RIP 2011 (Reflect, Inspect, Project)

“Follow effective action with quiet reflection. From the quiet reflection will come even more effective action.” ~ Peter F. Drucker, American Educator and Writer, b.1909

As we wrap up the wonderfully active and interesting year of 2011, please ensure you are not just passing the days and nights in hopes of a better tomorrow or next year. At the same time, let’s not get caught in the afterglow of what was.

During the last portion of an experience, project, or yes, even a year, it is well-serving to schedule time to do what I call Reflect, Inspect and Project (RIP).

As you work through the RIP process, allow time (and discussion if including others) on the past experience, project or year by sharing 1st REFLECT on what were the highlights, then what were the low-lights, and also, how to avoid the low-lights in the future while creating more highlights. This is where you can have 20/20 hindsight for the past. 2nd, INSPECT where you are right now, and if there is anything left undone or unseen, not communicated, or somehow vague. This is where you really look at the present. 3rd, PROJECT by looking ahead in weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annual time tables. Decide what you want to do, by/with whom, for what reason, and note how you will measure success. This is your look to the future.

As simple as it may seem, by touring the past, present and the future through reflection, inspection and projection, you can often appreciate what you have, finish what you started, and get energized and focused on what is to come.

Thank you for an amazing and enjoyable 2011…here’s to much more in 2012!

Toasting - Part of a Bigger ACT

“The strongest and sweetest songs yet remain to be sung.” - Walt Whitman

With all the gatherings, and perhaps some eating and drinking going on, toasts are often just a simple “Cheers!”, and while that is okay to hear and say, a toast can still be simple, and yet be part of a bigger ACT!

If you want to feel good about your presentation, allow your guest(s) to know you care, and set the mood for the experience, consider using the following to take ACTion with the toast:

A – Acknowledge the reason you are together
C – Connect the event with other feelings or thoughts (2-4)
T – Talk specifics

An example for a work event is:

Tonight we are here for our holiday party!

This party is to appreciate you, celebrate the year we have had, and look forward to sales and service in the future.

Thank you to each of you for your work, thank you to our customers and clients, and thank you in advance for a great 2012!

Cheers, and enjoy the party!



Something for Hanukkah is:

Today we are together to celebrate Hanukkah!

Hanukkah is about reflecting on what we have, showing appreciation for the abundance that we don’t expect, and about gathering and being together.

So, here is to the delicious meal we are about to enjoy, for the health and well-being we each are experience, and to every one of you who chose to share in this celebration with us!

Cheers, and Happy Hanukkah!



Another example for Christmas is:

Today we are here to celebrate Christmas!

Christmas is a time to think about new beginnings, our perspective, and the way we treat others.

So, here is to a new year nearly upon us and a great one to remember, a belief in ourselves, and to being kind to others throughout the year!

Thank you for joining us, and Merry Christmas!



Similarly, for New Year's, you have:

Tonight is the last night of 2011!

2011 has been a year of more ups than downs, one of much news, and a time we will all remember.

Here’s to all of our fond memories together, to making our news “good news”, and to making more memories with one another.

Cheers to closing out 2011, and to welcoming in 2012!!



Whether you toast with “Cheers”, or you make your toast part of a bigger ACT, here’s to you, and safe, enjoyable celebrations this holiday season!

Get the SCORE

"The one exclusive sign of thorough knowledge is the power of teaching." - Aristotle

Often people want us to "check this out" or "take a look at this" because they "thought this might be interesting", and while that may seem thoughtful to them, it becomes a TO-DO for us!

When you have a team sharing things, ask for the SCORE before accepting what they are passing along. The SCORE is:

S - State. State what they are sending, not just "FYI"
C - Cover. Cover 2-4 points about the article, company, opportunity, person, etc. that they deem of interest.
O - Offer. Offer their ideas on the way it works, doesn't work, fits, doesn't fit, potential ways to use or avoid it.
R - Reference. Get them to reference their suggestion of what to do moving forward. What is his/her preferred next step?
E - End. What is the summary statement overall in what they plan to do or want you to do.

Since we teach people how to treat us, the same SCORE tip is true for you when you are sharing with others...family, friends, colleagues or team members, as getting the SCORE up front could mean a win later!