December 20, 2011
Timeless Truths by Jerry Murray
One of our stated beliefs at North Group is that “there are very few shortcuts to personal development and organizational growth.” Personal development doesn’t happen in a microwave oven. It’s slow roasted with great care and intentionality. The concept is simple, but not easy. It’s simple, because timeless life truths are known and admired: have an others-centered focus; live with integrity (100% of the time); be generous (relationally and materially); maintain self control; the list could continue. We know these things. However, they are not easy because we want results now. Without accountability and discipline, most of us are prone to wander from what we know to be true. Some of us may wonder whether the patient application of timeless truths is even worth it.
A few weeks ago, I visited Berkshire Hathaway’s website. You’ve probably heard of the company. Berkshire Hathaway is a publicly traded investment manager with a stellar reputation for investing intelligence and financial results. Warren Buffett, CEO, took over in 1964 when the stock price was less than $20 per share. Today, the price exceeds $75,000 per share. The number is staggering, as is the company’s growth rate of over 20% compounded annually for the past 45+ years. Equally staggering to me is the company’s website. Check it out some time. It’s nuts and bolts – no flash, no glitz, no glamour. It’s fascinating to consider the company’s preference for simplicity in light of its nearly unlimited access to resources. As I learn more about decision-making at Berkshire Hathaway, I’ve found that a long term perspective is at the root of their success and is lived out through disciplined application of timeless business truths. Invest for the long-term; hire very well; motivate leadership appropriately; make investments that you fully understand; avoid fads and get rich quick schemes. Basic, timeless business truths have led to the company’s unprecedented and unmatched success.
With just a few shopping days remaining, I’m grateful for the opportunity to take a breath and consider the timeless meaning of Christmas. The creator God gifted his son to us, to live among us so that we could “have life to the full.” Despite being God’s son, Jesus entered the world more humbly than most. During His life on earth, Jesus did not shortcut success, but sacrificed much, ultimately to deliver the greatest, most timeless impact of anyone who ever lived.
This Christmas, accept the gift that comes from acknowledging timeless truths. Be inspired to invest effort every day to live with a long term perspective to your benefit and to the benefit of your organization.
Merry Christmas!
We welcome your comments at blog@northgroupconsultants.com.
September 6, 2011
Amazing Grace by Jerry Murray
It had been hours since we beached the raft that carried our family down eight miles of rapids on the Lehigh River. We were tired, cold and extremely HUNGRY. We eagerly awaited our favorite pizza and it was almost here. Each family member had already commented how long it was taking when our server showed up with a smile and hot pizza in hand. Finally!
It happened in slow motion. As the waitress departed, our seven year old son, distracted by the restaurant television, turned towards the table with great enthusiasm. As he did, his forearm nailed the sweet spot of a cup holding 28 ounces of cold, sticky, lemony lemonade with force comparable to that of a Baltimore Ravens’ linebacker into Ben Roethlisberger. As liquid flew airborne, the only question was… where would it land? Amazingly, no family members were hit. Like a heat seeking missile, Jared’s entire drink landed squarely on top of the dinner that we had anticipated moments before. You can imagine my shock, disappointment and annoyance. I was blind. What a great teaching opportunity. Thankfully, my nine year old daughter, Ella didn’t miss it. Ella’s justice orientation typically demands payment for all iniquities. She stared at Jared, then with great sensitivity, softened her expression and said – “that’s ok kid, we’ve all done something like that before.” Jared sensed her sincerity and responded (much to my shock), “when we get back to the car, I’m going to hug you.” Two surprising statements – a proud moment for my wife, Kim, and me.
Grace is amazing. It’s amazing to the person receiving it. It frees you to be yourself; to love someone back; it also creates a spirit of gratefulness. Grace is amazing to the one offering it. You see the life giving impact and know you are responsible; you experience the freedom from bitterness that could steal your own “life”. Grace is also amazing to those who witness it. It motivates us all to live better.
A few years ago I learned first-hand how freeing grace can be. I had been harboring bitterness over a work situation that wasn’t resolving itself. Something woke me up one night, so I started to reread portions of a popular book called The Shack by William P. Young. I was incredibly moved by a comment by “Papa” on page 225. “Forgiveness is first for you, the forgiver…to release you from something that will eat you alive, that will destroy your joy and your ability to love fully and openly.” Forgiveness is a gift to me? I was missing freedom from bitterness that was available to me all along? I’m afraid that we all do this sometimes.
In the many competitive environments that we each live, there are ample opportunities for hurt and bitterness to set in. Don’t believe the lie – that someone doesn’t deserve our grace. Forgiveness and grace are for your freedom. Offer them freely and see how everyone in your family, community, church or company benefits.
We welcome your comments at blog@northgroupconsultants.com.
May 20, 2011
Setting Expectations by Jerry Murray
My friend Brian Kurtz, owner at Elite Coach in Ephrata, PA recently expressed that “if you want to frustrate people, hold them accountable to unclear expectations.” I agree wholeheartedly with Brian on this one. Everyone pays the price for a leader’s failure to set clear expectations.
Expectations directly impact how we experience life. I can find myself either satisfied or dissatisfied by the very same results, depending on my expectations. Considering that both personal contentment and organizational health are at stake, let’s think through some surefire ways to avoid the pitfalls of unclear expectations.
- First things first - ask yourself what you truly expect regarding the results of a particular outcome or event. Consider… is my expectation realistic given the task and resources to accomplish it?
- Next, as often as possible, engage team members to help refine your expectations. The greater the level of team member involvement, the greater the level of commitment and understanding.
- When communicating expectations, be direct. Give your team a chance to meet expectations by delivering a straight forward message. Sugarcoating expectations may seem “nice” in the short term, but the lack of clarity that ensues will lead to frustration in the end.
- Over-communicate expectations. Set expectations, confirm understanding, repeat expectations. We all miss things, whether because of our attention span, learning style or timely distractions. When expectations matter, they are worth repeating.
- Finally, and perhaps most importantly, be consistent to hold team members accountable to unmet expectations. Haphazard enforcement of unmet expectations will create doubt about whether you truly mean what you say, in essence putting your integrity as a leader in question.
In light of these thoughts regarding expectation setting, I feel like it would be appropriate to set a few expectations regarding North Points, North Group’s brand new blog.
- Frequency - As we get our feet wet using this communication medium, we will post blog entries on or around the 5th and 20th of each month.
- Authorship - Each of our consultants will author North Points entries. We believe that the variety of thoughts and experiences of our team, filtered through our shared core values will provide relevant insights while demonstrating our practice and theory – that shared leadership, rooted in shared values yields optimal results.
- Topics - We plan to cover a variety of topics including: family business, succession, leadership development, team building, personal development, business development, non-profit leadership, strategic planning, leadership transitions and balanced living.
- Your feedback - We would be grateful for your feedback regarding North Points and the specific topics discussed. If you would find it valuable to go deeper regarding issues impacting culture, organization and leadership, please contact us. Direct your feedback to any of us individually or to blog@northgroupconsultants.com.
