Winter in Rice Park, St. Paul, Minnesota

Rice park sparkled like a Disney movie…an evening fit for a Prince and Princess.

Every grown father and daughter will attest to difficulties of maintaining a healthy, harmonious teenage father/daughter relationship….rarely Prince and Princess!

However, the recent Anna & Paul Batz Daddy Daughter Date Night was a Seven Fs clean sweep — blending faith, family, finances, fitness, friends, fun and future.

Last week, Anna Mary Batz accepted my formal invitation for a fancy evening of dinner and theater in historic, magical downtown St. Paul, Minnesota.  (Readers of the What Really Works book, will recognize Daddy Daughter Date Night as one of our most celebrated Success Habits.)

Cinderella is special to us.  Our family is uber-musical…we’ve been labeled the Von Batz Family Singers by affectionate fans in our church.  It comes honestly: my grandmother sang with the Chicago Opera and my mother still teaches music to this day.  My children have grown up on the piano bench, singing Disney and Broadway songs as I play the piano.  For us, the music is a faith builder, stress buster, and generation blender.

Anna as Cinderella, with the Von Batz Family Singers, 2009

Anna was born with my grandmother’s voice.  It’s wonderful, but not always easy. Adolescent girls these days spend most of their energy trying to fit in.  The moment she realized the gift was special was when she was cast as “Cinderella” in Cinderella.  She got the big part as a lowly 7th grader, who quickly became public enemy #1 by the 8th grade girls.

But, alas, when she sat still on center stage and sang “In my Own Little Corner”…the 8th grade girls understood.

Rice park sparkled like a Disney movie…a perfect evening for Daddy Daughter Date Night.  Over dinner, my Cinderella and I dreamed about where she might go to college.  We gazed with admiration over the Princess and Prince we’ve both become.  We talked about 16-year old girl problems.  And dreams for her future.  We talked about 48 year old Prince problems.  And dreams for his future.

Dinner was $96.  Cinderella tickets, $208.  Sharing cheesecake and decaf during intermission was luxurious…the dance through sparkling Rice Park with her arm around mine was priceless.

We’re all working on the relationships that are important to us.  Personally and professionally.  We’re all prince and princess one moment — and difficult teenagers the next.  That’s why it’s important to take personal responsibility to create the moment to connect with the people who count in our lives.

Good leaders understand take personal responsibility to build strong, resilient relationship with people who count in our lives.

What Cinderella in your life – personally or professionally – needs your invitation to dance?

Seize the day.

It was the kiss on the cheek that got me.  Twice.

Yes, winter is here…the Minneapolis temperatures are hovering around 20 degrees F.  Daylight has been rapidly decreasing and we’re definitely cocooning against the intense cold.  Very few people would describe the onset of winter as happy. (Especially the golfers.)

And yet the buzz right now is brightly positive and happy.  Can you feel it?  There’s something magical about the days sandwiched between Thanksgiving and the New Year.  Even the most routine business meetings have an extra happy intensity.  In the traditional mix of personal/professional “How are you doing?” questions…we spend more time on the “personal” side.  Over breakfast last week, my most intense get-to-the-point client stopped to ask about my holiday plans.  And he actually listened to my answer. When I asked him…he actually answered, and he smiled.  We both were both just a little bit more happy than usual.

But it was the two kisses on the cheek that caused me to write this note.  Twice in 24 hours, two different business women ended a warm hug with a quick, very professional peck on my cheek.  Seriously, I’m not that handsome.  And I don’t have anything extra to give this year.  But I will admit, both conversations were happy — we spent most of our discussion on the personal side, counting our blessings and thinking ahead about our holiday plans.  Happiness. Warm hug. Kiss on the cheek.

Darn it!  Why aren’t we this happy all year round?  Our own experience will tell us that within a couple weeks, cocooning after the New Year typically causes the opposite affect.  The nasty stuff in the daily news we ignore during the holidays starts to make a more caustic impression on our lives. And the cold is colder.

Just to be clear, I’m not asking for a peck on the cheek from every warm business meeting hug.  But I do think we can help one another stay grateful and happier as a part of our daily, non-holiday routine.

Here’s my favorite strategy for lively, happier conversations: instead of asking “How are you doing?” why not ask: “What are you doing for fun these days?” Fun is one of the most powerful Seven Fs — when we are having lots of fun, the other Fs (Faith, Family, Finances, Fitness, Friends and Future) seem to be more lively in our life. It is especially powerful if lots of your fun comes through your work.

What ideas do you have to share about how to help us all stay happier all year round?  I would love to share them.

Lucky me, back stage with Amy Grant

Most of the responses have been remarkable.  Within the past year, I’ve received a myriad of replies to my Tuesday morning blogs.  Right now, I’m recalling the bountiful advice on things to do in Hawaii.  And, the guy in Southern California who provided the best tattoo idea – he’s considering inking the word “believe” as his personal and professional brand statement.  I got some “atta boy” messages for this picture with Amy Grant…and, better yet, last week I received an “I appreciate you” message as a result of our Bucket of Goodwill commitment via the Good Leadership Breakfast.  Now I look forward to Tuesday mornings.

Blogging is exciting and scary at the same time.  But, alas, I’m an ‘author’ and many authors these days sharpen their saws by committing to a consistent blogging cadence.  The consistent commitment to Tuesday morning blogs is one of the ways my life has opened up this year.  And it’s been a compelling learning experience.  My growing edge.

Blogs are different than books: books look good on the shelf and feel really good in your hands.  Blogs fly around in uncontrolled flight patterns on the internet…and blogs talk back!  By now, you know that I write directly and indirectly about leadership and the Seven Fs: faith, family, finances, fitness, friends, fun and future. Some of the comments that come back to me sting, some cause me to say “huh?” and others simply make me glad I continue to be a blogger.

Recently one of my blogs hit a very popular blog site: EO.  Click here to read what I had to say about Entrepreneurs and The Seven Fs.

Seth Godin is my favorite blogger. He’s become a celebrity blogger/speaker/author by thoughtfully engaging throngs of leaders and entrepreneurs.  Seth Godin is a business-media Rock Star, on the same scale as Elton or Springsteen.  Maybe, just maybe…with your help…we can build a movement around the Seven Fs that would compel Seth Godin to mention me in one of his blogs.  Now that would really be opening up.

I think I’ll start by sending him an “I appreciate you” message today.  Anyone have a connection with Seth they can share with me?

Its hard to miss the brilliant red Handy Paint Pails at the center of each round table.  Mark Bergman’s invention is turning the painting industry upside down.  Recently, the “Walmart of Japan” picked up the product…recognizing how valuable this tool will be, as good people brighten up a bad situation.

Good leaders understand that to give, is to receive — its the original concept of ‘leverage.’  At the Good Leadership Breakfast, we call Bergman’s invention “The Bucket of Goodwill,” and we use it as our own day brightener.  This year, more than 600 participants attended 9 events at Minnesota Valley Country Club.  Our purpose is to provide an invigorating leadership development experience for people who do not have the benefit of a corporate plan.  We believe that everyone is teetering on the edge of something extraordinary…and when good leaders, get together with good intentions, we make great things possible!  So far, that’s meant lots of good.

One the breakfast series rituals is for participants to reach deep into their pockets.  We ask for a healthy cash donation into the Bucket of Goodwill, accompanied by a business card.  At the end of each meeting, the speaker draws a name out of the bucket — the winner has the obligation to donate the proceeds from the buckets to their favorite charity.  That’s cool…but here’s the best part: the inventor of the Handy Paint Pail matches the donations.  This past year our good leaders have donated $3277, which has been matched by Bergman.

Mark Bergman is a good leader who is making great things possible.  How are you celebrating good leadership?

Katie Batz, Paul Batz and Tim Schmidt signing books for college students! Thanks to the Mocha Monkey for hosting.

Cliff Claven is working overtime these days, lugging boxes of books about The Seven Fs to college campuses – generously paid for by people like you.  (Cliff Claven is the mailman who occupied the left side of the bar on the TV series “Cheers!”)

February 3, 2011 was a big day for Tim Schmidt and me.  Three hundred of our closest friends gathered together at the Metropolitan Ballroom to celebrate the launch of our first book: What Really Works.  With the pop of a champagne cork, we introduced the world to the concept of “Blending the Seven Fs:” Faith, Family, Finances, Fitness, Friends, Fun and Future, for a satisfying work/life. The highlight of the evening was one very generous soul bidding $900 for a signed copy of the first book off the press.  The money went to charity and that’s where the giving around the Seven Fs began.

That same evening, Tim and I proudly extended our own offer:  “If you buy a copy of our new book, we will give one to a college senior at the school of your choice.”  And that’s where Cliff Claven joined the picture.

By Thanksgiving time, more than 400 books will have been distributed to college Presidents near and far.  On your behalf, we are asking 56 college presidents to give books to college seniors who are good leaders – the type of people who we want to shape our retirement era!

For Tim and me, the book signing party was a full sweep of all of the Seven Fs:

• Faith: by giving away 10% of the books we sold, we are tithing, reinforcing our commitment to stewardship.
• Family: the book signing party was held at Mocha Monkey, an artsy coffee shop and restaurant, owned by Tim and Jeanette’s son Jonathan.  And Katie Batz (Melinda and my second child) organized the ‘you buy one, we will give one away’ campaign.
• Finances: the fact that we could give away so many books, means the first printing was a success!  The book is profitable, and we are working on the second edition.
• Fitness: lugging 400+ books up and down the stairs is good cardio…
• Friends: nothing could be more satisfying than producing such a meaningful project with a good friend –we look forward to growing our friendship as we spread the good word about the Seven Fs across the land.
• Fun: book signings are a blast!  Inspiring conversations with new book-buyers makes the process joyful.
• Future: introducing young leaders to the concept of living a life of faith, family, finances, fitness, friends, fun and future is very satisfying.

Now, here’s your chance: holiday gift-giving is just around the corner.  Please think of someone that you believe would appreciate a copy of this terrific little book.  Log on to www.sevenfs.com or visit Amazon.com – because it just feels so darn good to give.

What 'mark' would you choose to articulate your personal/professional brand?

People-watching is an insatiable craving in my life.  People are beautiful, compelling and fascinating.  With willing eyes and an open mind, we have so much to learn about how people choose to make their mark.

While walking the beaches of Maui, Melinda and I were fascinated by an overwhelming wave of people who made the decision to decorate themselves with a tattoo.  I guess that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise…people on the beaches of Maui walk around mostly uncovered – if you have a tattoo, Kaanapali Beach is a fitting showcase.

Once I started looking closely, I started to wonder…what does a tattoo really mean?  And how does one choose the artwork?  Seriously!  Choosing the art for a tattoo is personal/professional branding statement that lasts forever.  From my Midwestern, white suburban male perspective — that’s a decision that would not be taken lightly.

Over the course of one three mile beach walk, I saw the full spectrum of tattoo art: from the “Corona Extra” logo to the predictable skull and crossbones.  From a Rebel flag to a dragon.  Countless flowers and crosses and barbed wire.  I met one guy with the triad of the New York Yankees, Buddha, and the United States flag tattooed across his shoulders and chest.  I found full-bodied mosaics to be fascinating, and messages about I love [name] to be intriguing.  One guy had the entire skyline of Louisville Kentucky across his back – his female companion had a Bob Marley collage extending across her back under her left armpit across to her belly.  It got me wondering…does she like Bob Marley more than Louisville?

All of those marks say something about the person who carries them.  On a Snorkeling cruise, I asked some people the “What does your tattoo mean?” question.  I got two answers: either “I thought is was fun!” or the image had a deep, powerful meaning that motivated them to make it their ‘mark.’  My brother-in-law Earl has the later: on his left shoulder is a beautiful Native American-inspired circle to honor his fallen son Tate, who died in childbirth.  The mark was designed by his wife – Tate’s mother, who is also my sister.

Earl’s tattoo helps me see the tattoo phenomenon with fresh eyes and a curious soul.  We’re all trying to do good work on this earth, and we’re all intending to leave a mark on some small piece of the human race.

What would your mark be?  Maybe its about faith, or fun, or both!  Where would you like that brand to appear on your person?  What would it say about you, and why?

Melinda is considering a flower on her ankle…I’m considering some “fun sun art” on my shoulder.  We’ve threatened to make this our 50^th birthday ritual.  What would that say about us?  About me or her?  I’m not sure…but I’m finding the process of mulling over a ‘mark’ of my own to be as inspiring as the beaches of Maui.

Have you pondered your ‘mark’ lately?  Good leaders understand the message they are trying to say in word, deed and pictures.

Please respond with what tattoo you would consider or already have….what and why?

The Dilbert cartoon has a cult-like following based on the experiences of real-world people, living down stream of corporate nonsense.  Dilbert makes me chuckle.  Occasionally I giggle out loud.  Recently, I held back a belly laugh as I sat in conference room listening to the Dilbert drone of  a real-world Corporate robot.  I found myself living on the funny pages!

As God is my witness, I heard ‘it’ say these phrases in a summary statement to a 30-minute speech: “one trick pony,” ‘in it for the long haul,” “at the end of the day,” “deeper dive to find the low hanging fruit,” “no matter what we bring to the table, we need to make sure our customers want to take it“…and my personal favorite: “if we do this right…we will get hockey stick growth.”

We’ve all been there before — fighting back the primal yawn instinct, making our grocery list, checking our Blackberrys and iPhones under the table and dreaming about what we would do with PowerBall money.  The question is…what causes your ears to perk up?

In my opinion, if you are going to host a meeting these days, you better have a compelling reason for us to meet!  We’re all distracted by our own ‘noise.’  We can be motivated to show up, pay attention and really listen if we believe we are a part of something important.  And if we think the leader can stay on point.  And, if  we know we will get straight talk.

This applies to PTA fundraisers, Board rooms, Sales Meetings and especially Staff Meetings.  We’ve all heard ‘low hanging fruit’ and ‘at the end of the day’ one too many times.

Now I’m all ears…will you please share your opinion of what good leaders do to make your ears perk up?  Please reply with anything you wish to share, and I just might pass it on along.

Have you ever experienced the mood-altering presence of greatness? There are some people who hold themselves in such a way that they literally alter the mind-body chemistry of individuals, groups and teams…Last week I met someone whose presence did that.

DISCLAIMER: I have no idea who the guy is in this picture.  I was so moved by greatness experience that I actually “Googled” the concept: [People who represent Greatness].  I found the most random stuff — including this guy. The caption read: Most people associate greatness with power and money. Maybe true…but that’s not what I’m talking about.  And besides, this guy looks like he might be fighting back indigestion.

To further my curiosity, one the same screen I found this guy…I also found a picture of Nelson Mandela — that’s more what I had in mind.

Why in the world would anyone find this picture by Googling: Images of people who represent greatness?

But I also found THIS picture.  Geesh…how in the kingdom can a 13 year old boy wearing a Green Bay Packers jersey and a cheese-head hat represent greatness?  Disappointing.

I’ve heard people describe being in the presence of Muhammad Ali as greatness.  And Michael Jordan and even Bill and Hillary Clinton.  To be certain, it’s ‘rare air’ for anyone to actually be in the same room as these people.   But I’m asking a different question:  have you ever personally been in the physical presence (the same room) of a person who embodied greatness?

Last week I felt greatness move through me.  I do not have permission to share with you who gave me this experience, or where.  But I can tell you how:

In a small corporate meeting room, a very humble leader quietly entered a room occupied by approximately 20 very high paid executives: their new chief executive officer.  He’s not from here and does not look like anyone else in the room.  He spoke quietly, without notes.  Each sentence increased clarity.  He explained amazing new possibilities easily within reach.  Calm.  He also articulated what’s not acceptable, and how quickly he would make those judgements.  Confidence. The message was new — an equal mix of invigoration and earth-shattering attack on the status quo that these leaders built, and profit from.

He answered questions one after another with razor sharp articulation, demonstrating his intolerance for half-baked ideas and useless metaphors.  Three specific times he began his answer with “That’s a good question…”  The pulse of those three questioners danced like a 15-year old girl at a high school dance. Character builder.

As I facilitated the debrief, one woman executive said: “our confidence has been elevated to a whole new level, and that’s great to see in this room.” No one thought about how much money he makes.  No one cowered under his power.  They were filled with calm, and confidence.   And collectively, they knew the presence of this new leader would test and build their character.

That’s what it feels like to be in the presence of greatness.  Drop me a line if you have a moment of ‘greatness’ you wish to share…we will be grateful.

People like Margaret Anderson Kelliher are getting harder and harder to come by — with the gradual decline in kids who actually grow up on a farm, we are going to have less and less of the farm-girl makes it big type stories.  That’s just one of the reasons you might find it compelling to visit the Good Leadership Breakfast on Friday, November 18, 2011.

In the process of choosing featured speakers for our breakfast series, I continually use one basic filter as the final selection criteria:  would I want my children to be like this person when they grow up? Margaret embodies the kind of gritty, determined, charming and tough-minded leadership that would make any father proud.

She is admired for both her public service (Minnesota State Speaker of the House and 2010 Gubernatorial candidate) and public enterprise skills (currently President of the Minnesota High Tech Association.)  And, somehow, she finds a way to successfully navigate the whitewater of parenting and family life.

Perhaps the most endearing quality I’ve come to know is how well she articulates the competitiveness she learned from growing up with four brothers on the farm.  Personally, I didn’t “grow up” on the farm, but I have farming in my family…and I know how the stuff on your boots shapes character.

Are you interested in a conversation with Margaret Anderson Kelliher, November 18?  We hope to see you for breakfast:   www.whatreallyworkstoday.com/events

Just Married! Paul and Melinda Batz, October 18, 1986

If we are lucky…at least once in a lifetime, the moon and the stars fully align.   And the bright lights of hope and promise shine directly upon us.  And we are completely filled with unfiltered love.

That first moment for me was 25 years ago today, when Melinda Sue Moen said “I do” to Paul Hunter Batz.  Yep, today’s the day…and we’re fixin’ to celebrate!  Watch out Maui, here we come.

We are celebrating a pizza and beer style romance. We wake every day with a “you get out of life what you put into it” strategy.  We raised three kids with a work hard, play hard, give hard and rest hard attitude.

Looking back, I wonder if Melinda really knew what she was signing up for… Today, we are business partners!  To get here, we have navigated through four jobs, two business partnerships and some book writing along the way.  We’ve remodeling three homes, and blended that with volunteering and philanthropy, all while cultivating love with family and friends.

Clearly some days are better than others!  25 years is a long time for any partnership — that’s more than 9,130 days, with hardly any weekends off. Every marriage — or business partnership — has moments that test character and commitment.  If nothing else, we’re heading to Maui on November 1st to pop some champagne and celebrate our stick-to-it-iveness…

Now, we need your help!  If you’ve ever been to Maui, tell us your favorite things to do — we intend to rest hard…but we also intend to play hard as well.  You know, its time to seize the day — building the memories of the next 25 years. Please ‘leave a reply’ and shower us with your advice.

What do you need to celebrate today?