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Maximum Effectiveness: 90 Days

Sat, 2012-12-29 12:18 -- tomjonez

 

Last week I proposed an idea for the coming year.  More precisely, I proposed a challenge by asking, "What if each of us each set one new goal for 2013 ?"

In determining the one-thing, I suggested we would do well to, "Make it simple, doable, delightful, compelling.  Focused.  A Concentrated effort. Write it down.  And then do it.  This is a practical way that each of us can advance the ball in our lives or careers.  Not on lots of things.  Just one thing."

The Power of Concentration

Wed, 2012-12-26 09:26 -- tomjonez

 

Several years ago I wrote an article for a CEO publication on the power of focused effort, emphasizing the difference between a laser beam and a 100-watt incandescent light bulb.  The illustration capitalized on the example of concentrated light, as contrasted with light that is entirely diffused:  whereas the laser is a beam of refracted light that is highly focused (concentrated), the other is an omnidirectional incandescent bulb that is designed to "not miss anything" in its limited effective range.

The Wonder of It All

Mon, 2012-12-17 10:59 -- tomjonez

 

The Founding Fathers had a clear vision.  And it is reflected in the most basic documents that frame this nation.

Every life has value.  Your Life.  My life.  The lives of those we know.  And those we don’t know.  This truth has become particularly poignant in light of the tragedy last week in Connecticut.

We have been reminded that each life has rock-in-the-pond-potential  - and will impact others:  For good.  Or for not-so-good.  Or, unfortunately in some cases, for evil.

Potential, yes.  Choices, yes.  Impact, absolutely.

What About Moral Courage?

Wed, 2012-12-05 10:15 -- tomjonez

 

This past week I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting and hearing from New York Times best-selling author Eric Metaxas while attending a leadership conference sponsored by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and the Stewardship Foundation.  As the foundation of his presentation, author Eric addressed the person at the center of his latest biography: German pastor, leader, and ultimately spy, Dietrich Bonheoffer.

The Key to Effective Market Leadership

Wed, 2012-11-07 07:41 -- tomjonez

I have sought to keep these emails very short because you as a leader are very busy.

Today I am making an exception.  I am sharing with you that I personally believe will be entirely worth the 17 minutes it will take you to watch this video.  It is a recording of a "TED Talk" by Simon Sinek. ("TED" - Technology Entertainment and Design - is a global set of conferences curated by the American private non-profit Sapling Foundation).

Anticipate: Seeing Ahead in Order to Be Prepared

Wed, 2012-10-31 11:16 -- tomjonez

One of the key attributes of leadership is the ability – and willingness – to anticipate the future and to prepare accordingly.

This came to mind in bold relief early this week while watching a story on television of a family that was in serious trouble because they were cut off from others by Hurricane Sandy - and they were unprepared to survive on their own.  They were in serious trouble as the first responders arrived to rescue them.  It was a close call.

What Business Are We In?

Fri, 2012-10-26 11:03 -- tomjonez

On a regular basis we sit down with business leaders to discuss the nature of their business and how they can improve their efficiency, effectiveness, market share, and profitability.

One of the first questions we ask is, “What business are you in, and how would you describe it?”  The answers vary from person to person with a range of views on what is – or what should be – emphasized when answering this question.

The Secret is Confirmed Once Again

Wed, 2012-10-17 09:02 -- tomjonez

 

Attorney Angie Bagby and I were asked to facilitate a lunch-time gathering of CEO’s next week in Portland, Oregon.  In preparation for this, we met yesterday with an industry leader to solicit her insights based on her decades of recognized successful leadership experience.

As is so often the case with such discussions, we soon migrated into a conversation regarding her “secret” to selecting quality people to join her growing team.

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