How To Influence People. The Mentors Diary

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How To Influence People.

To work hard, achieving a good income with all of its attendant benefits is an honorable, dare I say a noble thing to which most people aspire.

Problems begin however when a person becomes obsessed, infatuated even with these same trappings of wealth or success.

In these instances, some become consumed with the need to make more money, acquire more assets, things or power to the exclusion of, and detriment of others; clearly a misguided and ultimately misdirected outcome, demonstrating greed or avarice.

Many people of prominence throughout history have shown that the best outcomes for both themselves and their families and peers are realized by giving rather than receiving; by sharing their assets, be it wealth, time, power or position. 

The world was changed for ever by, and owes a perpetual debt to, people like Nelson Mandela and Andrew Carnegie who gave freely of what they had, and gave themselves for the benefit of others. They sought to distribute their strength and wealth rather than accumulate it for themselves, and their name is honored in recognition of that they did.

The potential for each of us today to benefit our generation and beyond is enormous, and not necessarily defined by mere financial wealth; our intellectual and social capital equally have the ability to define the future. None of us should resile from opportunities to contribute to the welfare and betterment of our families, communities and peers, at every opportunity.

Author Neil Findlay

Connect with me on LinkedIn, I never IDK and never, ever spam.

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Take Action While There Is Time: The Mentors Diary

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Take Action While There Is Time.

We all have light bulb moments, epiphanies; when we realize that major change is required and dramatic action must be undertaken before its too late.

Unfortunately, for many of us these moments occur when near the end of our lives, as it did with Steve Jobs; when we realize that there was so much we could have done, should have done, but now it’s too late for us to influence the outcomes. Time has gone!

The salutatory lesson here for all of us is to undergo this soul searching, this time of reflection before time and opportunity disappear.

How much more could we achieve in life, what a legacy we could leave behind were we to ponder carefully, and make the big life changing decisions while we are in a position to action them.

The course of history has been changed, and written by people who made these decisions to act, to commit, in time. Lincoln, Mother Theresa and Ghandi all came from backgrounds of relative weakness and insignificance, yet each took stock, and took decisions that changed their generation and generations to come.

The challenge for each one of us today is to be aware of our position in the continuum of time, the opportunities available to us, and act.

Now is the time for each of us to reflect and determine to make the changes to our lifestyle, workload, views and opinions that will influence our generation and the generations ahead of us. Changes that will benefit our family, our nation and humanity.

Now is the time to take action, and be the change.

Author Neil Findlay

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See a video of this post at: http://youtu.be/39XGbT_NHao

Neil Findlay, The Mentors Diary,

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2014 Where Will It Take You: The Mentors Diary

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2014: Where is it taking you?

Most people get to New Year’s eve and reflect on the year that was; that could have been; that should have been. But wasn’t.

We ponder over where we could have been,  if only…; what we should have achieved, if only…; and we experience the frustration and sometimes the disappointment of ending a year without achieving all of the goals we sought.

We look ahead to the new year with Brand New Year’s Resolutions, full of hope and expectation; but all the while mingled with just that little bit of doubt; “it didn’t work last year so why should this year be any different?”

Often the solution is already within our grasp: stop trying to be and do everything; stop trying to do all those things we’re not good at and simply play to our strengths.

While everyone else out there is compromising by trying to be all things to all people, be the expert, the best, the strongest in our field by doing only what we do best; and delegate the rest to someone else who is good in those areas; or simply stop doing them altogether.

Maybe align ourselves with another person or company that is good in our weak areas and collaborate to reach our collective goals.

Resist, at all costs, the temptation to try to do, and be, all things to all people; all that does is place us and our weaknesses out there in the field to play against strong competitors where we can’t win.

Do a strengths analysis today, now, and pinpoint those things that we do really well. There will be several things that we not only are good at, but in all likelihood we enjoy doing. Funny about that!

We all have these unique areas where we excel, and perform better than our competitors. Identify them, hone in on them, harness them and succeed with them.

Determine, absolutely, to focus on these, our strengths through 2014 and we will win!

Author Neil Findlay

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To watch a video of this post go to:  http://youtu.be/yBwnVDvyyQc

New Year, New Year's Resolution, the future, playing to our strengths, neil findlay, the mentors diary

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Take Courage: The Mentors Diary

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Courage is the ladder on which all other virtues mount. Clare Booth Luce.

Many, if not most people fail to reach their potential during life and there are many reasons, and sometimes excuses given.

For some the optimum pathway is deemed to be via a good education.

Similarly, training in later life or up skilling are seen as a pathway to betterment; to improve our performance; get that promotion or pay rise that we have been seeking.

After all, we deserve it, don’t we?

Other people think that having plenty of resources, finance or a strong network to draw upon will ensure that they will do well in the life.

And of course, there are those who think that success in anything all boils down to a matter of good luck.

In reality all of these factors play a part in our life’s outcome, but none of them singularly guarantee our success unless we have the willpower, the courage to make use of them.

It doesn’t matter how strong we are, how wealthy or clever; if we don’t make use of the assets we have we will not succeed.

Ultimately, having the crucial courage, nerve and willpower to make decisions and stick to them is the key to unlock the latent potential in all of the collateral we have.

Courage, like leadership itself, is not a natural trait within everyone, but we can all aspire to it, and acquire it with experience, practice and persistence.

 

Author Neil Findlay

Connect with me on LinkedIn, I never IDK and never spam, ever

To watch a video of this page from the Mentors Diary go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yEXstxK9bk

Courage is the Ladder

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10 Ways to Avoid Making Bad Decisions

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10 Ways to Avoid Bad Decisions.

Decision. n. The act or process of deciding; of making up one’s mind.

For many people, commonly those who are considered decisive, this process presents no problems at all.

Unfortunately, for many people regardless of their age, education or gender, making a decision, exercising a choice can be a stressful and perplexing activity; sometimes taking them to the verge of paralysis.

Yet this should not be so, and need not be so if sound thought processes, or strategies are implemented.

Take a moment to walk with me through a simple, sequential thought map that will allow even complex decision-making to become easier.

The world we live in derives much of its activity and wealth from influencing people to purchase, act or make choices that sometimes are not in their best interests.

Often our ability to choose is compromised, to the point where we are making seemingly unwise or even involuntary decisions.

This is the domain of marketers and other professionals whose role, and goal is to get us to behave according to their wishes; to sign-up for; to purchase; or to act without thinking (the essence of impulse purchases).

But what if there was a simple process whereby we could disarm those who seek access to our credit cards, and always make sound decisions that result in our best interests being cared for?

Well, there is…choices, decisions, neil findlay,

With some careful thought, mixed with a little will-power and practice, the natural enemies of sound decisions can be defeated.

These enemies include:

• Peer pressure, that almost irresistible pressure applied from those near to us to follow their wishes; to conform.
• Undue haste, the act of making a decision without taking the time or effort to think it through
• Procrastination, the opposite to haste, yet it delivers the risk of not making a decision at all, or in a timely manner so we miss opportunities.
• Hormones & ego. What can I say: every one of us has natural urges to act or behave in certain ways; yet we should learn to harness and control these rather than allow them to control us.
• And let’s not forget the marketers who bombard us with messages to buy their products or services every day (and night)

So how can we make good decisions consistently, without being over-run by the complexity and scale of the decision at hand…

Firstly, it’s a process, taking one step at a time.

Just as the old cliché answers the philosophical question of how do you eat an elephant: one bite at a time!

There are ten simple steps to making a good decision, which, once understood and practiced, become second nature and just happen instinctively; effectively armour-plating us against bad decisions; ten filters that will sift out the confusion, frustration and often the paralysis of decision-making.

As we apply each step or filter in succession, we eliminate more and more of the possible options or choices, and so the whole decision becomes progressively, incrementally easier.

And as we narrow down the field of choices, and can then devote more energy to the remaining options making it just so much easier.

We take out the complexity and scale of the issue one step at a time until it becomes an easy decision; and a correct one!

Lets start…

Is it Legal

Is what we want to do legal; does it break any laws of the land?
If it’s illegal, then don’t do it; straight away many possible options just vaporize, narrowing down our possible decision and making our decision easier.

Is it Ethical

Many things can be legal, but not ethical.

This could refer to customs or standards of behavior relative to where we live or work.

Usually the law of the land doesn’t tell us how to comply with customs; yet it is not good etiquette to break with custom in many instances; for instance eating, clothing, behavior.

There can be strong unwritten laws such as cultural law forbidding or requiring certain standards of behaviour.

And sound ethics will mandate that any decision we take does not harm other people’s interests or the natural environment we live in.

If a decision we face complies with the laws of the land, does not infringe on relevant customs and is ethical, then we have eliminated many possible choices and our decision has just got a lot easier.

Does it fit with our values

Every person has a set of values they live by.

Some people have documented these, which is a really good idea as our values are a template for our life and articulate how we think, act and behave.

Our values are a pattern, a foundation from which to make good decisions; a firm, stable guide in times of stress, difficulty and tiredness.

It is paramount to ensure that any decisions we take, are in alignment with our internal values.
We should all spend the time to develop our own personal values statement. It need not be more than three or four sentences in length, but it will define how we live.

Take the time to do this, as it is key to making good decisions.

Does it fit with our life vision

Does the choice we face fit with our life plan.

Like our personal values, a life vision or plan will help steer us through every decision, every challenge and every opportunity we face.

Once we develop a vision for our life, many choices simply go away, as they don’t fulfill our vision and become irrelevant.

Take the time to develop this. It also need not be lengthy, but it should be thought through and ideally, documented and placed somewhere handy so we can see it every day.

By now, the choice we face has become much, much easier.

Do our peers or inner circle approve

Most people have a close peer group, call it an inner circle if you wish that know them and understand them. These could be our friends, family or partners.

When faced with a major decision, we should take the time to ask our close confidants for their opinion. This doesn’t mean that we are necessarily bound by the wishes of others, but it does mean that we have applied the collective wisdom of those around us to a particular decision.

This second opinion can save us from lots of pain.

Is it common sense

This might be regarded as being too subjective by some, but if that’s what it takes to make a good decision, then so be it.

Some decisions can be entirely legal, ethical and even moral; but can be really, really dumb!

Sometimes all we have to do is take a step back and think about it a little before making a decision.

Caution: this is exactly what some marketers and spruikers DON’T want us to do, for this is the essence of impulse buying.

Just think carefully, putting all emotion and ego aside if possible for a little while and think about it.

Is it a good idea

Have we thought it through, and put the intellectual energy into an idea or proposal to ensue that it is simply a sound thing to do. Putting it simply, have we done our homework?

For every question we face, or decision we make, there will inevitably be pro’s and con’s; reasons why we should or shouldn’t do something.

Be sure to consider the financial implications of any decision, and get some sound external advice if need be, if unsure. Especially if signing any (that’s ANY) documents that will bind us to any commitments.

Take a little time and consider, is the proposal practical; is it a good move for me, can I afford it?

Ultimately we are responsible for our own decisions; we can’t just blame someone else for something that didn’t work out.

Above all, don’t allow others to take control of our obligations, or make commitments for us. This would include anyone having the authority to sign anything on our behalf.

Perhaps one of the worst things a person can do is to act as a guarantor for someone else: effectively, legally taking the risk for their actions and performance. Just don’t do it!

Many people allow others to make decisions for them, abdicating their role of decision-making; and then complain that “things aren’t working out for them”.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, remember Rudyard Kipling’s famous quote ‘I keep six honest serving men (they taught me all I knew) their names are What & Why & When, & How & Where & Who”.

When it comes to good ideas, be careful about doing things just because our friends or peers tell us to do it. Remember, we are the ones that are accountable, not someone else.

Spiritual

Most people have some religious, or spiritual background, and adhere or subscribe to some spiritual beliefs.

Whatever the religion is that we subscribe to; Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam or another there will most likely be a set of values that flow out of that.

These beliefs will almost always have value in helping us to make sound decisions. They will universally dictate that we care for others, that we expend some of our energy and resources caring for the poor and disadvantaged and so forth.

These additional values will add significant strength and credibility to any decision we take.

Gut Feeling

Gut feeling, sometimes referred to as ‘intuition’ is a valuable asset to own.

Whilst to many people this is far too subjective to be taken seriously, the facts remain that a person’s gut feel is a powerful asset that should never be taken lightly.

In fact, this element of decision-making has often made ordinary people enormously successful. They seem to possess this ‘sixth sense’ that warns them of risk, or encourages them to take a risk. Often in the face of available evidence, or the odds of success.

Learn to identify gut feel.

Like any muscle, it will grow and gain strength is we exercise it, so don’t be afraid to do just that.

Closely related to ‘gut feel’ is the ubiquitous ‘sniff test’ that successful people often harness. After having looked at the evidence, considered the facts and recommendations from others, having done their due diligence, they simply weigh it up and make a judgement call.

The Golden Rule

Finally, the Golden Rule: ‘do to others what we would like them to do to us’.

This is so old, and so simple that it should require little discussion.

Yet it is so often overlooked, or ignored in our fast paced society.

Does what we propose to do disadvantage others, or will it ultimately be a net benefit to others?

The answer to this question will often, of itself, determine if we take a particular course of action.

Summary

We have now looked at ten simple, sequential steps to making a sound, beneficial and generally good decision on any matter.

These steps are like a series of filters. If we expose the proposed decision to each of these steps or tests, and it passes through each one, then most likely it is a good thing to do.

If we find that any, or many of these filters cause us to stop and reconsider, then whatever the road block is, we should think very carefully before circumventing that roadblock and ignoring its influence.

Once established, and practiced, these steps can all be taken easily and quickly such that they become second nature.

And we will then, as a matter of course, make right decisions to our benefit and to those around us.

Author Neil Findlay

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Inferiority is Consensual

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Inferiority is Consensual.  

Remember, no-one can make you feel inferior without your consent: Eleanor Roosevelt.
The Choice:

The choice to accept or reject being subject to another persons will or opinions is one of the greatest single choices a human will make, often determining not only their own future, but that of those around them.

Often, when faced with the choice to accept or reject a position of subjugation or dominion, whether physical or psychological, the stakes could not be higher, and the recipient could not be more vulnerable.

It is self-evident that when we are subject to someone else, when we allow someone else to dictate the terms, boundaries and limits of our destiny and potential, it is usually to our loss and perhaps even to our harm.

Without doubt, there will always be those ready, willing and able to step into this role.

Regardless of circumstances, events or what appears to be the future, whether in our eyes or anyone else’s eyes, we should never submit to external denigration, put-downs or lowering of our dignity.

No-one, anywhere should ever be ready or willing to allow this to happen.

Our Future

Everyone of us has our own future, unique, tailor-made and embodied in our DNA; yet so often we end up conforming, allowing ourselves to become what others think we should be; allowing our future to be compromised.

Nelson Mandela could have easily bowed to seemingly insurmountable pressure, and consented to being branded a loser, someone with no hope or future; yet he refused to submit or allow circumstances to dictate his future.

He remained focused on the future of his people and his nation; committed to a course of action that ultimately took him to the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa; he remained sweet and forgiving in his spirit no matter what happened, no matter what people said to him or did to him; he stood firm in the face of impossible odds.

And won. So can we.

Yet, how often it is that people bow submissively to the words and opinions of critics, and perhaps worse, their peers, relegating them to obscurity; shackling their potential; and blinding them to their latent potential within.

How often and unfortunate it is that people look outwards to the opinions of others, instead of looking inwards and believing in themselves when it comes to making decisions about themselves and their future; seeking approval and not exercising initiative.

Perception can be Vastly Different to Realityneil findlay, inferiority, success, failure, will, future, feelings

When it comes to our future we should understand that perception can be vastly different to reality; that our perspective and potential can be influenced negatively and seriously by allowing the critical opinions of others to rule over us.

Our future, our potential can be vulnerable,  subject to and limited by our feelings. Feelings are easily influenced and can be highly subject to our emotions, our various strengths and weaknesses; yet ultimately they are subject to their owner.

Our Feelings

Having damaged feelings is a little like falling though thin ice: it can take a herculean effort to get up on top again, all the while in a vulnerable state and subject to any external influence that comes along.

Of course, we should never become aloof or above listening to the wise counsel of others; becoming someone who doesn’t listen; yet we should always weigh every negative opinion against what we know and believe about ourselves.

Critical to getting back to safety on top of the ice is the will to do so. When faced with external, negative or threatening influences many people simply consent, and accept all that comes with them. And stay in the water!

Our Will, Our Future

Negativity will destroy our future if we allow it. We can allow this to happen by overtly speaking, nodding or in some way giving approval to external influences; or unwillingly by an act of resignation, of feeling and indicating that ‘all is lost, I can’t help it, I can’t influence the outcome, I have no choice, therefore I will accept the imposition. I can’t get back up on the ice!’

Whether willingly, or unwillingly, if we submit we stay in the water!

Often, during these times of stress or duress where we are under pressure, whether physically or psychologically, the only thing between living or drowning is our will to survive.

Ultimately, regardless of what pressure is brought to bear, what influence is applied, even though resistance seems futile, our internal will is paramount.

No matter what the situation looks like on the outside, it’s what our spirit on the inside sees that determines the outcome.

Remember Nelson Mandela.

Like Mandela, so it is with each of us; we do have the requisite strength to overcome the odds: if we believe in ourselves.

No-one can make us feel inferior without our consent; we fly or die according to our own will.

Author Neil Findlay

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The Evolution and Legacy of 21st Century Leaders

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The Evolution and Legacy of 21st Century Leaders.

As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.  Bill Gates.

The core purpose of leadership has not changed in millennia.

Leaders still function as influencers, for the benefit of their people and organizations.

Little has changed in this regard, yet in our times the processes, methods, the manner in which leaders operate has been revolutionized by today’s media and communications technologies. Where once a leader necessarily lived and worked amongst his/her people, today they may literally be on the other side of the world, available only digitally: enter the virtual leader.

Where once leaders fought for, and dominated by physical strength, today they must demonstrate superior communications skills and levels of strategic thinking and understanding not considered even a few decades ago.

Once, followers could see and touch their leaders physically; now they are touched more by emotion, intellect and sense of loyalty than any vestige of physical contact.footprints of great leaders, leadership, empowerment, neil findlay, bill gates Today’s leaders influence more at heart level than by domination.

The mouse has overcome the sword.

Today, leaders must more than ever command respect, as compared to demanding respect; the rule of force and sheer strength has given way to empowerment and confidence building in their people and teams.

In our new world, secure leaders, those who don’t feel threatened, will fully empower those around them to reach out and reach up; empowering them to extend themselves, to seek out and embrace the latent potential that is within them.

Conversely, insecure leaders will persist with overt, and often covert, efforts to suppress any leadership aspirants who they perceive to be a threat, who potentially challenge their self assumed ranking in the pecking order.

For these fragile leaders the harsh reality is that every person has an innate reserve of latent capacity, talent and capability that is waiting to be discovered, recognised and released. This is the big fear for insecure leaders who mistakenly believe that these people’s only goal is to usurp their title, role, position or career path.

However, the frenetic pace of change today mandates that the only organizations who will really reach their full potential, who find form and achieve their absolute best will be those who are prepared to take risks; who demonstrate confidence in their people; who are prepared to invest in them, release them, and foster the growth of their best leaders and performers. To assume their rightful positions in the organization and beyond.

To this end, the way leaders communicate, influence and empower those around them, behind them, and even in front of them is changing rapidly.

Once, a leader would have a vice-like grip on power, position and title, and would see others only in the context of subordinates, doing as they were told. Often it was not do as I do, but do as I say. In this paradigm communication was more like a decree, issued on a needs basis and often delivered as an impersonal memo or speech, more recently evolving into emails and trending towards social media. But for these leaders, the message was the same: do as you’re told!

Today the communication and leadership dynamic is changing, and fast! Today leaders are seen, not just in person, but digitally, online and in social media; they are known not so much for their physical acts and presence but for their ability to communicate, inspire and encourage; to trust, have confidence in and empower people to take risks and then to back them fully; to allow them to fail and still back them. Gone, well, going at least are the days when someone makes a mistake in a team and are punished, derided or demoted, or in some way have their image damaged or denigrated for their perceived errors and sins.

Leaders in this new age realize that they themselves are part of the team, yes, but more so part of the continuum that is the future. They understand that their biggest legacy lies in the people they create around them, the leaders they build and the potential they release within their ranks and their organizations.

They understand the principles or equity, of ensuring that people within their reach are treated fairly, regardless of who they are, where they are or what they are.

These leaders are not threatened by change. They understand that change is their friend not their foe; they realize that change is the weapon, the method by which they and their organizations evolve into something stronger, greater, smarter, more resilient, more powerful and more enduring than ever before.

These leaders understand that in order to leverage the latent power within their organizations, they must be prepared to allow people to rise up: to extend themselves, to grow, change, even challenge the leader themselves; to excel and potentially exceed the talent and potential of the leaders themselves.

These leaders know that only by doing this will their endeavors really succeed; only by empowering and releasing their protégés will they ever hope to leave an enduring, surpassing legacy to future generations.

These are the real leaders who will make a mark, who will be remembered , who will be written about and spoken about in the generations ahead, who will be credited with the major advances in industry, business, organizations, civilization itself in, and after our generation.

These leaders have an inbuilt sense of perspective, who implicitly know that their own future is encapsulated in the future of those around them; in this sense, they don’t own their own future, it is owned by those around them

These men and women know how to connect, how to breed and instill confidence in those they lead; they know the importance of, and how to develop and promote integrity and trust; they know how to connect by the most appropriate means of the day; they are just as comfortable to appear in person, on social or live media; they understand how to leverage real influence.

Their reach is now not limited to simply those who they meet personally, but their reach is global, it is leveraged, extended, and touches people and potential leaders anywhere the internet is available. These are the leaders of tomorrow, who are appearing today to build our tomorrow.

These are the real leaders the world is looking for, waiting for and expecting.

We, each of us, have this latent potential and ability within us: to be a 21st Century leader.

We are the future, if we choose to be.

Author Neil Findlay

Connect with me on LinkedIn. I never IDK and never spam, ever.

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The Road to Progress: 9 Steps to Avoid Becoming Road Kill

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The Road to Progess: 9 Steps to Avoid Becoming Road Kill.

I’m all for progress, it’s change I’m opposed to.  Mark Twain

Most people aspire to travelling on the road to progress; to achieve more, do better and reach their goals.

Yet many are unable to achieve their wishes, frequently not because of any technical or financial deficiency, or for that matter any other external short-comings.

Often the natural instinct is to blame someone or something else; to point a finger at some alleged cause to excuse or exonerate ourselves from any responsibility.

Yet often the problems lie within ourselves; sometimes buried deep and hidden from view.

That being the case, the real constraining factor(s) may be close at hand, right under our nose so to speak; making them right within our reach, awaiting acknowledgment and management.

Were we to take a moment and review the worlds most successful people, we often find that these people started out in life with little to nothing and didn’t get any hand-outs along the way; yet they excelled.Change, progress, mark twain, Neil Findlay,

Almost inevitably these people possessed a suite of qualities that would not let them fail; each of which are powerful antidotes for failure, but when combined render their owner almost invincible.

Maintain Perspective

People who progress inevitably have a great sense of perspective. They are able to see beyond the daily problems, and see what is really going on; and how they can turn any given set of circumstances to their advantage. To them, failure is merely a learning experience, and obstacles become an opportunity to set themselves apart from the competition. They maintain perspective.

Always Have a Positive Attitude. Always.

Attitude is often the single most important quality separating winners from losers; people who progress, from those who languish in their self-pity; and the seemingly lucky from the equally seemingly unlucky. A person with a healthy attitude is always looking up to spy opportunities, better outcomes or upside; those with a poor attitude inevitably look down and as a result see only the worst possible outcomes, the risks, the downside. They are truly half glass full people.

Be Confident, In Ourselves and Our Purpose

Confidence, to believe in ourselves, our purpose and objectives inevitably resides in people who make progress. Without self-confidence the task will always be too big, the goals too far away, the obstacles too difficult. People who doubt their own ability limit their own potential and by extension deny themselves the future and success that could have been.

Dream Big

Preceding every big leap of progress in history there was a dreamer, someone who dreamt big, who would not accept that it couldn’t be done, who thought why not? Every day, all around us we are compromised by ideas, innovations and improvements that have not happened; progress that was stalled or abandoned because someone stopped dreaming or decided it couldn’t be done. History will record and be kind to those of us who dare to dream big, who throw restraint to the wind and determine that it can be done and declare I will be the one to do it!

Plan to Progress

People who progress plan to do so; they always look forward, not back; they plan to succeed not fail; they take every opportunity to prepare and position themselves so that when opportunity presents itself they are ready, when others are not. People who intend to do well in any field plan their progress; they set out to gain education and experience in their chosen field long before that key opportunity arrives. They spend every thinking moment working on their dream, every working moment seeking achieve it. They plan to progress and never, ever take their eye off their goals.

Persist in Spite Of It All

Progress means moving forward, reaching out and advancing towards our goals, regardless of how far away they are. Sometimes when our goals are far off, perhaps little more than a dream, it’s easy to become discouraged or despondent. We should never forget that great strides of progress are seldom achieved in a day. Usually success comes to those who endure; who overcome obstacles; who take each day as it comes, dealing with the challenges of the day, one day at a time. Persistence and progress are almost synonymous.

Be Prepared to Change

Tempting though it may be to elevate one of these steps above others, change is no more or less critical than the others; yet change remains the catalyst that releases potential; permitting us to jettison our past and embrace our future; opening doors to opportunities not yet seen, and progress beyond even our dreams–and the dreams of others.

Take Action

Like the components of any toolkit, all of these attributes remain unused, idle and unproductive unless used. Whether it’s our education, experience or energy in question, nothing will eventuate unless it is put to use. Every single step forward, every example of progress in history depended on someone taking action; making use of the abilities and resources at their disposal; doing something. This will doubtless mean exercising courage, taking risks and being prepared to change our priorities.

Start Now

Regardless of where we are, what we are or who we are, the imperative is to start now! OK, so we don’t have some parts of the jigsaw ready to place on the board: work on the ones that we can place now. Start dreaming, thinking, positioning and resourcing ourselves to be ready; ready to pounce when opportunity knocks. An opportunity not taken up is no better than an opportunity that didn’t even come our way. Determine, absolutely, to be ready; ready to move, change and act when opportunity presents itself.

The Good News

Almost anyone can acquire these attributes and travel on the road to progress. No one, absolutely positively no one should ever feel they are excluded from potential progress and success. Will it entail effort: yes; persistence and most probably change: absolutely; yet these are within most people’s grasp. Will it require money, education, friends and networks: all of these are helpful but not essential. What is required, categorically, is our will and determination to succeed.

Author Neil Findlay

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9 Ways to Reduce Suffering

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9 Ways to Reduce Suffering.

Anywhere I see suffering, that is where I want to be, doing what I can. Princess Diana.

There is, and always will be suffering in the world around us; whether witnessed as a graphic media portrayal of conditions in a remote land, or before our eyes in our own region, suffering is here with us and seemingly defies the best of intentions to eradicate it.

Such is the ubiquitous nature of human suffering that the task of addressing it appears to many as all too hard, insurmountable even; or is it just too inconvenient?

It is painfully true that in the gargantuan task of relieving global suffering no-one can do everything, no-one can solve all of the worlds problems; but as humans we can all, individually, do something. Here are 9 keys to making a difference:

1. Awareness

Spatial, situational awareness; open our eyes to see, and our minds to act

Busyness, the pressures and pace of life mean that for many the existence of and severity of human suffering gets lost in the maelstrom of modern living. Key number one is to open our eyes and witness the extent of this issue; no problem, anywhere, can be properly addressed unless we open our eyes to, and acknowledge its existence. Secondly, we must open our minds to act, to purposefully seek out solutions & resources.

2. Priorities suffering, caring, leaders, leadership, neil findlay, princess diana, footprints of great leaders

Get our priorities right; the difference between what we want to do, and what has to be done.

Any person, whomever and wherever, can make a difference if we get our priorities aligned. Solving global suffering is not a problem somewhere else and is not someone else’s problem; it’s our problem and its here, now. Solutions and improvements will require each of us to focus, personally, and possibly place what has to be done above what we want to do.

3. Willingness

Employ a spirit, a heart of willingness

The degree to which we are effective in relieving global suffering will depend more on our heart, our willingness to act than any other thing. Unless we, individually, want to see progress and lives improved, want to make a difference, then little will be accomplished.

4. Readiness

Use what is in our hands

Just as solutions are dependent on our personal commitment, so the tools and assets necessary to bring about change are likely to be in our hands. if we wait until we have the time, until we have the money, until all our ducks line up, then we will never cease waiting and never see improvement. All of us have in our possession some time to commit and something we can use, to deliver change.

5. Commitment

Be prepared to get our hands dirty

Realistically, great change requires great effort collectively and a willingness to get involved personally. Progress will often depend on our preparedness to get our hands dirty in the process; to do some of the tough, possibly dirty and probably thankless tasks involved. Inevitably the degree of success we achieve will align with the degree of commitment we have, and the degree to which we will do the hard yards when necessary.

6. Tolerance

Be willing to be inconvenienced

Whilst global suffering may manifest itself somewhere else and as someone else’s problem, the solution is really our problem. Solutions rarely come without a willingness to be inconvenienced; to be put out; to have our program and routine disrupted; to place the welfare of others before our own. Comfortable: no. Necessary: yes.

7. Whatever it takes

Be willing to take some risks

Just as great strides in progress scientifically, commercially and politically are always accompanied by risk, so is the task of alleviating global suffering. Should we choose to embrace this cause there will be risks; financially, because it will cost money; socially, because we will need to direct time and energy away from our networks and friends; and even reputationally because we may need to move in different circles and perhaps work, hands on, in places we would not normally wish to do so.

8. Acceptance

Accept loss of comfort

Whether we choose to engage practically, by physically going and assisting with aid, financially by giving  our resources or politically by using our influence we should expect to lose some of the comforts of life. Commitment may entail going without, changing our routine or refocusing our diaries in order to make a difference.

9.  Persistence

Don’t accept, or offer, excuses

Regardless of who or where we are, whatever our station in life, we should never accept, nor proffer excuses for doing nothing. For whilst frequently those we seek to assist genuinely cannot help themselves or make choices, we can. We can do something. We can determine to be the change that is required. We can provide the support or aid that determines the life progress, even the life itself of those in need.

Great leaders like Princess Diana and Mother Theresa always sought to be the change; they were always vigilant, alert, ever looking out for opportunities to help others. They never resorted to excuse, claiming that it was not their responsibility.

It was, theirs. And it is, ours.

Author Neil Findlay

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7 Reasons Why Character Trumps Strategy

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7 Reasons Why Character Trumps Strategy.

Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy:  Norman Schwarzkopf

  1. People won’t follow leaders who lack character

    When leaders at any level  demonstrate poor intentions, decisions or worst of all, values, it comes as no surprise that their teams develop an instinctive reluctance to follow them. Like walking out onto thin ice, people treat such lack of character with great caution and usually pull back; emotionally and psychologically if not practically. Alternatively, the leader prepared and willing to precede their teams actions by first walking out onto the ice will inevitably gain respect, and a willingness from their team to follow.

  2. People don’t trust leaders who lack character

    However a leader may view their followers responses, the reality is that people watch their leader closely; they carefully canvas ancharacter, strategy, team, teamwork, neil findlay, d review the leaders track record on matters of performance, judgment and most of all character. People learn instinctively and quickly whether to trust their superiors; and the adage that trust takes a lifetime to gain but moments to lose is relevant here. When a leader sees fit to behave without integrity, their followers immediately lose trust in them; if a leader is dishonest or demonstrates a lack of truthfulness with a client, why should I trust them, are they being honest with me?

  3. People won’t respect leaders who lack character  

    If the greatest attribute of a leader is to command respect, not demand it, then one of the greatest privileges of a follower is to respect them and hold them up as role model. Leaders who lack character inevitably find that their followers won’t respect them, nor seek to emulate them or use them as a role model; their followers won’t take pride in the fact of serving or even being associated with the leader in question. A leader who lives a life of integrity earns the right to be respected, imitated and their followers loyalty is amongst their greatest assets.

  4. People don’t feel safe with leaders who lack character 

    Leaders who lack character never achieve a dynamic where their team feels completely safe around them; safe with their judgment, decisions and concern for the team. When followers are unsure about their leaders character or ethos, they can never be quite sure how their leader will act, or respond; never be fully confident in them; never be willing to be fully transparent with them and never, ever willing to expose their flaws to them; for they will always sense insecurity and possibly feel threatened, and even intimidated. Leaders whose character is proven find that their teams feel safe around them and will subsequently demonstrate absolute confidence in their leadership.

  5. People won’t give their best to leaders who lack character

    When followers are confronted by a leader whose character is in question they inevitably won’t give their best; the whole team or organizations potential is compromised. In this paradigm people feel demoralized and discouraged;  why bother,  there’s no point, I’m not appreciated are common responses. Yet when a leader shows his or her character, their colours to the team whether in good times, or even better, in bad times, the team naturally determines to give it all, to do whatever it takes (ethically) to achieve the goals of the organization.

  6. People don’t see a future for leaders who lack character 

    When leaders fail to demonstrate character their team cannot see a positive way forward. They can’t visualize a healthy future for the leader and so distrust and uncertainty creep in. Once this happens it is like the analogy of the stick of chalk dipped in ink; the irreparable damage is done; usually cannot be undone and the future is sealed for the leader. Followers will often die for a cause or a leader but once the leader reveals poor character the bond of trust is destroyed and is unlikely to be restored; such is the utter imperative for a leader to be vigilant regarding their character. People who lose faith in a leaders character will always struggle to have faith in the leaders cause; the constant thought will be we are always only one step, one bad decision away from failure or disaster.

  7. People won’t risk their future with leaders who lack character 

    Ultimately, the principle of what’s in it for me will come into play when followers consider their leaders character and integrity. For people who have invested heavily, possibly for a lifetime, into their personal career and future, the thought of allying themselves to and supporting a leader without character is usually too much to bear. Figuratively, and sometimes practically, people will give their life for a leader who gains their trust and respect, yet will not give the time of day to one who demonstrates poor character.

To optimize the performance of any team or organization character and strategy should co-exist, with each bringing its unique elements of success to the equation. Of the two, character stands pre-eminent as the single most powerful quality of a team and its leader. For without it, the crucial elements of confidence, commitment, enthusiasm and sacrifice are absent; and by default, success is also absent.

Author Neil Findlay

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