The Advisor’s Corner

News Flash: COVID-19

March 19, 2020/in Nuggets and Encouragement Regarding Strategy and Focus/by Tom Doescher

Tom Doescher

As it relates to COVID-19, for months I had a conspiracy theory going on inside my head, and I finally realized I was in denial. I still may be right about the conspiracy theory, but either way, we have a global crisis.

So, I’ll keep this simple.

If you are like I was, get over it and face reality.
Who knows how long this is going to last? On March 19, my business networking group thought it would last four weeks to three months longer. To be conservative, let’s assume it will be six months, or until the end of 2020.
Develop a contingency plan for your business and your personal finances for 2020, assuming it lasts all year.
Execute on your plan!

Based on my observations during the Great Recession, the companies that reacted the quickest were hurt the least, and some of those that waited didn’t make it.

I have a question for you: So far, how does this crisis feel compared to the Great Recession?

The Four Seasons of Adult Life

March 10, 2020/in Sharpening Your Personal Leadership Skills/by Tom Doescher

Tom Doescher

I recently heard a pastor/counselor speak about the Four Seasons of Adult Life. As I listened, I thought many of you might enjoy his perspectives.

Novice (17–28 Years)

Novice actually means new or beginner. You’re transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. During this period, the rational portion of your brain is developing. You make a lot of choices (friends, higher education, vocation/job) that will impact the rest of your life.

Challenges:

Will I grow up? Will I put away my childish things and ways? Think of a childish habit you had. Do you still have it?
Who do you spend time with? It’s said that you’re the sum total of the five people with whom you spend the most time. Who is the best person in your life today? Tip: Try to never be the smartest person in the room. (Editorial comment: Be a lifelong learner.)
What is/will your life be about? What path will you take? Will you focus on something bigger than yourself?
What will your priorities be?

Common Pitfalls:

Going down the wrong path.
A tendency to be prideful.
A focus on “doing” versus “being.”

Apprentice (29–39 Years)

This is (or should be) a transition stage.

Challenges:

Your priorities will be tested. (What are your tensions?) During this phase is when many people get married.
Face your family wounds. (Often, your issues from your family of origin will manifest themselves during this phase. Be ready and consider seeking professional help.)
Relational complexity increases (parents, spouse, children, co-workers, neighbors). You may experience relationship disappointments. Will you “lean in” or “run”?
There’s frequently a tendency to compare yourself with others (job, bank account, home, vehicle, spouse, kids).

Journeyman (40–54 Years)

In this stage, life is accelerating and can be exhausting.

Challenges:

You begin the transition from young to old. Your energy level is decreasing, while at the same time your demands are increasing. You need to re-position yourself for maximum effectiveness. Tip: Consider a reverse bucket list. In other words, what should you eliminate from your life so you can focus on your highest priorities?
How will you respond? Will you become a “victim,” or will you accept the responsibility to change? Is there an area of your life where you failed? What role did you play?
Will you become isolated or connected?

(Editorial comments: 1) I refer to this as the “Perfect Storm” phase of life. We have high demands at work, at home, at church, in the community. You have to learn to say “no,” or you’ll become overwhelmed. 2) In my experience and observation, this stage goes into the 60s for many executives.)

Mentor (55+ Years)

During this phase, you’ll cash in on your previous choices. You may retire from your longtime career/vocation. You could become an experienced, trusted advisor. (Editorial comments: 1) As you know, I’m not a big fan of retirement. 2) While you’re in an influential position, it’s an ideal time to begin mentoring others. 3) I would also encourage mentoring until you can’t.)

Challenges:

Will you be a consumer or an investor? (Editorial comment: Said another way, will you be a taker or a giver?)
Will you pass on wisdom, skills, and your experience? (Mentor, or initiate/engage; ask questions versus lecture; be available and give of your time; tell stories; encourage others.)
When will you step aside? (Editorial comment: When will you transition to your “Next Season”?)

Concluding reflections: 1) What’s the best thing in your life today? 2) What’s your biggest challenge and how will you address it?

Why Isn’t Your Team More Creative?

March 3, 2020/in Nuggets and Encouragement Regarding Strategy and Focus/by Tom Doescher

Tom Doescher

If I have to admit one more time I was wrong about someone, I’m going to go crazy.

I have to confess, I’ve been on the skeptical bandwagon related to Jim Hackett leading Ford Motor Co. The jury is still out, but recently I learned more through a friend who was applying for a job in a new group inside Ford. As I spoke with my friend, he started using words like “creative design” and “human-centered design.” After listening patiently, I couldn’t take it any longer and said, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Then I asked, “Where did you learn about this subject?” He told me about IDEO, a company with more than 700 consultants working all over the world, that was founded in 1991 by David Kelley. That led me to purchase Creative Confidence: Unleashing the Creative Potential Within Us All. On page 145, the authors, David and Tom Kelley, write, “Many years ago, our longtime strategic partner Jim Hackett, CEO of Steelcase …” I’m getting a lot of practice in being wrong.

First, I want to say that if you don’t do anything else, please watch this 19-minute TED Talk that the authors mention in their book.

(Editor’s note: By the way, this isn’t a slam on teachers. If you think about it, how can a teacher with a classroom of 30 students behave like Sir Ken is recommending? However, I bet his conclusion is correct.)

In addition to providing some great suggestions on increasing the creativity of your team, Creative Confidence challenges us to refocus on our customers/clients.

As I reflect on the book, one of the most significant takeaways for me is the concept of “failure.” Do you allow yourself to fail? More importantly, do you give your teammates permission to fail? I won’t recite how many times Edison, Lincoln, and so many other famous people failed along the way, but never gave up.

Instead, I’ll quote Uncle Dan. (For my new readers, he’s my little bro — but more importantly, he’s an amazing dreamer. And very successful, I might add.) Here’s what he told me several months ago:

“In my world, there are no failures. Life is one great laboratory full of experiments providing opportunity for many learning experiences.”

I’ve decided not to summarize highlights from Creative Confidence; instead, I’d like you to ponder a few questions:

Would you say your company is really creative? What would your customers/clients say?
Would you say you really understand your customers’/clients’ needs? What would they say?
How many of your teammates would agree with Uncle Dan’s quote? If I asked them, would they tell me they have permission to experiment and fail?

If you don’t like your answers to any of these questions, I would highly recommend you read David and Tom Kelley’s book.

News Flash: COVID-19

Tom Doescher

The Four Seasons of Adult Life

Tom Doescher

Why Isn’t Your Team More Creative?

Tom Doescher

Contact

Explore

SUBSCRIBE