Leaders understand the challenges and the critical importance of getting new, valuable people on board with their product, service, or organization. But what do you do once you have them? What about after you’ve made the sale, delivered the service, or finished training the new hire?
...Balance. It’s something I believe we all want, but all tend to struggle with. There just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day or days in the week to fit in everything we need and want to do. But maybe there isn’t a secret to balance, because maybe balance simply isn’t realistic.
...While most of us are familiar enough with our own houses that we would pretty quickly notice signs of foundation problems, the same is not always true of ourselves.
...If you’re like me, the word stamina brings to mind physical energy and athletic ability. It’s that physical drive that enables a person to push their body’s limits, stave off exhaustion, and just keep going. But is there more to it?
...You are not designed or equipped to do every job. You have your limits. But you are specially equipped to do the job meant for you. So, sharpen your focus to that one thing you are meant to do, and let other people around you do their jobs too.
...Roadblocks are a fact of life and leadership and are often unavoidable. We may not be able to prevent or avoid every roadblock, but we can change how we approach and deal with them.
...Inspiration, unlike motivation, is real and enduring. True inspiration is invaluable – if you can truly inspire those whom you lead, everyone will win!
...Today I want to share some characteristics of inspirational leaders along with a selection of quotes that appear in my first book, Presidential Leadership, and are relevant to everyone who desires to be an inspirational leader.
...Today, at the beginning of this new year, take a few moments for self reflection. Days, weeks, months, and years from now, what will others remember about how you made them feel? Your words and actions today will fade from memory. But the way those words and actions made others feel might last a lifetime.
...A subtle but very significant characteristic of highly successful people isn’t their ability to lead and control a conversation, but their ability to listen. Truly listen.
...Whether it’s observing a little girl share her ice cream with her brother, witnessing a teenage boy give up his seat for an elderly woman on the subway, receiving an unexpected and precious gift from a friend, or getting the opportunity to bless an overwhelmed waiter with a big tip, kindness and generosity have a way of bringing beauty into even the ugliest days.
...The incredible positive effects of frequently feeling and expressing gratitude have been extensively studied, but it doesn’t take science to know that being grateful makes you happier and more successful.
...Much of the external circumstances affecting your life are out of your control. That is, as they say, “reality!” You cannot control many—if not most—of these circumstances. So instead of needless, unhealthy, and wasteful worry and consternation, simply focus on what you can control.
...Sometimes we’ve got something great that is worth hanging onto and fighting for. And sometimes what we have is good or ‘okay,’ but we should be willing to let it go in favor of something better. It takes flexibility, humility, and wisdom to know the difference.
...Next time you’re feeling annoyed, frustrated, or critical toward a fellow human being, stop for a minute and strap on their shoes.
...Highly successful people say “no.” They say it a lot. That doesn’t mean it’s easy, and that doesn’t mean they like it, but they realize it’s necessary. In order to create that which they are uniquely equipped to create, high achievers know they must guard their time carefully.
...Years ago I discovered an excellent blog post by bestselling author and speaker Jon Acuff. Jon made a rather surprising list of all the good things that happen to you when you compare your success to someone else’s. That’s right—good things. Just wait until you see the list!
...As a leader, you are a creator of opportunity for others! It is your privilege and responsibility to “open doors for people.” What doors will you open today?
...Every leader receives critique. Some leaders appreciate it, some dread it, and some resent it – but every good leader needs it. In order to truly achieve leadership excellence, you need to learn, grow, mature, develop, and improve as a leader, and one of the best tools for accomplishing this is critique.
...There really is no failure unless you quit. While you can’t control what life throws at you, you can determine your response. In life’s many battles, your attitude is the most powerful weapon you wield.
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