Resiliency More Important Than Education

In Harvard Business Review a few years ago, a company called Adaptive Learning Systems did a comprehensive study of the qualities it takes to be successful in life. They looked at the expected things: education, motivation, connections, etc. But they concluded that resiliency deserved to be on top of the list."The ability to bounce back from disappointment and even disaster," Adaptive's CEO Dean Becker said, "counts more than education, more than experience, and more than training."

You Are In Showbiz

For anyone today, especially those in leadership, honesty and integrity are absolutely essential to survival. A lot of businesspeople don't realize how closely they're being watched by others inside and outside their organization. Do you think there's anything your people don't know about you right this minute? If you haven't been totally straight and honest with them, do you really think you've gotten away with it? Not too likely. Remember you are in showbiz all the time.

Servant Leadership

As evidenced by the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt, leaders have prioritized self-preservation (built pyramids) for thousands of years. Regrettably, self-preservation runs contrary to the true nature of leadership, which involves serving constituents. By operating with a me-first mentality, leaders deprive and exploit those they lead instead of equipping and inspiring them. Decide to become a servant leader helping your people grow.

Don't Wait Until The Inbox Is Empty To Relax

Your inbox will never be empty, there will always be stuff waiting there to be dealt with, processed, responded to etc. Someone once told me to realize that not even the day I die will my inbox be empty. So true! We might as well just learn to enjoy ourselves in the meantime. Figure out a way to relax between your obligations and activities. Life is not a dress rehearsal, it's meant to be enjoyed. Don't wait until the inbox is empty to relax.

Qualities Of A Leader

According to Peter Drucker leadership is the lifting of a vision to higher sights, the raising of a performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations. Nothing better prepares the ground for such leadership than a spirit of management that confirms in the day-to-day practices of the organization of strict principles of conduct and responsibility, high standards of performance, and respect for the individual and his or her work.

At Your Best

When you plan meetings, appointments or time for important project work, you should always consider your natural biorhythm. This is the recurring cycle of biological processes that affect your emotional, intellectual and physical activity. Most people are 'morning' people - others are 'afternoon' people. Determine the two hours of the day when you feel your best, then schedule your most important activities for this time slot and protect this 'time space' from all intruders. If you do this for a week or two you will see an immediate productivity gain!

Goals And Dreams

Don't let your goals get in the way of your dreams. Goal setting, as a tool, has its utility and by all means, set yourself some worthy goals. But dreams, on the other hand, are more about motivation, feeling and emotion, passion and revelation. Dreams are your internal standards you want to live by. Make sure you make room for your dreams while you work on your goals.