Left or Right?

What exactly do the modern-day knowledge workers do to achieve significant success? The results of a recent 7-year, 197,000-person, 23-country study by Innermetrix give us some of the answer. Simply put, the most successful people in the new economy recognize three core facts about themselves:

•   Their value to the organization has shifted from their physical ability to do, to their mental ability to think.

•   While they can change how they manually do things, they cannot change their natural thinking and decision-making styles.

•   Instead of fixing themselves to conform to the one best way, they make the role conform to their own best way.

The simple concept below illustrates how the most successful people in today’s economy think very differently about themselves and their path.

There are four universal steps that everyone goes through in any role:

•   Step 1 – Accept the role.

•   Step 2 – Get to know the role better and determine what that role really requires for success.

•   Step 3 – Inevitably, identify gaps between what the role requires and what you can provide (talents, knowledge, skills, etc.).

•   Step 4 – Attempt to close those gaps (either by changing yourself, or changing the role).

Step #4 is the crucial difference. It is where the difference between old and new beliefs lies. The old belief is that the role is fixed and to improve requires turning left to focus on fixing oneself (i.e. change your natural thinking style).

Today's successful revolutionists, however, do the exact opposite. They don’t assume they need to change themselves to better fit the role they have. Instead they turn right and focus on fixing the role to better fit them instead.

Will you turn left to try and modify yourself /

or will you turn right to modify the role?

•   Marshall Goldsmith, a famous executive coach and revolutionist, provides a great example of turning right, when he says, “I constantly try to refine the strengths I have, but that doesn’t mean I try to develop things I don’t already have. The key is to have your role depend primarily on what you already naturally do well.”

•   Famed management guru, Peter Drucker, used to counsel leaders to help their people turn right when he said, "Make your people's weaknesses irrelevant." He didn't say fix the person; he said change the role so the weakness doesn't matter because it isn't required.

Get the point?

So, the question to you is:

Do you want to spend your life trying to fix your weaknesses and fitting their one best way / or would you rather do it your way,

authentically, in your own best way, with passion, satisfaction, happiness and results that surprise you?

If you choose the latter route, it won’t happen by waiting for management to do it for you. Like all revolutions, this one must also take place in your mind and heart first. YOU have to create your own private revolution – because no one else is going to do it for you!

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Surya M Ganduri, PhD. PMP. is the founder and president of eMBC, Inc., a national firm specializing in strategic and executive leadership development processes that Help People Succeed in an Evolving World. His company is affiliated with Resource Associates Corporation, a network of 600+ associates that are dedicated to helping organizations and individuals manage strategic change, innovation, cultural transition, and goal achievement. Surya has over 26 years of business experience in management consulting, leadership development, executive coaching, process improvements, organizational development and youth leadership. Contact Surya at s6ganduri@eMBCinc.com. For more information visit www.eMBCinc.com or contact eMBC, Inc., directly at (630) 445-1321.

Rekindle Your Inspiration!

Are you inspired? Does your life currently hold within it surpassing brilliance or excellence? A few weeks ago, I dared you to dream. Let me ask you now. Are those dreams becoming a reality?

All accomplishments begin with an idea, a seed, or a dream. It is impossible to emphasize strongly enough the power of a creative and uninhibited imagination. Every achievement has emerged as the end result of a dream, a vision, or what may even have seemed to be a far-fetched idea. When is the last time you exercised your inspiration?

It is so easy to get caught up in the function of business and life that often times we forget to stop and think about what we are really working for or toward. Our daily routine becomes just that … a routine. We get used to going through the motions, and our dreams and inspirations start to take a back seat to the job, the career, and the family—and then slowly slip away into oblivion.

Have you ever created a Dream Inventory©. A Dream Inventory is a continuous, life-long list of ideas and dreams no matter how extravagant or insignificant. It is a list that contains everything you ever wanted to do, to have, to be, and to become. It is an exercise that allows you to take off the blinders of probability and possibility and throws out the filters of whether you need it, deserve it, or are worth it. It is lifelong exercise that gives you permission to exercise your inspiration.

Create a personal Dream Inventory and fill it in spontaneously. It will later provide clues to the kind of things that will motivate you. Many of the dreams that you put on your inventory may seem totally out of reach and that is okay. As you begin to grow and achieve, some of your dreams will become goals and some never will. Keep in mind that this is an exercise of dreaming and inspiration so give no thought to your ability to obtain the dreams. Many of your dreams may seem too small or insignificant to list in your inventory but list them anyway. There is no such thing as a small dream. If a dream has value to you, it is important.

I filled out my first Dream Inventory in 1983 after completing my PhD dissertation and left for Canada to do my post doctoral research. In 1996 as I was updating my Dream Inventory, I listed I wanted to start my own business and run my own company. I listed it with really no thought as to a specific action plan, but I knew that role was what I was inspired to become. In 2009, I founded my company and pursuing now to take this business to the next level.

The power of capturing your dreams and inspiration is life altering. The power of capturing an idea in writing, placing the thought in your subconscious, and letting your subconscious work on the action plan is a science we are only beginning to understand. What we do know is many inspired individuals throughout history have harnessed the power of dreaming to create surpassing brilliance and excellence! I challenge you to create your Dream Inventory today!

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Surya M Ganduri, PhD. PMP. is the founder and president of eMBC, Inc., a national firm specializing in strategic and executive leadership development processes that Help People Succeed in an Evolving World. His company is affiliated with Resource Associates Corporation, a network of 600+ associates that are dedicated to helping organizations and individuals manage strategic change, innovation, cultural transition, and goal achievement. Surya has over 26 years of business experience in management consulting, leadership development, executive coaching, process improvements, organizational development and youth leadership. Contact Surya at s6ganduri@eMBCinc.com. For more information visit www.eMBCinc.com or contact eMBC, Inc., directly at (630) 445-1321.

Power and Focus through Time Management

Achieving effective time management is not easy because changing a personal habit never is. The essence of effective time management means replacing less effective habits with better ones.

People generally have a fairly good understanding of basic time management techniques, and almost everyone knows how to plan and prioritize. Most people know they should be more organized. The problem is that very few of us always do what we know we should do. Your success does depend on a successful time management system. Think about some accomplished people you know. Do they do what they say they are going to do when they say they will do it? Do they keep their word? The answer is probably ‘yes.’ People who keep their word consistently create power and focus in their lives. Together, power and focus provide the ability to be more effective in shaping events and circumstances. Effectiveness, in turn, enhances our feeling of well being. The better we feel; the more successful we are.

The “Formula for Well Being©”demonstrates that before we can keep our word, we need to give our word. Giving our word creates the potential for us to keep our word, which in turn creates the power and focus to be more effective.

Achieving more power and focus through mastering the right time management techniques is a skill, a mindset, and a lifestyle and it can be adopted by anyone who …

§ Wants to feel more in control,

§ Wants to attain more out of life,

§ Wants to achieve success in business while enjoying the pleasures of a personal life,

§ And, wants to reduce stress and realize more life balance.

Define a time management habit that you wish to develop. Be as specific as possible.

Negative habits in our lives are destructive; positive ones provide focus and power. They help us achieve our goals. In order to rebuild habits, we must define precise behaviors for change. As Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence is not an act, but a habit.” Your focus and power is dependent on your time management skills and behaviors. It is never too late to make a positive change, and a new year is upon us, so start today!

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Surya M Ganduri, PhD. PMP. is the founder and president of eMBC, Inc., a national firm specializing in strategic and executive leadership development processes that Help People Succeed in an Evolving World. His company is affiliated with Resource Associates Corporation, a network of 600+ associates that are dedicated to helping organizations and individuals manage strategic change, innovation, cultural transition, and goal achievement. Surya has over 26 years of business experience in management consulting, leadership development, executive coaching, process improvements, organizational development and youth leadership. Contact Surya at s6ganduri@eMBCinc.com. For more information visit www.eMBCinc.com or contact eMBC, Inc., directly at (630) 445-1321.

Dare to Dream

If you have ever had the occasion to see a hot air balloon, you might recall your wonder at its magnificence. From a shapeless beginning with no power, the balloon begins to fill with hot air. As it fills and expands, it begins to take shape and you can see and feel its power. Occasionally a problem will occur and the balloon will fall flat, again shapeless and useless, only until it is refilled. Once the balloon is filled, the lines can be cut and its power will lift the balloon and take it soaring thru the sky like an eagle in flight.

Dreams are a lot like hot air balloons. In the beginning they are shapeless, sometimes flitting thoughts. As the desire grows, the dream begins to take form, develop a shape, and you begin to feel the power.

No one would spend the money to buy a hot air balloon, never to fill it out or cut the line. Many, however, spend their lives afraid to dream, to cut the lines, to seek the achievement of their goals. They keep thinking, 'well, it would be nice, BUT we could never afford it' or 'I'd really like to, BUT I just don't have time' or 'It's a great idea, BUT it's impossible.' It is far better to have tried and failed than to never have tried at all.

Occasionally, a few will dare to dream, cut the lines, set a goal, and make their dreams a reality. The result is a sight to behold. Children are experts at dreaming. Take a lesson from them. Ask a child what her dreams are and you are likely to get caught up in the excitement, the power, yourself. Most adults have been conditioned not to dream. But, when they do ... !

Have you dared to dream today (as the new year started)? Are you ready to cut the lines? Your action plan is the vehicle to turn your dreams into reality.

Dare to dream your dreams. Let them take shape. Get caught up in the excitement, the thrill of achieving and the momentum that occurs when you finally cut the lines. Set your goals and seek the fulfillment of your dreams!

[Adopted from Linda Martin's article "Dare to Dream"]

Surya M Ganduri, PhD. PMP. is the Chairman and CEO of eMBC, Inc., a national firm specializes in strategic and executive leadership development processes that Help People Succeed in an Evolving World. Surya has over 26 years of business experience in management consulting, leadership development, executive coaching, process improvements, organizational development and youth leadership. For more information visit www.eMBCinc.com or contact eMBC, Inc., directly at (630) 445-1321.

You Get What You Accept

What are you accepting into your life, business or career that is unacceptable?

Is it … your financial situation? Not having enough time to do what’s important to you? A stalled business or career?

Recognizing that these matters are unacceptable is the first step in changing that situation.

The second step is defining what it is you do want that’s non-negotiable. Not what your life should look like, but what it must look like.

The third step is to understand WHY your life must look that way. The key to accomplishing your goals is not in having a fool proof plan. It’s in having a WHY big enough so the plan doesn’t matter.

So … here’s what I’d suggest you to do RIGHT NOW.

Identify the situation(s) in your life that is NOT acceptable.

Create a vision of what your life MUST look like in the areas of money, career, family, social, mental, physical, spiritual, etc.

Not only document why that vision for your life is a MUST but commit yourself to achieving that vision.

Re-read your life’s vision and the “WHY” at every opportunity that you get.

Go ahead and take action to achieve that vision NOW!!!

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Surya M Ganduri, PhD. PMP. is the Chairman and CEO of eMBC, Inc., a national firm specializes in strategic and executive leadership development processes that Help People Succeed in an Evolving World. Surya has over 26 years of business experience in management consulting, leadership development, executive coaching, process improvements, organizational development and youth leadership. For more information visit www.eMBCinc.com or contact eMBC, Inc., directly at (630) 445-1321.

Coaching

Business coaches can help small-business owners establish processes, set priorities and develop strategies to help take their business to the next level. They can help vet ideas, test assumptions and try new approaches. To find that perfect match, consider the following steps.

Assess your needs
Be clear about what you are trying to achieve in your business and how a coach can help you succeed. 'You are looking for someone who understands your industry, your discipline and the challenges of a small-business owner,' for example. There are also different types of coaches and styles, such as one-on-one executive leadership training or team coaching, where an entire business group works with a coach.

Seek referrals
The best way to find a coach is to ask other entrepreneurs who have hired one and had a positive experience. There is nothing better than positive feedback from a satisfied customer.

Do your due diligence
Request a complimentary coaching session - to know whether or not we can work together, don't be shy about asking questions when interviewing coaches, such as, "I'm facing this challenge. How have you helped other small-business owners with the same type of challenge?" Choose someone who listens well and challenges you and the way you think and operate.

Create a contract
Once you select your coach, request a written plan that outlines the terms of the relationship: how often you'll meet, how long each meeting will last, the length of the coaching assignment, and the fees. Expect to meet at least every two to three weeks and pay anywhere from $150 to $1000 per hour. Some coaches may propose a flat rate ($2000 to $12000) for a specific period of time (6 months to a year). You should also confirm whether you have access to the coach between sessions by phone or e-mail and ask how canceled sessions are handled. Finally, build in some sort of target goals to reach so you can measure and assess progress.
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Surya M Ganduri, PhD. PMP. is the Chairman and CEO of eMBC, Inc., a national firm specializes in strategic and executive leadership development processes that Help People Succeed in an Evolving World. Surya has over 26 years of business experience in management consulting, leadership development, executive coaching, process improvements, organizational development and youth leadership. For more information visit www.eMBCinc.com or contact eMBC, Inc., directly at (630) 445-1321.

Listening with more than 2 ears

The Greek philosopher Epictetus [55 - 135 AD] said "We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak."

In this Internet era of 21st century, the sentiment still holds true.

In business communications, we need to listen to hear if our customers or our market is speaking to us.
Many businesses are oblivious to this. Listening is (or should be) the first part of your marketing or sales cycle.

When it comes to online interactions for businesses, we have more than two ears - search engines and other tools can help you listen more effectively for markets or potential customers.