Advance Review: Awaken Your Genius Awaken Your Genius

Thank you Ricardo Andorinho

We had coffee this morning, but Ricardo probably won't remember. He was in Portugal; me? I was in the USA. So, how did the coffee thing happen?

Like most mornings, I took a book with me on my coffee run. Today, it was hot off the press: Awaken Your Genius, by Ricardo Andorinho. Expected release date: November 30, 2009. Just in time for Christmas gift giving. In fact, the web site will be up in the next few days to accept advance orders.

So, how did I get my hands on a copy?

It is called an "Advance Review Copy" —it's where the publisher prints an early version of the book to elicit brief reviews that can be used to promote the book upon release. As the publisher, I made sure that I received the second copy of the book as it came off the press. Ricardo, the first.

I gotta tell you, it is better than I remember!

Ricardo poured his soul into the pages that make up this book. But don't take my word for it, consider this early review:

"This is not your grandfather's Business Leadership Guide! Ricardo challenged my thinking; even caused me to wonder if I should give even more thought to some of the decisions that cross my desk on a daily basis."
—Robert S. Wood, Proprietor, www.OldWestAntiques.biz


Need to take your life to the next level?

Drop me a line and request the link to the advance order desk.



Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey
www.throughput.us/contactSKI/

P.S. Seriously Ricardo, thanks for allowing me to help give birth to your first book. It is an honor. Plus, a special shout out to Sara Williams for her keen sense of editing. I ask that she use a light touch, to insure the book retained just a hint of the broken English that makes my conversations with Ricardo so enjoyable. Mission accomplished.

Timing is Everything

Dr. Denis Waitley taught us that,
"Timing is Everything"

It is true with regard to Strategy. Ricardo has found the perfect time to explore a topic that is very near and dear to my heart. I look forward to contributing as time permits, but more importantly, to learn from Ricardo and those that he invites to share their unique insights.

This morning over coffee, I had this timely thought:

How many of my clients understand Strategy?

May I suggest few. Very few. Me included!

The word may roll off our tongues, but talk about a "deep" subject. One where we ought to start with a textbook definition. So here it is (from dictionary.com):

4. a plan, method, or series of maneuvers or stratagems for obtaining a specific goal or result: a strategy for getting ahead in the world.

That makes sense. A series of maneuvers... for obtaining a goal. I trust that everyone would agree that a goal without a timeline is simply a wish, or a pipe dream. So, my thoughts this morning centered on how important is the timeline to strategy?

Can you have a strategy without a timeline? Methinks not.

Okay, so a strategy (a series of maneuvers to obtain a goal) must include due dates. Fair enough?

Those that read my blog (SKI on Throughput) know that I preach posting one's strategy on their office wall. Both the office and home office wall. So, lets do this next exercise together:

1. Walk over to your office wall
   
2. Review your Strategy
3. Does it have a timeline?

Game over

I have this large poster on my wall (56x71cm) and not one date anywhere!

Okay SKI, if you are so smart, how did you let this happen to yourself? Poor time management! I let the urgent (affairs of life) crowd out the important things... like integrating a timeline in my strategy. What if this simple fact is preventing me from breaking through to the other side?

You know, the side where I am driving that new Cadillac CTS to my next assignment! Remind to wax poetic on the importance of dream building as a tool to accomplish the mileposts of one's strategy... but I digress.

"When the student is ready,
the teacher will appear."
—anonymous

Ricardo, I already owe you a great debt. I taught for ten years (computer science), and the best teachers always learn more when presenting to others. By sharing on this simple topic of "strategy" I have learned of a very serious shortcoming in my own strategy.

And here I had this (misguided) intent to chastise my clients for not getting more done!

Before day's end, I will completely and thoroughly update my SIO Map (Strategic Intermediate Objectives Map) to include all relevant times.

What will you being doing this afternoon?

-ski

P.S. I love it when a plan comes together!

----
Jeff 'SKI' Kinsey, Jonah
ski@throughput.us
(330) 432-3533

tag: Timing Really is Everything