Weekly Thought – October 25, 2016
Fred consulted with numerous major corporations and Christian organizations. He looked for patterns; ability to read people increased his effectiveness. He always said character and attitude were the hallmarks of effective leaders.
This week a team of twelve will be spending two days on the campus of Palm Beach Atlantic University. Please pray for their work, witness, and impact. They are going at their own expense receiving no remuneration because they believe in the challenge of stretching and blessing the next generation of leaders to the glory of God. Thank you for your support.
The “I Can” Leader
I was interested recently in a survey that studied the difference between successful and unsuccessful businesses. The research looked at the top executives of major organizations. The outcome was interesting but not surprising. It was about attitude. The successful leaders said: “I will.” Those with the unsuccessful operations tended to say: “I should; I want to; I ought to; I expect to.” In Texas we have a simple way of saying that… “fixin’ to.”
Nothing happens until someone says “I will.” This is the action of the decisive individual. He picks up an idea, considers the applications, and implements it. In other words, he says “I will.” By the way, “she” also does this. My daughter is always quick to remind me of my male references.
The other one may get a great idea, write it down, but then file it away for future thought. Sadly, most ideas evaporate if not kept in the active file. “Getting around to it shortly” is the death knell for many good thoughts. “Shortly” seldom comes as he sits in the same easy chair, in the same rut – the one that leads to failure.
The ability to execute is a key distinctive. Careful consideration is important, but some use analysis as an excuse for inactivity. Certainly there are those who do ready, fire, aim but way too many more do the ready, ready, ready – never even getting to aim, much less fire.
The line between success and failure is very thin. My friends in the insurance industry put it this way: “The successful agent does what the unsuccessful one won’t.” The successful one does the prospecting, makes the calls, and asks for the sale. All of us know “former” insurance agents who organized the forms, read the industry magazines, and waited for just the right time to make the calls. Did that time come? Apparently not.
Right thinking followed by right action leads to success.
This week think about: 1) Who is the strongest “I can” person in my network? 2) Who am I encouraging with my can do attitude? 3) How can I create ongoing positive activity?
Words of Wisdom: “Right thinking followed by right action leads to success.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Your bow is ready for action; you commission your arrows.” (Habakkuk 3:9 NET Bible)