I heard Barack reference this old Michael Jordan commercial, during his speech to high school students, today. I remember how I felt the first time I watched the ad.
Here's another one - which may be even more powerful. "I have something more important than Courage - I have patience. I will become - what I know, I am".
I guess the key learning here is aspiring leaders must nurture patience, self-belief and a spirit of continuous learning.
Peace.
Sep 8, 2009
Aug 16, 2009
Jul 27, 2009
Top 10 Tips To Keep Your Job
I came across this great piece in Fortune. It's geared towards women, however these insights are useful for every one. I've listed the top 5 tips - below. The full article is available - here
1. Take On Important Assignments
In the aftermath of layoffs, remaining employees are often asked to pick up slack. But don't get stuck doing low-impact work just because you want to seem helpful. Identify projects that will be valuable to your company and management team--and then volunteer yourself. If you are asked to take an assignment that you know will have little impact, mention that you've been thinking about another--more important--assignment and have some ideas ready to share.
2. Initiate
Don't hang low and await instructions. Particularly if your company is looking to trim the fat, being seen as not having enough on your plate is a worst-case scenario. Let your boss know that you recognize that times are tough and are willing to do more work to advance the business. Suggest a skill you have that could augment a certain project. Ask to help or take over a project that you know your boss doesn't have the time to get to. And give updates regularly so that your managers know you're working hard and want extra responsibility.
3. Know Your Company
You need to understand what's deemed valuable in your company and who the key decision-makers are. Revisit the basics of the core business model. Consider what value you're adding, and shift focus if you realize you may not be working to your fullest potential. Having the ability to pinpoint how your work affects the bottom line could save your job.
And identify who's really in charge. Always shine in the company of the "big boss." Even if you're at odds with your immediate manager, make sure the key people know what you're worth.
4. Be Adaptable
Change is never "if" but "when," especially in this economy. Research new technologies that might make the business more efficient, and then learn them. Your new expertise may keep you in demand. And if there's a change in management, roll with the punches. Even if you're not happy about it, the worst thing to do is get caught up in gossip or to seem disgruntled and entitled. Think of a new boss as a new challenge. Prove your worth by doing great work and remaining open-minded.
5. Aim for the Promotion
One of the biggest mistakes women often make is hiding behind a desk, awaiting praise from managers and focusing too intently on turning in perfect work. Smart women know that the goal isn't just to stay employed but rather to continue rising up the ranks and gaining greater responsibility--and perks. Experts agree that now's the time to take risks. When your job is on the line, you want to show your potential. Present yourself as a leader by dressing like an executive, speaking up in meetings, projecting authority with your tone of voice and body language and by thinking two steps ahead.
Full Article....
1. Take On Important Assignments
In the aftermath of layoffs, remaining employees are often asked to pick up slack. But don't get stuck doing low-impact work just because you want to seem helpful. Identify projects that will be valuable to your company and management team--and then volunteer yourself. If you are asked to take an assignment that you know will have little impact, mention that you've been thinking about another--more important--assignment and have some ideas ready to share.
2. Initiate
Don't hang low and await instructions. Particularly if your company is looking to trim the fat, being seen as not having enough on your plate is a worst-case scenario. Let your boss know that you recognize that times are tough and are willing to do more work to advance the business. Suggest a skill you have that could augment a certain project. Ask to help or take over a project that you know your boss doesn't have the time to get to. And give updates regularly so that your managers know you're working hard and want extra responsibility.
3. Know Your Company
You need to understand what's deemed valuable in your company and who the key decision-makers are. Revisit the basics of the core business model. Consider what value you're adding, and shift focus if you realize you may not be working to your fullest potential. Having the ability to pinpoint how your work affects the bottom line could save your job.
And identify who's really in charge. Always shine in the company of the "big boss." Even if you're at odds with your immediate manager, make sure the key people know what you're worth.
4. Be Adaptable
Change is never "if" but "when," especially in this economy. Research new technologies that might make the business more efficient, and then learn them. Your new expertise may keep you in demand. And if there's a change in management, roll with the punches. Even if you're not happy about it, the worst thing to do is get caught up in gossip or to seem disgruntled and entitled. Think of a new boss as a new challenge. Prove your worth by doing great work and remaining open-minded.
5. Aim for the Promotion
One of the biggest mistakes women often make is hiding behind a desk, awaiting praise from managers and focusing too intently on turning in perfect work. Smart women know that the goal isn't just to stay employed but rather to continue rising up the ranks and gaining greater responsibility--and perks. Experts agree that now's the time to take risks. When your job is on the line, you want to show your potential. Present yourself as a leader by dressing like an executive, speaking up in meetings, projecting authority with your tone of voice and body language and by thinking two steps ahead.
Full Article....
Jul 16, 2009
It's been a while.......
Last year, I accepted a role in the Windows Consumer Marketing Team - driving Business Intelligence for some of our key online assets. I've spent the past few months trying to get my head around the Windows Business - as you would imagine, there's a lot to learn.
A few months ago I also launched a second blog - focused on my passion for Leadership Development. It's been a busy time and I haven't had the bandwidth to do post regular write-ups in the World Changers Journal. I'm hoping that will change in the weeks and months ahead.
Hope you're all enjoying the summer - look forward to reengaging with all you fellow World Changers in the weeks and months ahead.
Cheers.....
A few months ago I also launched a second blog - focused on my passion for Leadership Development. It's been a busy time and I haven't had the bandwidth to do post regular write-ups in the World Changers Journal. I'm hoping that will change in the weeks and months ahead.
Hope you're all enjoying the summer - look forward to reengaging with all you fellow World Changers in the weeks and months ahead.
Cheers.....
May 26, 2009
The Essense of "Outliers"
I just finished reading Malcom Gladwell's most recent offering - a book called Outliers. In the book, the author puts forward his views about key factors which contribute to an individuals success. He starts out by examining the causes of why the majority of Canadian professional ice hockey players are born in the first few months of the calendar year, how Bill Gates achieved his extreme wealth, and how two people with exceptional intelligence, Christopher Langan and J. Robert Oppenheimer, end up with such vastly different fortunes.
I enjoyed the book and decided to find out how others felt about Malcolm's ideas. As I read through various reviews and interestingly, most people seemed to like the book - but for very different reasons.
I picked up some new learning's and reaffirmed others - from Outliers.
There are 3 key criteria which working individuals need in order to excel. Autonomy, complexity and a connection between effort and reward. These are the 3 key qualities that work has to have, if it's to be satisfying.
It has to be about more than just - the amount of money we make. We spend so much of our lives working that it would be a real tragedy if our work does not provide us with a strong sense of personal or professional fulfillment.
Work that fulfills these 3 criteria - is meaningful. I truly believe that if you work hard enough, assert yourself and stay focused on purposeful goals, you can accomplish some great things.
Hard work can be very hard - if it doesn't have meaning. Once it does, it's no longer work - it becomes a means to an end. A happy, fulfilling and invigorating end.
Malcom makes two interesting assertions about children's upbringing. The first is that parents who take an interest in their children early, and teach them to be confident, self assured and assertive, are preparing actually preparing them to grow up with a healthy sense of "entitlement". Having grown up in a country with a very high respect quotient - I see the value in striking the right balance between teaching children to be respectful of their elders whilst simultaneously building their self-confidence.
The second key point which Malcom makes - is that the children of Eastern Jews who relocated to the U.S and started their own businesses - benefited from the can do environment in which they grew up. They watched their parents accomplish some great things through sheer determination - and this had a very positive and indelible effect on their view of the world.
There's no doubt that it helps to grow up in a home where your parents and relatives are smart, resourceful, driven - go getter's. However, the most important point here is that the Jewish families which Malcolm profiled were likely very close knit and worked hard to provide their children and relatives with great opportunities. That trend is likely the single most important reason why their children grew up to be successful Doctors, Lawyers and White Collar workers.
I enjoyed the book and decided to find out how others felt about Malcolm's ideas. As I read through various reviews and interestingly, most people seemed to like the book - but for very different reasons.
I picked up some new learning's and reaffirmed others - from Outliers.
There are 3 key criteria which working individuals need in order to excel. Autonomy, complexity and a connection between effort and reward. These are the 3 key qualities that work has to have, if it's to be satisfying.
It has to be about more than just - the amount of money we make. We spend so much of our lives working that it would be a real tragedy if our work does not provide us with a strong sense of personal or professional fulfillment.
Work that fulfills these 3 criteria - is meaningful. I truly believe that if you work hard enough, assert yourself and stay focused on purposeful goals, you can accomplish some great things.
Hard work can be very hard - if it doesn't have meaning. Once it does, it's no longer work - it becomes a means to an end. A happy, fulfilling and invigorating end.
Malcom makes two interesting assertions about children's upbringing. The first is that parents who take an interest in their children early, and teach them to be confident, self assured and assertive, are preparing actually preparing them to grow up with a healthy sense of "entitlement". Having grown up in a country with a very high respect quotient - I see the value in striking the right balance between teaching children to be respectful of their elders whilst simultaneously building their self-confidence.
The second key point which Malcom makes - is that the children of Eastern Jews who relocated to the U.S and started their own businesses - benefited from the can do environment in which they grew up. They watched their parents accomplish some great things through sheer determination - and this had a very positive and indelible effect on their view of the world.
There's no doubt that it helps to grow up in a home where your parents and relatives are smart, resourceful, driven - go getter's. However, the most important point here is that the Jewish families which Malcolm profiled were likely very close knit and worked hard to provide their children and relatives with great opportunities. That trend is likely the single most important reason why their children grew up to be successful Doctors, Lawyers and White Collar workers.
Mar 29, 2009
President Lula
Zakaria's interview with President Lula, was interesting for many reasons. Hear what Lula says about Obama's inauguration.
President Lula "I told my people, during my inauguration address - I do not have the right to make mistakes, I cannot afford to fail". I believe that God put Obama there for a reason - I told him that he cannot afford to fail."
Undoubtedly, Lula has come a long way since his days as a Machine Operator, in a factory. His comments regarding democracy, socialism and the role of emerging industrialized nations - were insightful and well presented. Undoubtedly, many will disagree with his position on U.S relations with Venezuela & Cuba - as well as the role which emerging nations should play, in global affairs.
Still, it's important to understand different perspectives of World Leaders, especially those from nations like Brazil.
President Lula "I told my people, during my inauguration address - I do not have the right to make mistakes, I cannot afford to fail". I believe that God put Obama there for a reason - I told him that he cannot afford to fail."
Undoubtedly, Lula has come a long way since his days as a Machine Operator, in a factory. His comments regarding democracy, socialism and the role of emerging industrialized nations - were insightful and well presented. Undoubtedly, many will disagree with his position on U.S relations with Venezuela & Cuba - as well as the role which emerging nations should play, in global affairs.
Still, it's important to understand different perspectives of World Leaders, especially those from nations like Brazil.
Mar 15, 2009
The Leadership Journal
Last month - I launched a new blog called "The Leadership Journal". It's been a long time in the making - I'm glad we're finally up and running.
Key Objectives: I created the Leadership Journal with one purpose in mind - to create a repository for the types of leadership training, insights and resources which could help improve the skills of aspiring leaders, anywhere in the world.
I am convinced that Truly Effective Leaders are made - not born. The quest to be a great leader is a never ending journey of continous learning. I'm hopeful that the Leadership Journal will be a good source of information for all leaders.
World Changer....
Key Objectives: I created the Leadership Journal with one purpose in mind - to create a repository for the types of leadership training, insights and resources which could help improve the skills of aspiring leaders, anywhere in the world.
I am convinced that Truly Effective Leaders are made - not born. The quest to be a great leader is a never ending journey of continous learning. I'm hopeful that the Leadership Journal will be a good source of information for all leaders.
World Changer....
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