My wife said something profound at the funeral for her grandmother last month. She said of her grandma, "She believed in me no matter what. I was always the smartest, most beautiful, most wonderful to her. You have got to have someone who loves you like that even if they are wrong--especially if they are wrong!" Oh the importance of someone believing in you--believing in the best of you. That belief tends to bring out the best in all of us.

I think of two very different coaches that I played for growing up. One was our football coach, Mike Mahlen, I believe the winningest High School football coach in the state of Minnesota. The other was our basketball coach. In football we won nearly ever game, in basketball we won one game and lost sixteen my senior year. I am not saying it was all the coaches fault, but there was a clear difference in the two. There former really believed in each player as an athlete and as a good young man. His belief brought out the best. In basketball few felt believed in and we lost.

On your team and in your family, believe the best for those around you. If you do, you might just get their best!

Labels: Leaderrship, relationships, teams

How does one make a lasting difference? By doing the little things consistently. James Garlow, in his book "Tested by Time" said, "If you don't like who you have become it is because of the small seemingly insignificant decisions you have made over time. If you like who you have become it is because you have made thousands of seemingly little decisions well over the course of many years."

To a large degree Garlow is right isn't he? If I am a overweight it because I have had too many calories over time, not because I ate too much yesterday. If I am a good husband it is because I have loved, honored, respected and cared for my wife over time. It is not because I gave her diamonds and roses yesterday. Not that that wouldn't help.

If I am a good leader I am continually doing the little things that share vision and care for my team. It is the little things that make the big difference. What are some little things that could change one's life over time?

1. Eat healthier (JoeDilon.com has one good option for eating and exercize).
2. Shut off the TV.
   
3. Write one appreciation note a day to a client or coworker.
4. Take 5 minutes to prioritize the day.
5. Read good books.
6. Spend some around wise people every week.

Keith Cunningham said, "Ordinary actions, consistently done, create extraordinary results." Take a few minutes to list a little thing that would make a big difference in you physically, mentally, spiritually, at work, in relationships, and at home. Over time, you will see a significant impact.

Labels: consistency, Leaderrship, learning