Tag Archives: high school

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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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Why You Should Have Lunch With TED Each Tuesday.

Lunches are an important part of the day. It’s like halftime for your mind and body; it’s a chance to reboot, relax, catch-up, enjoy the company of friends and more.

Many people use it as a time to take care of some personal business; they make a couple of phone calls or perhaps a trip to the post office. Others choose to relax, have some fun, maybe order out, and share a few laughs with their colleagues. Then there are those who schedule ‘power lunches’ as an opportunity to hold an important meeting,  meet influential business contacts, or plow through some priority work.

How do you spend your lunch? With whom do you spend it? Allow me to offer an alternative.

I challenge you to have lunch with TED each Tuesday of this year. No, not Ted, the guy down the hall, but TED, an incredible online collection of some of the greatest ideas and presentations on the planet. And it will only take a few minutes. TED is a nonprofit that is devoted to spreading good ideas. That’s it. All they want to do is spread good ideas.  TED.com makes the outstanding TED talks and their partners available for free and encourages you to share them whether it’s attaching one to your status update or using one to open a meeting. TED talks are awesome! There are currently over 700 TED talks available and they are adding more all the time. The best part, each one is purposely economized to be short, powerful, and to the point.  Perfect for your lunch. You don’t need to stare with full attention at the screen nor hang on to every syllable; you can still do some of your other tasks and enjoy a Ted talk. It’s easy.

What will you lose? Nothing.

What will you gain? Much.

You’ll probably find yourself becoming more productive. You’ll learn much about how to give a great presentation.  You will think. You will learn.

Imagine having lunch each week with some great thinker.  That’s what you will be doing!

Willing to check it out?  Here’s how I’m going about it.  Every Tuesday I’ll pack my lunch and fire up TED.com on my computer.  I’ll eat my lunch with some great thinker from a different part of the world. Join me. We will be entertained. We will be challenged. Each Tuesday I’ll update my Facebook and Twitter Sstatus to share the the link of my Tuesday Lunch with TED. Maybe you can do the same.

Ideas change lives, and they change the world.

Always forward,

Kelly

Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.

Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
and of course: Facebook.

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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.

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Please Stand By: There is Nothing Wrong with Your Television

There’s something wrong with your television if you’ve spent more time in front of it than you have working at your dream.

There’s something wrong with your dream if you’ve spent more time with it than you have spent with your family.

•••

Actually I’m wrong on both, and you know it. There is nothing wrong with your television nor your dream. You just need to prioritize and focus.

Prioritizing and focusing are two great disciplines. There are many books and blogs that can offer you advice on how to make some progress, but the truth is no one can do it for you.

You will not find time. You cannot make time.  But you can and should schedule time each day for your family and your dream.

Identify the bandits that steal your time from your family and your dream and launch a counter-attack. No dream needs to lie dormant until your children are raised. No family needs to be neglected while chasing a dream. You can and should work at both.  Your life will be filled with purpose and fulfillment. Completion of your dream will benefit your family, in many ways,  and your family can certainly help you in completing a dream, if nothing more than providing the much-needed drive.

Turn the television off, set the smart phone down, let your status update read: Please Stand By: Family Time or Please Stand By: Chasing a Dream, and then, and most importantly, actually do it.

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.

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Pushes and Leg Pumps

My daughter loves our swing set.

I often wonder how long she would sit there swinging back and forth, smiling with every push, giggling here and there?

Today she surprised me as she refused my pushes and tried to imitate pumping her legs like her older sisters. She just couldn’t get the rhythm right, though. She was making the swing jiggle a little, but she was not swinging. I admired her commitment, but I could see a meltdown about to erupt as her frustration increased.

I decided to help her out with a little push when she wasn’t looking.

•••

It can be a tough call at times, determining when to give a little push and when to let someone fail, and I’m not just talking about parenting anymore. There is much to be said for both, but there really needs to be balance.

I am so thankful to be surrounded by the positive encouragement of others that give me a little needed push to help me through a project. Sometimes that is all I need and I’m back on track, full steam ahead.

There are other times that I resist the advice and aid of others. I just want to try it on my own, risking a failed attempt if needed because there is no greater feeling than that of accomplishment. Sometimes I succeed. Most often I fail, but those failed attempts are such glorious glimpses of what soon will be if I keep trying.

It’s important to know that not all pushes in life are helpful, and going it alone isn’t always bad. The hard part, excuse me, the important part is knowing when to accept and when to pass up assistance.

I’d be a fool to refuse all pushes.

I’d never grow, however,  if I didn’t try pumping my legs on my own regularly too.

Kelly Croy is an inspirational speaker and artist. Please visit his website to book Kelly for your next event. www.kellycroy.com or call  1-800-831-4825  or email at info@kellycroy.com • Kelly’s  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.