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

Cut-Flower Ethics

This week's post is a follow up to my writing from last time with you.
As a management consultant having worked and watched organizations for
many years, I've witnessed with interest (and sometimes with humor,)
the "faddish" like behavior around programs that organizations become
so involved with. Programs that, sadly,  become loudly touted by top
management for a short moment in time but have little impact on the
growth, profitability or the over all well-being of the organization for the long term.
It's not that these programs, are in themselves wrong or that they
are bad programs, it's because there's no sustaining substance, heart
or commitment to them like there is to "making money." There's no deep
seeded implementation that will cause change that will integrate it's
self as part of the organizational culture.

There is no better example of this than the prevailing company "Value
Statements" or  "Ethics/Value Principles" normally associated with
documents declaring the organizational mission and vision statements.
Most of these "value" statements are based on moral law, which is
defined as "an absolute principle defining the criteria of right
action (whether conceived as a divine ordinance or a truth of reason.)
The difficulty the world faces today is the last part of the
definition i.e. "truth of reason." I will explain in a moment.

So, if we have moral laws based on "truth of reason", why do we
continually have the Bernie Madoff's or the Harvey Weinstein's and
countless others who are icons of large industries and organizations
routinely committing unlawful and despicable acts of behavior. As a side
note, I think it ironically rich that an industry in Hollywood which
promotes unnatural sexuality and debauchery would lecture the world
while their "golden globes" are hanging out the front of their dresses
and #Metoo. But I digress.

The problem, it appears to me, is the loss of "truth" and the
replacement of "reason" with relativism or to say it in today's
vernacular, "what's good for you is good for you, and what's good for
me is good for me. Who's to say which one is right?"

As a consequence our world has fallen into no-mans land of tolerance,
acceptability and have missed the absolutes of truth. Today you can
tell a "little white lie", deal in shady (but not too bad) reporting on
your taxes, or company trip report. You can declare yourself as 63
different types of gender (google it ) and no one has the right to
judge. BTW, there is no such thing as 'transgender." You are X or Y.
That's it. All else is a cultural construct. But, again, I digress. People are
engaging in different kinds of behavior that was once considered
unacceptable and now excusing it with a new level of so called
"enlightenment."

One of the greatest diminishing qualities in leadership today is the
lack of courage i.e. to stand for what is right. Truly right.
                                                                                     

Dennis Prager, author, talk show host, Jewish scholar who has been
called by the Los Angeles Times as “An amazingly gifted man and
moralist whose mission in life has been crystallized – ‘to get people
obsessed with what is right and wrong.’” He recently said that the
teaching of Ethics and Values without a solid soil to grow in is like
"cut flowers."  The flowers look good in a vase of water for awhile,
but without sustained rich soil, they will soon wither and die.
 He believes that the removal of God and the Bible (God's Word) is
 the main reason for men and women to go their own
way into relativism. I agree with him. You who know me, know what I
stand for and how I have been criticized for it. I will continue to
stand with truth from God's word...not religion, not a church, but with
truth from the only Truth giver.

So what am I suggesting for you in this blog post?  Glad you asked!

1. As a leader think about what you really believe in. But, beyond
that, where does that belief come from?
2. Have the courage to STAND for real truth.
3. Communicate what you believe and why. Not an "in-your face"
approach but an unyielding commitment. As a leader, you're people are
 looking to you for clarification in a number of areas.
4. Make sure your ethics and values are grounded in RICH soil,
not some nebulous source or opinion.

These simple but deep considerations will make all the difference in
 your values/principles communication.You, likely, will be criticized
 but it will help crystalize your thinking in your head and heart and
 it will help you to....Finish Well

Happy New Year!!

First, let me thank the many readers from my last blog for the encouragement sent to me by email. I know other readers would benefit from your comments and opinions if you would share your thoughts on the blog site. 

As mentioned before, my purpose for writing  "The Journey...Finishing Well" includes: 

> Sharing insights and lessons learned (good and bad) from an older business professional like my self for the benefit of those still fighting or enjoying the process of daily life.

> To enlarge not only my territory but to challenge you to expand yours as well.

Therefore, I thought it only fitting that I begin the New Year by giving you a taste of and a "quick hit" on areas you can begin to act on now to expand your territory. This is not an exhaustive list, but the top 5 for me. These could have personal implications as well as implications for your organization. I will expand on some of these issues in greater detail in future blog posts.

1. Expand Your Understanding Of WHO You Are. 

What are your gifts and talents? What is your dominating behavior and temperament? What kind of work do you like to do and what type of people do you like working with? What are your goals, what is your Purpose?  What is your Character?

In my next blog I'll talk more about this under the heading of "Cut-Flower Ethics." 

Someone once suggested that each year we should take a "personal retreat" i.e. get away from the phone, computer and the hassles of daily life to review the past year and determine what the next year might look like. Consider filling in the blank to these questions and then follow up with action plans:

> What do I want to be to my family?

> What do I want to be in my community?

> What do I want to be in my industry or organization?

> What do I want to be with my Creator?

> Where do I want to be financially next year? 

In addition, are there any other items you want to consider for the coming year? Not just New Year resolutions, but realistic improvement items with strategic determination. 

2. Expand Your Knowledge Of The WORLD.

On my trip last week to Tokyo, I was reminded again about how consumed with "US" we are in America. Don't get me wrong, I'm proud of our country and an America fist guy. But because of this obsession with "self" there are  opportunities we miss. Lost opportunities both personally and professionally. 

3. Expand Your Giving.

I'll talk about this more later. But the greatest growth period in my life came when I understood "Creative Giving." Not out of reluctance or compulsion but cheerfully! It continues to have a profound impact on my life.

4. Expand Your Wealth Knowledge.

Several years ago I wrote an article about financial morons! People I know who have an abundance of education, but are more than a little deficient in their holistic wealth and economic understanding. Again, in days to come, I'll share some tips that will help some of you get on the right track in your organization and personally  if you so desire to make improvement. 

5. Expand Your "Work Life Balance" Strategy. 

Work life balance is more than dividing your time for work, family and health. These are all important considerations, however, I've found it's much deeper than that.

There are 3 questions each person ponders at some point in their life.

A)  How did I get here? Did I arrive on earth strictly by "chance" or was I specifically designated for this time and place in world history?

B)  Why am I here? Is life about sucking up air, doing stuff for 80 years and then just die? Or do I have a purpose for being here at this time and place in history?

C)  What happens after I die? Am I recycled, go into oblivion, go to another place? What? There are several opinions by a lot of different people...but they can't all be right.

 Blaise Pascal, the French philosopher said...“Being unable to cure death, wretchedness and ignorance, men have decided, in order to be happy, not to think about such things.” 

So, many people have bought into the mindless and silly notion of  "don't worry, be happy" and consequently they are simply sleepwalking thru life hoping everything will be ok in the end. It doesn't need to be that way.

Coming to grips with these 5 areas will not only help you in 2018, but it will also help you to........

"Finish Well"

THE LAST CHAPTERS OF.......

This is a new blog site for a new "season" of life for me.

I'm very grateful for the years God has allowed me to work. Some work I loved, others I disliked a great deal, but they all taught me a little about myself, my skills and interests.  I've been blessed with good health and an abundance of opportunities.

My early work life included milking cows, hauling hay, working in the fields on the family farm. Then as a young man I worked in warehouse shipping companies and as a backhoe operator laying pipeline along with general contractor work.

My professional life was a process...sometimes painful... through Personnel Management (HR), Corporate Trainer and TQM administration. Fed up with corporate politics, in my mid 40's I struck out on my own as a entrepreneur with dreams of building a large and famous consulting firm. Extension Management Inc. However, because I was not very good at marketing myself, I was neither famous nor big. 

After 25+ years engaged in organizational and professional development work, I've built  a good paying consulting job and found a niche market that gave me tons of wonderful experiences and professional relationships. My work has carried me to at least 27 countries around the world partnering with manufacturing, educational, government and NGO's. 

Now, at 71, I strike out again to allow God to re-invent, re-shape and re-direct my life.With today's medical technology and the grace of God I could live another productive 25 years. So... am I going to sit back and do nothing? No way!!  I've already begun embarking on projects in the U.S. and around the world in a familiar but still new capacity. I've only been retired for 4 weeks, but I can already sense the same excitement, frustration, anticipation, small victories and defeats as I did long ago.

What is the purpose of this blog? To talk about my self? No! 

The purpose of this blog is to:

1. To share with others what the last chapters of this book of life might look like. How to (as Bob Buford says) Finish Well.

2. To share insights and lessons learned (good and bad) from an older business professional for those still fighting or enjoying the process of daily life.

3. To enlarge not only my territory but to challenge you to expand yours as well.

4. To share opportunities with you so that hopefully you may want to partner with me at some level in the future.

Solomon said "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity ..." He also encouraged us by saying "...Enjoy life...." along with this sobering but true reminder.."Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."

Join me in this blog journey with your insights, suggestions and comments. This thing called life is not a dress rehearsal. This is all we get!

Let's Finish well!