We are at the half way mark in the year 2008. Most of us are already looking forward to next year but are we archiving what we set out to achieve for this year?
Its almost tradition for me to set sometime aside to plan at the beginning of the year and also a separate time in June to reflect on my progress and recalibrate my goals to line up with my vision. I would suggest that you do the same as well.
For those of you who read this blog you might remember that I posted something along these lines to help you with your vision in the new year but I will remind us of a few things
1. Celebrate your successes
This is SO important because most of us get caught up in focusing on the negatives. What have you achieved in terms of your goals? Celebrate no matter how small it may seem. May be you said to yourself at the beginning of the year that you will join a gym but you are only getting to it half way through the year-Celebrate that effort. Self-encouragement releases doses of the winning attitude in you. Don't beat yourself up about your failures; instead develop the art of celebration. Magnify your successes and feed the champion in you.
2.Refocus
Yes you have lost track of your goals but its not too late. There are six more months in 2008 and this can be your most productive time. Every so often the lens of a camera loses focus but by turning some dials the focus can be regained. What dials do you need to turn in your life to regain focus? You can turn the dial of time management so that you effectively use your time on the things that bring you closer to your vision instead of spending it on things that don't value to your life. You can turn the dial of self-discipline and develop the habit of self-development through reading books and listening to motivational and educative CDs etc. We lose focus when we stop looking at the vision we see in our hearts. Get back in touch with your vision and refocus.
3. Plan your Work and Work your Plan
If you're serious about changing your life then you must have a plan. A plan is your road map to success and most of us start the year with a plan. Unfortunately as months go by we lose sight of that plan and begin to roll with the pouches. There is nothing wrong to roll with the punches but this is just your back-up. You should only do this when things are not going according to plan but not as your strategy.
You have a plan? Work it. If its too complex and overwhelming, break it down into bite size chunks and work it. Divide your plan into goals; goals into objectives; and objectives into action steps. Before you know it, you will be standing in the winners circle. Plan your work and work your plan.
This is it for now.
Live to succeed
Showing posts with label Vision. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vision. Show all posts
Friday, May 30, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Art of Precision-Living
Have you ever walked the streets of a busy city and noticed that everyone is busy going somewhere? Have you ever asked yourself where they were actually going?
I have come to learn that life is full of activity some of which is productive and progressive while some is unproductive. Some people are usually busy going nowhere yet they like the feelings that mere activity brings-a sense of achievement and meaning perhaps. However, such feelings are futile if the activity lacks direction and vision. Living is an art and must be approached with a plan and picture of a preferred future. I call this "Precision-Living".
Precision-living is the art of ordering your life to fall in line with the vision that you have; its about planning your life and living the plan. As a leader one of the things that people will first look at is how well you are directing your own life. This observation is critical because it will determine the level to which they allow you to influence them. People want to follow a leader who has a clear understanding of the course his life has to take. I usually tell people that the first level of leadership is self leadership. If you cannot lead yourself how will you lead others? Therefore, effective leaders practice the art of precision living.
Precision is really easy to achieve in your personal life. The first thing you have to do is know where you are going. We call this vision. Where do you see yourself in the next five, ten or fifteen years? Write it down for this is the beginning of your plan.
Secondly, how do you hope to achieve this vision? Set some SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Transferable Goals-more on that later). Set some objectives. A specific but realistic time frame in which to fulfill these goals. Write these goals and objectives as well. Its just as easy to come up with an idea as it is to forget it but a paper has a very long memory.
Thirdly, Work your plan. Wake up every morning with one goal in mind-to live according to plan. Many people lose sight of their dream because they never build a habit of living according to plan. This is the reason why new year's resolutions fail. You must have an extreme commitment to the attainment of your vision that you dedicate your whole life and time to fulfilling that. Let your actions be guided by your plan and dream. Successful people really live predictable lives. Yes, they do not imprison their creativity but they allow themselves to be creative within the confines of their dream.They are creatures of habit and systematic approaches to life. Tony Robbins says you too can be successful if you model these successful people (From his book Unlimited power-my own paraphrase). In other words you can reproduce their success by simply doing what they do but this is only possible because they are predictable and know the power of habit. So work your plan and develop your own systems of doing things in the most effective and successful ways.
Fourthly, Precision-living is about the organization of priorities. To be an effective leader you must know your priorities even as you lead yourself. Some things you treat as emergencies can really be dealt with lastly but you get lost in the maze of activity and cannot clearly discern what things should come first. Understand though that it is extremely difficult to have priorities if you first do not have a clear vision. Vision makes prioritizing easier. So prioritize.
These are just a few thoughts on Precision-Living but there are so many other aspects I can talk about including developing the right mental attitudes for success. But we will deal with that at some other time. In the meantime remember that NOW is your moment of greatness.
T your Success!
I have come to learn that life is full of activity some of which is productive and progressive while some is unproductive. Some people are usually busy going nowhere yet they like the feelings that mere activity brings-a sense of achievement and meaning perhaps. However, such feelings are futile if the activity lacks direction and vision. Living is an art and must be approached with a plan and picture of a preferred future. I call this "Precision-Living".
Precision-living is the art of ordering your life to fall in line with the vision that you have; its about planning your life and living the plan. As a leader one of the things that people will first look at is how well you are directing your own life. This observation is critical because it will determine the level to which they allow you to influence them. People want to follow a leader who has a clear understanding of the course his life has to take. I usually tell people that the first level of leadership is self leadership. If you cannot lead yourself how will you lead others? Therefore, effective leaders practice the art of precision living.
Precision is really easy to achieve in your personal life. The first thing you have to do is know where you are going. We call this vision. Where do you see yourself in the next five, ten or fifteen years? Write it down for this is the beginning of your plan.
Secondly, how do you hope to achieve this vision? Set some SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Transferable Goals-more on that later). Set some objectives. A specific but realistic time frame in which to fulfill these goals. Write these goals and objectives as well. Its just as easy to come up with an idea as it is to forget it but a paper has a very long memory.
Thirdly, Work your plan. Wake up every morning with one goal in mind-to live according to plan. Many people lose sight of their dream because they never build a habit of living according to plan. This is the reason why new year's resolutions fail. You must have an extreme commitment to the attainment of your vision that you dedicate your whole life and time to fulfilling that. Let your actions be guided by your plan and dream. Successful people really live predictable lives. Yes, they do not imprison their creativity but they allow themselves to be creative within the confines of their dream.They are creatures of habit and systematic approaches to life. Tony Robbins says you too can be successful if you model these successful people (From his book Unlimited power-my own paraphrase). In other words you can reproduce their success by simply doing what they do but this is only possible because they are predictable and know the power of habit. So work your plan and develop your own systems of doing things in the most effective and successful ways.
Fourthly, Precision-living is about the organization of priorities. To be an effective leader you must know your priorities even as you lead yourself. Some things you treat as emergencies can really be dealt with lastly but you get lost in the maze of activity and cannot clearly discern what things should come first. Understand though that it is extremely difficult to have priorities if you first do not have a clear vision. Vision makes prioritizing easier. So prioritize.
These are just a few thoughts on Precision-Living but there are so many other aspects I can talk about including developing the right mental attitudes for success. But we will deal with that at some other time. In the meantime remember that NOW is your moment of greatness.
T your Success!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
The Power of RE:
Welcome to 2008. At the start of last year you made some resolutions-the things you wanted to achieve in 2007 and you have probably done the same for this year. My question though is; did you achieve all you set out to do in 2007? The answer is probably no and, therefore, I would like to give you some pointers on how to achieve your goals in 2008.
I believe in what i call the power of RE:
1. REFLECTION: Reflection is the ability to look back at the past with honest and objective self evaluation. Reflection allows you to celebrate your successes and failures as well. Celebrating failures because there are lessons that we would never have learnt if we had not failed.
2. REFOCUSING: Refocus on your goals. What is it that you want to achieve this year in line with your life vision. Most people never accomplish resolutions because they do have a deliberate plan for achieving them. Refocusing will help and energize your pursuit of destiny.
3. RECOMMITTING: Nothing can be accomplished without commitment. Commitment is the secret to success and you must decide NOW to be committed to your vision for life and committed to the goals that will lead you there.
These are just a few things that have helped me and am sure will do you some service in achieving your vision. I am so excited about this year and you will see me write a lot on leadership on this blog as well as other avenues. I invite you to tell your friends about this blog and the links I have especially New Zambia. Cho does a great job in provoking my thinking and I am sure you will discover the same.
To your success!
I believe in what i call the power of RE:
1. REFLECTION: Reflection is the ability to look back at the past with honest and objective self evaluation. Reflection allows you to celebrate your successes and failures as well. Celebrating failures because there are lessons that we would never have learnt if we had not failed.
2. REFOCUSING: Refocus on your goals. What is it that you want to achieve this year in line with your life vision. Most people never accomplish resolutions because they do have a deliberate plan for achieving them. Refocusing will help and energize your pursuit of destiny.
3. RECOMMITTING: Nothing can be accomplished without commitment. Commitment is the secret to success and you must decide NOW to be committed to your vision for life and committed to the goals that will lead you there.
These are just a few things that have helped me and am sure will do you some service in achieving your vision. I am so excited about this year and you will see me write a lot on leadership on this blog as well as other avenues. I invite you to tell your friends about this blog and the links I have especially New Zambia. Cho does a great job in provoking my thinking and I am sure you will discover the same.
To your success!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The African Mentality
I have lived in the United States for some time now to warrant the general comment I am about to make. Through my observation of various people groups there are some that stand out in the American society; The Jews, Chinese, Japanese, Indians and Hispanics, to mention a few. These people group groups among many others, are in many respects successful and living the American dream. These immigrant communities own businesses and contribute to the welfare of America.In fact it is said the economy of the United States is run by 3% of the population and they are Jews (Couldn't find the source of my stats so he number could be higher or lower). However, one of the largest immigrant population in the U.S. are the Africans but the results are very different in terms of economic success. Though we have determined African like those from the western part of continent, it seems we still have not broken through and decoded the economy of the west to have the same success that other people groups have.
It is my opinion that the one thing that stands in our way as Africans is our mentality. When an Asian comes to the U.S. for example, he or she is not thinking "where can I get a job?" But rather what business can I open.
Therefore, you find a Chinese restaurant at almost every corner in New York city or a beauty spa operated by an old Chinese lady with an army of young women plying the trade. However, the other jobs such as baby sitting, house cleaning, older people care etc are left to the low-aiming Africans and Mexicans. I have met so many Africans for example that are satisfied at this level and will not aim any higher. Now there is nothing wrong with these jobs AS A STARTING POINT for your life in a foreign land. However, there is something wrong when people begin to think that this is all life has to offer and they are not capable of anything higher than this.
On the other hand, if you go to down town New York, you will find Africans on the streets operating little street businesses from their suitcases and running away from police to avoid fines for illegal business. This sounds all so familiar to me. What these African brothers have done is transplant the way they did business back home (Tuntembas or street stores) and are trying to use that same methodology in New York. This of course will not work. Not in this economy and that's why I believe that there is need for a mentality transformation.
Allow me to just to say this one last thing to prove my point. When people ask me which country I come from, I am quick and proud to say "I am Zambian." However, that sometimes is not a good thing to say because that is usually followed by; "wow you guys can drink and party." Now that is the legacy our nation is known for and that bothers me. I have heard of people travelling all the way from New York to Atlanta in hired Escalades to go and party and drink their money off. This is unfortunate and I do not want to be associated with that. We are intelligent people with tremendous potential.We can make a difference in our own nation and so I refuse to be known as a party animal. This is why I blog. I want to provoke you to become the best that you can be for the sake of our nation and those who do not have the opportunities that we have. This is why I do not want to waste my time in the U.S. making myself comfortable and living "my life" while ignoring my responsibility to be a change agent. By the way check out my links to some great Zambian blogs written by people with like minds.
Okay, got that off my chest but now how can you and I be part of changing the African Mentality.
1. Think Information instead of ignorance & naivety.
Unfortunately the information age is too slow in taking root in Africa but we must be pro-active in seeking information. Read widely. Have you read your country's Constitution? Are you informed of your government's education policy or do they even have one. How can you help?
2. Think Entrepreneurship instead of employment.
As an employee your employer determines how high you can rise in your field of work and how fast you attain that career height. However, as an entrepreneur you are in charge of your own destiny. You decide when you work, where you work and how long you work. You are your own boss. There is nothing wrong with starting off by being an employee but many people get stuck there because they never had it in their minds to open their own company. So go ahead and find what you're passionate about, find a way of making it into a business, have fun doing and become rich while doing it.
3. Think Excellence instead of Mediocrity.
Do not be satisfied with doing something well. Do it in an excellent way. Mediocrity is an enemy of success. Mediocre people are satisfied with average but people of Excellence are never satisfied; they keep pushing the envelope until all their potential is unleashed. Good is the enemy of Best. What are you involved in right now and are you doing it in an excellent manner? Even if you're working for somebody else, do your work with excellence and this way you will become indispensable. Seek to be an Asset rather than a liability.
4. Think Vision instead of mere existence.
Most people live life not knowing where they are going or what they want to achieve. Vision-a clear mental picture of your preferred future-is of utmost importance. You must see where you want you want to achieve only then can you make the necessary steps to get there. This is huge. Most people I meet and talk to don't know where they want to go in life. They are just here for the ride and where ever the bus of life takes them, they will go but not you. You must have vision.
5. Think Strategy instead of Harp hazard Action
People without a vision have no plan for their lives. They live life as it comes at them. Success is deliberate. You succeed on purpose. Hence you must have a deliberate plan for the achievement of your vision.
People may say, Campbell you say the same things all the time but that's because people are not hearing me. They choose to remain the same and as long as they remain that way, I will say the same things over and over again so that even if they did not plan on hearing me, it will at least get into their sub-conscious mind and provoke action.
Therefore, begin to change your mentality and together we can make Africa the place of progress and success.
Campbell
It is my opinion that the one thing that stands in our way as Africans is our mentality. When an Asian comes to the U.S. for example, he or she is not thinking "where can I get a job?" But rather what business can I open.
Therefore, you find a Chinese restaurant at almost every corner in New York city or a beauty spa operated by an old Chinese lady with an army of young women plying the trade. However, the other jobs such as baby sitting, house cleaning, older people care etc are left to the low-aiming Africans and Mexicans. I have met so many Africans for example that are satisfied at this level and will not aim any higher. Now there is nothing wrong with these jobs AS A STARTING POINT for your life in a foreign land. However, there is something wrong when people begin to think that this is all life has to offer and they are not capable of anything higher than this.
On the other hand, if you go to down town New York, you will find Africans on the streets operating little street businesses from their suitcases and running away from police to avoid fines for illegal business. This sounds all so familiar to me. What these African brothers have done is transplant the way they did business back home (Tuntembas or street stores) and are trying to use that same methodology in New York. This of course will not work. Not in this economy and that's why I believe that there is need for a mentality transformation.
Allow me to just to say this one last thing to prove my point. When people ask me which country I come from, I am quick and proud to say "I am Zambian." However, that sometimes is not a good thing to say because that is usually followed by; "wow you guys can drink and party." Now that is the legacy our nation is known for and that bothers me. I have heard of people travelling all the way from New York to Atlanta in hired Escalades to go and party and drink their money off. This is unfortunate and I do not want to be associated with that. We are intelligent people with tremendous potential.We can make a difference in our own nation and so I refuse to be known as a party animal. This is why I blog. I want to provoke you to become the best that you can be for the sake of our nation and those who do not have the opportunities that we have. This is why I do not want to waste my time in the U.S. making myself comfortable and living "my life" while ignoring my responsibility to be a change agent. By the way check out my links to some great Zambian blogs written by people with like minds.
Okay, got that off my chest but now how can you and I be part of changing the African Mentality.
1. Think Information instead of ignorance & naivety.
Unfortunately the information age is too slow in taking root in Africa but we must be pro-active in seeking information. Read widely. Have you read your country's Constitution? Are you informed of your government's education policy or do they even have one. How can you help?
2. Think Entrepreneurship instead of employment.
As an employee your employer determines how high you can rise in your field of work and how fast you attain that career height. However, as an entrepreneur you are in charge of your own destiny. You decide when you work, where you work and how long you work. You are your own boss. There is nothing wrong with starting off by being an employee but many people get stuck there because they never had it in their minds to open their own company. So go ahead and find what you're passionate about, find a way of making it into a business, have fun doing and become rich while doing it.
3. Think Excellence instead of Mediocrity.
Do not be satisfied with doing something well. Do it in an excellent way. Mediocrity is an enemy of success. Mediocre people are satisfied with average but people of Excellence are never satisfied; they keep pushing the envelope until all their potential is unleashed. Good is the enemy of Best. What are you involved in right now and are you doing it in an excellent manner? Even if you're working for somebody else, do your work with excellence and this way you will become indispensable. Seek to be an Asset rather than a liability.
4. Think Vision instead of mere existence.
Most people live life not knowing where they are going or what they want to achieve. Vision-a clear mental picture of your preferred future-is of utmost importance. You must see where you want you want to achieve only then can you make the necessary steps to get there. This is huge. Most people I meet and talk to don't know where they want to go in life. They are just here for the ride and where ever the bus of life takes them, they will go but not you. You must have vision.
5. Think Strategy instead of Harp hazard Action
People without a vision have no plan for their lives. They live life as it comes at them. Success is deliberate. You succeed on purpose. Hence you must have a deliberate plan for the achievement of your vision.
People may say, Campbell you say the same things all the time but that's because people are not hearing me. They choose to remain the same and as long as they remain that way, I will say the same things over and over again so that even if they did not plan on hearing me, it will at least get into their sub-conscious mind and provoke action.
Therefore, begin to change your mentality and together we can make Africa the place of progress and success.
Campbell
Monday, September 17, 2007
FOCUS
I've been feeling overwhelmed by life and the many things I have to do. I was actually talking to a dear friend of mine and just getting some encouragement of sorts. I was again reminded of an important aspect of keeping a vision going-FOCUS.
Focus is something that keeps us on track with our vision and it is therefore, a necessary tool for any leader to have.
Some ways you can refine and return focus as a leader is to make a habit of reviewing your vision, goals and objectives. Are you on track to complete your objectives for 2007 or are you falling behind? If you're falling behind, there are several things you can do to recover.
1. Don't focus on your failure: Most people are held back by self pity because they've failed to maintain momentum or a firm grip on their goals and objectives. Winners know that crying over spilt milk will not change the situation. The thing that creates progress is to change direction and in some cases, methodologies. Learn from your failures.
2. Change some stuff Around: Why have you failed to meet your objectives? What do you have to change in order to get on track? There are some things that have led to your lack of progress and you must have the boldness to pin point them and call them what they are. For some of us its just pure laziness and procrastination. For others it might be discouragement from family or peers and still for others you might just be overwhelmed by the vision in which case I would say make your goals and objectives even smaller.
3. ACT: Get to working on your findings. If you need to challenge yourself and change some things about you, then JUST DO IT and begin TODAY. Put your plan into action. Start working on your goals and objectives before the year comes to an end.
One of the gifts that God has given us is the gift of reflection and a new day. Through reflection we can change for the better and ensure our success. Remember that "yesterday is a cancelled check, tomorrow is a promissory note, today is the only cash you have so spend it wisely (Newton-cant remember the first name)."
To your success and Progress!
Focus is something that keeps us on track with our vision and it is therefore, a necessary tool for any leader to have.
Some ways you can refine and return focus as a leader is to make a habit of reviewing your vision, goals and objectives. Are you on track to complete your objectives for 2007 or are you falling behind? If you're falling behind, there are several things you can do to recover.
1. Don't focus on your failure: Most people are held back by self pity because they've failed to maintain momentum or a firm grip on their goals and objectives. Winners know that crying over spilt milk will not change the situation. The thing that creates progress is to change direction and in some cases, methodologies. Learn from your failures.
2. Change some stuff Around: Why have you failed to meet your objectives? What do you have to change in order to get on track? There are some things that have led to your lack of progress and you must have the boldness to pin point them and call them what they are. For some of us its just pure laziness and procrastination. For others it might be discouragement from family or peers and still for others you might just be overwhelmed by the vision in which case I would say make your goals and objectives even smaller.
3. ACT: Get to working on your findings. If you need to challenge yourself and change some things about you, then JUST DO IT and begin TODAY. Put your plan into action. Start working on your goals and objectives before the year comes to an end.
One of the gifts that God has given us is the gift of reflection and a new day. Through reflection we can change for the better and ensure our success. Remember that "yesterday is a cancelled check, tomorrow is a promissory note, today is the only cash you have so spend it wisely (Newton-cant remember the first name)."
To your success and Progress!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
THE CHALLENGE OF PROGRESS
Hey Friends
I've not posted for a while because I was on vacation and had the opportunity of sitting under the ministry of one my spiritual fathers who is visiting in the USA from Zambia. What an awesome time it was to be refueled for the challenge of Leadership. It is from this context that I write this post about a subject close to my heart; The Progress of Africa and The 3rd world.
We all have been given certain gifts and potential regardless of our ethnicity, economic status or place of origin. We all can make a tremendous contribution to humanity if we remain true to our earthly assignments.
However, it is with great dismay that I observe the state of third world especially Africa.
Africa is said to be the bread basket of the world yet the majority of her people live on less that a dollar a day. She is rich in natural resources yet she is continually plundered by the west and her own selfish leaders. The challenge that lies before her and before us is the Challenge of Progress.
What will it take for Africa to progress? What will it take for her to be what she really is-a power house and a force to recon with?
The answer is simple- it will take us; her people and our western brethren who have a heart for her to take action. We must become proactive. No longer should we stand aloof while she is destroyed and left bare by selfish leaders and her so called friends. We should get involved and be vocal about our involvement.
The greatest weapon any oppressive system has against its people is ignorance.
Therefore, we should begin asking intelligent questions like; what is China really doing here? Why do we have a sudden interest in countries like Zambia by the USA that it warrants a visit from a current first Lady and former President Clinton? Have they just now realized that we exist? Have they now just seen our orphan, AIDS and street kid crisis or does their country also want to participate in our new found riches? Hey am just asking but something must be cooking!LET'S WAKE UP PEOPLE!
Am not just yapping away because I've nothing better to do but the silence and ignorance that is exhibited by our people concerning such issues worries me. If we continue like this we wont have an Africa to hand down to the next generation.
All this aside; I have a very strong conviction that unless we-The Africans-change certain things about ourselves and change our perceptions concerning life and the world as it should be, we will never progress. The following has everything to do with your Leadership potential so don't dismiss it as having nothing to do with you as a Leader.
Here is what I feel you need to do as an individual in order to effectively participate in the progress of Africa and the third world:
1. Invest in yourself because no one will- Read more and develop a global mindset. Watch the news instead of those time wasters we call soaps in order to stay in touch with what is happening world over because it affects you.
2. Find your Place. Find a hill and die on it. Pick a battle you will stake your life on. This can be anything from education to health. Am honestly looking for teachers that are passionate about education rather than pay. Am wanting to encourage that one person who wants to get into the field of education because they want to revolutionize the way Africa is educated. Did you know that our school system is over 45 yrs old and that Britain wont tell you that. The plan is simple-keep Africa in the stone ages and rob her blind.
Finding your place is key because the right environment will make a demand on your potentials.
3. Get into Alliances. This is the missing link in most African cultures because we live by the principle; Each man for himself but God for us all. This principle is crippling. Look at our Indian and Arab counterparts-they stick together. Have you ever seen an Indian walking the streets of Zambia because he doesn't have a car? That's unheard of but in most cases you find that he came with nothing and his brothers and sisters helped him up. This my friends should be our culture. We should help each other to economically rise otherwise we die.
I have more to write but this should be enough to provoke you unto great works. Look am so convinced that if we ALL begin to do these things and stick together we will have on one to stand in our way in making progress for our nations. But until we realize that the answers to complex situations can be as simple as the above and that the future depends on our actions, we will remain an oppressed people.
BREAK FREE!
To your Success,
I've not posted for a while because I was on vacation and had the opportunity of sitting under the ministry of one my spiritual fathers who is visiting in the USA from Zambia. What an awesome time it was to be refueled for the challenge of Leadership. It is from this context that I write this post about a subject close to my heart; The Progress of Africa and The 3rd world.
We all have been given certain gifts and potential regardless of our ethnicity, economic status or place of origin. We all can make a tremendous contribution to humanity if we remain true to our earthly assignments.
However, it is with great dismay that I observe the state of third world especially Africa.
Africa is said to be the bread basket of the world yet the majority of her people live on less that a dollar a day. She is rich in natural resources yet she is continually plundered by the west and her own selfish leaders. The challenge that lies before her and before us is the Challenge of Progress.
What will it take for Africa to progress? What will it take for her to be what she really is-a power house and a force to recon with?
The answer is simple- it will take us; her people and our western brethren who have a heart for her to take action. We must become proactive. No longer should we stand aloof while she is destroyed and left bare by selfish leaders and her so called friends. We should get involved and be vocal about our involvement.
The greatest weapon any oppressive system has against its people is ignorance.
Therefore, we should begin asking intelligent questions like; what is China really doing here? Why do we have a sudden interest in countries like Zambia by the USA that it warrants a visit from a current first Lady and former President Clinton? Have they just now realized that we exist? Have they now just seen our orphan, AIDS and street kid crisis or does their country also want to participate in our new found riches? Hey am just asking but something must be cooking!LET'S WAKE UP PEOPLE!
Am not just yapping away because I've nothing better to do but the silence and ignorance that is exhibited by our people concerning such issues worries me. If we continue like this we wont have an Africa to hand down to the next generation.
All this aside; I have a very strong conviction that unless we-The Africans-change certain things about ourselves and change our perceptions concerning life and the world as it should be, we will never progress. The following has everything to do with your Leadership potential so don't dismiss it as having nothing to do with you as a Leader.
Here is what I feel you need to do as an individual in order to effectively participate in the progress of Africa and the third world:
1. Invest in yourself because no one will- Read more and develop a global mindset. Watch the news instead of those time wasters we call soaps in order to stay in touch with what is happening world over because it affects you.
2. Find your Place. Find a hill and die on it. Pick a battle you will stake your life on. This can be anything from education to health. Am honestly looking for teachers that are passionate about education rather than pay. Am wanting to encourage that one person who wants to get into the field of education because they want to revolutionize the way Africa is educated. Did you know that our school system is over 45 yrs old and that Britain wont tell you that. The plan is simple-keep Africa in the stone ages and rob her blind.
Finding your place is key because the right environment will make a demand on your potentials.
3. Get into Alliances. This is the missing link in most African cultures because we live by the principle; Each man for himself but God for us all. This principle is crippling. Look at our Indian and Arab counterparts-they stick together. Have you ever seen an Indian walking the streets of Zambia because he doesn't have a car? That's unheard of but in most cases you find that he came with nothing and his brothers and sisters helped him up. This my friends should be our culture. We should help each other to economically rise otherwise we die.
I have more to write but this should be enough to provoke you unto great works. Look am so convinced that if we ALL begin to do these things and stick together we will have on one to stand in our way in making progress for our nations. But until we realize that the answers to complex situations can be as simple as the above and that the future depends on our actions, we will remain an oppressed people.
BREAK FREE!
To your Success,
Monday, June 4, 2007
VISION (Part 3): I can see clearly Now!
"Any leader who has no one following him is just taking a walk (Old Chinese saying)."
The first challenge of any leader is self-leadership; the second is the challenge to lead other people. In both cases vision is paramount- you cannot lead without it.
Recently, I listened to someone give the difference between leadership and management. He said managers were responsible for the day to day running of a corporation. Their only problem is that they find it hard to look beyond today. A leader on the hand looks beyond today- a leader looks into the future and inspires people to go there.
However, its worth noting that for any organization to succeed you need both Leaders and Managers.Leaders provide the vision and inspiration and managers make sure that the organization stays on course with the vision on a day to day basis.
Leading people is a big challenge and am learning that rather quickly. The thing that makes people difficult to lead is that everyone has their own mind and its the leader's job to bring everyone to a oneness in mind. Without focus no organization can go anywhere and that's where vision comes in.
Vision provides focus. Vision inspires Action. Vision gives us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Vision is the life line of any person and organization.
Dr. John C. Maxwell likens vision to a compass. In his book the 21 Irrefutable laws of Leadership; Dr Maxwell talks about The Law of Navigation. The Law of Navigation can be summarized in this quote; "Anyone can steer a ship but it takes a Leader to chart a course." Leadership is all about charting courses. Jack Welch, the chairman of general electric says " A good leader stays focused...controlling your direction is better than being controlled by it." Vision is what provides control.
Leaders always see the big picture. They anticipate the challenges and think through how they would handle obstacles that the journey presents. Leaders understand exactly what it takes to get to the place they have envisioned. They may not see every potential pitfall but they have the guts to handle each one as it presents itself. Leaders never cut and run; they face problems head on and see only victory.
Leaders are innovators. They are always thinking of how to do something better and more effectively.
Leaders are pioneers. They do not like to hear that something cannot be done. Leaders have a CAN DO IT ATTITUDE.
For Africa and the third world to move ahead and lead the world we need Leaders. Men and women who will steer the ship in the right direction. But it all starts with you and me. Our natural inclination is to point to other people as potential leaders and never see ourselves as part of the solution. If no one says it to you I will; YOU ARE A LEADER and begin to see yourself that way.
Develop vision and create focus in your life. We have the potential to do great things but it takes work. Potential energy only turns to kinetic energy when force and or motion are applied.
So what are you doing in terms of developing vision for your life? Are you working hard and smart and steering the course for yourself and those you lead?
For those of you that have not had a chance to read any of Dr. Maxwell's books please make an effort to do so; they will challenge your life.
The other land mark work is by Dr. Myles Munroe entitled THE SPIRIT OF LEADERSHIP. This book changed my life. Check it out!!
I will leave you with this acrostic from Dr. Maxwell to remind you to always look and plan ahead.
Predertermine a Course of Action
Lay out your goals
Ajust your priorities
Notify key personel
Allow for time of acceptance
Head into action
Expect problems
Always point to the successes
Daily review you plan
The first challenge of any leader is self-leadership; the second is the challenge to lead other people. In both cases vision is paramount- you cannot lead without it.
Recently, I listened to someone give the difference between leadership and management. He said managers were responsible for the day to day running of a corporation. Their only problem is that they find it hard to look beyond today. A leader on the hand looks beyond today- a leader looks into the future and inspires people to go there.
However, its worth noting that for any organization to succeed you need both Leaders and Managers.Leaders provide the vision and inspiration and managers make sure that the organization stays on course with the vision on a day to day basis.
Leading people is a big challenge and am learning that rather quickly. The thing that makes people difficult to lead is that everyone has their own mind and its the leader's job to bring everyone to a oneness in mind. Without focus no organization can go anywhere and that's where vision comes in.
Vision provides focus. Vision inspires Action. Vision gives us a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Vision is the life line of any person and organization.
Dr. John C. Maxwell likens vision to a compass. In his book the 21 Irrefutable laws of Leadership; Dr Maxwell talks about The Law of Navigation. The Law of Navigation can be summarized in this quote; "Anyone can steer a ship but it takes a Leader to chart a course." Leadership is all about charting courses. Jack Welch, the chairman of general electric says " A good leader stays focused...controlling your direction is better than being controlled by it." Vision is what provides control.
Leaders always see the big picture. They anticipate the challenges and think through how they would handle obstacles that the journey presents. Leaders understand exactly what it takes to get to the place they have envisioned. They may not see every potential pitfall but they have the guts to handle each one as it presents itself. Leaders never cut and run; they face problems head on and see only victory.
Leaders are innovators. They are always thinking of how to do something better and more effectively.
Leaders are pioneers. They do not like to hear that something cannot be done. Leaders have a CAN DO IT ATTITUDE.
For Africa and the third world to move ahead and lead the world we need Leaders. Men and women who will steer the ship in the right direction. But it all starts with you and me. Our natural inclination is to point to other people as potential leaders and never see ourselves as part of the solution. If no one says it to you I will; YOU ARE A LEADER and begin to see yourself that way.
Develop vision and create focus in your life. We have the potential to do great things but it takes work. Potential energy only turns to kinetic energy when force and or motion are applied.
So what are you doing in terms of developing vision for your life? Are you working hard and smart and steering the course for yourself and those you lead?
For those of you that have not had a chance to read any of Dr. Maxwell's books please make an effort to do so; they will challenge your life.
The other land mark work is by Dr. Myles Munroe entitled THE SPIRIT OF LEADERSHIP. This book changed my life. Check it out!!
I will leave you with this acrostic from Dr. Maxwell to remind you to always look and plan ahead.
Predertermine a Course of Action
Lay out your goals
Ajust your priorities
Notify key personel
Allow for time of acceptance
Head into action
Expect problems
Always point to the successes
Daily review you plan
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Personal Vision and African Leadership
When I did my last post I was wondering what you thought about the role that personal vision plays in our leaders lives. How many of them can we actually point to as successful people in their private lives aside from politics? Do you even think we should be scrutinizing them from a personal level or should we let their political manifesto speak for itself? Just some questions to ponder?
In the USA, personal track record plays a huge role in whether a person runs for political office or not. They never elect under-achievers. When a person stands for political office their whole life-their vision, accomplishments and failures alike are on the line.You cannot divorce personal vision from your political intentions and aspirations.
However, its not like that in Africa or many third world countries. Many politicians are elected on the platform of popularity rather than on vision and personal track records. Why do you think this is? Are they taking advantage of the lack of education or sophistication of the common man or woman? And what should be done to correct this anomaly?
In the USA, personal track record plays a huge role in whether a person runs for political office or not. They never elect under-achievers. When a person stands for political office their whole life-their vision, accomplishments and failures alike are on the line.You cannot divorce personal vision from your political intentions and aspirations.
However, its not like that in Africa or many third world countries. Many politicians are elected on the platform of popularity rather than on vision and personal track records. Why do you think this is? Are they taking advantage of the lack of education or sophistication of the common man or woman? And what should be done to correct this anomaly?
VISION (Part 2): Developing Personal Vision
Helen Keller, the deaf blind American author and activist was once asked what her greatest fear was; she replied "to have sight but no vision."
Vision is the ability to see the invisible and take steps to make it possible. "Vision is sight beyond sight (Myles Munroe)."
I want to talk to you about personal vision and please feel free to chip in with any comments or contributions you may have.
Personal vision is something any person and leader should have. This is because vision allows you to do certain things and brings order to your life. If you know where you want to be 5, 10 or 15yrs from now and have a plan; its unlikely that you will let people and circumstances limit you.
So we notice a few things about vision right from the start.
1. Vision brings direction and order to your life
2. Vision breeds hope and determination
I will get more into this stuff at a later stage but for now I want to give you a few pointers in developing personal vision. Personal vision is so important that if you choose to ignore it then you would have settled for an average mediocre life and I know that this is not you.
For starters its important for us to know that personal vision begins with a discovery of your unique gifting or purpose. Every person is a designer's original and your gifts and talents are unique to you. They may look like those of your friend or neighbor but no one can operate in them the way you can.
So, I want you you to take stock of your gifts right now. Get a paper and jot them down. Don't hold back. If you feel you have the gift to fly, write it down. If you feel you have the gift to encourage and motivate people, don't leave that off you list.
I want you to take notice of the greatness that's in you.
So often we spend alot of time wishing we could do what our friends can do that we completely ignore our own uniqueness and short-change ourselves. The gifts you have have been put there by God so that you serve the world.Its time to take notice of yourself!
Do you have your gift inventory list in hand? Good! We can now put that into a concise statement. Now the statement I want you to write is important and it will help encourage you when you really need some motivation. I call it your "Personal Purpose Statement." It's a statement that is a recognition of your own uniqueness and you need to hear it. I suggest that you make it as concise as possible so that you can memorize it and recall it from memory when you really need it. It can be something like this: My name is Campbell and I believe that I was created to .....(Your gifts here). Now its going to take some time for you to narrow it down but just do it. You will never regret it.
Now that you know your gifts its time to develop your personal vision. Let me share a method that I've used in my own life and I learnt from Mr. Todd Duncan. Life is multi faceted and therefore calls for a multi faceted vision. What I want you to do is go back to your paper and this time I want you to write the areas that are important to you; the areas you value most. For example you can say; family, marriage, finances,education,my dream or contribution to the world and so on.
After you've done this I want you to write what the Picture of this part of your life looks like in 5, 10, 20 yrs from now. This picture is your Vision for this particular area of your life. So let's say in the area of finances you want to be a millionaire-jot that down. Don't limit yourself; you're creating the future you prefer.
Do this exercise for every area you value most; describe the future.
Now ask yourself; how do my gifts fit into this vision?
Now that you've imagined your future- lets go ahead and create it. The third step is to set realistic goals for the attainment of your vision for each area of your life. Don't forget to set a time frame for your goal. Often people say they want to be rich and successful but they never put a plan and strategy in place to ensure their success. To fail to plan is to plan to fail.
Your goal should include a plan and strategy. This is where the work begins-this is where the rubber meets the road.
Fourthly and most importantly, get started on your vision and start NOW!Too often people air their intentions to be rich but it's always in the future tense. They never get started on their dream. A dream remains a dream if its not followed by planned and strategic action. Go ahead and take some risks and achieve your vision.
People that have a clear personal vision usually make great leaders.Show me a person without vision and I will show you a weak, irresponsible, disorganized,clueless leader.Vision is the mark of greatness and if you want to be a great leader the first follower you have is yourself. You are your first project and you better make it a success. If you cannot manage yourself, direct yourself and act on your goals with determination; how can you assume leadership of many people.
The journey to leadership begins here and it begins with you.
Develop a personal vision.
Vision is the ability to see the invisible and take steps to make it possible. "Vision is sight beyond sight (Myles Munroe)."
I want to talk to you about personal vision and please feel free to chip in with any comments or contributions you may have.
Personal vision is something any person and leader should have. This is because vision allows you to do certain things and brings order to your life. If you know where you want to be 5, 10 or 15yrs from now and have a plan; its unlikely that you will let people and circumstances limit you.
So we notice a few things about vision right from the start.
1. Vision brings direction and order to your life
2. Vision breeds hope and determination
I will get more into this stuff at a later stage but for now I want to give you a few pointers in developing personal vision. Personal vision is so important that if you choose to ignore it then you would have settled for an average mediocre life and I know that this is not you.
For starters its important for us to know that personal vision begins with a discovery of your unique gifting or purpose. Every person is a designer's original and your gifts and talents are unique to you. They may look like those of your friend or neighbor but no one can operate in them the way you can.
So, I want you you to take stock of your gifts right now. Get a paper and jot them down. Don't hold back. If you feel you have the gift to fly, write it down. If you feel you have the gift to encourage and motivate people, don't leave that off you list.
I want you to take notice of the greatness that's in you.
So often we spend alot of time wishing we could do what our friends can do that we completely ignore our own uniqueness and short-change ourselves. The gifts you have have been put there by God so that you serve the world.Its time to take notice of yourself!
Do you have your gift inventory list in hand? Good! We can now put that into a concise statement. Now the statement I want you to write is important and it will help encourage you when you really need some motivation. I call it your "Personal Purpose Statement." It's a statement that is a recognition of your own uniqueness and you need to hear it. I suggest that you make it as concise as possible so that you can memorize it and recall it from memory when you really need it. It can be something like this: My name is Campbell and I believe that I was created to .....(Your gifts here). Now its going to take some time for you to narrow it down but just do it. You will never regret it.
Now that you know your gifts its time to develop your personal vision. Let me share a method that I've used in my own life and I learnt from Mr. Todd Duncan. Life is multi faceted and therefore calls for a multi faceted vision. What I want you to do is go back to your paper and this time I want you to write the areas that are important to you; the areas you value most. For example you can say; family, marriage, finances,education,my dream or contribution to the world and so on.
After you've done this I want you to write what the Picture of this part of your life looks like in 5, 10, 20 yrs from now. This picture is your Vision for this particular area of your life. So let's say in the area of finances you want to be a millionaire-jot that down. Don't limit yourself; you're creating the future you prefer.
Do this exercise for every area you value most; describe the future.
Now ask yourself; how do my gifts fit into this vision?
Now that you've imagined your future- lets go ahead and create it. The third step is to set realistic goals for the attainment of your vision for each area of your life. Don't forget to set a time frame for your goal. Often people say they want to be rich and successful but they never put a plan and strategy in place to ensure their success. To fail to plan is to plan to fail.
Your goal should include a plan and strategy. This is where the work begins-this is where the rubber meets the road.
Fourthly and most importantly, get started on your vision and start NOW!Too often people air their intentions to be rich but it's always in the future tense. They never get started on their dream. A dream remains a dream if its not followed by planned and strategic action. Go ahead and take some risks and achieve your vision.
People that have a clear personal vision usually make great leaders.Show me a person without vision and I will show you a weak, irresponsible, disorganized,clueless leader.Vision is the mark of greatness and if you want to be a great leader the first follower you have is yourself. You are your first project and you better make it a success. If you cannot manage yourself, direct yourself and act on your goals with determination; how can you assume leadership of many people.
The journey to leadership begins here and it begins with you.
Develop a personal vision.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
VISION (PART 1)
Every successful person begins with a clear picture of his/her prefered future and we call this picture VISION. If someone was to give you a million dollars on the basis that you first produced an idea, what would that be and how long would it take you to come up with one?
Most of us spend time wishing we had money and resources thinking having these things will mean success. While this may be true in part I know that true success only comes when you have a clear vision of your future (more on the personal vision later).
When it comes to leadership, vision is what determines the success of a leader. Vision is not a program- though programs and goals are part of it. Vision is a clear picture of the future that solicits an unshakable conviction that it should be. True Vision outlives the leader and solicits a dedicated following from people.
Most African and third world nations do not have an outlined vision. Every political party that comes into power comes with its own ideas and discredits the progress of the previous regime. Hence, we're always "starting" something but not finishing anything.
Let me submit to you that what most politicians have are programs and not vision because if third world nations had vision they would certainly be competing with the rest of the world. The reason China is Emerging as a force in the world is because they have a Vision to be the next super power. This vision fuels their policies (though we may not agree with most of them), dictates their investmenst and thier foreign policy. Their leaders have a vision and they are working to make it a reality.
Do you know the vision of your nation and as a potential leader in whatever field you choose, do you have a vision?
Most of us spend time wishing we had money and resources thinking having these things will mean success. While this may be true in part I know that true success only comes when you have a clear vision of your future (more on the personal vision later).
When it comes to leadership, vision is what determines the success of a leader. Vision is not a program- though programs and goals are part of it. Vision is a clear picture of the future that solicits an unshakable conviction that it should be. True Vision outlives the leader and solicits a dedicated following from people.
Most African and third world nations do not have an outlined vision. Every political party that comes into power comes with its own ideas and discredits the progress of the previous regime. Hence, we're always "starting" something but not finishing anything.
Let me submit to you that what most politicians have are programs and not vision because if third world nations had vision they would certainly be competing with the rest of the world. The reason China is Emerging as a force in the world is because they have a Vision to be the next super power. This vision fuels their policies (though we may not agree with most of them), dictates their investmenst and thier foreign policy. Their leaders have a vision and they are working to make it a reality.
Do you know the vision of your nation and as a potential leader in whatever field you choose, do you have a vision?
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
LEADERSHIP INTEGRITY
Recently the top story in the nation of Zambia that has caught the attention of the world is that of the "conviction' of our former president Mr. FTJ Chiluba over corruption charges brought against him. He was accused and convicted for stealing $41 million in his time in office.
My honest opinion is that we should forgive and forget and move on to more pressing matters in our nation such as the improvement of education infrastructure, health care, food security, and the issue of HIV/AIDS orphans and the street kid crisis. Now this is just my opinion and you're entitled to one as well.
At the core of this corruption crusade is more a serious issue that can plague Leadership at any level; that is the issue of INTEGRITY. The simplest definition of integrity I know is that Integrity is being trustworthy and transparent. If a person has integrity we should expect him to be honest and truthful in all his dealings. A leader's integrity builds trust among his/her followers and trust is the most important commodity that a leader should strive for if he is to be a success. Integrity is about character. People will usually forgive mistakes by a leader but they find it hard to continue respecting and trusting one who has a character flaw.
Anthony Harrigan , president of the U.S. business and industrial council said, "the role of character has been a key factor in the rise and fall of nations.And one can be sure that America is no exception to this rule in history. We wont survive as a country because we are smarter or more sophisticated but because we are-we hope- stronger inwardly. In short character is the only bulwark against internal and external forces that lead to a country's disintegration or collapse."
Lack of good character or integrity is what continues to plague the landscape of African leadership and my hope is that this young generation will earnestly develop character as a foundation for leadership. The lack of character makes any leader look immature and not worth following. John C. Maxwell put it well when he said, "Character makes trust possible."
So what can you start doing to develop your character?
1. Decide to be truthful to yourself and those around you. Don't be a habitual liar but a person who always tells the truth no matter the consequences.
2. Admit your mistakes, ask for forgiveness and move on. There is no turnoff like arrogance in a leader. The leader who earns the respect of those he leads is one that is willing to admit his mistakes openly.
3. Be transparent in your dealings. Never give people a chance to second guess or doubt you because of the way you deal with issues especially that of finances. Most leaders have a problem in this area. Build controls in your leadership structure that ensure that you are held accountable even by those you lead. I practice this in my job and my marriage. For instance, i will not make a purchase of $20 or more without consulting my wife.Why? Because we have chosen to be accountable to one another so that our finances are not destabilised. This way we both stay in range our budget. Now this system is based on our trusting each other; without integrity our system would fail.
This my friends is what will save us from our many woes in Africa and we must begin TODAY no matter what level of leadership we find ourselves at.
I will leave you with a quote from J.R Miller who said, " The only thing that walks back from the tomb with the mourners and refuses to be buried is the character of a man. That is true. What a man IS survives him. It can never be buried."
To your success!!
My honest opinion is that we should forgive and forget and move on to more pressing matters in our nation such as the improvement of education infrastructure, health care, food security, and the issue of HIV/AIDS orphans and the street kid crisis. Now this is just my opinion and you're entitled to one as well.
At the core of this corruption crusade is more a serious issue that can plague Leadership at any level; that is the issue of INTEGRITY. The simplest definition of integrity I know is that Integrity is being trustworthy and transparent. If a person has integrity we should expect him to be honest and truthful in all his dealings. A leader's integrity builds trust among his/her followers and trust is the most important commodity that a leader should strive for if he is to be a success. Integrity is about character. People will usually forgive mistakes by a leader but they find it hard to continue respecting and trusting one who has a character flaw.
Anthony Harrigan , president of the U.S. business and industrial council said, "the role of character has been a key factor in the rise and fall of nations.And one can be sure that America is no exception to this rule in history. We wont survive as a country because we are smarter or more sophisticated but because we are-we hope- stronger inwardly. In short character is the only bulwark against internal and external forces that lead to a country's disintegration or collapse."
Lack of good character or integrity is what continues to plague the landscape of African leadership and my hope is that this young generation will earnestly develop character as a foundation for leadership. The lack of character makes any leader look immature and not worth following. John C. Maxwell put it well when he said, "Character makes trust possible."
So what can you start doing to develop your character?
1. Decide to be truthful to yourself and those around you. Don't be a habitual liar but a person who always tells the truth no matter the consequences.
2. Admit your mistakes, ask for forgiveness and move on. There is no turnoff like arrogance in a leader. The leader who earns the respect of those he leads is one that is willing to admit his mistakes openly.
3. Be transparent in your dealings. Never give people a chance to second guess or doubt you because of the way you deal with issues especially that of finances. Most leaders have a problem in this area. Build controls in your leadership structure that ensure that you are held accountable even by those you lead. I practice this in my job and my marriage. For instance, i will not make a purchase of $20 or more without consulting my wife.Why? Because we have chosen to be accountable to one another so that our finances are not destabilised. This way we both stay in range our budget. Now this system is based on our trusting each other; without integrity our system would fail.
This my friends is what will save us from our many woes in Africa and we must begin TODAY no matter what level of leadership we find ourselves at.
I will leave you with a quote from J.R Miller who said, " The only thing that walks back from the tomb with the mourners and refuses to be buried is the character of a man. That is true. What a man IS survives him. It can never be buried."
To your success!!
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