WOW Word-Of-the-Week #327: Successful
November 15, 2010 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #327: Successful
Successful – having achieved wealth or eminence.
Do you consider yourself to be a successful person? Do you know anyone that you consider successful? Is it because they have great wealth? What great achievements have you made?
Would you agree that Warren Buffet is successful? He certainly has made lots of money and to be one of his investors requires loads of money. He is the Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Class A shares of their stock sold for $99,200 as of December 31, 2009, making them the highest-priced shares on the New York Stock Exchange, in part because they have never had a stock split and never paid a dividend.
Warren Buffett
Last week Buffett hosted an exclusive two-hour retreat for 160 students from eight universities. Can you imagine how exciting it would be to be one of the selected students? What questions would you want to ask Warren? Do you think all he would talk about is the economy, finances, and business?
A SD Tribune article by Pat Flynn, quoted what Buffett thought were three of the biggest ways to be successful. First he said, “Recognize the good qualities you see in other people and adopt them for yourself.” Second, “He emphasized that doing what you like is the most important thing.” And third he said, “If you want to be successful, be the type of person other people want to work with.”
I was so impressed by what he told the students! I have always believed that money in and of itself does not make one successful. I also think we don’t give ourselves enough credit for the achievements we have made. Would you agree?
This week focus on Warren’s three keys to success. What good qualities do you see in others that you could adopt? Are you doing what you like? How easy is it for to attract and keep quality people in your business and your life?
Reader Responses
“This is a good one. I’m going to adopt some of your good qualities, like jumping up and down in enthusiasm more.” – Elaine
“Great job and great message today. I saw one of your seminars years ago in Orlando at the PGA show and have always enjoyed getting your Fun–damentals emails ever since. Please keep up the great work!” – Brian
“Like millions of people I have so admired Warren Buffet; he is filthy-rich; he earned his the old-fashion way; he is down to earth and like you, one helluva teacher. Good show!” – PC
“I am really surprised that you listed wealth as the first parameter and then only two are listed. There are so many successful people out there and wealth for sure is not why they are considered successful. Just my thoughts for what its worth. Wow for sure!” – VHK
“Warren Buffet is successful because he recognizes those good, positive qualities in other people he has selected for his firm. What is impressive about truly successful people is that most don’t take themselves too seriously. And they are good listeners. In my dealings with the very wealthy, I have noticed that many like to keep a low profile and not draw attention to themselves. This is reflected in their philanthropy. When successful, wealthy people give away their money, they do it quietly with little fanfare. Now, there are a lot of wealthy people who are not very nice to others and are greedy. They want to keep as much as they can, without having to either pay taxes or spend it. I have been told a few times in my life that I am a successful person. Many of us probably don’t think we are as successful as other people think we are. Because we are living inside the picture frame, it is usually others who see the truly successful person. I have been blessed with good health in my life, which has allowed me to do and experience many things. Education-wise I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees from two fine institutions, Marquette University and Northwestern University, respectively. Every position that I worked so far in my professional career, I left it in a better position than where I found it. I have written two books, I am married to a beautiful woman with two beautiful daughters. And on top of all of that, I am a happy man. To me, that is success in life. Is simply being happy. Have a great weekend, Susan.” – “Warrior” Joe
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #326: Compassion
November 15, 2010 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #326: Compassion
Compassion – deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.
Were you glued to your TV set when they where rescuing the miners in Chile?
The LA Times featured an article written by Chris Kraul titled, “Chile’s heart shines through.” In it he writes, “In rescuing ‘Los33,’ Chile pulled off an impressive and complex feat and took pains to demonstrate to the world that it would spare no expense in safeguarding its mines.”
“But the image of Chile I take home with me has more to do with compassion than competence. In Camp Hope, I heard no blame games or overt acrimony toward the government or the mining company. Instead, there was a display of unity, heart and team spirit as I have rarely seen. Maybe it’s the harsh Atacama desert surroundings that make people pull together. Or maybe it’s the fact that mining, which employs thousands in the region, is an activity that can’t be done alone.”
“Directly and indirectly, many contributed to help save the miners and take care of their families. Half a dozen Chilean and international mining companies donated the use of the machinery that dug the shafts to reach Lost 33. A food service company, supermarket chain and soft-drink bottler gave tons of food and drinks. Two fishermen’s cooperatives donated truckloads of fish every week to keep hundreds of family members, government officials and media types fed throughout the process. And a dozen volunteers, some who took leave from their jobs, cooked the food that was donated.”
This week focus on being compassionate. Who needs your help? Do you pitch in or find a solution when a “disaster in your life happens”? How can you create an environment of unity, heart and team spirit when you’re faced with tough times?
Reader Responses
“I remember watching how effective Bill Clinton was during the 1992 presidential campaign debates when he walked away from his podium to a questioner to say, “I feel your pain.” No candidate was ever better at empathy than Clinton. He rode it to two terms as President of the US. As for the Chilean miners, the government and company that owned the mine spared no effort or cost to help those miners. A few years ago, a mining accident in this country took place and a number of miners were trapped and eventually died underneath the ground. There was not the same effort extended as was in the case in Chile. What that country did was impressive. It should be a great example for all of us. Thank you, Susan. We had a fun trick or treat with our girls. Take care.” – “Warrior” Joe
“I think it is there devoutly religious lives that pulled them together without initial acrimony, that’s the Chilean heart. I understand a bit of that is unraveling now, understandably. Anyway, that’s my feedback. Hope all’s good!” – Susan
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #325: Assumption
November 15, 2010 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #325: Assumption
Assumption – something taken for granted or accepted as true without proof.
Do you ever question what you are told? Do you repeat things you’ve heard without verifying they are true? Can you sense when someone is telling you “facts” that are really their assumptions?
Once again, this week’s S T E V E ‘ S….3 – M I N U T E…. C O A C H I N G is very timely and profound.
He writes, “More problems are caused by assumptions than perhaps any other single source. Yet, many people make most of their decisions based on assumptions rather than checking out what’s real. There are several reasons for this.”
“First, it’s easy. You’re ready for a decision right now, no efforting required.
Second, it lets you feel really smart, or at least appear to be. Sometimes we feel the need to be the ‘smart one’ in the room.
Third, by assuming, you don’t have to look at what’s real, which may be what you don’t want to see.
Fourth, well, the list of reasons to assume is endless. The question is, ‘What is a better strategy?’
Try asking questions instead of telling what you assume. Try listening instead of talking. Try waiting for clarity instead of having a shoot-from-the-hip ‘answer.’
Before you repeat something you read on the Internet or had a friend tell you came from the neighbor of their cousin’s sister’s husband, do a little research. Check out the facts. Apply a little logic. Ask “does this seem reasonable?”
Look at your personal history and see if you’ve made some incorrect assumptions which cost you. There is really no reason to base the success of your life on assumptions. It’s a flawed strategy.
Coaching Point: Do you remember how you feel when you sense that what someone is telling you as fact is really just their assumption? Do you want others to feel that when you speak?”
— Copyright 2010 Steve Straus. All rights reserved. —
I clearly was not of sound mind when I agreed to be the President of my HOA. But in retrospect, I have learned a lot. Assumption and over reaction are two of the biggest time wasters. And I believe that you lose credibility every time you go there. My new favorite line is, “get me the facts.” This week focus on Steve’s Coaching Point.
Reader Responses
“This piece on assumptions was right on. Have you ever read ” The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz? It’s very profound and has a lot to say about not making assumptions.” – Bob
“Yes, I have done this on the internet with articles forwarded to me too many times. Embarrassing! I now confirm with snopes or don’t send it. The old saying is so true, “To assume makes an ass of u and me.”
xoxo, Elaine
“Susan, this was really good, I think my entire adult life, I have assumed so much and just not asked questions that I have missed a lot, don’t know what questions to ask, any tips?” – Brenda
“Well, you always know what happens when you assume. You make an …. out of you and me! Assumption is always the easy way out. If there is anything I have learned during my short time on the planet is that nobody knows anything. That seems to be the case, especially during this Midterm Election season when everyone has some kind of poll out to predict the demise of incuments in office. Unfortunately, there are so many different polls out there that are really all over the map that it is difficult to tell false from true. The news networks play into the assumption game in their reporting of poll results. What happens many times in election cycles is that the reporting of the polling results beats a particular narrative drum: “A tidal wave for the GOP”; “The Dems are in trouble.” By repeating the narrative ad nausem, it almost becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. And what is these assumptions are wrong? Who has egg on their face then? So, we really don’t know. And we won’t know until the votes are counted. I also agree that people will repeat what it is they have heard on the radio, websites or from people they know, because it squares with their play on events or things and they don’t want to hear anything that is different. I think that is human nature. It reminds me of a line from Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer.” “All lies and jest, still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest.” So true. I have made my share of assumptions in my lifetime, but as I grow older and wiser and have a good feel for human nature, I resist the assumption more and more. It is a matter of thinking first and checking things out. At the old City New Bureau in Chicago, the old timers used to tell the newbies, “If your mother tells you she loves you, check it out.” Great word, Susan. Thanks. Have a great weekend.” – “Warrior” Joe
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #324: Predictable
November 15, 2010 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #324: Predictable
Predictable – to know in advance.
Is it important for you to know things in advance? Do you plan and prepare so that you can predict your outcome? Are you okay when things 
turn out different than you predicted?
I have spent a considerable amount of time traveling for work and for FUN over the past 35 years. I have flown over one million miles just on United Airlines. And as much as I plan and prepare for my travel something always unpredictable seems to happen.
I learned the first time I flew internationally, in 1984, that you can never leave your bags unattended. Somewhere between checking out of the hotel in Paris and arriving at the airport my camera bag with all equipment and film was gone. You must always count them and keep an eye on them every time you are in transit.
In 1994, I learned that pickpockets are smooth and fast and will throw away any items that have no value to them. We got a call from the Mexican Embassy two weeks after that “learning lesson” saying they found the passport in a trash can.
In 1996, in Rome, I learned to never put all valuables in one bag. While waiting in line for a taxi, I got distracted and almost had my carryon bag snatched out of my hand. All of the airline tickets, passports, jewelry and money were in that bag. I now split those items up and put them in multiple places.
What I can predict for sure, tourists are targets. Their purses, their bags, their wallets, their cameras, anything of value. I never carry money or credit cards except in transit, and they never leave my possession. I assume everyone is out to rob me and I always put everything in the safe immediately upon arrival. (I have also learned not to check out before clearing out the safe.)
I have never been violated in my hotel room until this trip. In broad daylight my purse was taken. I was in the bathroom and the door was open. New lesson learned: never stay in rooms that are vulnerable to the street. Every place we have stayed so far was gated and walled, clearly for that reason.
This week focus on what you consider predictable. Has there ever been a time when that changed to being unpredictable? How did that make you feel? Was it stressful and upsetting? Were you able to make it a learning lesson?
Reader Responses
“Thank YOU Susan, I love to hear about your travel all over the world, through your WOW I learn a little about another place of the world, I had not had the funding to allow myself to travel, but hearing you it is my goal to take care of my funding so that travel the world too. You have done well for yourself! You keep traveling and you keep telling!” – Brenda
“Yikes! I’m so sorry about your purse. One of the hotels I was just in had a video on t.v. you almost had to watch. It was on security and how to lock your door properly was the first thing. It said, “Always keep your door locked”. I think hotels are doing this now because they don’t want all the hassles they have to go through with having their vacationers being robbed. Hope you and Chris are having a grand time in spite of being robbed. We’re never too old to learn lessons. Thanks for sharing.” – Love, Elaine
“I never cease to be amazed at the things I learn from your travels. This column alone was worth so much from your firsthand experience. Consider expanding your writing skills to even more productive markets. You possess a wealth of personal information gained from your trips aboard. Each foreign country can challenge travelers in ways known only to people like you. Those of us back here learn from others! Best as always.” – PC
“As you noted in your column, the best laid plans of mice and men can always be turned topsy-turvy by our unpredictable world. My wife, Kristen, always is very good about planning for the unknown or unpredictable. As seasoned a traveler as she is, Kristen never leaves any stone unturned. She actually anticipates the unpredictable. On top of that, she does not like surprises. I, on the other hand, will take care of everything that are within my control and not worry about our unpredictable world. As I have grown older, I have learned that not only are people unpredictable, but they are careless and indifferent. As a result, many of those same people who are in positions of authority can ruin a good trip or a good time. So, while I keep those things in mind I try not to let the unpredictableness of people AND life upset me when on a trip or going some place. It is not worth the heartache. When we are disappointed by unpredictable people and events, it is best to let it pass. There is only so much we can plan for in life. So, we make the most of a bad situation and move on. Thanks, Susan. Have a great weekend. Take care.” – “Warrior” Joe
WOW Word-Of-the-Week #323: Yes
November 15, 2010 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on WOW Word-Of-the-Week #323: Yes
Yes – the answer to the question.
I decided to rerun this WOW to balance out my NO WOW from 2 weeks ago. I believe there are times you should come from YES and times you should come from NO. It’s up to you to decide the appropriate response that works for you, your business, and your life.
How often do you say YES in the course of your day? Would you say you tend to say the word NO more often? When it comes to dealing with a guest, customer, member, or client is it easy for you to say YES to a request? When you are dealing with family members do you say YES or NO more often?
Pablo Zelaya has been a professional server for the last twenty-five years and was one of four veteran career waiters featured in the LA Times article titled, “The Art of Waiting.” Betty Hallock writes, “When Catherine Zeta-Jones comes in for lunch at the Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills and tells Pablo, ‘You know what I want? It’s a tuna sandwich,’ that’s what she gets (even though it isn’t on the menu). Not because she’s a celebrity, Zelaya insists, but because ‘I don’t like to say no. It’s like they say: ‘The answer is yes. What is the question?’
I have been working with managers of Country Clubs, City Clubs, Yacht Clubs, etc. for over twenty years. Members think that their club is “THEIR CLUB.” That means that they should get whatever they want whenever they want it. Special orders are either a problem or an opportunity. If you come from “Yes is the answer,” you have the opportunity to give your members what they want. If you come from NO, you do nothing but create problems.
One Club had so many special requests that they decided to print “We will make you anything you want” in big, bold letters on their menus. I was told that special orders dropped in half. Why is that? I think human nature is to push the envelope.
This week think about the question. Is the answer YES? How does it make you feel to give your guests, customers, members, or clients what they want? Is it a problem or an opportunity?
Reader Responses
“Here is my feed on your WOW word yes. When I say No that is exactly what I get, but when Yes and Yes Please the possibilities are endless.Thanks for this good reminder.Hope your are both well and swinging from the trees.” Deborah