Failing is a Pathway to Success

Tweet Failure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently. ~Henry Ford In looking at expensive rings with a variety of brilliant gems that sparkle in the light. They sparkle because they are highly polished and engraved for excellence. Gems cannot be polished without friction. I remembered at that moment that there were times [...]

Decide to Think Big – Expect Big Results

Thinking small, isn’t hard. It’s just a habit. A habit with consequences. Same for thinking big. -  The Universe When it’s only you, then you can be very flexible – do what you want to do when you want to do it. (not really true, but many solo entrepreneurs experience the world this way) Once [...]

To Succeed or Not

Be at the top of your class Are you the 3%? Only three percent of the population will actually follow through with an idea and implement it. Yes, that’s the sad truth. Many, many people have great ideas, if fact there is an abundance of great ideas. There are, however, very few people to see [...]

Define Your Standard of Excellence in Your Processes

You must have control of the authorship of your own destiny. The pen that writes your life story must be held in your own hand. – Irene C. Kassorla One of the most common problems I encounter when working with leaders to build results and create effective teams, is described in the statement, “My people [...]

Agenda

An agenda is the killer of productivity in meetings. Focus on specific outcomes expressed as deliverables instead. Drive for excellence on outcomes in all activities and you will create the DNA for excellence for your organization and yourself. Hugh Ballou, The Transformational Leadership Strategist. Yes, you read this correctly. Organizations hire me to run meetings, [...]

Check on How You are “Really Doing”

Things are going to get a lot worse before they get worse. – Lily Tomlin How bad does it need to get before you do something about it (“IT” is the processes and systems in your organization) In reading a post by Guy Kawasaki on the American Express OPEN Forum site, I found this comment, “Act [...]

Systems

First say to yourself what you would be; 
and then do what you have to do. 

 – Epictetus

Developing effective systems is crucial to leadership success. Know how to run an effective meeting.

Hugh’s rule #1 for Conducting Effective Meetings:
Purpose – Don’t hold a meeting if you do not have a defined purpose for the meeting. Know what you want to achieve and state those outcomes for the participants.

TIP: Define the meeting outcomes first, and then plan how to achieve those outcomes.

3. Rehearse For Success

To know what people really think, 
pay regard to what they do, 
rather than what they say. – Rene Descartes Anxiety is caused 
by a lack of control, 
organization, preparation, 
and action. – David Kekich Well done is better than well said. – Benjamin Franklin The value of rehearsing music correctly is an essential practice [...]