Make It Happen

One Step

Ask any mountain climber - the surest way to the top of the peak is a very simple recipe: put one foot in front of the other. And then do it again. This very simple formula is no different for those looking in advancing their career (or their personal) success.

Education: Most of us forget that it takes over a decade to graduate from high school. Or 3-4 years to get a college diploma. Or 2 years to get a grad degree. (Interesting how each more "valuable" degree takes less-and-less time to earn...?) If you are looking for a professional certification, the only thing that is stopping you is time - and taking the first step.

Experience: How did the person in the corner office get there? While some may say luck played a part, hard work sustained over a long period of time is usually how one becomes experienced. And experience equates to value. 

Exercise: Wondering why some people look so fit and trim? It isn't a fitness pill. They went to the gym, went for a jog or cycle, or went for a walk - consistently, week after week.

Not surprisingly, putting one foot in front of the other works outside of the office as well. How do you finish a puzzle? One piece at a time. How do you develop great relationships? One day at a time. 

This week's action item: While putting one foot in front of the other obviously makes sense, most people trip up because they don't even start. Choose one activity that you would like to finish, and take that first step.

Note: The Make It Happen Tipsheet is also available by email. Go to www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news to register.

Randall Craig
www.RandallCraig.com
www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news

What do I want to be known for?

If you're like most people, you'd much prefer to write your resume than your obituary. Resumes help you get that promotion or new job, while obituaries are relatively... final. Nevertheless, writing your own obituary is a great exercise: it helps you define how you will be remembered by your colleagues, friends, and family.

At work, would you be remembered because you were a great analyst, great relationship manager, or someone who always met their deadlines? Perhaps your technical knowledge, or the impact you've had on your industry? Or maybe, that you were a great mentor, or a great leader?

The answer to this question defines your Personal Brand. If obituaries make you uncomfortable, think of your personal brand as what others would say about you, if asked. The better defined your personal brand is, the easier it will be for others to work with you - or promote you - or hire you; they can better match your personal brand to their needs.

Defining your personal brand can be as easy as answering the question: "What do I want to be known for?" Once you know the answer, then it is simply a matter of deciding to do things that support this goal - and cease doing things that are contrary to it.

This week's action item: How would you like to be remembered by your friends and family? The same concept of Personal Branding applies here as well. This week, spend some time considering the answer to this question, then choose one thing to begin doing that supports your brand. And stop doing one thing that hurts it.

Note: The Make It Happen Tipsheet is also available by email. Go to www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news to register.

Randall Craig
www.RandallCraig.com
www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news

Urgent vs. Important

we are a society looking for instant gratification. When a customer calls, we rush to meet their needs. When we check into a hotel, we expect prompt, courteous service. When we drive our cars, we always take the shortest routes - at the fastest speeds. And when we do a great job, we want to be recognized for it - immediately. Unfortunately, not all things can - or should - happen instantly; some things take time.

There are many shorter-term demands on our time, both at work and at home. Our managers, customers, suppliers, and co-workers all have expectations of us. Our families do too. We make promises to all of these people, and when we deliver, we enjoy a gratifying "thank you", as well as the intrinsic satisfaction of a job well done.

But what of the longer-term commitments that we make; the ones that are easily deferred when short term priorities (and crises) get in the way? Is there a trick to balancing them out? Probably the most effective way is to simply schedule specific time, every day, to work on longer-term commitments. During this time, don't take calls, emails, nor schedule meetings. Even if the time scheduled is only 20-30 minutes, it doesn't take long for the minutes - and your accomplishments - to add up.

This week's action item: Of all of the items on your to-do list, choose one of them, and schedule it into a fixed, daily slot. And while your calendar is open, schedule some time a few months from now, to look back at the "important" progress you've made.

Note: The Make It Happen Tipsheet is also available by email. Go to www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news to register.

Randall Craig
www.RandallCraig.com
www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news

For those reading (or watching) the news, you may have seen me recently. I've been quoted (or have appeared) in the following newspapers, magazines, or TV shows:

• Metro News Vancouver - September 15
• CHML Hamilton - September 11
• Saint John Telegraph-Journal - September 6
• Globe and Mail - September 5

Randall Craig
www.RandallCraig.com
www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news

Your Boss Doesn't Care About You

While some managers might disagree, the truth is - especially when you are being interviewed - that your boss doesn't care about you. They only care about how you can solve their problems.

In fact, the only way that you will be hired (or promoted) is if you are able to prove that you can indeed solve their problems. Consider the implications:

• Figure out what your manager's objectives are, and help them achieve them. If you're not sure what their objectives are, then ask.
• Unless you effectively convey your capabilities, then no one will know. Resumes, cover letters and "elevator pitches" are the usual way of doing this. But what about having your references speak up for you? What about developing your public profile within your industry (or at least, within your professional association?) And most importantly, for those within an organization, isn't actual on-the-job performance the best way of conveying capabilities?
• Don't be satisfied with doing the minimum required, but think of going the extra mile. If you consistently do this for others, then the favor will be returned.
• Think like a customer. Or rather, think of your customers. Your customers are those you serve both within the organization and outside. What can you do to upgrade the service you provide for them? What is important to them... that you can deliver really well? Developing a reputation for excellence with those you serve demonstrates expertise and capability - which can follow you to your next role. As your relationship develops with your manager, they will care about you - and you will care about them. But developing that relationship takes time - and effort.

This week's action item: Choose one way this week to begin developing that relationship with your current manager, and your colleagues. Not by being "friendly", but by helping them solve their problems.

Note: The Make It Happen Tipsheet is also available by email. Go to www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news to register.

Randall Craig
www.RandallCraig.com
www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news

For those reading (or watching) the news, you may have seen me recently. I've been quoted (or have appeared) in the following newspapers, magazines, or TV shows:

• Saskatoon Star-Phoenix - August 16
• Saint John Telegraph Journal - August 16
• CKNW Radio Vancouver - August 13
• Ottawa Citizen - August 13
• Vancouver Province - August 10

Randall Craig
www.RandallCraig.com
www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news

The First Day of School

Remember your first day at school, after a long summer holiday? You looked forward to seeing friends again, while at the same time felt sad about leaving the summer behind. However you felt (and maybe still feel), today, many people use the summer more actively, physically, and also to make changes personally and professionally.

You may have resolved to change your work habits, change your exercise regime, or treat people differently. Or, you may have decided to change your image, your career goals, or your personal relationships. Whatever your decisions, the trick is to keep these resolutions beyond the summer. Yet, when we return to the same environment, we typically will go back to our "old" habits. Here are some ideas to help your changes stick:

• Change your morning routine: instead of buying coffee from the same vendor, try a new coffee shop. Instead of drinking it with the same people (or reading the same newspaper), do it somewhere else.
• Work in a different spot: Remember how it felt when the teacher changed where you sat? You met different people, noticed different things on the walls, and had a new vantage point when you looked at your teacher. While you might not be able to change your desk or office so easily, often you can take your work into a conference room, library, or other special place.
• Change how you use technology: If you are one of those people who has avoided using certain technology (Powerpoint, Instant messaging, etc), then find someone new to teach you. Not only will you learn a valuable skill, but you will develop another good relationship. On the other hand, if you use technology for everything, ask whether it is actually reducing your productivity. (One way to tell: set your email to check for incoming messages every two hours, instead of every 5 minutes. If you are more productive without the email interruptions...)
• Change your work-life balance: Especially if you started a new hobby or sport, schedule it in your calendar throughout the fall and winter. Beyond the benefits of stress-reduction and exercise, continuing it through the "off" season means you'll be that much better come next summer.

This week's action item: While the first day of school brought you your friends, the year of school brought you learning, maturity, and opened your eyes to the world. While you don't have a teacher to do this for you anymore, you can easily make it happen yourself. This week, think about the one thing that you enjoyed most over the summer, and work to make it stick beyond September. Change provides new perspective - and increases both your value, and self-worth.

Note: The Make It Happen Tipsheet is also available by email. Go to www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news to register.

Randall Craig
www.RandallCraig.com
www.PersonalBalanceSheet.com/news