Is T-Ball like corporate America?

Carsen had his first T-Ball game today. Keeping 8 little boys focused and in position is difficult if not impossible. Felt like managing a corporate team?

A great example was first base coach. As soon as the kids got to first I would ask them where they are going next. Every one would point to second. I would then tell them that I would let them know when to run and to watch for the third base coach when they got to second.

What would they do when the ball was hit? Several of them followed the line from home past first base to the out field. In other words they ran towards the outfield not second base? Right after we discussed to go to second.

It did get better as the innings went by.

Like the corporate environment. You train and coach, but when the pressure is on people sometimes follow their instincts. Or the line.

(PS we ran the bases ever practice...)

Deception is not sales (Or is it)

I caught part of a show called Deception on the Discovery TV channel. It directly related to sales. They were working at a car dealership. How to read people, sales people and body language.

One thing that really caught my attention was the guy went to a sales person and said "Go grab the keys of any car on the lot. Don't tell me which one. If in 15 minutes I can not tell you which set of keys you have I will write a check for the value of the car" (And not take the car)

He did it! All by reading the sales person!

In the day of multitasking and speed

Listening has really become a lost art. Trust me I am one of the worst. Many times I have found myself being called on (Think Leadership Hays) and realized that I have no idea what is going on. I was focused on others around me, something shiny or just in my own world. (Reminds me of School)

You never know when the most important information is coming to you. It most likely is going to come from some unknown source, a vendor or coworker. Taking time to look someone in the eye, shut down the email and focus.

I am really talking about me here. Many time recently I have found myself doing the opposite of my own advice. It is time to sloooow down, focus and pay attention. The next big thing might be right in front of me but I am too busy being busy.

Michael Jackson is alive and well at the Riat Household

The boys are into the Game (Dancing)
The video's
The songs (In the car, house, iPad and more)
Even the less popular stuff.

Is there such a thing as the "Perfect Day Off"?

Yard work
Golf
T-Ball and
Relaxation

Weather? 85 and calm winds.

No worries, no stress and no problem

A quiet weekend

Some 4-Wheeling, having the neighbors over and ended Monday with absolutely nothing. Relaxing weekend.

I added one more day to this 3 day weekend to spend some time with Carsen. While he is at school (Fun school for the summer) I will mow the lawn, then pick him up for lunch and we are going to the driving range and then T-Ball practice.