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Jack Altschuler is one heckuva nice guy! His positive attitude pours out of the phone. It’s even better in-person!

Over the past two years, I’ve had the pleasure to work with Jack and two of his CEO or executive leadership groups. He’s committed to his members’ success. He’s passionate about their growth and prosperity. Professionally and personally.

Heck, you might even say, when you’re with Jack, you know unequivocally, he’s “Fully alive!” which makes sense because “Fully Alive Leadership” is the title of his popular workshop. It’s designed to help business people, leaders and their executive teams grow and prosper. Fast!

While Woody Allen once declared, “80 percent of success in life is showing up!” Jack also knows about the value of showing up. Especially, with your “A-game!” Excerpts from our conversation:

Jeff Blackman: You encourage leaders/business people to “show up with their A-game.” Meaning...

Jack Altschuler: It’s all about giving your very best.

Using all your personal resources to ensure the finest outcomes. It’s putting your intellect, heart and soul into your efforts. This isn’t a measure of performance relative to other people. It’s about one’s personal best.

JB: How does one, consistently do that?

JB: “Showing up” is about being right here, right now!

It’s about being no place else in body, mind and spirit. And this applies to every venue of life at work, at home and in the community.

When I ask workshop attendees to describe a great leader they’ve followed, one for whom they performed extraordinarily, every one uses words that identify their “special leader” as one who was completely present.

During one workshop, a CEO, who like so many ”lives his business” had a startling moment of clarity. He said he now understands what his ten-year-old daughter meant when she told him something important to her, and she knew he wasn’t focused on her. So she exclaimed, “No, Dad. I want you to listen with girl ears.” “Showing up” impacts all those who look to you for leadership. And indeed, any relationship. It requires focus on the present.

JB: What if one’s A-game, really is a “B” or “C” game?

JB: Each of us has our own set of capabilities. And some are more adept at a particular function/skill/talent than others.

“A game” is about your personal best. Edwin Moses was the best 400 meter hurdler on the planet. When he was in a race, the only question was, “Who would finish second?” Moses won so many races, he really only “competed” against himself. He studied films of his races, to learn how he could be better. His concern was HIS best.

It had nothing to do with beating others. The “A-game” is about one’s personal best.

JB: What happens when one “shows up?”

JB: A CEO in Halifax, Nova Scotia, told me how “showing up” helped change her meetings with direct reports. She used to dread when an employee asked, “Hey boss, got a minute?” She feared it would be another one hour intrusion on her already jam-packed schedule.

So to combat that fear, she started to “show up” for those meetings.

She turned off her computer screen and phone. Closed her office door. And focused solely on her direct report.

She said the big payoff, was those dreaded hour-long marathon meetings became five-minute meaningful meetings.

Plus, her direct reports felt “heard.” And they began working better, faster and smarter.

And imagine the value to a CEO, or any leader, who has “new found” extra hours every day, because initial employee concerns were quickly addressed. It saves time, money and sanity!

Here’s another example. A workshop attendee me about his first boss, a great leader. He said his boss asked great questions and listened intently to his replies.

Plus, his boss also encouraged and challenged him with tasks, projects and opportunities, which, on his own, he wouldn’t have dreamed of attempting. Like being trusted with handling and landing a $30 million deal.

Next week, more of Jack’s gems on mindset, skill set and turning breakdowns to breakthroughs. Until then, for a positive dose of “Altschuler attitude” feel free to reach Jack at 847.272.9254 or Jack.A@comcast.net