Issue #116: Stand Out
March 30, 2007
THRIVE! Talkin'!Don't just read the newsletter, live it!Jump into the THRIVE! forum and get set for success!  Stand OutMatthew Poepsel, LeftBrain/Co-FounderIt turns out that life's lessons are often found just around the corner. On a recent business trip, for example, I visited a client at their office park across town. After exchanging a few pleasantries, I asked a critical question: Where can I get a cup of coffee? My host indicated that there were a few options downstairs in the courtyard next to the train station. I thanked him kindly, and I ambled downstairs. (What can I say? I'm an ambler.) As I entered the courtyard between the building and the station, I saw four medium-sized coffee stands. There was the Bagel House, some sort of pastry shop, the omnipresent Starbucks, and a Krispy Kreme for good measure. Having a keen eye for detail, I noticed that all of these stands served coffee. (My first clue was the word "coffee" displayed prominently on each of the awnings.) What I also noticed is that three of the shops had no patrons waiting in line, while there was a line eight people deep at Starbucks. I thought to myself - what gives? Why would people voluntarily wait for 10 minutes or more when they could get immediate coffee service at one of these other shops? In my opinion, Starbucks is simply in a different league than the alternatives. The company fires on all cylinders - its products, its image, its brand - all of it comes together just so. Put another way, Starbucks has fully tapped into the essence of its original, compelling vision and the capabilities of its organization. It has the strongest, clearest values and it executes consistently against these. Too bad more of us can't say the same for ourselves and our own pursuit of success. Few of us stop to think about - and honor - those things we are truly capable of accomplishing in life. Many times, we shy away from our true potential. Worse yet, we don't even realize we're doing it until we stop to ponder the gaps we feel between what we have or who we are and how we would like things to be. Many of us haven't taken the time to reflect on our values and our potential. If we have at all, we haven't taken the time to "lock in the learning" by committing pen to paper (or electron to screen) and capturing our thoughts. We may not exercise the necessary discipline to follow through on those things we know we need to do to get ahead. We may not ask for help along the way. Any number of things can go wrong, but it's so darn important to get it right. (Sorry for the brusque language, but doggone it, this is important.) To put it as succinctly as I can, the world wants you to fulfill your true potential! You have so much to offer, and we need more of you out here. I know this, because each of us possesses a powerful essence that we can tap into to transform our goal pursuits and our lives. In my experience, many of us get tripped up on the very first step. For many people, their own essence remains hidden - one of their best kept secrets - even from themselves. There are a number of reasons for this, but what's important is what to do about it right now. We need to find a simple but effective way to capture our essence - those unique values and characteristics that motivate us and press us into action. Let's look back at our caffeinated friends over at Starbucks for an illustration. Sure, SBUX is a multi-billion dollar corporation, but it still has an identity. What values, operating principles, practices, or characteristics come to mind when you think of Starbucks? What would you say are the key ingredients of the Starbucks vision? Personally, I would suggest that a high quality product, brand identity, and social responsibility are all areas where Starbucks takes great pride and draws great energy. There are others, of course. (Like knowledgeable baristas and global domination aspirations.) Here's the real question - what are the key ingredients of your personal vision and life aspirations? If you've got a blank stare on your face as you reread that sentence, try completing the following statements to help you get started:
You can live a life that's a direct reflection of your personal values and primary gifts - a reflection of your personal essence. There's no greater feeling in the world. It takes some work, of course, but when you get it right, people will take notice. They will find ways to support you and honor your accomplishments. Eventually, you'll stand out just like that stand out in the courtyard. It's simply impossible for people not to want to connect with your personal convictions, energy, and success when you live in accordance with your own essence. For my part, I chose to stand in the long line at Starbucks, recognizing their achievements and position in the coffee world. I approached the barista proudly as I ordered a venti cinnamon dolce frappucino with whipped cream. (That's right, ladies - I'm all man.) While I waited for my order, I looked over and saw that the workers in the other stands were sullen and bored. It seems to me that life is too short to be lived like that. I sipped my coffee concoction as I walked back toward the office. Ah, the sweet taste of success. Yours for only $5 a cup. |
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Coaching Quickie: Stand OutHow would you describe your potential in life?Follow the link above to vote for your response. While you're there lend us your feedback, or share some goals with fellow readers. Check back next week for results! Last Week's ResultsCoaching Quickie: All Together Now |
