Time is a finite resource.

Time is a finite resource. Time is perhaps a newly defined, and the most important, form of capital we possess because we control it.

Also, how we spend our time on a daily (and nightly) basis is one way of measuring what we value.

Researching and writing a dissertation, raising a family, reading great works of literature, visiting the ill and frail, campaigning for elected office, helping a stranger with directions, thinking creatively and sharing the results . . . even taking a well-deserved nap . . . all require time.

Some things we do take a lot of time. Instead of saying I wish had more time, why not say, how will I be more intentional with my time.

Time matters.

Learning takes time.

I am reading Frank McCourt’s first two books — Angela’s Ashes and ‘Tis . . . unfortunately I believe that until we conquer the issue of rationing quality education, our society will never embrace anything new including anyone who doesn’t look the same or share the same cultural traditions — language, values, beliefs, traditions . . . As my son once said, it is unfortunate that our race needs to take the time to learn because learning takes time.

Thanks Veronica and Ben!

Permission.

Leaders who are trying to make change don’t have to ask for permission to make change. They just do it!

Great visions evolve over time.

The following excerpt from the Rock Hall’s web site says it all:

“Every year, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum welcomes visitors from all 50 states and 100 countries the world over. Since we opened our doors in 1995, seven million visitors have toured the Rock Hall.  We’ve worked hard to live up to our reputation as the preeminent home for the celebration and study of rock and roll music.”

Whether it was working to bring the induction ceremonies to Cleveland in 2009, constructing an archives facilities in partnership with Cuyahoga Community College to house its rapidly expanding collection, or opening the Annex in the Soho neighborhood in New York City, the Rock Hall’s vision has evolved and the organization has consistently demonstrated the ability to be relevant and true to its mission.

The Annex in Soho is another example of how great visions evolve over time. Visit www.rockannex.com to see how.

Leaders make no little plans.

In 1910, iconic architect and planner Daniel Burnham said:

“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die, but long after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistence.”

Great leaders put forth big visions and are comfortable with the fact that they may never see the vision fully realized. However, they take joy in knowing that if they have done their job well, the vision will transcend generations and involve thousands of people before it is realized.

Great visions are “built to last”.

An organization’s brand begins with leadership.

A brand is defined by words that describe the functional and emotional attributes of an organization, its people and products or services.

If you are a leader, your brand will generally describe how you lead, the culture of your organization, or the way you treat individuals with whom you interact.

Brand attributes of effective leaders include words like transparent, goal-oriented, accountable, respectful, sincere, trustworthy and honest.

Visit the link below to review the Cobalt Group’s Values and Principles. It is here where we begin to define our brand.

http://www.cobaltgroupinc.com/webroot/practice

Meaningful Connections = Growing Businesses

I was encouraged today when I answered my emails and found a “connect” request from my cousin who resides in Gaithersburg, Maryland. He wanted to connect me to an entrepreneur located in Bay Village who once was employed with him at one of our former client’s (place of business also in Cuyahoga County). The entrepreneur and I talked briefly today about how to grow his business in Northeast Ohio, where he might find clients, and how to prepare for future opportunities as the economy and our region recover from this downturn.

When people take the time to make meaningful connections, businesses grow.

We are meeting in early May to have another conversation.

Polyculture debuts . . .

It is more than starting. It is powerful with its local cast of Maurice Small of City Fresh, Rashidah Abdulhaqq of the Hunger Network, Ward 13 Councilman Joe Cimperman, and Emmy Levine of Wonder Garden (my favorite fresh produce purveyor at the Tremont Farmer’s Market), among many others. Every resident of Northeast Ohio (and beyond) must see this film.

The 33rd Cleveland International Film Festival is underway and this is a film not to miss. An extra showing on Sunday morning at 9:25 am has been added to allow the overflow/demand for this film to be met.

What gets measured gets done.

A while back Mark Smith talked about what gets measured gets done.
Today, now more than ever, what we (leaders) decide to measure is what will get done. The ongoing debate at the national level is more about what individuals want to be accountable for.

It is easy to fill a spending bill with funds for projects. And, yes, it is true, it is really hard to measure the success of job retention and creation activities. The fact of the matter is, it can be done if leaders want to measure it. I know.

Simplicty and clarity counts.

Hope. Virtue. Character. Liberty. Celebration. Freedom. Duties. Future. Sacred oath.

Powerful messages are often composed of simple words.

The clarity of a leader’s message matters because language defines culture.