Are you feeling weary and heavy-laden? I have a prescription for you – look for someone in need, and lift them up. Seems counter-intuitive? Sir William Gladstone (1809-1898) – England’s second longest serving Prime Minister and one of its finest – sat down in his study at 2.00am one night to craft a speech he […]
Fiercely cherish and protect your time. Time is more valuable than money. You can make more money but you can’t make more time. You can store up money but you can’t store up time. Successful people get ahead in the time that others squander. And what’s one of the biggest ways people “waste time”? By […]
Read More… from Guard Your Time Fiercely: It’s More Precious Than Money
Is worry consuming you? Worry is a Gordian Knott. Stop staring at it, cut it. We fear the future when we squander the present. Worry thrives in idleness. Stop thinking, start doing. […]
Read More… from Cut the Gordian Knot of Worry: Act Now, Don’t Idle
Don’t seek attention or adulation. Attention is fickle and adulation is a dangerous delusion. Never chase the spotlight. Dedicate yourself to a body of work you would be proud to hand over to your kids one day. Stay at it when no one is applauding. Stick with it even when no one is watching. Do […]
“As soon as …” The three most dangerous words when it comes to execution. We will pitch “as soon as” we’ve added this new feature. We will work on the new feature “as soon as” the new hire joins us. Don’t fall for it. A great deal can be done “right here and now.” Even […]
Read More… from “As Soon As” Kills Momentum: Start Now, Lead Fast
Last week, I watched the movie, Cabrini – a biopic about America’s first saint. The ending piano sonata, Voci e Visioni – beautifully intertwined with a new song by Andrea Bocelli and his daughter, Virginia Bocelli – are worth the price of admission alone. Francesca Cabrini (1850-1917) dedicated her life to improving the appalling living […]
Read More… from Cabrini: The Fierce Courage Behind America’s First Saint
There never lived a great leader who was not also a great parent (or potential parent). If a person doesn’t take a keen, creative and affectionate interest in their children’s development – they may be a rare visionary, they may be a gifted deal-doer, but they are not yet a great leader. So, if you’re […]
Read More… from Great Leaders Are Great Parents: Why Loving Kids Shows True Leadership
Every task you’re delegated – whether or not you are so instructed or authorised – take complete ownership. What does this mean? It means that you view the success or failure of the project as ultimately your responsibility. That includes alerting your manager to any problems in the team – behavioural or technical – that […]
Read More… from Take Full Ownership: Why True Responsibility Means “The Buck Stops With Me”
“Men wanted for hazardous journey. Low wages, long hours of complete darkness. Safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.” This is the advertisement that legendary explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton, purportedly posted in a London paper in 1914 to recruit a crew for his expedition to Antarctica. Not exactly enticing – and yet […]
Read More… from Shackleton’s Call: How Honesty, Challenge, and Grit Inspire True Teams