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Author: dan_adm

Blessings are all around us

Posted on by dan_adm

Blessings are all around us

“God can give you all the grace you need, so that you will always have everything you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8

Hi, it’s your friend Dan Greer, and I’ve got some cheerful wisdom for you, just like a sunny day at a San Diego beach!
 
As I sit here looking at the ocean, I feel really lucky. Picture this: I’m relaxing on the deck of an amazing beach house in lovely San Diego, where each day ends with a breathtaking sunset created by God.
 
A little while back, we went tide pooling, and guess what? Some cool kids found an octopus! They not only found it but also shared the discovery with other kids, making memories that will stick around.
 
But here’s the real treasure, folks. Blessings aren’t just about trips and perfect moments. They’re a way of thinking.
 
Let’s go back to when Jenna and I were tight on money (excuse my language, but it’s true). Even back then, I felt lucky. Why? I had an amazing life partner, someone I could argue with and grow alongside.
 
Jump ahead to our little ones, our kids. Every day with them is a blessing, even when they’re having their usual sibling arguments. Blessings, you know, depend on how you look at things.
 
When our business throws us some tough challenges, I consider it a blessing. These difficulties aren’t curses; they’re chances for us to get better. Always remember, God doesn’t only choose people who are already skilled; He helps and qualifies those He chooses!
 
Now, coming back to what I want to say—being blessed isn’t about reaching a place or having lots of things. It’s about how you think and choose to see the good things in life. 

And you know what? It’s entirely up to you whether you feel blessed or not. No one else gets to decide that. It’s all in your hands.
 
Some people might think having a business is a bad thing, but not me! For me, working on our business has been a continuous blessing, even in the middle of all the daily chaos.

Talking about blessings, here’s something new I learned from my amazing partner, Jenna. We decided to try deep-sea fishing as a family, a first for most of us (except Jenna, who did it when she was a kid).
 
After about an hour on our adventure, Nathen decided to feed the fish (if you know what I mean). Then, half an hour later, Jenna also joined in. Well, about an hour and a half later, I thought, “Why not join the fun too?”

Now, Jenna, with all her kindness, has surpassed us all in the fish-feeding part. But what surprised me even more was her attitude. As we got off the boat, her first words were, “That was so much fun; I’m so glad we went—what a blessing!”
 
As for me, I was still trying to get used to standing on solid ground again, but Jenna’s positive view that everything was a blessing stuck with me.

Now, let’s get things done, my friends.
 
Remember those times when good things happened but you didn’t notice? Can you think of any? I definitely can, like when I got seasick recently (still feeling a bit wobbly, ha!).
 
Take a moment to stop and thank God for those blessings, even the ones that weren’t right in front of you.
 
Take care, my friends! And always remember, feeling blessed is a choice you make every single day.
 
Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Blessings are all around us” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Bosses are not leaders, but leaders can be bosses

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Bosses Are Not Leaders But Leaders Can Be Bosses

Not everyone starts as a leader, but with some effort, anyone can become a great leader!

We’ve all had jobs where it seemed pointless and our work didn’t feel important. The boss would stay in their office, maybe sending a couple of emails about projects. You rarely heard from them, and when you did, it wasn’t clear what they wanted.
 
Just being a boss doesn’t make someone a leader. Leaders have certain qualities that many bosses may not possess. What does a supervisor need to do to be a true leader?
 

Leaders need to be good at teaching.

First and foremost, leaders must be teachers. A teacher’s role is to educate and bring out the best in their students. Good teachers don’t just sit and tell the students what to do; they show examples, walk around the class to help students, and are firm when needed.
 
Teachers communicate to make sure students understand the concepts or projects they’re working on. After someone finishes their work, teachers evaluate it. When grading, they don’t insult or give up on the students; instead, they provide constructive criticism and help them improve.
 

Our strength is determined by the strength of our weakest link. 

Leaders should always follow the idea that “we are only as strong as our weakest link.” What does this mean? It means that your team, group, office, or company is only as strong as its least strong member. Leaders should be humble when they make a mistake or someone on the team does. Leaders don’t blame others because they are the teachers; it’s their job to ensure everyone understands what needs to be done.
 
Then, the leader checks everyone’s work to ensure it is done properly. If someone makes a mistake, they don’t yell or criticize; they explain where the mistake was made and how to fix it. This should be done privately, not in front of others. Everyone’s morale is crucial; no one should feel degraded. People should feel inspired and proud of their work. Leaders must be committed to providing everything people need to succeed.
 

Integrity

We’ve all heard the word “integrity” before. I remember that in high school, they always talked about it. Back then, I didn’t think much about it, but it turns out that to be a good leader, you need integrity. A leader is honest not only with the people they lead but with everyone. Keeping secrets can affect others’ morals a lot. If there’s a problem with someone’s work, a great leader will tell them, not in a mean way but in a helpful and teaching way.
 
There’s a saying, “A great leader can tell you to go to hell in a way that you actually look forward to the trip.” Also, it’s important to be fair to everyone, not playing favorites or leaving some behind. You shouldn’t embarrass anyone in front of everyone. Instead, you need to encourage unity and teamwork.


Leaders can be found in people of all sizes.

 
Leaders can be of various shapes, sizes, and personalities, just like the people they lead. They must understand the individuals they lead, recognizing their strengths and weaknesses. This helps in placing them in positions where they can succeed.
 
Leaders have to make tough decisions, but true leaders are confident in their choices. Even if they make a mistake, they shouldn’t let it discourage them; instead, they believe the situation can be fixed, and they’ll do better next time.
 
They need to be creative in finding solutions because what worked in the past might not always work. Leaders can have different ideas on how to succeed; there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
 
To be a boss and a leader, you need to know your purpose, and it’s not just sitting in an office and sending emails. The real purpose is to bring out the best in your team, teach them to be their best, inspire hard work, instill pride in what they do, and promote teamwork. To be a great leader, you must have integrity, commitment, good communication skills, accountability, and confidence in your decisions.
 
A boss truly becomes a leader when they do all these things. If you follow these principles, you’re sure to succeed and bring out the best in your employees.
 
Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Macro Leadership” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Break out of the office and get some ACTUAL work done

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Break out of the office and get some actual work done.

You can work from any place; the challenge is convincing the boss to allow it!

Today, I did a lot of work at the office on my computer. I left early to take my son to lacrosse practice. Now, I’m chilling on the grass, enjoying the nice weather. I overheard other parents talking about their busy jobs and plans for promotions. It feels like we’re all in this together—juggling work and family, sharing experiences, and dreaming big. It’s a mix of personal and work life, creating a friendly atmosphere as we go about our daily routines.

Excited for the lifestyle shift ahead, I treasure the freedom to work anywhere, anytime. Curious, though—why does the corporate world cling to the notion of mandatory offices? Embracing change sparks my enthusiasm as I anticipate the liberating journey toward flexible and location-independent work.

The idea that you must be in the office to get things done is as old-fashioned as payphones, which most managers thought were cool when they were kids. To keep good employees and ensure their happiness, you need to be more flexible and trust them to do their best work. Let your employees choose when and where they work, as long as they finish their tasks.

Start by letting a group of interested people work from home three days a week. Don’t constantly monitor them. Evaluate their performance based on both the amount and quality of their work. When employees feel trusted and have some freedom, their creativity, quality of work, and even productivity tend to increase.

I know there are many arguments about how some people believe you can only be productive by working in the office. They think being watched by the manager or having coworkers around makes you get more work done. Some even feel superior because they’re in the office from 8-5. But all these ideas can be proven wrong with good leadership.

The new generations don’t want a traditional 8-5 “job.” They prefer a flexible workplace where they can attend appointments in the middle of the day and make up for it by working later in the evening.

Let’s discuss the various generations from my perspective. It’s okay if you don’t agree. One of the great things about where we live is that we can have different opinions and still get along. Baby boomers prefer working from 8 to 5 every day with a one-hour lunch break. They believe that this time should be spent in the office or at the workplace. If you’re on a salary, you’re expected to work at least 50 hours a week. If you’re the boss, you should arrive before any employees and stay later than everyone else to set a good example. It’s important to note that when this generation graduated high school, the 8-track was considered really cool. Gen Xers are somewhat similar to baby boomers. They also believe that their employees should be in the office from 8 to 5, but they are a bit more flexible. They allow leaving early on the Friday before a holiday.

They are trying to be more open-minded, but it’s a challenge because they grew up with the baby boomer work mentality. Gen Xers were the first to think having a phone in a bag was an amazing way to stay connected. They used to connect it to their car, and when the phone rang, the car horn would honk! Pretty stylish.

Millennials often get a bad reputation. People say they get easily offended and throw a fit if things don’t go their way. While this is true for some, many millennials are top achievers.

Some of the biggest and most successful companies are run by this generation. Millennials don’t like strict working hours, and they really don’t enjoy working in an office. They prefer working a few hours from home, going to the office only when necessary. They like a flexible schedule, including a break to work out and have meals. They can get their work done without needing to be in an office.

Each generation has its strengths and weaknesses. I want to tell you that to keep younger employees happy, we need to let go of the traditional office mindset. With today’s technology, there’s no need to constantly track or closely manage salaried employees. For many of them, having a physical office space is unnecessary.

All you really need is a place for meetings, and there are plenty of options in every town. Even in rural areas, you can find spaces like libraries, schools, or Grange halls that are big enough for your meetings. Let’s be creative about it. When evaluating, consider both the quantity and quality of their work, not just the time spent at a desk. Let’s step out of the office and accomplish meaningful tasks.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘BUILD YOUR HABITS TO BUILD YOUR LIFE‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at Eclipse DOT

Bridging The Gap Between The Crystal Palace (Cooperate Office) & The Field

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Bridging the Gap Between the Crystal Palace (Cooperation Office) and the Field

As a company gets bigger, it becomes challenging to maintain strong connections between the main office and the field. The more it grows, the tougher it is to keep these essential relationships and communication open. Success relies on good communication in a growing business.

As a company gets bigger, it becomes challenging to maintain the important connections between the main office and the field. The more the company grows, the tougher it is to keep these crucial relationships and good communication going. Successful businesses rely on effective communication.

Let’s talk about communication. When the big bosses are open, the folks doing the actual work feel they can share their worries with the higher-ups. This creates a chance for lots of good things. Soon, employees will start bringing you new ideas to make the business better. Those on the ground notice where production has issues and why unsafe things happen. They also look for ways to do their tasks better, saving time and energy.

Spend a bit of time away from the office and go where the real work is happening—whether it’s in the field or on the production floor. This gives you a firsthand look at what your team faces. Make it a habit to have real conversations with your people every week. You’ll be surprised at how much this small action can achieve. It’s not just about fixing immediate problems; it’s about creating a place where new ideas pop up and everyone working together moves the business forward.

In the office world, we might not realize that when we make new rules or best practices, it adds more work for the folks doing the actual work. They usually don’t get a choice or a say in these new rules. Before making a new rule official, take a moment to talk to the people on the ground and ask what they think. If you haven’t done this before, they might agree to the new rule, but they might not be very happy about it. When you open up to their ideas, they will be more willing to share them. This way, everyone in the company works together to make the processes even better than before, instead of just a small group.

Remember the little things. In my experience with many companies, there’s something that often gets overlooked. Don’t forget the small details. Note down their birthdays in your calendar, and if you’re close, remember their work and marriage anniversaries. You don’t need to mention their age; just a simple acknowledgment and maybe a small gift. Corporate goodies work well for birthdays, and a dinner gift certificate is great for anniversaries. It shows you care not just about them but also their family.

Your actions and your team’s actions speak volumes. Remember when you were new, working from the bottom? What did you think of the higher-ups? Did they act like they were better, or were they friendly? Train your corporate team to understand they have jobs because they are unafraid to get dirty and get the job done.

I’ve often been invited by companies to help improve their relationship with the field. Quickly, I noticed most corporate employees felt superior to those in the field. With that attitude, they’re not just closing the door; they’re barricading it with office furniture. It’s crucial for everyone to be on the same level. When the corporate team recognizes the value of everyone’s contributions, it opens the door to collaboration and a stronger, more unified company. It’s not about who’s better; it’s about working together on a level playing field to achieve success.

If you’re leading any organization, consider these essential tips to bridge the gap:

  1. Be available for field employees as a corporate team member.
  2. Keep communication open at all levels, ensuring everyone feels heard in decisions that impact them.
  3. Truly listen when employees talk; take their words to heart.
  4. Discuss and understand company policies through communication sessions with the team.
  5. Remember the little things, like birthdays and important events in employees’ lives.
  6. Realize that the corporate team’s attitude sets the tone; a negative vibe from your team can affect others.

Every problem is a chance to make things better. Closing the gap between the corporate office and the field isn’t too tough, but it needs time and hard work from the corporate team. It’s like turning an ugly situation into an opportunity for improvement.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘Effective Leadership and Communication in Business‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at EclipseDOT.com.

Build Your Habits To Build Your Life

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“Your life won’t change unless you change something you do every day.”

I’m reading a book that’s new to me. Many people around me are talking excitedly about it.

I thought, Why not give it a try? “Atomic Habits” by James Clear was really popular then. I wanted to find out why everyone was so excited about it. We all have habits, right?

Many of us likely have habits that we think are good for our mental or physical health, and some habits that we know aren’t the healthiest choices.

Usually, when I come across popular books and advice from self-help experts, I just brush it off and continue with my usual routine.

I realized that I often judge a book by its cover (no pun intended). Looking back, it’s probably not the healthiest habit to be stuck in.

I thought if there’s anything to this habit-building stuff, I might as well start now and hold off on judging this book until I actually have something to judge!

Shortly after buying and reading this book, I had a chat with my good friend, Daniel Greer. Dan and I usually chat while taking breaks from CDL testing and training sessions.

I asked Dan about what he does every day that’s crucial for reaching his goals and growing his company, which is not only liked by the community but also expanding quickly every day.

Dan basically told me something surprisingly similar to what my new book was saying. He asked me about my habits. He asked about my morning habits and how I relax after a hectic day. We realized my schedule lacked structure, and I lived spontaneously, taking each moment as it came. Being in the moment is good, but too much of it is not. It’s like having too much of a good thing—not great. We should enjoy the present, but too many good moments can turn into a bad thing. That’s the catch.

Then, we talked about areas where I thought I needed more organization. I suggested that forming some good habits could make me more productive and improve my attitude.

Even in my craziest dreams, I never thought that making small changes could have such a big impact on my life. I used to hate waking up and beginning my day, but now I’m as excited for a regular Tuesday as your dog is when you come home after a long day at work. A task list that usually took two days got done in just half the time.

This made me feel more sure of myself, more motivated, and more productive. It wasn’t only at work but also in my personal life. This positive change boosted my confidence and sense of value, bringing improvement in both my professional and personal aspects.

Remembering that the first step is the toughest is something many find challenging, cliché as it may sound. Creating healthy habits is tricky, but breaking them might be even tougher. It’s a common struggle we face—starting is tough, and sticking to good habits is no piece of cake either.

Building habits is hard because it depends on self-control. How strong is your willpower? Will you have another slice of chocolate cake? Will you skip the gym due to a ‘long day’? Are you staying up late to catch up on your favorite show? It’s all about making choices and sticking to them. Or…

Can you resist dessert tonight to build healthier eating habits? Can you manage a workout despite extra work and a stressful day? Can you hit the hay on time and save the binge-watching for the weekend? Well, here’s a news flash… It’s about making choices that contribute to your well-being and sticking to them.

There’s plenty of chocolate cake around. If you make a habit of going to the gym every day, there will come a time when you won’t want to miss it, no matter how ‘long’ your day feels. And that favorite Netflix show? It’ll be there for you on Saturday evening. Prioritizing healthy routines ensures there’s always time for things you enjoy.

Making these changes may seem really hard, and sometimes it feels like you’re being tough on yourself. But you’re not. You’re actually growing, and they call it growing pains for a reason. So, let’s shift our perspective a bit and see things differently.

Take a look at where you might be picking up not-so-healthy habits and see how they’re impacting you. Now, consider how things could get better if you focused on turning that not-so-healthy habit into one that boosts not just your health and happiness but your success too.

Someone once said, “Important things aren’t simple.” This is one of those important things. Trust me. So, no, it won’t be easy at first. But soon, it will be more than easy. What used to be hard will become your strongest habit. Stick with it, and you’ll see how it gets better. Developing healthy habits becomes your most powerful tool, propelling you forward as you work towards your goals.

So, I’ll leave you with two questions to think about:

  1. Identify the habit you think is most harmful to your success.
  2. Consider how you can reshape that habit to support you instead of working against you.

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “God Wants You to Succeed.” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Building A GREAT Company Culture

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Building a Great Company Culture

Every company I’ve encountered wants a culture that attracts people to work for them. The issue is that many aren’t ready to put in the actual hard work needed to become that kind of company.

They concentrate too much on making more money and calculating the profit they could get without offering these benefits. Take a moment to consider it.
 
How can a really good company take care of its workers? 
 
I understand some of you might mention things like getting a personal-use vehicle, having free lunch every day, or having the flexibility to choose my work hours and earn a lot of money.
 
Actually, none of those things mentioned above define a company’s culture. In reality, they detract from the culture and let employees take advantage of the company.
 
True culture begins with the leaders and spreads all the way down. Culture is about how you treat people. One saying I really like is “Treat the janitor like the CEO,” and I follow that principle in my life.
 
It simply means you shouldn’t ever think less of anyone, no matter the reason. They might not have a fancy job title or work as many hours as you do, but everyone on the team is equally important.
 
This connects directly to being respectful. When you respect everyone around you, things begin to change.
 
We had a coworker who was really friendly and polite when the boss was present. But, oh boy, once the boss left, everything went haywire.
 
As a company, you shouldn’t allow rudeness towards customers, leaders, or team members. Instead of rewarding someone for losing their temper, address the problem.

Keep in mind that folks don’t leave lousy jobs; they leave lousy bosses, and that hurts the company. As a leader, you have to take big steps to fix these problems.
 
It doesn’t mean you should just fire everyone. It means you should sit down with each person one-on-one, let them know there’s a problem, and if it’s not fixed quickly, you may have to take other steps.
 
Training your team is really crucial for the company culture. Without training, we won’t know what’s expected or how to treat everyone.
 
In today’s world, it’s tough to find good people to work with. So, when we do find someone fantastic, we often leave them on their own because they’re such a good employee that they can figure things out.
 
That’s the quickest way to lose a great person from the team. Training is one of the essential keys to success.
 
When we spend time helping others understand more than just their job, we show that the company’s success isn’t our only focus.
 
Moreover, if we provide them with opportunities to “move up the ladder,” it demonstrates that we care about more than just making money. I’m not suggesting that if your company earns $1 million in revenue annually, you should be spending the entire $1 million on people.
 
What I mean is that you should focus on what truly helps your people grow and succeed in their roles. When we only think about money, we tend to forget the things that really matter.
 
Consider a new business owner, for instance. It’s common for them to work more than 80 hours a week to establish the business. What happens to their family during that initial “startup” phase? They often get overlooked amid all the progress.
 
Take a few moments each day to think about the people around you. When you trust your colleagues, it’s easier to be more productive. That’s where an open-door policy is really helpful. Every leader must have an open-door policy and stick to it.
 
The greatest company I’ve worked for, no doubt. The owner was always open to inviting you into his office for a chat. He’d listen to your concerns and discuss them, and by the time you left, you’d have talked about things unrelated to work. Like how your kids are doing, what you think of the new truck, or the best books to read.

What I’m saying is that, unless he was in a meeting, you could talk to him anytime. Also, he cared so much about his people that he would fight for each one of them.
 
And that connected directly to his values. He was a firm believer in Christianity and didn’t hesitate to let everyone know about it. We prayed before safety meetings, and he openly discussed his faith.
 
He consistently stuck to his values. As we go through life, we may forget what it was like to start from scratch. To create a great culture, we shouldn’t forget our roots.
 
A good saying for this is “Humble Beginnings.” Basically, it means never forget where you started. Every company began with nothing. Every person started not knowing much, except how to breathe and sleep. In fact, most of us had to be taught how to eat by our mothers.
 
Always be down-to-earth and kind.
 
In short, creating a great company culture is challenging, and it doesn’t happen just by giving the company a guide on how to build it.
In fact, it’s quite straightforward.
 
  1. Treat everyone with respect.
  2. Do not tolerate bad employees.
  3. Take time to train.
  4. Make your people a priority, not just the bottom line.
  5. Have an open-door policy.
  6. Stick to your values, even when it’s tough.
  7. Remember your early days and what you liked or disliked the most.
  8. Stay positive.
Now is a good time to pause and consider your company’s culture. How can you make it better (every company can improve)? Where are you doing well?
 
Grab a piece of paper and jot down what you think your company culture should be like.

Here, I’ll begin, so you can get an idea of what ours looks like. 
 
Here at Eclipse DOT, we’re more than just a business; we’re a family. Sure, we may have disagreements at times, but in the end, we all feel fortunate to have this family. We watch out for each other and collaborate to achieve big things. Everyone here has an open mind, and we listen to each other’s ideas without dismissing them. We appreciate that others care about our family’s growth and bring innovative ideas to the table. We listen not just to respond but to truly understand what others are saying. It’s not just about getting the job done for us; it’s about enjoying life. We all make choices, and we choose to be part of this incredible family. After work, we spend time together, and when someone needs help, we come together to support them through tough times. Our success is because we are a family. At Eclipse DOT, we are more than a business—we are a family!
 
Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘Core Values and how to find what yours are.‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at eclipse dot
 

Carefrontation vs Confrontation

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Carefrontation vs. Confrontation

You might be wondering, what in the world is Carefrontation?

Carefrontation is when you must face a situation, but you approach it with care and compassion.

Recently, I was at a work site, and the company requested my opinion on whether someone might be using drugs.

When I walked up to the person, I could tell they were down. Their faces looked sad, and their body language clearly showed they were going through a tough time.

To make things worse, this new guy was heading over to talk to her. She had noticed me talking to the company leaders, so she thought I was there to fire her, even though that wasn’t the case.

Anyway…

As I walked up to her, my goal was to find out what was going on with her and just get close enough to see if I could spot any signs of possible drug use.

After chatting with her for about 5 minutes, I got her to open up. Then I realized she wasn’t using drugs but was going through a tough time in her life.

She shared everything that was going on, and honestly, I would have felt down too. She was dealing with a lot, and none of it was easy.

I recommended that they don’t send her home. Instead, they should pair her up with someone she can connect with and trust for the next few days.

After around 3 days, they called me and said she was totally different from when I first met her.

What fantastic news!

I had two choices when I went to talk to her to see if she might be using something.

Option one: act defensively and be cautious, which will make them defensive too. Avoid personal topics, and don’t care about their feelings or what’s happening in their life.

When we approach someone like this, it makes them defensive right away and more likely to do something they might regret later.

It also makes them shut down and not say anything because they’re afraid it might be misunderstood.

I don’t like saying it, but this is how most managers handle situations.

They get right in the employee’s face and insist on an answer immediately! (We’ve all had a boss like that before; in fact, I’ve had several.)

Option 2: When you face any situation, try to understand why it’s happening. Look for the reasons rather than just searching for a solution.

Often, we can’t fix a problem until we figure out what caused it in the first place. I’m quite handy with mechanics (thanks to my dad, lol). So, let’s think of this as fixing a car issue.

If someone says, “I don’t know what happened, but my car suddenly stopped and won’t start again!” does that give you enough information to figure out the problem?

Nope! But if they came and said, “I was driving down the road the other day, going about 120 mph in 3rd gear, the tachometer was up around 6,000 RPM, and then suddenly I heard this huge BAM under the hood. So, I pulled over, and there was a ton of oil coming out of my exhaust.”

Learning what happened before the problem occurred gives you a better understanding of the situation and how to handle it.

That’s why I use Carefrontation in every situation. It helps me genuinely understand what’s causing the problem, so I can get to the root of the issue and fix it, rather than just dealing with surface-level things that won’t really solve the whole problem.

Sure, it might take a bit more time, but in the end, it makes a big difference in how the situation is managed.

Here are a few tips to make sure you always opt for confrontation instead of confrontation in the future.

Tip 1: When you’re dealing with a situation, pause and ask yourself, What’s the real cause of this problem?

By trying to find the main cause of the problem, you’re less likely to overreact. Instead of just looking for a quick fix, you’re genuinely trying to solve the issue. Remember, the only way to truly heal sick oak trees is to treat the roots.

Tip 2: Before accusing anyone, take time to have a conversation.

Making accusations only creates bad feelings and makes people silent. Just like us, others shut down when someone tries to accuse them of something they didn’t do or didn’t understand.

So, before jumping to accusing someone of something, take a few moments to talk with everyone involved.

A good example is the other day when we made a small mistake with one of our accounts. We rushed and pressed the wrong button, and suddenly, our account got deleted!

I had two choices. The first one was to get upset and scold the person who made the mistake. Or, I could just smile, look at him, and say, “Well, how do we fix it?” The second option is always the better one.

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Don’t cry over spilled milk.” Why let the past bother you? Stop overthinking it and start looking forward.

Tip 3: This is likely the most crucial tip for using carefrontation. The third tip is to always leave your ego behind.

What do you mean, Dan? I don’t have an EGO!

Guess what?

We all have egos. If you truly want to start using this carefrontation approach, you have to set aside your ego before you go and talk to anyone about a situation or issue.

If you have an ego, they’ll let theirs show too. Then, things escalate, and I’m sure you know what happens next.

Next time you face a situation, try dealing with it using carefrontation. Take time to understand the real problem and find the root cause.

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘SPEAKING UP‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at eclipse dot

Closed mouth don’t get fed.

Posted on by dan_adm

Closed Mouth Don’t Get Fed

That’s what they say, right? And it’s so true. Have you ever received something you wanted without asking for it?

Maybe. But the likelihood of it happening again is low. So, why don’t we speak up?

I might be young, but I’ve experienced enough to realize that as people, we’re often scared of what others might think, afraid to ask for help, and just plain scared.

Period. 

For the sake of conversation, let’s consider me as an example. I used to be extremely afraid of asking for help.

As a kid, I wanted to be a “grown-up.” Kids see adults as independent, brave, and able to handle everything on their own.

When we were kids, we would ask grownups for help.

We sometimes need help with things like opening a peanut butter jar or grabbing something from a high shelf because our bodies are still growing, and we find it hard to do these tasks. (Wondering about the quotes around ‘adults’? Keep reading, and it will make sense, I promise!)

As we get older, our bodies grow—like, we become physically bigger. Suddenly, we can reach high shelves, our hands get strong enough to open peanut butter jars, and we start feeling independent.

And just like that, we stop needing help. But why? Is it because we’ve become so able that we think we can handle everything on our own?

Some might not like the idea.

“I can manage it.”

“I’ll figure it out.”

We often say these things when we’re upset or frustrated with our situation or ourselves. But, deep down, we might not believe it. It’s like we’re annoyed that we haven’t “figured it out” yet.

When we use these phrases, what we’re saying is, “I’m too scared to ask for help, so I’ll act like everything’s okay, even though I need support with this problem.”

What happened to that openness you had as a child? The readiness to say you need help and that you don’t have all the answers.

I won’t act like I know everything, but I’m glad to share my opinion.

We hid it.

We’re scared to admit that we’re scared. How ironic!

Once upon a time, we couldn’t open that peanut butter jar or reach the high shelf. But we asked for help until we learned how to do it ourselves.

As “grown-ups,” we’ve formed opinions about who we are and who we’re not. But we’re mistaken. I’d go as far as to say that our idea of what an “adult” is doesn’t exist!

Being a “grown-up” isn’t some superior level of being human, like we think when we’re young. “Adults” are simply humans. And being human means being part of a community, working together, collaborating, and, yes, sometimes asking for help.

We’re scared to ask for help at work because we worry people might think we can’t handle a task. In our relationships, we hesitate to ask for help because we don’t want to admit that we might not fully understand the needs of our loved ones.

And we’re scared to ask for help in our personal lives because we worry people might see us as someone who doesn’t have it all together, even though we try to show a different image to the world.

Do you see a repeating theme? Is there a word that stands out as important here?

Life and everything in it can be tough and scary. And it’s okay to feel afraid at times.

It is like a time of joy when everything feels just right, smoothly running like a well-oiled machine or a brand-new high-performance sports car.

Do we ignore the happy times? Haha.

Who would be silly enough to do that?

I want you to think about it. Why do we ignore it when we’re in a time of fear?

Accept it.

Put aside your pride and seek the help you insist you don’t need. There’s no such thing as “adults.” It’s all about being “adults.”

What does that mean exactly? Adults.

Add yourself. Expand your skills. If knowledge is power and progress, why don’t we keep adding new information to our understanding?

We shouldn’t fear asking for help.

Whether it’s about a new task at work, in our personal lives, or with our spirituality… Even Jesus sought help.

What makes us think we’re so able to not do what he did?

Psalm 107:28–30 says, “When they were in trouble, they called to the Lord, and He rescued them from their troubles.

He calmed the storm, so the sea became quiet.

They were happy because it was calm, and He guided them to where they wanted to go.” Now, you might not be someone who has faith.

That’s okay.

You don’t need to be a Jesus follower to pick up a few lessons and use them in the storms of your life.

Ask for help, and let the advice of a mentor, friend, the Lord, or anyone else guide you to where you want to be.

Be an adult and keep adding to yourself. Don’t be scared to admit you don’t have everything figured out because, whether people say it or not, none of us has it all figured out.

James 1:5 says, “If any of you need wisdom, ask God, who gives to everyone generously and without finding fault, and you will receive it.”

Samuel H. Martinez

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Encouragement in Daily Life: Small Acts, Big Effects” Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.

Core Values and how to find what yours are.

Posted on by dan_adm

Core Values and How to Find What Yours Are

Lately, I have had the fantastic chance to be part of a mastermind group in Cancun, Mexico.

When I say it was fantastic, I’m not kidding. We spent around 4–6 hours a day learning from experts in various industries. After that, we had the rest of the day to explore the area and the resort.

During our time there, I filled over 19 pages with notes!

WOW!

And on top of that, we did some fantastic exercises that helped me see things differently and prepared me to reach the next goals I had already set.

Before, I used to look at those goals, and I had some big personal and external beliefs that made it seem impossible to achieve them.

We could delve into those beliefs, but we don’t have that much time. LOL. One of the most important things I learned from this week-long experience is that you have to dream big!

But before dreaming big, you need to identify your core values. Russell Brunson had us do an exercise that made figuring out my core values simple.

Do you want to know what it was? Okay, I’ll tell you, but you have to promise to do it. Right now! 

Here’s the deal. Grab a pad of sticky notes and clear your desk. If you don’t have sticky notes, it’s fine. Just cut some paper into small squares or rectangles (the shape doesn’t matter).

Alright, now what I want you to do is write down everything you enjoy. Use one sticky note for each thing.

Here are some of mine to give you some ideas:

Embarking on epic family board game battles, savoring succulent steaks that melt in your mouth, spontaneous trips to the vibrant beaches of San Diego, catching thrilling waves while surfing the ocean’s rhythm, indulging in nightly shows with Jenna that whisk you away before sleep takes over, soaring through the skies with the wind in your hair, nurturing personal growth like a well-tended garden, getting lost in the pages of captivating books, joyfully aiding others in their quest for knowledge, cultivating flourishing businesses, extending a helping hand to fellow entrepreneurs, and proudly investing in the future by supporting 4-H animals at the fair – these are the vibrant threads that weave the tapestry of our extraordinary life.

I believe you understand. Now, set a timer for 3 minutes and jot down as many as you can. Pro Tip: Instead of using a timer, pick a motivational song and write until the song is over.

Here’s a description of how mine turned out:

Great work! Now, organize those sticky notes into groups, aiming for about 5–6 groups. These are your core values—the things that bring you the most joy.

Here’s what makes me happy:

  1. Family Fun: Having a blast with family adventures!
  2. Wanderlust Moments: Exploring new places and making travel stories.
  3. Mastermind Builder: Creating amazing things in the business world.
  4. Community Cheers: Sharing and caring with the people around.
  5. Wellness Wonderland: Keeping the mind and body in great shape.
  6. Divine Connection: Taking care of the soul and enjoying the journey with the divine.

I bet some of those surprised me too! I had no clue I was into health! Russell Brunson calls these “hall of fame goals,” but I prefer to call them my core values.

They’re my core values because, when someone looks at my life, I want these things to stand out more than anything else. If you go back and check my Facebook profile, I bet you can see this. I’d also wager that you can notice how my core values have shifted in the last 10+ years. So, here’s what I want you to do!

After you complete the exercise, think about your life. Consider what a total stranger would see when they stumble upon your profile and don’t know anything about you.

Here are the core values of my company, written out.

Our company is based on five core values that are at the heart of everything we do: extreme ownership, community, hard work, integrity, and personal and professional growth!
Eclipse DOT leads the transportation community. We assist people in building, growing, and expanding their businesses to levels they’ve only dreamed of.

At Eclipse DOT, family is important to us. We care about our team’s families and the families in our community! We understand that, without the support of those close to us, real growth is not possible. Communities are vital in our lives. Eclipse DOT supports the development and growth of communities. We promote community growth through networking and building new connections.

At Eclipse DOT, we promote not just a healthy lifestyle but also a healthy mindset for everyone on our team. Why? Because our mind is our most powerful tool. Here’s a fun fact: Your brain is only 2% of your body weight but gobbles up 20% of your daily calories. So, eat well and get your daily exercise!
Travel brings excitement to our lives. We motivate our entire team to travel several times a year. We also encourage our community to embark on adventures, not just to our events but also to enjoyable and thrilling destinations. At Eclipse DOT, we believe that God is the reason for everything. He provides us with ideas, guidance, and the strength to persevere. God is a significant part of our company, influencing our culture and values. We also respect that it’s okay if you don’t share the same beliefs as us. Can you see how these connect directly to my core values? Now, go out there, discover your values, and share them with the world!

PS: If you ever need help getting something done, just start writing a blog. You’ll have to finish it then! That’s what happened to me.

LOL. Keep the rubber side down and have a great week!

Dan Greer

Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “Core Values & How To Get Yours.”. Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org. 

Ditch those RESOLUTIONS and set some REAL GOALS!

Posted on by dan_adm

Ditch those resolutions and set some real goals

In the past, I used to make New Year’s resolutions for myself, like losing a few pounds, running again, or just being a better person. But those resolutions didn’t work. I would give up shortly after starting, or sometimes I wouldn’t even get started. It left me feeling like I didn’t have the willpower to achieve anything. The truth was, I wasn’t setting resolutions for myself; I was setting ones I thought the world would want. So, I stopped making resolutions and started setting goals.

Setting goals is crucial in life to get what you want. When I set goals, I remember seven key things, one for each day of the week. It helps me stay focused on what I need and keeps me motivated to achieve my desires.

  1. Make sure half your goals are doable in the next 1–6 months. This keeps you motivated. If you can make something happen today, go for it. If all your goals are impossible, you’ll lose motivation. So, keep a few goals that boost your motivation to the next level, helping you stay on track and achieve what you want.
  2. Set a really big goal, like something Superman might find challenging. For instance, imagine wanting 20 vacation homes in different countries and two private jets for you and your family to travel the world. This goal is probably hard to achieve, but that’s the point. Even if you never reach it, just trying puts you ahead compared to not thinking about it at all. Think of it this way: if you aim for another galaxy and don’t get there, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that you still went farther than if you never tried in the first place!
  3. Jot down your goals; it’s a crucial part of the process. Write them in different spots. I use a notebook that I always carry, another for various notes, and a whiteboard in my home office. The notebooks are just for me, so I can check my goals no matter which one I have. I use a whiteboard because, when my family enters the office, they read it and ask about my goals. This keeps me motivated and accountable, making sure I stay on track. Whether it’s the notebook in my pocket, the one for notes, or the whiteboard at home, having goals in multiple places helps me stay focused on achieving them.
  4. Share your goals with others; it’s important for achieving them and staying accountable. When you talk about your goals and dreams with someone, it makes them feel more real and gives them a new perspective. Imagine wanting to lose weight. If you keep it to yourself and just start exercising, people might be supportive, but not as much as if you tell them what you’re trying to achieve. I’ve shared my goals, and I’ve seen friends drop everything to help me stay on track. I’ve also been that friend who dropped everything to motivate others. Sharing goals creates a supportive community that keeps everyone focused.
  5. When you pick your goals, be clear and specific. If they’re too broad, it’s easy to achieve them, or even worse, you might lose motivation because you can’t reach the target. Let me share one of my business goals with you: I want to buy a grill/cook trailer by June 2020 and use it to support our customers, their employees, and our community. Now, if our goal was just to “buy a grill to give back to our community,” it’s not specific enough. It lacks details like the type of grill and its size, and it doesn’t have a clear timeframe. Adding these specifics makes your goals more achievable and keeps you motivated.
  6. Set different kinds of goals! Don’t just think about work or personal stuff; have both. Make a list of goals for your job or business. Also, dream big! Aim to be the CEO of a super valuable company, retire by 35, or make enough money to live well without working more than 40 hours a week. Some goals might fit on both lists, like retiring early or having a job that feels more like fun than work. Having
  7. Don’t let your goals scare you too much. Choose some that don’t feel overwhelming. If all your goals terrify you, you might avoid them altogether. It’s important to have a mix of goals—some that challenge you and others that seem easier to achieve. This way, you’ll stay motivated and feel confident in reaching some of your goals while pushing yourself with others. A mix of goals helps you focus on different aspects of your life and dream big too!

This is just how I set goals and make sure I’m on the right path to success. But there are a few more things you should think about. Try setting goals with your family and your spouse. It’s been really helpful for me. My wife and I set goals about 7 months ago, and it’s surprising how many goals we set for two years are already happening. It’s also funny how we haven’t even started some goals we planned to finish in 30 days, haha.

Whenever I do something, I try to keep God at the forefront. It doesn’t mean I go to church every Sunday or that I think I’m perfect. I often feel far from the person I should be, but that’s a different topic. I believe in having faith in every part of life. For a long time, I thought God didn’t belong in my work or goals; I only turned to Him when I needed something. Now, I realize He’s more important to me than that. So, I make sure to involve Him in everything I do, both in my personal life and in my work.

I hope this encourages you to skip those yearly resolutions that many of us forget by the end of January. Instead, set some goals that are easy to reach and a few that might be a bit challenging. These goals can truly make a positive change in our lives.

Happy New Year, and I’m confident that 2020 will be an awesome year!

Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘Set your goals high this year‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at EclipseDOT.com.

Doing what’s best for your customers, not your business

Posted on by dan_adm

Doing What’s Best for Your Customers, Not Your Business

Success isn’t about the money you make; it’s about the quality of work you offer to others.

“Remember, you’re helping a customer, not stuck with a lifelong task. Find joy in your work.” Laurie McIntosh. That’s so true.
 
In my career and all our businesses, we’ve stuck to a few important principles. First, we don’t just provide customers with what they want; we give them what they truly need. Second, we always prioritize what is best for the customer. Third, we make sure everything we do is guided by our faith in God. Lastly, we put the customer first, even if it means taking a hit to our businesses.
 
Let’s simplify and break those down to make them easier to understand.
 
We don’t just give customers what they want; we provide what they truly need. It might sound simple, but dealing with customers or employees shows that what someone wants and needs can be very different. That’s why our success across various platforms and industries relies on underselling and overdelivering. Early in our careers, we learned that if you promise more than you deliver,
 
Imagine if Walt Disney had built Disneyland but never made any improvements. Picture that. It wouldn’t have the same great feeling it has today. In life, we need to do the same—constantly work on making things better; you lose customers, and the ones you keep aren’t happy. That’s why we always seek ways to enhance our customer experiences.

Providing people with what they truly need takes time, energy, and effort. It’s not easy. However, when you go above and beyond, people are willing to pay a bit more because they trust that you’ll be there for them. They recognize that you’re always working to make their experience better.
 
Always choose what’s right for the customer.

Now, let’s discuss always doing what’s best for the customer. I once had a salesperson who sold something to a customer that they didn’t really need.
 
After a bit into the contract, the customer contacted us, saying, “I’m not sure we’re getting what we really need!” As a business owner, these are words you never want to hear because they could lead to negative discussions with your friends and others who might need our services. Word of mouth can either be our best advertisement or our toughest competition.
 
Now, going back to the oversold contract, I promptly contacted the company and asked how we could help them stay on the right track. I offered to provide a few more estimates with different options to meet their actual goals. I sent three estimates, each offering different levels of service, ensuring what was best for both companies.

They replied, saying they wanted to continue working with us and appreciated that we were willing to collaborate with them.
 
The lesson here is that we could have lost that customer forever, all because one salesperson wanted a larger commission. They didn’t prioritize what was best for the customer or our business. Now, they’re no longer selling our products, and they won’t ever again!
 
It’s really important to have a strong moral guide!
 
That’s why we ensure that God is the reason behind everything we do. Whether you call Him God, the big guy, the leader of the world, or whatever, He’s the best moral guide. As a business rooted in Christian values, we believe it’s crucial to keep God at the center of everything.
 
This doesn’t mean we can’t aim to make money, but we strive to do it with strong morals. If a customer isn’t happy, we try to help them. If someone truly needs assistance, we offer a helping hand. There’s a difference between giving a handout and offering a hand-up, but that’s a topic for another blog. (Literally, we’ve already written about it—check out our shameless plug!)

Always keep the big guy in mind as the reason behind everything you do.
 
Always prioritizing what’s best for the customer, even if it affects our businesses, won’t be easy. There will be times when tough decisions need to be made, like letting go of an employee or renegotiating a contract. One crucial thing to remember is to live by your principles. I figured out a while ago that if it comes down to doing what’s right or making money, I’ll choose to do what’s right.
 
Because when I do what’s right, the money will come. I don’t stress about the number of zeros in the bank account; instead, I concentrate on having happy customers! Providing good customer service is crucial for success.
 
In business and life, various things can happen, and many are beyond your control. What you can control is how you respond, how you treat others, and the decisions you make. If you prioritize your customers and genuinely care about them, you’re bound to succeed!
 
Ready to Transform Your Leadership Approach? Delve into ‘MAKING THE FACE OF YOUR BUSINESS‘ and enhance your skills. Follow our expert insights on this transformative journey. Explore more now at eclipse dot

Dream So Big It Scares Others!

Posted on by dan_adm

A DREAM SO BIG IT SCARES OTHERS

“Persist in pursuing your true desires. The one with big dreams holds more power than the one with all the facts.”

Lately, I’ve been tuning in to Shark Tank. In case you’re not familiar, it’s a TV show where folks with a business idea try to convince a group of 5–6 investors, known as “sharks,” to buy a share of their business.

In exchange, they get a business buddy who puts money into their company. After that, they work on making their business bigger and better. Since I’m an entrepreneur too, I like watching and picking up lessons from each pitch on the show.
 
Some products or businesses seem promising when introduced, and I can see their potential. On the other hand, there are some products that make you wonder how anyone could believe they’re a good business idea. It’s hard to imagine that they could ever succeed!
 
When I watch the show, it makes me think about our business. I started thinking about the things we could do and where we wanted to go with them. It gets me a bit excited, but also a bit scared. I have this incredible gift from God—I can dream really big. Seriously!

I dream so big that it scares most people when they ask me about our business goals. One of my dreams is to create a conference center that looks like a truck. I know what you’re thinking—Dan, that sounds awesome!
 
Oh, you didn’t think that? What’s going on? I’ve had this dream for a while. The other day, I was checking social media and found a guy drawing truck pictures. It was cool. I love dreaming big, and this idea just clicked with me. I can’t wait to see where it goes!
 
I asked him how much he’d charge to make special pictures of our customers’ trucks. I just wanted to know the cost of creating custom images, you know, for their trucks.

Why not? Later, as we got closer, I asked if he could make a picture of my upcoming event center.
 
Surprisingly, he was eager to make it! We discussed what I wanted, he suggested an idea, and then we made some adjustments together.

I made some additional adjustments to the picture, and then I made a few more changes. I decided to include some elk in the picture, just for fun. Lol.
 
He added lights to the building and sent it back to me. I loved it! What did I do next? I got the picture printed on a canvas to hang up in my office and enjoy it every day.
 
Every day, I get to see my dream come true! Each time I look at it, I take a moment to think about the future. Many would just have the idea, but I’ve turned it into a reality.

Not me, though. I acted on the idea, taking the first step toward creating something amazing!
 
The other day, my family and I had a good laugh while watching an animated movie at home. The film featured superheroes and villains, making it an enjoyable time together.
 
In the movie, a billionaire launches a rocket from his house. My son Nathen asked, “Dad, where’s your rocket? Every billionaire needs one!” It made me laugh, imagining a rocket in our house. Kids have a way of turning movies into funny, real-life moments.
 
We burst into laughter. If you’re curious about how my future events center will look, check out the picture above. It gives you a glimpse of what I envision.
 
I want to inspire you to dream big! Imagine goals so huge that they make everyone around you a bit nervous!
 
Enhance your faith-led leadership journey with God First Life Next. Explore empowering insights at “God already knows your path!”. Let faith guide your leadership. Click for purposeful living at GodFirstLifeNext.org.
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