Archive for March, 2010

I absolutely love this time of year!  Not just because I’m a college basketball junkie (I am) but because of the passion. Preparation and good play are two primary keys to success in the Tournament. However, passion is so often the difference maker.  The team that isn’t expected to win or doesn’t qualify every year brings a passion to the Tournament unmatched by many teams who are expected to win.

And while it’s the upsets that helped CBS coin the phrase ‘March Madness,’ I am proposing we stop calling the NCAA tournament ‘March Madness’ and start referring to it as basketball’s Passion Play.  Passion is everywhere!  You can see it from the players, coaches, media, pep bands, fans, and non-fans (office pools).

In fact, every year Gray Christmas Inc., a global outplacement consulting firm, estimates the cost of lost productivity during the NCAA tournament.  This year they estimate that number to be $1.8 billion during the first week alone.

Imagine what would happen if everyone took that passion and focused on performing the work they love…..

Imagine working on a team at work where everyone is engaged and supports each other…

People wouldn’t mind spending time building a career or putting in extra effort on a project and that $1.8 billion in lost productivity would turn into billions of gained productivity. Great companies are led by people passionate for their product or service.  Great teams are led by coaches with a passion for their sport and a passion for helping people succeed!

If you don’t share the same passion for your job as the teams you root for, it’s time to take create your own Passion Play and start moving towards the work you love.

Make today a great day!

AmK

I’ve noticed many trends relating to careers over the past two decades. Some faded out very quickly however many still resonate today. The ones that stick with me fall into a ‘back to basics’ category. It started with the Golden Rule: To evolve your career, treat others as you’d like to be treated. We then discovered that we learned everything we needed to be successful way back in Kindergarten.


The lessons from Kindergarten include:

• You have two ears and one mouth so you can listen more than you speak
• Don’t hit people
• Say you’re sorry when you hurt someone
• Have fun every day
• When facing the world, look both ways, hold hands, and stick together

Over the past few years as we’ve read Dr. Seuss to our daughters, I’ve discovered many gems to help you succeed in life and in your chosen profession. What I like about these quotes is that they are simple to apply.  Theories are important to understand  but I like lessons that are action oriented, too.  I’ve enclosed several of my favorites below.

• “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.’ – I can read with my eyes shut
• “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” – Oh The Places You’ll Go
• “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” – The Lorax
• “I’m sorry to say so, but sadly it’s true that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you!” – Oh the Places You’ll Go
• “Don’t give up I believe in you all! A person’s a person no matter how small.” – Horton Hears a Who
  
• “And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed. (98 and 3/4 percent guaranteed) KID, YOU’LL MOVE MOUNTAINS! – Oh The Places You’ll Go




Remember, to be successful, you don’t have to use complicated jargon and ideas!  Utilize your God-given talents and strengths and treat others like you’d want them to treat you.

Make today a great day!
AmK