LOST

Calling myself a frequent flyer is a bit of an understatement. I have logged 3 million miles on American Airlines alone. Not sure what the total would be considering all the other major airlines along with obscure ones like Uzbek Air, Aegean Air, Thai Airlines etc.

During the many years and miles of travel I've never lost luggage. Delayed yes, but never lost. That record ended on my recent trip back from Cyprus. It has been almost a month now and still no one seems to know where my bags are. Some of my best suits and ties were in that bag along with cuff links, shoes and training material. Not important articles in the big scheme of things, but nice things I wish I had not lost.

During the process of making property claim with the airlines, I began to think about real loss. Loss of things which are much greater than just a bunch of clothes. I thought of such things as loss of family members, loss of good health, loss of money or a job because of the economic crisis. I thought about how many people just don't know how to deal with loss because their life is dependent on something or someone. I also thought about the loss of a persons good reputation and name because of foolish choices. As leaders we may be confronted with tempting situations in our personal and professional lives. The choices we make may determine whether...or not... we will suffer a life time loss of an overall quality of good character. Here's a few things to think about before you have to make those choices.

1. Know who you are and what you stand for.

2. Determine where your values come from and why they are important.

3. Determine what is most important in your life and stay focused.

4. Determine to be a man/woman of unyielding integrity.

5. Write your values down and review them regularly.

6. Honor your commitments to your friends, spouse, family, clients and to God.

I know what my "Center" is. As a result, I might lose everyTHING, but won't suffer LOSS.

Press on...

Giving Back ..... Novemeber 2009 Moscow Russia

In his book "Finishing Well" Bob Buford talks about the transition of going from success to significance, moving from the activity of making money to making a difference in the lives of individuals, societies and communities of this world. He then gives his readers several examples of how this has been done through a number of case studies. Some of these "how to" examples come from well known personalities like Peter Drucker, Roger Staubach, Ken Blanchard and others who have found ways to "Give Back" to the world community in various ways.

In addition to operating Extension Management as a Business Coach, I am also President of my own 501c3 company which is dedicated to mobilizing businessmen and women to places like Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Bulgaria etc. This past week we have worked with "The English Exchange" in Moscow. We are a group of business professionals who desire to have a positive impact on the lives of people living in emerging countries and economies. We teach at Universities, and conferences about business leadership, values, ethics, processes etc. We want to connect with young professionals who don't have the same benefits we have here in the U.S. for professional development opportunities. Conscious of how blessed we have been in business we want to "give back" by sharing our knowledge which has set us on the path of success. We are continually seeking ways to pour back into these less developed locations some of the richness we have enjoyed over the years.

There is a old saying "you will not be remembered for what you got, but what you gave." The most satisfied and happiest leaders I know have found ways to "give back" to others. Here are just a few ideas about how you might do the same thing.

1. Give time and money to your local boys or girls club.

2. Coach a ball team or swim team.

3. Volunteer in a soup line or participate in food distribution programs

4. Giving money is the easiest, but all non profits still need the $$ to keep going.

5. Be a "Character Counts Coach" in your local school.

6. Find a church that has an active outreach structure.

7. Be a guest speaker at the Community College for business..... Do it for FREE.

8. Call me and find out how to get connected world wide

The lines between what I do to make money in business, and the work I do as a non-profit have begun to blur. I'm so much a part of both activities that they seem as one. I'm grateful for that. By being intentional, focused and balanced I can stay on track as I strive to "Finish Well."