"Winning" by Jack Welch (Part I)

We all like winning.

We marvel at the mastery of the New York Yankees and the New England Patriots on the sporting field. We are impressed by the rags to riches ascent of Dell and Microsoft Corporation.

So what makes these organizations winners?

I just completed the book 'Winning' by Jack Welch and learned what I believe are the five tips for winning in any scenario (professional or personal).

I highly recommend the book, even if you aren't a big fan of Welch, GE, or his aggressive style.

So here are the five tips:

1. Don't be a victim.

You may work for a bad boss. You may have not been assigned the 'best' project. But you do have a chance to make an impact in any organization. Instead of moaning and whining about what is wrong with your company, roll up your sleezes and fix the problems. No one likes the person that digs, gripes, and bitches, yet does not offer solutions.

2. Push for results.

At the end of the day, whether you are the Yankees, a Marketing VP, or an entry-level worker, you are measured by what you deliver to the organization. If you don't know what you are measured on, push your 'boss' for the details. Take the initiative and come with goals, priorities, and objectives that will help the company/organization achieve their targets.

3. Ask for more.

You may have been given a job description on your first day on the job. Feel free to color outside the lines. Your boss wants you to push the envelope and add value to the organization whereever you see fit. The standouts at your company are the ones that don't say 'that's not my job'. Instead, they chime in with: 'I can do that.' Don't be satisfied with exactly what's within your job description. Push to impress by offering suggestions on how to drastically improve cost, quality, and service at your organization. This will get you noticed.

Stay tuned to Naden's Corner to 'Winning' steps 4 and 5.

Until next time,

Dan Naden

An Opportune Time to Shut the Ipod Off

I like my Ipod. I am cool with my Ipod. My Ipod and I bond on the trail, treadmill, and with the jumprope. My Ipod helps my push through those 'I gotta stop moments' with a bout of extra endurance when I am exercising.

I consider these times Ipod essentials. The truly portable Ipod is a perfect companion when exercising. I can't tell you how many 'little white cords' I see in the morning on my fellow exercises in my neighborhood. Whether it is Quiet Riot, Brooks and Dunn, or Celine Dion, we are all jamming to our favorites.

Then, there's another time when it disappoints me to see that white cord dangling. In my last two jobs, I've seen a large number of fellow co-workers walking around the workplace zoned out to their Ipod. I have no problem with people sitting in your office, cubicle, or workspace listening to their favorite songs on their Ipod in the midst of an important project.

I don't think it is right, however, to frequent common areas (lunch room, conference room) with your Ipod. Call me a budding extrovert (yes, I know, there are introverts, too), but I think these areas are perfect for bonding with fellow co-workers, chatting about the weekend's football game, or hearing how that sleep-deprived guy is doing with the newborn.

The Ipod has done plenty to help bring back music, but let's 'cut the cord' when we are in 'engagement areas' at our workplace. Your career, ego, attitude, and enthusiasm can all be positively affected by conversing with your co-workers. Press the play button when you get back to your cubicle.

Until next time,

Dan Naden
Naden's Corner