When Good is Bad, and Bad is Good - The Story of Global Stock Markets

The last few weeks have seen the global stock markets riding a roller coaster of volatility like we haven't seen in quite a while.  As the American economy starts to gain momentum towards a stronger recovery, we see the Federal Reserve (the Fed) starting to plan for tapering Quantitative Easing (QE).  

IT seems to defy logic that every time we get good economic news the markets seem to go down, as people start to worry what will happen when the Fed "turns off the tap" on its bond buying, which is largely credited for the gains in the stock market over the last number of years.  If there is a bit of disappointing news the markets move up in hopes that it will delay the Fed's reduction in QE. 

For those of us that enjoy investing in stock markets, I am afraid that we are going to have to weather a storm of illogical behaviour as the world tries to wean itself off of government stimulus.

Whether you agree with everything that the Fed has done since the Great Recession, you have to admit that the results have helped to "hold up" the U.S. economy "buying time" to shore things up and start moving in the right direction.  I am confidant that the pace and means of their exit from bond buying will be done very carefully with a goal of minimizing disruption. 

Unfortunately the irrational response of traders, investors and institutions is beyond their control.  Just remember, the reason that they are trying to get out of the markets is because the economy is in good shape.  How can that be a bad thing?????

  As always I can be found on Twitter and Linked-In.

Bill Roth
The Success Junkie

A Father's Day Ramble

We all have many roles in life.  For me, the most important and impactful role that I play is Father to Lexi and Jackson.  Being actively engaged in my kids lives, activities, friends and fun is the highest priority for me.  On this Father's Day, I thought I would share a few thoughts for fathers (and mothers) that I focus on as a Dad.

1. Be present - Whenever you can, give your kids your undivided attention.  It is easy to get distracted by chores, emails, work, television, etc. 
2. Get down and play with your kids - Whether they love toys, sports, stuffed animals, video games, card games (Pokémon in a favourite in our house), or whatever, don't just sit and watch, pick up that doll/action figure, game controller or deck of cards! 
3. Take Vacations - Many of the most vivid memories of my childhood are of vacations that my parents and I took.  It can be hard to break away from work.  The time that you have when your kids want to hang out with you is short.  Take advantage now and show your kids the world. 
4. Slow it down - Between work, school, sports, and activities parenting can sometimes feel like the entire family is running on a treadmill.  Make sure you make time to stop and smell the roses with the kids, enjoy the quiet moments, have a conversation, just be together.
5. Get to know their friends - As kids get older their friends will become more important and influential on your kids lives.  Knowing their friends will help you better understand your kids, will make them more comfortable being around you, and will help ensure that they don't fall in with the wrong crowd.

What are your parental tips for being a successful Dad or Mom?  Why not share them in the comments section below. 

Happy Father's Day to all my fellow Dads!  As always I can be found on Twitter and Linked-In.

Bill Roth
The Success Junkie

Are you Compliant or Committed?

I was listening to a recent podcast and the question was asked "Are you Compliant or Committed?".  The question really struck home with me.  The more I thought about it, the more I came to realize that on the outside the two can be appear deceptively similar. However, at the end of the day the results that a team achieves are vastly different depending on which state of mind the individuals members of the team are in.

 

Compliance has become such an important topic in the corporate world in recent years. Organizations spend millions of dollars ensuring that rules, regulations and requirements are being followed and met.  The impact has gone far beyond Compliance officers and legal teams.  Every staff member has a responsibility to ensure their organization is complying with applicable laws and ethical standards.  I am in no way trying to downplay the importance of compliance at the individual and organizational level.  It is absolutely critical in any business environment.  In fact commitment without compliance can often lead to very uncomfortable situations, as we have seen with recent corporate scandals.

 

Compliance is fundamentally an intellectual state of mind.   A series of rules/laws are understood and followed.  Compliance is more about avoiding negative consequences that it is about achieving a positive outcome.  For most people, compliance lacks the emotional engagement that taps into to the creativity and emotional power of their team members to achieve positive results.

 

To move from compliant to committed takes a compelling and shared vision that excites and inspires the team or individuals into action.  It must create the momentum that allows people to push through difficult situations and hard times.  In addition to the vision, as a leader it is critical that we not only communicate the vision, but also live it through the good times and the bad.  

It is easy to speak of vision, goals and growth when times are good.  However, in today's business environment it can feel like we are riding a roller coaster.  To truly gain the commitment of your team or organizations you have to maintain the visions through the toughest of times.   Failing to do so can result in falling back into a state of compliance.

I like to think of compliance as the foundation success.  Without it, anything that you build risks collapse.  However, stopping at compliance and ignoring commitment will leave the best that you and your team have to offer incomplete.

What has been your greatest challenge in moving your team from compliant to committed. How have you maintained your commitment to your vision during tough times.  I would love to get  your feedback through the comments section below.

As always I can be found on Twitter and Linked-In.

Bill Roth
The Success Junkie

Excellence in Motion

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of attending the annual dance showcase for my daughter's dance studio.  As the proud father of one of the members of the Sweet Peas Company I was able to experience the pride that only comes from seeing one of your children excel at something that they have worked hard at.  While Lexi was on-stage I was transfixed by her every move.  

 

During the other numbers I got to thinking about all the hard work and dedication that it took for each dance team, whether competitive, part time or recreational, to prepare and complete their routines. Having watched Lexi march off to dance practice two nights a week, practice dance moves around the house constantly, and travel to various dance competitions and shows, I would love to be able to bottle the focus and determination (not to mention a little bit of her boundless energy) that she and the rest of the dancers exhibited.
 

Not only are these kids pushing themselves to achieve amazing things, but they are doing it up on a stage, in the spotlight, smiling and dancing in front of an audience of hundreds of people (mostly strangers).  Many, if not most adults would rather get a root canal than put themselves in that kind of situation (Kudos to the Dance Moms and Dads who did perform at the end of the show - I will do my best to be there with you next year).  

 

You hear a lot about "today's generation" or "the kids today" when people talk about their younger colleagues in the workplace.  I didn't see a group of entitled kids who thought they could get by on a debt that the world owed them.  I saw a group of kids six to eighteen years old that worked exceptionally hard for over 9 months to put on an amazing performance.  Perhaps people should look a little harder before generalizing about the future of today's youth.

 

Congratulations to all the performers, athletes, teachers, organizers and parents of this and every other year end showcase, recital, concert or tournament.  Enjoy the time celebrating all the long hours, practices and preparation that you invested this past year.  I am a huge fan of excellence and even more so when it is demonstrated by those so young.  

 

When was the last time you were blown away by excellence?  Why not share your story by posting a comment below.

As always I can be found on Twitter and Linked-In.

Bill Roth
The Success Junkie