Robert Van Arlen

Over the next few weeks, I will have the opportunity to speak to hundreds of HR professionals whose role is to hire and train staff for organizations of all shapes and sizes. I wonder what I should say. What can I say to inspire individuals that have to deal with budget and personnel cuts, higher fuel costs and sluggish real estate? What should I say to those that are on the front lines of hearing the stresses of change and how it affects their staff, families and friends?

What do you think? I’d love to hear from you.

The job market has changed once again with numerous individuals scrambling to find work, let alone something that they might be passionate about. Last week I gave a speech to 75 individuals who found themselves in a period of change. I was moved by their confidence and desire to take advantage of the opportunity to do something different. Challenging times bring about frustration to some and new horizons to others. It’s all about how you look at it. 

The most important thing for you to do in a downturn economy is to quantify your value to the organization. You must appear valuable to your employer, and who knows your value better than you? If you can’t quantify it, how can someone else?

One year ago today I started a networking group of a different kind. The purpose of the group is not only to make connections but to do something good in the community. The group has achieved goals that have exceeded my expectations. I want to share in my blog one of the most compelling stories related to making a difference I have heard in a long time. The story is true, but I have eliminated the name of the individual for obvious reasons. 

Robert, I am a relatively new member of the Igniters Group. The more I think of the concept the more I appreciate what the group is contributing on an individual and group basis. 

I’m currently working as a government contractor in Afghanistan. I’m part of a small team that travels around Afghanistan teaching the officers of the Afghan Army and National Police critical thinking skills and analytical processes to assist them in protecting themselves against the Taliban and Al Qaeda insurgency. I’ve spent time in Kabul, Khost and Gardez.

So why am I writing you and the group? It’s to say that there are millions of people who live in conditions beyond belief. I’ve seen poverty, children and adults sleeping on the streets of Kabul, women attempting to educate themselves and become leaders in a society where they are fighting everyday to just be recognized as human beings. I can go on and on. It gives me an opportunity to ignite someone everyday and I live with that mantra.

I realize that the group cannot touch everyone, but I believe we should never give up and always try to ignite someone every day.

Thank you for the opportunity to meet some of the greatest people on the planet. Please tell everyone hello and that I appreciate each of them.

A change in your attitude can change your life.   

During my speeches, I often refer to individuals as draggers, supporters and igniters. There is one thing that is true in life–positive-minded individuals get more out of life. Every day you have the choice of being pessimistic, realistic, or optimistic. In the simplest view, draggers are predominantly pessimists, supporters are realists, and igniters carry a greater sense of optimism.   

Since we are human, we have the ability to float from one group to another, but the key is to know where you are and how it is impacting your ability to achieve what you desire. A positive attitude can lower the negative energy during challenging times. To maintain a positive attitude, you must be committed to your spiritual, mental and physical actions. Your spiritual energy is fueled by your faith and desire for spiritual growth. Your mental energy is fueled by your quest for knowledge. Your physical energy is fueled by a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. It is much easier being negative, because you don’t have to do anything. You don’t have to be aware of anything around you. You don’t have to care about your health, and you don’t even need to have faith. Living life selfishly and finding something to complain about is the result of a negative attitude.   

Stop complaining and start living. Life is too short, and a positive attitude will help you get the most out of it!

Winning businesses large and small believe that their businesses are a lot like sports. Professional athletes make it their business to constantly find ways to improve their performance, even if it only gives them a millisecond of an edge. I often say that opportunity is always around us, but we’re not in position to receive it. Being in position requires an ability to get everyone on your team to think about the vital seconds of their contributions.   

Here are a few questions you can consider.  

How can you improve your quality in seconds? 
How can you improve your service in seconds? 
How can your planning in seconds? 
How can you improve product in seconds?   

To improve your results, review those activities that you can improve by milliseconds. These are the activities you already master, and they should become the focal point of your daily practice regimen.

Today you have an opportunity to make someone’s day. Today tell or do something positive for every individual you meet. If they look nice, tell them. If they exude positive energy, tell them. If you don’t know them, still tell them something positive. Today when someone graces your presence, give them a big smile. If you are feeling down, you can still leave someone else with a positive feeling.   

A few days ago, I was at the gas station on one of those 110+ degrees Phoenix days.  A middle-aged Hispanic woman walked up to me and informed me she was out of gas and had no money to pay for it. I could tell that she had been sitting at the tank for a while, trying to figure out what to do. She only requested a couple of dollars worth of gas to make it home.  I decided to fill her tank and immediately felt the energy of gratitude. I will never see that woman again, but I hope in some small way I made her day.

For the past few weeks, I have taken the opportunity to hang out with a few of my successful, young entrepreneur friends, and I continue to find one thing in common–they keep things simple. They have unsophisticated products or services that are distributed through cost-effective distribution systems. The second ingredient they have is tenacity–they never give up. I believe there is a lot that can be learned from corporate environments like structure, processes and systems. Since my departure from the corporate world, I’ve learned the value of simplicity, focus and tenacity. Keeping it simple provides an opportunity to replicate with precision and accuracy, which mitigates errors. It sounds to me like the ABC’s to success. 

One of the most pressing questions I continue to hear as a speaker is, “What is the best way for me to stay on top of my game?”  The folks that are on top constantly keep up to date with the latest technology, find ways to communicate more effectively and develop ways to improve overall systems.  These individuals also have one thing in common–they think differently.  The leading difference between individuals that make $30,000.00 versus individuals that make $300,000.00 is the way they think.  Why doesn’t everyone think this way?  We all have the choice and ability to take control of our destiny.  Think big!

I am revising my blog for 2008 to give you even more motivational and inspirational stories and examples of people living with Focused Synergy. Come back very soon to see and hear how others are igniting themselves, their work and their community!