The Giant Chocolate Easter Bunny
by Lisa Marie Platske

If I had to guess what the most common question asked at most networking events was, I would speculate that “what do you do?” would be at the top.  While I don’t typically meet many butchers or bartenders when I’m out networking, my grandfather worked for many years in both professions and much of his success was attributed to his ability to build relationships.  He belonged to dozens of social clubs and created amazing connections.  My grandfather had a gift of being able to bring his network of individuals together to collectively share in the best of each person’s talents, skills and abilities. 

Because of my grandfather’s network, one of the benefits my sister and I enjoyed every Spring was participating in countless Easter egg hunts.  Involved in dozens of fraternal organizations, my grandparents took us from place to place on our annual quest to win the big prize – the giant chocolate Easter bunny.  Looking back, I realized that this ritual had a certain rite of passage for me and, as most people hear me say quite often, the time with my grandfather contained many life lessons in both business and leadership. 

What is the giant chocolate Easter bunny in your personal and professional life?  Upside Thinking has several foundational principles which serve as our corporate vision and values.  While I believe they’re equally important, I’m going to share with you number 2 – Everyone wants happiness, success and meaning in their life.   On the surface, my statement looks obvious, however, I meet many people who inquire about my leadership coaching and consulting services who aren’t sure what this looks like for them or their employees.  Yet, I’ve never met a leader who doesn’t grasp the power of this statement.  

As a child, my grandfather’s network made it possible for me to win the prize that was most important in my life at the time.  Today, I teach leaders how to create strong networks of individuals who willingly and continually help them on their leadership journey.  And, with a clear leadership vision and purpose, the big prize in life is the journey, where happiness, success and meaning are found along the way.   

To listen to an interview with Lisa Marie Platske about this subject on our ‘Champagne Sundays’ special Business Online Radio Show aired Sunday, March 2, 2008, pleae double click on the Play Button below.  To listen to the entire, unedited show  – Click Here.

Lisa Marie Platske is the President and CEO of Upside Thinking, Inc., an international leadership development company that wows audiences with inspirational seminars and workshops and provides coaching/consulting to change the way leaders approach their personal and professional lives. For more about Lisa Marie Platske and to read her articles – Click Here.