David J. Waldron's Blog
May 23, 2016
Build an Organization, Team, or Career of Distinction in the Transformational Workplace
The transformational workplace of the twenty-first century is front and center. Are you ready to navigate its twists and turns toward reaching your career goals and dreams?
In my new book, Hire Train Monitor Motivate: Build an Organization, Team, or Career of Distinction in the Transformational Workplace, the goal is to offer powerful, yet simple techniques that can dramatically improve organization, team, or individual career achievements in today’s hyper-competitive local and global marketplaces.
{Book is publishing on May 31, 2016 on the Country View imprint in Amazon Books and the Kindle Store where it is now available for pre-order. Refer to end of this post on how to enter the Goodreads Giveaway for chance to win one of ten print versions of the book!}
My objective in writing Hire Train Monitor Motivate was to create a practical handbook where I encourage readers to master the art of workplace effectiveness by first making a lasting commitment to placing people first, whether a customer, recruit, staff member, or coworker. Then hire, or get hired for an optimistic mindset; train, or be trained for delivering quality products and services; monitor, or allow monitoring for regulatory compliance; and motivate, or stay motivated for enduring performance.
As a practitioner more so than an academic, my objective throughout the book is to present unpretentious, everyday workplace rules that when implemented, or followed, can transform an organization, team, or individual career to one of lasting distinction. Readers will learn the proven techniques for playing the game the right way and how to practice leadership or teamwork by inclusion toward making his or her workplace a great place to learn, earn, and grow.
The mission of Hire Train Monitor Motivate is to guide the reader toward recognizing his or her essential role in today’s transformational workplace. A renewed work environment—whether for-profit, nonprofit, or in the public service—that requires an understanding and buy-in to the Millennial Model, the cultural transition of the now predominant generation that is fast becoming the new standard in organizational behavior, group dynamics, and individual effectiveness. This horizontal hierarchical model will likely drive the influential organizations, teams, and careers of the twenty-first century as the vertical hierarchy of previous generations such as the Baby Boomers did in the twentieth century.
As part of the book's conclusion, I attempt to encourage the reader to embrace the central themes of the modern workplace. Explored are the emerging dominance of the expert economy; the importance of lifelong learning and perpetual career development; and how to be an active participant—as opposed to the spectator—on the precipice of reinventing compensation and worker equality. Plus, why accepting the significance of work/life balance will remain necessary to sustainable career success.
Whether the book is read by an owner, investor, donor, manager, supervisor, or staff member, my commitment to Hire Train Monitor Motivate is celebrating our essential and distinct roles in the transformational workplace by inspiring each reader to make his or her workplace a great place. Their organization, team, and career are counting on them.
Copyright 2016 by David J. Waldron, LLC. All rights reserved.
In my new book, Hire Train Monitor Motivate: Build an Organization, Team, or Career of Distinction in the Transformational Workplace, the goal is to offer powerful, yet simple techniques that can dramatically improve organization, team, or individual career achievements in today’s hyper-competitive local and global marketplaces.
{Book is publishing on May 31, 2016 on the Country View imprint in Amazon Books and the Kindle Store where it is now available for pre-order. Refer to end of this post on how to enter the Goodreads Giveaway for chance to win one of ten print versions of the book!}
My objective in writing Hire Train Monitor Motivate was to create a practical handbook where I encourage readers to master the art of workplace effectiveness by first making a lasting commitment to placing people first, whether a customer, recruit, staff member, or coworker. Then hire, or get hired for an optimistic mindset; train, or be trained for delivering quality products and services; monitor, or allow monitoring for regulatory compliance; and motivate, or stay motivated for enduring performance.
As a practitioner more so than an academic, my objective throughout the book is to present unpretentious, everyday workplace rules that when implemented, or followed, can transform an organization, team, or individual career to one of lasting distinction. Readers will learn the proven techniques for playing the game the right way and how to practice leadership or teamwork by inclusion toward making his or her workplace a great place to learn, earn, and grow.
The mission of Hire Train Monitor Motivate is to guide the reader toward recognizing his or her essential role in today’s transformational workplace. A renewed work environment—whether for-profit, nonprofit, or in the public service—that requires an understanding and buy-in to the Millennial Model, the cultural transition of the now predominant generation that is fast becoming the new standard in organizational behavior, group dynamics, and individual effectiveness. This horizontal hierarchical model will likely drive the influential organizations, teams, and careers of the twenty-first century as the vertical hierarchy of previous generations such as the Baby Boomers did in the twentieth century.
As part of the book's conclusion, I attempt to encourage the reader to embrace the central themes of the modern workplace. Explored are the emerging dominance of the expert economy; the importance of lifelong learning and perpetual career development; and how to be an active participant—as opposed to the spectator—on the precipice of reinventing compensation and worker equality. Plus, why accepting the significance of work/life balance will remain necessary to sustainable career success.
Whether the book is read by an owner, investor, donor, manager, supervisor, or staff member, my commitment to Hire Train Monitor Motivate is celebrating our essential and distinct roles in the transformational workplace by inspiring each reader to make his or her workplace a great place. Their organization, team, and career are counting on them.
Copyright 2016 by David J. Waldron, LLC. All rights reserved.
March 10, 2016
Managing Your Health is an Essential Career Skill
Any goal setting exercise that includes long term ambitions perhaps needs a domain about prolonging one's life—as much as it is controllable—in order to have a reasonable opportunity to stay awhile and enjoy what is important to us whether at home, in school, at play, or in the workplace.
Designing, implementing, and evaluating effective workplace health promotion programs is fast becoming common practice within employee benefit plans.
We are now entrenched in the proverbial time of year when advertising is inundated with weight loss and exercise programs, echoing the enormous market for health and wellness.
Granted, the desire for improved health is a beneficial obsession. But fads aside, the health domain represents a great opportunity to set reasonable targets for the year—and farther out—regarding your body, mind, and overall well-being.
One of my favorite anecdotes is from the satirical novel, Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk, adapted in the 1999 Brad Pitt movie of the same title; and celebrated as a refrain by the contrarian financial website, Zero Hedge:
Since we are living in a humble reality that is impossible to overcome, we may as well do whatever is necessary to extend our inevitable and finite timeline here on planet Earth. Managing our health with vigor provides the opportunity to stretch the inescapable.
One may argue that health is worthy of being the number three domain in the priorities of life—after spirituality and family—as typical achievements from other domains, such as education, career, and money, cannot be taken with us to any promised land.
Thus, be wise by maintaining your health from head to toe in 2016 and beyond. Your loved ones and workplace partners are counting on you.
Copyright 2016 by David J. Waldron. All rights reserved.
Designing, implementing, and evaluating effective workplace health promotion programs is fast becoming common practice within employee benefit plans.
We are now entrenched in the proverbial time of year when advertising is inundated with weight loss and exercise programs, echoing the enormous market for health and wellness.
Granted, the desire for improved health is a beneficial obsession. But fads aside, the health domain represents a great opportunity to set reasonable targets for the year—and farther out—regarding your body, mind, and overall well-being.
One of my favorite anecdotes is from the satirical novel, Fight Club, by Chuck Palahniuk, adapted in the 1999 Brad Pitt movie of the same title; and celebrated as a refrain by the contrarian financial website, Zero Hedge:
"On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero."
Since we are living in a humble reality that is impossible to overcome, we may as well do whatever is necessary to extend our inevitable and finite timeline here on planet Earth. Managing our health with vigor provides the opportunity to stretch the inescapable.
One may argue that health is worthy of being the number three domain in the priorities of life—after spirituality and family—as typical achievements from other domains, such as education, career, and money, cannot be taken with us to any promised land.
Thus, be wise by maintaining your health from head to toe in 2016 and beyond. Your loved ones and workplace partners are counting on you.
Copyright 2016 by David J. Waldron. All rights reserved.
January 27, 2016
The Secret to Successful Goal Achievement
A cognitive technique used by high achieving individuals is perhaps the most compelling reason why he or she attains a vast majority of personal and professional objectives. The concept of be—have—do also demonstrates why others struggle to set and achieve goals. Thus, I believe it is one of the most important aspects of effective goal setting.
When life operates on automatic, human beings tend to live based on a simple premise of do—be—have. In other words, “if I do this, then I will be that, and therefore I will have this.” A common example:
The typical person, on an average day, and at a subconscious level, is inclined to set goals based on the do—be—have state of being. On the other hand, successful goal setters do not operate his or her life from the premise of favoring action above all else without first believing in the objective at hand, and taking ownership of it.
One may argue that most individuals do not function from a place of ownership first and thus set goals based on what he or she needs to do. As a result, many have trouble achieving the desired outcome of what he or she hopes to be, or wants to have.
I submit the successful goal achiever functions in the rare conscious state of be—have—do. Take a look how a mere reshuffle of priorities may result in dream achievement never thought possible:
In order to move to successful action, the prudent goal setter has first decided he or she is a person worthy of the wealth, and the financial security it brings, thus creating a built-in motivation to earn more and save more.
Here is another common example of the less successful do—be—have approach to problem solving:
Now look at the subtle, yet more successful be—have—do affirmation approach to the same goal:
Again, the decision is made to first affirm a state of being as a thinner person. Next, have the courage to believe in the goal through continued affirmation. Then, do what is necessary, and ethical, to succeed.
Granted, the concept of be—have—do is counterintuitive, although it is geared to the anticipated result of saving money, losing weight, or whatever the personal or professional goal. More often, individuals operate on a subconscious level influenced by a well-intended upbringing or external influences. Each is focused on the action of doing, before deciding he or she is conscious of being—and worthy of having—what is important.
This more conscientious approach to life, in general, and goal setting, specifically, is unconventional. Yet that is why it works. If conventional wisdom always delivered in life, a majority of individuals would be successful in both personal and professional pursuits, thus rendering self-improvement books and seminars to extinction.
The ubiquitous 80/20 Rule is another example of conventional wisdom versus counterintuitive decision making. Here, the approximated twenty percent minority prevails by prescribing to an unconventional method, i.e., be—have—do; that if implemented on a consistent basis, works a theoretical eighty percent of the time, or more often than not. The approximated eighty percent of individuals practicing conventional wisdom in goal setting, i.e., do—be—have, succeed about twenty percent of the time; or at least less often than those practicing be—have—do.
To be sure, the 80/20 rule is not scientific, although I challenge any reader to begin observing those around you at work, at home, and in public. You may find the minority, or the perceived twenty percent is receiving a majority, or the perceived eighty percent, of what is sought in life.
The other eighty percent, more or less, is clamoring over the remaining twenty percent, or thereabouts, of the personal and professional achievement pie.
By embracing the be—have—do concept, you are using the power of affirmation to first, be who you want to be; next, have what you want to have; and then, do what is necessary to bring your goal to completion. In other words, successful action follows those who first decide each deserves what he or she wants to achieve.
Practice the cognitive art of be—have—do by first making the personal decision of being worthy of your goals. Next, take ownership by having what is important to you, your loved ones, and colleagues. Then, do what is necessary—in an ethical and caring way—to bring your goals to fruition.
Copyright 2016 by David J. Waldron. All rights reserved.
David J. Waldron, Author
The TEN DOMAINS of Effective Goal Setting
When life operates on automatic, human beings tend to live based on a simple premise of do—be—have. In other words, “if I do this, then I will be that, and therefore I will have this.” A common example:
| “If I do save lots of money, I will then be wealthy, and therefore, I will have financial security.”
The typical person, on an average day, and at a subconscious level, is inclined to set goals based on the do—be—have state of being. On the other hand, successful goal setters do not operate his or her life from the premise of favoring action above all else without first believing in the objective at hand, and taking ownership of it.
One may argue that most individuals do not function from a place of ownership first and thus set goals based on what he or she needs to do. As a result, many have trouble achieving the desired outcome of what he or she hopes to be, or wants to have.
I submit the successful goal achiever functions in the rare conscious state of be—have—do. Take a look how a mere reshuffle of priorities may result in dream achievement never thought possible:
| “If I be someone worthy of wealth, I will have a sense of financial security; and therefore, I will do what is necessary to earn and save more money.”
In order to move to successful action, the prudent goal setter has first decided he or she is a person worthy of the wealth, and the financial security it brings, thus creating a built-in motivation to earn more and save more.
Here is another common example of the less successful do—be—have approach to problem solving:
| “If I do this popular diet, I will be twenty-five pounds lighter; and therefore, I will have a thinner body.”
Now look at the subtle, yet more successful be—have—do affirmation approach to the same goal:
| “I will be a thinner person because I have the courage to do what is necessary to lose twenty-five pounds in a healthful way.”
Again, the decision is made to first affirm a state of being as a thinner person. Next, have the courage to believe in the goal through continued affirmation. Then, do what is necessary, and ethical, to succeed.
Granted, the concept of be—have—do is counterintuitive, although it is geared to the anticipated result of saving money, losing weight, or whatever the personal or professional goal. More often, individuals operate on a subconscious level influenced by a well-intended upbringing or external influences. Each is focused on the action of doing, before deciding he or she is conscious of being—and worthy of having—what is important.
This more conscientious approach to life, in general, and goal setting, specifically, is unconventional. Yet that is why it works. If conventional wisdom always delivered in life, a majority of individuals would be successful in both personal and professional pursuits, thus rendering self-improvement books and seminars to extinction.
The ubiquitous 80/20 Rule is another example of conventional wisdom versus counterintuitive decision making. Here, the approximated twenty percent minority prevails by prescribing to an unconventional method, i.e., be—have—do; that if implemented on a consistent basis, works a theoretical eighty percent of the time, or more often than not. The approximated eighty percent of individuals practicing conventional wisdom in goal setting, i.e., do—be—have, succeed about twenty percent of the time; or at least less often than those practicing be—have—do.
To be sure, the 80/20 rule is not scientific, although I challenge any reader to begin observing those around you at work, at home, and in public. You may find the minority, or the perceived twenty percent is receiving a majority, or the perceived eighty percent, of what is sought in life.
The other eighty percent, more or less, is clamoring over the remaining twenty percent, or thereabouts, of the personal and professional achievement pie.
By embracing the be—have—do concept, you are using the power of affirmation to first, be who you want to be; next, have what you want to have; and then, do what is necessary to bring your goal to completion. In other words, successful action follows those who first decide each deserves what he or she wants to achieve.
Practice the cognitive art of be—have—do by first making the personal decision of being worthy of your goals. Next, take ownership by having what is important to you, your loved ones, and colleagues. Then, do what is necessary—in an ethical and caring way—to bring your goals to fruition.
Copyright 2016 by David J. Waldron. All rights reserved.
David J. Waldron, Author
The TEN DOMAINS of Effective Goal Setting
January 20, 2016
Three Rules of Effective Goal Setting
The proverbial time of year, when personal and professional aspirations become top of mind, is once again upon us.
Achieving a goal may be the most rewarding of moments. To the contrary, failing to reach a dream is one of life’s more disheartening of personal or professional experiences.
Effective goal setting requires three general rules of the thumb that encompass planning, simplicity, and structure.
Have a Plan, Then Work the Plan
Regardless of the level of difficulty, or the personal importance of a dream, the acts of setting and achieving our goals happen more often if we write them down. For that reason, it forever remains the first rule of goal setting.
It is long established that written goals have a higher chance of actual achievement. I am of the belief that goal setting is about having a plan, and working the plan. As life sometimes happens, the plan may not work as intended; although by having a written plan and working it with rigor, something good may happen when you least expect it.
Whether you choose a traditional paper notebook; smartphone or tablet notes app; or desktop word processing software, write your goals down in a simple, yet clear and concise manner. It is a contract between you and yourself. Hence, treat it as such by signing and dating your plan.
Rewrite and edit, as necessary, until you are comfortable with the language and format. But write it down, read it often, and revise it whenever necessary, or practical. Life changes, therefore the written plan that guides it needs to as well.
Give Your Plan a K.I.S.S.
The key to making the Ten Domains approach to goal setting both believable and sustainable, is to develop objectives within each domain for both short and long term ambitions. It is crucial to keep your plan succinct, and that brings us to the second rule of thumb for effective goal setting.
As a fervent believer in the K.I.S.S. concept, or the keep it super simple approach to life, I update each domain at the beginning of the year by setting at least one annual goal, e.g., 2016, and at least one objective that stretches beyond the year. I then, on occasion, visit the list to monitor progress, making adjustments as warranted by life’s fluid and ever changing landscape. And yes, sometimes unexpected vicissitudes are distressing. But tragedy and heartbreak aside, remember these words of wisdom:
Change is inevitable, and one may argue the only consistent event we may count on in life. Thus, modification is a critical component of any goal setting exercise, including necessary adjustments along the way.
Regardless of change, and any resulting discomfort, keep your goals super simple. Your chances of attaining each may multiply accordingly.
Use S.M.A.R.T. Goals
It may seem a redundant cliché, although using a well-worn acronym in goal setting could be the difference between success and failure in reaching your desired outcomes. And that is why it is included as the third rule of effective goal setting.
Front test your written goals using George T. Doran’s S.M.A.R.T. approach: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound;[1] inspired by Peter Drucker’s legendary management by objective concept.[2]
Doran suggests we be specific when writing down our goals; ensure our ambitions are measurable; set only goals we believe are achievable; be honest in our self-assessment by committing to targets that are realistic and relevant given the resources available to us; and establish time specific deadlines to reach our objectives. For example:
The above illustrative goal is specific in its clear objective of reading a minimum of one book each month; measured by recording the results in personal calendars and diaries; attainable by allowing an entire month for reading at least one book amid a busy schedule; realistic in the sense the goal setter knows oneself as a passionate learner; and time bound in that specific time lines are chosen and recorded.
The S.M.A.R.T approach to goal setting is imperative for achieving dreams that are practical and achievable. Remember to integrate the S.M.A.R.T. concept into each of your written goals.
An important first step in effective goal setting is to write down your plan, and work the plan. Give your plan a K.I.S.S. by keeping it super simple; and make it S.M.A.R.T. as in specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound.
It is sometimes said that individuals do not change, although everyone does have the ability to transform. I challenge you to be transformational in your goal setting. Begin with the destination in mind, remembering to enjoy the journey, as the ride may be the best part of achieving your goals and dreams in 2016, and beyond.
Copyright 2016 by David J. Waldron. All rights reserved.
_____________________
[1] George T. Doran, “There's a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management's Goals and Objectives," Management Review, American Management Association Forum, 1981. 35-36
[2] Peter F. Drucker, The Practice of Management (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1954.)
David J. Waldron, Author
The TEN DOMAINS of Effective Goal Setting
Achieving a goal may be the most rewarding of moments. To the contrary, failing to reach a dream is one of life’s more disheartening of personal or professional experiences.
Effective goal setting requires three general rules of the thumb that encompass planning, simplicity, and structure.
Have a Plan, Then Work the Plan
Regardless of the level of difficulty, or the personal importance of a dream, the acts of setting and achieving our goals happen more often if we write them down. For that reason, it forever remains the first rule of goal setting.
| Rule #1: Write your goals down.
It is long established that written goals have a higher chance of actual achievement. I am of the belief that goal setting is about having a plan, and working the plan. As life sometimes happens, the plan may not work as intended; although by having a written plan and working it with rigor, something good may happen when you least expect it.
Whether you choose a traditional paper notebook; smartphone or tablet notes app; or desktop word processing software, write your goals down in a simple, yet clear and concise manner. It is a contract between you and yourself. Hence, treat it as such by signing and dating your plan.
Rewrite and edit, as necessary, until you are comfortable with the language and format. But write it down, read it often, and revise it whenever necessary, or practical. Life changes, therefore the written plan that guides it needs to as well.
Give Your Plan a K.I.S.S.
The key to making the Ten Domains approach to goal setting both believable and sustainable, is to develop objectives within each domain for both short and long term ambitions. It is crucial to keep your plan succinct, and that brings us to the second rule of thumb for effective goal setting.
| Rule #2: Keep It Super Simple (K.I.S.S.)
As a fervent believer in the K.I.S.S. concept, or the keep it super simple approach to life, I update each domain at the beginning of the year by setting at least one annual goal, e.g., 2016, and at least one objective that stretches beyond the year. I then, on occasion, visit the list to monitor progress, making adjustments as warranted by life’s fluid and ever changing landscape. And yes, sometimes unexpected vicissitudes are distressing. But tragedy and heartbreak aside, remember these words of wisdom:
| The pain of change is long forgotten when the benefits of the change are realized.
Change is inevitable, and one may argue the only consistent event we may count on in life. Thus, modification is a critical component of any goal setting exercise, including necessary adjustments along the way.
Regardless of change, and any resulting discomfort, keep your goals super simple. Your chances of attaining each may multiply accordingly.
Use S.M.A.R.T. Goals
It may seem a redundant cliché, although using a well-worn acronym in goal setting could be the difference between success and failure in reaching your desired outcomes. And that is why it is included as the third rule of effective goal setting.
| Rule #3: Be S.M.A.R.T. in your goal setting.
Front test your written goals using George T. Doran’s S.M.A.R.T. approach: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound;[1] inspired by Peter Drucker’s legendary management by objective concept.[2]
Doran suggests we be specific when writing down our goals; ensure our ambitions are measurable; set only goals we believe are achievable; be honest in our self-assessment by committing to targets that are realistic and relevant given the resources available to us; and establish time specific deadlines to reach our objectives. For example:
| As a success minded professional, I will read at least one self-improvement book each month, during the hours I set aside in my personal calendar; then, upon completion, write a brief narrative in my online diary of how each book enlightened me, and inspired me.
The above illustrative goal is specific in its clear objective of reading a minimum of one book each month; measured by recording the results in personal calendars and diaries; attainable by allowing an entire month for reading at least one book amid a busy schedule; realistic in the sense the goal setter knows oneself as a passionate learner; and time bound in that specific time lines are chosen and recorded.
The S.M.A.R.T approach to goal setting is imperative for achieving dreams that are practical and achievable. Remember to integrate the S.M.A.R.T. concept into each of your written goals.
An important first step in effective goal setting is to write down your plan, and work the plan. Give your plan a K.I.S.S. by keeping it super simple; and make it S.M.A.R.T. as in specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound.
It is sometimes said that individuals do not change, although everyone does have the ability to transform. I challenge you to be transformational in your goal setting. Begin with the destination in mind, remembering to enjoy the journey, as the ride may be the best part of achieving your goals and dreams in 2016, and beyond.
Copyright 2016 by David J. Waldron. All rights reserved.
_____________________
[1] George T. Doran, “There's a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management's Goals and Objectives," Management Review, American Management Association Forum, 1981. 35-36
[2] Peter F. Drucker, The Practice of Management (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1954.)
David J. Waldron, Author
The TEN DOMAINS of Effective Goal Setting
January 19, 2016
Achieve Your Dreams in 2016!
I am pleased to announce that my new book about achieving our dreams in the essential areas of life, was published on January 18, 2016, and is available on Amazon Books and in the Kindle Store:
The Ten Domains of Effective Goal Setting (Country View imprint) by David J. Waldron.
10 author signed paperback copies are now available for worldwide entry in the Goodreads Giveaway program, until February 11th.
Sign-up for my Free Exclusive Reader Alerts for news on upcoming releases, book giveaways, advance reader's copies (ARCs), and other exclusive author updates by visiting my SiteLock secure website, davidjwaldron.com. Subscription is free; unsubscribe anytime. Privacy assured.
Write me anytime here on my Goodreads author page with your questions or comments. Reader inquiries and reviews are cherished.
New friends and followers are always welcomed. I look forward to hearing from you!
Happy reading in 2016!
~David
The Ten Domains of Effective Goal Setting (Country View imprint) by David J. Waldron.
10 author signed paperback copies are now available for worldwide entry in the Goodreads Giveaway program, until February 11th.
Sign-up for my Free Exclusive Reader Alerts for news on upcoming releases, book giveaways, advance reader's copies (ARCs), and other exclusive author updates by visiting my SiteLock secure website, davidjwaldron.com. Subscription is free; unsubscribe anytime. Privacy assured.
Write me anytime here on my Goodreads author page with your questions or comments. Reader inquiries and reviews are cherished.
New friends and followers are always welcomed. I look forward to hearing from you!
Happy reading in 2016!
~David
