As Palm Sunday approaches, the theme of humility resonates profoundly. Christ's entry into Jerusalem is particularly noteworthy, mounted not on a majestic steed but on a humble donkey—a choice rich in significance and prophecy. This time last year I was in Jerusalem, walking the very steps of Jesus' procession!
The anticipation of the Messiah riding a donkey is rooted in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Zachariah, chapter 9, verse 9:
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout, O daughter Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey."
How many of us, as leaders, envision ourselves entering our roles with such humility? Yet, as Christ exemplifies, this is the only authentic way for a leader to make their mark on any stage. Allow me to share a poignant anecdote from my father, Charlie "Tremendous" Jones, which illustrates the essence of humility. This excerpt is from his speech, The Price of Leadership.
"I speak on the subject of leadership because I believe it’s a tremendously important and misunderstood word. I approach it as a student, like the young minister preparing for his first sermon. He was in seminary preparing for that great day when he would stand before the congregation and lower the boom, telling them how to start living.
He polished the sermon. He refined it. It was really getting better, week after week, month after month, and then the great day came. After two or three minutes, he realized he was in deep trouble. He began to feel around on the podium for a button he could push that would open the trap door and let him slip out of sight. But there wasn’t any push button. Within five minutes he realized he was whipped and that things were different in real life than they were in seminary. He said a hasty benediction and went down off the platform beaten, broken, and dejected.
As he departed the podium, one of the old gray-headed warhorses slipped his arm over the young minister’s shoulder and whispered in his ear, 'Son, if you’d have gone up like you came down, you could have come down like you went up.'
Now that’s a good attitude to approach any subject with, isn’t it? Humility, servitude—the realization that there is a great deal you don’t know even as a leader, a teacher, a pastor, or a parent. Well, that’s the attitude I approach the subject of leadership with."
Humility is a potent instrument for leaders, fostering trust, forging genuine connections, and cultivating authenticity among their followers. It reminds us that, as leaders, we are called to serve a purpose greater than ourselves. May we all aspire to present ourselves as righteous and victorious and with the humility that befits true leadership.
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In this fable, the Wind and the Sun engage in a contest to determine who is more powerful. They decide to test their strength on a traveler by seeing who can force him to remove his cloak. The Wind, representing coercion and external force, blows fiercely, attempting to rip the cloak from the traveler's back. However, the harder the Wind blows, the tighter the traveler clings to his garment.
Then it's the Sun's turn. Instead of forceful gusts, the Sun radiates warmth and kindness. Gradually, the traveler, feeling the Sun's gentle rays, willingly removes his cloak, finding the heat too intense to bear while wearing it.
In the realm of leadership, the Wind symbolizes leaders who rely on mandates and coercion to elicit compliance from their followers. They may wield authority and power, but their approach often fosters resistance and resentment. Mandates dictate behavior but fail to inspire true commitment.
On the other hand, the Sun embodies leaders who lead with grace, empathy, and understanding. They focus on building internal relationships, appealing to the hearts and minds of their team members. Rather than imposing directives, they inspire genuine commitment through their warmth and authenticity.
As we bask in the warmth of spring's embrace, remember that authentic leadership isn't about enforcing rules but cultivating trust and respect. Just as the Sun's gentle rays persuade the traveler to shed his cloak, leaders who lead with compassion and empathy encourage their followers to willingly embrace their vision and goals.
This month, as nature blooms and the world awakens from winter's slumber, let us strive to embody the qualities of the Sun in our leadership journey. Let us lead not with force but with the irresistible power of kindness, understanding, and empathy.
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Apostasy, defined as the abandonment or renunciation of a belief or principle, poses a significant threat to the very foundations upon which our businesses and organizations are built. When we stray from our core values, mission, and principles, we risk unraveling the legacy we've worked so hard to establish or have been entrusted to preserve.
Consider the analogy of a building erected on a solid foundation. As long as the foundation remains steadfast, the structure stands resilient against external pressures and challenges. However, any compromise to the foundation leaves the entire edifice vulnerable to collapse.
Similarly, in leadership, honoring the vision of our founding fathers—the pioneers who laid the groundwork for our organizations—is paramount. Veering from their principles can result in mission drift, where the organization loses its sense of purpose and direction.
Reflecting on my journey in leading a legacy business, I recall the profound impact of a valuable piece of advice: "Keep the DNA; Everything else is free to evolve." This wisdom, rooted in our trifecta of books, people, and faith, serves as a guiding principle for decision-making. It empowers me to balance preserving my father's legacy and forging my own path. Nothing enters our orbit unless it honors those three values. And anything that honors those three values in any way, shape, or form is free to become part of our growing identity.
Progress, I've realized, must be purposeful, collaborative, and synergistic. The harmonious integration of the old and the new fortifies our organization's resilience. Conversely, when one element supersedes the other, it heralds the onset of apostasy—a fate far worse than any business failure.
History is replete with cautionary tales of companies that strayed from their founders' visions only to meet with catastrophic consequences. In each instance, a departure from core principles, coupled with poor leadership decisions, culminated in financial ruin, tarnished reputations, and, in some cases, the collapse of entire organizations.
These sobering lessons underscore the imperative of remaining steadfast in our commitment to preserving the legacies entrusted to us. As leaders, it falls upon us to assemble a team of purists—individuals unwavering in their dedication to our organization's founding principles.
In a landscape characterized by perpetual change, evolution is essential. Yet, we must discern between evolution and apostasy. While the former embraces innovation within the framework of our core values, the latter signals a wholesale abandonment of those values—a path that inevitably leads to ruin.
Let us, therefore, draw wisdom from the annals of history and pledge to safeguard the legacies we've inherited. By anchoring ourselves in our principles and surrounding ourselves with kindred spirits, we can ensure that our organizations not only endure but thrive for generations to come.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to leadership excellence and steadfast support of the Tremendous legacy.
During my Basic Cadet Training (BCT) at the United States Air Force Academy, I underwent SERE School—Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape. In this intense program, we were trained to survive as isolated personnel in combat environments. One exercise, in particular, left a lasting impression: being handed a tablet with seemingly pro-American messages, only to find out there were conflicting messages on the back, capturing our reactions on camera. It was a stark reminder of how easily perceptions can be manipulated.
Recently, at a magic show in Paradise, PA, I was called on stage to participate in a mind-reading trick. While my attention was focused on the magician and the audience, unseen assistants behind me orchestrated the illusion. It brought back memories of SERE, highlighting the importance of maintaining situational awareness even in seemingly benign situations.
In leadership, we often emphasize the power of focus. However, as my experiences have taught me, too much focus can blind us to the subtle cues and manipulations happening around us. In my book, SPARK: The Five Essentials To Ignite the Greatness Within, I emphasize the importance of singularity—having clear goals and unwavering focus. But alongside singularity, we must cultivate situational awareness to ensure we aren't being led astray or manipulated without our knowledge.
So, as leaders, let's keep our eyes open and our heads on a swivel. Let's embrace the power of situational awareness to navigate the complexities of leadership effectively. After all, true leadership isn't just about what's directly in front of us—it's about understanding the entire landscape and making informed decisions accordingly.
In today's world, love is the prevailing message. The Beatles famously declared, "Love is all you need." We see signs in yards proclaiming hate has no place, only love. Churches, social activists, non-profits, and even businesses claim to operate out of love for others.
However, there is a challenge that we must confront: the erosion of the first part of Jesus' commandment, which has left us trying to love our neighbors solely as fallible humans. Unfortunately, this approach is impossible, even for the most generous, kind, and selfless.
The key to unlocking the true essence of love lies in loving the Lord your God with all your heart. But how can we achieve this in a culture that increasingly dismisses the importance of God in our lives? Those of you reading this are likely seeking to love purely and correctly. Here, we will explore the fundamental elements of love that enable us to fulfill this divine commandment:
True love is not merely challenging; it's impossible without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit's supernatural presence and divine influence. This is why blaspheming the Holy Spirit is considered the unforgivable sin because living without love essentially tells God that we eliminated the first commandment and have no use for Him.
So, as we reflect on love during this Valentine's season, let us remember that we need more than love alone. We must first love God with all our hearts, allowing love for our neighbors and ourselves to flow from this divine source.
]]>I'm a project manager at heart. Early on, I learned I could solve any issue by strategizing a plan and dedicating the right resources. One of my favorite ways to accomplish the tasks associated with my goals is called "chunking," where I break down significant milestones into smaller, more manageable ones. For those of you who have heard the phrase, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time," this is the truth in execution.
All goals are achievable if you can break them down into actionable steps. We don't leap to the top of the ladder. We climb it one step at a time. We've got to set goals to achieve all the tremendous things in store for us in 2024.
In his book Inner Rival: Silencing the Negativity Within, author, speaker, and sports coach Jeff Butorac discusses the importance of setting goals correctly. Goal setting, used by Olympic athletes and trainers, is "arguably the most effective performance enhancement technique in the behavioral sciences." You can check out my interview with Jeff here.
Jeff explains, in goal setting, three primary types of goals can significantly impact your mindset, motivation, and chances of success. The first type is Outcome Goals, which involve striving for a specific result, such as winning a game or achieving a certain weight. While these goals are essential, they often depend on external factors. They can be influenced by elements beyond your control, like luck or external decisions.
The second type is Performance Goals, which offer more control over your success. Examples include shooting a high free-throw percentage or maintaining a consistent writing schedule. Focusing on personal performance rather than just outcomes increases the likelihood of achieving your overall goals.
The third and most crucial type is Process Goals. These goals define the daily steps you need to take to reach your desired outcomes or performance levels. They are entirely within your control, such as practicing free throws or regularly working on specific tasks. Achieving process goals builds self-confidence, as each success boosts your belief in your abilities and propels you toward even more challenging goals. Process goals serve as essential stepping stones toward your larger objectives.
Now that we understand the different levels of goal-setting, I want to share my favorite productivity hack. It's so simple yet genius! It's called the Ivy Lee Method.
The Ivy Lee productivity method is a simple yet highly effective approach to accomplishing tasks and achieving goals. Much like the three types of goals mentioned earlier, the Ivy Lee Method emphasizes prioritizing and focusing on what truly matters. In this method, you start by listing the six most important tasks you need to accomplish the next day. This aligns with setting performance and process goals as you identify specific actions that move you closer to your desired outcomes. The beauty of the Ivy Lee Method lies in its commitment to tackling these tasks in order of priority, focusing solely on one task at a time until it's completed. This mirrors the notion of concentrating on personal performance rather than solely fixating on outcomes, ensuring that you have control over the execution of these tasks.
By applying the Ivy Lee Method with goal-setting principles, individuals can enhance their productivity and increase the likelihood of success. This method encourages a disciplined approach to daily tasks, leading to more extraordinary accomplishment and self-confidence as you consistently achieve your process goals. As you become more proficient at managing your time and attention, you'll find that the Ivy Lee Method complements the establishment of outcome, performance, and process goals, helping you focus on what truly matters while steadily progressing toward your ultimate objectives.
Want to learn more about Ivy Lee? Check out our life-changing classic, Succeeding With What You Have by Charles Schwab. Ivy Lee was a pioneer in the field of public relations and worked as a consultant for various companies and individuals in the early 20th century. One of his most famous clients was Charles M. Schwab, the president of Bethlehem Steel Corporation, one of the largest steel producers in the United States at the time.
Ivy Lee's work with Charles Schwab involved helping him and Bethlehem Steel improve their management and communication practices. The Ivy Lee Method I mentioned earlier was one of the productivity and time management techniques he shared with Schwab and his company. It emphasized prioritization and focus on essential tasks aimed at increasing efficiency and productivity in the workplace.
So you have two days until 1 February to grab these two gems and get to work! You can do it, and we are here to cheer you on. Here's hoping your 2024 is beyond productive and your goals surpass anything you've ever imagined!
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The Tremendous Book Club is not just about reading; it's about transformation. I'd like to share with you how books have become powerful tools for rehabilitation, personal growth, and spiritual renewal among incarcerated individuals who have already found faith.
Section 1: The Tremendous Book Club Experience In our Tremendous Book Club, we engage once a month with incarcerated men through the world of literature. Together, we read incredible books, sparking discussions that lead to life-altering insights. I've witnessed firsthand how these men are transformed, not just as readers but as individuals on a journey toward positive change.
Section 2: The Power of Reading and Rehabilitation Literacy and education are crucial for inmates seeking rehabilitation. Reading and discussion in our club provide them with a unique opportunity to acquire life skills, build empathy, and embark on a journey of personal growth.
Section 3: Faith and Redemption Faith plays a significant role in our ministry. These men have already found the Lord, and through our program, they are reinforcing their faith and embracing redemption. The stories of transformation are nothing short of inspirational.
Section 4: Preparing for Reentry Our Tremendous Book Club isn't just about life behind bars; it's about preparing these individuals for a better life upon release. They gain practical knowledge and skills that will help them become responsible and contributing citizens.
Here are two such transformed men, Lewis Lee and Gregory Womack, who share their journey in my Tremendous Leadership podcast. What a joy to get to see them pour into their new lives as free men, intent on making a real difference in the world and living what they learned in the books we shared.
And here are two notes I received last week written by men who read books donated by Tremendous Leadership:
“Dear Tracey, I already read the new book that you gave us, It Takes Less Than a Minute to Suit Up For the Lord, three times. I feel that book really speaks to me in so many different ways. I look forward to discussing it at our next meeting. The books you have been giving us have really inspired me to read and write more. I have learned through many years to thank God for the small things. God has brought me through so many trials and tribulations that I will worship Him until my last breath. What a mighty God we serve!! (Hallelujah) May God bless you until we meet again.”
“Dear Mrs. Jones, I’m not sure if you’ll get this, so I’ll make it brief. You and your book, Beyond Tremendous, have made an incredible impact on my life and I can’t thank you enough for writing it and sharing your brilliance with the world—especially ME! 😊 “
In conclusion, the Tremendous Book Club is making a tangible difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals, offering them hope and a path towards a brighter future. I invite you to learn more about prison ministry and consider how you might support or get involved.
Thank you for taking the time to read about this important work. I am deeply passionate about making a difference in the lives of those behind bars, and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to share this journey with you.
Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. (Hebrews 13:3)
]]>Theodore Roosevelt once wisely said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, reminds us, "Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else" (6:4).
The reality is that God is perfectly just. He blesses us according to His judgment and determination, not based on what we can do for Him. Our achievements do not factor into His judgment; instead, He examines our intentions. God knows precisely what we can handle and when we can handle it, whether it's experiencing explosive growth, following a slower path, or closing up shop. Regardless of the pace, it is perfect for us. Keeping this truth in mind will help us remain focused on what God has provided and entrusted to us, rather than dwelling on why we haven't reaped as others have or haven't.
So, why does God allow both good and bad outcomes, prospering businesses, and those that fail? Here are a few key points to remember:
The greatest thing I’ve learned in 15 years is that God's love for me is not contingent on my accomplishments in my business. I rebuke any lies from Satan that suggest otherwise. I will praise God for every day I can turn on my lights and pay my bills, knowing that His grace and resources are more than sufficient. And should the day come when that provision ceases, I will praise Him in wherever He guides me next. With unwavering dedication, I will continue to work until His return, fully aware that everything sown on this earth will hold eternal value in heaven.
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Knowledge is a dynamic entity, blending both fixed and fluid aspects. Rooted in truth, certain aspects of knowledge represent universal laws. However, our life journey necessitates continual cognitive change as we transform. Here are two crucial points to remember this year as you strive for wisdom and discernment, and as a leader, instruct and inspire others on the same path.
First, leaders are leaders because they have displayed an aptitude to complete tasks. They are then promoted to enable others to do the same. One of my favorite books on workplace communication is How to Tell What You Know by Arthur Secord. Published in 1956, this management classic is full of nuggets on transferring your knowledge to those working for you. When I returned home to run Tremendous Leadership, I republished it in hopes that others would also be inspired and informed. Here's a video from 13 years ago where I share my love of this book.
One particular truth remains etched in my mind: knowledge can only build on previous knowledge. This reality is why 1st grade is before 2nd grade, why a bachelor's degree is before a master's, and why an apprentice is before a journeyman. According to Mr. Secord,
"It is impossible to tell a person anything that is one hundred percent brand-new to him. A man learns by building on what he already knows. You must word your message in such a way that it will fall within their past experience. The procedure by which you tell a man something that does not fall within their experience is to tell him the manner in which it is similar to or different from something that is within their experience."
Thus, whether you are learning something new or teaching others, knowledge can only be absorbed when it has something to anchor itself to; otherwise, it simply dissipates. This fact is why stories are so powerful for speakers, why Jesus spoke in parables, and why the root of all communication is in identification.
Secondly, it is vital to respect and acknowledge the past. When earning a Ph.D., an entire section of the dissertation is dedicated to a comprehensive review of precedent literature. All new knowledge emerges from the foundation of previous knowledge. As in our earlier point, knowledge can't land without a foundation, and it also can't materialize out of nothing. As C.S. Lewis, one of my favorite authors, writes in The Grand Miracle and Other Selected Essays on Theology and Ethics From God in the Dock, everything is always the same because all knowledge has the same point of origin. He writes,
"…wherever there is real progress in knowledge, there is some knowledge that is not superseded. Indeed, the very possibility of progress demands that there should be an unchanging element. New bottles for new wine, by all means, but not new palates, throats, or stomachs, or it would not be, for us, "wine" at all." Dogma and the Universe
This reality is why the prevailing trend of erasing historical figures and endorsing cancel culture is perilous. Our past, with all its imperfections, is an integral part of our present and future. We must not obliterate where we came from. Progress relies on preserving elements of the past, a point we should never forget.
As you move throughout 2024, nurturing your growth while inspiring others on their journey, keep in mind that knowledge is best absorbed when presented in a way that connects to the recipient's existing understanding. Additionally, in our perpetual state of refinement and continuous learning, always remember that every aspect of our past contributes to the intricate tapestry of our collective thought and should be preserved.
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Currently, I hold the esteemed position of Advisory Council Chair for The Center for Military and Veterans Affairs at The American College of Financial Services. Our primary objective is to raise awareness and financial support for military members, their spouses, and disabled veterans transitioning from the military to their next career in the financial services sector. Below L to R is President and CEO George Nichols III, Executive Director for the Center, Ret CMSGT of the Air Force Jim Roy, Ret Lt/Gen Michelle Johnson, Soldier-Citizen Award Recipient Ret Admiral Mike Mullen, and Advisory Council board member and Ret Colonel, Gregory Gadson.
Having witnessed firsthand the positive impact that working for Mutual of New York (MONY) had on my father as a young professional, husband, and father, I understand how it provided him with the freedom to flourish in a career that taught him leadership, team-building, and the ability to empower others for a secure retirement and the well-being of their loved ones. Similarly, my personal experience in serving our great country in uniform reinforced the honorable and service-oriented nature of both career fields, ensuring the freedom and protection of our citizens from all enemies, foreign and domestic.
In acknowledgment of these honorable professions, I would like to recommend one of our perennial best-sellers, A Message to Garcia. We consistently sell tens of thousands every year to various professionals, including police departments, teachers, professors, insurance agents, real estate professionals, military members, and social workers, among others.
This concise piece cuts right to the heart of living life freely and fully: when faced with a task, just do it. It's a simple yet profound message. A Message to Garcia recounts the story of an American soldier entrusted with delivering a crucial message to a leader of Cuban rebel forces during the Spanish American War. The soldier, according to Hubbard's account, delivered the urgent missive without questions, complaints, or hesitation.
The book teaches valuable lessons on excelling at your job by embodying dedication and maintaining a positive attitude towards any tasks assigned by your company. Whether you're a soldier or a civilian, we are all citizens of wherever we find ourselves serving. This foundational truth is what the world needs.
My personal connection to A Message to Garcia was so impactful that it inspired my book, A Message to Millennials, where I aimed to share the essence of followership with the next generation of emerging leaders. Additionally, I've recorded a free webinar for you to enjoy about this life-changing classic.
I strongly encourage you to pick up copies for your entire team. Its power is transformative, and everyone needs to hear this timeless message, encouraging them to commit to doing the job at hand and contributing to making the world a more tremendous place.
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The reason we are gathered here on this solemn occasion is to remember a day 22 years ago when there were those who believed their rights superseded the rights of others.
Their lack of respect for the rights of others was so fanatical that it led to horrific acts, and we witnessed the loss of thousands of innocent lives as four airliners were hijacked and turned into weapons of terror. That day of unimaginable cruelty is forever etched into our memories.
Uncivilized behavior is a sad reality that has plagued humanity since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. The Bible calls this behavior evil, the seed of the serpent. Yet, for evil to exist, we must also acknowledge the presence of good, the seed of the woman. For there to be darkness, there must also be light. For there to be heaven, there must be hell. And if terrorists exist, then so do heroes. All of life reflects this duality.
Today, we gather to honor those who valiantly chose to charge into cockpits, dialed their loved ones from the air, offering and leaving messages of comfort and love, fearlessly led others down smoke-filled stairwells, and bravely entered collapsing and burning buildings. Those who placed the right to life for others ahead of their own in order to save them, in direct opposition to the terrorists who sought only to bring death and destruction.
Today, we have gathered here to raise the flag of our great nation in honor of our countless heroes from various sectors of public service. These heroes willingly relinquish their own rights in defense of and to safeguard the rights of others. They don't just recognize the rights of others, as Will Rogers eloquently stated, they are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for them.
In the realm of leadership literature, there exists a term that encapsulates this exceptional collective unity, known as OCB, or Organizational Citizenship Behaviors. This concept denotes any voluntary action that surpasses the expectations outlined in an individual's formal job description. It includes altruistic deeds, offering assistance to colleagues, shouldering additional responsibilities, and displaying unwavering organizational loyalty. It’s the glue that binds truly great entities together for a shared purpose.
However, heroes take these OCBs to an entirely different level; their expected behaviors are written in their job descriptions but also verbalized in an OATH, code, or pledge that they wholeheartedly commit to and abide by.
Here are the professions and their respective oaths that we honor today:
Military: The Oath of Enlistment: "I ________ do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
Police: The Law Enforcement Oath of Honor: "On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the Constitution, my community, and the agency I serve."
EMS: The Code of Professional Ethics "To conserve life, alleviate suffering, promote health, do no harm, and encourage the quality and equal availability of emergency medical care."
Firefighter's Oath: "I will never allow my personal feelings, nor danger to self, deter me from my responsibilities as a firefighter. I will at all times, respect the property and rights of all men and women, the laws of my country, and members I serve with."
Rotarians: Rotary Four-Way Test "Of the things we think, say, or do:
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"
The fabric of humanity depends on us being there for one another, of being other-centered. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. But what makes a hero’s job description different is that it contains a solemn commitment that often entails a significant sense of duty including making the ultimate sacrifice for another human being. They don’t just sign an offer letter, but as you just heard, they take an oath comprised of two main components:
1. Solemn Attestation: This involves affirming the truth of one's words or the sincerity of one's intentions in a formal and serious manner. This attestation is often made with a sense of gravity and may include calling upon a deity as a witness, as exemplified by the phrase "So help me God." This part of the commitment underscores the individual's earnestness and integrity in fulfilling their pledge.
2. Promise to Perform Duties Faithfully: Beyond a mere verbal commitment, it also entails a promise to fulfill official or prescribed duties faithfully. This signifies a sense of responsibility and dedication to carry out one's obligations to the best of their abilities, regardless of the challenges or sacrifices involved.
Preparing for such other-centric citizenship commitments involves comprehensive readiness on various fronts, including physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual. This thorough preparation ensures that individuals are equipped to honor their commitments when called upon, and it reflects the gravity and significance of the duties they are pledging to fulfill.
In his book Life is Tremendous, my father, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, maintained there were only three decisions you’ll ever make in life. One of these decisions is: Who are you going to live your life for? The heroes we honor today chose to live their lives in the service of and for others.
In direct opposition are those who choose to cast aside focusing on others for the sake of their own wants, needs, comforts, and ideologies. I call these people SOBs, which stands for self-oriented behaviors. Life for them is self before service, my way or the highway, and to hell with the rights, convictions, property, and even lives of others. Again, we see the duality of life, and each person must choose which side they are on.
One of my heroes from the New Testament, the apostle Paul, writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19, 'You are not your own.' What a beautiful call to duty for the service, protection, and respect of our fellow human beings.
While we are no doubt inherently selfish creatures, this verse reminds us to cast that version of ourselves aside. It changes our focus from haughty to humble, from nefarious to noble, from criminal to caring, from terroristic to tremendous, and from selfish to selfless.
Before I close, I want to share a poem I only recently discovered last month and many of you may have heard it before. I can’t believe it took me this long to find it, and I hope it impacts you as much as it did me. It’s called 'The Indispensable Man' by Saxon White Kessinger.
Sometime when you’re feeling important;
Sometimes when your ego’s in bloom
Sometime when you take it for granted
You’re the best qualified in the room,
Sometimes when you feel that your going
Would leave an unfillable hole,
Just follow these simple instructions
And see how they humble your soul;
Take a bucket and fill it with water,
Put your hand in it up to the wrist,
Pull it out and the hole that’s remaining
Is a measure of how you’ll be missed.
You can splash all you wish when you enter,
You may stir up the water galore,
But stop and you’ll find that in no time
It looks quite the same as before.
The moral of this quaint example
Is to do just the best that you can,
Be proud of yourself but remember,
There’s no indispensable man
Except heroes. Our heroes, the ones we honor here today, are indispensable. What they’ve done for us, we will never forget. And while this poem is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life, the fickleness of humankind, and the importance of keeping our ego in check, every hero would tell you that they are NOT indispensable, that they were only doing what they had sworn to do, what they felt compelled to do, and would do for any of their fellow human beings; that they just happened to be the one to get the call to duty, and it could have been anyone.
But we know better. And we thank God for the other-centric heroes who made a decision, made it theirs, and committed to die by it. They may be gone, but they’re sacrifices will never be forgotten in the water bucket of life.
Today, we honor the heroes, the men and women who choose to live their lives committed to something other than themselves. May we live with the awareness and conviction of those who continue to serve all around us today. May we find ways to serve, respect, and defend the rights of our fellow countrymen and women for all our days to come.
May God bless you all, may he continue to protect our heroes, and may God bless America.
]]>First, acknowledge the error. State in your own words where you messed up. Don’t sugarcoat it or deflect. Own it. This shows the other person that you are taking responsibility for the transgression and prevents you from making excuses that will only worsen the situation. Your acknowledgment should be factual and summarize the error. Here's a proven format: “I (verb) (action).” For example, “I missed the deadline.” “I discounted your input at the last meeting.” “I didn’t gather all the facts before making the decision.”
Second, offer an expression of remorse: “I’m sorry” or “I apologize.” How many times have you stood in line or been on a customer service call, dealing with things you shouldn't have to deal with, feeling your blood pressure rise? Nothing de-escalates the situation like those two words. They show that you realize something is incorrect and validate the pain the other person is experiencing. These words offer symbolic regret that immediately initiates the healing process and can literally bring your vitals back to a healthy range. “I apologize for missing the deadline when I know how important the submission was to our group.” “I’m sorry I didn’t respect your input in the meeting when I know how committed you are to finding a solution.” “I’m sorry I did not do my due diligence and gather more input before making that choice.”
Third, promise forbearance. You need to solidify your commitment to the listener and outline the steps you will take to ensure the transgression does not repeat itself. This demonstrates your understanding of the severity of the offense and your pledge to work towards preventing its recurrence. “I’ve installed a new application into my program management folders to track deadlines.” “I am incorporating open forum time into our team meetings to ensure all voices are heard.” “I read a book on sense-making strategies that includes an excellent checklist on fact-finding.”
Fourth, offer restoration: Ensure there is a tangible means of replacing or restoring what’s been broken. Placing value on your actions signals to the listener how serious you are about ensuring that all wrongs have been corrected and that you can re-engage with respect and camaraderie. “I reached out to corporate to inform them that I was the reason for the late submission.” “I would like you to chair the open forum sessions and synthesize the various responses.” “I’m setting up a decision-making team to ensure this checklist is applied, and I'd like you to validate our inputs for review before any final decisions are made.”
Remember, leadership is all about relationships; that's why it's more important to be relational than right. When our customers, shareholders, and employees see that we take ownership of our mistakes and are committed to corrective actions, we demonstrate our humility, transparency, and authenticity. Learning how to properly apologize can do more to raise your value as a leader than you've ever imagined, as it solidifies trust. Not all apologies are created equal; in fact, when done wrong or with an insincere heart, they can actually worsen things. By following these four steps, you'll ensure that when you do make a mistake, you have a path to full restoration, and all parties involved emerge tremendously.
Dr. Tracey C. Jones serves as the President of Tremendous Leadership and is the founder of T3 Solutions, Inc. With a prolific career, she has authored twelve books and holds the position of an adjunct professor at The American College of Financial Services. Tracey is actively engaged in delivering leadership training and delivering keynote speeches to various institutions throughout the country. Her unwavering dedication to continuous learning and the cultivation of exceptional teams underscores her passion and commitment.
]]>There's another company out there with Tremendous in their name as well; however, their customers do not feel and experience the same level of tremendousness you all do. After researching what was happening, I did locate the company in question, trying to find a way to alert them that many people were upset and unable to contact them successfully.
And guess what? There was only an automated chatbot. I had to do a Google search and look for reviews to find out their help desk email. I had to go onto the Better Business Bureau site to find their phone number. I know how to do this because I live online and am a researcher. But what about everybody else? That company is alienating its customers and costing me time and money.
So what’s a business owner to do? Scream? Sue? Slam the phone down? That would be downright anti-TREMENDOUS.
In every adversity lay the seeds of a victory of equal or greater value. So let's go and find it! Here is how I turned that frown upside down with some tremendous epiphanies.
We are ranking on Google! When I asked the people who called how they found us, they said, ”Google!” Nice! And I’m not even paying for placement or ad words!
I got to talk to many people and try to help them out! Rather than get irritated and tell people they've got the wrong Tremendous, I let them talk. I heard their story of what they were getting money for or from. We often had a lovely conversation, and I gave them as much information as possible to help them resolve their issue. Now I know I was using my time to help people who were not paying me. But sometimes, we need to engage in the Business of Life rather than just the Business of the Bottom Line.
You never know when they might come back to hire me to speak, publish or buy a book! After we finished talking, I let them know if they ever did get that money on their card or from the settlement, to please come back and purchase some tremendous books! And who knows, some may even want to write and publish a tremendous book with us! Life is all about connections, and I wonder when and where I might reconnect with any of these people.
Don’t be too stressed out about technology replacing humans because people still NEED to be able to talk to people. The website did have a chatbot and emailed the customer. However, this could have been more effective in resolving their issues. Customers complained that the responses were canned and did not answer their particular questions. In addition, their website needed a phone number, further adding to the frustration. I'm all for technology and AI. I'll be the first one to the self-check-out kiosk at the grocery store or the self-check-in kiosk at the airport. But you MUST have a way for people to talk to people. Only some problems are solved by a pull-down menu.
Final thoughts: Sometimes, you'll have to deal with things you shouldn't have to deal with. But more people doing the right thing will offset people doing the wrong thing, putting the whole world back into a tremendous balance!
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But somebody must test the words from even the most reputable sources. Several years ago, I got involved in a business venture after vetting the requestor’s credibility with someone I highly regarded in the field of endeavor. It turns out they were wrong, so wrong it took precious and extensive resources from me to disengage. All because I took one person's word of approval.
In another situation, I connected someone to a group where I volunteered. Later, I discovered some behaviors that could present an incongruence with the group's mission and shared them with my friend. They shared that they had also experienced reservation based on comments made but thought their impression must be wrong based on my word of connection.
So much of what we do, and who we do it with, stems from recommendations and referrals. Word-of-mouth testimonials are the most potent influences in the history of civilization. We have a whole new generation in the workforce titled "influencers." We trust that their words equal validation and success.
But we still need to complete our due diligence. We can trust, but we must verify. One data point does not make a decision. I should never have made that partnership decision based on one input. And when I made that connection, I should have provided the caveat that I only knew this person in a limited capacity.
So here are a few items to remember before you give someone your word of advisement, input, or recommendation:
I am in Saint Louis this week, interacting with some people I haven’t worked with in 23 and 14 years, respectively. Those who knew me "when" have an idea of who I was "then." However, who I am, professionally and personally, is different than who I was. So make sure the word you get from others is timely.
I get asked for referrals for future employment. Unless I have worked with the individual in the capacity that they are trying to gain employment, I make it clear to them and the recruiter that I can only vouch for this particular work context and nothing more. Ensure the word you get pertains to the individual's capability in a specific capacity.
We had to go through background clearances when I worked in the military and government. The higher the clearances were, the deeper they'd go into our backgrounds. They wanted the whole picture of us, not just from a season in our lives. So make sure you cast the net wide when getting a recommendation. Make certain the word you get is from varied sources.
In summary, you can’t go wrong if you ensure any word you give is rightly divided, accurate, precise, and related to the job. And if you are looking for input, get as many as possible to get a complete picture.
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Once this happened, the transition was automatic. I had grown up in the faith, but that experience by my father’s bed made it a certainty. When you make any transition in life, you should get a calling from and a calling to. That way, you pivot on purpose and not in pain. I was currently employed in the defense contracting realm and had yet to plan on coming home at that time. But then I got this brief, definitive, and confident calling, all I had to do was follow.
Because the transition was based on a calling, I never felt the pressure to be more than my father. A calling isn't a competition. Because the transition brought me home after 28 years, I got to experience my mother as a best friend and discover the true genius of my father, speaking with his contacts, combing through his writings, and listening to his recordings. A calling can bring you closer as a family, even when one is no longer physically with you. Because the transition was based on a calling, I knew I was entrusted with something much bigger than running a business; its power lay far beyond anything in my responsibility. A calling isn't an outcome; it's a faith walk.
I can’t believe it’s been fourteen years! In one sense, it seems like a month; in another, it seems like a lifetime. I am here by God's grace and favor as well as your continued support, encouragement, prayer, and friendship.
The most important lesson these years has taught me is found in one of the Laws of Leadership in Life is Tremendous, Give to Get. In typical Charlie Tremendous fashion, these words are not what we’ve been taught. When we give to get something, we give with a motive. That's not giving; that's trading, and the problem with this perspective is that too often, 'it' gets you, not you get ‘it .' It's so easy in the economy of the world to make decisions based on ROI, the up-side, or future earnings. And I know as a business person, the importance of watching your resources. Stewardship is a Biblical principle. But the real leadership lesson behind Give to Get, according to Tremendous, is that we give regardless of whether we get anything back or not.
When you lead with this truth at your core, you gain a greater capacity to give. What I’ve grown the past 14 years isn't measured in book sales or speaking fees; it's measured in a capacity to give beyond what I thought possible. My father had a global reputation as a giver. He set up the company to exist solely to continue blessing others. He was generous in spirit and resources. I remember one time during a challenging year in the business when I was pretty downhearted and embarrassed. My mother took my hand and said, "Tracey, no one would have stayed at this as long as you did and worked this hard as you.”
And at that moment, I knew she was trying to console me, but she inspired me. Yes, things were down; but my giving was going to be up! If nothing else, I would continue to give and give until I had nothing else to give. If I hadn't given a speech to five people, I would never have been able to speak to 500 people. If I hadn't given thousands of books away for free, I never would have been able to sell ten-thousands of books. And I thank God I'm not business savvy or successful enough to know any other way. Whatever we give, we give to gain a great capacity to give.
Your support has enabled me to give to grow over the past 14 years, and I thank you for that because giving is my greatest joy! And as long as you keep reading tremendous books, hearing tremendous speeches, and sharing tremendous truths, you are giving me the most incredible anniversary gift of all. Thank you for being on this journey with me. I could not have done it without you!
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Here’s an interesting example. If you were to be given a sum of money after 30 days, which option would you choose?
Most people would go for the $1 million option as it is hard to imagine that 1 cent doubling 30 times will become $5,368,709.12! But it does! This example shows the power of compound interest - your principal would accumulate with interest earned during the investment period, yielding more returns. The longer the investment period, the more you will benefit from compound interest.
Compound interest isn’t just a principle about money; it's a tremendous growth activator for your mind! Like the financial growth described above, personal growth isn't linear; it's exponential. Just as interest makes interest, knowledge makes knowledge! So let’s get into the habit of monetizing our minds and building bucks with our brains.
When you actively read, you analyze and synthesize. Therefore critical thinking and strategic planning are simultaneous and complementary. Everything we read; we think about; then apply. Just like your money grows in a saving vehicle, so does knowledge when deposited into your cranial vault.
Benjamin Franklin described it this way: "Money makes money. And the Money that Money makes, makes money." That is the simplest explanation of compound interest you'll ever hear.
I would go on to say, "Knowledge makes Knowledge. And the Knowledge that makes Knowledge, makes Knowledge." We learn by using the known to discover the unknown to build on our existing body of information. So if you are looking for answers, you must first expand your knowledge base.
It's that simple. The real question is, how much are you willing to invest in yourself? Judging from the reality that most folks don't even invest long-term for their physical needs, the prospects look dim.
But I'm writing to my tremendous tribe, which already sees and understands the value of cognitive compound interest! That 30 minutes a day you spend reading will double itself every time you repeat it. Every word, concept, discovery, question, and thought you're 'saving' mentally begins to multiply. And think about what can happen if you commit to an hour, or two, or three! Yes, it can be done! Your mind will be so full of light and hope; you'll be floating in the atmosphere of freedom and truth!
I hope this analogy encourages you to commit to the greatest resolution of all time: The Resolution of Personal Development. Anytime spent on reading gives you a return in another form. And we have the tremendous resources to help you achieve this goal and pay eternal dividends!
Our tremendous books, courses, podcasts, and presentations are ready and able to help your mind become the best it can be. All these wonderful words need is a mind willing to pick them up, read them, digest and apply them.
One of our new releases--which continues to be one of our best-sellers--is Choices: Your Life is the Result of the Accumulated Choices You Make, by Dr. Roland Hughes. Dr. Hughes contends that the choice to be developed is one of the three most important choices you'll ever make. Preach, brother Roland! We love and live that tremendous truth!
It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!
And be sure and stay tuned for our New Year's Day email, where we will have a fantastic one-time offer to get you on your way to Cognitive Compound Interest!
]]>The only thing that can combat uncertainty is truth. The problem for many is that truth has lost its power in our moral relativistic sliding scale of whatever goes for whomever, whenever. Many go so far as to claim there is no truth, which always made me chuckle because that statement is intended to stand as truth.
But what if you could live your life in absolute certainty, free from any hand-wringing, fear, or self-doubt. Wouldn't that be tremendous? Well, you can IF you can live your life based on truth. Now the next obvious question is, "what is truth?" I reply, "Truth is not a what; it's a who."
Who do you put your trust in? Is it the media? Academia? The government? The church? Social media influencers? Horoscopes? If so, you've got a real problem. The issue with the entities mentioned above is that they shift. Therefore they cannot be the truth because truth is fixed and immutable. They compromise. Consequently, they cannot be the truth because truth is absolute and non-negotiable.
No wonder so many are riddled with anxiety and suffer from hopelessness. They focus their eyes on a comet rather than the North Star, a flicker rather than the flame. The reason Christmas is so spectacular isn’t just that God came and lived among us (although that reality is beyond comprehension). It’s that we can live in absolute certainty that the God who spoke the universe into existence took human form and lived among us. And that he left a record in his divinely inspired word of the Father's unchanging nature and plan for every one of us. He said he'd come, and he did! And Christmas is a celebration of that promise and truth.
This Christmas, give yourself the greatest gift of all. The realization of who truth is and what that belief can do in your life. Absolute certainty. Unconditional love. Eternal life. Unlimited joy. Unwarranted mercy. Abounding grace. Unending forgiveness. Tremendous truth. Of these things, I am certain. It is my hope and prayer that you will be too!
]]>Hello everyone! I have been a little quieter than usual for a good reason. It's been a tremendously busy fall as organizations and associations from all over the country are gathering again. People are engaging and excited to be back together with a heightened appreciation for social interaction.
As I step onto the stage or in front of the conference room, one theme rings through every one of my talks: You can't get it right without the right people. Whether you're a board member, a CEO, a manager, a spouse, or a solopreneur, this is the most important truth you must constantly keep at the forefront of your thoughts.
So, what defines the right people?
First and foremost, they are enthusiastic. The right people possess a pronounced awareness and honor of the collective business or mission that binds you together. If there's anything that catches people's attention and causes them to sit up and notice what you're saying or doing, it's ENTHUSIASM! The word enthusiasm is derived from two Greek words: "En", which means IN, and "theos", which means GOD. So, enthusiasm means "in God" or "God in us"! Thus, the genuinely enthusiastic person acts and speaks as if God possessed him! There's a great Vince Lombardi quote, “If you’re not fired with enthusiasm, you’ll be fired with enthusiasm!”
Second, they aspire to be developed. The more the right people know, the more they are aware they don't know; hence they are working to develop their skills up until their last day on the job. We have a new book coming out in the next two weeks titled, Choices, and our latest author, Dr. Roland Hughes, is a tremendous 92 years young! Talk about being enthused! There’s a term we used in the military called ROAD, which stood for Retired on Active Duty. This acronym is a term used across the service branches to reflect that a member is proactively NOT doing the work they are supposed to do and committed to doing. They're so close to sailing off into the sunset that they've ceased performing duties as leaders of their ship.
Lastly, they have a heightened sense of self-awareness. The cornerstone of emotional intelligence is self-awareness. Self-awareness is the conscious knowledge of one's character, feelings, motives, and desires. It's important because if I don't understand myself, how can I understand others? Unfortunately, the evilest people in the world have a black hole of self-awareness, which manifests in not caring about anyone other than themselves. This void is why narcissists fail to heal; they refuse to self-identify the specks in their own eyes and refute feedback. If you cannot admit that you're not perfect, you'll never be able to own your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
When identifying the right people, ensure they check off both areas: WILL and SKILL. SKILL involves the cognitive capacity to identify problems, create solutions, and execute plans to meet goals. WILL consists of a willingness to be an integrated part of the collective, a duty to your team members until you cross the finish line, and an ability to receive correction. Teamwork makes the dream work only if you’ve got the right team.
]]>They say that anger is one letter away from danger, and that is true. I am involved in monthly book discussions through a tremendous prison ministry called LIFE, Inc., which stands for Leading Inmates in Faith and Education. The organization's leader, Marcia Sinkovitz, and I witness the price of letting emotions override minds and their consequences. Although these men accept God's gift of grace, own their actions, and seek restoration, the better path is to avoid poor emotional regulation altogether.
And it's not just those behind bars that suffer from a lack of self-control. One need only flip through social media channels, attend a school board or homeowners meeting, or drive on a highway to witness varying degrees of hostility.
The greatest thing you can become is a peacemaker. In the Beatitudes, Jesus calls them "blessed" and “the Sons of God” (Matthew 5:9). Being blessed is the exact opposite of being raged upon. And that's why it's so tremendous to be a peacemaker.
As my leadership lenses continue to see more clearly, I'd have to say that being a peacemaker is one of the most extraordinary things a leader can be. Please note that a peacekeeper is NOT a peacemaker. A peacekeeper is someone who keeps two or more from killing each other, like a false détente. Think of a mother who puts her sibling rivals in a room and tells them to just get along. Or consider the United Nations, which puts boots on the ground to prevent warring nations from attacking each other.
We get numerous chances to hone our peacemaker skills in the professional arena. When dealing with a hostile client or a disgruntled employee, I have learned some skills.
First, hear them out. Be quiet and let them communicate. You can't become a first-rate peacemaker without allowing the other person to be heard. Verbalizing is vital and will keep them from feeling marginalized.
Second, own it; all of it. That doesn't mean taking on the blame, but taking the higher road and considering all the ways you could have allowed the situation to develop and escalate. It also allows you the space to realize that hurt people hurt people, so getting them to step up to the plate is not feasible at this juncture.
Third, offer an apology and go in peace. Angry people see things through rage eyes which distort everything. Say you’re sorry, and let it go.
Fourth, do not discuss this with anyone other than the individual when/if they are ready for restoration and they reach out to you. Numerous people share others' meltdowns when they should have kept it quiet. In doing this, they severely hamper the other's person's opportunity to move forward since everyone will know about their outburst.
Remember, it's always better to be relational rather than right when dealing with emotions because facts don't factor in until cooler heads prevail.
I came across the illustration below, and it greatly impacted me. I hope it blesses you too.
There once lived a boy who had a bad temper. He would get angry at every little thing. One day, his father gave him a bag of nails and told him, "Every time you get angry, hammer a nail into that brick wall."
And so the activity started. On the first day, the boy hammered 50 nails. The next day, he hammered 40. Each time he went there, he repented for being angry as it was quite a challenge to hammer a nail into that brick wall! Slowly, he discovered that controlling anger was easier than hammering, and the number of nails hammered started going down.
Eventually, a day came when he didn't get angry, and he felt the joy of it. Now his father gave him another task, "If you do not get angry the entire day, remove one nail from the wall." After several days, all the nails were removed.
Now his father took him near the wall and asked him what he saw. The boy replied that he could see holes in the wall. The father then explained to his son: "These holes are like the scars you leave on people when you get angry. No matter how many times you say sorry, the scar does not go."
So I suggest you two things:
Realize that words once spoken, cannot come back. Your anger hurts others and leaves a sour impression that lasts forever.
Each time you get angry, "hammer a nail ." The simplest thing you can do is to carry a pocket diary and put a line each time you get angry. Then at night, count the number of lines for that day. If you make this a habit, each time you would get angry, you'll be reminded to write it down. Indirectly, you would also realize that you getting angry. And because you are conscious and aware at that time, you would find it easier to control your actions and subdue anger.
I hope the day comes soon when you don't have any lines in your diary.
]]>First, my father adored music. Watching Elvis's jet-black hair, stage presence, musicality, and vocals reminded me of him. Yes, Charles was quite the crooner! He even recorded CDs of his songs, and we spent hours singing karaoke when I'd return home for the holidays. Those who heard him speak know that his voice was a significant factor in his success. And his singing ability was as beautiful as his spoken words.
Second, music was one of my father's therapies. In his life-changing classic, The Three Therapies, Charles listed music as one of the things that ministered to him the most. He was so tired and broken at times that he could barely go on. That's when music would soothe his weary head and heart. There's a great line in the Elvis movie where Austin Butler (who brilliantly plays the King) repeats a quote, "when things are too dangerous to say, sing.” My father said it this way, “There’ll come a time in your life someday, the crises, the humiliation, the tragedy will be so severe, there will be few things that can reach your need like music.”
Third, this movie unpacked the lifelong relationship between Elvis and his manager, Colonel Parker. I had no idea who “Col” Parker was, but we all know of his type. The evolution of their partnership takes center stage, as each “lives” off the other. But it is not a healthy relationship, albeit an incredibly profitable and record shattering one.
As Elvis matures, he begins to see that the “Col” has different ideas for the singer's career. So each time Elvis is ready to make the separation, Col Parker (played equally brilliantly by Tom Hanks) reels him back with a promissory sleight of hand. Parker calls himself The Snowman, a term he picked up from his early career as a carnival employee. My father had his word for Snowmen in his vocation. He called them Hucksters or Charlatans.
Elvis, the movie, is a feast for the eyes and ears. And you get to learn so much about the young singer's start, influences, and life. The designers and cinematographers got the look and feel perfect. But this movie's power is indeed a leadership case study of the highest order. When Parker spins his sales pitch to Elvis, one can hear the snake hissing in Eve's ear.
We've all been there. We have someone in our lives, and we become intertwined. Then, things start giving us pause and concern. We brush these feelings off or acquiesce when conflict arises. We keep coming back, hoping our suspicious minds will be wrong and all will be right. But that never happens. And there always comes a time when you've gone too far, and the only thing left to sell is your livelihood, life, or soul.
Make sure those closest to you want your success more than their own and are who they say they are. Next, turn on some tremendous Elvis Gospel songs to lift your spirit, and gather a group to see this movie!
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You can correct ignorance, however. How is ignorance different than stupidity, you may ask? Ignorance is not willful. There are plenty of things we know we don't know. But we intrinsically own the fact that we are works in progress and try and learn something new and unlearn something old every day. So, when we hear the word "Woe," we ignorant people go, "Whoa!" we need to adjust our thinking or behaviors.
Here's a humorous example: A savvy executive hired a new employee. On the first morning, the new hire reported for work, the executive handed him a broom and said, "I like my people to learn this business from the ground up. I’d like you to begin today by sweeping the work area.” The new employee was offended. He said, “What! You want me to sweep the work area? I have a graduate degree in management from a famous university.” The executive responded, “Oh, that's right…. I should have known. Give me the broom, and I'll show you how to sweep the work area.”
I have professionally pivoted at least seven times in my career, taking different roles in different industries. I was well aware that I had to prepare to do work in the future for which I did not have the present skills to accomplish. How did I do this?
First, I recognized my ignorance. I knew that for all I knew, there was so much more I had yet to learn. So, I made myself like a sponge and sought the best and brightest to work alongside and study. This admission is rooted in humility.
Second, I insisted on pursuing higher degrees and certifications to hone my skills for increased responsibility. Getting a Ph.D. in leadership was a no-brainer (😊) for me because I knew I had to learn everything I could about motivating followers. This realization is rooted in intentionality.
Third, I am on a diet of reading personal and spiritual development material for at least three hours daily. This steady influx of pure wisdom and fresh inspiration has kept my heart humble, and my soul refreshed. This truth is rooted in sanctity.
As leaders, we are in a race with no finish line. Therefore, we must be in a perpetual state of developmental readiness. We must stay thirsty for knowledge and never be dehydrated. This living water metaphor is the motivation behind my father's creation of the Life-Changing Classics series and my updated version, the Tremendous EDGE series. So don’t worry about the stupid that surrounds us. It is what it is selfish, undisciplined, and worldly. Instead, focus on curing your ignorance and living a tremendous life!
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The JWST took over from its predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), which was named after the legendary astronomer Edwin Hubble. The JWST is named after James Edwin Webb, one of the most significant pillars of NASA's success and early fame in space missions. This creation is a $10 billion satellite that took decades of research and innovation to develop and primarily looked at the universe in infrared. The Hubble studied it primarily at optical and ultraviolet wavelengths (though it has some infrared capability). Webb also has a much bigger mirror than Hubble. This larger light collecting area means that Webb can peer farther back into time than Hubble is capable of doing.
Everything in life presents rich leadership lessons, and these satellites and accompanying images are no exception. Just look at the difference seen when viewing objects by capturing visible light versus infrared. We are peering into the soul of the cosmos, seeing the actual energy within and from where it radiates. As leaders, we should be doing the same with all the stars in our organizational galaxy (notice how I said galaxy and not cluster!)
Team members may appear one way to the visible eye. But real leaders look deep within the individual to see what lies beneath the surface and what drives their passion. Are they ready to give up and collapse on themselves like a black hole? Are they about to supernova to new energy and brilliance? Or are they one of the myriads of stars that fill the firmament with light and activity?
While I was over the moon with the pictures I saw, these are images of matter, not life. Human beings have life. They are more than a contained soup of water, carbon, and DNA mixed together with a gravitational spoon. There is no comparison. And how much more critical are human spirits than cosmic stars? Galaxies don't have missions, but enterprises do. So if I get excited about beautiful images of things beyond my reach, can I get as energized about the spirits of those I interact with daily?
When I was younger, I dreamed of being an astronaut launched on a one-way mission to explore the universe for the duration of my life. Now that I am older, I realize that the meaning of the universe is on terra firma, serving, loving, and sharing with my fellow human beings.
Thank you, JWST, for the lessons you taught me. I see the wonders of all that is beyond me only to embrace the creation of that which is within me. And may I spend all my years igniting my stellar fellers and galactic gals in ways never seen before.
]]>I used to do a little routine with my father growing up. He’d call me up on stage and ask me how I was doing, to which I’d reply, “Tremendous!” Then he’d ask me how things were going, and I’d shake my head from side to side and explain, “I hope things don’t get any better!” To which he’d query “Why?”, and I would triumphantly shout, “Because I’m so tired of being happy… it’s wearing me out!!!”
Now there have been many times in my life when I have not felt tired of being happy. In fact, there are times when I wasn’t sure if I could go on living another day, that my heart was decimated because of some type of betrayal, and that everything I tried to do right was met with resistance and hostility. But the one thing I did was keep a smile on my face and behave as if I was, indeed, so tired of being happy it was wearing me out.
Some may say that’s just a lie I told myself to get through the day, a trick of the mind. I disagree. If you believe that adversity holds the seeds of greatness, then every day I felt I couldn’t go on meant that one day in the future I would achieve success greater than I ever dreamed. I was being forged for hardness, strength, flexibility and balance. So why not be happy? Why not create an atmosphere of happiness around you for others to enjoy? It’s just a matter of time and the sooner you start creating it, the sooner you get to enjoy it!
I once got a job because the selection committee said they greatly admired my enthusiasm and energy. What they meant was they were confident that I would create the type of atmosphere their organization and people needed in order to succeed and thrive. So what are you waiting for? Do you know how much your employer or family is waiting for someone to breathe some new atmosphere into the workplace or home? Don’t be a sucker; be a creator!!
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The type of leaders that I hang with are courageous. They have a keen sense of discernment, a compulsion to speak the truth professionally, and a sense of service over self. So why do these brave point people get vilified, sniped at, or even railroaded out of the very entity they are trying to help?
I’ll tell you why. First, leaders have a tough time owning up to the fact that all is not perfect on their ship. Problems? Not us! When I searched for an entity to interview as part of my doctoral research on an organizational crisis, I reached out to hundreds of leaders! Do you know how many admitted they had experienced a situation and would allow me to come in and interview those who went through with it? One! Now I know that's all it takes; however, it was a real eye-opener that most leaders do not like to take a long, hard look at what is going on in their organizations. Instead, they'd adopt a "storms over, nothing to worry about now" mentality. The problem with this fantasy is that the storms are never over.
One of the brilliant leaders I am coaching in my SPARK Singularity Deep Dive Course lamented that perhaps he shouldn't stick his neck out so much as the new guy in response to raised hackles of the existing group of non-performers on the payroll. But, unfortunately, people who speak the truth get those who don't want to hear it riled up, even those who hired them to say it! Look at the first martyr in the New Testament, Stephen, who got himself stoned in the middle of his first sermon for delivering a point-by-point rendering of the Old Testament and how it related to Jesus’ work through his death and resurrection.
And another one of my fellow leaders recounted how he was appointed to lead a church and began dealing with some issues that needed addressing. His actions caused a great deal of division and heartache for my friend, a new pastor, so he considered resigning. We've all been there. But then he went to Charlie "Tremendous" Jones bookstore, where he encountered my father. My father didn't give him a poor baby sympathy hug and commiserate with tandem thumb sucking; instead, he smacked him over the head and said, "What's this I hear about your wanting to quit?"
Yikes! That is the one thing you never, ever, ever said to my father, "I quit." He then said to my friend, "Pastor leaves, problems stay; pastor stays, problems leave." You can listen to the podcast to hear how it all turned out, but needless to say, my friend didn't let the rats run him off the ship and returned to clean house and fulfill God’s purpose for calling him there.
Now leaders also know that there is a time when the ship is going down, and no amount of standing your ground will right it. I interviewed another tremendous leader last week, and we talked about vision. She said she never really thought of herself as a visionary but rather someone who could take the leader's vision and see it into the future. That meant that she would adopt a futuristic, pragmatic, and contrarian point of view that got her fellow board members irked. Lastly, she had the most brilliant ability to see both sides of any issue and articulate them in a beautifully balanced way. She eventually came off that board because they were not so enamored with her unique gifts.
So, my dear leaders, rejoice that you are gifted the vision to spot the truth, and the backbone, the cajones, and the chutzpah to speak it. Very few have this quality and strength of character, and it will get you in a world of trouble from the masses who are threatened by it. But isn't that what's life's about? We all have to be abandoned to something; otherwise, we're nothing. So why not let it be pure and selfless service and unapologetic leadership. As leaders, we may be unsure about how certain things may work out if we open our mouths, but we are never in doubt that the words rise from our convictions. So don’t second guess yourself. How are you wrong if it comes from your desire make things right.
Keep fighting the good fight and paying the price for doing it right!
]]>I memorized this quotation as a basic cadet at the Air Force Academy. Thirty-seven years later, I still remember it word for word. I learned that you'd never be alive if you don't know what you're willing to die for. And if the only thing you're ready to fight for is your own hide, you’ll be a miserable creature indeed.
Today, we celebrate those men and women who paid the supreme sacrifice so that we, and countless others across the globe, can live in freedom. Freedom, life, and liberty are bought with a price. That price is courage, service, and sacrifice.
I thank God for those who took an oath to God to support our Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Our Constitution is the most important document ever written by man. And it is what our fighting men and women vow to support, with their very lifeblood.
Our Constitution is what defines our Country. It is the oldest and shortest written Constitution of any major government in the world. Shred it and tear it apart, and you have no nation. Raise generations who have no core values to a higher collective, and you raise a legion of thumb suckers who value self over service.
We are not perfect; no nation is. But my father, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, always said, "I could write a book about what's wrong with America, but I could write a library about what's right with America." So today, may we remember and honor those who believed the same and lived these convictions through their supreme sacrifice. And may we all fall deeper in love with this beautiful Country as we collectively seek to make her stronger and not tear her apart. Let us stop the decay and degradation.
What do you stand for? Check out Tremendous in his video What Are You Willing to Live Your Life For and his book The Three Decisions.
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My father, Charlie "Tremendous" Jones, had a unique perspective on this very topic. He said, "Loyalty is something you give regardless of what you get back, and in giving loyalty, you're getting more loyalty; and out of loyalty flow other great qualities.” In light of his words, let's look at what loyalty is and what it is not. If trust is the glue that holds the entity together, then loyalty is the force that binds.
The Dangers of Division
I conducted a class early in my speaking career on the concept of the Judas Principle. This concept was based on a conversation with a colleague whose teammate committed an incongruent act with the organization’s values. The lack of loyalty shook the member as he recounted the events. How could one of the inner fold have done something so at odds with what they stood for? Even Jesus Christ had this happen to Him when he included Judas, who would later betray Him, in the leadership circle. Didn't Jesus model loyalty? How could the perfect leader and most tremendous teacher in the world not inspire and train His disciples for loyalty?
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
"United we stand, divided we fall" is a phrase used to inspire unity and collaboration. Its core concept lies in the collective notion that if individual members of a group with binding ideals work on their own instead of as a team, they are each doomed to fail and will all be defeated. As Memorial Day approaches, we honor the men and women, both in and out of uniform, who laid down their lives because they were loyal to the shared Military Oath of Enlistment and the principles for which it stands. And yes, today, we see a pronounced lack of loyalty to Americans' quality and way of life. How can we, as the wealthiest and most accessible country in the history of the world, have such a lack of loyalty to the founding principles others died for so we may enjoy?
Servant Leadership is For Everyone
At the heart of all things tremendous is the concept of servant leadership. Practicing servant leadership is the key to generating loyalty. You don't do it by putting yourself first; you do it by placing the company and people first. Until you serve others first, your team will not afford you the loyalty you desire. Serving others over self requires humility, teachability, and self-awareness. Loyalty will never be given and only taken, unless these qualities are present. False loyalty can never be reciprocated freely, but only shown when conditions are deemed favorable. That's no way to run an organization, country, family, or ministry. How can we be so self-oriented and wise in our own eyes? How can we constantly point out the speck in others' eyes when we can't see beyond the one in our own?
Follow the Mission, Not the Man
While I love working for leaders who inspire loyalty, the problem is that none of them—or us— is perfect. The more closely we see someone, the more we see the cracks in the armor and character defects. Plus, there is no guarantee that our favorite leaders will be in their position for any amount of time. I once left a job to follow my leader, only to have them retire two months later. Loyalty is keeping your eyes focused on the mission, not the man. Absolute loyalty is tied to a purpose, not a person. So, make sure that your focus is as high as possible and guard your heart against hero worship.
Loyalty is something that we can't train for, but we can help others understand what it truly is. In a world that puts diversity at the forefront, we still have to be united around the mission. Otherwise, there won't be anything we’ll be loyal to other than ourselves and our thinking. May we all become more developed in our understanding of loyalty and how it impacts the organization.
]]>So, what makes Good Friday so good? It’s not only what happened to Christ on the cross but, most importantly, the effect of this sacrifice for me and for every other individual that has ever existed or will exist. His willingness to die in my place is the ultimate act of unconditional love. So, may we rejoice and remember today and every day that we would not have experienced propitiation without Good Friday. Propitiation is the act of appeasing a superior being in such a manner as to incur divine favor or avoid divine retribution. Good Friday is so good because on this day God poured all the sins of the universe on His beloved son so that we could be with Him forever.
Many who have not studied the Scriptures miss out on why Good Friday had to happen. It wasn’t just the false allegations against the most amazing man to have ever walked the planet by the very beings He came to serve and save. It was God’s willingness to take on human form, live, teach, walk, and love among us, and subject Himself to the most brutal death imaginable. He loved the world so much that His blood would be shed as a sacrifice in place of ours. So, we not only become heirs of Christ when we are covered by His actions on Good Friday, but we also escape an eternity of literal hell. Good Friday is so good because it appeased the holy wrath of God.
Now I know many do not like to talk about the vengeance side of our Heavenly Father, but as much as He loves us, He hates sin. Because of this reality, there has to be a reckoning. People often ask how can there be a God when there is so much evil in the world, to which I reply, "Don't blame this on God; man is the one committing all the evil!” And as surely as God is holy and man is wicked, He made a way that the two can be reconciled…. through the cross. Good Friday is so good because it provides a way for us to be restored in holiness before God. When we are justified by the blood of the cross, God views us just as if we had never sinned.
Not only are we presented blameless in this life, but we are pardoned after we die. Death isn’t the end of anything other than our physical presence in these fallen bodies. When we die, we don’t just waft off into space soup, have our consciousness merged with the cloud, or come back in some other lifeform. Instead, we face judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Our physical bodies cease to exist, but our spirits are eternal. Now I know I have done some pretty untremendous things in my life and will continue to do so because of my sinful nature. But to know that when I face the judgment, I have already been declared holy as if I had never sinned is an indescribable joy. That's what makes Good Friday so good because I know I have been set free from the bondage of sin.
So, this Good Friday, may you be overcome with just how good the events that transpired on this day were. So Good that it gives Good a whole new eternal meaning!
Want to learn more about just how much God loves you? Check out The Love of God by our founder, Charlie "Tremendous" Jones and be blessed. Also available in Spanish.
]]>But reasoning does not come easy. It is so much easier to react. Self-discipline and emotional regulation take work. A recent example of 'anger is one letter away from danger' happened at the most recent Oscars, where Will Smith walked on stage, slapped Chris Rock across the face, and then proceeded back to his seat, where he screamed obscenities at the host. This fight or flight response degrades all of us and shreds the fabric of humanity.
Here are some top ways to ensure your ability to reason is in top form, so you don't ruin your life in a moment of rage or run with the masses off the cliff.
Be Humble: My dear friend and mentor, Dr. Ken Blanchard, has one of my favorite quotes: “Humility does not mean you think less of yourself. It means you think of yourself less.” When you practice humility, you yield the stage to others to hear their voices. You also open your ears to other points of view. I also encourage everyone to read and study Brant Hansen’s book, Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better. This book did more to help me tamper down my sense of self-righteousness than anything I had ever read. When we think we are correct, we feel entitled to act in specific ways. The problem is, none of us is God, so we don't know the other person's motives, and none of us is perfect. That's why we leave the vengeance to Him, because we have selfish little pea brains that think we are right.
Offer Forgiveness: This is all but dead in the age of cancel culture. We even cancel people who are no longer on this earth even to explain their actions or offer an apology! This pith piety is the ultimate in false humility. When we believe ourselves to be morally superior to others, we feel justified in withholding forgiveness and grace. Nothing is uglier to the core than our unwillingness to give others mercy and grace. When we refuse to forgive, we surrender our ability to reason because we refuse to put ourselves in others' shoes. My father, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones, had some very un-tremendous things happen throughout his life, from childhood until his last breath. Then, knowing that an unforgiving heart would condemn him to a life of bitterness, he decided to let it go. You can read more about this in his book, Forgiveness is Tremendous.
Exercise Thinking: Reason is rooted in thinking. When we think, we harness the power of our minds to understand and form judgments through the project of logic. F. Scott Fitzgerald has one of my favorite quotes on this topic, "The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.” When we don't exercise our mental muscles and rely on lazy thinking, we regurgitate whatever verbal vomit we digest onto others. The only way to build excellent critical thinking skills is to exercise and train your brain through the process of reading. Reading helps you think logically, teaches you new things, and helps you unlearn old things. Although I grew up with a bibliophile of epic proportions, I never really loved reading. It wasn't until I arrived back home in 2009 and read the little life-changing classic, Books Are Tremendous, that I genuinely understood their transformative power.
Reason is the fabric that holds humanity together. Work to develop your ability to reason and watch what happens in your spirit and soul. Authentic communication happens inside first and then flows out of us. Let’s continue to refine our marvelous minds so that we can be tremendously reason-able.
]]>And, guess what? You guessed it! His words are as valid today as they were in 1966. These words apply to every single human who has walked, or will walk, the face of this earth. That’s how you recognize truth. Truth is grounded in consummate self-awareness and humility, i.e., we don't know it all, and we need to be teachable. That's why "truth" has been considered heresy throughout civilization; because it strips a person of their right to self, and destroys the illusion that they know and control everything. Part of the human condition is that we tend not to like this reality.
This fact brings me to a tremendous truth about retention and the root of attracting and retaining a talent stack that will take you to levels you never dreamed possible. You have to catch the fish before you can clean it. Here’s how my father, Charlie "Tremendous" Jones explained it:
“If a man doesn’t want to do something with his heart, there is no use paying him. If you don’t want this man because of what your agency can do for him with a tremendous spirit of obligation, I don’t believe you can bring him through. For the battles ahead, there has to be a bond, and usually, this will be mutual respect and appreciation between the manager and the agent.”
Whenever you bring someone on board, consider why you want to recruit that individual. This question is the first consideration that will determine your rate of retention. Are you willing to pour everything you have into them? If so, then it's ago.
Next week, we'll cover the second question: why do they want to sell what you are offering? If their heart is not in it, they won’t be around for long.
]]>Why is that? The answer is clear: without love; you have nothing.
Here’s a simple math formula for you engineering types:
Everything – Love = Nothing
Read 1 Corinthians 13:2, “And if I have the gift of prophecy and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge; if I have all faith so as to move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.”
This past week saw the suicide of someone who had it all. A beautiful, inside and outside, accomplished young woman, who had an incredible life, jumped to her death from her luxury apartment building in Manhattan. You can call it depression, anxiety, hopelessness, or despair, but what is at the root is that the individual feels a profound, and debilitating, lack of love.
Each of us is instilled within a desire to love and be loved; that is the reason we look forward with hope to tomorrow. There is no other reason we exist than to express love and receive love. This truth is also why some walk around dead long before they are buried. When this cornerstone is not there, our foundation crumbles and we crash. Sometimes, it is a fire that is extinguished; other times, we burn to the ground.
As long as you have friends who love you and people who you love, we will live; because to love is to live. If we no longer desire to live, our love lamp has gone dark. Material inanimate objects cannot fuel our purpose. They cannot receive love or love us back. Everything we accumulate eventually turns to dust. As Colonel Sanders said, “There’s no reason to be the richest man in the cemetery. You can’t do any business there.”
Fame is not love. People are fickle, and one day you are a prophet, the next, a pariah. There is only one thing that gives life, and that is the realization that you are a child of God, created in His image, of unfathomable worth to the Creator of the Universe, and counted worthy IN and BY Him. You may not always FEEL loved because feelings are deceptive; but you must KNOW that you are loved, because you are.
This truly unworldly approach is met with much skepticism and derision in today's world. After all, isn't organized religion the scourge upon humankind? No, it isn't. Ask yourself, if man is capable of such amazing discoveries and acts, then why is humanity getting more lost and crying out? Why is the number of addictions and mental health issues rising? Why are so many crying inside every day, feeling lost and alone in this world when they have the social network that has bound us all inextricably together?
You won't get love from a politician promising unity, a bumper sticker proclaiming BE KIND, or even reading the most fabulous self-help book in the world. There is only one place you can get authentic, unconditional, and eternal LOVE. And the longer we rebuke this truth, the greater the price we'll pay.
Be sure and share this with a friend so they can sign up for our series of eblasts this February titled How to Love and Be Loved Tremendously!
Enjoy this Free Webinar: How to Create Your Own Tremendous Love Life Potion!
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