Are leaders born or made?

Of course leaders are born, we all are born!

The key question is, does a leader have special DNA in them that kick starts their leadership abilities? I don’t think so, and I’ll tell you why.

On a personal note for the first 16 years of my life I just coasted through life. That meaning that I accepted things as they happened. Then the following year I decided that I had had enough of life passing me by and decided to get very involved with the boarding school I went to. At the year end ceremonies I was recognized by the school with a Student Leadership Award. Getting this award for helping other was was not expected. Although it surely changed the way I looked at leadership. Leadership for me was now all about helping others and contributing. It was all about making a difference, and was not about bossing people around to get what I wanted.

What have been the results of this? I was elected to our local school board at 33 years old. I became the youngest chairman of that school board at age 36. I was chairman of the board for 4 years and re-elected by the public 3 times on 3 year cycles. In fact the last election I participated in I let my name stand for both school board and city council. I got elected to both. I don’t say this to impress you I say it to show you what is possible with the right attitude.

So what does that have to do with leadership? I believe true leaders are developed from the inside out. If a leader is good, they will take care of those with an interest or concern in something. They will do what they believe is right and respond to the concerns of those who are bothered by the decisions.

What can you do today that will show your leadership skills?

For more information on the type of work we do go to - http://theresiliencedoctor.com/

What do you do when a client is unreasonable?

Do you try to reason with them?

I used to be in the financial industry and being persistent is a benefit to being successful long-term. The financial industry also taught me a valuable lesson. The lesson is that if you have done everything you can to form a bond with a client and that client that is being unreasonable on a regular basis – move on politely. That meaning that you tell them that there is no connection in the relationship. Then tell them that it would be better for them if they found another company to do business with.

Does this seem harsh? If you answered 'yes', I have a question for you; ‘Do you want to work with people that have confidence in you or not?’

When you look at your client list who are the prime candidates for this action?

When will you take action on this?

For more information on the type of work we do go to - http://theresiliencedoctor.com/

How important are leadership and growth to you?

Are you a 5 or 6 when 10 is the best score?

If you want to improve I want to address what I call a ‘mad dog’ of business. What is a ‘mad dog’?

A ‘mad dog’ according to an on-line slang dictionary is to glare maliciously or challengingly as an invitation to fight. The ‘mad dog’ I want to talk about is when someone rejects your proposal or offer to purchase.

What do you do?
1.    Do you constantly rehash the circumstances over and over in your mind? or
2.    Do you remind yourself that only you can control your thoughts and actions?

If you are doing the 2nd bullet point you have taken the first step in overcoming the first ‘mad dog’ of business.

My next question is; what can you do to constantly make yourself aware that only you can control your thoughts and actions?

For more information on the type of work we do go to - http://theresiliencedoctor.com/

Did you know that any coin can offer you insight into life?

That is why there are two sides to a coin.

Let me explain. Some time ago a situation happened in my life. It was a very tough situation and has caused upset to many. After much consideration and questioning I realize that this whole situation was caused by an assumption. I know this was an assumption by viewing the reactions of others involved in the situation.

This has caused me to believe that the two side of the coin are assumptions and facts. As you know assumptions are created when you assume why someone did some thing or why something happened. Facts are acquired by asking a question when you are concerned over what you perceive.

Can you imagine how much more enjoyable life would be if we had the courage to ask a few questions when we got our first perception of something being wrong? Can you imagine how much better you would feel?

What can you do today that will get you to look at situations in a more measured way?

For more information on the type of work we do go to - http://theresiliencedoctor.com/

Do you accept mistakes in your business?

Is it terribly difficult, and does it affect your work and your attitude?

I hope it is never devastating or sad when you make a mistake. I hope that you treat mistakes/failures are just another way to learn. By having that type of an attitude you become a learning organization – a progressive, learning and innovative organization.

When will you start to transform your business from being a basic organization into being a progressive, learning and innovative organization?

What is the first step you need to take today to accomplish this?

For more information on the type of work we do go to - http://theresiliencedoctor.com/

Do you reward your staff for their innovative ideas?

Are you pleased when they use imaginative ideas to save you money?

If you said ‘yes’ to both questions you are going in the right direction. I say that because both of those questions are the same. Which means that they lead to the same results - a progressive and unique organization.

So what is a progressive and unique organization? I believe that a progressive organization is built on the belief that, great results are only achieved through the exchange of ideas from all company employees, and the ideas lead to the goals of all in the organization.

What steps can you take today that will help you become a progressive organization?

For more information on the type of work we do go to - http://theresiliencedoctor.com/

When are you going to stop debating and start innovating?

Innovation is the key to success, isn’t it?

How many times have you been talking about a situation that can be improved, and before you knew it becomes a debate as to what you should do? This is a crying shame, as the people that are involved in the debate are not solving anything are they?

My suggestion is to take the wildest idea from the discussion and implement it. Some of you are saying; ‘Are you crazy!’ Not at all, because if you want to innovate and grow as a business you have to take risks and because many times people in business take the safe route and there is hardly any improvement.

Soon after taking the risk you will be given the opportunity to ask “Now that we’ve implemented this new and innovative idea, how can we tweak it to make it even better?” These are the actions of a progressive and innovative business.

Are you ready to become the success you’ve always wanted?

When are you going to start innovating by taking risks?

For more information on the type of work we do go to - http://theresiliencedoctor.com/

How much do you know about the science of shopping?

Do you think it would help you if you could find out?

I recently read an article by Naomi Mannino called ‘7 secrets retailers don't want you to know’. It is a superb article that gives great information into our shopping patterns and how the stores set us up for those buying patterns.

The article can be read at -
http://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/7-secrets-retailers-dont-want-070050107.html

Why is this article important? It is my opinion that the more we know about our psychological motives the better we become.

My question to you is; when will you read this great article?

Whose fault is it that you don’t buy from a particular store?

Who needs to take responsibility for you not buying?

I want to tell you about an experience that I had this past week in a Staples store. I went into to get some information about a tablet computer. The person I needed to talk to was paged. As soon as he approached me I remembered him. Why did I remember him? It is because the last time I was in the store he treated me like I was an interruption. So with high hopes we went off to the tablet computer area. As I started to ask him a few questions I could see that he had not changed at all. It was if he knew everything and did not want to share any of his knowledge to help me buy. After a couple minutes of this I politely left the store.

What did I do regarding the tablet computer? I went on line to The Source and ordered it. The detailed explanation of the product on their web-site gave me all the information I wanted and I did not have to put up with a rude twit.

I tell you this story so that as an owner or an employee you realize the impact you can have on whether people buy from your store or not.

What can you do today to help prospective clients buy from your store?

Are you getting smarter than your mind?

What type of a question is that?

This is a question that was brought to my attention in the following article written by David Allen, author of the book Getting Things Done®.

“Your mind doesn't have one. A mind, that is. If your mind were smart, it would only remind you of something when you could do something about it.

'Fess up—do you have any flashlights with dead batteries? OK, so when does your mind remind you that you need batteries? At the dead ones! Gee, that's smart. If your mind had a mind, it wouldn't bother you at the dead ones, but would clearly let you know only when you were in a store that had live ones!

Have you ever changed your mind? Sure. Well, who did that? That's the part of us that has to take charge, and realize that just because we think of something we might need or want to do something about, that doesn't mean that we are being productive or constructive about or with it, or that it will be fulfilled. We have to realize that the thought itself is just a beginning, and if we care at all that it bring value or improvement, we probably need to capture it, clarify what it means to us, and organize the actions and information embedded or associated with it.

Your mind will seduce you easily. When you have a thought about something you want or should do, it is usually so simple and so obvious when you're thinking of it, you're sure you'll never forget it or that you'll remember it in the right moment. Then two minutes later, consumed with the next thing on your mind you're sure you'll never forget, you've forgotten that you've forgotten the first thing! And trusting that you'll remember something at exactly the right moment is (if you haven't learned that yet) a seriously risky bet.

Your mind is an incredible servant but a terrible master. Most people I meet, though, are still letting their mind run the show. They need to learn that a flashlight with dead batteries should either have the batteries replaced the moment they notice it, or the flashlight itself should go right into the in-tray.

You have to get smarter than your mind if you want to reach stress-free productivity.”

David Allen is the author of the book Getting Things Done®, and the work-life management system that transforms personal overwhelm and overload into an integrated system of stress-free productivity.

Have you noticed that the simplest stories can help us understand our lives?

Yes, understanding is one of the keys to being a success in this world.

Here is a story that made me ponder.

Once upon a time, there was a king who ruled a prosperous country. One day, he went for a trip to some distant areas of his country. When he came back to his palace, he complained that his feet were very painful. This was because it was the first time that he had gone for such a long trip, and the road that he was on was very rough and stony. He then ordered his people to cover every road of the entire country with leather.

Definitely, this would need thousands of cows’ skin, and would cost a huge amount of money.

Then one of his wise servants challenged the king, “Why do you have to spend that unnecessary amount of money? Why don’t you just cut a little piece of leather to cover your feet?”

The king was surprised, but he later agreed to his suggestion, to make a “shoe” for himself.

There is a valuable lesson of life in the above story. To make this world a better place, you need to change yourself and not the world.

What can you do today that will change yourself and make the world a better place?

For more information on the type of work we do go to - http://theresiliencedoctor.com/

Are your habits helping or hurting you?

Do people tell you that the habits or routines you do are silly?

Let me give you an example. Have you ever noticed a tennis player that taps his racket a couple of times before he or she serves? It may have looked silly, but lets look at what it does for the person doing it.

The habitual action of tapping their racket a couple of times triggers a mental focus. This gets their energy level and concentration to a peak state. At this peak state there are able to perform more effectively than without it.

Sure some of your habits may seem silly, but if it works why not do it?

Are there actions that you can use or institute into your daily activities that will help you get to a higher energy level and a more focused concentration so you can perform at a peak state?

When today can you do this?

For more information on the type of work we do go to - http://theresiliencedoctor.com/

Are the diversions in your life causing you problems?

You may ask, what do I mean by diversion?

To me a diversion is the act of diverting a person off a course or away from an objective.

This quote by Blaise Pascal (a French mathematician, inventor, physicist, writer and Christian philosopher) says it all; “If our condition were truly happy, we would not seek diversion from it in order to make ourselves happy.”

What can you do today that will get you focused and keep you focused?

For more information on the type of work we do go to - http://theresiliencedoctor.com/

Have you taken action on the miracle within you?

You may be asking, what is this miracle within you?

The miracle within you is your understanding of what motivates you. It is the fire within that you speak about with passion. It is the one thing that you do that excites you and keeps you motivated.

What is that miracle for you?

When are you going to take action on it, consistently?

For more information on the type of work we do go to - http://theresiliencedoctor.com/

Is it important that your employees follow the company's rules?

Or, is it more important that your employees understand how their work aligns with the vision of the company?

It is my strong belief that if your employees just follow the rules, you might as well have hired robots. There will be no feeling or passion in their actions. If you can help your employees understand how their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs can be aligned with their work for you, they will do better work.

This is where the problem is! Most business owners are wary or nervous about approaching the so called ‘touchy feely’ topics. Sadly, because they avoid these areas the business loses; this is because the business owner has not been able to help create an alignment between the business goals and the personal goals of the employees. Thus there is no motivation for the employees to really apply themselves for the good of all.

What is one thing you can do today that will create a stronger more aligned work-force?

Do you feel that improving your business writing is important?

Would an improvement have an impact on your business?

Recently I came across an article called ’10 Tips on Writing from David Ogilvy’ by Maria Popova. For those of you who don’t know who David Ogilvy is, he was an advertising executive. He was called by many as "The Father of Advertising." In 1962 Time Magazine called him "the most sought-after wizard in today's advertising industry."  Now that you have the background I would like to give you the 10 Tips as mentioned in the article;

1. Read the Roman-Raphaelson book on writing. Read it three times.
2. Write the way you talk. Naturally.
3. Use short words, short sentences and short paragraphs.
4. Never use jargon words like reconceptualize, demassification, attitudinally, judgmentally. They are hallmarks of a pretentious ass.
5. Never write more than two pages on any subject.
6. Check your quotations.
7. Never send a letter or a memo on the day you write it. Read it aloud the next morning — and then edit it.
8. If it is something important, get a colleague to improve it.
9. Before you send your letter or your memo, make sure it is crystal clear what you want the recipient to do.
10. If you want ACTION, don’t write. Go and tell the guy what you want.

Speaking of action, when will you start to use these tips?

Do you have an important concept or idea that you need to tell others?

Is it something you are deeply passionate about?

Is this concept or idea something that you know can make a difference in the lives of others. If it is, what is stopping you from taking action?

If this idea has got you passionate about it, it is your mission in life. If it is that intense you have a responsibility to take strong action. Strong action requires that you do not quit until you have tried every possible way until you succeed.

The saddest part of life is having the great ideas we have die within inside us.

When will you take action on all of your great ideas?

What is your breakthrough goal for this week?

What do you mean that you haven’t got one?

I believe the word ‘breakthrough’ is the most descriptive word because it means that you have broken through a challenge or barrier in your own thinking. Let me give you an example. Let’s say you’ve been having difficulty getting in contact with a key prospect. So you make this a breakthrough goal. Then you follow it up with a session to help you will come up with new and unique ideas that you have not used before to get in contact with this key prospect. You list all of the ideas, and select the top 5 that you want to work on this week. Then you take action.

How do you expect to move forward or enhance your life if you have not set (in writing) what you want to achieve this week?

When will you take action on this?

What is your prime business focus?

Are you sure that is what it is?

To me the prime focus in business is what you concentrate the majority of your time on. So if you spend the majority of your time looking at Facebook or being on Twitter, then that is the prime focus. Tell me, how much have you earned on Facebook or Twitter? If you are saying that your company pays you anyway – think again. If they see you slacking off, some one else can surely improve on your results, couldn’t they?

Can I make a suggestion? Why don’t you keep track of the time you spend doing all your activities for one week? This way you can really see your focus.

Then you can make the decision to improve your life.

Will you start this today?

How good are you at multitasking?

Do you feel that you can do two things at once and be effective?

A study carried out at the British Institute of Psychiatry, found excessive use of technology reduced workers' intelligence. It also found that workers distracted by email and phone calls suffer a fall in IQ more than twice that found in those that smoke marijuana.

Dr. Glenn Wilson, the University of London psychologist who carried out the study said that unrestricted info-mania could reduce your mental sharpness. He then concluded by saying that those who are constantly breaking away from tasks to react to email or text messages suffer similar effects on the mind as losing a night's sleep.

For me the key idea in the study was that people are reacting to e-mails or text messages. In order to be productive workers we need to take action, and not react to the trivial.

My concluding question for you is; what can you take action on today to move you toward what you know you can succeed in?