Doug Petch's ARC Builder Blog

Effective Leadership Doesn't Happen Undercover

Doug — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:06:08 +0000

There's been quite a bit of talk this week about "Undercover Boss", a television show in which the CEO of a large company disguises himself as a common worker in order to find out what's really going on out on the front lines. Not surprisingly, opinions about the show are mixed. Some loving the idea, some view it as yet another contrived reality show, and some believe that the idea of a CEO going undercover in such a manner runs counter to the basic principles of effective leadership.

As I reflected on the show, I couldn't help but reflect back on a "CEO" that I once worked for and the method he used to keep track of what was really going on out on the front lines. And in my case that's an accurate description, since the CEO in question was Major General (MG) Russel Honoré, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division from 2000 to 2002(You may remember him more as the commander of Task Force Katrina, thanks to his famous "stuck on stupid" comment).

MG Honoré was a hard man doing a hard job, but he never lost focus on the soldiers who were responsible for carrying out his orders. And, while he expected much from them he went out of his way to ensure that they were properly trained, equipped and cared for. One of his most effective techniques for doing so was a weekly call-in show on the Armed Forces Radio Network in South Korea.

On a regularly scheduled basis, MG Honoré would "appear" on radio to update the Division on various items of interest and emphasis. He would also take phone calls from anyone in the Division who felt they had a concern that he needed to address or at least be aware of. He would listen carefully and then take one of 3 actions

If the issue was one that a lower level commander should handle, he would direct the caller to take the issue to that commander. He or someone on his staff would follow-up to ensure that the caller did so and that the lower-level commander took appropriate action.
If the caller raised a question he could not immediately answer he would get the answer as soon as possible and either he or someone on his staff would follow-up with the caller.
If the issue was one that only he could resolve he would do so. This was especially true when it came to quality of life issues; an important point in the austere environment that existed on the 2nd Infantry Division's widespread bases along the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

As you can well imagine, the soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division responded positively to MG Honoré's demonstrated concern for their well-being, even as he led them through a grueling schedule of training and operations. And, by engaging directly with his soldiers, MG Honoré was able to more accurately determine what was really going on out on the front lines, free from the filter of the many layers of management between the soldier in the field and his office in the headquarters building.

And he didn't have to go undercover to do it.

Risk vs. Reward

Doug — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:30:00 +0000

I admit it: I was among the millions of Americans who spent last night watching the Super Bowl pitting the New Orleans Saints against the Indianapolis Colts. The underdog Saints and the favorite Colts shared a goal - to win the National Football League Championship. It wouldn't be easy for either team.

Late in the 1st half, the Saints were behind and had a 4th down on the 2 yard line. They could kick a field goal for a sure 3 points, or they could try to make the final 2 yards for 6 points. The Saints opted for the riskier option and tried for 6. It was a choice that failed, for despite giving it all they had the Colts stopped them for no gain.

The 2nd half started with the Saints kicking to the Colts. And, to the surprise of everyone, they once again opted for a risky option. Rather than kicking deep, they shocked the Colts by kicking the ball only 10 yards. It hit a Colts player and, when the dust had settled, the Saints had recovered the ball. They then went on to score a touchdown and take the lead.

The Saints ultimately achieved their goal, defeating the Colts 31-17. But that fact is unimportant to the lesson I hope you take from the two plays I've highlighted:

Even if you give it your best effort, occasional failure is inevitable.
The payoff for successfully making risky but calculated decisions is worth it.

Keep that in mind the next time you're faced with having to decide between 2 or more possible courses of action. Yes, you may fail.

But what if you don't?

Get Off the Road

Doug — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:56:31 +0000

In the Army, soldiers who have given up on doing anything more than the minimum required to get by are said to be on the Road Program.

That's Road, as in Retired on Active Duty.

Take a look at what you've been doing over the last 6 months or so. Would an outside observer believe that you too are on the Road Program? Or are you doing whatever it takes to add value to your organization?

We all go through periods in which we're not as motivated to perform as we should be. That's to be expected. But periods of malaise that seem to last longer and longer each time they occur are a sure sign that you're a candidate for the Road Program.

The key point to all of this is that it's your responsibility to do something about it. Whether it's recharging your passion for what you're doing, or accepting that it's time to move on, you owe it to yourself and those around you to get off the ROAD.

Why Not?

Doug — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:30:00 +0000

When someone asks you for help, do you ask "why?" or "why not?"

When asked to do it a different way do you ask "why?" or why not?"

When you face a challenge, do you ask "why? or "why not?"

When things don't go your way, do you ask "why?" or "why not?"

It's a subtle shift of perspective that can make a world of difference. Don't ask "why?", ask "why not?"

Improve Your Presentations in 4 Easy Steps

Doug — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:30:00 +0000

It's no secret that the ability to effectively communicate is an essential skill for High Performance Success. It's also no secret that entirely too many of us struggle with that skill. So what are you to do if you're one of the many?

One of the most effective methods for improving your presentations - whether they be sales presentations, formal briefings or any other prepared material - is to record both the rehearsals and the actual presentation. While audio recordings are good, the best method is to make a video recording. And, with the flood of small, inexpensive video recorders now on the market (not to mention the number of cell phones that have video recording capabilities) recording yourself is easier than ever.

Record your rehearsal once you're fairly comfortable with your material. In order to get the greatest possible benefit, give your presentation in as close to the same environment as is possible, using whatever visual aids you will be using in the actual presentation.

Of course, once you've recorded yourself you have to do something with what you have. Here are the 4 steps that I recommend for using a video recording for improving your presentations:

Watch it w/out sound. First, turn off the audio and watch yourself in silence. As you watch yourself without the distraction of sound, pay attention to your body language. Do you fidget? Do you appear confident? Are your gestures and movement natural or forced?
Listen to it w/out video. Next, turn up the volume but turn away from the screen. As you listen to the audio of your presentation pay attention to excessive use of verbal crutches ("Um" Ahh" etc), awkward words and phrases, and the general "flow" of what you're saying.
Watch and listen. Now, put it all together. Watch, listen and consider the following points. Do your actions match your words? Is the overall impression one of someone who is confident in them self and their material?
Repeat. Make whatever changes you feel are necessary based on your initial viewing and repeat the process until you are comfortable. It may take more time than you would normally dedicate to preparing for a presentation but it will pay immeasurable dividends in your ability to deliver a professional, engaging and informative presentation.

As I mentioned previously, it's also a great idea to make a video recording of the actual presentation if possible. You can apply the 4 steps from above in watching that recording to prepare yourself for the next time you have the opportunity to present.

3 Team Building Ideas From a Rookie Coach

Doug — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:30:00 +0000

The Houston Chronicle on Sunday featured an article about the New York Jets' rookie Head Coach Rex Ryan. I highlight it not because of what it says about Rex Ryan as a football coach but because of what it can teach us about team building.

Reading the article reveals 3 team building truths that you can incorporate in your team building efforts:

1. Set concrete goals and get your team's buy-in.

See, he couldn’t get them to believe unless he believed. Ryan began that process with a training camp that was focused on team building. Looking back on it now, it’s eerie how it has worked out.

“It’s something I thought was important, to get away where they just had each other and they could bond together,” Ryan said. “I think that was the important thing. They don’t want to let each other down. They don’t want to let themselves down, they don’t want to let each other down and they believe in the players that we have here. They believe in our systems.

When the Jets held their first team meeting after making the playoffs, Ryan passed out an itinerary that included practice schedules right through Super Bowl Sunday.

2. Team building "events" should be relevant to the organizational mission.

One day, Ryan is asking them to bring in their high school video to add comic relief to a team meeting.Another day, he’s turning routine pass drills into on-the-field competition, complete with rewards for the winners. Ryan might turn a defensive strategy session into a game of Jeopardy.

3. Look out for everyone on your team, not just the superstars.

And maybe most important of all, every player knows Ryan has his back. He tells them so. He tells others, too.

“He loves his players,’’ Jets linebacker Bart Scott said. “He’s not just there watching. He’s interacting not only with the people who are perceived to be the stars or the starters. He’s there with the last men on the roster as well. He understands that this is a business, but you can go about your business and have fun and enjoy it as well.”

There is, of course, much more to building a High Performance Team, but incorporating these three team building truths in a team building program would be an excellent place to start.

The Only Thing You Need to Know About Being a Leader

Doug — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Do you want to be a leader?

You can read one or one thousand books on the topic. You can attend any number of colleges that teach the subject. You can engage coaches and mentors to teach and guide you.

Or, you can remember one simple fact:

Leaders make things better.

That's it. That's all you have to remember. That's all you have to do; everything else is detail. But if you constantly and consistently strive to make things better you will be a leader.

And a good one at that.

Taste the Grace of Silence

Doug — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:01:22 +0000

I recently listened to a sermon in which the pastor challenged us to "taste the grace of silence." That phrase resonated with me, as I believe that it's important to regularly get away from the "noise" of everyday living and spend time considering where we've been, where we are and where we're going.

Tasting the grace of silence is a powerful concept. As powerful as it is, though, it really isn't hard to do. All you have to do is incorporate these three concepts:

Place - Where you go to get away is important. I recommend that your get-away spot be right in your home. This gives you the greatest control over the atmosphere and makes it more likely that you'll actually go there. The key to choosing an appropriate place, whether in your home or elsewhere, is that it be removed as much as possible from distractions.
Strategy - Getting away from the noise does note mean you should spend that time navel-gazing. You need to have a plan for what you will do with that time. It could be reading, journaling, praying or whatever best focuses your mind. Your plan should also include ample time to think without distraction.
Simplicity - Complex rituals will make it less likely that you'll take the time you need and more likely that you'll become distracted by those rituals when you do take the time. For example, my time away from the noise consists of spending 15 minutes each day reading and reflecting in a comfortable chair in my home office. It requires nothing more complex than turning off my phone and my computer and moving from where I am to that chair.

Tasting the grace of silence is a powerful tool for achieving High Performance Success. My challenge to you is to come up with a place and a strategy for yourself and to faithfully follow your plan for 30 days. I'm confident that the positive impact of doing so will convince you to continue with the program long after those 30 days have passed.

Success. There's an App for That

Doug — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 14:13:44 +0000

Thanks to Apple's iPhone "there's an app for that" has become a common catch phrase in daily conversations. It should come as no surprise, then, that I've found a way to tie it in with achieving success.

Here, then, is the "app" for achieving success:

Action. It's not enough to set goals or to make plans on how you will reach your goals. If you're going to succeed you have to turn those plans into action. Success requires constant, consistent and focused actions designed to move you ever closer to your goals.
Passion. You will find it virtually impossible to truly succeed if you're not passionate about what you're doing. Lacking passion, you will eventually lose interest in what you're doing and where you're going.
Principles. True success is grounded in positive principles and values. History is littered with the remains of the seemingly successful who realized too late that theirs was a hollow success at best; hollow because they abandoned their principles in pursuit of what they desired.

And there you have it; your very own success app. While I'm not promising that using this app will automatically lead to success, taking principled action based on your passion certainly makes it more likely than the alternative.

Going All In to Achieve High Performance Success

Doug — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:19:36 +0000

A no-limit poker player goes "all in" when he believes his only chance to stay in the game is to bet everything he has on one hand. Once he considers what he knows about the strength of his hand and what he believes to be the strengths of his opponents' hands he puts everything on the line in a winner-take-all gamble that he is right.

That same mind-set is required if you want to achieve High Performance Success. Timid steps and half-measures won't cut it; bold, confident action is the key to achieving your biggest goals. But that's not to say that you should take unnecessary or unwise risks.

The key is to conduct a realistic, factual analysis of the variables involved: your skills and knowledge, the competitive landscape and your ability to weather the inevitable lean times that will precede success being three of the most important. Once you've assured yourself that your goal is within your grasp be bold, be aggressive and be confident as you take action to achieve it.

Your success depends on it.