WHO is better than WHAT.
Often times we forget the real meaning of success, or of life for that matter. We, as human beings get so wrapped-up in getting to the top, having nice homes and cars, and reaching a certain level of status that we often forget WHO we are. So, where does character come in to the equation?
Albert Einstein once said, “Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.” What does that mean to YOU?
A couple of months ago I had the privilege to attend the funeral of my wife’s Grandmother (Concepcion). I say it was a privilege because she was a great woman and lived to be 101 years old. She had no worldly possessions, no stocks or bonds, no house in the Hamptons. She was VALUED because of WHOM she was, not what she had or had achieved (although, 101 years is definitely a milestone many wish they could achieve).
People we come into contact with throughout our lives remember the YOU as the person. No matter the situation, person values such as honesty, integrity, and love stand out most often.
My challenge to YOU is to make a difference in someone’s life by making a difference in YOUR life. If you strive to live a valued life of kindness, honesty, and integrity, YOU will leave an important legacy. That legacy is the legacy of who YOU are which will quickly equate to what YOU can give to people. The greatest of all gifts…YOU.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
CONFIDENCE!
What does CONFIDENCE mean to you? How about WILL? Ferdinand Foch, military strategist said, "The will to conquer is the first condition of victory."
What was good'ol Ferdinand talking about? What do his words mean to you? I would assume the true meaning is that unless YOU make a conscious decision to move forward, or strive for a goal, or win...it will not, and cannot happen. It is a very simple thought process to me. I would almost argue that confidence is the life blood of every action taken by an individual, regardless of outcome.
Something else to ponder is; how do YOU make the distinction between confidence and something that is quixotic. I mean really, just because an idea, dream, or goal may seem capricious to one, does that mean it is really unachievable?
My challenge to YOU is to look deep within yourself and find that spark, you know the one I'm speaking of. The one that made you run faster when you were eight years old. The one that made you go above and beyond when competing in anything you have done. Or maybe the one that lingered in the back of your mind during that job interview when you told yourself, "I WILL GET THIS JOB!". Find it and ignite it, NOW!
Only YOU can make a difference in YOUR life. Unfortunately without confidence, it may be a long uphill climb.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.
What was good'ol Ferdinand talking about? What do his words mean to you? I would assume the true meaning is that unless YOU make a conscious decision to move forward, or strive for a goal, or win...it will not, and cannot happen. It is a very simple thought process to me. I would almost argue that confidence is the life blood of every action taken by an individual, regardless of outcome.
Something else to ponder is; how do YOU make the distinction between confidence and something that is quixotic. I mean really, just because an idea, dream, or goal may seem capricious to one, does that mean it is really unachievable?
My challenge to YOU is to look deep within yourself and find that spark, you know the one I'm speaking of. The one that made you run faster when you were eight years old. The one that made you go above and beyond when competing in anything you have done. Or maybe the one that lingered in the back of your mind during that job interview when you told yourself, "I WILL GET THIS JOB!". Find it and ignite it, NOW!
Only YOU can make a difference in YOUR life. Unfortunately without confidence, it may be a long uphill climb.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Plan for SUCCESS!
We have all heard many tales and experiences about people and businesses rising to the top of their field without much effort. This was especially true during the Internet “craze.” Everyone knows how that ended…BAD!
If you remember one thing from this post, remember this, “The key to goal attainment is planning!” Planning is the key element in anything we do. We are taught this concept from the time we are little children. But still, to this day I meet business colleagues that do not plan for anything!
We are taught that we must attend school and study hard to obtain a well paying position. That’s planning. We are taught to save our money for our first car. That’s planning. We are taught to start a retirement fund. That too is planning. But for some strange reason, I meet business people who don’t plan their business process.
Planning is the most essential part of any process. American author, H. Stanley Judd said, “A good plan is like a road map: it shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there.”
This is the approach I take when helping people plan their business. Creating a clear Vision and an easy-to-follow Mission are the foundation of good planning. After all, if you don’t know where you’re going, how do you get there?
My challenge to you: Figure out the final goals you wish to achieve. Write them down (preferably in Mind map format if you know how), and break out each step. Finally, review this document each day and keep track of your progress. You will be amazed at the SUCCESS you have.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience
If you remember one thing from this post, remember this, “The key to goal attainment is planning!” Planning is the key element in anything we do. We are taught this concept from the time we are little children. But still, to this day I meet business colleagues that do not plan for anything!
We are taught that we must attend school and study hard to obtain a well paying position. That’s planning. We are taught to save our money for our first car. That’s planning. We are taught to start a retirement fund. That too is planning. But for some strange reason, I meet business people who don’t plan their business process.
Planning is the most essential part of any process. American author, H. Stanley Judd said, “A good plan is like a road map: it shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there.”
This is the approach I take when helping people plan their business. Creating a clear Vision and an easy-to-follow Mission are the foundation of good planning. After all, if you don’t know where you’re going, how do you get there?
My challenge to you: Figure out the final goals you wish to achieve. Write them down (preferably in Mind map format if you know how), and break out each step. Finally, review this document each day and keep track of your progress. You will be amazed at the SUCCESS you have.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Go For It!
Chances are worth taking!
Do you believe in fate? Or do you believe that each person creates their own history through their decisions, choices, and actions?
As human beings, we are much more inclined to believe fate plays an active role in our lives. However, I believe, and would argue that each person creates their own fate.
John Glenn, American Astronaut said, “To sit back and let fate play its hand out and never influence it is not the way man was meant to operate.”
I believe that we have the ability to create fate. Human beings are the most intellectual, resourceful, brilliant organisms on the Earth. Each one of us has the ability to choose what direction we want to go, how we are going to get there, and what we will do once we get there. After studying people and the circumstances they are faced with, I have come to the conclusion that each person writes their own history. This is a philosophical issue I have questioned since I was a young boy.
We see and hear stories everyday about people making good decisions and bad decisions. Each decision, regardless of being right or wrong can affect the rest of your life. Take for instance the guy you see involved in a high speed chase. He chose to step on the gas instead of the brake…bad decision! Or the woman who is approached by someone she barely knows and is asked if she wants to invest in a new company or product. She decides to go for it and becomes a multi-millionaire…good decision!
We are faced with these types of decisions each and every day. It is up to you to make a critical thinking decision and influence you future in a positive way.
My challenge to you is to go forward each day looking for opportunities to create a positive change for your future. Remember to tell yourself that YOU have the ability to CREATE anything YOU want.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.
Do you believe in fate? Or do you believe that each person creates their own history through their decisions, choices, and actions?
As human beings, we are much more inclined to believe fate plays an active role in our lives. However, I believe, and would argue that each person creates their own fate.
John Glenn, American Astronaut said, “To sit back and let fate play its hand out and never influence it is not the way man was meant to operate.”
I believe that we have the ability to create fate. Human beings are the most intellectual, resourceful, brilliant organisms on the Earth. Each one of us has the ability to choose what direction we want to go, how we are going to get there, and what we will do once we get there. After studying people and the circumstances they are faced with, I have come to the conclusion that each person writes their own history. This is a philosophical issue I have questioned since I was a young boy.
We see and hear stories everyday about people making good decisions and bad decisions. Each decision, regardless of being right or wrong can affect the rest of your life. Take for instance the guy you see involved in a high speed chase. He chose to step on the gas instead of the brake…bad decision! Or the woman who is approached by someone she barely knows and is asked if she wants to invest in a new company or product. She decides to go for it and becomes a multi-millionaire…good decision!
We are faced with these types of decisions each and every day. It is up to you to make a critical thinking decision and influence you future in a positive way.
My challenge to you is to go forward each day looking for opportunities to create a positive change for your future. Remember to tell yourself that YOU have the ability to CREATE anything YOU want.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Are you a Critical Thinker?
Is Critical Thinking necessary in planning?
All too often in today’s business world, planning and other decisions are being made without proper thinking…critical thinking! By definition, Critical Thinking is asking thought provoking questions and utilizing ethical reasoning to obtain all of the information one can so that a decision based on facts can be made. If you look, you will find numerous definitions for this topic, and they are all right.
A true measure of planning success is whether or not detailed critical thinking was completed. “If a man takes no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand.” Confucius
Asking questions about funding, marketing, program sustainment, etc. is critical to the success of your business. An old saying that was often used in the Navy (exhibits a Sailor-like-crudeness) is, “Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance,” or better known as the Seven P’s. If business leaders and planners spent more time planning, there would be less time assessing and fixing problems.
My challenge to you is to learn how to think more critically. Every time you have a decision to make, ask your self at least three questions regarding the impacts of that decision. It may be as simple as “What should I eat for lunch?”
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.
All too often in today’s business world, planning and other decisions are being made without proper thinking…critical thinking! By definition, Critical Thinking is asking thought provoking questions and utilizing ethical reasoning to obtain all of the information one can so that a decision based on facts can be made. If you look, you will find numerous definitions for this topic, and they are all right.
A true measure of planning success is whether or not detailed critical thinking was completed. “If a man takes no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand.” Confucius
Asking questions about funding, marketing, program sustainment, etc. is critical to the success of your business. An old saying that was often used in the Navy (exhibits a Sailor-like-crudeness) is, “Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss-Poor Performance,” or better known as the Seven P’s. If business leaders and planners spent more time planning, there would be less time assessing and fixing problems.
My challenge to you is to learn how to think more critically. Every time you have a decision to make, ask your self at least three questions regarding the impacts of that decision. It may be as simple as “What should I eat for lunch?”
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Is GOOD Customer Service important?
Is GOOD Customer Service important?
"Customer Service" is a term that is thrown around quite a bit. But what does it really mean?
As we have transitioned from a manufacturing economy to a service/technology-based economy, Americans are looking for more and better service. What can help seperate you from the "other guy?" When the Total Quality Management (TQM) movement began in the 1980’s, customer service became the focal point of many organizations. And the public has been groomed since then to look for better customer service.
Some of the questions you should ask yourself, your manager, or the company owner are: How important is customer service to our company? How does our company define customer service? Who are our customers? Do we need our customers? What are our customers worth to us? (This post deals with the external customer, but the internal customer or employee are just as important and should not be forgotten).
Once these questions are answered, a correct problem diagnosis can be made, and a correct prescription can be developed and implemented!
A good friend of mine, Mr. Phil Terry is the CEO of Creative Good Inc. This company is dedicated to helping companies and organizations develop or improve the “good experience” customers receive. Phil and Creative Good founder and President, Mark Hurst have re-designed the customer service landscape. They believe that “service” isn’t the driving factor which determines whether or not a customer will return or refer another customer. They believe (and have proven) that customers should “experience” good things. Of course, good service is involved, but it is not the only point.
I touched on this a couple of months ago in my Blog entitled, “Are YOU the best at what YOU do?” I wrote about Thomas, the Sav-on Drug Store clerk. He doesn’t provide a service, he provides an experience! Customers know that when they go to HIS store, they will enjoy their time there, especially upon entering and checking out. Customers will not remember how fast the line moved, or how knowledgeable the stock clerk was. What they will remember is how they FELT while they were there.
Some key points to remember is that your customers maintain your existence! Without a customer, your business would not have anything to offer. So why not make it a great experience for them? We know that human beings are emotionally-centric creatures. We remember our feelings and act upon them. It is not rocket science, it is just plain ‘ol down home courtesy!
I have written about Starbuck’s before and how they aspire to be “the third place.” They do this because they want us, the customers, to FEEL GOOD! Starbuck’s does not rely on marketing or advertising campaigns. They built their brand on the way their customers FEEL while they are in their stores. Sure they have great products, but it is the atmosphere they create that makes people go back time and time again. They have friendly staff, comfortable furniture, nice music, terrific lighting, and great aromas throughout. The Starbuck’s stores grab all of your senses and keep you coming back because it is a nice experience and makes you FEEL good.
My challenge to you is to create an atmosphere that your clients will enjoy. Even if you are a consultant and travel to your customer’s location, you can find creative ways to increase their experience. If you can do that, you will increase the number of return customers and referrals, and enjoy your work much more.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.
"Customer Service" is a term that is thrown around quite a bit. But what does it really mean?
As we have transitioned from a manufacturing economy to a service/technology-based economy, Americans are looking for more and better service. What can help seperate you from the "other guy?" When the Total Quality Management (TQM) movement began in the 1980’s, customer service became the focal point of many organizations. And the public has been groomed since then to look for better customer service.
Some of the questions you should ask yourself, your manager, or the company owner are: How important is customer service to our company? How does our company define customer service? Who are our customers? Do we need our customers? What are our customers worth to us? (This post deals with the external customer, but the internal customer or employee are just as important and should not be forgotten).
Once these questions are answered, a correct problem diagnosis can be made, and a correct prescription can be developed and implemented!
A good friend of mine, Mr. Phil Terry is the CEO of Creative Good Inc. This company is dedicated to helping companies and organizations develop or improve the “good experience” customers receive. Phil and Creative Good founder and President, Mark Hurst have re-designed the customer service landscape. They believe that “service” isn’t the driving factor which determines whether or not a customer will return or refer another customer. They believe (and have proven) that customers should “experience” good things. Of course, good service is involved, but it is not the only point.
I touched on this a couple of months ago in my Blog entitled, “Are YOU the best at what YOU do?” I wrote about Thomas, the Sav-on Drug Store clerk. He doesn’t provide a service, he provides an experience! Customers know that when they go to HIS store, they will enjoy their time there, especially upon entering and checking out. Customers will not remember how fast the line moved, or how knowledgeable the stock clerk was. What they will remember is how they FELT while they were there.
Some key points to remember is that your customers maintain your existence! Without a customer, your business would not have anything to offer. So why not make it a great experience for them? We know that human beings are emotionally-centric creatures. We remember our feelings and act upon them. It is not rocket science, it is just plain ‘ol down home courtesy!
I have written about Starbuck’s before and how they aspire to be “the third place.” They do this because they want us, the customers, to FEEL GOOD! Starbuck’s does not rely on marketing or advertising campaigns. They built their brand on the way their customers FEEL while they are in their stores. Sure they have great products, but it is the atmosphere they create that makes people go back time and time again. They have friendly staff, comfortable furniture, nice music, terrific lighting, and great aromas throughout. The Starbuck’s stores grab all of your senses and keep you coming back because it is a nice experience and makes you FEEL good.
My challenge to you is to create an atmosphere that your clients will enjoy. Even if you are a consultant and travel to your customer’s location, you can find creative ways to increase their experience. If you can do that, you will increase the number of return customers and referrals, and enjoy your work much more.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Fear? YES!
Fear? Yes!
I decided to take “the leap of faith” as a small business owner in August of 2006. I did this for two reasons. 1) I felt that I was not doing what I really enjoyed doing, and 2) I wanted to help people work together better through individual commitment.
Leadership and being positive have come natural to me during my adult life, and like many people, I learned from past experiences. I realized that I had more to offer my family, society, and moreover…MYSELF!
Stepping out and taking risk is not a natural thing for humans to do. We as a human race have grown to be bigger risk takers over the last 20 years. Remember when Evil Knievel was the only “crazy” person jumping motorcycles over buses and crevasses? Now “crazy” people have competitions to see who can do the craziest trick without dying.
The same thing holds true for life in general. It is so easy to rest on our laurels and take the easy way out. I mean, we get up, go to work, come home, go to bed, and repeat. Albeit, the job may be satisfying and well paying, but many of us feel locked-in because of a false sense of security.
My experiences have led me from private industry, to the military, and the federal government. I have seen the people who go by, day-after-day, week-after-week, waiting until the day they can apply for retirement. No risk, no energy, no mission, no goals. I decided that I did not want to be one of those people. After all, if I am not happy, how can I project a positive outlook and motivate others to be happy?
General Douglas MacArthur made this point, “You win or lose, live or die – and the difference is just an eyelash.”
I agree with MacArthur, but I profess to be an advocate of thought evolution, better known as personal growth. At first there is usually a fear of risk; as we age we begin to fear regret. I was always afraid to venture out and take that “leap of faith.” Now, I don’t want to be the one that says, “I wish I would have done that.”
My challenge to you is to set safe, personal goals and go for them. Make sure they are attainable and quantifiable. Make a plan and keep track of your progress so you always know where you stand. Also, don’t tell anyone at first. Make a positive personal commitment to work toward goal attainment and GO FOR IT! Personal satisfaction, regardless of what you’ve been told is the greatest motivator.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.
I decided to take “the leap of faith” as a small business owner in August of 2006. I did this for two reasons. 1) I felt that I was not doing what I really enjoyed doing, and 2) I wanted to help people work together better through individual commitment.
Leadership and being positive have come natural to me during my adult life, and like many people, I learned from past experiences. I realized that I had more to offer my family, society, and moreover…MYSELF!
Stepping out and taking risk is not a natural thing for humans to do. We as a human race have grown to be bigger risk takers over the last 20 years. Remember when Evil Knievel was the only “crazy” person jumping motorcycles over buses and crevasses? Now “crazy” people have competitions to see who can do the craziest trick without dying.
The same thing holds true for life in general. It is so easy to rest on our laurels and take the easy way out. I mean, we get up, go to work, come home, go to bed, and repeat. Albeit, the job may be satisfying and well paying, but many of us feel locked-in because of a false sense of security.
My experiences have led me from private industry, to the military, and the federal government. I have seen the people who go by, day-after-day, week-after-week, waiting until the day they can apply for retirement. No risk, no energy, no mission, no goals. I decided that I did not want to be one of those people. After all, if I am not happy, how can I project a positive outlook and motivate others to be happy?
General Douglas MacArthur made this point, “You win or lose, live or die – and the difference is just an eyelash.”
I agree with MacArthur, but I profess to be an advocate of thought evolution, better known as personal growth. At first there is usually a fear of risk; as we age we begin to fear regret. I was always afraid to venture out and take that “leap of faith.” Now, I don’t want to be the one that says, “I wish I would have done that.”
My challenge to you is to set safe, personal goals and go for them. Make sure they are attainable and quantifiable. Make a plan and keep track of your progress so you always know where you stand. Also, don’t tell anyone at first. Make a positive personal commitment to work toward goal attainment and GO FOR IT! Personal satisfaction, regardless of what you’ve been told is the greatest motivator.
Josh Brody is the President and CEO of Corporate Guidance Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in helping organizations and individuals realize their potential and enhance their performance.
**Disclaimer** This Blog is for informational purposes only! Corporate Guidance Solutions (CGS) or any CGS employee cannot be held responsible for any positive outcomes you may experience.
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