Halloween Tips

Halloween Tips

Want more candy at Halloween? Use your unique personality style to make the best presentation.

Here's how...

If you are a "D" style let your little brother or sister go first. They are probably an S, I, or C and will have that really "cute" approach that parents always fall for... :) As a natural leader this may prove challenging for you but if you let them go first your haul may be bigger...

If you are an "S" style and naturally shy, let your friend who is the high "D" style go first. They appear to be fearless! Your natural manners will increase the booty big time.

If you are a "C" style SMILE!!!!! Remember this is fun and there is candy. "C" style are usually not natural smilers so if this is difficult for you a ghost costume works great! I wore a LOT of ghost costumes.

And if you are an "I" just be you. You always have fun in all you do and people want to join in, so don't be afraid to lead the pack! Inspire the others with your energy!

One final tip for all styles... keep an eye on your parents and your candy when you get home. After they have checked it out look out for that high "C" dad who is on the candy cruise... LOL

Have fun and be safe.

Afraid of Speaking in Public? Give a Eulogy

Does the thought of making a presentation or speaking in front of others nauseate you?

Many people suffer from this affliction and their careers also suffer because of it. After all, who wants a CEO who is afraid to speak to his shareholders?

So, what to do?

When my dad passed away a few years ago (well several years ago now) I had the honour of delivering the eulogy. Now, as a professional speaker this was no big deal but it hurt to watch my sister who does not like to speak in public (no problem privately LOL) could not bring herself to say anything. She is one of the most caring people I know and it was painful to watch her through the process. Her fear of speaking stopped her from sharing that precious moment.

Here is the thing about giving a eulogy. It is a safe environment.

You are speaking about someone whom you loved or respected, admired, or who mentored you. Who in the group could criticize your good intentions of speaking from your heart? If they did, who will look worse you, or the one making the comment?

 It is a safe environment.

That is the point, we can all speak about a subject we are passionate about whether it is a eulogy about a loved one, a hobby like gardening, children or grandchildren, a favourite vacation, there are lots of topics you have in your mind already.

The secret is the safe environment.

If you are a church goer, offer to read scripture.

Now this is a funny one. I used to get nervous when I read scripture at church! Yup, a professional speaker and I would shake like a leaf. My knees would rattle, my voice would quiver; I was a wreck.

Then one Sunday it hit me, if I can’t expect mercy from this group because I mess up a word or two (have you seen some of the names of the tribes in the old testament?) then perhaps it is time for a new church.

It is a safe environment.

So here they are; two keys really to speaking in public...

Speak about something you are passionate about.

Speak in a safe environment.

You are not in grade seven anymore having to memorize a speech and say it in front of a heartless crowd, you are an adult who is successful in all areas of your life and want to overcome this hurdle.

Go for it!

Hot Hot Hot

No question summer has arrived in the Kawartha's. in fact it is over the top hot. Even the little chickadees are fighting for a drink from the fountain.

So, the question is, how do you handle the heat?

No, not the weather, the heat of life? Do you attack new opportunities or see them as problems?

Is your world constantly changing and demanding more of your time? 

What to do? Well,chill.... Yup chill. As you know from our Emotional Intelligence course, when emotions are high, intelligence is low. So relax, make a list of what you can and can't do about it, seek the advice of a trusted mentor or friend, meditate, pray, reflect on how will this affect your life in five years? Give it a day and see what you come up with, strangely this works for many people. Once you take the emotion out of the equation you can start to see the solution. 

As for the heat outside, head for the pool! 

Till next time.

Customer Service

So today was market day. Saturday mornings around here mean the Peterborough Farmers Market is a must visit. I have been going there for over 40 years and during that time you find your favourite vendors. I dragged kids there over the years, bribing them with cookies to fill my belly with fresh produce.

One of my favourite vendors is the potato lady and her son. She has been filling bags of potatoes for over 60 years at the market. For fresh corn I have visited Stapleton's for years. Always with a great smile and terrific corn and he has a certain salesmanship about him I like.

Well, now the next generation is helping at the stand. His 9(?) yr old daughter was helping out this morning. As she took the basket of peas I had chosen and put them in the bag several pods fell off to the side. My mind immediately went to that place...sure now I will get less peas. (Like I really need each and every one) but this young lady has been well trained by her dad in customer service.

Without missing a beat or even noticing my look she immediately picked up a whole HANDFUL of peas and added them to the bag! 

Now that is knowing your customer and treating them right! I looked at her and said " how many times has your dad told you that was important?" She just smiled and said "about a million". I chuckled and then thought how often do we miss the opportunity to treat our customers so well? 

Next time I wonder if going the extra mile for a client is worth it, I will remember a nine yr old's lesson. 

5 Ideas for Engaging Employees

How do we engage employees in the workplace? Here are 5 suggestions you might find helpful...

1. Listen. How often do we pass off a comment made in a meeting or session and not really hear what the person is asking for? By increasing our active listening skills we can better understand what the employees are asking. Happily the majority of workers in today's world say they do have input and are listened to. This is a good start but not the ultimate answer. 
2. Share Values. Do your company values reflect your employees values? How often do you review these with new staff? Do they have input when joining a team? Perhaps a semi annual review is in order to ensure these two match up.
3. Ask. When our son hires a new employee, he asks the employee the following questions after a couple of weeks. What do we do here that does not make sense to you? How can we improve our systems? This is a brilliant idea as you get fresh eyes to view existing methods. Often what we think works really well can be improved and it all starts with asking.
4. Coach, Train, Mentor. Do you provide professional coaching to your staff? Why not? Expensive? Much less than inefficiency and lack of self confidence on the job. What about the retirees who are now leaving the company? Do you have a system in place to gather and use that knowledge? Most retirees I know would love to make an extra couple hundred dollars to share their information and wisdom. After all it pays for the golf fees...
5. Teamwork. Such an overused phrase, but we know for Gen Y's it is all about collaboration. What kind of team environment are you building that encourages collaboration? These future leaders are not looking for another meeting, they will use social media, the internet, and work groups to solve issues in a fraction of the time. If they feel part of the team how much more will they share? 

May Two Four

May Two Four.

If you are a Canadian then you know what that means. This is that unique weekend spent by Canadians to celebrate the end of winter. After all when you have what seems like 82 months of winter you are doing anything to welcome summer!

This is the traditional weekend for planting the flowers getting outside and enjoying the sun. The boats are back here on the lake and every few minutes we hear another engine buzzing by.

This long weekend we have two guests, our three-year-old granddaughter and a six-year-old British bulldog who can snore as loud as I can!

Just imagine the great memories that we will create in these few days for that little girl. Fishing in the lake, planting flowers, sowing the vegetable garden, all life experiences that sadly we get too busy to enjoy with our hectic lives when we are young. Almost forgot, tonight we get to go to the fireworks at Little lake! ( not sure who is more excited about that one)

I think this is one of the greatest blessings of being a grandparent, getting to spend that quality time to mentor and teach and have fun! I was way too serious when our kids were growing up, so now, I get to act like a goof and the three little girls love it! The goofier the better! In fact I think I do a pretty good Goofy impression. 

Jessica (the three yr old) and I were pretty much rolling on the ground with laughter yesterday as we worked the flower beds in preparation for today's planting. 

A trip to the market this morning and we are good to go with the planting. She pooped out on me though and is taking a nap... Again, why is it I can't take one of those Barb? 

So we are all ready to do our duty on this May two four weekend. 

Heck there may even be a bottle of beer in it for Grandpa!

Apologies are not always the same

Have you ever wondered if different personalities apologize differently?

Quite often this is the way it sounds...

The "D" style will say "Well, I am sorry" in a tone that makes you feel it was your fault anyway...:)

The "I" style will usually say "Hey sorry, want to grab a pizza and a beer?" with a big smile!

The "S" style gives the most sincere apology, "I am so sorry please forgive me, how can I make it up to you?"

And then there is my style (Bill) the "C" will just say

Yup, that's right nothing. We "C" styles hate to admit a mistake and so will seldom acknowledge it.

Of course this is a generalization, but you would be surprised how accurate it can be. Think about the people around you and their apology style...

Oh, by the way my "S" is screaming at me "I am so sorry if I have offended anyone with this!" LOL

Canada eh?

Canada eh?

Yes, well we Canadians are a hearty breed. While others are basking in warmer climates enjoying the sunshine and heat, we like to be hardy like these poor crocus'. I took this shot on the first day of spring here in the land of the Great White North. 

Nothing says unstoppable like a crocus in a Canadian garden on the first day of Spring. While we mere mortals extol the virtues of the sunny south, these patriots deem to stay with the country though out the entire winter. No snowbirds here.

Of course, Barb and I are exempt from our defection of our country for the sun drenched beaches of Central and South America. Hey, we were working! It is tough work to be paid to sit on board a 5 star luxury liner, eat lobster, and assist passengers with their travel questions. We have hazards on the job too. 

What about sunburn, what about weight gain, what about any other BS you can think of to try and make us feel a little less guilty at having left the motherland for this Nirvana?

Oh well, the trials of being us. 

Now, about that groundhog who obviously messed up this year. Where's my 22?

Movember and Sons

I had a call from our son Chris asking if I wanted to participate in this years campaign. New this year is an opportunity for sons and fathers to work together. 

I am very proud of Chris who has lead a BIG team in the Kitchener area for the past three years. Of course any chance to spend time with your son is invaluable so here goes...

It's been a very long time since I wore a "stache" about three decades! I am the guy in the middle...

So what is Movember all about? Here is some info from their website. 

Check out the team site here. http://ca.movember.com/team/426821

 

Movember is an annual charity initiative responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on men’s faces around the world, to raise awareness, support and funding for men’s health issues, specifically prostate cancer and male mental health. Movember is the world's largest men's health movement and the largest non-government funder of prostate cancer globally.

 

I encourage you to all support this great cause, form a team or just support a friend. No friends? Support me!! :) 

 

You can donate by clicking this link. http://mobro.co/billbob3 

 

Thanks for caring! I will keep you up to date on the "growth"

Leaders on Leadership

We asked Tony Haddad (Past President AMCTO) six key leadership questions for today’s existing and upcoming leaders, here are his responses...

Was there one experience that really helped your career? Why?

      My career was assisted by a secondment to manage a public transit company.  This provided me with valuable operational experience to blend with corporate administrative skills to provide a more balanced perspective toward leadership and providing direction and advice to staff and board of directors.

What do you believe to be the most important leadership skill?

        I think the one of the most important leadership skills is the ability to assess matters and provide advice/direction in a timely manner. The ability to articulate and communicate to your audience is essential to effective leadership.

 What do you consider to be the most important decisions you make in your role as a leader?

       Among the most important decisions leaders make are those based on collaborative consultations with colleagues, representing the best interests of the organization.

 In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing tomorrow’s leaders?

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing tomorrow’s leaders?

        Challenges facing tomorrow’s leaders will include support networks that include sufficient experience to support leadership initiatives.  In addition, adaptation to cultural shifts in how we communicate and effectively engage stakeholders and customer expectations.

 What one thing is it that a newly appointed leader needs to be doing more of?

      Newly appointed leaders should ensure and encourage collaborative consultation among the leadership team, comprising diverse representatives to and sustain effective decision making.

 What advice would you give to a new and upcoming leader?

        Surround yourself with a balance of skilled professionals, new and seasoned, with a cross-section of experience as the basis for a dynamic and effective leadership team.

The Seeds of Greatness

The Seeds Of Greatness...

Ah, summer vegetables, fruit and such. How wonderful is the harvest of the season? What about your harvest season?

This tomato was from a single plant in my garden that became lunch today. It grew from a single seed. 

But, look at the abundance of seeds within it! How many more plants could be started from this one piece of fruit?

Sometimes we wonder if we are having an impact in our lives, or the lives of others around us. Sometimes we doubt if we make a difference. 

Next time you feel that way, think of the tomato, it all starts with a single seed and that seed is you. Go make something awesome happen in the lives of others. 

Who knows how many you can inspire?

Snap!

So as I was sitting on the deck working hard... (yeah right) this morning I saw a small black image scurry off to my right.

Mouse!

It scurried away into a hole in the ground near the garage.

Now being the intrepid hunter I am, I considered my options. After all this is man's work, Barb would freak out if she saw a mouse. What to do? Should I fill in the hole? Set a trap near the hole?

Where is my dog when I need her?

I could call for help, cause I am a chicken when it comes to this stuff. Hey, these things have teeth!

I went for technology. A better mousetrap!

Well actually just one of the cheap ones you buy at the hardware store. You know the kind, these are made of wood and if you don't move fast bang your finger is toast.

Now we live in the country, actually on an island. Not sure how this little rodent made it here, (maybe an Olympic swimmer) but there is a causeway. But that is usually just a great spot for roadkill of these varmints.

Squirrels don't fare much better on that road...

But I digress, so this great white hunter set the trap (without setting it off, a minor miracle in itself) and went back to working on the laptop.

About 15 minutes later, SNAP!

As I looked around the corner cautiously I half expected to see poor Mickey in his final throes...

So what did I see, a trap upside down, clearly set off, and a chipmunk booking it down the garden path for anywhere away from me and the trap!

Must have scared the devil out of him... :)

Now, I like chipmunks sort of, and I know all of you do, so rather than tick off all our friends and clients I removed the trap and went with other methods for the mouse.

My neighbour has this 300 pound cat that has been looking a little peckish lately, perhaps an invitation to dinner is in order...

Employees-Don't beat 'em, Treat 'em

Have you ever watched the TV show Undercover Boss?

The theme is simple, the boss goes undercover to discover for him/her self how the employers are feeling about the company what efficiencies can be improved etc...

More often than not the boss is shocked to learn about their employees. It makes for interesting TV.

The key result every time I have watched this show is that people just want to be recognized for being people.

Sure it's great PR for the company to do this and the employee usually gets a bonus, but the big plus is that the employee is recognized as a human being.

Tears are shed, promises made and change generally happens.

Do you have to go undercover to find these things out in your organization? I don't think so.

By remembering their style either say, "Thanks for a job well done" or "You are awesome!" It's that simple.

Treat them with the respect they deserve rather than beat them into your way of thinking, it does work, heck maybe you want to show this to YOUR boss!

4 Ways to respond to the "D" Style

Here are four simple ways to respond when working with a "D" style individual..
1. Use a firm and direct tone
2. Focus on action and goals
3. Ask: What type of questions
4. Expect a challenge from this style, it shows interest on their part!

Progress at what price?

Recently I was visiting at the Peterborough Hospital.

I used to know the old building pretty well, as two of our three kids were born there.

A few years ago they tore down the old buildings to build a beautiful and very modern Regional Health Centre. It is state of the art and will serve our community well for many years. The modern technology and design all add to a facility that is designed to take the community well into the future with the best of patient care.

As I was walking, I noticed this stained glass window in a wood framed case.It has a special place here but you have to wonder about the significance the world puts on the Good Samaritan today. Whatever your personal beliefs are, this was the sentiment of the day when the original Peterborough Civic Hospital was built.

Kudos to the hospital board for keeping the image and displaying it still. Undoubtedly, it would have politically easier to store it in a warehouse in the minds of many.

In the end I believe hospitals and health care centres are still about mercy and caring and coming to the aid of those less fortunate.

If we leave this behind, what price do we pay for progress?

Whats on the other side?

As many of you know Barb and I also own a performing arts school called stagecoach schools.
The year-end show is coming up and we are working on the sets for the stage as you can see in this picture.
The picture shows the infrastructure of the set, the important part is on the other side where all the painting happens.
Its a little bit like our personalities, what we show the world isn't always what's on the inside.
Maybe that is where the phrase putting your best face forward came from?

Resilience

Well, I suppose for some summer has arrived. Hey, its the May two four weekend right? Let me tell you, that is not all that has arrived.

We have a very healthy crop of dandelions this year as well.

Hardy little things aren't they? I have pulled, yanked, sprayed (with soap and stuff) and still they are basking in the sun.

Do you have days when you feel like a dandelion? No matter what is thrown at you, you just keeping clinging to the earth?

Resilience, a good quality in humans, not so much for dandelions...

Dive Dive Dive

One of my boyhood dreams was to be a submariner.

If the Canadian Navy had actually had a fleet of operating boats, perhaps life would have been very different.

The Canadian fleet of the early 60’s consisted of 4 four old Oberon class diesel submarines. These operated on a marginal basis at best. We did not have the fancy fleet like the Americans.

I would read in National Geographic of their great Navy fleets and this new submarine that was atomic powered, the Nautilus. This was the future. Imagine a boat that could cruise under the polar cap and around the world with no need for refuelling! This was the stuff of fiction, not reality in Canada.

What was this compulsion towards submarines? I have asked myself that many times. Self diagnosing all my strange psychosis trying to figure out if I had some hidden meaning in wanting to be in a boat (they are called boats not ships) that was built for stealth and secrecy and black ops. Being a high “C” style that fit my personality style, after all, we “C”s like our privacy and our secrets. 

Nope, I just thought it would be a neat career.

A few years ago we were speaking in New York and driving back we tripped across the US submarine service museum at Groton Conn. Imagine the thrill when we found the Nautilus sitting there at permanent dock with FREE tours!

 I was like that kid of 10 complete with goose bumps itching to get on board and discover her secrets. It was fabulous. I had waited over 40 years to realize that dream.

However I had still not actually dived in a sub. Then we came to Aruba... This year I had the opportunity to board a tourist submarine and dive to 130 feet! Wow, what a thrill! Imagine getting off a cruise ship to get on a boat that is designed to sink! 

Barb did not come...

              

           

So what is the message of all this?

Delayed gratification is a term we don’t hear very often in today’s world. Everyone wants everything now. There is no waiting in this instant society. Instant breakfast, instant on for my iPad, instant coffee, everything is no more waiting.

If we think back to previous generations they were used to this idea of delayed gratification. There’s was a world of economic uncertainty and no credit. They had to wait for the toys and better things in life. When was the last time you heard of someone sleeping on the idea of a purchase before saying yes?

Perhaps this is the time to re-instate that theory. Imagine how different the world may be. No more impulse shopping. No more closets full of wasted clothes. No more beta machines because they were out first. 

Come on, I know I was not the only one who fell for that!

The old saying “good things come to those who wait” might still have life in it... 

The Cocooning Theory

As you know we travel a fair bit and I have noticed a peculiar habit in human behaviour.

Have you ever been on a tour bus and watched people fill the seats? Invariably they start at the front and fill in every seat toward the back of the bus.

Rarely do you see them skip a row, as if they have to keep in perfect order.

Strange thing is, we have seen this happen over and over again and yet the back of the bus is empty!

The first 20 seats fill with everyone crammed into a tiny little space with bags on their laps and practically sitting on top of each other. By the way it works on boats too!

Why does this happen?

Well, I have a theory and I call it The Cocooning Theory. I believe humans have a basic need to belong with the pack. Perhaps it is a sheep mentality of just following blindly what the person in front does but I believe it goes deeper. Humans I believe need to belong and satisfy a need for security with the old adage of there is strength in numbers.

Not us, we head right to the back of the bus and grab a double seat each. Ahhh space!

Be a rebel grab a seat at the back!

Hummingbirds - So tiny, so big!

HUMMINGBIRDS - IMPORTANT?

We met this little fellow when we stopped at a roadside cafe in Costa Rica this winter. In fact there were dozens of these tiny mini jets zooming around our heads as we looked at the flower gardens.

I never knew they could make such a racket. These birds are very territorial and when some other bird gets near their spot they let them know it! For such a small creature they can make a lot of noise! Does that sound like anyone you know?

What can we learn from such a small non aggressive little bird? Perhaps sometimes it’s the little guy you have to watch out for that is making all the noise...

Or, how about this, you don’t have to be a big dog to get the attention of others?

The list could go on forever when it comes to the hummingbird.

These little powerhouses beat their wings anywhere from 12-80 times per second! And you thought your heart rate gets going when you go jogging...

Size, does it matter? Well frankly, yes, to a hummingbird. They have to land on the most precarious perches. If they were a “normal” sized bird they would break the flower. I think hummingbirds are nature’s idea of a bee on steroids!

Colourful and fun to watch they can brighten your day just by buzzing by. You know people in your life like that don’t you? 

Tell them they brighten your day, it will probably brighten theirs!