Let’s call her Betty the Barometer.
Now this story dates way back to when my hair was still black and I looked more like Mark Spitz than Jay Leno. (not to say I can compare to either of them, but you get my drift).
I was assigned as the Grocery Department manager in a new store.
Towards the end of the second week, I was walking through the store in a terrible mood because the night stocking crew did not complete their assignments and my department was not meeting customer requirements... I probably looked like a chicken with my head cut off because I circled the inside parameter of the store several times barking out orders to my employees and completely ignoring the customers.
Betty, a very petite and soft-spoken meat wrapper with 23 years in the business, had been observing me in my state of frenzy while she was stocking the meat case with fresh cut meat... As I passed by her for the third time, she called out to me.
“Gambone! …come here for second.”
I quickly stopped in my tracks and started walking towards her with a huff and a puff.
“What Betty, can’t you see I’m busy.”
“You know Gambone, that’s your problem, you are too busy. You look like you are ready to explode. What happened to that smiling face I am used to seeing?...and hey, you didn’t even say hi to me this morning!
Well, I don’t know what’s going on in your head but you can’t let your employees and customers see that you are pissed off…we need you to lift us up, not let us down.”
I looked at Betty and said, “Wow Betty, thank you …I never would have thought I'd hear that from you….but you are right…thank you again.”
From that day forward, when I got in a bad mood, I would always check with Betty to see if my “mood” was actually coming to the surface.
We all need a Betty in our lives.
Ask yourself…Who is my “business barometer?”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full-slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my new book;
"Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order!"
BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM --click on link below.
http://lnkd.in/TNNzBM
“Copyright (11-14-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The Diamond RULE²
-----------TOP RATED POSTING-----------
We all know the Golden Rule (treat others the way you want to be treated), many of us have heard of the Platinum Rule (treat others the way they want to be treated)…
The Diamond RULE² applies specifically to leadership.
R- Respect everyone; everyone’s job is just as important as everyone else’s…pay grade is based on the position, not on the importance of the person.
U- Understand their vision, it may be different from yours; strength of a team is in its diversity of its members.
L- Listen and learn how to help; we all learn something new everyday, from anyone.
E- Enthusiastically and passionately support your team; attitudes are contagious, believe in them and they will believe in you.
E- Exceed what is expected of you; leadership is not just making a living, it’s making a life.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passion, be sure to indulge yourself in my new book,
"Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order!"
BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM --click on link below.
http://lnkd.in/TNNzBM
“Copyright (7-1-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”
We all know the Golden Rule (treat others the way you want to be treated), many of us have heard of the Platinum Rule (treat others the way they want to be treated)…
The Diamond RULE² applies specifically to leadership.
R- Respect everyone; everyone’s job is just as important as everyone else’s…pay grade is based on the position, not on the importance of the person.
U- Understand their vision, it may be different from yours; strength of a team is in its diversity of its members.
L- Listen and learn how to help; we all learn something new everyday, from anyone.
E- Enthusiastically and passionately support your team; attitudes are contagious, believe in them and they will believe in you.
E- Exceed what is expected of you; leadership is not just making a living, it’s making a life.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a "full-slice" of passion, be sure to indulge yourself in my new book,
"Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order!"
BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM --click on link below.
http://lnkd.in/TNNzBM
“Copyright (7-1-2010) by Robert V Gambone Sr.”
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
From Manager to Leader…My Own Personal Journey
---------------------Top Rated Posting -----------------
I was the best.
(well, at least in my own mind)
No one could build displays, order product, stock shelves, take inventory and write schedules better than me.
“He never slows down, runs around 24/7..."
"…Bob is the hardest worker I have ever seen.”
(words often expressed by my co-workers and Store Managers.)
So why was I passed over for upper level management time and time again?
I was a great manager, everyone said so. I was winning all the display and selling contests.
I was the best at getting work done, and lived by the credo: if you want something done right you need to do it yourself.
In fact, every time I would go on vacation, I would return to deplorable conditions and I would have to work overtime just to get the department back up to standards.
Again, so why was I not promoted?
In one word…leadership.
I was lighting fires under the feet of my employees instead of inspiring the fire in the hearts of my team.
And then I was given a revelation…a great mentor of mine said:
“Bob, it's not how good your department looks when you are here, the true test of your leadership is the condition of your department, when you are not here.
We want our managers to work smart not hard.
Yes, you will always have to pitch in, but you need to let go and have your team pinch hit for you, you can’t always do everything yourself."
From that point on, I realized:
Managers live for the task, leaders live for their team.
Three months later, I was promoted.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early November!...stay tuned! “Copyright (10-13-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
I was the best.
(well, at least in my own mind)
No one could build displays, order product, stock shelves, take inventory and write schedules better than me.
“He never slows down, runs around 24/7..."
"…Bob is the hardest worker I have ever seen.”
(words often expressed by my co-workers and Store Managers.)
So why was I passed over for upper level management time and time again?
I was a great manager, everyone said so. I was winning all the display and selling contests.
I was the best at getting work done, and lived by the credo: if you want something done right you need to do it yourself.
In fact, every time I would go on vacation, I would return to deplorable conditions and I would have to work overtime just to get the department back up to standards.
Again, so why was I not promoted?
In one word…leadership.
I was lighting fires under the feet of my employees instead of inspiring the fire in the hearts of my team.
And then I was given a revelation…a great mentor of mine said:
“Bob, it's not how good your department looks when you are here, the true test of your leadership is the condition of your department, when you are not here.
We want our managers to work smart not hard.
Yes, you will always have to pitch in, but you need to let go and have your team pinch hit for you, you can’t always do everything yourself."
From that point on, I realized:
Managers live for the task, leaders live for their team.
Three months later, I was promoted.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my upcoming book, "Pecan Pie", fresh from the oven, early November!...stay tuned! “Copyright (10-13-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
Saturday, September 25, 2010
"Got It, Thank you."
Did you ever send an email to someone and then anxiously pondered if they received it?
…of course you did, I have many times.
Today with all the spam, junk and security filters, the reality is our emails (sometimes very important) can be shuffled into the never-to-be-read email abyss!
I know, some of you are saying: well I usually get a “your email was read” return.Reality check please, those scripts are not very reliable for many reasons (which I will not get into).
Here are 4 simple words to help secure the communication and put the sender at ease:
“Got it, thank you.”….that’s right …simply email them back “Got it, thank you.”
Consider this example:
Imagine sending a potential client a proposal and instead of wondering anxiously if they received it, you get an email back from them that said “Got it, thank you.”… WOW!, you can now exhale.
“Got it, thank you.” is not meant to be an end-all solution and of course you will have to adapt it to your style.
So if you do “get it” ...then simply say, “Got it, thank you.”
Want more tips? please read---
Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order!
"A must read!" Ivan Misner New York Times Bestselling author
BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM click on link below
Click here to purchase Bob's Book
“Copyright (9-25-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
…of course you did, I have many times.
Today with all the spam, junk and security filters, the reality is our emails (sometimes very important) can be shuffled into the never-to-be-read email abyss!
I know, some of you are saying: well I usually get a “your email was read” return.Reality check please, those scripts are not very reliable for many reasons (which I will not get into).
Here are 4 simple words to help secure the communication and put the sender at ease:
“Got it, thank you.”….that’s right …simply email them back “Got it, thank you.”
Consider this example:
Imagine sending a potential client a proposal and instead of wondering anxiously if they received it, you get an email back from them that said “Got it, thank you.”… WOW!, you can now exhale.
“Got it, thank you.” is not meant to be an end-all solution and of course you will have to adapt it to your style.
So if you do “get it” ...then simply say, “Got it, thank you.”
Want more tips? please read---
Pecan Pie: 32 Business Success Strategies Passionately Baked To Order!
"A must read!" Ivan Misner New York Times Bestselling author
BY IT NOW on AMAZON.COM click on link below
Click here to purchase Bob's Book
“Copyright (9-25-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 17, 2010
Motivational Pledge
I found this in my archives; it was written as a 'motivational pledge' for my store team, as an inspiration to maintain our #1 status in a corporate wide-year long competition...over the next 8 months, we stayed on top, and ended the year Number One!!!
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"A true champion celebrates his success,
while at the same time acknowledges his vulnerabilities.
When you are the best,
you will be tested by the best.
When you are the best,
you will be tested by the best.
You are number one and being chased by those who cannot accept defeat.
Know this…second place is the first loser,
don’t settle for anything less than number one.
Remember you can’t do it alone...
it's great to be a champion,
but it takes a TEAM to win a superbowl.
The challenge is now upon us:
The challenge is now upon us:
WE must champion our Points Of Difference,
with a
Passionate and Enthusiastic Pursuit of Excellence!"
---------------------------------------------
***This is just a sample!... if you would like a full slice of "Pecans of Wisdom", be sure to indulge yourself in my NEW book, "Pecan Pie" ON SALE NOW, CLICK ON LINK BELOW!
Click here for Pecan Pie
“Copyright (9-17-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
Click here for Pecan Pie
“Copyright (9-17-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Paralysis by Analysis
PROCRASTINATION!!!
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.”
The Pecan Pie Guy.
*** So come on entrepeneuers! Get the lead out of your butt and make a run for it!!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.”
The Pecan Pie Guy.
*** So come on entrepeneuers! Get the lead out of your butt and make a run for it!!!
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Monday, September 6, 2010
Go Bananas!!! When Building Strong Business Relationships.
Did you know that the number one selling item at SuperWalmart (according to Bloomberg/ Business Week) is... BANANAS?
Wow!? …who would have thought!
According to Progressive Grocer Magazine, 75% of supermarket shoppers purchase bananas on a regular basis due to their nutritional value, low cost, and the fact that bananas are a very perishable product.
What is the number one strategy in building your business through networking?
Correct!
Building strong relationships. And, just like bananas, strong trusting relationships are nutritious (in a business sense), can be very cost effective, and very perishable if you do not keep your “credibility” in stock.
Here are three quick tips to maintain a good "credible" inventory of your networking relationships.
1). Send a “reconnecting” email if you have not seen or heard from them in the last 30 days.
2). A personal inspirational greeting card is a great way to remind them of your relationship.
3). It may be old fashion in today’s techy world, but a simple “Hi Joe, how are things going this week?” phone call, really sends a message that you care.
So when it comes to building strong realtionships...Go Bananas!!!
“Copyright (9-6-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wow!? …who would have thought!
According to Progressive Grocer Magazine, 75% of supermarket shoppers purchase bananas on a regular basis due to their nutritional value, low cost, and the fact that bananas are a very perishable product.
What is the number one strategy in building your business through networking?
Correct!
Building strong relationships. And, just like bananas, strong trusting relationships are nutritious (in a business sense), can be very cost effective, and very perishable if you do not keep your “credibility” in stock.
Here are three quick tips to maintain a good "credible" inventory of your networking relationships.
1). Send a “reconnecting” email if you have not seen or heard from them in the last 30 days.
2). A personal inspirational greeting card is a great way to remind them of your relationship.
3). It may be old fashion in today’s techy world, but a simple “Hi Joe, how are things going this week?” phone call, really sends a message that you care.
So when it comes to building strong realtionships...Go Bananas!!!
“Copyright (9-6-2010) by Robert V. Gambone Sr.”
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