3 Easy Ways to "Give" in 2108

Give people confidence...

...by reminding acquaintances of your name.

-Did you ever forget someone's name that you should have remembered?                 

Think about how you felt during the conversation.

Give people hope...

...by answering your phone, 

 “… how can I help you?”

- Opened ended questions are always more inviting and productive.

Give people peace of mind...

...by confirming receipt of their email or text.
(reply- "Got it, Thank you.")

-Did you ever send a very important email or text and wonder if he or she ever received it?

Simple, yet very impactful and rewarding. 
Start "giving" today!

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Christmas Past - 1989

***Worth Repeating***

It was 5:00 pm Christmas Eve 1989, and I was locking the front door of the supermarket where I was Store Manager.

Over the years, I had made it a tradition for me to be the "closer" of the store on Christmas Eve.

Inside the store, my employees were rushing around counting their register tills, sweeping the floor, and generally preparing the store for closing down, so they all could rush home to their families for Christmas.

At approximately 5:30pm, I heard someone tapping on the front door.

“I just got off work and I need to shop for my family", the gentleman on the other side of the glass door shouted.

“Sorry, we are closed.” I answered.

“Please, I really need to shop and you are the only grocery store open.”

In the background several of my employees yelled out to me… “Mr. Gambone, I hope you don’t let him in, we all want to go home.”

I turned to my office manager and said , “Cindy, I feel bad for this guy…will you stick around with me until we get him checked out.”

She looked at me with a frown, “Well, I hope he only needs a few things, OK.”

We let him in…he was very gracious, grabbed a buggy and started to shop.

“I’ll only take a few minutes,” he said.

Then all of a sudden, he turned around and looked at Cindy and me in desperation… “Shit!..I’m sorry for swearing, but I left my wallet in my overalls at work….I can’t believe this!!!”

He abandoned the buggy and started walking towards the front door to leave.

Cindy looked at me and said… “Well, I guess we can leave now.”

“Hold on!” I said… “Sir, you pick up what you need and come back the day after Christmas and pay us.”

Cindy looked at me as if I was crazy. The gentleman was overjoyed and continued to shop.

When he completed his shopping, Cindy and I checked him out and bagged his groceries. He purchased lots of milk, cereal, bread and basic groceries along with some gift-wrap and children’s toys.

We wished him a Merry Christmas as he left and Cindy and I locked up and went home to our families.

.....wait for it...........................................................



...............the gentleman never returned...................

Yes, I took some heat from my Regional Manager when he found out…but that’s okay. I knew in my heart that it was right thing to do at the time.

It is moments like this is my life when I am reminded of the words from my mentor, Lou Z....

“The good you do, will come back to you.”

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may you and your family have a safe and glorious New Year.

Bob Gambone, The Pecan Pie Guy

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Worth Repeating

*** Top Rated Post***

Several decades ago, I was a young cocky manager who thought I knew it all.

After all, I just won manager of the month, scored a great bonus and received an awesome promotion.

An associate of mine, we will call her Mary, reached out to me at my awards celebration and said if I ever needed her help, just let her know.

Mary was my hero; keyword here is “was.” She was a leader, my mentor… but in my eyes, I had no need for her anymore.

“Thanks for the offer Mary, let me think about.”

Some twenty years later, I ran into Mary. She had left the company, started a new career and in my eyes, she was very successful. I of course boasted about my success and never even asked Mary how she was doing. Once again, she reached out to me and offered her help. Really, I thought… “Thanks for the offer Mary, let me think about it.”

Fast forward to today.

I was attending a business event, when out of the corner of my eye I saw Mary walking towards me. She seemed distraught. We engaged in conversation and it turns out that Mary was struggling with her business, had been for years and needed help. Help that I knew I could offer.

“Mary,” I said, “please let me help you.”

She looked at me and said, “Thanks for offer Bob, let me think about it.”

I left the event very frustrated and confused.

Lesson learned:

Leadership is giving, and when Mary offered me help, I shut the door before I had a chance to see what was on the other side, denying her the opportunity to give. Years later, she reciprocated…I think not to be revengeful, but since I never accepted her help, she probably thought my offer was not genuine.

Songwriter and poet James Durst once wrote:

“Help one another; there’s no time like the present and no present like the time.”

No matter how successful you are in business, when someone offers you help, accept it…help is giving…help is a gift.

This is my 124^th blog posting
museahaw

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The Giving Season

We always talk about "Giving".

We also need to be talking about "Receiving".

Why? Because when we all become better receivers, we will in turn be better givers.

The problem is most people do not know how to receive.

Really?   Yes...

How many times have you heard the following statements or something similar:

"I can't accept this, it is too much..."
"You shouldn't have..."

"Thank you for the offer, and that is kind of you to help us at no fee, but we can't accept..."

Or- no thank you at all. Or- the giving is taken for granted. Or- we give it back.

Here are some good quotes to think about...

" In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Giving does not only precede receiving; it is the reason for it. It is in giving that we receive." ~ I. Ayivor
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We All Have 24 Hours

If you currently are disorganized and your "to-do list" is longer than your day, don't despair; some of the most organized people once were among the most disorganized, including myself. This quiz is intended to help you see your strengths and weaknesses in this area.*

Keep in mind, it's not always "time"  management.... we all have the same 24 hours in a day;  energy, focus and direction play a major role in how you manage your day.

Answer Yes or No to the following:

1. When meeting with your team or a one to one, do you always come prepared?
2. Do you sort your work by priority.
3. At the end of the day do you make a list of your next day priorities?
4. Do you list recommended actions?
5. Are you drinking at least 6 glasses of water a day?
6. Do you start each day tackling your most immediate goals?
7. Are you sleeping at least 7 hours a night?
8. Are you limiting your caffeine intake?
9. Do you spot check yourself, to be sure you are keeping on schedule?
10. Do you commit and follow through with a structured exercise program?
11. Do you congratulate yourself when you complete a task?
12. Do you allow time for the unexpected, such as phone calls and interruptions?
13. Do you have a plan for eating foods that maximize your health vs. inhibit your well-being?
14.  Do you check items off your list as you accomplish them?
15.  Do you help keep team meetings and one to one meetings organized and on schedule?

Total up the Yes answers. A score of 12 or more is a sign that you are on the right path to maximizing your time. A score of 9 to 11, means you get lazy like me sometimes. A score of 8 or less?.... I am thinking you may need some help.

* Teamwork notes

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BIG AL - A Look Back

---Repost---

The story was, you hated him, feared him or loved him…I was all three.

His name was Al. 

Al started in retail when he was thirteen and fifty years later died in action.

Al was an old school retail manager who believed that no one could be trusted and everyone should put his or her career first before family.

Al worked 80 hours a week, was a master micro-manager and believed that his day was not over until he fired someone or at least made an employee cry.

Okay, so you ask, WHY did I love this guy? Not for any of the above things, that is why I hated him and feared him. I loved him because I was able to translate his prehistoric management style into lessons that I still utilize today.

Three Lessons from Big Al

1). Al used to say, “The best and easiest recognition program is to have NO recognition program at all.”

            Translation: Employee recognition programs must be managed,  be fair and be consistent or your results could actually weaken employee morale.

2). When Al said, “Just because I’m pissed off at you, doesn’t mean you can walk around here with your tail between your legs.”

            Translation: Wear a smile and have a positive attitude; no one wants to work for a “Debbie-Downer” manager.

3). One day Al looked me right in the eyes and said, “I’m too old to change now Gambone, what you see is what you get…”

             Translation: I always knew where I stood with Al. Al taught me that leaders need to be right up front with people by providing balanced,  fair and concise feedback.

My 18 months as Al’s co-manager was very stressful, yet very rewarding.

Take a few moments to reflect on your old boss, teacher or coach…dig deep and I am sure you will find a few sunny days somewhere in that storm.
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Taking a Stand in the Desert

***This blog post is dedicated to my MUSE***

Don't try to change people who are:

Ungrateful

Unhelpful

Unruly

Unkindly

Unloving

Unambitious

Unmotivated

and especially if they make you feel...

Uncomfortable

Trying to change these people is like Taking a Stand in the Desert...you've got no where to go my friend, it's a lose-lose situation.
                   
Here's 5 Lessons from Dan Rockwell (paraphrased)

 P.I.G.S  - People Ignorant of Gaining Success

1. With P.I.G.S. you'll get bacon, but never eggs.

2. Training won't help. If you want eggs, find some chickens.

3. Rewards won't help P.I.G.S. act like chickens.

4. If  P.I.G.S. can't take you where you need to go, replace them with chickens, or buy a new farm.

5. Even if you could convince P.I.G.S. to go to chicken heaven, they wouldn't thrive and neither would you!

Time for a change....GET OUT OF THE DESERT!

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Back of My Boyfriend's Harley

"I get my best ideas when I'm riding on the back of my boyfriend's Harley!" ~ Linda H.

I know... sounds like the lyrics of a bad or maybe even good country song. The point is, we all need to find "that place" where we can open our mind to fresh new ideas. We all have that magic place, we just need to go there more often and then take action. 

I am guilty,  and I am sure you may be at times, of coming up with ideas and then being fearful of implementing them or at the very least sounding them off a trusted advisor. 

Why? Maybe we are afraid of what people will think. Or doubtful that the idea may even work? 

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Great minds discuss ideas. Weak minds dismiss them". 

John Keynes reminds us that "Ideas shape the course of history, especially our own."

So go to your "idea place" more often. Whether it is on the back of a Harley, your daily run (mine), sitting on your porch, or whatever works for you... go there, take that idea and share it, try it, just don't let it die. 

"Remember, if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten. If you want to arrive at a new destination, you need to take a new path." ~ John Maxwell

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Change? 1-2-3

Frank A. , God rest his soul, was the best "back-room" manager and the best leader when it came to changing the culture.

I first met Frank in the early '70s working third shift at my first Giant Eagle.

He was often transferred around from store to store to train and motivate the night stocking crews.
One of the first things he did when he went to a new store was to clean, scrub and wax, and paint the backroom.
" You got to show them that you have arrived." Frank would always say. "Physical changes first, something they can see... then after you get their attention, things will start happening."
It worked! I saw it for myself. After Frank arrived in our store, production dramatically improved.

Are you looking to make a changes in your business? Continuous Improvements?

Whether you have employees or are an army of one. Home office or brick and mortar.
Implement the following

Three steps for successful " physical change".

1. Change your appearance: new hairstyle, new clothes, loose weight, etc..

2. Change your work environment: start meeting at a different location, redecorate / remodel your office.

3. Never ever use the word "change". Call what your doing "continuous improvement". (Only leaders like the word change.)

Three steps for "Leadership Changes"

1. Ask more questions, listen more-tell less

2. Encourage ideas from the newer employees and non managers

3. Be willing to admit mistakes

In the words of my old friend Frank... " You don't have to ever say we are changing things around here... just show them that the improvements work and change will follow."

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Calling All Entrepreneurs - INDEPENDENCE DAY!

*** Top Rated Post***


Entrepreneurs!....how many times have you heard this:
"When are you going to get a REAL job?!"
...and to make it worse, most of the time, the question comes from our family and loved ones.

Well, it is time to fight back and claim your INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Here are eight inspirational quotes from entrepreneurs , just like yourself, to use as ammo against the pessimists that challenge you.

"When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner, or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser. The choice is yours and yours alone. Refuse to throw in the towel. Go that extra mile that failures refuse to travel. It is far better to be exhausted from success than to be rested from failure."
- Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics

"The critical ingredient is getting off your butt and doing something. It's as simple as that. A lot of people have ideas, but there are few who decide to do something about them now. Not tomorrow. Not next week. But today. The true entrepreneur is a doer, not a dreamer."
- Nolan Bushnell, founder of Atari and Chuck E. Cheese's

"Innovation is the specific tool of entrepreneurs, the means by which they exploit change as an opportunity for a different business or a different service. It is capable of being presented as a discipline, capable of being learned, capable of being practiced. Entrepreneurs need to search purposefully for the sources of innovation, the changes and their symptoms that indicate opportunities for successful innovation. And they need to know and to apply the principles of successful innovation."
- Peter F. Drucker, "The Father of Modern Management"

"Experience taught me a few things. One is to listen to your gut, no matter how good something sounds on paper. The second is that you're generally better off sticking with what you know. And the third is that sometimes your best investments are the ones you don't make."
- Donald Trump, real estate and entertainment mogul

"The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it."
- Debbi Fields, founder of Mrs. Fields Cookies

"Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain." ~ J. Susan

"Everyone falls, not everyone fails." D. Hardy

"I never perfected an invention that I did not think about in terms of the service it might give others... I find out what the world needs, then I proceed to invent."
- Thomas Edison

AND....Just in case someone says to you,
"You're no Thomas Edison."
Simply reply..."You're right, but who was Thomas Edison before he became "Thomas Edison? "

I Worked Really Hard Today...

*** Top Rated Post ***


Really?  when you hear someone say that, what does that mean?  I'm sure we've all said it and heard it.

Working hard- does that mean long hours? Sweating like a pig? Experiencing physical pain? Maybe becoming mentally exhausted?

Or... Its hard work because I really don't like to do it.

Or...I really do like it, and when I work hard I feel pleasure...maybe even want to reward myself, or expect someone else to reward me?

Is your definition of hard work the same as someones else's definition?  Probably not.

Do you deny yourself hard work? Do you deny that you ever work hard?  I often say, I never work hard because I love what I do...but I can still work hard,  right?

SO...are you expecting an insightful answer from me about what "hard work" really is?

Sorry....that would be hard work. (smile)
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A R R O G A N C E

 A good friend of mine, Jim Shorkey*, will tell you that arrogance is a sure road to leadership failure.

3 questions and food for thought---

1. Why do I act like I know something when I don't?
---  "The need to appear competent prolongs incompetence." ~ LF

2. How often do I get defensive when questioned?
---"Stagnation is the consequence of defending rather than exploring." ~JM

3. Am I the smartest person in the room?
 --- If you answered yes...then you are in the wrong room.

"The pursuit of excellence includes the acceptance that you aren't there yet." JM

The best leaders are the best learners. I say, ask the stupid question. Leadership is about being vulnerable enough to say,  I don't know. The more you ask the more you learn.

Excellent leadership begins with humility.

Humility enables development... arrogance destroys it.

*Jim Shorkey, creator of the Jim Shorkey Auto Group (7 dealerships throughout Pennsylvania)
and Life Success Coach.
www.resultsfromthinking.com

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Get The Lead Out Of Your ______ !!!!!

----------------------- Top 10 Posting -----------------------------

PROCRASTINATION!!!

AKA...Paralysis By Analysis

Calling all Entrepreneurs!....why do we do this?!

Yes, it is good that we examine things.
Yes , we need to be patient and cultivate business relationships.
Yes, we need to do our due diligence with respect to weighing our options.

But what I am talking about is; when the ball is in our hand, not a defensive player is in sight, our Team is surrounding us, and yet, we are afraid to run!?
… because we might trip, fumble, or not make it to the end zone?

*** Here are 7 great quotes about procrastination.
Read them, and then read them again…and oh by the way…read them one more time.


“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.”
Abraham Lincoln

“How soon not now, becomes never.”
Martin Luther (1483-1546) German priest and scholar. 

"Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest of diseases and its toll on success and happiness is heavy."
Wayne Gretzky


Even if you’re on the right track-you’ll get run over if you just sit there."
Will Rogers

“One of these days, is none of these days.”
Proverb

“I remember reading somewhere about an organization called Procrastinators Anonymous. I think they had been in existence for some years but had never gotten around to having a meeting.”
Unknown Source 

“By not making a decision, you have made one.”
Bob Gambone - The Pecan Pie Guy. 

*** So come on entrepreneurs! Get the lead out of your butt and make a run for it!!!

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"Blankie"

***Top Rated Post***

A very good friend of mine shared a great story with me a few months back. Her daughter, a very successful business entrepreneur, called her in a frantic and wanted to know when her “blankie” would be repaired.

“Blankie” was a blanket, hand sewn by her mother, and given to her on her second birthday. Now thirty-three years old, married, owner of a business, mother of two, and still relying on her “blankie” for security and comfort (especially for falling asleep at night)...well, she was in a panic because she had been without her "blankie" for three days.

Now before you stop reading this and thinking this is silly…hear me out!

Most successful people, that I know, have a “blankie” in one form or another.

Why not?! If an object brings us warmth, inspiration, security, happiness and hope…I say, got for it!

Recently I conducted my own little survey among some of my closest friends. Their “blankie”?  

Here are their answers:

• -          Carries a picture of his dog in his wallet.
• -          Bible in her purse.
• -          Teddy bear given to her by her dad.
• -          Cross hanging on lamp near his bed.
• -          Lucky coin in his wallet.
• -          Christmas pillow made by her grandmother.
• -          Birthday pillow made by his mother.
• -          Picture of her entire family taken at a reunion, placed safely on her mantel.
• -          First love letter from her husband.
• -          Blue scarf given to him, from his childhood sweetheart.
• -          Mine?   My four marathon medals draped over the baby pictures of my three children.

So…….Who’s your “blankie”?

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It's Not Always "Time" Management

If you currently are disorganized and your "to-do list" is longer than your day, don't despair; some of the most organized people once were among the most disorganized, including myself. This quiz is intended to help you see your strengths and weaknesses in this area.*

Keep in mind, it's not always "time"  management.... we all have the same 24 hours in a day;  energy, focus and direction play a major role in how you manage your day.

Answer Yes or No to the following:

1. When meeting with your team or a one to one, do you always come prepared?
2. Do you sort your work by priority.
3. At the end of the day do you make a list of your next day priorities?
4. Do you list recommended actions?
5. Are you drinking at least 6 glasses of water a day?
6. Do you start each day tackling your most immediate goals?
7. Are you sleeping at least 7 hours a night?
8. Are you limiting your caffeine intake?
9. Do you spot check yourself, to be sure you are keeping on schedule?
10. Do you commit and follow through with a structured exercise program?
11. Do you congratulate yourself when you complete a task?
12. Do you allow time for the unexpected, such as phone calls and interruptions?
13. Do you have a plan for eating foods that maximize your health vs. inhibit your well-being?
14.  Do you check items off your list as you accomplish them?
15.  Do you help keep team meetings and one to one meetings organized and on schedule?

Total up the Yes answers. A score of 12 or more is a sign that you are on the right path to maximizing your time. A score of 9 to 11, means you get lazy like me sometimes. A score of 8 or less?.... I am thinking you may need some help.

* Teamwork notes

--------------------------------------------

Become a Better "Receiver"

We always talk about "Giving".

We also need to be talking about "Receiving".

Why? Because when we all become better receivers, we will in turn be better givers.

The problem is most people do not know how to receive.

Really?   Yes...

How many times have you heard the following statements or something similar:

"I can't accept this, it is too much..."
"You shouldn't have..."

"Thank you for the offer, and that is kind of you to help us at no fee, but we can't accept..."

Or- no thank you at all. Or- the giving is taken for granted. Or- we give it back.

Here are some good quotes to think about...

" In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich." ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"Giving does not only precede receiving; it is the reason for it. It is in giving that we receive." ~ I. Ayivor

Let's continue the discussion, bobgambone@bobgambone.com

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