Legacy

Posted on by Scott

Alfred’s favorite school subject was science. He especially loved chemistry and, like most boys, was drawn to combinations of chemicals that resulted in explosions.

As an adult, Alfred continued his fascination with volatile chemicals. After studying chemistry for a few years, he invented a detonator. This was soon followed by the first blasting cap and a safe mixture of nitroglycerin that he called “dynamite.” He envisioned a world where his innovations were used to improve mining operations and for the development of transportation systems.

But many saw a darker side to Alfred’s inventions. He was dogged in the press following a series of accidents at his factories – one of them killing five employees including his younger brother. Dynamite developed a reputation as a force of destruction rather than good. Undeterred, Alfred pushed on with his production of explosive materials, going on to develop safer, easier to handle materials.

But another brother died in 1888. This time, it had nothing to do with Alfred’s explosives. However, a French newspaper published Alfred’s obituary by mistake. The review of his life’s work was scathing. Alfred was labeled the “Merchant of Death” and credited with “finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before.”

Seeing his accomplishments depicted in these terms made Alfred think about the legacy he would eventually leave behind. Uncomfortable with the idea of going down in history as “The Merchant of Death,” he decided to take steps to ensure his name would be associated with progress rather than destruction.

So Alfred Nobel rewrote his will, dedicating the vast majority of his fortune to the establishment of a series of annual awards recognizing achievements that positively impact mankind. In 1901, the first prizes were awarded for significant advances in the areas of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace. Today the Nobel Prize is universally regarded as the most prestigious recognition one can receive in these fields.

How will you be remembered?

What legacy will live on after your time on earth is finished?

What steps should you be taking now to preserve your legacy for future generations?

The Power of Mission

Posted on by Scott

On July 21st 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first human being to walk on the moon. Most of the people reading to this weren’t even born when this happened and don’t understand the significance of the event. They don’t remember the grainy TV pictures or the excitement in the air as people around the world listened to Armstrong declare “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”

And it was a giant leap. Just eight years earlier, President Kennedy had presented the challenge of placing a man on the moon by the end of the decade. Almost before the words had escaped his lips the skeptics appeared. It’s a waste of time. It’s too expensive. It’s too dangerous. It’s impossible.

But for those who believed, the challenge became a mission. They dedicated themselves to seeing the dream become a reality. Some made the ultimate sacrifice for the mission; men like Ed White, the first American to walk in space who later died in a launch pad fire along with fellow astronauts Virgil Grissom and Roger Chaffee.

However, most of those involved were mission specialists and controllers, men and women operating behind the scenes, each playing some small part in accomplishing the mission even though they themselves would never personally experience gazing back at the planet Earth from the surface of the moon. It was the combination of hundreds and thousands of contributions that led ultimately to Armstrong’s moonwalk. Without everyone playing their part, it never would have happened.

Sometimes it’s hard for people to see how their small contribution fits into the overall mission. It’s the job of the leader to help them see it. Leaders have to “connect the dots” so that everyone understands how important they are to achieving the larger goal. It’s not enough to just delegate tasks. You have to paint the “big picture” in order to draw people in.

Does everyone on your team understand the mission?
Do they each understand their role in achieving that goal?
What will you do today to help connect the dots?

The Magic of Experience

Posted on by Scott

In 1966 Walt Disney quietly began buying up swampland in central Florida. Today, millions of people every year travel from all over the world to visit that swampland – and they pay a premium to do it. Ask your kids where they want to go on vacation and odds are Disney World makes the short list.

Disney World doesn’t have the most thrilling rides. It doesn’t have the tastiest food. It doesn’t have the most convenient location. And it sure doesn’t have the lowest price tag. So why is it that 70% of the guests in the park at any given time are repeat visitors? Why is the average family willing to save for two and a half years to make the trip?

Walt Disney knew that in order to build the best theme park, he couldn’t compete the same way the other guys do. He knew that if he built a great new ride, someone else would just build a better one. If he lowered his price, the competition would simply lower theirs to stay on the game. Disney knew that these strategies were expensive and ineffective.

Disney knew that the only way to win was to provide an experience unlike any other park – an experience so engaging it could only be described as “magical.” And so Disney World remains the ultimate example of customer experience. Their culture revolves around this goal. Let,me give you a couple of examples:

– Disney cast members never say “I” or “they.” They always refer to “we” because the team as a whole is responsible for the customer’s experience.

– Street sweepers receive a minimum of 2 weeks training – not to learn how to use a broom,mbut to learn about the park – where an attractions located, the start time of the parade, etc. – so they can quickly answer a guest’s question.

– High traffic areas are painted every night, with painting timed carefully to dry by morning, so they remain clean and fresh for every guest.

– Everyone’s job description, regardless of position, includes the same two items at the top of the list:

1. Keep the property clean.
2. Create happiness.

Disney challenged his employees to examine every aspect of the customer experience and do what they could to make it better. He knew that it would take the entire team, working together, to make the “Magic Kingdom” a reality.

Now consider your last customer’s experience. Was it “magical” or forgettable?

How can your team work together to create a better experience for your customers?

And what can you do differently as an individual to create some magic for those you serve?

Olympic-sized Inspiration

Posted on by Scott

The Olympic games are always a big deal in the Voland household. We each have our favorite sports and we love learning the back stories on each of the athletes. And while we cheer heartily for the American competitors, we have such a multicultural household that it’s easy to appreciate any outcome.

The Olympics may be over, but the competition in London is just heating up. The 2012 Paralympics started this past week and run through Sunday the 9th. I’m always inspired by the stories of sacrifice and dedication that are so prevalent during the Olympics. But for real inspiration, nothing beats the Paralympics.

Sometimes I get to feeling sorry for myself. Things don’t go the way I planned. Someone I trust lets me down. Circumstances beyond my control set me back in ways I never anticipated.

I feel myself feeling inadequate, unprepared, even handicapped.

Then I watch some of these people in action. And I feel ashamed. Here are people who have overcome setbacks I can’t begin to imagine in order to achieve a level of excellence that’s incredible. They could sure kick my butt! How dare I allow any of my lame excuses keep me from reaching my full potential.

If you haven’t had a chance to see some of these amazing athletes in action, you are definitely missing out. Unfortunately, the Paralympic games aren’t being broadcast on TV here in the states, but you can watch events, both recorded and streamed live, on the internet.

For a little preview, and a lot of inspiration, watch this: