Join the “SAILing Thank You” Regata
Inspiration & Creativity, Personal Development
By July 3, 2013 2 comments»

Expressing thanks is a powerful tool for inspiration and motivation. It tells people that we care about them and the difference they’re making. In my June 19 post I gave five tips on how to say an impactful “thank you” using the catchy acronym SAIL (Specific Event, Action Taken, Impact, Link to Higher Goal). I received excellent comments from readers, including some who mentioned the versatility of these principles in all walks of life – personal, professional etc.

To illustrate their point and inspire you to apply these “SAILing tips” I’ve added more “before & after” examples. Here they are:

BARCOLANA 2007

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Leadership is Inspirationship
Leadership & Organization, Sayings
By June 26, 2013 Comment»

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

How to “SAIL Thank You” with Impact
Inspiration & Creativity, Personal Development
By June 19, 2013 3 comments»

Thanks…Thanks for everything…Thanks so much for all you’ve done. Great job. Blah, blah, blah…”

Have you ever said that to someone, or had it said to you? It can feel superficial and hollow, don’t you think? For people on the “receiving end” it can even be somewhat insulting – “like…really…the person thanking me doesn’t have a clue what I’ve done or how much effort it took to make it happen.” For people trying to express gratitude, they often wish they could really say something that would be more meaningful and less generic (“blah”).

So how do you express meaningful gratefulness…the kind that doesn’t backfire? Bonuses?…gift cards?…pay raises? While these aren’t bad ideas, they’re mostly over-rated and are no substitute for the power of a heartfelt “THANK YOU.” One of my great mentors, Fred Bolivar (one of the best facilitators I know), gave leaders the following simple and easy-to-remember guidance using the acronym SAIL:

Sails 2

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