Holiday Thoughts

2007 is upon us. It is the time of year where we wrap up 2006 and begin to look at the opportunities and promise of the future. The following are some thoughts that I would like to share with you during this special time of the year.

1. Make a distinction between 2006 and 2007. Work with your organization to put the past in the past and to leave the good, bad, and ugly back in 2006. This will open 2007 as a distinct possibility disconnected from past. The possibility of 2007 is worth investigating. What could it be?
   
   Recently, I heard a trainer ask a group what is the difference between them and a two year old with all of his or her unbridled enthusiasm? The answer was the two year old has no history which was a very provocative answer. Do not let whatever history your organization has in 2006 color what is possible in 2007. Have a past but do not be your past.
   
   What then do we mean by possibility? What is the difference then between possibility and fantasy? Possibility lights your organization up and means you are taking real planned action to bring that possibility into reality. Fantasy means you are in your head around a topic and imagining a desired outcome. This is fine, but the pitfall is thinking that the organization is fantasizing about reality. In fantasy, there is no action in the real world around making anything occur. I invite your organization in 2007 to organize around possibility and to stay away from fantasy.
    

2. Be present to the world around you and what is actually going on.
   
   Recently, I was telling a friend about how scared and stressed I was and I was feeling overwhelmed. He looked me in the eye and asked if anyone had shot at me? I said no. He asked if anyone had physically tried to hurt me, my reply again, no. He then asked what's the problem? I had a moment. Most of my issues are in my head, not what is actually happening in the world. For me, it is a constant opportunity to be present and actually see what is going on and handle appropriately. I invite you and your organization in 2007 to make sure you truly become present to the world around you and act appropriately.
    

3. How fast can a model T go? The model T is an older model car that was remarkable for its time. However, in today's world it is not impressive. For example, it will not safely go 100 miles per hour. Some of you in your organizations have infrastructures and cultures that remind me of the model T. They are antiquated and unable to go the speed that is required in the 21st century. Here is what to do:
   
   Appraise what you have and quit attempting to make the old somehow sufficient for the new. My friend says to me the truth will set you free yet may initially annoy you. Be truthful with what you have and should you need something new, begin to "go after it" with your organization. As the German philosopher Goethe says "There's power in boldness and commitment".
    

4. This is a tangent to number two. Count and be aware of your blessings. Be present to all the employees that make a difference around you. I celebrate and am cognizant of the unbelievable people that work at CMI. You know your family loves and supports you. Be cognizant of their sacrifices for you.
   
   Be clear that a large percentage of human beings on this planet would trade places with you in a heartbeat. They would gladly take on all your issues and angst. Facing that puts life in perspective, because I for one would not trade places with them and I would certainly not take on their every day issues ---no way.
    

5. Recently, some of us suffered a loss when a beloved friend and colleague suddenly died. He died doing something he loved with someone he loved. He was living life to the fullest. My learning from this is to enjoy life; the future has many possibilities, celebrate all the way as tomorrow is not guaranteed.

So what to do? Here are some suggestions: Plan for 2007, by developing an infrastructure for the 21st century. Let the past remain in the past. Confront reality. Lastly and most importantly count your blessings.
 

Thank you for the relationship we have which allows me to share these offbeat and unusual notions. I deeply appreciate the gift that each of you represent for me. Please let me know what we, CMI, can do to support you in 2007 and beyond.

From our family to your family, we wish you the best holiday season ever.

Be well,

Bruce