Maximizing The Holidays...

Happy New Year!

Several hours from now, we would be flipping the page of a
wonderfully challenging year that brought us great positive
transformation on all levels.

Time flies.

As we confidently look forward to bigger times ahead, ask yourself:
“Am I really ready?”, “What else do I need to do to get ahead?”

Well, the holidays will be over sooner than you know it. And as
Louis Pasteur put it, “Chance favours the prepared mind.”

Yes, it’s still the holidays, so enjoy but make time. Try to use the
next three days to reflect… regroup… and reinforce.

REFLECT. Do a personal assessment on yourself. Ask questions
like… “Have I accomplished what I set out for the year?”, “Where
do I stand now?”, “What did I do wrong that delayed or blew up
projects?”, “What did I do right that made me not only attain goals
brilliantly but opened up opportunities for myself and the
company?”, “How would I like the coming year to be?”, “Am I
equipped to take on more?”.

“If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is
needed but skill will bring success.” - Eccl. 10:10

Write down objectives and carefully analyze what you have.

REGROUP. Once you have determined your objectives and
checked on your resources, lay out your strategies for the coming
year. Break it up on a quarterly basis, better yet, on a monthly
basis. Plan. Plan. Plan.

“If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I would use 6 hours
sharpening my axe.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

Planning is key to success.

REINFORCE. Strengthening your plans and resolve would be
more effective if you ask for honest opinions.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”
~ Proverbs 27:17

Do not leave any stone unturned. Check and recheck. Understand
that no matter how good you are, still, nobody is perfect. Humility
then would serve you well. And bear in mind to keep your plans
flexible with contingency measures at hand. Realize that we may
be able to foresee the future but not the exact future, so listen.
Keep your eyes and ears open. Watch out for signals. And be
ready to decide and act.

Lastly, do not forget to pray.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will
succeed.” ~ Proverbs 16:3

On to the Future!

Remember…
“Maximizing the holidays can bring real benefits, it’s just a matter of desire."

Leading During The Holidays...

The holidays are here... the spirit of goodwill is felt and the celebration
echoes all over the world. It’s simply such a wonderful time of the year.

But as a Leader, how do you spend the holidays? Still work? Spend
time with family and friends?

Well, the latter certainly would be the better choice of course, after
all why do we work? What’s advancement if you don’t have loved
ones to share your triumphs? What is money and power if nobody
likes you?

Family and friends forms our major support group. They are specially
there when we need them most, thus, making us more resilient in life.
With that on the plate, wouldn’t it only be fair for us to spend quality
time with them and treat our family as our number one client?

Let’s look at an excerpt in Jeffrey J. Fox’s How to become CEO…

It is very easy to let your business career monopolize all your time
and energy. The more action-oriented you become, the more there
is to do. But to force your spouse and children into second place is
a mistake.

You need the support of your family. It will help you in your career.
You need an enthusiastic spouse who understands that some
sacrifices is necessary. Your family must be an ally in your future
plans.

Put your family on your calendar. Schedule as many soccer games
as possible. Schedule vacations. Leave work early if you are taking
your children trick-or-treating. Put family activities on your “To Do”
list. Give them high priority. Quality time with your family will reward
you a thousandfold.

When your spouse or children speak to you, put down the newspaper
or book or mute the TV, and turn and look at them while they are
speaking. You will strengthen that relationship and practice your
listening skills at the same time. It is also a very polite thing to do.

Respond to your family as you do to your job, or to that big, important
client.

Try to have fun with those who really matters the most in your life.
It will do you a lot of good- personally and professionally. Your health
will improve. You’ll rediscover your sense of humor. You’ll strengthen
those bonds and make life more meaningful.

“No one can foretell the possibilities of achievement available to man
whose wife stands at his back and urges him on to bigger and better
endeavor, for it is a well known fact that a woman can arouse a man
so that he will perform almost superhuman feats. It is your right and
your duty to encourage your husband and urge him on in worthy
undertakings until he shall have found his place in the world.”
- The Law Of Success

Merry Christmas and More Success.

Remember…
“Christmas has always been about sharing; when you share, you build more stock.”

Growing Through Sports...

Many treat sports as recreation, others as a form of exercise, yet
others as a relief from stress. But how many has ever considered
sports as an effective means to perfect Leadership skills?

Yes, you heard me right.

Leadership skills could be enriched by engaging in sports and
specially through Coaching. Whatever your level in the corporate
world, from staff positions to top management or whether you are
underemployed or job seeking, getting involved in sports would
help you grow your Leadership abilities.

How?

Take golf for example. What would you need to play the game well?
Clubs? More than equipment, what? You need focus, discipline,
self-control, perseverance, adaptability, and capacity for abstract
thought among others.

Sports is more than just sinking that shot. It’s about character
building and strengthening necessary to being That Leader. And
as we know, your attitude determines your altitude.

What about Coaching?

Well, while participating in sports develop character, coaching
improves a Leader’s functional skills: planning, organizing and
controlling; and specially boosts vital aspects in leading such
as people skills and teamwork.

Yet, in all these, how many of you truly realizes the great benefits
of sports in Leadership?

Many still frowns or downgrades what sports can bring forth. Many
still doubts the transferability of Leadership skills in a coach. You
can see it when a coach tries to go on a “career transition” to the
corporate world.

“Who told you it couldn’t be done? And what great achievement
has he to his credit that entitles him to use the word IMPOSSIBLE
so freely?” - The Law Of Success

Look now, how sure are you of a coach’s ability anyway? If you are
indeed a Leader then you would not judge a book by its cover. You
will not just browse his resume but analyze it and talk to him to see
what he is good at. You will review your company’s status and needs
then try to fit him in.

See, why not give an "outsider" that chance?

“Thousands of people walked over the great calumet copper mine
without discovering it. Just one lone man got busy with a pick and
found it. You may be standing on your ‘calumet mine’ right now
without knowing it…” - The Law Of Success

Being open-minded is a crucial part of being That Leader; but if
you are stuck in this status quo, then what are the chances for a
breakthrough?

Think. Even in schools, not all the "brilliant" are found at Harvard.

Remember… “To grow as a Leader, you got to get out of that shell.”

The Traveling Leader...

Traveling is one thing that a Leader needs to do to be a global
leader, this maybe through internet or actual travel. However,
in the long run, actual travel would certainly be even more
beneficial... let's start the exploration.

First, well, what about traveling? Why make such a fuss about it?
And what do we actually get out of it?

Readers, Leaders, mind you that Leadership is about people not
machines. It's about people management... about directing the
ship to its destination. See, while management is concerned with
the inanimate... material and financial resources, machinery,
products, marketing; Leadership, on the other hand, is concerned
with people; it is a psychological... or if you like, a spiritual
connection between human beings.

With this, good communication skills is definitely a key factor.

"To succeed or even to survive in this most difficult of roles requires
of the Chief Executive good health, humour, a resilience not given
to many, and the powers of persuasion and personal leadership
needed in both boardroom and workshop." - Jan Hildreth

Notice, for this quotation, the emphasis on forms of communication
is seen through the boldly printed letters.

But, what about travel? Logically, if you do not travel then how could
you communicate?

Nevertheless, traveling brings with you important aspects like having
the actual view of the investment... the feel of the environment and
culture... and most importantly, strengthening that human connection
that would lead to more cooperation and opportunities.

See, having an actual view of the investment would make you feel
more confident that you are indeed making the right decision.
While feeling the environment and culture makes you understand
your counterparts even more, thereby knowing your market better
and how to effectively motivate on this side of the fence. Just bear
in mind, respect and tolerance is essential anywhere in the world.

"Goodwill is earned by many acts; it can be lost by one."

Still wait. Cooperation? Opportunities?
Yes, you heard me right. If you know how to play your cards well,
you could finally get that dream job offer... as for in many cases,
it is not what you know but who you know that gets you that job.

So, keep walking, talking, and listening to success...
and do not forget to show that million dollar smile.

Remember...
"Traveling creates Opportunities..."

The Altruistic Leader... Part III

In our past issues, we realize that without altruism, a Leader would
be next to infamous. Too bad? Well, we should then know that
Mom was right, learn to share your blessings with others. That even
a line from a superhero “movie” made sense, with great power
comes great responsibility.

All these are seriously a matter of putting words into action. Even
as the Holy Bible says…

“If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need
but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear
children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and
on truth.” - 1 John 3:17-18

Ok, some of you may not be Christians and it is with reference to
the Bible… but does that mean that you should not take pity and
do good to others? See, altruism is not about religion. We are
talking of values here. After all, we are all on earth together.

Let’s take a quick look at leadership and values. Note that the
original three-circles model (task, group, and individual) spoke only
about needs. But it is impossible to keep values out of the picture,
even if anyone wanted to do so. That is why the behavioural
sciences, which properly attempt to be value-free, can not cover the
whole ground. You have values as well as needs and they play
a vital part in your decisions.

Actually, the relationship of values and needs is very close… we
need what we value; we value what we need. But they are different.
Good and bad, truth and falsehood, right and wrong, profit and loss,
are not needs but they do affect conduct.

You may think this is a philosophical point, not a practical one; but
the “best” Leaders have something of the philosopher in them. So,
as a Leader, you will have to show awareness of the values of the
common enterprise and interpret them for people both inside the
group and outside it. That is why true leadership has an inescapable
moral, or even spiritual, dimension. Without it you can become a
good leader in the technical sense of the word… but not necessarily
be a leader for good.

Where does this leadership and values bring us then?
That efficiency in leadership greatly lies in understanding the
relationship between needs and values. That what you do in the
outside world is reflective of what you do in the inside. You can not
forever hide an elephant nor can you forever hide a good painting…
unless you destroy it, but really, you simply can not.

We reap what we sow.

If we are compassionate then we get compassion as well. Charity
is more effective if we teach one how to fish… not just give a fish.
It’s about giving the necessary assistance… not spoon-feeding.
It’s about understanding the situation… not judging the person.

If your connection needs a job, he is not giving you a burden…
but he is offering you his services… his expertise.

If you wish to be the Best Leader that you can be, then you should
be able to see beyond what your current situation is and how to fit
your connection’s expertise with your objectives. This means, you
should be able to see his application with Great Vision.

Leadership is a matter of opportunity. Opportunity is a chance to
show one’s ability. More than just strategizing and decision-making,
Leadership Ability speaks greatly of one’s people skills.
People skills is nothing without empathy.
Empathy is never a weakness, it is what gives you dedication
from your followers.

Can a Leader be without values?
Only if he is a tyrant.

Altruism echoes through time.

Remember...
"Altruism is the common denominator of Jesus, Gandhi, King to name a few.”

The Altruistic Leader... Part II

Previously, we delved into what altruism is; and confirmed that
indeed, altruism is an essential trait of a True Leader. For as we
know, a Leader can not keep pushing his agenda instead of a vision
that is beneficial to all, while neglecting his people on the other end.

What will happen then? A leader would lose his men to sickness,
betrayal or rebellion that would affect shared objectives in the long
run.

To lead is not only to know where you are going, but to be aware
of your back as well.

This calls for relationship building subtly incorporated in a Leader's
people skills.

Making Time To Lead
If I am to achieve a relationship with my colleagues which enables
us all to give our best, there needs to be a limit to the number which
directly report to me. A need to identify necessitates on both sides
the giving of time. Time to understand the other person, find out
what makes him tick, what are his strengths and weaknesses and
whether there are short cuts in getting through to that person for the
purpose of getting things done effectively. One of the great benefits
of a well established relationship is that it reduces the need for
lengthy dialogue although it does not and never should eliminate
regular briefing sessions.

Regrettably, we do not always have the time or, worse still, find the
time to get to know many of our colleagues well enough to exercise
this advantage. Leadership necessitates a two way acceptance of
a special relationship; it has to be built on mutual trust and respect
but it involves also a complex matrix of skills and sensitive
perceptions, perhaps the most important of all, listening and hearing;
the two are not necessarily synonymous. If I had to summarize what
leadership means to me, it would be the understanding and sharing
of a common purpose... without that, there can not be effective
leadership. (Ann Mansell, Texales Ltd. - CEO)

Mind you, we are dealing with people with feelings not robots. Yet,
a Leader does not necessarily have to drink with the gang. Getting
tipsy with anyone connected to his company is a sign of weakness.
It shows out of control.

Better still, treat all people as special. As Jeffrey J. Fox suggested,
excellent leaders make people feel that they...

... are asked, not questioned...
... are overpaid, not underpaid...
... are measured, not monitored...
... are people, not personnel...
... are sold on what to do, not told...
... are instrumental, not instruments...
... are workers, not worked...
... are contributors, not costs...
... are needed, and heeded.

See, people skills would not be as effective without sincerity. While
sincerity is seen in how naturally you practice altruism. And genuine
altruism echoes outside your organization onto your friends, business
associates and of course, your network connections.

Certainly, if you want to push your career or business to your
satisfaction... it would do well to apply generosity like rays of the sun.
As we call it in business... "word of mouth"; and this is how to build a
successful career or understanding. It all starts with genuine altruism.

Again, why did you network? For further collaboration?

That's fine... but then, the future starts now.

If you wait for the "perfect" time, for the "perfect" new product, for
conditions to be just right, you will never get started. Realize that
even the greatest of companies and products have been improved
since their beginning. Do not let "perfect" be the enemy of "better."

Procrastination ruins the path to success.

Your legacy begins with what you can do for others... NOW.

Remember...
"Altruism builds trust. Trust ignites cooperation. Cooperation powers ACHIEVEMENT."

The Altruistic Leader...

As a Leader, you are generally expected to have supporters or
subordinates; but as Dag Hammarskjold, former Secretary General
of the United Nations said...

"Your position never gives you the right to command. It only
imposes on you the duty of so loving your life that others can
receive your orders without being humiliated."

This is what a Leader is all about empathy... Altruism.

Do you still remember how you became a Leader? The struggles
you had to go through and all before arriving at what you are now?
Or some of you might want to say, "but I have never struggled,
I was always on top."

Well, although it's quite unthinkable, good for you then.

"A man's success is made up of failures because he experiments
and ventures everyday, the more he falls he gets, moves faster
on... I have heard that in horsemanship, he is not the good rider
who never was thrown, but rather that a man will never be a good
rider until he is thrown; then he will not be haunted any longer
by the terror that he shall tumble, and will ride whether he is
bound." - Emerson

Thus, failure can be your best teacher. It can also give you the
priceless gift of humility. As the Vice President of an American
Company once said, "I have had enough success to keep me
from despair, and enough failure to keep me humble."

Why did failure come to the picture when the issue is
about Altruism?

For nobody knows what will exactly happen to the future? And
with that in mind, our security really depends on our dealings
with others. if we act with "altruism" now then one day when we
need help... help will come knocking.

We have to give in order to receive.

Empathy is expected of good Leaders within the organization.
However, a wise man knows that he should not put all the eggs
in one basket; otherwise, growth would be limited and even
failure looms what with the uncertainty of business.

Altruism should then be extended outside of your working
environment onto your business connections.

See, if you can not show care to your connections, don't you
think you are just indrectly deceiving them? Oh my, how? Why?

First, why did you connect with them when there really would not
be anything going between you? Second, you deceived your
connection in a way that all you wanted was to learn or get
something from them without compensating.

Wait a minute.

Compensating? Do we have to pay to make friends or connect?
Everything has a price... but it's not exactly what you think it is
between friends for this compensation comes in the form of a
mutually beneficial connection. Meaning, you help each other in
whatever way possible.

Realize that there is really no sincerity in connecting if all you want
is simply to fill up your database. Sincerity is present only when
you understand that both parties have wants or needs to be met...
and are willing to do something about it.

"Think of the poorest person you have ever seen and ask if
your next act will be of any use to him." - Mahatma Gandhi

If this article has succeeded, it should have given you at least
some glimpses of what that "subtle and unmistakable touch of
love" means within the context of Leadership.

Remember...
"Altruism is exercising compassion to others and enhancing power to your future."

Job Hunting Leaders... Part III

"I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow."
- Woodrow Wilson

We heard of luck. We heard of preparation. Now, let us deliberate
on the most vital ingredient a Leader needs to succeed...
Connections.

When we say connections, what comes to your mind?
People, of course... but these are no ordinary people, these are
those who share at least some of your philosophies; therefore,
these are the people that could help you, in as much as, you could
help them.

"How come when I want a pair of hands
I get a human being as well?" - Henry Ford

People need people.

Remember we can not simply rely on luck. We got to create our
own luck through good planning. And we can only get cooperation
through sincere and open communication and having the integrity
to return the favor.

As we know, people are not in business to lose money, hence,
trust is key. Even good friends are good friends because of that trust.

Understand that having connections is power, but this power is
only made manifest again... through cooperation. Bill Gates would
have had a tougher time without Paul Allen. Business does not
even need to start big, Stanford engineers William Hewlett and
David Packard started HP in 1939 with only US$538 in a Palo Alto
garage. We just need to connect. No man is an island.

"Jack was out kissing babies while I was out passing bills.
Someone had to mind the store." - Lyndon B. Johnson

Think about this, if Jesus did not have disciples, Christianity would
not have grown to what it is today. We just need a partner, a friend...
a connection to help us turn the wheels, to get job opportunities or
to succeed in whatever endeavor.

We have heard of the famous saying...
"Attitude plus Aptitude determines your Altitude."

Nonetheless, preparation would be useless without opportunity
as performance is the result of this opportunity.

"Far and away, the best price that life offers is the chance to
work hard at work worth doing." - Theodore Roosevelt

However, opportunity more than timing, which is actually luck if
you really think about it, is highly dependent on connections.
Yet, how do we unlock the power of connections?

People skills.

People skills is not about sweet talking. Sweet talking is deceitful
and consumes one's integrity. And even with a good opportunity,
it can only make so many promises but one... to deliver.

"You can create excitement, you can do wonderful promotion and
get all kinds of press... but if you don't deliver the goods,
people will eventually catch on." - Donald Trump

Promises are not made to be broken... Your future is at stake.

We do not sweet talk people, but use sincerity at all times...
it is the primary element of great people skills. Thus, realize that
people skills is a mix of your sweeping charisma, sound character
and empathic communication skills.

You want business? You want a job?

Unleash that power! Be sincere. Be unselfish. Be of service.
Consequently, the power of connections could only be unleashed
through great people skills.

Yes, it is a small world but you do not need to be greedy, worried or
sceptical. Greed is only for the insecure; scepticism is for the
incompetent; while worry will just wear down your ability to succeed.
Have Faith. There is something good for everybody.

This is not just your world, it's our world...

See, you maybe successful now, but who exactly knows the future?
We can only have that permanent security IF we act as how a Leader
should... with Altruism.

Job hunting should not just be the concern of seekers...
but specially the concern of those who sincerely care.
What are connections for?

The good you do will come back to you.
So, let's just join hands... together, WE WILL MAKE IT.

Remember... as that Job Hunting Leader...
"If you think you can or think you can't you're probably right." - Henry Ford

Job Hunting Leaders... Part II

In the first part of our job hunting leaders series, take note that a
major pillar of job hunting is good preparation.

"Chance favours only the prepared mind." - Louis Pasteur

Realize that to succeed as a Leader, you should have that burning
desire; as without that high degree of motivation, you will give up on
the first signs of difficulty. Mind you, this desire is partly a reflection
of your ability. Now, your motivation to succeed particularly in
Leadership can be best developed by finding a sphere of work
which you find absorbingly interesting and demandingly worthwhile.
Then you will show infectious dedication to the job in hand.

So, as we see, good preparation is knowing what you want and
dedicating yourself to it... as it is your decisions, not your conditions,
that determine your destiny.

Once you have chosen your field, however, you should aim to
develop maximum flexibility within it, so that you are the master at
reading the changes in situtations and responding with the
appropriate Leadership style. At the same time, as you grow in
Leadership, your technical knowledge and experience in that
working field should be widening and deepening as well.
Bear in mind, experience is simply exposure, so be creative.

Knowing Your Field Of Activity
Another quality common to leaders is their willingness to work hard,
to prepare themselves, to know their field of activity thoroughly.
I have often heard it said of some individual: "Oh, he'll get by on
personality." Well, he may get by for a time, but if a charming
personality is all he has, the day will come when he will find himself
looking for a job.

I never knew President Roosevelt as well as I did some of the other
leaders, but in the few conferences I had with him I was impressed,
not only by his inspirational qualities, but by his amazing grasp of
the whole complex war effort. He could discuss strategy on equal
terms with his generals and admirals. His knowledge of geography
of the war theaters was so encyclopedic that the most obscure
places in faraway countries were always accurately sited on his
mental map. President Roosevelt possessed personality, but as
his nation's leader in a global conflict, he also did his homework...
thoroughly. - Dwight D. Einsenhower

Do not then be afraid of taking bold initiatives, even risks, with your
career especially if you are aiming high. The good news is that
there is always more about Leadership to be learned. No one
person knows it all or does it all. What matters most is that you
are now moving steadily higher on the path of Leadership, setting
past failures or disappointments firmly behind you.

Do not simply rely on luck. Luck is when good preparation and
opportunity meet. Be that boy scout, always prepared.

Do not wait for the right attitudes to appear... that can take years.
Actions form Attitudes. If you form a picture of the person you would
like to be... drawing upon models or examples of great Leaders...
then all things will begin to work together to grow into that stature.

"Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never
the result of selfishness." - THE LAW OF SUCCESS

With effort, powerful connections will begin to notice you. Take note,
powerful connections, not "traditional" recruiters. As for "traditional"
recruiters, they are simply playing safe, "round pegs for round holes."
But for powerful connections, they know that round pegs for round
holes ignore the dimension of change and the need for creative
people and Leaders in the organization.

Job hunting should not be so tough, just be where the action is.

Remember...
"Seize the small opportunities, and the big ones will find their way to you."

Job Hunting Leaders...

We know that we are still in recession; and yet even if we're not in
recession, there could still be a few displaced personnel including
"leaders." Does this then mean that these people are not good
enough?

See, first, not because one is a leader, he is employed... for many
leaders could be unemployed too. But that does not mean they are
no good. Most of the leaders who are employed are just fortunate
enough to be with a strong organization. They are where they are,
not necessarily because they are better than the others, but because
they were just at the right place at the right time.

Do we hear someone say, "What about the education factor?"

Well, yes, a good education certainly helps. It's good training. This
is in fact the basis of traditional recruiters on up and coming leaders.
Not really bad. But take note that not because one does not come
from Harvard, it means that he's a lesser mortal. For haven't you
thought of the money factor? Or even luck?

Like, if General Gott had not been killed in a plane crash, for instance,
Montgomery would not have taken over the Eighth Army. You would
be foolish if you didn't recognize the hand of luck. It's an uncomfortable
factor to live with, but it is undeniably there in every sphere of life.

If you are going to be effective as a Leader, however, you need to
adopt a positive policy towards luck. The worse strategy you can adopt
is to rely upon luck, except in extreme circumstances where there is
literally nothing else you can do.

Just remember, everything can be learnt; but progress is mainly
dependent on the person concerned, on how well he handles
opportunities.

What about the experience factor?

Ah, experience again.
Ask yourself then, "How could one get experience if he was not
given that opportunity? How could one prove his worth if he was
not given the chance?" Hence, understand that experience is a
matter of exposure.

And more so...
"Experience is as to intensity and not duration." - Thomas Hardy

Nonetheless, how you will react in a very senior Leadership position
will not be know until you get there. You may drag it down to your
level of incompetence, or you may grow into the job. How you actually
perform in that position will largely depend upon your self-development.

Thus, as a job hunting Leader, you should be responsible and
proactive in your Leadership development programme.
For Leadership can not really be taught, it can only be learnt. If you
work hard at it... given a modicum of potential... you will improve.
Indeed, someone of modest natural ability who works hard at the task,
team and individual circles will eventually outstrip a person of high
natural ability who is lazy and instinctive about it, for the latter's faults
will grow bigger like weeds over the years. He will not be able to
transfer his learnings from one situation to another because he has
never understood why he was successful in terms of principles.
It is sad to see a natural leader go bad, but it has happened more
than once.

Let your job hunting then be seasoned with good preparation, in turn,
luck will very soon smile at you.

Remember...
"Work hard at Leadership today, and tomorrow will take care of itself."

The Essence... The Sequel.

In last weekend’s article, we delved into the essence of Leadership…
and two of the factors, as we know, were vision and trust. Certainly,
without “vision”, what would be the point of a worthy undertaking?
It’s like having a car but you do not know where to go, no destination.
And of course, “trust” is like gasoline, even if you know where to go
but if there is no petrol… you can not proceed.

We then concluded the article with a teaser for this week’s blog…
the “action” factor in the essentials.

COOPERATION. This is what we get when our vision is shared and
trust is compensated. It is the beginning of all organized effort. It is
the insurance to inevitable success.

“We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different
people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes,
different dreams.” - Jimmy Carter

But how do we actually get cooperation?

Simple yet a bit tough specially for some in power. First, we have to
be polite… with everyone. Mind you, not because you are at the top…
that does not mean that you could roll over others. Respect begets
respect. Hence, use good manners all the time. Never pull rank.
Consider one’s culture, beliefs and traditions. Always think of how
others could “feel” before you say or do something. Realize that you
are dealing with human beings not robots. Don’t waste people’s time
but be considerate. Yes, practice saying “please” and “thank you”
whenever possible… sincerely.

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing
to the bones.” - Proverbs 16:23-24

Understand that support can be gained if you make allies not enemies.
Thus, with the support of your allies, you get the help you need to get
your goals or job done… even if someone deliberately or
unintentionally acts to scuttle you.

See…

The creation of more wealth each year; the increase in our national
production; the ability to do just a little better than our competitors
overseas, all these will benefit the organization as a whole.

But to achieve, this demands a wholesale change of attitude in order
to break down barriers which prevent companies from working as a
united, productive team.

However, in all these, only Top management can take the decisions
that will put their organizations on such a path... because effective
change can only come from the very top. Personal Leadership from
the top can create a receptive environment in which teamwork can
truly flourish right down the line. The old barriers can then at least be
replaced with genuine trust… fuelling cooperation towards that vision.

“We must not let the iron curtain be replaced with a veil of
indifference.” - Bill Clinton

Remember...
“Valuable Cooperation is yours if you think of others and not just yourself.”

The Essence Of Leadership...

In our previous blog, we talked about the bottomline of Leadership;
for this issue, we will discuss about the “essence” of Leadership.
But what’s the difference between “bottomline” and “essence”
anyway? Is the former more important than the latter or
the other way around?

First, while bottomline speaks of output, essence is about the
crucial elements in Leadership for this matter. What then are these
“crucial” elements? How do we acquire them?

VISION. To get the attention of others, specially the supporters
you wish for, a Leader needs to have an exciting and mutually
beneficial vision.

Let’s take a look at this angle…

Leaders for good.
If effective work is to be done then there will need to be leadership,
otherwise people will thrash around in a fog. Leadership involves,
for me, helping the organization to discover, express its own purposes
and values which enable those involved with the organization to
commit themselves to the organization sufficiently that they will use
their intelligence and creativity in its support. That probably means
that the central purpose of the organization will need to be expressed
and lived in terms that people can identify with and with underlying
values that they can be proud of. Maybe “to serve the public by
producing good value x’s and doing so in such a way that all
employees are able to use and develop their talents” would be more
likely to inspire people than “to make more profit than last year”?
Leadership like this will need to be shown at all levels.
(Nicholas Heap)

See, this vision should be of helpful service which could easily be
shared and pushed to get the ball rolling. Yet, although we can not
control everything, visions do not really change… but it’s your plans
that need to be flexible enough to absorb, adjust to and predict
changes. Hence, it would certainly be good to have contingency
plans in firing up objectives.

TRUST. Once you have that “vision” in line, you now have to act
swiftly and positively to lay the foundation of trust.

Take note that trust can only be built if we have genuine concern for
others; if we have respect; if we walk the talk; if we have integrity.

On Integrity.
Harris: “What single quality makes an industrial leader?”
Woodroofe: “No single quality, but an indispensable one is integrity.
No doubt about it. Assuming certain qualities like efficiency,
imagination, shrewdness, doggedness and so on, the all-essential
one is integrity.”
Harris: “What do you mean by integrity in this context?”
Woodroofe: “Most decisions in business are based on uncertainties
because you don’t have all the information you would theoretically
like to have, but having what you have, you must use your judgment
and decide. But, and this is what I mean by the overriding importance
of integrity, the decision must be made within the framework of the
responsibilities the businessman carries. He has responsibilities to
the shareholders, the employees, the consumers, even the
government of the day. He has to balance these responsibilities
thoroughly, justly and without bias. You could, for instance, make a
decision which was to the benefit of your shareholders but to the
detriment of the community as a whole. Not doing that, and knowing
why you are not going to do it, and what not doing it is going to cost
you, is what I mean by integrity.”
(Kenneth Harris of The Obeserver in an interview with
Sir Ernest Woodroofe, Unilever Chairman, 1970)

Now that we are in the digital age and having most all the necessary
information… does it mean that “integrity” is no longer significant?
Huh, think again. Can you imagine engaging with an entity without
integrity? What do you think would happen? You know the answer.

Coming up on the next blog... the action word of the essentials.

Remember... “Leadership is a continuing process… and Key to your
Development depends on your ability to learn from others.”

The Bottomline Of Leadership...

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “bottomline”?
Many could think of it as the ultimate thing. Well, it makes sense;
however, if we take a closer look, bottomline signifies something
that has gone through pretty complex procedures. There could be
many branches or processes involved to come up with an output.

Leadership. Bottomline.

Hmm… Is Leadership then that complicated? Well, to many,
it could be; and to some, even scary. Why?

Consider this…

Michael, aged 36 years, had a brilliant career as a “back room boy”
in the accounts department of a British pharmaceutical company.
He had passed all the examinations and specialized in tax matters,
winning himself a solid reputation. He had been with the same firm
for twelve years. On “situational” grounds, he should have been the
ideal man to become the leader of his department when the job fell
vacant. When that promotion came his way, however, it took him by
surprise. He was not prepared for leadership. The company was in
recession; morale in the department was low. He soon found himself
with all sorts of problems, both about the department’s effectiveness
and about people, where his expertise in tax law was of no help.
He floundered for a while and then in desperation left the company
to set up business on his own as a tax collector.

What do we see here?

Looking deeper within, Leadership is more than just experience;
for again, things can be learned… it’s just a matter of exposure,
of opportunity. See then, Leadership is really all about character…
that is strength and soundness.

Yet, many are still awed when they hear the word “leadership”;
many are still worried to put people in leadership spots. Why?
Because these “many” are not True Leaders. Because these
“many” are just traditional recruiters. Realize now that we sorely
need a paradigm shift if we truly want to move forward with
renewed confidence.

The bottomline then is…

For you as a Leader, it’s decision-making skills. This is having
that courage to make decisions. Sound and timely decisions that is.
The courage to cross the bridge. The courage to take responsibility.

And this responsibility extends to every party involved in the business…
from owners to suppliers to employees to customers among others.

For the shareholder, a leader’s responsibility is primarily meeting
objectives. This would also include harnessing the company’s
potential for growth.

For the suppliers, it's geared on his coordinating skills. After all,
without the timely availability of raw materials, business would be
critical.

For the subordinates, it's mainly about people skills, particularly
one’s ability to build enthusiasm, to employ empathy, and to subtly
use humor when tension arises.

For the customers, responsibility is focused on understanding
consumer behaviour, both short-term and long-term. On knowing
their needs. On satisfying their curiosity.

Leadership may have its pressures but tell you, it’s not really that
tough… you just have to constantly be aware of time, environment,
and people.

“Chance favors the prepared mind.” - Louis Pasteur

Make your mark. You can do it.

Remember…
“With great power comes great responsibility.”

The Mythical Leader...

Mythical Leader. Have you heard of such?

Hmm... actually, there’s so much of that kind that roams in various
organizations… and many more just about to be hired.

Nonetheless, the question is still a question.

What is a Mythical Leader? Well, we could think of him as a leader
who protects the “status quo”; or a leader whom traditional thinkers
believe them to be, which is a round peg for a round hole.

Wait a minute.

Round peg for a round hole?
Isn’t that about getting the right fit for the job opening??
But, but… if we don’t get the right fit then how would he perform?
Wouldn’t he just produce mediocre results? So, why is it then
that a “round peg” is a “mythical leader”?

“It’s counter to human nature, but you have to kill your business
while it’s still working.” - Lewis Platt

Well, well, well… are we forward-thinking or not? Forward Thinking
is about looking from a higher perspective, it’s about looking beyond.
It’s about looking from different angles not just the front, side, and
back; it’s also about the 45° or 225° angle; it’s about the top view
and even what’s under.

For those who are skeptics, forward-thinking is not just about thinking
“different.” Understand that “different” is not always good, at times
it’s ridiculous or absurd.

What about Creativity? Yes, being “creative” is different but without
losing one’s head. It’s like being able to solve the puzzle but without
“destroying” the game or device. Thus, creativity is key to Great
Leadership.

“It is not enough to have a good mind. The main thing is to use it well.”
- Leonardo Da Vinci

Now, let us briefly look how the round peg for round hole principle
suppresses just two of the most vital factors to Forward Thinking.

FLEXIBILITY. The RP4RH principle is rigidly structured with no
room to maneuver but up or down, no sides, no angles or what.
Organizations and headhunters just base their recruitments on a
list of stiffly drawn requirements and traditional methods of hiring.

RESOURCEFULNESS. Since flexibility is affected, resourcefulness
is then replaced with “resume browsing” instead of “profile analysis.”
Here, we see recruiters in a bit of a rush to find that RP4RH candidate
and get their job done; otherwise, they painstakingly wait for that
RP4RH candidate like betting to hit the lottery.

What then do we notice with these two suppressed factors?

This makes many HR and recruiters sort of lazy or procrastinators.
Diplomatically, it’s called “playing safe”… unfortunately, without
realizing that they could be stepping on a gold mine.

Haven’t you ever thought that we could shape the square peg round?
Or don’t you think that the “maladjusted” could be that missing link
into making your organization see things beyond your imagination?
Or that he could make various holes to push your company ahead?

“A public-opinion poll is no substitute for thought.” - Warren Buffet

The answer lies in your ability and courage to see past the paper.

Remember… “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is
needed but skill will bring success.” - Ecclesiastes 10:10

The Trusted Leader...

As in all human relationships, trust is the most crucial aspect in
determining how far the association will go, on how successful the
venture will be.

But how do we develop that trust? What is its difference from “like”?
Or how can we exactly benefit from trust? And how…
do we properly use “trust”?

“Goodwill is earned by many acts; it can be lost by one.”

See, the hard part with trust is that, it takes a while for us to build it
but it only takes a second to tarnish it.

We can not ignore the fact that to err is human but then, getting
things back the way they used to be is tougher specially those
outside our family circle. Why? This is because of the varying
depths of relationships.

With family, when you “trip”, you would be more easily forgiven
because of the emotional connection brought about by the common
knowledge that the parties concerned are related by blood or marriage.

Whereas in business, things are more stiff since the connection is
basically work or investment related.

Nonetheless, we can not deny the fact that if people “trusts” us,
the power we have strengthens with the responsibilities bestowed
upon it.

“Do you realize the responsibility I carry? I’m the only person
standing between Nixon and the White House.” - John F. Kennedy

Then again, as a Leader, how do we develop that trust?

FIRST, bear in mind that if you can not trust others then you can not
be trusted yourself. This means, you got to learn to let go of the
power string and give people room. This means, you got to learn to
give people opportunities to prove themselves. This means, you got
to learn to give a chance to those who failed and to those who needs
one. This means, you got to learn to respect what they value and to
listen to their needs. This means, you got to learn to be flexible and
empathic yet firm.

And so, this brings us to the SECOND essential to earning that trust;
which is to treat people as our family.

Like what’s mentioned earlier, when you make a mistake with family…
you are more likely to be understood faster and forgiven; you are
more likely to be given another chance because of that emotional
connection, of that blood or marriage tie.

Hence, we now realize that if we treat people as how we would treat
our family then we could easily develop that deeper connection
resulting in greater trust and cooperation which is… vital to success.
This is not about being more subjective, this is about being more
responsible in our actions.

For one…
Would you put your family at risk in your decisions? Wouldn’t you
try to do even better for the sake of your family?
Leaders, readers, this speaks for both parties.

Now, see the significance of “treating people as your family”?

Trust begets trust. And power with trust then makes us more
accountable to our people and organization. Still, for many who
are simply egotistically ambitious, power is subtly abused for selfish
interests. This is a sad and unseen truth; and this happens because
of the underlying errors in traditional appointment, or even hiring.

Yes, we know that trust is key to appointments, to recruitment…
but we can not just be either subjective or objective in human
investments. This is why only True Leaders can spot Real Talents;
only True Leaders are willing to take that chance on the unknown…
for only True Leaders can see beyond; and only True Leaders can
strike the balance between being subjective and being objective
and look for ways to utilize and maximize one’s potentials.

Indeed, trust gives us that Leadership Edge. And no doubt,
trust is earned, but really… it’s just a matter of opportunity and
unprejudicial, undiscriminatory, unbiased and open-minded
treatment to others… personal or business… that wins trust.

Trust just has to be sincerely communicated to build up.

Remember… “So, in everything,
do to others what you would have them do to you…” - Matthew 7:12

Passive Candidates...

“In the end, you’re measured not by how much you undertake but
by what you finally accomplish.” – Donald Trump

Have you heard of the headhunters’ belief that passive candidates
are the ideal choices to fill in job vacancies?

Well, what then is the basis of such belief?

In this article, we talk about the main possible reason why such a
theory came into being.

PRODUCTIVELY EMPLOYED.

Why?

Again, the central idea here would be that the prospect has been
having constant practice on his field.

Notice the key words… Constant Practice.

Now, we then go back to the primary reason for the said perfect fit
and honestly ask ourselves… Is being “productively employed”
the ONLY way to have “constant practice”?

If “yes” then the story is over. This is like, if leaders are just born
then there’s no more argument. There would even be no need for
leadership workshops or trainings to improve such skills as it’s a
given, we can not improve our craft anymore. That, if it simply
boils down to innate leadership. Therefore, if being productively
employed is the only way to have constant practice then we could
throw “creativity” out of the window. There would be no need for us
to think out-of-the-box or to constantly seek ways to enhancing
ourselves as we “already” sit on that chair.

How many of you would then agree to such notion? To born leader
and hence, to being “productively employed” as the only way to have
“constant practice” in one’s field?

For those who do, you would surely be met by glaring eyes and
strong resistance brought about by common sense.

Why? Think again.

So now as we see, logic points out that being productively employed
is not the only way to have constant practice in one’s field… in fact,
there’s so many ways, it’s just a matter of being resourceful and
goal-oriented.

“In every soul there has been deposited the seed of a great future,
but that seed will never germinate, much less grow to maturity,
except through the rendering of useful service.”
- The Law Of Success

What then is the point here? Am I defending the unemployed??
Certainly not. The point is if you, headhunters, want to really
recruit the best… think out-of-the-box. If you really want creative
people, don’t be traditional in your manner of selection but
be creative yourself.

You have to grow past the age wherein the ideal candidate is the
one that fits the glass slippers. Instead, you have to move forward
with your kind of thinking… for no matter what form of technical or
hiring techniques you use, the results would be the same old thing
if the one who made it is still traditional in his thinking.

The better candidate is the one that understands the glass slippers
and could create one himself.

“I am going to build the kind of nation that President Roosevelt
hoped for, President Truman worked for, and President Kennedy
died for.” - Lyndon B. Johnson

The best candidate is not necessarily the passive candidate.
It’s not about the round peg for the round hole. The ideal candidate
you should look out for is the man who has that drive, that inner
strength yet easy-going personality… and that sincerity to serve.

And in case of career transitions, understand that it’s enthusiasm
and high learning ability that should be given that attention as well.

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

For the candidate, it’s all a matter of being given that opportunity.

For the headhunter, it’s all about moving forward and articulating.

For the Leader, it’s just time to accept the origins of Great Talents.

Remember… “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve
before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” - Proverbs 22:29

Connecting Leaders...

The internet has gone to greater heights, not only has it made the
world smaller but it made the flow of information faster which is
crucial to decision making. We are now building virtual bridges
that connects people and business with more efficiency and range.

Yet, more important than what there is now is what is yet to come.
For us who eternally aspires, there’s always another mountain to
climb, there’s always a bigger goal to fulfill.

Mind you, our business in this world is to succeed; however, we
can not do it alone. People need people. And the internet has
indeed brought “networking” to a higher dimension.

Here are some of the most notable reasons for networking…

OPPORTUNITIES. This could be job or business. See, if you
really think about it… if man doesn’t need to eat, there would be
no need to work. Understand that work, studies, innovation…
they all start from man’s need to work and improve his way of life;
again, because man needs to eat.

We are all in this world together… still many are hungry, many are
selfish and so, many souls get lost in the worries of life…
ending up in acts of crime.

”If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need
but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?
Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue
but with actions and in truth.” - 1 John 3:17-18

Do I hear… “but I am not charity”?

Leaders, readers… have a heart yet this section is not really about
donating tithes. This section is about giving opportunities to those
who needs it. It’s about giving jobs.

One can not say that this person lacks experience, education or
what. Every person on earth has use, has value… and everything
can be learned. All they need is a chance to prove themselves.

Now being a True Leader that you are, it is to your benefit as well
if you know how to spot then hire talents. People are investments.
They help you make money. They help you further your cause.

“If you are successful remember that somewhere, sometime,
someone gave you a lift or an idea that started you in the right
direction. Remember, also, that you are indebted to life until you
help some less fortunate person, just as you were helped.”
- The Law Of Success

On the other hand, looking closely within, business opportunities
actually has the same effect as job opportunities. See, how do you
sell your products? Isn’t it through the cooperation of your people?
This is from production to sales and so on. You invest on people
to help your business. You recruit people to expand, to seek
greener pastures, to even help you close deals.

True Leaders know that people are not costs, people make things
happen. They are your greatest assets.

KNOWLEDGE. Many networkers say they connect to share what
they know, to help those seeking answers… and with the
mushrooming of online business networks, the answers we seek
are just on our fingertips. Ideas are exchanged. Experiences are
told.

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do
to you…” - Matthew 7:12

Look, doing such acts of goodwill is not about religion, it’s about
being human. Life is temporary. It would be a waste of time to
pull each other down just to get up. For if we examine life closely,
what we plant is what we harvest.

We gain knowledge because we initiated. We succeed because
we planted and nurtured the seed of cooperation.

INTERESTS. As they say, “birds of the same feather flock together.”
This is reality, the basis of relationships, whether business or social.

Realize that when we connect with people, we do not immediately
have that “friend”… but, connecting provides that opportunity to
build a bond and grow in many ways, thereby, mutually benefiting
the parties concerned.

“Mr. Morgan buys his partners, I grow my own.” - Andrew Carnegie

It’s a small world and it has even become smaller. Business has
its ups and downs but life is not really hard. True Leaders are
those who can make things work for everyone, with courage and
confidence.

We’re not here to ignore cries for help nor to pull one down just to
get up… after all, “networking” is not simply about numbers but
about helping and growing in more ways than one. We can make
this planet a better place if we only learn how to truly care.

By connecting people, we connect Leaders… and with Faith,
we can now look forward to witnessing the power of networking.

Together, WE WILL MAKE IT.

Remember…
“Power grows out of Cooperation… strengthened by Connecting Leaders.”

The Valued AB Member...

“He that builds a fair house upon an ill seat, committeth himself
into prison.” - Francis Bacon

What happens when a company takes in an AB member?
More than one’s ability to perform his duties, what makes a good
AB member?

Is it just knowledge of business practices and its impact to the
organization and industry as a whole? Is it experience? What?
Remember, everything can be learned, though you have to learn
it fast enough. What then are the underlying factors to consider
in getting AB members?

Understand that the Advisory Board is a group of personalities…
some strong, some prideful, others what have you. Therefore,
one’s ability to communicate well is one key factor. With this
in mind, we then have to consider those who are able to work with
such diversity; while having the spine to say what’s wrong, what’s
really going on, and to stand his turf when necessary.

The Advisory Board isn’t there to be either so agreeable or
otherwise but formed to leave no stones unturned in its
quest for the gold.

Hence, dedication here is another important factor.

“A man who is good enough to shed his blood for the country
is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards. More than
that, no man is entitled to, and less than that, no man shall have.”
- Theodore Roosevelt

Conflict of interests… I am sure you know this. But then, it is not
about preventing one from engaging in other activities. It is about
understanding one’s responsibilities and being accountable for it.
It’s about giving one’s heart to his duties without prejudice to the
company he serves.

Consequently, integrity comes into play.
As Viscount Slims defines it… it is the quality which makes people
trust you. Integrity is wholeness but it also has a moral sense.
That is why most people virtually equate integrity with honesty or
sincerity. Although it is impossible to prove it, simply holding firmly to
sovereign values outside yourself grows a wholeness of personality
and moral strength of character. The person of integrity will always
be tested. And the first real test comes when the demands of the
truth or good appears to conflict with one’s self-interest or prospects.

“A man who will steal for me will steal from me.”
- Theodore Roosevelt

Now, if you have control over yourself then you have temperance,
a vital factor that displays your potential to be calm and analytical
in every situation… resulting in better decisions and your ability to
act appropriately.

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself
under control.” - Proverbs 29:11

In the end, it's just all about one’s personality.

Is your company ready to move forward?

Remember… “He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils:
for time is the greatest innovator.” - Francis Bacon

Virtual Leadership...

Remember those times when there was still no internet? Those
times when it took us more than a second to process international
transactions? Those times when we need to fly each time we need
to meet people? Well… that was just yesterday.

Today, with the advent of the internet, our way of life has changed
and of course, this includes how we conduct business, how we
recruit talents, and yes, how we lead.

“A fundamental new rule for business is that
the internet changes everything.” - Bill Gates

Virtual Leadership. How different is this from other means of
leadership? No, we are not talking about leadership styles here
but “means.” So, how do we go about virtual leadership?

A good example that is comparable though not totally the same
as virtual leadership is the “home-and-away” business set-up.
This takes the form of having, as we know, the company’s
headquarters empower its branches and mainly acts on
strategic goals.

Like the home-and-away set-up, virtual leadership is the central
brain that guides the rest of the company. However, unlike the
former, the latter is virtually connected 24/7… making a seamless
information link throughout the organization.

“You know you have built an excellent digital nervous system when
information flows through your organization as quickly and naturally
as thought in human being… it’s business at the speed of thought.”
- Bill Gates

This link that crosses borders and cultures is like putting the world
on the palm of your hands… as we now know, businesses then
becomes more efficient with automation but not necessarily replacing
human “power.” And with information flowing at the speed of thought,
we are able to fully utilize our people’s potentials while better
understanding our customers needs. In turn, decision-making then
becomes even more precise… this is the essence of Leadership.

“The CEO’s role in raising company’s corporate IQ is to establish
an atmosphere that promotes knowledge sharing and collaboration.”
- Bill Gates

Yet more than information flow, more than teamwork, what does
virtual leadership bring to the whole organization?

OMNIPRESENCE. We can never be in more than one place at the
same time, even the mythical superman can not; but with the
advancement in technology, Leaders can now serve and connect
their people and customers from all over the world.

FLEXIBILITY. As a Leader, the aim is to develop maximum flexibility
within our chosen field… so that we are the master at reading the
changes in situations and responding with the appropriate leadership
style. When we are able to widen our work knowledge and develop
the general abilities of leading others, this will increase our flexibility.

CONTROL. If we have omnipresence, if we have flexibility then
leading, as in this case globally, would be more effective. Policies
and procedures would be more aligned with objectives. Creativity
and problem-solving would be more proactive. Risk-taking would
be taken with more courage. And exploring opportunities would
yield more benefits and good investments, both human and capital.
All these spell one thing… better control.

We can not do everything and everywhere on our own, it’s a fact.
We need to properly utilize people and technology to serve our
customers better to meet our goals… this is Virtual Leadership.

It is all about blending.

Remember…
“I not only use all the brains that I have, but all that I can borrow.” - Woodrow Wilson

Situational Leadership...

If business is unpredictable as we know it, then we are periodically
faced with different situations to deal with. Social, technical or
economic developments make business seem like the weather.
This is the test of our mettle as a Leader.

How then do you face such situations? Do you just jump and swim?
This can’t be, if so, most all businesses would be at risk of losing
money more than achieving their objectives.

But what about courage? Isn’t it that courage is the one key quality
that can be found in successful Leaders?

Well, yes.

“Courage is the quality that guarantees all others.”
- Winston Churchill

But this courage does not mean business suicide. This courage does
not mean to put your organization at great risk of crumbling. This
courage is about having the guts to move forward… to explore…
to think out-of-the-box... to invest in potentials… to step out of your
comfort zone, your status quo. Courage is about not waiting for the
perfect, but bending rules to get the better.
This is how to create opportunities.

Consider an excerpt from a leadership book by Jeffrey J. Fox:

Become a member of the “shouldn’t have club”…
People who belong to the “should’ve club” are always saying,
“I should’ve done that”; “I could’ve done that”; or “I would’ve done that.”
The “should’ve club” is full of nondoers, the risk averse.
They never go for it. They are so afraid of losing,
they never plan to win.

The “should’ve club”... never get cut or scratched. They never miss
a shot in the last second. There are no reprimands, and they make
no waves. There is not an Arnold Palmer or Chris Evert or
Larry Bird in this club.

The “shouldn’t have club” is the place to be. This is the winners’ circle.
Each time you admonish yourself… there will be ten other times
when the results will prove you should have.

No guts, no glory.

…

But then, is courage enough? Well, you have just read some
thoughts from Winston Churchill. Thus, courage is the master key
but not the only key.

“Chance favors the prepared mind.” - Louis Pasteur

To lead effectively in different situations, you got to have the basic
knowledge of your field and grow it with time, thought, and practice.
Yet like courage, such knowledge and experience does not make
you into a leader, but you can not be without it. That does not mean
that leaders can not change fields, like becoming a Managing Director
of an electronic company after running a car assembly plant; but it
implies that they will not be successful unless they can quickly learn
the essentials of the new industry or occupation.

Still, courage and expertise or learning ability is not enough…
as a Leader, a vital trait would be to possess the kind of temperament
required by the working “situations” you are in.

Business has it’s ups and downs… and in times of crisis, one’s ability
to think fast yet accurately and then decide well is greatly determined
by one’s ability to get hold of himself.

Remember… “People who are incapable of relaxing should never be placed
in positions of responsibility.” - Lord Chalfront