-Mark Twain (1835–1910)
American writer

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Give more history…

Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) understood business. He sold thousands of copies of Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer, and his other books through "subscription agents" — salespeople who would presell books door-to-door using sample pages of the books they were promoting (called a "canvassing book" or "sales dummy").

Twain’s policy was to have 40,000 copies sold before a book was published (actually produced). The upsell for the agent… better bindings.

Read the scripts used by the salespeople, enjoy the agent’s kit, or get the big picture of marketing Twain.

(entire archive here — fun weekend reading)

-Marcus Aurelius (121-180)
Roman emperor, philosopher

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Give more inspiration…

No motions. No busywork. We’re here to make good things happen for other people.

5 beautiful workdays lie ahead for the week. Use every… single… one.

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A few videos to get you in the right mindset…

My Better is Better Than Your Better (1 minute from Nike)

Awake (1 minute from Nike)

Smenthusiasm (2 minutes from my boys)

-Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)
German philosopher

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Give more evaluation…

Do your actions…

1. create a positive buzz about you and your work?
2. make others want you as a part of their team?
3. make your employer cringe at the thought of losing you to a competitor?
4. make your customers (or colleagues) excited about referring you to others?

You want your actions to scream value without the need for you to say a word.

This is what creates true economic and job security – the value you and your team create for others.

This is care (what it’s all about).

When you have the opportunity over the next few days, set a reminder to review these four questions at the end of each month. Then, give yourself a little (objective) attention by reviewing them and creating an action plan to improve in each area where you feel you should.

Easier said than done… still needs to be done.

Email this thought to a friend or colleague (it’s smover approved).

-Aristotle (384bc-322bc)
Greek philosopher, physician & scientist

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Give more habit…

How many times have all of us fallen just short of a goal only to wish we’d given something (or someone) a little more attention (or a little more effort)?

Today is 20% of your work week.

Make it all count.

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Too many people will lose today’s productivity in anticipation of the weekend. Isn’t it time to start a little positive revolution… a little LUKSA?

-Margaret Mead (1901-1978)
American cultural anthropologist

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Give more leadership check…

Are you holding yourself accountable as a leader (with a title or not)?

As leaders, we enjoy the responsibility of helping our people develop in a way that encourages them to hold themselves accountable for their attitudes, their work, and their results.

We need to be as disciplined, resourceful, and resilient in our efforts as we ask our people to be in theirs.

Relentless leadership is embracing the fact that the need for reinforcement never ends and uncomfortable conversations are a necessity. This is how we create something special.

Smile & Lead.

(some of our favorite leadership thoughts from Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Today’s quote is on a Love Your People™ card.

-Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968)
American civil rights leader
Nobel Peace Prize winner

Celebrating Martin Luther King Day in the U.S.

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Give more inspiration…

Martin Luther King lived for just over 39 years.

He traveled over six million miles, spoke on over 2500 occasions, became an icon for civil rights, was the youngest Time magazine Man of the Year (35), and won the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize.

When you have some time (outside the money hours or on a well-earned break), enjoy his "I Have a Dream" speech, read his Nobel Prize acceptance, or listen to this quick audio clip (love this) from his Drum Major Instinct sermon for a little inspiration (full text of the speech).

-Maximus Decimus Meridias
Roman general
from the film "Gladiator" (2000)

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Give more reminder…

Your work (effort) matters to someone (even if you’re not always thanked or recognized for it).

Care about it (and inspire someone through your example).
__________

"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee."

–Marian Wright Edelman

(printable 2010 work days calendars and individual months… cool computer wallpapers too)

–Mother Teresa (1910-1997)
Macedonian missionary
Nobel Peace Prize winner

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Give more challenge…

A simple challenge where everyone wins (you and those around you). No risk. No additional time required.

Within the next three weeks, set a 2-day period as your days (or your team’s days) to inspire others. Two days where you’ll put on blinders to anything negative and be the one in the office who everyone else can count on for words and actions that inspire and encourage. Two days where you’re the light for other people – your colleagues, your customers – no matter what.

Allow nothing negative and focus only on your service to others.

Once you set your two days, fully commit to the effort regardless of the inevitable challenges, regardless of the weather (please, never the weather). Fall off the inspirational horse at 2:11 on the first day? Get back on at 2:12 – no excuses.

Remember, you wake with an option for your daily attitude. Challenges will come up regardless.

Choose positive. Spread it for two days.

Get Smoving.

Not only will it be contagious… it might become a habit.

(Who could do it with you? Forward this idea to them.)

Today’s quote is available on note cards.

He was a rancher, captured an outlaw, authored 35 books, served as president of the American Historical Association, led two major scientific expeditions for prominent American museums, served as president of the United States (started as the youngest in history – 42), won the Nobel Peace Prize, and was the father of six children.

After he left the Presidency in 1909, he went on a safari in Africa. When he returned, he ran for President in 1912 as an independent because he lost the Republican nomination. While campaigning, he was shot in the chest by a fanatic and ultimately recovered. His words at the time…

“No man has had a happier life than I have led; a happier life in every way.”

When he died in 1919, the vice president said, “Death had to take him sleeping, if he had been awake there would have been a fight.”

What are your plans today?

Be Two-Twelve.

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Roosevelt’s inspirational words from “The Man in the Arena.”

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”

Regardless, challenges exist and we believe the necessary attitudes and characteristics to overcome these challenges are similar to some of those required of our military personnel (only we never have to risk making the ultimate sacrifice).

Let the U.S. Navy SEALs inspire you.

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The Creed

“In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, he stands alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life. I am that man.

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach. I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from other men. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast. My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission. I am never out of the fight.

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me – my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail. My training is never complete.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.

Brave men have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed. I will not fail.”