Completely Clear Delegation

When you delegate a task be clear about all the details. When you delegate, you delegate the complete task of what, when, why and how. Describe the job at hand, what it is you want accomplished and provide a deadline for when you want it done by. Instill confidence by telling why you have selected the individual for this particular task. Explain how you define the successful outcome. State what successful completion looks like.

The Delicate Water Balance

I once met a former football trainer from the Italian league who told me about the importance of maintaining the water balance in the body and its impact on performance. He said that only a three percent water deficit results in a twenty percent loss in performance. That alone is a good reason for you and I to drink a liter of water extra every day.

Work On Your Future Every Day

Every day is an opportunity to work on your future and take steps toward your definition of long term success. Do something every day to get you closer to your future. Keep a long time perspective and focus on next actions to get you there. It is so easy to procrastinate. One definition of procrastination is giving up what you want most for what you want now. Every time you procrastinate you are delaying your future.

Develop Your Alternatives

Think about the different options you have for reaching your desired outcomes. Develop contingency plans. Build flexibility into the implementation of your initiatives. In a negotiation situation the party with the best alternative to a negotiated agreement (BATNA) usually wins. Without good alternatives you tend to get desperate. You maintain your flexibility by not completely depleting your resources of time, money, ideas and key relationships. Always be developing your alternatives.

Let Go Of Good

Oftentimes what are holding us back are not disastrous problems but rather our second best alternative. It is the temptation of complacency to settle for less than our potential. You have to let go of what is good in order to get to what is best. You have to stretch yourself outside you comfort zone in order to continue to grow.

Everyone Knows Everything

In this era espionage has taken on a whole new meaning. Governments have taken on themselves to spy on their citizens. They can listen to your phone calls, read all your mails and so on. No more privacy, no more personal integrity. Everything you do on phone or on-line can be traced also by competitors, future employers, bankers, ex-lovers and whomever. Be careful and remember that everyone knows everything, really!

Look At The Bright Side

There is an old Chinese tale about a rich man's son who through a series of unpredicted misfortunes become enormously successful. The moral of the story is that you don't always know what is best for you. What seems like a misfortune can be the best and what seems like a great opportunity can be a big disaster in disguise. So don't judge too soon and try to always look at the bright side of life.