Leadership

I just spent some time reflecting on the last 12 months of running and working in Sunwapta Solutions. This wasn't just daydreaming. My goal was to look at:

• Where I spent my time versus where I should have spent my time?
• When I was the most effective (getting results on important outcomes) versus just being really busy?
• What can I stop doing or delegate?
• Where can I focus my effort to get maximum results in the future?
• What did I do well and what could I do more of?
• What can I do better?
• How can I remove any obstacles to getting results?

This is the process of […]

Most software developers have heard of agile development. Scrum, Extreme Programming (XP), Test Driven Development (TDD), etc.

Other business books such as "The E-Myth" talk about working "on" the business versus working "in" the business; and treating your business as a franchise prototype.

As a small or mid-sized business owner, you need to balance off:

• Finding and servicing your customers,
• Planning and executing your strategy,
• Working on your business (making it better),
• Working in the business (keeping it all running).

The problem is, every day you have a gazillion things to take care of. The world is getting more complex and faster paced by the minute. Your world is getting […]

This quote showed up courtesy of a Twitter feed. Whether or not the Dalia Lama actually said it is not point. This point hit home for me for three main reasons.

1. Personal Fulfillment

It is unlikely you will ever be truly happy if don't find happiness in seeing others grow and be happy.

This one is truly hard; especially if you are competitive or insecure by nature.

It is one thing to see your friends succeed and cheer them on, if you are doing just as […]

Personal and business lessons are everywhere, even in the things you do as hobby or for fun.

I've mentioned before that I play Celtic music in couple of bands here in Calgary. One of those bands just completed a Saint Paddy's Day performance. We were the opening act, initially playing for a sparse crowd that then grew into a full house. It was also a noisy pub night environment; people drinking and talking with their friends.

One might be tempted to think people are not really watching and not put your full energy or talent into the show.

But this would be a mistake.

You Never […]

There are 60 seconds in a minute

There are 60 minutes in an hour.

There are 24 hours in a day.

There are 365 days in a year, plus a bonus day every 4 years.

Everyone has the same constraint.

(As far as I know) you have to sleep, eat and breath to live. The rest of your time is yours to spend how you want; but you only get to spend it once in this lifetime.

Some people accomplish amazing things in that time. Others don't seem to accomplish much, but they may be busy; even very busy.

The magic secret?

Choose.

Every single day, every week, make […]