Do We Really Need to Go All the Way to the Top?

A couple of weeks ago, I was in Warm Springs, Virginia, a wonderful little town nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, enjoying a much needed getaway with my wife. Feeling a little restless we decided to take advantage of the beautiful vistas surrounding us. We were encouraged by some friends to visit Ingalis Overlook. They said there was a "short" trail that led to the top of the mountain and, should we take it, we would be rewarded with the most spectacular view in the region.

Since it was so clear, despite the freezing temperatures, we decided that we did not want to settle for just the good view. We wanted the best view! Though a bit of a steep climb the first few minutes were delightful, but soon the cold air and high altitude began to take its toll. Lungs burning and heart racing we came to a clearing that had a good view, and I began to think, "I like good views best."

I knew that Lea was cold and tired, "Do we really need to go all the way to the top?" (We missed the sign that said 2.4 miles to the top and back.) "Should we just turn back now?" It was at this point, that where we were willing to settle for what was good, that we had an unexpected surprise, we saw another couple walking toward us. And, you guessed it, they were descending after experiencing the view at the top.

We greeted each other and through a short conversation we quickly discovered numerous connections. We had graduated from the same college and knew some of the same people. As we ended our conversation, they strongly encouraged us to keep going to the top. "It will be worth it," they said, "you won't regret the effort!" So with renewed resolve we kept climbing the mountain. We finally made it to the top and discovered that, in deed, it was worth the effort. The view was breathtaking. It really was the best!

As I trekked back down the mountain, I began to reflect on how much like life this little adventure was.  Three things stood out to me.

There is a really good reason why we need to invite others to hold us accountable to our goals.  Why?  Because when you are in pain your goals want to change!  I wanted to reach the top, but when things became challenging and painful, my thoughts headed downhill.  My negative thinking was giving me permission to quit.  Therefore, we have to be careful to guard our thoughts, and make them work for us and not against us.

We need encouragement along the way.  No matter how strong and independent we think are, when we are tired and in pain, a word of encouragement is needed. It is especially empowering from someone who has been there before us.  It may be a quick conversation from an acquaintance or the sustained relationship of a coach, but we need others and their encouragement.

Perseverance always pays off!  I am absolutely convinced that as the saying goes, "The good is often the worst enemy of the best."  Too often I am willing to settle for what is good because I am not wililng to persevere through the challenge and pain.  I quit too soon.  But if we will not give up on our goal to experience the best, we will be rewarded with a life full of vistas that few others have ever seen.

Rolfe is an engaging and inspiring business speaker, to learn more about him and the programs he offers check out this page on this website. 

Is Your Organization Prepared for a Crisis?

In the event of a workplace crisis involving a sudden death, a serious illness, an accident, a threat of violence, a criminal act, a swine flu epidemic or other tragedy, what will you do to keep people functioning?

In businesses that range from a dozen employees to several hundred-which represents 98% of the employers in the U.S.-people generally turn to trusted friends and colleagues for support. During a crisis, it's easier to talk to those we know, members of the organizational family, than strangers. Notwithstanding these caregivers' efforts, the magnitude of traumatic events often overwhelms individuals and their families, and eventually adversely impact their ability to effectively perform their job.

Dr. Mark Lerner can empower your organization to develop its own Crisis Management Team. Having such a team and being fully prepared to appropriate respond in time of crisis has significant benefits:

• ease emotional pain
• keep people functioning
• mitigate ongoing suffering, and
• restore "human stability" for the business.

The same effective principles being utilized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the United Nations Department of Safety and Security can be available to your organization-taught by Dr. Mark Lerner, who provided training for these organizations.

You can be prepared, so you can be responsive, when a traumatic event impacts your organization. First, Mark can help you develop a repertoire of skills for peer caregivers, so that your organization has resources to draw upon immediately.

Do Corporations Really Need to Address This Topic?

Because the insights and information that Mark offers can ensure stability within your organization. Because you want to ensure that people continue to function effectively and with minimal stress after a crisis.

Research affirms that the best help early on is rendered by trained and empowered peers, not by strangers. So by creating a crisis management strategy for your business and developing a team to implement that strategy, you are protecting your organization's greatest asset-its people. Dr. Lerner's program can be the first, vital step in saving your business thousands of dollars in lost productivity per employee, and minimizing psychological damage or feelings of isolation in the aftermath of a trauma.

If you're interested in learning more about Dr. Lerner just out his speaker page on this website. And to check his availability, just call or email us at Esparza Speakers today.

Thanks!

Yes, I know that Thanksgiving was last week (and I'm acutely aware of the fact that the Thanksgiving post I had planned didn't make it online). In fact, I'm red-faced over the last several months of infrequent posts, but that's a separate message. It's true this post is a tad tardy, but if I didn't know it before, this year has taught me that there is never a wrong time or inopportune time to express gratitude.

We are moving from Fall into Winter . . . from the season of thanksgiving to the season of gift-giving.

We have recently marked the completion of Esparza Speakers' first year in business. This is exactly the right time for thank-yous. Thank you to the outstanding speakers with whom I am honored to work. Thank you to many partners who help us do what we do everyday. And, of course, a special thank-you to our terrific clients for whom we do what we do.

On a personal note, to all the wonderful friends and colleagues who have been supportive this year during family health crises which changed priorities and sometimes derailed plans, I send my biggest most heartfelt thank-you of all. I could say that I just don't know how to express my gratitude, or I could just keep it simple: Gracias, Merci, Mahalo, Danke, ???????, Thank You!

As a footnote, let me reassure you that despite all of the health scares of the past year, everyone is doing remarkable well as we approach the end of 2009! We are so very mindful of the blessings that are ours today, and we looking forward to a wonderful 2010.