Archive for Self Development
The Road to Success – Your Choice
Posted by: | Comments“Alice came to a fork in the road. ‘Which road do I take?’ she asked.‘Where do you want to go?’ responded the Cheshire Cat.’I don’t know,’ Alice answered.‘Then,’ said the Cat, ‘it doesn’t matter.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
Success is something most of us would like to achieve – in everything we do! But the road to success is not an easy path to follow. It is full of twists and turns, potholes and ruts, false signs and impediments. Decisions have to be made all along that road and the decisions we make are up to us.We are responsible for the decisions we make -100 % of the decisions – 100% of the time.It is up to us!
We must learn from the mistakes we make, and carry on. The road is passable! Conventional wisdom indicates that the road to success involves a vision, a plan and action. Dr. Robert Schuller has said, that “If you can conceive it in your brain, and believe it in your heart, then you can achieve it.” Inscape Publishing Company, in their Everything DiSC® Work of Leaders’ assessment, uses a framework of Vision, Alignment and Execution to help in understanding leadership behaviors, and how they impact effectiveness.
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Building More Effective Relationships
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The saying “no man is an island” is nowhere more true than in the fast-paced business world of the twenty-first century. Whether you are a member of a business team or a member of a corporate department, your success is largely dependent on the quality of your relationships with your fellow workers and clients. But relationships don’t just happen, they have to be built; and the number one ingredient in building strong relationships is TRUST.
Trust is the foundation on which all lasting relationships are built; and building trust is a skill. Most people assume that by being trustworthy, they build trust. But that is not necessarily true! There are many trustworthy people in our business world who are ineffective at building relationships, and therefore, at managing – because they do not know how to build trust.
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Goal Setting and Relationships
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Recently I was shown an article that appeared in our local paper entitled “Goal-setting spells trouble for relationship” – and was asked to comment. The article was about a young girl who had been raised by her parents to set goals, work diligently at them, and realize success by achieving them.
The problem was that her boyfriend was not as goal oriented! In fact he did not set goals because he did not believe they would be met. Talk about a self- fulfilling prophecy!
The young lady felt that their relationship was in jeopardy because of their differing views on goal setting. She declared that she was not prepared to change, and felt that her boyfriend’s attitude would likely be a problem unless he changed.
To my mind there is no question that the road to success involves the formation of a vision – where you want to go; the development of a plan that will take you there; and putting that plan into action. Or as Mark Hughes has indicated in a recent sermon: you must perceive a vision or goal, pursue that goal, and persist until you have achieved your goal or vision.
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NorQuest Weekly Round-Up February 7
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Fast Company: Lessons In Teamwork From The Treacherous Sydney To Hobart Ocean Race
Dennis N.T. Perkins is the author of Into the Storm, a new book about the crew of the AFR Midnight Rambler during the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Race, a 628 nautical mile challenge is often called the “Everest” of offshore ocean racing. But in 1998, conditions were extraordinarily dangerous. This article is an excerpt from the book, and focuses on the exceptional quality of the captain and the exceptional leadership that not only led to a win, but surviving the vicious seas during a brutal storm that resulted in the largest search-and-rescue operation in the history of Australia.
Inc.: Servant First, Leader Second
We love the Battlefield to Boardroom series by Inc.! This is a terrific article about really understanding what servant leadership is and having the humility to practice it.
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Setting and Achieving Your 2013 Goals
Posted by: | CommentsAre you having problems coming up with good and substantive goals for 2013? Are you confused by all the options that appear to be available to you? Are you tired of hearing the admonition – “We have all been given gifts, you should resolve to develop yours.”
Yes, we have all been given gifts, but they are all different! And how do you even identify them, yet alone develop them? Well, one of the best tools for this purpose was developed by Albert Humphrey in the latter half of the 20th century. It is called the “SWOT Model”, and is worthwhile reviewing as you ponder your vision for the New Year.
Most people will agree that one of the best formulas for success is to:
- Develop a vision that will clarify what you want, and where you wish to go;
- Then develop a plan that will focus your attention on how you will get there;
- Then put your plan in action – that will lead to the achievement of your vision.
NorQuest Weekly Roundup January 3
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Is one of your resolutions to focus on developing your leadership skills? Here are some excellent articles and posts from the past week to help you become a better leader and manager.
Entreprenuer: Richard Branson on Giving Your Employees Freedom
A terrific article written by Sir Richard Branson on the positive impact of having confidence in and trusting your employees.
U.S. News and World Report: 5 Leadership Trends to Watch in 2013
Andrew Graham, president and CEO of The Forum Corporation, a Boston-based learning organization, has some interesting predictions of leadership trends in 2013.
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Time For You
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Today is the last day of 2012; and tomorrow we will begin 2013! And the first thing I want to do is to wish you and yours the very best for 2013!
In this coming year you will have 8,760 hours to spend whatever way you choose. Of that 8760, approximately a third (or 2920 hours) will be spent sleeping. But the balance is yours to do with what you wish. How do you want to spend those approximately 3000 hours?
You have to decide on what is important to you – and what is not! You must establish your priorities – what is really important to you, and what is less important. It is your choice! What is your vision for 2013, and what do your hope to accomplish?
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