Welcome back brew nation! It’s the “Friday Coffee Guy” coming to you with 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:
- Work Hard (and in your area of Genius) – Those who excel at sports often describe a feeling of being ‘in the zone’ when they are performing at a high level. The urban dictionary defines it as “an Expression used to describe a state of consciousness where actual skills match the perceived performance requirements perfectly.” I am currently reading Tommy Newberry’s book, Success is Not an Accident. In this book, he talks about the concept of Genius. First, this Genius really doesn’t have anything to do with intelligence, but rather, I think it matches the definition of working “in the zone”. He defines your “area of Genius” as the specific point where what you enjoy most intersects with what you do best. He identifies eight (8) clues that help you to identify your Genius. Here are a few that struck me.
- Passion – Your area of Genius will be characterized by enthusiasm and fun. You will be energized if you are working in your area of Genius and when you do experience fatigue, it will be accompanied by a sense of satisfaction. I think I experienced that feeling this week (see below!)
- Rapid and Continuous Learning – In your area of genius, you’ll notice that learning new information takes shorter time.
- Flow – When you are operating in the zone, or in your genius, you are in flow and able to block out other distractions.
- The “Wing-it” factor – This is identified when you have the talent to “wing it” and still get great results. (Imagine how much better you could do with just a little prep!)
I am not through reading the book yet, but I am really immersed in it and enjoying it. Certainly, this topic of Genius was one I went back to highlight completely. You may want to pick up a copy!
NOTE: This week I had the chance to work with a team for three (3) days to outline a roadmap (Value Stream map) of their Leadership Development journey for their organization of over 500 people. It was a great team and at the end of our time, I was tired, but inspired (in my area of Genius!).
- Read More – I received a text from a former co-worker and friend (thank you for thinking of me, Paula!) who had been reading an excerpt on The Law of Explosive Growth, one of 21 laws in John Maxwell’s best-selling book(and one of my personal favorites) The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. The excerpt below can be the “driving force” for any organization that is looking to grow.
“Leaders who develop followers grow their organization only one person at a time. But leaders who develop leaders multiply their growth, because for every leader they develop, the also receive all of that leader’s followers. Add ten followers to your organization and you have the power of ten people. Add ten LEADERS to your organization, and you have the power of ten leaders times all of the followers and leaders they influence. That’s the addition between addition and multiplication. It’s like growing your organization by teams instead of individuals. You can achieve a large vision only through Explosive Growth.”
At Building Champions, our mission is to Grow Champions (Uncommon Leaders) who Grow Champions. Former CEO of Chickfila, Truett Cathy, said that “if you want to grow an organization, grow the people.” I am a firm believer in that.
- Be safe! – A lot of my readers have been or will be affected by Hurricane Ian this weekend. It is my hope and prayer that each of you remain safe. This week’s cover artwork is of the sunset behind our house in South Carolina this week one evening prior to the arrival of Hurricane Ian.
- Quote – “ Success is an intentional approach to life that ensures you are a faithful steward of your gifts and talents.” – Tommy Newberry
What you need to do:
Call to Action: When was the last time you felt you were working in your area of Genius, or “in the zone”? Reflect on that moment. How can you intentionally create opportunities to work in your area of Genius?
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 think positively, exercise daily and Grow Champions!
