Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
BE PART OF THE VISION
What is the vision for your team? You’d be
surprised how many individuals are part of a group that works together but
isn’t clear about why. For example, that was the case when I became the leader
of Skyline Church in the San Diego area. The church’s board was comprised of
twelve people. When I asked each member to articulate the church’s vision the
first time we met, I got eight different answers. A team can’t move forward in
confidence if it has no compass!
As a member of your team, you need a clear
understanding of its vision. If the team doesn’t have one, then help it to develop
one. If the team has already found its compass and course, then you need to
examine yourself in light of it to make sure there is a good match. If there
isn’t, you and your teammates are going to be frustrated. And everyone will
probably be best served by a change.
Ask your teammates to articulate your organization’s
vision to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
WORKING IN OBSCURITY
I think very highly of the importance of
leadership. I guess that’s obvious for a guy whose motto is “Everything rises
and falls on leadership.” Occasionally someone will ask me about how ego fits
into the leadership equation. They’ll want to know what keeps a leader from
having a huge ego. I think the answer lies in each leader’s pathway to
leadership. If people paid their dues and gave their best in obscurity, ego is
usually not a problem.
One of my favorite examples of this occurred in
the life of Moses in the Old Testament. Though born a Hebrew, he lived a life
of privilege in the palace of Egypt until he was forty years old. But after
killing an Egyptian, he was exiled to the desert for forty years. There God
used him as a shepherd and father, and after four decades of faithful service
in obscurity, Moses was called to leadership. Scripture says by that time he was
the most humble man in the world. Bill Purvis, the senior pastor of a large
church in Columbus, Georgia, said, “If you do what you can, with what you have,
where you are, then God won’t leave you where you are, and He will increase
what you have.”
English novelist and poet Emily Bronte said, “If I
could I would always work in silence and obscurity and let my efforts be known
by their results.” Not everyone wants to be out of the spotlight as she did.
But it’s important for a leader to learn to work in obscurity because it is a
test of personal integrity. The key is being willing to do something because it
matters, not because it will get you noticed.
Give your best regardless if anyone is watching.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
KEEP YOUR EYES OFF THE MIRROR
The Big Picture Principle states, “The entire
population of the world – with one minor exception – is composed of other
people.” If you’ve never thought of life in those terms, then it’s time to give
it a try. I’ve never met a person that truly wins with other people who has not
mastered the ability to keep his eyes off the mirror and serve others with dignity.
I’m told that psychological research shows that
people are better adjusted and more likely to feel content if they serve
others. Serving others actually cultivates health and brings about happiness.
People have instinctively known that for centuries – even before the science of
psychology was formally developed. For example, look at the wisdom (and humor)
found in this Chinese proverb:
If you want happiness for an hour – take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day – go fishing.
If you want happiness for a month – get married.
If you want happiness for a year – inherit a
fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime – help
others.
You can actually help yourself by helping others.
Remember that, and it will help you take – and keep – your eyes off the mirror.
Open your eyes to the people around you and serve them well today.
Open your eyes to the people around you and serve them well today.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
INTEGRITY IS A HARD-WON ACHIEVEMENT
Integrity is not a given factor in everyone’s
life. It is a result of self-discipline, inner trust, and a decision to be
relentlessly honest in all situations in our lives. Unfortunately in today’s
world, strength of character is a rare commodity. As a result, we have few
contemporary models of integrity. Our culture has produced few enduring heroes,
few models of virtue. We have become a nation of imitators, but there are a few
leaders worth imitating.
The meaning of integrity has been eroded. Drop the
word into conversations in Hollywood, on Wall Street, even on Main Street, and
you’ll get blank stares in return. For most Americans, the word conjures up
ideas of prudishness or narrow-mindedness. In an age when the meanings of words
are manipulated, foundational values such as integrity can be pulverized
overnight.
Integrity is antithethical to the spirit of our
age. The overarching philosophy of life that guides our culture revolves around
a materialistic, consumer mentality. The craving need of the moment supersedes
consideration of values that have eternal significance.
Billy Graham said, “Integrity is the glue that
holds our way of life together. We must constantly strive to keep our integrity
intact.”
Are you willing to be a person of integrity at all
costs?
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
SUCCEEDING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE
People working at the bottom of an organization
usually have no choice concerning whom they work with. As a result, they often
have to work with difficult people. In contrast, people at the top almost never
have to work with difficult people because they get to choose who they work
with. If someone they work with becomes difficult, they often let that person
go or move him or her out.
For leaders in the middle, the road is different.
They have some choice in the matter, but not complete control. They may not be
able to get rid of difficult people, but they can often avoid working with
them. But good leaders – ones who learn to lead up, across and down – find a
way to succeed with people who are hard to work with. Why do they do it?
Because it benefits the organization. How do they do it? They work at finding
common ground and connect with them. And instead of putting these difficult
people in their place, they try to put themselves in their place.
Connect with difficult people, and look for
reasons to like and respect them.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
STOP TAKING YOURSELF TOO SERIOUSLY
In my seminars, I work with a lot of leaders. And
I’ve found that many of them take themselves much too seriously. Of course,
they’re not alone. I meet people in every walk of life who have too much doom
and gloom in their attitudes. They need to lighten up. No matter how serious
your work is, that’s no reason to take yourself seriously.
Most of us think that we are more important than
we really are. On the day I die, one of my good pastor friends will give me a
wonderful eulogy and tell funny stories about me, but twenty minutes later the
most important thing he’ll have on his mind will be trying to find the potato
salad at my reception.
You need to have a sense of humor about these
things – especially if you work with people. Comedian Victor Borge summed it
up: “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.”
Take yourself less seriously and recognize that
laughter breeds resilience.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
COMMIT TO PAY THE PRICE FOR CHANGE
American dramatist and screenwriter Sidney Howard
remarked, “One half of knowing what you want is knowing what you must give up
before you get it.” Change always costs you something, if not monetarily, then
in time, energy and creativity. In fact, if change doesn’t cost you anything,
then it isn’t real change!
As you consider how to make the changes needed to
improve and grow, it is important to measure the cost of change compared to the
cost of the status quo. You have to do your homework. That often makes the
difference between:
Change = Growth and Change = Grief
What will the changes you desire really cost you?
Management expert Tom Peters gives a perspective
on this. He suggests, “Don’t rock the boat. Sink it and start over.” If you
desire to be creative and do something really innovative, that’s sometimes what
it takes. You must destroy the old to create something new. You cannot allow
yourself to be paralyzed by the idea of change.
Is what you want worth what you must give up to
get it?
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
FIVE-STEP PROCESS OF TRAINING
The best type of training takes advantage of the
way people learn. I have found the best training method to be a five-step
process:
Step 1: I model. The process begins with my doing
the tasks while the person being trained watches. When I do this, I try to give
the person an opportunity to see me go through the whole process. When people
see the task performed correctly and completely, it gives them something to try
to duplicate.
Step 2: I mentor. I continue to perform the task,
but this time the person I’m training comes alongside me and assists in the
process. I also take time to explain not only the how but also the why of each
step.
Step 3: I monitor. The trainee performs the task
and I assist and correct. It’s especially important during this phase to be
positive and encouraging. Work with him until he develops consistency. Once
he’s gotten down the process, ask him to explain it to you.
Step 4: I motivate. I take myself out of the task
at this point and let the trainee go. My task is to make sure he knows how to
do it without help and to keep encouraging him. At this time the trainee may
want to make improvements to the process. Encourage him to do it, and at the
same time learn from him.
Step 5. I multiply. This is my favorite part of
the whole process. Once the new leaders do the job well, it becomes their turn
to teach others how to do it. As teachers know, the best way to learn something
is to teach it.
Follow the five-step training process with someone
today.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
FOCUS ON THE PRESENT
Just as you should keep your focus off yesterday,
you shouldn’t have it on tomorrow. If you’re always thinking about tomorrow,
then you’ll never get anything done today. Your focus needs to remain in the
one area where you have some control – today. What’s ironic is that if you
focus on today, you get a better tomorrow.
I try to do certain things everyday to help me in
this area. I read daily to grow in my personal life. I listen to others daily
to broaden my perspective. I spend time thinking daily to apply what I am
learning. And I try to write daily so that I can remember what I’ve learned. I
also try to share those lessons with others. (Today’s lessons become tomorrow’s
books.) Every day I read aloud to myself the daily dozen list from my book Today Matters to help me focus and have
the right mind-set.
You should do something similar. You can’t change
yesterday. You can’t count on tomorrow. But you can choose what you do today.
Give today your focus and reap the benefits
tomorrow.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
LEADERSHIP THAT'S REWARDING
Educational psychologist E. L. Thorndyke did work
in behavior modification around the turn of the century. It led him to discover
what he called the Law of Effect. Simply stated, it is this: “Behaviors
immediately rewarded increase in frequency; behaviors immediately punished
decrease in frequency.”
Several years ago I developed a list of behaviors
and qualities that I expect from the people in my organization, and I
determined to reward those behaviors. I call it the RISE program:
R – rewards
I – indicating
S – staff
E – expectations
In other words, I decided to give rewards to staff
members to indicate they were meeting or exceeding expectations. The qualities
I value most highly and reward are a positive attitude, loyalty, personal
growth, leadership reproduction, and creativity. Notice that personal growth is
on the list. You will find that once you set up a positive reward system for
achieving the right goals, your people will become their own best managers, and
they will develop as leaders.
Reward your people according to the qualities you
value.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
PREPARATION
In 1946, entertainer Ray Charles heard that Lucky
Millinder’s band was coming to town. Charles managed to arrange an audition,
and that excited him. If he could get on with Millinder, he would be in the big
time.
When his opportunity came, the young musician
played the piano and sang his heart out. Being blind, Charles couldn’t see
Millinder’s reaction to his performance, so when he was finished, Charles
waited patiently for his response. Finally he heard the band leader say, “Ain’t
good enough, kid.” Charles went back to his room and cried.
“That was the best thing that ever happened to
me,” Charles later recalled. “After I got over feeling sorry for myself, I went
back and started practicing so nobody would ever say that to me again.” No one
has. As the saying goes, “You can claim to be surprised once; after that,
you’re unprepared.” Charles’ preparation has paid him dividends for more than
half a century, and he has played with some of the most talented musicians in
the world. Preparation may not guarantee a win, but it sure puts you in
position for one.
To your talent, add preparation.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
GIVING THE TEAM A HEAD START
In essence, leadership is like a running head
start for the team. Leaders see farther than their teammates. They see things
more quickly than their teammates. They know what’s going to happen and can
anticipate it. As a result, they get the team moving in the right direction
ahead of time, and for that reason, the team is in a position to win. Even an
average runner can win a 100-meterrace against a world-class sprinter if he has
a 50-meter head start.
The greater the challenge, the greater the need
for the many advantages that leadership provides. And the more leaders a team
develops, the greater the edge from leadership.
The edge gained from good leadership is quite
evident in sports, but the power of leadership carries over into every field.
The business that is run by a top-notch leader often finds it market niche
first and outperforms its rivals, even if the rivals possess greater talent.
The nonprofit organization headed by strong leaders recruits more players,
equips them to lead, and serves a greater number as a result. Even in a
technical area such as engineering or construction, leadership is invaluable in
ensuring the team is successful.
Train players on the team to become better
leaders.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
GET OVER YOURSELF
Many people believe that touching the lives of others
can be done only by some elite group of specially gifted people. But that’s not
the case. Any ordinary person can make a positive impact on the lives of
others.
Some unsuccessful people tell themselves that as
soon as they achieve considerable success or discover some unseen talent, they
will turn their attention to making a difference in the lives of others. But I
have news for them. Many people who struggle with chronic failure do so because
they think no one but themselves. They worry about what other people think of
them. They scramble to make sure no one gets the better of them. They
continually focus on protecting their turf.
If you continually focus all your energy and
attention on yourself, I have a message for you: Get over yourself – everyone
else has.
If you have a history of repeated failure and you
dedicate most of your time and energy to looking out for number one, you may
need to learn a new way of thinking – where others come first.
In what way must you get over yourself to put your
focus on others?
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
MANAGE YOUR WORDS
David McKinley, a 360-Degree Leader in a large
organization in Plano, Texas, told me a story about something that happened in
his first job after graduate school. He was preparing to make an important call
on someone, and he decided that he should ask the top leader to go with him.
When they got there, David, in his enthusiasm, just wouldn’t stop talking. He
didn’t give his leader a chance to do anything but watch until the very end of
their visit.
As they returned to the car, David’s boss told
him, “I might as well have stayed at the office.” He went on to explain how his
presence was superfluous. David told me, “I learned a huge lesson that day
about staying ‘in bounds’ when I was with the senior leader. His honest counsel
and correction strengthened our relationship and has served me well throughout
my life.” If you have something worthwhile to say, say it briefly and well. If
you don’t, sometimes the best thing to do is remain silent.
Know when to speak up and when to observe.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
PASSION INCREASES WILLPOWER
One of my roles as a motivational
teacher is to try to help people reach their potential. For years, I tried to
inspire passion in audiences by going about it the wrong way. I used to tell
people about what made me passionate, what made me want to get out and do my
best. But I could see that it wasn’t having the effect I desired – people just
didn’t respond. I couldn’t ignite others’ passion by sharing my own.
I decided to change my focus.
Instead of sharing my passion, I started helping others discover their passion.
To do that, I ask these questions:
·
What do you sing about?
·
What do you cry about?
·
What do you dream about?
The first two questions speak to
what touches you at a deep level today. The third answers what will bring you
fulfillment tomorrow. The answers to these questions can often help people
discover their true passion.
While everybody can possess
passion, not everyone takes the time to discover it. And that’s a shame.
Passion is fuel for the will. Passion turns your have-to’s into want-to’s. What
we accomplish in life is based less on what we want-to’s. What we accomplish in
life is based less on what we want and more on how much we want it. The secret
to willpower is what someone once called wantpower. People who want something
enough usually find the willpower to achieve it.
You can’t help people become
winners unless they want to win. Champions become champions from within, not
from without.
Ask people on your team what they
sing, cry, and dream about.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Monday, August 6, 2018
COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP
When I began my leadership
career, I was very ineffective as a leader. I believed I had talent. But when I
got into the real world, I fell far short of my expectations. How did I turn
things around? By making small decisions that were difficult. With each one, I
gained more confidence and more courage, and I began to change. The process
took me four years. At the end of that time, I had learned many valuable
lessons, and I wrote the following to help me cement what I had learned:
Courageous Leadership Simply
Means I’ve Developed:
1. Convictions that are stronger
than my fears.
2. Vision that is clearer than my
doubts.
3. Spiritual sensitivity that is
louder than popular opinion.
4. Self-esteem that is deeper than
self-protection.
5. Appreciation for discipline
that is greater than my desire for leisure.
6. Dissatisfaction that is more
forceful than the status quo.
7. Poise that is more unshakeable
than panic.
8. Risk taking that is stronger
than safety seeking.
9. Right actions that are more
robust than rationalization.
10. A desire to see potential
reached more than to see people appeased.
You don’t have to be great to
become a person of courage. You just need to want to reach your potential and
to be willing to trade what seems good in the moment for what’s best for your
potential. That’s something you can do regardless of your level of natural
talent.
Make a small decision today that
will increase your confidence and leadership courage.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
VISION
My observation over the last
twenty years has been that all effective leaders have a vision of what they
must accomplish. That vision becomes the energy behind every effort and the
force that pushes through all the problems. With vision, the leader is on a
mission and a contagious spirit is felt among the crowd until others begin to
rise alongside the leader. Unity is essential for the dream to be realized.
Long hours of labor are given gladly to accomplish the goal. Individual rights
are set aside because the whole is much more important than the part. Time
flies, morale soars upward, heroic stories are told, and commitment is the
watchword. Why? Because the leader has a vision!
The word vision has perhaps been
overused in the past few years. The first goal of many a management workshop is
to develop a statement of purpose for the organization. Others will look at you
oddly if you cannot recite your organization’s purpose by memory and produce a
card with the statement of purpose printed on it.
Why all the pressure to develop a
purpose for your organization? There are two reasons. First, vision becomes the
distinctive, rallying cry of the organization. It is a clear statement in a
competitive market that you have an important niche among all the voices
clamoring for customers. It is your real reason for existence. Second, vision
becomes the new control tool, replacing the 1,000-page manual that is boxy and
constrains initiative. In an age when decentralization all the way to the front
line is required to survive, the vision is the key that keeps everyone focused.
Rely on vision instead of rules
and procedures to guide you and your team.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Monday, July 30, 2018
BREAKTHROUGH
Every major difficulty you face in life is a fork
in the road. You choose which track you will head down, toward breakdown or
breakthrough. Dick Biggs, a consultant who helps Fortune 500 companies improve
profits and increase productivity, writes that all of us have unfair
experiences; as a result, some people merely exist and adopt a “cease and
desist” mentality. He continues,
“One of the best teachers of persistence is your life’s critical turning points. Expect to experience 3-9 turning points or “significant changes” in your life. These transitions can be happy experiences… or unhappy times such as job losses, divorce, financial set-backs, health problems and the death of loved ones. Turning points can provide perspective, which is the ability to view major changes within the larger framework of your lifetime and let the healing power of time prevail. By learning from your turning points, you can grow at a deeper level within your career and life.
If you’ve been badly hurt, then start by acknowledging the pain and grieving any loss you may have experienced. Then forgive the people involved – including yourself, if needed. Doing that will help you move on. Just think, today may be your day to turn the hurts of your past into a breakthrough for the future.
Don’t allow anything from your personal history to keep holding you hostage.
“One of the best teachers of persistence is your life’s critical turning points. Expect to experience 3-9 turning points or “significant changes” in your life. These transitions can be happy experiences… or unhappy times such as job losses, divorce, financial set-backs, health problems and the death of loved ones. Turning points can provide perspective, which is the ability to view major changes within the larger framework of your lifetime and let the healing power of time prevail. By learning from your turning points, you can grow at a deeper level within your career and life.
If you’ve been badly hurt, then start by acknowledging the pain and grieving any loss you may have experienced. Then forgive the people involved – including yourself, if needed. Doing that will help you move on. Just think, today may be your day to turn the hurts of your past into a breakthrough for the future.
Don’t allow anything from your personal history to keep holding you hostage.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
THE POWER OF A DREAM
I believe that each of us has a dream placed in
the heart. I’m not talking about wanting to win the lottery. That kind of idea
comes from a desire to escape our present circumstances, not to pursue a
heartfelt dream. I’m talking about a vision deep inside that speaks to the very
soul. It’s the thing we were born to do. It draws on our talents and gifts. It
appeals to our highest ideals. It sparks our feelings of destiny. It is
inseparably linked to our purpose in life. The dream starts us on the success
journey.
A dream does many things for us:
·
A dream gives us direction.
·
A dream increases our potential.
·
A dream helps us prioritize.
·
A dream adds value to our work.
·
A dream predicts our future.
Oliver Wendell Holmes noted, “The great thing in
this world is not so much where we are but in what direction we are moving.”
This is also one of the great things about having a dream. You can pursue your
dream no matter where you are today. And what happened in the past isn’t as
important as what lies ahead in the future. As the saying goes, “No matter what
a person’s past may have been, his future is spotless.” You can begin pursuing
your dream today!
Dare to dream and act on that dream.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
THE POWER OF THOUGHTS
The human mind has a tremendous amount of power in
our lives. That which holds our attention determines our actions. Because of
that, where we are today is the result of the dominating thoughts in our minds.
And the way we think determines what our attitudes are. The good news is that
you and I can change that. You can control your thoughts, and because of that,
you can control your attitude.
Let’s do an experiment that will show you what I
mean. Take a moment to think about the place where you live. No problem. You
decided to think about it, and you did it. Next, imagine for a moment that the
place where you live has burned to the ground, and everything in it is gone.
What kind of emotional response did you have? Maybe you were sad because many
irreplaceable things would have been lost in a fire. Maybe you were happy
because your current living situation is terrible and a fresh start would do
you good. The point is that your thinking prompts your emotion. That’s key, and
here’s why:
Major premise: We can control our thoughts.
Minor premise: Our feelings come from our
thoughts.
Therefore: We can control our feelings by changing
how we think.
Why is that important? Because your attitude is
your emotional approach to life. It’s the framework through which you see
events, other people, even yourself. That’s why I believe the saying, “You are
not what you think you are, but what you think… you are.”
How are the dominating thoughts of your mind
affecting your attitude?
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
CREATE A GROWTH ENVIRONMENT
Just as the growth of tropical fish is limited by
the size of the aquarium in which they live, you are affected by your
environment. That’s why it’s crucial to create an environment of growth around
you. That kind of place should look like this:
Others are ahead of you: When you surround
yourself with people from whom you can learn, you are more likely to grow.
You are still challenged: Complacency kills
growth.
Your focus is forward: If you’re thinking more
about the past than the future, your growth has probably stopped.
The atmosphere is affirming: Industrialist Charles
Schwab said, “I have yet to find the man… who did not do better work and put
forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of
criticism.”
You are out of your comfort zone: Growth requires
risk. Ronald E. Osborne stated, “Unless you do something beyond what you’ve
already mastered, you will never grow.”
Others are growing: When it comes to growth, it’s
better to swim in a school than to try to do everything on your own.
There is willingness to change: Clayton G. Orcutt
declared, “Change itself is not progress, but change is the price that we pay
for progress.”
Growth is modeled and expected: In the best
possible environment, growth is not only allowed, but leaders model it and
expect it from everyone. And when that happens, everyone’s potential is off the
charts.
Take responsibility for creating an environment of
growth for your team members.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Monday, July 23, 2018
DISCOVER PEOPLE’S TRUE STRENGTHS
Most people do not discover their strengths on
their own. They often get drawn into the routine of day-to-day living and
simply get busy. They rarely explore their strengths or reflect on their
successes or failures. That’s why it is so valuable for them to have a leader
who is genuinely interested in them help them to recognize their strengths.
There are many helpful tools available that you can use to aid people in the process of self-discovery. Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton’s book “Now, Discover Your Strengths” and the “Strengths Finder” material on the Web site can be helpful. So can personality tests as well. Whatever works in the context of your organization can be helpful. But don’t limit yourself to tests. Often the most valuable help you can give will be based on your personal observations.
Commit to helping your people recognize their strengths.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
There are many helpful tools available that you can use to aid people in the process of self-discovery. Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton’s book “Now, Discover Your Strengths” and the “Strengths Finder” material on the Web site can be helpful. So can personality tests as well. Whatever works in the context of your organization can be helpful. But don’t limit yourself to tests. Often the most valuable help you can give will be based on your personal observations.
Commit to helping your people recognize their strengths.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
TRULY RICH CLUB
This is Dr. Maui. I don’t think I mentioned this to you
before, but last January 2018, I joined the Truly Rich Club. It was one
of the best decisions of my life. Founded by Mr. Bo Sanchez, its purpose
is to “help good people become rich”. Because of the guidance I get from
the Club, I’m now investing in the Stock Market each month! And I am so
blessed. But it’s amazing how I’m personally growing in my finances. I’m
inviting you to join the Club too.
If you’re interested, click the link below. Listen to Bo explain what it is all about. And email me if you have any questions.
If you’re interested, click the link below. Listen to Bo explain what it is all about. And email me if you have any questions.
God bless!
Dr.
Mauro Allan “Maui” Padua Amparado
Sunday, July 22, 2018
SHARE A SECRET WITH SOMEONE
A Sicilian proverb says, “Only the spoon knows
what is stirring in the pot.” When you allow another person to know what is
stirring within you, giving him a “taste” of a plan or idea, you instantly make
a connection with him. Who doesn’t want to know what’s going on in the mind of
someone they care about?
You might think that sharing a secret with someone
always has to be a big deal with life-changing ramifications. It doesn’t. Of
course, when you let people in on something impacting, it makes quite an
impression. But you can make sharing a secret part of your everyday life using everyday
things. The first time you share something with others, aren’t you sharing
something that has been secret up to that moment? Why not let the person to
whom you’re talking know that you’re revealing it for the first time? That
makes him feel special.
Sharing a secret with someone is really a matter
of two things: reading the context of a situation and desiring to build up the
other person. If you do those two things, you can learn this skill.
Share what’s stirring within you today to make a
meaningful connection.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Thursday, July 19, 2018
ARE YOU A SPLATTER OR BOUNCER?
If only life could become easier
with every day of living! But that’s not reality, is it? As you get older,
truly some things get harder, but others also get easier. In every stage of
life, there are good aspects and bad. The key is to focus on the good and learn
to live with the bad. Of course, not everyone does that. In fact, I’ve found
that there are really only two kinds of people in this world when it comes to
dealing with discouragement: splatters and bouncers. When splatters hit rock
bottom, they fall apart, and they stick to the bottom like glue. On the other
hand, when bouncers hit bottom, they pull together and bounce back.
Paul J. Meyer, founder of the
Success Motivation Institute, says, “Ninety percent of those who fail are not
actually defeated. They simply quit.” That’s what discouragement can do to you
if you don’t handle it the right way – it can cause you to quit. Since you will
become discouraged at some point, the question is, Are you going to give up or
get up?
Make the decision to get up and
bounce back today.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
THE PEOPLE YOU ATTRACT
Effective leaders are always on
the lookout for good people. What will determine whether the people you want
are the people you get? It’s determined by who you are. If you are recruited
and hired a staff, you will probably find that you and the people who follow
you share common ground in several key areas:
Generation: Most organizations reflect the characteristics of their key leaders, and that includes their age.
Attitude: People with good attitudes tend to make people around them feel more positive. Terrible attitudes bring others down.
Background: People attract – and are attracted to – others of similar background. This natural magnetism is so strong that organizations that value diversity have to fight against it.
Values: Whether shared values are positive or negative, the character you possess is what you will likely find in the people who follow you.
Energy: It’s a good thing that people with similar levels of energy are attracted to one another, because when you pair a high-energy person with a low-energy person and ask them to work closely together, they can drive one another crazy.
Giftedness: People are attracted to talent and excellence and are most likely to respect and follow one who possesses their kind of talent.
Leadership ability: Who you are is what you attract. The leaders you attract will be similar in style and ability to you.
Generation: Most organizations reflect the characteristics of their key leaders, and that includes their age.
Attitude: People with good attitudes tend to make people around them feel more positive. Terrible attitudes bring others down.
Background: People attract – and are attracted to – others of similar background. This natural magnetism is so strong that organizations that value diversity have to fight against it.
Values: Whether shared values are positive or negative, the character you possess is what you will likely find in the people who follow you.
Energy: It’s a good thing that people with similar levels of energy are attracted to one another, because when you pair a high-energy person with a low-energy person and ask them to work closely together, they can drive one another crazy.
Giftedness: People are attracted to talent and excellence and are most likely to respect and follow one who possesses their kind of talent.
Leadership ability: Who you are is what you attract. The leaders you attract will be similar in style and ability to you.
Who you are is who you attract –
grow accordingly.
Reference:
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
-
Life is a matter of choices, and every choice you make makes you. What will you do for your career? Who will you marry? Where will you live?...
-
The greatest achievers in life are people who set goals for themselves and then work hard to reach them. What they get by reaching the goa...
-
Just as you should keep your focus off yesterday, you shouldn’t have it on tomorrow. If you’re always thinking about tomorrow, then you’ll...