Tag Archives: guy

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First to Fix or Find Fault?

When something goes wrong how do you react?

Are you first to identify it? That’s good. We need people that can identify areas for improvement, but something still needs to be done about it.

Are you first to vocalize a complaint about it? That could be good, because others could suffer or be harmed by a fault that hasn’t been identified, but again, something has to be done? Did your vocalized observation put some solution into action?

Are you first to fix it? That’s great! We really need problem solvers in the world. There are a lot of people quick to identify problems, but so few to act.

People pride themselves on delegating problems onto others. I think that can be very useful at times, but more often than not, there are just so many little things we can all do that would make the world easier for each other. We are so quick to evaluate problems of all different sizes as not our problem. That piece of paper in the hallway, not mine. The snack machine isn’t working, well, someone else will report it. And so on.

We spend our day with our list of to-dos, and job descriptions, but we fail to realize there really is a whole world of problems that aren’t on anyone’s list. They grow, multiply, and eventually hurt people.

Every now and then we spot someone special that seems to go out of his or her way, to fix a problem that clearly isn’t their problem. And we think, “Wow! I’d like to be like them.” And we either do, or don’t emulate their actions. In reality, we would find that they didn’t really go out of their way much at all. In fact, they not only made their day easier by fixing that problem, but ours’ as well.

So, go ahead, and be first to fix it.  See what happens.

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Do You Really Want Your Child to Be a Leader?

I hear parents say it a lot, but I cannot help but to question their sincerity. In my twenty years of teaching and coaching, and my travels as an inspirational speaker and artist, a common theme among parents is the importance of leadership in their child’s lives.  Or so they say.

Do you really want your child to be a leader?

My experience says no. I think most parents confuse leadership with being the star. They don’t want a leader. They want their child’s picture in the paper, the trophy on the mantle, or the name on the record board. They want to tell relatives that their daughter is the captain of the team, that their son is the president of the club, and add another title to the college entrance application. They want their child to be well liked and admired. That is what I believe most parents want.

The truth is that while leadership can often be a truly rewarding experience, it is often a lot of hard work.  Leaders have responsibilities whether their team wins or loses. They are often ridiculed, criticized, and they work well beyond ‘their fair share’ with little to show for it. Leadership is not a popularity contest and it isn’t about being the star.

Do you really want your child to be a leader?

If you are still answering yes then I must ask you what you are doing to encourage that leadership? Do you criticize public leaders in front of your children? Complain about the decisions a leader has made? Do you volunteer in leadership roles? Do you offer your child opportunities to make decisions and take leadership roles? When they do, do you support them? Click to Read More

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The Eight Actions to Take When Faced With a Challenge

Eight actions to take when you are faced with a challenge:

1) Remain confident. Your confidence will serve you well and get you through hard times. You can’t panic or worry. That’s not what leaders do. If you are starting to feel that way it’s time for you to review your assets and visualize a successful outcome. If at all possible find something good about what happened and make solving it admirable and if at all possible, fun.

2) Don’t worry about embarrassment nor take it personally. Time will wear those concerns away, and success will do the same even more quickly. Your energy should be spend on solutions. Worry robs us of our creativity and vitality.

3) Focus on and accept the problem. Don’t look for someone to pin this on nor pretend it’s not actually happening. Leaders aren’t looking for problems, but when one pops up they should be the first to identify and address them. Remember, you’re not really a leader unless you are facing a problem. The rest of the time you are just a person with a title. Greek and Roman myths teach us much and one point is clear: the bigger the problem the greater the hero.

4) Rally the Team. Yes, you are the leader, but you don’t face challenges alone. (Would you accept all of the credit of a success?) Now is the time for you to call your advisors forward and get help from your team and network. You are surrounded by people that can help and want to help. You need to delegate responsibilities and keep everyone focused. You don’t have to be a complete original. Get your team figuring out who has successfully dealt with this problem and see if it may will work for you. Bring them on board as a consultant. Leaders maximize the utilization of all of the resources they have in confronting a challenge.

5) Formulate and communicate the plan. In times of crisis it is best to figure out who needs to know what is going on and inform them. That list must include those that will be impacted negatively despite how uncomfortable it may feel. Be flexible. In times of challenges and crisis you must keep the lines of communication open and be willing to try multiple tactics or new approaches.

6) Take action! Hoping the problem goes away is meaningless. Get involved and get after it. Make certain that you, the leader, are involved in the work, especially some of the unpopular jobs. Doing so will

7) Evaluate your outcomes. What is working? Should you try something else? Are your resources and team being utilized effectively? What do we need to start doing, keep doing, and stop doing?

8.) Repeat steps 1-7.

Kelly Croy is a chalk artist and professional speaker. His presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation including corporations, schools, churches, conferences, and anywhere people come together to be entertained and inspired. Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.

Please visit www.kellycroy.com to book Kelly for your next event, or contact him via email at info@kellycroy.com or by telephone at 1-800-831-4825.


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Are Leaders Made or Born? I Have the Answer.

The mural in my high school weight room read “Champions are Made not Born.”  Is the same true of leaders?

Last weekend a friend of mine asserted the notion to me that leaders are born with that something special that makes them so. He really is a leader, so I gave the matter some thought.

The answer came easily. He was right! Leaders are born.

Yep. It’s that simple. Leaders really are born with that special something that enables them to influence others and accomplish something for the greater good. There is no question about it.

But here’s the catch…

Without question, each and every one of us are born to lead.  Yep, every one of us is born with that special something to lead others.  One hundred out of every hundred have it.  The problem is that 99 out of every hundred don’t know how to awaken it, summon it, or call it to action.  That special something lies dormant and undiscovered.

There are times when situations arouse that leader within.  The eighteen year old marine in Afghanistan that 9 months earlier wouldn’t raise his hand in math class becomes a leader under the pressure and circumstances of war.  The high school football player that didn’t talk once during the season, steps forward at his award’s banquet to inspire underclassman to avoid temptations of alcohol and drugs.

More often than not, men and women will not be confronted with the circumstances that activate their internal leader, but when and if they do, training and experience become of the utmost significance.  Couldn’t a leader become even a better leader through experience, training, role models, influence, and practice? Absolutely.

The books we read, the people we meet and the challenges we take on matter.  Leadership is not reserved for just those holding political office or dominating the boardrooms of corporations. Leaders are those brave enough to raise a family, teach a class, volunteer for community service, coach a sports team, start a carpool, petition for a better community, write a letter to the editor, and more.  The call to lead resonates in everyone brave enough to answer it, and strive to make our world better.

I have taught and coached for over twenty years and I have heard a common request by parents, teachers, and coaches alike; we need more leaders.  They recognize the realization that leadership not only makes a difference in our homes, schools, and communities, it is the difference. Unfortunately each believes the other is doing what is necessary to help forge our future leaders.

Leadership is a resource that cannot be taken for granted, and it certainly won’t be solved by a population boom.

Each of us needs to take real measures to insure that those we can influence, are being influenced. Do not rely on others to make certain leadership is at the forefront of our schools, athletics, politics, and families. Become involved. Support leadership programs that challenge our youth. Make books and other quality resources on leadership readily available to those within your industry and home. And most importantly serve as a positive role model for leadership toward others and discuss what qualities you believe make a strong leader and how they can be obtained.

For my part, I will continue to write and speak about leadership to anyone that will read or listen.  I am convinced of its worth and its ability to make a difference. This summer I will host my second annual youth leadership conference. I need your help. I need speakers, funding, a venue, attendees, and for the word to spread.  My dream is always to fill a room and to inspire those who enter. We may never know what impact we will have, but we will certainly know what impact we will have if we do nothing.

Please visit www.ohioleadership.com and take a look around, and contact me about how you would like to help.

Kelly is an inspirational speaker, author, and artist. Please visit our website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com info@kellycroy.com 1-800-831-4825

Kelly Croy is a chalk artist and professional speaker. His presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation including corporations, schools, churches, conferences, and numerous other venues where people come together to be entertained and improve their lives. Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.

 

 

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My Review of 2010’s Best Reading: My Top Ten Book List

Some of the best advice I ever received in school was, ‘Always keep a good book near you.”  I enjoy books and read from nearly every genre.  I don’t judge a book as being above or below me.  With fiction, my goal is simple: I wish to enjoy a good story.  My nonfiction selections are focused primarily on helping me live a better life. I would like to share a few of the books I read in 2010 that best meet these standards.

1. Crush It! by Gary Vaynerchuk – I enjoyed this in-depth look at using social media to make a difference and chase dreams.  Vaynerchuk shares great insight and his personal climb to success through the use of social media.  If  you have a dream and want to make it happen, this is required reading.  This book is full of tips that you can actually accomplish and that really make a difference. Click to Read More

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Be Relentless!

Each and every day I check my mail and I see an increase in the marketing for Christmas. Advertisements galore! I have enough Christmas catalogs and advertisements to litter-train all of the 101 Dalmations.  But it doesn’t stop there.  There has been an increase of Christmas marketing in my email, on my television, and everywhere I go. We laugh each year and note how early the marketing begins.

Marketing! Advertisements! Commercials! Sales! Fliers! Discounts! Specials! Deals!

So much marketing! Why do they do it?

It’s simple. Marketing works.

I could protest, shun it, and write countless blogs about the absurdity of so much marketing. I could interview my poor mailman and retell his woes of the literal heaviness of delivering these must-have reminders for sales, gadgets, and discounts. But in the end, they will still arrive, because when it’s all said and done, they are effective. Again, marketing works.

Surrender? No, never surrender.  In fact, I recommend the opposite; join them. That’s right.  Become a relentless broadcaster of something timeless and meaningful. Something that truly embodies Christmas. Spread goodwill.

Remember goodwill?  That enchanting, magical dust, sprinkled from The Spirit of Christmas Present onto the poor in Dicken’s Christmas Carol. That overpowering urge to let someone pull out in front of you during a traffic backup. An anonymous gift of something small, to someone you think is first-class. The mailing of a thank-you card.  You know, being nice. Helpful. Friendly. Encouraging.

Goodwill often takes the backseat in this age of reality television that promotes a put-yourself-first mentality. That’s why we need you.

It would be great if one phone call or note was enough, but it’s not.  We learn that from our advertisers. How many times do you receive the exact same advertisement? Me too. Crazy, isn’t it?! (Remember though, it works.) No, we need you to say and do lots of encouraging things. Repeatedly.

Marketers have a mission behind their madness; they want to close a sale.  You need a goal behind your marketing of goodwill.  I suggest starting small. (Now, being a BIG thinker I just want to say ‘impact a life’ or something huge, but I’m gonna hold back. For now.) Let’s start with a smile. Can you get someone to smile? Move them toward feeling good? Catch that Christmas spirit? Encourage them enough to pass it forward?  I think you can.

I love little notes of encouragement. Positive quotes inspire me. A voicemail from a friend makes my day.  Emails from a friend with encouragement are a treasure.  In fact, anytime someone reaches out to me with the intention of goodwill, it makes my day. I’m sure the same holds true for you. I’m sure the same is true for those you love.

Be relentless.

Learn to say Merry Christmas with your eyes, your actions, and then finally, with your words.

And with that, I truly wish you a very Merry Christmas.

May your home be filled with love and laughter, peace and prosperity, health and happiness.

~Kelly

 

Kelly Croy is an inspirational speaker and artist. Please visit www.kellycroy.com or call  1-800-831-4825  or email at info@kellycroy.com to book Kelly for your event. • Kelly’s  presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation, anywhere people come together to be entertained and inspired. Please consider booking Kelly for your next event. info@kellycroy.com

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Remember: Losers Don’t Have Accountability Partners

When I was little I had a goldfish.  He didn’t last long. I overfed him. He died getting too much of a good thing. The food poisoned his water.

I got a second goldfish. This time my sister was assigned the job of monitoring my care of the little guy; he lasted considerably longer.

Sometimes in life we need an accountability partner that keeps us on the right path. They help us stay true to our dream, our goal, our creed.

An ideal accountability partner is someone that will be honest with you.  They have the courage to correct you when you out of line.  They hold you to a high standard. They ask tough questions. They  can humble themselves enough to compliment and encourage. They call you out when you need it, and they defend you when you’re right. They check in on you, whether you like it or not. They will not let you walk down the wrong path. They will not let you quit. With them you become better.

A tall task to ask of anyone.  So, don’t ask.

I have numerous accountability partners.  It seems I have one for nearly every interest. I have a buddy I workout with, and he encourages me to do better physically.  I have other friends that help me along my spiritual journey. They send me words of wisdom and encouragement, especially when I am down or in a dark place.  I have accountability partners that check on my writing progress, my art, even my marketing and finances.  They encourage me to do more, be more, become more. And, I asked none of them to do it.

The accountability partners you need in your life are already in position. They have been with you with you for years. You either are, or are not, listening to them. If you are sure you don’t have any, stop, and listen harder. They’re there. They’re the ones telling you, you are enjoying too much of a good thing or not doing enough. Listen.

Accountability is one of the biggest keys to success I have ever discovered. Practically anyone can write a goal down on a piece of paper, but how do you keep yourself on track?  The power of an accountability partner is remarkable.  Find someone whose life in some way captures your admiration and respect and you will be on your way.

In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary became the first man to summit Mt. Everest. Please know there were over 400 accountability partners with him on that expedition. He could not fail.

Kelly Croy is an inspirational speaker and artist. Please visitwww.kellycroy.com or call  1-800-831-4825  or email at info@kellycroy.com to book Kelly for your event. • Kelly’s  presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation, anywhere people come together to be entertained and inspired. Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.

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How NOT to Handle Your Bad Day!

I’m sure by now you have heard several accounts of the JetBlue Flight Attendant, Steven Slater, who was having a bad day, and decided to cuss-out the passengers he was supposed to be caring for, aboard JetBlue Flight 10512 over the public address system, grab some beers, deploy the emergency slide, and flee for his nearby home where he was arrested. If you haven’t, click here to read the story that is truly stranger than fiction.

Now, before I sound off on Steven Slater, and I will, let me assure you I laughed heartily and truly couldn’t get enough of this modern day spin of  Take this Job and Shove It, when the news first broke. What an odd and hilarious story.

And then reality set in.

Despite how the media portrays what happened, Steven Slater is no folk hero, and his actions are anything but admirable. Sure, we all at times get frustrated with coworkers, customers, bosses, and our jobs, but Slater’s actions are troubling. It makes a great headline and some incredible conversation, but nothing more.

Admittedly, I do not know all of the events, but I feel very safe saying he went overboard. We all have moments that could certainly make the beginnings of a bad day, but it’s only when we surrender to that moment does our day go south and end up sour.

What should we do to prevent a bad day? Here’s my advice:

1) Give up some gratitude! When you feel the pressure building to a point that you aren’t sure you can handle it, start thinking of people, situations and things in your life that you are thankful. When you start thinking about what you are thankful for it puts your life in perspective.  You remember it’s not just you. Others are counting on you.  And the biggie… many, many people have it worse than you and would trade spots with you in an instant.

2) Hit the restart button. There is no reset button, because you can never erase the score or reset the number of your lives, or turn back the clock in life, nor would you really want to. (You’d never get anywhere.) But you can hit the restart button and give it another try.  Your bruises don’t magically go away, and you may have to apologize, but you can restart your day at any time regardless of how bad it gets.

3) Do the next right thing. You do not have to be perfect.  In fact, you can’t. No need trying. Just try to do the next right thing.  Just one right thing at a time. Live in the now and make it count.

4) Find the funny. There is something funny in every situation. Try to find it. Have a laugh. Point out the ridiculous and the absurd, then get back at it.

5) Call a time out. Find a co-worker, your boss, anybody, and tell them that you need a minute or two to collect yourself. Do whatever you need to do to get away from the situation and get a super-short break.

We have a responsibility to others, a responsibility to contribute to society and we are accountable for all that we do, as well as what we don’t do.

Kelly Croy is an inspirational speaker and artist. Please visit www.kellycroy.com or call  1-800-831-4825  or email at info@kellycroy.com to book Kelly for your event. • Kelly’s  presentations have entertained and amazed audiences across the nation, anywhere people come together to be entertained and inspired. Please consider booking Kelly for your next event.