April 2008

Dear Greg:

Welcome to Plan-Perform-Score! These Insight Bites focus on ideas, thoughts, and tools to alter perspective and improve performance.

It's a Common Road

This past weekend I participated in a "Relay for Life" to support the American Cancer Society. This was a very therapeutic process for me. When you are walking around in a large oval by yourself for 3 hours in the wee hours of the morning your thoughts tend to drift a bit. But the most eventful thoughts of the night dealt with the precious souls I have known that have touched, shaped and inspired my life. Cobwebs get cleared and the vital basics of your existence come back into clearer focus. The Relay for Life process provides the time, peace and reverent setting to pause, reflect and hopefully grow.

I think there is a message here for the organizations, professions and groups we participate in. We get so caught up in the day to day struggles we are always in "the here and now." But there is a broader and deeper scope that needs attention every now and then. Our organizations have a past and future as well as a present. We tend to focus on them one at a time rather than view them as an interwoven circle of connectivity. Take a few moments to thank those who have preceded you and to make a promise to those who will follow that you will honor, respect and build upon the culture of the organization. Realize that you are a vital link in a chain that shares a common bond and commitment. It will give your work new meaning, energy and purpose.

Here's your new mantra: "Work with a purpose, have a lot of fun and enjoy the ride!"

Quote & Note

"If there is no wind, row."
(Proverb)

Another related proverb captures it up well, "there are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same."

There are two implied messages for your organization:

• Always have a back-up plan and a different route to your objective. The most logical or direct path is not always available so be prepared to improvise.
• When building your management team, pay attention to those gifted few who think and problem solve differently. When you get really stuck, these are some of your most valuable players.

Management Law

First Law of Debate

Never argue with a fool - people might not know the difference.

Be careful with your ego. Don't let your emotion drag you into an overly dramatic argument where no one wins and everyone looks bad. Ask yourself "Is this important enough for me to expend my physical, mental, political and emotional strength?"

Check this out:

Interesting snippets of fun and verified facts. Impress the gang back at the office, improve your trivia skills or have another way to pass time when suffering from insomnia.

http://www.amusingfacts.com/

We welcome your feedback on this and all issues of Plan-Perform-Score! Please e-mail your comments to: GPashke@PashkeConsulting.com
If you'd like to tour The One Page Planning & Performance System (TOPPPS) with built in scorecards and performance reports, please call Greg Pashke at (772) 528-3871 or e-mail: GPashke@PashkeConsulting.com

April 2008