DO SANTA'S ELVES SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF?

First Reaction/First Glance
Can you imagine what it must be like to be an elf in Santa’s workshop? Millions of orders coming in, standard inventory items backordered, and worst of all, the recession has forced Santa to cut back their hours, forcing them to work that much harder.


The Learning Process
As orders are filled, tempers soar, and words are spouted, which creates bad feelings and sometimes lingering heartaches.

Santa’s elves know how to handle these pressure-packed situations. They perform at high levels year in and year out. Yet they realize they are all passionate about bringing smiles to their customers’ faces throughout the world, which provides for a healthy culture.


Improvement for the Future
We all have been there – hard feelings, differences of opinion, damaged friendships, and strained relationships at work.

This time of year is no different for you than it is for Santa’s elves so when stress gets you down, conflict arises, put yourself in a forgiving mode and remember what Santa says:

HO! HO! HO! Tis the season not to sweat the small stuff!

Merry Christmas everyone.

Is Your Ladder Tall Enough?

First Reaction/First Glance
Have you ever climbed to the top of a ladder safely only to find you still weren’t high enough or simply didn’t have the right tool with you to fix your problem?

How does this relate to accomplishing your goals or achieving your dreams as you reach for new levels of expectations set by either yourself or your boss?


The Learning Process
How often do we start our ascent towards what we want to accomplish only to find the rungs of the ladder are either loose or even missing?

At this point, you can ask for help from someone who has experience, try to tighten the rungs on your own, or perhaps rush your plan and end up chivvying all the way to the bottom of the ladder only to start over again.

Just like many things in life, a well thought out plan can pay huge dividends and eliminate those wobbly moments or severe slip-ups in life.


Improvement for the Future
Many times in our lives we rush too fast and try too hard, even though our efforts have the best of intentions, only to fall short of our goal.

In fact, we become so overwhelmed that we forget about the talented people we work with who could help us accomplish what we have set out to do.

So the next time you get stuck half way up the ladder, stop and ponder all of the options and seek help from the people who are on your team.

You’ll be surprised at how tall your ladder of success will actually reach.

CAN WE FLY TO THE MOON?

First Reaction/First Glance
Hell no! Are you kidding me? What a waste of time and money!

I’m sure this is what many Americans were saying back in the 1950’s when the Eisenhower Administration approved funding for space exploration, which ultimately lead to the U.S. going to the moon.

What is your vision of where you want to be or go in the next ten years? Can you make it come true? Will you try? I hope your answer is yes. Let’s explore.


The Learning Process
Challenges are part of life. In fact, I believe this is what we are on this earth to resolve and conquer – challenges. As you are challenged by what is seemingly the impossible or as you challenge someone to step out of their comfort zone, take a few minutes to collect your thoughts and imagine the possible outcome.

The results could be amazing!


Improvement for the Future
Never be afraid to challenge yourself or a co-worker to something that seems virtually impossible. Encourage and support them and be there if things are not going as planned.

When you look back over your career, how many times have you said to yourself – “This isn’t fair”, “I deserve better”, or “I am tired of the same results”? So why not shoot for the moon? I guarantee your journey will be enlightening. In fact, you may just land there!

Thanks Big Shot for your inspiration.

TP MECHANICAL ROLLS

First Reaction/First Glance
By now, most of our employees have heard the phrase “On a Roll” – a Pathways to Leadership tool. Recently, I was challenged by one of our Superintendents to give my thoughts on being on a roll.

My first thought when I heard this was that being on a roll is when everything is going good. I am happy and in a good mood.


The Learning Process
As I learned, it’s my decision to be on a roll. When I learned to sort through my issues one at a time to take a moment to count my blessings and focus on what has gone well recently, suddenly I begin to react to the work in front of me with a whole different attitude. Better yet, the people I come in contact with become more relaxed. Being on a roll becomes contagious!


Improvement for the Future
At TP Mechanical, we are shaping our culture so our employees can be on a roll more frequently. They do this because they now know that work can be fun and enjoyable. We are looking at our fellow workers in degrees of strength, we are motivating them by listening and implementing their ideas, and last but not least, we are dancing like nobody is watching. Everyone is doing these things in their own unique way.

Another way of looking at this – When TP Mechanical is on a roll, it’s like throwing the dice and hitting a seven every time!!!!!

CAN YOU HANDLE THE TRUTH?

First Reaction/First Glance
In the midst of our tough economic times ($700 billion government bailout), there are many questions and concerns being raised. Is it possible that the truth got buried with all of the pressure to perform in the fast-paced we live in? Or could it also have been the pressure to deliver that forced Senior Executives to hear only what they wanted to hear and avoid the truth?


The Learning Process
There is not a person on earth who likes to deliver “bad news”. In order for companies to move forward, its employees and partners must honor the code of honesty and respect. With those words in mind, everyone has an obligation to tell the truth and share their concerns so the team can react quickly and come up with a solution.


Improvement for the Future
As a senior leader at TP Mechanical Contractors, I have had to deliver and receive bad news over the years. In fact, many times as a recipient of the bad news I had what I call the “Gomer Pyle” response – Surprise! Surprise! Surprise!

Here are some thoughts and questions that can help you deliver and receive bad news.

“Hey, Boss, when you have a few minutes, I would like to go over some issues that I just became aware of.” Another suggestion: “I just received some bad news and I’m requesting your thoughts and ideas in helping me create solution.”

For instance after receiving the bad news you say, “Well, John, I appreciate you bringing this to me so early. Let’s work together to see how we can soften the issue.”

As we communicate the truth more clearly, it can set us free.

IS IT A CHEVY OR IS IT A CADDY?

First Reaction/First Glance
Has perception ever convinced you that something is better than it really is?

Whether you drive a Chevrolet or a Cadillac, you can pretty much guarantee that you will get where you’re going in the same amount of time. However, it is true that others will see you differently as you travel to your destination.


The Learning Process
Recently, in an Executive Meeting, one of our committee members challenged me with this question in regards to the new Cincinnati office building, to which we will relocate in the near future. At first, I was stunned and frustrated with his comment but as I thought more about it, I began to focus on what he really meant. Can we accomplish the same by spending less but ultimately create the same results?

The answer is yes, however, how will that look to others?


Improvement for the Future
TP Mechanical Contractors is changing – we are changing our culture, while our partners and employees are improving their work/life balance. These efforts say to our customers that we are performing the same services as our competition, only at higher levels.

The bottom line is that you may not see any orange and blue Cadillacs here but TP Mechanical is becoming the Cadillac of mechanical contractors by utilizing an upstream leadership approach which has created greater values downstream to our customers, employees, and our partners.

DO YOU KNOW A DOUBTING THOMAS?

First Reaction/First Glance
It is true that you will always find enough reasons to support your belief whether it’s regarding someone you know or perhaps something changing in your life. Regardless, we at times are convinced that we are right until there is clear evidence to change our minds.

The Learning Process
As you go through life, how do you look at people or new ideas? By instantly judging and deciding what you don’t like? Or do you look at the values and strengths that the person or the idea will provide? When you are being introduced to a new person or a change is occurring in your life, I believe looking at their values and strengths will almost guarantee that your belief system will bear fruit that will enrich your life in everything you do.

Improvement for the Future
As you navigate through your days and weeks, a good suggestion is for you to put your thoughts and beliefs on pause for a few moments and then look for the values and the strengths in these situations. In time, I believe this will help you look at both people and new situations/issues in a light that will add value to your life and leadership.

Imagine if we eliminated just 10% of the “Doubting Thomas’” in the world. How much more could we accomplish?

RECOGNITION

First Reaction/First Glance
It is common knowledge these days that recognition of a job well done far outweighs salaries and bonuses earned by the people who work for you or with you.

So, are phrases such as “Thank You”, “Way to go”, or “Atta-Boy” your way of recognizing accomplishments and achievements?


The Learning Process
A good question to ask yourself about your co-workers is what motivates them while they are at work. Each person’s motivations are different. Their activities outside of work, their children’s interests, favorite foods, hobbies or sporting events could all be a great way to structure your next compliment or recognition to them. Adding sincerity and relevance to your next opportunity for encouragement and praise may make the difference in the rest of their day.


Improvement for the Future
Just like most things in life, planning is helpful in everything you do. Why not gather your thoughts and take an extra few minutes and script some encouragement for a family member, friend, or a co-worker?

In appreciation for taking your precious time to read my Blog, it always amazes me the wonderful and creative ways people can deliver at higher levels and make us feel so special.

The "POIS" Process

First Reaction/First Glance
At TP Mechanical, our leaders have all embarked on a six (6) day leadership training program in order to grow their leadership skills both at home and at work. Through this process, each of our leaders formed small interaction groups called “POIS Groups” (Pathways Ongoing Integration and Sustainability) which meet on a weekly basis.

First thoughts were, “Oh no, another meeting.” But this notion could be nothing further from the truth.


The Learning Process
TP Mechanical has established over twenty-eight (28) POIS Groups and although some groups no longer are connecting, others have flourished.

POIS Groups have identified themselves with names like “Jerry’s Kids”, “The Force”, “Deuces Wild”, etc. In these 45-minute meetings, the members have formed great friendships while building a trusting and confidential environment that allows them to move forward in the workplace and with their own families.


Improvement for the Future
As these POIS Groups build momentum, the culture at TP Mechanical continues to grow and move forward. Their commitments and participation are helping make TP Mechanical the premiere place to work while reaching out to our communities to serve others.

Task Ownership

When it comes to ownership of a TASK, where does the repsonsibility fall in regards to executing the assignment on time?

First Reaction/First Glance
Is it possible when a new task is agreed upon that it lacks clear direction but we move full stream ahead because the boss and others agree it's exciting? Although great ideas usually must be followed up with a plan, sometimes we forget to plan for the plan.

The Learning Process
Any task assigned or excepted usually requires a team effort. In other words, for it to be effective there is usuallly a chain reactin (or additional mini-tasks) needed to be accomplished by the assignee in order to successfully implement the plan. We all learn from this process along the way but for me - if you start with the end in mind, a clearer picture will be established.

Improving on the Future
Although some tasks fall in line with your everyday responsibilities, most of these could change the future of our company. This is why taking ownership in tasks is so important. When your commitments are not completed on time, you are not letting your boss down, in reality you're slowing down the future growth of our company.