I just returned from another road trip filled with the mixed emotions that always accompany me on my adventures. While I’m always somewhat exhausted, the positive aspects of every journey far outweigh the well-earned fatigue.
There are many facets of my travels which I find very interesting and rewarding … the locations I visit, the organizations I’m fortunate enough to work with, and the people I meet to name just a few. I learn something new from every client I have the privilege to work with and for that I’m very appreciative.
Something I continue to find fascinating differs very little from one part of the country to the next.
- There is more than enough information available today to insure success for those who truly desire to achieve it.
- Tips, tools and strategies abound in today’s chaotic and competitive business environment.
- Most everyone is well aware of what it takes to succeed and is capable of doing so … yet only a small percentage actually actively pursue and achieve their desired goals.
The answer is simple, yet difficult, to comprehend. We speak often in our seminars and keynotes about the importance of closing the knowing-doing gap. While most fully understand and readily agree, few put forth a concentrated effort.
In today’s world, education and experience are critical to one’s success … but ONLY when focused and applied to the challenges we face!
Achieving a Ph.D. is worthless if not utilized in the pursuit of success!
Thirty years of experience means nothing if it’s actually one year of experience repeated 30 times … as is so often the case!
Last year 11,653 books were published in the U.S. That means nothing if they’re not read and the shared information applied.
In short, it’s not what we KNOW—it’s what we DO with what we know!
How many times have you read a good business or motivational book and felt that you already knew or have previously been exposed to 80% to 90% of the content? It happens more often than not.
The same holds true for CDs and seminars. Why is that? If we know the content and it’s been proven to be effective, why don’t we apply it?
Do you really want a successful career?
Do you want your employees to increase productivity?
Do you want to mentor your children successfully in preparing them for future challenges?
Focus on closing the knowing-doing gap!
I recently watched a great video entitled “You Can’t Send a Duck to Eagle School,” and it was filled with a number of what the author called “Lessons Learned.”
I found each lesson to be very useful and right on target. While I recognized the majority of the messages, I couldn’t help but realize that it was difficult to think of the last time I had witnessed these popular truths actually being applied in the business world. Thus—a knowing-doing gap.
Take a look for yourself. You’ll recognize many of these “truths” in this short video. However, try to recall the last time you saw any of them being practiced. You’ll soon have a much better perception of the knowing-doing gap.
Start today in closing yours!
About Harry K. Jones
Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.