On my knees

A couple weeks ago, our church selected me to become an Elder and part of the process included an "installation" during the service.  They called me to the front and I answered some questions, vows.  Then, I was asked to kneel and all the elders gathered around me and prayed.  As I kneeled, my perspective shifted immediately.  I had been consciously standing straight (as my mom taught me).  Hands clasped.  Still.  In control.  Respectful.  And, I thought, humble...

Then I was asked to kneel.  When you get on your knees in front of alot of people, and with people standing around you, the feeling changes.  It's a submissive position.  A humbling position.  A good position.

We aren't a church that does alot of kneeling.  I don't know why some churches kneel more than others.  I'm sure some do it so much that it may lose it's meaning.  Our's probably doesn't do it often enough.

It's so easy to see our surroundings from the perspective of standing up straight.  It's how we normally present ourselves.  We've been taught to stand up straight.  "Be professional".  Act with authority.  Be strong. 

BUT, when I was on my knees in front of the congregation, I think I had the best perspective for serving in the role of elder.  AND,  I think that may be true of my role as husband, father, business owner, friend...

We can't always be on our knees literally but we can make an effort to make it the perspective from which we serve.

It's all Portuguese to me....

The theme at NEXT was "Win the Heart".  This may come as a bit of a surprise but that theme didn't exactly get me amped up as we headed to Anaheim, California.  But, 4 days without kids in California with free food and seeing some good friends that we don't see often still was something to look forward to.

Day 2 began with Trudy White (Truett's daughter and John White's mom) sharing a bit of her story.  A part of that story included the beginning of their time in Brazil.  She was having trouble picking up Portuguese, the primary language there, and her inability to communicate easily was contributing to a feeling of being completely overwhelmed and at the end of a particularly hard day she turned to God in desperation.  "Help!!"

As Trudy shared this, I realized something.  Language about "winning the heart" isn't my native language.  In fact, I had just talked with Kaylyn a couple weeks ago about how I need help understanding the feelings and emotions that are occuring in our family.  It's not something I naturally pick up quickly.  It's like Portuguese was for Trudy.  I realized right then that I had not turned to God for help in this area.  I had been content not being able to "speak the language" but I realized that in doing so, I was beginning to get overwhelmed and limiting the person God created me to be.

Just as God responded to Trudy's plea, He has been waiting for me to ask.  "God, I don't understand all this!  Help!"

At NEXT, we have a few options of sessions we can attend and I typically choose those that interest me.  In that moment, I felt a nudge to select a session that I'd never have chosen for fun.  "Cultivating a Healthy Soul".  I think Kaylyn was just a wee-bit surprised when I told her I was going to that one with her.  There were other "practical" options...

After that morning, instead of looking for affirmations that we were doing all the right things and that I'm a good leader, I was paying close attention to how I could learn to "win the heart".  Beginning with my own heart.  Then others.

Right now, it's all still a foreign language to me.  It might as well be Portuguese.  But, I'm learning.  HE is winning my heart.

What's Your PR?

In 2006, a friend and I decided to train for a marathon.  I had been running 3 miles most days and could run a max of about 5 miles.  A marathon is 26.2 miles.  I don't even love running.   Honestly, most days I don't even like it.  I do like challenges, though.  I like competition.  This was a personal challenge and a competition against myself.  Every day part of me wanted to be lazy and part of me wanted to check off that day's workout.  The finish line of the Marine Corp Marathon was a rewarding experience BUT the most impactful experience was the daily competition.  I won most of the days from the day I signed up for the marathon till the day I ran it.  Not all of them, but most.

Dec 31, 2018.  A quick self assessment revealed that I needed a change.  In may of 2018 I had run for the last time that year.  I was experiencing some joint discomfort that pushed me to try some different fitness options.  They weren't bad.  I was getting stronger BUT, I was also getting fatter and I found myself getting winded too easily.  When I heard myself breathing hard after some basic activity I decided it was time to get back into cardio exercise and running is the easiest option. 

January 1, 2019 I ran for the first time in 7 months.  That was the longest stretch of no running since I started in 1995.  My goal was to finish 3 miles without stopping.  That has been my baseline distance since 2003.  I had no time goal.  Just finish without walking.  And, I did.  With a pace of just over 10 minutes/mile.  Since then, my goal has been to trim my pace.  Yesterday, January 18th, I did my 9th run of 2019.  It was my first run under 9 minute pace in a LONG time.  It wasn't easy.  I think people could hear my breathing half a mile away.  I even heard a guy yell from his garage "You got it!"  I'm guessing he heard me passing...  But I got it!  My PR (personal record) for the past year. 

So, what's the point?  Back in 2006, I remember days at the store where things weren't great.  That happens when you are on a team.  There is almost always something that needs attention.  The more people on the team, the more challenges.  The marathon training gave me something I could work on that was just me.  No team.  Nobody but me.  Nobody to coach but me.  Nobody to push but me.  Same thing the last 18 days.  The only one standing between me and my goal was me.  Sound selfish?

These challenges provide a break from coaching others and allow me to lead me.  Instead of 100+ people, just 1.  I find I lead others better when I lead me well.  And, sometimes things may not be going like I want them to with the team but I can still go for a run.  I can find that win on a day that may not have had many wins.  AND, the win at the end of the run can lead to wins elsewhere.  I know I lead others better when I'm leading me well. 

What is your personal win today?  What could it be tomorrow?  Sometimes, days on a team can be a challenge but you can always find your personal win.  Lead you to those wins and then you will lead others better.

Doughnuts Make You Stronger!

Prior to an at bat, the next batter in the lineup typically is in the "on deck circle" where they are preparing for the at-bat.  Getting their batting gloves on tight.  Applying pine tar to the bat to enhance the grip.  Timing the pitcher.  And some use a doughnut on their bat to help them in the moments before their at-bat.  What is this doughnut?  It's a weight that slides onto the bat so you can take practice swings with a slightly heavier bat so that when you are at the plate, preparing for your real at-bat your bat will feel lighter.  There is debate about whether this practice actually improves bat speed or just makes it feel faster.  Regardless of the science, that preparation contributes to the batter's confidence as they approach the plate.  And, that is what matters.  Hitting a baseball isn't easy.  Hitting a baseball when you have doubts is even harder.  You've got to be fully prepared and even then, you are likely to fail 70% of the time.

Changing gears just a bit.  For 2 years I was the Chairperson for the Board of Directors at Voyager Academy.  I didn't really want that role but I was asked and it appeared to be the right time and some of the needs of the time fit my strengths so I accepted.  I anticipated that it would be a challenging time and I wasn't wrong.  In fact, I had underestimated the challenge and the weight of the role.

Voyager is a school with 1,300 students.  Probably about 700-800 families represented.  Over 100 full time staff.  One of the larger Charter Schools in NC where there is a heated debate on the merit of Charter Schools.  Just ask the Mayor of Durham what his thoughts are.  Some people in powerful positions in the city and state are looking for any reason to shut them down.  Google Excelsior Academy and read the headlines of what the city did to them last year.

So, we need to educate the kids in a way that optimizes their opportunities the rest of their lives AND we have to do it in full compliance with state regulations.  Some of those make sense and some... not so much.  There is alot going on in a school Voyager's size.  Alot that has to work and work the right way.

When I'd drop kids off in carpool, attend school events, see Voyager uniforms in our dining room, meet parents in the community or wake up at 2:00 AM I was reminded of how much was riding on the school.  And, the board is in charge.  And, the chair has the most influence on the board.  So, one could argue that the single most influential role at the school is the chair.  Maybe not on what happens that day but on the health and sustainability of the school over the next 1-5 years.  That is alot of weight.  For 2 years. 

But, last June (2018), my term ended.  I wasn't just done with my time as chair but my term as a board member was up.  Suddenly, that responsibility was gone.  That weight was gone.  And, it was noticeable.

I've been a CFA operator for over 20 years.  Every day for over 20 years.  That's over 7,300 consecutive days.  And, it's not a light weight role.  There have been many days that the weight of the role has seemed overwhelming.  Sometimes entire years where this was the case.  It seemed the odds of succeeding were way less than getting a hit against a major league pitcher.

BUT, after those 2 years as Voyager Chair, when the extra weight of that role was taken away, the role of "only being an operator" felt lighter.  I felt more prepared to do my primary role.  I still had the same responsibilities.  The weight of the bat I was swinging was still the same.  The difficulty of hitting the pitch was still the same.  But, by swinging that bat with the extra weight from that other role for 2 years, the bat felt lighter when that temporary role was taken off. 

What I've learned is that a good way to prepare for my "at bats" as an operator at CFA is to find a "batter's box" that has a doughnut that I can take a few swings with so that I feel more prepared for the real at bats.  These are shorter term commitments outside CFA.  School board, Church role, coaching sports, Advisory Boards, mentoring...

If your role professionally feels heavy, you probably need to find a "doughnut" to add to your bat and take some swings.  Maybe for a week.  Maybe a year.  Maybe a couple years.  When your time with that commitment ends, your remaining roles will feel lighter.  You will be more prepared as you approach the plate to take your swings. 

Baseball players typically use that doughnut before each at bat.  Not, once a game or once a week.  What is your doughnut that is preparing you for your real at bats?  For some, CFA is the doughnut for another role.  For others, CFA is the game and they need to have a doughnut to help them with their at bats at CFA each day.             

Oh, and it doesn't have to be a heavy weight.  A baseball doughnut typically weighs 1/2 to 1 lb.  But, its 1/2 to 1 lb more than you are used to swinging.  You don't need to be a chairperson of the school board.  Maybe assistant Sunday School teacher of kindergarteners.  Coach of a rec ball team.  Mentor to a couple younger people.  It just needs to be a little weight to prepare you for the real at bats.         

   

                                       

Clemson and Alabama

I think most of ya'll know who I was pulling for last night.  I've spent most of my life booing Alabama but in the last few years I have grown to appreciate their disciplined execution and consistent level of excellence.  Because of this I've become a reluctant fan.  I like watching excellence. 

So, what happened Monday night?  I'm no football scholar but what I saw was a team that wasn't prepared which is so surprising when that team is Alabama.  Preparation is what has built the dominance that they have had in college football the last 10-12 years.

Clemson was good but not 44-16 good.  Clemson was 20/32 passing.  135 total yards of rushing.  Neither of those stats is impressive.  Alabama had very similar stats.  22/34 passing and 148 yards of rushing.  Here is the difference.  Alabama had 2 very poorly executed plays resulting in interceptions leading to touchdowns by Clemson at key moments.  Alabama also had 2 fumbles although they recovered both of them.  That's 4 fumbles/interceptions compared to 0 for Clemson.  Clemson had 240 yards on 3rd down plays.  When Alabama had Clemson 3rd and long, they consistently gave up big plays.  Not just enough yards for 1st downs but long yards.  15+ yards.  And, most of those were clearly very bad execution.  Missed coverage where the defense was in the wrong place.  Mental errors.  Only a couple plays were won with outright physical overpowering.  Most were bad execution on the part of Alabama.  My college coach would often say "it's ok to make physical errors. Those happen.  It's the mental errors that you can't make.  There is no excuse for those."  Oh, and then there was the fake field goal.  Another bad mental mistake.  Who knows what they were thinking on that play.   

Clemson came prepared.  They are known to be a bit more showy.  They dance a bit more.  But, last night, they won because they came prepared.  They executed.  They didn't beat themselves.  They made very few mistakes.  No dumb penalties.  No blown coverage on pass plays.  They got beat on some plays but they rarely beat themselves       

Take away?  Past records don't matter today.  If you aren't prepared for today, it doesn't matter how good you've been in the past, you will lose.  The flip side is that with preparation, you can do just about anything.  As Sweeney (Clemson coach) said afterward "If we can do it, you can do it!"

So, today, are we Alabama with a great track record but maybe not much preparation today?  Or, are we Clemson, with some track record and a passion to rise up and willing to put in the preparation necessary to win?                   

Discipline eats talent for breakfast

When I was 7 years old I played my first organized baseball.  You've already read about how that year began with me kicking and screaming going to registration.  I didn't learn the full story of how that season ended till many years later.  I had been selected to the all-star team my first season.  My parents didn't tell me because they already had summer plans and the all-star schedule conflicted so they told the coach I couldn't join the team and they didn't tell me so I wouldn't be disappointed.  The next 13 years our summer plans worked around baseball.

I made the all-star team every year of little league, then I made the high school team, practicing with the varsity team as an underclassman (2 practices every day).  Then I made a Metro-Atlanta High School All-Star team.  Then I made a very real discovery.  Discipline beats talent.  I had more talent than most of the guys on that team BUT, most of the guys on the team had more discipline than I did. As a little league player we all tried the same but talent usually won.  As we got into high school, the guys that were committed started working out and training outside of practice.  And those guys that I used to beat with my talent began beating me with their discipline.  Today, I rarely see a major league ball player display talent beyond what I had.  BUT, they have the discipline to do what's needed that I didn't have.

I see the same thing in leadership of teams.  Some people have leadership talent that gets them on the team, in the game and even winning some.  It's the leaders with discipline that continue to add capacity and win over time.

Talent can win games.  Discipline wins championships and creates dynasties.

This is good news for all of us.  Talent is really difficult to obtain if you don't have it naturally.  Anybody can apply disciplined behavior today.  Some people are "natural" leaders.  The rest of us can become leaders through disciplined behavior.  Just as I experienced with baseball, often the natural talent shines early on BUT the disciplined behavior wins over time.     

Month-End End (Midnight Inventory Part II)

Read Midnight Inventory first!

Now, fast forward many years.  I don't recall the exact year but it was probably around 2011-2012.  Could be earlier.  I was still doing inventory.  The end of each month would come and I would still be the one counting inventory.  I had handed off other stuff, including other parts of month-end but I was still the only one doing inventory.  That means I probably did it at least 10 years, probably more like 12, especially if you count the 2 years I had a store in Atlanta.  That is 120-144 straight months of me doing inventory.  WHY?!?!?

It wasn't because I had just mindlessly continued to do it.  I had actually put some thought into it.  I thought it was good thought, too.  This is why I had continued:

1)  It's important.  If we miscount the inventory, our food or paper cost will be wrong.  That's bad for tracking and bad for my income.  I figured if it got messed up I wanted it to be me that messed it up.

2)  It gave me a way to stay connected with the business.  It forced me to walk the entire store and see the physical business.

3)  I didn't like doing it.  That's right, I kept doing it because I didn't like doing it.  I figured everybody would dislike it and it was something I could do and avoid dumping on somebody else.

4)  I ran good numbers (food and paper cost) and I didn't want to risk that changing.     

These are all legitimate reasons.  They are good reasons.  And, I was wrong...

So, I don't remember exactly why, but a month came where I wasn't going to be at the store on month end.  I suspect there was an event out of town that I needed to be at.  Tebo had been ordering truck for a while and counting inventory is similar.  Just more detailed.  So, I asked Tebo to take care of inventory that month.  Guess what?  Nothing fell apart.  Tebo survived.  Our food cost was fine.  I could be wrong but I think Tebo may have even liked being given that opportunity.

30 days later I had a decision to make.  Was I going to take inventory back or was I going to let Tebo do it again....?  Well, I did both.  My memory is we had a few questions after the first month so Tebo and I both did inventory.  I think we did this a couple months.  Then, Tebo took it.  I've not done inventory since then.  Guess what?  Those 4 concerns I had, here is how they worked out.

1)  We did make some mistakes along the way and I was able to help Tebo learn through them and get better.  This is key.  I didn't just dump it.  We worked through it till he had it well under control.

2)  It gave Tebo an additional connection to the store and performance and I was able to find other ways to stay connected.

3)  I think Tebo likes his role of owning numbers and inventory and this was key to that.

4)  I did run good numbers back then and we run even better numbers now.  By sharing ownership, I was able to focus on other stuff that needed my attention and Tebo was able to own food cost more completely.

What are you holding on to?  What are your reasons?  Any of them sound like my reasons?

Imagine if I had held on to inventory.  Would we be better or worse?  What about all the other stuff I used to do (pretty much everything from squeezing lemons to washing dishes to DT bagger to fileting...

What could you hand off this month?  Who could you create an opportunity for?  Don't overthink it.  Just do it.