One Moment More

It’s just enough to see a shooting star to know you’re never really far. It’s just enough to see a shooting star to know you’re never really gone.

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A Lesson in Leadership

In his book, “Good to Great,” Jim Collins writes:

…leaders channel their ego needs away from themselves and into the larger goal of building a great company. It’s not that leaders have no ego or self-interest. Indeed, they are incredibly ambitious – but their ambition is first and foremost for the institution, not themselves.

In short, put your organization ahead of your personal career ambitions if you want to contribute to the organization and become a success. This is especially true at organizations experiencing high growth. Furiously fast growth often keeps companies from making that good to great transition. Why?

Because leaders fail to recognize the importance of bringing the rest of the team along. They focus instead on their next high-priority project or – God forbid – their next career move, or ensuring they don’t blow their budget in the quarter, or making a revenue quota. Together, these might be important things that require attention from a leader. But the best leaders find ways to balance their to-do lists and remember what (rather who) is making that flywheel gain momentum.

Who is the growth engine behind any company? The rest of the team – the employees who the company invested in, trained, on-boarded, assimilated and who now drink the Kool-aid and make things happen in the trenches to become…great.

If leaders don’t bring employees with them on the journey, the best and brightest people will find a different place where they can both contribute and feel connected as a team.

Collins adds:

Those who build great companies [leaders] understand that the ultimate throttle on growth for any great company is not markets, or technology, or competition, or products. It is one thing above all others: the ability to get and keep enough of the right people.

So as a leader, I ask you: What have you done to enhance and motivate your people today? If the answer is, “nothing,” then be prepared…the brakes on the bus are about to be stomped.

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First Impressions

We recently set up several appointments with local companies to get estimates for a home project. Long story short, we have a couple outdated bathrooms that need to be gutted and brought into the new millennium.

After deciding exactly what jobs we wanted the contractors to complete, we met with two companies last weekend. And buddy let me tell you, it became crystal clear that first impressions make the difference — no matter what you do in life.

Estimator/contractor No. 1 arrived 15 minutes late. She was friendly, but a disheveled mess. What’s worse, she refused (or couldn’t) stay on track with our project, continually explaining projects her firm routinely does that were totally unrelated to ours. After repeatedly explaining exactly what we wanted, she took a few measurements then sat us down for a one-hour discussion about materials. While the products she offered were in line with what we wanted, the rabbit holes she kept running into were frustrating to us. At the end of two hours we had to cut her off and asked her to email or mail us a bid on the project, which she refused to do.

Estimator/contractor No. 2 arrived on time wearing a clean jacket with his company logo. He spent 10 minutes asking questions about what we wanted to accomplish and took measurements. Andy was friendly, knowledgeable about the capabilities and services his company provides and he listened to our needs. He worked up cost estimates and walked us through the project costs, pricing and time frames needed to complete the work.

Guess who gets the job?

The lesson in this story for anyone working with people/providing a service is to focus on the consumer and represent your business as if your livelihood depends on it. After all, when you make the wrong impression, you’re taking yourself out of consideration.

And business owners: Pay attention to the people you send out to meet with customers. Know them. Set expectations. Train them well. Above all, never allow someone represent your business who you wouldn’t “buy” from yourself.

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Nature Valley Grand Prix Announces Changes For Time Trial

Minneapolis – This year’s edition of the Nature Valley Grand Prix will go “old school,” with a return to Eddy Merckx-style racing for the individual time trial that opens this year’s USA Cycling National Racing Calendar event.

Kristen Armstrong competing in the 2009 Nature Valley Grand Prix Stage 1 Time Trial.

Executive Director David LaPorte said the Nature Valley Grand Prix has opted to invoke a new USA Cycling rule that allows race organizers to specify that “massed-start legal” bicycles are required for time trials. The rule will be enforced for the six-mile (9.6 km) St. Paul Riverfront time trial on June 16.

“The decision was made partly to simplify logistics for the teams and partly out of fairness,” LaPorte said. “We have a time cut in the time trial to ensure that no one loafs to stay fresh for the criterium that night. But in the past, we have had some strong riders cut primarily because they did not have time trial bikes. We have also had some riders in the past who haven’t competed because of the expense of bringing two bikes, particularly with the outrageous charges the airlines are imposing.”

LaPorte said he doesn’t expect the change to significantly affect the overall results of the five-day, six-stage race.

“The time trial is only six miles and the last mile is an eight-percent climb,” he said. “Also, with the new road race in Menomonie, Wisconsin, the seconds gained or lost in the time trial are likely to be insignificant. Unlike the old Mankato road race, this course will be very hilly, with lots of opportunities for aggressive teams to shatter the pack. If big time gaps don’t form, it will likely be because the teams haven’t taken advantage of the terrain.”

The Nature Valley Grand Prix will work with USA Cycling officials to spell out the specific restrictions regarding aero equipment (wheels, helmets, etc.), which will ultimately appear in the race bible.

The decision to prohibit time trial bikes is certainly not unique, as several international races (Tour of Qatar, Tour of Langkawi, etc.) have banned time trial bikes and aero equipment for years. In the U.S., the team time trial stage of the 2008 Tour de Georgia featured the same restrictions.

Danny Van Haute, director of the Jelly Belly Cycling presented by Kenda professional men’s team, said the decision to prohibit time trial bikes will level the playing field. “Not everyone can buy time trial equipment and if the pro teams have this equipment, it’s not fair to the riders who don’t,” he said. “I’ll bet the results will be the same with time trial bikes as they would be without.”

Team Vera Bradley Foundation Director Lisa Hunt said it is disappointing for her team’s bicycle sponsor not to be able to showcase its time trial bikes. “However, in the interest of being fair and equitable for all parties involved, I support the decision,” she said. “Clearly, our strongest time trial riders will be strong on a road bike or a time trial bike. So it’s not like we are at a disadvantage.”

LaPorte said he will poll all women’s and men’s teams after the race – as he has done in previous years – to get an idea of whether the new rule should be retained for 2011.

About the Nature Valley Grand Prix
The Nature Valley Grand Prix, which takes place in Eastern Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, is the premier stage race on the 2010 USA Cycling National Racing Calendar. The 2010 race will include stops in Saint Paul, Cannon Falls, Minneapolis, Menomonie, and Stillwater. The Nature Valley Grand Prix is a part of the Nature Valley Bicycle Festival, a volunteer-run event, with all proceeds donated to Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, the festival’s benefiting charity. More information can be found at: www.NatureValleyBicycleFestival.com

About Nature Valley
Nature Valley, the brand that created the granola bar category in 1975, brings variety to healthy, active consumers looking for wholesome and great-tasting snacks. Headquartered in Minneapolis, Nature Valley is part of General Mills, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products. For more information, visit www.NatureValley.com.

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Four of 12 Riders Make NV Pro Ride Composite Team

News Release:

The first four of the 12 riders on the Nature Valley Pro Ride men’s and women’s teams have been selected, with the next two to be determined in Oregon this weekend.

Women’s qualifiers are Kristen Meshberg of Lyons, Ill., from the Hillsboro-Roubaix Road Race near St. Louis and Monroe, Ga., resident Nancy Jones, from the Rock Hill Spring Bicycle Classic in South Carolina.

Jones, riding for Subaru Gary Fisher Road Cycling Team, is a past Georgia state time trial champion who finished third in that discipline at last year’s USA Cycling Masters Road National Championships. Meshberg rides for the Flatlandia Cycling Team and said she is “super excited” to be part of the Nature Valley Pro Ride.

“What a cool race and what a cool program” Meshberg said. “I also am very appreciative for the opportunities that the Nature Valley Grand Prix provides for women’s cycling. Having a filled women’s field is fantastic.”

Men’s qualifiers are Zach Garrett of Sumter, S.C. and Lawrence, Kan., resident Joseph Schmalz of the Mercy Cycling Team. Garrett races for U.S. Military Cycling. To accept the Nature Valley Pro Ride invitation, he first had to receive permission for time off from his commanders at Shaw Air Force Base.

“Once I told them how prestigious the Nature Valley Grand Prix is, they were all ears and really happy for me,” Garrett said. “I’m really excited about the opportunity. It’s just incredible to allow a composite team to be formed and give amateurs the opportunity to race against the pros.”

Nature Valley Pro Riders who are invited to compete in the Nature Valley Grand Prix earn free entry to the race, generous travel stipends, team clothing, housing, ground transportation, and staff support for their composite teams. They also receive pro-level recognition before, during and after the events, including pre-race call-ups and participation in promotional and media appearances.

This weekend marks the next stop on the Nature Valley Pro Ride national tour. The Cherry Blossom Classic presented by Waters Edge Health and Wellness Center takes place Friday through Sunday in the Portland, Ore., area. Qualifiers will be based on the final overall standings in the three-day event that includes a road race, circuit race, time trial and criterium.

The other remaining Nature Valley Pro Ride events are: Barrio Logan Grand Prix/Mark Reynolds San Luis Rey Cycling Classic (May 1-2) in California, Bear Mountain Spring Classic (May 16) in New York and Mt. Hamilton Classic Road Race/Memorial Day Criterium (May 30-31) in California.

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Nature Valley Bike Festival Coming Soon

Spring is here. A month early. And for Minnesota, that’s huge. It means old man winter took a short cut of four weeks – and that  means a full extra month of warmer weather in the Upper Midwest.

So it’s time to turn our attention to the Nature Valley Grand Prix.

Perhaps the most exciting news for the race this June is that Nature Valley Granola Bars has become the title sponsor for the 10-day festival. We’re now known as the Nature Valley Bicycle Festival featuring the Nature Valley Grand Prix. What’s more, we’re bringing back Velodrome racing as the precursor to the Grand Prix stage race. The National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn., will host the track races just as it did in 2008.

The Fixed Gear Classic velodrome races start June 11 and the Nature Valley Grand Prix gets under way on June 16 in Saint Paul, finishing in Stillwater, Minn., on June 20. One additional element to this year’s Grand Prix is a new Stage 5 race in Menomonie, Wisc. That’s right, the Grand Prix leaves the confines of Minnesota’s borders to conduct a brutal road race stage in the hills surrounding Menomonie – just 45 miles east of the state line. This new stage is sure to leave pro teams talking – or having nightmares.

I plan to continue reporting on the main events here throughout April, May and June, so check back often.

If you live in the Twin Cities region, the coordinators of the festival are in need of volunteers to host cyclists throughout race week (June 14 – 21), so please consider opening your homes (and extra beds) up to these world-class racers.

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Wedding Day

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You Make It Real – James Morrison

Tonight it’s David Gray performing at The Orpheum in Minneapolis. And I’ll write a short review post on his show tomorrow.

But this song deserves a little blog time. James Morrison seems to have a very Gavin DeGraw quality to his voice and there are a good number of tracks on his CD, “Songs for you, truths for me,” that I enjoy.

Lyrics:

There’s so much craziness, surrounding me
There’s so much going on, it gets hard to breathe
When all my faith has gone, you bring it back to me
You make it real for me

When I’m not sure of, my priorities
When I’ve lost site of, of where I’m meant to be
Like holy water, washing over me
You make it real for me

And I’m running to you baby
You are the only one who’ll save me
That’s why I’ve been missing you lately
Cause you make it real for me

When my head is strong but my heart is weak
I’m full of arrogance and uncertainty
When I can’t find the words you teach my heart to speak
You make it real for me, yeah

And I’m running to you baby
Cause you are the only one who’ll save me
That’s why I’ve been missing you lately
Cause you make it real for me

Everybody’s talking in words I don’t understand
You got to be the only one who knows just who I am
Your shining in the distance I hope I can make it through
Cause the only place that I want to be
Is right back home with you

I guess there’s so much more I have to learn
But if you’re here with me I know which way to turn
You always give me somewhere, somewhere I can run
You make it real for me

And I’m running to you baby
Cause you are the only one who saved me
That’s why I’ve been missing you lately
Cause you make it real for me

You make it real for me

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Putting the “S” in Switzerland

I’ve spent the past six days in Switzerland.

After landing in Geneva and taking the train to Tolochenaz (where Audrey Hepburn lived for many years and where Phil Collins lives today), I integrated myself into my work and the role I was asked to do. Our International media day event was a big success.  But beyond the work, I’ve made some observations about this small corner of Europe:

1. I’m in a country where people speak not just one language , but four (except me, I only speak English and I feel like an idiot for not minoring in French, German or some other language).
2. The Swiss are into their hair. There’s a salon on nearly every corner of every block and many are open 24/7.
3. The history here is ancient. It’s a little daunting to walk along the same paths that Napoleon, Lord Byran and other famous feet trod.
4. Philip Morris and RJ Reynolds will never go out of business as long as Europeans continue to love their cigarettes. There’s a haze coming out of every bar and restaurant – as if it were the ’80s in the U.S.
5. The chocolate made here truly tastes much better than anything made and sold in America. How do they do that?
6. Spending Swiss Franks really doesn’t feel like spending  money at all. It’s more like spending Monopoly money. Weird.

More observations (and photos of the country) coming soon.

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Nature Valley Grand Prix Rocks, Rolls

This year’s Minnesota Bicycle Festival featuring the Nature Valley Grand Prix started under clouds of drizzle on Wednesday morning, June 10. But riders refused to let wet weather dampen their objective: to reach the podium on Day One of the five-day, six-stage race.

Gold medal Olympian, Kristin Armstrong lived up to all early expectations as she completed the time trial stage in first place, blasting past several riders on her way to the finish. It’s Armstrong’s last race in North America as she winds down a stellar cycling career and launches a junior development program in her hometown of Boise.

Kristin Armstrong finishes Stage One Time Trial of the Nature Valley Grand Prix. (Photo: Steve Pottenger)

“This is one of my favorite races,” a beaming Armstrong said following her time trial win. “Minneapolis is very welcoming,” she added, noting that the community and fan support at the Nature Valley Grand Prix helps her prioritize this race over others when deciding her racing schedule.

On the men’s side, defending Nature Valley Grand Prix champion, Rory Sutherland, stands in fifth place in the overall points race following the time trial and stage two criterium in Saint Paul. Meanwhile, Tom Zirbel (team Bissell) currently sits with the yellow jersey.

“Last year, we…didn’t finish too well,” said Zirbel, who put in a blistering time of 12 minutes, 36 seconds and the 7.2-kilometer time trial course, beating Sutherland by 13 seconds. “We have some stronger guys on the team this year. Hopefully, we learned from last year and will do better.”

Racing continues on Thursday in Cannon Falls, Friday in Minneapolis, Saturday in Mankato, Minn., and Sunday’s finale in Stillwater.

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