What Will Make You Proud This Week?

Monday Morning Match is a quick post – maybe a quote, inspirational story or idea – intended to spark some motivation inside each of you so your week gets off to a fantastic start on Monday morning.

I was scouring through some folders on my laptop looking for something I needed to prepare for a class I am teaching this week. As with any mundane project, it’s easy to get distracted like when you’re cleaning the garage and you find yourself shooting hoops instead of putting the basketball away or if you’re supposed to be reorganizing the closet and you end up sitting on the floor rummaging through old photo albums. I saw a document titled “Ryan’s Proud Chart” and it quickly made me smile.

A little more than 14 years ago, I had created very simple charts for my two children so we could “catch them doing the right things” and reward them for being good. It was just a simple chart that we could use to track positive behavior, obviously trying to reinforce the activities we wanted to see on a daily basis. 

I don’t remember using these for long because it probably felt a little too formal and we missed the organic parenting which provides the lessons to become better but the concept caught my eye today as an ideal way to establish expectations. Simply knowing what type of behavior and activities we were looking for from our children allowed them to meet or hopefully exceed expectations. When that occurred, positive things happened. 

What are you looking for?

While it’s a really simple exercise, what activities or behaviors would go on your “Proud Chart”? I think starting with “Attitude” is probably a solid choice but after that, what categories might you track? Lead generation? Follow up? Are you simply seeking income producing activities or is that too narrow of a focus if you’re trying to develop a well-rounded business? 

If you’re a manager, broker, or owner, how will you measure your associates and/or staff? Are your expectations clearly stated so everyone knows when they can expect to see a “check mark” or smiley face on their grid? Are the rewards something tangible or more internal like a simple “thank you” or some other kind word passed on in public or in quiet moments alone?

Maybe your new “Proud Chart” will be something totally personal to measure your own efforts or progress, or perhaps it can be something you can use in a group setting to encourage, mentor, and support others.  

I know this much – if you try to put a check mark in the build relationships, solve problems, and have fun columns every day, I’ll be very proud of you.