similar. So, I admit I'm not inclined to overstate the similarities shared by business and team sports. However, comparing business to team sports can help us firm up our thoughts about business goals, rules, action, and success...and, of course, about ourselves, other people, and how we can work together. After all, people are people. [I recognize professional sports teams are businesses, however, that’s a whole different topic.] *** Some points to consider when comparing business and team sports: In business, the puck or ball isn’t so easy to define or see and whether or not it can be seen as a tangible thing of possession it is rarely carried by a single person. In business, most roles are heavily skewed to either offense or defense... in business, there are value-addition roles and there are quite different and typically quite separate value-protection roles. In business the defensive players have significant day-to-day influence over their team’s offensive players and this isn’t common in team sports. In business, we don’t get to hear tens of thousands unite to create thunderous noise and we don’t get to see standing ovations when we achieve our annual targets. On the other hand, we also don’t get to hear real-time Bronx Cheers or see octopi projectiles coming our way - in fact, stuff like that is frowned upon in business . Most business consultants would be very troubled by managers or leaders who have a style like that of NFL Coach Bill Parcells. In fact, most people in business would say and do whatever they could to make Bill Parcells change and conform to much softer, kinder, and more-empathetic ways. *** When we have business goals and we are committed to achieving them it is possible to separate our work into 2 broad categories: work designed to move us toward our goals and work designed to stop action that could reduce our ability to achieve our goals. We could call these offensive and defensive roles. While there are radical differences between the work of team sports and the work of business a team sports metaphor, laced with offense and defence, can help us sort out our thoughts. In sports, there is offensive work and there is defensive work. In sports like North American football the lines are clearly drawn between offense and defence. There are offensive players, trainers, coaches, etc, and there are defensive counterparts. That doesn't mean the roles are permanent. In football one interception causes everyone on both teams to reverse roles instantaneously. For basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc, a change in possession of the ball causes most players to immediately shift their focus from offense to defence and vice-versa. In many sports, possession of the ball is subject to task-completion/failure rules. In baseball one team gets to be on offense until it fails enough to have 3 outs. If we ignore the pitchers [or at least ignore some of them some of the time] baseball players are half-game defensive players who have the opportunity to take turns being the key point of offense a few times during the other half of each game. It seems to me that must also be happening in cricket but I'm going to need a lot more time to figure that out. Again, in certain team sports the rules of the game require a sequence of repeated failed offensive actions to cause a change in possession of the ball…that applies to baseball. In other team sports failed offensive action can cause an immediate change of possession where the offense is required to leave the field of play…that applies to North American football. In other team sports, possession changes frequently and as a consequence all the players alternate frequently between offensive and defensive roles and action…that applies to soccer, basketball, and hockey. In sports like soccer and basketball, where most or all of the players split their work regularly between offensive and defensive action, the players often focus on one of those roles. Forwards are primarily offensive while defensemen are primarily defensive. However, both types of players alternate roles and take the action that best suits the situation. The situation is defined in terms of many things such as: where are we located on the field?, who holds possession?, and how much time is left in the game? We could describe these team sports players as 'majoring' in one type of work while 'minoring' in the other. Often possession of the ball dictates their choice of action and always the rules of the game limit the extent of the action. But, who is carrying the ball in business? Does any individual player ever actually carry the puck in corporate business? In business, the puck or ball isn’t so easy to define or see and whether or not it can be seen as a tangible thing of possession it is rarely carried by a single person. Do we ever pull the Purchasing VP with less than a minute on the clock so we have one more person in the Sales Department? *** In sports, players cannot gain unfair advantage by going offside and stepping out of bounds carries consequences. While there are many official rules, the sports coaches can set bounds on action tighter than the rules of the game. Αs an example: (while I haven't really spent much time on hockey since the Leafs completed their first couple of decades of playoff lackadaisy), maybe goalies are not allowed to cross the centre line? That could be the rule for hockey. On the other hand, the coach could set a team or individual rule that limits the goalie's forward progress to the blue line. The coach may set similar restrictions on defensive players…restricting some players to be defensive defensemen while allowing others to be offensive defensemen. Or, some forwards could be told to back check while others could be set up ice to cherry pick. Regardless, in many team sports the players alter their actions swiftly back-and-forth between offense and defense. There are game rules. There are also team/coach rules. In most sports there are considerable rules governing what defensive and offensive players are allowed to do: penalties for offsides stands out as a general rule that applies to many team sports. [Attention to the rules is very important in sports while in business, particularly smaller and mid-sized business, there often is no detailed rule book.] In business, most roles are heavily skewed to either offense or defense …in business, there are value-addition roles and there are quite different and typically quite separate value-protection roles . There are business-development roles and there are business-risk-management and business-control roles. This is a key area of difference. Ideally, the value adders in business will be considerate of the risks and temper their action when required. Ideally, the risk managers and controllers in business will be considerate of the need to grow through expanded commerce and ease their rules and actions when required. *** In business the defensive players have significant day-to-day influence over their team’s offensive players and this isn’t common in team sports. That is another key difference between team sports and business. As examples: CFOs, legal counsel, and credit managers can dictate policy that limits the day-to-day actions of purchasing, marketing, and sales people. This control isn't limited to pre-game, pre-set rules...it also happens in an ongoing way during the day-by-day actions of business. If business and team sports were similar at the action level then we might regularly see many defensive players repeatedly screaming “Be Careful” or “ You can’t do that ” as their offensive players pressed toward the other team's goal. And, if team sports were like business then maybe Bobby Orr would have only scored short-handed goals when he got really lucky flipping the puck in from centre ice? This difference identifies a key need in business that seems to go without saying in team sports: in business we need to make efforts to optimize the balance between offense and defense...not just in theory and in practice but also in action throughout the game. *** In sports, the scrutiny on action is intense, sometimes off the Richter Scale. Consider penalty kicks, breakaways, and bases-loaded at bats . In these game situations at least 2 people are under intense scrutiny: one offensive person and one defensive person. Scrutiny of action is extreme in sports. Feedback is immediately-rewarding in sports. Fans scream, sound systems wail, the jumbo screen flashes, and coaches ride emotional roller coasters. [And if you are in Tampa Bay then you get to see a pirate ship fire its cannons.] In sports the rewards of the immediate, intense feedback can be positive or negative. In fact, most often it is both positive and negative at the same time. Your team and your fans cheer your success while at least some fans who root for the other team yell insults and deride you and your performance even if it clearly was a terrific piece of action and a scored goal. Those who watch you perform in sports are biased…and many of them are not timid at all about showing it, wearing it, screaming it, or, from time to time, rioting during or after the game to prove it. We don’t see that often in business. In business, feedback about our actions is much more subtle. As business individuals, our action isn’t monitored by a zoomed-in camera lens. In business, we don’t get to hear tens of thousands unite to create thunderous noise and we don’t get to see standing ovations when we achieve our annual targets. On the other hand, we also don’t get to hear real-time Bronx Cheers or see octopi projectiles coming our way…in fact, stuff like that is frowned upon in business . We see and hear even less immediate feedback in the day-to-day commercial trenches while we are doing the buying and selling action of business. Business people can operate with some privacy, whereas, sometimes, in some sports stadia, your own fans give you that Bronx Cheer . In sports, sometimes your coach hugs you while tears stream from all eyes. At other times your coach screams vulgarities at you and you can watch replays of the whole thing over and over on the jumbo screen and later you can watch it on the Sports Channel when you get home from the game. Missing a penalty shot or letting an overtime goal sneak by you – that’s newsworthy. Failing to make a sale or paying too much for some raw materials – that’s not newsworthy. Scrutiny of performance and feedback on performance – in sports versus in business – are areas where huge differences exist. In sports winning is revered. Winning is revered to the point where critics and fans and coworkers applaud the end result and they also applaud the means to that end result whether the coach is Bill Parcells [known to be a tough autocrat] or Tony Dungy [known to be a real people person]. In business, we often hear coaching-and-counselling advice about teamwork. We hear, “There is no ‘I’ in teamwork”. I suppose team-sports players may hear the same counsel? That counsel seems to be an attempt to state that something about individuals must be of lesser something than something about the team. That interpretation should come across as nebulous. That’s because comments like “There is no ‘I’ in teamwork” are nebulous. Perhaps, the common interpretation isn’t nebulous. Perhaps, the comment means each individual should be prepared to sacrifice personal needs whenever they conflict with team goals. If that’s the case then there are better ways to express that sort of thinking. The reality is: every team consists of individual people, each of whom is an ‘I’. So, rather than talk in terms of letters of the alphabet we should be more specific. For example, we could say the key to team success is optimizing: optimizing the balance between the team’s goals and each individual’s goals and optimizing the balance between each individual’s goals and the goals of each other individual. That would at least allow us to focus on each person’s needs/goals and the needs/goals of the team. We could seek an understanding of whether or not the various goals are similar and aligned. We could talk about individual compromise in objective ways. We could work out acceptable individual adjustments. *** In business, we are much more conflicted about management style and often we hear advice that the likelihood of winning increases under certain leadership and management styles. Most business consultants would be very troubled by managers or leaders who have a style like that of NFL Coach Bill Parcells. In fact, most people in business would say and do whatever they could to make Bill Parcells change and conform to much softer, kinder, and more-empathetic ways. [In recognition of another way of looking at it - Bill Parcells did get to present some of his sports-to-business leadership thoughts in Harvard Business Review . The message he presented in HBR made sense. It is interesting to consider his HBR words while watching him in action at the sidelines.] Whether Bill Parcells or Tony Dungy, for team sports differences in leadership style, coaching style, and management style are embraced. Style differences are embraced by owners, fans, players, and media critics. Style differences are embraced while a potential to win is in the mind of the sports critic. When the potential to win is no longer in the mind of the sports critic the sports critic often promotes leadership change specifically to bring about a change in leadership style. If the failed sports leader was viewed as ‘too nice’ then the critic would promote a change to tougher leadership – more discipline, more control, and a firmer hand. If the failed leader was viewed as ‘too autocratic’ then the critic would promote a change to a more easy-going leader. Interestingly enough, these sorts of radical changes in style often do bring about near-term success in team sports. Sports fans love this stuff...they call in to talk shows, watch the highlights and the pundits, etc. But, what about in business? In business, how often do we hear, “Let’s bring in an autocratic leader to inject a good dose of discipline into this organization”? *** People invented sports. People invented business. Both business and sports are fundamental to our human condition. While business and team sports are both constructs that combine human cooperation and human competition, they are so different it is dangerous to assume too much similarity. It is particularly dangerous to think the concept of teamwork in business is interchangeable with the concept of teamwork in sports. Business might be much easier to perform if it was performed in a manner similar to the relatively simple way sports teams perform.

## Courage - The Key Business Value
Date: 2008-05-10 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-the-key-business-value/ | Categories: Marketing, Spirited Leaders, Values: Personal Values

Courage is our company’s Key Value. In summary, we have chosen Courage for our Key Value because: Courage enables Self-Knowledge and When it is backed by Courage, Self-Knowledge can be the foundation of most, if not all, other major values, traits, qualities, and attributes that contribute to character. If our personal value systems are like dominoes then Courage must be the first domino of desirable character. When it comes to personal character, no other domino can take the place of Courage. Dominoes fall in sequence… Courage Self-Knowledge Self-Confidence That domino sequence was simplified…in practice, it would be a more complicated sequence: Courage Self-Knowledge Self-Education Self-Confidence Here I mean ‘Self-Education’ in its broadest sense. It includes other dominoes like introspection and [if we want it to] autosuggestion [self-talk]. The main point is, when Courage is present Self-Confidence can grow. If we remove Courage then Self-Confidence cannot grow. Courage enables Self-Confidence. With dedication, Self-Confidence can be self-taught. Coaches can help us understand the dominoes but they cannot give them to us. We have to create our own dominoes and we have to use them regularly. The process of developing Self-Confidence only works if it is backed by Courage. *** Self-Confidence is a ‘great enabler’. Courage is the ‘great enabler’. *** We may have different views about the routes the dominoes of personal character take. But, we should agree Courage enables some very-positive things… Action Decisiveness Enthusiasm Faith Hope Inspiration Leadership* Optimism Persistence Self-Confidence Self-Knowledge *** Considering all these dominoes linked to Courage, it is easy to see... Courage enables positive Change *** Footnote: In his 1937 classic, ‘ Think and Grow Rich’ , Napoleon Hill selected ‘Unwavering Courage” as the #1 attribute of Leadership.

## Seeking Simple
Date: 2008-05-01 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/seeking-simple/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking, Seeking Simple!

Synchronicity always causes me to pause and reflect. For example: I was browsing Bryan and Joyce's (2007) book 'Mobilizing Minds' when I came across a section titled 'Unproductive Complexity' . I had just written an e-mail, in response to a question. In my response e-mail I had talked about how it seems to me people frequently take simple things and make them or view them as complex...that is, 'making mountains out of molehills' . We were discussing a 3rd party's communication with us and it seemed to me that party was really over-complicating the matter at hand. Shortly after, I was reading the Mobilizing Minds section titled Unproductive Complexity , which began as follows: ‘For a while in the 1990s, we thought that digital technology would enable us to overcome our communication challenges.' Facts and figures were provided by the authors. And, they stated the following: 'In a 2005 survey conducted by the McKinsey Quarterly, of senior and top executives, 60 percent said their company's size and complexity have made it somewhat difficult, or much more difficult, to capture opportunities than it was just 5 years ago.' This struck me with synchronicity. As I read on... 'The problem is that today companies rely on a model designed for the 20th century, one that depends on vertical, top-down hierarchical authority. The problem is that in the 21st century, the key to creating value is not just in providing top-down direction, but also in enabling and motivating self-directed, thinking-intensive professionals and managers to work with one another horizontally across the firm.' The book referred to big companies, success-limiting silo organizational structures, band-aid matrix overlays, and troubles due to hierarchy. *** It seems to me the problem of complexity should be approached in an as-simple-as-possible way. Considering… 'The problem is that in the 21st century, the key to creating value is not just in providing top-down direction, but also in enabling and motivating self-directed, thinking-intensive professionals and managers to work with one another horizontally across the firm.' … At first reading, the advice of that quoted sentence seems to be on the right track. I don't think it is new or provocative advice. It is different wording but the various messages in that advice have been stated by others and they were as pertinent 25 years ago as they are now, in the 21st century. We do need to set adding value as the key goal of business. We do need top-down direction for order and control as we achieve that goal. And, we do want to have as many self-directed, thinking-intensive professionals and managers as we can. And, of course, we want them working together in harmony to achieve corporate goals. All of that makes sense. Put in other words... Our organizations need effective hierarchy and we need to employ talented, self-starters who work together effectively, add value, and achieve desired goals. How do we do that? *** A Question to Consider: Can we handle the complex better by concentrating on the simple? *** Considering the excerpt, '... enabling and motivating self-directed, thinking-intensive professionals and managers to work with one another horizontally across the firm' … While we probably agree that piece of theory is directionally correct, how do we put it into practice? We could assume people ‘get it’ and so they will naturally be able to take action to make ‘it’ happen. That could be a very dangerous assumption. It could be very dangerous for big, well-established organizations. It could be even more dangerous for smaller, more-entrepreneurial organizations. That set of words contains considerable complexity, for example: enabling and motivating self-directed, thinking-intensive professionals and managers work with one another horizontally across the firm These things strike me as complex because they raise many questions, for example: Can one person motivate another person? If a person is self-directed, thinking-intensive, and professional then does that person need external motivation? How do people successfully 'work with one another horizontally across the firm' ? *** Some thoughts on how we could help people work more effectively with one another... have a simple, clear, and concise Corporate Vision have a simple, clear, and concise Corporate Mission have Corporate Values and define them in simple, clear, and concise words display those Corporate Vision, Mission, and Values at high-traffic areas of the office regularly, both internally and externally, have conversations about those Corporate Vision, Mission, and Values state Corporate Goals in simple, clear, concise, and SMART words, repeat them frequently at Business Unit, Department, one-on-one, and other meetings state Business-Unit Goals in simple, clear, concise, and SMART words, repeat them frequently and explain how those Business-Unit Goals align with the Corporate Goals state Department Goals in simple, clear, concise, and SMART words, repeat them frequently and explain how those Department Goals align with the Business-Unit Goals and with the Corporate Goals provide Role Descriptions in simple, clear, and concise words state Individual-Employee Goals in simple, clear, concise, and SMART words and explain how the Individual-Employee Goals align with the Department Goals, with the Business-Unit Goals, and with the Corporate Goals at the Corporate, Business-Unit, Department, and Individual-Employee “levels”, review performance regularly, under defined process, using simple, clear, and concise words. help Individual Employees understand how their roles and their performance impact on others, directly and indirectly, throughout and outside the company. In addition to these basic things, Create ways to help people understand how they and others fit in. Perhaps, start by looking at your business as a jigsaw puzzle. That jigsaw puzzle can be created by using 10 pieces, 100 pieces, 1,000 pieces or 10,000 pieces or more. 10 pieces could represent the number of pieces you could use to describe your Corporate picture. It’s a big picture, so you could choose to use many more than 10 puzzle pieces, but don’t. Choose to use 10 big puzzle pieces. While some will argue “That kind of puzzle would be worse than childish: a big colourful 10-piece puzzle would be something one would give to an infant.” That is true. It is also true that communication and branding experts spend careers seeking the essence, the concise, the clear, and the simple message in an effort to truly connect with other people. While, communication and branding experts are doing that sales experts are teaching about 30-Second Elevator Commercials. It seems to me these people are seeking simple . If 10 puzzle pieces is the right number for Corporate-level picture/puzzles then perhaps 100 pieces would be required to complete a Corporate puzzle that contains Business-Unit details. If the company doesn’t have Business Units then perhaps 100 pieces would be required to create the picture containing some Department details. That is: if we need 10 puzzle pieces to adequately show the Corporate picture then we will need at least that many pieces to describe each Business Unit and each Department. So, when we add the Business Units together or when we add the Departments together or when we add both of those we will have something like 100 puzzle pieces…that’s the order of magnitude. Or, as an alternative, maybe having more detail is important…maybe we need 1,000 pieces. Regardless, as we construct the more-detailed picture/puzzle we have two choices. we can keep the size of the puzzle pieces the same and so the whole picture/puzzle gets a lot bigger or we can shrink the size of the pieces so the whole picture/puzzle remains more-or-less the same size The picture/puzzle metaphor takes on another leap in order of magnitude when we move from Business-Unit-level detail to Individual-Employee detail. Instead of thinking in terms of a 10 piece or a 100 piece or even a 1,000 piece picture/puzzle, we need to think in terms of a 10,000 piece or a 100,000 piece picture puzzle. And, as the details and complexity expand, we have two choices: Choice #1: we can look at the entire picture while losing the ability to look at the tiny individual pieces or Choice #2: we can look at some of the tiny individual pieces while losing the ability to see the entire picture. If we step back and think about it, we are likely OK with that 2-choice limitation…as long as we can alter our choice whenever we wish. We know Choice #1 is the most-desired answer in certain situations while Choice #2 is the most-desired answer in other situations. The problem is – in practice, we get mixed up. We regularly make the wrong choice. *** Missing the forest for the trees. From the Individual Employee’s perspective... That old metaphor has some meaning in this picture/puzzle metaphor. If we choose to freeze the size of the puzzle pieces so we can see the details then our business picture/puzzle is huge. The picture is so huge we cannot see most of it let alone all of it…so we miss the forest for the trees . Conversely, if we freeze the size of the picture/puzzle so we can keep the big picture in focus then the pieces become so tiny we have no ability to see and understand them. What’s worse, as Individual Employees we lose the ability to understand how our personal pieces fit in our company’s picture/puzzle. When this happens there are many negative implications such as: our orientation is at risk; our connection is at risk; our focus is at risk; our ability to know corporate culture is at risk; our ability to work in harmony is at risk; our ability to add value is at risk, etc. To excel as Individual Employees we need to understand our pieces of the puzzle and we need to see the big picture. We need to do both. But, we need to construct our picture/puzzles with care. We need to plan the picture/puzzles. To excel as Individual Employees we need to understand certain other Individual Employee`s puzzle pieces and how those pieces fit together with our own and how they fit in the big picture. At the detail level, likely of most importance, we need to understand how our pieces mesh with our boss` pieces. To excel as Individual Employees we need to accept we will never be able to see or understand all the pieces in the puzzle. Even if that were possible, it would be inefficient and ineffective. So, we must trust those numerous other pieces are either in their proper places or moving toward that direction. *** Getting back to that quote from Mobilizing Minds … 'The problem is that in the 21st century, the key to creating value is not just in providing top-down direction, but also in enabling and motivating self-directed, thinking-intensive professionals and managers to work with one another horizontally across the firm.' How do the people and the various pieces they bring to our business picture/puzzle do top-down direction, enable others , and work with one another horizontally across the firm ? [Note: I have intentionally left out the motivating pieces - that’s a whole other puzzle.] It seems to me the answer is we must encourage our people to 'seek simple' and not to 'express complex' . Every Individual Employee should understand and be able to describe his/her business’ Corporate picture in simple terms…the Vision Statement, the Mission Statement, the Corporate Values, the Corporate Goals, etc. Every Individual Employee should understand and be able to describe his/her Business-Unit picture [if applicable] and Department picture…in simple terms…starting with Department Goals. Every Individual Employee should understand and be able to describe all the other Business-Units [if applicable] and Departments in the Corporate picture. And, every Individual Employee should understand and be able to describe how his/her Department fits in the Corporate picture and how his/her Department is related to other Departments. The same applies to Individual-Employee roles vis-à-vis the roles of certain other Individual Employees. We must always keep the big picture in focus…zooming out regularly to make sure we don’t lose it. And, at the same time, for certain selected areas of the picture/puzzle we must be able to zoom in so we can see the details of our individual connections. Obviously, a person’s ability to understand and express his/her knowledge of the big-picture and his/her unique ‘individual picture’ will depend on many factors. For example, on average new employees will be less capable of understanding and expressing these pictures than more-experienced employees. Regardless, the Corporate Culture should encourage proficiency. To promote picture clarity between Departments and between Individual Employees, we need to discuss the work, the impact of the work, and the flow of the work…from work donors, to work doers, to value recipients. So, we need to catalogue and understand work-process and work-flow systems . Work needs to be systematized, to the extent that is possible and reasonable. When we discuss work-process and work-flow systems we need to do it in concise, clear, and simple ways. Discussions need to be frequent, and they need to be repeated. To show the logic trail for work-flow know-how we need to start with Corporate Goals. Then we need to zoom in on Department Goals and inter-Department Goals. We need to zoom in even farther to show how Individual Employee Roles are connected…work-flow impact, work-flow cause and effect. As we plan and construct the pictures of our business we need to be seeking simple . Then, when we do the zooming in to our detail pictures and the zooming out to the corporate big picture – as we do our daily jobs well – we will be finding the value that seeking simple ensures .

## Innovation
Date: 2008-04-14 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/innovation/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined, Entrepreneur Thinking, Marketing

In one of my dictionaries, a Gage Canadian Dictionary, the word 'innovation' is defined as: A change made in the established way of doing things The making of changes; act of bringing in new things or new ways of doing things: He is strongly opposed to innovation of any kind. At the front cover of his book 'Innovation' , Tom Gorman uses the following Peter Drucker quote: " Innovation is the specific instrument...that endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth ." At Chapter 1, Gorman uses the title, 'Innovation = Problem Solving' . And, in a caption that appears to be a dictionary excerpt, Gorman provides the following definition: in • no • va • tion A new product, service, process, or approach to a problem A new way of thinking about something The act of innovating, as in "Innovation occurs in every culture" I know from recent experience, the discussion of innovation can very quickly get deeply philosophical. Here are some questions, which capture some of the differences in the ways people think about innovation: Must innovation, by definition, be a physical/tangible thing? Must innovation, by definition, be linked to change? Should innovation, by definition, be linked to problem solving? What's the difference between creativity and innovation? Perhaps, creativity describes new things that can be enjoyed for their own sake rather than for any change they may bring about? If that is the case then change may be an important facet of the definition of innovation but of little or no importance when considering a definition of creativity? In other words - perhaps we should acknowledge utility is less tangible for creativity and more tangible for innovation? Perhaps, for creativity utility can be so nebulous it should not even be a facet of definition? Are creativity and innovation mutually exclusive? Or, is one a subset of the other? If so then which one is the broader thing...which is closer to concept? *** Business and Innovation: Overall, I'm wondering if one of the largest rifts between our thoughts about innovation is around technology. Must a business innovation contain some aspect of technology or can a business innovation exist independent of technology? For business purposes, would it make sense to define innovation as 'a thing or action that solves a business problem' ? Maybe we should state innovation - a thing or action - must have the effect of creating a change...or, should we be more specific and state innovation must create a change of commercial value? The 'change' part of that sort of definition is consistent with my Gage Canadian Dictionary. And change is simple and it is a broad enough thing (say, a concept) so it should not generate any confusion or controversy. However, the 'adding commercial value' part isn't so simple...it is a qualification but it is a subjective one. My Gage Canadian Dictionary does not express the nature of change it expresses in its definition of innovation. While we may want to assume Gage Canadian Dictionary intends the change to be positive rather than negative or of value rather than valueless, that isn't stated in my Gage Canadian Dictionary. In fact, the sample italicized in my dictionary definition - " He is strongly opposed to innovation of any kind " - provides a clear message that some people are opposed to innovation...presumably, that's the case because those people do not see innovation as either positive or value-adding. Or, perhaps the opposition is simply a resistance to change. For business, could we start by considering the following type of definition: Business Innovation ( def'n ): A thing done or provided to add value by solving a customer's problem or satisfying a customer's need. Embedded in this definition are: A business innovation must be tangible...a thought or an idea isn't enough to be considered a business innovation. Only when that thought or idea is converted into physical reality - a product, a service of action, etc - can it be considered an innovation. An innovation in business begins with a customer need or problem...all business innovations should be traced to a specific, identified customer need or problem. An innovation in business will cause and be a change. That change will be measured in terms of value added from the customer's perspective...as a specific, identified customer need is satisfied or as a specific, identified customer problem is solved. So, to qualify as a business innovation the thing must be customer-centric. A business innovation need not be tied to technology. Technological innovations in business would be a subset of business innovations. Potential questions about 'direct' and 'indirect' value, as seen from the customer's perspective, questions about the ability to discover with precision customer's needs, and questions about the ability to measure the value added from the customer's perspective, etc. (Such is the essence and challenge of Marketing). *** If we can agree on a definition of Innovation then we will have a solid footing upon which we can build as we answer other important questions, such as: how do we want to define the relationship between innovation and entrepreneurship? how do we want to nurture and promote business-innovation processes in our workplaces? how do we place ourselves in our customers' shoes and with precision understand their needs and problems then deliver measurable value through innovation?

## Definitions
Date: 2008-03-25 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/definitions/ | Categories: Definitions - Spirited Words Defined

TurnAhead: def’n For businesses experiencing distress, TurnAhead means delivering a planned combination of a turnaround and a leap ahead to a much-more profitable place TurnAhead Concept: def’n In 100 words of less, our idea of the problem and how we will turn it ahead to an opportunity. TurnAhead Proposition: def’n In 75 words or less, our S.M.A.R.T. explanation of the problem and how we will turn it ahead to an opportunity. [S.M.A.R.T = Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-Bounded] TARMARVALPRODA: def’n Designed to help people focus on the very important part of business, the territory known as: TAR get MAR kets, VAL ue PRO positions, D ifferential A dvantage - TARMARVALPRODA.

## Some thoughts on‘Good to Great’, ‘The Tipping Point’, and Business Start-Up or TurnAhead
Date: 2008-03-24 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-thoughts-on-good-to-great-2c-the-tipping-point-2c-and-business-start-up-or-turnahead/ | Categories: Entrepreneur Thinking

If a good business idea exists and the right people to implement it are in place then there is a chance to attract money, create and build a successful business. The good idea part and the having the right people part were captured by Jim Collins in ‘ Good to Great ’…‘Hedgehogs’ and ‘Buses’. Jim Collins used the flywheel metaphor to capture the thought - success builds momentum as people push together. Malcolm Gladwell believes business success can achieve tipping points, where epidemic-like growth can occur. Three ingredients are required: Mavens, Connectors, and Salespeople. Some of our thinking about how to succeed at business start-up or business TurnAhead borrows thoughts from these two authors. How does this play out? How might one borrow thoughts from ‘ Good to Great ’ and ‘ The Tipping Point ’ then go about building a successful start-up business or doing a business TurnAhead? Perhaps, the answer is clearer when we split the business activity into 3 separate components… Strategy People Action Strategy To use Jim Collins’ Hedgehog Concept , we first need a business idea. It has to be an idea people can get passionate about. If the ambition is to grow a large/great business then people need to think big , like – “What can we do better than anyone else in the world?” But, whether large/great/best-in-the-world or not…how does one go about starting that business? Let’s assume we agree a good first step is to establish the Hedgehog Concept for the business…ie, clearly establish: That sets the framework for the business – it is the overall strategy for the business. The overall strategy must be set and done. In other words, there can be no second-guessing of the Hedgehog. With the Hedgehog done, what other strategic work should a business do? The Hedgehog establishes the strategic footings … what about the strategic foundation walls ? What do those next-level strategic supports look like? How much? How much detail? What are the right next-level strategic questions? The answer: we need to begin by thinking about the People. Using the Collins’ metaphors: Does the business have the right people on the bus? Are those people pushing the flywheel as required People Business start-up or TurnAhead will be relatively fast-and-easy if the business in question has perfectly established its Hedgehog and filled its bus with perfect people…the flywheel will spin ever faster…and faster and faster, maybe even to tipping-point speed. But, what if the Hedgehog is set, the people are on the bus, and the flywheel doesn’t seem to be spinning and accelerating as quickly as it should be? What is wrong? What’s the problem? Is it a Strategic weakness? Is it People problems? Is it something else? Is it some combination of the above? Let’s assume an audit proves the strategy is sound…let’s assume the Hedgehog is a good one. If the ideas are sound then the next consideration is the people. Using Collins’ words – “Are the right people on the bus?” *** Embedded in all this, the business ideas/strategies are captured before and at statements and pictures called the Hedgehog. Those ideas are the spark of the business. The spark inspires passion, passion-in-people…that’s part of the Hedgehog. The spark must inspire passion in a sufficient amount of people. When enough people are inspired by individual or shared passion those people will act and they will act in ways that align with the Hedgehog, they will start the flywheel spinning…in other words, their combined action will cause the company to achieve its desired goals. When that’s happening, Collins would describe it as – “The right people are on the bus!” *** But, how would a business go about finding then putting the right people on the bus? Or, how would a business go about making people changes if it becomes evident the right people are not on the bus? Nobody will argue - People are the critical aspect of success. Gladwell talked about 3 types of people who seem to be present when there is a tipping : Mavens: technical specialists who seem to love to both know and talk about the gory details Connectors: people-persons who introduce unrelated people who then do commerce together Salespeople: naturally charismatic people who persuade other people with ease As a business seeks people for its bus, or as a business goes about trying to make people changes when it appears the seats of the bus are not properly filled, perhaps the three people-categories above can be of help. If I understand Gladwell accurately, Mavens, Connectors, and Salespeople stand out as noticeably different from other people. They possess qualities that make them important to businesses that aspire to rapid and/or large growth. If a business employs these 3 types of people then the chances for success and even tipping increase. Implicit in this, I am assuming the people embrace the business’ Hedgehog. Success Formula: Collins’ Hedgehog + Gladwell’s (Mavens, Connectors & Salespeople) = Business Success In words: If a business has an accurately-thought-out Hedgehog and employs enough Mavens, Connectors, and Salespeople then the business will achieve business success. *** To ensure the right people are on the bus, the qualities of Mavens, Connectors, and Salespeople should be understood and care should be taken during recruiting to make sure the people possess these qualities. Obviously, other skills and traits will be required to perform the specific functions of the specific business…these could be described as Industry-Specific technical skills and traits. These people skills and people traits will vary from business to business. These skills and traits can cover a broad spectrum…from super-technical speciality to general business acumen. What if the business does not employ Mavens, Connectors, and Salespeople…can it still succeed? It seems to me: A business cannot achieve quick or large success if it does not have more than one talented salesperson on the bus. The salespeople do not necessarily have to be as naturally-gifted and impressive as those described by Gladwell, however, it is tough to argue that Salespeople of that calibre will both hasten and expand business success. A business may be able to succeed without Mavens and Connectors on the bus, however, people on the bus must at least know how to connect with Mavens and Connectors. I would describe these people who know how to connect as Ally Seekers . Ally Seekers Are Ally Seekers salespeople like Gladwell describes Salespeople? Perhaps. While they may or may not be Salespeople, Ally Seekers must possess a strong desire and some skill at seeking out other people who can ‘fill the commercial gaps’. Ally Seekers do not need to be naturally charismatic…as in born salespeople . Ally Seekers do not need to be persuasive…ie, persuasion being the key skill of the salesperson. Ally Seekers need to have pleasant-enough personalities and they need to believe people [only people] get things done. For example, if the business is lacking salespeople then that business’ Ally Seekers would have their antennae out – looking for salespeople. While Ally Seekers do not have to be Gladwell-described Salespeople, they can be Gladwell-described Salespeople. Salespeople would make excellent Ally Seekers . Ally Seekers may become very skilled at making connections and that is a key aspect of gaining trust and a network of contacts. All of this could cause Ally Seekers to want to develop skills at sales. So, Ally Seekers could be Salespeople-in-training. Are Ally Seekers technical experts like Mavens? Likely, no. Ally Seekers do not have to possess the technical or detailed knowledge as Mavens do. Ally Seekers need to know how to find [connect with] Mavens. With the easy-availability of information, an Ally Seeker could prepare Maven-seeking plans then sit at a desk most of the day scouring the Internet…seeking Mavens. Over time, Ally Seekers may become well known. They may become well known for specific technical expertise and they may be thrilled to possess detailed information. They may become Mavens. Are Ally Seekers true Connectors? No. If I understand Gladwell correctly, Connectors know huge numbers of people…like a multiple of 10 times what average people know. Gladwell’s Connectors strike me as shotgunners who know where their pellets hit so they can sharpshoot at will. Or, Connectors are connectors who have numerous rifles and they are skilled at shooting all of them at a variety of different targets…so, when someone calls them they pick the right rifle and use it to connect with the desired target. Whereas, Ally Seekers need to be skilled at shooting certain guns at certain targets. Ally Seekers must be proactive, whereas, it seems Gladwell’s Connectors do not…people come to Gladwell’s Connectors because people know they are connectors by reputation. Conversely, Ally Seekers may have little or no incoming interactions. It is not clear how Gladwell’s Connectors became the Connectors they are. Clearly, they are much more gregarious than the average person. If an Ally Seeker sincerely wants to be a champion of the Ally-Seeking role then certainly, over time, an Ally Seeker has the opportunity to build a large network of contacts. Ally Seekers may be Connectors-in-training. *** Collins’ Hedgehog + Gladwell’s (Mavens, Connectors & Salespeople) + Ally Seekers = Business Success *** The bottom line is: Ally Seekers can fill the gaps where Mavens, Connectors, and Salespeople are lacking. ***

## Communication has been a lively topic lately
Date: 2008-03-08 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/communication-has-been-a-lively-topic-lately/ | Categories: Change: Creating Positive Change, Communication: Improving Communication

I've attended presentations on the topic and the matter is always a major consideration in the workplace. When the topic is communication, two thoughts keep coming to mind. The first is Steven Covey's Habit #5: “ Seek First to Understand Then to be Understood ” (“Seek First…”). The second is “ What's In It For Me? ” (WIIFM?). I don't know who coined the WIIFM? saying and its philosophy, however, I do know I have heard numerous business consultants instruct about it for several years. In summary, their instruction has been: when you deal with people don't lose track of the fact those people will always be thinking – “ What's In It For Me? ” I first heard the WIIFM? saying and its philosophy as a piece of Sales Instruction… ie, it was presented as part of a sales training course. The sales-training messages were: (1) when dealing with potential or existing customers the Salesperson must understand and never forget those people are always thinking "WIIFM?" and (2) in order to increase sales success the Salesperson must adjust his/her behaviour in order to address the customers WIIFM?. At the surface, that logic could be accepted. The customer needs a reason to purchase. By asking himself/herself WIIFM?, the customer justifies a decision, ‘ to buy or not to buy’ . If the Salesperson is skilled at adjusting his/her behaviour in a pre-planned way then that could increase the likelihood of sales success. On the other hand, those same sales consultants insisted emotions play a large role when buyers buy. So, perhaps there were two psychological conclusions: buyers employ logical thought (WIIFM?) as they make purchasing decisions and buyers' emotions often (or is it always?) influence their purchasing decisions. I'm suspecting the combination of these two psychological conclusions spawned the sales doctrine that can be summed up as ‘Find the Buyer's Pain and Make That Pain Go Away’ . Put another way, Salespeople were instructed to become diagnosticians, something like Doctors...Salespeople were told to diagnose the customer’s pain and prescribe the remedy. And, of course, that would lead to making the sale. We were instructed, however, the Salesperson's role differed from that of the Doctor because the Doctor used logic and precedent to do the diagnosis of an already-existing pain while the Salesperson had to figure out how to cause the customer to feel the pain. I mean – the sales training taught us: the Salesperson had to guide communication in a manner that would induce the customer to truly experience emotional pain, the customer would first gain awareness of the nature of that pain and then come to realize the remedy for that pain, that remedy, of course, would be the service or product of the Salesperson, and with one having induced the pain and the other having felt it and enjoyed its remedy, and with one having done the sale and the other having done the purchase, the seller and the buyer would have concluded a successful business-communication experience. That’s the sort of sales training that I heard when I first heard the WIIFM? philosophy. Later, the use of WIIFM? instruction became more widespread. We were told it didn't just apply to customers, it applied to everyone in our workplace...indeed, some instructed us that it applied to all interpersonal relationships. Of specific concern, it applied to communication in the office and more-specifically it applied when bosses communicated with employees. Most recently, I've heard it applied in an even-more-specific way...we must be extra careful to make sure we don't lose track of WIIFM? when we deal with ‘ Gen Y ’ or are they ‘ Millennial ’ employees. (Whatever the right terminology is, I am referring to our youngest employees.) Covey’s Seek First to Understand Then to be Understood . This is certainly an insightful instruction. It is tremendous in theory but sometimes it can be tough to do in practice. For most of us the practice is tough because we have lots of great ideas we want to share with others. And, on top of that, sometimes we forget the value of listening. Listening is one of those good habits so it is easy to break. Regardless, for most communication it makes sense to try to understand the other person before you expect them to try to understand you. If everyone tried to follow this Steven Covey Habit #5 then business communication would improve. That is - in general, business communication would improve. There would be situations where communication would not improve. In fact, in some situations the value of the communication could be neutered. At the risk of being ridiculous…consider the situation where the employee is running through the office screaming "FIRE!!!". Coworkers and even the boss might find the best course is to simply act by making a prompt exit from the building. One could argue that isn't just a ridiculous example, it doesn't contravene "Seek First..." because everyone would immediately understand what "FIRE!!!" means so no seeking of understanding would be required. On the other hand, the boss might be really busy at the time and he/she may be tempted to stand some ground and make sure the employee who is yelling “FIRE!!!” has a good reason for such an interruption. Regardless, each of us can come up with fair-and-reasonable examples of business situations where "Seek First..." is not the best way. Or, maybe that's not true? While I've heard many business consultants instruct about "Seek First...", about WIIFM?, and about both I've never heard one of them instruct if or when these ‘rules’ can be or should be broken. Perhaps it goes without saying? Perhaps the instructors assume we know "Seek First..." and WIIFM? are guides and they expect people will use common sense to judge when these guides can be or should be set aside? But, I've never heard any instructor make that sort of comment. In fact, every time I've heard it taught, WIIFM? has been presented as if it is a hard-and-fast fact of life. The instruction seems to be: when we deal with people we must always recognize the other person is using What's In It For Me? as the measuring stick that dictates his/her interest in and reaction to what we are saying. The WIIFM? philosophy provokes thought and questions. If WIIFM? prevails then how does an organization build teamwork? If WIIFM? prevails then how should bosses communicate with the people who report to them? If WIIFM? prevails then to what extent must the boss temper his/her personal WIIFM? needs in order to communicate successfully amidst the array of WIIFM? needs of his/her subordinates? “ Seek First to Understand Then to be Understood” and “ What's In It For Me? ” are interesting pieces of advice. It seems to me "Seek First..." is a Habit that serves well in many communication situations. However, for business communication it must have some limitations. It seems to me the advice on "What's In It For Me?" is at least a bit out of control. One should not ignore the fact other people have needs. However, that's but one facet. Needs are relative. That's another facet and, in business, that facet will conflict with the philosophy and instructions of WIIFM?. Twenty-five years ago, a boss taught me a variation of the “ Golden Rule ”...it was – “ He Who Carries The Gold Makes The Rules ”. Not having heard any advice on WIIFM?, I accepted that Golden Rule and went about trying to be the best subordinate I could be. Not having heard any advice on "Seek First...", I went about trying to understand my boss' requests...again, so I could be the best subordinate I could be. Perhaps it goes without saying, but I will say it anyhow...for most of us, the “ Rules ” we are taught will tend to influence our behaviour. The WIIFM? approach to communication is a piece of advice that is grounded on a reasonable starting point. Other peoples’ needs are important. That grounding would be a much more useful starting point if it yielded philosophy that could be embraced as a two-way street. If both parties accepted they must adjust their communication to accommodate the other person's WIIFM? then the practice of the philosophy of WIIFM? might be able to generate much more communication value. However, it seems deeper exploration will show us just how oxymoronic the WIIFM? philosophy is. The way I am looking at it, the WIIFM? philosophy either: works as a one-way street where one person must drive the car in the direction dictated by the other person or fails to work as a two-way street because both drivers will always struggle to determine which direction they should point their car. The One-Way WIIFM? Street : The way I've heard it taught, the WIIFM? philosophy works as a one-way street. The Salesperson is taught to adjust his/her behaviour to address the WIIFM? needs of the customer. And, the boss is taught to adjust his/her behaviour to address the WIIFM? needs of the subordinate. While nobody has clarified it, the one-way street starts with the Salesperson going through a personal what-are-my-needs exercise...”What's in it for me if I deal with this customer?” Then, the Salesperson must apply the WIIFM? philosophy during communication with the customer. Similarly, the boss' one-way street starts with his/her personal needs then moves to the subordinate's WIIFM?. Perhaps bosses and Salespeople will achieve greater success by traveling down these One-Way WIIFM? Streets? The Two-Way WIIFM? Street : I have never heard an instructor or a consultant provide WIIFM? advice to both Salespeople and buyers or to both bosses and subordinates. I would be very interested to know if any buyers have received WIIFM? indoctrination…ie, have any buyers been told to make sure they consider ‘ what's in it for the Salesperson ?’ and ‘ how can I adjust my behaviour to address the needs of the Salesperson ?’ Also, I'd be interested to know if any consultants advise both subordinates and bosses, together, on how to employ the WIIFM? philosophy for communication. Under that joint education, subordinates would be taught to back their communication with thinking like ‘ what's in it for my boss ?’ and ‘ how can I adjust my behaviour to address the needs of my boss ?’ While I have serious doubts, for the moment let's assume the Two-Way WIIFM? Street can happen. Let’s assume both customers and Salespeople can learn how to employ the WIIFM? philosophy…attending to one another's needs. And, let’s assume subordinates and bosses can do the same thing. Every person seeks to understand the other and to adjust behaviour accordingly to ensure the needs of the other are addressed. At the surface, maybe that sounds reasonable? Maybe that sounds like a great way to go about communication? I don't think we need to spend too much time thinking about how good (or bad) this would be in practice. It is flawed at theory, well before practice. In fact, it seems the flaws of the Two-Way WIIFM? Street illustrate what could be fatal flaws in the construct of the WIIFM? philosophy. Here are some steps in logic: If WIIFM? generates better communication when one party in the communication employs it then surely even better communication will happen if it is embraced by both parties in the communication. But, as stated in its name the foundation of the WIIFM? philosophy is - " What's in it for me? ". With that in mind we must conclude each of us will always start by thinking - " What's in it for me? ". We will not start by thinking – “ What’s in it for the other person? ”. We will start by thinking – “ What’s in it for me? ” and with that established we will move to “ What do I need to do to satisfy the WIIFM? needs of the other person? ” Having gone through those two thinking steps we will then adjust our behaviour to accommodate the needs of the other…I would alter my behaviour to satisfy what I believe is your need while, at the same time, you would alter your behaviour to satisfy what you believe is my need. Each of us would be playing a communication charade on the other while each of us would in fact only be truly motivated to satisfy our own needs. Our tandem, self-imposed behaviour changes would simply be means to personal ends. Each of us must be solely motivated to satisfy our own needs or nobody would have come up with this WIIFM? thinking in the first place. If that isn't true then it is logical to conclude the creators of the WIIFM? philosophy feel it only applies to one person in the communication. This appears to be the fact. If a Salesperson is communicating then the WIIFM? philosophy only applies to the customer. If a boss is communicating then the WIIFM? philosophy only applies to the subordinate. WIIFM? is a One-Way Street communication philosophy. That street has a set direction. When the philosophy is applied it flows from the person who wants to cause change to the person who must do something in order to effect that change. Each of us in business must be motivated by our own needs. And, our business behaviour, whether natural/involuntary or constructed/thought-driven, is done to satisfy our own needs. If the teachers of WIIFM? philosophy don't agree with this then it seems to me their logic is flawed. Or worse, they are promoting a curious form of caste-thinking, which works something like this: Salespeople are purer than customers. [Or, if it is preferred – Salespeople want to cause change while customer-buyers do not.] Since they are purer, the behaviour of Salespeople is not driven by personal needs. Rather, Salespeople are solely motivated by the WIIFM? needs of their customers. Salespeople are able to construct communication in a manner that enables them to determine customers’ needs…I mean deep-rooted emotional needs. In order to satisfy those customers’ WIIFM? needs, the Salespeople perform behaviour specially constructed to guide the communication process in a manner that ends up satisfying the needs of their customers. Similarly, bosses are purer than subordinates. Subordinates are stuck at WIIFM? while their bosses are solely trying to help them get all that subordinate WIIFM? need satisfied. No reasonable person will accept a philosophy that is based on caste-thinking as described above. So, it appears the foundation of the philosophy of WIIFM? is flawed. The starting point is accurate: people are motivated to satisfy their own needs and that motivation brings ‘ what's in it for me? ’ into every business communication. But, actually, to be accurate, it brings at least two separate pieces of ‘ what's in it for me? ’ thinking into each business communication...that is, one piece for each person involved in the communication. Recognizing caste-thinking must not be behind the WIIFM? philosophy, it is highly unlikely the One-Way Street teachings will yield communication success. That is true because in the absence of caste-grounding the parties to a conversation will always be at odds. One party in the communication will be aware of his/her own needs and will adjust his/her behaviour to address his/her perception of the needs of the other person while that other person will be working to serve only his/her personal interests. Since no caste differences exist each party will be starting from the same place: that is – “ My needs are most important to me ”. Each party will have a more-or-less similar ability to perceive the needs of the other. That is, each person will have equal opportunity to employ the WIIFM? philosophy. However, only one will be doing it. At least, one person will be thinking only one person is doing it…that person being the one who received WIIFM? communication training. That person, apparently, will be engaging in the communication believing the WIIFM? training is providing him/her a leg up . Or, that person will be thinking – “ My self-adjusted behaviour changes will enable me to accomplish my goals…and, yes, I believe the other party in the communication will not be adjusting his/her behaviour as I am doing ”. Even if it isn’t fatally flawed, I don’t think this What’s In It For Me? philosophy has much value. Steven Covey provided better advice when he stated "Habit #5: Seek First To Understand Then To Be Understood ". Certainly, there will be times in business where this Habit #5 cannot be employed. In certain situations, bosses will have to provide instruction without seeking input or consensus from subordinates. We in business ought to be able to have some faith in bosses' good judgment. In other situations, it will be impractical or unacceptable to seek understanding of others. Some needs are personal and personal territory should be respected. And, time will be a factor. The 5 th Covey Habit is good advice. Seek First To Understand Then To Be Understood is good advice because it: recognizes every person has needs, so it enables us to work on a two-way street. works on a one-way street. Even if one person in the communication refuses to follow or fail at performance of the 5 th Habit, the communication will still have some chance of succeeding. is balanced and that is a fair way to handle communication. It is fair to place a similar burden on each person in the communication. works for subordinates as well as it works for bosses. There is no caste-thinking, no hierarchical lines separating who must give from who must receive. works for customers as well as it works for salespeople. There is no caste-thinking, no lines separating who must give from who must receive. promotes respect for others, without ignoring respect for self. promotes listening. People like receiving that from others. builds Value into communication and that in turn builds Value into business.

## Some Thoughts on Energy & Our Economy
Date: 2008-02-23 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/some-thoughts-on-energy-our-economy/ | Categories: Beyond Business

Several very bright folks are talking about the worsening North American economic situation. Some say, they have read and they believe the U.S. is on the verge of the worst market correction since the Crash of '29. Certainly, when it happens, that U.S. tidal wave will leave a crushed Canadian economy in its wake. Apparently, the U.S. purchasing managers have a most-bleak view of the future. Surveys apparently support a 'deep-depression outlook'. And, what makes these conversations more stressed out - apparently those U.S. purchasing managers are reliable forecasters, getting it right 90-plus percent of the time. Could that be true? Could self-fulfilling prophecies or other forces be at play, driving us toward a capital-D, economic Depression? Is that fundamental purchasing-manager mindset about to take hold and lead technical trading into a downward spiral? Perhaps. One thought prevails, the U.S. is at war. The economic impact of the war may be much broader than is readily apparent. It seems the energy-commodity futures market provides an example to support that thinking. Over the last few years, haven't we witnessed a clear de-linking of (the pricing of) the hydrocarbon commodities, crude oil and natural gas? Do these markets make any sense from a fundamental or technical perspective? Many claim understanding, however, it seems old rules are not reliable guides or price predictors for calling the market. Are those purchasing managers, with their bearish-economy thinking, shorting the hydrocarbon slate? If we were to look at the personal portfolios of all those purchasing managers would we discover they are shorting futures, stocks or stock market indices? Would we find they are about to get rich as their employers get whipped and their country's economy caves into the worst of Depressions? If those purchasing managers are in fact reliable indicators [truly prophetic] then will they manage their own money so they gain personal wealth as North America rides down into economic Depression? If so then will they make what might appear to be the safest of bets, shorting the hydrocarbon futures? Observers might look at the key U.S. hydrocarbon futures - crude oil and natural gas - and conclude: one is a global commodity with U.S. influences while the other is a U.S. commodity with global influences. One relies to a material degree on masses of sea-faring cargoes while the other has this at the margin. Meanwhile, those of us who live too far from the oceans and seas tend to ignore the power of ships of commerce. So, if they agree with that thinking then will the purchasing managers simply short natural gas futures? Of course, speculation skews the balance of energy-market thinking and activity. Regardless, if one is convinced a capital-D Depression is on the visible horizon then the hedge funds and even the rogue traders will yield to it, sooner rather than later. On the other hand... For at least 2 years many have said so emphatically, “The hydrocarbon bull will soon be humbled by the realities of the U.S. economy”. Adamant statements supporting this thinking have been presented as recently as last week. It wasn't all that many years ago many energy-market experts said the U.S. economy simply could not withstand $30 Crude for any period of time. Then, the argument was extended to $50 crude. Then, more…much more. Many said, “Sure, there's lead and there's lag so the cause and effect cycle might get clouded”. “Regardless”, they said, “sooner, definitely sooner rather than later, the slipping U.S. economy and those laws of supply and demand will bring that Crude price back to realistic, market-supported levels”. But that did not happen. Instead, we saw crude oil break resistance at $30, $40, $50, $60, $70, $80, $90...etc. We have not seen the humbling of the hydrocarbon slate. Now, it is true the slipping U.S. currency value is a tempering factor. For Canadians, $100 (USD) crude oil just doesn't cost what $100 U.S. crude oil used to cost....and that applies even if we limit our thinking to months, not years. $50 crude oil versus $100 crude oil or even $150 crude oil...for the North American users of these fuels - does price matter anyhow? The near-term answer is easy enough. Of course, when we get right down to it, it doesn't matter if crude oil is $50/bbl or $100/bbl or $150/bbl. And, it doesn't matter if natural gas is trading at $7/MMBtu, $12/MMBtu or $17/MMBtu. Some will continue to say those last comments are silly. Those comments probably violate some if not most economic rules. Nonetheless, for almost all real-life oil & gas energy applications in North America the comments are true. Our physical markets have shown a curious ability to absorb price shocks (almost without even blinking). Consider Eastern Canada. What effect can Eastern Canadian end users of hydrocarbon fuels exert on physical-market pricing let alone North American financial-market pricing? That question is intended to trigger budget-reality checks and alternative thinking rather than resignation to depressing big-picture facts. Put another way, what purchase adjustments have Eastern Canadian users of hydrocarbon fuels made during the last couple of years? The answer speaks loudly. Overall, our consumption is unaffected by price. We use what we use and that's about as simple as it gets. Of course, that does not apply to the Eastern Canadian industrial users who have gone or will soon go out of business. Perhaps we can agree on two things: there is a need for better risk-management practice and there is a need for better energy-consumption practice.

## Networking: More Thoughts About the Starting Point – Why?
Date: 2008-02-11 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/networking-more-thoughts-about-the-starting-point-why/ | Categories: Networking: The Joys of Connection

How can business people ensure networking experiences are most productive? We can optimize networking by understanding: Our Own Networking Goals Other People’s Networking Goals Understanding Our Own Networking Goals As networking opportunities arise, test your goals against the situations. When your goals are incompatible with the situation, adjust your goal, then your behaviour. For example, many tout the 30-Second Elevator Commercial. Such a tactic might work at events such as trade fairs or business-after-hours sessions. However, I have yet to hear anyone confirm that the pitch actually worked in an elevator. Rather than placing emphasis on such ploys, make sure you have a kit of communication tools. From your kit, pick the right networking tool for the specific networking job. Understanding Other People’s Networking Goals It is best to keep it simple. That can be done two ways. We can listen to the other person. If we listen well then the other person will sooner or later make their networking motives clear. There is no point trying to sell when the other person wants to learn about your family tree. There is no point seeking family-tree details when the other person is in the middle of a sales spiel. Assess. Adjust accordingly. Another simple approach is to ask the other person questions, “What do you enjoy most at these events?” If the event is titled a networking event then ask, “What does networking mean to you?” Closing Thoughts: When in doubt about networking – listen. If you truly care about other people – ask questions. If you know the person is a Connector – don’t be shy, be direct.

## Networking: Some Thoughts About The Starting Point - Why?
Date: 2008-02-03 | URL: https://rickbaker.ca/post/networking-some-thoughts-about-the-starting-point-why/ | Categories: Networking: The Joys of Connection

Most business people would agree networking can be defined as 'two parties sharing information'. But in many cases, that broadly-defined starting point is our only point of agreement. People may agree on that definition while they disagree on why they are networking. If two people attempting to network do not share the same motives then their networking efforts can cause frustration and wasted time. Why do we network? Overall, we network to share information. But... 'Why?' Do we desire to: Give information? Receive it? Both? Do we expect commercial/business results? If so, when? Our motives for networking dictate our behaviour during networking. And, our motives for networking cover a broad spectrum. At one extreme, we have people who expect networking to provide immediate commercial results. Using Malcolm Gladwell's 'model', such a networker might seek out a Connector and ask a blunt question like, “Can you connect me to someone who wants to buy my widgets?” If I understand Malcolm Gladwell accurately then such an approach can work, because Connectors are special folks who get their kicks making these connections. Many networkers would be shocked and annoyed by a direct commercial assault such as the one just described. For these people, networking is not the place for direct, commercial activity. It is not the place for sales spiels. Rather, they see networking as a way to get to know people by listening and learning… building enduring relationships. For others, networking – even if it is done at a business-networking event – must never be commercial. Their only networking goal is to learn personal information, first-hand. Closing Thought: To maximize the value of networking, we need to understand the 'Why?' behind the networking... some more thoughts at next issue.