I recently had the opportunity to attend and speak at the HighJump 2008 Innovation user conference at the Grand Ole Opry Hotel. Although the large venue was not terribly intimate, the content of the presentations was rich and the user attendance was surpringly high (approximately 375 attendees).

I actually thought the highlight of the event was the Keynote Speaker, Joe Theismann (Former Washington Redskins Quarterback). Mr. Theismann was entertaining, witty, funny, energetic and thought-provoking. Mr. Theismann, or Joey, as his father called him, has lived a full life. I will be respectful and refer to him as Mr. Theismann.

Even though Mr. Theismann's delivery was disjointed at times, he had a great message that resonated with me. His key points were:

1. Success cannot be gained alone - meaning that you cannot be an island and expect success. He learned this the hard way after having Lawrence Taylor break his lower leg in a Monday Night Football game (Skins vs. the Giants.. November 18, 1985). He went from a $1M/year quarterback to zero with a career-ending injury. There is no doubt that Joe Theismann was a humbled man after the injury.

2. Humilty and Authenticity are keys to success. Mr. Theismann went from arrogant (which he admits) to being humble. His football playing life was done! You could tell during his speech that he was authentic and the that he truly cared about his message. More importantly, he could poke fun of himself, which is always a true sign that someone has sense of humility. Mr. Theismann's comment that "people don't care about how much you know, they care about how much you care" was right on point.

3. Set some goals. How many people lack direction? More importantly how many people do not write their goals down? I personally equate this to the Edward Deming Wheel of continuous improvement, or what I like to refer to as the continuous improvement of life (1) Plan, (2) Do, (3) Check and (4) Act. I love Mr. Theismann's quote, "98% of people in the World refuse to take a pen and paper and write down their goals."

4. Sacrifice. Mr. Theismann's message here was that being special comes at personal expense. I have heard the same message from Lou Holtz. You have to create opportunity and be willing to make personal sacrifices.

5. Attitude. I thought Mr. Theismann hit the mark with his message about your "attitude preceeds everything you do in life." He also made the distinction between being confident and "cocky" or arrogant. I agree arrogance is the lack of self-esteem and typically arrogant people put themselves first or manipulate others to get what they want, versus a confident person who will surround him or herself with other confident people.

6. Enthusiasm. Mr. Theismann did not lack enthusiasm. I loved his comment, "So when you look at youself in the mirror, do you say 'OH!' or do you say 'WOW!'"

Last but not least, Mr. Theismann told a story about Joe Gibbs (Washington Redskins Football Coach) and what Gibbs thought made a "World Class Football Player." I personally think this applies to not only football players, but people in general: (1) You must have character, (2) you be have intelligence and apply it, and (3) you must have ability.

In summary, Mr. Theismann concluded that you must:

1. Set goals

2. Care about others

3. Be enthusiastic

4. Work together as a team

5. Recognize others and show appreciation

As a long-time HighJump partner, I found Tim Campbell, the new CEO and President of HighJump, refreshing. Tim is the first "professional" CEO that HighJump has ever had. No disrepect to previous executives, but Tim is ambitious, focused, and driven to double the size of HighJump. I also believe his management team is relieved, yet energized by Tim's vigor. I believe in order for HighJump to make it to the next level they must:

1. Increase their talent. Talent management is key for HighJump if they are going to compete against Manhattan and RedPrairie.

2. Fill in the white space with their solution offering. Supply Chain Execution is "old school" vs. Supply Chain Planning, Optimization and Execution, ie. "new school."

3. Continue to enforce the adapatability model. Their competition does not have it. It is like Web1.0 vs. Web2.0.

4. Solution Sell vs. Product Sell.

5. Stay focused and remember what has made them successful.

Always enMOTION,

Jim Barnes