Saturday, December 31, 2011

Start Strong?


Usain Bolt is as of this writing, the world's fastest man. If you watch film of his races he is not the strongest starter. In fact, amongst his peers of world class runners he is remarkably average at the start of the race. It's at the 50 meter mark in a 100 meter race that he begins to pull away. If you watch interviews where he analyzes his own races, he knows this about himself so he's not the least bit disturbed if he hasn't pulled away from the pack in the first 25 meters.

What about you? Are you a strong starter? Are you a first half the day person or a last half the day person. How are you wired with regard to starts? It really doesn't matter as long as you pace yourself to win the race that is set before you.

I'm at my best from a about 6am until 1 or 2pm. I'm just wired that way. I always have been. I have friends that don't even get started until 1 or 2pm regardless of when they get up. I also know that I usually have a strong finish in me somewhere at the end of the day. This usually is around 5 to 7pm. It doesn't mean that with plenty of caffeine I can't produce during other time slots. It just means I have a time zone when I'm most productive.

In strengths language, I have a talent to be most productive earlier in the day with finale at the end. I try to work with that. I schedule my high priority presentations accordingly. If I have a task that is high priority but is a personal weakness, I am especially careful to do everything I can possibly do to get it scheduled into my productive time zone. Then I know that I will at least have that going for me.

This principle can apply to seasons and times of year as well. Some people just produce better in the winter/spring/summer/fall times. If you look at my grades in school, I was a strong starter and strong finisher. My middle quarters were not as good. And this was pretty consistent at every grade level. Some people really suffer from heat or allergy season. My wife is not nearly as productive in our summer heat. This worked well for her because she was an educator and had summers off. I have always suffered terribly with sinus problems in October when the cotton was being defoliated and the air quality was awful. For 10 years I worked on the road. I made sure I was out of the area for most of this month. If you discover these things about yourself and work with them you can be more successful. Learn to work with your natural rhythms. They are a kind of talent and can be turned into a strength just as much as much a proclivity for numbers, words, ideas, musical notes or anything else.
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The Purpose of this letter is to describe the benefits I enjoyed from my coaching experience with Dale Cobb. I had a very specific issue, which I needed help getting over the hump with. Our conversations were very helpful in keeping me on track and getting me to the finish line. I believe that Dale is a keen observer of the human condition and has the ability to reflect back an individuals thoughts and goals as one strives for success. I found the services offered by Dale to be timely and effective. In the future, I am sure I will be presented with challenges that require outside assistance. When that time comes, I will not hesitate to call on Dale for his fresh bright and insightful guidance.

Joe Sexton, Managing Partner, CFR Executive Search, Chicago, Illinois

“Working with Dale has always been rewarding. Dale has always been on the leading edge developing new ways of marketing his products and services. Always willing to try new approaches and follow through... Always convincing.”

Fred Friday, Junk King Franchise Owner, Chattanooga, Tennessee

"Dale has always impressed me with his integrity, marketing insights, compassion and follow through. He thinks outside the box, asks the questions that others fail to ask and has a real heart for training others to be the best they can be. You can count on Dale."

Tim Turner, Owner Turner Strategic, Atlanta, Georgia

“Dale is always the most prepared person in the room. He has the ability to listen and clarify the issue at hand. He is a creative, caring leader. He has always been a joy to work with.”

Beverly Sherman, Owner Creative Connections, Lansing, Michigan

“I would like to take the opportunity to offer my recommendation for Dale Cobb. He has the remarkable ability to clearly listen to a problem, understand the issues and suggest a course of action that satisfies the needs of me and my clients. I cannot tell you how many times his advice was precisely what I needed to close a deal or carefully resolve a difficult situation. He is resourceful and creative in his teaching style. Over all he helped me to be more efficient and successful in my career.”

Michael Ward, Houston, Texas

“Dale gives attention to detail and runs one of the best team meetings I’ve ever seen. He has the keen ability to make complex things seems simple enough that anyone could understand them.”

Elwyn Henderson, Owner-Partner Mosaic Images, Gilmer, Texas

“Thank you for all your time and encouragement. With your advice and direction, I was able to get a decent job offer. They even complimented my resume.”

Ben Davidson, Visalia, CA