Welcome back brew nation! It’s the “Friday Coffee Guy” coming to you with a new edition of The Champion’s Brew, a weekly assembly of material I am reading, listening to, watching, or thinking about that is designed to equip and call you to uncommon leadership. I often add my own little spin based on my takeaways and would love your input as well. Any of the points especially impact you? Drop me a note at [email protected], or comment on the blog to keep the conversation going! I believe you will discover that the format is not only useful, but also that you can consume it within the time it takes you to enjoy your daily ‘brew’! Become a member of the Champions Brew Nation by subscribing here!!
Here is your weekly sip of what I have been reading, listening to or watching to equip me to:
- Worry Less – “Do you have a minute to talk?” How often do you hear that question? Often, a minute turns into 5 or 10 or 15 minutes, or even longer! I have had a couple coaching calls this week with individuals who have trouble saying ‘no’
Why can’t we say no? Have you ever used this reason before?
“I don’t want to hurt the other’s feelings”
“We have an open-door policy”
“It’s only a minute”
“What if it is important?”
I have heard all these reasons and more as a coach. I have probably used them all myself at one point! One of these distractions a day isn’t bad. Five to 10 times day can lead to significant lost time. What are some ways to reduce or minimize these distractions without coming across as rude? I have practiced a couple of these in the past:
1. Communicate ‘open hours’ –an open-door policy does not mean 24/7. You can schedule your hours. If you don’t schedule your time, someone else will!
2. Close your door and use visual management by putting a sign on your door to let your team know when you will be available.
3. Say ‘no’, but with grace. “I am sorry. I do not have a minute right now. However, I will be available at 4:00. If this is not an emergency (there sometimes are emergencies), can we sit down then? Please schedule a time for us.” This response respects the person who came in AND it respects your time as well!
I know. These tips are simple, not easy. But if you want to improve your productivity and avoid the myth of multi-tasking, you will have to learn the skill of saying ‘no’.
- Work Hard – Here’s a great life hack I could have used years ago. Anyone ever lose their cool when you stripped a screw head and not be able to finish a job properly? I can recall a handful of times. Came across this video detailing a way to overcome that challenge. I just smiled when I watched it. Maybe it can help you. This account on Instagram looks to be a good follow for other hacks like this.
- Live Forever – I really like listening to podcasts. Recently, I came across this interview of Fobby Naghmi on the Insights Interview podcast from Steve Scanlon, founder and CEO of Rewire. At the 31:36 mark of the interview, Steve shares a powerful poem written by Christine Beckwith titled “Your Story”. I thought I would share it with you:
Your Story
It doesn’t matter how your story starts
Each page is but a day
You can choose to write it yourself
The words you want to say
Should anyone else write your page
That’s a choice you choose to make
Does each story really end
Or is it another beginning?
Do we not speak of time as if it was never-ending?
Long before we become memories for others to visit
And talk as if it were only yesterday
Then we will understand that we are not finished
No, we can still choose the words that they may say
So let us laugh my friends
Let us live my friends
Tonight, we shall eat the best there is
For tomorrow when we awake
Years have gone by
As if it was only yesterday
- Quote – “Let go of the past and go for the future. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
What you need to do:
Call to Action: So, what’s your story? Are you letting someone else write the story or are YOU choosing to live the words they may say? Don’t let anyone else hold the pen! Start the first page today. Make it the Greatest Story Ever Told!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of Champions Brew. If you did, I would appreciate it if you would share it with someone who might enjoy it as well and ask them to subscribe! I will make sure they automatically get this email every week.
Until next time, go and Grow Champions!
P.S. – Are you a podcast fan? Maybe the Uncommon Leader podcast is for you. I recently interviewed the friend who suggested the Ruthless Elimination of Hurry for an upcoming podcast to be release next week! You won’t want to miss that one so you may want to subscribe so it comes to you directly. Are you interested in being a guest on the Uncommon Leader Podcast? Do you have a story to tell? Email me [email protected] and let’s have a chat and set something up!!
