How Big You Play

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Barry

“It’s not how big you are, it’s how big you play.”

—John Wooden, former UCLA Basketball Coach

Image from Flickr by Chad Cooper

What do Keith Jennins, Isaiah Thomas, Earl Boykins and Spud Webb have in common?

Given that today’s quote is from John Wooden, the famous basketball coach, you would be correct in assuming it has something to do with this popular sport.

The athletes I listed are among the shortest professional basketball players of our time.

What made each of them special was how big they played throughout their careers. Spud Webb, at just 5’7” in height, even won the Annual Slam-Dunk Competition in 1986.

EXERCISE:

Regardless of your size, status, or position in your personal or professional communities, how and where can you step up to the line and play a bigger game?

better persuaded

Posted on December 6, 2016 by Barry

“We are generally the better persuaded by the reasons we discover ourselves than by those given to us by others.”

—Blaise Pascal, 17th Century French Mathematician

Image from Nonn’s

Our own thoughts, ideas, and opinions always ring true for us, having the power and leverage to move us into action. We participate in that which we create.

Leadership, stated simply, is the speaking of a desired future and engendering the “buy in” from others. Unfortunately, many of us often find that those around us are not on board with our brilliant thoughts and ideas.

A useful coaching strategy to turn things around is to elicit the thoughts and ideas of others, so that all parties can buy into a path forward that is mutually desirable.

EXERCISE:

Where would using the thoughts and ideas of those around you be a more persuasive strategy to forward a key initiative in your world?

Men’s evil manners

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Barry

“Men’s evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water.”

—William Shakespeare, Henry VIII, Act 4, Scene 2

Image of today's quote

What does it take to build a good reputation? How many virtuous and noble efforts, and what length of time is required to justify recognition?

Conversely, what does it take to build a bad reputation, or to undermine or destroy a good one? How many evil, questionable, or carelessly conceived actions does it take to wipe a slate clear and enter negative territory?

Who do you know that has been permanently labeled or continues to be judged for behaviors from the past where those around them are unable to forget or forgive?

EXERCISE:

What attitude adjustments might be worth considering regarding the virtues and shortcomings of others? How would you like others to view you on these matters?

Friday Review: Choices

Posted on December 2, 2016 by Barry

FRIDAY REVIEW: CHOICES

What sort of life are you choosing? Here are a few choice-related posts you may have missed. Click on the link to read the full message.

“Life is all about choices. How many people are trapped in their everyday habits: part numb, part frightened, part indifferent? To have a better life we must keep choosing how we’re living.”

“Words empty as the wind are best left unsaid.”

“Easy Street is a blind alley.”

obstacles and dreams

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Barry

“In one hand I have a dream, and in the other I have an obstacle. Tell me, which one grabs your attention?”

—Sir Henry Parkes, Member of the Australian Parliament

Image of a dictionary with "focus" highlighted

Image from Flickr by Mark Hunter

Today’s quote reminds me of the saying, “Where your attention goes, your energy flows.” Since energy is what moves the world, it makes sense to heed this advice.

What are the issues that grab your attention, personally and professionally? How is directing your attention there influencing and impacting your life?

EXERCISE:

How and in what ways can you stop focusing on your obstacles and put more time and attention to your most cherished goals and dreams?

The Town Gossip

Posted on November 30, 2016 by Barry

“Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.”

—Will Rogers, 20th Century American Cowboy Humorist

Image from Flickr by Martin Pettitt

Did you know that parrots experience peer pressure? Just like humans, they desire to fit in with others in their group. This is one reason they learn to copy the sounds and language of the people around them.

This morning at the gym one of the other regulars was talking with a trainer. I was shocked by the level of vulgarity, back-stabbing, and general gossip in their conversation, especially being in a public place.

EXERCISE:

How do your actions and use of language stand up to the parrot test? What adjustments might you make to have the town gossip say only good things, or at the very least, say nothing about you?

Talkers are no good doers

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Barry

“Talkers are no good doers.”

—William Shakespeare, Richard III, Act 1, Scene 3

Image of Shakespeare with the quote

Shakespeare sure had a way with words!

I had to re-read today’s quote several times, letting it percolate for a while before I chose it for today’s post.

What was your first interpretation?

What other meanings might it have for you?

I first thought about an individual being all talk and no action. Next, I considered whether talkers, or those too busy being interesting to be interested, were bad people, arrogant, with excessive egos.

What is the message you prefer, or relate to the most?

EXERCISE:

What are your views on people who talk far more than they listen?

What would others say about your propensity to talk versus listen?

What relationship does this issue have with what actually gets done, and what you learn?

Feel free to respond to this post with your thoughts and perspectives.

exaggeration

Posted on November 28, 2016 by Barry

“We always weaken whatever we exaggerate.”

—Jean Francois de la Harpe, 19th Century French Playwright and Critic

Image from recapo

Someone once told me that if you say something good about yourself it is bragging, yet if someone else says the same thing it is the truth.

What happens, however, if these messages are exaggerated rather than shared with a reasonable level of humility or tact?

We are all familiar with bold and bombastic claims for new products and offerings through the media. In the recent political circus, the candidates made grandiose statements about themselves and against their opponents. What are your thoughts on such matters? Who do you choose to believe?

EXERCISE:

Where are you perhaps weakening your arguments, views, or influence on others by exaggerating things? What new or different strategy or approaches will strengthen your case?