A Call To Action For The Rapid Rebuild Of Our Lives: The First Step
In our last two newsletters we spoke about our Call To Action For The Rapid Rebuild Of Our Economy, the Rapid Rebuild Of Our Economy as it Pertains to Businesses, and the important first steps of each.
Today I would like to speak about the The Rapid Rebuild Of Our Lives, The First Step, and some of those important steps to follow.
When I wrote my first book. Tighten the Lug Nuts, my vision was simple; to have it be a good read that was helpful and motivating. My hope was that readers would see that it was relevant in more than just the business world. As I read the newspaper each day, watch the news and discuss the current events of this difficult pandemic with friends and family, a core principle that I speak about in the book is more important in today’s world than ever before. Regardless of what section of the paper you read – politics, sports, business, entertainment or current events regarding the pandemic in the United States or around the world – VALUES MATTER.
Leadership
Leadership is something we all have concerns about. Leadership is a concept that is not reserved for, or only applies to certain people in business, government, and civic organizations. The reality is that no matter our age, gender, occupation, educational level or position in life, each of us touches and influences other lives. Through this extension we are all leaders to someone at some time. It can be a person under our supervision or care, a spouse we honor and live with, a child we nurture, a student we teach, or a player we coach. It could be as simple as a fellow member of our church or religious affiliation, club, league, or association, but it is usually identified by the fact we have made a positive difference through our actions and examples. This has been clear to me as each of us have made sacrifices for all of us.
Our first step in the Rebuilding of our Lives is to live our values and set the tone through our actions. As it pertains to leadership and our lives going forward, this is not a passive duty – it is an active responsibility. In business, this means providing people with the leadership they need to successfully reach their desired goals safely, in concert with those in the organization and our new norms.
In our personal lives, our actions, values, and behaviors are all about our families, friends and the people in our communities and managing acceptable behavior to keep us safe and productive.
Character
The truth is we are going to have to work hard to rebuild our lives and get back to and exceed the path we were on and achieve our goals. But it is how you face it that speaks to your character.
Your true character is defined by your honesty of purpose. Your purpose is sacred and authentic. Honesty is what is at the core of your moral character. It is being trustworthy, loyal, fair, sincere, and true, even when it is difficult to be. It is not only how you create your values, but also how you add value to the lives of others.
Values
The journey back will start with evaluating your value system, which then must relate to your mission and vision. It must be a guide you on your journey back and keep you safe and confident through the road ahead.
Values are important and lasting beliefs or ideals shared by the members of a culture about what is good or bad and desirable or undesirable. Values have major influence on a person’s behavior and attitude and serve as broad guidelines in all situations.
We all have personal values. They represent our character.
Through this pandemic, we all learned we can add value to others outside our immediate family and friends by our behaviors. This was a great lesson we should never forget and practice often.
As you go through the current events of the day, find those people to thank for their guidance and mentorship and take inventory of all those you have mentored, guided, and inspired you along the way. Some of you will be very proud of your efforts, while some may need to get to work. It all starts your Values and Your Legacy.
One of the best ways we can thank these wonderful influencers in our lives is by recognizing them. We have many heroes to thank through this crisis, so please take that opportunity to thank and recognize their efforts. Oh, By the Way, many of you owe yourself a thanks for your sacrifices as well. Through the Rebuild of Our Lives, take inventory of these valuable lessons and make them part of your rebuild plan of action and the building process. Many people have influenced us on our past journeys. We may have been too busy to take the time to reflect and thank them. They are powerful messages today as they were in the past.
I would like to share mine; and hope it may help you on your journey back.
A very simple and unassuming man with great integrity and character, my Dad, Pasquale Romanella, said it best to me and my two brothers and sister as we were growing up. It is the life lesson and standard that I judge myself, and strive to instill in all that I come in contact with.
He said to me one day, “It’s what you do when no one is watching that counts!” As a young man, who sometimes got off track, I would say, “Dad that is the best part, no one is watching.”
He quickly explained to me that there was always two people watching, the person upstairs, and the person in the mirror.
Purpose-driven people put their morals, character and honesty first. Without purpose, we drift. With purpose, we steer. You have the responsibility to yourself and to others to use your best judgment, weigh your options carefully and make the right decisions – even if they are not the most favorable or popular – even when no one is watching!
We can disagree and are often challenged to find the better way. Live by the rule: you can disagree, but you should not be disagreeable or disrespectful. Be humble and learn everything you can about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and then learn some more.
Recognize that it is what you do when no one is watching that counts most, because it’s the true measure of your character.
I hope Tighten the Lug Nuts can be that book that says WHY VALUES MATTER, and helps you navigate the road ahead.
Be Safe. Let The Journey Begin
Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing theimpossible. – Francis of Assisi
How can we use the extra time we now have to turn adversity into opportunity?
1. Read good books to strengthen your mind and spirit. We have all had that book that we just have not had the time to read. I have enclosed a link to a book sample of Tighten the Lug Nuts that can provide some interesting insights. Note especially the sample chapter on Simple Acts of Kindness. Download the sample here.
2. If you have had to cancel a conference due to unforeseen circumstances and are concerned about finding and signing a keynote speaker, breakout session leader and/or master of ceremonies – please do not stress. We will work with you and will provide a 20% discount to anyone who needs our help. Along with myself, we have a tremendous team of experts in various fields we can make available for all your needs. Visit our website for more information and again, please do not stress.
3. Podcasts are available that provide pertinent information on all kinds of topics. Businessrelated topics are just some of them. Take this opportunity to listen to some of your favorite speakers and perhaps some new ones you have not had time to listen to. We have 80 podcasts available that are now searchable by topic, show name or leadership competency. You can listen here.
4. We are all missing MARCH MADNESS. To get your fix, visit our web site for an exclusive video of legendary Coach John Wooden. This is one of a kind, never-seen-before extensive interview with this legendary sports icon. Watch the interview.
5. Finally, if you binge-watched all your favorite shows and are avoiding large groups at the theater, visit our video page to be both entertained and educated. We have redesigned our video page to help you find information that is both valuable and practical. The new interface allows you to search the videos in our library by topic. These include:
Keynote Speaking videos
Training videos
Coach’s Corner videos
Tighten The Lug Nuts videos
Interviews videos
Balanced Leadership videos
PROTECT YOURSELF
Steps to Protect Yourself
Clean your hands often:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Stay home if you’re sick:
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes:
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a face mask if you are sick:
• If you are sick: You should wear a face mask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do you best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a face mask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask). Face masks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
