Interview with Brad Lomenick

What is the Catalyst Leader about?

CatalystLeader_LargeCVRThe Catalyst Leader lays out the eight essentials for becoming a change maker. The traits that I believe one must develop in order to become a change maker, and ultimately a Catalyst Leader. I hope this book will provide practical leadership answers for a new generation of aspiring leaders who are looking for answers and solutions, and not just leadership theory. It’s a practical guide for leading now, and leading well, serving as a leadership handbook for the next generation of leaders in our country. The book presents the key essentials that I believe will define our generation’s ability to influence over the next 20-25 years, laying out what it means to be a Catalyst in this generation. The Catalyst Leader is packed with a combination of candid interviews with thought leaders, research with the core leadership community, and overall leadership best practices. A rising generation of leaders need to be equipped for the task of leadership.

You can purchase the book wherever books are sold. Go to the book site at http://catalystleader.com to purchase today. I highly recommend reading it and reflecting on your leadership journey. It’s filled with practical leadership advice and application.

The Problem with Being a Problem Solver

I like solving problems. As a kid, my classmates would bring me their twisted and tangled Slinkys and I would unravel them one loop at a time—good as new.

Problem solving is the ability to understand a problem, identify a solution (or solutions) and then take the steps needed to fix the problem. Take a flat tire for example. If you notice your tire going flat (problem), you can stop and put air in it (solution 1) If it continues to go flat, you can take it in for a repair (solution 2). If you don’t do that and you get stuck on the road, then you need to replace the tire with a spare (solution 3 and you still have to take the tire in for repair or replace it). Problem solved.

The problem with being a problem solver is people bring you their problems! Many people avoid problems; they become frustrated and flustered by them. Other people like problems—they like to complain about problems without offering any solutions. Fewer people actually enjoy problems and coming up with creative solutions.

Are you a problem solver?

5 Ways to Turn Your Notebook Into a Planner for the New Year

Over the past few years, I have gone back and forth between paper notebooks and digital note taking. At first, I loved the digital note taking apps like Evernote,  Google Docs and Gmail (yes, I send myself emails with notes and reminders). Over time though, I found that I still collected several sheets and scraps of paper with various information and meeting notes on them. Somethings are just easier to write down! I have found that pen and paper work best for my daily, weekly, monthly and yearly planning and journaling. And with the start of the new year, I get to start a fresh, clean set of pages.

A few notes on materials before I explain how I set my notebook up. I use a black Moleskine Classic Large Ruled Notebook to keep track of all of my notes, thoughts and ideas. It is easy to carry, simple to use (no need for Wi-Fi) and looks sharp. Plus, it has the special, secret pocket in the back to keep all of those loose paper scraps, business cards and brilliant napkin ideas. Also, I use a Pilot G-2 Extra Fine black pen for all of my note taking.

I have developed this system over the past few years and have learned things from numerous sources. Read more here. Here are 5 ways to turn your notebook into a planner for the New Year:

1. Number the Pages and Create a Table of Contents

The first thing I do when I get a new Moleskine is number the pages. I put the numbers in the bottom left and bottom right corners. There are 240 pages total in the large ruled notebook. Then, beginning on the first page, I create a table of contents by numbering each line from 1-240. There are 30 lines on each page. If you do this right, you will use the first eight pages for your table of contents.

2. Create a Yearly Calendar Page

Next, I create a yearly calendar spread. two do this, think about dividing the notebook into a grid with 4 columns (2 per page) and 3 rows (10 lines each). On the first line, list January, February, March and April straight across the page. Count down 9 more spaces and list May, June, July and August straight across. Last, list September, October, November and December. Here is an example.

This gives you a big picture view of the whole year. I put the most important dates in first (anniversary, birthday’s, vacations, etc). I also use this page to set goals and list the big projects that I work on, giving me a nice timeline throughout the year.

3. Create a Monthly Calendar Page

You are now ready to begin your notes and journal section. At the beginning of the month, I start a new page and list each day of the month on the line. I write the month name on the top line, the dates on the left margin (1-30 or 31) and the day of the week on the right margin (S-M-T-W-T-F-S). I then draw a line to divide the month into weeks. I start my week on Sunday, so I draw a line break between Saturday and Sunday, but you may also draw the line between Sunday and Monday. I use this page to plan out my month and list important meetings and events. I try to write the event on the left side of the day if it is in the morning, in the center if it is during the day or on the right if it is in the evening.

4. Create a Tasks or Action Items Page

Next to the monthly calendar page, I leave a blank page to list action steps and tasks I need to do during the month. If a task has a specific due date or deadline, I list it on the corresponding line to my calendar page. I use Michael Hyatt’s note taking system of stars, question marks, boxes and circles to keep track of different tasks. I check each item off as it is completed and transfer any incomplete items over to the next month.

5. Creating a Meeting Notes Page

From here, the rest of my notebook flows in chronological order. I use the notebook to jot down meeting notes, brainstorm ideas and space to reflect on what I’m learning. At the end of the week, I review all of my notes and try to pull out key concepts or ideas which I list on the table of contents page (step 1). This gives me a quick glance on what I’m learning/working on and an easy way to reference notes later.

Final Note

Why not just use a daily planner? I found that the planners were too constrictive. In a planner, everyday is given equal space. But in real life, some days are busier than others. I found the lined notebook gives me enough structure for planning, while at the same time allowing flexibility for shorter or longer notes. Plus, it is way more fun to setup and create your own notebook! Enjoy!

Questions

How about you? What is your note taking system?

What tools do you use?

What other ideas have you tried for planning and organizing your notebook?

 

Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would not otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man would have dreamed would have come his way.

— W.H. Murray, in The Scottish Himalayan Expedition