I love you, you love me

Posted on March 14, 2012 by David

John Tyler (1790-1862)

Expecting a picture of a purple dinosaur? Thankfully we’ve moved beyond that in our household.

As a leader, whether it’s within your family, business, or community, having a unified purpose is key to the success of your unit.

By definition, to unify is to “make or become a single unit”, implying many parts working together to become one.

A purpose is “the reason for which something exists or is done”.

So, having a unified purpose doesn’t mean that I love you and you love me. Although I do, it’s not a requirement from you.

What is a requirement is that we all know the reason why we have to operate as a unit or we will not be as successful otherwise.

“The great primary and controlling interest of the American people is union–union not only in the mere forms of government . . . but union founded in an attachment of . . . individuals for each other. ”
John Tyler, 10th President of the United States (1841-1845)

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I have the POWER!

Posted on March 13, 2012 by David

William Henry Harrison (1773-1841)

But I don’t abuse it.

Do you have someone on your team who has been given the responsibility in an area where they have no business being in the first place? Let’s hope not.

It kinda goes along with putting the inmates in charge of the asylum. Not necessarily the best move.

As business leaders, it is a huge responsibility to give the power to the right person. Given too much or too early, it can bring everything crashing down.

“There is nothing more corrupting, nothing more destructive of the noblest and finest feelings of our nature, than the exercise of unlimited power.”
William Henry Harrison, 9th President of the United States (1841)

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Do it right the first time

Posted on March 12, 2012 by David

Martin Van Buren (1782-1862)

Not a new concept. But one that needs a constant reminder.

Not only does it minimize mishaps, but it can also save time. And resources. And headaches.

“It is easier to do a job right than to explain why you didn’t.”
Martin Van Buren, 8th President of the United States (1837-1841)

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Take courage, my soul

Posted on March 11, 2012 by David

Andrew Jackson (1767-1845)

Ever gone out on a limb? You know . . . taken a risk?

Depending on where you live, any day you leave your house is a risky initiative.

“A journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step” is a saying that is attributed to Lao-tzu, a Chinese philosopher (604 BC -531 BC). However, it may be more correctly interpreted as “the journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet.”

Instead of focusing on the first step, take a look at where you stand and go from there.

Take courage in standing for something.

“One man with courage makes a majority.”
Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States (1829-1837)

Posted in Courage, Risk | 6 Comments

More is more

Posted on March 10, 2012 by David

John Quincy Adams (1767-1848)

As a leader, you have a choice. You can lead by force or you can lead by inspiration.

You can tell your followers what to do. Or you can show them how to do it.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the United States (1825-1829)

Posted in Dreams, Inspiration, Leader, Learn | 2 Comments