Change Is Good

Change is Good... You Go First!

Of the 35 books we've published in the last 3 years, this is my favorite title. How true it is and when you hear it... you can't help but smile! We all understand the need for change in our lives and our business, but... unchartered waters are always a little scary.

The truth, of course, is that change can be a wonderful gift. In fact, it is the key that unlocks the doors to growth and excitement in any organization. And, most importantly, without it... your competition will pass you by.

A big part of success, as a leader, will be your ability to inspire your team to get out of their comfort zones; to assure them that even though they are on a new path, it's the right path, for the right reasons.

That's what this book is all about... ideas, to inspire, to motivate, and to encourage your team to move forward and to embrace change.

Here's a chapter titled... Inspire Personal Accountability. Enjoy!

Live with Passion,

Mac Anderson Founder, Simple Truths

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"Inspire Personal Accountability" An excerpt from Change is Good... You Go First! By Mac Anderson and Tom Feltenstein

Something magic happens when we accept personal responsibility for our behavior and our results.

But, it's not easy, because it's human nature to "pass the buck". I (Mac) know there have been times in my life when my business was struggling where I found myself blaming others, blaming the economy, blaming this, blaming that! But as I've gotten older (and a little wiser) when things go wrong in my business, or my life, I can always find the culprit... in the mirror.

In every instance, it always comes back to choices I've made in my life that put me exactly where I am today. I have to say, that this one "tweak" in my attitude may sound like a little thing, but it has made a big difference in my life.

What does all this have to do with change? Plenty!

As a manager, one of the most important things you can do in times of change is to get your people to understand how their taking personal responsibility, their recognizing problems as opportunities, will not only help the company, but will help them as individuals. In other words, sell the idea of... what's in it for them?

Authors B. J. Gallagher and Steve Ventura wrote a great little book about achieving success through personal accountability titled: Who Are "They" Anyway? I like their list showing how each individual in the company can benefit by adopting a "personal accountability attitude":

You have more control over your destiny You become an active contributor rather than a passive observer Others look to you for leadership You gain the reputation as a problem solver You enhance your career opportunities You enjoy the satisfaction that comes from getting things done... the power of positive doing You experience less anger, frustration and helplessness - all leading to better physical health You realize a positive spillover effect into your personal life at home.

According to Gallagher and Ventura, the most important words of personal responsibility are as follows:

The 10 most important words: I won't wait for others to take the first step.

The 9 most important words: If it is to be, it's up to me.

The 8 most important words: If not me, who? If not now, when?

The 7 most important words: Let me take a shot at it.

The 6 most important words: I will not pass the buck.

The 5 most important words: You can count on me.

The 4 most important words: It IS my job!

The 3 most important words: Just do it!

The 2 most important words: I will.

The most important word: Me


Frank Tyger said it best...

"YOUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON MANY THINGS, BUT MOSTLY YOURSELF."

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Change is Good... You Go First! Hardcover, 110 pages, 6.75" Square By Mac Anderson and Tom Feltenstein

Deciding to make changes is the easy part. Getting your people on board is much more difficult. Best selling author, Mac Anderson (over 2 million of his books have sold) and Tom Feltenstein, highly successfully marketing consultant to the hospitality industry, have teamed up to write an unforgettable book on inspiring change in your organization. It's a must read for every manager in your company.

The article above was excerpted from the book Change is Good... You Go First! by Mac Anderson and Tom Feltenstein. It is reprinted here with permission. You may share this story as long as you do not edit the content; leave the links and this resource box intact.

Mac Anderson is the founder of Simple Truths, a company dedicated to publishing great gift books that reinforce core values. Mac also founded Successories, Inc. the leader in designing and marketing products for motivation and recognition.

Mac regularly speaks to corporate audiences on a variety of topics, including leadership, motivation, and team building. Mac has written three books and co-authored 5 more all available at http://www.simpletruths.com