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What Rick Hubbell says about Phil Strong
Phil is one of those rare individuals who clearly sees the big picture without losing sight of the practical steps it takes to get there.
Bold and creative, Phil is also witty and determined.
A socially conscious entrepreneur, innovator, and strategist, he is the type of guy who creates progress in any role, any arena.
I like to know what Phil is up to because it’s always something worth checking out.
Rick Hubbell / SC, USA
Destiny Coach. Business Consultant. Giant Slayer.
What Dennis McIntee says about Phil Strong
Two words come to mind when I think of Phil Strong:
Creative:
Phil has an ability to see what can be and then help you build a game plan in order to achieve that goal in the shortest possible time. Every exchange I have with Phil becomes a rush of ideas where I can barely write them all down.
Transparent:
His willingness to open his toolbox of experiences, knowledge and relationships allows me to quickly get what I need so I can move to the next project.
Phil’s not only a great partner, but a friend I can trust and rely on to assist where ever I have a need!
Dennis McIntee / SC, USA
Connect : Design : Ignite
Lead towards the Vision
Business owners must be out the front of their troops leading them into new frontiers.
Think of General Custer leading his army into battle. Think of Alexander the Great. Think of William Wallace. Regardless of your political preference you have to admit that each of these leaders were renown for leading their troops into a battle demonstrating they were fully committed to the vision. And you must, too.
Your people need to see you captivated by the Vision.
I’ve been known in the past to lead people where they never thought they would go just because I was fervently committed to the vision we shared. I would work harder, longer and drive more productivity to make sure I added my strength to the team. I would encourage them, I would coach them, I would even help lift their load at times. I wanted them to know I was committed to the vision and I was committed to them being a successful part of it. And I have to say my people responded. Some weeks we would work long into the night together because of the shared commitment we enjoyed. Other times, when my family needed me, I know I could count on the team to carry out what was necessary. In one case I remember counseling a staff member to bring home-life balance into his perspective because he was spending too much time at work! (I admired him for his diligent commitment, but family must come first!)
There’s a phrase we have as part of our Family Values that says “Lift Others As You Climb” and that typifies what I’m trying to convey. Our job as the leader is to empower others to be successful. We do this by helping them find and develop their strengths and then giving them ample opportunity to succeed in that area. That means you have to promote them ahead of yourself and ensure they have every chance to succeed. When you are able to show the people who have bought in to your vision that you believe they can help you will see them do the impossible!
One other key function of your leadership is to make sure the obstacles and detours are well managed. There will be deviations from the plan which you as the leader will drive everyone safely through. Don’t make the mistake of being so pig-headed (some called it committed to the plan) that you can’t adapt when necessary. When the poo hits the fan your people will look to you for leadership. Don’t let them down – lead!
It was Confucious who was famous for saying:
“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.”
My encouragement to all business people is about Vision. Catch the Vision and Cast the Vision. Your people will engage in a powerful vision that seems scary and impossible when they can see the part they play. As you refocus them regularly on the Vision they will keep to the tasks and strategies that have been designed for purposeful success. And when they look out front and see the Leader (you) being the sharp point of progress, they will muster all their strength to keep up.
Be the success they aspire to.
In Your Face Vision
A vison must be visible to have a powerful, lasting impact on your business.
I have recently been working with a business coaching client to help them articulate a vision that will set the sails of their business for a successful and prosperous future. As I have shared in the previous two posts, a vision can be described as powerful when:
(i) the achievement of it seems almost impossible
(ii) your team buys in to it and believe they can make it happen
(iii) it is visible around the office
(iv) the owner of the business is seen to be leading the charge
What does it mean to make that vision visible?
Many business owners often go to lavish expense and print posters of the vision, have them framed professionally and then mount them on the wall for all to see. That’s weak. That’s what you do with a trophy fish or deer. You don’t want your vision statement to become something people point at and admire, remembering the day they ‘killed’ it, do you? No, you want to bring life to your vision.
It is true that putting the vision on the wall is a good idea as long as it is not the only thing you do. My reason for being so in your face about this is I wanted to yank your chain a bit to shake you out of the idea that a framed vision is guaranteed for success. It’s not what visibility means.
The best way you can keep your vision visible and current with your team is to have a monthly vision meeting. This meeting is dedicated to the single focus of the vision, no business-as-usual or operational distractions! I know how very difficult this as to manage – the day to day operations of your business has a huge bearing on the future direction. They key for you as the leader, is to drive the discussion towards ideas that are not limited by the current situation. This way staff are encouraged to release themselves from their everyday limitation of resources, position or experience and have a free exploration of what could be possible.
If (and when) points arise that refer to current operations then you can “park” them on a list that can be addressed directly by the staff members who work in that department or carry that area of responsibility. They have the most knowledge and can most easily remove obstacles when they are empowered by the leader and inspired by the vision.
By keeping these meetings regular you are reminding the team that the vision is a future destination they are constantly walking towards. As I’ll discuss next time, they need you more than you think in this process.
Please explain Compound Interest
In this Video Blog Series Phil is answering questions that have been submitted by readers.
Today’s request is “Please explain compound interest.” (more…)
Focus on the Finances or the Family?
Is it possible to maintain a healthy balance in your family while keeping your foot on the throttle of your financial freedom?
The short answer is “Yes”. The long answer is that it takes a strong person to do that successfully. (more…)
Getting Team Buy In
Without leadership people flounder.
In my previous post I shared about a coaching session I had with a client who wanted to set a clear, compelling and captivating direction for their business. I referred to this as a vision that was powerful.
To me a business vision can be described as powerful when:
(i) the achievement of it seems almost impossible
(ii) your team buys in to it and believe they can make it happen
(iii) it is visible around the office
(iv) the owner of the business is seen to be leading the charge
Today I want to share some thoughts and challenge you to address your vision. Last time I discussed the first point, today the second.
TEAM BUY IN
Some business leaders feel they can print a vision statement and hang it on the wall and then declare it implemented. How wrong they are. Worse than that would be sending a group email to all staff advising them of the new vision and requesting participation. I know you wouldn’t dream of doing something so stupid, would you?!
Your people are your greatest asset. That means you have to treat them that way, respect their perpective and input, and invite them into the journey. The way you do that is referred to as “casting vision”. This phrase has been popularized by modern writers and is an age-old truth handed down since the writings of King Solomon. This phrase, casting vision, refers to the process a leader engages themselves in to bring unity and cohesiveness so that everyone accepts the vision and moves forward as one combined force towards the destination.
Sharing vision with your team is more than speaking it out, it’s more like selling it. Take my family, for instance. If I have the “vision” to go the beach for the weekend I have to convince them its a good idea so they come along willingly. (Many of you parents know how unenjoyable a weekend away with grumpy teenagers can be!) While the idea of going to the beach for the weekend sounds like an easy vision to sell to my family, your vision should also sound like a great idea that people would want to be involved in! Surely you’re not planning to set a vision to be the worst employer in town with a bad reputation – no way! What I mean by this is you should have an easy sell to the team to get them on board.
The way to NOT get them on board is to assume that they will come for the ride, even of you don’t ask them. Like most assumptions, that’s a bad assumption to make. As I’ve learned with my family, don’t drag them along, invite them along and “sell” how much fun its going to be and how rewarding the result will be.
In conclusion, Team Buy In to your vision will make it powerful. Here’s what my client is finding; as they bring staff in for discussion meetings and invite open-minded thinking to the table for the development of strategy people are getting excited. They’re talking about the future of the business during lunch, they’re swapping ideas over coffee, and they’re approaching the owners with suggestions they have about how the business can be improved so that it can reach the desired future. Wouldn’t you love that in your business?
Next time I’ll discuss how important the visibility of your vision is, and I might not say it the way you think!
What Neil Schroeder says about Phil Strong
I have known Phil for 12+ years and he has been my business coach for more than two years now.
I appreciate having someone to be accountable to, who keeps me on track and focused on achieving the goals I have set for myself. Phil also acts as a great sounding board drawing on his business experiences and understanding of the market in which I operate.
He helps me keep a healthy balance in the midst of juggling life between family, my business and most importantly my Christian walk.
I have no issues in recommending Phil’s services to my clients, friends and family…he has picked up two new clients from me in the last two months.
“Thanks for your support and wisdom Phil!
Neil Schroeder
Certified Financial Planner
Hamilton, New Zealand
What Natalie Miller says about Phil Strong
Phil has been my business coach for over 2 years and in that time has encouraged me, pushed me to greater levels and championed my victories.
Because of his encouragement and advice I produced and successfully sell a teaching DVD all over the world called “Listen to my sock“. At our first meeting we sat down and looked at my whole business and where I could earn more income by being in more than one place at once (without leaving home) and Phil worked out that my business had the potential to have 8 income streams (where I was working on 1).
His regular Skype chats (I’m inAustralia and he’s in NZ) kept me on track and focused on the short term goals as well as a look at the long term picture.
In my office in front of my desk I have my 5 year vision and purpose which Phil helped me create so I’m always looking ahead. I highly recommend Phil as a business coach, his business “smarts” and advice are world class, plus he’s just an all-round nice guy and fun to chat to.
Natalie Miller
Internationally touring Christian performer
Wollongong, Australia