Archive for November, 2010
Failure: The Other Side of Success
Posted by: | CommentsFailure is only the opportunity to begin again more intelligently – Henry Ford
Failure is as predictable as success. In fact it is a science. You can study successful people to learn what to do by emulating what they did. Or you can study Unsuccessful people, learn from their failures and don’t do what they did. Either way, the ultimate outcome is still Success!
A keen observer of people, I have often been fascinated by what failures do to fail so brilliantly ! Some bounce back at top speed, not liking where they find themselves. Others wallow in it endlessly becoming a burden to all who know them and to society at large. Read More→
The Myths of Leadership
Posted by: | CommentsA great leaders courage to fulfil his vision comes from passion, not position.- John Maxwell
Who do we think of when we think of great Leadership ? Is it someone rich and famous? Is it a historical hero or is it a charismatic leader of a religious order or a political heavyweight? Are they successful industrialists and Businessmen who have carved a space for themselves ?
Or is it the the stern yet compassionate teacher from school, the nerdy schoolmate who defends the hapless schoolkids from playground bullies? Is it a family member who silently serves and leads without expectation of reward for their labour? Leaders are everywhere, maybe its even you. Read More→
Intelligence – The Vast Unknown
Posted by: | CommentsI know that I am intelligent, because I know that I know nothing. -Socrates
Let’s set the record straight. Acquiring Knowledge is not Intelligence. Many people humbly suppose that just because they did not get the same educational opportunities to go to school or University, that they are less Intelligent than those who did.
I have seen many “graduates” behave and conduct themselves less intelligently than the simple folk who gently apply their own natural intelligence to reap greater success with their efforts.
Also, intelligence is a relative term- we all possess it. But we tend to be judged along one dimension – the academic one. We are led to believe over and over again , each year, during our formative years, that if we do not make good grades that we are not intelligent and will never amount to much in life. Once again, there is more insidious harm done to the human psyche by this continued assault to human intelligence.
There are many different types of Intelligence and we are still learning much about it that is quite unknown. At the time of writing this post there appear to be seven “known” intelligences. Read More→
Leadership and Management
Posted by: | CommentsDo not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
At a business meeting I attended last week, once again, the age old topic was raised. What is the difference between managers and leaders? I suggest that each has distinct attributes , however everyone can be both to differing degrees and depending on the specific circumstances one finds oneself in.
Being a leader is quite profoundly distinct from being a manager. Each has its own place in the grand scheme of things and both are critical for success. We used to think that Leaders were superior and the realm of the exalted few. But one can be a leader, no matter how humble your position in life. And yet, without good management to support it, the fruits of leadership could wither and die on the branch.
The same person can exhibit both traits, indeed needs both in order to thrive in a constantly changing environment. However, if one has a clear understanding of the differences, we can make the right choice as to what type of behaviour is required at a given time. Read More→
