A leader has the vision and conviction that a dream can be achieved. He inspires the power and energy to get it done.”

Ralph Lauren

These periodic “blog quotes” are intended to give your brain the necessary jolt (and excuse) to “jump the tracks,” challenge what you’re doing and find better ways to make great things happen.

As a merchant, my desire has always been to inspire customers, exceed their high expectations, and establish and maintain their trust in us. As an employer, my duty has always been to also do the same for people on the other side of the counter. For partners. This latter responsibility has driven me for many, many years.”

Howard Schultz (Founder of Starbucks, “Onward”)

1. Are you actively inspiring both your customers (ex. customers, congregation, mentoring group, etc.) and your own team (ex. employees, family, spouse network, supporters, etc.)?
2. Which group are you neglecting i.e. is under-inspired? What actions can you take to make up for it?
3. Think about the “inspiration relationship” between “your customers” and “your team.” How can your team help inspire your customers? What’s your contribution to make that happen?

Be inspired, take action, help others by sharing…

Picture: www.thestreet.com

You’re a leader with a vision who wants your organization to thrive in the future. You anticipate tough challenges and significant opportunities. You want your people to be focused and pulling together in harmony to make the vision happen. Is that you?

Not long ago I sat in a conference room with a CEO and his team of executives talking about this exact goal. They had big ambitions that were far beyond their current state and capabilities. How would their organization have to change to be aligned for this transformation? They needed help to identify the approach and gain clarity on the significant changes it would take. The following logic represents the steps we took over the next several months systematically designing our blueprint – in essence, the basic recipe any organization can apply to make sure it is ready to move into the future:

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