Uncommonly unique

Posted on April 11, 2012 by David

Herbert Hoover (1874-1964)

That’s what you want your business to be, right? Uncommonly unique.

Unique, one-of-a-kind, uncommonly common, exceptional. . . I could go on.

If you want your business to be set apart from others, think about leading your business in a way that’s out of the ordinary. Maybe even extraordinary.

Because expecting different results by doing business the same old way isn’t going to cut it. Einstein defined that as insanity.

And that’s what is common. And it’s definitely not unique.

“When we are sick, we want an uncommon doctor; when we have a construction job to do, we want an uncommon engineer, and when we are at war, we want an uncommon general. It is only when we get into politics that we are satisfied with the common man.”
Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States (1929-1933)

Posted in Uncommon, Unique | Comments Off on Uncommonly unique

Press on

Posted on April 10, 2012 by David

Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933)

Press on. What does that mean to you?

Is it a decal that you place on your car bumper? How about the button you push on your microwave?

I suggest it’s the will to do what you need to do every day to reach your goal – no matter the obstacles in your way.

I’m reminded of a good friend who writes 5 blogs a day. I’ve told you about him before. His tireless efforts every day offer his readers encouragement and inspiration on a level they don’t get anywhere.

Except the Bible.

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”
Calvin Coolidge, 30th President of the United States (1923-1929)

Posted in 5-a-day-blogger, Moving on, Persistence | 4 Comments

Successful leader

Posted on April 9, 2012 by David

Warren G. Harding (1865-1923)

What makes a successful leader?

Is it getting a good grade in class? Is it showing up for class? What about achieving sales goals? These are all great attributes.

But what do you think is number one on the list? Vision. This is an essential skill. Along with building relationships, people management and execution of the plan, experienced leaders have a vision and are able to communicate it to all levels of their organization.

So, if you’re in a leadership position, it is up to you to help others become successful by teaching them the values so your vision of the future doesn’t stop with you.

Be the leader that inspires others to greatness.

“Every student has the ability to be a successful learner.”
Warren G. Harding, 29th President of the United States (1921-1923)

Posted in Disney's Approach to Leadership Excellence, Leadership, Success | 6 Comments

Is it worth fighting for?

Posted on April 8, 2012 by David

Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924)

As a leader, how will your followers view you in tough situations? Are you standing firm on solid principles? Or do your morals change with the seasons?

You can be as solid as a rock or as shifty as the sand.

As a leader, you probably have a vision: a vision of how things should be done and the path it takes to get there. You’re not afraid to take risks and face the unknown. You know you’ll make mistakes but you do not let that deter you from reaching your goal.

You fight for what is right.  You don’t tell your team what to do. You show them how to do it. Your positive energy and balanced approach to adversity leads them through the tough situations.

Your ability to think things through rather than panic, helps you become the leader others will want to follow.

Be the leader that inspires others to do the same.

“Absolute identity with one’s cause is the first and great condition of successful leadership.”
Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States (1913-1921)

Posted in Character, Development, Following, Innovation, Integrity, Leadership, Mentor, Vision | 4 Comments

Who are you writing for?

Posted on April 7, 2012 by David

William Howard Taft (1857-1930)

I know it’s not the best grammar.

To my blogging friends, why are you writing? Are you doing it for anyone who will read?

I offer no advice on my own. I’ve been blessed with following the examples of others who are more experienced, wiser and are wonderful mentors to anyone who would like to follow.

“Don’t write so that you can be understood, write so that you can’t be misunderstood.”
William Howard Taft, 27th President of the United States (1909-1913)

PS. This is one that I somehow skipped in my Presidential series. No offense meant to the family or friends of President Taft. 

Posted in Audience | 2 Comments