Targeted Outcomes

Diminishing Returns

Stephen M. Gower, CSP

A shrimp trawler sacrifices thousands of fish (bycatch) in order to net a far lesser number of shrimp. The number of dead fish thrown back into the ocean continues to swell. Any benefit that looks like shrimp begins to take second place to a deficit in the ocean.

A small amount of liquid is applied to a typing error. It works well. Apply too much of this liquid and the remedy becomes the reckoning of the paper.

An appropriate amount of mascara applied to the eyelashes of one's eye can beautify that face. Too much mascara reaches a point of diminishing returns.

A modicum of friendliness on the part of the leader toward the team member can be a blessing. Friendliness taken too far can equal a loss of objectivity.

Caring enough to confront stretched into perpetual complaining can approach bullying. Whereas some refuse to care enough to confront, others only choose to care enough to affirm. Either strength taken too far becomes problematic.

There is no case, save integrity, where a strength cannot be taken too far. Challenges in this realm are as rampant as ticks from a clock. In order to respond to the “strengths-taken-too-far” challenge, the leader must apply discernment to situations. Thinking before activation is the key.

Discernment is knowing “when to” and “when not to.” Within a more complex crucible, discernment is that capacity to choose wisely, to see into the future of one's consequences of an action and to respond with restraint. Discernment is a gigantic challenge.

Press the Pause Button in Life

Graham Gandee

The anticipation of my son’s 4th birthday party was one of the most exciting days of my life. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the night of decorating for the party. The morning could not come soon enough.

My heart pounded, in excitement, walking up the stairs to wake-up Maddox. I entered his room: “Wake up Maddox…today is your birthday party.” He sprung out of bed in excitement! “Today is my birthday party?!” replied Maddox. “Yes son, today is your special day” I replied.

He quickly made his way downstairs. At the bottom, he peeked around the corner and said, “Wow! This is incredible!” He turned and said, “Daddy, I love you.” With the strength of God, I was able to remain standing.

The anticipated reaction was for Maddox to run towards the gifts and decorations at first sight. However, he took time to “pause” and appreciate the significance of his special day. Maddox taught me a lesson at that moment. I should press the pause button in life; more frequently, as a father, husband, son, brother, friend, therapist, and leader.

Leaders have a tendency to constantly be on the move either physically or mentally. I know that I will consciously be more aware to stop and observe, meditate, or appreciate life’s moments. It is amazing how precious the perspective can be, by a simple press of the pause button in life.

Targeted Reading

The Age of Speed – Learning to Thrive in a More-Faster-Now World
by Vince Poscente

“We have two response-options in the 'More-Faster-Now World.' We can embrace speed or we can settle for struggling with it.” That is the center-point of this book.

The age of speed represents a good case for reaching goals faster – for viewing speed as an opportunity, not an obstacle. This book asks and seeks to answer a very potent question – so potent that it deserves top billing on the book's front inside flap: “Is our 24/7, crackberry, more-faster-now culture eating us alive or setting us free?”

Be sure to note the white-on-black sheets carrying a single thought. Two of my favorites are:

• “The difference between expectation and desire is subtle but important.”
• “If you want to be faster, you need to be open to new ideas an opportunities.”

Let's close with the top portion of the back inside flap: “As the speed of business gets faster and faster, how will you get ahead?”

Announcements

Order gift-books for your team members for the holidays at 25% off! Large quantity discounts are available also. Call 706-297-7678 or e-mail smg@stephengower.com to place your order now!

Mr. Gower has been invited to be a guest host on Willie Jolley's Sirius XM Radio Show that airs to over 22 million people. We will keep you posted as to the “airing date.” Mr. Gower will be Mr. Jolley's guest for one hour discussing What Do They See When They See You Coming? and the relationship between perception and leadership.

We will appreciate your help. Mr. Gower is attempting to blanket four walls in one of the rooms of our office with patches. If you are in public safety, could you please send one of your patches to P.O. Box 714 Toccoa, GA 30577?

Stephen's Schedule

Contact our office to schedule Stephen, while he is in your area!

• Brevard County Sheriffs Office – Titusville, FL
• Institute of Internal Auditors – Orlando, FL
• Arizona Chiefs of Police – Las Vegas, NV
• NC Sheriffs Association – Raleigh, NC
• Georgia Sheriffs Association/ Secretaries Conference – Stockbridge, GA
• KY Sheriffs Association – Louisville, KY
• State Personnel Administration HR Conference – Atlanta, GA
• Nebraska Sheriffs Association – Lincoln, NE
• International Association of Chiefs of Police – Chicago, IL
• TN West Star Leadership Program – Pickwick Landing, TN
• New Mexico Home Care – Santa Fe, NM
• Lead TN – Nashville, TN
• South Carolina Health Care Association – Charleston, SC