Are you stuck in the middle?
Once again, I went off and read a blog that made me think. This blog, called The Fluent Self is written by Havi Brooks, who has a really cool writing style. Beyond that, you may want to check out the page yourself because it might be a bit risky for me to try to describe her further (read her about page and you’ll see why).
Back to the blog entry itself. Titled Exit the Middle, the discussion is (like all good points) a really good, brief story. This story is about a yoga class, but it was pretty easy to see some direct correlations to some examples for speakers.
Last week, a Toastmaster member asked why members would work on a second (or more) Competent Communicator (CC) award? What is the value to completing what is considered the basic manual?
In the example in Havi’s post, there is a yoga class that was taught in a way that was difficult for basic students, but not so tough for more seasoned people. At the end of the class, the newer students were sweating and so were the really advanced ones. Those in the middle were not only mostly sweat-free, but complaining about the lack of challenge to the class.
So why were the most advanced members sweating like newbie’s?
Newbie’s – Challenged by the relative difficulty of the class
Advanced – Challenged themselves to get the most from the class
And the middle? They were not challenged by the class itself, and not able and/or willing to challenge themselves.
That’s the answer to the public speaker question. Newer Toastmasters are challenged by improving their speaking skills with that first manual. Advanced members (sometimes DTMs, but not always) have found ways to use that manual to challenge themselves and continue to improve.
Those in the middle? Havi says that you are stuck in the middle for as long as you choose to be. You have to be the one that decides to get unstuck. Of course, it will take a little more than a decision, it will take work. That is true whether you’re stuck in yoga-middle, Toastmasters-middle, or any other middle in your life.
Maybe the question isn’t “are you stuck in the middle?” I think the question is this: in what part of your life are you stuck in the middle, and when are you going to decide to step out?
While I work on getting that on a T-shirt, read Havi’s post and think about how you can make that change. If you are in that middle, then you are at a point where the external challenge is no longer a challenge. Look at how you can challenge yourself. For ideas, look at how others challenge themselves. Example, when I wanted to challenge myself to be a better speaker, I started a blog (yeah, this one).
I hate to sound like an 80′s business book, but think outside the box. You could go in a totally different direction, like yoga. And after you sweat, you can write a really great speech about getting out of the middle…
Are you a member who struggles to understand (or care about) the Distinguished Club Program?
Imagine yourself at a running track, and all of your Toastmasters club members are there too. You are there to improve your communication, leadership and running skills. You join at the starting line, and you receive your CC and CL manuals. Around the corner of the track is a finish line, with your Lt Gov Education & Training (me) holding the tape out for you. Off to the side, our District Governor stands holding a cartooninshly large megaphone and periodically yells “Keeping the Promise!”
A little confused? Think about running the track as completing your next CC, AC, CL, AL or DTM award. Think about your fellow members running at different paces, some looping back once in a while to encourage (mentor) newer members to move forward. Imagine Paul McDonald lapping us all every few minutes.
Now, let’s use that visual to imagine a couple of typical types of clubs:
First, the President’s Distinguished club – all of the members are making progress toward the finish line. Every now and then, someone crosses the line and you hear “Keeping the Promise” come from the megaphone. When a new runner steps up to the starting line, another member loops back to encourage and support them as the begin their run. There are signposts along the path – 3 speeches to go! - to let members know where they are in their progress. No two members are running at the same pace, but everyone is cheering each other on. From time-to-time, club leaders pull off to the side to stretch (officer meetings) and learn some new running techniques (TLI). Twice per year, a few members go back to the starting line and the club president holds up a flashy and colorful finish line for the fall or spring contests. Throughout the year, members work their away around the track and cross that finish line. Ding! The DCP status is updated.
What about the club that doesn’t believe in turning in awards? This club has a group of member all near the starting line. Some of them are jogging in place. Some of them are even sweating pretty hard under the workload. There is lots of talk, and they are having a good time (like the other club). But no one is moving toward the finish line. When a guest comes, they see nice people who seem to be doing good work, and they join. Then, as they finish a few speeches, they wonder why no one seems to be crossing the finish line. While some of the members seem to be in good shape, it’s confusing because they seem to be running in place.
Does running in place help you stay in shape, or get in better shape? Maybe. But running forward (toward your goal) does a better job. Translation: Just speaking in front of a group can help, but using manual objectives and practicing new skills really helps you to become a better speaker and leader.
Is your club running in place? Worst yet, are guests and new members seeing you running in place and getting confused by the message?
Here is the part people get wrong: The DCP isn’t a goal itself, it is a scorecard. There are two ways to improve your score:
1. Run up the score. This works if getting a high score is your goal. But it doesn’t do much for the club (or members) overall.
2. Achieve your goals and support your fellow members in achieving theirs. Setting the right example personally and directly helping others will make you and your club successful. Plus, the score will take care of itself.
What is the downside of #2? You can’t wait to start that in March and make your goals in June. However, if you start now (in July) and work with all of your members to find their goals (including the ones who need 12, 18 or 24 months for their next goal) then it will work for you and your club.
Toastmasters can be a fun place when you are running in place, but it can be more fun and beneficial to you when you lace up those shoes (open that manual) and start moving toward the goal. Be realistic, support your fellow members and see yourself improving. Remember, focus on your gaols and those numbers take care of themselves when you are Keeping the Promise!
This is a quick compilation of some Marketing Posts from our District 22 Blog:
A case for a strange idea - this post describes an idea to support low-member clubs and help some clubs make distinguished status this month
The Club VP of Education: Key to Membership Retention – this describes how the VP of Education can (does) play a critical role in member retention
Making the visit – Spring 2010 - Although it’s dated for Spring 2010, the thoughts about Area Governor visits apply to any visit – spring or fall
Area Governor Expectations - This was surprisingly popular. There are some useful myth-busters here to help Area Governors understand their job expectations
Who’s the Coach? - This posts had two purposes. One was to advise members on some methods to coach thier own club. The other was to solicit volunteers to volunteer to be official club coaches for clubs in our district.
There are other posts about membership and PR subjects that will apply again this year and can apply to your club, area or district.
“Nothing will work unless you do.” Maya Angelou (1928 – ) US author & poet
The fact is this: there are no shortcuts to success. No matter how you define success, whether it’s all about the money, happiness, position, or even health. You can’t get anywhere worthwhile in life unless you do the work.
What you may not expect is, the work doesn’t always have to be hard labor. It’s okay to enjoy your efforts. Case in point: I actually like writing. Sure there are times when I get writers block or just don’t feel up to typing anything today. But the truth is, you can find satisfaction in a job well done.
First, identify the main goal and visualize your success. Creating a post on this blog is a goal of mine that takes work. I need to decide on a fresh topic in an area I believe will be of interest to my audience, and see it published in my mind. Your goal may be to start a business, find customers, or create a presentation. Once you have that goal and can see it’s result mentally, you need to move to the next step.
Second, act on that next step to move you toward your vision. For me, open WordPress and start typing. You might want to start with a Google search about your topic, or draft out an idea for how your business will work. Don’t try to make all of the steps at once, just pick that next step and go do it. Once you are done, then look at where you are and prepare that next step. Note: Some steps will be harder than others. The trick is not to let that difficult step #9 (you foresee) stop you from doing step #1 right now.
Third, ignore the shortcuts. In so many cases, including yours, those shortcuts will result in a lower-quality product, or complete failure. I’m not suggesting to ignore new technologies or superior tools. I’m saying that get rich quick ideas aren’t quick (unless you count failing fast), won’t make you rich (even if you see short term gains) and really aren’t even ideas (they are schemes).
The opening quote was simple, yet clear. If you don’t do the work, your idea, plan, or strategy won’t work either. The first habit was to find out what your customers want, then give it to them. When it’s time to provide the product or service they want, you are going to have to do the work to make sure they are satisfied. – Make that your next habit to success.
How do you normally move forward in your personal (or professional) development goals?
Here is a thought: Pick an hour to block out one evening a week. Call it your “get a new skill hour.” You may be asking, “What is the point?” Simple: to take some time to look into something you hadn’t tried before, read something new, or try out a new “fad” you have been avoiding for a long time.
For example, those of you without LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) accounts, spend an hour setting up your on-line professional contact/networking page on LinkedIn. You don’t have to put very much personal information out there, just your name, job title, and some info about your current job. Then search for some coworkers or business friends and link up with them. Take a look at their pages and see what you can do with yours. You won’t have the perfect site in just an hour, but you will be there. When you do need it (layoffs, just looking for work or opportunities, etc.) you’ll already have a head start.
Other ideas?
- Pick up a “Italian in 10 minutes a day” book and do an hour a week (any language)
- Pick up a business/writing/leadership book and read an hour a week
- Pick another networking site you’ve never used (Facebook, Twitter, Digg, Squidoo, etc.) and spend an hour learning it
- Pick something related to your job, like MS Office 2007, and spend an hour learning some tips and shortcuts (check www.customguide.com for some free Quick Reference Cards)
- Spend that hour teaching something to another person
As we move through February, you’ve probably dumped that whole resolution thing anyway, and with the Heroes season finale behind us you should have a free hour to spare. Give it a shot for the next few weeks and see where it takes you!
Hey human! Is your new year’s resolution firmly in place? I’d hate to think of you sitting there on your couch, starting this wonderful new year with out any goals, old or new.
Some folks need prompting, so if that describes you here are couple of great goals for the magic that is destined to be 2010:
1. Read more!
- Resolve to read at least one non-fiction book a month
- Resolve to read the 7th Harry Potter book before the movie comes out
- Resolve to read 5 different blogs per week (y’know, mine and four others)
2. Write more!
- Resolve to write for 7 minutes per day
- Resolve to write 300 words per day, about any subject
- Resolve to start a blog about something you are good at, and post a 300 word entry each week
3. Math more! (just kidding)
3. Do more!
- Resolve to walk around the block three days a week (be specific) in January, then add a block (distance) each month
- Resolve to complete that next Toastmasters award by October 1st
- Resolve to switch from soda to water for one meal per day in Jan-Mar
As you can see, coming up with a goal can be pretty easy. The trick is to come up with one that you believe you can follow through on. Also, don’t let excuses stop you. If you don’t want to walk in the snow, resolve to start the walking goal in April and go from there. Not all goas have to begin on January 1st.
One other thought..don’t let setbacks stop you either. If you do not get out and walk one week (for whatever reason), do not let that stop you! Get back out there next week and keep going.
As for me, my next milestone is to get on this flight to Atlana (my favorite place to get stranded) and home to Wichita before Jan 2nd. Wish me luck. Happy New Year..and Victory to all humans!
Ever lost a week of your life to a silly illness? For me, it hasn’t been a whole week, but from Wednesday through Saturday I’ve been unable to get anything of value accomplished due to a sudden virus. I won’t gore you with details, but I’ve lost 3 complete days to sleep, and in fact this post is the first coherent thought I’ve put together in more than 72 hours.
What is the best recovery plan for this lost time, especially with the holidays upon us? A couple of things will just have to be considered lost to the cause:
1. Blog posts for those days
2. This week’s book for the book review tomorrow
3. Toastmaster meetings I missed (three, this week)
Some other things I’ll have to work extra to make up:
1. Work projects that need progress before the holidays
2. Preparation for my own holiday plans
3. Prep for my next speech in early January
Overall, I’d say losing 3 days to this isn’t the worst thing that could have happened, so I can be thankful for that. But no one I know likes behind the power curve, especially with the holiday season in full swing. As my brain starts working again, I expect to have some more relevant posts ready for the blog, so stay tuned..and stay healthy!
How many books do you read per week? Per month? Per year? I’m told that once Americans finish school, on average, they read less than one non-fiction book the rest of their lives. Ouch. Since I know many folks who do choose to read, at least from time-to-time, I have to believe this means there are a lot of folks out there reading zero books.
This leads me to hypothesize some reasons for the zero book club members, as well as some possible strategies to combat those reasons. If I were to use this as something to help influence others, it seems ironic that I would choose to use the printed word to reach those who have taken a vow of readinglessness. That’s not a word, of course. But, since my target audience isn’t reading this anyway, who cares?
In project management, we have what is called the triple constraint. In any project, you are constrained by either time, money, or quality. Said another way, you can have it fast, cheap, or good. Pick any two. I think this triple constraint can explain why people do, or don’t do, a lot of things.
1. Time- we all say we don’t have enough time, and it’s easy to let self-improvement take the hit in our schedules. Here’s today’s blockbuster phrase™ that you may not want to hear: You have enough time to do the things that are truly important to you. The real question is, what are you making important in your own life, or what are you letting others make important for you?
If time is your issue when it comes to reading, here are a couple of things I learned in project management training that can help:
a. Set realistic goals (i.e. one book a month, or one every two months to start).
b. Establish milestones (mini goals) to track your progress (i.e. 15 pages every Tuesday and Thursday, 40 pages each Sunday)
c. Write down you goals and milestones, and chart them over time.
d. Find something you can give up, or reduce the time you spend doing so you can add in this new goal. (i.e. give up one 30 minute TV show per week, or read during halftime)
2. Money – a book habit can be expensive, especially if you choose to buy in hardcover and ignore sale opportunities. I don’t have a “you have all the money you need” phrase for this one. Lots of us are feeling the pinch in this economy. Prioritization can play a part here too, but don’t forget your local library. Better than that: Start a book exchange with your friends. You don’t have to go to the extreme of hosting your own book club, but you can talk with a few friends once in a while and exchange books. Plus, that will help you stay on task to finish you book if you know you need to give it up next month. This one is a money saver and it gives you some common things to talk about. Don’t have friends? Try using a bulletin board at work to get the ball rolling.
3. Quality- Saving the best for last is almost cliché, isn’t it? After all, like I mentioned above you will find the time, and usually the money, to do what is truly important to you, right? So what’s the thing stopping most of the zero book club members? However you want to specifically phrase it, many people don’t believe that reading will make any valuable difference in their lives. Can you belive it? Disclaimer: No single book will make you a PhD by next week. The fact is the changes come in small, manageable doses. If you truly believe that reading won’t make a difference in your life, I’d like to recommend you take a three-book challenge. Finish the three books I list below, and if after you read them, you can’t find a single thing that helped you in your life, let me know. I will write your story for the blog and make you a nationally known phenomenon. Here are the books:
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
First, Break All the Rules by Marcus Buckingham
Bonus Book: Talk to the Human™ by Rob Christeson (to be published, 2010)
Put those three constraints to work for you, and you’ll find some interesting improvement opportunities for yourself. It has nothing to do with becoming the next CEO of your company. With the economy the way it is, rampant outsourcing, and increased competitiveness in the workplace, you need every edge you can get.
Don’t be a member of the zero book club; their book bag doesn’t even match your shoes…
I used to tell my troops in the Air Force that they should always seek to progress in their professional development. Even when you have a period of time where you can’t get things done, every little bit you do will add up to make you more successful over the long haul (a.k.a your life). There were so many folks that would take any excuse not to move forward in their goals. In my experience, if you want an excuse, one will be there for you.
Take college for example. If you’re working full time, it’s easy to see how it would be very difficult to complete a BA or BS in just 4 years. However, there are two other possibilities for where you can be in four years.
First – Excuseville. This is where you’ll be if you let every little “reason” in the world “delay” (a.k.a. stop) you from starting on your dream.
Second – Moving forward on the road to that degree. Even if you only finish 8 classes in those 4 years, that’s 8 more classes that the guy in excuseville.
I started thinking about this because of Toastmasters. I think about so many of my fellow members that are able to progress and improve their speaking abilities. I also see those that are living in excuseville, giving occasional speeches but never really progressing. I’m thinking about this because of the effect it can have on a club, to have members that are stagnant. As the head of Marketing for this group (in Kansas and Western Missouri), I wonder about how to get folks motivated and keep the organization appealing to new members.
To that end, I’m working on a message to focus on “Moving Forward” toward you goals, so I just need to refine that message and come up with some good methods to:
1. identify your goals
2. determine a realistic path to those goals
3. identify success factors toward achieving those goals
4. staying motivated when progress is slower than expected
I’ll keep working on this and post some decent (!) results in the next week or so. Editor’s update: The follow-on post is titled More Moving Forward.
Spoiler alert:“Move Forward” is one of the top candidates for my theme as presumptive District Governor in 2011-2012…