As we begin the process of restarting our economy, your small businesses, and our lives, it is important to take time and reflect on the values and principles that guide us. It’s how we, as leaders and individuals, rebuild a strong, uncompromising culture and legacy that generations will reference as we begin the healing and rebuilding journey.
We have had a very difficult 6 weeks – that we had to endure. Honestly, it’s more than we could have ever anticipated. Yet, I believe we will emerge from this a stronger and more competitive
country and American people – like a phoenix.
A phoenix is a beautiful, legendary bird that lived in Arabia. According to myth and modern folklore, this magnificent creature is a symbol of renewal, rebirth, and starting anew.
We need to begin our journey back and start anew. We began the year as a country and with each of you as leaders and families, highly motivated with a strong commitment to growing and having a successful 2020. Today, the same holds true, yet our circumstances are quite different. And so, our tactics and approach must be as well.
Today, and for the remainder of the year, our Call to Action is for the Rapid Rebuild of our economy, your businesses and your personal well-being. We are still on our journey however, that road had a fork in it – an unimaginable detour. It was the course we were given; our only path to follow. Until now.
Now, the road ahead is ours to navigate. We must be the Architects of Our Own Destinies. Companies will have to decide:
What are the steps we will take to build back our companies?
What will our brand stand for in this evolving time?
What will our brand promise be?
As individuals and leaders, we must decide what our personal brands will stand for and how we will build back our lives, what our brand will stand for in this evolving time and what will our brand promise be.
Since the beginning of this pandemic, we have realized what we have always believed as Americans – we can be a much stronger force when we leverage our collective strengths. What the last 6 weeks has shown me and many of you, is what we have always believed: that we are very good people, committed to our success and that that we are in this together. We became one country with one vision and one identity. We are our Agents of Change.
Our vision going forward will include:
Who are we?
What we stand for?
What will we never compromise?
As we prepare for our return, we will need to understand our business, our personal situations and our responsibilities. From these new perspectives will be an understanding:
What we do well
Where there is opportunity to go grow
Where there is opportunity with new customers in new markets that will be consequences from the last 6 weeks
How we rebuild our lives both personally and professionally
No matter what your role, you can have a tremendous impact on our outcomes and our destiny as a country, a company and as a person. It’s all about alignment and commitment.
It starts with Our Values. They are the foundation from which everything we have to offer, as a person and as an organization, is based – our processes, services, daily work actions and commitment to excellence. Our Values and our adherence to them, set the direction and establish the necessary culture for us to succeed.
Never allow anyone to affect you more than you can affect yourself.
The Speed of The Leader, Determines the Pace of the Pack. Set the pace.
Good Luck, Stay Strong and Be Safe.
Working Together Works!
Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible. – Francis of Assisi
How can we use the extra time we now have to turn adversity into opportunity?
1. Read good books to strengthen your mind and spirit. We have all had that book that we just have not had the time to read. I have enclosed a link to a book sample of
Tighten the Lug Nuts that can provide some interesting insights. Note especially the sample chapter on Simple Acts of Kindness. Download the sample here.
2. If you have had to cancel a conference due to unforeseen circumstances and are concerned about finding and signing a keynote speaker, breakout session leader and/or master of ceremonies – please do not stress. We will work with you and will provide a 20% discount to anyone who needs our help. Along with myself, we have a tremendous team of experts in various fields we can make available for all your needs. Visit our website for more information
and again, please do not stress.
3. Podcasts are available that provide pertinent information on all kinds of topics. Businessrelated topics are just some of them. Take this opportunity to listen to some of your favorite speakers and perhaps some new ones you have not had time to listen to. We have 80 podcasts available that are now searchable by topic, show name or leadership competency. You can listen here.
4. We are all missing MARCH MADNESS. To get your fix, visit our web site for an exclusive video of legendary Coach John Wooden. This is one of a kind, never-seen-before extensive interview with this legendary sports icon. Watch the interview.
5. Finally, if you binge-watched all your favorite shows and are avoiding large groups at the theater, visit our video page to be both entertained and educated. We have redesigned our video page to help you find information that is both valuable and practical. The new interface allows you to search the videos in our library by topic. These include:
Keynote Speaking videos
Training videos
Coach’s Corner videos
Tighten The Lug Nuts videos
Interviews videos
Balanced Leadership videos
PROTECT YOURSELF
Steps to Protect Yourself
Clean your hands often:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Stay home if you’re sick:
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes:
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a face mask if you are sick:
• If you are sick: You should wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a face mask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask). Face masks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
