Henry Chidgey Leadership Method

Howdy,

I got you some awesome nuggets and I promise it won't take long.

So, COP27 was this big climate summit in November 2022 in Egypt.

The main buzz was about reducing emissions (mitigation), helping folks adapt to climate change (adaptation), and finding the green to make it all happen (finance).

The Three tools I picked up that you can use in your biz:

The Magic Models (Integrated assessment models)

IAMs are like those super-smart programs that can predict the future – but for climate stuff.

If you're running a business, they can help you see how going green (like energy-efficient lighting or ditching paper menus at your restaurant) can affect your bottom line. It's science-backed decision-making for your wallet-friendly game plan.

Risk Assessments for Climate Newbies
Think of these assessments as your friendly neighborhood fortune tellers. They let you in on what climate change might throw your way.

If you run a business like a café, you'd wanna know if you'll get hit with wild weather, like storms and floods.

The National Climate Assessment (NCA) in the U.S. can tell you just that. Armed with this info, you can start prepping your spot, making it sturdier or getting some flood insurance.

Spotting Weak Links with Vulnerability Assessments
Vulnerability assessments are like a quick check-up for your business. They identify weaknesses. If you're running an auto shop, the Climate Vulnerability Monitor (CVM) can be your trusty diagnostic tool. It shows where your biz might not handle climate changes too well. If you're near the coast and sea levels are rising, you can start thinking about protecting your place from the salty tide.

In a nutshell, COP27 was a game-changer in the climate fight, but it's just the start. Whether you're the boss or a team player, science-based decision-making is your secret sauce to take on the climate challenge.

Just like the railway industry evolved, businesses can too. It's time to adapt to the changing climate, make informed choices based on science, and set ourselves up for a brighter, greener future.

Warmly,
Henry Chidgey
Your coach and mentor.

2 years ago | [YT] | 0

Henry Chidgey Leadership Method

Howdy,

I want to share a profound lesson drawn from an unexpected source:

the Northern Ireland peace process.

This historical journey holds invaluable insights for us in the fast-paced world of business, where decisions are often complex and the distinction between facts and truths is crucial.

In the late 1960s, the Northern Ireland conflict began as a civil rights movement led by the Catholic nationalist community.

They demanded an end to discrimination in housing, voting, and employment. Sadly, it escalated into violence and riots, necessitating the deployment of the British Army to restore order.

This illustrates how a noble cause can devolve into chaos when the differences between facts and truths become blurred.

The year 1972 marked a significant shift when the British government suspended the Northern Ireland Parliament and introduced direct rule from Westminster, centralizing power in London.

This demonstrates the importance of understanding the power structure in any situation, and how it can impact the outcome.

The subsequent years saw the involvement of paramilitary groups on both sides, resulting in bombings, shootings, and thousands of deaths and injuries.

It's a stark reminder of how deeply rooted beliefs and historical experiences can drive actions, even when facts remain constant.

However, the story takes a turn with the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985, which aimed to promote cooperation between the UK and Irish governments.

It was followed by a series of ceasefires from 1994 to 1997, creating a more conducive atmosphere for negotiations.

The pinnacle of this journey is the Good Friday Agreement of 1998.

This groundbreaking accord established a devolved government for Northern Ireland, addressing power-sharing, decommissioning of weapons, human rights, and policing.

It underscores how acknowledging the difference between facts and truths can open doors to empathy and collaboration.

The lessons from this tumultuous history are clear:

…in business, just as in the Northern Ireland peace process, embracing diverse truths, even when they challenge our own, fosters innovation, effective problem-solving, and adaptability.

As leaders, understanding this distinction can shape your approach to decision-making and create a culture of openness.

These are just my insights and how they can impact your leadership.

So remember facts are objective and truths are subjective.

Knowing this, you'll soon find new ways to lead your teams and organizations, fostering growth and innovation in an ever-changing business landscape.

Warmly,
Henry Chidgey
Your coach and mentor.

2 years ago | [YT] | 2

Henry Chidgey Leadership Method

Rich Men North of Richmond

Have you heard this song yet?

It's blowing up on YouTube, Spotify, and even the radio.

Everyone is talking about it, including people who aren't fans of country music.

To me, this song describes working hard, feeling trapped, and the injustices of our modern world — a yearning for change.

I understand why this song is gaining insane popularity.

The main reason is its attractiveness.

It places the responsibility for change externally, taking the burden off your shoulders.

It makes you feel like a righteous victim.

"It's not my fault."

"I don't have any say in my miserable situation."

"I don't have control over the life I have."

Nice feelings.

Truth be told, even I love the music, and the lyrics bring forth comforting feelings.

But these feelings don't inspire leaders or individuals to take massive action and create their own lives.

If someone came to me telling this story, I would say things like this...

The only thing in life you can control is YOU.

ONLY you can manage your choices.

ONLY you can manage your attitude, your behavior, what you say to yourself...

In real life, that's a full-time job.

You NEED to accept that you don't have control over anything outside of that.

That is self-leadership.

And this is the idea that we can create a life full of abundance.

Frankly, in our country, the United States, we have the freedom to do just that,

to move up in the world.

So I want to finish my message with the Serenity Prayer.

Because it reminds us that whatever happens, happens.

But what we do with it is what truly matters.

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference."

Take care now.

Warm regards,
–Henry
Your coach and mentor.

2 years ago | [YT] | 0

Henry Chidgey Leadership Method

This might make you jump outta your chair!

Howdy ,

Yesterday morning, I was just stepping out of my house.

My trusty sidekick, Jaxon, was right there with me, as always.

But when I tried to head back inside, I couldn't help but notice something weird by the steps.

It looked like a twisted, dark greenish-brown rope. Pretty strange, right?

Can you spot it too?

Now, take a peek at this close-up shot:

Ta-da! Surprise, surprise! It's not a harmless jute rope! It's a Texas water moccasin, or cottonmouth!

A venomous cottonmouth water moccasin we often find around here in Texas.

Definitely not what I expected to find on my doorstep.

This exciting little encounter got me thinking about leadership. See, in leadership, just when you think you've got it all figured out, life can throw you a curveball.

It's all about keeping your cool, handling the unexpected, and pushing forward.

Now, think about this: trying to handle poisonous snakes without a clue is not just risky.
It's plain crazy. You might lose more than an arm if you're not careful.
The damage can be beyond repair.

But here's the deal: When you face life's unexpected challenges with someone who's been there, done that, it's like a walk in the park.

That's why you need to have someone like me at your side. Think of me as your extra pair of glasses for your business vision. Together, we can spot potential risks and steer your ship towards success.

No need to hesitate. Click here to set up a chat with me, and let's explore how we can navigate the wild world of leadership together:



henrychidgey.com/discovery-call/
Remember… in this ever changing game, having an extra set of perceptive eyes can not only be a game changer but a life-saver.

Stay safe out there.

Take care,

Henry
Your friendly coach and mentor

2 years ago | [YT] | 0

Henry Chidgey Leadership Method

How to use your name as a credit card

Let's dive into the world of investments.

Now, you might have yourself a fine, diversified portfolio, and you might've even put some sweat and toil into maintaining your health. You know, cutting out the fast food and strolling in the evenings.

But here's a notion for you: what if I were to tell you that even those qualities that make us good, decent humans are investable too?

See, you're aiming to build a sterling reputation, to carry on the legacy of your forefathers with pride, and to ensure your family name stands for something honorable.

Well, my friend, that's where investing in your integrity comes into play. Now, there ain't just one way to go about it, and I've laid out seven of 'em for you in my article.

Once your integrity is as strong as a bull, you'll find that your name becomes a credit card of its own.

So, why don't you mosey on over and give my article a read?

lnkd.in/gZuzHGiz

You'll discover the secrets to investing in your own virtue and watch how it pays dividends in ways you never imagined.


Y'all take care now!

Warmly,
Henry
Your trusty coach and mentor.

2 years ago | [YT] | 1

Henry Chidgey Leadership Method

Should I retire?

A person close to me posed a very intriguing question.

Henry, why didn’t you just retire? Why do you want to continue to teach people about leadership?

This question has an answer that's so fascinating that I wanted to share it with you as well,

The sole reason I chose to coach leaders in becoming better leaders and pursued this path for the last 20 years, when I could have simply retired… is because of how I perceived retirement.

What do I mean?

To me, retirement is about doing what you truly desire, right? It's about indulging in the things you love. (passion is what most people call it)

And the thing that I am…
Best at,
Love both sharing,
Growing in
And doing day in and day out is…

…Leadership

So… will I retire in the traditional sense of the word?

Short answer: No.

Long answer: I can play with words about that. I would argue I am retired now. I am doing what I love to do.

So how about relaxation?

I get what you mean. All work and no play makes Henry Chidgey grumpy and tired all day.

Well, I don’t like to sit on sandy beaches.

But I absolutely love... driving!

Exploring and experiencing the beauty of our country.

While I've seen a lot of the world...

...there are still countless places on this continent that I haven't had the chance to explore yet.

I'm not a fan of flying in airplanes or dealing with the hassle of mass public transportation and long lines these days. It's simply too much of a bother.

I actually prefer the independence of a road trip, where I can decide where to stop and what to explore along the way. You know, all that good stuff.

Now, circling back to the original question about retirement and finishing my career...

I don’t have to work for money.

I’ve accumulated enough, you see…

I have an unwavering passion for teaching leadership and nurturing exceptional leaders because I genuinely enjoy working with people.

It stems from my deep genuine love and my extensive expertise in leadership, gained over three decades in the railroad industry.

So, if you share the same passion for working with people and aspire to make a lasting difference in the lives of those you lead, just as I do...

Why don’t we connect? Birds of a feather should flock together…

So head over to my schedule HERE and pick the best time for our call.

henrychidgey.com/discovery-call/

Looking forward to hearing from you very soon!

Take care now.

Warmly,
–Henry
Your coach and mentor.

2 years ago | [YT] | 1

Henry Chidgey Leadership Method

This LinkedIn post grabbed me by the eyeballs!

I came across Monte Pedersen's post on LinkedIn last Saturday and it certainly made me stop scrolling dead in my tracks.

The word "courage" grabbed me by the eyeballs right away and by the end of the post, I was truly moved.

This article about courageous leaders really hits home for me, especially after spending two decades coaching blue-collar execs and biz owners right here in Texas.

Courage, my friends, is not just some fancy quality we hope to have. It's an absolute must-have in your leadership toolbox, just like duct tape and WD40 in your real toolbox.


Now, think about it:

We live in a world today where there's so much happening.

Fires, riots, protests, Trump, Biden, inflation, Artificial Intelligence, the Russians, Ukraine, murder, spilled blood…

It's one of the most chaotic times we've ever lived in.

It's so easy to get lost in the mayhem, but that's where leaders with true grit shine.

They're like the captains of their ships in a vicious storm, guiding their teams through rough waters and strong winds.


In my time in the railroad industry, I've witnessed raw courage in action, but that's a story for another day.

What really caught my eye in Monte's post is the part about open and honest communication.

That's real gold!

In the blue-collar world, trust is everything.

Brave leaders are the ones who aren't afraid to tackle tough issues and admit when they've screwed up.

It's about being a real leader, not just a boss or the head honcho and that's what folks truly respect.

Trust and Respect are the first two pillars of my own leadership foundation (TRIP).

And that bit about vulnerability?

So true.

People don't just appreciate it but also they adore it when their leaders aren't trying to be invincible superheroes.

Admitting your screw-ups and learning from them?

That's the essence of real leadership, right there, folks.

It's not just food for thought…

…but also it's a reminder to all of us that courage is what sets apart the great leaders from the rest.

It's something we should all keep measuring ourselves against, no matter how many years we've been in the game.

So, go ahead and take a read of the original post. And when you do, let Monte Pedersen I sent you.

Take care and remember to have courage.

Warmly
Henry Chidgey
Your coach and mentor.

2 years ago | [YT] | 0

Henry Chidgey Leadership Method

Communication means talking a whole bunch, right?

I'm sorry to say, but you're mistaken. Maybe at school, the more you say, the higher the grade.

But in the real world, especially in the wild west of business, it's completely the opposite. Profits are made and work gets done by listening to the customer. The same principles apply within the beige walls of our offices.

So how do you actually integrate this principle in regards to leadership? Just remember this mathematical equation:
We > Me.

Just flip the 'W' upside down.

I'm not patronizing you, but leadership IS as simple as that.

But here are the 4 principles you should tattoo not on your arm (don't want you to get fired) but on your mind:

Less complaining and whining.
Talk about the other person's interests.
Admit immediately when you're wrong.
Let others save face.

These principles aren't going to make you a great speaker today like Tony Robbins or a great orator like Plato or Aristotle.

But they help you see others’ point of view.

They remind you to consider others' needs before you speak.

And they encourage you to address difficult subjects honestly and graciously.

Plus, they prod you to become a kinder, humbler manager, spouse, colleague, and leader.

“Okay, so what do I get from putting away my interests? I won't have a personality then!”


Well, actually, your personality will shine brighter. You'll be rewarded with rich, enduring friendships. Your leadership will be well respected. Also, amid today's vast number of self-aggrandizing influencers, you'll gain a very distinguishing edge.

So turn that "me" into a "WE."

Until next time, take care.

Warmly,
–Henry Chidgey
Your mentor and coach

P.S. You have already realized that these 4 principles are from "How to Win Friends and Influence People." My leadership style closely resembles Dale Carnegie's. If you have dreamt of having him as your mentor, then you should consider scheduling a call with mehenrychidgey.com/discovery-call/. In the coming days, you will grow into the leader people want to follow.

2 years ago | [YT] | 1

Henry Chidgey Leadership Method

What does it mean to be 'self-made'?


You might've heard many things, especially rags-to-riches stories about your favorite baseball or basketball athletes and famous Hollywood celebrities.

Check your calendar. It's 2023.

This means we are living in an age when celebrities can wield more influence than the President of our country.

Their influence can be borrowed, much like credit lines through multi-million-dollar endorsement deals. And global media coverage can be won by the squeaky wheels.

What I'm saying is not to sell your soul to the devil or to the highest bidder. What I'm telling you is to seize every communication opportunity, whether it's through a WhatsApp chat or company meetings on Zoom, and fill them with messages that:

1. Build trust,
2. Convey gratitude,
3. Strengthen your integrity,
4. And add value to your people.

This is the one thing that has not changed since Adam and Eve, since humans developed language, and even before the birth of the Internet. There is still a clear line between influence that is borrowed (difficult to sustain) and influence that is earned (reliable as a ticking clock).

That's why you need to master Earned Influence.

Picture your parents, your grandparents, or even the boss who hired you. They clearly earned their leadership, integrity, and your trust.

They did it consistently over many years.


That doesn't mean they didn't have any help.


They weren't given 'superpowers' at birth.

An older, wiser, and more experienced expert guided and molded them into successful leaders.

And that is what it means to be self-made—earning true influence and strong leadership is a lengthy process, no doubt. But in the end, it's worth it.

Until next time, take care.

Warmly,
–Henry Chidgey
Your mentor and coach.

P.S. You're going to need a wise, experienced, and no-nonsense type of mentor when you're embarking on the lifelong journey of being a leader. So click here: henrychidgey.com/discovery-call/ and schedule your best time for a 15-minute chat with me.

2 years ago | [YT] | 0

Henry Chidgey Leadership Method

Dale Carnegie’s dirty secret to cult-like influence.

If you’ve been in the leadership game for more than 5 minutes, you’ve heard of our friend, Dale Carnegie.

Not of the man but his best selling book “How to Win Friends and Influence People”.


Aside from being in everyone’s required reading list, this book defined the self-help genre. It has sold over 30 million copies since its first publication in 1936.

Mr. Carnegie knows a thing or two about leadership and the art of influence.

Here’s what you should do whenever you are giving a task to your assistant or asking your beloved husband to buy milk from the store.

You should put others' interests before yours.

(AKA putting U in front of I)

It’s simpler than you think yet so many regular people fail to do this.

So this is your golden opportunity to be the person that everyone wants to follow.

You don’t have to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company.


Even if you’re a humble shopkeeper that wants his worker to work a little harder…


…or a mother who wishes his eldest son or daughter to help out in doing chores,


Understand that EVERYONE can be a leader.

You see, people follow you because…

…of what you’ve done for them

…and of who you are.


In other words, the real secret to the highest levels of influence are reached when integrity and trustworthiness surround your behavior.

This is how leaders lead whether two or two million people are depending on him.

So if you haven’t yet cracked open “How to Win Friends and Influence People” that's collecting dust on your shelf, you should find time to read it.

If you haven’t gotten a copy, then head over to this link: www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp…


I genuinely hope you become the leader that you’re destined to be.

Until next time, take care.


Warmly,

–Henry Chidgey

Your mentor and coach.


P.S. You’re missing out big time if you haven’t read “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. You might not know if but you are actually RUINING your chances to get the pay raise that you clearly worked hard for.

So grab a cup of Joe with your left hand and the book with your right and study it cover to cover. Grab it from HERE if you haven’t. www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp…

P.P.S If you already read the book once or multiple times, yet you’re struggling to put those timeless principles into today’s digital age of instant messaging (like Whatsapp, Slack and even DMs), then sign up for my complimentary discovery call henrychidgey.com/discovery-call/. You’ll learn how to arouse genuine interest and see things from another's point of view through your smartphone screen.

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 1