Intelligence – The Vast Unknown
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
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→
Trust : Foundation and Final Frontier
By · CommentsWhether you’re on a sports team, in an office or a member of the family, if you can’t trust one another there’s going to be trouble – Joe Paterno, Head coach Football team
Teamwork without mutual trust is like trying to grow a tree without soil or water. Simply put, it is quite impossible! The Quality of Trust is what nourishes, nurtures and sustains all team effort towards a common goal.
There are many teams that believe they are working together, but its like trying to race to the goal , shackled with chains and irons. So this is the very first quality to work towards improving if we are to succeed as a team.
Read More→
Happily Ever After
By · CommentsIf there is such a thing a s a good marriage , it is because it resembles friendship rather than love. – Michel de Montaigne
Every so often we are invited to share our experience of marriage , its joys and challenges, its frustrations and the warmth of a relationship that spells “home ” with young couples preparing for marriage. This weekend, was no different. And the common concern of all was how does one live happily ever after once the big wedding day has come and gone and there is nothing “grand” to look forward to.
That was a thought provoking question. People seem to dread the daily hum drum life that inevitably seems to follow after one has been reigning king and queen for a day. We are living it, and yet enjoy the very comfort of the little familiar rituals of happily married life after the Big day. We recently gave a talk on this subject at a small group meeting at our church. Read More→
Barriers to Success
By · CommentsDon’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, remember, is what you can achieve. – Mary Kay Ash
Our Educational system has us believing that if we want to be successful at something, we have to only to learn how to do it from the experts. That right there, unfortunately, is one of the barriers to success!
The very fact that we believe it is the only way to succeed , is what stops us in our tracks. We seek the experts and pay top dollar to acquire knowledge and “how to” methods from them. Yet we often fail to apply the lessons we learn, and when we do, each person can get dramatically different results which are often not consistent.
What makes each person’s level of success different? It is how they perceive themselves and the extent to which they believe in their own ability to succeed. Which proves my point that instruction alone is not sufficient! Read More→
