Uncategorized
Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
at 9:59am
Everyone prefers to be asked rather than told. How do you feel when someone tells you to do something? Probably a bit infantilized and disrespected. How do you feel when someone asks to do something? Probably like you have freedom to choose and you genuinely want to help.
And let me tell you, there’s a big difference between the two. If an associate feels repeatedly disrespected, it will build tension and possibly even a desire to defy their orders. On the other hand, if an associate feels as though they are respectfully given an option it will build goodwill and motivate them to help in any way possible.
Gandhi once said, “I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.”
Do you address people by force or by their own free will? So many leaders out there still operate under the assumption that because they are the leader their people have to do what they say without question.
Times are changing! People today don’t respond well to the “muscle” technique. Today, you need to address people with authority—getting them to do things out of their own free will, so they genuinely want to help you. The more understood and respected people feel, the harder they will work for you.
Joe Kiedinger
Action Plan: Ask people instead of telling them when you want a job done and take note of the results!
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
at 10:02am
I had a bit of a wake-up call the other day. As I was about to walk into the front door of a large business, I glanced to my side and saw a sign marking a parking space. Essentially, it was the CEO’s VIP spot right up front.
For a second, I kind of scoffed, thinking that this CEO must have some nerve taking the best parking spot in the lot and allowing all his employees to park wherever they could manage to find a space, some even a half mile down the street. I don’t imagine that’s a very fun walk during Wisconsin winters.
Then, I caught myself and remembered most businesses in America aren’t practicing the whole Servant Leadership thing yet. We, my friends, are actually few and far between. We are leaders who have seen the value and results of this powerful leadership construct—and, Man, does that make me proud!
I have a simple challenge for you this week. Spread the word of Servant Leadership! Let friends, family members, and folks you do business with know there’s a new way of leading—and it’s incredibly effective and rewarding!
Joe Kiedinger
Action Plan: You are invited to attend the Servant Leaders of Wisconsin (Fox River Valley) free quarterly get together. The guest speaker is Robert Chapman from Barry-Wehmiller. It will be held at The Marq in De Pere, Sept 21st from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. For more information contact info@prophitmarketing.com.
Wednesday, May 25th, 2011
at 9:22am
I believe that inspiration is all around us and it seems to hit us when we’re not even looking for it.
How many times have you seen a sign at a restaurant, read an article in a magazine, or met a person who just made you stop in your tracks and think, “Wow! I’ve never thought of it that way before.”? I think we’ve all had those moments of clarity when we sort of re-evaluate our lives and walk away feeling a little taller, a little wiser, and a lot more inspired.
Here’s a quote I ran across that might inspire you:
”The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of life is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give.”
~ William Arthur Ward
This quote just screams “Servant Leadership” to me: learning, growing, changing, overcoming challenges. Caring about, serving, and giving to others. That’s what it’s all about! I’m feeling inspired, how about you?
Joe Kiedinger
Action Plan: Take note of the new things you see and how they inspire you! Share them with others!
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
at 8:43am
I just finished reading Rascal: Being a Person of Unique Character. The book describes “a rascal” as a trend setter, movement starter and decision maker who makes decisions based on the big picture and all available information, not public opinion. Near the end of the book, there is a Rascal Quiz. The quiz asks something like 135 questions. With each question, you rate yourself from “Never me” to “Always me” to “Discover your Rascal Score.” Through these questions, you are led to experiencing self-education.
Are you thirsty for knowledge? Do you crave it? Having an open and courageous mind can free you from life’s troubles that come your way. Self-taught people have the amazing ability to create, because they take the best and discard the worst of everything they read. It’s OK to begin a book, skim a few chapters and discard it if its contents are not relevant to you right now. We can’t learn unless we are ready, and sometimes we are seeking certain types of information. In these instances, it’s OK to set books aside while in search of specific content you are needing right now. Never throw a book away because you may need it later as your journey grows.
If you are on a journey of wanting to better understand your co-workers, boss or teenagers, keep reading. If this is not your journey at this time, my wisdom ends here. Bottom line is this: You are in control of your own destiny and the quickest way to grow is the old-fashioned way—slowly and deliberately through self-education and focus.
Joe
ACTION PLAN: Next week we have openings on March 21st (5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) for Teen Bootcamp! Adults only. Get to know your teen all over again. The mind of a teenager is revealed and how to tap into it. March 24th – an Introduction to the About Me Card System for Business (7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.). These are short, free seminars on 21st century communications based on Servant Leadership. Click here to hold your spot! Click here!
Wednesday, March 9th, 2011
at 9:27am
I am very excited to announce that Jim Hunter, international author and speaker, will be at the Meyer Theatre on March 31st. As many of you know, I had the good fortune to be coached over the years by Jim through his 10-year relationship with Festival Foods. Festival Foods is paying for Jim to appear in Green Bay for this free event. You just need to RSVP. Click here for more information − www.aboutmecard.com The Meyer Theatre is filling up!
The morning will kick off at 7:30 a.m. with an hour of social networking. Enjoy a cup of coffee and a muffin while being in the company of others wanting to learn more about the Servant Leadership movement. Jim will get the event rolling at 8:30 and will speak for about an hour. His presentation will be followed by a panel discussion involving companies in various stages of integrating Servant Leadership into their organizations. Other panel guests will include Tom Thibodeau, Director of the Servant Leadership Master’s program at Viterbo University.
Servant Leadership is not some soft, let’s hold hands and sing campfire songs kind of movement. It takes real guts and a spirit of respect and integrity to begin creating a Servant Leadership culture within your four walls. Servant Leadership, for those new to the movement, consists of two words and I would like to define each one for you. Servant: Meeting the legitimate emotional and physical needs (not wants) of those you lead or who are in your care. Leader: the ability to positively influence a group of people to willingly work together toward a common goal. You do not want to miss this wonderful opportunity! Servant Leadership is something that you can bring into your workplace and into your home.
Join us for an inspiring morning of learning and camaraderie!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: If you are interested, please click on the link provided for more information and where to RSVP!
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2011
at 9:45am
Danica and I went out for dinner the other night and at the restaurant we met a gentleman who cleans company parking lots. He explained that the waste that is generated from people parking in the lots goes straight to the rivers through the storm sewers. His company cleans parking lots every day to make sure all waste is disposed of properly. Furthermore, he explained that the parking lot is your first impression of a business. I agreed it certainly was!
I am simply amazed at how people make a living. Danica and I started looking at other items we use and take for granted: shoe laces, awnings, street lamps, concrete sales, or how about golf tees! I heard that there are only three golf tee manufacturers in the world. One is located in Florence County. Hey, someone’s got to do it! I take nothing for granted. Thank you to all of you whose jobs may be overlooked or misunderstood. Thank you for showing up and serving our needs—whether we realize those needs or just take them for granted!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Take nobody for granted today!
Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011
at 9:24am
Do you believe it’s possible to be stress-free while living with teenagers? The title of this Wisdom seems a little like an oxymoron. I don’t know about you, but don’t you get a little frustrated when you come across a family filled with teens and everyone seems to be getting along just fine?! It’s through my journey with my own teenager as well as the self-education I’ve done along the way that I’ve discovered something. You see, teens take a secret oath when they turn 13: “What I say I don’t mean, and what I mean I won’t say.”
Want to understand your teenager? I am holding a small group huddle-up here at my office on Broadway. We are taking the first 12 people who respond. We are looking at having a Stress-free Parents of Teens Bootcamp. Don’t bother bringing your teen. They probably won’t want to come. We are looking for stories of how our About Me Teen program brings parents and teens together to create understanding and harmony.
The New Age of communication has arrived and I will share it with you. The session will be in March and those who respond to this Wisdom on Wednesday will be notified first.
Yes, there is hope! I’m realizing it with my teen and you can do the same with yours.
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Respond back today to joek@prophitmarketing.com . Information to follow!
Wednesday, February 16th, 2011
at 9:19am
This great Wisdom on Wednesday comes from Vince Lombardi, who once said, “Not all people are created equal. Some have abundant talents and some have few. It’s not about the talents you were born with. It’s what you do with the talents you’ve been given that matters.” Have you ever heard of someone who has a beautiful voice but has no desire to sing? Or someone who is great at math but has no desire to be a mathematician? There is no mystery as to why these people are often frustrated: They can’t find their purpose in life.
Your purpose in life is directly tied to your God-given talents along with a current and relevant need. That need usually has a little pain inside you that you use to comfort those in need. We all have a purpose inside us. Find that purpose and learn what it is to be free!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Take the time to reflect on your life talents and purpose!
Wednesday, February 9th, 2011
at 9:33am
I don’t know how I could allow this Wisdom to go out without writing about my World Champion Green Bay Packers! Wow, Super Bowl championships don’t happen very often—it’s been some 14 years since our last one. After all, we had the world’s greatest quarterback in NFL history who was only able to come away with one Super Bowl victory. But hey, we’ll take it! The difference with this win is back in ‘97 we had dominating players who were strong and healthy. The Packers this year were hit with one injury after another.
But as you know, our team rose above them. What they showed the world was one thing: belief! They believed in the rookies. They believed in the practice squad players starting their first NFL games. It’s amazing how believing in people can raise their game. I know I need to work harder to show my kids and work family that I believe in them. I need to take a personal assessment of how I show or don’t show my pride and adoration for their unique abilities. I invite you to do the same with the people in your life.
I have an idea and would love some feedback. I would like to hold an event where parents, teens and business leaders can come together and learn how to support each other using an About Me Card. It would start by creating an About Me Card, and then I would hold a free event where people can come to learn how to use this card to support the unique and precious people in their care. Would you be interested? If so, please e-mail me at joek@prophitmarketing.com We have created a new way of communicating and I want to share it with you. I guarantee it will enrich your relationships at home and at work.
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Please show me your interest in this important mission of enriching your relationships.
Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011
at 9:22am
I had a powerful conversation with my 14-year-old teenager last night. He was clearly frustrated with mom and I, so I asked him, “What are three things we can do to be better parents?” He had a few more than three. Danica and I feel we always encourage our kids to be their best. We feel like we recognize each of our unique children’s achievements and help raise them up. Using our words and our optimistic style, we do encourage. However, Alex doesn’t like the way we praise him. He feels it’s insincere and not honest. Using his About Me Card, he was able to express how he interprets our praise in the manner that we choose to express it. He prefers us not to be overly enthusiastic when he’s having a bad day. It shuts him down and gets him upset.
While the details of this conversation are between our teenager and us, the lesson is clear. Many times you think you are showing appreciation when in fact you are doing the opposite. We all interpret words and actions differently. It’s important to have a sit down with your kids and at least ask the question: What are three things I can do differently to be a better parent? If they‘re not ready to provide that answer right away, ask them to think about it and get back to you.
Communication is never easy. However, by understanding what motivates your children, you can learn how to build them up and coach them to be better citizens in the future. How would you like to understand your teenager in 60 seconds for less than $15? Contact me and I’ll show you how!
Joe Kiedinger
ACTION PLAN: Ask the question!
About Me Card
