Memorial Day

View from Little Round Top looking over Devil's Den

On this day of remembering the great sacrifice many man and women made for our freedom, I say thank you. Thank you to those who fought for this country. This day causes me to reflect on my last my last two posts. If you don’t follow weekly, shame on you. Go back and read at least last weeks.

Last week I wrote what great leaders do during life’s valleys. Life’s valley’s change us and often those around us. It’s up to you if it will change you for the better or worse. Today made me think back two weeks ago when I was on a field trip with my daughter’s class to Gettysburg. I learned a lot about the history of the Civil War. Talk about life’s valleys. One thing evident was this war changed lives. One life that was changed was President Lincoln. He got to a point of brokenness. Unfortunately it takes most of us to reach rock bottom before we see the blessings around us.

Celebrate the sacrifice of those who fought by saying thank you. Thank you to those who lost their lives, thank you to your spouse, your children, your parents, your friends, thank you to your employees, thank you to your clients, thank you to ...

We can’t always control life’s situation, but we can always control our attitudes and actions in the situation.

Enjoy your Memorial Day!

5 Things that separate Great Leaders through Life’s Valleys

I have to confess I’m not much of a hiker, but we all like to climb to the top of life’s challenges. Although we might not like it, we also go through valleys in life and in business. So far I probably have not told you anything new.

We all go through valleys in life and business, but some people tend to weather the storm better than others. What’s the difference?

5 Things Great Leaders Do:

• Prepare for it: Great leaders realize this day is coming. This may look like: saving for a rainy day; creating a strong support team around you, or simply doing what is right.

• Identify the problem quickly: This is not always easy if we are deep into our task. Great leaders have the ability to see things from different perspectives. Having a way to monitor or track is very helpful.

• Respond: Great leaders know how and when to respond. Good leaders do what is right even when it may be perceived as wrong. Great leaders know how to get everyone on board working towards the same goal.

• Learn: Don’t waste this opportunity to learn something that can only be learned through life’s trials. We have a different humbleness about us when we are struggling.

• Grow: Take everything you have just learned or are learning and grow. Grow in character and wisdom.

Remember: If you are sitting at the top you are no longer climbing upwards. Keep climbing, but be prepared for the fall. When you fall, have someone to help you get up so when you have the strength (and you will because you are stronger than ever before) you can return the favor.

Field Trip with my Daughter – No blog post this week.

I’m a strong believer in something’s are more important than work.  Hope you understand.

Have a great week.

Are you having fun? Get involved and give back.

Ribbon cutting ceremony

"Slyde" The Playground Hound

This industry can be as stressful as any, so are you having fun? Are you doing projects you can be proud of? Are your clients happy? What do you like most about waking up? What do you like most about going home? It would be easy to quickly read through these questions, but take a minute and go back and meditate on these.

Here are some photos of a playground we just finished. Friday was the ribbon cutting ceremony. We rented “Slyde” the playground hound to add some fun and excitement. We had a blast and so did the kids. This was a great way to start the weekend.

What are some things you have done or are planning for this year?

Is it still work if you’re having fun?