Gratitude Quotes! What Are You Grateful For?

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?" ~William A. Ward

The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone. ~G.B. Stern

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. ~Meister Eckhart

There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed. If it is unexpressed, it is plain, old-fashioned ingratitude. ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

Gratitude is the memory of the heart. ~Jean Baptiste Massieu, translated from French

When we were children we were grateful to those who filled our stockings at Christmas time. Why are we not grateful to God for filling our stockings with legs? ~G.K. Chesterton

The only people with whom you should try to get even are those who have helped you. ~John E. Southard

Gratitude is an art of painting an adversity into a lovely picture. ~Kak Sri

If you have lived, take thankfully the past. ~John Dryden

As each day comes to us refreshed and anew, so does my gratitude renew itself daily. The breaking of the sun over the horizon is my grateful heart dawning upon a blessed world. ~Terri Guillemets

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. ~G.K. Chesterton

You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink. ~G.K. Chesterton

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson

If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get. ~Frank A. Clark

The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings! ~Henry Ward Beecher

Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live. ~Attributed to Jacqueline Winspear

Praise the bridge that carried you over. ~George Colman

If you count all your assets, you always show a profit. ~Robert Quillen

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. ~Epictetus

What a miserable thing life is: you're living in clover, only the clover isn't good enough. ~Bertolt Brecht, Jungle of Cities, 1924

Gratitude is the best attitude. ~Author Unknown

Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving. ~W.T. Purkiser

We thank Thee, O Father of all, for... all the soul-help that sad souls understand. ~Will Carleton

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. ~Thornton Wilder

Gratitude is a quality similar to electricity: it must be produced and discharged and used up in order to exist at all. ~William Faulkner

If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily. ~Gerald Good

Gratitude is the least of the virtues, but ingratitude is the worst of vices. ~Thomas Fuller

There is not a more pleasing exercise of the mind than gratitude. It is accompanied with such an inward satisfaction that the duty is sufficiently rewarded by the performance. ~Joseph Addison

I feel a very unusual sensation - if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude. ~Benjamin Disraeli

There is no greater difference between men than between grateful and ungrateful people. ~R.H. Blyth

Courtesies of a small and trivial character are the ones which strike deepest in the grateful and appreciating heart. ~Henry Clay

Who does not thank for little will not thank for much. ~Estonian Proverb

Thou hast given so much to me,
Give one thing more, - a grateful heart;
Not thankful when it pleaseth me,
As if Thy blessings had spare days,
But such a heart whose pulse may be Thy praise.
~George Herbert
The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings. ~Eric Hoffer, Reflections On The Human Condition

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. ~Henry Ward Beecher

When our perils are past, shall our gratitude sleep? ~George Canning

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ~Cynthia Ozick

Only a stomach that rarely feels hungry scorns common things. ~Horace

The grateful person, being still the most severe exacter of himself, not only confesses, but proclaims, his debts. ~Robert South

Gratitude is merely the secret hope of further favors. ~François Duc de La Rochefoucauld

Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted. ~Aldous Huxley

When eating bamboo sprouts, remember the man who planted them. ~Chinese Proverb

Thanks are justly due for boons unbought. ~Ovid

In this world of sin and sorrow there is always something to be thankful for; as for me, I rejoice that I am not a Republican. ~H.L. Mencken

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it. ~William Arthur Ward

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don't unravel. ~Author Unknown

http://www.quotegarden.com/gratitude.html

The Laws of Charisma: How to Captivate, Inspire, and Influence for Maximum Success

Kurt Mortensen, the author of "The Laws of Charisma" lists a number of things people do to drive others away from them. He writes, “These mistakes are silent charisma killers. People are more comfortable lying to you and never dealing with you again instead of saying something that will alert you to the fact that you lack any form of charisma, These are seven of the most common charisma killers adapted from Mortensen’s list 


1.Talking Too Much. How can you influence others if you are always talking?

2.Showing How Much You Know. You can come across as forceful, aggressive, and obnoxious. 

3.Getting To Friendly Too Fast. Research tells us that the majority of people do not appreciate unsolicited small talk, and many find it offensive.

4.Getting Too Comfortable (Too Fast). Respect their things and they will respect you.

5.Proxemics. You must respect personal space, or you will make others feel uncomfortable.

6.Being One-Sided With Your Facts. There are facts and there is the truth. Are you genuine and transparent?

7.Arguing or Trying to Prove You Are Right. Having to be right demonstrates an arrogance that is masking insecurity.


Are you guilty of killing your own Charisma and driving people away from you?

What are you willing to change?

The Prepared Mind of a Leader : Eight Skills Leaders Use to Innovate, Make Decisions, and Solve Problems

Bill Welter and Jean Egmon


Description and Reviews
From The Publisher:

In today's complex business climate, people—no matter what their role in the organization—need to make informed decisions and learn how to think flexibly.

A leader's most important asset is the ability to anticipate changes in the environment and adapt to them quickly. The Prepared Mind of a Leader presents an original and effective way to think more flexibly about innovation, strategy, change, and problem solving. Throughout the book, the authors include triggers for exploring how these ideas apply to an organization's unique circumstances. The Prepared Mind of a Leader helps readers prepare for the future by laying out a program for developing, maintaining, and mobilizing the key mental skills that define Prepared Mind leadership. These eight skills can be applied in a wide range of settings, from large-scale organizations to small entrepreneurial firms:

Observing—search out confirming and non-confirming information about your world view

Reasoning—clearly explain why you are following a course of action

Imagining—visualize new ideas for your company's policies and practices

Challenging—question your organization's assumptions and test their validity

Deciding—make or influence decisions that will propel action to progress

Learning—master the information you need to keep you moving forward

Enabling—offer the people around you the knowledge, means, and opportunities to progress

Reflecting—invest time thinking abouttrade-offs and the consequences of those trade-offs that result from our decisions

These skills provide a framework that the thoughtful leader or manager can use to approach issues of strategy and innovation. The authors also show how to develop the skills further and apply them in everyday life.

Take the Setbacks in Stride!

Life is full of setbacks, some major and some small, but when we’re faced with these setbacks our attitude and the choices we make are important. We can choose to feel discouraged or be grateful for the opportunity to learn from the setbacks. Regardless of your accomplishments, be proud of your efforts, take the setbacks in stride and be grateful for the experience. According to Henry Ford, “Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.”  Allowing your character to develop through setbacks will ensure your personal growth. Staying focus will enable you to move closer towards accomplishing the success you’re destined for!



OE



The Value of Commitment!

Commitment requires that you give priority to a lot of things other than yourself. It doesn’t require that you lose yourself entirely, only that you temper your more selfish and petty urges and challenge yourself to rise above them. Commitment has the power to help you grow and be a better person. Sometimes an opportunity is handed to you and you lose out when you focus on yourself and not on the commitment. What are you committed to?

Dr Simon

The Movement...

Everyone should strive daily to be successful, but remember that your success shouldn’t be at the expense of others. Henry Ford said it best, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” As you’re moving forward striving to achieve any level of success make sure you include others who can share in that success with you! Always keeping in mind that not everyone wants to be part of the movement!

OE

“The Leader Who Had No Title: A Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Life”

Robin Sharma’s book starts by reminding the reader that regardless of how overwhelmed or burnt out you may feel; you should always striving to do your best! The context of the story and the experiences of its cast of characters will remind you of valuable principles you should apply to your daily life. These are just a few examples of the principles the book explores:

"Take care of people and the money will take care of itself."

"Victims recite problems. Leaders present solutions."

"Your words can show people possibilities they never knew existed."

“The Leader Who Had No Title: A Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Life” is great reading for anyone needing to be reminded of principals they can apply to their personal growth!

What is your Story?

Moving forward requires us to look inside and establish our identities and what role we want to take part in society. We follow leaders we trust and the greater our trust is in them the farther we are willing to follow. A powerful way to generate trust is to share stories that reflect who we are - where we've been, what we believe, how we came to be whom we are and what has always been our passion, our goal.


What is your story?

OE
LiinkedIn

Putting others First can Thrust one into a Position of Leadership...

Las-tse, a Chinese sage said twenty-five centuries ago, “The reason why rivers and seas receive the homage of a hundred mountain steams is that they keep below them. Thus they are able to reign over all the mountain streams. So the sage, wishing to be above men, putteth himself below them; wishing to be before them, he putteth himself behind them. Thus, though his place be above them, they do not count it an injury.”

ST
LINKEDIN

The Key Elements....

“Get inspired and motivated by your own dreams. Enthusiasm and passion are the key elements to success. It is the fuel that sparks the fire towards hard work and determination. Mark Twain said it best "Let us endeavor to live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry."

JM

To have Succeeded......

Everyone has a different concept of success. Being able to start and complete any task intended means you have succeeded. Success becomes diluted when we fail to recognize the value of what we already have in our lives that’s important and can already be defined as successful. After reading plenty of quotes on success, my personal concept on the topic is best described by the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; this is to have succeeded." As you continue to strive to achieve your personal definition of success, make sure you celebrate the success you may be overlooking.

OE

Accessible and Present.....

“Leadership is a part of our personality and we decide if we want to let others see it or not. You can be reserved and be a great leader; and the opposite is true too. And in order to develop our skill sets, we take steps to reveal ourselves/our personalities. On a daily basis, I strive to be accessible and present. When you are neither, it’s difficult to be construed as a resource, let alone a leader.”

ST

Step Aside......

“Being a leader is about knowing how to step aside and let your team take the lead and encouraging the team along the way. As leaders, we must always remember that we could not lead if there wasn't a team to believe in our vision or dream. So, as a leader you must always remember to recognize the effort of others.”
RV

Willing to learn.....

"Being a leader entails being willing to learn. You cannot think you know it all, because that is when you see that you know nothing at all. Remember to always listen and you will be heard. It is important to respect everyone, the person you "think" doesn't deserve it, will be the one to impress you the most."
DJ

The Journey.....

"It's not about the length of the journey but the people who inspire and motivate you along the way that help your dreams become a reality."

SF

Always Strive....

"You should always strive to be your own fiercest competitor. While it may feel good in certain occasions to outdo someone else, it doesn't compare to the feeling of knowing you outdid yourself!"

JP

Better Opportunities...

“Life is full of opportunities. Sometimes we stay working dead end jobs because we are fearful of our next step. We lose sight of dreams we once had and allow our circumstances to dictate our outlook on life. Survival mode takes over and our dreams never materialize because of fear. Never be afraid to take a chance because you fear making a mistake. Every mistake you make provides a valuable lesson and can make you just a little bit wiser. It can also help redirect you to the dreams you wanted to fulfill and in the process create better opportunities.”

JL

Defining Moments...

"I once read an article from Harvard Business Review written on the theory of defining moments and Leadership. Many of us think of Leadership when we see the President at a press conference or when we see people around us fighting for causes that they hold dear to their hearts. But in actuality, Leadership begins when we are impacted by something so significant that it leaves a blueprint in our lives. Sometimes, we may not even realize that this blueprint exist. So as you think about Leadership, think about the times in your life that actually made you think and feel, think about the events (large or small) which ignited passion in you... think about your defining moments and the rest will be a breeze."

RV

Taking Chances..

"Leadership is taking chances. Learn to step outside of your comfort zone and take the path of the unknown. The opportunities that follow might be life changing but you will never know unless you take that first step. Remember there are no failures- just experiences and your reactions to them. So believe in yourself and take risks that will lead you to greater opportunities."

JM

The Traveler's Gift: Seven Decisions that Determine Personal Success!

Great fiction focused on a laid off executive who gets in a car crash and experiences a life altering journey through time. He meets many well known people throughout history who provide him decisions he must make to change his life. Although the book is fiction the lessons in the book could be life altering if one is willing to look within themselves to create this change.

1. The buck stops here.

2. I will seek wisdom.

3. I am a person of action.

4. I have a decided heart.

5. Today I will choose to be happy.

6. I will greet this day with a forgiving spirit.

7. I will persist without exception.
Success can ultimately be determined by the decisions we make!

OE

Be Humble..

"In all you do, be humble. Learn to take criticism with the same enthusiasm you take praise. Share your successes with others, so they may also succeed. Never forget that the road to said success is paved with people who helped you get there. Be unique. Be thankful. But most importantly, be humble."

JP
 

Action is.......

"Action is character. If we never did anything, we wouldn't be anybody!"

ST

Persistence and Perseverance!

Demonstrating exceptional persistence and perseverance can open doors to success; make sure you take an in-depth look inside yourself and what you’re made of!!!


Nathan knew what he was made of!!! He went fishing and was the only one in the group who caught a fish! Isn't that why you go fishing? It was a good day! Grandpa Jim was proud!

OE

Images of Appreciation!

Remembering the past exploits of our war heroes is unpleasant because it’s attached to a past or present war, but we belittle those who served and sacrifices so much when we don’t remember, especially those who are serving us so unselfishly now. America’s attention span is sometimes short and often takes for granted the very things we should cherish most; Our Freedom!

My friend Alan posted a picture of his grandfather who served in World War II and I was quickly reminded of the impact war had on my family. Pictures always have a way of telling a story, even when those in them are not present to share their own story.

In the mist of the Cuban revolution and the disparity of living in a totalitarian system, my dad’s sister married a World War II veteran and because of that union my family was granted asylum years later. America became a refuge for my family. No one who has ever lived under a totalitarian system could understand the value of freedom or comprehend the cost many heroes have paid and are paying to afford us the many rights we often take for granted. Living in freedom is a gift; not an entitlement!

When the time came for my family to leave Cuba, the new regime of government inspectors came to our home and inventoried every item in it. The few items my parents held sacred became the property of the new Communist government and everything they owned, from pictures and mementoes would never be passed on to other generations. Despite the persecution they experienced daily by those who had embraced the new mindset, their courage and determination allowed them to endure and stay focused while they waited for permission to leave. As my mother and father ventured out into the unknown to provide their five children an opportunity to live the America dream; my mother hid a picture of her wedding day and it serves as the only reminder of a past my siblings and I have only heard through stories.

They were willing to face the uncertainties of life in a country where they knew nothing of the language and little of the culture. Their focus was providing a new life for their children in a place where they could live in freedom and allow their children to grow up loving a country that had become their own. Once they left Cuba, they never thought, the impact of the revolution would stop them from seeing many family members again. My siblings and I know of these family members because of stories, but they are stories without imagines.

I was a year old when my family arrived from Cuba; my history and knowing where I came from has always been a passion. As I grew up, I was mesmerized reading history books and actually reading stories where images were included. Reading about Americans who gave their lives in World War I & II and other wars, in defense of the Nation's integrity, honor and tranquility was always humbling to me. I remember the first time; I visited the Tomb of America's Unknown Soldiers and the emotional symbolism it represented. There were no images or stories attached, “they were American Soldiers, known only to God.” No one knows who they were; no one knows their story; all that is known is that they sacrifice so much for the benefit of others.

The Espinosa family will always be grateful to the United States for providing us an opportunity to start a new life living in freedom. Although I was only one when my family arrived from Cuba; I am and always will be an American. I’m not a hyphenated American. This doesn’t negate my love for my roots, culture and all my family who still lives under an oppressed government. There are families and friends from diverse backgrounds and different parts of the country who have been affected by a war of some kind. As you reflect on these impacts make sure you cherish the pictures and stories attached to them.

I want to thank my Uncle Benjamin Palacios and Alan’s grandfather Robert Ellison Wheeler, both World War II veterans for their willingness to serve. I would also be remise if I didn’t thank my aunt Obdulia for marrying uncle Ben and to my Mom and Dad for unselfishly allowing me to live the journey of a lifetime!

OE

Memorial Day!

A national moment of remembrance for those willing to sacrifice so much, for so many! In observance of Memorial Day: let’s not forget the freedom we enjoy was provided by the men and women in uniform! Not every country is afforded this opportunity.

OE

Seven Kinds of Smart.....

Dr. Armstrong's "Seven Kinds of Smart" wrote, researched and developed these approaches to teaching and learning. He believes a person is unique and has uniquely different ways of learning. Different senses use different learning tools for each, or a combination of each. This is a well written summary of the latest information about multiple intelligences.

The basic seven intelligences are:

1) Linguistic Intelligence (words)

2) Logical-mathematical (numbers and logic)

3) Spacial (pictures and images)

4) Musical

5) Bodily-kinesthetic (physical self)

6) Interpersonal (ability to understand and work with others)

7) Intrapersonal (intelligence of the inner self)

This book also introduces two new kinds of smarts:

1) The Naturalist: a person who shows expertise in the recognition and classification of the numerous species-the flora and fauna- of his or her environment.

2) The Existential: intelligence of concern with ultimate life issues (What is life and what's it all about? Does God exist? Why is there evil and where is humanity headed?).

Everyone has their own style of accessing and absorbing information. This is great reading for people interested in learning more about multiple intelligences and identifying their own kind of “Smarts!”

OE

It's All In The Laughter!

If you have a positive attitude and a great sense of humor, you will be able to laugh at something or someone every day. It may be a joke someone shares. A simple e-mail or phone call. Maybe even talking to someone and reflecting on past experiences. Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself or at others. If you pay close attention there will be something to laugh about.  Make sure you take the time to laugh and laugh often. It's great taking to family and friends, but realize if you complain too much, it gets old fast. Stop for a minute, look at yourself and laugh. Chances are there is someone laughing at you or with you this very moment. Find the fun in life and just enjoy it! My friend Sonja always makes me laugh!!!!!


OE

Passion is a Choice!

Passion and a personal connection with an audience are the two main things that make a leader great. Sometimes passion can be seen as intimidating, but it’s also passion that makes people listen to what you have to say. Anyone who is passionate about their work always contributes their best in performing their job. They understand perfection is unattainable in most things, but they continue to strive to try and perfect everything they are involved in. Passionate people put extra care in everything they do and they are never satisfied with anything less than the best they have to offer. Passionate leadership may not be fully appreciated because it may cause others to question your authenticity. But passion can’t be faked. Passion can also help establish the sincerity of the individual. Passion can shape your existence and shape the existence of others as well. Make sure your passion causes those around you to revel in it and inspire them to tap into their own passion. Passion is a choice! In order to connect with an audience you must allow them to identify with you and in turn you inspire them to discover their own passion.

OE

What I've Learned in Life?

I've learned that even though I may be exhausted, I always find the strength when family or friends need me.

I’ve learned that laughing always puts me in a great mood. So does chocolate.

I've learned that people who make me laugh. make me happy.

I’ve learned that people who laugh at other people with me, make me happy too.

I've learned that sarcasm is my weapon of choice.

I've learned that writing always provides me an outlet to share.

I’ve learned that even though I may talk too much, I’d rather be silent, but most people don’t know that.

I've learned that I enjoy desserts more than I do food.

I've learned that common sense isn't really common.

I've learned that thoughts of hitting people is common in others too

I've learned that people need love. Even if they don’t admit it.

I've learned that it's not “What” you have in your life, but “Who” you have in your life that counts.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to others, but learn from them.

I've learned that friendship isn’t always about talking, but listening.

I’ve learned that sometimes it’s better to just walk away and not look back.

I’ve learned that at the end of the day. It’s all about family and the friends who become family.

I've learned that freedom does come with a price. It’s called seperation.

I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible to take action for who we become.

I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I've learned that I should always tell people I love them. (Not for them, but for me.) It may be the last time I see them.

I've learned that the people I’ve cared for the most in my life have been the ones who’ve died too soon.

I've learned that even after death, I still yearn to hear my brother-in-law's voice.

I've learned that regardless of how old I get; I’m always going to need my parents even after they’re gone.

http://educationthroughleadership.blogspot.com/

The Situation is Never the Problem

Everyone copes and deals with situations differently. Regardless of what we face, our overall reaction is what people will remember. Whether the outcome is positive or negative our actions and reactions speaks for themselves. The situation is never the problem, sometimes the problem is our attitude. Having a positive attitude will enable you to see the brighter side of any situation and will provide you with a new level of hope and understanding. It can also produce a level of new found confidence allowing you to expect something bigger or better. The situation may even provide you with an opportunity to develop and strengthen your mindset or your outlook. If we maintain a level of focus and move forward with it, we gather a level of understanding, not only of the situation but of ourselves.

Key To Communicating Effectively

Growing Into Leadership

People aren’t born into leadership positions. We usually start in the trenches, as the doers. We earn the right to lead the projects and the vision by doing the work itself, and doing it well. Because the hardest part of learning to lead well is letting go of the execution, the very thing that earned us our spot at the head of the team, and entrusting others with the building and construction.

The old saying of “if you want something done right, do it yourself” just doesn’t play at scale. That’s not how great ideas come to fruition, and it’s not how great businesses are built.

As I’ve learned to lead rather than do (and that’s a constant process), a few key concepts have helped me a great deal to stay on track, and perhaps they’ll help you too, or someone you know emerging into a leadership role.

Navigation:
 Build consensus around shared goals and direction.
 Present the what – the shared vision or goals – but not necessarily the how.
 Communicate expectations clearly and often.
 Avoid dictating the plans yourself, but rather help refine the roadmaps that others have built and presented.

Advocacy:
 Champion and enable others’ ideas instead of always handing others ideas to execute.
 Allow your teams sometimes to fail in their search for the approach that works, and to help them find the lessons in those failures.
 Protect nascent ideas and allow them time to incubate without immediate interference from bureaucracy and naysayers.
 Encourage respectful discourse and sharing of opinions and viewpoints, including opposing ones.
 Recognize success openly, sincerely, and often.

Perspective:
 Provide context, history, and organizational intelligence to empower your teams with information upon which to build their plans.
 Look past today’s projects to envision what tomorrow might look like and how you can guide toward it.
 Present alternative views or looks at stubborn problems.
 Consistently evaluate team dynamics and capabilities, and make the tough people decisions to ensure you’ve got the right people in the right roles.

Trust:
 Provide direct lines of communication with each team member, and be available.
 Keep confidences, period.
 Hire capable, smart people, and be willing to get out of their way.
 Be responsible and accountable for your decisions and their results, and avoid scapegoating and blame.
 Share the credit, and the spotlight.

Learning to be a leader can be challenging when you’ve built a career on doing the work. Old habits die hard. It’s sometimes hard to believe that anyone can do what you do and do it as well, or better. But if you’ve got designs on building something bigger than you, you’re going to need to build and empower a team around you. It’s just not possible to do it alone.
So what would you add to my list? How would you help new and emerging leaders get comfortable with their roles?

http://altitudebranding.com/

Amber Naslund

Essential Leadership through Diversity

True leadership means having the ability to go outside of what is comfortable to you and building a strong relationship with those you lead. As a leader you must engage in meaningful conversations and encourage everyone to create and put into practice their talents. Everyone has something to offer, but it’s rarely offered because they may lack courage, drive or an opportunity. A big mistake leaders often make is not allowing those they lead to enhance their own leadership skills. Leadership is not about controlling followers. Leadership is about providing followers the necessary tools to learn how to lead others. Before you can lead, you must learn how to follow. Sometimes leaders fail to realize they too can learn from their audience. It doesn’t matter the size, age, nationality or background.

When you lead a population of students who mirror the United Nations, you have to go outside of your comfort zone and brace yourself for a lesson in Diversity. As a leader I’ve never been one to limit anyone with a label or a tag because that’s not part of the big picture. The big picture represents delivering a message to a wider audience and not defining that audience because they don’t share the same language or skin color. It’s important to lead by conversation and example when working with a diverse group of students who represent different beliefs, ideas, countries and backgrounds. An effective leader is one who is committed to embracing the differences each student brings, while making sure they embrace and respect each other. A leader doesn’t exclude anyone, but is cognizant that everyone can be impacted by the delivery of the message, even if the message is delivered in another language. Looking back at my leadership role and that of my students; the clear message delivered was a message of unison. Sometimes a leader needs to take a step back and allow others an opportunity to take charge and put into practice the leadership they’re learning. Going outside of what people think is normal, essentially provided me an opportunity to lead and inspire a group of students who represented the faces of America and other countries. In return they inspired me and continue to do so. As I watch them embrace their talents from the sidelines, it’s rewarding knowing my life has always been enriched by diversity.

OE

The Limits of Leadership

"Imagine the organization that has been given a Herculean task with insufficient resources to accomplish it," says Col. Reed. "We'll run good leaders into the ground if we try to train and lead our way out of that situation." Again, leadership is not a universal panacea. In fact, leaders are really not responsible for all of the doing; they set the direction for others to carry through.

Leadership demands delegation, asking others to share in the load. At the same time, leaders must ensure that their employees have the authority and responsibility to get the job done. For example, if a manager asks an engineer to be a project manager but neglects to assign people to her team, then the project is doomed to failure. The engineer may be held responsible for missing the deadline, but in reality it is her manager who is at fault.

Successful organizations are those that value learning and expect their people to learn from their mistakes as well as their successes so that they grow their own skills. With such knowledge comes empowerment and accountability. That is leadership on a personal level, one that can propel the entire organization forward.

John Baldoni is a leadership communications consultant who works with Fortune 500 companies as well as non-profits including the University of Michigan. He is a frequent keynote and workshop speaker as well as the author of six books on leadership; the latest is How Great Leaders Get Great Results (McGraw-Hill).

A Series of Experiences!

“Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grief which we endure help us in our marching onward.”

Henry Ford

The Passionate Teacher

The Passionate Teacher is an inspirational and practical guide for teachers to reclaim their classroom as they engage their students through passionate teaching. The excerpts from this book are filled with useful information, in supporting any teacher to be the best teacher they can be. Every teacher has something different to bring to his or her classroom and each teacher has a different teaching style. The information in this book is beneficial to any new teacher who is looking for their voice in their classroom.

The excitement Fried shows in his writing is evident. He really knows what he is talking about. Students need to be challenged and if they are challenged they will perform at their best. What is amazing about this book is that it is a book filled with stories from a variety of classrooms, where the voices of teachers can be heard and can be experienced through their own personal experiences. These are everyday classrooms where these teachers have made a difference because they choose to teach with passion. Fried provides the reader practical suggestions and offers strategies, where they can incorporate passion into their teaching. He identifies with the frustration teachers experience, but he writes with enthusiasm that can lead any teacher who feels as though they are in a slump into a new direction.

OE

Concept of Leadership

Leadership is the capacity to rally around a group of people to encourage them to reach their personal or professional goals. The purpose of this blog is to make available fundamental opportunities to help you develop; improve or put into practice your own leadership skills. The intention is to provide a place to reflect on your own leadership performance and to share your concept of such. Hopefully in sharing our words, our resources and both background and experience in leadership; it will enable others to understand and embrace their own leadership skills!

OE

To Laugh Often.....

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Opportunities through Challenges!

I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge and too often when we are faced with change in our lives we aren’t willing to go forward. We spend so much time looking back and regretting decisions made or choices we never made, we fail to embrace new opportunities or search for something better: A New Beginning. Although we often spend our time reflecting on the past, the uncertainties of the future should be our driving force. Our past successes and failures can form our outlook on life, but the adventure of growing and expanding our experiences through new opportunities, new friends or locations should drive us to succeed.

Everyday should be an opportunity to grow as individuals and our future success should continue to impact our family, friends and colleagues. How can this be accomplished? By having a positive attitude and outlook we deliver a message people will embrace and want to hear. My passion has always been embracing people and looking for the positive qualities they possess or are capable of obtaining. Sometimes a simple phrase or welcoming goes a long way. In its basic form, a word of encouragement can create relationships and bonds that last a lifetime. This can also change someone’s mind-set toward us or how they approach us. With uncertainties always around the corner, sometimes a great opportunity is disguised in a challenge, but we never see the opportunity because we’re focused on the challenge.

OE

Leadership

Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal.

"Leadership is a winning combination of personal traits and the ability to think and act as a leader, a person who directs the activities of others for the good of all. Anyone can be a leader, even if the only person they’re leading is themselves."

Susan Ward about.com Guide

Leadership Smarts

Ken Blanchard's best-selling books have helped millions of people enhanced their leadership and management skills, as well as the quality of their personal life!

“Leadership Smarts,” provided leadership principals and powerful advice with practical every day insight in order to enhance leadership skills and increase personal integrity.

This book provides advice on:
How to aim for excellence?
How to maintain integrity?
Finding the courage to change!
How you can help others reach their full potential?
Practical every day advice!

Dr. Ken Blanchard is a best-selling author and extremely cherished business leadership consultant. Along with Spencer Johnson they wrote The One-Minute Manager, which has sold more than nine million copies worldwide! His other best-selling books are Raving Fans and Gung Ho! (both with Sheldon Bowles) His other best sellers are The One-Minute Manager Library of books. In 1979 he and his wife Dr. Marjorie Blanchard created The Ken Blanchard Companies, a group of management training and consulting businesses. He received his B.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Cornell University.

OE

11 Keys to Define Success:

1. Confidence: an unshakable belief in oneself based on a realistic understanding of one's circumstances; a trait that most people admire in others and strive to acquire themselves.

2. Curiosity: being eager to know and learn; always showing interest and giving special attention to the less obvious; always being the person who says, "I want to know more about . . . ."

3. Decisiveness: arriving at a final conclusion or making a choice and taking action; making decisions with determination even when you don't have all the information you think you need.

4. Empathy: demonstrating caring and understanding of someone else's situation, feelings and motives; always thinking about what it's like to walk in someone else's shoes.

5. Flexibility: being capable of change; responding positively to change; being pliable, adaptable, nonrigid and able to deal with ambiguity.

6. Humor: viewing yourself and the world with enjoyment; not taking life or yourself too seriously; being amusing, amused and, at times, even comical.

7. Intelligence: thinking and working smartly and cleverly; being sharp in your dealings; "not reinventing the wheel"; planning before acting; working efficiently and focusing on quality over quantity. (Important note: This is different from IQ, the common abbreviation for intelligence quotient.)

8. Optimism: expecting the best possible outcome and dwelling on the most hopeful or positive aspects of a situation; believing that the glass is half full rather than half empty.

9. Perseverance: having passion, energy, focus and the desire to get results. Motivation, persistence and hard work are all aspects of perseverance.

10. Respect: remembering that it is just as easy to be nice; protecting another person's self-esteem; treating others in a considerate and courteous manner.

11. Self-awareness: a sophisticated form of consciousness that enables you to regulate yourself by monitoring yourself, observing yourself and changing your thought processes and behaviors.

Which of these keys are among your strengths? Which of the 11 are among your weaknesses? Self-awareness, the 11th key, is really the foundation for understanding yourself. If you are not sure how self-aware you are, ask several people whom you trust which of these 11 keys they believe are your strengths and which are not. Again, while no one person possesses all of these keys in equal amounts, each of them can be developed and improved.

Daniel Goleman "Emotional Intelligence"
Julie Jansen,"I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This"

Random Things About Me!

1) I love to laugh… even at the expense of others. (People are funny).
2) My family and close friends mean the world to me. They are the one’s holding the shovel… either to dig me out of a hole or to shovel the crap that sometimes surrounds me.
3) I don’t have to talk to someone daily to build relationships. If you were invited to participate in this note, you had me at HOLA!
4) If I make fun of you, that means I like you. It’s never my intention to offend anyone (oh wait, but I love to get a reaction out of people.) I love to imitate accents and dialects.
5) Traveling and meeting people are my thing. Many of my close friends were met outside of Miami. Consider yourself one of them!
6) Although I was born in Cuba, I’m a Southerner at heart. I love the South and have embraced the culture, food and people….the South shall rise again!
7) Although I’m a Southerner at heart, my Cuban culture and family in Cuba are my passion. I’ve never met a Cuban who was a stranger. We all have someone who is still on the island.
8) Music is my thing! I love any type of music. I have 3 IPods and a Zune, just because I’m a music hog! You name it, I got it!
9) My goal is to travel to 6 more states and I would have conquered all 50 of them. Which ones? Ask me!
10) My passion is educating people. It doesn’t matter the topic being discussed, you will get my opinion.
11) I don’t believe in being mediocre. We get one chance at this thing called life. I always knew I was created for greatness!
12) I don’t tolerate people who believe you have to be Hispanic, Black or White etc…. to sell, promote or deal with to build a friendship or relationship! In other words you can bring value to any group! No matter your background!
13) I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. Maybe this year I’ll start.
14) Reading is my vice! I enjoy reading and building my library. Hardbound instead of Paperback!
15) I’m a Sci-fi junkie! Watching movies or TV series can cause me to hibernate.
16) Writing is my thing! One day I’ll write books. Please visit me during my book signing tour in a city near you!
17) I’ve always been mischievous. What have I done? There are too many things to mention. I placed a tape recorder under my parent’s bed, when I was 11. (No Sex, just talking.) I forked someone’s yard! I convinced my siblings we had a sister in Cuba. I took flowers, after a funeral and used them to decorate the church. Everyone thought I bought them!
18) Most of my life changing decisions were/are made in front of the ocean!
19) I’m honored my parents would leave their homeland to afford me the opportunities and life I currently have. I am humbled by their sacrifices.
20) I don’t believe in Affirmative Action. Let’s get rid of it and employ people who are qualified to do their job! Forget the quotas!
21) My philosophy in life is “I’m not better than anyone, but there is no one better than me.” I’m not conceited. I’m just convinced.
22) I’m jealous of my dad because he has blue eyes. I tried wearing blue contacts once, but they irritated my eyes! He is sooooooo lucky.
23) Although I am a people person, sometimes I rather be alone. In other words I always need some Orlando time.
24) I don’t put limitations on others, because oftentimes they put limitations on themselves.
25) God created me an original! Why die a copy?

OE