“This is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip.

You don’t have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.

4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies..  Awards tarnish..  Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money…or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most!”

”Be Yourself. Everyone Else Is Taken!”

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

You have passions and interests, so pursue them. You have dreams and desires, so get busy and fulfill them.

You have unique perspectives and opinions, so express them.  A magnificent, fascinating universe surrounds you, so experience it.

There are people about whom you care deeply. So give them your time, your attention, your love and fellowship.

You’ve already experienced yesterday, so don’t live it again today. This is a day to bring new and interesting and meaningful substance into your life.

On this very day you have the priceless opportunity to live.  Take that opportunity, right now, and run with it as far and as high as you possibly can.”

Ralph Marston

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

Book: THE LEADER WHO HAD NO TITLE: The New Way To Win in Business – and in Life
Leaders without a title know that whether they have a title or not, they have power to:
• see opportunity amid crises
• drive positive change
• encourage everyone on their team
• step into the person they’ve always longed to be
You do not need a title to be a leader. You can be a leader and make a difference TODAY, whatever you are doing.
It is in your attitude, approach and perspective.
There is a great summary – read more: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=116652405016576

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

John Maxwell’s book – Developing the Leader Within You

Levels of Leadership:  (Where are you?)

1. Position – hired / in an organizational “role”
2. Permission – lead by focusing on people’s needs and desires — relationships
3. Production – things are happening/getting done
4. People Development – Empower others, multiply leaders
5. Person-hood – people follow because of who you are and what you represent

Obviously, the 5^th level is the highest level of leadership and where a good leader will strive to be.

How do you get people to “follow you because of who you are and what you represent”? It is about authenticity, integrity and character.

Consider:

• Are you being real or fake (guarded, protected, superficial, “best face forward”)?
• Do you have integrity (do what you say)?
• Does your character show up in your day to day? Who would people say you are?

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

1. They are authentic
Resilient people are at peace with their humanity. Perhaps it is because their mistakes along the way have humbled them, or life experiences have helped them accept their own vulnerability, but resilient people don’t let imperfections hinder them. They don’t think failing means being a “failure.” They learn as they go, making course corrections that lead them to positive outcomes.

2. They are flexible thinkers
Even if initially, they struggle with negative thoughts, resilient people are self-aware enough to notice when their thinking is counterproductive. They don’t fall into thinking traps such as jumping to conclusions or making assumptions. Instead, they gather the facts they need to move around obstacles and face the challenge head on. If something isn’t working, they make adjustments until it works. They find the aspects of their challenge that are within their control and they exercise that control. So when faced with a cancer diagnosis, they change their eating habits to help them recover. When they get passed over for a promotion, they find the grain of truth in the boss’ negative review and start making improvements.

3. They are optimistic – except when there is a great deal at risk
It’s hard to bounce back from setbacks when you see every obstacle as the end of the world! Research shows that optimists live as much as nine years longer than pessimists. Seeing the bright side is good for your health and longevity. But it isn’t about simplistic “positive thinking.” Resilient people see risks and take precautions to prevent problems. But when faced with a challenge, they are more likely to say, “I can get through this,” whether it is a test, a divorce or the loss of a loved one.

4. They reach out
Resilient people don’t go it alone. They have close friends and are not too proud to ask for help when they need it, talk out problems, or help others in need. When faced with a stressful situation, just knowing you have support can alleviate the pressure. Make your relationships a priority.

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

Sharing your wisdom with another person does not take that wisdom away from you.
It actually deepens your wisdom, and makes it even more profound.

Giving your love does not in any way diminish the love you have.
It makes your love richer and more meaningful.

You can speak the truth all day long, and at the end of the day that truth is more plentiful than it was at the beginning.
You can exercise compassion for month after month, and you’ll end up with even more compassion.

Some of the most powerful and valuable things in life are the things that never get used up.
Indeed, those things such as love, integrity, truth, compassion and wisdom become more plentiful the more they’re used.

As each moment passes, make full, joyous and meaningful use of life’s goodness.
When you do, you’ll be making even more.”

Ralph Marston

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

There once was a rancher named Molly
Whose Ranch was OK, but she not so jolly
The ranch hands were mad, cattle running amuck
Profit was dwindling, poor Molly was stuck

Inventory, weather, food for the cows
Get it all done, she didn’t know hows
She felt very busy, but spinner her wheels
It seemed like she was always back on her heels.

If I could be more productive, get teams to work
Perhaps the important I’d never more shirk
I’d love to know just how to win
To operate my ranch to bring more dollars in.

She needed a strategy to help her sort out
All things of import, the rest she’d toss out
She looked for some help, these topics to broach
And saw the best was to hire a coach.

The ranch became a team, all personalities tested
All working their strengths, while the others, they rested
When one goal was done another was made
The progress she saw, she never would trade.

It just goes to show when life gets a mess
It hampers your business, and just causes stress
So take home a lesson from Rancher Miss Molly
Hire a coach and make your ranch much more jolly!

Every business owner and executive is just like a rancher… with much to plan and manage.
If coaching can support you or a rancher you know, e-mail for a FREE sample session!

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN