Brian Cooke | Coaching for a Bright Tomorrow!: Recent Episodes
Brian Cooke
Brian coaches leaders who aim high and do amazing things. Learn as fast as the world is changing. Get more out of coaching! Connect with Brian at BCedX.com.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
What is PDP?
A quick, accurate, reliable tool to:
· help leaders hire, manage, and develop their people
· coach people to excel in roles that are well-suited for their strengths
· enable teams to work better together to achieve great results
· strengthen business and community understanding of diversity
Who uses PDP?
Business, non-profit, and public sector organizations worldwide count on PDPs to better understand and make significant decisions about their people. PDP tools can be administered in English, Spanish, and fifteen other world languages.
How is PDP different from other profile tools?
PDP excels at linking leadership strengths to business and organizational outcomes. Unlike most profile tools, PDP is backed by decades of research and statistical analysis with emphasis on behaviors and performance of working professionals.
How does PDP work?
Brian will invite you to complete an online survey that will take about ten minutes. Data from this survey will be used to create a profile of your natural leadership strengths and preferred communication style.
How accurate are PDP profiles?
More than 5 million PDPs have been administered since the 1970s. The accuracy of PDPs has been validated and continually improved through five decades of research and statistical analysis. Try it and see for yourself! Know your strengths!Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile at BCedX.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
In African folk traditions there is a story about a lion cub separated at birth from his mother.
When a flock of sheep discovered the cub, his eyes were still shut.
The sheep welcomed the cub to their flock and raised him with their lambs.
Like the lambs, the cub learned to fear dogs, travel in a flock, and follow a shepherd.
Because he was constantly surrounded by sheep, the growing lion cub did not notice how fast he could run or high he could jump.
One day another lion crept up on the sheep and let out a tremendous roar.
The flock scattered and the young lion - who was as scared as the sheep - ran away.
After pausing for a moment to drink from a pond, the young lion saw his reflection and noticed he looked like the lion that scared him.
At first, the young lion was surprised by his reflection. But he quickly became playful when he discovered he could growl and roar like a lion!
Now awakened to his true self, the lion returned to the pride and lived among lions as a king of the forest.
Look at yourself in a mirror and roar! …. (btw - this will be easier for leaders with High Dominance + Extroversion)
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile at BCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
Effective leaders know success in different environments requires emotional intelligence and adaptability in leadership approaches.
By adjusting your communication and leadership to match different situations, you are more likely to connect and collaborate successfully with diverse people. This connection is a powerful engine to do amazing things together!
PDP helps leaders understand how significant factors in their immediate environment influence adjustments they believe they need to make.
Once we understand influences and pressure in our life and career, we can test our assumptions and make more informed leadership adjustments that will help us make a bigger difference.
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile at BCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
The Team Strengths Profile or “TeamScan” is a quick, accurate, reliable tool to help form, mobilize, and build high-performing teams.
TeamScan shows the diversity and intensity of team player strengths based on distribution of individual leadership traits. This data can be used to predict, manage, and optimize team dynamics.
TeamScan helps leaders and teams:
· assign the right roles for each team member based on individual strengths
· build awareness, understanding, and trust in diverse leadership approaches
· strengthen communication and collaboration
· anticipate and manage predictable team dynamics
· advance and accelerate toward winning outcomes!
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile at BCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
Kinetic Energy Level indicates the potential mental, emotional, and physical energy available for leaders to excel and advance.
Kinetic Energy Level = energy capacity, battery or horsepower!
It is important for leaders and teams to recognize, understand, and respect diversity in individual energy level. There are seven levels of energy that influence how leaders and teams are most likely to organize, manage and execute activity.
Zone 7 is the highest level. An awesome energy force and ability to conquer almost any goal or task. Remarkable mental + physical power available for sustained, complex endeavors.
Most leaders operate at Zone 3 or 4. They have ample or sufficient energy to excel and outperform at tasks especially when they are well-matched with proven skills, strengths, and experience.
Leaders in Zone 1 or 2 will succeed when they direct their efforts toward specific tasks, relationships, and responsibilities that matter most. With limited kinetic energy, they need to be organized and make every move count!
Although some leaders have more energy available than others, each leader needs to be the best they can be with their respective energy for a team to achieve or exceed its goals!
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile atBCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
Energy Style describes how leaders tend to approach tasks or achieve outcomes.
There are three Energy Styles: Thrust, Ste-nacity, and Allegiance.
Thrust = a rocket-launch energy style – wired to act quickly and begin, drive or push forward with great intensity
Ste-nacity = a steady, tenacious, persistent energy style - powerful and at-times unstoppable like a great steam engine or locomotive
Allegiance = apurposeful style with great commitment and dedication to a mission, project, plan, team or person(s)
Count on leaders with high thrust to start projects quickly while leaders with ste-nacity will finish strong. Leaders with high allegiance will emphasize connection among team members and dedication to a compelling purpose.
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile at BCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
Logic provides insight on how leaders prefer to make decisions.
There are three Logic styles: Fact, Feeling, or a Balance of both.
Fact = analytical, deliberate decision-making based on a logical process and documented facts
Feeling = intuitive, inclined to make decisions quickly based on gut feeling and prior experience
Balanced = a balance of fact and feeling, able to use either style based on situation at-hand
Here are some suggestions to strengthen leadership communication and team decision making.
When communicating with Fact-based decisionmakers:
· provide reliable data + information to validate your request, recommendation, or decision
· give them time to analyze, research or confirm data, information, and facts
When communicating with Feeling-based decisionmakers:
· be prepared to expect, receive, and trust quick intuitive decisions
· ask them how this decision connects with lessons learned from past experiences
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile at BCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
Although we emphasize understanding our highest PDP traits, it is important to recognize our inverse leadership tendencies.
Here are characteristics of leaders with low measures of intensity for each PDP trait.
Be sure to note the word “low” does not suggest a weakness or deficiency. We all know successful leaders who have excelled with these strengths!
Low Dominance = Supportive
Supportive, collaborative, moderate, accepting, tolerant, helpful, non-controlling, deferring, agreeable, modest, contributing, accommodating, humble
Low Extroversion = Reserved
Reserved, quiet, imaginative, observant, introspective, congenial, confidential, guarded, sincere, considerate, private, respectful, thinker
Low Pace = Urgent
Adaptable, likes change, fast paced, restless, abrupt, impatient, sporadic, driving, hasty, versatile, active, spirited, restless, dynamic, lively, swift, driving
Low Conformity = Independent
Open-minded, independent, generalist, adventurous, non-detailed, flexible, carefree, non-conforming, unconventional, flexible, creative, unconventional, individualistic
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile at BCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
Conformity is "the Systems Trait."
Precise, conscientious, procedural, detailed, careful, prudent, system-oriented, structured, dedicated, perfectionistic
When High Conformity leaders communicate, they tend to:
· be conscientious
· want to do what is right
· place importance on loyalty and sincerity
· itemize things in detail
· refer to proven policies and rules
· demand accuracy from self and others
When communicating with a High Conformity leader:
· provide clear direction with reference to agreed standards and processes
· present ideas with attention to logic, detailed specifications, and sequence
· anticipate, address, and mitigate potential risks
· be direct, organized, and thorough when requesting correction or offering criticism
High Conformity leaders like:
· rules
· standards
· sincerity
· accuracy
· manageable risk
· security
High Conformity leaders tend to dislike:
· criticism
· big talk
· flattery
· fickleness
· inaccurate or missing data
· unexpectedness
· rule changes
Although we emphasize understanding our highest PDP traits, it is important to recognize our inverse leadership tendencies. Here are characteristics of leaders with low measures of Conformity (below the mid-line).
Low Conformity = Independent
Open-minded, independent, generalist, adventurous, non-detailed, flexible, carefree, non-conforming, unconventional, creative, individualistic
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your strengths profile at BCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
Pace is "the Patience Trait."
Steady, persistent, cooperative, harmonious, patient, friendly, unhurried, methodical, good listeners
When High Pace leaders communicate, they tend to:
· be warm, friendly, easy going, and respectful
· prefer predictable methods, routines, and schedules
· excel in harmonious, non-chaotic situations
· welcome time to observe and consider options before taking action
· emphasize fairness and consistency
· make the best of whatever happens
When communicating with a High Pace leader:
· use a calm and cooperative approach
· be clear and consistent when communicating direction and priorities
· follow agreed agenda, routines, and calendars
· allow time to assess and consider ways to address problems or opportunities
· emphasize mission, purpose, fairness, and benefits of activities for people
High Pace leaders like:
· cooperation
· routines
· thoughtful consideration/deliberation
· practice and preparation
· consistency
· harmony
High Pace leaders tend to dislike:
· pressure
· poor planning
· unpredictability
· sudden or unexpected change
Although we emphasize understanding our highest PDP traits, it is important to recognize our inverse leadership tendencies. Here are characteristics of leaders with low measures of Pace (below the mid-line).
Low Pace = Urgent
Adaptable, likes change, fast paced, restless, abrupt, impatient, sporadic, driving, hasty, versatile, active, spirited, restless, dynamic, lively, swift, driving
Know your strengths!Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile atBCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
Extroversion is "the People Trait."
Outgoing, friendly, persuasive, empathetic, enthusiastic, optimistic, team-oriented, verbal communicators
When High Extroversion leaders communicate, they tend to:
· enjoy talking about ideas
· be positive, optimistic, and inspiring
· show empathy and give encouragement
· value recognition and appreciation
· emphasize relationships and being a team member
· want to be liked
When communicating with a High Extroversion leader:
· make friendly, positive comments
· welcome discussion about ideas and opportunities
· present things persuasively with emphasis on purpose and people
· recognize and appreciate accomplishments
· include in social and team-based activities
High Extroversion leaders like:
· social contact
· an audience
· to be liked
· brainstorming
· possibilities
· fun activity
· laughter
· celebrations
· delegating
High Extroversion leaders tend to dislike:
· personal criticism
· technical challenges
· pessimists
Although we emphasize understanding our highest PDP traits, it is important to recognize our inverse leadership tendencies. Here are characteristics of leaders with low measures of Extroversion (below the mid-line).
Low Extroversion = Reserved
Reserved, quiet, imaginative, observant, introspective, congenial, confidential, guarded, sincere, considerate, private, respectful, thinker
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile at BCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
Dominance is "the Take Charge Trait."
To the point, direct, results-driven, “big picture” oriented, self-assured, forceful decision-makers
When High Dominance leaders communicate, they tend to:
· focus on getting things done
· make forceful and direct statements
· say things once
· express strong opinions
· prefer to give orders rather than take them
· like competition
· believe verbal conflict is helpful
· demand a great deal from self and others
When communicating to a High Dominance leader:
· use direct and concise messages
· do not repeat details
· be willing to express disagreement
· emphasize solving problems and getting results
· focus on goals and “winning”
High Dominance leaders like:
· bottom line results
· taking risks
· control
· delegating responsibility, but not authority
· competition and challenges
High Dominance leaders tend to dislike:
· vagueness
· indecisiveness
· laziness
· small talk
· lack of confidence
· mediocrity
Although we emphasize understanding our highest PDP traits, it is important to recognize our inverse leadership tendencies. Here are characteristics of leaders with low measures of Dominance (below the mid-line).
Low Dominance = Supportive
Supportive, collaborative, moderate, accepting, tolerant, helpful, non-controlling, deferring, agreeable, modest, contributing, accommodating, humble
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile atBCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things.
PDP profiles provide a quick view or road map that helps strengthen leadership and team communication and collaboration.
Here is a quick view of my PDP strengths profile.
Pace – the Patience Trait – is my most natural strength and preferred leadership approach.
When working with me, you can expect I will:
Be congenial and confident.
Emphasize planning, preparation, and effective use of time and energy.
Seek cooperation and high levels of performance.
Communicate clearly and directly.
Tend to prefer proven methods and processes.
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile at BCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
PDP profiles outline individual and team strengths in four leadership dimensions – Dominance, Extroversion, Pace, and Conformity.
Dominance is “The Take Charge Trait”
To the point, results-driven, “big picture” oriented, direct, self-assured, forceful decision-makers
Extroversion is “The People Trait”
Outgoing, friendly, persuasive, empathetic, enthusiastic, motivating, optimistic, verbal communicators
Pace is “The Patience Trait”
Persistent, steady, cooperative, harmonious, methodical, patient, amiable, unhurried, good listeners
Conformity is “The Systems Trait”
Procedural, conscientious, precise, careful, prudent, meticulous, structured, dedicated, and at-times perfectionistic
PDP profiles describe our unique combination of these four cornerstone traits.
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile at BCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
The search for understanding what makes people tick is as old as humanity itself.
And today - with heightened attention to diversity - it is more important than ever to know your unique strengths and appreciate the strengths of others.
Here is a story told in many ancient traditions about the origin and infinite challenge of self-discovery.
Once upon a time, all people lived as companions to the gods. They were happy and blessed with great knowledge and understanding.
But day-by-day, people began to take their gift of self-awareness for granted.
This angered the gods who were not pleased.
So, the Creator decided to revoke the gift and formed a council to recommend the best place to hide it.
The council proposed three options.
“Bury it deep in the earth,” the council said.
“Sink it deep in the sea.”
“Or hide it on the highest, most remote mountain top!”
But the Creator knew people would climb the highest peaks, mine the darkest caverns, sail the widest oceans, and dive the deepest seas. Someday perhaps, people might even walk on Earth’s moon or rocket to a distant planet!
So, the Creator chose instead to hide people’s self-awareness in the one place they were most unlikely to look for it – at the very center of their own being.
And to this day – we continue searching to rediscover our leadership strengths and the diverse strengths of others!
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile at BCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I am Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who know their strengths and do amazing things!
When I am not coaching, I enjoy sailing because it tests my navigation skills, connects me with friends, and rewards effective leadership and teambuilding.
While it is possible to steer a safe course without a chart or finish a race with a quarrelling crew, it is faster and more enjoyable to use a reliable map and build a happy, winning team.
In business and at sea, there are many maps and teambuilding tools to choose from. Some are better than others. And each map or tool has a different purpose and level of detail. So, be sure to choose the map or tool that is best suited for your objectives.
Although I coach clients who use other data and methods to develop people, I recommend PDP tools because they excel at linking leadership and team strengths to business and organizational outcomes.
Based on thousands of PDP coaching sessions with high-performing leaders and teams, I am hopeful these notes will help strengthen your leadership communication and accelerate progress toward your most significant goals.
No matter the map or tools you choose, we will be healthier and more successful together when we better understand ourselves and the diverse strengths of others.
Know your strengths!
Connect with me and create your PDP strengths profile atBCedX.
Read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 25 on Success.
Although treasure can be defined as precious gems or material wealth, some treasure we hold dear cannot be bought, traded, or sold.
Here are some of my greatest treasures.
- Family
- Friends
- Good health
- Kindness of strangers
- Clouds
- Oceans
- Mountains
- Music
- Teachers
- Clients who aim high!
What do YOU treasure most?For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 24 on Success.
The path to peak performance and career advancement is rarely direct.
Some days we move forward, other days we step back with hope to succeed another day.
Sooner or later, our experience levels out and we are challenged to change or adjust.
Here are five keys to regain progress when you are stalled or stuck.
Recall achievements. No matter where you are today, you have traveled further and accomplished more than you may realize. Take note and pride in this progress. It is the foundation for future advancement.
Analyze data. It is not uncommon to feel stalled at the same time some data indicate you are making progress. Collect and check data to validate your assumptions. Reconfirm your proven strengths. Analyze and identify priority areas for continuing practice.
Rest and recover if needed. Even great players burn out when they push too hard for too long. Take a break if you need it. Do not rush recovery from an injury or setback. Prepare to be your best when it matters most. Schedule rest between your biggest tests, challenges, and achievements.
Modify your routine. Consistency and repetition build strength and skill until your mind and body grow comfortable with those habits. Change your routines periodically to keep challenging yourself. Modify your projects, exercises, and intensity. Work-out in a new place or at a different time. Take a different route to work. Hang out and practice with different people.
Know when to let go. Sometimes we get stuck when there is little left for us to accomplish or contribute. Difficult as it may be to move on to a new opportunity, it is important to know when to let go and start moving toward your next challenge!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 23 on Success.
At one time or another we all experience moments of peak performance.
One big difference between great players and good ones, however, is their ability to play great over a longer duration.
Here are several keys to develop greater consistency and enjoy a long, successful career.
See the big picture. For better and worse, our conditioning and performance varies from day to day. While short-term results matter, remember the big picture. Learn each day from your experience. Emphasize consistency. Keep getting better at being the best version of you.
Be steady. Leaders and teams who excel under pressure tend to maintain a steady, self-confident pace. The journey to big achievements can be a wild and uncertain ride. Manage your energy and emotion sensibly. No high too high. No low too low!
Prepare to win. Practice and prepare the way you expect to compete. Excellence is a habit forged through daily choices and commitments. Unfortunately, so is mediocrity.
Play! Although sports today are big business, the championships that generate so much income are children’s games played by adult professionals. Live, work, and PLAY with great energy and enthusiasm!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 22 on Success.
Here are four phases of a game and keys to winning performance.
Early Game. Prioritize opportunities and choose a game plan that will reward your strengths. Set a small yet significant goal to achieve in the opening phase of competition. Recognize and celebrate early achievements to gain confidence and build momentum.
Middle Game. Mastery of fundamentals and consistency in execution are hallmarks of teams that gain or extend their lead in the middle game. Excel at fundamentals. Trust your talent, teammates, systems, and routines.
End Game. Confidence and conditioning are keys to finishing strong. Maintain a neutral or positive outlook no matter the score. Be prepared and committed physically, mentally, and emotionally to finish strong. Enjoy the competition.
Next Game. Learn from every game. Adjust your practice, preparation, and strategy to apply and leverage lessons learned. Move on quickly to your next opportunity. Believe in yourself. Keep moving forward!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 21 on Success.
Most successful leaders align their strategy with their competitive context.
They anticipate diverse market scenarios, acknowledge headwinds, accept limitations, and adapt their game plan to actual circumstances.
Be the best at the game being played.
You may prefer a specific strategy, but you must win the game you are playing!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Leaders who aim high bounce back stronger from setbacks.
Here are several considerations for quicker recovery and greater resilience.
- Leaders who aim high are more likely to fail than those who believe good is good enough. Failure is a price champions pay from time-to-time while pursuing big goals and ambitions.
- Expect occasional setbacks. Setbacks test our commitments. Setbacks challenge us to examine our preparation, evaluate our choices, and modify our strategy and practice.
- The sooner we acknowledge failure, the quicker we begin to prepare for our next achievement. Denying or rationalizing poor performance guarantees more poor performance.
- Take responsibility for your practice and performance. Making excuses or blaming others will not improve your preparation or sharpen your competitiveness.
- Win or lose, learn from experience. We learn more from failure than success. Analyze and learn from losses!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 19 on Health and Wealth.
For most executives there is a tension between earning wealth and maintaining health.
Sooner or later, the swift pace, demanding travel, and relentless performance expectations take a physical toll on leaders who neglect their health.
Sometimes we do not appreciate the importance of health until we lose it.
Here are suggestions for maintaining your health while earning wealth to enjoy for many years to come.
Physical Health. It is impossible to achieve and sustain peak performance unless you are physically fit. While some leaders have time and discipline for a regular workout program, we all can stand-up, stretch and walk more. Buy a pedometer and aim for a minimum of 7,500 steps every day. Insist on at least thirty minutes outdoors. Experiment with a stand-up desk. Try holding walking or stand-up meetings. Elevate your heart rate. Eat and drink smarter. No excuses!
Emotional Health. It is challenging to maintain emotional health in a fast-paced competitive marketplace. It can also be difficult to maintain a healthy attitude in a world that swamps us 24/7 with information, noise, and bad news. Beware of negativity. Adopt a “neutral or positive” mindset instead. Look for good news and celebrate achievements. Accept failure with humility. Be thankful for lessons from setbacks that may help you work smarter or pivot to a different target.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 18 on Career Success in Business
Is the work you are doing today creating or eroding value in your business?
Simple as they may seem, here are six fundamentals every employee in a growing, profitable business ought to know.
Customers. A business will succeed when it solves significant client problems, meets client expectations, and anticipates clients’ future needs. What problem is your business solving? Is the work you are doing making a difference for your customers? Is your business growing through repeat business from satisfied customers and additional business new accounts?
Products and Services. Customers pay for products and services that make a difference in their lives. Do you understand what your customers require? Do you design, engineer, and deliver products that meet client expectations? Do you simplify your design and eliminate features that do not add value? Is your work evolving and adapting to changes in your customers’ lives? Are your products reliable and defect free?
Sales Revenue. Sales are fuel required for a business engine. Sales reflect and affirm value clients believe they receive from your products and services. Are your sales trends positive? Are you meeting or exceeding sales forecasts? All customers matter but some customers matter more than others. What are your current sales from key accounts? How well are you pursuing and winning sales from new customers?
Cost/Expenses. Over time, successful businesses reduce cost to produce or deliver services and increase efficiency in overhead and general expenses. These efficiencies are tied to higher volume of production and relentless ongoing cost saving initiatives. What are you doing today to increase your productivity and efficiency? How could you accelerate process improvement and innovation to achieve efficiencies or cost reductions?
Gross Profit = Sales Revenue – Cost of Goods Sold.
Gross profit is the profit a business earns after deducting the direct costs of making and delivering its products or services. To increase gross profit, a successful business could: increase prices; reduce direct cost of goods sold; reduce scrap, waste, or unsold inventory; sell a greater quantity of more profitable products; and introduce new, more profitable products. What are you doing to help your company increase gross profit?
Cash Flow. Cash flow is the net amount of cash moving into and out of a business on a daily or periodic basis. Positive cash flow enables a business to pay its bills, settle its debts, reinvest in its business, and pay its shareholders. To assure and improve cash flow, successful businesses: reduce cycle time for production; ship and deliver product on-time; invoice promptly; offer favorable pricing or discounts for early payment; and manage inventory to accelerate turnover and eliminate slow-selling products. What are you doing to help improve cash flow?
Is the work you are doing today creating or eroding value in your business?
Once you understand how your business makes and loses money, you increase your ability to contribute to business change, growth, and performance. This is good for your company and your career!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 17 on Career Success in Business.
Although everyone has problems to solve, successful business leaders are better problem-solvers.
Are you solving the right problems?
Here are some practical suggestions for effective problem-solving and bigger performance breakthroughs.
Use the Pareto Principle. 80% of our performance is determined by 20% of our activities. Make a list of all the problems you are experiencing. Prioritize the “significant few” big problems that matter most.
Define the problem. Write down your problem statement. For example, “we are focusing on ‘A’ as measured by ‘B.’” A written problem statement helps check for understanding and assure operational agreement on the problem you are solving.
Begin with the end in mind. Who will benefit most when this problem is solved? What is the cost of not solving this problem? How much will people pay for a solution? Do potential rewards for a solution justify investment needed to solve the problem?
The right problem solvers. Assign the right people to solve the problem. Who has firsthand experience with this problem and the people it impacts? Who has the knowledge, skills, and experience to design a winning solution?
Root cause analysis and solution theory. Identify and analyze root causes – not symptoms - of the problem. Write down the proposed solution and action plan. For example, “In order to achieve X as measured by Y, we will do Z.”
Build. Test. Learn. Repeat (Quickly). Build a prototype to test the proposed solution. Study how people use the prototype to validate or modify your design assumptions. Succeed or fail fast. Repeat this cycle to drive continual improvement and innovation.
How well do you solve big problems?
If we want to make a bigger difference, we need to be better problem solvers!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 16 on Career Success in Business.
Great leaders ask good questions.
Influenced by fundamentals of “design thinking,” here are some questions to help breakthrough to new levels of business performance.
What’s your why? Managers tend to focus on what needs to be done while leaders emphasize why something is worth doing. When we understand why something is worth doing, we are more motivated to do it.
What if? Leaders who explore possibilities are more likely to achieve breakthroughs than managers who dwell on obstacles and limitations. Considering “what if” is a more powerful and creative mindset than dwelling on reasons “we can’t” do something.
What wows? Although incremental improvement is good, leaders earn big rewards when they design and deliver services that exceed customers’ expectations. What wows you? What could you do to wow others?
How might we? Intentions without action are unkept promises. Once we choose a destination, we must begin charting the course we will sail. What options are you considering for action? How will you proceed to achieve your goal?
What would have to be true for us to? Different market conditions reward different strategies. Does your strategy favor your skills, resources, and capabilities? Are you ready to adjust or pivot if the market turns unfavorable for the strategy you have chosen?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these lessons on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 15 on Big Career Questions.
In many industries, the current job market is the best it has been in years.
If you are not working at a great job or looking for a better one, you may be missing a career opportunity of a lifetime!
Here are ten signs to confirm you have a great job or nudge you to begin looking for a better one.
- Your work has a purpose that is especially meaningful for you!
- You like, respect, and trust your boss.
- The people you work with are smart, can-do professionals who appreciate your talent and welcome your leadership.
- The culture of your workplace is positive, healthy, ethical, collaborative, and creative.
- There is increasing customer demand for the product or service your workplace designs or delivers.
- Your workplace manages its sales, operations, people, and investments reliably and effectively.
- You are gaining valuable experience and learning a lot of things to accelerate your career. You are meeting interesting people and building a deep, diverse professional network.
- You are paid well and have potential to earn significant wealth.
- You know - in your heart – you have a great job … or you are ready for to find a better one!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 14 on Big Career Questions.
How do you know it is time to move on to a new role or different company?
Here are ten signs it may be time!
- It is becoming harder to get up and go to work every day with positive energy.
- You are doing the same work today that you were doing twelve months ago.
- You are spending too much time fixing yesterday’s problems and too little time designing tomorrow’s solutions.
- Your family and friends are concerned about your health, stress, and job satisfaction.
- Your company is struggling to retain key clients and win new work.
- Your boss takes your loyalty, production, and performance for granted.
- Your boss assigns the most interesting new work and high-profile projects to other people.
- Your compensation is falling behind market rates; your equity is becoming significantly diluted; or you are missing bonuses due to poor company-wide performance.
- Two or more colleagues you respect have left your firm and are prospering happily in new companies.
- Your skills and experience should be positioning you for bigger opportunities, but you feel boxed-in by the culture, leadership, and performance of your current business.
Is it time to move on to a new role or different company?
Although recognizing it is time to go is a big step, make sure odds are good that you are moving toward a better place!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 13 on Big Career Questions.
Are you considering a new leadership role or career venture?
Here are several keys and questions to help you evaluate a new opportunity.
People. Do you respect, trust, and enjoy being with people associated with this venture? Will they encourage, support, and challenge you to be the best you can be?
Value Proposition. Do you believe in the business purpose, product, or service? Would you invest a significant amount of your own money in this enterprise?
Career Advancement. Assuming you are successful, where will this new experience position you professionally and financially in three years?
Risk. What is the risk of remaining in your current role? What is the worst thing that could happen if you accept and fail at this new venture?
Rewards. Is this venture the most rewarding use of your time and talent? Will you have any significant regret if you decline this opportunity?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 12 on Big Career Questions.
Can you distinguish between reasonable and unreasonable risk?
Here are some keys to evaluate risk and make winning business and career choices.
Comfort. Being too comfortable is a sign you are missing opportunities. Success today does not guarantee success tomorrow. New opportunities flow to leaders who look for them. Expect to be uncomfortable if you expect to advance. Learn something new every day that makes you better, smarter, or stronger.
Caution. Being too cautious may be the greatest risk of all. Although it is wise to recognize and mitigate risk, it is also important, to accept risk if you expect to advance. Make small bets to test your assumptions. Learn quickly from losing bets. Move quickly to scale your winning bets into bigger successes!
Competency. Risk is more reasonable when we know what we are doing. Choose new roles, responsibilities, and projects that align with your strengths. Keep sharpening and updating your professional and technical skills. Choose competent teammates and business partners. Hang out with positive professionals who make you smarter and encourage you to play a bigger, better or different game!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note # 11 on Big Career Questions.
Are you a team player?
Here are four hallmarks of great team players!
You believe your team’s performance is an important measure of your own success. You are proud and committed to the team whose name is on your jersey. You believe you accomplish more when you work effectively with others.
You know your strengths and welcome a role that contributes most to your team’s success. You understand winning requires good offense, defense, transition, and special teams. You know and play positions that are well-suited for your skills and experience.
You appreciate your team’s diverse skills, talent, and experience. Working hard and playing together you respect diversity and challenge each other to get better every day.
Win or lose, in practice and competition, you always show-up and give your best. You know there are no shortcuts to big achievements!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #10 on Time and Commitment.
Going in the right direction is not enough if you are not advancing at the right pace.
Do you need to step on the gas or tap the brakes?
Championship F1 drivers are always accelerating and braking.
They never cruise or coast!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #9 on Time and Commitment
For better and worse, your choices today create your future.
Know What’s-Important-Now.
Practice and play to WIN!
Develop good daily habits.
Hang-out with people who encourage you to be the best you can be!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #8 on Time and Commitment.
Although leaders know big things are rarely achieved without discipline and dedication, here are three reasons why we sometimes struggle with commitment.
Making too many commitments. While it is not uncommon for talented leaders to make a lot of commitments, too many commitments blur focus and expend valuable energy we need to succeed at big pursuits.
Changing commitments. Maintaining daily attention to big intentions is not easy. Peak performance requires constancy of purpose and dedication to relationships and activities that matter most.
Lack of completion. It is easier to start something big than to finish it. Who knows how many big pursuits may have succeeded if leaders refused to quit and finished strong!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #7 on Time and Commitment.
Successful leaders prioritize time for people, projects, and activities that make a big difference.
Here are several keys to make the most of your time:
- Although you can do almost anything, you cannot do everything. Know your strengths. Recognize and prioritize opportunities that reward your talent and experience.
- Know when to say “No.” You don’t truly stand for anything until you say “No” to invitations and activities that divert you from your most significant intentions.
- Although all people matter, some people matter more than others in your life and career. This is especially true in business where 20% of customers typically drive more than 80% of income.
- What is good for you today may not be what is best for you tomorrow. Make good decisions now with a view toward future consequences.
- Recognize when you are off course and recommit or adjust your priorities. We all get distracted from time-to-time. Know when you are adrift and renew or revise your commitments!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #6 on Fundamentals for Career Advancement.
It is easier to excel when energy is high and things are going our way.
Great achievements, however, require steady, purposeful motivation every day - especially when our energy is low and we face adversity.
What motivates you to do your best work?
Here are ten factors that motivate leaders I coach to be the best they can be every day – no excuses, no exceptions.
- Ego. Power. Competition.
- Wealth. Income. Investments.
- Time. Freedom. Self-direction.
- Health. Fitness. Well-being.
- Risk. Adventure. Discovery.
- Security. Control. Predictability.
- Learning. Development. Mastery.
- Faith. Duty. Integrity.
- Family. Friends. Co-Workers.
- Kindness. Caring. Generosity.
Each of us is wired and inspired differently.
What motivates you to be the best version of you?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #5 on Fundamentals for Career Advancement.
What's luck got to do with it?
Luck dictates where we are born, our gender, our parents and siblings, our initial socio-economic class, and genes that influence our health, energy, and intellect.
Beyond these factors, here are four things we can control to advance our life and career.
Choices. For better and worse, choices have consequences. Saying “Yes" to opportunities and assignments that align with our skills and experience increases chances for achievement. Saying “No” to things that divert attention from our strengths accelerates advancement.
People. The people we live, work, and play with are a big predictor of our life and career experience. Finding and working for a great boss may be more important than finding a great job. Find a great boss. Hang-out with people who share your beliefs and inspire you to be the best version of you!
Preparation. Luck happens when preparation meets opportunity. There are no shortcuts to success in big jobs and competitions. Pay your dues. Do the work. Practice and prepare the way you expect to perform.
Beliefs. Luck happens for those who believe they are lucky. Luck happens for those who have courage to act on their beliefs.
How lucky are you?
You can't win the lottery if you don't buy a ticket!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note #4 on Fundamentals for Career Advancement
Here are four keys to assure and accelerate career progress.
Choose challenging and achievable milestones. The earliest seafaring explorers did not cross the Atlantic in one uninterrupted passage. They advanced in shorter steps that connect Europe to England, Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, and Nova Scotia. The surest way to achieve big things is to advance in a sequence of connected steps!
Know where you are. Knowing your position relative to your planned destination is essential not only for success but for survival. Do you know when you are on-course or wandering? Do you have a clear set of beliefs, values, and principles to guide you? Do you collect and use reliable data to monitor progress and update your position?
Maintain proper velocity. Choosing and maintaining the right pace to arrive safe on-time can be an uncertain navigational challenge. Do you recognize when you are stalled or going too slow? Do you know when you are at-risk and advancing with too much speed?
Recognize changing circumstances. When the wind, tide or weather change, successful leaders adjust their course. Do you know the forecast? Have you considered best-case, worst-case, and most-likely scenarios? Are you making strategic adjustments or preparing to pivot if needed?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #3 on Fundamentals for Career Advancement.
Do you know how to influence others when you have little authority?
Here are several keys to increase your leadership influence.
Relationships. Breadth and depth of relationships enable you to participate in new, different, and more significant projects. Care for and cultivate your professional network. Diversify and extend it. Beware of needless conflict that alienates others. Careers last longer than you may think. Today’s antagonist may be tomorrow’s ally.
Mutual interest. Finding common ground is essential for healthy relationships, profitable business, and career advancement. Even if you dislike another party or disagree on significant issues, a win-win mindset and respectful collaboration will multiply your influence.
Expertise. Deep knowledge, skill, and experience attract leadership attention and invitations for bigger assignments and responsibility. Keep learning and sharpening your game. Master a specialized subject area or skill set.
Self-confidence. If you do not believe in yourself, how can you expect others to believe in you? Trust your proven strengths. Recall big achievements. Pursue assignments where your talent and experience will be valued and rewarded!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #2 on Fundamentals for Career Advancement.
Although talent is an asset, you must use it effectively to achieve big goals.
We may be blessed with speed of a rabbit or persistence of a tortoise but we must run each race to the best of our ability if we expect to win.
What is your greatest and most enduring strength?
Be sure to put it to good use today!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #1 on Fundamentals to Advance Your Career.
I recently arrived in New York after a long trans-Atlantic flight.
While entering the airport, we were greeted unexpectedly by a cheerful singing employee.
What a wonderful welcome home!
What an unforgettable greeting for passengers arriving in the United States for the first time!
What makes YOU sing?
How will others remember you?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Years ago, I began writing these messages to help leaders advance their careers and make a bigger leadership difference.
I hope these notes will help you excel at work that rewards your talent and advance your career through expected and unexpected life transitions.
- Know your strengths
- Prioritize time, relationships, and activity to make a bigger leadership difference
- Choose and maintain speed and direction toward your most important goals
- Expect adversity and recover quicker from setbacks
- Know when to recommit to your work or move on to a new role or opportunity
- Connect and collaborate with people who appreciate and challenge you to be the best you can be!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com!
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #30 on Leadership for Peak Performance.
The game is not won or done until it is over.
Finish strong!For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #29 on Finishing Strong!
In Spring, we made plans and sowed many seeds.
Throughout Summer we tended our gardens and prepared for great harvest.
Now, in Autumn, we reap what we have sown.
There is little time left before winter and much work yet to do.
For some, the harvest will be bountiful.
For others, it may be disappointing.
For all, we must gather, store, and give thanks for what we have grown!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #28 on Gratitude
No one succeeds at anything significant without encouragement and assistance.
Recognize and appreciate people who believe in and support you!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #27 on Gratitude.
It is not uncommon to dwell on hardship before blessings.
While this is understandable, it is neither healthy nor advisable if you expect circumstances and opportunities to improve.
Count your blessings!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #26 on Gratitude.
What is your GOOD news today?
Be thankful.
See and celebrate the good news!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #25 on Time.
Most of us work to live.
We do not live to work.
Who are people you know and love who give special meaning to your life?
You’ve got all the time you will ever have.
Who do you choose to “spend” it with?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #24 on Time.
Peak performers set and maintain an appropriate pace toward significant targets and milestones.
Do you have a clear timeline to achieve your goals?
Are you advancing at the right pace?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note # 23 on Toughness.
Are you tough enough to carry on when others give up?
Don’t quit on your dreams.
Victory may be closer than you think.
Toughen up.
Stick it out!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #22 on Toughness.
Great players recover from mistakes far better than good players.
While good players tend to follow one mistake with another, great players rarely make two mistakes in a row.
While good players doubt themselves when they make an error, great players see a mistake as a challenge to recover with a great shot.
No one is perfect.
Fail faster. Miss better.
Play your best shot next!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #21 on Toughness.
The sun is always shining although it may be obscured by driving rain and dark clouds.
See the sun, no matter the weather.
And pack your rain gear!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #20 on Courage.
Got courage?
Here are several considerations to develop greater courage.
Preparation is a reliable foundation for great courage. Courage comes first to those who are well-prepared.
Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the willingness to face one’s fears and do our best no matter what the outcome may be.
Courage can be developed with practice. Each time we summon strength to attempt new or unfamiliar experiences we grow in skill, confidence, and courage.
A ship, it is said, is safest in port but that is not what a ship is made for.
Aim high. Dare to be the best you can be!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes at Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #19 on Courage.
Are your dreams greater than your fears?
We all experience fear.
It is a natural and necessary human condition that protects us from harm.
It challenges us to think, learn, and grow.
Fear is a shadow that accompanies great dreams.
It is a sign we are pursuing worthy goals.
Without fear, we cannot experience courage.
We are all afraid of something.
Be brave. Face your fears.
Find courage to live your dream!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #18 on Courage.
Be a champion today.
Strong in heart.
Hopeful in spirit.
Dedicated in practice.
Playing to win!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #17 on Confidence.
Great leaders and athletes know they can talk themselves into or out of greatness.
They choose their attitude.
They see the world through neutral or positive lenses.
They smile.
They stand tall.
They hold their shoulders square.
They breathe deeply and fully.
They choose positive words and tell positive stories.
They expect the best is yet ahead.
You CAN practice being positive and being successful.
Stand tall. Choose your attitude!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #16 on Confidence.
“What would Scooby do?”
“4 out of 5 voices in my head say – go for it!”
“Being perfect isn’t as easy as I make it look.”
“What if the Hokey Pokey IS what it’s all about?”
~
Are you laughing at this selection of bumper stickers?
Laughter, especially under pressure, is an excellent indicator of self-confidence and potential for future success.
Since the drive for high performance today has become serious business, take a moment to count your blessings, laugh a little, and enjoy the walk.
After all,
“He who laughs last … thinks slowest!”
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #15 on Confidence.
What are you doing well today?
No matter how well or poorly you are doing, your future performance will be influenced by things you already know and do well.
Before you challenge yourself and your colleagues to do better, be sure to acknowledge and celebrate what you are currently doing well!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #14 on Career.
Are you ready for your next great opportunity?
Opportunity sometimes appears in unlikely forms.
Opportunity rarely knocks when we most expect it.
Be aware.
Be ready. Always ready!For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #13 on Career.
Some situations are more suitable for high-performance than others.
Some moments reward a bold, aggressive play.
Others reward patience and persistence.
Some conditions are so poor that talent, strategy, and effort make little difference.
Peak performers have an uncanny ability to assess their situation and make a smart bet.
In the words of Kenny Rogers,
“You got to know when to hold’em and know when to fold’em!”
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #12 on Career.
In African folk traditions there is a story about a lion cub separated at birth from his mother.
The cub’s eyes were still shut when he was discovered by a flock of sheep that welcomed and raised him with their lambs.
Like the lambs, the cub learned to fear dogs, travel in a flock, and follow a shepherd.
Because he was constantly surrounded by sheep, the growing lion did not notice how fast he could run or high he could jump.
One day another lion crept up on the flock and let out a tremendous roar.
The flock scattered and the young lion, who was as scared as the sheep, ran away.
After pausing for a moment to catch his breath, the young lion saw his reflection in a pond and noticed he looked like the lion that had scared him.
At first, the young lion was surprised by his reflection. But he quickly became playful when he discovered he could growl and roar like a lion!
Now awakened to his true self, the lion returned to the pride and lived among lions as a king of the forest.
Look at yourself in a mirror and roar!
Hang out with people who encourage and challenge you to be the best you can be.
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #11 on Career.
Try something new or different, today!
Travel to someplace unfamiliar.
Talk with someone whose life experience or beliefs are different from your own.
Listen to unfamiliar music.
Eat unfamiliar food.
Read an unfamiliar magazine.
Seek out people and experiences that stretch your comfort zone!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these note on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #10 on Career.
In eastern spiritual tradition there is a story about a man riding a fast horse.
When an observer asks him where he is going and why he is riding so fast, the rider pauses to reflect, then replies, "I don't know … Ask the horse."
Where is your horse taking you today? …
Why are you riding so fast?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #9 on Character.
Is there a gap between what you say matters and what you do?
None of us is perfect but most successful leaders align their stated beliefs and daily activities.
For leaders, credibility is gained or lost through your daily example.
Effectiveness increases when your actions align with your priorities.
Mind the gap!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #8 on Character.
In good times and bad, great leaders demonstrate character.
They take responsibility for their words and actions.
They choose their attitude.
They inspire others to do things they would not otherwise do on their own.
They leave things far better than they find them.
What are you doing today that demonstrates great character?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #7 on Character.
Some days it is easy to talk our self into cutting corners.
“Hey, no one will know or notice.”
“Why should I care when no one else does?”
“Good is good enough.”
While it may be tempting, we cheat ourselves when we do less than our best.
Be your best today.
Being your best is its own reward!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #6 on Character.
Do the right things the right way.
Prepare and practice the way you expect to compete.
There are no shortcuts to great achievements!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #5 on Possibility.
Once upon a time everyone believed the earth was flat.
Once upon a time everyone believed the earth was the center of the universe.
What do you believe that is no longer true?
Those who believe in new possibilities are more likely to discover breakthroughs!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #4 on Possibility.
Although the mind is a powerful instrument, it sometimes talks us out of things that are good for us.
What would you do if you followed your heart?
Trust your heart – it knows!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #3 on Possibility.
The more I coach, the more I realize how often breakthrough experiences occur at unexpected moments.
While everyone understands the importance of planning and preparation, there is an unpredictability about performance at-times that invites us to expect great things when least expected.
“Life,” it is said, “is what happens while we are making other plans.”
What unexpected breakthroughs are showing up in your life?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #2 on Possibility.
I did not appreciate the challenge of growing a healthy lawn until I moved to the high desert.
Growing grass in Boston where I grew up was never an issue. Rainfall is plentiful in New England and our lawn in mid-summer needed mowing twice each week.
But here in New Mexico, there are many obstacles to a healthy lawn. The soil is sandy, the heat intense, and rainfall is rare.
Working in our high desert yard reminds me, "The grass is not greenest on the other side of the fence. The grass is greenest where you choose to water it!"
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here's Note #1 on Possibility.
A view of earth from space suggests possibilities that await when we look beyond our local perspective.
As children, we explored and wondered about extraordinary things.
As we grow older, our perspective narrows and we fall into familiar habits and routines.
Look up.
The more we look, the more we see!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
This is an introduction to Aim High! 30 Notes to Leaders for Peak Performance.
Years ago, I began writing these messages to share observations and lessons learned while coaching leaders in diverse organizations throughout the world.
Today, as I celebrate 30+ years of coaching, I am delighted to publish this edited collection of messages for leaders, coaches, teachers, athletes, and parents who are dedicated to being and helping others become the best they can be.
There are many paths to peak performance.
I am hopeful one or more of these notes will help you and people important to you achieve as much or more than you believe is possible!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes on Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #20 to help you get more out of coaching.
What can you do that would be difficult for anyone else?
In a world where it is easy to copy others, it's important to make the most of your unique talent.
Here are five keys to know your strengths and be the best version of you!
Data. Collect and analyze information, trends, and competitive benchmarks. Data help you recognize your greatest opportunities and challenges. Data help validate your assumptions, guide your daily practice, and predict your future performance.
Differentiation. Outworking others is not a sustainable advantage. Study your competition. Know what makes you distinctive. Acknowledge your weaknesses. Sharpen and exploit your competitive edge. Trust your unique skills and capabilities.
Relationships. All people matter and some people matter more in your life and career. Prioritize work with people who value your skills and services. Strengthen relationships with key partners and preferred customers.
Location. Where you live and work is one of your biggest choices. Choose to compete in places that favor your talent. Invest where you have an advantage. Beware of places with a formidable opponent or a crowded field of competitors.
Execution. Great strategy is worthless without reliable execution. Know and continually improve your capabilities. Deliver what you promise. Sell what you can repeatedly deliver.
Choose and play a game you can win!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #19 to help you get more from coaching and practice.
Here are five reasons adversity and setbacks are good for me and likely for you too!
Greatness. Adversity is a signal we are pursuing or confronting something significant. Most anything worth doing encounters adversity. If it were easy, everyone could do it.
Skills, Motivation + Commitment. Adversity highlights our strengths and exposes our weakness. Obstacles test our talent and dedication. Setbacks demand courage and build character.
Learning + Problem-solving. Adversity deepens and accelerates learning. Solving difficult problems forces us to think, play, and work with new understanding and applied knowledge.
True Friends. Trusted Partners. Adversity helps us recognize and discover true friends and trusted partners. While fair weather encourages casual connections, we count on and develop our most valued relationships in stormier conditions.
Win or Pivot. The most difficult wins are the sweetest. Repeated setbacks challenge us to change our plans or redirect our energy toward a different target!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #18 to help you get more out of coaching and practice.
Dwelling on loss will not change it.
For better and worse, your choices and commitments today create your future.
Know What's-Important-Now.
Practice and play to W-I-N!
Develop good habits.
Hang-out with people who encourage you to be the best you can be!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #17 to help you get more out of coaching and practice.
Although success if impossible without effort, too much effort and practice sometimes lead to fatigue and injury that make it impossible to play your best.
Great players know at-times they achieve more when they do less.
If you are working hard and experiencing disappointing results, it may be time for a well-designed time out!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #16 to help you get more from coaching and practice.
Aim high this week, as always.
And accept setbacks with grace and thanks for lessons that may help you sharpen your game and step up to the next level.
Learn from adversity and adjust, adapt, improve, or create new strategies and relationships that will help you win tomorrow!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #15 to help you get more out of coaching and practice.
Winners begin with the end in mind.
They see the target,
visualize their shot,
then take action to score and win.
What is your most significant target?
Now,
Take dead aim!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello, I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #14 to help you get more out of coaching and practice.
Winning demands conditioning, preparation, and intensity.
Winning also requires an ability to welcome pressure, conserve energy, and position yourself with patience for a winning score.
Be prepared.
Expect and enjoy pressure.
Play your best when it matters most!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #13 to help you get more out of coaching and practice.
In many competitions, the margin between winning and losing is small.
Winning likewise is influenced by lucky bounces and unexpected turns of fortune.
Win or lose, top performers trust their plan, process, and preparation.
While we cannot control the score, we win more often when we compete with a positive attitude and trust our talent, preparation, and teammates.
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #12 to help you get more out of coaching and practice.
Winners post winning scores.
Without a scoreboard, we lack focus needed to achieve our greatest potential.
Without a scoreboard, it is hard to distinguish things that are working from things that do not.
How will you know you are a winner if we don't know the score?
Keep score!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #11 to help you get more out of coaching and practice.
Leaders and teams are more likely to win when they agree on desired outcomes and commit to shared beliefs and expectations.
Are you clear what winning will look like?
What level of effort, behavior, and performance do you expect?
What level of effort , behavior, and performance will you accept?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #10 to get more out of coaching and practice.
How do your daily habits and attitude measure up?
Talent alone does not guarantee success.
Here are six habits of successful people you can practice that don't require talent.
Show-up. You can't win if you don't show-up. Show-up reliably, on-time, ready to work, especially on days you do not feel your best.
Be prepared. Do your homework. Arrive with the information, tools, equipment, and fitness you need to do your job.
Be positive. Expect good things and good things are more likely to happen. If you can not be positive - choose a neutral posture instead.
Take responsibility. Win or lose, be accountable for your choices, actions, and performance. Top performers never make excuses, blame others, or ask for special entitlements.
Look, listen, learn. No matter the score - be aware, pay attention, and learn from your performance. We learn more from failures and setbacks than we do from success.
Relationships. People rarely care how much you know until they know you care. Be a good friend, co-worker, and teammate. Make others better through your words, presence, and leadership example!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #9 to help you get more out of coaching and practice.
Poor practice develops bad habits!
Here are five signs of poor practice.
Your attention and practice are not directed toward a specific fundamental or focus area.
You are easily distracted and unable to maintain attention.
You expect quick results and take short-cuts that interfere with your long-term development.
You are unable or unwilling to practice steadily day-to-day to build skills and confidence needed to achieve big things.
You do not take responsibility for your own learning and blame others or make excuses for poor or ineffective practice.
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #8 to help you get more out of coaching and practice.
Three questions for better practice.
Good - what are you doing today that is working?
Better - what are you doing today that you could be doing better?
How - what will you do next to sharpen your game?
Good?
Better?
How?
NOW!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #7 to help you get more out of coaching and practice.
What are you practicing today?
Excellence is a habit forged through daily practice.
Practice with purpose.
Practice the way you expect to compete.
Purposeful practice makes perfect!
For more leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #6 to help you get more out of coaching and practice.
How long are you willing to work and practice to achieve your goals?
Things worth winning are things worth working for!
How long are you willing to work and practice?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #5 to get more out of coaching and practice
PERFORMANCE = AIM + PRACTICE + FEEDBACK + CONFIDENCE!
Aim. When your goal or target is clear you are more likely to hit it! A good coach will help you clarify and sharpen your focus on goals and targets worth hitting.
Attention. Selecting and practicing things that matter accelerates learning and improvement. A good coach will help you direct attention and practice things that make the biggest difference.
Feedback. Honest knowledgeable feedback helps you know what is working and what needs to be better or different. A good coach will confirm your strengths and provide teaching and practical direction to modify or change your practice.
Confidence. Encouragement and support help you maintain confidence and bounce back from setbacks. A good coach will be quick to note your achievements while helping develop the skills, toughness, and resilience you will need to excel in the next storm!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
This is Note #4 to get more out of coaching and practice.
Here are seven things you can expect when working with a great coach.
They will be optimistic and remind you of things you are doing well.
They will ask good questions.
They will listen and observe more than they talk.
They will insist on attention to detail, organization, and discipline.
They will challenge you at-times to do something different and uncomfortable.
They will have a sense of humor and appreciate moments of joy, celebration, and laughter.
They will help you be present today as a significant small step on a longer journey!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com.
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #3 to get more out of coaching and practice.
Once you are clear what kind of coach you want or need, you are ready to interview coaching candidates.
Here are five keys to look for when choosing the right coach for you.
Expertise: the coach has significant knowledge and expertise that will help you advance your own skill and development
Fit: the coach's beliefs, intensity, and approach suit your own temperament, expectations, and learning style.
Communication: the coach communicates in a way you will understand especially when discussing difficult issues, making big decisions, and navigating new or risky transitions.
Enthusiasm and commitment: the coach will maintain enthusiasm and commitment to your development not only when you are winning but especially when you are struggling.
Trust: the coach is honest, reliable, respectful, professional, and 100% trustworthy.
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com!
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #2 to get more out of coaching and practice.
Coaches, teachers, advisors, consultants, and therapists have similar but different methods and duties.
If you want to develop your talent, address your weaknesses,, and sharpen your game to achieve big things - hire a coach.
If you want to learn a skill or master a subject - hire a teacher.
If you want advice - hire an advisor or counselor.
If you need help to solve a problem or complete a project - hire a consultant.
If you want someone to listen and help interpret your experience - hire a therapist.
Although at-times, the person you choose to work with may offer all these services, a good coach will be especially effective in one or two of these focus areas.
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com!
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
Here's Note #1 to get more out of coaching and practice.
The business of coaching has grown exponentially in recent years.
Today, you can hire a coach with varying degrees of experience and qualification for most anything you choose to do.
In this crowded and sometimes confusing market of coaches, it's especially important to be clear what YOU want or need most from a coach!
So, what do you want or need most from your coach?
Why are you interested in coaching?
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com!
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle.
Hello I'm Brian Cooke.
I coach leaders who aim high and expect the best.
Here are 20 notes to help you get more out of coaching and daily practice.
Sooner or later, it's likely you will look for and trust a coach to help advance your life and career.
This search for a coach may be motivated by your own ambition, by direction from your boss, or by suggestion from a friend or family member.
I hope these notes will help you choose the right coach, get more out of practice, and achieve as much or more than you may believe is possible!
For more coaching and leadership lessons, connect with me at BCedX.com!
Click here to read these notes via Amazon/Kindle
At this time of disruption and severe hardship, there are lots of examples of inspiring collaboration – most notably among healthcare professionals, educators, and essential workers. Thank you!
Today more than ever, effective connection and community collaboration are necessary for emergency response, recovery, and ongoing well-being.
Here are some hallmarks of genuine connection and keys for collaboration to create a healthier, more resilient future.
Urgency. Few big things are created without shared urgency for something new, better, or different. What significant problem in your community requires immediate attention? Who shares your interest and motivation to tackle this problem now?
Curiosity. Our most difficult problems will not be solved with the same knowledge and practices that created them. Understanding why things happen is a first step toward building new, better, and different things. Rigorous cause-and-effect analysis and multi-disciplinary inquiry accelerate learning, problem-solving, and invention!
Humility + Diversity. Although strong communities tend to welcome self-confident individuals, effective partnerships expect members to know their limitations and defer to others who may be better suited at-times to serve the wider community. Likewise, most resilient communities know they get stronger faster when they welcome and respect diverse people, beliefs, and perspectives.
Competence. While imagination helps us envision a better future, we need actual skill and competence to solve real problems. What expertise is required to address the big issues in your community? What skills and experience do you have to make a difference?
Action + Connection. Beyond good ideas and intentions, action + connection make things happen. Take initiative with others. Do something. Stay connected. Design, build, test, and fail fast. Action changes things. Keep learning, leading, and getting better, together!
Amidst epic ongoing adversity - grit and resilience are more essential for health, success, and advancement then ever. Got Grit? Here are five keys for greater resilience.
- Passion, Purpose, Persistence
- Realistic + Optimistic Mindset
- Connection + Collaboration
- Test, Fail, Learn, Adapt!
- Patience + Perseverance
For most leaders and teams I coach, the beginning of recovery from current disruption is unlikely before Q2 2021. There is no quick or easy fix. And while it is important, as always, to be optimistic, it is just as important to be realistic. This is a marathon - not a sprint. And leaders and teams that expect to excel must stay connected and maintain a steady, sustainable daily pace. Here are several practical considerations as we advance together and apart. Take giant steps. Make small daily bets. Stay connected. Design, build, test, fail + learn together!
In today's uncertain and disrupted world, we cannot be sure how to live, work, or play as we recover from this pandemic. Here are some practical keys to help leaders decide what things to start, stop, continue, and accelerate. Be quick - don't hurry!
Going in the right direction is not enough if you are not advancing at the right pace. Set the right course and maintain the right cadence + velocity!
Are you learning as fast as the world is changing?
While we may be eager to explore new ideas and approaches, the most successful leaders and teams I coach are those who continue to master the fundamentals.
Here are five keys for winning teams that are easy to outline but harder to execute.
1. Shared commitment and rewards for project outcomes that require interdependence
2. Clear individual roles, responsibilities, and rewards for independent contributions
3. Urgency for time-certain performance to keep the project moving forward
4. Agreement on the plan, process, and schedule to deliver desired results
5. Daily appreciation for diverse ideas, proposed solutions, and continual learning
Today, more than ever, the strength of your partnerships determines the probability of your success and advancement.
Choose and develop partnerships that master the fundamentals and enable you to do amazing things!
What can you do that would be difficult if not impossible for others to do? Know your strengths. Play a game you can WIN!