Go Wild! Go GREAT! The Journey from Now to WOWTM

Symbols of Leadership--Keep It Real!

               

I'm writing you as I look out my Hotel Window to our magnificent  Capital.  As often as I've been to Washington, I can still report my child-like marvel at the brilliance of seeing our illuminated Capital building and monuments.  Amidst the seeming bombardment of tragedy in the news, these bright beacons, somehow ground us through their strong architecture and remind us of the purity and courage of the American Spirit.     It's easy to get disenchanted with our political climate, but somehow I forget all of that, when I glance at our nation's capital at twilight and recapture my belief in goodness and honesty.  Indeed, every organization and institution should have their unique symbol of leadership and vision.  Walt Disney did when he told his construction crew to "Build the Castle First" "They Need to see the Castle".   Symbols generate emotional connections with us.  They inspire us and they speak to Vision.

During a time when we wonder why our elected leaders don't always speak the truth, I also shook my head as I came into the Capital, at a homeless man who held up a rather novel and honest sign to solicit contributions

"Keep It Real!  I won't lie.  I really need a Beer" 

Frankly, I  smiled a little and wondered "How's that working for you?" and Is Honesty always the best policy?     Then,  I caught a glimpse of Mrs. Clinton's New Political Button "I'm In to Win".  I liked it!  Simple,  Direct and somehow it generated an emotional response in me that  a  "Woman could Win and be President" (whether I'm a Mrs. Clinton fan or not).

Evaluate your Company's Simple Bumper Sticker Message and/or Your Symbol.  Does It create  an emotional response?  Show your message/symbol to official or unofficial  test groups and ask them  what are the first words that come to their mind when they see or hear it?  Do we see your Castle like an illuminated monument ?  Does it  give us hope when the day to day muddles us down? Oh and yes are you "Keeping it Real and Honest?

 

On Mind/Body Connection

Explore the power of Mind/Body Connection!  Let's say you have had a difficult phone call or experience.  Did you know you will not change your mood until you move your body?  When teaching negotiating skills, I advise students to watch for those crossed arms and "planted positions."  Before they'll get anywhere in the negotiation,   they must first move the other person's  rigid stance by getting them to  move their body first---perhaps suggesting a walk for coffee.

Let's apply this to your mood.  If you have just had a difficult or upsetting experience, your mood will not change until you first move your body.  So Take  A  2 minute vacation--walk outside and get some fresh air! Your body has shifted and now your mind can shift to a refreshed state.   

Colors Paint a Picture of Your Mood

From Washington, DC

I wanted to share a wonderful, short, free test for you that could show your "True Colors".

In preparation for a conference I'm leading on Strategic Thinking this month in Louisville, I ran across some interesting research on "colorgenics".  Without getting overly technical, it's the impact of color and light on the brain and how we see things.

Research show an 87% accuracy in those tested.

It takes 20 seconds and I think you will find it interesting.  Here's the link.   Mood Ring not included! 

Go Wild!  Go GREAT!  

http://www.paulgoldin.com/colorgenics.htm