Soon you will be singing with John Lennon, “Another year over and what have you done?”
But today friends it’s not too late for your 2014 to be awesome. You can change the course of your history today.
Let’s not lose focus- let’s stay the course- and be incredible.
Focus on: THE PROCESS.
Fill out the right paper work, double check your work. Focus on the details.
We call it “best practices” for a reason. Trust your TEAM. Trust the PROCESS and do it. Part of our core values: DEVELOPMENT, WINNING ATTITUDE, COMMUNICATION, ACCOUNTABILITY, TEAM WORK and RESPECT are all about the PROCESS.
FOCUS ON: THE CUSTOMER (both internal and external).
Sometimes your customer is internal…it is the person sitting next to you helping you do your work.
Do not take them for granted. Tell them thank you. Take a moment with them. Listen. Care about their needs.
FOCUS ON: THE SALE.
For you that are in sales: Your quote bins are full, jobs are in process, 100 days until the “finish line” of 2014.
In 100 days… there will be time for distractions, there will be time for looking into new products, worrying if the person doing your orders uses the right cologne, wondering it’s only your orders that get delivered to the wrong spot, wondering if the vendor we buy from actually screws up your order on purpose
… you can fix all this during a five degree day with blowing winds, low daylight and 12″ of snow to plow. That is not today. Today go sell something!
If you want to dig further in the rabbit’s hole…this is from Jon Gordon.
Sea Turtles… and Distractions that
Lead Us in the Wrong Direction
As I ran on the beach the other day I noticed that certain areas were closed off by fences and signs that said “Sea Turtle Eggs.”
I remembered reading that female sea turtles swim to shore between May and August to dig nests in the sand and lay their eggs. Months later, the eggs hatch and the baby turtles follow the pure light of the moon back to the surf.
In a perfect world, the pure light of the moon guides every turtle back safely to the ocean.
However, as we know, we don’t live in a perfect world.
Sea Turtle hatchlings instinctively crawl toward the brightest light. On an undeveloped beach, the brightest light is the moon. On a developed beach, the brightest light can be an artificial light source emanating from restaurants, homes and condominiums along the coast.
Unfortunately, these powerful artificial sources of light often attract the hatchlings and cause them to move in the wrong direction when they are born.
Rather than follow the pure light of the moon to the ocean the sea turtles follow the wrong light to a disastrous outcome.
It occurred to me that we humans face a similar challenge.
Rather than follow the path we were meant to follow, unfortunately we too often are distracted by things that move us in the wrong direction.
Technology, online games, too much time on social media, bad habits, addictions, stress, busyness and meaningless distractions lead us astray.
Instead of following the pure light of perfection we allow bright and shiny artificial things to sabotage our journey.
So, what about you?
Are you following your priorities and pure light to the right destination or are you allowing artificial distractions to lead you in the wrong direction?
Are you following the path you were meant to follow or are you letting meaningless things keep you from being your best?
The great news is that unlike sea turtles we have the ability to think, adapt and change direction when we realize we are following the wrong path.
We can tune out the distractions and focus on our priorities and let the pure light lead us to an ocean of possibilities and a great future.
-Jon
– Joel Fleischman. Joel is Head Coach of the solution providers for Drexel Building Supply. (drexelteam). You can follow him on twitter: @JoelmFleischman. He has provided solutions for builders and their clients since 1996 and a whole bunch of other stuff that you probably don’t care about.
the action of giving someone support, confidence, or hope.
Recently I took a kick boxing class (Try new things, CHANGE!) and I realized again the POWER of encouragement.
Bill, our instructor, had an entire class of “first timers” that were a bit worried about this new adventure.
And we were awful. I am sure of it. Yet he said it over and over.
“You got it.”
“That’s perfect.”
“That’s spot on.”
“Yep, that’s exactly right.”
When he did give a correction it was SO POWERFUL because of all the honest praise. It really wanted me to do well. “Joel, just open your hips up a little for more power. There you go. You got it.” I could feel my spirits soar.
The best thing he did: One student was really struggling. She said “I don’t think I can do this.” She was overwhelmed. Bill joyously and calmly said, “You are doing fine. You know what, I will do this WITH YOU.” And that segment he did with that person. She did great! He helped her one on one get over her own fears.
Even though deep down I was thinking, “Holy Cow I suck. I must look like an idiot.” Bill, made me think “Wow, maybe I CAN do this. Maybe he seems something in me that I don’t see.”
After class he said with a smile, “Boy, you guys did great. I was surprised how high you could kick.” He didn’t mention the 1,000 things I need to work on. Heck, I know I need a ton of work. He could of said, “boy we got a long ways to go,” and we would of dragged our tired feet and spirits out of the gym. But he made us feel like champs just with those bits of encouragement; I am confident most of us will be coming back for more.
It wasn’t false flattery. He found the things we were doing RIGHT, instead of the 1,000 things we were doing wrong.
***
Hopefully we all can learn from Bill.
My friend Ken Wilbanks preaches the golden rule: A 10 to 1 ratio of positive encouragement for each correction. 10-1!
Think about the word’s definition:
THE ACTION OF GIVING SUPPORT, CONFIDENCE, HOPE.
What an incredible way to live your life!
And if they are really struggling simply say, Hey I believe in you, LET ME DO IT WITH YOU. How powerful our actions are if we do it WITH THEM.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another.”
– Joel Fleischman. Joel is Head Coach of the solution providers for Drexel Building Supply. (drexelteam). You can follow him on twitter: @JoelmFleischman. He has provided solutions for builders and their clients since 1996 and a whole bunch of other stuff that you probably don’t care about.
TGIM! THANK GOD IT’S SORT OF A MONDAY ON A TUESDAY
You’ve met them. You hang around some of them. Quite often you can tell they have it in the first 30 seconds you meet them.
Football is upon us and it’s used often there: That player has the IT factor.
We all see it here at our work place too. The people that work here, the people we work with. They are our top team members, top sales people, our leaders at any position.
We all want to have it, yet what is “it” exactly? How do you get it and do you get more of it?
The people that have “it” all share these 3 common ingredients:
1. They are Organized
They dress professionally. Their vehicles are clean. They answer their e-mails and voice mails promptly. Their desks are clean. They take a certain PRIDE in being organized. Being organized is a focus, it is simplifying your life. It’s de-cluttering your brain, your office, your vehicle, your life.
2. They Enjoy The Game.
The people with “it” are fun to be around. They don’t complain. They listen. They have great emotional bandwidth when things go wrong, they don’t freak out over something they have no control of. The are simply CONTAGIOUS with good energy. They realize if they are going to be here, they might as well be here in a positive mindset and be committed. They worry about others before they worry about themselves. They help. They serve. They always have time for you. Not because they have to, but because they WANT to. No problem is too big for them or too small to dismiss. They do it for a bigger purpose then themselves. They know there is no end to the game and in fact the game, the process, doing things correct and complete EVERY time is more important than the final score. They know the final score will be their journey.
3. They Block & Tackle
Blocking and tackling wins games, always has, always will. It’s the most important part of any football game. No 8 year old dreams of blocking and tackling. But it won’t ever be discussed as headline news. It’s boring. If you watch a game on TV or live it’s really hard to even tell who’s good at it. They get all the blame if things go bad and no recognition if their team wins. But the people with “it” do it with all their heart when no one is even watching. Not only that, they look to improve on it. Yep, they look to improve on blocking & tackling. They know the rest of the game will take care of itself. They trust the process. They do what they can, they block and tackle. And if it makes sense, they change where they block and tackle for the good of themselves and the team. I have met people that their goal with team blue was to “make it”, so some day they did not have to block and tackle any more. That is not a goal. That is quitting the game. It is searching for the finish line that doesn’t exist. Those people never had “IT” and never will.
“IT” never gets easier. You just get better.
– Joel Fleischman. Joel is Head Coach of the solution providers for Drexel Building Supply. (drexelteam). You can follow him on twitter: @JoelmFleischman. He has provided solutions for builders and their clients since 1996 and a whole bunch of other stuff that you probably don’t care about.
Mediocrity will always try to drag excellence down to its level. Don’t trade your pursuit of excellence for their lack of desire.
Tip of the week:
3 things customers want
(works for both long term customers working with changes in process, people, or products and new customers)
1. Make it simple-clear for me
Most people don’t care or know about “our lingo.” They don’t know what a ranch stop is or nylon carpett or soft-closed dove tailed drawers or clad exterior. They don’t know when your vendor comes in. And they don’t care. Make it simple for them.
2.Coach me through the process
I am scared to death of spending this money. I am stressed out about the time it is taking. I have no clue how this is going to work. How long will it take to get the drawings back? What is the next step after that?
When you arrive at my house for delivery do I have to help? Do I have to be home? When will you arrive?
Why can’t I get credit on a special order return instantly? I don’t understand why their is a re-stock on some items but not others.
I am a new contractor to you. I have never seen your billing. I only know what I am used to.
Coach all customer through the process. It sets the correct expectations, easing fears, eases stress and makes raving fans!
3.Give me confidence I’m making the right decision.
These lines will help you ease a customer’s fear:
“Hey, you know if something goes wrong, you can always call me.”
“We have been doing this a long time. You can trust us.”
“I will be reaching out to you right after it’s installed to check on progress.”
Ask questions.
Are you comfortable if I deliver it there?
Does everything look ok to you?
What else can I help to ease this transition?
– Joel Fleischman. Joel is Head Coach of the solution providers for Drexel Building Supply. (drexelteam). You can follow him on twitter: @JoelmFleischman. He has provided solutions for builders and their clients since 1996 and a whole bunch of other stuff that you probably don’t care about.
This week’s focuses on core value 10: #ACCOUNTABILITY
ACCOUNTABILITY: Know your responsibilities. Live up to your commitments. HOLD OTHERS ACCOUNTABLE.
The last three words are perhaps one of the hardest things for team members. It is not only your job to live up to your commitments it IS your job TO HOLD OTHERS ACCOUNTABLE. That’s what truly great companies do. They don’t wait for “management”, “corporate” to step in. They don’t settle for the “that’s just the way this works” mentality. Maybe even more condemning is: “that’s not my job to fix it”. Yes it it, it’s your job to be great, to fix it, and make others great around you!
Yes, If you see something wrong IT IS YOUR JOB TO FIX IT. If you don’t feel comfortable fixing it, approach your coach or store leader, if that doesn’t work, talk to me.
Trust me, your coach, store leader and especially me, won’t magically find and fix all of our problems. That’s up to YOU. Each of us. Accountable.
– Joel Fleischman. Joel is Head Coach of the solution providers for Drexel Building Supply. (drexelteam). You can follow him on twitter: @JoelmFleischman. He has provided solutions for builders and their clients since 1996 and a whole bunch of other stuff that you probably don’t care about.
Fearless– don’t worry about the outcome. Just go for it.
– Joel Fleischman. Joel is the president & Head Coach of the solution providers for Drexel Building Supply. (drexelteam). You can follow him on twitter: @JoelmFleischman. He has provided solutions for builders and their clients since 1996 and a whole bunch of other stuff that you probably don’t care about.
I know I have to get better. I am nowhere near the person I want and need to be. Getting better takes effort and patience. It’s nothing to stress about, but it is something to focus on. BETTER TODAY THAN I WAS YESTERDAY.
If we look back on our lives and didn’t improve daily and forgot to have a bunch of fun along the way, really what was the point?
You can be better at anything. Your family. Your career. Your emotional bandwidth. Or get better at simply as starting to floss daily (I am not there yet!) Just focus on doing something better each day by a little bit. Not so much to chew on that you puke. Just get better and focus on it.
We are all rockstars here at Drexel. How am I so sure of that? Caitlin and Toria go over 100 applicants per actual team member that we bring aboard (and even then only about 75% work out the first year). So you are one of over 100 people that fit our culture and our core values. And even beyond this, many of you were referred and recruited because of your own “rockstar” qualities. You are all rockstars!
And not many of us dreamed of working at a building supply company. Some of us seem like we have always wanted to do this… people like Bronco, Wojo, Dave V., Al M., Dewey… but I am guessing this was not our dream job when we were 10.
But now that we are here… the reason we are here… is to get better. And having fun along the journey.
People don’t want to work here to be stagnant, they truly want to move mountains (of lumber usually.)
Now, if all of us top level people, (yes that’s you, we are all top level) decide to all get better each day, say 1% better at something each day, imagine how good we will be in 6 days, 6 months or 6 years from now!
Our mission is to get better. It’s really that simple. We all have things to improve on. Be it a better attitude right when we walk in the door, being more organized, being more efficient, or making less mistakes… we all can improve.
It doesn’t matter your position or your career, we are all in this together.
It really eases the mind when you think, I will get better today. The past failures are just learning lessons.
It will never get easier. There is no finish line. The journey is life. It’s about getting better.
So this week start making habits of getting better. It’s not where you came from, it’s where you are going that matters.
You all inspire me to be better. Thank you Drexel Team.
– Joel Fleischman. Joel is the president & Head Coach of the solution providers for Drexel Building Supply. (drexelteam). You can follow him on twitter: @JoelmFleischman. He has provided solutions for builders and their clients since 1996 and a whole bunch of other stuff that you probably don’t care about.
People that can handle the most stress are often seen as great leaders, great sales people and seem to dominate life.
Why can some people handle so much, and more and more everyday and others crumble when the fire heats up?
How much you can handle often defines you in life. Are you calm in the storm? Can you “Keep Calm and Carry on”?
5 tips to work on expanding your emotional bandwidth:
1. Research has shown you can’t be thankful and stressed. So think of things to be thankful for when you are stressed. As an “old timer” told me recently, “Joel I didn’t sleep well last night, but I did wake up!”
2. Pray. Go to Church. Take a walk in the woods. Work on your spiritual well being, whatever that means to you. Remaining calm in adversity is a sign of great spiritual strength. No matter what’s going on in your life right now you will be able to “Hold your peace.”
3. Be with family and friends. A tree with strong roots can tolerate almost any storm, the ones with shallow roots perish quickly.
4. Fail Forward. Failing is part of growing and change. Embrace the fall. Just learn from it and get up quicker.
5. Love. Care. Serve. If we choose to help others, our own problems seem to go away.
– Joel Fleischman. Joel is the president & Head Coach of the solution providers for Drexel Building Supply. (drexelteam). You can follow him on twitter: @JoelmFleischman. He has provided solutions for builders and their clients since 1996 and a whole bunch of other stuff that you probably don’t care about.
We are up 20% in company sales for the year. New construction in Wisconsin is at 0% growth.
The 20% growth arrives to us because we have helped a customer, a person, a business, take the leap of faith from a competitor to us. Nothing wrong with the place they came from…we just do it the Drexel way, a place where we truly believe that customer is better served.
That means some of our competition is down in sales. The food they are used to eating is gone.
So some of our weakest competition is spreading lies, rumors, low prices, shameful tactics, even asking some of our family to join them to get our business. They are circling us like hungry hyenas. They don’t know what else to do.
As we have always done, we will continue to fight them.
DREXEL DOES NOT LIVE IN FEAR.
We will fight the Drexel way:
Using our humble and hungry energized soul and all the love and passion for:
Our core values.
Our Drexel family.
Our daily GRIND.
****
WE, ALL OF US.. will Thank our customers every single chance we get and ask them how better we can help them next time.
TEAM PLEASE GO AND…
Serve. Love. Care. … for our customers, our community, and each other this week and beyond.
– Joel Fleischman. Joel is the president & Head Coach of the solution providers for Drexel Building Supply. (drexelteam). You can follow him on twitter: @JoelmFleischman. He has provided solutions for builders and their clients since 1996 and a whole bunch of other stuff that you probably don’t care about.
Joel Fleischman's Blog 
