Are people better off because they know you? Do you think others have a more positive attitude, a more cheerful demeanor or a brighter outlook on life - in part, because they're associated with you? In Church this morning - I heard a song with these words - "People's life's should better because they know me". It set me thinking about what it really means to be a World Changer. Are we really leading purposeful lives?
We all live very busy lives - constantly juggling the urgent with the important. We often have to re-prioritize work items and deliverables as I try to accomplish my goals. Smart Companies are learning to reward employees not just for hitting agreed upon goals, but for doing so in a collaborative manner, non-destructive fashion.
During the course of my (admittedly) short career - I've been guilty of being too overbearing in some cases and overly deferential, in others. I'm learning to be assertive and express myself in a non-confrontational fashion.
Every day, we are presented with great opportunities to have a positive impact on others - simply by the way we present ourselves and the approach we take to dealing with challenges.
I try to look for the win-win - I hear you all saying that's much easier said than done. That's true - sometimes we do have to compromise or even give in, but even when that happens, we need to maintain a positive outlook.
I'm hoping this post will be a therapeutic one for me - I don't always project a positive attitude. I certainly can't categorically state that any of my colleagues are better off because they've worked with me, although I do hope so.
It's a fact that we're all affected by the environment in which we live, the words, actions and attitudes of those around us.
World Changers: The song reminded me that we all need to keep trying to have a positive impact on those around us. That way, we're sure to continue to change and affect people's lives - for the better......
Peace.
Mar 15, 2009
Mar 12, 2009
Captain Sully Sullenberger - "My Aircraft"
Taken from a blog post titled - "An incredible lesson in crisis managment"
From the interviews that he gave on 60 Minutes on February 8th to Katie Couric on CBS and on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 10th and 11th on Larry King Live on CNN, following is how did Captain Sully Sullenberger manage the crisis of his life and saved 155 lives!
Recognizing the Uniqueness of the Crisis:
“About 90 seconds after takeoff, I notice there were birds, filling the entire windscreen, from top to bottom, left to right, large birds, close, too close to avoid. I felt, heard and smelled the evidence of them going into the engines. I heard the noises. I felt the engine vibrations of the damage being done to the engines. And, I smelled what I described at the time, and I still would, as a burned bird smell being brought from the engine area into the conditioning system of the airplane...It was obvious to me from the very moment that we lost the thrust that this was a critical situation. Losing thrust on both engines, at a low speed, at a low altitude, over one of the most densely populated areas on the planet. Yes, I knew it was a very challenging situation.
The airplane stopped climbing and going forward, and began to rapidly slow down. That's when I knew I had to take control of the airplane. I put my hand on the side stick and I said, the protocol for the transfer of control, “My aircraft”, and the first officer Jeff (Skiles) immediately answered, “Your aircraft”. (With no engine power) you use the forward momentum to provide the air flow over the wings to provide the sufficient lift...I knew immediately that this, unlike every other flight I'd had for 42 years, was probably not going to end with the airplane undamaged on the runway.”
World Changer
From the interviews that he gave on 60 Minutes on February 8th to Katie Couric on CBS and on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 10th and 11th on Larry King Live on CNN, following is how did Captain Sully Sullenberger manage the crisis of his life and saved 155 lives!
Recognizing the Uniqueness of the Crisis:
“About 90 seconds after takeoff, I notice there were birds, filling the entire windscreen, from top to bottom, left to right, large birds, close, too close to avoid. I felt, heard and smelled the evidence of them going into the engines. I heard the noises. I felt the engine vibrations of the damage being done to the engines. And, I smelled what I described at the time, and I still would, as a burned bird smell being brought from the engine area into the conditioning system of the airplane...It was obvious to me from the very moment that we lost the thrust that this was a critical situation. Losing thrust on both engines, at a low speed, at a low altitude, over one of the most densely populated areas on the planet. Yes, I knew it was a very challenging situation.
The airplane stopped climbing and going forward, and began to rapidly slow down. That's when I knew I had to take control of the airplane. I put my hand on the side stick and I said, the protocol for the transfer of control, “My aircraft”, and the first officer Jeff (Skiles) immediately answered, “Your aircraft”. (With no engine power) you use the forward momentum to provide the air flow over the wings to provide the sufficient lift...I knew immediately that this, unlike every other flight I'd had for 42 years, was probably not going to end with the airplane undamaged on the runway.”
World Changer
Mar 4, 2009
Google's Toolbar Push
Back in January - Microsoft announced a deal with Dell - The deal indicated that, in February, Dell would start distributing Live Search on a majority of consumer and small business PCs that it ships globally. Live Search will be the default search engine in the browser, and the PCs will also include our Live Search-powered toolbar. Dell is the #1 PC provider in the U.S. and #2 worldwide. The agreement will give new Dell users, in over 20 countries around the world, the opportunity to experience Live Search over the three-year period of the agreement. I love Microsoft and I'm very happy about this announcement - I've always favored a more aggressive distribution strategy for Live Search, as a means of driving up revenue and global query share. I also use - and have written about Google, on a regular basis. This morning - I noticed something on the Google home page which I hadn't seen before.
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A really huge box, promoting the Google Toolbar. This - on a home page which Google has been very, very careful about keeping clean and uncluttered. Clearly, the goal is to win back all those Dell, HP & Lenovo users who are buying machines with Live Search toolbars & search functionality. Don't get me wrong - I know Google has periodically promoted it's toolbar through the home page, in the past. However, I don't recall the Toolbar download box being so large or so prominently positioned on the Google home page.
The challenge for Live Search is that, it' still not known as a Search Engine - query share sits at below 9% in the U.S, versus over 60% for Google. If I'm a Google user - and I buy a new machine, I'm still going to go to http://www.google.com/ to initiate my search. I'll be greeted by that massive stamp inviting me to download the tool bar. As far as I know, once a user downloads the toolbar, Google becomes the primary search engine on the machine and Live Search looses out.
No doubt, some smart folks have figured out how to address this issue - I'm simply pointing out my observation about how Google is aggressively promoting it's toolbar, even as MSFT aggressively signs distribution deals......
Feb 28, 2009
Follow The Money
The term Sovereign wealth fund was first used in 2005 by Andrew Romanov in an article entitled 'Who holds the wealth of nations? In the article, Mr.Romanov mentioned that “Typically, sovereign wealth funds are a by-product of national budget surpluses, accumulated over the years due to favorable macroeconomic, trade and fiscal positions, coupled with long-term budget planning and spending restraint. Usually, these funds are set up with one or more of the following objectives: insulate the budget and economy from excess volatility in revenues, help monetary authorities sterilize unwanted liquidity, build up savings for future
generations, or use the money for economic and social
development”.
Translation – Sovereign funds functioned as a vehicle through which cash rich nations could invest in fairly stable, promising investment products.
Follow The Money: The current global economic downturn offers some unique opportunities for cash-rich global funds to pick up choice assets at bargain prices. A brief study of the key holdings in some of these funds may offer some insights for would-be investors.
Note: I’m making an assumption that these sovereign wealth managers will make smart investment decisions. At the very least, we should notice some consistent themes across funds from Asia, S/America & the Middle east.
Below is a list of 14 funds – which were featured in Mr.. Romanov's article, back in ‘05.
| Country | Fund Name | Assets ‘05 $B | Assets Feb ‘09 |
| United Arab Emirates | Abu Dhabi Investment Authority | $250,000 Billion | $875 Billion |
| Norway | Government Petroleum Fund | $170,000 Billion | $350 Billion |
| Hong Kong | Investment Portfolio (HKMA) | $100,000 Billion | $173 Billion |
| Kuwait | Kuwait Investment Authority | $65,000 Billion | $202 Billion |
| Singapore | GIC | $100,000 Billion | $330 Billion |
| Brunei | BIA | $30,000 Billion | $30 Billion |
| USA (Alaska) | Permanent Reserve Fund | $29,800 Billion | $29 Billion |
| Russia | Stabilization Fund | $27,700 Billion | $137 Billion |
| Malaysia | Khazanah Nasional BHD | $ 15,800 Billion | 25.7 Billion |
| Trinidad & Tobago | Revenue Stabilization Fund | 460 Million | 2.9 Billion |
| Canada | Alberta Heritage | $9,800 Billion | 14.9 Billion |
| Chile | Copper Stabilization Fund | $3,900 Billion | $21 Billion |
| Oman | State General Reserve Fund | $2,000 Billion | $8.2 Billion |
| Venezuela | FIEM | $714M | $~700M |
Feb 27, 2009
The Real Value of Sovereign Funds
So, what's the real value of sovereign funds?
Years ago, I worked for a mutual funds company called Trimark. At the time, it was one of the largest fund company's in Canada. At the time - mutual funds were the primary investment vehicle of choice for many North Americans.
The key selling point? Mutual funds are stable - less volatile than owning individual stocks, and safer too, because you spread the risk across different investment vehicles. I learnt a little about the investment industry and even did a little day trading.
Lately, I've developed an interest in sovereign funds - a friend asked me why and I decided to respond through a series of blog posts.
First - What is a Sovereign fund? A sovereign wealth fund is a state-owned investment fund composed of financial assets such as stocks, bonds, property, precious metals or other investment products.
Some sovereign wealth funds are held solely by central banks of the country in question. The central banks often accumulate the funds in the course of their management of a nation's banking system; this type of fund is usually of major economic and fiscal importance to the country.
Other sovereign wealth funds are simply the state savings which are invested by various entities for the purposes of investment return, and which may not have significant role in fiscal management.
During my days at Trimark – I learnt the importance of following the money. Any Mutual fund performs only as well as it's key holdings. These Sovereign funds have 100's of Billions of dollars invested - worldwide, and a cursory review of their key holdings can offer interesting insights about global investment trends.
Sovereign funds offer a great window into the global investment strategies of some of the brightest investment managers in the world. Over the next few months – I’ll identify and group a handful of investment products, based on my research into Sovereign funds.
I’ll build a series of portfolio’s – based on my findings, and share monthly performance updates with the rest of you World Changers.
Have a great weekend……….
Years ago, I worked for a mutual funds company called Trimark. At the time, it was one of the largest fund company's in Canada. At the time - mutual funds were the primary investment vehicle of choice for many North Americans.
The key selling point? Mutual funds are stable - less volatile than owning individual stocks, and safer too, because you spread the risk across different investment vehicles. I learnt a little about the investment industry and even did a little day trading.
Lately, I've developed an interest in sovereign funds - a friend asked me why and I decided to respond through a series of blog posts.
First - What is a Sovereign fund? A sovereign wealth fund is a state-owned investment fund composed of financial assets such as stocks, bonds, property, precious metals or other investment products.
Some sovereign wealth funds are held solely by central banks of the country in question. The central banks often accumulate the funds in the course of their management of a nation's banking system; this type of fund is usually of major economic and fiscal importance to the country.
Other sovereign wealth funds are simply the state savings which are invested by various entities for the purposes of investment return, and which may not have significant role in fiscal management.
During my days at Trimark – I learnt the importance of following the money. Any Mutual fund performs only as well as it's key holdings. These Sovereign funds have 100's of Billions of dollars invested - worldwide, and a cursory review of their key holdings can offer interesting insights about global investment trends.
Sovereign funds offer a great window into the global investment strategies of some of the brightest investment managers in the world. Over the next few months – I’ll identify and group a handful of investment products, based on my research into Sovereign funds.
I’ll build a series of portfolio’s – based on my findings, and share monthly performance updates with the rest of you World Changers.
Have a great weekend……….
Feb 26, 2009
World Changers Always Finish Strong
I came across this video clip and I figure it's worth sharing. I'm constantly reminded of the importance of finishing strong ........
Feb 18, 2009
Sound Judgement & Discernment
Greetings, fellow WorldChangers - This week I'm in Salt-Lake City, Utah - attending a Conference. If you've never been to Salt-Lake City, I'd highly recommend it - very beautiful terrain.
Lately, I've been spending more and more of my time thinking about Leadership - thought leadership, servant leadership and personality traits of great leaders. Recently - I launched the Leadership Journal - to help socialize some of my ideas and those of other thought leaders. I'm hoping that the Journal will become a good resource for aspiring leaders everywhere. A forum through which we can all learn about the skill and character traits required to be a great leader.
This morning - I found myself thinking about Dr Ben Carson, and what I learnt from him, about leading a purposeful life. One thing he mentioned - which resonated with me, was that he reads something the book of Proverbs every day.
I understand that not all of my blog readers are Christians - some of you may not be religious, that doesn't mean you won't benefit from the insights in the book of Proverbs. There is something for everyone and every situation - in that book.
Today - I read Chapt 3 - vs 21-25. It talks about the value of sound judgment and discernment. It also counsels readers not to be consumed by fear of sudden disaster. It seems to me that, in these hard times, we all need a little encouragement. I get mine through prayer and reading the bible. I'd like to challenge anyone who reads this post - to pick up a bible and read one or two lines from the book of Proverbs. You can get a version of the bible which breaks down the core message, in simple everyday language.
Perhaps you're thinking - You don't have time? 5 minutes is all you need...
Try to make the effort - you have absolutely nothing to lose, and plenty to gain.
Peace........
Lately, I've been spending more and more of my time thinking about Leadership - thought leadership, servant leadership and personality traits of great leaders. Recently - I launched the Leadership Journal - to help socialize some of my ideas and those of other thought leaders. I'm hoping that the Journal will become a good resource for aspiring leaders everywhere. A forum through which we can all learn about the skill and character traits required to be a great leader.
This morning - I found myself thinking about Dr Ben Carson, and what I learnt from him, about leading a purposeful life. One thing he mentioned - which resonated with me, was that he reads something the book of Proverbs every day.
I understand that not all of my blog readers are Christians - some of you may not be religious, that doesn't mean you won't benefit from the insights in the book of Proverbs. There is something for everyone and every situation - in that book.
Today - I read Chapt 3 - vs 21-25. It talks about the value of sound judgment and discernment. It also counsels readers not to be consumed by fear of sudden disaster. It seems to me that, in these hard times, we all need a little encouragement. I get mine through prayer and reading the bible. I'd like to challenge anyone who reads this post - to pick up a bible and read one or two lines from the book of Proverbs. You can get a version of the bible which breaks down the core message, in simple everyday language.
Perhaps you're thinking - You don't have time? 5 minutes is all you need...
Try to make the effort - you have absolutely nothing to lose, and plenty to gain.
Peace........
Feb 7, 2009
Dr. Ben Carson
Tonight – I watched the TNT Movie - “Gifted Hands”. It’s the story of Dr. Ben Carson, one of the most gifted Pediatric Neurosurgeons the world has ever seen. I feel truly blessed to have watched this movie – and I’d recommend it to any aspiring World Changer. Here’s what I learnt from Dr. Carson.His Mother taught him the value of reading at an early age, by challenging him to read 2 books each week, and write a report. Reading books is one thing - writing a report or some sought of of review helps ensure that the key learning's stick.
When Ben was an adolescent – he was plagued by a very violent temper. One afternoon at school,a colleague attempted to bully him, Ben was enraged and actually stabbed the individual. Fortunately, he caught a break – the blade broke. That day, he prayed to God to help him gain control of his temper – the rest is history.
God Answers Prayers…
When Ben arrived at Yale, he was consumed with self-doubt. He was able to pull through – by drawing on his strengths and the self-belief that his mother had constantly instilled in him, from a very young age. Words are powerful – we need to continually nurture strength of spirit, inspire ourselves and others.
Shortly after he started at John’s Hopkins – the nurse on duty mistook him for an orderly and not a new intern. Undoubtedly he must have faced a great deal of provocation – but he never let it get to him. He stayed upbeat and focused and allowed his work to speak for itself.
Dr. Carson was and remains a remarkably introspective person, with a strong sense of self belief. Like Barack – he’s proven that it’s possible to be confident, self assured and very driven – without being arrogant, derogatory or overbearing.
I hope to learn more about Dr.Carson in the months ahead – he has written 3 books and over 100 journals – so there’s much to learn.
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