ETIQUETTE WEEKEND #37

In case you missed it this weekend, here are ETIQUETTE WEEKEND links I shared.

ETIQUETTE WEEKEND is a Twitter (@daveguerra), Facebook (facebook.com/thedavidguerra), Google+ (plus.google.com/+DaveGuerra) project where I post and share links to websites and online articles that are all about Etiquette (Business, Interpersonal, Professional and Personal).

1. 'Teacher leaders' becoming common in U.S. school systems, education website reports
http://www.nola.com/education/index.ssf/2015/01/teacher_leaders_becoming_commo.html

2. The 10 Rules Of Coffee Shop Etiquette Your Barista Wishes You'd Follow — For Everyone's Sake
http://www.bustle.com/articles/58967-the-10-rules-of-coffee-shop-etiquette-your-barista-wishes-youd-follow-for-everyones-sake

3. Etiquette column: Is it OK to put news of a death on Facebook?
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20150123/LIVING/301239999/1017

4. [satire] The Onion’s Guide To Gym Etiquette
http://www.theonion.com/graphic/the-onions-guide-to-gym-etiquette-37835

5. Etiquette Tip of the Week: Wine presentation
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2015/01/21/etiquette-tip-of-the-week-wine-presentation

6. Etiquette keeps relationships working
http://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2015/01/24/peter-post-etiquette-keeps-relationships-working/3C9XvHusKcOsy0EsP6PyXJ/story.html

7. Texting etiquette: 6 rules to follow when texting at work
http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/human-resources/2015/01/texting-etiquette-6-rules-to-follow-when-texting.html

8. Tips on office courtesy during cold and flu season
http://wtop.com/health/2015/01/tips-office-courtesy-cold-flu-season/

9. Missed on the Guestlist : Inviting People from the Workplace
http://www.etiquettedaily.com/2015/01/missed-on-the-guestlist-inviting-people-from-the-workplace/

10. Basic etiquette while working in computer labs
http://www.northern-iowan.org/news/view.php/858844/Basic-etiquette-while-working-in-compute

11. Lesson I Learned From Business Etiquette
http://buildingabrandonline.com/The_Lounge_1-2-3/lesson-i-learned-from-business-etiquette/

12. Business Etiquette or Swag for days?
http://andrewtarleysblog.blogspot.com/2015/01/business-etiquette-or-swag-for-days.html

13. Driving Etiquette......Cause Your Not A Professional Driver
http://arandomguyspointofview.blogspot.com/2015/01/driving-etiquettecause-your-not.html

14. Changing Early Pregnancy Etiquette: Share Good News, and Bad
http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/25/changing-early-pregnancy-etiquette-share-good-news-and-bad/?_r=0



Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of Great To Follow: Amazon paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble paperback
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

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a • ware • ness / Do you have what it takes?

Do you have what it takes to be constantly and continually aware?

Being aware is one thing. Having the wherewithal of being constantly aware is something else.
The ability to see, feel, and acknowledge all that is going on around is a trait that many people THINK they have, few actually do, and a miniscule amount can actually master.

Those that master it, do so after many years of trial and error. Just like anything that we master, it does take time. However, the ones that are naturally aware of all that is around them usually don't know it and let that skill fall by the wayside, never to be fully utilized.


However, by being cognizant of the fact that it is something that comes naturally (remember, survival of the fittest and survival of those that can adapt to change) they stand a chance at achieving greatness. Don't worry you do as well.

I am not going to pass along the secret to raising your awareness in every situation and in any setting:
Keep your eyes, ears, and mind open all the while keeping your mouth shut.

(definition courtesy of Google.com)

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Awareness • Leadership Principles • Success • Leaders • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

5 Simple Leadership Fundamentals

5 Simple Leadership Fundamentals

The leader does not have to be the boss, the leader is not automatically the person who signs your paycheck. Remember, leaders come in all shapes and sizes. Leaders come from ALL levels of the organization.

Always remember and don't ever forget; Any one can be a manager but not just any one can be a leader. It takes someone with a special kind of something to be a leader. Please do not get those two confused.

All leaders, no matter who they are or where in the organization they are ranked, share the same 5 Simple Leadership Fundamentals. Of course, there are plenty of other fundamentals but these are the Top 5.

1. The mission is bigger than the man

The mission of the organization is why the organization exists. If it were not for the company's mission and vision there would be no sense of direction and purpose. The company would just be a place where people came to "hang out" for 8 hours every day and ultimately, the organization would not last very long.

Leaders must ensure that everyone knows why the company is in business and that each stakeholder is critical to the life-cycle of the organization. The leader cannot do it all by herself, that is why she motivates others to achieve the common goal: Creating and Maintaining a Successful Organization which in turn, makes all Stakeholders Successful.

2. Do as I do is the only way to lead

A leader knows and understands that the only way to keep the people you lead motivated is to ALWAYS do as you do.

The "Do as I say" mindset is strictly reserved for those minor league managers that have not been properly taught to do, teach, and believe otherwise.

3. Create more leaders

The mission of any leader is to create more leaders. I firmly believe the truest measure of a leader and her leadership abilities is by the number of leaders she has created and is creating.

If a leader is not doing anything to foster the growth of those he serves, he's just a manager with a touch of jealousy and insecurity. That is the bottom line.

4. Treat others they way they want to be treated (with respect)

Every leader wants to be respected. Here's a little secret I want to share with you: every leader gets respect because she respects others. A real leader will respect everyone that follows him as well as those that do not follow him. Everyone gets respected by a true leader and in turn, as if by magic, everyone returns that respect. It is the classic give and take. Give respect and others will respect you.

Do as your Grandma used to tell you, "Be respectful."

5. Before you can lead, you must first learn to follow.

All leaders had to begin somewhere. All real leaders begin as followers. World War II hero and US General George S. Patton was a young plebe at West Point at one time, as was US Army General and US President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Former General Electric Chief Executive Officer and Author Jack Welch started with GE, in 1960, as a Junior Chemical Engineer and over the course of a twenty year career he moved to the top of the company.

Everyone must start at the bottom. Everyone must pay their dues. Everyone. Do not think about cutting corners because there is no short cut to being a leader. This applies to the children and immediate relatives of the CEO, President, or Owner of any organization, as well. Do not for one minute think you have it made. Your family elder worked, scratched, and clawed to the position they are and nothing should be just handed to you. Whether you think you deserve it or not. To truly deserve followers you must not hesitate to get into the trenches and get your hands dirty.  The only way to get into the trenches and get your hands dirty is to do so by following a leader who will show you the way.

As I mentioned, there are plenty of other fundamentals to great leadership but these 5 Simple Leadership Fundamentals I feel are the most important. All other Leadership Fundamentals, Skills, Traits, and Abilities are based on these five. 

Now, get to work.

Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • A Leader remains true to the Mission and Vision • Do as I do • Create Leaders • Be Respectful • First, be a follower • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

10 Simple Tips for Creating Successful Employees

10 Simple tips for Creating Successful Employees

Employees are the ones that make things happen in any organization. They make good things and bad things happen. They can make magic or rain down a curse of epic proportions on any organization. That is why as a leader you have to ensure you are doing everything you can to ensure success with every employee, volunteer, intern, internal stakeholder on an individual basis, as well as a group.

Here are 10 simple tips that I recommend you use to develop successful employees, either one-on-one or as a collective.

1. Dialogue
Always ensure that every conversation is a DIALOGUE (a two-way conversation) and keep the monologue to an absolute minimum. Better still, leave the monologue for Jimmy Fallon and David Letterman.

2. Listen
Be an active listener. Do not stand there and nod your head. Really listen. Take notes if you have to. Hey, taking notes worked when you trying to pass Calculus, it can work when you are trying to ensure you really understand somebody. 

3. Ask
Ask Questions. Ask lots and lots of questions. Do not tell yourself you have no questions. You have questions and you must ask them.

4. Get to know them
Get to know your employees. Do not take any of your employees for granted. Never take any stakeholder for granted. Who knows that employee may be your boss or your competition one day. Then you will really have to re-think how you could have made the relationship better when you had the chance.

5. Ensure they have the tools to do their job
Every one wants to do a good job. How can they do a good job if they don't have the tools. Go out of your way to make absolutely certain they have plenty of paper, pens, chalk, dry erase markers, surgical tools, and whatever they may need to do the job. If they refuse to do a good job then that is on them and not on the lack of tools and supplies.

6. Ensure they know you have their back
Go out of your way to make certain that each and every employee knows you have their back. They need to know it and see it everyday. Then again, they also need to know that you will have their back provided they are always truthful and forthcoming, and not behaving bad just because they know someone has their back. That's not what having their back is about. Having their back is based on mutual dialogue, understanding and clear expectations of and from each other.

7. What are their expectations of you
You cannot lead what you do not know and understand. If your employees do not share what their expectations of you are then how will you know if you are a great leader? Ask them what are their expectations of you, then move heaven and earth to achieve, maintain and exceed those expectations.

8. Ensure they know your expectations
You cannot expect success if the ones that follow you do not know what you expect them to do and not do to achieve that success. Be crystal clear when you are explaining your expectations. Even if you have to draw them an infographic make absolutely sure they understand.

9. Train Them
Training is everything. Train, Train, Train and then train some more. Training is how the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII and training is how Germany national football team won the FIFA World Cup in 2014. Everyone, every organization and every group that has ever won something or become the best at something does so by training. Train your employees every chance you get. Remember, everything is training and training is everything.

When I was serving in the US Army we had a saying, "If it's raining, we're training." Get out there and get them trained, maybe even cross-trained.

10. Get Yourself Trained
Speaking of training, be sure you take some time to get yourself some training. As a leader, the first thing you should always admit is that you do NOT know everything. Remember, it is managers and supervisors that say things like "I know this job like the back of my hand" and "you don't need to tell me how to do this job" and of course the old, "I'm in charge so I know it all." Yeah, don't be that guy.

Take time to learn the latest trends in your industry. Find out and know what is just over your organization's horizon. Read a book (my book), attend a seminar, take a three day course, do something! When you are done getting trained tell everyone about it. Share it the next time you train your employees.


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com
To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • 10 Tips for Successful Employees • Dialogue • Listen • Ask • Get to know them • Ensure they have the tools to do their job • Have Their Back • What they expect of you • What you expect of them • Train Them • Get Yourself Trained • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Break Free from the temptation of Leading by Sitting Down

Break Free from the temptation of Leading by Sitting Down

As a Manager, Director, Supervisor and whatever other title you and I have today, it is a sad reality that it can get easy to Lead by Sitting Down. No! It gets VERY easy to Lead by Sitting Down and that is completely unacceptable.

What is Leading by Sitting Down?

Leading by sitting down is what happens when managers, directors, or supervisors become complacent. When we truly believe the best way to lead is by picking up the telephone, sending off an email, sending a fax, or worse: sending someone to do the work for us. We dictate by sitting in our chairs and hoping that things are done then truly expect to hold others accountable at the first sign of trouble.

Seriously, the only time we get off our respective ass is when we get up to get another cup of coffee, or go to lunch, go home for the day, or the weekend.

If someone has not told you, let me be the first: YOU ARE NOT LEADING. Plain and simple: You are barely managing.

You cannot fake Leading when you are Leading by Sitting Down.

If someone told you it is OK to “lead by sitting down”, even occasionally, well that someone is WRONG.

As tempting as it can be, you have to get out there and walk around. Get out there and press the palm of your hand against the palm of the hand of all your stakeholders. That is what a Leader does.
A leader will get out there and make things happen. A leader by being present will encourage others to make things happen. Good things.

However, remember it will not be easy. It goes with the job.

As a leader, you will do things that are NOT easy. Remember, easy does not play into grown up life. Easy is never easy. Doing the easy thing always has a price that must be paid. That price is "losing touch with your staff, your customers, your clients, your stakeholders" and once lost it is very difficult to recover.

Over the years, many of us experienced those kind of managers and supervisors. Let those managers and supervisors serve as cautionary tales. Do not be that kind of manager, instead get up, start walking and start leading. That is the only way to avoid the temptation of Leading by Sitting Down



Thank you,
David Guerra

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra • visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Don't lead by sitting down • Get up • Interact with others • Face-to-Face • Walking Around • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Five Lessons for Future Leaders

Five Lessons for Future Leaders

The age old question: Are Leaders Born or Are Leaders Made?

Personally, I go back and forth with the answer. There are times when I have seen a natural born leader take charge and give credit to that answer of "Yes, they are born."

Then again, there have been times that I have seen someone rise up from the organization's shadows and lead others to accomplish great things. Things that their own managers would never think about doing.

Thus, the question lives and it will live on for a very long time.

However, one thing is certain: To become a Great Leader you have to be an even better follower. In my upcoming sequel to "The Walking Leader" I have put together another 20 rules/guides/lessons to help Future Leaders become better followers.

Does this mean that I am answering the question? NO! It means that no matter who you are once you start on the path to becoming a leader you have to keep on that path. Along the way there are a few things to remember. Here are just five of them.

1. You Know Nothing

Sure you went to high school, college, vocational school,  grad school, and you have your education, congratulations but that is it. Unless you have worked at the organization before getting your education you walk into that company NOT knowing thing one about how that organization works. The company website, Facebook, twitter, and Instagram page tell you NOTHING about that company's culture, they may scratch the surface but it will never tell you the true nitty-gritty details. Others within the company can tell you but until you are knee deep in it, you know nothing.

2. Keep Your Mouth Shut

While you are learning how to fit into the corporate culture and how to do your job the company way my next lesson is for you to keep your mouth shut. Nothing sounds like nails scratching across a chalkboard more than hearing someone saying "back in school" or "back in basic training." Basic training or school is just that: school. You are there to learn the basics and that's it. You are there to learn the bare minimum. However, once you get to your first job or duty station (for those of you in the military) then it is the time to shut up and become a sponge. Soak up everything that your leaders, tenured staff, peers, and co-workers will to teach you. 

WORD OF ADVICE: If your new organization welcomes you aboard and then says get to work without so much as an orientation briefing, it is time to run to the hills.

3. Ask Questions 

Always ask questions! Ask questions, especially, when someone is teaching you something. Asking questions serves two purposes. First, asking questions ensures that you know and fully understand what is going on and what you will be held accountable for. Lastly, asking questions lets those that are teaching you know just how well you are grasping the training and just how well you will fit in within the organization.

4. Seek Out Mentors

Everyone needs a mentor or mentors. No matter where you go and what you do having a mentor to help and guide you in and outside the organization is always a great thing. One thing to remember, a mentor does NOT have to be your immediate supervisor. It does have to be someone you trust, you believe will be good for you, and will steer you in the right direction. 

WORD OF ADVICE: Do not select a mentor solely on the belief that their position or tenure with the company will skyrocket your career. If that's why you are doing this, STOP right now and move along nothing more for you to see or do here.

5. Have Fun

From the moment you set foot in the door filling that entry-level position to the moment you collect that gold watch and retire from the organization remember to do one thing: HAVE FUN!  If you are not having fun then why bother? Having fun as a follower will most certainly ensure that you will have fun as a leader. All the great leaders that I have known certainly liked to have their fun.

There they are, five simple lessons to take with you for your entire career. Don't forget to master them and then teach them to others (hint, that's the fun part).

Thank you,
David Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you think about this post and all the others here on my blog.

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra  •  visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Future Leaders • You know nothing • Keep your mouth shut • Ask Questions • Seek Mentors • Have Fun • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

MIDDAY NUGGET: GROUPTHINK (Only You Can Prevent It)

Earlier this week, I was invited to visit a blog.  It is not a business blog, not a food blog but a mommy blog.

It is the local blog geared towards new mothers and mothers for young kids. The blog is really nice and loaded with plenty of real world examples of how to raise young children, be a mom, be a lady, be a crafty individual. However, there are a few things that disturb me about the blog and its contributors:

• None of them report having a child over 12 years of age. No Mom on staff that is a Mother of a Teenager?

• None of them appears to be a day over 29. No mother the same age or older than their mothers?

• None of have a child who left home only to come back. What?

• None of them report being the parent of a special needs child? Do Special Needs children NOT exist in their world?

Do you see where I am going with this?  I sure hope you do!

This blog and its contributors much like many organizations out there develop something worse than mediocrity.  They develop, foster, and encourage "Groupthink".

If you are not familiar with the term here is what Groupthink means: "practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility."

In the case of the blog, there are no outside individuals that bring more to the cornucopia that is already in place. No Older Moms. Empty-nesters, Mothers of Teenagers, and so on.

Organizations get so caught up in their own hype that they fail to look beyond the break room. They fail to recruit outsiders. Quite simply, they fail.

Do not let your organization fail!  Always think outside the box.  Always look outside the break room for ideas and suggestions.  Recruit the craziest and weirdest people you can find.  Whatever you do, do not fail! 

It may be too late for this blog.  As it, looks like all the friends and family that are part of that blog are in it to stay.  They might believe that they are on to something but with an audience that is constantly reducing in size, (kids tend to get older); their readers will no longer see the value in what the blog is providing and will leave for someone else. Someone that can fill the changing and growing needs.

Just like an organization, that has believed its own hype for too long that if it does not do something now it will be too late. Change must happen now, otherwise it is time to turn out the lights and lock the doors.  Customers, much like readers, want to see a wider variety offered to them than just the same old, same old.

It is up to you to destroy Groupthink in its tracks!  Every organization has a little bit of it if not too much of it.  Only you can prevent Groupthink!

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Destroy Groupthink • Worse than mediocrity • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

THE MIDDAY NUGGET: Pay Attention To The Details

Pay Attention To The Details

You have heard people say it. It is nothing new but why do people have to keep reminding us of it?

We are reminded of it because the truth is excellence, professionalism, dedication and commitment find their roots in paying attention to the details. 
Ask yourself the following question: Is someone a true professional he does not pay attention to the details?
Now, replace the word "professional" with excellent, dedicated, or committed.  Does the answer to the question change?  Nope.  It does not!

None of it changes, those words represent going above and beyond the expectations of another and along the way to surpassing the expectations you are paying attention to the details.

Why is paying attention to the details important?

Everyone wants to be perceived as an excellent and dedicated professional.  Lacking the attention to the details, one would be hard pressed to be identified as a real professional.

How can you pay attention to the details?

You have heard of crossing the T's and dotting the I's.  That's it! 
That is what paying attention to the details is all about.  You cross the T's and dot the I's, every time no matter the situation.  For instance, a customer comes into your place of business and has to fill out a form before anything can be done.  Everyone in your organization must ensure that that form is properly filled the job out (crossing the T's and dotting the I's).  By doing that, you ensure that the customer has provided you with all the information you need in order to properly and professionally address the customer's issue or request and you do it right the first time.  The customer is happy, you are happy, and that's a very good thing.

What can you do to make paying attention to the details an everyday occurrence?

Training! You train yourself, you train your staff. You can even train your customers. You must train all your stakeholders. It is that simple and it is that difficult.

Train and Train until it becomes a habit. Then once it's a habit keep training. I have found out, the hard way, that while it may be a habit, paying attention to the details is so very easy to neglect. Once neglected you must start all over to re-create and sustain that habit. Hopefully, you can do it before any real damage is done.

Remember, You can do it!

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Pay attention to the details • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

The 5 Things I Learned Last Week (week ending Frilday, May 2, 2014)

Here Are 5 Things I Learned This Week.



1. For a Team to be successful each team member MUST hold each other accountable.

2. There will be times with people will forget what they tell you or forget that they had something in the works for you. It does not hurt to remind them. Remind them.

3. Sometimes you have to remind adults that they are adults.

4. If you are managing by email, you are NOT managing and you are certainly not LEADING. Get out, on the ground, and LEAD!

5. If you don't know something, ask!


Well those are just five of the things I learned this week. What did you learn?

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • It's OK to remind people • Hold Each Other Accountable • Be An Adult, Always • Don't Manage By Email • Ask to know • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

The 5 Things I Learned Last Week (week ending Frilday, April 25, 2014)

Here are the 5 Things I Learned This Week.

•  Give Credit where and when credit is due. ALWAYS GIVE CREDIT. If you ever fail to give that credit you will be found out as a fraud, a liar, a poser. Remember, the truth always comes out.

• Sometimes, the only way people know how to express gratitude is by paying you. Take it. No questions asked and buy something cool for your organization.

• Know your limits when it comes to performing your job. What I mean by that this is, ALWAYS be truthful to the customer and tell them that you cannot do the job. Then find them someone who can do it. This then creates a bond with that customer. Why? They know that they can trust you do their job, the right way. Who knows they might just come back the very next day and give you work. It's true it happened to me this week.

• It still surprises me that people will come back into your business life time and time again looking to be part of the team. Then when they are given the opportunity to be part of the team they are blow it away. They refuse to work and then refuse to show up. Seriously, why do people want to waste their time playing these nonsense games. Then again, why ruin any future chance with the company by misleading the organization? Some things I may never understand.

• It is critical that everyone understands your organization's mission and vision. If you have to draw a picture and explain it using 3rd grade reading level words then you will have to do that. Your organization's mission and vision is just that important. Your staff are that important, as well.

Well those are just five of the things I learned this week. What did you learn?

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
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visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

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Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Always Give Credit • Showing Gratitude • Know Your Limits • Don't Be Misleading • Be Understood • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

About Giving Out Other People's PERSONAL Cell Phone Number (and a video)

Last week, I published a small video about giving out other people's personal cell phone number.

I know it is all about NETWORKING and making new long lasting contacts and connections. I get that. I also don't get that there are still plenty of individuals that refuse to use a little common courtesy and common sense when it comes to sharing phone numbers, personal phone numbers.

If you are entrusted with someone's phone number then do NOT do anything that will compromise that trust.

How do you not compromise that trust?
You ask for permission to give out the number. If you cannot get an immediate answer then ask the person you are giving the number to for their number. Ask them if you can give their number to the person you want them to talk to. Then leave a message with the name, phone number, and why you think they will make a good connection.

Is that all?
No. You follow up to ensure that the person with the phone number, that was entrusted to you, got the message and makes the contact. However, do not cram it down their throat. One follow-up is enough. Remember, they are adults (provided you are dealing with adults) and you cannot make anyone dial the phone. All you can do is initiate the contact.

The next time, you are tempted to share a phone number ask for permission, first!






Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • vide • Phone Numbers • Sharing • Ask for Permission • Common Courtesy • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

ABCs of 2014: Always Be ZANY

Today's ABCs of 2014 is: ALWAYS BE ZANY.
A for Always, B for Be, and C for cZany (the C is silent).

Last piece of advice for the ABCs of 2014 is to ALWAYS BE ZANY.

That's right! Be Zany.

As a leader, you expect people to take you seriously and you know you have to take yourself seriously.

However, you don't have to be so serious that you start to lose touch with the little things in life. Don't be so serious that you forget how to have fun.

Schedule time to do something amusingly unconventional and idiosyncratic, something zany. Yes! make being zany part of your weekly (better yet, daily) calendar. 

Take a break and do something unexpected and fun. Do that and people will recognize you as a well-rounded individual and leader. That is a very good thing.

NOTE: we're done with the ABCs of 2014 but I am NOT done with pursuing leadership one step at a time. I am not done. Not by a long shot!


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Be Zany • Leadership • Be a Leader • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

ABCs of 2014: Always Be YEARNING

Today's ABCs of 2014 is: ALWAYS BE YEARNING.
A for Always, B for Be, and C for Yearning (the C is silent).

Always Be Yearning for more. Expect More. Demand More. Give More. Get More.

You must have that yearning deep inside of you. If you don't then you are doing something wrong or being a leader isn't for you.

Remember, about being the best? Being the best leader you can be. Well, you can't be the best if all you do is think about being the best.

To be the best you have act on it.

You have to want it so bad that your every waking moment you are acting on it. Then when you get it you want more of it. You get greedy for you it. Then you are going to want it even more. That is the kind of yearning I am talking about.

Staying Focused + Staying Motivated + Staying Hungry = Always Be Yearning

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Be Yearning • Leadership • Be a Leader • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

ABCs of 2014: Always Be XCELLING

Today's ABCs of 2014 is: ALWAYS BE XCELLING.
A for Always, B for Be, and C for eXcelling (the C is silent).

Remember Winning?

You can only achieve the win by being the best, by always excelling. Taking the time to commit to being the best. To go one step faster and further than everybody else.

If you don't do what it takes to excel past everyone else then why bother? If you are not working to excel then why even start? Why bother?

Seriously, people want to know that you are constantly striving to be the best or to beat the best to become the best.

The only way to be the best is to always be EXCELLING at everything you do. No Shortcuts, Just Excellence!

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Be Xcelling • Leadership • Be a Leader • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

ABCs of 2014: Always Be WINNING

Today's ABCs of 2014 is: ALWAYS BE WINNING.
A for Always, B for Be, and C for Winning (the C is silent).

That's right, Charlie Sheen was on to something. Winning!

Seriously, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to win and doing everything you can to win all the time, every time.

Your staff, your peers, and anyone you encounter will want to know and expect to be working for or working with a WINNER!

So Always Be Winning!

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Be Winning • Leadership • Be a Leader • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

ABCs of 2014: Always Be VERSED

Today's ABCs of 2014 is: ALWAYS BE VERSED.
A for Always, B for Be, and C for Versed (the C is silent).

It is the experienced leader that is always experienced or skilled in; knowledgeable about themselves, their organization, their employees, their own leaders, their peers, their family, their everything.

At some point in your career you will become the expert in the field. You worked hard to get there so stay there.

To Be The Man You Must Be Well Versed!
Sorry folks, there is absolutely no short cut to being a well-versed individual. Try taking the short and you will most certainly pay the price.

Don't lose focus when you are on this long journey. You will get there and when you do the reward will be well worth the effort.


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Be Well Versed • Leadership • Be a Leader • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

ABCs of 2014: Always Be UNDERSTANDING

Today's ABCs of 2014 is: ALWAYS BE UNDERSTANDING.
A for Always, B for Be, and C for Understanding (the C is silent).

One of the greatest leadership traits is to be understanding. However, do not be understanding to a fault. Showing empathy is expected of any leader. Be warned, don't let that empathy become sympathy.

Sympathy will make even the greatest leaders make terrible mistakes. I am NOT saying that you have to be cold and heartless. What I am saying is that while you have a business to run you also have people that look up to you and go to you when they need something.

Give them a reason to continue doing so but also give them reason to not abuse it. Be Smart about it.


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Be Understanding • Leadership • Be a Leader • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero