Life
should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used
up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO, what a ride!"
The above quote came to
me via an e-mail cartoon from my sister and I have adopted it as my new
mantra. Even though it came with a cartoon illustration, I get my own
mental image of myself sliding across a floor, out of breath with a huge
smile on my face! (I only wish I knew where the cartoon originated so I
could credit the author!) Can't you just feel it?
It reminds me too, that
living life to the fullest includes delivering to others even more than
you promise. Following is a repeat of an article that appeared in my
former "Short and Sweet Life Tips" newsletter.
Be Brilliant! Promise
Less Than You Will Deliver
Have you ever seen one of Oprah’s “My favorite things” shows? She devotes
an entire hour to sharing her favorite new products and gadgets. That is
kind of neat and entertaining, but the thing that makes this the most
coveted ticket of every season is that she gives one of each and every
item away to members of the studio audience that day. AND, no one ever
knows in advance what day that might be, so it is a complete surprise to
everyone!
One way to make yourself very attractive in leadership roles (work OR
home) is to always follow through with your commitments. THEN, go the
extra mile. You will be seen as a natural leader if you seem to always be
the person who does more than expected.
How to do this? Promise a bit less than you know you will do, then
deliver bigger and better than that. This is a particularly effective
strategy for career advancement. The objective is to NOT paint yourself
into a corner of over-commitments and excess obligations. Set your
boundaries for others, and then surprise them with your brilliance! Some
great examples:
-
Set a deadline a day or two later than
you think is realistic and finish the project ahead of schedule.
-
When someone asks you for information,
provide just a little more than they requested. (But don’t go overboard
and inundate them with more than they can process!) Say they ask you for
your wonderful grilled salmon recipe. Provide a suggested menu along
with it.
-
Come in under budget, even if it’s a
small amount.
-
When you attend a meeting be the first
to arrive; bring inexpensive supplies or printed information that is
pertinent and useful to the group.
Get the idea? You’re not misrepresenting yourself, you are simply structuring
commitments in a way that you will always be brilliant!
Warmest Regards,
Gwen