What's Attitude Got To Do With It?

Africa - Business Educational Forum-West Pokot, 2018

Paraphrasing Charles Swindoll's popular published statement on "Attitude" in which he suggests that circumstances, past failure and other situations people experience, i.e. education, money and other events of life are only side considerations to life's success, joy and happiness. His statement concludes. "I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it."

As a consultant who has spent a life time dealing in the realm of "Change" in corporate culture and leadership development, the past two weeks have been a case study for me on the impact attitude has on people and organizations.  

A simple definition to begin please. 

Attitude: a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person's behavior.

While working with organizations and individuals over the past 30 years, the excuses for why they can't  succeed have greatly outpaced the considerations of how and why they could become successful or change the culture in which they exist. Often people quit before they start because of their attitude and view of the government, the management, their family upbringing, their ethnic heritage, racial bias, economic or educational status etc.  

During my recent two weeks work in the northern region of Kenya, an area of abject poverty, I was privileged to work with business people who's outlook on life and their future was genuinely positive. To be clear, these people in many cases, are existing at the bottom two levels of the triangle of Abraham Maslow's "Hierarchy of Need Satisfaction." (google it)

These interesting and brilliant individuals are not ignorant of their circumstances, nor are they delusional about the challenges facing them. However, their attitude was encouraging to me considering the dissatisfaction of so many people I know around the world who have so much more to work with, yet appear satisfied with letting circumstances dictate their lives operating in concert with their negative attitudes. 

The group I worked with in Makutano were hard working engaged, and eager to learn. They have visions of improving, but not unrealistic expectations, because they are aware of the inherent systems and circumstances which will slow the process for them. They have no illusions of building the next Wal-Mart empire or becoming the next Bill Gates. 

So what is the reason for such an attitude? With my limited time, I had to make a quick study of it and here is my initial conclusion.

1. A prevailing evangelical Christian culture with the absolute belief that life is NOT about this world  and the stuff it provides. 

There is a huge difference between Joy and Happiness and most people can't distinguish between the two. I'm not certain I've ever met a group of people who have so little materialistically, but who are so rich in joy as these I met on this assignment. 

Now at this point in today's writing some will scoff at this notion and will agree with Karl Marks who said "Religion is the sob of the oppressed creature, the heart of the heartless world..the opium of the people." But I argue this is not religion for these people, but rather a conviction based on their unshakeable belief. 

2. An unwillingness to identify other people and systems as the enemy.

 They view government corruption and a poor economic system as hurdles to climb. They do have strong political views, but don't appear to be consumed with the differences. There have been killings during election times, but those events were more tribal differences rather than economic fundamentals.

3. Educational opportunities are sought for "practical" application to life growth, not an end- all in it's self.

4. A strong work ethic but not at the expense of family, friendships and community.

 It's what Covey describes as putting "First things First." Having the right priorities clearly identified and acted on.

5. Being "content."

A value that is missing so much with so many people. How much do you need to be content? Seems like few ever reach that level of satisfaction. When the people I worked with in Makutano die, they will take out of this world the same amount as the richest millionaire I know..Nothing! 

Like everywhere else in the world, Africa has it's issues. I think they are like Haiti and urban areas of the West in that they rely too much on the generosity and emotional sappiness of Americans. Pulling on the heart strings for those willing to give without accountability.

 But for those I worked with, that was not the case. Just some folks who want to grow their business using the resources they have and doing what they can. Because "attitude has a lot to do with it" in....... 

Finishing Well

Creative Giving

Darina, our Teachers Captain 

During my New Years post I encouraged you to make some focused efforts for improvement during 2018 which I sincerely believe will make you a better professional and person. One of those areas I suggested is centered around "giving." Not just any giving, rather "Creative Giving." This writing is not a self serving "look at me" attempt but rather my sharing with you my experience of what I've discovered as extremely helpful. It's my hope you will reflect, self examine, evaluate  and give careful consideration.

I will admit that during my early years I, like many, was not very interested in giving to or for others as I was focused on raising a family and paying the bills. And to be brutally honest, I was a pretty self centered guy and concluded that charity starts at home i.e. what I want.

 

 During my 40's a new purpose in my life created a new focus from me and I began to rearrange my thinking about what I have and how I should be using what I've been blessed with. 

Dave Ramsey, a financial advisor and radio broadcaster, hammers his audience to implement a strategy that will enable them to become "debit free." Part of his reasoning is the description associated with the "freedom" of not owing others and therefore allows you the opportunity to give to others. To be generous. 

The undeniable fact is, America is the most generous people in the world. In moments of crisis, like floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters, people tend to be more generous but routine generosity is not necessarily a life style.

Here are some facts about charitable giving along with my personal observation and opinions of givers and takers.

> On average American's charitable giving equals approximatatly 2.5% of their annual salary. (How do you compare?)

> Most people are trendy givers or give to the most noticeable charities i.e. Red Cross, political parties, Boys and Girls clubs, schools, religious organizations, etc.

> Far less than 1/3 of the American population volunteer time to charitable causes or endeavors.

> For every US dollar given to religious organizations, only .05 cents goes to overseas support. The vast majority of monies given to churches are to support the building and maintaining of (what I call) monuments to materialism and pride. i.e. my church is bigger than your church.

> Most people give out of the abundance of what they have rather than giving sacrificially.

Be it the skeptical nature of my personality, the entrepreneurial approach or maybe even an overwhelming gratitude because of my life change, I began to examine how I, personally, would deal with the issue of "giving."  During the past 20 plus years I've had an exciting, sometimes timorous, but profound journey and outlook toward giving of my personal time and money. 

> I do not have a lot of money, but I consider myself richer than a lot of millionaires I know, precisely because of where the habit of giving has found it's self in my very being.

> I do not give foolishly or without careful consideration of the need, my ability or availability to help.

> I do not give to trendy organizations or because some charlatan thinks I should.

> I do not give to organizations who have large administration fees.

> I do not give to people or organizations who have only known gifts from others for so long that it has become common place for them, resulting in apathy on their part.

> I do consider giving as an act of worship. 

> I do give from a thankful heart not one of fear or expectations of some sort of ROI from God. After all, He does not cut deals.

> I do carefully examine creative ways to give of my time and money. (Contact me and I'll be glad to share with you some really unique but meaningful approaches.)

> I do give according to the talents and resources I've been given to enrich the lives of others. 

> I've never lost money or time because of my giving. Somehow, someway it all comes back to me when I least expect it. 

I have traveled to 27 countries (some multiple times) speaking at universities, high schools and business forums talking about ethical business practices, entrepreneurship, coaching and partnering with select people who live in these countries. 

The partners I work with insure that our efforts will be sustained after I'm gone. 97% of the cost associated with these activities has come from our personal bank account. 

Last week I was in Bulgaria for the 5th time. I've been working with a brilliant Bulgarian couple who have a real desire to make positive improvements in the community they live in by approaching the educational structure in a unique way. These are not one time road shows. These are strategic trips costing me personally thousands of dollars and hours. I keep going back because I feel led to do so and because I can see gains being made.

 

 I'm not the only person who gives on these projects. Krasimir and Darina, in Bulgaria, who devoted an enormous amount of time in translations work, transportation, logistics and recruitment, etc.  Regan from Kennesaw University who taught for two days and 30 teachers who gave of their time every evening for two weeks to learn how to implement the "Entrepreneurial Mind-Set." You can see lots of pictures on my Facebook page.    

Our Fabulous Teachers and Development Team!

One week ago today, I met with a group of business leaders in the community seeking their partnership with our fabulous teachers. Being prudent, as all good business people should be, they asked lots of questions. One seasoned guy, who's behavior was leaning toward rudeness, along with being extremely skeptical of my motives found out the bottom line about half way through our discussion. 

 

The president of this business association ask THE question that was on everyone’s   mind. "How are you getting paid Mr. Lewis? Who's paying for you to be here"?

 

 My reply was without hesitation, boastfulness or compromise. "I am paying my own way here." Why? Because I've have been blessed. Like you, I will not live forever and I've got more years behind me than I have in front of me and I can't take anything with me when I die.

 

  Just like Bob Buford, a very successful business guy, I want my remaining years to be marked strategically. I want to go from making money to making a difference. From success to significance." The crusty ole guy "got it" and began to applaud. Maybe he was thinking that was something he should be thinking about himself. Maybe you should too.

I'm not sure how much longer I can dip into my retirement funds or how I might find financial partners for the future. I do know this, as long as I'm in good health and have the opportunities to impact the lives in a positive way, I will continue to GIVE creatively in an effort to........

Finish Well

For more information contact me at Billrun@gmail.com, on Facebook or follow me on twitter @BillLewisArksaw

How To Hire And Use Consultants

All my past writings have revolved around leadership/management topics. 

A good CEO friend told me once that managers just don't know how to use consultants.

I've always wanted to write something about the consulting world, but didn't for obvious reasons. I was IN the game and at a different level than I am today. Although I'm still open to working with companies that are the perfect "fit", the full time activity and beating the bushes are behind me. So today, I get a chance to give you, who are responsible for finding and hiring a consultant, a view from the other side of the table from where you're sitting. This may also be helpful for those considering striking out on your own as a consultant.

I began writing this quite awhile ago and the more I wrote, the more I wanted to say. So, for now I will just hit some of the high points and withhold thousands of words that should be said, but just not this time.

First let me say that the 30+ years I spent as a consultant was the best career move I could have ever made.The lifestyle and behavior requirements fit me perfectly. I've worked with some of the most interesting, talented and amazing people around the world. I've benefited intellectually, personally, professionally and on a few occasions, even spiritually. I've even made a few life time friendships, and, if I had it over to do again, I'd make the same career decision.

Now let's begin this discussion with your opinion of consultants. Consultants are people just like you and should be treated with the same respect that you would expect.  They are advisors that come with a different prospective than you and your staff do. 

Do they want to make money? Heck ya man! They are still business people and have to make a living. But the good ones, the ones that make a difference are not in it just for the money. Like other entrepreneurs, they have a desire to fill a need and add value for their customers. The money is how they survive and continue on in the future. 

Over the years I've heard some of the most silly, nasty and demeaning comments about those who make a living in the consulting world. Here are a few stupid comments I've heard. Actually they were said to me directly or in my hearing. 

"For the money we pay consultants, I believe it's ok to insult and abuse them." (paraphrased)  Really? If you want to abuse me, the price just went up A LOT. More than you can afford. I don't need to sell my soul for a paycheck. 

"I think you look for problems so you can justify doing more work in the company." That's not only stupid, it's absurd, rude and insulting and shows the immaturity of "know it all managers." (see last posted article) 

"I don't know why we keep hiring consultants. We've spent thousands of dollars over the years and I can't see how they've helped us, at all, for the money shelled out." Now Bill Lewis, what do you think you can do for us?" My response. Probably nothing. Thanks for your time. I then proceeded to leave the room. I'm not a masochist, and again, don't need to sell my soul for a paycheck. Have I turned down opportunities to work with certain groups over the years? Absolutely and for a variety of reasons I will not go into today. 

These statements are not the norm, but they do represent the need of some to make power plays in an effort to gain the upper hand. Some are more subtle, but the intent is to control and make certain people know "their place" and it's obvious. It's a "power thing" perpetrated by insecure managers.  Being independent I can walk away from this kind of controlling authority. But sadly employees under this type of management system often can't. 

To be honest consultants are viewed by some like used car salesman. So why do consultants  get a bad wrap? I believe it's because there really are bad consultants who have ruined it for others. I can't tell you the number of people who were fired from their last job and then decided to become a consultant. Seriously? But in addition, I think organizations have a poor selection processes and unrealistic expectations. They have no clear requirements established and often there are disagreements among executives making the decisions on how a consultant or firm should be utilized. 

So, what should you look for in a consultant and how should you use them? 

A)  It's relationships first, and then success.

I've openly admitted that I'm not the smartest consultant that ever entered the business world. This is not false humility, it's fact. I don't have any special talents that a thousand other consultants don't have as well. I do think there's a big difference between "book smart" and "street smart" consultants and you need to determine what's most valuable for you. But it almost always comes down to "connection" between parties considering an engagement with each other.  When I give speeches or meet with management teams I tell them it often comes down to one thing. Someone says to themselves, "I like that guy. I think I can work with him." Or they say the opposite. You might be able to make the determination of "fit" in the first meeting, but seldom does that happen. It takes a little time.

Here's how I've handled it most of the time. When an organization agrees to consider me I spend the first 1-3 days (depending on the size) on-site of the business and go through a diagnostic process that allows me to meet and talk with a lot of people and to discover what the issues are and general communication and cultural dynamics. I do not charge for my time but do charge for all related travel expenses and insist on access to as many people as possible in the company. This approach insures that we all have some skin in the game and a chance to  really see if we like each other i.e. do we mutually think it's a fit?

B) Wanted and Needed.

Before I will commit to a long term relationship two thing MUST be present.

1. I must be wanted. 

2. I must be needed. 

I've been put in situations where one of those were present but the other wasn't. As a result, it never ends well. You should make the same consideration before hiring someone. 

These are the big considerations but there is so much more I could say because I've lived it. But for now I'll just bullet point a few more for you to think about. The list is kind like chapter titles in a book. 

> Big firms versus the little guy or mom and pop firm.

> Compensation - Bonuses for exceptional service- This is not day labor.

> Do they add value or just do the task.

> Character and ethical issues of those consultants you hire. (soooo much to discuss here)

> Never part of the family, always outsiders.

> Staying in their lanes.  Tech consultants are not always good for human behavior issues etc.

> Confidence versus arrogance.
> Trendy versus specific and useful for your company 

> Are they partners or vendors.

> The problems associated with multiple locations. 

>  Freedom to speak truth to power.

> Experience. Is she a young kid with a big firm, a retired guy who's looking for something to do, or someone with a track record inside multiple industry sectors?

 I have more but will stop for now and hope this will help you in your selection process. Would love to hear your questions or comments on this site or email me at Billrun@gmail.com 

Finish Well

The Difficulty Of Change

In just a few days, I will travel to meet with some, potentially, courageous individuals in Bulgaria. I will be spending a couple of weeks working with educators, business people, young aspiring entrepreneurs along with local government personnel. The overarching purpose of this trip is to have a positive impact on economic development and growth which will require CHANGE in each of the disciplines listed.  

I invite you to follow me during this trip by way of twitter Bill Lewis@BillLewisArksaw and Facebook

The reason I classify them as "potentially" courageous is because they have

not yet stepped over the line to commitment to change. A commitment to think and act differently. At present they are a group who are a mix of intrigued, interested  (and...even a bit excited) people. But to change, that takes courage. 

A large portion of my professional career required me to be intimately associated with change i.e. organizational change and personal/professional development. I worked at the highest levels inside business working toward improvement through a change process and then cascading those concepts and practices down through every level touching almost every employee.

I wish I could say I was 100% successful in the change process with every group I met with. But it's an undeniable fact, that was not the case. Why? I'll be the first to admit my short comings as a consultant. I can give you a list if you'd enjoy witnessing my self flogging. But the primary reason for failure of the process was the unwillingness of people to change. Here are some of the biggest reasons why people would vehemently resist change.

1.) Fear. 

     Fear of failure, criticism or judgment from others, including the boss. Fear of losing what they have now i.e. security, the known versus the unknown. Fear of challenging the "system." Fearing they may be asked to do more or something different.

2.) Satisfied with status quo.  

     It's the reason why organizations (and individuals) can never go from (as Jim Collins describes) "Good to Great."  The acceptance of "good enough" gives no incentive to change.

3.) Excessive pride or self confidence. Pomposity - Hubris.

     These characteristics manifest it's self primarily from the "Boss."  Presidents, department heads, supervisors, etc. But, I've seen it in many rank-n-file personnel as well. I never understood why top executives would ask me to come in and help them and their businesses, and then discount almost every recommended action. I'm firmly convinced it was because they were such "know it all's" and so full of themselves. Their puffed up behavior was, in many cases, the reason for the organizational disfunction to begin with. 

4.) Lack of education and training.

     Not lack of training on their job, but the lack of institutional training in problem solving, innovation, risk taking, basic economical understanding etc. 

5.) Lack of positive reinforcement. 

     When people take a risk. When people try. When they succeed at the lowliest task, we should be celebrating! I've watched people step out (sometimes for the first time) and try something new and different, waiting to see the reaction from others. What reaction did they get? Nothing! You don't have to exert a lot of effort or much money to acknowledge someones willingness to make an extra attempt. 

So, what should you do? 

A) Every leader of influence should observe the behavior of people they are responsible for.

B) They should examine the culture of the organization that may hinder organizational or individual growth.

C) They should examine themselves and their behavior. What impact do they have which promotes or discourages growth?

D) What is causing people to not step up and add value because of their unwillingness to change? 

Part of my job these coming weeks, along with my partners from Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University, is to help this group in Bulgaria cross over the line from curious to committed to a change process. To help them find the courage to overcome. To think different and to act different in order to succeed and....

Finish Well