FACE REALITY AS IT IS, NOT AS IT WAS OR AS YOU WISH IT WERE
The above statement is as true for organizations as it is for individuals. From an organizational viewpoint, too many corporations stagnate on their past success. They keep on using the processes and methods that brought them previous success. What was right and what brought success in the ‘old days’ may not necessarily be the right processes or methods for today.
Success formulas change every day.
Control Your Destiny or Someone Else Will
For example, Kodak and Fuji, the worlds leading photo film makers will have to accept the reality that in 5 years time, there will be minimal demand for their product because of digital cameras. As much as there is a sentimental feeling for their product, they will have to move on into the arena of cameras, photocopiers etc. They will have to accept the reality that although they were No 1 in their product line a few years ago, they are now way back in the pack as far as their new products are concerned.
On the other hand the traditional mini-market must realize that with the hypermarkets, they will have to offer value added services to compete. Subang Grocer a mini-market in Subang Jaya allows it’s customers to buy products online and then undertakes to deliver these products to their consumers homes. In spite of the presence of CarreFour, Makro, Giant and now Mydeen, this mini-market is doing very well. Its success is largely due to the fact that it faced reality and reasoned out that to compete with these hyper-markets, it had to concentrate on value added services. It could not do business the ‘old’ way anymore.
In the course of my training, I have gone to many organizations where I always feel that the main problem is that senior management did not want to face reality, but hoped that things would change or else interpreted reality in their own lopsided way. When sales go down, they come up with statements like, “Don’t worry, it will turn around”, “it’s only a short down turn, sales will go up in the next six months”. When informed that China or India will be a threat in terms of competition, they go into denial mode and remark that it will not happen during their lifetimes. Slowly, but surely, organizations like these will wither away, and one of the main reasons for this is that reality was too difficult to face.
The message above is also relevant from an individual perspective.
· How many of us have improved our skills and competences to take into account the changing working environment.
· How many of us have changed our mindsets to take into account the different values and work ethics that new employees bring to the workplace?
· How many of us have learnt new skills that were not relevant or important 10 years ago, but are critical today. Not knowing how to touch type for example is a serious handicap for employees today. To remain ‘relevant’ I believe that managers must make efforts to discard some of these outdated, culture-influenced ‘mental models’ and to adapt to the changing needs of the very competitive business environment.
A positive start would be for CEO’s and all managers to adhere to the following three simple principles:
Indulge in less rhetoric and more action in terms of best practices.
Surround yourself with good managers/people.
Accept and encourage contradiction at all times.
Practice of the above will most certainly go a long way to ensure continued success of organizations in the current volatile business environment.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this. I really do hope you have enjoyed reading the above, and I have in a small way, added to your management knowledge.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Reach the unreachable
We reach the unreachable by making it happen little by little, is like walking in front of a dragon, waiting for the best conditions in order to walk very slowly in front of him. But in the path to success, what is the meaning of slowly? We are going to illustrate it here.
One of the most interesting stories happened in this coastal city. The weather was good, the sea was calmed, the wind was soft. Then the people of this town decided to make a race and many became most interested, and from one day to the other, there were many sailboats in the sea, but only one of them was not at sea, it took him two days to sail and then the sailboat went to the sea.That very same day, the weather conditions changed, the sea became tough, the wind stronger and with crossed currents, then, all the sailboats sank, the people fell to the water, while seven sailboats were lost.
But the latest to ship was prepared for this match because he knew that at that time of the year, many natural changes occurred. And the last to leave, could pick up the shipwrecks still alive, and he was the only one who returned to the port. These persons were grateful and saddened at the same time and when they got to the shore, they said to him: " We thought that you would lose the race, but now the facts and things are different
You are not only the winner but a hero who has saved us all. But what was the reason of what you did, how did you know, whom did you consult, are you maybe a magician or fortune teller?" And he said: " I was also in suspense but I learned from my mistakes. There is a superior word that is better than magic, better than good luck; and I learned this from an old captain, who when he realized my errors, told me:
" Look, we are all like you when we start, we are reckless navigators, without fear, but you must consider beforehand, what can happen.
I am going to give you a great secret, this secret has hands, but does not have feet, and it will help you a great deal.But you always must carry it, otherwise, it would be like walking in the darkness with an unlit torch. I will give it to you, it is like a seed, that you must cultivate, care, treasure and develop. He then, gave me a coin and said: This coin has its worth but the word can guide you if you want to, and in that case, it will take you to the greatest of success.
I read the word and the word said: "Prevention."I did not understand it at the beginning but after some reflection, I realized that I had been acting without taking into account the changes that might happen.That was what I learned, and that was the reason that I did not leave in the first moment but stayed observing the beach, and very soon the sea was getting tough, out of control, I then got prepared, put the strongest ropes, took the rescue equipment and that is why we are here now.
If there is somebody to thank for, is not me, but the one who taught me and showed me, that great treasure. And luckily another thing happened, I asked that captain: What will I get with that word? And he answered: " If you cultivate prevention, you will achieve what is impossible for most people."
One of the most interesting stories happened in this coastal city. The weather was good, the sea was calmed, the wind was soft. Then the people of this town decided to make a race and many became most interested, and from one day to the other, there were many sailboats in the sea, but only one of them was not at sea, it took him two days to sail and then the sailboat went to the sea.That very same day, the weather conditions changed, the sea became tough, the wind stronger and with crossed currents, then, all the sailboats sank, the people fell to the water, while seven sailboats were lost.
But the latest to ship was prepared for this match because he knew that at that time of the year, many natural changes occurred. And the last to leave, could pick up the shipwrecks still alive, and he was the only one who returned to the port. These persons were grateful and saddened at the same time and when they got to the shore, they said to him: " We thought that you would lose the race, but now the facts and things are different
You are not only the winner but a hero who has saved us all. But what was the reason of what you did, how did you know, whom did you consult, are you maybe a magician or fortune teller?" And he said: " I was also in suspense but I learned from my mistakes. There is a superior word that is better than magic, better than good luck; and I learned this from an old captain, who when he realized my errors, told me:
" Look, we are all like you when we start, we are reckless navigators, without fear, but you must consider beforehand, what can happen.
I am going to give you a great secret, this secret has hands, but does not have feet, and it will help you a great deal.But you always must carry it, otherwise, it would be like walking in the darkness with an unlit torch. I will give it to you, it is like a seed, that you must cultivate, care, treasure and develop. He then, gave me a coin and said: This coin has its worth but the word can guide you if you want to, and in that case, it will take you to the greatest of success.
I read the word and the word said: "Prevention."I did not understand it at the beginning but after some reflection, I realized that I had been acting without taking into account the changes that might happen.That was what I learned, and that was the reason that I did not leave in the first moment but stayed observing the beach, and very soon the sea was getting tough, out of control, I then got prepared, put the strongest ropes, took the rescue equipment and that is why we are here now.
If there is somebody to thank for, is not me, but the one who taught me and showed me, that great treasure. And luckily another thing happened, I asked that captain: What will I get with that word? And he answered: " If you cultivate prevention, you will achieve what is impossible for most people."
Saturday, December 20, 2008
7 habits revisited
stephen covey's seven habits of highly effective people®
habit 1 - be proactive®
This is the ability to control one's environment, rather than have it control you, as is so often the case. Self determination, choice, and the power to decide response to stimulus, conditions and circumstances
habit 2 - begin with the end in mind®
Covey calls this the habit of personal leadership - leading oneself that is, towards what you consider your aims. By developing the habit of concentrating on relevant activities you will build a platform to avoid distractions and become more productive and successful.
habit 3 - put first things first®
Covey calls this the habit of personal management. This is about organising and implementing activities in line with the aims established in habit 2. Covey says that habit 2 is the first, or mental creation; habit 3 is the second, or physical creation.
habit 4 - think win-win®
Covey calls this the habit of interpersonal leadership, necessary because achievements are largely dependent on co-operative efforts with others. He says that win-win is based on the assumption that there is plenty for everyone, and that success follows a co-operative approach more naturally than the confrontation of win-or-lose.
habit 5 - seek first to understand and then to be understood®
One of the great maxims of the modern age. This is Covey's habit of communication, and it's extremely powerful. Covey helps to explain this in his simple analogy 'diagnose before you prescribe'. Simple and effective, and essential for developing and maintaining positive relationships in all aspects of life.
habit 6 - synergize®
Covey says this is the habit of creative co-operation - the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, which implicitly lays down the challenge to see the good and potential in the other person's contribution.
habit 7 - sharpen the saw®
This is the habit of self renewal, says Covey, and it necessarily surrounds all the other habits, enabling and encouraging them to happen and grow. Covey interprets the self into four parts: the spiritual, mental, physical and the social/emotional, which all need feeding and developing.
Stephen Covey's Seven Habits are a simple set of rules for life - inter-related and synergistic, and yet each one powerful and worthy of adopting and following in its own right. For many people, reading Covey's work, or listening to him speak, literally changes their lives. This is powerful stuff indeed and highly recommended.
This 7 Habits summary is just a brief overview - the full work is fascinating, comprehensive, and thoroughly uplifting. Read the book, or listen to the full tape series if you can get hold of it.
habit 1 - be proactive®
This is the ability to control one's environment, rather than have it control you, as is so often the case. Self determination, choice, and the power to decide response to stimulus, conditions and circumstances
habit 2 - begin with the end in mind®
Covey calls this the habit of personal leadership - leading oneself that is, towards what you consider your aims. By developing the habit of concentrating on relevant activities you will build a platform to avoid distractions and become more productive and successful.
habit 3 - put first things first®
Covey calls this the habit of personal management. This is about organising and implementing activities in line with the aims established in habit 2. Covey says that habit 2 is the first, or mental creation; habit 3 is the second, or physical creation.
habit 4 - think win-win®
Covey calls this the habit of interpersonal leadership, necessary because achievements are largely dependent on co-operative efforts with others. He says that win-win is based on the assumption that there is plenty for everyone, and that success follows a co-operative approach more naturally than the confrontation of win-or-lose.
habit 5 - seek first to understand and then to be understood®
One of the great maxims of the modern age. This is Covey's habit of communication, and it's extremely powerful. Covey helps to explain this in his simple analogy 'diagnose before you prescribe'. Simple and effective, and essential for developing and maintaining positive relationships in all aspects of life.
habit 6 - synergize®
Covey says this is the habit of creative co-operation - the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, which implicitly lays down the challenge to see the good and potential in the other person's contribution.
habit 7 - sharpen the saw®
This is the habit of self renewal, says Covey, and it necessarily surrounds all the other habits, enabling and encouraging them to happen and grow. Covey interprets the self into four parts: the spiritual, mental, physical and the social/emotional, which all need feeding and developing.
Stephen Covey's Seven Habits are a simple set of rules for life - inter-related and synergistic, and yet each one powerful and worthy of adopting and following in its own right. For many people, reading Covey's work, or listening to him speak, literally changes their lives. This is powerful stuff indeed and highly recommended.
This 7 Habits summary is just a brief overview - the full work is fascinating, comprehensive, and thoroughly uplifting. Read the book, or listen to the full tape series if you can get hold of it.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Tension
One Moment listen please
The Moment you are in Tension
You will lose your Attention
Then you are in total Confusion
And you will feel Irritation
Then you will spoil personal Relation
Ultimately, you won't get Co - Operation
Then you will make things Complication
Then your blood pressure may raise Caution
And you may have to take Medication
Instead, understand the Situation
And try to think about the Solution
Many problems will be solved by Discussion
This will work out better in your Profession
Don't think it's my free Suggestion
It's only for your Prevention
If you understand my Intention
You will never come again to Tension
- Bill Gates -
The Moment you are in Tension
You will lose your Attention
Then you are in total Confusion
And you will feel Irritation
Then you will spoil personal Relation
Ultimately, you won't get Co - Operation
Then you will make things Complication
Then your blood pressure may raise Caution
And you may have to take Medication
Instead, understand the Situation
And try to think about the Solution
Many problems will be solved by Discussion
This will work out better in your Profession
Don't think it's my free Suggestion
It's only for your Prevention
If you understand my Intention
You will never come again to Tension
- Bill Gates -
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Service Flow
WHICH WAY IS YOUR SERVICE FLOWING?
We all serve others.
We give internal service to colleagues and external service to customers. With service partners we work together. You might serve a manager. Servant leaders serve their teams.
Tennis begins with service. Cars are regularly serviced. And from time to time, computers need servicing, too.
There is community service, religious service, food service, civil service and military service. Prisoners are serving time.
Others are serving humanity.
When you Serve you give and energy flows from you to others. That creates a vacuum, so life flows energy back to you.
When you Con-serve, you put something aside so it can serve again in the future. When you Pre-serve, you protect something today so it can serve again tomorrow.
But when you think too hard about what you De-serve, your energy shifts from giving, to getting. The flow starts going backwards and you may debase, degrade, and decline.
We all serve others.
We give internal service to colleagues and external service to customers. With service partners we work together. You might serve a manager. Servant leaders serve their teams.
Tennis begins with service. Cars are regularly serviced. And from time to time, computers need servicing, too.
There is community service, religious service, food service, civil service and military service. Prisoners are serving time.
Others are serving humanity.
When you Serve you give and energy flows from you to others. That creates a vacuum, so life flows energy back to you.
When you Con-serve, you put something aside so it can serve again in the future. When you Pre-serve, you protect something today so it can serve again tomorrow.
But when you think too hard about what you De-serve, your energy shifts from giving, to getting. The flow starts going backwards and you may debase, degrade, and decline.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Key to success
"The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes."- Benjamin Disraeli -
So how do you spell success? I guess it depends on who you ask. Success, it seems, means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Benjamin Disraeli seemed to spell success p-r-e-p-a-r-a-t-i-o-n, reminding us of the importance of being ready when opportunity presents itself.
That’s seems like a good spelling lesson, since success has often been defined as the moment preparation meets opportunity. And Henry Ford, one of America’s greatest success stories concurred, saying, "Before everything else; getting ready is the secret of success."
So how do you spell success? I guess it depends on who you ask. Success, it seems, means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Benjamin Disraeli seemed to spell success p-r-e-p-a-r-a-t-i-o-n, reminding us of the importance of being ready when opportunity presents itself.
That’s seems like a good spelling lesson, since success has often been defined as the moment preparation meets opportunity. And Henry Ford, one of America’s greatest success stories concurred, saying, "Before everything else; getting ready is the secret of success."
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Confidence in YOU
"Take pride in how far you have come, have faith in how far you can go." - Author Unknown -
People rarely need to ask the winners what they stand for, since winners let their actions do the talking, not their words. A winner takes pride in himself or herself, knowing full well that this pride is the driving force behind his or her inner strength.
You should be proud of who you are, you should be proud of where you are going, you should take pride in the way you treat other people and should never, ever compromise what you firmly believe is right. You need to do the things that you know need to be done, say the things that need to be said and be the person that you need to be.
"Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings." - Samuel Johnson -
No matter how hard you try to bury it and regardless of how long you have neglected it, your pride is still burning strong. Every person longs for the unparalleled feeling of self satisfaction that comes from a job well done. There are few better feelings than knowing you did your best and by doing so, you completed the goals and objectives you set for yourself. You should never feel ashamed about taking a great deal of personal pride in your accomplishments.
People rarely need to ask the winners what they stand for, since winners let their actions do the talking, not their words. A winner takes pride in himself or herself, knowing full well that this pride is the driving force behind his or her inner strength.
You should be proud of who you are, you should be proud of where you are going, you should take pride in the way you treat other people and should never, ever compromise what you firmly believe is right. You need to do the things that you know need to be done, say the things that need to be said and be the person that you need to be.
"Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings." - Samuel Johnson -
No matter how hard you try to bury it and regardless of how long you have neglected it, your pride is still burning strong. Every person longs for the unparalleled feeling of self satisfaction that comes from a job well done. There are few better feelings than knowing you did your best and by doing so, you completed the goals and objectives you set for yourself. You should never feel ashamed about taking a great deal of personal pride in your accomplishments.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Working on yourself
“Learn to work harder on yourself than on your job. When you work hard on your job, you can make a living, but when you work hard on yourself you can make a fortune.” I cannot help but agree wholeheartedly with his statement. Do you realize that many of us put in hours and hours of hard work at our jobs? This is good, but it brings about two problems. Firstly, we work hard because we are doing the same things and therefore the only way to get better results is to work even harder. Secondly, we are neglecting ourselves in relation to our own personal development and skill sets.
Like Jack Canfield, I believe that we need to focus on working harder on ourselves, and on improving ourselves as opposed to working harder at our job. Let’s take a salesman for example. Let’s say he works 8 hours a day trying to sell his products. I would think that if he invested a half hour of his time daily in improving his sales skills by reading books, listening to audio tapes, going for seminars/training or interacting with star salesmen, then he will most certainly become better at what he does. By applying what he learns he will then most certainly improve his sales results from the same number of calls that he makes. He improves not because he worked harder, but because he used different methods or else improved his previous methods.
We are all products in the job market and therefore need to always be knowledgeable and competitive so that we remain competent at what we do. What we know and how proficient we are in the skills that we have determines our "market-value" in the job market. It is therefore important that we "invest" in ourselves by constantly upgrading and learning new skills or improving those that we have already acquired. The trouble with most of us is that we tend to leave this heavy responsibility of our personal development to the company’s training department or our immediate supervisor. I would argue that it is best for us to take charge of our own careers. Anything extra the company does will be a bonus.
Please remember that if you keep on doing things the way you are now, you will continue to produce the same results and therefore your career will remain stagnant. Worse still, you will have to work harder and harder as your management will obviously expect greater productivity through time. As Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same things but expecting different results”.
Like Jack Canfield, I believe that we need to focus on working harder on ourselves, and on improving ourselves as opposed to working harder at our job. Let’s take a salesman for example. Let’s say he works 8 hours a day trying to sell his products. I would think that if he invested a half hour of his time daily in improving his sales skills by reading books, listening to audio tapes, going for seminars/training or interacting with star salesmen, then he will most certainly become better at what he does. By applying what he learns he will then most certainly improve his sales results from the same number of calls that he makes. He improves not because he worked harder, but because he used different methods or else improved his previous methods.
We are all products in the job market and therefore need to always be knowledgeable and competitive so that we remain competent at what we do. What we know and how proficient we are in the skills that we have determines our "market-value" in the job market. It is therefore important that we "invest" in ourselves by constantly upgrading and learning new skills or improving those that we have already acquired. The trouble with most of us is that we tend to leave this heavy responsibility of our personal development to the company’s training department or our immediate supervisor. I would argue that it is best for us to take charge of our own careers. Anything extra the company does will be a bonus.
Please remember that if you keep on doing things the way you are now, you will continue to produce the same results and therefore your career will remain stagnant. Worse still, you will have to work harder and harder as your management will obviously expect greater productivity through time. As Albert Einstein said, “Insanity is doing the same things but expecting different results”.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Winning attitude
Extract from John C. Maxwell's - "The Winning Attitude"
Usually the person who rises within an organisation has a good attitude. The promotions did not give that individual an outstanding attitude, but an outstanding attitude resulted in that person being promoted. A recent study by Telemetrics International concerned those "nice guys" who had climbed the corporate ladder. A total of 16,000 executives were studied. Observe the difference between the executives defined as "high achievers" (those who generally have a healthy attitude) and "low achievers" (those who generally have an unhealthy attitude):
High achievers tended to care about people as well as profits; low achievers were preoccupied with their own security.
High achievers viewed their subordinates optimistically; low achievers showed a basic distrust of their subordinates' abilities.
High achievers sought advice from subordinates; low achievers didn't.
High achievers were listeners; low achievers avoided communication and relied on policy manuals.
CHALLENGE: For one week treat every person you meet, without a single exception, as the most important person on earth. You will find that they will begin treating you the same way.
Usually the person who rises within an organisation has a good attitude. The promotions did not give that individual an outstanding attitude, but an outstanding attitude resulted in that person being promoted. A recent study by Telemetrics International concerned those "nice guys" who had climbed the corporate ladder. A total of 16,000 executives were studied. Observe the difference between the executives defined as "high achievers" (those who generally have a healthy attitude) and "low achievers" (those who generally have an unhealthy attitude):
High achievers tended to care about people as well as profits; low achievers were preoccupied with their own security.
High achievers viewed their subordinates optimistically; low achievers showed a basic distrust of their subordinates' abilities.
High achievers sought advice from subordinates; low achievers didn't.
High achievers were listeners; low achievers avoided communication and relied on policy manuals.
CHALLENGE: For one week treat every person you meet, without a single exception, as the most important person on earth. You will find that they will begin treating you the same way.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Yes , We Can !
Hi! And how are you all? I am most certain that you have all been watching the events in America and the election of Barrack Obama as the 44th President of America. I heard him giving his victory speech on CNN and I found it truly moving and inspiring. Hence I am sending the text of the speech to all of you. He, for better or worse, is going to be a great influence in world events in the next few years. Most importantly, Obama made history by becoming the first African American to be president. Anything is possible!! WE CAN!!
Wednesday, 05 November 2008 01:25pm
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, Chicago, Illinois: Text of President-elect Barack Obama's victory speech in Chicago on Tuesday, as released by his campaign:
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference. It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America. It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.
I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden. I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure. To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done. But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you. I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.
I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there. There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too. And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow. This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old. She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can. At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can. When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can. She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can. A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
Wednesday, 05 November 2008 01:25pm
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008, Chicago, Illinois: Text of President-elect Barack Obama's victory speech in Chicago on Tuesday, as released by his campaign:
If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. It's the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference. It's the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled - Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America. It's the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day. It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.
I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he's fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation's promise in the months ahead.
I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden. I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation's next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House. And while she's no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure. To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics - you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you've sacrificed to get it done. But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to - it belongs to you. I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn't start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington - it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.
It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation's apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.
I know you didn't do this just to win an election and I know you didn't do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime - two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they'll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor's bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.
The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there. There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can't solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it's been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.
What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek - it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you. So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it's that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers - in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.
Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House - a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, "We are not enemies, but friends...though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection." And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn - I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too. And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world - our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down - we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security - we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America's beacon still burns as bright - tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.
For that is the true genius of America - that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow. This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that's on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She's a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing - Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old. She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn't vote for two reasons - because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.
And tonight, I think about all that she's seen throughout her century in America - the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can't, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can. At a time when women's voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.
When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can. When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can. She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that "We Shall Overcome." Yes we can. A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.
America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves - if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?
This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:
Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Inner Light & You
Allow Your Own 'Inner-Light' to Guide You
There comes a time when you must stand alone.
You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.
You must be willing to make sacrifices.
You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved.
Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.
There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.
Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by.
Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.
Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.
There comes a time when you must stand alone.
You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.
You must be willing to make sacrifices.
You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved.
Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.
There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.
Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by.
Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop, and find your true sense of purpose in this life.
Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Control your life
“We are called to be architects of the future, not its victims.”Buckminster Fuller
The longer I live, the more I am amazed over the simplicity of life. Now I am not suggesting that life is always simple; far from it. In fact, life can become downright complicated if allowed to do so. But the recipe for a fulfilling and rewarding lifetime IS relatively simple. Living a fantastic life filled with good times and even better memories has a great deal to do with the space between our ears and very little to do with outside factors, fate or circumstance.
Oh sure, we can allow the pressures, problems and predicaments that we face daily to rock our boat or even toss us overboard. That’s the easy thing to do. Not always simple, but easy. By giving in or giving up, we can then blame the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker for everything that’s gone wrong in our lives. Pointing the finger in every direction but ours may make us feel better for a few moments, but does that fruitless exercise in futility ever get us anywhere worthwhile?
You know the answer.
The longer I live, the more I am amazed over the simplicity of life. Now I am not suggesting that life is always simple; far from it. In fact, life can become downright complicated if allowed to do so. But the recipe for a fulfilling and rewarding lifetime IS relatively simple. Living a fantastic life filled with good times and even better memories has a great deal to do with the space between our ears and very little to do with outside factors, fate or circumstance.
Oh sure, we can allow the pressures, problems and predicaments that we face daily to rock our boat or even toss us overboard. That’s the easy thing to do. Not always simple, but easy. By giving in or giving up, we can then blame the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker for everything that’s gone wrong in our lives. Pointing the finger in every direction but ours may make us feel better for a few moments, but does that fruitless exercise in futility ever get us anywhere worthwhile?
You know the answer.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Keeping the Discipline
“You never will be the person you can be if pressure, tension, and discipline are taken out of your life.”James G. Bilkey
On the other hand, if you typically stay in control when adversity smacks you right in the chops, chances are good that you are an individual who generally responds to problems when they occur. By staying cool, calm and collected, even when the heat is turned up past the boiling point, you’re better able to focus on finding a way around, over or through the obstacle placed in your path. Responding rather than reacting is the name of game when dealing with pressure.
Think about it for a moment. Let’s say you’re not feeling particularly well and the doctor prescribes some medicine for you to take. If your body responds to the medication, chances are excellent that you’ll be up and around in no time at all. However, if your body reacts to the prescription, you can actually end up worse off than before you took the medicine. The same principle applies to daily life
On the other hand, if you typically stay in control when adversity smacks you right in the chops, chances are good that you are an individual who generally responds to problems when they occur. By staying cool, calm and collected, even when the heat is turned up past the boiling point, you’re better able to focus on finding a way around, over or through the obstacle placed in your path. Responding rather than reacting is the name of game when dealing with pressure.
Think about it for a moment. Let’s say you’re not feeling particularly well and the doctor prescribes some medicine for you to take. If your body responds to the medication, chances are excellent that you’ll be up and around in no time at all. However, if your body reacts to the prescription, you can actually end up worse off than before you took the medicine. The same principle applies to daily life
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Thoughts on POWER
”I breathed through my fear and found my power.”Barbara Joseph
Have you been there before? I have - in fact, I bet most of us have. You know the story; you’re rolling along and feeling pretty good about things when out of nowhere a bear of a problem smacks you right in the chops. Almost before you know the problem is there, it has you in a strangle hold.
The rapid manner in which these big time problems arise can severely test our faith and eat away at the confidence we hold within. If we are not careful, we can quickly become overwhelmed and overpowered by the problem presented. If we are not careful...
”He is most powerful who has power over himself.”Seneca
The first step in diffusing big time problems is learning how to overcome those unsettling feelings of overwhelm the problem creates. By refusing to allow the problem any power over you, you immediately begin overpowering the problem. And that’s precisely the edge you need to beat back adversity. With a clear mind unencumbered by overwhelm, you take control. Never forget that you’re the one with the power. You have the power to overcome anything and everything that attempts to keep you from attaining your dreams. You have the power to overcome life’s problems - big and small alike - while forging ahead towards the achievement of your goals. And last but certainly not least, you have the power to fashion a lifetime of accomplishment and fulfillment
Have you been there before? I have - in fact, I bet most of us have. You know the story; you’re rolling along and feeling pretty good about things when out of nowhere a bear of a problem smacks you right in the chops. Almost before you know the problem is there, it has you in a strangle hold.
The rapid manner in which these big time problems arise can severely test our faith and eat away at the confidence we hold within. If we are not careful, we can quickly become overwhelmed and overpowered by the problem presented. If we are not careful...
”He is most powerful who has power over himself.”Seneca
The first step in diffusing big time problems is learning how to overcome those unsettling feelings of overwhelm the problem creates. By refusing to allow the problem any power over you, you immediately begin overpowering the problem. And that’s precisely the edge you need to beat back adversity. With a clear mind unencumbered by overwhelm, you take control. Never forget that you’re the one with the power. You have the power to overcome anything and everything that attempts to keep you from attaining your dreams. You have the power to overcome life’s problems - big and small alike - while forging ahead towards the achievement of your goals. And last but certainly not least, you have the power to fashion a lifetime of accomplishment and fulfillment
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
The Five " Cs" of success
Recently Richard Deitsch interviewed Indra Nooyi, the new CEO of PepsiCo, I found the discussion rather interesting and thought I would share some of her philosophy with you.
Excerpt reprinted with permission of The Costco Connection, copyright 2008.
The cornerstones of Nooyi`s management are what she describes as the five “C’s” for success, competence, courage (and confidence), communication, compass and coaching.
The first four “C’s” I never change she says. The first one is competence. I think you can’t move up in any job or in life unless you are darn good at something. You have to have a hip-pocket skill. If you forget that skill, your, your utility goes down in your company because people don’t know what to come to you for because you are not current in anything.
The second “C’s” are courage and confidence. You can be very good at something, but if you are not willing to break some china in speaking up when you think something is not being done right, what is the value of having all that competency.
The third “C” is communication. You might be willing to have the courage and have the confidence, but if you can’t communicate what you are going to do in a compelling way, that is a wasted thing.
The forth “C” is compass. You can have everything, but if you don’t have the moral integrity it is all for naught.
The fifth “C” I have varied over time. The one that I use most often is the notion of coaching because mentors have always played a role in my life. Mentors find you. You don’t find them. A mentor has picked you because you have the competence, the courage and confidence, you are a great communicator and you have the moral compass. They say “ I want to hitch my horse to yours because I think you are going places and you will take me with you. Not because I need it but because I I enjoy the ride.
Excerpt reprinted with permission of The Costco Connection, copyright 2008.
The cornerstones of Nooyi`s management are what she describes as the five “C’s” for success, competence, courage (and confidence), communication, compass and coaching.
The first four “C’s” I never change she says. The first one is competence. I think you can’t move up in any job or in life unless you are darn good at something. You have to have a hip-pocket skill. If you forget that skill, your, your utility goes down in your company because people don’t know what to come to you for because you are not current in anything.
The second “C’s” are courage and confidence. You can be very good at something, but if you are not willing to break some china in speaking up when you think something is not being done right, what is the value of having all that competency.
The third “C” is communication. You might be willing to have the courage and have the confidence, but if you can’t communicate what you are going to do in a compelling way, that is a wasted thing.
The forth “C” is compass. You can have everything, but if you don’t have the moral integrity it is all for naught.
The fifth “C” I have varied over time. The one that I use most often is the notion of coaching because mentors have always played a role in my life. Mentors find you. You don’t find them. A mentor has picked you because you have the competence, the courage and confidence, you are a great communicator and you have the moral compass. They say “ I want to hitch my horse to yours because I think you are going places and you will take me with you. Not because I need it but because I I enjoy the ride.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Give more of yourself to others
WHICH WAY IS YOUR SERVICE FLOWING?
by Ron Kaufman
We all serve others.
We give internal service to colleagues and external service to customers. With service partners we work together. You might serve a manager. Servant leaders serve their teams.
Tennis begins with service. Cars are regularly serviced. And from time to time, computers need servicing, too.
There is community service, religious service, food service, civil service and military service. Prisoners are serving time.
Others are serving humanity.
When you Serve you give and energy flows from you to others. That creates a vacuum, so life flows energy back to you.
When you Con-serve, you put something aside so it can serve again in the future. When you Pre-serve, you protect something today so it can serve again tomorrow.
But when you think too hard about what you De-serve, your energy shifts from giving, to getting. The flow starts going backwards and you may debase, degrade, and decline.
Key Learning Point:
The way to get more of whatever you want is to focus on giving more to others. If you want a lot, give a lot. If you want more, give more.
Action Steps:
Want more money? Give more value. Want more love? Give more affection. Want more respect? Give more credit. Want more help?
Give more appreciation. Want more understanding? Give more time.
Want a more extraordinary life? Give more of yourself to others.
by Ron Kaufman
We all serve others.
We give internal service to colleagues and external service to customers. With service partners we work together. You might serve a manager. Servant leaders serve their teams.
Tennis begins with service. Cars are regularly serviced. And from time to time, computers need servicing, too.
There is community service, religious service, food service, civil service and military service. Prisoners are serving time.
Others are serving humanity.
When you Serve you give and energy flows from you to others. That creates a vacuum, so life flows energy back to you.
When you Con-serve, you put something aside so it can serve again in the future. When you Pre-serve, you protect something today so it can serve again tomorrow.
But when you think too hard about what you De-serve, your energy shifts from giving, to getting. The flow starts going backwards and you may debase, degrade, and decline.
Key Learning Point:
The way to get more of whatever you want is to focus on giving more to others. If you want a lot, give a lot. If you want more, give more.
Action Steps:
Want more money? Give more value. Want more love? Give more affection. Want more respect? Give more credit. Want more help?
Give more appreciation. Want more understanding? Give more time.
Want a more extraordinary life? Give more of yourself to others.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
YOUR ARE NEVER TOO OLD TO ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS!!
Karen Morris realized she wanted to become a doctor at the age of 15. Unfortunately, a year later she became pregnant which put the dream on hold. She finally finished school, got married, had 5 children, and ran her own beauty salon. A medical degree seemed out of the question then. She eventually decided to become a nurse but the itch to become a doctor never went away. In nursing school, she juggled her studies with a full-time job, raising the children - and a failed marriage.
Finally, when her youngest children were teenagers, Karen made the decision to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. She said firmly, "I don't want to be 80 years old, look back at my life, and say - what if? At the same time, I thought everyone would think I was crazy," she said. "I was 38, had five kids, who wouldn't think I was crazy?"
In 2003, Karen enrolled into the prestigious Yale School of Medicine. The path towards realizing her dream was however not an easy one. While at Yale, Karen had financial problems even though she was working as a nurse, part time. A medical degree is a very tough course and Karen had difficulties juggling classes with her part time job, assignments, competing and interacting with younger course mates etc. She recalls that she couldn't have handled it all if not for the assistance of her children, who gave her moral and financial support all the time. At the same time, she never, ever wavered from her commitment of becoming a doctor. And this she says was what gave her energy when things got difficult and stressful.
Finally, in June 2007, in spite of all the obstacles and challenges, the 45-year-old mother of five and grandmother of two, graduated as a doctor from the prestigious Yale School of Medicine - the first ever grandmother to do so. What an awesome achievement!!!
If there is one lesson that we can take from all this, it is that we must never, ever let go of our dreams. There will be problems, the usual naysayers, the never ending challenges, but if we truly believe in what we want and make a commitment, then there will always be a great chance that we will be able to achieve it, just like Karen Morris! So just go out there, be a little ‘crazy’ and take decisive action to make all your dreams come true!!!
Finally, when her youngest children were teenagers, Karen made the decision to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. She said firmly, "I don't want to be 80 years old, look back at my life, and say - what if? At the same time, I thought everyone would think I was crazy," she said. "I was 38, had five kids, who wouldn't think I was crazy?"
In 2003, Karen enrolled into the prestigious Yale School of Medicine. The path towards realizing her dream was however not an easy one. While at Yale, Karen had financial problems even though she was working as a nurse, part time. A medical degree is a very tough course and Karen had difficulties juggling classes with her part time job, assignments, competing and interacting with younger course mates etc. She recalls that she couldn't have handled it all if not for the assistance of her children, who gave her moral and financial support all the time. At the same time, she never, ever wavered from her commitment of becoming a doctor. And this she says was what gave her energy when things got difficult and stressful.
Finally, in June 2007, in spite of all the obstacles and challenges, the 45-year-old mother of five and grandmother of two, graduated as a doctor from the prestigious Yale School of Medicine - the first ever grandmother to do so. What an awesome achievement!!!
If there is one lesson that we can take from all this, it is that we must never, ever let go of our dreams. There will be problems, the usual naysayers, the never ending challenges, but if we truly believe in what we want and make a commitment, then there will always be a great chance that we will be able to achieve it, just like Karen Morris! So just go out there, be a little ‘crazy’ and take decisive action to make all your dreams come true!!!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Be a brand
Your brand is how people think of you. Tom Peters says that “a brand is a trust mark, it’s shorthand, it’s a sorting device.” Think of the well known brands – Coca Cola, Pepsi, Dell, Mac, or iPod. All of them are shorthand for a product. People can be brands, too. Here are several things you can do to ensure your brand is one of high integrity:
Be direct. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Nothing so astonishes men as common sense and plain dealing.” Astonish people with your straightforward communication style.
Admit your mistakes. We all make mistakes. When you own up to yours, you’ll gain a reputation as a straight-shooter – someone who is as honest with himself or herself as he or she is with others.
Deliver. Become trusted by doing what you say you’ll do.
Keep confidences. Earn trust by being trustworthy. Avoid gossip. Respect privacy if someone entrusts you with personal information.
Give credit. Do your job and give credit to others for doing theirs.
Choose associates carefully. Join only those organizations and associate only with those people whose values are in line with your own. If you aren’t comfortable with your surroundings, you’ll have a hard time making a positive personal impact.
Be direct. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Nothing so astonishes men as common sense and plain dealing.” Astonish people with your straightforward communication style.
Admit your mistakes. We all make mistakes. When you own up to yours, you’ll gain a reputation as a straight-shooter – someone who is as honest with himself or herself as he or she is with others.
Deliver. Become trusted by doing what you say you’ll do.
Keep confidences. Earn trust by being trustworthy. Avoid gossip. Respect privacy if someone entrusts you with personal information.
Give credit. Do your job and give credit to others for doing theirs.
Choose associates carefully. Join only those organizations and associate only with those people whose values are in line with your own. If you aren’t comfortable with your surroundings, you’ll have a hard time making a positive personal impact.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The MAIN Thing
Here are five ways to ensure your employees not only know what your main thing is, but also that they work together to accomplish it.
1. Share your vision of what’s truly important…what you want and need your team to achieve. Don’t just recite the organization’s vision – that’s great for the annual report, but employees need to know what’s in your head. It should be a clear explanation of what your team’s results can and should be…and how you see that happening.
2. Provide regular feedback on how each team member is helping to accomplish the main thing. Do not fall into the “as long as you don’t hear from me you’ll know you’re doing okay” trap. Again, your people need to hear directly from you whether things are going well or not.
3. Show the team that you care. If your group is like most, the question “Does anybody really give a flip about what we do around here?” probably comes up now and then. Everyone needs to feel (and BE) appreciated by his or her leader. In fact, being recognized for one’s efforts and contributions is the number one factor leading to long-term job satisfaction. That’s right…it ranks above money!
4. Identify and eliminate unnecessary activities that either don’t support your main thing or that block the progress and success of your people. Test all of the team’s decisions and activities against the main thing. Then have the courage to stop doing the things that distract the team from accomplishing its top priority.
5. Stay consistent. The leader’s job is to provide consistency in everything he or she does. Your actions must be consistent with your words. The performance reviews you conduct must be consistent with the coaching you have provided along the way; the reward system you have in place must reflect and acknowledge the accomplishment of important team goals.
1. Share your vision of what’s truly important…what you want and need your team to achieve. Don’t just recite the organization’s vision – that’s great for the annual report, but employees need to know what’s in your head. It should be a clear explanation of what your team’s results can and should be…and how you see that happening.
2. Provide regular feedback on how each team member is helping to accomplish the main thing. Do not fall into the “as long as you don’t hear from me you’ll know you’re doing okay” trap. Again, your people need to hear directly from you whether things are going well or not.
3. Show the team that you care. If your group is like most, the question “Does anybody really give a flip about what we do around here?” probably comes up now and then. Everyone needs to feel (and BE) appreciated by his or her leader. In fact, being recognized for one’s efforts and contributions is the number one factor leading to long-term job satisfaction. That’s right…it ranks above money!
4. Identify and eliminate unnecessary activities that either don’t support your main thing or that block the progress and success of your people. Test all of the team’s decisions and activities against the main thing. Then have the courage to stop doing the things that distract the team from accomplishing its top priority.
5. Stay consistent. The leader’s job is to provide consistency in everything he or she does. Your actions must be consistent with your words. The performance reviews you conduct must be consistent with the coaching you have provided along the way; the reward system you have in place must reflect and acknowledge the accomplishment of important team goals.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Just a little makes the difference
For me, there is only one very, very important lesson that we can learn from Usain Bolt. And I will start talking about this lesson by way of a question. How many of you can name me the runner up in the 100 meters event, the 200 meters event and the 4 x 100 relay event, all of which Usain Bolt won or was part of the team that won?
Usain Bolt
I would think that 95% of you would not have been able to answer that question. So the first minor lesson in life is that nobody remembers the runner ups in life; We only remember the winner. And yet ironically the difference between the winner and the runner was in miniscule seconds
If we take the 100 meters for example, we find that the difference between the winner and the runner up was only 0.2 and yet the rewards that will be reaped by Usain Bolt will be at least a hundred fold more than Richard Thompson.
Using the above only as a metaphor, what does it tell us? It tells us that in life ‘A small performance improvement can make a huge difference in terms of rewards.’
As W. Clement Stone, the author and master motivator said,
“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference.”
It means that if each and every one of us can improve by say 5% in our skills or behavior, then the rewards we will reap will be many, many fold. That improvement may make us the Usain Bolt in our department, our company, our industry etc. And the great thing is that there is no need for a quantum leap in terms of performance. Just a little at the right places!
So just go out there and make that little performance improvement. You certainly can!! Ultimately you will be glad that you did when the rewards start to rain down!!
- Heera Singh
Usain Bolt
I would think that 95% of you would not have been able to answer that question. So the first minor lesson in life is that nobody remembers the runner ups in life; We only remember the winner. And yet ironically the difference between the winner and the runner was in miniscule seconds
If we take the 100 meters for example, we find that the difference between the winner and the runner up was only 0.2 and yet the rewards that will be reaped by Usain Bolt will be at least a hundred fold more than Richard Thompson.
Using the above only as a metaphor, what does it tell us? It tells us that in life ‘A small performance improvement can make a huge difference in terms of rewards.’
As W. Clement Stone, the author and master motivator said,
“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference.”
It means that if each and every one of us can improve by say 5% in our skills or behavior, then the rewards we will reap will be many, many fold. That improvement may make us the Usain Bolt in our department, our company, our industry etc. And the great thing is that there is no need for a quantum leap in terms of performance. Just a little at the right places!
So just go out there and make that little performance improvement. You certainly can!! Ultimately you will be glad that you did when the rewards start to rain down!!
- Heera Singh
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
GREAT service is not complicated
As much as we try to complicate what great service is...
it's really pretty simple: It is giving more than the customer expects...consistently.
You notice I said simple, not easy. There is a big difference!
Here is an example to illustrate that :
Now I'm a big fan of Nordstrom. My wife is a bigger fan! For many years we've been impressed with the “Nordstrom attitude” when it comes to servicing their customers. A few years ago, we were in Nordstrom doing some last minute Christmas shopping. As we were walking through the men's department, an employee came out of nowhere and said, “Sir, wait right here, I'll be right back.” I watched him run over to the next counter about 100 feet away, grab something and start running back. When he got back, he said, “Sir, I think you've been trying on sweaters.” I said, “How'd you know?” He said, “The back of your black shirt looks like it's been snowed on, and it's not snowing in here!”
We both laughed and he proceeded to remove the fuzz with his lint roller. After about 10 seconds, he said, “That's it...You're free to buy more stuff! I hope you and your wife have a wonderful Christmas!”
After spending about one hour in the store, we each had 3 Nordstrom bags, and as we were walking out the exit into the rest of the mall, another employee ran over and said, “Let me keep all these bags here while you do the rest of your shopping. They'll be right here, just ask for me.” He introduced himself and he handed me his card.
About one hour later, with more packages from the mall, we came back. As we walked into the store, I saw the gentleman who had taken our bags walking towards us and with a big smile, “Welcome back Mr. and Mrs. Anderson.” He then looked at our new shopping bags and said, “My goodness, you're going to have a load. Can I help you take these bags to the car?” Now please understand, it's Christmas, the store is full of people, it's cold outside, the parking lot is full...and this gentleman is asking if he can help take our bags to the car! Even though I said, “No thanks” I knew his intentions were 100% sincere.
I have to tell you the whole service experience on that day blew me away, but I've learned over the years, it's business as unusual at Nordstrom!
it's really pretty simple: It is giving more than the customer expects...consistently.
You notice I said simple, not easy. There is a big difference!
Here is an example to illustrate that :
Now I'm a big fan of Nordstrom. My wife is a bigger fan! For many years we've been impressed with the “Nordstrom attitude” when it comes to servicing their customers. A few years ago, we were in Nordstrom doing some last minute Christmas shopping. As we were walking through the men's department, an employee came out of nowhere and said, “Sir, wait right here, I'll be right back.” I watched him run over to the next counter about 100 feet away, grab something and start running back. When he got back, he said, “Sir, I think you've been trying on sweaters.” I said, “How'd you know?” He said, “The back of your black shirt looks like it's been snowed on, and it's not snowing in here!”
We both laughed and he proceeded to remove the fuzz with his lint roller. After about 10 seconds, he said, “That's it...You're free to buy more stuff! I hope you and your wife have a wonderful Christmas!”
After spending about one hour in the store, we each had 3 Nordstrom bags, and as we were walking out the exit into the rest of the mall, another employee ran over and said, “Let me keep all these bags here while you do the rest of your shopping. They'll be right here, just ask for me.” He introduced himself and he handed me his card.
About one hour later, with more packages from the mall, we came back. As we walked into the store, I saw the gentleman who had taken our bags walking towards us and with a big smile, “Welcome back Mr. and Mrs. Anderson.” He then looked at our new shopping bags and said, “My goodness, you're going to have a load. Can I help you take these bags to the car?” Now please understand, it's Christmas, the store is full of people, it's cold outside, the parking lot is full...and this gentleman is asking if he can help take our bags to the car! Even though I said, “No thanks” I knew his intentions were 100% sincere.
I have to tell you the whole service experience on that day blew me away, but I've learned over the years, it's business as unusual at Nordstrom!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Cause of Turnover ?
WHY EMPLOYEES LEAVE ORGANISATIONS ? - Azim Premji, CEO- Wipro
Every company faces the problem of people leaving the company for better pay or profile.
Early this year, Mark, a senior software designer, got an offer from a prestigious international firm to work in its India operations developing specialized software. He was thrilled by the offer. He had heard a lot about the CEO. The salary was great. The company had all the right systems in place employee-friendly human resources (HR) policies, a spanking new office, and the very best technology, even a canteen that served superb food. Twice Mark was sent abroad for training. "My learning curve is the sharpest it's ever been," he said soon after he joined.
Last week, less than eight months after he joined, Mark walked out of the job. Why did this talented employee leave ?Arun quit for the same reason that drives many good people away.
The answer lies in one of the largest studies undertaken by the Gallup Organization. The study surveyed over a million employees and 80,000 managers and was published in a book called "First Break All The Rules".
It came up with this surprising finding: If you're losing good people, look to their immediate boss . Immediate boss is the reason people stay and thrive in an organization. And he's/she's the reason why people leave.
When people leave they take knowledge, experience and contacts with them, straight to the competition. "People leave managers not companies," write the authors Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman. Mostly manager drives people away?HR experts say that of all the abuses, employees find humiliation the most intolerable. The first time, an employee may not leave, but a thought has been planted. The second time, that thought gets strengthened. The third time, he looks for another job.
When people cannot retort openly in anger, they do so by passive aggression. By digging their heels in and slowing down. By doing only what they are told to do and no more. By omitting to give the boss crucial information. Dev says: "If you work for a jerk, you basically want to get him into trouble. You don 't have your heart and soul in the job." Different managers can stress out employees in different ways - by being too controlling, too suspicious, too pushy, too critical, but they forget that workers are not fixed assets, they are free agents. When this goes on too long, an employee will quit - often over a trivial issue.
Talented staff leaves. Dead wood doesn't.
Every company faces the problem of people leaving the company for better pay or profile.
Early this year, Mark, a senior software designer, got an offer from a prestigious international firm to work in its India operations developing specialized software. He was thrilled by the offer. He had heard a lot about the CEO. The salary was great. The company had all the right systems in place employee-friendly human resources (HR) policies, a spanking new office, and the very best technology, even a canteen that served superb food. Twice Mark was sent abroad for training. "My learning curve is the sharpest it's ever been," he said soon after he joined.
Last week, less than eight months after he joined, Mark walked out of the job. Why did this talented employee leave ?Arun quit for the same reason that drives many good people away.
The answer lies in one of the largest studies undertaken by the Gallup Organization. The study surveyed over a million employees and 80,000 managers and was published in a book called "First Break All The Rules".
It came up with this surprising finding: If you're losing good people, look to their immediate boss . Immediate boss is the reason people stay and thrive in an organization. And he's/she's the reason why people leave.
When people leave they take knowledge, experience and contacts with them, straight to the competition. "People leave managers not companies," write the authors Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman. Mostly manager drives people away?HR experts say that of all the abuses, employees find humiliation the most intolerable. The first time, an employee may not leave, but a thought has been planted. The second time, that thought gets strengthened. The third time, he looks for another job.
When people cannot retort openly in anger, they do so by passive aggression. By digging their heels in and slowing down. By doing only what they are told to do and no more. By omitting to give the boss crucial information. Dev says: "If you work for a jerk, you basically want to get him into trouble. You don 't have your heart and soul in the job." Different managers can stress out employees in different ways - by being too controlling, too suspicious, too pushy, too critical, but they forget that workers are not fixed assets, they are free agents. When this goes on too long, an employee will quit - often over a trivial issue.
Talented staff leaves. Dead wood doesn't.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Power Within
"Believe in yourself and in your dream,
Though impossible things may seem;
That some how, some way you'll see it through to the goal you have in view.
Mountains fall and seas divide before the one who in his stride
takes the hard road day by day sweeping obstacles away.
Believe in yourself and in your plan;
Say not I can not but rather I can.
The prizes of life we fail to win
Because we doubt the power within
Anonymous
Though impossible things may seem;
That some how, some way you'll see it through to the goal you have in view.
Mountains fall and seas divide before the one who in his stride
takes the hard road day by day sweeping obstacles away.
Believe in yourself and in your plan;
Say not I can not but rather I can.
The prizes of life we fail to win
Because we doubt the power within
Anonymous
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Art of Listening
Listen and Learn from Others
Have you ever been in a situation where someone in authority starts talking about the workplace, and you think “This person has no clue!” because his words bear no resemblance to reality? Well, you’re not alone.
All too often we forget one of the basics of leadership: Listening.
Of all the leadership attributes, listening may be the most important. You can have all the other leadership skills, but if you don’t listen to people, it’s all for naught.The leader who listens knows what’s going on around him or her because listening opens the doors to genuine communication.
It demonstrates respect and caring for others. But listening only gets you part way to better leadership.
You must also learn from it and use that learning to guide your actions. It’s only through learning that we are able to change, grow, and prepare for the future. Listening and learning help make a leader credible because they compel the leader to put people first. And that’s when really good things can happen. Here are three tips to help you be a better listener…and a better learner:
1. Know the difference between hearing and listening. To hear means “to perceive by the ear.” To listen means “to pay attention.” There’s a big difference.
2. Get into the ACT of listening. Employ body language. Look at the person who is speaking. Make and keep eye contact. Position your body in a way that shows you are open and receptive to what the person is saying.
3. Adopt the 2/1 rule: Listen twice as much as you talk. Why do you think we have two ears and one mouth
Have you ever been in a situation where someone in authority starts talking about the workplace, and you think “This person has no clue!” because his words bear no resemblance to reality? Well, you’re not alone.
All too often we forget one of the basics of leadership: Listening.
Of all the leadership attributes, listening may be the most important. You can have all the other leadership skills, but if you don’t listen to people, it’s all for naught.The leader who listens knows what’s going on around him or her because listening opens the doors to genuine communication.
It demonstrates respect and caring for others. But listening only gets you part way to better leadership.
You must also learn from it and use that learning to guide your actions. It’s only through learning that we are able to change, grow, and prepare for the future. Listening and learning help make a leader credible because they compel the leader to put people first. And that’s when really good things can happen. Here are three tips to help you be a better listener…and a better learner:
1. Know the difference between hearing and listening. To hear means “to perceive by the ear.” To listen means “to pay attention.” There’s a big difference.
2. Get into the ACT of listening. Employ body language. Look at the person who is speaking. Make and keep eye contact. Position your body in a way that shows you are open and receptive to what the person is saying.
3. Adopt the 2/1 rule: Listen twice as much as you talk. Why do you think we have two ears and one mouth
Purpose Driven Life
THE GREATEST ADVICE -Rick Warren, the Purpose Driven Life
Don't date because you are desperate.
Don't marry because you are miserable.
Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior.
Don't philander because you think you are irresistible.
Don't associate with people you can't trust.
Don't cheat. Don't lie. Don't pretend.Don't dictate because you are smarter.
Don't demand because you are stronger.
Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough & know better.
Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder.
Don't sell yourself, your family, or your ideals.
Don't stagnate!Don't regress.
Don't live in the past. Time can't bring anything or anyone back.
Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr. Right.
Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr. Wrong because your biological clock is ticking.Learn a new skill.Find a new friend.Start a new career.
Sometimes, there is no race to be won, only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions.
To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfill your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons.
To make yourself happy, pursue your passions & be the best of what you can be.Simplify your life.
Take away the clutter.Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nasty habits, and dangerous liaisons.
Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty.
Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family. Be true to yourself.
Don't commit when you are not ready.Don't keep others waiting needlessly.Go on that trip. Don't postpone it.Say those words.
Don't let the moment pass.Do what you have to, even at society's scorn. Write poetry.Love Deeply.Walk barefoot.Dance with wild abandon.Cry at the movies.Take care of yourself.
Don't wait for someone to take care of you.You light up your life.You drive yourself to your destination. No one completes you - except YOU.It isn't true that life does not get easier with age.It only gets more challenging.
Don't be afraid. Don't lose your capacity to love.Pursue your passions.Live your dreams.
Don't lose faith in God.Don't grow old. Just grow YOU!When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back.Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give to someone is your time.
Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E because the essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves .
Don't date because you are desperate.
Don't marry because you are miserable.
Don't have kids because you think your genes are superior.
Don't philander because you think you are irresistible.
Don't associate with people you can't trust.
Don't cheat. Don't lie. Don't pretend.Don't dictate because you are smarter.
Don't demand because you are stronger.
Don't sleep around because you think you are old enough & know better.
Don't hurt your kids because loving them is harder.
Don't sell yourself, your family, or your ideals.
Don't stagnate!Don't regress.
Don't live in the past. Time can't bring anything or anyone back.
Don't put your life on hold for possibly Mr. Right.
Don't throw your life away on absolutely Mr. Wrong because your biological clock is ticking.Learn a new skill.Find a new friend.Start a new career.
Sometimes, there is no race to be won, only a price to be paid for some of life's more hasty decisions.
To terminate your loneliness, reach out to the homeless.
To feed your nurturing instincts, care for the needy.
To fulfill your parenting fantasies, get a puppy.Don't bring another life into this world for all the wrong reasons.
To make yourself happy, pursue your passions & be the best of what you can be.Simplify your life.
Take away the clutter.Get rid of destructive elements: abusive friends, nasty habits, and dangerous liaisons.
Don't abandon your responsibilities but don't overdose on duty.
Don't live life recklessly without thought and feeling for your family. Be true to yourself.
Don't commit when you are not ready.Don't keep others waiting needlessly.Go on that trip. Don't postpone it.Say those words.
Don't let the moment pass.Do what you have to, even at society's scorn. Write poetry.Love Deeply.Walk barefoot.Dance with wild abandon.Cry at the movies.Take care of yourself.
Don't wait for someone to take care of you.You light up your life.You drive yourself to your destination. No one completes you - except YOU.It isn't true that life does not get easier with age.It only gets more challenging.
Don't be afraid. Don't lose your capacity to love.Pursue your passions.Live your dreams.
Don't lose faith in God.Don't grow old. Just grow YOU!When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back.Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give to someone is your time.
Relationships take time and effort, and the best way to spell love is T-I-M-E because the essence of love is not what we think or do or provide for others, but how much we give of ourselves .
Saturday, September 6, 2008
“Things turn out the best for those who make the best of the way things turn out
In Kangundo, Kenya, there are two seasons, rainy and dry. Farmers plow and plant corn during the dry season when the soil is loose and easy to turn. With the corn seeds in the ground, farmers know their crop will germinate when rain falls. Planting in the dry season also ensures that the corn seeds are not unearthed by squirrels because it impossible for them to tell which spots have seeds and which do not when the soil is dry.
This metaphor applies to many aspects of life. When we do things because we are forced to, it is like planting after the rain falls. The soil is heavy, and “social squirrels” may interfere with our progress. Anxiety, panic or illness may set in and curtail our success.
Here are key perspectives to ponder and plant in your dry season.
You must not use past failed “rainfall” or “harvests” as reasons why not to plant. You don’t invest for the past. You invest for the future. Your past failures are successes if you learned the lessons.
Determine the future you expect and invest. Farmers have to determine the harvestthey want whether of corn, beans, or millet, and then plant the seeds. Goals withoutexecutable plans are mere wishes. It has been said that the only place where successcomes before work is in the dictionary. It is also the place where the word harvestingcomes before the investing word. When last did you read a book or attend a workshop onwhat you want to do in the future?
Crops that germinate shortly after rainfall are planted in dry season. To survive and thrive in the present turbulent workplace, one has to prepare with foresight rather than hindsight. Chance favors those who are prepared. It is easier to learn the skills foryour next position while you are at ease with your current one. Unspectacular preparation is the springboard of spectacular performance.
Farmers in areas with erratic rainfall survive by mixed cropping. They plant crops thatcan do well with limited rains and crops that do well with adequate rains. That way theyare promised of some harvest with or without adequate rains. Diversifying yourbusiness, skills and strategies also reaps benefits too.
Find business or professional networks where you can share resources and marketingefforts. If Marriot hotels can partner with Expedia.com to keep people in their hotels,why won’t you find strategic allies?
Faith, believing that your decisions and actions will culminate in a harvest, is the fuelthat keeps you “planting” even when there are no clouds in the horizons.
This metaphor applies to many aspects of life. When we do things because we are forced to, it is like planting after the rain falls. The soil is heavy, and “social squirrels” may interfere with our progress. Anxiety, panic or illness may set in and curtail our success.
Here are key perspectives to ponder and plant in your dry season.
You must not use past failed “rainfall” or “harvests” as reasons why not to plant. You don’t invest for the past. You invest for the future. Your past failures are successes if you learned the lessons.
Determine the future you expect and invest. Farmers have to determine the harvestthey want whether of corn, beans, or millet, and then plant the seeds. Goals withoutexecutable plans are mere wishes. It has been said that the only place where successcomes before work is in the dictionary. It is also the place where the word harvestingcomes before the investing word. When last did you read a book or attend a workshop onwhat you want to do in the future?
Crops that germinate shortly after rainfall are planted in dry season. To survive and thrive in the present turbulent workplace, one has to prepare with foresight rather than hindsight. Chance favors those who are prepared. It is easier to learn the skills foryour next position while you are at ease with your current one. Unspectacular preparation is the springboard of spectacular performance.
Farmers in areas with erratic rainfall survive by mixed cropping. They plant crops thatcan do well with limited rains and crops that do well with adequate rains. That way theyare promised of some harvest with or without adequate rains. Diversifying yourbusiness, skills and strategies also reaps benefits too.
Find business or professional networks where you can share resources and marketingefforts. If Marriot hotels can partner with Expedia.com to keep people in their hotels,why won’t you find strategic allies?
Faith, believing that your decisions and actions will culminate in a harvest, is the fuelthat keeps you “planting” even when there are no clouds in the horizons.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Improvise to Maximize
Great conversations result when there’s an easy give and take, a go-with-the-flow sensation, along with an acute sense that you are being heard at a deeper level than the normal chitchat. In this instance, good conversations resemble improvisational theatre. Improv actually depends upon all the actors paying close attention to each other and then working with whatever is presented to them. Let me repeat that: pay attention and work with whatever is presented.
Select someone you’d like to (or need to) talk to. Open up the conversation by stating either why you’ve initiated the conversation or by asking an open-ended question. Then, practice these techniques:
Encourage talking by saying, “Yes…tell me more.” This means that no matter what is stated, don’t change the subject, get defensive, fail to listen, or ignore the response. You have the opportunity to create new and positive results by building upon whatever is said.
Don’t plan your response while the other person is speaking.
Seek what is provocative, interesting, or new in what you are hearing. There’s a gift somewhere. Trust me. Ask the other person to expand on something that intrigues you – even if it bothers you.
Select someone you’d like to (or need to) talk to. Open up the conversation by stating either why you’ve initiated the conversation or by asking an open-ended question. Then, practice these techniques:
Encourage talking by saying, “Yes…tell me more.” This means that no matter what is stated, don’t change the subject, get defensive, fail to listen, or ignore the response. You have the opportunity to create new and positive results by building upon whatever is said.
Don’t plan your response while the other person is speaking.
Seek what is provocative, interesting, or new in what you are hearing. There’s a gift somewhere. Trust me. Ask the other person to expand on something that intrigues you – even if it bothers you.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Doing the right thing ?
There's Never A Wrong Time To Do The Right Thing.
Can there ever be a wrong time to do the right thing? Of course not.
There is only a right time to do the right thing and that right time is always right now. Each of us possess a clear sense of right and wrong. Even as small children, we quickly learned what we should and shouldn't do.
So why should you or I waste another moment doing the wrong things when there are so many right things that need to be done right now? Isn't it about time that each of us redirected our energy and effort on doing as much good for as many people as we possibly can?
Can there ever be a wrong time to do the right thing? Of course not.
There is only a right time to do the right thing and that right time is always right now. Each of us possess a clear sense of right and wrong. Even as small children, we quickly learned what we should and shouldn't do.
So why should you or I waste another moment doing the wrong things when there are so many right things that need to be done right now? Isn't it about time that each of us redirected our energy and effort on doing as much good for as many people as we possibly can?
Friday, August 29, 2008
Dream BIG
Among this elite crowd, the one individual who stood head over shoulders above the rest was Michael Phelps. At 23, Michael Phelps has become an international sporting sensation by winning eight gold medals and smashing seven world records in the process. He is also the first athlete ever to secure first place so many times at a single Olympics.
Michael Phelps
The path to success for Michael Phelps was however not a smooth one.
· At the age of seven Michael was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is a childhood condition characterized by constant activity, impulsive behavior and the inability to focus one's attention on anything for a short span of time. To help release his pent-up energy, Phelps took up swimming.
· At the age of nine, Michael's parents divorced. His mother brought up all three children (two sisters) single-handedly, encouraging them to follow their dreams at all costs.
· In 2004, Phelps, then 19, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months probation, saying in court, "I recognize the seriousness of this mistake and will continue learning from this mistake for the rest of my life."
The reason I am telling you all this instead of glorifying his achievements, is to state that success was not handed on a silver platter to Michael. He like the rest of us has had his share of setbacks in life. In spite of all these however, he went on to become the supreme champion that he is currently. I believe there is much that we can learn from the success of Michael Phelps.
Some of them are:
Setbacks are part of life and winners get on with it. In spite of the many setbacks early in his life, Michael bounced back every time and used these setbacks as building blocks to achieving more success. He never ever allowed these setbacks to become obstacles or excuses in his quest for swimming success. Like him, we must realize that setbacks are part of nature’s way of making us all stronger. Using an analogy, we are all like a flame in the wind; some people use the wind to make their flame get bigger, whilst others blame the wind for blowing out their flame. Winners like Michael, always choose the former!
Dream big! Don’t let anyone tell you your goal is impossible. Imagine if Michael had told people a few years ago that he wanted to win eight gold medals at the Olympics. What do you think would have been their reaction! Yes, I am sure skepticism! If he had listened to these cynics, we would have been deprived of seeing his world class performances. He not only had big goals; he was totally focused and committed to it. In management we must all learn to shoot for the stars and maybe we will at least hit the moon! Never ever listen to the cynics. It is always in their interest not to see other people successful.
Use failures and cynics to motivate you. At the Athens Olympics in 2004, Phelps was beaten by teammate Ian Crocker in the 100m butterfly. Instead of allowing this event to demoralize him, he used it as a source of inspiration to become even better. He put up a poster of Crocker winning the event in his bedroom to constantly motivate him to train even harder in the event. Another thing that motivated Michael was Ian Thorpe’s (the great Australian swimmer who won five gold medals at the Athens Olympics) statement that he thought winning eight gold medals was ‘unattainable’. Michael stuck a note with Thorpe’s statement on his locker to be used as a constant source of motivation. We all need to be motivated. What better way than to prove the cynics wrong or else to use our past failures to drive us to future success!!
Michael Phelps
The path to success for Michael Phelps was however not a smooth one.
· At the age of seven Michael was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is a childhood condition characterized by constant activity, impulsive behavior and the inability to focus one's attention on anything for a short span of time. To help release his pent-up energy, Phelps took up swimming.
· At the age of nine, Michael's parents divorced. His mother brought up all three children (two sisters) single-handedly, encouraging them to follow their dreams at all costs.
· In 2004, Phelps, then 19, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months probation, saying in court, "I recognize the seriousness of this mistake and will continue learning from this mistake for the rest of my life."
The reason I am telling you all this instead of glorifying his achievements, is to state that success was not handed on a silver platter to Michael. He like the rest of us has had his share of setbacks in life. In spite of all these however, he went on to become the supreme champion that he is currently. I believe there is much that we can learn from the success of Michael Phelps.
Some of them are:
Setbacks are part of life and winners get on with it. In spite of the many setbacks early in his life, Michael bounced back every time and used these setbacks as building blocks to achieving more success. He never ever allowed these setbacks to become obstacles or excuses in his quest for swimming success. Like him, we must realize that setbacks are part of nature’s way of making us all stronger. Using an analogy, we are all like a flame in the wind; some people use the wind to make their flame get bigger, whilst others blame the wind for blowing out their flame. Winners like Michael, always choose the former!
Dream big! Don’t let anyone tell you your goal is impossible. Imagine if Michael had told people a few years ago that he wanted to win eight gold medals at the Olympics. What do you think would have been their reaction! Yes, I am sure skepticism! If he had listened to these cynics, we would have been deprived of seeing his world class performances. He not only had big goals; he was totally focused and committed to it. In management we must all learn to shoot for the stars and maybe we will at least hit the moon! Never ever listen to the cynics. It is always in their interest not to see other people successful.
Use failures and cynics to motivate you. At the Athens Olympics in 2004, Phelps was beaten by teammate Ian Crocker in the 100m butterfly. Instead of allowing this event to demoralize him, he used it as a source of inspiration to become even better. He put up a poster of Crocker winning the event in his bedroom to constantly motivate him to train even harder in the event. Another thing that motivated Michael was Ian Thorpe’s (the great Australian swimmer who won five gold medals at the Athens Olympics) statement that he thought winning eight gold medals was ‘unattainable’. Michael stuck a note with Thorpe’s statement on his locker to be used as a constant source of motivation. We all need to be motivated. What better way than to prove the cynics wrong or else to use our past failures to drive us to future success!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
3 critical sucess factors
There are 3 Critical Success Factors to ALL success in business and life.
When you use these 3 Critical Success Factors as your "base" with anything you strive for-- then "success"
comes knocking...
Here's ALL 3...
1) Belief. It is absolutely crucial that you believe in what you're doing.
Now...
This is easy at the beginning because you're focused on what you stand to gain from achieving your goal.
As time goes on, you may gradually forget how excited you were and start to lose that inner fire.
To avoid this possibility -- keep your "vision" strong and clear in your mind. Even write it out in full detail, or create a visual reminder of images that represent your goals.
Revisit these reminders frequently - Every day if you can.
2) Self Confidence. Your confidence may be strong at the start but it can quickly fade when you encounter obstacles or setbacks.
If this happens -- remember that you once believed you had the ability to achieve your goal.
So, REMIND yourself 'why' you felt that way.
In fact, you may find it helpful to write these reasons down when you first set a goal, and then keep reading them back to yourself when you feel your confidence start to wane...
Remind yourself that obstacles and setbacks are temporary, but a solid belief in yourself is enough to propel you through them.
3) Motivation.
Staying motivated can be a HUGE challenge, especially once the newness and excitement of your goals have worn off and it's beginning to feel like "work."
Here's the thing:
Nine times out of Ten, motivation requires a simple 'decision' to stay optimistic and inspired.
If your goal is truly important to you - then you'll find ways to keep your motivation high.
Talk to other successful people who have demonstrated tenacity and gone on to achieve much.
The more you pump yourself up, the stronger your motivation will stay.
When you use these 3 Critical Success Factors as your "base" with anything you strive for-- then "success"
comes knocking...
Here's ALL 3...
1) Belief. It is absolutely crucial that you believe in what you're doing.
Now...
This is easy at the beginning because you're focused on what you stand to gain from achieving your goal.
As time goes on, you may gradually forget how excited you were and start to lose that inner fire.
To avoid this possibility -- keep your "vision" strong and clear in your mind. Even write it out in full detail, or create a visual reminder of images that represent your goals.
Revisit these reminders frequently - Every day if you can.
2) Self Confidence. Your confidence may be strong at the start but it can quickly fade when you encounter obstacles or setbacks.
If this happens -- remember that you once believed you had the ability to achieve your goal.
So, REMIND yourself 'why' you felt that way.
In fact, you may find it helpful to write these reasons down when you first set a goal, and then keep reading them back to yourself when you feel your confidence start to wane...
Remind yourself that obstacles and setbacks are temporary, but a solid belief in yourself is enough to propel you through them.
3) Motivation.
Staying motivated can be a HUGE challenge, especially once the newness and excitement of your goals have worn off and it's beginning to feel like "work."
Here's the thing:
Nine times out of Ten, motivation requires a simple 'decision' to stay optimistic and inspired.
If your goal is truly important to you - then you'll find ways to keep your motivation high.
Talk to other successful people who have demonstrated tenacity and gone on to achieve much.
The more you pump yourself up, the stronger your motivation will stay.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Stop Making Excuses
Stop Making Excuses
August 13th, 2008 176 views Posted by Brian of Positive Living
There are two kinds of people in this world: Those who make things happen, and those who make excuses. And you can’t be both. Which means that—no matter how focused you are on making your goals a reality, no matter how much time and money you invest, no matter how many books you read and seminars you attend—you’re never going to be successful unless you stop making excuses and start taking responsibility for the situation you’re in.
I don’t mean to be harsh. I know some obstacles seem insurmountable, and over the years I’ve heard just about every excuse imaginable. Some of the excuses I hear over and over are:
“I don’t have the right education.”
“I don’t have enough money to get started.”
“I don’t have enough time.”
“I don’t have the skills and talents.”
“I’m not rich enough, famous enough, or good looking enough.”
Okay, you get my point. But lots of people have faced much tougher obstacles and have still gone on to succeed. It’s not your education or lack of money. It’s not that you don’t have time, skills, or talent. It’s not the economy’s fault. It’s not your boss’s fault. It’s not your grandmother’s fault. Do you see where I’m going here? No matter who you are—and regardless of your situation—there’s only one thing blocking your success.
You.
I know, that’s a tough thing to accept. It’s much easier to blame your lack of success on someone else. But guess what? You can’t.
If you really want to succeed, you need to take responsibility for the way things are in your life. Why? Because when it comes down right down to it, you are the only one who has the power to change these things.
Many people don’t even attempt their goals because of one excuse or another. They say things like:
“It’s more important for me to spend time with my family right now.”
“I’m working long hours as it is and just don’t have the time.”
“I’m not in a position to take a risk right now.”
These sound like pretty good excuses, right? But here’s the deal. You’ve got to start somewhere. If you sit around waiting for the perfect time to get going, chances are you’ll never succeed . Because there is no perfect time. Or, let me reframe that. The perfect time is right now.
At the end of the day, would you rather have more success, or would you rather have a whole pile of excuses? The choice is yours. If you are not exactly where you want to be, stop making excuses. Take some responsibility, and good things will happen.
August 13th, 2008 176 views Posted by Brian of Positive Living
There are two kinds of people in this world: Those who make things happen, and those who make excuses. And you can’t be both. Which means that—no matter how focused you are on making your goals a reality, no matter how much time and money you invest, no matter how many books you read and seminars you attend—you’re never going to be successful unless you stop making excuses and start taking responsibility for the situation you’re in.
I don’t mean to be harsh. I know some obstacles seem insurmountable, and over the years I’ve heard just about every excuse imaginable. Some of the excuses I hear over and over are:
“I don’t have the right education.”
“I don’t have enough money to get started.”
“I don’t have enough time.”
“I don’t have the skills and talents.”
“I’m not rich enough, famous enough, or good looking enough.”
Okay, you get my point. But lots of people have faced much tougher obstacles and have still gone on to succeed. It’s not your education or lack of money. It’s not that you don’t have time, skills, or talent. It’s not the economy’s fault. It’s not your boss’s fault. It’s not your grandmother’s fault. Do you see where I’m going here? No matter who you are—and regardless of your situation—there’s only one thing blocking your success.
You.
I know, that’s a tough thing to accept. It’s much easier to blame your lack of success on someone else. But guess what? You can’t.
If you really want to succeed, you need to take responsibility for the way things are in your life. Why? Because when it comes down right down to it, you are the only one who has the power to change these things.
Many people don’t even attempt their goals because of one excuse or another. They say things like:
“It’s more important for me to spend time with my family right now.”
“I’m working long hours as it is and just don’t have the time.”
“I’m not in a position to take a risk right now.”
These sound like pretty good excuses, right? But here’s the deal. You’ve got to start somewhere. If you sit around waiting for the perfect time to get going, chances are you’ll never succeed . Because there is no perfect time. Or, let me reframe that. The perfect time is right now.
At the end of the day, would you rather have more success, or would you rather have a whole pile of excuses? The choice is yours. If you are not exactly where you want to be, stop making excuses. Take some responsibility, and good things will happen.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
No mistakes , Only lessons
"Do not dwell upon the sins and mistakes of yesterday so exclusively as to have no energy and mind left for living rightly today, and do not think that the sins of yesterday can prevent you from living purely today." - Byways of Blessedness
It's been said that the majority of conversations by men over 40 are about the past --- sometimes it's about the "good old days" and sometimes it's about the deals gone bad, the "if I only had" stories, the missed opportunities, etc.
Letting our "sins and mistakes of yesterday" dominate our thinking today robs us of our present joy and our future happiness. It causes us to miss the real opportunity of TODAY!
John Maxwell, in his outstanding best seller, Failing Forward, gives some great practical advice: "To move forward today, you must learn to say good-bye to yesterday's hurts, tragedies and baggage. You can't build a monument to past problems and fail forward."Take time right now to list the negative events from your past that may still be holding you hostage. For each item you list, go through the following exercise:
1. Acknowledge the pain.
2. Grieve the loss.
3. Forgive the person.
4. Forgive yourself.
5. Determine to release the event and move on."
Your best days are definitely ahead of you if you treat your "mistakes" as necessary lessons to be learned. If you understand that each lesson brings with it a certain amount of wisdom, you can understand how truly enhanced your life is becoming. Many people can't achieve the success of their dreams because they won't leave their past behind. They won't tear down the monuments they've built to their old hurts and problems.
One of my all-time favorite affirmation verses comes from the Apostle Paul who said, "...but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal..." One of the best teachings I ever heard on this was from a motivational speaker whose name has escaped me, but whose message didn't: "In life there are no mistakes, only lessons."And that's worth thinking about.
It's been said that the majority of conversations by men over 40 are about the past --- sometimes it's about the "good old days" and sometimes it's about the deals gone bad, the "if I only had" stories, the missed opportunities, etc.
Letting our "sins and mistakes of yesterday" dominate our thinking today robs us of our present joy and our future happiness. It causes us to miss the real opportunity of TODAY!
John Maxwell, in his outstanding best seller, Failing Forward, gives some great practical advice: "To move forward today, you must learn to say good-bye to yesterday's hurts, tragedies and baggage. You can't build a monument to past problems and fail forward."Take time right now to list the negative events from your past that may still be holding you hostage. For each item you list, go through the following exercise:
1. Acknowledge the pain.
2. Grieve the loss.
3. Forgive the person.
4. Forgive yourself.
5. Determine to release the event and move on."
Your best days are definitely ahead of you if you treat your "mistakes" as necessary lessons to be learned. If you understand that each lesson brings with it a certain amount of wisdom, you can understand how truly enhanced your life is becoming. Many people can't achieve the success of their dreams because they won't leave their past behind. They won't tear down the monuments they've built to their old hurts and problems.
One of my all-time favorite affirmation verses comes from the Apostle Paul who said, "...but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal..." One of the best teachings I ever heard on this was from a motivational speaker whose name has escaped me, but whose message didn't: "In life there are no mistakes, only lessons."And that's worth thinking about.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Pressure ?
“Pressure is a word that is misused in our vocabulary. When you start thinking of pressure, it's because you've started to think of failure.” Tommy Lasorda
How do you deal with pressure? Now I’m not talking about the nervousness you feel when thinking about the exam you are going to take later this week or fretting about whether or not your car is going to start in the morning. Nor am I talking about the anxiety you feel over getting that raise at work or landing that new position you really desire. Sure, these situations have some stress and strain related to them, no doubt about it. But they’re not the real deal when it comes to full-strength pressure.
The pressure I am referring to is not your day to day, namby-pamby version of life’s daily demands. Rather, I am talking about palm sweating pressure that can shatter your nerves, crush your will and knock you to your knees — if allowed to do so. Pressure that comes at you full force, in life changing, break or be broken moments when everything is laid on the line.
“You never will be the person you can be if pressure, tension, and discipline are taken out of your life.”James G. Bilkey
On the other hand, if you typically stay in control when adversity smacks you right in the chops, chances are good that you are an individual who generally responds to problems when they occur. By staying cool, calm and collected, even when the heat is turned up past the boiling point, you’re better able to focus on finding a way around, over or through the obstacle placed in your path. Responding rather than reacting is the name of game when dealing with pressure.
Think about it for a moment. Let’s say you’re not feeling particularly well and the doctor prescribes some medicine for you to take. If your body responds to the medication, chances are excellent that you’ll be up and around in no time at all. However, if your body reacts to the prescription, you can actually end up worse off than before you took the medicine. The same principle applies to daily life.
How do you deal with pressure? Now I’m not talking about the nervousness you feel when thinking about the exam you are going to take later this week or fretting about whether or not your car is going to start in the morning. Nor am I talking about the anxiety you feel over getting that raise at work or landing that new position you really desire. Sure, these situations have some stress and strain related to them, no doubt about it. But they’re not the real deal when it comes to full-strength pressure.
The pressure I am referring to is not your day to day, namby-pamby version of life’s daily demands. Rather, I am talking about palm sweating pressure that can shatter your nerves, crush your will and knock you to your knees — if allowed to do so. Pressure that comes at you full force, in life changing, break or be broken moments when everything is laid on the line.
“You never will be the person you can be if pressure, tension, and discipline are taken out of your life.”James G. Bilkey
On the other hand, if you typically stay in control when adversity smacks you right in the chops, chances are good that you are an individual who generally responds to problems when they occur. By staying cool, calm and collected, even when the heat is turned up past the boiling point, you’re better able to focus on finding a way around, over or through the obstacle placed in your path. Responding rather than reacting is the name of game when dealing with pressure.
Think about it for a moment. Let’s say you’re not feeling particularly well and the doctor prescribes some medicine for you to take. If your body responds to the medication, chances are excellent that you’ll be up and around in no time at all. However, if your body reacts to the prescription, you can actually end up worse off than before you took the medicine. The same principle applies to daily life.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Self Confidence
"Self-confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings." - Samuel Johnson -
No matter how hard you try to bury it and regardless of how long you have neglected it, your pride is still burning strong. Every person longs for the unparalleled feeling of self satisfaction that comes from a job well done. There are few better feelings than knowing you did your best and by doing so, you completed the goals and objectives you set for yourself. You should never feel ashamed about taking a great deal of personal pride in your accomplishments.
"Take pride in how far you have come, have faith in how far you can go." - Author Unknown -
People rarely need to ask the winners what they stand for, since winners let their actions do the talking, not their words. A winner takes pride in himself or herself, knowing full well that this pride is the driving force behind his or her inner strength.
You should be proud of who you are, you should be proud of where you are going, you should take pride in the way you treat other people and should never, ever compromise what you firmly believe is right. You need to do the things that you know need to be done, say the things that need to be said and be the person that you need to be.
No matter how hard you try to bury it and regardless of how long you have neglected it, your pride is still burning strong. Every person longs for the unparalleled feeling of self satisfaction that comes from a job well done. There are few better feelings than knowing you did your best and by doing so, you completed the goals and objectives you set for yourself. You should never feel ashamed about taking a great deal of personal pride in your accomplishments.
"Take pride in how far you have come, have faith in how far you can go." - Author Unknown -
People rarely need to ask the winners what they stand for, since winners let their actions do the talking, not their words. A winner takes pride in himself or herself, knowing full well that this pride is the driving force behind his or her inner strength.
You should be proud of who you are, you should be proud of where you are going, you should take pride in the way you treat other people and should never, ever compromise what you firmly believe is right. You need to do the things that you know need to be done, say the things that need to be said and be the person that you need to be.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Being Extra Ordinary
Extra, Extra -- Read All About It!
The only difference between ordinary achievement and extraordinary achievement is that little "extra". Ordinary people with ordinary backgrounds and from ordinary places can accomplish some truly extraordinary feats when they are willing to put in a little extra here and a little extra there.
The principal reason some people make it and some people don't can be traced back to whether or not they are willing to consistently go that extra mile and give that extra effort. Becoming extraordinary requires work. Most people are unwilling to commit the extra effort, focus and commitment needed to take them to the top. After all, they have discovered that it is a lot easier to be just ordinary.
A lot of people, who could have gone so much further and could have accomplished so much more, tragically settle for so much less out of life. It seems as though being average is OK for them. In fact, just plain old average seems to be OK for most folks.
The only difference between ordinary achievement and extraordinary achievement is that little "extra". Ordinary people with ordinary backgrounds and from ordinary places can accomplish some truly extraordinary feats when they are willing to put in a little extra here and a little extra there.
The principal reason some people make it and some people don't can be traced back to whether or not they are willing to consistently go that extra mile and give that extra effort. Becoming extraordinary requires work. Most people are unwilling to commit the extra effort, focus and commitment needed to take them to the top. After all, they have discovered that it is a lot easier to be just ordinary.
A lot of people, who could have gone so much further and could have accomplished so much more, tragically settle for so much less out of life. It seems as though being average is OK for them. In fact, just plain old average seems to be OK for most folks.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Managing our own career
“The sad news is, nobody owes you a career. Your career is literally your business. You own it as a sole proprietor.
You have one employee: yourself. You are in competition with millions of similar businesses: millions of other employees all over the world. You need to accept ownership of your career and your skills. It is your responsibility to protect this personal business of yours. Nobody else can do that for you. You are where you are because of what you are”
I personally think that this is an exceptional piece of advice from a brilliant man. If we all managed ourselves as a business, I think we would surely have better careers. With globalization, there will be good news and bad news in relation to careers. The good news is that the employment market will become much, much bigger meaning lots of career opportunities all over the world. The bad news is that the competition will also become greater as people from all over the world will vie for the same jobs. Even if the job is in Malaysia, you may have to compete with professionals from Thailand, India or even France. Big multi-nationals like Microsoft, Google and GE will recruit the best, irrespective of their country of origin. Adrian Wooldridge (The Economist's Washington Correspondent) in the Economist magazine dated Oct 7 2006, says, “Talent has become the worlds’ most sought after commodity. This shortage is causing serious problems”.
Here, I wish to augment the advice from Andy grove with the following three simple things:
a. Be good at what you are doing. This is a simple but very profound piece of advice. David Blaine is where he is today because he is exceptionally good at what he does i.e. performing magic! If magicians were needed in corporations, he would be tops in everyone’s list. If you are good at what you are doing, opportunities will come because all organizations are looking for good and competent professionals all the time. Being good also means that you will have to keep up with the changes occurring in your profession. The best dentist in the world will be ‘obsolete’ if his knowledge of dentistry is outdated even by a few years. In the process of developing yourself, do not only concentrate on your technical skills; improve your behavioral skills too.
b. Market yourself. This may sound strange, but it is something you will have to do to get the best out of your career. Ask yourself this question: what have I done to tell the world (in particular search consultants, other corporations etc) that I am very good at my job and am available? If you say, nothing, then that’s why you are still at your present job, in spite of you thinking that you deserve a better job elsewhere. Please remember that coca cola is a product that only consists of water, syrup, carbonated gas and sugar and yet billions of dollars are spent annually by consumers on it. Why? Because it has been marketed brilliantly! Being good at your job is important; letting the world know about this may be equally if not more important! So go write that article for publication, go to the right forums to network, participate in activities organized by institutes in your industry: this will most certainly raise your profile and importantly, tell people that this very talented professional exists! Better jobs will most certainly follow.
c. Package yourself well: you are the product!! The best product badly packaged may create a perception that it is mediocre. Hence dress well and appropriately as it creates a very positive first and lasting impression among people you meet, which will prove to be crucial. We take a lot of effort in our dress when we go for interviews for example, because we want to make a good first impression.
The question is, why can’t we dress like we are going for interviews everyday! I assure you that it is certainly worth it as it may pay back many thousands of times over!
You have one employee: yourself. You are in competition with millions of similar businesses: millions of other employees all over the world. You need to accept ownership of your career and your skills. It is your responsibility to protect this personal business of yours. Nobody else can do that for you. You are where you are because of what you are”
I personally think that this is an exceptional piece of advice from a brilliant man. If we all managed ourselves as a business, I think we would surely have better careers. With globalization, there will be good news and bad news in relation to careers. The good news is that the employment market will become much, much bigger meaning lots of career opportunities all over the world. The bad news is that the competition will also become greater as people from all over the world will vie for the same jobs. Even if the job is in Malaysia, you may have to compete with professionals from Thailand, India or even France. Big multi-nationals like Microsoft, Google and GE will recruit the best, irrespective of their country of origin. Adrian Wooldridge (The Economist's Washington Correspondent) in the Economist magazine dated Oct 7 2006, says, “Talent has become the worlds’ most sought after commodity. This shortage is causing serious problems”.
Here, I wish to augment the advice from Andy grove with the following three simple things:
a. Be good at what you are doing. This is a simple but very profound piece of advice. David Blaine is where he is today because he is exceptionally good at what he does i.e. performing magic! If magicians were needed in corporations, he would be tops in everyone’s list. If you are good at what you are doing, opportunities will come because all organizations are looking for good and competent professionals all the time. Being good also means that you will have to keep up with the changes occurring in your profession. The best dentist in the world will be ‘obsolete’ if his knowledge of dentistry is outdated even by a few years. In the process of developing yourself, do not only concentrate on your technical skills; improve your behavioral skills too.
b. Market yourself. This may sound strange, but it is something you will have to do to get the best out of your career. Ask yourself this question: what have I done to tell the world (in particular search consultants, other corporations etc) that I am very good at my job and am available? If you say, nothing, then that’s why you are still at your present job, in spite of you thinking that you deserve a better job elsewhere. Please remember that coca cola is a product that only consists of water, syrup, carbonated gas and sugar and yet billions of dollars are spent annually by consumers on it. Why? Because it has been marketed brilliantly! Being good at your job is important; letting the world know about this may be equally if not more important! So go write that article for publication, go to the right forums to network, participate in activities organized by institutes in your industry: this will most certainly raise your profile and importantly, tell people that this very talented professional exists! Better jobs will most certainly follow.
c. Package yourself well: you are the product!! The best product badly packaged may create a perception that it is mediocre. Hence dress well and appropriately as it creates a very positive first and lasting impression among people you meet, which will prove to be crucial. We take a lot of effort in our dress when we go for interviews for example, because we want to make a good first impression.
The question is, why can’t we dress like we are going for interviews everyday! I assure you that it is certainly worth it as it may pay back many thousands of times over!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Imagine It
Imagine that you're full of energy and enthusiasm, excited and positive about the day ahead.
Imagine that you're highly effective, able to achieve whatever you set out to do with confidence and ease.
In your mind's eye, see yourself working with discipline and focus, quickly and easily making the decisions that move your world forward. Visualize yourself as always knowing what to say and do in every situation.
Imagine yourself being the person you've always wanted to be. Imagine living the life you've always dreamed of living.
See it all in rich and colorful detail. Allow yourself to dream, and know, with absolute certainty, that you can have it, you can do it and you can be it.
Make your image of yourself and your life a positive one, and you'll program yourself for real, sustained success. Imagine yourself at your very best, and hold that image firmly in your mind, day after day, moment by moment.
What you're able to imagine, you're able to create and experience. Dare to imagine, and then put your precious time to good use by bringing your imagination to life.
Imagine that you're highly effective, able to achieve whatever you set out to do with confidence and ease.
In your mind's eye, see yourself working with discipline and focus, quickly and easily making the decisions that move your world forward. Visualize yourself as always knowing what to say and do in every situation.
Imagine yourself being the person you've always wanted to be. Imagine living the life you've always dreamed of living.
See it all in rich and colorful detail. Allow yourself to dream, and know, with absolute certainty, that you can have it, you can do it and you can be it.
Make your image of yourself and your life a positive one, and you'll program yourself for real, sustained success. Imagine yourself at your very best, and hold that image firmly in your mind, day after day, moment by moment.
What you're able to imagine, you're able to create and experience. Dare to imagine, and then put your precious time to good use by bringing your imagination to life.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Making the most of opportunities
Gather the small opportunities
Quick success is nice when it comes. However, slow and steady success is even better, because it is repeatable, robust and sustainable.
Overnight success almost never happens. And in the rare event when it does happen, there's a dreadful fear that it will disappear as quickly as it appeared.
Slow success is confident, lasting success. Success earned over time is success that you can genuinely enjoy, appreciate and continue to build upon.
Instant success depends upon being at exactly the right place at precisely the right time. Slow success, on the other hand, makes a small yet significant opportunity out of each moment and every situation.
Instead of wishing for immediate results, work patiently for the more realistic, reliable and valuable results that can only come with time and commitment. Steadily spread your success over time, and it will always be yours.
Every minute of every day there is a way to be slowly and steadily successful. Gather the small opportunities as they come, and the rewards will be great indeed.
Quick success is nice when it comes. However, slow and steady success is even better, because it is repeatable, robust and sustainable.
Overnight success almost never happens. And in the rare event when it does happen, there's a dreadful fear that it will disappear as quickly as it appeared.
Slow success is confident, lasting success. Success earned over time is success that you can genuinely enjoy, appreciate and continue to build upon.
Instant success depends upon being at exactly the right place at precisely the right time. Slow success, on the other hand, makes a small yet significant opportunity out of each moment and every situation.
Instead of wishing for immediate results, work patiently for the more realistic, reliable and valuable results that can only come with time and commitment. Steadily spread your success over time, and it will always be yours.
Every minute of every day there is a way to be slowly and steadily successful. Gather the small opportunities as they come, and the rewards will be great indeed.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
8 common mistakes in giving instructions
The ability to give instructions in delegating tasks to subordinates is essentially important. Unfortunately, there is always a gap between the instructions given and the jobs get done.
Among the most common reasons for these discrepancies are
Using ambiguous words in instructions, such as, “Get this report done as soon as you can.” If you want it to be ready by three o'clock, then say so.
Assuming that instruction given to your subordinate is crystal clear without taking extra effort to clarify it.
Failing to motivate your subordinate by taking some time to brief him on why he is being asked to perform this task.
Giving too many details to the experienced subordinate or too few to the inexperienced one. The first will be insulted whilst the second will be stressful.
Not tailoring an instruction to the subordinate. Some require a direct instruction; others perform better if the instruction is a request.
Choosing inappropriate timing for issuing instruction to your subordinate, for instance at the end of a workday.
Giving multiple instructions to your subordinate at one time. If you try to cover too much in one session, you risk ending up with nothing carried out correctly.
Putting a distance between yourself and your subordinate. If you issue your instruction in writing, you are eliminating the possibility of questioning.
Among the most common reasons for these discrepancies are
Using ambiguous words in instructions, such as, “Get this report done as soon as you can.” If you want it to be ready by three o'clock, then say so.
Assuming that instruction given to your subordinate is crystal clear without taking extra effort to clarify it.
Failing to motivate your subordinate by taking some time to brief him on why he is being asked to perform this task.
Giving too many details to the experienced subordinate or too few to the inexperienced one. The first will be insulted whilst the second will be stressful.
Not tailoring an instruction to the subordinate. Some require a direct instruction; others perform better if the instruction is a request.
Choosing inappropriate timing for issuing instruction to your subordinate, for instance at the end of a workday.
Giving multiple instructions to your subordinate at one time. If you try to cover too much in one session, you risk ending up with nothing carried out correctly.
Putting a distance between yourself and your subordinate. If you issue your instruction in writing, you are eliminating the possibility of questioning.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
You are worth it !
You are worth the trouble and effort required to make your life the best it can possibly be.
There is so very much you have to express, to give, to experience and to contribute to the magnificent fabric of life.
You are worth the discomfort and frustration that you'll regularly need to get through. You are worth the pain that the world will sometimes offer.
For within you is the capacity for great joy and astounding achievement. Within you are beautiful and worthy dreams that long to be fulfilled.
You are one of a kind and you are filled with a driving purpose. You are worth whatever it takes to give that special purpose a lasting and meaningful expression.
Yes, the disappointments, inconveniences, pains, problems and annoyances will surely and steadily come. Yet they are indeed quite trivial compared to the precious possibilities that live within you.
Make whatever efforts necessary, endure whatever setbacks you must, move forward through whatever challenges may come along. For there is no question that you are worth it.
There is so very much you have to express, to give, to experience and to contribute to the magnificent fabric of life.
You are worth the discomfort and frustration that you'll regularly need to get through. You are worth the pain that the world will sometimes offer.
For within you is the capacity for great joy and astounding achievement. Within you are beautiful and worthy dreams that long to be fulfilled.
You are one of a kind and you are filled with a driving purpose. You are worth whatever it takes to give that special purpose a lasting and meaningful expression.
Yes, the disappointments, inconveniences, pains, problems and annoyances will surely and steadily come. Yet they are indeed quite trivial compared to the precious possibilities that live within you.
Make whatever efforts necessary, endure whatever setbacks you must, move forward through whatever challenges may come along. For there is no question that you are worth it.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Opportunities ..
Fresh opportunities to be
Appreciate your shortcomings for where they have brought you. Then release them and be free to rise above the limitations.
Savor the disappointments one last time and remember all you have learned from them. Then let them go and eagerly look forward to new and fruitful experiences.
Sincerely and completely forgive those who have brought you pain, including yourself. And feel the healing that immediately takes hold.
Be truly thankful for having been through so much. Then get busy creating the best of what can be.
Let go of the useless drama that is already over. Hold on to the positive value that you've gained from it all.
Always there are new possibilities to explore, new ways to grow, and new worlds to experience. With each new now, the world is filled with fresh opportunities to be.
-- Ralph Marston
Appreciate your shortcomings for where they have brought you. Then release them and be free to rise above the limitations.
Savor the disappointments one last time and remember all you have learned from them. Then let them go and eagerly look forward to new and fruitful experiences.
Sincerely and completely forgive those who have brought you pain, including yourself. And feel the healing that immediately takes hold.
Be truly thankful for having been through so much. Then get busy creating the best of what can be.
Let go of the useless drama that is already over. Hold on to the positive value that you've gained from it all.
Always there are new possibilities to explore, new ways to grow, and new worlds to experience. With each new now, the world is filled with fresh opportunities to be.
-- Ralph Marston
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Joy of Life
Run joyfully toward life
Run joyfully toward life and embrace it with open arms. Each day brings its own treasure in the flavors, aromas, sights, sounds, situations, experiences and interactions that come your way.
Don't get bogged down attempting to resist or deny what has already happened. Put your energy into using what you have to make life better than ever.
Embrace the beauty, the joy, the wonder and the abundance of life. At the same time, embrace the challenges, the setbacks, the disappointments and the difficulties.
Be genuinely thankful for every moment, whatever it may contain. For in each moment is your opportunity to fully live, to grow, to learn, to experience, to share and to create unique, lasting value.
Welcome the ever-changing richness of life as it dances before your eyes in ways you've never seen before. Join passionately in that dance and be a part of the richness.
Follow the winding path as it moves up, down, over and around through the steadily increasing abundance and fulfillment of your life. Know more fully, as each moment passes, the profound joy of being.
-- Ralph Marston
Run joyfully toward life and embrace it with open arms. Each day brings its own treasure in the flavors, aromas, sights, sounds, situations, experiences and interactions that come your way.
Don't get bogged down attempting to resist or deny what has already happened. Put your energy into using what you have to make life better than ever.
Embrace the beauty, the joy, the wonder and the abundance of life. At the same time, embrace the challenges, the setbacks, the disappointments and the difficulties.
Be genuinely thankful for every moment, whatever it may contain. For in each moment is your opportunity to fully live, to grow, to learn, to experience, to share and to create unique, lasting value.
Welcome the ever-changing richness of life as it dances before your eyes in ways you've never seen before. Join passionately in that dance and be a part of the richness.
Follow the winding path as it moves up, down, over and around through the steadily increasing abundance and fulfillment of your life. Know more fully, as each moment passes, the profound joy of being.
-- Ralph Marston
Monday, July 7, 2008
Pressure ...It all for GOOD !
"No pressure, no diamonds."Thomas Carlyle
This personalized power source, which each and every one of us possesses within, can turn down the pressure while turning on our creative genius. Instead of wasting your time reacting to problems, you can effectively use your energy and talent to respond to the issues presented.
Hey, dealing with pressure is never a walk in the park. I’m certain that there’s at least a thousand things you’d rather do than go toe to toe with life’s big time pressures. But go through them you must, right through them, if you're ever going to achieve your destiny on earth.
Please remember this: you have more than enough strength to power through anything life tosses your way. And never forget that its pressure that turns a lump of coal into a diamond and it can do the same for you. Just keep working on your ‘response' ability and everything else will take care of itself.
The Bottom Line: By conditioning yourself to respond the minute you start feeling the heat, you’ll take the steam out of life’s biggest pressures.
This personalized power source, which each and every one of us possesses within, can turn down the pressure while turning on our creative genius. Instead of wasting your time reacting to problems, you can effectively use your energy and talent to respond to the issues presented.
Hey, dealing with pressure is never a walk in the park. I’m certain that there’s at least a thousand things you’d rather do than go toe to toe with life’s big time pressures. But go through them you must, right through them, if you're ever going to achieve your destiny on earth.
Please remember this: you have more than enough strength to power through anything life tosses your way. And never forget that its pressure that turns a lump of coal into a diamond and it can do the same for you. Just keep working on your ‘response' ability and everything else will take care of itself.
The Bottom Line: By conditioning yourself to respond the minute you start feeling the heat, you’ll take the steam out of life’s biggest pressures.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Meetings Bloody Meetings !!
The Ineffective Use of the Meeting Function
In a survey done by MCI, one of the leading telecommunications company in America, these were the following findings about meetings in Corporate America.
Approximately 11 million meetings occur in the U.S. each day.
Most professionals attend a total of 61.8 meetings per month and research indicates that over 50 percent of this meeting time is wasted. This comes to approximately four work days in a month.
Most professionals who go to meetings on a regular basis admit to daydreaming (91%) and 39% say they have dozed off during meetings.
I am most certain that the above would be true in most corporate organizations.
Reasons for Unproductive Meetings
a. Ritual Meetings
How many of us walk off to a meeting on Monday morning because we have to attend this ritualized ‘manager’s meeting’. Sometimes we do not even know what is going to be discussed and sometimes we do not even care. Worse still, there is nothing serious to discuss, but since everyone is around, trivial matters are discussed to justify the forum, to everybody’s frustration.
b. Weak Chairman
I have many a time been at meetings where the main objective is aimed at discussing the format of a new performance management system, but however ends up discussing the need for extra car parks for employees! More time is spent on this issue as lots of personal interests come into play then the latter subject. And all because of a weak chairman, who is not able to control the meeting.
c. Meeting culture
Anytime there is a problem in organizations, the easiest solution seems to be to ‘call for a meeting’. For example, when something goes wrong at the Marketing dept, the usual habit is to call for a meeting of all department heads. The HR manager then goes for the meeting, stays quiet for three hours i.e. the duration of the meeting and then leaves without having made any contribution as he lacks knowledge of the issue being discussed.
Some Measures to Ensure Effective Meetings
a. Is a meeting necessary?
One of the first things we must do before calling a meeting is to ask whether ‘there is a need for a meeting in the first place.’ Can the matter be solved in another way? Can it be solved by just having a telephone discussion for example? Never call for a meeting instinctively!
b. Set a Time Limit and stick to it.
Time limits are important as it creates pressure on the chairman and the members of the meeting to have quality discussions. Many management gurus’ invoke the rule that meetings should last no longer than 90 minutes.
c. Get only the right and necessary people
It is better to have a meeting with three people who can contribute rather than 20 people who are there for the sake of being there.
Bad meetings are probably one of the most pervasive yet underestimated problems in organizations. Lots of time, effort and importantly money is wasted every time there is a meeting. Importantly, it saps a lot of energy and lowers morale!
In a survey done by MCI, one of the leading telecommunications company in America, these were the following findings about meetings in Corporate America.
Approximately 11 million meetings occur in the U.S. each day.
Most professionals attend a total of 61.8 meetings per month and research indicates that over 50 percent of this meeting time is wasted. This comes to approximately four work days in a month.
Most professionals who go to meetings on a regular basis admit to daydreaming (91%) and 39% say they have dozed off during meetings.
I am most certain that the above would be true in most corporate organizations.
Reasons for Unproductive Meetings
a. Ritual Meetings
How many of us walk off to a meeting on Monday morning because we have to attend this ritualized ‘manager’s meeting’. Sometimes we do not even know what is going to be discussed and sometimes we do not even care. Worse still, there is nothing serious to discuss, but since everyone is around, trivial matters are discussed to justify the forum, to everybody’s frustration.
b. Weak Chairman
I have many a time been at meetings where the main objective is aimed at discussing the format of a new performance management system, but however ends up discussing the need for extra car parks for employees! More time is spent on this issue as lots of personal interests come into play then the latter subject. And all because of a weak chairman, who is not able to control the meeting.
c. Meeting culture
Anytime there is a problem in organizations, the easiest solution seems to be to ‘call for a meeting’. For example, when something goes wrong at the Marketing dept, the usual habit is to call for a meeting of all department heads. The HR manager then goes for the meeting, stays quiet for three hours i.e. the duration of the meeting and then leaves without having made any contribution as he lacks knowledge of the issue being discussed.
Some Measures to Ensure Effective Meetings
a. Is a meeting necessary?
One of the first things we must do before calling a meeting is to ask whether ‘there is a need for a meeting in the first place.’ Can the matter be solved in another way? Can it be solved by just having a telephone discussion for example? Never call for a meeting instinctively!
b. Set a Time Limit and stick to it.
Time limits are important as it creates pressure on the chairman and the members of the meeting to have quality discussions. Many management gurus’ invoke the rule that meetings should last no longer than 90 minutes.
c. Get only the right and necessary people
It is better to have a meeting with three people who can contribute rather than 20 people who are there for the sake of being there.
Bad meetings are probably one of the most pervasive yet underestimated problems in organizations. Lots of time, effort and importantly money is wasted every time there is a meeting. Importantly, it saps a lot of energy and lowers morale!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
If you want....
If you want If you want to be interesting, be interested. If you want to be heard, listen.
If you wish to truly learn, teach. If you would like to be wealthy, be generous.
If you desire to be understood, take the time to understand. If you want to have many friends, be friendly.
If you want the world to change for the better, make a positive change in yourself. If you long for peace, be peaceful.
What you give to life is what life becomes for you. The treasures you accumulate all come from the good things you do.
Every day is your opportunity to raise your life to a higher level by giving the best that you have. Whatever it is you desire, give it, be it, support it, and you will enjoy it in great abundance.
-- Ralph Marston
If you wish to truly learn, teach. If you would like to be wealthy, be generous.
If you desire to be understood, take the time to understand. If you want to have many friends, be friendly.
If you want the world to change for the better, make a positive change in yourself. If you long for peace, be peaceful.
What you give to life is what life becomes for you. The treasures you accumulate all come from the good things you do.
Every day is your opportunity to raise your life to a higher level by giving the best that you have. Whatever it is you desire, give it, be it, support it, and you will enjoy it in great abundance.
-- Ralph Marston
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Start each day purposefully
Top 7 Questions to Ask as You Start Each Day Purposefully
Living with purpose and passion is based upon decision. You may choose to live day after day, one after another, in a completely ordinary existence. OR you can choose to greet each day with a possibility mindset. A purposeful mindset. A Passionate mindset. Begin each day with these questions and be amazed.
1. Why is it important for me to engage myself in my work passionately and purposefully each day?
2. How will I choose to allow my attitude effect how I address stressful situations at work today? How can I be more affective and proactive in regards to stress and attitude?
3. When am I most likely too react with the most passion and purpose today? Meeting with clients? Working on my computer? Following up on a lead? Take note of what makes your passion come alive, so you can use it to better your work performance.
4. Where within the organization am I best able to express my passion and purpose? Is it working with my peers? My supervisors? Clients? Interdepartmentally? Where physically do I perform the most purposefully?
5. With whom do I need to spend time in order to maintain balance as I pursue my passion and purpose? Within the organization, who best supports me?
6. What choices will I make today that align my purpose and passion with the tasks at hand at work?
7. Who am I called to be today as an expression of my passion for living?
Living with purpose and passion is based upon decision. You may choose to live day after day, one after another, in a completely ordinary existence. OR you can choose to greet each day with a possibility mindset. A purposeful mindset. A Passionate mindset. Begin each day with these questions and be amazed.
1. Why is it important for me to engage myself in my work passionately and purposefully each day?
2. How will I choose to allow my attitude effect how I address stressful situations at work today? How can I be more affective and proactive in regards to stress and attitude?
3. When am I most likely too react with the most passion and purpose today? Meeting with clients? Working on my computer? Following up on a lead? Take note of what makes your passion come alive, so you can use it to better your work performance.
4. Where within the organization am I best able to express my passion and purpose? Is it working with my peers? My supervisors? Clients? Interdepartmentally? Where physically do I perform the most purposefully?
5. With whom do I need to spend time in order to maintain balance as I pursue my passion and purpose? Within the organization, who best supports me?
6. What choices will I make today that align my purpose and passion with the tasks at hand at work?
7. Who am I called to be today as an expression of my passion for living?
Monday, June 23, 2008
Expectation ?
Expectation vs. Expectation
There are two uses of the word "expectation" .
The first use is to describe a knowing. When there is no question; when you are certain to the point of not even having to think about it; when you know that you know that you know; that's one type of expectation.
An example of this energy of expectation is when you turn on a light -- you turn the switch and expect the light to come on, no thought, and no surprise when the light lights. In fact, surprise comes on the rare occasion when the light doesn't come on.
You can effectively use this expectation in goal setting, visualization, and attraction. Get clear on what you want, picture it, and release it to surely show up. You don't need to think about it, just expect it.
The other use of expectation is a lot less useful for you. This is the expectation related to attachment. If you feel something must happen a certain way in order for you to be okay, then that is called being attached to an outcome. This type of expectation is a major cause of suffering.
Other energies mingled with this are wishing, hoping, needing, fearing, and grasping. When this type of expectation is present, something else is going on.
There are two uses of the word "expectation" .
The first use is to describe a knowing. When there is no question; when you are certain to the point of not even having to think about it; when you know that you know that you know; that's one type of expectation.
An example of this energy of expectation is when you turn on a light -- you turn the switch and expect the light to come on, no thought, and no surprise when the light lights. In fact, surprise comes on the rare occasion when the light doesn't come on.
You can effectively use this expectation in goal setting, visualization, and attraction. Get clear on what you want, picture it, and release it to surely show up. You don't need to think about it, just expect it.
The other use of expectation is a lot less useful for you. This is the expectation related to attachment. If you feel something must happen a certain way in order for you to be okay, then that is called being attached to an outcome. This type of expectation is a major cause of suffering.
Other energies mingled with this are wishing, hoping, needing, fearing, and grasping. When this type of expectation is present, something else is going on.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Coaching and Mentoring
Coaching and Mentoring
Research suggests that, on average, people use only 40 per cent of their potential in the workplace. Just imagine the impact on you and your organisation if it were possible to tap into the remaining 60 per cent.
Coaching and mentoring have been shown to be highly effective in releasing people’s potential. The terms are often used interchangeably within organisations but there is a clear difference between the two.
Two different rolesNon-directive coaching assumes that the individual is the expert in their own life and has the answers within. The coach’s role is to stimulate the discovery/learning of the individual to find their own solutions. A mentor generally has more experience than the individual so the nature of the relationship is more about passing on knowledge and advice. Coaching and mentoring, when applied correctly, can make the manager’s role much easier. Sir John Whitmore, author of 'Coaching for performance', talks about how ‘a manager’s task is simple – to get the job done and to grow his staff. Time and cost pressures limit the latter. Coaching is one process with both effects’.
Good coaching and mentoring increase awareness, personal responsibility, self-belief, learning, skill development, effectiveness and performance. This applies to the individual, the team and ultimately the bottom line of an organisation.
Why have coaching and mentoring become so popular?The business environment is continually evolving and there has been a marked change in the structure of organisations. In those that have downsized and that have flatter structures, individuals often have far broader responsibilities and need to be more flexible. There is a greater emphasis on individuals taking responsibility for their own development. There is also the need for ‘just in time’ personalised development, meaning coaching and mentoring can be effective interventions.
There is also the need for measurement and return on investment for all organisational activities, including training and development. Poor managerial performance affects the bottom line so it is in the interests of organisations to develop their management team in a personalised way. Research by Olivero, Bane and Kopelman (United Kingdom) examined the effects of training and coaching in a public sector organisation. Several managers underwent a management training programme which was followed by eight weeks of one-on-one executive coaching. Training increased productivity by 22.4 per cent. The coaching on top led to an increase in productivity of 88 per cent. This research shows that executive coaching is an important way of ensuring that knowledge acquired during training actually emerges as skills that are applied back in the workplace.
When to use coaching and mentoringCoaching and mentoring are not a panacea for everything that happens within an organisation. There will be times when someone needs to be told what to do; they may require information there and then to get a job done. Sometimes training in a new job/way of working is far more relevant. Coaching and mentoring will not work when:• the individual does not want to change • the individual/team does not want to be coached/mentored • someone needs a skill/knowledge immediately • disciplining someone.
There are many situations for which coaching and mentoring are ideal:• skills development • personal development plans/appraisals • career planning • to support strategic initiatives • supporting leadership development • as part of a culture change • to embed training • as part of a change process • to improve individual and team performance and develop individual and team capability.
Remember that mentoring is appropriate only when there is knowledge/expertise to pass on. It is important to be explicit about when you are coaching and when you are mentoring.
Benefits to organisations and individualsThere is a growing body of evidence around the effectiveness of coaching and mentoring, and organisations that have applied them have reported the following benefits:• improved productivity, quality and customer service • increased employee commitment and satisfaction • support for newly-promoted employees to cope with new responsibilities • support for other training and development initiatives, reducing leakage from training • ability to demonstrate to employees that an organisation is committed to developing staff • improved retention of staff.
Benefits to individuals:• improved problem-solving • improved managerial and interpersonal skills • better relationships with colleagues • more effective/assertive in dealing with people • positive impact on performance • new skills and abilities • improved work/life balance • reduced stress levels.
Top tips for coaching and mentoring Aspects that make coaching and mentoring successful include:• buy-in from the top of the organisation • transparent communication about the purpose and intention of introducing coaching/mentoring into an organisation to all concerned,• having clear objectives for what it should achieve • considering how the effectiveness of the intervention will be measured • what resources (if any) are available internally for coaching and mentoring • considering bringing in external organisations where appropriate • providing sufficient support/training for it to be effective – offering a one-day training course on coaching skills will not be sufficient to change management behaviour • considering how the transfer of learning and embedding the learning will take place.Using external providers
If you decide to bring in external providers to coach/mentor your staff or to train managers on coaching/mentoring skills, then you should ask the following questions:
• What qualifications do the coaches and mentors have? The industry is not yet regulated so anyone can call themselves a coach or mentor with no real training. It would be preferable for their qualifications to have external accreditation
• What are the credentials of both the organisation and individuals involved? What is the size of the organisation?
• What continuing professional development (CPD) process do they have in place? • What kinds of individuals/organisations have they worked with before?
• Can they provide some references/testimonials?People are a crucial resource and an important source of competitive advantage. Developing the potential of the workforce is important both for an organisation and for the individuals within it. Just consider the impact on your organisation of releasing some of that untapped potential.
This article is contributed by CIMA (The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) and it first appeared in Insight, CIMA’s on-line newsletter for its members.
Research suggests that, on average, people use only 40 per cent of their potential in the workplace. Just imagine the impact on you and your organisation if it were possible to tap into the remaining 60 per cent.
Coaching and mentoring have been shown to be highly effective in releasing people’s potential. The terms are often used interchangeably within organisations but there is a clear difference between the two.
Two different rolesNon-directive coaching assumes that the individual is the expert in their own life and has the answers within. The coach’s role is to stimulate the discovery/learning of the individual to find their own solutions. A mentor generally has more experience than the individual so the nature of the relationship is more about passing on knowledge and advice. Coaching and mentoring, when applied correctly, can make the manager’s role much easier. Sir John Whitmore, author of 'Coaching for performance', talks about how ‘a manager’s task is simple – to get the job done and to grow his staff. Time and cost pressures limit the latter. Coaching is one process with both effects’.
Good coaching and mentoring increase awareness, personal responsibility, self-belief, learning, skill development, effectiveness and performance. This applies to the individual, the team and ultimately the bottom line of an organisation.
Why have coaching and mentoring become so popular?The business environment is continually evolving and there has been a marked change in the structure of organisations. In those that have downsized and that have flatter structures, individuals often have far broader responsibilities and need to be more flexible. There is a greater emphasis on individuals taking responsibility for their own development. There is also the need for ‘just in time’ personalised development, meaning coaching and mentoring can be effective interventions.
There is also the need for measurement and return on investment for all organisational activities, including training and development. Poor managerial performance affects the bottom line so it is in the interests of organisations to develop their management team in a personalised way. Research by Olivero, Bane and Kopelman (United Kingdom) examined the effects of training and coaching in a public sector organisation. Several managers underwent a management training programme which was followed by eight weeks of one-on-one executive coaching. Training increased productivity by 22.4 per cent. The coaching on top led to an increase in productivity of 88 per cent. This research shows that executive coaching is an important way of ensuring that knowledge acquired during training actually emerges as skills that are applied back in the workplace.
When to use coaching and mentoringCoaching and mentoring are not a panacea for everything that happens within an organisation. There will be times when someone needs to be told what to do; they may require information there and then to get a job done. Sometimes training in a new job/way of working is far more relevant. Coaching and mentoring will not work when:• the individual does not want to change • the individual/team does not want to be coached/mentored • someone needs a skill/knowledge immediately • disciplining someone.
There are many situations for which coaching and mentoring are ideal:• skills development • personal development plans/appraisals • career planning • to support strategic initiatives • supporting leadership development • as part of a culture change • to embed training • as part of a change process • to improve individual and team performance and develop individual and team capability.
Remember that mentoring is appropriate only when there is knowledge/expertise to pass on. It is important to be explicit about when you are coaching and when you are mentoring.
Benefits to organisations and individualsThere is a growing body of evidence around the effectiveness of coaching and mentoring, and organisations that have applied them have reported the following benefits:• improved productivity, quality and customer service • increased employee commitment and satisfaction • support for newly-promoted employees to cope with new responsibilities • support for other training and development initiatives, reducing leakage from training • ability to demonstrate to employees that an organisation is committed to developing staff • improved retention of staff.
Benefits to individuals:• improved problem-solving • improved managerial and interpersonal skills • better relationships with colleagues • more effective/assertive in dealing with people • positive impact on performance • new skills and abilities • improved work/life balance • reduced stress levels.
Top tips for coaching and mentoring Aspects that make coaching and mentoring successful include:• buy-in from the top of the organisation • transparent communication about the purpose and intention of introducing coaching/mentoring into an organisation to all concerned,• having clear objectives for what it should achieve • considering how the effectiveness of the intervention will be measured • what resources (if any) are available internally for coaching and mentoring • considering bringing in external organisations where appropriate • providing sufficient support/training for it to be effective – offering a one-day training course on coaching skills will not be sufficient to change management behaviour • considering how the transfer of learning and embedding the learning will take place.Using external providers
If you decide to bring in external providers to coach/mentor your staff or to train managers on coaching/mentoring skills, then you should ask the following questions:
• What qualifications do the coaches and mentors have? The industry is not yet regulated so anyone can call themselves a coach or mentor with no real training. It would be preferable for their qualifications to have external accreditation
• What are the credentials of both the organisation and individuals involved? What is the size of the organisation?
• What continuing professional development (CPD) process do they have in place? • What kinds of individuals/organisations have they worked with before?
• Can they provide some references/testimonials?People are a crucial resource and an important source of competitive advantage. Developing the potential of the workforce is important both for an organisation and for the individuals within it. Just consider the impact on your organisation of releasing some of that untapped potential.
This article is contributed by CIMA (The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) and it first appeared in Insight, CIMA’s on-line newsletter for its members.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Discover your limits
"The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible."Arthur C. Clarke
How do you instinctively respond when the going starts getting more than just a little tough? Do you intuitively rise up to meet the challenge or do you instead bend or even break under the pressure?
Do you automatically summon forth the extra effort required to go above and beyond the call of duty or do you toss in the towel and call it quits? The way you naturally respond to life’s difficulties speaks volumes about your character — or lack thereof.
Life quite often forces us to rise up to meet a wide array of daunting challenges tossed in our paths. Like it or not, stumbling blocks of all types and sizes can appear suddenly and without warning; obstacles that must be confronted and conquered if we’re ever going to reach our full potential on earth.
And it’s in these precious split seconds — where we dare or decline to put our best to the ultimate test — that our fate and fortunes are decided.
How do you instinctively respond when the going starts getting more than just a little tough? Do you intuitively rise up to meet the challenge or do you instead bend or even break under the pressure?
Do you automatically summon forth the extra effort required to go above and beyond the call of duty or do you toss in the towel and call it quits? The way you naturally respond to life’s difficulties speaks volumes about your character — or lack thereof.
Life quite often forces us to rise up to meet a wide array of daunting challenges tossed in our paths. Like it or not, stumbling blocks of all types and sizes can appear suddenly and without warning; obstacles that must be confronted and conquered if we’re ever going to reach our full potential on earth.
And it’s in these precious split seconds — where we dare or decline to put our best to the ultimate test — that our fate and fortunes are decided.
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