Patterns of Ineffectiveness
We all have them. . . Patterns of behavior that impair our ability to accomplish what we say we most want. Much has been written about the many outside forces that can stand in our way of getting ahead in life. Certainly, there are the old stalwarts: economic trends, not having the right connections, the “glass ceiling,” ageism and a long list of other “isms.”
But, what about those forces that are closer to home? Self-sabotaging behavior patterns we tend to overlook?
Many of us engage in regular practices that are simply time wasters. If your workdays often leave you feeling unfulfilled, it could mean it’s time to reassess your workflow system. Is the length of your “to do” list realistic or overwhelming? Do you over-promise in ways that cause you to often fall short? How organized are you? Have you streamlined your paper flow or do you often waste time searching for lost items? Are you a “Lone Ranger” or have you enlisted a support team?
I’ve met and coached many successful business people that confess to being aware that they have some of these common patterns of ineffectiveness. They also acknowledge that they’d be a third to twice as effective if they’d commit to altering them, and yet they don’t. Why?
It’s not easy for most people to hear but our behaviors tie into our core beliefs about trust and self-worth. The micro-manager can’t bring him or herself to delegate because of a lack of trust that the job will get done without their strict oversight. This can be a legitimate concern if you’re launching a new initiative, but it can be a nonsensical one when you’re two years into responsibilities that have become routine.
It takes a high level of self-esteem to build a team that may in many ways be more experienced, or smarter, than yourself. However, in truth, it is the only way to really grow. Unless you’re in start-up mode, you should be able to take vacations with confidence.
Have a sit-down with your team and ask for honest feedback about what works and doesn’t work about your management style. Commit to logging all of your workday activities for a week in fifteen-minute increments. Notice patterns that surface that may not be serving you. Do you allow constant interruptions? Or do you set aside focus time – just for yourself? Once you identify the practices that don’t work it’s time to establish and commit to new ones that do work. You’ll discover that the internal forces you can alter have much more of an impact that the external forces you can’t.
Thriving During Tough Times
Answer this question: How is the state of the economy impacting your business? You can easily slip into a state of depression if you look too often at news headlines. Cable news can paralyze you, if you’re too plugged into the constant beat of gloom and doom.
Yes, obviously there are economic factors that impact consumer spending – but don’t let those factors immobilize you. Tough times call for developing fresh and creative ways of marketing your personal brand. You may have to add value with bonus items or other specialties to close more deals.
Some businesses actually fare better in a down economy. Often, it’s because they’ve found a way to appeal to people’s need for comfort and familiarity in times of uncertainty.
Everyone loves a bargain, especially during tough times. Are their ways you can bundle your offerings or add some freebies that will make them that much more enticing? Try tying your unique selling proposition to the headlines. Offer “Recession-Buster” or “Beat the Oil Price Blues” specials. If you offer workshops and seminars, consider web-based methods of delivery that let you reach more people as less costs. Many businesses are finding it to be twice as efficient to present and transact via the web. Many new solutions now add full-motion video to the mix. The most progressive webinar platform is offered by Adobe Systems.
One of the more common mistakes made by marketers is not creating a sense of urgency. Always give prospects a reason to act now, otherwise they won’t. However, exercise caution in presenting deadlines that are clearly artificial ploys. If your offer is tied to true space or time limitations you’ll have a stronger argument.
Finally, consider taking a break from the financial news headlines – and insist that your support team do the same. Yes, you need to have a basic sense of what’s going on – but you also may be better served by not falling into the rhythm of the times. Breakthroughs occur when people forge ahead in spite of the times.
There will always be naysayers and pessimists willing and ready to tell you what won’t work. You get to choose whether to get caught in that web or to press on.
Repairing the Clinton Brand
No doubt, Bill and Hillary Clinton continue to debrief and analyze what went wrong with her 2008 bid for the Presidency. Clearly they underestimated the gamesmanship of their opponent. They failed to understand the power of the caucus process and were late in discovering how to use the internet to appeal to grassroots donors. Those missteps are blatantly obvious.
But there are subtler and perhaps more damaging factors that caused Hillary to lose. Ones you can learn from in your own personal branding campaign.
First, she failed the authenticity test. Her attempts to portray herself as a “gun slinging, beer guzzling, blue collar gal,” after it was clear that her campaign was in jeopardy, just rang false. Pandering is perceived as desperation. It just doesn’t work.
Second, both Clintons all but validated critics that have always questioned their integrity. They demonstrated time and time again that they would say or do anything to win. Most of us have a moral compass. If you agree to rules you must adhere to the rules, or at least work fairly to have them modified. Not reinterpret them just because the scorecard isn’t lining up in your favor.
In more confident times, Hillary Clinton said Michigan’s votes wouldn’t count, only to later completely contradict that statement. Her recollection of her trip to Bosnia and their continued attempts to defend their version of the story would make you think that the Clintons are unaware of a 1951 invention called videotape. Certainly, they curse its existence.
Third, Hillary allowed Bill to overshadow her stature. Having him so prominently visible out on the trail was a subconscious act of self-sabotage. If we’ve learned anything it is that the former President lacks self-control. There is no longer a Bill Clinton mystique. He faced impeachment with more grace and confidence than he’s shown during this campaign season.
If my comments seem harsh it’s because I’m left deeply disillusioned by their misguided actions. Up until recently, I’d wholeheartedly bought into the Clinton brand despite its blemishes. I’d given Bill a pass on everything, including Monica. But this time he and Hilary went too far. Comments viewed as racially insensitive, whether calculated for limited political expediency or not, could cost them a lifetime of good will within the African-American community.
They’ve added insult to injury by not owning their results. Blaming the media, misogynists or the Democratic Primary process they agreed to are all weak excuses, in light of the facts.
Can the Clintons repair their brand? If, and perhaps only if, they are sincere in their pledge to rally behind Obama will they reclaim some sense of stature. Most will forgive, but few will ever forget.