Doug Cartland's Four-Minute Leadership Advisory
Doug Cartland, Inc.
10/09/2012

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Many years ago (too many for me to think too long about), my oldest son Tim was sitting in his high chair. Yes, this was many years ago...

 

I was about to prepare him lunch...and he was excited.

 

Being the dutiful father that I was, I rolled up his long sleeves to just under his elbows. You know kids... when they eat they go in all the way, and it can make for some messed up shirt sleeves.

 

He was thrilled. His legs kicking, his hands outstretched, his eyes lasered to the kitchen counter across from him...he knew it was there from whence food came.

 

"Ah hungry, Ah hungry, Ah hungry," he chanted excitedly over and over again. The anticipation on his little face, the excitement in his bright eyes, the twitching of his hands and fingers...he was beside himself. Excited energy seemed to radiate from his skin.

 

Soon I was at the counter preparing his meal while his chant went on behind me. Hidden from him was the sandwich I was making...but he saw the jars of peanut butter and jelly nearby...and he loved him some peanut butter and jelly!

 

"Ah hungry, Ah hungry, Ah hungry," he repeated again and again.

 

There was only one problem. I wasn't making him peanut butter and jelly. I was making him cheese.

 

I spun around with my own excited face, ready to see Tim cash in his enthusiasm-ready for him to dive into his lunch with relish and abandon.

 

But when I turned, he saw the cheese. This was not what he expected. His countenance fell, his enthusiasm drained.

 

The next thing I knew, he was rolling his own shirt sleeves back down saying, "Bye-bye hungry, bye-bye hungry, bye-bye hungry."

 

Really.

 

We're all hungry when we think we know what life is going to give us and we like the prospects. But it's amazing how that hunger disappears when life gives us the unexpected or becomes difficult.

 

I see this when coaching leaders. When I describe to them the end result of what I believe they can become, they are all ears. They are hungry and ready. But sometimes, when it comes to pondering and then applying the how to, they drag their feet, are less committed, their results flag.

 

Here's how arrogant I am...I believe that anyone I work with, if they apply the effort, will reach their leadership potential. I know how to get them there, and progress toward that end is an absolute certainty.

 

In my experience, the only ones that haven't made that kind of progress are the ones who have not been coachable, didn't really want to listen, didn't want to put in the work, didn't take it seriously, apply the principles, walk the walk.

 

They were expecting peanut butter and jelly, I guess, and I gave them cheese.

 

Convenient hunger will sell you out every time. Unconditional hunger will produce the real stuff.

 

Here's what my son learned...when life gives you cheese, even when you thought you'd be getting peanut butter and jelly, you'd best stay hungry...otherwise you may not get anything at all.

 

Okay, I totally caved and gave him pb & j, but you get the point!
I'd love to hear from you. Reply to this email and let me know your thoughts. 

 

Doug

 

Doug Cartland, President
Doug Cartland, Inc.

 

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