Crystal Clear Communications, Inc. – Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois

This morning I went for my ritual breakfast at one of those family owned places which serves two pound omelets and coffee for a ridiculously low price. As I paid my check at the cash register, the owner’s son Milo commented, “it's like summer out there!” I smiled and looked out the window. Behind him in the parking lot was a pile of snow twenty feet high and because we were experiencing thirty five degree weather the pavement was wet. Considering it was eight below zero just a couple of days ago it’s understandable how thirty five degrees can feel considerably warmer, but to call it summerlike rather amazed me. It made me think about how people adjust to current climates and conditions whether they are environmental or economic.

This observation reminds me of my clients when they tell me how summery their results are or how warm their culture is and how their management teams are in hot pursuit of their results. I smile, and ask them what standard of success are they using for this euphoric view of their business and organization? When my clients articulate their view of what they consider to be success in their businesses, the picture from my seat is quite different. I hear about the recession and its impact, and unrealistic customer expectations. I’m told how the management teams have gone through a lot and are just getting their feet back under them so we shouldn’t be too critical. There are many rationalizations I am sure you have heard and maybe even have used, but to me it is just redefining the standard of success which can be very harmful to many businesses.

So as you feel the warmth of economic recovery take a look at the standard of success you have put forward to your organization and see if you can find any snow piles.

Twenty five remarkable years have passed along with millions of miles of road and air travel. I have visited hundreds of cities and business leaders around the world with diverse needs and goals. However, it strikes me that there is a common thread between all of the people I have had the privilege to work with. They each demonstrate a relentless drive to accomplish their goals and achieve the highest level of leadership.  When a business such as Crystal Clear Communications was created to help challenge highly successful leaders, one would think it might be a good idea to have a second career in mind! But not so. Our clients drive for excellence has allowed us at Crystal Clear to reach a new level of success that most businesses similar to ours never see. So thanks for the strategies, meetings, arguments and long term relationships that make our work meaningful and successful.

Twenty five years ago this month, Crystal Clear was “born.”  Never did I imagine while growing up on an Iowa farm that I’d own a company that serves clients in many parts of the world.

The past 25 years have been a wonderful, rewarding journey.  We’re grateful for what each client has taught us.  Our lives have been greatly enriched through the interaction with each person.

Being allowed to serve executives of differing ages and backgrounds who work in diverse businesses continues to be a joy.  We’re fortunate that many still keep in contact with us and report that they’re still using the tools we’ve provided long after the formal relationship has ended.

I wish each of you much success in 2011.  I wish for you all the insights and wisdom you need to reach your goals, and the clarity and energy to do so easily.  Just as importantly, I wish you all the personal happiness and fulfillment you can contain.

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