Monday, April 23, 2012
Energy
You can’t lead with an empty tank.
16 energy drainers:
Incomplete tasks.
Responsibility without authority.
Proving you’re right rather than seeking best solutions.
Following urgencies rather than priorities.
Pretending you’re something you aren’t.
Feeling alone and disconnected.
Procrastination. Go do that dirty deed before it does you in.
Negative people and complainers.
Reactive rather than proactive living.
Incompetence both in you and others.
Living for the approval of others.
Uncommitted teams.
Unmotivated individuals.
Being taken for granted.
Backstabbers and gossips.
Bitterness and resentment.
Bonus: regret.
Thanks to the Leadership Freak Facebook crew who inspired the list of energy drainers.
16 ways to fill your own tank:
Develop the team around you.
Trust someone.
Humble yourself to a trusted advisor. Find someone who listens to the things you really think but don’t feel you can say.
Hang with can-do rather than can’t-do people.
Begin asking, “Does this matter?” Do more of what matters and less of what doesn’t.
Find a brag buddy and share your successes and accomplishments. Brag buddies celebrate; they don’t diminish or out do.
Stop something without starting something new.
Hire a coach. Mine is Bob Hancox.
Build friendships outside your organization.
Finish a task.
Spend time in self-reflection.
Change a routine.
Breathe deeply.
Pray.
Create gratitude lists.
Forgive.
Bonus: sleep.
Treat yourself like you matter because you do.
Evaluating Your Associations by Jim Rohn
Evaluating Your Associations by Jim Rohn
I’d like for us to take a look at the power of influence in our lives and how it is possible to be nudged off course a little at a time until finally, we find ourselves asking, "How did I get here?"
We should ask ourselves three key questions:
1) "Who am I around?" You've got to evaluate everybody who is able to influence you in any way.
2) "What are these associations doing to me?" That's a major question to ask. “What have they got me doing, listening to, reading, thinking and feeling?” You've got to make a serious study of how others are influencing you, both negatively and positively.
3) "Is that okay?" Maybe everyone you associate with has been a positive, energizing influence. Then again, maybe there are some bad apples in the bunch. All I'm suggesting here is that you take a close and objective look. Everything is worth a second look, especially the power of influence. Both will take you somewhere, but only one will take you in the direction you need to go.
Only then can we discuss three ways to handle associations or relationships that are holding you back.
1) Disassociate. This is not an easy decision, nor something you should take lightly, but in some cases it may be essential. You may just have to make the hard choice not to let certain negative influences affect you anymore. It could be a choice that preserves the quality of your life.
2) Limited association. Spend major time with major influences and minor time with minor influences. It is easy to do just the opposite, but don't fall into that trap. Take a look at your priorities and your values. We have so little time at our disposal. Wouldn't it make sense to invest it wisely?
3) Expanding your associations. This is the one I suggest you focus on the most. Find other successful people that you can spend more time with. Invite them to lunch (pick up the tab) and ask them how they have achieved so much or what makes them successful. Now, this is not just about financial success; it can be someone who you want to learn from about having a better marriage, being a better parent, having better health or a stronger spiritual life.
It is called association on purpose—getting around the right people by expanding your circle of influence. And when you do that, you will naturally limit the relationships that are holding you back. Give it a try and see for yourself.
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Ten years of changing the world
Acumen celebrates its tenth anniversary this week.
Lesson 1: In fact, you can make a difference, you can start something from scratch, you can build something without authority or permission. Passionate people on a mission can make change happen.
Lesson 2: In fact, philanthropy works. Building systems and enhancing entrepreneurial outcomes generates results far bigger than the resources invested.
Lesson 3: You better be prepared to stick it out, to exert yourself, to last longer than you ever expected and to care so much it hurts.
Some highlights:
•More than 3 million people have access to safe, affordable, and efficient energy
•7,000 people have jobs and hundreds of millions of insecticide treated bednets have been produced by A to Z
•More than 330,000 farmers are changing their families’ lives with drip irrigation systems
•Hundreds of thousands have access to quality sanitation in Kenya – and Eco-Tact has become a model for other countries
•More than 150,000 farmers have access to quality, affordable hybrid seeds in Western Kenya
•1298 is now answering more than 30.000 emergency calls every month in India (and has created more than 1250 jobs)
•Kashf has reached more than 300,000 borrowers with micro-loans and emerged as one of Pakistan’s important civil society institution
•The first commercial mortgages for the poor have been provided in Pakistan and Saiban has developed a working, sustainable model for low-income housing development
•More than 350,000 individuals have access to safe drinking water (and this doesn’t include the copycat companies that have emerged as a result of WHI’s innovation in the Indian marketplace)
•Aravind provides quality eyecare through telemedicine to millions across India and has served as a global model
•Sekem is the largest exporter of organic goods from the Middle East to Europe (working with 4,000 farmers on reclaimed desert land)
That a small band of talented, driven people could make this happen isn't surprising to me. What surprises me is that we still wonder whether change like this is possible.
Seth Godin
Lesson 1: In fact, you can make a difference, you can start something from scratch, you can build something without authority or permission. Passionate people on a mission can make change happen.
Lesson 2: In fact, philanthropy works. Building systems and enhancing entrepreneurial outcomes generates results far bigger than the resources invested.
Lesson 3: You better be prepared to stick it out, to exert yourself, to last longer than you ever expected and to care so much it hurts.
Some highlights:
•More than 3 million people have access to safe, affordable, and efficient energy
•7,000 people have jobs and hundreds of millions of insecticide treated bednets have been produced by A to Z
•More than 330,000 farmers are changing their families’ lives with drip irrigation systems
•Hundreds of thousands have access to quality sanitation in Kenya – and Eco-Tact has become a model for other countries
•More than 150,000 farmers have access to quality, affordable hybrid seeds in Western Kenya
•1298 is now answering more than 30.000 emergency calls every month in India (and has created more than 1250 jobs)
•Kashf has reached more than 300,000 borrowers with micro-loans and emerged as one of Pakistan’s important civil society institution
•The first commercial mortgages for the poor have been provided in Pakistan and Saiban has developed a working, sustainable model for low-income housing development
•More than 350,000 individuals have access to safe drinking water (and this doesn’t include the copycat companies that have emerged as a result of WHI’s innovation in the Indian marketplace)
•Aravind provides quality eyecare through telemedicine to millions across India and has served as a global model
•Sekem is the largest exporter of organic goods from the Middle East to Europe (working with 4,000 farmers on reclaimed desert land)
That a small band of talented, driven people could make this happen isn't surprising to me. What surprises me is that we still wonder whether change like this is possible.
Seth Godin
Friday, November 19, 2010
Wait to worry
1) Break up the repetitions of life. Sometimes the simplest change will help because it activates our engagement and takes us out of the “life on autopilot” thinking. When I was speaking constantly and I found a talk becoming rote and routine --- bordering on boring---- I rearranged the points to increase my interest and concentration. Routine is necessary for efficiency, but that cannot be the highest priority. Effective living requires more juice.
2) Add something good to your life. Start a new activity, take up a new hobby, see old things in new ways, open up new friendships, or do something special for someone each day. As my body becomes less cooperative, I have to think of mental activities. When I could still get “out and about” I thought about enrolling in courses, signing up for a foreign film series, attending musical or athletic events. But most importantly, do good for yourself and others. Remember: the more bored you are, the less energy you will have to begin the process, but just start. And the more interested you are, the more interesting you will become - to yourself and those around you.
3) Take something out of your life. We all have junk that needs to go…things we needlessly carry around. The first on my list is the sedentary life. Wasted calories are another good candidate for jettisoning.
2) Add something good to your life. Start a new activity, take up a new hobby, see old things in new ways, open up new friendships, or do something special for someone each day. As my body becomes less cooperative, I have to think of mental activities. When I could still get “out and about” I thought about enrolling in courses, signing up for a foreign film series, attending musical or athletic events. But most importantly, do good for yourself and others. Remember: the more bored you are, the less energy you will have to begin the process, but just start. And the more interested you are, the more interesting you will become - to yourself and those around you.
3) Take something out of your life. We all have junk that needs to go…things we needlessly carry around. The first on my list is the sedentary life. Wasted calories are another good candidate for jettisoning.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Pruning
Say goodbye to "the Joneses": Chasing symbols of success can be an-consuming, hollow existence. Your focus on living in a larger house, driving a more luxurious car, joining the right clubs, and updating your wardrobe will bear no fruit when it comes to peace of mind. Before you make your next purchase, ask yourself these simple questions: Is this something I really need? Can I do without it? Will it make a positive difference in my life?
Live by the 80/20 Rule: In business, there's a rule of thumb that twenty percent of the sales people will generate eighty percent of the business, and that twenty percent of your customers will create eighty percent of your problems. I've found both to be true. I'm suggesting that you apply the rule to your personal life. First, identify the twenty percent of problems that create eighty percent of your stress in life. Then, focus on resolving that twenty percent. You'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel by making progress on these major issues. I also predict you'll get a boost in attitude from just making the list.
Unload your emotional baggage: Hate, anger and resentment can lower an invisible ceiling on your future. Repeat to yourself the words of William Ward, "Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the handcuffs of hate."
Live by the 80/20 Rule: In business, there's a rule of thumb that twenty percent of the sales people will generate eighty percent of the business, and that twenty percent of your customers will create eighty percent of your problems. I've found both to be true. I'm suggesting that you apply the rule to your personal life. First, identify the twenty percent of problems that create eighty percent of your stress in life. Then, focus on resolving that twenty percent. You'll be amazed at how much better you'll feel by making progress on these major issues. I also predict you'll get a boost in attitude from just making the list.
Unload your emotional baggage: Hate, anger and resentment can lower an invisible ceiling on your future. Repeat to yourself the words of William Ward, "Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the handcuffs of hate."
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Secret Garden
When she first enters the garden, she finds that it appears to be dead, much like her cousin, a bedridden boy, and her uncle, still haunted by memories of his lovely wife who died giving birth to the boy. In harmony with natural laws and principles, the girl faithfully plants seeds and brings new life to the garden. As the roots are warmed and the garden cultivated, she brings about a dramatic transformation of her entire culture within one season.
When she first enters the garden, she finds that it appears to be dead, much like her cousin, a bedridden boy, and her uncle, still haunted by memories of his lovely wife who died giving birth to the boy. In harmony with natural laws and principles, the girl faithfully plants seeds and brings new life to the garden. As the roots are warmed and the garden cultivated, she brings about a dramatic transformation of her entire culture within one season.
One of the exciting fruits of the "secret garden" is an ability to consciously choose your own motives. Until you choose your own motives, you really can't choose to live your own life. Everything flows out of motive and motivation that is the root of our deepest desires.
Now, when I get into a frustrating or perplexing situation, I enter into my secret life. That's where I find not only motives but also correct principles; that's where the inner wisdom is. As I learn to be proactive in exploring the secret life, I tap into self-awareness, imagination, conscience, and into the exercise of free will to choose another motive.
When she first enters the garden, she finds that it appears to be dead, much like her cousin, a bedridden boy, and her uncle, still haunted by memories of his lovely wife who died giving birth to the boy. In harmony with natural laws and principles, the girl faithfully plants seeds and brings new life to the garden. As the roots are warmed and the garden cultivated, she brings about a dramatic transformation of her entire culture within one season.
One of the exciting fruits of the "secret garden" is an ability to consciously choose your own motives. Until you choose your own motives, you really can't choose to live your own life. Everything flows out of motive and motivation that is the root of our deepest desires.
Now, when I get into a frustrating or perplexing situation, I enter into my secret life. That's where I find not only motives but also correct principles; that's where the inner wisdom is. As I learn to be proactive in exploring the secret life, I tap into self-awareness, imagination, conscience, and into the exercise of free will to choose another motive.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Leaders develop daily, not in a day.
They commit themselves to the process of growth, and over time they reap the rewards of daily investments in their development. In this lesson, I'd like to share five principles to encourage you to adopt a lifestyle of personal growth.
#1 Growth is the great separator of those who succeed and those who do not.
When I went to college, there was no gap between my peers and me-none at all. We started on the same level. However, at the age of 17, I made a commitment to spend an hour a day on my personal growth. I studied and read, filing the lessons I learned along the way. Now, in most cases, the gap between my former classmates and me is pretty wide. Am I smarter than they are? Absolutely not. Many of them got better grades than I did in college. It's the growth factor-my commitment to the process of personal growth-that has made the difference.
#2 Growth takes time, and only time can teach us some things.
When it comes to personal growth, you cannot substitute for time. Yet, the mere passage of time doesn't make you wise. Experience is not the best teacher; evaluated experience is the best teacher. To gain insights from your experience, you have to engage in reflective thinking. I have a habit of taking ten minutes every evening to look back on the day. As I reflect on what happened, lessons emerge, and I capture them in my notebook so that I can learn from them.
#3 Growth inside fuels growth outside.
The highest reward of our toil is not what we get for it, but who we become by it. At the age of 17, I decided that I would read, file, and begin to prepare lessons. From that simple discipline I accumulated a wealth of content that fueled my speaking and writing. I never set out to be a leadership specialist; I was simply diligent about reading, filing, and studying. With respect to personal growth, take the long view on results. The most important question to ask is not "What am I getting?" from the discipline of personal growth, the most important question is, "Who am I becoming?"
#4 Take responsibility for your own growth.
For 15 to 20 years, the school system holds us responsible for growth. Educational curriculum clearly spells out, "here's what you do next," and "here's the next step." Then we graduate with diplomas and certificates, and we no one longer have anyone to map out the next step for us. If we want to continuing growing, we have to do it ourselves. We have to put together a game plan so that we become students of life who are always expanding our minds and drawing upon our experiences.
#5 Determine the areas of your life in which you need to grow.
You've probably heard someone say, "You can do anything as long as you put your mind to it." Sadly, as nice as that sounds, it simply isn't true. In watching people grow, I have discovered that, on a scale of 1-10, people can only improve about two notches. For instance, I love to sing; that's the good news. The bad news is that I can't carry a tune. Now, let's be generous and say that, as a singer, I'm a "two." If I put lots of money, effort, and energy into developing my voice, perhaps I can grow into a "four." News flash: on a ten-point scale, four is still below average. With regards to my career, it would be foolish for me to focus my personal growth on my voice. At best, I'd only become an average singer, and no one pays for average.
Don't work on your weaknesses. Devote yourself to fine-tuning your strengths. I work exceptionally hard on personal growth in four areas of my life. Why only four? Because I'm only good at four things. I lead, communicate, create, and network. That's it. Outside of those areas, I'm not very valuable. However, within those areas of strength I have incredible potential to make a difference.
#1 Growth is the great separator of those who succeed and those who do not.
When I went to college, there was no gap between my peers and me-none at all. We started on the same level. However, at the age of 17, I made a commitment to spend an hour a day on my personal growth. I studied and read, filing the lessons I learned along the way. Now, in most cases, the gap between my former classmates and me is pretty wide. Am I smarter than they are? Absolutely not. Many of them got better grades than I did in college. It's the growth factor-my commitment to the process of personal growth-that has made the difference.
#2 Growth takes time, and only time can teach us some things.
When it comes to personal growth, you cannot substitute for time. Yet, the mere passage of time doesn't make you wise. Experience is not the best teacher; evaluated experience is the best teacher. To gain insights from your experience, you have to engage in reflective thinking. I have a habit of taking ten minutes every evening to look back on the day. As I reflect on what happened, lessons emerge, and I capture them in my notebook so that I can learn from them.
#3 Growth inside fuels growth outside.
The highest reward of our toil is not what we get for it, but who we become by it. At the age of 17, I decided that I would read, file, and begin to prepare lessons. From that simple discipline I accumulated a wealth of content that fueled my speaking and writing. I never set out to be a leadership specialist; I was simply diligent about reading, filing, and studying. With respect to personal growth, take the long view on results. The most important question to ask is not "What am I getting?" from the discipline of personal growth, the most important question is, "Who am I becoming?"
#4 Take responsibility for your own growth.
For 15 to 20 years, the school system holds us responsible for growth. Educational curriculum clearly spells out, "here's what you do next," and "here's the next step." Then we graduate with diplomas and certificates, and we no one longer have anyone to map out the next step for us. If we want to continuing growing, we have to do it ourselves. We have to put together a game plan so that we become students of life who are always expanding our minds and drawing upon our experiences.
#5 Determine the areas of your life in which you need to grow.
You've probably heard someone say, "You can do anything as long as you put your mind to it." Sadly, as nice as that sounds, it simply isn't true. In watching people grow, I have discovered that, on a scale of 1-10, people can only improve about two notches. For instance, I love to sing; that's the good news. The bad news is that I can't carry a tune. Now, let's be generous and say that, as a singer, I'm a "two." If I put lots of money, effort, and energy into developing my voice, perhaps I can grow into a "four." News flash: on a ten-point scale, four is still below average. With regards to my career, it would be foolish for me to focus my personal growth on my voice. At best, I'd only become an average singer, and no one pays for average.
Don't work on your weaknesses. Devote yourself to fine-tuning your strengths. I work exceptionally hard on personal growth in four areas of my life. Why only four? Because I'm only good at four things. I lead, communicate, create, and network. That's it. Outside of those areas, I'm not very valuable. However, within those areas of strength I have incredible potential to make a difference.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
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