Ripple Central

Want Job Security? Become a Utility Player Pt. 3

2008-04-01T05:36:00.000-07:00

In the first two segments of this series, I focused on why being a utility player can certainly increase one's chances of keeping their job if, and more likely when, their company is faced with tough economic conditions. Companies need and want people on board who will show a willingness to learn and do more and not simply retreat to the comfortable excuse of 'it's not my job." It's the utility player that stands out, demonstrates value and avoids the horror of being expendable when the corporate ax starts looking for dead wood.

So we get why being a utility player is important to the company, but what does it mean to the company's customers? Well that's when a utility player really shines! You see nothing in business happens without a customer. Customers need products. Customers need services. Customers have questions. Customers have concerns. Customers have needs that they don't even know they have yet. No matter what the case, utility players understand and appreciate the fact that the customer will always need something and they are willing to step up to the plate and help no matter when and where they are called to do so.

What if you were to approach your job and your customers with this simple phrase: "Whatever you need, feel free to call me and I will do everything I can do to help." Would you be viewed differently? Would your customers think positively or negatively about you? Even if you don't have the necessary skills, access, information or whatever it is that they need, you have something....a willingness to help. People remember that. People value that. People love and respect that.

So you say, "Steve you silly boy, I don't work with customers. I am held deep within the bowels of my corporate structure and never see the client. How can I possibly step up and be a utility player for those customers I never touch?"

To which my response is....nothing happens in a vacuum. We all work with customers. The only difference between you who may be locked deep inside the walls of your corporate fortress and me, the one who deals with the public virtually every day is not so different. We both serve the customer. The only difference is you serve your internal customer (co-workers, boss, managers, suppliers, vendors, etc.) and I server the external customer (those people who write us checks for the products and services we sell).

Being the go to person for either the internal or external customer is a powerful position. Utility players like you and me want to step up and play those positions if and when we are called upon to do so and sometimes....even when we aren't called to do so. Remember, utility players see a need, a gap or a something that just needs to happen and they don't wait for direction...they simply step up and take action. It's through these kinds of actions that both our customers and corporations begin to realize and appreciate the value having someone like us around.

As we draw this series to a conclusion I have a challenge for you. Ask yourself what it is that you could be learning, doing or attempting right now to add value and worth to your contribution to your organization right now? The answers are there if you Grasshopper are willing to hop a little further down the path to seek them out.

The challenge isn't really the question but the answer. And ultimately are you really willing to step up to the plate and be the utility player your management team, corporate ownership and ultimately your customers need you to be?

The answer can only be yours to give.

Ripple On!!!

P.S. If you liked this series and would be interested in learning more about becoming a utility player for your company or perhaps you lead a team and need some inspiration along this line for your team, we should talk. I have both personal coaching programs and corporate day trainings that I give in this area. Feel free to email me at steve@ripplecentral.com

Want Job Security? Become a Utility Player Pt. 2

2008-03-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

On Monday's post I discussed how utility players have a better shot at keeping their jobs during trying economic times because the companies they work for can typically count on them more. They demonstrate more versatility, more willingness to learn and of course show their value through action by just plain doing more than the "average" employee. It is through their actions and their measurable willingness to take on more that makes it easy for management to know who to keep and who to let go when times are tough.

So how do you become a utility player?

Great question! In fact the first step to becoming a utility player for your company is by asking questions just like that and many more like:

How do I do more? How can I learn more? How can I develop the skill that this department or that department needs? Who do I need to shoulder up with to learn more? Who is willing to take the time to teach me? Who is struggling and needs help? What needs to be done that no one else wants to do? What gaps does my company have that I can fill? What skills do I possess that no one has yet seen? What would the boss like to see? What does the boss need? What does my team lack? Where are we dropping the ball as an organization? Where else can my skills and experience be used? Where is the mop?

The list of questions are actually endless. No matter what questions you may need to be asking, it's the answers to them that will give you the first clue as to how to identify and become one of your company's utility players. Think about it, who on your team right now steps up to ask these questions? I suspect few if any do....am I right?

The quickest way to get yourself noticed and appreciated by the higher ups is to start asking these questions and many more like them. Listen to what answers are given and then volunteer to step up and take a spot at helping in the areas that need help. Sure, sure, I can hear many of the naysayers now saying, "I already have too much on my plate. I could not possibly take on more. They don't pay me enough to do more." Blah, blah, blah.

I read somewhere recently that the average American worker only works an average of 5.5 hours per day (can't put my finger on the article at present but will update in the future if I can locate it again). The rest of the time is squirreled away playing on the Internet, text messaging, taking personal phone calls and a myriad or other non-work related activities. Is it any wonder why the excuses pile up? More work means less play and that makes Jack and Jane dull boys and girls.

No. It just means Jack and Jane are the easy first targets when it comes time to start slashing the red ink.

The choice is yours of course but I am here to tell you that demonstrating a willingness to learn and take on more will be one of the best ways to get yourself recognized, noticed and valued by the boss or business owner. Heck just asking some of the questions I have outlined above will set you so far ahead of the rest of the sheep that good things are bound to come from just asking.

Try it. What do you have to lose? The utility player isn't playing for the glory, they are just filling a role that needs to be filled. At minimum you pick up some more work experience that you might not otherwise have gotten and of course define yourself in the hearts and minds of those who matter as a "go to" guy or gal. Seems like a fairly even trade especially when it comes time to see who needs to stay and who needs to go. I myself would rather be the utility player that is uncuttable - what about you?

In my next post we will discuss how being a good utility player can help you Ripple your way to better, stronger relationships with your prospects and clients.

Ripple On!!!

Want Job Security? Become a Utility Player

2008-03-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

The most valuable asset to a company is an employee with a willingness to learn. Why? Because people who demonstrate a willingness to learn, to try anything new, are quite simply more involved and engaged and often more committed to the company. These people often demonstrate the ability and versatility to take on new tasks, challenges and entirely new responsibilities and become people that the company depends on in times of need or forced change. I call these employees your utility players.

Much like in sports where a player is not only good in one position but is good in many positions, utility players have their place in the workplace as well. Utility players often play pivotal roles during trying economic times with their willingness to take on more responsibilities outside their job requirements. They step up to the plate to do the heavy lifting when most others retreat into the "it's not my job" hole of mediocrity.

If you look closely, I am sure you would find many faceless and nameless people who helped many of today's major corporations breakout from obscurity and become something in the marketplace. The thing is most utility players simply do the job that they see needs to be done, not simply the one before them. They aren't in it for the glory and fame and often are the least outwardly recognizable. But these little bright stars in the vast blackness of most corporate entities are almost always the most assured to be safe when corporate layoffs take place. Let's face facts, if you're the executive having to decide who to cut during a layoff do you want to cut the man or woman that just does their job (as outlined in the job description) or do you want someone who demonstrates their willingness to do more, take on more and perhaps get their hands a little dirty along the way?

The answer is obvious.

We will tackle how you become a utility player for both your company and your clients in an upcoming BLOG post. For today, I just wanted to get you thinking about how versatile you really are in your present job and just how close or far you may be from becoming one of your company's most treasured and valued utility players.

Ripple On!!!

The People Whisperer?

2008-03-04T06:16:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I had a delightful conversation with a business colleague of mine that claims they have yet another nickname for me amongst the business community here in Austin: The People Whisperer. I was at first perplexed by the comment, naturally defaulting to the images of the crazy Dog Whisperer guy on Animal Planet and worrying the unsolicited title was not meant in a nice way. Sensing my uneasiness with my newly appointed title my colleague quickly pointed out that the comment was meant as a very big compliment.

It seems that despite my public confession of being quite shy and introverted that several people simply don't believe it to be so. He told me that the title sort of began as someone's description of my unusual ability to get most anyone to open up and talk. Apparently another colleague had seen me work my people skills at a recent event where I found myself faced with someone who was not naturally conversational or, and his words here, known to be friendly. It seems that I was able to get this woman talking and ended up connecting her with several people before night's end and they watched this person transform by the end of the event.

I meet so many people that I honestly couldn't tell you who they were actually referring to but it's their story so I believe them. It was apparently that out of this conversation of five or six people who know me that the title was apparently unanimously voted on and approved. As he described in greater detail how many of these colleagues admire me for what I doing to teach people and whole organizations why the power of connection is so critical I found an enormous sense of pride welling up inside. I was truly touched.

I can certainly think of a lot of other titles that wouldn't be nearly as cool nor as valuable to me. But there is something about being recognized and admired by a group of peers for something that honestly I don't believe comes naturally to me. People do scare me. I am introverted...I swear! This whole "get out there and connect" mantra that I talk about over and over again is valid but is something I have to push myself daily to do and I know for some it isn't easy. I also know the rewards far outweigh the potential pitfalls that putting it one's self out there brings so I preach it and practice it with religious conviction.

As I thought about the People Whisperer title, I guess I do have a way about getting through most of the walls and defenses that people put up when communicating with others. I have found so many neat people during this amazing Ripple journey because I was willing to take a chance and get someone to open up and talk. There is no doubt that having a strategy and process for taking advantage of the opportunities to connect with those who cross your path in life is so very worth it.

The good news for you is....if I can do it, so can you. Heck there is no doubt you are more likely better at than I am.

People whisperer eh? I like it!

Ripple On!!!

Ripple Connection Question Of The Week

2008-03-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO
BE DOING IF YOU WEREN'T
DOING WHAT YOU ARE
DOING RIGHT NOW?

I love using this question at networking events and pulling it out before someone can ask me "So Steve what do you do?" The uniqueness of the order of words is always perfect for creating a temporary brain scramble on someone who is used to the same old boring way of networking. This question gives people a reason to pause and to really contemplate what you have just asked them and the answers you will get will simply amaze you.

For example here are some I recently received which gave me great insight and massive opportunities to stir some new connections in an entirely different (and much more fun) direction at a recent networking event (I had to attend).

Ted - Insurance Agent - Would rather be a gourmet cook with a little bistro in the South of France

Marianne - Army Recruiter - Would rather be a professional skydiving instructor and work only with kids from broken homes to teach them what is possible when they push themselves

Mark - Salesman - Would like to be a whitewater raft guide. He only feels at true peace when he is the mountains.

Suzanne - Stay-At-Home-Mom - Would rather travel the country (with kids in tow of course!) promoting a children's book that teaches valuable lessons.

No matter who the question is asked of you will undoubtedly find that everyone can come up with something that person would rather be doing. And the details of what that something is can open up a world of possibilities and connection for you both. Give it a try this week and see what kinds of Ripples this powerful little question can create for your connections!

Ripple On!!!

You Can Have An Effect - Sometimes You Just Need A Reminder

2008-02-29T05:51:00.000-08:00

So yesterday I had to take my Ford Explorer back into the dealership for service. I have had a leak that despite multiple attempts to fix it hasn't been fixed. Yesterday I had had enough after seeing the rather large pool of fluid sitting on my garage floor yesterday morning. I had a very full morning and a lunch meeting but decided that I was going to go out to the dealership and raise some hell.

I was mad driving out there. It's bad enough that the dealership is somewhat of a drive for me but I have been out there so much over the past year that the service advisers no longer need to ask me for my name so they can fill out their service ticket. They are a very nice group but the simple fact was I was angry at having to see them again and it was putting me "in a mood."

My regular service adviser was not in when I arrived but the gentleman that helped me was very nice. He immediately sensed my frustration and offered to delay my day no further and offered me a rental car. My blood pressure calmed a bit and I appreciated his proactive approach to at least helping make my bad situation better in some small way. He pointed me to the waiting area and asked me to "make myself comfortable" until the rental car agent could come by and bring me my car. I remember thinking 'great, waiting around with nothing to do.'

I arrived in the waiting room to find a older man sitting in the chairs watching Dr. Phil. He wore a black baseball cap that indicated he had fought in both World War Two and Korea. He had brought old "Bessie," his Ford 250 horse hauling truck in to have the mirror replaced. Apparently his son and law couldn't handle such a powerful beast as Bessie and he sideswiped a mailbox with the mirror, breaking it.

He and I exchanged a few pleasantries and some ongoing commentary about the crazy beauty pageant ladies who were being counseled by Dr. Phil. He was a delightful man full of spark and personality and seemed to enjoy the company. He moved a few chairs closer to "visit" and I suspect to hear a little bit better.

He told me about living on a small little spec of land out yonder and how his truck had seen many a mile of this great state. Not a lick of problems with that "old Ford"; I wish I could be so lucky. We could have made polite chit chat for the rest of the time but I decided to ask about his hat.

His eyes lit up when I asked about his hat and his apparent service in our military. He sat up straighter, spoke stronger and almost seemed to take on a completely different personality altogether. He told me he had joined the Navy in 1944 because it was his only option out of the cotton fields. He spun stories of all his adventures both state side and beyond and spoke of some of the action his crew had seen but oddly didn't seem to want to talk about much of that.

He left the service in 1948 in hopes of making a better life for himself. He went to refrigeration school in Dallas and did well but soon found his job prospects somewhat limited. He rejoined the military but this time in the Army. He met his wife and was shipped off overseas to "fight the fight."

He simply transformed as he talked to me. Apparently he said he suffered from post traumatic syndrome and the "boys in his unit" thought him crazy. He claimed he wasn't crazy but just scared. The night terrors as he described them were almost unbearable and he was eventually given his walking papers and sent on back home to Texas. The sparkle seemed to trickle out of his eyes at that point; replaced by some barely noticeable tears.

"Here I've been ever since," he said almost apologetically.

I could have stayed and talked with him for hours. He was fascinating. To me it seemed like he hadn't had much of a chance to talk to anyone about what we shared in those few precious moments. It seemed really, really good for him and I was so glad that I had asked about his hat. Thinking back it could have been so easy to ignore what is obviously a powerful connection point to him and his life. What a shame that would have been!

As the rental car lady tapped me on the shoulder, I stood up and thanked him. I thanked him for his service to our country and for doing his duty and told him I was truly glad to know him. Big tears welled up in his eyes and he mumbled something barely audible. I asked him to repeat it but he looked down as if embarrassed by whatever he had said. He held my hand with a firm grip and said, "Nice talking with you fella."

It was nice talking with you too!

Think you can't make an impact on someone's day? I am glad my Ford (Fix Or Repair Daily - no joke!) had a problem and that I was led to that waiting area yesterday afternoon. Even the Ripple guy needs a wake up call and reminder every now and then.

Have a great weekend my friends.

Ripple On!!!

Presidential Candidates Need Gas.....Plan That Is

2008-02-28T05:31:00.001-08:00

Political season is in full swing. Promises are being made. Babies are being kissed. Politicians are up on stages telling all of us how bad we've got it and how they hold the coveted secret to fixing all that ales us.

Rather than grandstanding about what our current administration has or hasn't done, I would like to hear just one presidential candidate talk about an issue that burns me every week or so....gas prices.

This is not a political BLOG and for the most part I try and stay agnostic when it comes to such things as politics and religion. However with this particular issue, I am deeply concerned with the economic impact that it will continue to have on our country. Yes my friends if we continue to feel it at the pump you can be sure it will affect how quickly our economy truly does dive headlong into the dark recesses of the recession-esq pool.

When the Iraq war began and prices shot up over $ 2.00 here in Texas people were outraged. Every other day I would get an email from some protesting friend asking me to boycott this gas company or that gas company. We could, as with most customer satisfaction issues, likely get the attention of these often greedy gas companies by deciding how and where to vote with our dollar. Some people did it but most didn't and today we quietly continue to pay the ridiculous increase while secretly cursing the companies at the pump.

I remember telling my wife at the time that once the country was groomed to pay higher prices the prices would never go down. I truly believed that once they had us over a particular price point and there was no national revolt, there would be nothing to stop them from putting forth increase after increase. Six years later there's talk of the national average for gas hovering around $ 4.00 this summer and how these gas prices are continuing to drive up everything from the groceries on the table to how much more we will pay for our jeas. Like I said, there's nothing stopping them and oddly enough, there's no one presidential candidate really talking about it.

Don't get me wrong I understand what drives the gas prices. But when our country fights so hard to protect many oil producing countries, you think we would be entitled to some good buddy discount or something. Or at minimum, quit shoving it in my face that this gas company CEO or that gas company CEO gets a multi-million dollar bonus or golden parachute when he or she retires. But alas that doesn't happen in the real world and those of us who depend on our cars for our living just have to suck it up and find the extra coin to continue driving. I wonder if McDonald's is still hiring for third shift?

It just seems to me that if these presidential candidates were really concerned with mapping out the direction the country is going to go they might just consider how many of us can afford to pay our own way to meet them there. Otherwise, I hope there's some extra room on their fancy buses to give me an my family a ride. A week with my crew might just make lowering gas prices agenda item number one for our newly minted Commander in Chief.

But like Dennis Miller always says, "Hey that's just my opinion. I could be wrong."

Ripple On!!!

I Don't Talk To Customers!

2008-02-27T05:32:00.001-08:00

Imagine your co-worker or employee picking up the phone and on the other end of the line is one of your customers in need of help. After a short explanation as to why they are calling your employee responds by saying "Wait a minute your a customer? I don't talk to customers."

Hard to believe? Well it just happened to one of my friends/clients a few weeks ago. What's even more distressing is that a customer service representative from the bank he was calling actually forwarded this poor guy to this person's extension for advanced help. Imagine his shock when that was the response he received. As you can imagine the conversation and the banking relationship proceeded to quickly decline from there.

Talk about a Ripple Effect of poor customer service. I would say that people surprise me but that is rarely the case these days. Situations like this happen every day in every industry. If you don't think it happens in yours, look closer.

There are many ways one could say this bank is to blame. Perhaps they hired the wrong person. Maybe they should have better equipped customer service reps to handle all conceivable issues so needless forwarding of customers for second level help never occurs. Or maybe, just maybe, customers and the importance of them wasn't explained to an employee buried beneath the bowels of the organization. Rest assured if it wasn't properly explained to that employee then it likely wasn't properly explained to a lot more employees who might encounter a customer.

Whatever the issue is one thing is for sure, this bank likely lost a successful growing company as a result of it. I know for a fact I won't ever do business with them! No one in an organization should ever feel comfortable to say I don't talk to customers. Regardless of position, responsibility, seniority, department, whatever....Everyone within an organization is in customer service.

I mentioned a few days ago about checking your common sense for understanding. Perhaps in building upon that point I should ask:

Does everyone at your company know that the customer is the single most important reason they receive a little thing called a paycheck? And with that paycheck comes a responsibility to both the organization and its customers to step up to the plate and help whenever they are called upon to do so.

If your answer is no (or hmmm I am not sure) then we should really talk.

Manners Will Take You Far

2008-02-25T05:20:00.001-08:00

My youngest son Josh came home the other night armed with something for his older brother Zachary. I am not exactly sure of the circumstances as to why Josh extended this advice to his big brother (surly it was on the heels of being picked on which is the older brother/younger brother daily drama) but it was certainly something that was memorable.

"Zach Miss Dee Dee says that bad manners will take you no where. But good manners, well Zach they can take you far."

For the entire weekend we had the pleasure of Josh repeating his newly learned pearls of wisdom over and over again. But it was more than just a quote that he had learned from his amazing pre-k teacher, it was how he delivered it that continues to warm my heart this morning. He says it with absolute conviction and he means it. So much so that when he found himself being a little rude to his mom yesterday he caught himself and said sorry and then proceeded to repeat the phrase.

Though the advice likely went in one ear and out the other of his older brother, it wasn't lost on me. It just reminds me that no matter the circumstances, if there are other people around, you should always remember your manners. You just have no idea what doors your politeness might open for you.

Thanks Miss Dee Dee for creating a unbelievable Ripple for Joshua. I can assure you he has taken it to heart as have I. I hope those of you who read this will too!

Ripple On!!!

Fellow Rippler Paula Levy Proves You Can!!!

2008-02-22T05:12:00.000-08:00

I just had to share this inspirational story and link to a video about fellow Rippler Paula Levy. I asked Paula to tell you why running her first marathon should prove to you and to me that no matter what the obstacles are, if you want something bad enough you can find a way.

Way to go Paula!!!
__________________________________

I was diagnosed with MS in 1990 when I was 26 years old. I had a choice to fight or give up – I was to young to do anything but fight. But I had another choice, I could choose joy or I could choose to be a bitter old hag, long before I had the right to be a bitter old hag. Woe is me it is not fair blah, blah, blah. I truly believe that your altitude is determined by your attitude and I choose every day my attitude.

I take a multitude of medications and I give myself an intramuscular injection once a week with an inch and a half needle but all of this allows me to work hard and to play hard. I have MS it doesn’t have me and I refused to let it define me. I have a “list of things to do before I die” and running a marathon is on the list. I began training in October 2006 for the Austin Marathon in 2008. While I didn’t cross the finish line that day, I tried something that I had never done before and I gave it everything I had. I ran the best possible race that I could run on that day and that is all I can expect.

You only get one shot at life and I can promise you that you will miss 100% of the shots you don’t take! I took a shot and came up short, this time, but I am far from out of the game.

Ripplin’ so long I am riding waves,

Paula

Click Here To Watch The Video Story on Paula

Check YOUR Common Sense For Understanding

2008-02-21T05:55:00.002-08:00

I'm back. Sorry I have been lax in posting this week but I have a very good excuse. I just completed another three day customer service training for state and county tax officials. I had a wonderful group of young women who, believe it or not, survived my often crazy way of delivering an incredible amount of information in a short period of time. It was a very fun class and I always feel refreshed and energized when I can deliver information that I know can help an organization or a company do better.

During my three day agenda I repeat one theme that might be relevant for any manger or leader of people to remember.

Your common sense is not necessarily the common sense of others.

Perhaps rather than assuming what you already know to be true and obvious, you should test how others understand and interpret things.

I use a ton of basic examples when illustrating this point. Some include:

Do your employees know that they shouldn't cuss in front of a customer?

Do your employees know that they shouldn't pop a bubble with their gum during a conversation with a customer?

Do your employees know what wearing shoes really means when you state it in the company dress code? You know flip-flops don't constitute a "shoe" and aren't acceptable footwear in the office environment but do your employees know this unless you tell them?

My customer service course often reveals for those who attend how many common sense things we as leaders, managers and customer facing employees often take for granted and just naturally expect our staff or co-workers to know and follow. Leave even the littlest things open to interpretation and I can guarantee you there will be interpretations different from those you have and expect.

And here's the kicker folks....those interpretations may just be costing your company business.

Ripple On!!!

Check YOUR Common Sense For Understanding

2008-02-21T05:55:00.001-08:00

I'm back. Sorry I have been lax in posting this week but I have a very good excuse. I just completed another three day customer service training for state and county tax officials. I had a wonderful group of young women who, believe it or not, survived my often crazy way of delivering an incredible amount of information in a short period of time. It was a very fun class and I always feel refreshed and energized when I can deliver information that I know can help an organization or a company do better.

During my three day agenda I repeat one theme that might be relevant for any manger or leader of people to remember.

Your common sense is not necessarily the common sense of others.

Perhaps rather than assuming what you already know to be true and obvious, you should test how others understand and interpret things.

I use a ton of basic examples when illustrating this point. Some include:

Do your employees know that they shouldn't cuss in front of a customer?

Do your employees know that they shouldn't pop a bubble with their gum during a conversation with a customer?

Do your employees know what wearing shoes really means when you state it in the company dress code? You know flip-flops don't constitute a "show" and aren't acceptable footwear in the office environment but do your employees know this unless you tell them?

My customer service course often reveals for those who attend how many common sense things we as leaders, managers and customer facing employees often take for granted and just naturally expect our staff lor co-workers to know and follow. Leave even the littlest things open to interpretation and I can guarantee you there will be interpretations different from those you have and expect.

And here's the kicker folks....those interpretations may just be costing your company business.

Ripple On!!!

How My Valentine's Day Was Forever Ruined

2008-02-14T05:51:00.000-08:00

Imagine me telling you this story for effect with a sarcastic French-English accent; ala Inspector Cluso.

First, a claimer. No, I did not mean a disclaimer but a claimer. I have not changed the names to protect the innocent because there are no innocent in this story my friend. Well, except for me. I am the Valentine's Day victim here!

It was year of my fourth grade. I had fallen in love with a whimsical dame; one half of the Twins de Banka. Yes, it was Christy Banka whom I had gone head over heals for. In hindsight, it was her sister Carrie who would have proven to be the more prudent choice but when you are ten years old, passion not prudency drives the heart.

We had a passionate autumn filled with notes of "Do you like me check yes or no" and "You are a fox!" Oh the romance, it remains palatable to this day! The lovesick looks at recess as we held hands on the way to the jungle gym. The way I protected her and valiantly defended her during those dodge-ball games. Oh yes, we were crafting a romance for the ages.

Fall turned cold and let go to reveal an amazing Christmas season. Christmas break was going to be hard for us as we didn't live anywhere close together and a three week Christmas break seemed like it would be an eternity. I contemplated what extraordinary gift I could bestow on my love so that she would not forget me over the holidays.

I settled on a mood ring purchased with hard earned car washing cash. She loved it or so she said. The ring which was aglow with fiery red when I had tested it on my finger remained black as I slipped it on her finger. Looking back I should have taken it as a sign but the beating heart often silences the observant mind.

We made it through Christmas and as January slowly ticked by I began to plot my Valentine's profession of love for her. I began to amass an arsenal of prophetic love tokens that when unleashed upon her would not only make her swoon but would forever secure my place in Osuna Elementary folklore.

Four days before Valentine's Day it happened. Spots! First one. Then two. Then more spots than you can imagine. Chickenpox had come home to roost; compliments of one Amy Chung who had sat next to me in class. I never did like that girl!

The doctor confirmed that I was to be at home for no less than ten days. "Ten days," I remember screaming, "but I will miss Valentine's Day with Christy." To say I was a wreck would be an understatement. In fact I had not been that upset since Kevin Massis my friend had pulled the head off my Steve Austin Six Million Dollar Man action figure (it was not a doll).

Christy and I spoke that evening after receiving the devastating news. She seemed almost giddy which at the time struck me as nothing more than worried relief that my disease was not life threatening. Her giddiness though was not because of my diagnosis but because it was her window of opportunity.

Valentine's Day arrived and my mom graciously offered to take my enormous package of love gifts up to the school for me so that Christy would not be without on such an important and historic day. Mom returned with a tiny Charlie's Angels Valentine card signed only with her name and a one little candy heart that said "You're Neat!" The lack of the gift I was certain at the time was due to her endless nights of worry for my safe return to health.

I was so excited waiting for the hours to tick by on Valentine's Day until school let out and she, my beauty would call to thank me. 3PM arrived and no call. 4PM arrived and no call. 5PM arrived and I decided I had better check on my love for fear that Big Foot or some other equally terrifying fate might have befallen her on the way home from school. Her mother answered and gave me the news......"Oh Christy isn't home she went over to Steve's house to give him a Valentine's Day gift." I hurriedly hung up the phone to run upstairs and fix my hair and put on a clean shirt. My beloved was steaming towards my house to see me and to give me my real Valentines.

I waited at our front window for nearly two hours. No car pulled up in our driveway to drop her off. No cute smiling little Christy walked up from the depths of the neighborhood. Nothing. Just darkness.

Later that night I called back to Christy's house and learned the real truth. Christy had visited Steve's house and she did deliver a Valentine's Day gift....but it was to another Steve. Steve Moreno...my once friend and soccer rival.

I was devastated. My heart was forever scared. The depths of the damage still visible on this day as this act of betrayal relives in my mind every single February 14th. Christy Banka showed me the true evil that lurks in a woman's heart. Damn you Christy Banka!

When I returned to school days later, Christy and Steve's hot Valentine's Day romance had already fizzled. But the damage to this day, for me, was already done. Sometime in late February I ended up at Steve Moreno's house. The thoughts of beating him up or enacting some embarrassing function of revenge was rumbling in my mind when something happened....

Steve brought out this huge heart filled with Red Hots and asked me if I wanted some. It was the very heart that I had filled with Red Hots to profess and demonstrate my passionate love for one Christy Banka. Poor Steve, the clueless bloke didn't even realize he had been scammed too.

I grab a handful and threw them into my mouth. And I let it burn all the way down!

Happy Valentine's Day to all....all but Christy Banka.

(Christy if by some crazy miracle you end up reading this, I am represented by council and if you pursue action against me for defamation of character I will be forced to seek restitution on the Valentine's Day gifts which were given and regifted! How do you like Chrissy!)

Just kidding. This was all in good fun. Though my heart is forever scared.

Remember You Are Always On

2008-02-12T06:37:00.001-08:00

The quickest way to make a bad impression is to activate the mouth before engaging the brain.

Recently I attended an event where the organizer of the event ripped off a litany of inappropriate language and innuendos in front of people he had just literally met. Several of the people who were in attendance were visibly uncomfortable with his foul language, misaligned stories and off-colored jokes. I could see the respect and reputation that had initially brought these people to this gathering in the first place literally evaporating in front of my very eyes.

They were embarrassed for him. I was embarrassed for him. And unfortunately he remains clueless as to the damage his mouth was causing him.

I will be the first to admit that I am no angel. But I remember the advice a former boss gave me way back when. "Remember kid, you are always on stage. You represent me. You represent the company. And most of all, (I still see him pausing for effect) you represent yourself."

I would like to say that I have always followed that advice but admittedly I have not; and it has cost me dearly. The wrong word at the wrong time has cost me a good connection, lost me someone's respect and generally made me look like the back end of the ugliest horse's you know what.

Remember to engage the brain before you open your mouth. The person you offend today could just very well insure the door you need tomorrow remains forever locked. And what a bad Ripple that would be.

Ripple On!!!

Revealing Ripple Quote

2008-02-11T05:25:00.001-08:00

Based on Friday night's post, I thought it appurtenant that this landed in my inbox this morning.

"We do not believe in ourselves until someone reveals that deep inside us something is valuable, worth listening to, worthy of our trust, sacred to our touch. Once we believe in ourselves we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight or any experience that reveals the human spirit."

E.E. Cummings

It was sent by someone who truly believes in me. It's with great gratitude and belief in you that I just had to share it with you this morning.

Now go out and do amazing things this week. Not because you have to but because you can!

Ripple On!!!

Allow Yourself

2008-02-09T13:54:00.000-08:00

I celebrated my birthday a few weeks ago and I ended up getting a swanky bottle of scotch from my good friend Prince Rahman. I am not what you would call an astute connoisseur of scotch. Though admittedly I would always up-purchase for friends and clients for birthdays and special occasions the bootstrapper mentality of my thinking always forced me to purchase the cheapest (or close to the cheapest) bottle of scotch for myself. So needless to say the only time good scotch passed through this boy's lips was if said friend or client happened to open their gift and insist that we pour a drink.

Tonight I found myself deep in thought. I have lots going on in my life right now and my mind has been a twitter with many thoughts. I decide that I needed a break, I needed to go chill for a bit. I went to that very expensive bottle of scotch that Prince had given me both as present as a metaphor for something I was helping him with (long story). I pour myself a nice glass and headed to my front porch to admire the amazing display of stars which tonight are literally exploding with color and sparkle thanks to very clear skies.

I took a drink. Smooth. Nice. Very good. Ahhhh it set the mood of a very pleasant evening and my over rambunctious mind began to settle. That's when it hit me. I have never really tasted or appreciated fine scotch. Sure I have shared some glasses before but it was always someone else's scotch and not mine. I am, remember, used to the cheap stuff.

That's when the thought literally hit me.

The thought may not seem revolutionary to you but it was to me. I am used to the cheap stuff. I have literally never allowed myself to have that fine bottle of scotch. It was always too much money, too extravagant for this old boy. I realized that I have never allowed myself to have such an elaborate gift; somehow deep down inside I have never thought myself deserving.

What a screwed up way of thinking. You know what, I am sure if I dig deep enough this way of thinking extends in multiple directions well beyond scotch. How self-limiting!

As I sat there ideas came rushing in that just seemed appropriate to share with you, my friends. This self-limiting cheap approach to living I believe, is your mind's little game of keeping you down. Sure you want that big house out on forty acres but you'll never get paid enough at that job to afford the mortgage so why bother? You should be driving that red sports car but no one your age should be considering such a ridiculous purchase; better to be practical. You could run that million dollar business out of your home but the kids come home at three and there just isn't enough time in the day to pull a business plan together and get that first customer. My friends and my clients are the ones that deserve that big thank you so I'll happily purchase them their nice bottle while I grab the bottle that is 1/2 price because it tastes like turpentine.

Guess what. That is all BS! When you pitch from the platform of lack and undeserving, life is more than happy to stand, applaud, smile back and say, "You are right! You aren't worthy!"

Well that is not right. I am worthy damn it! I deserve better! I demand better!

There are individuals, companies, communities and whole countries that need me for the message that I have to share.

I deserve to be a best selling world-renowned author.

I very well may be the THE PERSON who can change the world in some incredible and lasting way.

Quit being used to what life hands you. Wake up! Allow yourself to imagine yourself achieving that which you want to achieve. That alone, my friend, will help you take that first step to discovering that you, like me, deserve more. You, like me, are by design destined to do more. You, like me, are supposed to have more!

Allow yourself.

Ripple On!!!

Steve

Charles Schultz Philosophy

2008-02-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read this straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America Contest.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of
yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners .

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care .

'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia '

(Charles Schultz)

Tightening Labor Market Means You Better Learn To Ripple

2008-02-06T05:57:00.000-08:00

It is half passed ten and you received a call from your boss asking to see you. You immediately head over and she asks you to shut the door. Panic sets in immediately.

She asks you to have a seat as she shuffles paper around her office nervously. Your hands begin to sweat. She makes some veiled attempts at small talk asking about your son's soccer team and reliving the fun times you both shared at a co-workers birthday happy hour recently. She is stalling and you can feel it.

She abruptly shifts gears and the tone light chit chat suddenly changes with, "I have some bad news."

You can likely imagine the rest right?

Unfortunately conversations like this are going to be happening a lot more in the coming months and years. As I rode over to the office this morning I was listening to NPR and they were talking about 1/3 of the top 100 builders would be forced into bankruptcy within the next 12-18 months. The impact obviously will be devastating for people in that industry on so many levels. And honestly if the pundits continue to scare the business and consumer public, many more industries, communities, individuals and whole families will be impacted.

So the simple question I must ask you is how prepared are you? I mean if the scenario above were to occur and your boss had to have that very same conversation with you, would you be alright and have options or would you be starting at square one?

Learning to Ripple your way to the important business connections that can aide you in a time of need is so critical. Yes, there are plenty of people out there that continually tell you networking is the key to landing your next job and I would agree, but only to a certain extent. Networking alone won't help you in your time of need. Only relationships, real relationships will; and that's why Rippling is so uniquely different and honestly, why it so powerful.

My friends the time to start learning to Ripple your way to better connections, to building stronger relationships and to creating your own destiny is upon us. Are you prepared?

I want to help. One way I am putting my money where my mouth is to provide an exclusive offer to my BLOG readers to get their Rippling started by learning the true impact of The Ripple Effect. I would like to extend a special discounted price on my book for you, for your family, friends, co-workers, important customers, etc. I believe so much in these strategies and the impact that it can make in your personal and professional life I want to make purchasing this book for yourself or someone else you know needs it, a no-brainer.

The book is only the first part. Its how committed you need to be to actually implement the strategies and put in the hard (but fun) work to gain the full benefit of the power of the Ripple. I hope you will. I hope in just a short period of time you can answer YES when asked if you are ready for the potentially turbulent times ahead.

CLICK HERE FOR THE EXCLUSIVE BLOG READERS OFFER

Leaders & Employees Must Learn To Change

2008-02-05T07:42:00.001-08:00

On Sunday the New York Football Giants pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the year by beating the once-unstoppable New England Patriots. Their victory in my opinion is a great example of what can happen when there is both give and take from both a leader and those being led. You see Sunday was the antithesis of where Tom Coughlin started with this team and how he almost lost them.

Tom Coughlin is an old school. When taking over the New York program he promised to instill good old fashion discipline throughout the team. He was going to be accountable. His players were going to be accountable. He was going to manage by objective and people would be expected to rise to meet those expectations or else. Fear was the big stick and it was yielded without worry of what head it might come crashing upon.

There would no longer any special treatment for any of the players, especially their star players. Players were expected to attend all meetings without exception; something that hadn't been enforced by the previous coaching staff. In addition, players were expected to be on time for those meetings. Coughlin was so committed to demonstrating that winning begins by doing the little things perfectly that he began to fine players who were not in their seats five minutes before meetings were actually scheduled to start. Other minor infractions that would otherwise be overlooked by other teams were made a very pubic and often embarrassing example by the salty coach. If discipline and perfection wasn't going to find the New York Football Giants, he would hunt it down and capture it and force feed it to his players if need be.

It was an old school, hard nose approach that amongst today's prima donna athletes wasn't very well received. In fact, Coughlin began to have an outright revolt. Star players began to question his motivations and resented being treated like children. The New York press waited at the end of each of practice like rabid dogs looking for that bone to be tossed from the dinner table to report what players were disgruntled on that day. The Giants were going no where fast and it looked like Coughlin would likely lose his job at the end of last season.

Then something happened. He loosed up a bit. Players who had never seen him smile reported seeing him smile at practices. He joked with the players and he seemed to take more time in getting to know them not just as players, but as men. Somewhere along the way, Coughlin seemed to realize that his hard line approach was no longer working, so he changed. Although his intensity and his drive to win and win with perfection was still the call of the day, his players began to respond.

The heart beat of the team began to beat a little faster.

Great leaders today aren't afraid to admit that the strategies they have employed may not be working. They adjust on the fly and adapt and just keep moving. I think Coughlin undoubtedly saw the writing on the wall and realized he could either stay his ground, which many leaders do to prove they are absolutely right, or he could become more "flexible." Perhaps he could give an inch and in the battlefield of life and work, sometimes all the people who are being led need is an inch and they will give a mile back. Yes, I said give a mile back.

Coughlin's approach absolutely shaped this franchise into the winning organization that it is today. I have no doubt that his willingness to change his approach undoubtedly shaped his player's perception of him and the results on the field prove that. The team began to move forward collectively and began to believe in themselves, even when faced with adversity and a world of doubters. That heart beat which only months earlier had been skewed and barely audible was beginning to beat strong and fast...and as one collective beat.

I have no doubt that on Sunday both players and coach thought of those power struggles. It would have been easy for either side to give up on the other and quit. Had they done that, no one, especially the old ball coach, would have been holding that shiny Super Bowl Trophy.

No, without change on both sides, neither side would be able to call themselves Champions.

Ripple On!!!

In case your interested...here's sort of a before and after look at the transformational change within the Giants Organization.

Article One
Article Two

Super Bowl Determination

2008-02-03T13:28:00.001-08:00

Today is SUPER BOWL Sunday. For two teams today is the culmination of a road filled with hopes, dreams and gritty determination. And at the end of the day there will be one team who will stand up and will hold that coveted Super Bowl trophy and will be forever called Super Bowl Champions.

Beginning each September, every team in the NFL begin their competitive campaign with the exact same record. The New York Giants and the New England Patriots both started at square one with no wins and no losses. Somewhere along the way both teams found something that the other thirty teams in the league simply didn't. They found their stride, their will and ultimately the drive to succeed and best every one of their challenges and of course, opponents along the way.

Their teams started out not really any different than you or myself. Though we don't necessarily start with a football record of 0-0, we do all start with the same exact amount of time in our days, the same amount of days in our months, the same amount of months in a year...you get the picture. Though our lives can't be compared to that of a football season, we are in fact in a much more exciting position. We have the opportunity to demonstrate the same kind of commitment, the same kind of passion and the same kind of drive and best those challenges and competitors we face along the way.

I have said it before and I will say it again. You can sit the bench in the game of life and just let things happen to you....or you can decide to take your shot and be an active player and ultimate drive of it.

Which game would game would you rather be playing in?

Enjoy today's game (even though The Dallas Cowboys aren't playing in it) and tomorrow...get off the bench and go find your stride, your will and your drive to succeed. And maybe, just maybe, we will one day soon be saluting you, a coveted champion in your own right. Forget that, I am already saluting you....because I already believe in you!

Ripple On!!!

Ground Hog Day Again

2008-02-02T07:21:00.000-08:00

Hope you enjoy last year's visit to Ground Hog Phil's turf! In keeping with the movie Ground Hog Day I just figured I would repeat!

Happy Ground Hog Day!!!

_________________________________

This day comes only once a year and I have to tell you the excitement and anticipation we as Americans feel for Groundhog Day can only be closely compared to that of Arbor Day or the more deeply entrenched Hang Nail Day. But alas, today is Groundhog's Day and we stand loud and proud as we celebrate this day of infamous honor and deep furry history.

We all have our unique rituals and our own "special" way of celebrating this glorious day. My day will be filled with going door to door wishing my neighbors a Happy Ground Hog day and then it will be off to the annual Groundhog Day Parade (which I hope is better attended than last year) followed by the neighborhood BBQ. Of course no Groundhog Day would be complete without of course proudly wearing my official Groundhog fuzzy undergarments! I live for this day!

I have often wondered why Punxsutawney Phil gets all of the attention on this day that was obviously meant to celebrate all Groundhogs throughout the world. I sent my crack team of investigative reports out to gain some perspective from Phil's "neck of the woods." Here are some of the comments from Phil's furry brethren.

Chip Hog- "I have to be honest with you, Phil and I no longer speak. Once he got a website I swear the guy just got too big for his paws. And when he started getting those Chicklets whitened, that was it for me."

Miller Hog - "Phil is funnier than a bucket of walnuts. I am happy he gets to represent us on such a glorious day. I just wish they would actually let him speak and you my friend would hear some of the funniest stuff you have heard in a long time."

Sweaty Hog - "Phil and I used to be friends. Good friends. We used to go up on Brokeback Mountain and do a little camping. But something came over Phil when he was up there. He turned into an animal and when this thing came over us, well, we just couldn't let that get out as the other 'hogs wouldn't understand ya know. I do miss him and I think about him everyday."

Kelly Hog - "Phil and I used to live together. But fame got to his head and he took up with Britney Spearhog down near the trailer park and I just couldn't take it anymore. He thinks he is all that but she will realize he ain't the hog she thinks he is."

Don Hog - "We all laugh at Phil. Seriously! 364 days out of the year that guy comes busting out of his hole expecting to see all this hoopla and what does he find? Nothing! It is classic. We all gather near the briar tree every morning to watch and giggle. The guy is all ego."

Emeril Hog - "We love all the attention the area gets this time of year. I mean I love waking up to fireworks in the morning BAM! Talk about getting the old ticker going. I just wish people wouldn't bring their kids to these events. Someone is gonna stick their finger in the wrong hole ya know and get it taken off. I mean this looks like a great area but we have some rift raft that has moved in over the past couple of years and some kid is gonna get hurt."

Richard Hog - "Phil is a close friend I am happy to say. But six months ago, Phil was going through some things and was eating a lot. Heck he could barely get through his door it was so bad. We had to get him on a steady diet of greens and of course I worked his hairy little butt off to my "Sweatin to the Mole" and he dropped 4 ounces. He looks like a whole new Groundhog today."

Hillary Hog - "You know I voted for Phil but now I am campaigning to be his replacement. I mean Phil needs to go. Look at me, I am furrier than he is, I have bigger teeth and I have my husband backing me, when he isn't at the local strip bar. Yep I believe the country is ready for a female hog and let me tell you I am the right hog to represent this country. So I am in to win."

Bush Hog - "I like Phil. He is an upstanding American and represents this magical holiday and all is granuure spertacularily. He is also a great asset to our war on taarrreer. He has his ear to the ground a lot and we thank him for his loyalty to our country. I know his fellow groundhogs appreciate what he has done for us." (Yes we spelled it like he spoke it!)

Anna Hog - "I refuse to answer any more questions on Phil. I mean I like the guy but he is not the father of my hog."

Well opinions vary on old Phil but no matter how you slice it, enjoy this celebrated day. I know I sure will. Though my thighs are starting to chafe.

Go create some Groundhog inspired Ripples!!!!

Ripple On!

Steve

Favorite Super Bowl Ad From Last Year

2008-02-01T05:13:00.000-08:00

As we get ready for the big game and of course this year's batch of commercials, I figured I would share one of my favorites from last year. Hope this puts a smile on your face and gets your Friday headed in the right direction.

Go Cowboys! Oh yeah.....I forgot. They aren't playing Sunday. Dang it!

The Tipping Point Debate

2008-01-31T05:46:00.001-08:00

My good friend Maura Thomas sent this article to me from Fast Company I suspect in part because she knew I would really dig the article because of the Tipping Point discussion and also because she knows I am literally 6 months behind on my periodical reading. At any rate, I read Malcolm Gladwell's book The Tipping Point and have ever since, become fascinated with how products and ideas literally become huge overnight. Something I am still waiting for my book to do by the way.

At any rate, this article by contributing write Clive Thompson delves into the debate by presenting some very interesting points of view from a variety sides on the role influencers, and connectors, have on the whether something takes off. Its an interesting article that is very much worth the time to read.

You can find the article by clicking here.

The article stirs up a number of thoughts and ideas for me. But I am interested in hearing what you think. What do you think it takes to get a product, a service, a concept or an idea adopted by the masses? I invite you to email me or post your comments here. Who knows...the ideas you share may just be what I personally need to hear in order to take my Ripple Concept to the masses!

Ripple On!!!

Engagement Helps Makes Your Company Recession Proof

2008-01-30T05:42:00.001-08:00

Baton the hatches and sound the alarm! Every news channel, newspaper or business periodical is predicting an impending recession. Business owners are already scratching their heads as they grapple with whom amongst their staff they will have to let go when the economic vise begins to tighten. Companies are evaluating promotional offers, considering lowering prices and are becoming less focused on customer service.

There's no doubt about it....times are looking pretty bleak. In fact for some, the distant future is looking downright scary. Many companies will be hurt by a downturn in the economy; some as you might suspect won't survive. People will unfortunately lose their jobs as organizations tighten the belt in an effort to survive. Customers will be inevitably affected as both quality and service of some products and services will undoubtedly begin to suffer.

Bleak times for sure. It reminds me of late 1999 when the Dot.Bomb explosion happened. Our economy which had been buoyed somewhat by the dawning of a brick and mortar-less model of doing business through the Internet began to see the same economic fears bubbling to the surface. People were scared. People were worried that we were headed right smack into a recession at that time too.

I remember sitting at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon sometime in late 1999 and listening to other business executives and owners complain about the economy. Their fears were not unfounded, much like the concerns of today, as discussions of how many businesses would not survive the tough economic times ahead. I remember sitting quietly and just listening and taking it all in. A man whom I had known for quite some time said to me, "Aren't you worried Steve. You just started a new venture and you have mouths to feed. Doesn't all of this scare you?"

I will admit I was a bit concerned on the inside; hard not to be when you live in the world of 24 Hour news channels. But my reply to him is the same as it would be today. "No."

The times ahead are survivable for smart executives and business owners. The single reason I was able to grow my company in a time when people were facing decisions much like they are today was I had prepared. I had engaged my customers and prospects and gave compelling and economically sound reasons to buy from me and to continue buying from me. I had created a strong bond with my prospects by understanding how I helped ease some of the economic pressures they might be facing and how my products and solutions could actually help them do more with less. I engaged them and learned from them. I did not sell them. I did not attempt to wow them with desperate discounts. I invested in them so they would feel comfortable investing with me.

These economic times are survivable my friends and I believe your ability to engage your prospects, customers, vendors and your employees is an essential strategy. So how engaged are you with them? Remember when people are thinking about which bills to pay they often factor into who they like and enjoy doing business with the most before deciding who should get paid now and who should wait. Employees who might be susceptible to greener pasture opportunities are less likely to leave the company if they have a strong relationship with their boss or management team. Customers are less likely to abandon ship for a lower discounted offer when they feel valued by the companies they do business with.

So again I ask you, how engaged are you?

There are too many ways to leverage the power of engagement to go into here. If you're interested I would suggest picking up my book to learn more about how I leveraged the power of engagement and connection to not only survive and grow my business but in the end find the path I was truly destined to be on. Click here for information on purchase my book.

Just remember, engagement is a key factor to surviving the troubled waters ahead. You don't have to lose those customers. You don't have to quit selling the products and services you need to sell at the price you need to get. You don't need to worry about losing your key staff to more lucrative and secure offers. You do need to start engaging on every conceivable level and you need to start today!

Good luck. Good Rippling. And for God's sake...turn off those negative news channels and put down those bad news newspapers. Go prove these pundits wrong. You can do it. I believe in you!

Ripple On!!!

Ripple Connection Question Of The Week

2008-01-29T05:29:00.000-08:00

WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR MOST
FAVORITE CHILDHOOD MEMORIES?

This time of year as the Super Bowl approaches, it would be easy to say football for me. I fancied myself a backyard (or actually front yard) football hero. I had this old Nerf football that I would use and I would, for hours, self-hike the ball to myself and toss it on my parents house and wait for it to come down for a completion. Passes that were thrown on the first story were good for a single completion; I needed two for a first down. Passes that were thrown on the second story would come down much faster and much more unpredictable which made them so much more fun to catch. They of course were good for an automatic first down so I went for them a lot! Hey no guts, no glory right?

I would sit out there for hours and pretend I was leading my beloved Dallas Cowboys down the field for that Super Bowl win. I especially loved this time of year as a snow game added to the flare and excitement of a Steve Harper, Dallas' overlooked and yet undiscovered future franchise quarterback, led win.

I didn't win all of them as to make it fair, I had to play both teams; Dallas and whoever they might be up against that week. And in the battle field of the Harper front yard stadium, there were many tough opponents and very few easy wins. But the wins that I did have will be forever etched in my mind and the memories will forever make me smile.

So what about you? What's your answer to this week's Ripple Connection Question? Use this question with the people who cross you path in life and I guarantee you will open up a plethora of great material from which a deeper more meaningful relationship can be built.

Ripple On!!!

Fever Brings Clarity

2008-01-28T05:45:00.001-08:00

I am sick. I hate being sick. I don't often get sick and have managed to not be very sick in quite a long while so I guess I was due.

It all started with Zach coming home last Wednesday with flu like symptoms. Kathy and Josh already had been feeling puny and by Thursday it was clear they all had the same nasty bug. Like a defiant child, I publicly claimed I would not be sick. It worked too...for one full day. So much for intention and manifestation. Germs don't seem to care about those things.

But honestly I don't mind getting sick when it does happen. Don't get me wrong, I hate feeling cruddy. But amidst all of the sneezing, coughing, aching and fever, something usually happens to me. I gain some clarity. I think it may be due to the fever more than anything else but it always happens to me. I think it happens because your body forces you to slow down to a sudden crawl, a pace most of us are not used to. More things, more thoughts, more creativity, more stuff is allowed to process in our minds and hearts and if you pay just enough attention, certain things become more clear.

So today I plan to take it easy and see what comes of it. I have some good books and my journal nearby just in case the fever brings a bouquet of unfiltered and focused thoughts and ideas.

Ripple On!!!

Steve

Even The Bad Can Cause Good

2008-01-25T05:33:00.000-08:00

I couldn't help be see the Ripple-esq qualities of this story that a good friend of mine shared with me recently. I hope you enjoy it as well.

Have a great weekend my fellow Ripplers!!!

STORY NUMBER ONE

Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from boot-legged booze and prostitution to murder.

Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.

To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but also, Eddie got special dividends. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block.

Eddie lived the high life of the chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.

Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly.

Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object. And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was.

Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.

One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done. He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great.

So, he testified.

Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street. But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he could ever pay. Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine.

The poem read:

"The clock of life is wound but once,

And no man has the power to tell

Just when the hands will stop

At late or early hour.

Now is the only time you own.

Live, love, toil with a will.

Place no faith in time.

For the clock may soon be still.

STORY NUMBER TWO

World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare. He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.

One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship.

His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet. As he was returning to the mother ship he saw something that turned his blood cold: a squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding its way toward the American fleet.

The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger.

There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now-broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent.

Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly. Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.

Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet.

He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft.

This took place on February 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honor.

A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.

So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.

SO WHAT DO THESE TWO STORIES HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER?

Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son.

Forrest Gump's Mom Had It Right

2008-01-24T05:50:00.000-08:00

Forrest Gump said, "My momma always said 'life if like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are gonna get.' "

I think Forrest's mom was most certainly a relater. She understood something about people. She got it. I love the symmetry of that line to what has become my life's passion: teaching anyone and everyone that will listen about the power of connection. When it comes down to it, connecting is nothing but a mystery that courage and a little gumption (no pun intended) will help you discover and solve.

Life, and by association the people in it, is very much like a box of chocolates. True there are all sorts of great pieces to enjoy and consume at your leisure. And of course sometimes you select the piece that looks so yummy and you can't wait to eat it but when you take a bite you discover that beneath that attractive surface lies a filling that isn't going to be to your liking. Oh the disappointment and displeasure when that happens. But sometimes you continue to chew, you refuse to spit it out and you muddle through.

Maybe that piece is something you never want to eat again. But the candy people understand that sometimes you have to give things a second chance and in most boxes of candy you get two pieces of the same kind of candy. Perhaps, just maybe, you go back to that piece and you give it another try....just to make sure you don't like it. Sometimes, as in life, your suspicions are confirmed but perhaps, just maybe, your initial impression turns out to be wrong. That piece of candy isn't nearly as bad as you first thought and in fact, as you consume the second piece, it actually begins to grow on you. Carmel and a kid named Mike was that way for me as a kid.

People are exactly the same. Sometimes you need to take a second bite or rather make a second effort, just to make sure you aren't missing out.

Go forth and find your box of chocolates my fellow Ripplers and don't just look for the pieces (and people) you know. Take a chance. You never know what your gonna get but in the end isn't that what makes life more interesting?

Thanks Ms. Gump!

Ripple On!!!

Fear

2008-01-22T05:10:00.001-08:00

Fear....
Fear is the enemy.
Fear is crippling.
Fear is blinding.

Fear....
Fear is holding you hostage.
Fear is keeping you down.
Fear won't let you win the race.

Fear....
Fear will strip your soul.
Fear will leave you shallow and cold.
Fear will be your master.

Why such vivid imagery of fear you might ask? Because fear keeps you, me and everyone else from achieving, having and doing the things we are destined to do. Fear is the great equalizer to great ideas, great accomplishments and a world of possibilities. Fear is where great things, great people go to die.

In visiting with so many of you these past few weeks, hearing hopes, dreams and aspirations for the new year ahead, the underlying theme in almost every conversation is...fear. "I am scared I won't have the courage to try for that promotion." "I am scared to put my idea on the table for fear of being laughed at." "I fear what might happen if I decide to leave this relationship and go it alone."

Whatever fear you may be facing know that it is a temporary road block to that which you are destined to do, to have, to achieve and to be.

Fear is what we are left with when we no longer have faith. Faith in ourselves. Faith in our abilities. Faith in what is possible.

Have faith my Ripple friend I believe in you. You too should believe in yourself.

Have faith in yourself and believe in your heart you are here to do what you are here to do. Do this and fear will find no crevice, foothold or ledge with which to plant itself and grow.

Go Forth and Believe In Yourself.....and see what Ripples come from it!

Ripple On!!!

A Quote To Ponder

2008-01-21T05:50:00.000-08:00

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy."

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Powerful words from a powerful man.

And for the Ripplers out there that I know that are struggling with various issues....a good reminder to stay the course. The decisions you are making, though difficult at the time, will undoubtedly prove to be the right ones.

Ripple On!!!

Steve

Friday Funny

2008-01-18T05:12:00.000-08:00

It has been a long hard week. I figured if your week has been anything like mine, you could use a smile to get your Friday off to the right start. I found this video on YouTube while surfing the other night and just thought it was hilarious; especially the recap over coffee conversation between Superman and Batman. Classic!

Enjoy!

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to laugh and smile. You never know what Ripples those two simple actions might cause for you!

Ripple On!!!

Steve

Mid-January Self-Check

2008-01-17T05:26:00.000-08:00

So you ended last year thinking about all that you had accomplished and all that you want to achieve in the new year. You sat down and wrote out your list of goals, resolutions or commitments to yourself and at the end had this satisfying smile on your face of all that you were going to achieve in the coming year.

So you started off this month with a bang doing all the things you needed to do to stay on track and take the new year by the tail right? Yup...no doubt, this is going to be your year. 2008 is the year that everything is going to change for you right?

But now a few weeks have gone by. The routine of going back to work and having to stay for a full week (damn I miss the holidays) has started to sink in. Those lofty aspirations of hitting the gym several times a week and getting up at the ass crack of dawn to go running now suddenly seems less exciting and romantic. It looked so much better on paper didn't it? Those important contacts you were going to make now seem a little more intimidating. Those great events that you just knew you had to go to, to make the best connections, now all seem to fall on days that something more appealing (like a new episode of ER or a hot bath) or important (beer with the buddies) is happening.

Welcome to mid-January.

This is where the men are separated from the boys. The women are separated from the girls. The weak from the strong. The fun and exciting from the simply boring. The destiny makers from the destiny takers.

You get the picture right?

Where are you? Where do you stack up compared to all the lofty goals, dreams and aspirations you held for yourself a mere 17 days ago? Are you still approaching the new year like it's gonna be your best one yet or are you settling in to another year of mediocrity?

Where are you? Why aren't you doing more? Why have you given up already?

It's time for a self-check.

The good news.....it's only day 17. There are 339 more to go.

Don't waste them.

Ripple On!!!

Randon Acts of Kindness

2008-01-15T05:32:00.001-08:00

So for years and years I have been trying to get Kathy, my wife, to go to Starbucks. She wouldn't do it...mainly because she doesn't care for coffee and I think out of protest for what I "spend on a cup of coffee!" (have to hear her say it to get the full effect). Then one day she discovered they sell iced tea and that was all she wrote. If coffee is my legalized drug of choice then iced tea is hers. Now months after discovering this little factoid she goes to Starbucks more than I do...which for those of you who know me..is a lot!

Anyway the other day I was at the office and my phone rang. It was Kathy. I could tell she was excited about something. She proceeded to tell me about how she just encountered something amazing while sitting at the drive-thru of Starbucks. Apparently she was down to her last two dollars but really needed that iced tea so she steered her car into the line at Starbucks. As she scrounged for some change to insure she had enough she pulled up to the window and the Barista handed her her iced tea and said the car in front of her had paid for hers. I would have paid for the next fifty cars to have been there to see her face!

She was certain that she didn't know the person. They left no indication with the Starbucks worker that they knew Kathy either. They simply did a random act of kindness and boy did it make her day. Kathy immediately called my dad who, if you read my BLOG regularly, has experience his own random acts of kindness (search Breakfast Fairy on the BLOG search tool) and I am sure they both went to town on the Ripple Effect of what had just happened.

A simple act of kindness like buying someone's coffee (or iced tea), breakfast or whatever can have the biggest impact on another person. My question to you is how many Ripples are you willing to create anonymously just for the sake of making this world a better place?

That many huh?

Ripple On!!!

Steve

P.S. Here's a neat article on the Starbucks Pay it Backwards concept.

ALL IN

2008-01-14T06:26:00.000-08:00

She stood at the door to the conference room. The biggest presentation of her career was about to begin. She thought to herself, I can't do it. They will see right through me. But she knew in her heart of hearts that simply wasn't the case. She was made for this moment and she was going to take what belonged to her. She deserved to be here and both the team and their client would see that too.

It was now or never and there was no looking back. She was going to give the presentation of her life and leave nothing in the tank. She was going ALL IN and in the end would be a better person, personally and professionally, for it.

She opened the door and over the threshold into destiny.

Could this be you? Do you have something big coming up? Perhaps an opportunity to take advantage of a defining moment in your life or career.

Are you ready for it? Are you 100% prepared to give it your all and take it?

Just like the guys you see on television that play those big poker tournaments, you too will eventually reach a point where the only play is to push all the chips towards the center of the table and go ALL IN.

Really Look

2008-01-12T08:44:00.000-08:00

I found this video on Youtube and it so reminded me of my dad. I always remember as a kid dad bringing home optical illusions and mind puzzels in an effort, no doubt, to get me to engage my brain; something I certainly needed to do more of as a kid. At the time I didn't appreciate what he was doing but today, every time I see an optical illusion it makes me think of him.

You are right Dad, sometimes you just have to really look. What you find, what you discover and what is possible will eventually come into focus.

Great Ripple Reminder Pop!

Can You Smile?

2008-01-10T06:23:00.001-08:00

Do you realize a smile is the most powerful tool you have in your arsenal of connection? It announces before you even open your mouth that you are approachable, friendly and someone someone needs to know. It's one of the greatest Rippler makers of all time. Guaranteed!

When I give me customer service training I encourage my students to practice smiling every morning to prepare themselves to be more friendly towards their customers that day. In fact, I encourage people to utilize the same mirror that they use to brush their teeth, hair or put on makeup, to practice their smile before they leave the house. Yes, I said practice!

Give it a try tomorrow morning. Think to yourself....that Ripple guy told me to try this so let me give it a go. THEN SMILE at yourself. Tell me if that doesn't lift your mood. Tell me if it doesn't make you laugh..just a little...to yourself while you do it. Tell me if it doesn't make you think just a little bit about what positive effect you could have on those who may cross you path in the day ahead.

Smiling is one of the greatest things you can do for yourself and for others. Start practicing pulling it out and using it at least three times a day and I will assure you that many a Ripple will follow.

Here's a little piece I wrote about Smiling Costs Me Nothing if your interested
Click here to read it.

Remember to Smile and Ripple On!!!

Steve

You Need A Map

2008-01-08T13:20:00.001-08:00

Man: I know where I am going.
Woman: You should stop and get directions.
Man: I don't need directions I know where I am going.
Woman: Then why have we passed that gas station three times?
Man: Just wanted to get my bearings. Hmm, yes, this is the street. I got it now.
Woman: No you don't. Admit it we are lost. Why don't you look at the map.
Man: We are most certainly not lost. You may be lost but I know exactly where I am.
Woman: It's just too bad you don't know where you are going.
Man: (actually he doesn't say anything because the truth hurts)
Woman: Are you sure you don't want to take a look at the map?
Man: Give me the damn map already!

Although this might be a humorous look at a couple of people trying to get somewhere they need to be, how similar is this conversation to the one you are having right now with your spouse, significant other, or even yourself? Except the conversation isn't about where you need to drive to but where you need to drive your life? Ah ha....you didn't think I knew about that did you? Well of course I do and now you are busted!

Of course your conversations with those in your life or even with yourself may use slightly different dialogue the impetus is the same. You think you know where you want to go in life and you may even have some vague understanding of how to get there but something is holding you back. Maybe it's the experience. Maybe it's the understanding of what it takes. Maybe it's your unwillingness to recognize when you need to stop and ask for directions (aka help). Or how to use your own map!

Whatever it is, it's important to understand that we should all be packing a map. Not a map to show us how to get from New Mexico to Texas but a map that outlines the major destinations we want to take in life and how we plan to get there. You wouldn't think about leaving your home today with a desire to drive to a major city (pick one) that is clear across the country without using a map would you? Why would you want to go through the next year, five years or next thirty without a clear understanding of where you are going and how to get there.

Without a map we are simply a passenger of life. With our own map we can be the conquerer of it.

Here's a great exercise that might be a great way to get your map started. Go to an office supply store and ask for big paper. You can get rolls of paper or use some sheets from a flip chart. Buy some colorful markers and some fine pointed pens. Spread it out over a conference table or pick a nice big space on your living room floor. Give yourself at least an hour, preferably several, to just imagine, think, contemplate, create, dream and just play.

Start by asking yourself as many questions as you can think of. For example, what age do I want to live to? Write that in the upper corner of one of the sheets of paper. Write your current age at the absolute opposite end or corner of the paper.

Ask....

What do I want to see myself trying? Do I want to skydive? Do I want to ride horses in Italy?

What kind of careers do I want to try? Maybe I want to go back to school and get my law degree.

What kind of trips will I go on? What far away lands do I want to explore?

What hobbies do I want to take up? Will I be a budding woodworker in fifteen years?

Will I be driving an RV or speeding down the freeway in a brand new Corvette? Put it on there.

Write, draw, play. Put anything and everything you can think of on the paper. Draw pictures, create life-like mile markers, create recognizable landmarks...draw, write, doodle, scribble...Have fun with this map as it is yours.

Once you have your destinations mapped out then its time to become your own Google Maps Direction function. You need to, in detail, write down on a separate piece of paper, your destinations and the very precise steps you need to take to get there. If you don't know, put that down too. Guaranteed someone you know or heck, someone you meet because of this BLOG or our Ripple community surely can help!

Try this exercise and have some fun with it. It will be amazingly insightful and a great way to start planning this journey we call your life.

Ripple On (with map in hand!),

Steve

Ripple Connection Question Of The Week

2008-01-07T06:41:00.000-08:00

Ripple Connection Questions are a unique way to engage people in conversation. Whether with a complete stranger or someone you already know, but want to know better, using Ripple Connection Questions (RCQ) accelerate the dialogue and deepen the connection. The questions are by design, fun to ask and fun to answer, and can take your connection to an entirely new level. Come on, break out of that shell of yours and start Rippling.

How about we collectively make 2008 the year of connection? What do you say?

Seriously, why not use this brand spanking new year as our launch pad to make deeper more meaningful connections with the people who cross our path or already in our life somehow? The connections we make, and make better, will absolutely springboard you into something amazing for 2008 I promise. Why not use the Ripple Connection Questions to help you get started?

So with that in mind, this week's Ripple Connection Question Of The Week is:

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT
THE UPCOMING YEAR?

For me this is an easy one to answer....

It's all the possibilities that 2008 holds for me. I want to do more trainings, more workshops, give more talks and speeches, write my second (and maybe a third) book. But most of all...the one thing that excites me most about 2008 is all the new and incredibly helpful people I plan to bring into my life through the power of connection. Yes, its the stories I will hear, the faces I will see, the experiences I will have by not fearing to take a chance and connect with someone new. After all, I do believe that someone or something will have brought them into my path for a reason. It's the discovery part of why that makes it most exciting for me.

So what about you? What is your answer?

Are You Ready With Arms Wide Open?

2008-01-02T05:33:00.000-08:00

2008 is finally here!

As many of us return to the normal routine of work, school and regular (unabbreviated holiday) every day life, it will be so tempting to let this day become no different than any of the days you had in 2007. And if today is going to be like all of the other days you had last year, it becomes easier and easier to let tomorrow, and the day after and the day after that become the same.

Is that what you really want?

Is that what is going to make 2008 your best year ever?

I think you know the answer to that....but just in case you don't....NO IT IS NOT.

In order for 2008 to be the best year of your life you need to be ready to take on each new day with an increased sense of purpose. Don't remain a passenger in this bullet train of life. No, be the conductor.

I love the opening lines of this song by one of my favorite bands Creed. Take a listen. Seems your life is about to change also. Are you ready to embrace it with arms wide open?

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T07:24:00.000-08:00

Just want to say to each of you...

Happy New Year and may 2008
be your best year ever!!!

Ripple On!!!

Steve

How To Make and Keep Your New Year's Resolution

2007-12-30T12:47:00.000-08:00

Well it's that time of year and a lot of us are beginning to make plans for the new year ahead. For many of us that means making the dreaded new year's resolutions. You know those little goals we set with good intention and obligation but secretly understand and expect to break before the end of January. Or maybe that's just me.

You know the kind.

I am going to run every single day. Yep....as soon as that alarm clock goes off at five a.m. I am hoping out of the bed and running my way into a new body.

Or

I am going to start going into the office early and really putting out the kind of effort that will get me noticed by my boss and that promotion I have been wanting for so long.

You get the idea right?

Why is it so hard to keep resolutions? Well in my opinion it's because they aren't realistic. We make resolutions at this time of year because that's what we think you are supposed to do. We focus on things we would like to have or things we would like to accomplish but the thought is more romantic than the work that will be necessary to make it a reality. Maybe we really do want to drop that fifteen or twenty pounds and might even show our commitment by joining the local gym (gym owners love this time of year by the way!). But as the weeks go by, it just becomes easier to go home at the end of the day rather than hitting the aerobics class and before you know it the resolution to lose those pounds isn't nearly as important as catching Grey's Anatomy on the tube.

So how we do make resolutions that we will keep?

Start by being clear. What is it that you really want to accomplish by making the resolution? What will sticking to this resolution bring to your life? What will it really mean to you?

Don't make a lot of them. Focus is key here. If you are really committed to making some resolutions and sticking to them then make one or two and focus all of your energy on sticking to them. People get overwhelmed when they decide they are going to try and stick to a long laundry list of resolutions and before long it just becomes easier to ignore them all.

Feel it. You have to feel the obligation in the pit of your stomach to make the change. This feeling will keep you on track if you know you are about to stray. It's really important to feel it because that is what will make the difference and help you to focus and stay on task to sticking with your resolution rather than taking the easier road.

Position...Position...Position. Put yourself in the right position/environment(s) that will encourage and support you, not work against you. If you decide you want to give up alcohol let's say, agreeing to go to happy hour with the crew from work isn't going to help you.

Accountability is key. Working hard at something can be a struggle especially if your battle is being fought alone. Engage your family, friends, co-workers and let them know what you resolutions are (remember only do a few) and ask them to help you stay on track. You will be amazed at how many people will rise to the occasion to help you but you have to include them. Don't be shy about the resolutions you are making.

Resolution can be broken into two powerful meanings.

Resolut(e) -
Solution

When you are resolute to make a change, obtain a goal or whatever it is you want to accomplish the solution lies in your ability to believe in yourself and take action to make it so. And let's face it, when you do that...when you truly believe in yourself, anything is possible.

Good luck and if you need a little extra push, drop me an email and let's chat.

Ripple On and make 2008 Your Best Year Ever!!!

Steve

Go Big or Go Home

2007-12-27T05:59:00.000-08:00

"Go Big or Go Home."

It was 1998 and I was coaching my girls under sixteen soccer team in the Capital Area Youth Soccer Tournament semi-finals. We were down two scores when the halftime whistle blew. Every girl looked dejected when they came to the sidelines. Heads were down and hearts were broken.

We were a young team. The core group of my girls were younger than sixteen, our team had played up an age division that season. Now as the scoreboard seemed to loom, each of them were feeling the age difference and looking way out of their element. I never will forget the look they had in their eyes and just how sad and broken each of them looked.

I am a fiery personality. Bet you couldn't tell that from how I write right? Well this fiery coach was also feeling a bit dejected but not because of the score but because I knew that these girls had one shot; one half to make a difference that could and would forever impact their little lives and their individual self-confidence forever. And it was my job as their coach to not make it easy for them to give up on themselves. So I didn't.

I pulled the girls together and I asked each of them to look at me. Look in my eyes. Did they see my fire? Did they see my passion? Did they see my pride? Did they feel it? Did they understand? Could they appreciate that they were the reason that it was there. I had coached a lot of soccer teams but none that had showed the heart and determination these young ladies had showed. I smiled big and for the first time, probably spoke much softer and with more caring than the girls were accustomed to seeing in one of Harp's halftime sermons.

We didn't belong in that tournament. No one gave us a shot at the beginning of the season. We were nobodies but through the course of the season we became somebodies. We did that. We shocked the world (or at least our little soccer community) because we never gave up and we believed in ourselves....when no one else would. I reminded the girls of all that they had accomplished and that they did it all as a team.

I asked one simple question. Were we going to let the other team take that from us? Were we really prepared to say, "Oh ya'll were right, we don't belong. You just need to look at the score to see that."

That got a laugh. Then two. Then my motley crew of young girls were all laughing.

Surrender? No way!

I then settled them down as the referee's whistle went off to call the teams back onto the field. A noticeable calmness settled over all of us and I said, "Ladies we either go big or go home! It's your choice but each of you have to make it. Oh and ladies, its alright to go home but going out big, regardless of whether we win or lose, is so much more fun don't you think?"

That was the loudest team cheer we probably ever did. Loud enough to announce to the other team we weren't going away. No far from it.

We won that game in a shootout. To this day likely one of the greatest games I have ever been a part of.

Why do I share this with you? Because the statement is true and is particularly relevant as each of us find ourselves facing a brand new year ahead. Are you prepared to make your 2008 a bigger, better, more successful, more rewarding, more financially lucrative year than 2007 was?

Are you prepared to Go Big or Go Home?

The whistle is going off and it's time to start the next half of your life. Are you ready?

Ripple On!!!

Steve

Latest Edition

2007-12-26T05:11:00.000-08:00

Just in case you don't already receive your own copy of my newsletter Ripple On News & Notes here's a link to our latest edition:

http://www.ripplecentral.com/newsletter/20071222.html

Hope you will check it out.

Ripple On!!!

Steve

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T10:17:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all of you out there!

I hope Santa brought you everything you could ever want and then some!

And now....sung only like the MAN himself could sing it!

Enjoy!!!

Friday Fun: Santa and His Old Lady

2007-12-21T04:51:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!

Enjoy Cheech & Chong's take on Santa and His Old Lady.

Use The Holidays To Discover

2007-12-20T05:20:00.000-08:00

So the holidays are here and for many of us that means spending hours, sometimes days, with family; many of which we don't get to see all that often. Whether it be with the grandparents, parents, cousins, in-laws, extended family, our own children, spouses and/or significant others an opportunity to do something very special is available to us all. It's an opportunity to learn about these people we call family. I don't mean just catching up on how people are doing physically or how the new job is going....I mean really learning about the people themselves.

When you take a broader look at our time on Earth, we realize that time is not infinite. For many of us the next year may or may not be our last. The time we all have here is so precious and yet so many of us spend our time focused on the things that aren't all that important. In fact, we fail to connect with those in our family on a level that reveals much about them at all. Sad when you think about that sister of yours that you know less about than the woman who sits in the cubicle next to yours isn't it?

Use the holidays to ask the insightful questions. Ask grandpa when he was your age what he dreamed he would be when he finally grew up. Ask your cousin what they are truly passionate about and what makes them tick. Ask the elders of your family how your family came to be and what they think of the family as it is today. Spend the time asking your mom and dad questions that let them be Jim and Janet (my parent's names) rather than mom and dad.

Is this hard? I won't lie to you....it can be. Especially if your a family that doesn't truly know one another. But families should know one another don't you think? So when you decided to really get to know the people who you seldom see but really should know better, blame it on your old buddy Steve. Tell him this crazy Ripple author guy suggested this as a way to pass the time over the holidays. Blame me if it eases the reason for doing it, but no matter what, do it.

As most of you know, my mom has Alzheimer's disease. There are so many of those Christmas afternoons I wish I had back. I wish I could spend that time not looking at the cool loot I had just been given but really talking, really communicating with her. I know she had to have had hopes, dreams, fears, opinions, things that excited her but my friends, I never asked about them. I now sit here writing this post and realize that her disease has robbed her of her mind and me of the opportunity to have known what once was floating around in there. I really never knew my mom and that makes me sad.

Don't make the same mistake. Everyone has a story and like I preach incessantly throughout my BLOG, my book and my speeches and training, you just have to have the courage to ask.

Use the holidays to do some asking won't you.

Ripple On My Friends!!!

Steve

The Kathy Love-Hate Birthday Dilemma

2007-12-19T05:23:00.000-08:00

Today my adorable wife Kathy turns 37 years old! So Happy Birthday Kath!!!

But I have to say, I both love and hate this time of year and let me tell you why.

Love it because for a little less than a month, I am a year younger than Kathy. Which I know secretly annoys her but thrills me. I turn 37 on January 14th so my rein of youngness doesn't last all that long. Gotta live it up while I can! Now if I could only find my sash that I can proudly wear for the next few weeks that says..."Look Everyone I Am Young Compared To Her!"

Hate it because as you can see by the calendar her birthday is a full six days before Christmas. That means double shopping and triple the pressure for me. You see I absolutely despise shopping and I am no good at it. I am quite certain she gets that exact same look my parents used to get when I gave them some useless piece of crap that they didn't need, nor want. You know the look....that smile that says oh great how nice but they are secretly thinking what in the hell were you thinking?

Love this time of year because....did I mention I am younger than my wife. Hee Hee. Today she's on the down slide towards forty and I am a technically by the letter of the birthday law a good four years away. Can you see me in your mind's eye doing my happy dance? Well buddy I'm dancing and trying hard to ignore that I too will be joining her on that slide in just a few short weeks.

Hate it because no matter what I do, I can't make her day nearly as special as she makes my birthday. Seriously she is like the Martha Stewart of birthdays when it comes to me and it just plain puts me to shame.

Love it because it is one of those days that both boys try, and let me emphasize try, to be good. My son Josh said to me last night as we wrapped her presents, "Daddy we will try not to punch each other too much since it's Mom's birthday okay?" Spoken like a true four and half year old that wakes up prepared for battle each day with his older brother. Could we be looking at a Harper truce? I wouldn't hold my breath!

Hate it because no matter how you slice it, another year has come and gone and when you get to be our age...they seem to go a lot faster.

Love it because for Kathy it means a brand new year ahead. With all the improvements she is striving to make I suspect that her 37th year on this planet is bound to be her best yet!

Hate it because it means that no matter what I do, a day simply isn't enough time to thank Kathy for all that she does for me and the boys.

Anyway thank you for indulging me in my Kathy love-hate birthday dilemma.

I know she is going to kill me when she reads this but what the heck. If she literally kills me I won't have to worry about joining her on that slide to forty which...did I mention, she is now on!

Happy Birthday Babe!

Ripple On!!!

Steve

My Passion Guest Blogger Post

2007-12-18T04:59:00.000-08:00

Fellow author, Blogger and good friend Thom Singer asked me to participate in his Celebrate Passion Project and submit a guest BLOG post. I was honored to be asked and even more excited to share something that is truly a burning passion for me....helping kids reach their fullest potential by believing in themselves.

My ultimate goal is to take the Ripple concept to kids. Imagine what kind of Ripples we could create if we could plant the seeds of Rippling in the minds of our youth! Talk about a tsunami of Ripples!!! Alas...someday. Must first walk before run Grasshopper...or should I change that to Ripple Maker? Either way...you get the point right?

Anyway mosey over to Thom's BLOG and take a read and help celebrate my passion and the passions of Thom and is other inspiring contributors.

Thanks again Thom for asking me!

Ripple On!!!!

Steve

Holiday Ripple Connection Question of The Week

2007-12-16T17:55:00.000-08:00

Ripple Connection Questions are a unique way to engage people in conversation. Whether with a complete stranger or someone you already know, but want to know better, using Ripple Connection Questions (RCQ) accelerate the dialogue and deepen the connection. The questions are by design, fun to ask and fun to answer, and can take your connection to an entirely new level. Come on, break out of that shell of yours and start Rippling.

Since the holidays are right around the corner and Christmas is everywhere you look, I find that this week's question gives me amazing insight to the people I want to know better. Give it a try and just get ready, because no matter the age of the person you are asking, that little gleam of possibility will invariably enter their eye. Just like it did for us all as we stood in line at that mall and found ourselves waiting to ask Santa the bring us the toys we most wanted at the time.

So have some fun this week asking this one....

SO WHAT WOULD YOU MOST LIKE
SANTA TO PUT UNDER YOUR TREE
THIS CHRISTMAS?

I hope you will not only use this question this week but will post a comment and let us know YOUR answer to it!!!

You never know....Santa may just be a regular reader of my BLOG!!!

Happy Holiday Ripple To You and Yours!!!

Steve

Friday Fun - Reindeer Walk Out

2007-12-14T05:41:00.000-08:00

Special news bulletin from my crack team of Ripple reports currently stationed in the North Pole with Santa and his crew. It seems today that despite all efforts, negotiations with the Reindeer Coalition of Magic Flyers and The Ho Ho Group dba Santa Claus and The Little Dudes have broken down. This walkout of course couldn't come at a worse time with Christmas Eve just ten days from now.

As first reported last week in Santa's Inside Track weekly newsletter there was a mass walk out by Santa's Reindeer led by Vixen the head of the Reindeer Coalition of Magic Flyers. The first rumblings of trouble were first reported when the reindeer reported for training camp to get ready for the upcoming Christmas season. One reindeer was ominously missing: Rudolph. At the time it was dismissed as a schedule misunderstanding (Rudolph was apparently sitting on a beach in the Bahamas) but various news agencies reported that Rudolph's top Elven Agent, Little Big Ear, was actually trying to shake down jolly old St. Nick for a cut future Christmas profits. Santa finally managed to get Rudolph to training camp by agreeing to pay to have his nose rebrightened and to review his contract at the end of this season. This action reportedly left the other reindeer more than a little annoyed.

If you remember fur was ruffled at the end of the last Christmas season when Rudolph released his controversial book "Just Follow My Damn Nose and I'll Lead You Home You Fur Balls." Despite an early bump in sales and a number of appearances on the late night talk show circuit, book sales trailed off. The book fiasco and other apparent hard feelings were seemingly forgotten by everyone, including the reindeer as they broke camp and moved into the Christmas season. But now it appears...maybe not.

"We want our fair share. This is a team and there is not one reindeer here that is more important than any other," said Vixen as he walked out of the North Pole Complex yesterday evening carrying his sleigh bells; a sign that this walkout might just be permanent.

Doner was reached at home and had this to say, "The old and yes I am going to say it, fat, dude has been riding us and riding us for years. We work hard for our money and we want out respect. You know he kisses Rudolph's red nose every chance he gets but where's our love? Can you tell me that?"

Comet had no comment.

The other reindeer refused to talk to our Ripple reporters as they walked into to the adult reindeer club 10 Points. But according to my inside sources tell me that there is discord on multiple levels and that this action has been a long time coming.

This isn't the first time controversy has struck Santa and his team of reindeer. If you remember just two years ago Blitzen took his name a little too seriously and showed up at the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade Blitzed (see picture). The team pulled together then and showed their support by getting Blitzen into the Cold Mountain Rehab and Treatment Facility and were able to get him detoxed and cleared to fly before that year's Christmas Eve. It was hoped that some of these personality conflicts and other issues could be overcome too with the team coming together but it doesn't look good.

Well boys and girls of Ripple land, I am taking the first flight to the North Pole and see what I can do. It definitely looks like the power of connection amongst this team is needed and though I make no promises, we will see what my eleventh hour attempts can do to avoid what is sure to be a Christmas disaster if we can't get the two parties back to the candy cane conference table.

Stay tuned.....

And Ripple On!!!

Steve

P.S. If anyone sees Rudolph, can you tell him to call me as we really need to talk.

A Little Ripple Goes a Long Way

2007-12-11T05:37:00.000-08:00

When was the last time you recognized or complimented a coworker, good friend or even a complete stranger for something, anything? You know unexpected recognition, praise and encouragement can impact a person in ways that you could never imagine. Sure it takes a little risk on your part and can maybe at first seem a little uncomfortable but that's alright. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will get at doing it.

There is a particular coffee shop that I drop by nearly every day for my daily caffeine fix. The woman behind the counter is, I think, somewhat introverted. Her shyness could, and is, easily misconstrued as her being somewhat rude or aloof about her duties. I somehow recognized this about her after she first started working there and I consciously decided to do my part to take some action to change that about her; well at least when she deals with me.

I refuse to let a day go by that I don't at least try to joke with her on some level or compliment her either on what she is wearing or note how good it is to see her. This invariably makes her smile big as Texas and I like to think, happy that I come in virtually every day. She really seems to love it when I kid her when there is a line of people standing behind me. I don't know if my efforts somehow yank her out of her introverted dungeon of fear or if my jokes are just that funny and entertaining, but I can truly see the Ripple my efforts are creating. I watch as I step aside to prep my coffee and watch her personality really come out and shine with the next few people in line. My simple act of attention I believe helps her to be better at her job and the people who used to not care for her (and it was obvious) really seem to now enjoy seeing her every day.

What does my effort cost me? Absolutely nothing! I have had the opportunity to get to know a really nice lady whom I likely never would have gotten to know had I just been a mindless customer coming in for my coffee day after day. The changes that I have seen in this woman are nothing short of amazing and I believe are, at least in part, due to taking some action to recognize, compliment or joke with her every time I see her.

People matter and whether you are serving me coffee, driving me to the airport or taking my phone call, I like to show it through my efforts, my attitude and my way of Rippling. Give it try and just see how amazing a small effort on your part can impact another person and how incredible you feel for doing it.

You just never know what kind of Ripple it might create. This morning....my little investment of daily Ripple may have just gotten me a free day old Danish. Yummy!

Ripple On!!!

Steve

When In Doubt....Clarify Your Meaing

2007-12-09T08:57:00.001-08:00

So having a frank and honest conversation with my dad last night and with my wife again this morning, it was pointed out to me that my BLOG post the other day might have possibly offended some of my readers. I thought that I was hopefully clear in communicating throughout the post that this was not my intention nor my desire to diminish the accomplishments of any professional in any industry. I stand by my comments but realize the main point of what I was trying to say might be have been said clearer. So let me give it another shot.

Titles or impressive letters following one's name don't make the person...the person makes the person. My intent was to communicate that titles, certifications and professional achievement though important and absolutely something you should be proud of, very well may be intimidating to new people when you first meet them. The real question is, does your title or letters after your name tell the average person something important about you that they, as a common person can immediately recognize and understand, or does it have the opposite affect? Does the average person possibly get intimidated or annoyed with the fact they don't know what a PhD does, let alone how to connect and communicate with him or her so they just don't.

Simply stated....I would hate to see someone great miss out on meeting someone else who is great simply because a title or professional certification presents a connection barrier.

Maybe I am wrong, maybe the impression I get is not every one's and that's okay too. I simply think it might be worth examining on some level.

So now that I have opened this can of worms what do I do to get them back in. Well if you sport one of these acronyms, signifying letters or educational accomplishments on your card, ask yourself if you think the average person could identify with their meaning. Don't stop there..get the opinion of family, friends and some complete strangers along the way. See what other's have to say about their first impression.

If this unscientific yet powerfully insightful survey yields mixed results consider getting two cards printed up. One to use when you are out in the general business public that states what you do in simpler language and one that you can use in environments where those who attend will get and understand what your higher level of achievement means and signifies.

In closing, I just want to say I apologize if my comments offended any of you in any way. But the goal with my BLOG is, and will always be, to get my readers to look at things from hopefully a different and sometimes controversial perspective. But please trust that I would never do anything that is intentionally mean-spirited or diminishes you my faithful readers in any way. And if Thursday's post did...please accept my apology!

Ripple On and Enjoy Your Sunday!!!

Steve

Strive For Three

2007-12-06T06:01:00.001-08:00

I recently gave a speech to a group of business executives and during the question and answer portion was asked how I might suggest someone begin adhering to a Ripple-centric philosophy for their life. I get this question quite a lot so I figured it would be worth sharing my answer in this platform.

Ripple is about creating or taking action on someone else's behalf. Doing something....anything on a a consistent every day basis. My belief is when you are consciously on the hunt to Ripple on someone else's behalf you become acutely aware of your surroundings and it makes you active participant in the game of life. Not just a transient passenger of it.

So back to the question. How does someone begin utilizing the concept in their life? I have a little mental game I play with myself called Strive For Three. It's quite simple and a whole lot of fun. Here's how you play:

Throughout your day look for three opportunities to help someone and do it. Take an action on their behalf. It can be a big action or a little action but whatever it is, it's an action. It could be as simple as holding a door open for someone and wishing them a good morning. It might be complimenting a co-worker on a job well done or how nicely they dressed on that day. It might be letting that guy who's had his blinker on trying to get into your lane of traffic cut in in front of you and giving him a big smile while you do it. It could be stopping and offering to help that person change their tire. Or it might be buying a cup of hot coffee on a cold winter morning and stopping to give it to the flag man of the road construction crew.

The cool thing is your action can be anything you want it to be!

So as you do these things throughout the day keep track. Write them down. Strive to do a minimum of three each day and record your Ripples in a little journal. Tally your score at the end of each week and see how many positive Ripples you have created out there in the world.

Before long what you will notice is Rippling is no longer a game....it's a way of life. Your good deeds will have you feeling a little like a super hero and extremely good about yourself. That alone is a fantastic reason to begin Rippling every day in every way. And those Ripples you create will come back to you in ways that are unimaginable.

Strive for three is a great way to get yourself actively Rippling. So what are you waiting for?

Ripple On!!!

Come on....Letters After Your Name. Are You Serious?

2007-12-05T06:21:00.000-08:00

I am fairly certain that little Johnny's parents didn't proudly announce to the world that here is our new baby boy John Smith Esq.. Nor do I think that Amy Wright's grandmother tells the ladies at bridge that their sons absolutely need to meet her granddaughter Amy Wright PhD.. But this trend of putting impressive indicators of one's higher education or professional certification seems to be running rampant. It leaves me wondering if our society has become so myopic that we wouldn't want to meet, connect or even hear someone speak without some level of indication that they are better than us somehow. The letters or string of certification indicators after a name seems to bark ego and I for one don't get it.

I recently received an invitation to a local business function where the speaker was simply advertised as George Jefferson, PhD.. It was advertised with such emphasis on this man being a PhD that what he was speaking about was actually lost in translation. It left me feeling as if I should be so lucky to see the incredible George Jefferson PhD what with me being just a mere mortal and all. Needless to say I didn't plop down my thirty-five bucks to see the PhD and I am certain it was my loss.

I know my comments may offend some of you and that is not my intention. I am quite certain if I achieved a level of certification or educational importance I would be quite proud of it myself. I just wonder however, how many people one might be intimidating with the very in your face public display of professional or academic achievement.

Case and point, I have a good friend that for a while has somewhat been fascinate with a particular person in my local business community. He believes this person would be able to accelerate his learning curve a great deal for his job given this individual's professional standing in their industry. Recently over coffee I suggested my friend just pick up the phone and honor this individual by saying he would like to meet him because he is someone my friend really respects and he would like to learn from him. My friend shrunk back in his seat and said he couldn't do it...the guy was too important and, this is no lie, sited the letters after his name as some indication of their social class difference.

Hogwash! I am quite certain this particular individual is not a God in his profession and that he very well could learn something from my friend who is brilliant in so many ways. But I've seen this man's card and he has more letters after his name then Starbucks has combinations for their drinks. I could see at first why my friend would possibly be intimidated. Then the more I thought about it the more I wonder what the letters might mean to the man carrying them in terms of lost opportunities for himself. Opportunities he doesn't even realize he is missing out on because he is intimidating people which his self-promoted importance.

I don't believe the letters define you and perhaps in certain circles those letters mean a great a deal and have practical application. But if you are business coach trying to drum up business at your local chamber of commerce, no one gives a rat's you know what if you are a CSP, CES, ICP, CPC or whatever...they just want to know you as George or Jane. The impressive title or long string of letters following your name is not what defines who you are and what you might bring to my personal or professional life; you do. But we may never get the chance to explore that if you shove a card in my face that makes me, a mere uncertified, unsanctioned, unannointed mere mortal feel intimidated. Just go with the card that say, Shelia Waters, Executive Coach.

I don't do business with my attorney because he is John Tarbox Esq.. In fact I have no idea if he is an Esq. or not and I don't care. I do business with John because he is John and that's how I met him and how I got to know him. But better your bottom dollar I wouldn't refer him if he pontificated that he was an Esq. because my peeps don't role with that.

But hey....this is only an opinion and I hope no one minds me sharing my rant too much. It's just something that bugs me and if I can't share it with you then who can I share it with? And to be completely fair I give medical doctors a pass on this rant. It's always good to know who might stop the bleeding and fix you up after you do something stupid!

On second thought, perhaps maybe I should start going around calling myself Steve Harper, P.R.C.E. (Professional Ripple Connector Extraordinaire). Nah.....just call me Steve....or maybe Ripple Man!!!

Ripple On!!!

Broken Company Broken Souls - Continued

2007-12-03T05:46:00.001-08:00

Had some great conversations with readers these past few days both online and over the phone about Thursday's post. It was telling to hear several of you talk about living in this world either as an employee or as an organizational leader. It seems the scenario I painted is fairly representative of some current work environments from some well known corporations out there. But whether you're at a Fortune 500 company or running a small business with just a handful of people, any way you cut it, this scenario would be bad. Real bad!

So who's to blame? No one? Everyone? Well....yes....

Clearly entire books are written on this kind of subject matter but let me just hit a few of my observable highlights.

The company promotes a workplace culture that is obviously so not accurate. Leadership is to blame because they allow such an obvious misrepresentation of the company to be portrayed by the recruiters and hiring managers. A company can be excellent at attracting top-tier talent but if they don't have the uber hip environment that these candidates now turned employees, were promised and expect, it will only breed contempt and disloyalty for those who stay. Those harsh feelings morph into a culture of disconnection, broken relationships, unhappy employees and ultimately dissatisfied customers.

The company also appears to have extremely disengaged leadership. You see this a lot especially in smaller companies. The attitude becomes we were lucky enough to land these people so let's not rock the boat by being overly managerial and too in your face. Marcia's boss is a perfect example of clearly having no idea what she does throughout the day and likely out of fear of losing her and perhaps looking bad amongst his peers for the turnover, turns a blind and naive eye. The lack of his leadership and his expectation of accountability only serves to fuel Marcia's discontent and questionable behavior and becomes the temporal pulse from which his other employees and related departments take their cue. A rudderless ship full of passengers expecting something out of the voyage they agreed to take is a ship headed to no where and a mutiny (or abandon ship call) can't be far behind.

So what about Marcia, doesn't she bear some of the blame? In my opinion absolutely yes! Marcia is representative of the attitude I see in a lot of today's workforce. Many of today's workers so believe they are owed something from "the man" and conduct themselves accordingly. People must show up every day and put out a solid effort or they should move on or be removed. Marcia is no exception.

Marcia may have been duped into taking a job that is nothing like what she expected it to be. If so, she must for her own pride and sanity seek out and find employment that is more challenging and rewarding. Her pride in herself and her abilities should be encouragement enough to let her own internal compass know that the things she is doing at work, calling it work, isn't right. No, in fact it is downright wrong. Her attitude about killing time until she can resume her life should be the first indication that there is something wrong and if management isn't going to fix it she should. She should take a stand and be a change agent within the company if she believes the company is worth fighting for. If not, she should quit wasting hers and everyone else's time and move on.

But is it really that easy? Isn't it easier to just hope Marcia will wake up one day and feel guilty about taking that check home for playing on the Internet ninety percent of the time? Isn't it just easier for a company to say we can't get the right people if we don't fib a little during the recruiting process? Isn't it just easier to be a leader that is liked because you don't create issue and fail to hold people to a certain level of accountability?

I think we all know the answer to these questions. It's why we see companies that once held such great promise never achieving greatness. It's why we see people who should be so much further down the career path still stuck in neutral. It's why we see people losing self-respect in themselves by taking the easy and less bumpy road to get through the day. It's why so many companies are broken and why so many us go to work like zombies day after day; each day giving up a little bit more of our soul along the way.

Change in any corporation, big or small, is difficult. Fixing a sick department, division or entire company takes work. It is hard work but not impossible work.

So what about you? Are you a Marcia? Or are you a Marcia boss? Are you running a division just waiting for the battle lines to be drawn so you can settle in your spot to begin pointing fingers and assassinating characters?

Broken companies can be fixed with committed truthful leaders. Broken souls can be fixed with self-respecting employees who aren't going to take the easy personal road but would rather do the heavy lifting that is required day in and day out. Together with the right kinds of leaders and the rights kinds of employees a company can be created that people will truly want to work for and it will produce products and services customers will really want to buy.

Marcia and her company can be fixed and boy if they were real, I would sure like to give them some ideas how.

Ripple On!!!

Broken Company Broken Souls

2007-12-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

Marcia comes in every day without fail and sits at her desk and appears to work diligently at the tasks at hand. She rarely, if ever, calls in sick and is the one person everyone can count on to work through lunch without complaint. Marcia is considered a team player by the staff and appears to be liked by everyone so her boss considers himself fortunate to have her on his team.

Marcia on the other hand has a different opinion. Marcia comes in every day because that is what she has to do to get the paycheck. She gets to her desk and rarely leaves because she has fifteen chat conversations going on at once and of course dozens of personal emails to attend to. She makes use of the high speed Internet to download music to her conveniently hidden IPOD and is often engaged in a mad game of Texas Hold Em going on a game site. She sprinkles in a little bit of work here and there to feel like she contributed her self-imposed important piece to the company's success; knowing in her own mind the company wouldn't likely exist without her critical contribution. She always appears busy to anyone who might be looking but all and all no one checks on her so she is pretty much left to do as she pleases. She passes the time until five o'clock when her real life resumes.

Marcia's company brags about being a cutting edge employer that only hires top-notched talent and that every member of the team is critical to their success. It's self-described literature to the college recruiters is "being the place people want to work." The recruiters know that a candidate's placement at this company is a sure road to a comatose mental existence but the company pays a big placement fee so they keep finding and attracting talent.

The company is filled with many Marcias on ever level of the organization. Secretly in the boardroom the executive team knows the company is struggling and has many issues to contend with, not the least of which is how to get the team on the same page. The "team" doesn't seem to want to get excited about anything these days and though it appears everyone is working hard, things aren't working. Both sales and customer satisfaction are beginning to falter and the new products are way behind in development. The board of directors is demanding changes happen and happen soon. They debate for hours about what's wrong and who's to blame because of course someone has to be blamed. Many executives and and department heads dig in and prepare for the inevitable battle of duck, bob, deflect, assault and cover your ass.

Marcia occasionally looks up from her computer monitor to make sure the suits are still engaged in whatever it is they are talking about. It looks like they are going to be in there for a while yet so she smiles to herself as she realizes she has a little time to do some online Christmas shopping before the next Hold Em tournament starts. She glances at the clock and says to herself only three more hours to go until happy hour. She prepares to dig in and looks across the office and if she didn't know better, she would swear everyone else was doing exactly what she was doing.

So my Ripple friends....a question. Who's wrong in this story? Who's ultimately to blame? And maybe more importantly what needs to be done to fix this?

I realize this is a very loose and open-ended story with few specific details. Or are the details that I have given you somehow oddly familiar? Perhaps with your own corporate environment?

In my next post we will look at what's possibly going on but in the mean time I would love to hear your take on what is happening with Marcia and her company.

Visibile Leadership - The Principal Lesson

2007-11-27T06:00:00.000-08:00

My last post on visible leadership must have hit a cord as I received a number of phone calls and emails on the subject. I always love it when I hit on a subject that my readers feel passionate enough to want to dialogue about. So thank you for those of you who reached out to connect on the subject. We certainly had some great conversations and I hope you will keep em coming.

I wanted to share with you another example of visible leadership that has just stuck with me since yesterday.

I needed to work on a project that needs some severe tweaking and decided to head home for the day to put a little time in on it before both of my boys got home from school and my time would not be my own. My oldest son Zachary's school is in walking distance of our home and one of the main roads that leads into our particular subdivision is usually tended to by one of the mother's who is our dutiful crossing guard. As I reached the intersection I noticed a nicely dressed man standing guard over the crosswalk and I automatically assumed our regular crossing guard mother must be sick or busy and one of the dads was chipping in to help out.

As I crept closer to the crosswalk I slowed down and stopped as I saw out substitute crossing guard was attempting to herd a group of kids safely across. The man smiled big and waved as he entered the crosswalk and as each kid passed by he appeared to say something to each of them and offered a pat or two on the head. As the little guys and gals reached the other side of the crosswalk they all had smiles as big as Texas on their faces; not doubt a result of the positive attention they had just been given.

As the man turned and waved in appreciation again for my stopping, I noticed it wasn't some nicely dressed father being the substitute crossing guard for the day...no it was Mr. Ryan, the principal of my son's school Brushy Creek Elementary. I couldn't help it but my immediate thought was why is our school's principal doing having to do crossing guard duty? A man of his position is far too important and must have other important things to do than to do this.

Then it hit me....visible leadership!

When I reached the house I told my wife Kathy about what I had just seen and experienced. She said, "Oh Mr. Ryan does that from time to time. Our other Principal never did it but Mr. Ryan sure doesn't seem to mind helping out when and where he is needed." How cool is that? More importantly, what another fine example of visible leadership!

Visible leadership as I mentioned in my last post is the willingness to do those things that you ask others to do. I am not quite sure if the kids understand or appreciate the lesson Mr. Ryan is teaching them but Zachary now does. Everyone chips in where they are needed and Mr. Ryan's willingness to come down several blocks from the school to "pitch in" says a lot about him as a leader and steward of our children. I told Zachary he needs to appreciate how amazingly cool it is that his principal is willing to go wherever he is needed to insure that his students are able to get home safe and sound.

Mr. Ryan has shown me yet another fine example of visible leadership and how the little things actually make a big difference when it comes to being the kind of leader people want to follow and emulate. Great job Mr. Ryan!!!

So what crosswalks need tending to at your company today?

Ripple On!!!

Ripple Connection Question of the Week

2007-11-26T05:11:00.000-08:00

There's 35 days left to go in 2007....

What do you plan to do with
the time left in this year to
insure that this year is one
of your best so far?

It's a valid and very revealing question don't you think?

So what's your answer?

What are you going to do with the next 35 gifts that you are given in 2007?

Ripple On!!!

Steve

As Seen in Entrepreneur Magazine....Again!

2007-11-24T08:45:00.000-08:00

I trust everyone is having a fantastic Thanksgiving Weekend. I have forced myself to stay off the computer to get some much needed downtime and recharge which has been a very surreal yet enlightening experience. I think my little digits don't know what to do with themselves since they aren't having to pound away at a keyboard all day.

Well I didn't want them to get out of practice so I thought I would hammer out a quick post to let you all know that I have been again quoted in Entrepreneur Magazine. That makes three consecutive December's that I have been quoted in their magazine which is uber cool.

Actually this month's inclusion is in a special edition publication called Entrepreneur's StartUps 101 Great Ideas to Get You Started Today!

I have the honor of being idea # 10 of 101! You can check it out by clicking here or picking up your own copy of the magazine which will be on display until the end of January!

I also want to give a special thanks to Nichole L. Torres from Entrepreneur Magazine for continuing to dig the Ripple Guy enough to keep using me as a source. It is both an honor and privilege to know you Nichole and I very much appreciate the Ripples that always seem to occur after appearing in your magazine.

Ripple On My Friends!!!

Steve

Visible Leadership

2007-11-20T05:53:00.001-08:00

Austin recently hired a new police chief and his name is Art Acevedo. Chief Acevedo came to Austin from California where he was the assistant chief of the California Highway Patrol. He takes over a police department that in recent years has been mired in controversy and has a significant public perception problem.

From the first day that Chief Acevedo took over he has been visible. A trait apparently that won him much fan fare within the Los Angeles community. Chief Acevedo pledged to earn the trust of the Austin public and so far he appears serious about this commitment. Most recently making public a video where a police officer stepped over the line and used excessive force to show both the police department and the public that this kind of action could and would in the future, be avoided. Furthermore, he took what I perceive to be a publicly embarrassing situation for the department and choose to use it as a training opportunity and a public omission that his officer's don't always get it right.

Visible leadership enables those that you lead to watch and see how you respond publicly. They get to see the rhetoric and motivational mumbo jumbo that is often retorted behind closed doors put out there and tested in the stern eyes of public perception. That takes guts and a real belief in one's own ability that the changes that they as a leader are expecting to make, can and will work.

Listening to the morning drive time news the other day there was a half minute story about Acevedo's desire to show more of a police presence during this upcoming holiday season. Statics have shown that alcohol related incidents increase during the holidays and that an increased police presence makes people think twice before drinking a little too much and jumping behind the wheel.

What impressed me most about this story was the fact that every available police office would be out on patrol throughout the holidays and that included the Chief himself. If I was one of Austin's finest and the boss was asking me to work and be away from my family during the holidays I might tend to be a little less upset when I looked across the parking lot and saw the big cheese himself jumping in a squad car to join the fight. That's truly putting his money where his mouth is if you ask me.

Visible leadership is more than just big words and big promises. It's about moving people enough to want to move the football from point a to point b. And yes as a leader, sometimes it means calling the play and keeping the football yourself just to show the team you can and you will. Real leadership isn't "do as I say or else." Well maybe it is by perceptionary (another Steveism ) and that's why so many organizations are seemingly mired in perpetual failure. But I contend that many a CEO and organizational leader could learn from the good example that Chief Acevedo's visible leadership is offering.

I suspect Chief Acevedo's visible leadership is creating a pretty big Ripple Effect. Not only is he getting the attention of the entire police force but it has to be getting noticed by the criminal element as well. Maybe they will think twice before deciding to pick Austin as a place to do their crime. The police officer that will catch them may very well be the Chief himself.

Welcome to Austin Chief Acevedo. I hope our paths cross one day....in a purely good way!

Ripple On!!!

New Podcast

2007-08-01T05:38:00.001-07:00

I was honored to be asked to be a guest on Carlon Haas' PODCAST series for his new Possess Less Exist More BLOG. Carlon is a good friend and occasional drinking buddy of mine that has taken his life in an entirely new direction moving recently from Austin to live a year in Korea. I am living vicariously through his international adventures and watching in amazement how he is helping gain an entirely new audience for me and my work.

Check out his BLOG and take a gander (or rather a listen) to the PODCAST as we talk about a different side to Rippling and selfless living.

CLICK HERE for the PODCAST.

Thank you Carlon for having me and hurry back to Austin soon. Your beer is getting warm!

Ripple On My Friends!!!

Steve

Ripple Connection Question of the Week

2007-07-31T05:09:00.000-07:00

Trust me you will be glad you did!

This week's Ripple Connection Question is....

What is one of your guilty pleasures?

You can really learn a lot about someone by asking this question. I once had a client that I had worked with for some time but wanted to get to know better. I dusted off this old question during a lunch meeting and was taken on a twenty minute journey on this person's passion for open houses. Apparently this mild mannered CFO was a tireless admirer of other people's homes and her weekend was often filled with open house after open house tours. She called them inspiration and idea tours.

A short time after learning about my client's propensity for open houses my company landed a fairly large real estate publication company as a client. I asked my new client if they would be willing to sign up my other client to receive their weekly publication which outlined the current week's home listings and had an open house preview section. They agreed and you would have thought my CFO client was given the winning lottery ticket she was so appreciative.

Needless to say, that little connection point continues to pay-off for me to this day. Amazing what a little Ripple Connection Question can do to positively alter and forever change the dynamic of a relationship.

Ripple On!!!

Steve Harper

Don't Wait For The World To Change

2007-07-20T05:59:00.001-07:00

I recently discovered this song by John Mayer called Waiting for the World to Change and I just really like it. Though I suspect it was written to challenge the current political climate, I gravitated towards the title of the song because it speaks to something very different for me.

How many of us wake up in the morning and look at the day ahead not as what we get to do but what we have to do? What about how we look at the relationships we have which aren't quite going right but could if only the other person would change? How do we look at our careers and think if only the economy would change I could have confidence to start that business or apply for that new position? Or that lottery ticket and how much it would change my life if only they would call my number.

Are you waiting for the world to change so that your life can miraculously be better?

Just one question....How's that working for you?

I suspect you, like me, aren't seeing exactly the results that you had hoped for. But there is good news. You are in control. You have the ability to make the changes in your life and ultimately in your world that you want and need. You. No one else. You.

Don't wait for the world to change to meet your expectations, match your desires or bring the opportunities you seek. Take a small step today to make the kind of change you want to see in your world. Take a bigger step tomorrow. Take an even bigger step the day after tomorrow.

Before you know it the changes you want and need will be happening and ultimately the life, the career, the relationships, the rewards will be there bringing more Ripples to you can you could possibly imagine.

Stop waiting and start doing. No more excuses. No more waiting on the world to change.

Enjoy the video and as always.......

Ripple On!!!

Too Funny

2007-02-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my good friend Carlon Haas....The Prime Minister of Canada is really going to hate me now!!!

COMING SOON

2006-10-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

We will be launching the Official Ripple Central BLOG soon! Stay TUNED!!!