Month: March 2014

#648 heat

March 11, 2014by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

It seems that Bitcoin is making the news beyond the county political convention. After a series of mergers and sales, Newsweek is returning as a print publication. What story did they use for their first feature? The revelation of the identity of the Bitcoin founder.

Previously the creator had been known only by a pseudonym, but Newsweek claims to have uncovered the man’s identity. Likely on purpose, the story has created quite a stir and is the hot topic on morning talk shows. Newsweek even had to hire a bodyguard for the author who was facing threats against her.

Newsweek editor in chief Jim Impoco said that he was prepared for the controversy. “Go large or go home,” he said. “This is Newsweek. We are raising the dead here. And you know what? People are aware of it now.”

It is possible that the founder of Bitcoin remained anonymous because he did not want to face the media storm that would come with such visibility. The Newsweek editor seems comfortable with the limelight whereby Bitcoin’s creator prefers to predominately be an entrepreneur rather than leader.

Not everyone is willing to own the leadership role and all that comes with it. Former Secretary of State Condolezza Rice offers this explanation as to why: “Leadership is hard because everybody who doesn’t actually want to do it wants to tell you how to do it. You’d better have thick skin.”

There is a fine line between caring what others think and caring more about the big picture and outcome. You would do well to assess your mettle before stepping out into the fray. It does little good to go home after you’re out there.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Sources: Bitcoin controversy marks Newsweek’s comeback by David Bauder for the Associated Press in the Telegraph Herald, March 9, 2014

Leading by example by Lynn Sherr in Parade Magazine, March 9, 2014

#647 two bits

March 10, 2014by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

A friend was a delegate to the county political convention over the weekend. The key purpose of this gathering is to determine elements of the political platform that the county wishes to support and move forward.

My friend asked me to guess what the two contentious issues were. I was correct in assuming that same sex marriage was debated, but wrong about item number two. I incorrectly guessed the usual suspects of the Affordable Care Act, minimum wage and budget priorities. But the second “hot topic” I would have never imagined: whether or not a plank should be to support an alternate currency (e.g.:Bitcoin).

A digital currency is an online transaction that allows people to convert dollars (euros, etc.) into bitcoins which can be used to complete transactions. The bitcoin economy is currently unregulated so the value of coins can increase or decrease, leaving opportunity for speculation and risk (like stocks). Delegates debating the currency wavered (largely based upon age demographics) on whether to embrace the new technology or whether it was the first step in abandoning the gold standard in the US and moving us to a carbon-based economy with credits being the unit of value in trades.

It struck me that this is indicative of the political process and change efforts in general — decisions are made in early parts of the process that go unnoticed. People don’t get involved early and thus they forfeit their ability to shape an issue. Once it becomes publicly known there may be an uproar by constituents, but by then it has been voted on and moved along with affirmation, making change harder.

Would I think of not voting in an election? Never. But that ballot does less to shape the issues on the table than the one cast in a small town community center on a Saturday afternoon in March. Think of what matters to you — politically, in your community or in your organization and lend your voice to it from the start.

–— beth triplett

leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

#646 give life

March 9, 2014by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

I received a mailing from the American Red Cross thanking me for being a blood donor. They told me where my latest donation went and how I made a difference in saving lives. It had emotional stories and made me glad that I had given.

But what gave me the most pause from their mailing was this statistic: an estimated 38% of the population is eligible to give blood, and only about 8% of those eligible actually donate.

Think about what you would do to motivate people to do something that they obviously are not doing naturally — and to do it for free — ideally every eight weeks. No wonder they are so appreciative and attentive to those who have given.

Even if you don’t become a multi-gallon donor, I encourage you to consider giving once if you are able to do so. In this season of Lent, giving may be more important than giving up. The need is great, the process painless and the results truly are life-changing.

Schedule your appointment here: www.redcrossblood.org

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

#645 sizzle

March 8, 2014by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

If you ever question the power of marketing, just think about bacon. There is a proliferation of bacon-mania — and it is all with the same product that has been around for centuries. The bacon craze isn’t even focused on one brand of bacon, rather the product itself.

Despite a more health-conscious environment, bacon sales in the U.S. have increased in each of the last four years. In 2013, bacon sales climbed 9.5% to an all-time high of nearly $4 billion.

It seems that bacon-themed products and events are everywhere: bacon-flavored vodka or ice cream, Baconfests, a bacon bowl, bacon film festival and even a bacon wallet*. Not to be outdone, the “Oscar Mayer Institute for the Advancement of Bacon” is now promoting a contest that will “transform your iPhone into a Bacon Scent Alarm Clock.” (Upon hearing this, I think people fall into two camps: one group says “seriously?!” while the other says “where do I sign up?!”)

For the bacon lovers out there, watch www.wakeupandsmellthebacon.com

One author speculates that people are turning to bacon because it is a comfort food from their childhood. Others think that it is because of that “distinctive smell.” I think it is because of great marketing that has created a cult-type loyalty and made it cool to be weird with strips fried pork.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

*Source: Bacon sales sizzle to all-time high by Charles Passy, Wall Street Journal Market Watch, February 12, 2014, 7:26a.m. EST, marketwatch.com

#644 speak up

March 7, 2014by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

At a recent workshop in preparation for visiting legislators, the speaker shared this quote: “You are not truly dangerous until you can speak powerfully.” Sam Daley-Harris

Think about this profound statement. If you can’t articulate your value, you miss out. If you become mute or emotionally choked up when trying to tell your story, the impact is hidden. If you remain meek and mild and never speak up, it is hard to advocate for your cause. If you are scattered or speak with many “ums” or “likes”, the message is lost.

If you wish to create change — and what leader doesn’t — you need to be able to articulate your purpose and inspire those around you. You may not have a speech writer to craft elegant prose, but practice, practice, practice sharing your message until the red danger light starts to glow.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Thanks to Emily for sharing.

#643 because

March 6, 2014by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

British mountaineer George Mallory was famous for his expeditions to climb Mount Everest in the 1920s. At the time, he was striving to be the first to reach the summit. This is no small feat even today, but with the equipment and knowledge available at the time, it was an even more arduous task. Mallory died on the mountain without ever achieving his goal.

In addition to his climbing accomplishments, Mallory achieved notoriety from one of his quotes. Asked “Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?”, he replied “Because it’s there.”

I heard this story last week at a faculty lecture where our professor posed a question about obstacles: do we respond differently to challenges when we go in search of them (like climbing Everest) vs. when they are given to us (such as fighting cancer)? His premise was that conquering obstacles of either type gives our lives a sense of worth. It is “because they are hard”, not in spite of the fact that they are.

It puts challenges into a new light — changing the paradigm to welcome obstacles rather than fearing them; perhaps even creating a few of our own.

Think about what metaphorical mountain is out there for you to climb. Taking that first step may be the challenge you need to add deeper meaning to your existence.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Sources: George Mallory, Wikipedia

“Small Obstacles: Opportunities for Big Growth” Mackin-Mailander Faculty Lecture by Dr. Bryan Zygmont, 2/25/14

#642 frogs

March 5, 2014by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

Our local school district had a late start on January 3 because of cold weather conditions. The temperature was -10 degrees and wind chill was -20. At the time, it seemed intolerably frigid. We even closed the university one day this term due strictly to the deep freeze (not snow accumulations). There were wind chill warnings and concern about frostbite so everyone was taking great precautions.

Contrast that to Monday, where the temperature here was -9 degrees and the wind chill was -17. It is an imperceptible difference, but school wasn’t delayed; no one even considered it. Several of us were wearing skirts instead of wool pants and leggings. We still had wind chill warnings, but no one even paid attention to them anymore as there had been warnings almost continuously for two months.

This reminded me of a fable: “It is said that if a frog is dropped in a pot of boiling water, it will immediately hop out and survive. But if it is placed is a pot of warm water that is gradually heated to a boil, the frog, without protest, will die.”*

While nothing has been warm about this winter, we have been like frogs in the pot of warm water. We are slowly becoming accustomed to temperatures that remain below freezing. We go outside with exposed skin and leave our emergency kits in the garage instead of the car. As our tolerance increases, so does our risky behavior and unpreparedness.

What other bad habits do we acquire when they come upon us with slow frequency? Eating a little to much here; little too much there. Hibernating instead of exercising this week, and then avoiding the gym again the next. A bit of overspending on this purchase, and a few bucks over budget on that. A snipe at our partner today, and then another dig tomorrow. Holding on to one piece of stress from this project then feeling the weight from yet another.

We all need to make time to step back and reflect on how our behaviors are adapting to our environment. Some changes may be for the good, but others may have just evolved unintentionally. Unless we notice that the temperature is rising while there is still time to act, gradually the pot warms and we become like the frogs meeting their demise without a fight.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source: Creating a Lifestyle You Can Life With by Ron Fronk

#641 bow wow

March 4, 2014by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

I know that Americans are obsessed with their pets, but this proved it to me. The hook for DirectTV’s new subscription campaign: their network now includes access to DOGTV. “TV’s first network for canines, DOGTV offers a promise to our beloved best friends that they should never again feel alone.” They are heaping on more guilt than the nuns.

Not only is DOGTV an actual channel, but it is a pay channel! In addition to the DirectTV costs, owners pay an additional $9.99/month to keep Fido entertained. Or should I say stimulated? “DOGTV’s three types of programming offer relaxing and stimulating content as well as positive behavioral reinforcements…DOGTV’s programming meets a dog’s typical daily cycle and helps prevent mental fatigue, depression and boredom.”

I think this channel is for people who take their pets a bit too seriously. The FAQs include such questions as “Do I have to do something special while my dog is watching DOGTV?” or “Should I watch DOGTV with my dog or leave him alone?” (you can do either.)

Even though I think that this is totally over the top, I also think that it is a brilliant business idea. Americans spend $61 billion on their pets annually, so an extra 10 bucks a month to alleviate guilt about leaving their pooch alone may be well worth it for some people. The Humane Society has partnered with DOGTV and no doubt will get a golden advertising list out of the subscribers. It is an unfilled niche and could be the first of many pet channels: IGUANATV anyone?

After you are finished giggling about this, think of the lessons that could relate to your organization. Is there a perceived need among your clients that you could fill? Is there something that they are feeling guilty about where you could provide a pseudo-solution? What passions does your clientele have that you could capitalize on? DOGTV proves that no niche is too small or idea too crazy.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

To watch a sample episode: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn4vD5eKKHE

Source of quotes: https://dogtv.com

Pet spending stat: USNews.com, May 22, 2013

#640 colleagues

March 3, 2014by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

Today (well, actually Saturday, but I am celebrating today) is Employee Appreciation Day. I am not sure why I have not heard about it before. Boss’s Day is at least elevated to “Hallmark Holiday” status, and Administrative Professional’s Day usually warrants lunch or flowers. But what about the rest of the staff? Apparently today is their day, but not many people notice.

Now that you are among the few enlightened ones, take a moment to give a nod of appreciation to your colleagues or employees. In addition to a generic thank you, try to give some specific feedback on why your life is easier or the organization is better because of their presence.

In #586* I wrote about Dan and Chip Heath’s concept of “bright spots” — building on a strength that exists. Today is a perfect day to tell your organizational compadres how they have brought a bright spot into your workplace.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Blog #586, January 8, 2014

#639 candor

March 2, 2014by leadership dots by dr. beth triplettLeave a comment

I read a haunting eulogy for Philip Seymour Hoffman written by the brilliant Aaron Sorkin. Hoffman died a few weeks ago, but Sorkin’s words have stuck with me.

“Hoffman…did not die from an overdose of heroin — he died from heroin. We should stop implying that if he had just taken the proper amount, everything would have been fine. He didn’t die because he was partying too hard or because he was depressed. He died because he was an addict on a day of the week with a y in it.”

I was struck by the candor and matter-of-factness that Sorkin used to remember the death of his friend, while simultaneously admiring his manner of doing so. There can be something refreshing about hearing the truth, even in difficult circumstances.

In tough times, we search for a reason to explain what has happened. It is hard to accept that there is no answer that makes sense or makes things “better”. But sometimes, you can honor a person, a group of employees or a relationship by speaking of reality without the sugar coating. Let the plain truth do some of the talking, even when the news is grim.

— beth triplett
leadershipdots.blogspot.com

@leadershipdots
leadershipdots@gmail.com

Source: Time Magazine, February 17, 2014.