TEN STEPS TO LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT - II

Step One: Find and Fuel the Spark
(Seri II)

Many people believe ambition is an inherited quality that is present at birth. In reality, ambition (or lack of ambition) is a personal choice.

We all have been gifted with individuality. It is our individuality that provides us the opportunity to choose our own path rather than following a path created for us by others.

Whether or not we realize our passions and dreams in life is really up to each one of us. It is simply a matter of personal choice.

Throughout this free online leadership training series, you will be introduced to many effective concepts and tools. Once you are aware of all the options available to you, it’s your personal choice as to whether or not you make use of these resources.

Finding and fueling the spark within you is about identifying a purpose you are passionate about - and then taking the steps necessary to cultivate your ambition.

With each achievement, big or small, you will be one step closer to realizing your goal.

When we lose sight of our true ambitions, or when we spend time “treading water” and not moving toward our goals, our senses may dull. Those who lose focus, quickly lose their edge. Our self-motivation is threatened as we lose our momentum.

In fact, when we make choices to postpone or ignore opportunities to grow and improve, we lose our best self.

The good news is you are never too old to jump back on the path to self-improvement. Ambition can be awakened at any age. At a point in time when the pain of obscurity is greater than the ease of procrastination, you can change.

Decide today - decide right now, that you will strive to learn, grow and reach your goals. Complete this free online leadership training series and make the investment in yourself toward becoming a stronger leader and happier individual.

Self-improvement is truly a prerequisite for leadership development.

Identify your ambition so than you can experience the rewards of personal achievement. Then take it to the next level, coaching others based on your life lessons so they too will grow and benefit under your leadership.

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You'll Get Exactly What You Expect

I remember a young lady who went to work for a company immediately after graduating from college. She seemed extremely talented but unbelievably timid.

She was assigned to a division-level marketing department where she assisted in the production of advertising and collateral material. Her supervisor associated her shyness with a lack of technical and conceptual skills. As a result, she was never included in brainstorming or planning sessions. The supervisor thought she was best suited to simple graphics layout and paste-up.

Frustrated that her talents were squandered on simple tasks, she applied to the corporate marketing department. The vice-president reviewed her resume and transferred her without interviewing her at length. His concept of the young lady was positive and assigned her to a series of important, key projects. She performed magnificently.

A few months later, the original supervisor was in the vice-president's office admiring the new corporate ad campaign. The project consisted of television and radio commercials, full-page ads for national publications and complete press kits. The supervisor asked, "What kind of a Madison Avenue rain-maker worked this kind of magic?" The VP replied, "This was all completed by that young lady you sent me. That was the best move I ever made!"

This is but one example of the dozens of cases I can document where individuals were literally hobbled by low or incorrect expectations. In many instances, the mind set of a co-worker or supervisor can restrict an employee's ability to become an excellent performer.

This cause-and-effect model applies to all aspects of our lives. The neighbor's young son asked if he could mow my yard. I told him I would talk to his dad first. The father said, "I don't think he can handle a mower. I never let him near mine. Go ahead if you like." I assured him I would watch his son closely and be certain he could handle the equipment safely.

The boy not only knew how to handle the mower, but did such a good job, I asked him to help each week. His dad was amazed. "I never would have guessed," he said. "You should have given him a chance," I suggested.

"People of character do the right thing, not because they think it will change the world but because they refuse to be changed by the world."


Actor and Author of Michael Josephson
Radio Commentator