Gratitude: The Attitude to Start Your Day ✏

For most of us, regardless of what time our day starts, after we turn off the alarm our minds begin to process all of the necessary tasks for that particular day. It’s very similar to that of a car engine warming up. Gratitude.

You visualize what the priorities are, what you are behind on, the meetings planned for the day, the emails you still need to reply to, the phone calls you need to return, not to mention the projects you have put off at home. All of this hits you before the shower water even gets hot!

You want to change that routine of stress? There is a recourse to this habit; one that doesn’t take a book, a course, or even a 10-step program.  It’s as simple as one word – GRATITUDE. Imagine changing your routine and starting each day with a commitment to only 5 minutes of thinking about the things you are grateful for.

“Gratitude is the single most important ingredient
to living a successful and fulfilled life.”

Jack Canfield

To be genuinely grateful, one must have a high quality of thankfulness. All I have to say to you is look around — there is so much to be thankful for. Unfortunately we stay stuck either in the high gears of life, or downshifting to catch up. Why not stay in first gear and just coast for a few minutes, and come to the realization that YOU are in an incredibly rewarding role as a leader? YOU get to make a difference in the lives of people you lead every day. You have been provided a privilege, one that you should never take for granted.

Commit to five minutes in your morning routine to simply identify five things that you are grateful for at that particular time. It will be easy for a few weeks, but I challenge you not to repeat yourself. Granted, being thankful for things like an incredible partner, healthy and loving children, and a supportive network of family and friends will always be on this list. But the real thought will come once you get outside that box. That’s why I used the word “commit” when I suggested changing your morning routine.

“Gratitude changes everything . . .”

I personally have a list where I write these things down; I call it my “gratitude catalog”. It’s amazing what looking at a word document filled with line after line of months’ worth of gratitude entries can do to shift one’s perspective. If you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, if you know you’re about to enter a day filled with pressure and high expectations, being able to remind yourself that the blessings of life surround you immediately changes your mindset. It’s just in our DNA – see positive, think positive, act positive.

30 things you can choose to be grateful for now:

* excluding partner, children, family and friends . . .

  1. Waking up (the obvious first!)
  2. Past, present and future (your life)
  3. Education
  4. Mentors
  5. Good health
  6. Career
  7. Ability to make choices
  8. Lessons learned
  9. Each day is a new chance to begin again
  10. Freedom
  11. The ability to go anywhere at anytime
  12. Laughter
  13. Love
  14. Tears
  15. Forgiveness
  16. Having a passion
  17. The generosity of others
  18. Respect
  19. Weekends
  20. Values
  21. Memories
  22. Music
  23. Nature
  24. The small pleasures of life all around us
  25. The Internet
  26. The setbacks that make a person stronger
  27. Volunteering
  28. Pets
  29. Good conversations
  30. YOU

Sometimes it’s tough to find the find the bright side of things because of the enormous amount of challenges we face each day. However, remember that no matter how bad your situation may seem, there are more things to be grateful for in life than there are problems. Realize how amazing your life is — and start with YOU!

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #success  #moveforward  #patience #attitude #gratitude #commit  #fiveminutes  #gratitudeissuccess

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2020 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2020 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor PisanoGratitude: The Attitude to Start Your Day ✏
More . . .

✏ In Memoriam: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Note: this tribute blog originally appeared in November 2018. In honor of the 3rd anniversary of Vic, Sr’s passing, we are resharing it today. Everything Charge Up has become is because of who he was . . .

A tribute to my father and inspiration: Vic Pisano, Sr.

November 8, 1924 – April 30, 2017

Vic Pisano, Sr.

Today is for you, Dad!  Happy Birthday…

For as long as I can remember, my father always enjoyed his birthday.  He would talk about it weeks in advance to remind us, expressing the importance that we go all out and buy him very nice gifts and celebrate at a fancy restaurant.  He said we owed him for all the birthdays he spoiled us as kids.

The reality was he didn’t care about the gifts or the fancy restaurant; he was happy with anything as long as it was with family.  That was kind of man my father was; family always came first.

Simply put, Vic was an amazing man.

He was what some would call “old-fashioned”, and was a friend to everyone he met. He believed in a handshake and a man’s word. He worked hard, earned his success and helped those in need. He was strong in his faith and knew he would celebrate the day when the Lord took him. He was brave, courageous and full of humility. If he called you friend, you could count on him.

Simply put, Vic was an amazing man.

There were so many lessons he taught us, but what always came first was the importance of family. I have so many distinct memories of my life spent with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. So many of those people from my childhood have passed, but the memories are so vivid. As a child, we spent every Sunday having lunch with my grandparents and the extended family would come in and out of their home as if it were an open house.

There was always a table full of food, wine, beautiful stories, and laughter. When my grandparents passed away, we were fortunate that my father, uncle, and aunt, inherited their love for family by carrying on the traditions of spending every Sunday together as a family, which I now do with my own children.

The saddest thing about losing my father is that he died on a Sunday. I didn’t get to sit at a table full of food, wine, beautiful stories, and smiles. That Sunday would be so different from all of the others. And though it breaks my heart that I didn’t get one last Sunday to tell him I loved him, I know that his Sunday dinner that day was the most incredible and beautiful one of all, more than he or us could ever imagine.

I imagine his first Sunday in heaven was filled with family and friends from years past with tables filled with food, wine, wonderful stories, and smiles. There were hugs, kisses and more love at his dinner table than we as a family could ever provide because he was at the Lord’s table.

I know he looked down on us as we mourned, but in my heart, I felt as if he was telling each one of his children…it’s your turn to carry on. He had taught us so many lessons over the years, and God had the confidence in us that we were prepared and ready to live life without him.

Now that I have accepted the role of continuing the traditions that my dad, my grandparents, and generations before them had celebrated, it’s my turn to teach my own children how important family is. It’s my turn to honor him.

“A father should be his son’s first hero . . .”

Moving forward…

Following his sudden death on April 30, 2017, it was an incredibly challenging period in my life. I knew I needed to work through the grief I was experiencing. And I know it’s precisely what he would have told me. When his birthday rolled around six months later, we decided to celebrate by having a party. He wouldn’t be there physically, but I knew his spirit would be everywhere.

We asked every guest to write their favorite memory of Vic so we could read them aloud to celebrate his life.

What a great party it was! Smiles everywhere, good food, good wine, love, and laughter; all those Sunday nights were. And yes, his spirit was everywhere. It was a beautiful tribute to a man who always put others before himself, and he was loved beyond measure. You could hear it in the words, voices and body language of each person who spoke.

Vic’s birthday celebration on November 8, 2017.
Pictured: The Monday Coffee Club

That evening, I came to the realization that each beautiful, unique and inspiring story needed to be shared.  It would be my honor to carry his legacy forward and dedicate myself to become the man he was.

This is how CHARGE UP came to be . . .

“The gifts that keep on giving are those of his legacy.”

This is the vessel to move from grief to gratitude every day, to celebrate his legacy, and most important, to pay it forward and make an impact in people’s lives the same way he did for more than 80 years. Venture, Lead, Prosper…those are his initials.

If you didn’t have the privilege of knowing my father, I’d like you to learn at least one more thing about him. I can think of no better way to end this than with laughter…

Vic always made family and friends laugh over the years because of a knack he had for what we called “Vic’isms,” and when corrected, he would respond, “Whatever, same thing!”. He would take a word, phrase or sentence, say it wrong, and truly make it his own. Eventually, we needed a journal to keep up, so the “Vic-tionary” was created!

With that, I would like to present you some of my favorites on this special day:

When he called my sister-in-law from the hospital when my wife was giving birth to our second child, Catherine, he told her, “they are going to seduce the baby!”  He meant to say “induce” the baby.

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

He once told us all that he was going to be remodeling his home and would be putting “Gerber” carpet in.  He meant to say “Berber carpet.”

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

We complimented his shirt at a family gathering, and he proudly told us that it was from “Banana Republican.”  He meant to say “Banana Republic.”

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

He was describing a scene of an accident that he passed and told us that he thought it was severe because the police officer was giving the man “UPS.”  He meant to say CPR.

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

While preparing a meal, he told us that we should be using a “SEGREGATED” knife.  He meant to say “serrated.”

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived and I watched him do it.”

I sincerely appreciate you allowing me the platform to dedicate this to my father.

Charge Up, Dad!

I hope you are proud; we love and miss you every day…

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Blessed to carry on his legacy,

#ChargeUp #venture #lead #prosper #legacy #inspiration #gratitude #love #Dad #HappyBirthday

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Andrea Frost✏ In Memoriam: The Gift That Keeps on Giving
More . . .

✏ Loyalty: Employees Quit Bosses, Not Leaders

Do you think poor leadership has an effect on team performance?

ABSOLUTELY. YOU CAN’T CREATE GREAT FOLLOWERS UNDER POOR LEADERSHIP.

In today’s business environment, being a leader isn’t simply a job title. One must have the ability to motivate and inspire a team to empower them to deliver the company goals, and do so in an engaging spirit.

A Gallup poll of more 1 million employed U.S. workers concluded that the No. 1 reason people quit their jobs is a bad boss or immediate supervisor. 75% of workers who voluntarily left their jobs did so because of their boss — not the position or company itself. In spite of how good a job may be, people will quit if the relationship is not healthy. “People leave managers not companies…in the end, turnover is mostly a manager issue.”

We often talk about the differences between a “boss” and a “leader”. It’s a simple way to distinguish the difference in a definition that has changed dramatically over the years, as more studies point to the success of what traits make great leaders.

For years, many individuals in a position of power abused their role through a lack of integrity, sensitivity, honesty and inspiration. A key trait that is absent in poor leadership is empathy. In order to be an effective leader, you have to respect the relationship, and have a genuine understanding of the roles and responsibilities of your team members.

Your job is to support, encourage and inspire. I have said numerous times in my blog posts, LEADERSHIP IS A PRIVILEGE. You are tasked with a tremendous responsibility — one that goes beyond your own self-development.

If you don’t truly understand the requirements and expectations, then maybe leadership isn’t for you. The problem is, too many people have an ego that doesn’t allow them to step away, or they don’t have a mentor showing them how to be a good leader.

A great phrase most of us have heard is “loyalty breeds loyalty”.  In order for a leader to receive loyalty, you must first give it. YOU are the example of leadership in everything you do. If you demonstrate commitment, you will gain it back in return. If you demonstrate integrity, you will gain it back in return. If you demonstrate character, you will gain it back in return.

It starts with leaders who understand that to get loyalty from others, you must first give it. Leaders who take the initiative in demonstrating commitment to their teams are far more successful in gaining commitment in return. If you have their back, they will have yours.

“Strong leaders won’t create followers; they create more leaders.”

A strong leader provides empowerment and allows their employees to grow. They serve as a mentor, with a shared goal of watching you succeed. By contrast, a poor leader will hold you back professionally, developmentally — and will create an atmosphere that lacks challenge, encouragement and personal gain.

Let’s be realistic, no leader is perfect. Each will have their own strengths and weaknesses; however, effective leaders have the self-awareness to identify areas for improvement and are dedicated to constantly growing.

Good management takes effort and experience, but it’s really pretty straightforward. It does require a tremendous amount of work, and with that comes a dedication to craft your team toward success. That’s the reward though, watching those under your mentorship succeed on their own.

Bottom line, don’t take your employees for granted; they’re the most valuable asset you have.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#boss #bossorleader #chargeup   #chargeuptoday #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #strongleader   #patience #leadershipjourney  #resilience  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #adversity #areyouready  #leadandfollow  #mentorship  #mentor #venture #lead #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower

RECEIVE MY FREE WEEKLY E-BLAST, THE WIRE

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Loyalty: Employees Quit Bosses, Not Leaders
More . . .

✏ Some People Have a Problem for Every Solution

Note: This post — our most popular blog of all time — was first published on September 9, 2018. We’re reposting it for #FlashbackFebruary to reach all the wonderful followers who’ve joined the Charge Up family since then . . .

Remember when negativity was only reserved for certain math concepts or when talking about the temperatures in Alaska? How times have changed . . .

People are bombarded by negativity all over social media, rather than all the good around them. As a result, they become obsessed with negativity. Instead of trying to find balance in our lives, stress and a growing sense of entitlement have given us the authority to be an “expert” on everything, and an unquenchable need to voice our positions from behind a keyboard.

We have lost sight of gratitude.

“Negative people need drama like oxygen.
Stay positive; it will take their breath away.”
– MJ Korvan

Think of it this way: our mind can only think one thought at a time, so changing the negative into a positive eliminates the negative. If we focus on the positive, we have the ability to be more creative, productive, engaging and respected. Practice this every day, and the results will be incredibly rewarding.

What about negative people? You’re either a part of the problem or the solution. If all you do is complain and have a negative aura about you, eventually you will notice that the only people who listen to you anymore are those that enjoy complaining too. You have a choice, either continue complaining or show the courage to do something about it. Be the change, apply the energy you spend being negative toward something constructive.

“Some People Really Suck — AVOID THEM!”

Here are 5 things you can practice daily to change the negative into a positive:

  1. Gratitude Journal: Start each day off immediately after you wake up and write five things that you are grateful for before you start your day. The key is, don’t just write it — keep it in your head and reference it when a negative situation presents itself. You can even write it on an index card and carry it with you as a reminder. Don’t let the negative win.
  2. Be Mindful in the Moment: Learn your triggers, whether it is certain situations or particular people. Develop an internal plan to counter the situation and not fall into the trap of engaging in nonconstructive dialogue. Begin to become mindful of the moment, and don’t feed into the drama. It’s not about having to always be positive, but rather disassociating yourself with the constant negativity around you.
  3. Stop Dwelling: Negativity is no different than any other skill we possess. If you practice negativity, anger and resentment every day, eventually, you will become very good at it and it will become a habit. Look around you — from the newspaper headlines, cable news reports, social media and the water cooler — it seems as if everybody has a bone to pick. It’s time to let it go. Practice constructive thinking and put things into perspective.
  4. Pay it Forward: The quickest way to change your perspective from negative to positive is to simply do something for somebody else. If you can do an act of kindness for someone else, you can’t help but feel optimistic. It’s a win-win situation.
  5. Surround yourself with Positive People: According to Tim Ferriss, one of my favorite authors and speakers, “You are the average of the five people you most associate with.” Take a moment and do an assessment of who that would be in your life. It is critical to understand that these people will have an impact on your mindset, whether positive or negative. With that in mind, make your choices carefully.

Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Life is too short — focus on doing the right thing and make a POSITIVE impact on somebody today!

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#legacy  #hero  #chargeup   #chargeuptoday #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #strongleader   #patience #leadershipjourney  #resilience  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #adversity #areyouready  #leadandfollow  #mentorship  #mentor #venture #lead #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower

RECEIVE MY FREE WEEKLY E-BLAST, THE WIRE

SUBSCRIBE NOW

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018/2020 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018/2020 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Some People Have a Problem for Every Solution
More . . .

✏ Loyalty: Employees Quit Bosses, Not Leaders

Do you think poor leadership has an effect on team performance?

ABSOLUTELY. YOU CAN’T CREATE GREAT FOLLOWERS UNDER POOR LEADERSHIP.

In today’s business environment, being a leader isn’t simply a job title. One must have the ability to motivate and inspire a team to empower them to deliver the company goals, and do so in an engaging spirit.

A Gallup poll of more 1 million employed U.S. workers concluded that the No. 1 reason people quit their jobs is a bad boss or immediate supervisor. 75% of workers who voluntarily left their jobs did so because of their boss — not the position or company itself. In spite of how good a job may be, people will quit if the relationship is not healthy. “People leave managers not companies…in the end, turnover is mostly a manager issue.”

We often talk about the differences between a “boss” and a “leader”. It’s a simple way to distinguish the difference in a definition that has changed dramatically over the years, as more studies point to the success of what traits make great leaders.

For years, many individuals in a position of power abused their role through a lack of integrity, sensitivity, honesty and inspiration. A key trait that is absent in poor leadership is empathy. In order to be an effective leader, you have to respect the relationship, and have a genuine understanding of the roles and responsibilities of your team members.

Your job is to support, encourage and inspire. I have said numerous times in my blog posts, LEADERSHIP IS A PRIVILEGE. You are tasked with a tremendous responsibility — one that goes beyond your own self-development.

If you don’t truly understand the requirements and expectations, then maybe leadership isn’t for you. The problem is, too many people have an ego that doesn’t allow them to step away, or they don’t have a mentor showing them how to be a good leader.

A great phrase most of us have heard is “loyalty breeds loyalty”.  In order for a leader to receive loyalty, you must first give it. YOU are the example of leadership in everything you do. If you demonstrate commitment, you will gain it back in return. If you demonstrate integrity, you will gain it back in return. If you demonstrate character, you will gain it back in return.

It starts with leaders who understand that to get loyalty from others, you must first give it. Leaders who take the initiative in demonstrating commitment to their teams are far more successful in gaining commitment in return. If you have their back, they will have yours.

“Strong leaders won’t create followers; they create more leaders.”

A strong leader provides empowerment and allows their employees to grow. They serve as a mentor, with a shared goal of watching you succeed. By contrast, a poor leader will hold you back professionally, developmentally — and will create an atmosphere that lacks challenge, encouragement and personal gain.

Let’s be realistic, no leader is perfect. Each will have their own strengths and weaknesses; however, effective leaders have the self-awareness to identify areas for improvement and are dedicated to constantly growing.

Good management takes effort and experience, but it’s really pretty straightforward. It does require a tremendous amount of work, and with that comes a dedication to craft your team toward success. That’s the reward though, watching those under your mentorship succeed on their own.

Bottom line, don’t take your employees for granted; they’re the most valuable asset you have.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#boss #bossorleader #chargeup   #chargeuptoday #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #strongleader   #patience #leadershipjourney  #resilience  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #adversity #areyouready  #leadandfollow  #mentorship  #mentor #venture #lead #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower

RECEIVE MY FREE WEEKLY E-BLAST, THE WIRE

SUBSCRIBE NOW

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Loyalty: Employees Quit Bosses, Not Leaders
More . . .

✏ An Attitude of Gratitude

For most of us, regardless of what time our day starts, after we turn off the alarm our minds begin to process all of the necessary tasks for that particular day. It’s very similar to that of a car engine warming up.

You visualize what the priorities are, what you are behind on, the meetings planned for the day, the emails you still need to reply to, the phone calls you need to return, not to mention the projects you have put off at home. All of this hits you before the shower water even gets hot!

You want to change that routine of stress? There is a recourse to this habit; one that doesn’t take a book, a course, or even a 10-step program.  It’s as simple as one word – GRATITUDE. Imagine changing your routine and starting each day with a commitment to only 5 minutes of thinking about the things you are grateful for.

“Gratitude is the single most important ingredient
to living a successful and fulfilled life.”

– Jack Canfield

To be genuinely grateful, one must have a high quality of thankfulness. All I have to say to you is look around — there is so much to be thankful for. Unfortunately we stay stuck either in the high gears of life, or downshifting to catch up. Why not stay in first gear and just coast for a few minutes, and come to the realization that YOU are in an incredibly rewarding role as a leader? YOU get to make a difference in the lives of people you lead every day. You have been provided a privilege, one that you should never take for granted.

Commit to five minutes in your morning routine to simply identify five things that you are grateful for at that particular time. It will be easy for a few weeks, but I challenge you not to repeat yourself. Granted, being thankful for things like an incredible partner, healthy and loving children, and a supportive network of family and friends will always be on this list. But the real thought will come once you get outside that box. That’s why I used the word “commit” when I suggested changing your morning routine.

“Gratitude changes everything . . .”

I personally have a list where I write these things down; I call it my “gratitude catalog”. It’s amazing what looking at a word document filled with line after line of months’ worth of gratitude entries can do to shift one’s perspective. If you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, if you know you’re about to enter a day filled with pressure and high expectations, being able to remind yourself that the blessings of life surround you immediately changes your mindset. It’s just in our DNA – see positive, think positive, act positive.

30 things you can choose to be grateful for now:

* excluding partner, children, family and friends . . .

  1. Waking up (the obvious first!)
  2. Past, present and future (your life)
  3. Education
  4. Mentors
  5. Good health
  6. Career
  7. Ability to make choices
  8. Lessons learned
  9. Each day is a new chance to begin again
  10. Freedom
  11. The ability to go anywhere at anytime
  12. Laughter
  13. Love
  14. Tears
  15. Forgiveness
  16. Having a passion
  17. The generosity of others
  18. Respect
  19. Weekends
  20. Values
  21. Memories
  22. Music
  23. Nature
  24. The small pleasures of life all around us
  25. The Internet
  26. The setbacks that make a person stronger
  27. Volunteering
  28. Pets
  29. Good conversations
  30. YOU

Sometimes it’s tough to find the find the bright side of things because of the enormous amount of challenges we face each day. However, remember that no matter how bad your situation may seem, there are more things to be grateful for in life than there are problems. Realize how amazing your life is — and start with YOU!

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #success  #moveforward  #patience #attitude #gratitude #commit  #fiveminutes  #gratitudeissuccess

RECEIVE MY FREE WEEKLY E-BLAST, THE WIRE

SUBSCRIBE NOW

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ An Attitude of Gratitude
More . . .

✏ The Intersection of Skill and Will

“The will must be stronger than the skill.”
– Muhammad Ali

Within successful business paradigms lie vast resources for leaders to assess employees. There are simple ratings based tools, objectives-based evaluations, and the 360° approach, just to name a few. We then jump into specific performance systems that all are “scientifically” proven to be effective.

Let’s focus on one – the Skill vs. Will Matrix. I call it the “Intersection of Skill vs. Will” because those four quadrants that seem so simple to use can become extremely frustrating to manage and assess performance, motivation and skill. And just where does leadership enter the equation? By taking an objective approach to studying the situation, and including yourself as a part of the evaluation.

WILL

When we talk about WILL, we are basically looking at the attitude of person and the positive motivation around the achievement of an objective.  The difference between having a strong will vs. a weak will in most cases is centered around both willpower and self-discipline.

You must have the will to succeed. However, it will require a perseverance to relentlessly hone your craft, or in this case, your skill. As a leader, when evaluating your team, you must have a firm understanding of this concept if you want to provide both a fair and balanced assessment, as well as a collaborative work environment.

SKILL

What about SKILL? For this one, simply think about the technical ability to execute the functions of the objective. It is going to include traits such as experience, training, knowledge and natural talents. As an example, when we talk about a “skilled laborer”, we know that they excel within a defined skill set.

WILL VS. SKILL

Combine the two – SKILL and WILL – and you will find a true litmus test for leaders trying to develop an effective team while evaluating autonomy, guidance, authority, direction and goals. I don’t want to get scientific or elaborate too much, but the issue you face is how can you, as a leader, ensure that there is an adequate amount of:

  • Training
  • Education
  • Positive attitude
  • Attention to detail
  • Readily available resources
  • Effective communication

 

My point is, it takes more than a title and enthusiasm to lead a successful team. 

You will be tested at times to dig deep and evaluate. In most cases, the devil will be in the details. In that evaluation, you must be both fair and objective in the criticism and/or decisions you may face. Look within yourself and honestly consider if you have fulfilled your commitments.

You will have to direct your attentions toward guidance, direction, delegation and inspiration to find the perfect balance. In some cases, you will need to challenge yourself to make the decision to possibly eliminate a team member if you don’t see a positive contribution to the overall objective.

Skill vs. will — simple, right?

Think again!  

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead  #skill  #will  #skillvswill

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ The Intersection of Skill and Will
More . . .

✏ The Gift That Keeps on Giving

A tribute to my father and inspiration: Vic Pisano, Sr.

November 8, 1924 – April 30, 2017

Vic Pisano, Sr.

Today is for you, Dad!  Happy Birthday…

For as long as I can remember, my father always enjoyed his birthday.  He would talk about it weeks in advance to remind us, expressing the importance that we go all out and buy him very nice gifts and celebrate at a fancy restaurant.  He said we owed him for all the birthdays he spoiled us as kids.

The reality was he didn’t care about the gifts or the fancy restaurant; he was happy with anything as long as it was with family.  That was kind of man my father was; family always came first.

Simply put, Vic was an amazing man.

He was what some would call “old-fashioned”, and was a friend to everyone he met. He believed in a handshake and a man’s word. He worked hard, earned his success and helped those in need. He was strong in his faith and knew he would celebrate the day when the Lord took him. He was brave, courageous and full of humility. If he called you friend, you could count on him.

Simply put, Vic was an amazing man.

There were so many lessons he taught us, but what always came first was the importance of family. I have so many distinct memories of my life spent with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. So many of those people from my childhood have passed, but the memories are so vivid. As a child, we spent every Sunday having lunch with my grandparents and the extended family would come in and out of their home as if it were an open house.

There was always a table full of food, wine, beautiful stories, and laughter. When my grandparents passed away, we were fortunate that my father, uncle, and aunt, inherited their love for family by carrying on the traditions of spending every Sunday together as a family, which I now do with my own children.

The saddest thing about losing my father is that he died on a Sunday. I didn’t get to sit at a table full of food, wine, beautiful stories, and smiles. That Sunday would be so different from all of the others. And though it breaks my heart that I didn’t get one last Sunday to tell him I loved him, I know that his Sunday dinner that day was the most incredible and beautiful one of all, more than he or us could ever imagine.

I imagine his first Sunday in heaven was filled with family and friends from years past with tables filled with food, wine, wonderful stories, and smiles. There were hugs, kisses and more love at his dinner table than we as a family could ever provide because he was at the Lord’s table.

I know he looked down on us as we mourned, but in my heart, I felt as if he was telling each one of his children…it’s your turn to carry on. He had taught us so many lessons over the years, and God had the confidence in us that we were prepared and ready to live life without him.

Now that I have accepted the role of continuing the traditions that my dad, my grandparents, and generations before them had celebrated, it’s my turn to teach my own children how important family is. It’s my turn to honor him.

“A father should be his son’s first hero . . .”

Moving forward…

Following his sudden death on April 30, 2017, it was an incredibly challenging period in my life. I knew I needed to work through the grief I was experiencing. And I know it’s precisely what he would have told me. When his birthday rolled around six months later, we decided to celebrate by having a party. He wouldn’t be there physically, but I knew his spirit would be everywhere.

We asked every guest to write their favorite memory of Vic so we could read them aloud to celebrate his life.

What a great party it was! Smiles everywhere, good food, good wine, love, and laughter; all those Sunday nights were. And yes, his spirit was everywhere. It was a beautiful tribute to a man who always put others before himself, and he was loved beyond measure. You could hear it in the words, voices and body language of each person who spoke.

Vic’s birthday celebration on November 8, 2017.
Pictured: The Monday Coffee Club

That evening, I came to the realization that each beautiful, unique and inspiring story needed to be shared.  It would be my honor to carry his legacy forward and dedicate myself to become the man he was.

This is how CHARGE UP came to be . . .

“The gifts that keep on giving are those of his legacy.”

This is the vessel to move from grief to gratitude every day, to celebrate his legacy, and most important, to pay it forward and make an impact in people’s lives the same way he did for more than 80 years. Venture, Lead, Prosper…those are his initials.

If you didn’t have the privilege of knowing my father, I’d like you to learn at least one more thing about him. I can think of no better way to end this than with laughter…

Vic always made family and friends laugh over the years because of a knack he had for what we called “Vic’isms,” and when corrected, he would respond, “Whatever, same thing!”. He would take a word, phrase or sentence, say it wrong, and truly make it his own. Eventually, we needed a journal to keep up, so the “Vic-tionary” was created!

With that, I would like to present you some of my favorites on this special day:

When he called my sister-in-law from the hospital when my wife was giving birth to our second child, Catherine, he told her, “they are going to seduce the baby!”  He meant to say “induce” the baby.

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

He once told us all that he was going to be remodeling his home and would be putting “Gerber” carpet in.  He meant to say “Berber carpet.”

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

We complimented his shirt at a family gathering, and he proudly told us that it was from “Banana Republican.”  He meant to say “Banana Republic.”

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

He was describing a scene of an accident that he passed and told us that he thought it was severe because the police officer was giving the man “UPS.”  He meant to say CPR.

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

While preparing a meal, he told us that we should be using a “SEGREGATED” knife.  He meant to say “serrated.”

His response: WHATEVER, SAME THING…

“My father didn’t tell me how to live; he lived and I watched him do it.”

I sincerely appreciate you allowing me the platform to dedicate this to my father.

Charge Up, Dad!

I hope you are proud; we love and miss you every day…

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Blessed to carry on his legacy,

#ChargeUp #venture #lead #prosper #legacy #inspiration #gratitude #love #Dad #HappyBirthday

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©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ The Gift That Keeps on Giving
More . . .

✏ The Thrill of Victory, the Agony Between the Feet

Does the fear of failure ever stand in your way of achieving your goals? Have you learned to bounce back and persevere? If your answer is “not really,” I have a story for you…

It was October 26, 1986, and over 55,000 people were packed into Shea Stadium for the 83rd World Series. The Boston Red Sox held a 3-game to 2 advantage in the best of 7 series over the New York Mets. Win this game, and the 68-year old Curse of the Bambino would be erased from the memory of every Sox fans in what would later rank as one of the greatest World Series of all time.

After the top of the tenth inning and with over 22 million viewers tuned in, NBC had started to set up in the visiting Red Sox clubhouse to film the postgame celebration and the exchange of the Commissioner’s Trophy. The champagne was on ice, and Bob Costas was set to preside over the ceremony.

After the second out in the tenth, the scoreboard operator in Shea Stadium accidentally posted “Congratulations Boston Red Sox, 1986 World Series Champions”. It was meant with a roar of boos and was immediately removed.

“The game ain’t over ‘til it’s over.”
– Yogi Berra

With the winning run at second base, the Mets had two outs and a 3-2 count on Mookie Wilson. Wilson hit a little roller down the first base line, a routine play for any novice, much less an MLB 1st baseman — but it was anything but routine that night. It went past his glove, between his legs and faded just enough outside the baseline to bring Kevin Mitchell, the tying run at 3rd, and Ray Knight, the winning run at 2nd, in to score and in dramatic fashion, win the game for the Mets, 6-5.

The New York Mets would go on to win the series after a 10-9 victory over the Red Sox in game 7 and were crowned the 1986 World Series Champions.

in its wake, one name was immediately and indelibly etched in the lore of Red Sox baseball: Bill Buckner.

If you’re a Red Sox fan, you’ve probably brought his name up a few times with your therapist. Buckner was the first baseman in that game. This guy didn’t ride the pine either; Buckner spent twenty-two years in the majors, had over 2,700 hits with 9,397 plate appearances, over 100 RBI’s, a .289 batting average in a span of over 3,500 career games. In 1986, he was 17 years into his career.

However, all of that meant nothing. October 26, 1986, means everything.

“Baseball is ninety percent mental and the other half is physical.”
– Yogi Berra

Let’s go back to failure. 

It would have been easy for Buckner to end his career following that season; he was ridiculed and the target of every sports journalist and Red Sox fan across the country during the off-season, even receiving death threats. It was more than enough to make any man crumble, even an experienced professional athlete. But amazingly enough, Buckner somehow went on to play another five successful seasons following the debacle of 1986.

In an Associated Press interview in 2005, Buckner revealed his secret to moving on. “I think a lot of people would have really let it bother them,” he mused. “Or you could use it in a positive manner. I’m a positive person.”

There are those who have the courage and fortitude to allow failure to serve as inspiration as opposed to being discouraged. Failure is a constant in the process of success.

Failure is an opportunity to:

–   Commit to improvement

–   Evaluate and if necessary, redirect your focus

–   Look within and become more self-aware

–   Review your plan

–   Find motivation

–   Seek trusted mentorship

The off-season that followed the 1986 World Series was dedicated to improvement for Buckner, despite his critics. That was not how he was going to leave the game. He took it in stride and did not allow it to become a distraction as he prepared for the following season.

To this day, when Buckner is interviewed, they always ask him about that play back in October of 1986. After 30 years, one has the right to get frustrated and possibly display anger in their response. After all, there have been many mistakes in sports since his.

Not Bill Buckner. 

He answers every question with respect, dignity and an authentic tone that continues to teach others how failure doesn’t define you — how you respond to it does. He had an amazing MLB career, and he is now a successful businessman who is very involved with his community.

One can’t be an innovator without risk. How can you have an entrepreneurial spirit with doubt? Where will the breakthrough come from if you have a negative mindset?

BE BOLD!

BE COURAGEOUS!

FAIL!

GET BACK UP!

SUCCEED!

“You can observe a lot by watching.”
– Yogi Berra

Today is the day that you commit to not allow fear to detour or distract you from the greatness you can achieve. Instill a mindset of positivity, discipline, passion, and perseverance in everything you do.

If it’s your passion, nothing can stand in your way.

Just ask Bill Buckner.

“Baseball’s what I do.”
– Bill Buckner

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#ChargeUp #venture #lead #prosper #inspire #gratitude #action #leadership #failure #failforward #leaderwithin #courage #compassion  #BeThe1  #mentor #journey #moveforward #adversity #reflect #YouAreReady

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ The Thrill of Victory, the Agony Between the Feet
More . . .

✏ Change: Old Ways Won’t Open New Doors

It’s 1856, and I need to find out the address for an event tomorrow night. Bad news — it would take the rider from Pony Express about 10-12 days to deliver that information via a letter from St. Joseph, Missouri,  to me here in San Antonio, Texas.

Fast forward to 2018. I need to find out the address for an event tomorrow night. In the time it took to type that, I had an answer.

It’s 1856, and I need to order a gift for an event tomorrow night. Bad news, it would take the Overland Mail Company approximately 24 days via stagecoach to get it from St. Joseph, Missouri, to me here in San Antonio, Texas.

Fast forward to 2018. I just ordered it on Amazon this morning; it should be here before 8:00pm tonight.

“The times they are a changing.”
– Bob Dylan

What was fiction yesterday will be fact tomorrow. That’s why it is imperative that you create a consistent mindset to not only learn to adapt to change, but find the change in your business before your competition does. The excuse “I can’t keep up…” doesn’t work anymore. You either find a way, or you will lose the game.

CHANGE. IS. A. CONSTANT.

Change is the only thing that allows you to win in the long term, so you have to get comfortable with it. It’s a constant — even more so now than just a few years ago. Remember, the vast majority of people don’t like change, so in turn, they tend to adapt slower. If you are on your game, you’re already winning.

I remember watching “The Jetsons” in the early 1970’s and was amazed at what the future would look like. They had these TV screens that would enable them to talk to their friends live!  Hello, Facetime.

Or what about Dick Tracy, he basically invented the Apple Watch back in 1965!

Everything you need to create or adapt to change is simply a “click” away thanks to technology, so you don’t have an excuse. We live in such incredible times; we have the ability to make an impact and be the pioneer of change. It will put new demands on us and our lives, but if you learn to accept it, it can be a great ride.

Great leaders never stop changing; that is what separates them from the rest. They have:

  • Sustained a quest to out-think the competition
  • Accepted the challenge to learn as fast as the world is changing
  • Found the courage and boldness to embrace something before others

Change will require you to become more of a critical thinker. You will need to constantly find new sources of inspiration, not only in your field, but in others — because ideas are everywhere!

LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

For those of you who despair change, though, I’ll throw you a bone.

Here are 10 things that will never change:

  1. Taking shortcuts to success doesn’t work.
  2. You will never make everybody happy.
  3. The past is the past; it’s time to move on.
  4. The need to accept things you cannot change.
  5. Patience is a necessity.
  6. Lost time cannot be recovered.
  7. Your family should come first.
  8. Certain circumstances, whether good or bad
  9. Other people. (they may eventually change themselves, but you can’t do it for them).
  10. the fact that life is not always fair, and you must deal with that.

If you are still struggling with change after reading this, I have one final piece of advice for you . . .

There’s an app for that! ☺

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #fail   #learnfromfailure  #bounceback  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #empower  #motivate  #inspire  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Change: Old Ways Won’t Open New Doors
More . . .

✏ Leadership, 80s-Hits Style: Part 2

Word Up – Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Welcome to Part Two of our journey back in time, crafting some leadership lessons for today from some of yesterday’s best music. (Catch up on Part 1 here if you missed it). Without further ado, I’d like to offer my second top-9 picks and translations:

  1. “DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE”

(1988 – Public Enemy)

“…Caught you lookin’ for the same thing
It’s a new thing, check out this I bring
Uh Oh the roll below the level
‘Cause I’m livin’ low next to the bass, c’mon
Turn up the radio
…”

The competition for attention is at an all-time high, but are you all bark and no bite? What traits and skills do you possess as a leader that sets you apart from the rest? The bold, courageous and inspired leave their mark and live up to the hype. Be that leader that others want to follow.

 

  1. “ME, MYSELF AND I”

(1989 – De La Soul)

“…Mirror, mirror on the wall
Tell me, mirror, what is wrong?
Can it be my de la clothes
Or is it just my de la song?..”

Unfortunately, there are leaders who refuse to adapt to change and continue to operate in a selfish manner. They are a boss, not a leader. Their goals are self-centered, and they have no regard or gratitude for those that they have the privilege to lead. Learn to empower others and teach them to lead. The return far outweighs the effort.

 

  1. “WITH OR WITHOUT YOU”

(1987 – U2)

“…Through the storm, we reach the shore
You give it all but I want more
And I’m waiting for you…”

Although Bono told the world he couldn’t live with or without you, companies have the advantage in the today’s marketplace to choose from so many qualified leadership candidates. They can and will live without you — or at least most of you. You’re responsible for your own success; it’s a daily task that requires effort. Be that leader they can’t live without.

 

  1. “ROAD TO NOWHERE”

(1985 – Talking Heads)

“…We’re on a road to nowhere
Come on inside
Taking that ride to nowhere
We’ll take that ride
I’m feeling okay this morning
And you know
We’re on the road to paradise
Here we go, here we go…”

You took the position for the title and the money, and now you’re stuck in a dead-end job watching your friends succeed because they didn’t take shortcuts. They took the longer path with their eye on the long-term prize as opposed to the short-term gain. But remember: it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

 

  1. “BRASS IN POCKET”

(1980 – The Pretenders)

“…Got brass in pocket
Got bottle I’m gonna use it
Intention I feel inventive
Gonna make you, make you, make you notice…”

The gold at the end of the rainbow is just a myth, but you can still enjoy the rainbow. Work hard, pay your dues and be patient. Find a mentor and listen and learn. Look for opportunities to grow. Be thankful for the chances you are given to contribute. In time, your financial goals will take care of themselves.

 

  1. FOLLOW THE LEADER

(1987 – Eric B. & Rakim)

“…I came to overcome before I’m gone
By showing and proving and letting knowledge be born
Then after that I live forever.  You disagree?
You say never? Then follow me.
From century to century, you’ll remember me
In history, not a mystery or a memory . . .”

You have chance to leave a legacy by being a good leader, maybe even a great leader; don’t take it lightly.  Inspire, motivate, sacrifice, provide a clear vision that others respect and together you can make a difference. Lead with respect and gratitude, because the ones you are leading are watching your example.

 

  1. LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER

(1986 – Bon Jovi)

“…We’ve got to hold on to what we’ve got
It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not
We’ve got each other and that’s a lot for love
We’ll give it a shot…”

The weak and unprepared depend upon luck. The strong and organized create their own luck, but it’s not called luck. It’s defined as hard work and sacrifice. You will only get what you are willing to put in. Don’t hope for it, earn it. I been everywhere, still, I’m standing tall. I’ve seen a million faces, and I’ve rocked them all. (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

 

  1. I’M ON FIRE

(1984 – Bruce Springsteen)

“…Oh, I’m on fire
Oh, I’m on fire
Oh, I’m on fire

Woo ooh ooh
Woo ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh
Woo ooh ooh
Woo ooh ooh…”

There is no better feeling than to watch a plan come together as a leader. To see each member of the team fulfill their contribution to the overall objective and succeed. It is what you work for, it is why you chose to lead. Take every small win you can and let it be the fire that motivates you.

 

  1. TEMPTED

(1981 – Squeeze)

“…I bought a toothbrush, some toothpaste
A flannel for my face
Pajamas, a hairbrush
New shoes and a case
I said to my reflection
“Let’s get out of this place…”

The short cut is always tempting, however, to win the race, you have to be willing to invest your efforts on the long-term. There will be times you just want the easier way, but don’t jeopardize all that you’ve earned because of a moment of mediocrity. Stay focused and stick to the plan.

 

Leadership is a privilege.

Did I say privilege? Bonus round!

 

The Fixx (1983): “Privilege”

“…Privilege you have the right
If you’re on the frequency, yeah
If you’re on the frequency, ooh yeah
So when you say that

There’s always something else to do.
There must be one
thing you can try.
There’s
always something else to do . . .”

Go do great things today and make a difference.

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership  #flashback #the80s #lead   #process  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #empower  #motivate  #inspire #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday #ambition #action  #journey  #destination  #passion  #spirit

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Leadership, 80s-Hits Style: Part 2
More . . .

✏ Leadership, 80s-Hits Style: Part 1

A REAL LEADER FACES THE MUSIC EVEN WHEN HE DOESN’T LIKE THE TUNE

This blog will achieve either one of two things. You’ll either feel nostalgic or confused. As for me, the latter . . .

Oh the 80’s! Who can forget the Rubik’s cube, doing the moonwalk, Blockbuster Video, the Walkman and relating to every John Hughes movie ever made. We lived without mobile phones, computers and the internet — and as crazy as it sounds, we survived! The best part of the 80’s?  The music.

With that, it’s time for a little leadership sing-along by Charge Up . . .

The following is the first half of my take on 18 Top Hits of the 80’s,and how they would apply to leadership today:

  1. “EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD”

(1985 – Tears for Fears)

“…Welcome to your life
There’s no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you acting on your best behavior
Turn your back on Mother Nature
Everybody wants to rule the world…”

The era of entitlement; the myth that all you need is a college degree and a dream to become an entrepreneur with ambitions of quick cash, fast cars, your house featured on Cribs and your very own G6 at the airport. The millennials of today are ready to rule the world now, even if they often lack creativity, ambition and hard work.

 

  1. “DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’”

(1981 – Journey)

“…Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin’ anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on . . .”

Some things just don’t change, and this is one of them. Roll your sleeves up, put in the work, and pay your dues to earn success. Be patient, set goals and find your purpose. It’s all possible, as long as you “Don’t Stop Believin’” in yourself. And don’t forget to go on and on and on….

 

  1. “UNDER PRESSURE”

(1982 – Queen & David Bowie)

“…Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you no man ask for
Under pressure that brings a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets…”

The pressures and stress of leadership is not for everyone. Being able to stay on course requires tremendous discipline. Handling pressure is the mark of a good leader, it only comes to those who earn it. Remember: pressure can make a pipe burst, but it can also create a diamond.

 

  1. “SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO”

(1982 – The Clash)

“…Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go, there will be trouble
And if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know…”

Thanks to LinkedIn, an over-saturated market of recruiters, and instant resume submissions on company websites, we tend to believe the grass is greener on the other side and it will test your loyalty. On the other hand, some people aren’t loyal to you. They are loyal to their needs for you.  Once their needs change, so does their loyalty.

 

  1. “HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF”

(1982 – Duran Duran)

“…Dark in the city night is a wire
Steam in the subway earth is afire
Do do do do do do do dodo dododo dodo…”

For the aspiring leader, this one is for you. Come out of the gate with a relentless pursuit to listen, learn and grow. Develop your skills, earn trust and put in the work to be noticed. Only the strong survive, but you have to be hungry and want it more than the next. Do do do do do do do do dodo dodo…

 

  1. “FIGHT THE POWER”

(1989 – Public Enemy)

“…Now that you’ve realized the pride’s arrived
We got to pump the stuff to make us tough
From the heart
It’s a start, a work of art
To revolutionize make a change nothing’s strange
People, people we are the same
No we’re not the same
‘Cause we don’t know the game
What we need is awareness, we can’t get careless…”

Social media has created a platform for the masses to create micro revolutions for change. No longer do you need funding, large memberships or specific agendas. With 280 characters, you have the right to speak your mind and challenge traditional thought.

 

  1. “ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER”

(1983 – The Fixx)

“…The deception with tact, just what are you trying to say?
You’ve got a blank face, which irritates
Communicate, pull out your party piece
You see dimensions in two
State your case with black or white
But when one little cross leads to shots, grit your teeth
You run for cover so discreet…”

In our quest to become successful, effective leaders, we begin to notice a pattern based on the harder we work, the bigger the reward. Our self-awareness and ability to identify our strengths allows for us to find our niche and make an impact. Success is made up of the small steps forward, knowing that each will lead us toward our goals.

 

  1. “WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND”

(1981 – Loverboy)

“…Everyone’s watching, to see what you will do
Everyone’s looking at you, oh
Everyone’s wondering, will you come out tonight
Everyone’s trying to get it right, get it right…”

In the 80’s we were working for the weekend, but these days, we are actually working all weekend just to stay ahead in this faced paced world. Trying to find balance can be a challenge for anyone trying to get ahead, but just put your bandanna on and forge ahead!

 

  1. “DON’T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME”

(1985 – Simple Minds)

“…Will you recognize me?
Call my name or walk on by
Rain keeps falling, rain keeps falling
Down, down, down, down…”

What have you done for me lately? That is the battle cry for most companies and people in a leadership position. There is no resting on your laurels or growing stagnant. Constant advancement of skills, ability and contribution are what keep you top-of-mind with upper management. Take a break and you just may be forgotten. Strive to stand out.

 

One thing really does lead to another — make sure you bust a move next week and check out the second half of this post.

Go do great things today and make a difference.

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership  #flashback #the80s #lead   #process  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #empower  #motivate  #inspire #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday #ambition #action  #journey  #destination  #passion  #spirit

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©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Leadership, 80s-Hits Style: Part 1
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✏ The Firm Handshake

Attention, young adults…

Believe it or not, there was a time when you judged a person’s character simply by their handshake.

I distinctly remember that while growing up, my father would give me lessons on the proper way to shake someone’s hand. And not just the handshake itself; he would start with how to approach a person when doing so. You walked toward them, extending your hand with a welcoming posture, a smile on your face, and you began your initial comment even before you grip their hand.

He probably made me do it 20 times, and it makes me smile just thinking about it. 

We would practice that for years, little impromptu crash courses to make sure I never lost that skill. When I had the honor to work for him, there were countless times after a meeting when he would comment to me about the other person’s handshake. And, he would trust my opinion as well.

If it was firm and they held it for a few seconds while looking you in the directly in the eyes, he believed that was a person you could trust.

He said to be cautious of someone with sweaty palms, a weak grip and no eye contact; that they’re probably not to be trusted.

I cherish those times now that he is gone. My father was a man of his word; if he shook your hand and said he would do something, come hell or high water, you could count on it.

“A handshake is an email you send with your body.”
– Anthony Finucane

Today, we do business across continents without even so much as a handshake, but rather a screen-to-screen discussion where we are forced to gain as much business knowledge as possible, as well as character of the person on the other end, without any in-person interaction.

Sure, there are other signals that we can look for, but give me the choice between a phone call and a face-to-face meeting, and I will ALWAYS choose the latter.

There is something about the human connection that strengthens the character of leadership within us all.

You can never replace the personal greeting; the initial small talk which leads to future trust. The dialogue that, over time, earns you the right to negotiate, but more importantly, provides you the opportunity to sense verbal and non-verbal cues. To look a person in the eye, have disagreements, share in solutions and celebrate the success of an agreement.

And how do you solidify your agreement?

Through a handshake.

Meeting people face-to-face is critical to be successful.

Social media, emails, texts or even a WebEx should never be a replacement for the human connection. If there are costs associated with making one, that is price of doing business. If you want to distinguish yourself from your competitor, form a true, personal relationship with that client.

The easiest and most successful way to earn the trust of another person is to sit across a table from them and be yourself. Don’t fake it, be authentic. Don’t pretend to know everything, be humble. And most of all, listen more than you talk.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#legacy  #hero  #chargeup   #chargeuptoday #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #strongleader   #patience #leadershipjourney  #resilience  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #adversity #areyouready  #leadandfollow  #mentorship  #mentor #venture #lead #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ The Firm Handshake
More . . .

✏ Six-Figure Leadership

Amazing how a headline can catch you, right? Unfortunately, this blog isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. If you’re in the game to lead, it’s a long one. Unfortunately, time is not on our side right now. We are facing serious leadership talent gaps. There simply aren’t enough effective and experienced leaders out there to keep up with the innovation and growth of the business sector. The concern is that we are too slow in our actions to proactively address the need to foster leadership from within our organizations. Why do this matter so much?

Leadership is the key to maintaining a competitive edge; it is a critical component of creativity, organizational development and productivity.

Senior leadership does not devote enough attention to build and empower leaders. Many current leaders lack the skill to build and sustain a healthy corporate culture because they are underqualified. If not addressed, these statistics will pose a threat to the future of leadership and success in business. And without a solid foundation of leadership, we are setting ourselves up to fail.

“As we look ahead into the next century,
leaders will be those who empower others.”
– Bill Gates

So let’s look at those six-figures I referenced earlier — a half-dozen statistics that aspiring leaders need to understand as they advance in their careers.

  1. 36% of organizations say their leadership development practices are still below average or poor, as surveyed in Brandon Hall Group’s State of Leadership Development Study (https://trainingmag.com/study-shows-leadership-development-rated-below-average-or-poor-more-one-third-organizations)
  2. 43% of those asked the question, “What phrase best describes your current leadership development programs?” answered either “inconsistent” (31%) – good in parts, but requiring significant improvement in some areas, and “underperforming” (12%) – basic and requiring significant improvement, according to the Harvard Business “The State of Leadership Development” Research Report (2016), (https://www.harvardbusiness.org/sites/default/files/19770_CL_StateOfLeadership_Report_July2016.pdf)
  3. In 2014, the Washington Post verified that approximately 10,000 baby boomers were retiring every day; that equates to 4 million baby boomers retiring per year, and it is already proving to have a massive impact on organizations. One serious challenge that businesses are facing today because of the mass boomer exodus is a decay of organizational knowledge. (https://www.washingtonpost.com.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2014/07/24/d0-10000-baby-boomers-retire-every-day/?utm_term.478836e156f)
  4. 60% of employees don’t understand their organization’s goals. Most managers and executives work hard, but hard work isn’t the same as leading the way. Harvard Business Review, McKinsey and Gallup all cite how managers spend their time as the root cause of these terrible employee statistics – too much time spent on low-level tasks such as getting and reporting facts, and not enough spent on communicating goals, holding people accountable, and providing coaching and feedback. (https://www.workboard.com/blog/leadership-leap-year.php)
  5. 84% of organizations anticipate a shortfall of leaders in the next 5 years. This may be a result of another statistic contained within the Hall Study that says 91% of millennials plan to stay at their current job for fewer than 3 years, according to Brandon Hall’s “State of Leadership Development 2015: Time to Act is Now (https://www.harvardbusiness.org/sites/default/files/19770_CL_StateOfLeadership_Report_July2016.pdf)
  6. Let’s stick with millennials: 63% of millennials feel their leadership skills are not being fully developed by their employers. Meeting millennial learning needs with your training programs will not only help to develop and build your internal leadership pipeline; it will also help to increase millennial engagement and retention for the future.  (https://blog.elucidat.com/5-stats-corporate-leadership/) (https://www.hrpa.ca/Documents/Public/Thought-Leadership/HRPOA-Millennials)

Implementation systems take time to develop.
We need to start now to ensure we are
properly preparing for future leaders.

Most companies feel as if they have sufficient training programs, but it stops there. There are no developmental procedures in place to follow and train as these leaders expand in tenure. If we know that our employees are going to learn from experience, mentorship and coaching, why don’t we apply the same principle to leadership?

Are organizations empowering their employees to feel confident that developmental opportunities are within to promote a high-trust, transparent environment where people do want to advance? Have potential leaders been identified? Are there succession plans for critical roles? What does the road map look like for future leaders and what do they need to accomplish to get there? One company I know has such a proactive culture of growth and promotion that if they are in a role overseeing a department for more than 2 years without moving up, that is a red flag.

Implementation systems that set set future leaders up for success take time to develop. It’s vital that we start today to ensure we are properly preparing for tomorrow’s leaders.

“Connect the dots between individual roles,
and the goals of the organization.
When people see that connection, they get a lot of energy out of work.
They feel the importance, dignity, and meaning in their job.”
– Ken Blanchard

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #chargeuptoday #lessonsinleadership #payitforward  #leadership   #lead   #process   #strongleader   #patience #leadershipjourney  #resilience  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #areyouready  #leadandfollow  #sixfigures  #millennials   #seniorleadership  #stateofleadership

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Six-Figure Leadership
More . . .

✏ Some People Have a Problem for Every Solution

Remember when negativity was only reserved for certain math concepts or when talking about the temperatures in Alaska? How times have changed . . .

People are bombarded by negativity all over social media, rather than all the good around them. As a result, they become obsessed with negativity. Instead of trying to find balance in our lives, stress and a growing sense of entitlement have given us the authority to be an “expert” on everything, and an unquenchable need to voice our positions from behind a keyboard.

We have lost sight of gratitude.

“Negative people need drama like oxygen.
Stay positive; it will take their breath away.”
– MJ Korvan

Think of it this way: our mind can only think one thought at a time, so changing the negative into a positive eliminates the negative. If we focus on the positive, we have the ability to be more creative, productive, engaging and respected. Practice this every day, and the results will be incredibly rewarding.

What about negative people? You’re either a part of the problem or the solution. If all you do is complain and have a negative aura about you, eventually you will notice that the only people who listen to you anymore are those that enjoy complaining too. You have a choice, either continue complaining or show the courage to do something about it. Be the change, apply the energy you spend being negative toward something constructive.

“Some People Really Suck — AVOID THEM!”

Here are 5 things you can practice daily to change the negative into a positive:

  1. Gratitude Journal: Start each day off immediately after you wake up and write five things that you are grateful for before you start your day. The key is, don’t just write it — keep it in your head and reference it when a negative situation presents itself. You can even write it on an index card and carry it with you as a reminder. Don’t let the negative win.
  2. Be Mindful in the Moment: Learn your triggers, whether it is certain situations or particular people. Develop an internal plan to counter the situation and not fall into the trap of engaging in nonconstructive dialogue. Begin to become mindful of the moment, and don’t feed into the drama. It’s not about having to always be positive, but rather disassociating yourself with the constant negativity around you.
  3. Stop Dwelling: Negativity is no different than any other skill we possess. If you practice negativity, anger and resentment every day, eventually, you will become very good at it and it will become a habit. Look around you — from the newspaper headlines, cable news reports, social media and the water cooler — it seems as if everybody has a bone to pick. It’s time to let it go. Practice constructive thinking and put things into perspective.
  4. Pay it Forward: The quickest way to change your perspective from negative to positive is to simply do something for somebody else. If you can do an act of kindness for someone else, you can’t help but feel optimistic. It’s a win-win situation.
  5. Surround yourself with Positive People: According to Tim Ferriss, one of my favorite authors and speakers, “You are the average of the five people you most associate with.” Take a moment and do an assessment of who that would be in your life. It is critical to understand that these people will have an impact on your mindset, whether positive or negative. With that in mind, make your choices carefully.

Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Life is too short — focus on doing the right thing and make a POSITIVE impact on somebody today!

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#legacy  #hero  #chargeup   #chargeuptoday #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #strongleader   #patience #leadershipjourney  #resilience  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #adversity #areyouready  #leadandfollow  #mentorship  #mentor #venture #lead #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower

RECEIVE MY FREE WEEKLY E-BLAST, THE WIRE

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Some People Have a Problem for Every Solution
More . . .