False Sense of Security

Hikers often take cell phones for safety purposes in case of emergencies. Experts say that many hikers who take cell phones think that they are safe in the event something happens because they can call for help.

Having a cell phone for emergency purposes is a good thing. However, the cell phone cannot replace proper training, common sense, survival skills, first aid knowledge, proper gear and clothing or knowing your limits and skill level.

Is there something that you rely on as a "False Sense of Security" in your business or life?

One Size Fits All

Does one size really fit all? Have you ever tried on a "one size fits all" article of clothing and found that it just doesn't work for you?

Think about the service you provide or your business strategy. A "one size fits all" approach is the lazy attempt to capture everything or everyone at once. People like choices! They want to be in control and when you provide options for them to make the decisions, it empowers them. The more empowerment a customer, potential customer or team member has, the greater the chances of them buying into your distinctive value that you have to offer.

The Dynamics of Yin-Yang

It's interesting how the effects of Yin-Yang work on your ego and the world. Think about the following:

When you want it to stop raining, someone in the world is praying for water.
When you complain about a meal at a restaurant, there is someone in the world that would be happy to take your place just to have food.
When you complain about your spouse, significant other or partner, there is someone waiting to experience the love they have to offer.
When you have a customer that you would like to drop, others would just like to have more business.

Imagine how the Yin-Yang effect would work for you if you lived a life of love and gratitude? How would your personal and professional life change?

The Flip Side

I recently received a cassette tape in the mail and decided to listen to it. After playing the tape, I thought it was it was a little short. The next day I realized that I forgot to flip the tape to listen to the other side. It had been so long since the last time I listened to a cassette tape. The technological advances of electronics with CD'S and DVD'S makes it convenient with little or no intervention needed from the listener.

How often have you let the modern conveniences of email, cell phone and texting, prevent you from understanding what the person is really trying to convey?

Take the time to find out what is on the flip side!

Fresh Eggs

I recently had an opportunity to buy farm fresh eggs. Not just eggs from a carton that claim to have fresh eggs but actually from the farm itself. The eggs were laid hours before we picked them up.

The eggs had a sunset orange to the yolks and I realized after eating one that this was my new definition of fresh. My previous knowledge of a fresh egg was determined by the expiration date on the carton. The eggs had pale yellow yolks. Because this was the only experience I had with eggs, this was my reality and not knowing any better, I didn't realize what I was missing all along.

Think about this for your business and life. What is waiting for you beyond your current perception? If you looked a little further, tried a little harder, searched for more meaning or were open to a new definition, what would you discover?

Heads Up

It's easy to get caught up in the day to day activities of your business and life. Your head is buried in your work and your time is consumed by those who need your support.

Take the time to lift your head up and look towards the horizon at where you want to be. Encourage those you manage to do the same. It's a lot easier to adjust your path and correct things as you move along.

Determine what is really important and meaningful and let that be your guide!

May I Help You?

I recently visited a store where I had made a significant purchase in 2004. I was shocked to see the difference in customer service. Thinking it might have been an off day, I went back again and had the same experience, obviously, not a good one. As I looked at the merchandise and even initiated a "hi" to the salesman, I was never asked the question, "May I help you?" This happened on both occasions.

I am not sure what their new branding strategy or sales approach might be but it really didn't matter. My experience became my reality. I wondered if this company's success has negated their efforts of connecting with the customers.

Check in with your business, core leadership team and customer service group to see if your emphasis on customer service remains the utmost importance to your organization.You never know who may be your biggest supporter.

Defining Success

Have you defined 'Success'  lately? As you grow and change, so does your definition of success. What does success means to you at this moment? If you do not redefine what success means to you, others will. Unconsciously you may begin to follow what others believe success is and you mold your life around their definition of success rather then your own.

Take the time to define success in all areas of your life: Primary Relationship, Financial, Physical well being, Spirituality, Physical Surroundings, Extreme Self Care, Relationships, Self Development, Profession etc.

Defining success on your terms brings out the best in your role as the leader in your life and business.

A Call to Save Christmas – A Leadership Initiative

I love this time of year. People are happy, a little more giving and the world seems to have more peace and love. But over the years, I’ve noticed a change. The change was brought to my attention many years back as I went to visit my friend Bob in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. I went to wish him a Merry Christmas but instead caught myself using the “politically correct” term, Happy Holidays. After our greetings and brief exchange, Bob mentioned that no one says Merry Christmas any more. I looked at him and shook my head in agreement, as we simultaneously said, “Merry Christmas” to each other in unison. I have never forgotten that day.

As many countries and the world become more culturally integrated, an envelope has been created to not offend anyone. That envelope is the “politically correct” safe mode. I think that our efforts at integration have created thin eggshells for us to walk on that have deterred us from the true meaning of Christmas. I am not speaking about the commercialization that Christmas has morphed into, I am referring to the love, hope and dreams that Christmas brings in memory of the birth of Jesus Christ.

On a global picture, it’s not just about Christmas. It could be one of hundreds or so celebrations in honor of cultural deities and traditions. It is about respecting other cultures celebrating their Source of Divine Presence and allowing them to share the love and joy in their tradition whether or not you celebrate that occasion. Without peace between religions there can never be peace in the world. 

My concern is for the next generation of the stewards of this world, our children. Not just our biological children but all children of the world. I do not see the hope and inspiration I saw growing up as a child in our children today. Yes there are many organizations, people and communities that are doing a fantastic job providing hope and inspiration. I am calling for a more unified, cohesive, global effort to move forward in using Christmas as a spring-board to start reviving love, respect, hope and peace among all cultures.  


I love the meaning of Namaste. The word Namaste, originating out of India, is a greeting or salutation used when meeting someone. Although the meanings vary, I interpret it to be the welcoming and honoring of Spirit within you.  

Imagine having this energy when others are celebrating their cultural holiday events. Allowing others to share their beliefs and for us to understand a little more about our neighbors, friends, co-workers and even strangers allows them to do the same. As we learn more, we invite love, peace, hope and understanding.  


As a leader in your business, work or family, I am inviting you to bring the words “Merry Christmas” back as a catalyst to allow others to so the same in their own celebrations. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, by returning those words to someone that does, means you honor and respect their love for their Source of Divine Presence and accept their gift of love, peace and joy. 


Life wouldn’t be the same with Santa Claus saying, “HO, HO, HO Happy Holidays..” 

With this, I wish you a Merry Christmas.

With Love and Respect,

Jeff

Million Dollar Attitude

Please click on the link below to watch my latest television interview on Million Dollar Attitude with Joni in Guarantee Your Success.

Jeff Bow Executive and Leadership Coach provides expert advice on Business, Leadership and Life Balance.