Maximum Change, Inc.

Running the Race can be Exhausting

maximumchange — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:01:06 +0000

As a professional coach I hear this all the time… I’m exhausted! I mean, who isn’t exhausted these days? Many of us are working hard, putting in long hours and then there is the family and civic responsibilities.

I get it we are all tired and to be honest I could use a vacation. But even when I am on vacation I am thinking of my to-do list. So how do you shut it off and focus on something else? For me, it starts with a decision that my smart phone, email in box and the never ending to-do list can wait. When my son asks me to spend time with him – I listen and where at all possible I will drop everything and spend that precious time with him. Why? Because what I put into my family will last much longer than the action item on that list. I determined a long time ago that there are non-negotiables in my life that start with my faith and extend to my family. I realize that many don’t always have as much luxury to put things on hold at a moments notice. But, you certainly do have the ability to control many aspects of your life by making a decision. Make a decision on what controls your focus. For some, there life is a stream of get up, go to work, come home late, kiss the spouse, vegetate on the coach and go to bed late.

Some ways to take back your life:

1. Eat a good breakfast each day and snack on healthy foods throughout the day. Moderate lunch and a good dinner. Diet is important to how you feel.

2. Exercise – even walking the steps at work is better than no exercise at all – but, if you can run, walk or actually go to the gym 3 to 5 times a week where possible.

3. When you get home, eat a sit-down meal with your family as many times a week as possible. Turn the phones and television off and spend time focused on your spouse and kids.

4. Read or spend time talking to your kids before bed.

5. Spend time talking to your spouse. Tell them the highs and lows of your day. Tell them your joys, sorrows and frustrations form the day. This is not about dumping on your spouse or telling them where they went wrong. This about sharing the inner-most feelings you have. Verbal intimacy builds emotional intimacy which grows the chances of physical intimacy.

6. IF you spend a lot of time with the television when you get home – I would strongly encourage you to have your cable shut off. Television is the one thing that sucks the life out of families and relationships. Spend time with your spouse.

7. Go to bed at a decent time WITH your spouse.

8. Take a power nap on the weekends. Now that you don’t have TV in your way you can get some rest. If you have an office and can get away with it – close and lock the door at work during lunch time, turn on the do not disturb on your phone – silence the cell and power nap for 15 minutes.

9. When on vacation – shut the phone and email off altogether or make an agreement with yourself and your family that you will only check your messages once a day.

Trust me when I say that I believe in work hard – play hard… I work very hard… but when it is time to shut things down and spend time with the important aspects of my life – I am 1000% in it.

Life is a marathon – you cross the finish line only when you pass from this life into the next. My personal retirement plan – when I am dead, I am retired. Until then I am going to live out my life with as much purpose as possible and I will always default to focusing on those things that are most important.

What decisions do you need to make to put your life back into balance?

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Philip A Foster, MA is Founder/CEO of Maximum Change Inc. Elevating leaders and their organizations to the next level since 2005. Master Certified Coach, Philip A Foster, MA and his associates facilitate effective positive change by helping organizations, leaders and individuals in high demand — design and implement strategies that maximize focus and deliver results. Specializing in Organization and Strategic Leadership.

Developing the Global Leader – Transitioning Leaders and Their Organizations to a Global Environment.

maximumchange — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:16:29 +0000

Entering the 21^st century we find a time of unprecedented globalization of business and economies. The advent of the Internet and other technologies are linking individuals across cultures and creating collaborations unheard of in centuries past.

Through this reality, leaders must understand the impact a globalized economy brings to the doors of their business. Accessibility of information and goods via theInternet opens doors for nearly every business to compete globally. As the global economy arrives and leaders step forward into the global arena, they must understand geography, language, customs, values, ethics, varying laws and national psychologies will all determine their success within the global marketplace. Leaders and their organizations must learn to move beyond their worldview and open themselves to the complexities of cultures, geography, laws, customers and languages that await them.

Leaders who take the time to become culturally literate will best develop relationships that positively impact their organization. Developing relationships is essential to the success of any leader who seeks to operate in the global context. Developing relationships builds respect, trust, and creates understanding. Developing relationships of trust creates freedom amongst the followers to self-initiate solutions to problems without delay or confusion.

Cultural Barriers

Barriers to success exist in nearly any business environment. Operating within a global context adds new layers and challenges related to languages, customs, values, traditions and laws. Challenging these barriers will certainly create friction and will ultimate affect our ability to listen and understand the viewpoints on those we lead. Lack of understanding creates frustration, mistakes and deters trust and relationship building between the leader and their followers.

While English is considered the global language of business, differing language still creates barriers to effective leadership within the global context. Language as part of the human experience symbolically links individuals to assumptions, rules for interaction, and even expectations. When a leader shows effort to understand and speak the local language, they develop deeper connections and relationships with their followers. Learning the language displays a good faith effort to embrace the culture and engage the followers at a deeper level. When a leader removes any possibility of perceived arrogance, they open themselves up to honest dialogue and appreciation by their followers.

Learning local customs and language is helpful; however there is no easy fix to these barriers. Jay Galbraith, in his book Designing the Global Corporation, explains that the leader must live in the context of structural indeterminacy which states that “no single structure is the answer when dealing with complex business models that must respond to cross-border business opportunities, demands for local citizenship, and cross-border purchasing or efficiencies.” Add to this any attempt to force entry into a culture without adherence to their local customs, languages, and so forth will limit the ability to operate within the context of that environment.

Organizational Adaptations – Competing globally

Much can be said for the individuals who attempt to understand and seek greater familiarity within a given culture. This is accomplished through an ability to create emotional connections with followers. Emotional connection is best achieved through sincere interest in the local language, customs, food and other cultural attributes as well as skillfully listening and responding to needs. For example, time is more fluid in the Latin culture with punctuality more forgiving than their American counterparts. Arriving early within a Latin culture is considered rude and when leaders understand this cultural difference, they are better able to assimilate into the culture and less likely to offend. Food is also a great way to level barriers as it is. Food levels barriers because each culture holds great pride in their food and enjoying a meal with members of your host country builds relationships and much deeper level.

To compete globally, leaders must learn to effectively adapt to the cultures they operate within. Doing so builds trust and a lasting loyalty. Adaptation occurs through a leader’s curiosity and desire to not only learn but embrace the culture. While we are all humans on one planet, there is such complexity that we must learn new ways to observe and interact with the environment form which we operate. The human condition appears to be sublimated to our ability to desire and achieve relationships with others. It is through this relationship that we build understanding, mutual respect and trust.

Conclusion

Leading in a global context is a complex matter rooted in an ability to understand and connect with the culture and its people. When we connect with individuals within a given culture, we improve the quality of our decisions by developing close relationships and loyalty with the people. Leaders are better able to develop and avoid unnecessary risk and emotionally connect with the people for whom you lead. Unfortunately emotional connectedness requires more than effective listening skills and language. Leading in a global context requires understanding of not just the people but the context of their worldview, customs, local conditions and laws.

To develop as a global leader requires humility, inquisitiveness and the earnest desire to build honest connections with those who serve the organization in foreign places. At the end of the day, the successful global leader is more interested in building rapport long before they consider the bottom line. Successful global leaders understand that quality relationships are developed over a longer period of time.

Literacies of Global Leadership – The art of understanding and connecting

maximumchange — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:24:57 +0000

Having traveled a bit outside of the United States, there is some sense that cultural differences are challenge enough without having to lead an organization within them. Organizations must deal with worldviews that make assumptions of how things area rather than how they should be (Sire, 1997, p 16). Beyond worldviews; complexities in geographical terrain, language, laws, and customs should all be considered.

Understanding terrain aids in developing and looking for opportunities for the organization to develop relationships and pursue knowledge which can translate into an impact within the marketplace (Black, Morrison, and Gregersen, 1999, p 51). Considering the terrain of a country aids in managing high levels of uncertainty and balances tensions in the global marketplace (Black, et.al, 1999, p 87 and 95). Such tensions as customer demands, employee practices, government policies, production technologies, and competitor responses differ greatly between countries (Black, et.al, 1999, p 95-96).

Language, Customs, Values, Traditions and Laws are all part of what James Sires called cultural relativism. Cultural relativism relies on the ideal that culture will preserve itself when threatened (Sire, 1999, p 87). Cultural language barriers, for example, can severely restrict the ability to listen and effectively understand (Black et.al, 1999, p 119). Black et.al (1999) argues that any absence of cultural sensitivity will result in mistakes and may hinder emotional connection with those within the culture in which you operate (p. 120).

Understanding people within a given culture requires familiarity with local conditions (Black et.al, 1999, p 121). This understanding highlights the context from which people develop and express viewpoints and thereby improve the quality of decisions made (Black et.al, 1999, p 121-124).

Global leadership is a complex matter appearing vastly rooted in an ability of leaders to understand and connect with the culture and its people at a deeper level.

References:

Sire, James W. (1997). The Universe Next Door. Third Edition. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press

Black, J.S., Morrison, A.J. and Gregersen, H.B. (1999). Global Explorers. The Next Generation of Leaders. New York, NY: Routledge.

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January 1, 2012 – HAPPY NEW YEAR | Maximum Change to succeed in 2012

maximumchange — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:41:14 +0000

For whatever reason, many believe they can go it alone. You might believe that you can read enough books, go to more seminars, and get another degree to succeed. While there is nothing wrong with self-growth in those and other ways, it is not a sure way to success alone.

To reach an even higher potential more quickly you will need an outside, unbiased person to help you to succeed. Serious athletes, executives and high profile individuals understand the value of working with a coach or consultant. These professionals would never go it alone and why should you? You deserve to achieve all you’ve desired in life and a coach/consultant should be part of the process.

Coaching/Consulting can be of tremendous value to anyone. Most people would rate their lives at about a six or seven and settle for that. If you’re ready to do what it takes to achieve more in 2012 and start living at a nine, ten or even eleven, then contact me today.

Maximum Change offers a customizable solution tailored to your specific needs. We offer one-on-one coaching and mentoring to individuals and organizational leaders as well as consulting services in a number of areas. Our professional team has over 100 years of collective experience.

Contact us today for a FREE consultation. http://www.maximumchange.com or call us at (615) 216-5667 Monday through Friday.

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December 31, 2011 – DAY 31 | What is your plan?

maximumchange — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:49:36 +0000

December 31, 2011 – DAY 31 | What is your plan? I recently tweeted that Resolutions are useless without a plan. Your 31-day adventure to a New You in the New Year is just the same. Perhaps you’ve come up with some themes or areas to focus on in 2012?

Ideas are wonderful things to have but they too are useless unless you write them down! For some of you, this 31-day adventure was challenging but you stuck with it. For others you casually read the blogs and did little with the information. I am here to tell you that you can’t stand in the middle of the gym and gain muscle mass any more than you can reach your goals by doing nothing! Reaching your goals requires a well thought through plan of attack. You need more than just a laundry list of goals; you need a life plan. Writing your goals down will increase exponentially the chances that you will move toward that goal and increases the potentiality of you achieving it.

For some of you the plan is not enough. You will need encouragement and advice along the way. I encourage anyone who will listen to me that they need a good mentor, coach and sometimes even a consultant. Change requires decision, motion, momentum, and a plan.

Today’s challenge: Write down your goals and start developing a life plan. For Maximum Change in your life you might even want to contact me for a FREE consultation: http://www.maximumchange.com

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December 30, 2011 – DAY 30 | Momentum

maximumchange — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 18:53:36 +0000

December 30, 2011 – DAY 30 | Momentum: I have spent 30 days writing a blog challenging you to discover a New You in the New Year. I have given you many things to think about. But thoughts are useless without actions to back them up.

Momentum is a wonderful tool if you can figure out how to use it properly. All too often I see people who start out well but slowly lose their momentum. Many even give up too soon. Perhaps I am an eternal optimist, but I think that many will give up long before they actually started trying. Many times fear, fatigue, or even lost focus will kill the momentum. I should know because I’ve killed the momentum before. Somehow we get in our minds that momentum is about going faster and faster. The reality is that all you need is steady movement in the right direction.

Recently I completed a 6 mile hike in Central Southern Tennessee. The trail was absolutely stunning and with each turn was another waterfall. The sights along the trail were breathtaking. It was, by far, the most beautiful hike I’ve been on in a long time. My hikes typically start off with a nice pace. The longer on the trail, the more likely I am to start feeling the fatigue of the trip. Hiking in the mountains of Tennessee is no walk in the part either. There are segments of trails in which you must traverse obstacles such as rocks and boulders. These obstacles will absolutely slow you down and add to your fatigue.

What occurred to me is that with momentum it is not about speed or trajectory, but consistent movement in the desired direction. I had a few choices I could have made on the trail. Sit down and give up; keep going full speed ahead; or take my time and enjoy the stunning scenery at every turn. Your journey into 2012 and beyond is really about making a choice to move steadily, finding the stunning scenery. Momentum is not about the race to the finish line but about enjoying the journey to the next opportunity.

Don’t give up – keep moving.

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December 29, 2011 – DAY 29 | Passion

maximumchange — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:43 +0000

December 29, 2011 – DAY 29 | Passion: As a coach I often hear clients say I don’t have direction or I’ve lost my passion. My response is typically to help them consider that they don’t have passion because they have lost sight of the calling or purpose for their life.

Somewhere along the way they have put aside the idea of excellence and settled for mediocre. I have found that many go through life rarely experiencing, much less understanding what their purpose is, much less how passion plays a part in moving us toward our purpose.

Passion is an intense driving, focused feeling, conviction, strong liking, desire for, or devotion to, some activity, object, or concept. You experience passion in that moment when you are so moved that you can do nothing but act on the very thing that is calling you. It is all you know to do from the very depth of your being. It is that burning need to go, to do, or to achieve something greater than is otherwise thought possible.

Passion is what motivates us to take the next step or move to the next level to start the next action. It brings an excitement from deep within and spurs us to act upon and follow our desires. It is the very thing that fires us up; move us forward and creates a focus of energy and effort. To put it simply, passion is the fuel that drive our purpose.

I had a client explain their passion to me like this: It is something I feel I have to do… I couldn’t ignore it if I wanted to. It’s a calling… I truly believe that. To ignore it feels like I’m betraying myself and God by robbing the world of what I have to offer through the gifts He has given me. These words are a powerful example of what passion means to someone who is experiencing its pull.

You may be thinking, ok I had passion for something at one point in my life but not anymore. What happened? The answer is in the tough reality that you either use it or lose it. Passion begins to fade from your focus over time because of the busyness and demands of life. Many have placed their passion on the back burner to simply get through each day. After a while, in this state, we forget our passion. We may then link our passion to a life dream or goal that appears too far out of reach.

I have known many a client who were passionate about something as a kid and actually pursued it through their adulthood. This can be observed with successful athletes and musicians. I have equally seen many lose traction and get buried in an avalanche of life issues.

Consider the things that excite you. What are they? What would you say that you have a passion for? Write it down!

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December 28, 2011 – DAY 28 | Change

maximumchange — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:43:11 +0000

December 28, 2011 – DAY 28 | Change: What I have discovered is that change takes place one of two ways: through a decision you have made to do something different or it is forced upon you by someone else or through a circumstance outside of your scope of influence.

Obviously it is better to make a decision to change rather than having it forced upon you. Change is not just a decision but also actions that back up that decision. A number of years ago when I decided to go back for a Master’s degree I had to do more than decide on going back to school. I had to decide where I wanted to go, what degree I wanted to earn and so on. Decisions are only the beginning of the change process. There are steps to moving change from thought to reality. Change requires a day-to-day commitment to the journey of change.

Each step along the path to change may be difficult but the journey eases the longer you are in it. That is not to say that you won’t get a bruise or some blisters along the way. Change is not meant to be easy. The change process is a systematic strengthening of self. This strengthening exercise best prepares you so that the change you seek sticks. It is defeating to do all the work only to give up because there was no staying power. As you journey along the road to change, make a decision to learn from the difficulties and struggles. Before you know it you will have met the challenge and the change will have occurred. Change does not take place in a vacuum. It takes place on the road of life. It is time for you to step out onto your pathway to the changes you need to live out a greater life in 2012.

Now that you have made the decision to change – it is time to map out where you are going and how you are going to get there. It is NEVER EVER too late to get started.

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December 27, 2011 – DAY 27 | Who are You & What are You Here For?

maximumchange — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 13:43:13 +0000

December 27, 2011 – DAY 27 | Who are You & What are You Here For? At the beginning of this journey I mentioned that it takes anywhere from 30 to 90-days to make changes. We are now 4 days from the New Year. If you’ve been on the journey from the beginning, you are well on your way to changing the way you think and do things.

Whether you’ve started or not, one of the most powerful questions you could ask yourself is who am I and what am I here for. I was asked that question during my first year of my doctoral program and I have to tell you that it has messed me up ever since. It’s time to get serious about our lives. I believe that we all have purpose that is fueled by passion. Start asking yourself what you would like to gain out of life. Start developing goals and plans to go for it. The only thing standing between you and who you can be is about six inches of gray matter between your ears.

Today’s Challenge: Who are you? What are you here for? What do you want out of life?

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December 26, 2011 – DAY 26 | Looking Forward More than Back

maximumchange — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 13:59:51 +0000

December 26, 2011 – DAY 26 | Looking Forward more than back: The closer we get to the New Year, the more we see television, radio and printed media focused on all the things that happened this year. For many, this looking back is more the way they live their lives.

I once heard the statement that many live their lives through the rear-view mirror. We focus all of our vision on this small mirror that offers an increasingly diminishing view of what once happened. It is as if we are eagerly holding on to the past in such a way that ignores the possibilities before us. We trade the wide view of the windshield for a tiny and decreasing view of what once was. We do so at the risk of running our lives into a ditch.

We have abused and misused our rear-view mirrors. They are meant as reference points to remind us of potential dangers. They were never meant to be the main source of information for traveling. We live in our rear-view mirrors as a way of controlling past pain and disappointment. Holding on to the past is our way of maintaining control of an ideal before things became difficult. When we move our focus to the windshield, we open ourselves up to a fantastic world of possibilities before us. It allows us to anticipate, plan, dream and do more things because we have a wider field of view. If you want to really make this coming a year a success, you have to change your range of view. You are either spending time looking back at what once was or forward to what could be. It is up to you!

Today’s Challenge: Write down those things that are in the rear-view mirror. Ask yourself how focusing on those things is forwarding you toward your goals. The past should only serve as a reminder to motivate us toward something better. The past should not become our addiction. We cannot change the past. We CAN have input on today and we make tomorrow possible.

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