leader

Challenging Yourself: What I’ve Learned From My Daughter

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You come to a point in your exercise regimen where your results become stagnant or even start regressing. You wonder how this is happening? – You are going to the gym almost every day. The problem could be that you have fallen into the comfort zone routine trap. You are checking off the miles/reps/laps, but your effort is less than optimal, your body says, “Hey I’m good, I have done this before, – no changes needed.”  You are comfortable, but you absolutely need to invest in a change in order to progress physically.  

Many people don’t take this step or make this push because it’s uncomfortable, it’s hard. Why disrupt a rhythm, especially when it is becoming easier. They’ve finally hit a great rhythm and things are starting to become easier. That is the perfect time to start the challenge. Stepping out of the comfort zone is only going to further your improvement and help reach your goals of a healthier lifestyle.  Only through new stressors can we have the resultant adaptive gains.

Personally, I became somewhat stagnant in my swim, bike run workouts over a lengthy triathlon career. I did way too many of the same workouts over and over again, the workouts were like “comfort food” yet I needed more of a variety of Physical nourishments to make any significant progress.

I recently had a revelation; found through my 16-year-old daughter.

Beginning on January 1st of this year, I began a routine of early morning swims with my daughter at an outdoor pool in Colorado. With the sun coming up, a snow-covered landscape and the steam rising it was magical. However, ‘magical’ was far from the correct adverb to describe the workouts, – more accurate would be excruciating, exhausting and yet exhilarating.  I can hang with my daughter on freestyle, but not only is she talented but also smart and she knows I cannot keep up on Butterfly, so she does what all good teenage daughters do – she punishes me with a heavy butterfly focused workout.

As a triathlete, I had swum almost no butterfly previously and she obliterated me, my body would be absolutely screaming in order to make the interval and she would be grinning at the wall waiting for me.  Out of my comfort zone was an understatement. But I continue to push through as I wanted to be able to keep up, have a stretch goal and ultimately gain transformative fitness.

So if you’re a freestyler, swim butterfly; if you are a runner, swim; if you are a yogi, lift …. Vary your routine, each and every time – vary the intensity vary the exercise, vary the sport.  Whatever it is, explode out of your comfort zone and you will be rewarded with real fitness gains,

This article was originally published on RobUrbach.com

New Trends in the Post-Pandemic Workplace

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The COVID-19 pandemic is pushing people and businesses to develop new trends of operating. Herd immunity seems to be the new vocabulary that many organizations are struggling to understand. Regardless of the challenges being faced, companies still need to look for ways of surviving despite their uncertainties. Most organizations are re-writing their playbooks to develop solutions towards meeting their customers’ changing needs. Here are some of the new trends that companies can adopt to satisfy their current markets.

  • Creating a wellness-first working environment

The pandemic has pushed most individuals into living a healthier and fit life. Most people are exercising more and taking advantage of fitness apps and home-based exercising equipment. Organizations need to consider that most employees are more concerned with their health now than before the pandemic. Companies need to consider their employees’ wellness as they return to office life.

  • Develop purpose-driven brands

Brands have become more competitive and purpose-driven. Clients are looking for products and services to solve their societal and personal issues resulting in organizations stepping up by going beyond their usual marketing gimmicks. Companies are upping their game by demonstrating values that consumers easily relate to. They expect organizations to be authentic in their values by demonstrating their relevance in society.

  • Provide consumers with brand bonding experiences

Businesses need to put their consumers’ needs as a priority to stand out from the competition. They can accomplish this objective by providing reasonable pricing options, refunds, and discounts. In addition, companies have come to realize that customers’ loyalty is essential for their growth and sustainability. As a result, organizations are adopting trends to improve customer service by considering their customers’ feedback.

  • Hoarding vs upskilling

Consumer behavior has evolved during the pandemic, and most customers understand their value. Companies are providing value to their products and services by giving a deeper connection to their customers. They have realized upskilling is resulting in a higher conversion rate than hoarding.

  • Converting isolation into togetherness

The pandemic has made individuals appreciate social gatherings more since they have been limited in the activities they can perform. The feeling of isolation has created a thirst for togetherness. With the social distancing policies, brands are developing more profound ways of connecting with their customers. They are going beyond shallow online interactions to creating memorable experiences.

This article was originally published on RobUrbach.com

How to Handle Workplace Conflicts

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When dealing with conflict in the workplace, the most important rule for handling it is dealing with it head-on. If a company ignores conflict among coworkers, it can snowball into something bigger and eventually cause problems for more than just the parties initially involved. There are a few easy ways to deal with conflict and stop it before it even becomes an issue. If ignored, there’s the potential for people quitting, lawsuits, and even workplace violence.

Open Door Policy

When leadership has an open door policy in place, people are more inclined to come to them with problems. Upper management must set aside time for all employees to go to them with any conflict they may be dealing with. This way, employees know they have an outlet for when they need to talk. It’s a way for them to be heard, and it’s a way for them to know that management cares about their happiness and emotional health.

Create Practical Solutions

When two employees can’t seem to get along, management needs to intervene. If conflict isn’t addressed, fights can happen, which creates a more significant issue than what was there in the first place. Employees involved in a conflict need to feel like their voices are being heard. Management shouldn’t just brush off concerns even if they may seem trivial at the time. If a solution can’t be found, management may need to consider different shifts or workspaces for involved parties.

Address Rumors to Avoid Future Problems

Rumors will inevitably pop up in the workplace. How a company deals with those rumors says everything about them. Rumors are a substantial contributing factor to workplace conflicts and even workplace violence. That’s why it’s important that employees have someone they can ask about rumors and someone they can go to should a rumor arise about themselves.

Perhaps the most helpful way to deal with conflict is to stop it before it arises. Companies should have policies in place that deal with bullying, rumors, and other problematic behaviors. By having a zero-tolerance rule, people can come to work feeling safe in the long run. Employees should also know when and where they can find HR. Creating a zero-tolerance policy for bullying is also a great way to keep all employees on the same page and avoid showing favoritism. 

This article was originally published on RobUrbach.com

New Trends in the Post-Pandemic Workplace

roburbach, , , , Leave a comment

The COVID-19 pandemic is pushing people and businesses to develop new trends of operating. Herd immunity seems to be the new vocabulary that many organizations are struggling to understand. Regardless of the challenges being faced, companies still need to look for ways of surviving despite their uncertainties. Most organizations are re-writing their playbooks to develop solutions towards meeting their customers’ changing needs. Here are some of the new trends that companies can adopt to satisfy their current markets.

  • Creating a wellness-first working environment

The pandemic has pushed most individuals into living a healthier and fit life. Most people are exercising more and taking advantage of fitness apps and home-based exercising equipment. Organizations need to consider that most employees are more concerned with their health now than before the pandemic. Companies need to consider their employees’ wellness as they return to office life.

  • Develop purpose-driven brands

Brands have become more competitive and purpose-driven. Clients are looking for products and services to solve their societal and personal issues resulting in organizations stepping up by going beyond their usual marketing gimmicks. Companies are upping their game by demonstrating values that consumers easily relate to. They expect organizations to be authentic in their values by demonstrating their relevance in society.

  • Provide consumers with brand bonding experiences

Businesses need to put their consumers’ needs as a priority to stand out from the competition. They can accomplish this objective by providing reasonable pricing options, refunds, and discounts. In addition, companies have come to realize that customers’ loyalty is essential for their growth and sustainability. As a result, organizations are adopting trends to improve customer service by considering their customers’ feedback.

  • Hoarding vs upskilling

Consumer behavior has evolved during the pandemic, and most customers understand their value. Companies are providing value to their products and services by giving a deeper connection to their customers. They have realized upskilling is resulting in a higher conversion rate than hoarding.

  • Converting isolation into togetherness

The pandemic has made individuals appreciate social gatherings more since they have been limited in the activities they can perform. The feeling of isolation has created a thirst for togetherness. With the social distancing policies, brands are developing more profound ways of connecting with their customers. They are going beyond shallow online interactions to creating memorable experiences.

This article was originally published on RobUrbach.com

Strengthening Communication Among Remote Teams

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Remote teams are a reality for many companies with the rise of the internet and technology. However, remote working can present challenges to communication that in-person work does not have to deal with. Here are some tips on strengthening communication among remote teams.

Create a Company-wide Communication Policy

The most successful remote teams are the ones that have a clear understanding of how to communicate with each other. A company-wide communication policy ensures everyone has a shared understanding of the expectations for communicating, both internally and externally. In addition, there should be an established crisis plan detailing who communicates with whom during emergencies, who oversees those communications, and who makes decisions based on the received information.

Remote teams should have a shared understanding of the company’s culture

Every remote team should have a shared understanding of the company’s culture, even if they’re composed of members from different countries or locations. To do this, a company needs to make sure that the employee values get aligned with the company’s vision and mission statement. Having a shared understanding allows proper communication and fewer misunderstandings.

Create an internal wiki to house

It is important for a business to create an internal wiki and include all necessary information about the company. The remote team will refer to the shared expectations and see how it applies to them directly. This information allows for clarification of the things expected from each position or role. It will also allow for a better understanding of the responsibilities of each member.

Encourage remote employees to attend in-person meetings

Remote employees who attend in-person meetings will understand the company’s culture and allow for more close communication with the managers. It will also make it easier to understand and follow their duties and responsibilities.

If employees have a good relationship among themselves, it will be easier for them to establish connections and relationships. This connection and relationship-building in person give the employee.

One of the best ways to make remote teams feel like they are part of a cohesive team is by providing them with a company-wide communication policy. When remote teams have clear guidelines for communicating with one another, it helps build trust and handle companies’ duties effectively.

This article was originally published on RobUrbach.com

Should You Set Big Audacious Fitness Goals, or “BAG?”

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To borrow a concept from American author, speaker, consultant and business management expert Jim Collins, should one set Big Audacious Goals (“BAG”) for personal fitness?  Anyone can set a fitness goal, but what about a transformational Big Audacious Goal?

OK, let’s start by unpacking the pros and cons, first addressing the latter. Cons-you may burnout, get hurt, feel frustrated, become exhausted, and ultimately succumb to self-doubt. It’s true; all of this could happen. But let’s look at the potential pros.

What could happen if you really stretched your goals? Think transformation; a sense of new found confidence, inner strength, improved blood panels, even the ability to lift heavy things you never thought possible, maybe.  The ability to leap tall buildings, probably not.

Let’s talk accountability. I’ll start by going public with my Big Audacious Goals:

  • Run a mile < 6 minutes
  • Swim 400 meters < 6 minutes (500 yards < 6:41)
  • Bike 40k < 60 minutes
  • Strict back squat at 1.5x body weight load for 10 reps
  • Deadlift 2x body weight for 10 reps
  • Clean and Jerk body weight load for 3 reps
  • 20 strict (chin over bar) full range of motion pull-ups

While completing these exercises individually may not be uber “audacious” for me, having the fitness to do all of them within say a 30-day period certainly feels so. More importantly, it drives me towards self-optimization for muscular endurance, aerobic capacity and strength. BAGs give us distinct and clear targets to work towards. For me, that serves as a motivator unlike any other.

The regimen above will not be appropriate for most, but consider what your limits are, and where you can push beyond those perceptions for above average growth, both mentally and physically. Remember, mastery of one’s own vessel is a mission filled with reward.

Accordingly, what is your BAG?

This article was originally published on RobUrbach.com

Leadership Traits Essential for Trust

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Each family, organization, and company needs a leader that can take the group from one level to the next. But, remember that leadership requires trust.

A successful relationship is always dependent upon trusting one another. It is commonly recognized that there is more resistance to change in the workplace when there is no trust between an employee and leadership. In such situations, corporate infighting tends to take the place of collaboration. Uncertainty is everywhere, and stagnation persists as opposed to innovation.

Leadership traits are essential to develop and maintain the level of trust in the workplace, and that helps motivate teams and works positively for almost everyone. The following are a few leadership traits that are essential for trust among team members working alongside one another.

Listen First, Then Conclude

The fundamental rule of communication is to listen to employees. A good leader must listen to his or her team members to know what they think and what they want to share. A successful leader should learn to listen to what employees are saying at all times. A leader must consider what issues are essential for the employees, address them, and provide a satisfactory response.

Leaders Trust Their Employees

To gain trust, one should trust others as well. Someone in a leadership position must show their employees that they trust each and every one of them. A leader who trusts can help their employees be creative and set challenges for themselves that can be helpful for both individuals and the company.

Encouraging Transparency

A good leader will share their ideas with other employees to encourage transparency. They will help their team understand what is needed in order to achieve company goals and individual goals.  Explaining the company’s aims, future vision, and creating a peaceful, engaging environment where everyone can share their views and ideas is essential.

Great leaders should show people that they value their time and ideas presented by them. This will allow trust to build between all team members, ultimately leading to success for everyone involved.

This article was originally published on RobUrbach.com

How to Handle Workplace Conflicts

roburbach, , , , , , Leave a comment

When dealing with conflict in the workplace, the most important rule for handling it is dealing with it head-on. If a company ignores conflict among coworkers, it can snowball into something bigger and eventually cause problems for more than just the parties initially involved. There are a few easy ways to deal with conflict and stop it before it even becomes an issue. If ignored, there’s the potential for people quitting, lawsuits, and even workplace violence.

Open Door Policy

When leadership has an open door policy in place, people are more inclined to come to them with problems. Upper management must set aside time for all employees to go to them with any conflict they may be dealing with. This way, employees know they have an outlet for when they need to talk. It’s a way for them to be heard, and it’s a way for them to know that management cares about their happiness and emotional health.

Create Practical Solutions

When two employees can’t seem to get along, management needs to intervene. If conflict isn’t addressed, fights can happen, which creates a more significant issue than what was there in the first place. Employees involved in a conflict need to feel like their voices are being heard. Management shouldn’t just brush off concerns even if they may seem trivial at the time. If a solution can’t be found, management may need to consider different shifts or workspaces for involved parties.

Address Rumors to Avoid Future Problems

Rumors will inevitably pop up in the workplace. How a company deals with those rumors says everything about them. Rumors are a substantial contributing factor to workplace conflicts and even workplace violence. That’s why it’s important that employees have someone they can ask about rumors and someone they can go to should a rumor arise about themselves.

Perhaps the most helpful way to deal with conflict is to stop it before it arises. Companies should have policies in place that deal with bullying, rumors, and other problematic behaviors. By having a zero-tolerance rule, people can come to work feeling safe in the long run. Employees should also know when and where they can find HR. Creating a zero-tolerance policy for bullying is also a great way to keep all employees on the same page and avoid showing favoritism.

This article was originally published on RobUrbach.com

Important Reasons to Be an Ethical Leader

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In today’s world for disinformation campaigns, it is no secret that unscrupulous leaders are sometimes celebrated for their unethical behavior.

After the mortgage crisis of 2008-2009, for example, many of the high-powered investment bankers who sold the country down the line to make billions off of bad real estate investments were touted as “job creators” who were beyond the scope of the law. Many of these individuals were buying vacation homes while a significant number of Americans were having their houses foreclosed on.

But if everybody else in the corporate sphere seems to be making a killing by breaking the rules, why should we do otherwise?

1. Money Cannot Buy Self-Respect

That is a question that everyone will have to answer for themselves at some point. But real leaders understand that the short-term gains of unethical leadership are never worth the long-term costs. As a wise man once said, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, but lose his soul?”

Indeed, sacrificing our self-respect at the altar of profitability is no way to build a genuine sense of self-esteem. People may envy our successes when we’re unethical, but our family and friends will not respect us in the least when they find out what we’re up to in the workplace. No amount of money is worth that loss.

2. A Good Reputation is Worth More Than Gold

Moreover, we may be in for a very rude awakening if we lose our reputation. As it turns out, you can’t simply buy back your character. During the 1980s, for example, investment guru Michael Milken made a fortune in New York as the city’s “junk bond king.” He had a spectacular run as a  before the FBI indicted him on various charges of fraud.

Milken has tried to turn around his image since being released from prison in 1993. Undoubtedly, he has done many commendable things since turning his life around. But he has also never fully restored the public’s esteem for his work. Whenever anyone reads a story about Milken in The New York Times or The New Yorker, they will always be informed about the mistakes that he made over 30 years ago.

Try as he might, Milken can never outrun his past. Ironically, had he used his impressive work ethic and intelligence for good, Milken might now be regarded as one of the nation’s great philanthropists. Instead, he is known for his past behavior.

3. Money Cannot Buy Happiness

As it was for Michael Milken, earning money can be a very addictive pastime. And like any addiction, there is no endpoint to an addictive spiral other than failing health, financial ruin, imprisonment, or death. Even when most of us have earned a fortune beyond our wildest dreams, we’ll always be left wondering what we would do with just a couple million more in the bank.

It’s a never-ending process that is often the downfall of an otherwise good and capable leader. To wit, if we measure our happiness by our checking account, we’ll always be disappointed.

4. If You Don’t Love What You Do, No Amount of Money Will Make Up For It

If you want to guarantee that you’ll hate you’re job, just compromise your values to do it. You’ll quickly find that all your passion for a given field dries up very fast. Most human beings simply aren’t built to withstand toxic environments for very long, and when we’re the architects of our own toxic environment, we’ll quickly find that our love of our work will become drained of all its color.

Think back to any leader you’ve ever truly looked up to, and chances are good that their behavior was worthy of your respect. Isn’t that the kind of legacy most of us would like to leave behind? Do any of us want to be known as the person who compromised their deepest values in order to earn a quick buck? Would we enjoy earning a reputation as someone who hates what they do and makes the world a worse place by doing it?

Indeed, finding the strength to become the type of person that we ourselves would admire takes an astonishing amount of personal integrity. But if we’re honest with ourselves, most of us would say that that is the kind of person that we want to be in our heart of hearts. Falling short of that lofty standard would be a tragedy. Let’s hope that most of us avoid that path like the plague.

Iditarod 2020

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I have been fortunate in my career in Sports to attend multiple Olympics, Super Bowls, NCAA final Fours, World Series, NBA finals, Wimbledon, World Cups and numerous endurance championships But I can think of no event that is comparable to the Iditarod. A life changing journey through the off the grid Alaska wilderness, 1,049 miles, self-reliance, storms, water, snow, ice, wind, strategy, and competition. Iditarod mushers are extraordinary homo sapiens; tenacious adventure athletes, part Magellan, part meteorologists, part magicians, sleep deprivation ninjas, soulful dog whisperers, and 100% bad Iditarod tough through and through.

In a world that is increasingly disconnected from nature, heritage, physicality, and even each other the Iditarod provides an antidote. It’s not technology, analytics or big data that gets one to Nome. – Its athletic grit, “dogged” determination and the support teams of family members, friends, and fans. Relatedly, it takes a lot more than a village to produce the Iditarod; an army   of more than 1,500 plus who ensure that a complicated supply chain, checkpoints and a canine continuum of care are properly deployed and fortified. The Iditarod Air Force, arguably the best assembly of 30 strong bush pilots, fly nearly 700 sorties braving the elements, landing on ice, snow and rugged terrain from dawn to dusk. 55 veterinarians who collectively have traveled thousands of miles to volunteer their time and talent to ensure exemplary care for our incredible 4-legged athletes.

Mushers, I don’t have to tell you that you face challenges that were not contemplated. Along the way, you might have cried, you might have laughed but I know you definitely found moments in your journey to simply smile. 

Wishing all good fortune and looking forward to seeing you in Nome beginning tonight.