Lessons Learned on The Road to Kona

Welcome to "Lessons Learned on the Road to Kona"

Welcome to my blog where I share my "lessons learned" as an Ironman Triathlete with other corporate leaders who want to gain a competitive edge in today's demanding workplace and achieve more than they ever thought they were capable of doing.

Join me in my 9 month journey as I turn 60 and train for my fifth Ironman race! I invite you to check back here often for training updates, inspiration for leaders who want to get to "The Top of Their Game", and places where you can connect with me on my journey.

Does your career plan include "March Madness"?

Like many of you who are reading this post, my attention has been fixated on the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament this week, otherwise known as "The Big Dance" and "March Madness".

Whether you are a college hoops fan or you just tune in this time of year to watch this ultimate team competition, whether you have a particular school you root for or you fall in love with the Cinderella team, I think we can all agree that is exciting, inspiring and, (if you pay attention), a lesson in leadership and career management for all of us.

While the field of 68 teams start off with an equal opportunity to advance in the tournament and ultimately get to the Final Four, there are qualities and attributes that the successful teams all demonstrate over the 3-week tournament:

• Preparation: while all of these teams had successful seasons, when they are selected to participate in the tournament their coaches and staffs start a massive and detailed planning process to maximize their chances of success. Nothing is left to chance, every detail, move and play is scrutinized, practiced and re-played for perfection, and they adjust their plan when it isn't working
• Commitment: from the initial tip-off to when the buzzer signals the end of each game, you can see how the players are totally committed to their team and to winning. Their energy and enthusiasm, the way they throw their bodies after the loose ball, their "never give up" attitude even when then they are losing. You you can feel their absolute commitment to the game
• Unselfishness: it's all about the team. Star players willingly give up the ball for someone else to score; personal stats and success are not in their game plan. Relying on others and tapping into their unique talents and skills is what makes them successful
• Anything is Possible: while teams are seeded in the tournament, and the odds of beating their opponents sometimes seem overwhelming, they don't think about that. They believe - with absolute certainly - that any team can beat any other team on any given day, and that talent, preparation, and commitment are not enough; you have to believe you can be successful, and back that belief with massive action to make it happen

For today's corporate leaders, it is very challenging to be successful in your roles, while also taking the time to plan for your own career advancement. Take a few minutes to watch a game over the next couple of weeks, and find the career lessons you can learn from March Madness.

 

 

How to Build Your "Success Team" for 2012

Whether you are in an extended job search or actively managing your career, it can be very helpful to have a team of advisers whom you can turn to for input, guidance and support. In today's competitive and challenging job market, professionals need to rely on more than their own experience and perspective to stay ahead of the game.

It's important to be thoughtful about why you are asking for help and how these busy people can best support you. Be prepared to share your career goals, as well as your plans and progress toward these goals as the relationship moves along.

To get started, here are some tips to creating your personal success team:

• Ask the "rock stars" in your field: people you admire, professionals who are the thought leaders in your business. Most of them certainly had someone help them advance and share their "lessons learned" so they are often willing to return the favor
• Keep your network up to date: we often get siloed in our work so connect with and include professionals from different companies, industries and areas of interest who have a fresh perspective and can connect you to new groups
• Diversify your advisors: choose people who are not like you, with whom you may not be comfortable. You don't necessarily need to like them but you should respect them for what they have to offer you and value their honest opinion and feedback

Share your goals, aspirations and successes - but also your concerns, fears and failures. Your "Success Team" can be the difference between an average career and a great career; they can help you celebrate the good times and push you through the difficult periods - and they can help you believe in yourself.

And don' forget to reciprocate (and be humbled) when someone asks YOU to join their success team.

Report from Ironman Canada - "Keep Moving Forward"

A week ago I returned from Penticton, British Columbia - the site of Ironman Canada - after seeing the athletes I had coached and trained over the last nine months complete their first Ironman distance triathlon. For those readers who are not familiar with the Ironman, it is widely considered one of the toughest sporting events in the world: a 2.4 mile open water swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride, and finishing off the day with a marathon - for a total of 140.6 human powered miles.  Ironman Canada is one of the toughest Ironman distance courses in the world, so it wasn't surprising that my Ironman "newbies" approached the day with a mix of anxiety, fear, hope and exhilaration. 

It is a long day on the Ironman course: starting with the swim at 7:00 AM and having to cross the finish line by midnight. Seventeen hours seems like an eternity to some but not when you are out there competing with 2800 athletes, the elements and whatever challenges fate decides to throw at you on race day.

Like any long term project or commitment in business, I urge the athletes to take it one step at a time; don't focus on the 140.6 miles in front of you: get through the swim, get onto the bike course, concentrate on what's right in front of you. Manage yourself "inside the box"- that time and space during the race that allows you to anticipate issues, react to problems and take corrective action....but keep moving forward.

We see them emerge from the swim, smiling, triumphant to complete that first leg of the race; now onto the bike portion of the race, a challenging course with hills, high heat and 40 mile an hour headwinds. We see them at different points of the course: they are tired, legs flagging, dehydrated. Get over the next hill, get to the next aid station....keep moving forward.

Finally they fly back into town, having completed the second leg of the race: they are smiling, but apprehensive about finishing. They are finally off the bikes and onto the run course. We see them head out of town, their demeanor has clearly changed: they are exhausted, worried, emotional: hang in there, we tell them; catch the runner ahead of you, get to the next water stop, give inspiration to someone you pass.....keep moving forward.

It is past nightfall - the magic time at Ironman, when most of the athletes will be making truly heroic efforts to cross the finish line. They approach the last mile before the finish, the culmination of nearly a year of sacrifice, unwavering commitment, chasing a dream. They can see the finish but they have a mile to go....some are hardly moving, they are beyond tired, hurting, we tell them: the finish is right around the corner, hear the crowds cheering you on, you got it...keep moving forward.

And they do, and they cross the finish line - smiling, triumphant, with grace and humility for the magnitude of the accomplishment and the acknowledgement that they can now say "I am an Ironman".

Inspiring, of course. Amazing for some who overcame much to cross the finish line. Incredible what the human body and mental toughness can achieve in tandem. So what are the lessons learned for anyone in a corporate leadership role who faces challenges, obstacles, odds that sometimes seem overwhelmingly against you succeeding?

Focus on what you can control - what is the definition of time and space in the work you are doing that you can manage; what is in your control and not; how do you focus on making progress one step at a time and where will you find your inspiration...so you can keep moving forward.

 

 

A Lesson in Resilience from the Indy 500

Sunday's running of the Indianapolis 500 had a dramatic and improbable finish: heartbreaking for rookie J.R. Hildebrand, who crashed just yards away from the finish line in a miscalculated move: humbling yet victorious for Brit Dan Wheldon, who steered past Hildebrand to take the checkered flag.

 Wheldon, winner of the 100th anniversary if this historic race, is once again unemployed. He had won the Indy 500 once before, but in the competitive, big money, sponsor-driven world of professional racing that was not enough. He didn't have a fulltime "ride"; the car and team he took to  victory lane was a one-off, part-time commitment. So while he has proven himself once again, he will now have to find a new gig, a committed sponsor, a full-time employer.

What is useful to learn from his experience is that he never gave up hope of racing again, of doing what he loved, of experiencing success one more time. He did what many professionals who need to be  actively managing careers should be doing:

• Understanding what you do well and like to do
• Staying engaged in your field of expertise - even if it is only on a part-time basis
• Building your own "success team"  who will help you over the rough spots and cheer you on
• Unconditionally believing in yourself

Dan Wheldon may not have another full-time ride for awhile - maybe not ever again - but his spirit of perseverance, commitment to his craft and gratitude for his success will keep him resilient wherever his career takes him.

We could all do well to learn from his example.

 

Who gives you confidence in the "locker room"?

I was listening to an interview with one of the San Jose Sharks players after they advanced to the Conference finals following a tough, nail-biting series with the Detroit Red Wings. The Sharks have never gone this far in the Stanley Cup Playoffs before, and the interviewer asked what was the key to their success so far: was it their maturing roster, never-say-quit determination, the unbelievable play of their goalie?  While all of these could be factors in their advancement, his answer was surprising - and very insightful.

No, he said, it was actually something outside of playing in the NHL. It was the experience that several of the team's players had in last year's Olympic Games. He shared that being in the locker room with so many other NHL stars who had extensive playoff experience brought a calmness, composure and confidence that was contagious. They had been in those high-stakes circumstances before - they knew what to expect, how to prepare and how to act. That, he said, was what they learned and that gave them the edge to outlast a very experienced opponent in Detroit.

So think about your field of work: who are the best-in-class leaders in your field that you should be learning from? Who are you leaning on for experience and insight? What are you intentionally doing to surround yourself with the best - to get exposure to those from whom you can learn the keys to success in your field?

Who is in the locker room with you - giving you the confidence and composure to reach your goals?

 

Is 2011 the year you will say "I QUIT!"

We've all seen the various reports that cite how many executives are not really "engaged" in their work, don't feel fulfilled or appreciated in their roles and don't see a future for themselves with their current employer. And yet they have been reluctant to explore new opportunities and launch a job search given the tough economic climate and executive job market.

Until now.

A recent report from BlueSteps of nearly 900 executives found that they are cautiously optimistic about 2011, with an increased willingness to look for new job opportunities. Interestingly, 79% of those surveyed said they were ready to make a career move in the coming year.

With that projected level of mobility comes increased competition - much of it coming from younger executives and returning expats. Forward-thinking executives realize they need to be proactive in managing their careers, and that now, more than ever, they need to stand out from their peers to attract the attention of recruiters and hiring authorities.

That means  three things:

1. developing your personal brand
2. building and nurturing your professional network
3. having a well-thought out career transition plan 

Are you ready to say "I QUIT" this year?

 

 

Don't Survive - Thrive!

If you are reading this you are probably one of the many professional women working in today's challenging business environment, where increasing workloads, demands from employers, colleagues and clients, and 24/7 communications seem to make it impossible to just get by - never mind be at your best. 

When did we lose the ability to consistently perform at a high level; to feel confident, undaunted by challenges and adversity; to be at the top of our game? How do we find that ultimate balance point where work, family and personal life seems perfectly integrated and in-synch? And why is it that some women are consistently able to grow, develop and flourish: is it luck, timing, attitude?

While there are no magic formulas to thrive versus survive, there are some things that we can all do be more in control of our lives, to see obstacles as learning experiences, to consistently elevate our levels of performance:

• Watch What You Think. Work to develop the attitude that anything is possible with the right mindset, preparation and determination
• Take Care Of Yourself.  Eat properly, get enough rest and include some form of exercise - whatever that is for you - to build the stamina, self-discipline and endurance needed to meet the demands of today's work-life
• Get Connected. Your relationships - personal and professional - are keys to helping you maintain perspective, get things done and fuel your spirit

You won't move from just surviving to thriving overnight, but you will be taking control of the things you can control and moving closer to consistently being at your best instead of just getting by!

The Road to Kona: Step One - Preparing for the Race

Preparing for a race, sporting event or competition is much like making a commitment to any long-term goal or project. You look at how the event, project or initiative fits into your overall life/business plan, how it will advance your personal goals, how it will impact others. You identify the tools and resources you'll need to be successful as well as the sacrifices and trade-offs you may need to make along the way. And you think about who you can call on to be part of your team: the coaches and advisers you will need to consult; the teammates who will help you see your potential and not so gently push you through the tough times; the close confidants with whom you can share your concerns and fear of failure.

With a mixture of excitement, apprehension and realism you look ahead to the end, the final project deadline, race day. You try to plan for the unexpected: for possible injuries, unplanned time away from work; some of your teammates may not be available, staff members will inevitably disappoint you; market conditions may change, bad weather may impact your training schedule; you'll have equipment failures, suppliers and partners may change or go out of business.

You evaluate the risks as well as the opportunities, plan for success while also contemplating the possibility of failure; you analyze, plan, review and adjust and plan again. But in the end your instincts tell you that you've done as much as you can and it's time to start training, launch your project, push ahead. And even with all your preparation and planning, your excitement of taking on a major goal, that commitment can still be scary as hell. But like all successful people - athletes and executives alike - you believe with certainly that there is nothing that can't be accomplished.

Inspiration from the Batter's Box

If it's April it must be the start of the baseball season; I love the game and have been a life-long fan (which can be very trying as a member of the Red Sox Nation). But I have to admit I have mixed feelings about America's favorite pastime.

I love the dynamics of the game; the duel between pitcher and batter; the strategy involved, and the fact that is is the only major league sport where you work your way up from the minors. No automatic, multi-million dollar contracts for players who are drafted. It is a blue-collar, working man's sport in the early days. You start at the bottom, get paid little, ride buses to games and stay in cheap hotels. You work your way up, learn your craft and prove your value. Only then do you get called up to "The Bigs" - in many ways a parallel for climbing the corporate ladder.

But with all the recent scandals, high-paid, low-performing players, and the influx of corporate sponsorships on everything from ballparks to pitching changes, I have become disillusioned and miss the simplicity and humility of the game I grew up with.

Regardless, I am still fascinated with the skill it takes to hit a speeding sphere, buzzing by in front of you at 90+ miles per hour, and that a batting average of .300 is considered exceptional. So an exceptional player strikes out - literally fails - 7 times out of 10.

I can't remember the last time I heard a corporate leader proclaim proudly that he failed 7 times out of 10; that he took enough risks to fail that often; that he was continually looking for opportunities to innovate, to explore new ideas, knowing that the odds were against him,  And, probably most importantly, that he was encouraging everyone in his organization to do the same without fear of the consequences.

Where are the inspiring, authentic and courageous leaders who everyone in corporate America is seeking to follow?  

I understand the many reasons why corporate leaders are risk-averse, betting on sure things, playing it safe to satisfy stockholders and protect their position. I just wish they would take a little inspiration from the batter's box - confidently step up, assess the situation, take the calculated risk and swing for the fences - just for a change.

 

The (Im)Perfect Workout

If you've been watching the Olympic Winter Games over the last two weeks as I have, you have to be inspired, motivated (well, hopefully for a little while) and in awe of these athletic heroes who have sacrificed so much, dealt with adversity and setbacks and are so fit! You watch them careen down the mountains, skate with grace and race with abandon down the sledding track. Come on - who in their right mind says, "I want to be a skeleton racer"? Really?

Add to that the ever present TV infomercials on the latest device that will give your the "Perfect Workout" in 10 minutes or less, star-quality abs in a week or the ultimate energy boost to keep you going all day long - and you might say, "I think the couch is the perfect place for me".

I was at the gym earlier this week - not happy that my post knee-surgery recovery is taking WAY too long - so I have to modify my workouts, but making my time on the elliptical as productive as possible (no "junk miles" in the gym if I can avoid it); and I see a woman who has to be in her 80's climb up on the machine next to me and proceed to get a decent pace going. She doesn't seem to be exerting herself much and she stops after about 10 minutes or so but I think, hey, she's here and she's doing it. That's more than you can say for most of us, and what she is doing is the "Perfect Workout" for her.

And that's all you can ask of any of us. Do what works for you, when you can; but do something. Whatever is is, whenever it happens - at that time, on that day, that will be the "perfect workout" for you.

She finishes her workout, and I come to the conclusion I have shared above; but then my competitive nature kicks in and I crank the resistance up a few notches. My (im)perfect workout is over.