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Rolf Crocker is Chief Marketing Officer for Axis Construction and Consulting (www.axisconsults.com), and contributing author on this website and the HOA Manager NewsLine.
We all have busy lives. With work, staff meetings, board meetings, house work, yard work, family and personal activities we often do not take the time to read for self-improvement. Rolf finds time to do it all and more, so we tip our hat to him for his contributions. We hope his time spent writing articles, reading and reviewing selected industry and self-improvement books can help you narrow down the material which would most help you become more successful in the management business. The editor.
The Book Report
Am I Putting a "...ding in the Universe"
or did the Universe just ding me?
Article by Rolf Crocker
November 2011
As you may have noticed, my articles have been less frequent this year. The reasons are both personal and professional. On the personal side, I am thrilled to tell you that a new son, Geoffrey James Crocker, has been brought into the Crocker household.  Born on October 6th, Geoffrey was 8 lbs., 5 oz. and was 19.5 inches in length. Baby and Mom are both doing great! I must tell you that it is times like this that I think the Universe is dinging me, giving me a wakeup call as to what is important in my life. The birth of my new son reminds me of my place in this Universe and I believe it makes me a better person and more focused on what is important to me and my family. On the professional side, I am excited to announce that I have taken on a new job as Chief Marketing Officer for a large HOA reconstruction and consulting company in the San Francisco Bay Area. This new role, among other cool stuff, will allow me the time and opportunity to write again.
As I was preparing to write this article, I was reminded of a similar article I wrote for the Manager Newsline in April of 2005 (you will find the link here). It's interesting to look back at something you've written 6 1/2 years ago and see a) things that bothered me then but aren't as daunting now (fear of change) and, b) things I said that resonate now more than ever (resolving "cognitive dissonance" by being true to your core values). Once again, the Universe is at work, reminding me what is really important. Below are my most recent "Aha!" moments:
Sometimes, a particular job or role just isn't for you. I have learned that , it's best to recognize your tolerance level and, even if the given role may be considered by many to be at the 'top of the game,' to make decisions that are in the best interest of you, your family and your quality of life. It may be the circumstances that surround you, it may be the responsibilities of the position or it may be a combination of both. I found the latter to be true for me.
What impact am I having on the employees I am leading? Is this impact positive, can I lead, can I mentor, am I making a difference for them to self-actualize? Or have I become ineffective? This type of self-evaluation of your managerial effectiveness is crucial to becoming responsible to your position, your charges, and just as important, to being true to yourself.
"Control your destiny, or someone else will." This quote from former General Electric CEO Jack Welch rings more true than ever for me. Life is too short to wallow in a bad situation. As stated above, it could be the circumstances, the role itself or a combination of both. Give it your very best effort - if you feel it's getting the best of you, review your options and find something where you believe you can excel. If you don't, you're robbing your clients, your staff, and yourself of giving your very best.
Steve Jobs passed away a few weeks ago. The outpouring of sentiment in his passing was unlike any I have seen in my lifetime except for presidents, princesses and pop stars. Love him or hate him, the underlying theme was clear - that he felt life was too short to not offer up your very best. His vision, passion and some would say obsession in execution were legendary. But all of this was driven by a desire to, as he put it, "...put a ding in the universe." I absolutely love that statement, and have ever since Tom Peters mentioned it in his book "Re-Imagine." It is that sentiment that drives me, and I was reminded of that fact, profoundly, with Geoffrey's birth. My hope is that sentiment it will drive you too. You can and should make a difference in everything you do and to do that you need to find your place within the Universe. You, and the Universe, will be better for it.
Rolf Crocker is Chief Marketing Officer for Axis Construction and Consulting (www.axisconsults.com) and he can be reached at .
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And I would like to say: Thank You.
I have had a unique opportunity to travel around the country and teach board members and industry professionals on a variety of subjects. I have been amazed and heart-warmed at how many of you have come up to me and said, "Hey Rolf - I love the Book Report! I read it every month and have purchased many of the books you write about." My number one goal in doing this is to expose industry professionals to books which contain ideas and concepts that will add value to their personal and professional lives. James Autry, in his book "The Servant Leader" has a list he calls "5 Ways of Being." Number 5 on that list is something he picked up as a child from his grandmother who would say, "Jimmy, make yourself useful - do something!" This column is my attempt to do just that - to be useful. Thank you so much for the encouragement and positive feedback.
On Education and self improvement Rolf says:
"Continuing Education is the difference between survival and success. I am an avid (some would say rabid) reader. Periodically, The HOA Manager NewsLine and this web site will present reviews of books, that I double-your-money-back-guarantee will improve your mind, your soul and your bottom line�or at least 2 out of 3 (your choice)! But, like my television counterpart from 'Reading Rainbow' says - "Don't take my word for it�!"
On where to get books? Rolf says:
"I have this for you - www.Audible.com . This is a wonderful way to get some of the best books on business and management (fiction and self-help too!). You can listen on your computer, load to an MP3 player or burn to disk. Make use of your travel time - invest in yourself." |
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