Monday, September 30, 2013

How to cope with low energy days

Dear Dr. Rob…
How do I deal with low-energy days, when I have a hard time getting things done?
From a participant at CEO Connect

Dear Low-Energy,
This is a great question, because it is something that happens to all of us at some time, yet is infrequently discussed or even admitted. We all have our good days and bad, and recognize that we cannot always function at our optimum best. Here are a few suggestions for coping with low energy days:

  • On those days, give yourself permission to take a break. If you can, take a brief meditation break, say a prayer, stretch, or take a walk.There's nothing worse than getting sleepy during a meeting and forcing yourself to stay awake. Better to take a restroom break and get refreshed than doze off during a meeting. Maybe thats why they call it “rest” room.
  • For short term re-energizing, try doing energizing yoga poses, such as downward facing dog, or a few push-ups. Exercising releases endorphins and naturally energizes your body.
  • Be sure you are eating a good breakfast and have light snacks on hand that help energize your body, such as fruits and nuts… and of course drink plenty of water.
  • Keep a “did list” of everything that you did today, rather than a “to-do list” of what you have to do.
  • If you're having too many low-energy days, you might ask yourself why. One of the most common reasons is not getting enough sleep. We believe we can get by on 6 or fewer hours, when in fact research shows that most people need 8.
  • I discussed this question with my friend, psychologist and author of Your Father, Your Self, Dr. Barry Gordon of Cleveland and here are some of the ideas he came up with: Barry said to remember that the measure of a professional is how well you perform on the days when you're not up to performing well
  • Barry also suggests focusing on small steps and getting one thing done at a time on days when you have low energy
  • Finally, if this is happening too much of the time, consider that you may be in the wrong job. If we lack passion for a job and we are not using our unique skills on the job, it is easy to feel low-energy and bored.

This is such a great question, I would love to hear your suggestions. Please email me or post them in the comments section. Also remember to send in your own questions for future columns.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Guest Advisor Cheryl Chodun: Tips for Interacting With the Media

This week, I get to be the one asking for advice. I have asked recently retired Channel 7 news reporter Cheryl Chodun, who will be the speaker at this weeks CEO Connect, to answer the question: What advice do you have for executives on how to relate to the media?

Cheryl shares the following tips:
  • Recognize that the media can be your friend. Seek to develop a positive relationship with reporters and news desk editors.
  • If you have positive news to announce, plan a press conference where you can invite representatives from several media sources, or send a press release to all the news outlets.
  • If you want to be an expert resource for news outlets to use, get to know a reporter or news editor to let them know about yourself and your area of expertise. Be sure to provide detailed contact information. Remember, they want to know and use you, as much as you want to receive the exposure.
  • When you are interviewed, even if it’s for a problem, always say something. Never look like you are trying to avoid or run away from an interview. You can always say “We are looking into it, and will get back to you when we know more.”
  • In a large organization, be sure to have a designated person to speak to the media. This person should be comfortable being interviewed and well informed on the topic.
  • Be clear about the difference between “off the record” and “on background.”
  • Don’t be afraid to end the interview with “I want to double check that we are 100% clear.” It’s ok to ask if the reporter has understood what you are trying to convey.

If you would like to hear Cheryl talk about these points (and more!) in person or ask her your own questions, please contact us and we would be happy to send you an invitation for CEO Connect (Friday September 27th 2013 at 7:00 am).

Please continue to send in your questions for Dr. Rob for future columns.

Monday, September 2, 2013

Giving Back: Choosing the Right Organization to Support

Most of us want to “give back”, to make a contribution to society through the giving of our own key resources which are time and money. However, given all the options available, it is not easy to figure out which organization to choose. This week, I will be leading a panel discussion at my CEO Connect event on Jim Collin’s book “Good to Great in the Social Sectors”. In his book, Jim Collins argues that business thinking is not the answer to achieving greatness in the social sectors.

According to Mr. Collins:
“For a social sector organization performance must be assessed relative to mission, not financial returns. In the social sectors, the critical question is not ‘How much money do we make per dollar of invested capital?’ but ‘How effectively do we deliver on our mission and make a distinctive impact, relative to our resources?’”

Based on these concepts, when you decide what organization to devote your energy to, ask yourself how well it is addressing these five issues:
Defining “Great”- Calibrating Success without Business Metrics
Level 5 Leadership- Getting Things Done within a Diffuse Power Structure
First Who- Getting the Right People on the Bus within Social Sector Constraints
The Hedgehog Concept- Rethinking the Economic Engine without a Profit Motive
Turning the Flywheel- Building Momentum by Building the Brand

I’d be interested in hearing how you have made decisions about giving back. Please share them with me in the comments below.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Dr. Rob's Leadership Tips from an Elephant Farm in Thailand

We will return to our discussion on Career Evaluating next week, but while in Thailand I have had an experience which translates well to being a leader.

Today I had the privilege to ride an elephant up and down a mountain in Thailand  in a rain storm. Before climbing on the elephant named Marie, we were taught these crucial lessons:

  1. If we expect to turn our lives over to the care of elephants, we must take exceptional care of them.
  2. First be kind to them, learn their names, and don't walk behind them.
  3. Be sure they are healthy physically and mentally
  4. Feed them well, especially when getting to know them.
  5. Keep them clean and well groomed.
  6. Give them plenty of praise and affection  
  7. Never punish them

Inline image 1
I tried these and am here to report these lessons worked well.I was close to the edge, survived and had a ball. I hope they are helpful to you.
What leadership lessons have you learned from your adventures?

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Career Evaluation- Question 1

Last week I described a process I have developed to help my clients evaluate where they are in their career development and what decisions they need to make about the future. I talked about four key questions people should ask themselves when making career decisions. The first question is: Are you passionate about what you are doing in your current job? If not, what type of work would make you feel more passionate?

For several years I have worked with Roger Newton, who is CEO of Esperion Therapeutics. Roger clearly knows what his passion is: finding a cure for heart disease. His first efforts resulted in the development of Lipitor. Now, through Esperion, he is continuing his pursuit. This year, Esperion has completed a successful initial public offering (IPO) raising $74.9 million in net proceeds. Roger’s work is an example of what can be achieved if you continually follow your passion.

Here are a few ideas on how to understand your passion at work:
  1. What do you deeply care about? For example: What do you read about? Talk about? Think about?
  2. Notice what brings you the most joy in life. This is a key clue to understanding your passion.
  3. Ask yourself “When I have had a great day, what was I doing and what was I not doing?”
  4. Over your lifetime, what is the theme of activity that has always resulted in you being highly engaged?
  5. What topic most evokes a strong emotional reaction? Passion is about emotion.
  6. If you ask other people, what do they think you are passionate about? You might consider sending an email to people who know you well to ask them what they see you most passionate about.
  7. As a friend recently pointed out, the root of the word “passion” is “to suffer”. Ask yourself, what are you willing to “suffer” for in order to achieve a result? I always tell myself that anything worth achieving requires facing distinct difficulty, experiencing internal struggle, and facing risk.

Once we figure out what it is we are passionate about, we should take the time to make sure our career is in alignment with this passion. When we engage in work that is not fulfilling, or something we don't feel strongly about, it is easy to become complacent and stagnant.  Not only does this hinder our own personal growth, but the growth of your company as well.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Are You Where You Want to Be in Your Career?

Lately, I have been coaching several of my clients and friends on career decisions. Whether they are in the first, second, third, or fourth quarter of their career, trying to figure out what to do next is a complicated and scary proposition.
To help my clients and friends, I have developed a process to evaluate where they are in their career and where they want to be. Over the next several weeks, I plan to share with you details about the process.
For the process, I have developed four key questions:
  1. Are you passionate about what you are doing in your current job? If not, what type of work would make you feel more passionate?
  2. Are you utilizing and developing your full unique combination of skills and talents? If not, what type of work would make you feel more fully engaged?
  3. Is your work in harmony with your values? This would include personal, family, societal, and ethical values?
  4. Financially, are you making enough money to meet your current needs, to feel like you’re earning what you deserve, and to fulfill your desires now and in the future?

I am looking for stories to help illustrate the challenges people are facing in their careers. If you have an example, please post your current dilemma.
Next week I will share with you tips on finding your passion at work. If you have any suggestions, please post them.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Why is it so hard to be self reflective?


Often, when I encourage my coaching clients to spend some time on self reflection, they look at me like “what are you talking about?”. Turns out self reflection is a skill many of us have never learned. I explain, self reflection is merely spending time asking ourselves important questions which others ask of us but we fail to ask ourselves. Of course, I encourage them to spend time actually answering the questions.
Last week I asked some of my clients to share with me the most important question they should be asking themselves at this moment. I was delighted with their responses and would like to share them with you.

  • “Why don’t others in important positions see me as I see myself?”
  • "How can I ensure I make every moment count?”
  • “Am I totally nuts?!”
  • “Am I a good listener?”
  • “Do I take the time to understand other people’s needs and desires?”
  • “Have I done something to ‘Pay it forward’ this week?”
  • “Did I call my Mom and Dad to make sure they were OK?”
  • “Did I set my weekly goal and then make sure I met or exceeded that goal for the week?”
  • “Did I have life/work balance this week?”
  • “In what ways have I been joyfully disciplined?”
  • “What are the proven ways to focus and accomplish future goals?”
  • “Where do I see myself in 5 years?”
  • “Has anyone seen my phone?”

Your action step: What is the key question you should be asking yourself this week?
My request: Please share your questions in the comments so that I can compile them and post them for everyone to use.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Are you able to finish one task, before starting the next?

In our “Age of Destractability”, finishing one task before starting another has become extremely difficult for most busy people. We all seem to live in a time crunch, where getting things done fast has led us into a multi-task mindset. Unfortunately, we try to do this with a brain evolved to be single tracked. Whistling while we work wasn't too bad, but how challenging it has become to listen to a podcast on our smart phone, while monitoring emails and texts, and drinking coffee, while driving 80 miles an hour. You don't have to be Charles Darwin to figure out “we weren't made that way”. Even though this is an affliction from which I suffer mightily, I have garnered a few tips on how to finish one thing before starting another. Problem is, I didn't write them down before I checked my facebook so now I can’t remember most of them. So please, send me your best tips on how to finish one thing before starting another.

1. Tell yourself, “I am now doing one thing and I will finish that one thing before starting another”
2. Make “finish” your new mantra.
3. Write down “I am now....” and do not move on to the next task until you have completed that task.
4. If you have OCD, these instructions will make no sense to you. Your issue is that it takes too long for things to feel finished. If you think you have ADD and you've gotten this far into the text without starting something else, you probably don't have ADD.

Remember the words of E.B. White “I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day.”.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Tips from a 90 Year Old on Staying Fit in Mind, Body, and Spirit

My mother-in-law, Jean Carino, at age 90+ continues to be strong in mind, body, and spirit. The key to her being able to sustain health and vitality at 90 is that she pays attention to all three of these areas. She reads and plays Mah-jongg, golfs and exercises, and is an active member of her church. Inspired by her, I have developed these 4 tips on how to stay strong in mind, body, and spirit throughout your life

1. On a regular basis, take an honest inventory and give yourself a grade on how well you are doing in taking care of yourself on:
  • Mind
  • Body
  • Spirit
2. Create regular habits or rituals to be sure to do something daily to stay fit in all three areas. Some examples are:
  • Keeping a journal
  • Meditating or praying
  • Enjoying nature
  • Engaging in a creative activity
  • Exercising
  • Enjoying a sport
  • Playing games with friends and family
  • Having meaningful and stimulating conversations
  • Reading meaningful literature
3. Be mindful in all that you do
  • Doing one thing at a time
  • Being aware of the impact you are having on others
  • Doing good for others without seeking benefit for yourself
4. Practice love
  • Loving yourself
  • Loving your family
  • Loving your friends
  • Loving and protect the world you live in

Please post your suggestions for keeping fit in mind, body, and spirit!

Monday, July 8, 2013

Are You Stuck in Achieving Your Stretch Goal?

I have been emphasizing the importance of having a stretch goal. The problem with trying to achieve a big goal is that we often procrastinate, never seeming to get to what really desire to achieve. My experience shows that one way to overcome this problem is to join a goal accountability group. These groups help by creating contagion among group members to get going on what is really important. Also, helping others achieve their goals motivates us to achieve our own. I am forming new Goal Accountability Groups. Please contact me if you would like to participate in one

Here are some tips on forming your own goal accountability group:
1. Organize these groups in your work setting, and set a regular time for the groups to meet, perhaps over breakfast or lunch once a month
2. Organize groups among people with a shared goal. I have participated successfully in a writers group which has yielded several books and articles for the members. My neighbor, Sue Holdaway Heys, has been part of a quilting group. Many of its members have won several prestigious awards for their work.
3. Be sure that at the end of each group meeting, each participant has designated their next action step toward achieving their stretch goal
4. Make sure participants are having fun and are using their creativity.
5. Don't tolerate members who are heavy-handed, dictatorial, or excessively critical toward other members.

Have fun and success in setting up your group! And please contact me if you'd like more advice or wish to participate in one of my Goal Accountability Groups.

Friday, June 14, 2013

From my 1994 book "What Everyman Needs to Know," here are 10 tips for being a great father
1.Arrange to take your child to work for a day
2.Learn to cook one great dish for every meal
3.Ask your father about his experiences growing up in the neighborhood
4. If it’s broken, work on healing your relationship with your father
5.If you abandon a child find humor her and start the relationship today
6.Interview your children about what it is been like to have you as a father
7.Display of a memento from your father or grandfather
8.Put at least as much energy into your parenting as you do into your career
9.For one week do not tell your children what to do.

10. If you like the results of doing it for one week, keep doing it

Monday, June 10, 2013

Dr. Rob' Tips on Building Relationships to Build Your Network




Building Relationships to Build Your Network



This week I will be giving a presentation on Networking at the University of Michigan’s Career Conference. My key message is: “Building Relationships” is the key to building your network. Here are my 10 key points.

1. Think “Building Relationships” rather than networking.
2. Build relationships by following the concept of “reciprocity”: think “what can I do for other’s?”, rather than “what can other’s do for me?”
3. Building relationships means asking people what they need.
4. Building relationships means listening carefully to their answers and thinking about how you can be helpful
5. Build relationships the old fashion way by joining: service clubs, non-profit boards, religious organizations, etc.
6. Build relationships where you are employed by joining sports leagues, volunteering for committees, going out for lunch or after work with colleagues (never eat alone).
7. You don’t have to be an extrovert to build relationships. Quiet people often build deeper or meaningful relationships than extroverts
8. Use technology to build your relationship network: read The Start-up of You  to learn how to use LinkedIn.
9. Build your network while you are employed. People often find that if they lose their job, it’s often too late to start building relationships.
10. In building relationships, take risks. Ask to meet with people higher up in the organization and let them know who you are and find out what they may need.


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Do you recognize the power of setting stretch goals?

When I look back on my career, I've always focused more on medium to short term goals, rather than long term dreams. I think of these 6-12 month goals as stretch goals: important projects which will take considerable hard work, discipline and a fair amount of overcoming distinct difficulties. Additionally, they usually are risky in the sense that they may not be easily achieved. Some of my examples include: writing a book, getting on Oprah, or running a 10k race. Here are some tips, for setting and achieving 6-12 month goals.

1. On 5x7 index card write down what the goal is. (e.g. creating a new line of business in doing coaching and consulting in the healthcare field)
2. Write down the date by which you will achieve the goal (e.g. November 30th 2013)
3. Write down why it is important (e.g. given the health care reform act, there is a great need for the business; new source of revenue)
4. Write down briefly how it will be done. (e.g. work with 2 knowledgeable partners, pilot it on a small scale)
5. Let other people know about your goal (e.g. like I am doing in this email)
6. Place the card somewhere where you can see it daily. (e.g. on your mirror, posted by your desk, or in your inbox- never to be archived until achieved)
7. Keep track of your successes. I am proud to say that since 1968, I have a metal index card holder, filled with over 200 stretch goals which I have achieved.

Robert Pasick Ph.D
Organizational Psychologist and Executive Coach
Author of Balanced Leadership in Unbalanced Times

Link for video from 5/17/13 CEO Connect: 5/17/13 CEO Connect.
For more tips by Dr. Rob, you can check out Balanced Leadership in Unbalanced Times.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

What Does It Take to Make Your Dream Come True?

People who work for Zingerman’s have a unique opportunity. If they work hard and diligently, they have a chance to make their dreams come true. Charlie Frank and Derrick Thomas are two examples of folks who have worked in Zingerman’s and then have been able to go on and start their own companies. Charlie's business is Zingerman’s Candy Manufactory and Derrick will be opening his own restaurant in Warren in August. Here are a few of the key lessons they have shared with me about their success:
1. The first step in making your dreams come true means putting your dream out there for others to hear. This may mean some support, but it also may open you up to skepticism, criticism, and doubt.
2. Making your dream come true takes dedication and sacrifice, but will inevitably require facing distinct difficulties and unique challenges. While some of these challenges may be external, most of them occur within oneself.
3. The dream can only be realized with the support of people who believe in you. It takes a team of believers and mentors working with you over a long period of time to make you an overnight success.
4. To fulfill your dream, you have to demonstrate not only drive, but humility and appreciation of those who help you.
5. Like any good dream, just when you think you have reached it and remember it, you realize it remains always just a little bit out of reach.

Link for video from 5/17/13 CEO Connect: 5/17/13 CEO Connect.
For more tips by Dr. Rob, you can check out Balanced Leadership in Unbalanced Times.


Coach Rob Pasick
Email: rob@leadersconnect.com
Website: www.robertpasick.com



Monday, May 20, 2013

Enjoy Every Day


The Ann Arbor community and the University of Michigan Healthcare System community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss in an automobile accident on Saturday of Dr. Steven Gradwohl, an extraordinary family physician and a wonderful human being. All his patients, including me, are in the state of shock.
No fancy tips from me this week. With Steven's death occurring just a few weeks after the loss of my sons’ dear friend, Carrie Holmes, I remind myself to try to follow their lead by:
1. Being a kind, loving, helpful person
2. And, as was written on the cover of Carrie's memorial service program, be "a friend               extraordinaire."
3. Enjoy every day
4. As the late, great Jeffrey Zaslow reminds us, be sure to say “I love you” everyday to your loved ones

A link to the FreePress article about Dr. Gradwohl: Dr. Gradwohl.

Coach Rob Pasick
Email: rob@leadersconnect.com
Website: www.robertpasick.com

Monday, May 13, 2013

Would You Do A Handstand For A 4 Year Old Customer?


Today as I was writing this column I witnessed an amazing example of going the extra mile for a customer, Matthew, one of the employees at the Zingerman's Coffee Company, did a handstand to delight a four-year-old customer who is taking gymnastics classes. If you want to learn more about the Zingerman’s business model, plan to attend Friday's CEO Connect. We will be learning about the Zingerman’s community of businesses from Amy Emberling of Zingerman's Bakehouse, Charlie Frank of Zingerman's Candy Manufactory, and Allen Leibowitz of  Zingerman's Coffee Company . They are each Managing Partners of one of the eight Zingerman's businesses. Zingerman's vision calls for 4 to 12 additional businesses  by 2020 (maybe you can start one). We are proud to have Zingerman's Coffee and Zingerman's Roadhouse as two of our sponsors of CEO Connect. Here are a few of Amy Emberling’s        leadership tips:
1. First set the vision of what you want to achieve and then work out the details later
2. Have a clear set of processes, but then create daring  and pleasing variations on the theme
3, Know that a business owner’s work is never over
4. Set limits, but know that limits create freedom
5. Never make a decision alone
6. Open your books to employees
7. Treat your  employees well and they will treat your customers well
8. Be willing to stand on your head for your customers, especially young ones who will be your future customers

A link to Friday’s CEO Connect, if you would like to attend: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/6613528241

Coach Rob Pasick
Email: rob@leadersconnect.com
Website: www.robertpasick.com

Monday, May 6, 2013

Lessons From an Extraordinary Woman, Carrie Holmes


Carrie Holmes, a most extraordinary woman, passed from this world last week. She was a close friend of my sons Daniel and Adam, and  became our friend as well. We and dozens of her friends and family were honored to be part of her vigil a week ago. One by one we  said our tearful goodbyes to her as she left this world after a ten-year    struggle with cancer. Since then there have been over 100 comments on her Facebook page about what an exceptional, inspiring person she was, and how powerfully she has impacted their lives. Today I present to you a few of the many things she lived and taught us through her example. As one friend wrote, “she packed more into 34 years than most people do in 84 years."
1. No matter where a kid comes from, or what she  looks like, find the best in her, make her feel great about herself.
2. Sing loudly ,dance often, and dare to be goofy...and don't be afraid to tell someone to "get their shit together."
3. Show off your smile.
4. Find kind words to say to people every day.
5. Dare to express your opinions. You don't always have to be kind, but you do need to tell the truth.
6. Laugh and be quick with your wit 
7. Persevere in the face of the severest adversity, and never give up hope or accept defeat.
8. Know you can make a difference in the lives of the people you work and play with, and love.
9. Love the Wolverines, the Tigers, Springsteen and Segar, bold  colors, and Jeopardy.
10. Send your kids to camp  (Donations can be sent to the link below)

A link to Carrie’s obituary is below.

LINK TO DONATION SITE: http://camptalltree.com/
LINK TO OBITUARY: Carrie Holmes



Coach Rob Pasick
Email: rob@leadersconnect.com


Monday, April 29, 2013

The Wit and Wisdom of President Mary Sue Coleman


We were honored to have President Mary Sue Coleman as the featured speaker at the April CEO Connect. She was asked about her lessons on leadership and here are her extremely useful responses:
1. “Never give up. You don’t say ‘I’m going to fold my tent’, even in the face of rejection.”
2. “Be persistent.”
3. “Listen, a lot.”
4. “The best way to move an organization forward is to layout the options, ask people’s opinions, and listen to their opinions seriously.”
5. “Make a decision in a timely fashion.”
6. “Get back to people and explain why you made the decision.”
7. “What people want most is to be heard and be respected for being heard, even though they know that you will not  always agree with their position.”
8. “Be engaging and respectful of all people, whether they’re cleaning the buildings or giving a huge gift.”
9. “Every part of the organization is made up of lots and lots of people who make it work…it isn’t a single individual.”
10. “Fight the battles, die on the hills that are important, but don’t die on too many, or you won’t be successful.”
If you would like to view President Coleman’s presentation at CEO Connect, please click on this link http://www.robertpasick.com/ceo-video-gallery/.

Coach Rob Pasick
Email: rob@leadersconnect.com