“No one ever won a chess game by betting on each move. Sometimes you have to move backward to get a step forward.”

– Amar Gopal Bose, entrepreneur and engineer

Recently, my wife and I purchased an iPad and downloaded a puzzle game that we found difficult and frustrating at first. Our attempts to process through the mazes were often thwarted as we attempted to move forward. As we realized that this strategy was not working, we began to explore alternative approaches to achieve our objectives.

Sometimes moving sideways – and often moving backwards – are the only strategies that prove successful in the end.

Exercise:

In what ways are your life, career, and relationships like a game of chess, where each move is only a small piece of the puzzle? Where could you move sideways, or even backwards, to eventually make forward progress?

“You have to have your heart in the business and the business in your heart.”

– Thomas J. Watson, chairman and CEO of IBM from 1914 – 1956

Over 19 years ago, I was faced with a professional fork in the road that eventually, through taking the road less traveled, has had me pursue coaching as my career and professional purpose.

Up till then, I had what many would consider a successful 12-year career in sales, marketing and advertising with a well-known pharmaceutical company.

Unfortunately, I was unhappy and unfulfilled. My heart just wasn’t in it, and I went into most days with dread and indifference.

Other than marrying my wife Wendy and raising two great kids, the pursuit of my passion for coaching is one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Exercise:

To what degree is your career/business in your heart? What changes can you make to find greater heart in your business?

“To business that we love we rise bedtime, and go to’t with delight.”

– William Shakespeare, playwright

What are the qualities and the characteristics of people who love their work and take delight in it? Is it possible to intentionally design work in such a way as to foster greater employee engagement, satisfaction and productivity?

According to Daniel Pink, in his book Drive (published in 2009), three things are necessary:

• Autonomy, which Pink describes as the ability to direct the course of your own life and the work that you perform.
• Self-challenge and mastery, or the over-arching desire to improve yourself and get better at what you enjoy.
• Purpose, the reason behind your role, beyond personal gain – yes, making a difference through your efforts.

Exercise:

How can you pursue greater autonomy, mastery, and purpose in your work … and influence your organization to foster these qualities for everyone?

“You can employ men and hire hands to work for you, but you must win their hearts to have them work with you.”

– William J. H. Boetcker, Presbyterian minister and public speaker

Are you an employee or a team member where you work?

Do you have a boss or a team leader that co-ordinates your efforts?

Do you have a vested interest in the work, beyond a paycheck?

Do your days fly by or drag on?

Over the past few years, much has been written and reported about Zappos and how they capture the hearts of both customers and associates. The book entitled Delivering Happiness tells the story of how they do it.

Exercise:

Check out this one-minute video to get a glimpse of what I mean:

http://www.deliveringhappiness.com/about-us

How can you capture employees’ hearts and help them be a part of something bigger?