home | site map | privacy policy |
|
Leadership, Self-Development, and the Committment to Growth
There is a common phrase that says: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." I know that most of us have heard it. The problem is that we all too often take it, and other so-called "conventional wisdom" as truth. Read that phrase again: "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." What is conjured up in your mind - what do you think of - when you contemplate those words? If you're like most, you believe, for whatever reason, that after a certain age, you can't learn anything new. That, after a certain point, an 'old dog' cannot do anything about who they are or what they are able to do to change the course of their life and it's direction, level of happiness or ability to produce the results that they would like to see. The old dog in the phrase doesn't have to be 'old' in the sense of years though. I've met many people several years my junior, who believe that because they've done so many things a certain way, that, for them at least, any other way is out of the question. And therein lies the theme for this article. For, it is the belief in so-called 'truths' like this one that most often prevents otherwise powerful people - individuals filled with the potential for greatness - to break through to the happiness and success they seek. Although, there are many that contribute to your overall progress, we'll be focusing on the success trait of 'commitment.' The dictionary describes commitment as a 'duty,' 'promise,' 'responsibility,' or 'pledge.' And, each of these key words can be used to focus our intention on breaking free of these self and outwardly imposed limiting beliefs to unleash our own power to be what we choose. Understanding with clarity and focus will allow us to set up our lives in a way that danger cannot touch us, and if it did it would be dealt with . . . quickly and decisively. Let's look at each of these 'keys' to commitment, as they relate to the concept of Warriorship and our desire to engage the world in a positive, productive, way in order to better understand why we must grab the opportunity (or as a great poet reminded us to "seize the day!") for growth whenever possible. Duty Related to the concept of leadership, each one of is a role model in the life of at least one other person. Regardless of whether you are a parent or not, someone is looking at how you move, act, speak and the like. And, they are deciding for themselves about these actions. If they like what they see, even if you would call something a bad habit, they may embrace that 'habit' as a truth to be lived up to. They want to be "just like you." If we are truly concerned about the fate of others and our influence over their lives in a positive way, it is our duty to be the best 'example' that we can be. We don't have to literally be a teacher, or have a job whose official title says "leader," but, we are an example that others are following. The question we must ask ourselves is, "how do I take control of the way I inspire or motivate others?" Promise This key can be seen to be a reflection of the water realm of clarity and truth and the wind realm of accomplishment through action. When we make a promise, we communicate something, in the form of a truth that others can rely on. Much like the commitment that two people make to each other when they get married, a promise is the creation of something that creates safety and security for another. And, it is the outward, 'other' focus that make a promise an important aspect of commitment and our ability to get necessary help from others when we need it. The question here is, "what benefit will others (and myself) receive if I succeed in my endeavor?" Responsibility This key has to do with our liability or accepted obligation for seeing that something is done. This is the opposite of the "it's not my job" attitude often heard and lived by the lazy personality. In order for us to commit to something, we have to see and accept our own responsibility for making it so. In fact, to take this even further, we must see accept complete liability for the failure of something not happening. The statement that, "if it's to be it's up to me" leads me on. The question, "what it does it say about me, when I take responsibility for my life and actions?"Pledge - Related to the fire realm of connection and expression, a pledge is a vow and a means of engaging with a goal or cause. Much deeper in meaning and understanding than a promise - just as the 'pledge of allegiance' is a more powerful title than the 'promise of allegiance' - this key comes from the heart. We feel so strongly about the necessity for the goal to be attained that there is no doubt, no hesitation, no fear of failure. We are so totally committed that the pledge sounds more like a statement of 'of course it will happen' than a wish to somehow appear in the world as if by magic. Feeling sparks the question, "what makes this goal so important that it must be accomplished?" Though the four keys can be found to be synonyms of each other and, for many, indistinguishable from each other, the subtle differences in context can mean all the difference in being committed to something and merely saying that we are committed. So, how about you? How committed are you to those things you say are important. How much do you your really want to change your life - to create results that can benefit both yourself and others - to create the life you've always dreamed of living? How important is your Ninja Martial Arts training and your successfully learning the skills of Mastery? Saying or thinking that you're the 'old dog' in the phrase we talked about earlier just says that you recognize how limited you've become in your own habitual patterns. But, it's never too late to start creating new habits and success patterns. In fact, the world depends on you're taking action - and now! Because, if there's one thing the world does need is one more truly successful person - one more bright light - one more honest, respectful, engaged person who does exactly what they say they will do because they recognize their purpose and is willing enough, no brave enough, to break from the those who will settle for mediocrity. Here's the formula: If you change, you will grow. But to grow, you must be committed to act - to do exactly what must be done to make the world, if only your little corner of it, a better place in which to live. Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu, he specializes in teaching the ancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. Through their martial arts training, his students and clients learn proven, time-tested lessons designed to help them create the life they've always dreamed of living, and the skills necessary for protecting that life from anything that might threaten it. To learn more about this and other subjects related to the martial arts, self-defense, personal development & self-improvement, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com
Leadership is best defined by the quality of your thoughts, decisions and actions. It is also underpinned by the quality of the tools you use in your role. Be seen to bring true leadership to your organization and act with the authority that it brings to you.
MORE RESOURCES: CEO: Here's the No. 1 most common type of good boss people actually like—and how to become it - CNBC Metro pastor receives Community Leadership Award from FBI KFOR Oklahoma City Kelley School has decade of leadership training physicians in the business of medicine - IU Newsroom Youth Leadership Lompoc Valley Visits Vandenberg SFB > Vandenberg Space Force Base > Article Display Vandenberg Space Force Base UA Little Rock Announces Change in the Leadership of Donaghey STEM College - News - UA Little Rock University of Arkansas at Little Rock NU president priority candidate discusses leadership values, vision for university Nebraska Public Media | News Global Approval of U.S. Leadership Remains Higher Under Biden's Watch, Study Finds U.S. News & World Report 8 quick tips to make your leaders stand out from the crowd Ragan Communications BDR Announces Return of Innovative Leadership Excellence Academy for Home Service Leaders and Managers PR Newswire Snelling Center for Government announces graduates of the Early Childhood Leadership Institute Class of 2024 Vermont Biz 3 red flags leaders should look out for Fast Company Baldwin Leads Senators Calling Out USPS Leadership for Unsustainable Price Hikes and Poor Service WEAU Green Bay hosts state FBLA leadership conference The Press-Times Sisters Assemble for New Chapter Direction and Leadership – WRBI Radio Country 103.9 WRBI Here’s How PE Firms Can Reduce Talent Churn And Produce Better Leaders Hunt Scanlon Media Longtime UAMS official Amy Wenger joins leadership team at Walton medical school in Bentonville talkbusiness.net Fostering female leadership | Sara Samieian Home Accents Today Denver Place 5th graders recognized for leadership, enthusiasm Wilmington News Journal, OH Local farmer was one of 10 selected for Ohio Corn & Wheat leadership summit Zanesville Times Recorder Leadership changes in West Ada Schools Idaho News 6 Boise Twin Falls Quincy Family YMCA announces multiple changes in leadership positions – Muddy River News Muddy River News Charles Barkley rips Joel Embiid's leadership, poor body language after 76ers' crushing loss to Knicks New York Post Kemp announces 41 appointments for state leadership roles ValdostaToday.com True Search and Leadership Circle Partner to Deliver Innovative Succession and Talent Assessment and Search ... Business Wire Sonepar's World Electric Makes Leadership Appointments Modern Distribution Management On Eagles Wings Leadership Center: from despair to discipleship Mission Network News Stefanik Statement on Columbia University's Failed Leadership | Press Releases Congresswoman Elise Stefanik Osky students shine at FBLA State Leadership Conference Oskaloosa Herald Leadership Atlanta Class of 2025 includes Matt Westmoreland, Terri Lee, more - Atlanta Business Chronicle The Business Journals Eight New Business Leaders Added to Mackinac Policy Conference Agenda Detroit Regional Chamber Truman Scholarship awards Polytechnic student for outstanding public service, leadership potential - Purdue ... Purdue Polytechnic Institute Opinion | Bad Leadership Is a National-Security Threat The Wall Street Journal Schneider joins Iowa ABI leadership team Business Record Concrete Industry Veteran Earns Leadership Award For Construction Pros Taking Social Capital Seriously—Supporting Women Leaders of Color - Non Profit News Nonprofit Quarterly First Presidency Announces 2024 Area Leadership Assignments Church Newsroom Why generational leadership is to thank for the success of leading retailer, Costello's Ace Hardware Retail Merchandiser 6 key mental muscles for leaders in the dealership – Scott Mautz CBT Automotive News Republican convention settles Grant County GOP's leadership crisis, recognizes new chairman The Spokesman Review Meet Sales Xceleration's Newest Fractional Sales Leaders Ready to Transform Your Business PR Newswire Leadership Shelby County hosts golf tournament - Shelby County Reporter Shelby County Reporter VIA Makes Key Hires to fill Leadership Roles VIA Metropolitan Transit Billy Corben blasts Miami-Dade Dems leadership for refusing to move Chair vote from Passover Shabbat Florida Politics Crispin Strengthens Creative Leadership in North America Amid Agency Turnaround | LBBOnline Little Black Book - LBBonline 'Stood up and stood out:’ Abington students earn academic, leadership honors - Penn State University 'Stood up and stood out:’ Abington students earn academic, leadership honors Penn State University Leadership | Department of Public Health | City of Philadelphia City of Philadelphia (.gov) Erdogan says he does not believe Hamas leadership will leave Qatar Al Mayadeen English LeadershIP 2024 CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies Echelon Front teams up with Green Beret Nick Lavery to elevate first responder leadership skills Police News World leaders misdiagnose the US with a crisis of confidence Responsible Statecraft Exclusive: Deriv Embraces Dual Leadership with Co-CEO Appointment Finance Magnates Two businesspeople vie for leadership of Greek business federation Kathimerini English Edition Regional Chancellor receives Fulbright award for international education leadership program University of South Florida St. Petersburg How I Made It to Law Firm Leadership: 'Make Sure You Want a Leadership Role for the Right Reasons,' Says Amie ... Troutman Pepper Business, Government, and Society Forum Looks at New Demands on Leadership Stanford Graduate School of Business Switzerland's Valora separates foodservice leadership to grow B2C and B2B sales World Coffee Portal Pioneering Conservation: Women's Leadership Unveiled United Nations Development Programme |
RELATED ARTICLES
Leadership - Push vs. Pull? At your next staff meeting consider leading your team through the following discussion.This lesson is focused on getting people to think in terms of effective leadership. Boy Scouts of America and Leadership Coaching The Center for Management and Organization Effectiveness talks with Dennis St. Jean, Assistant Director Professional Development Division, Boy Scouts of America, Irving, Texas. Ten Steps To Effective Leadership Many people end up in a supervisory position or SOHO ownership almost by default. In today's workplace, if someone stays on their job long enough, they will probably be promoted as others, more senior to them or higher up the chain of responsibility, leave for other opportunities. Get Angry And Then Get Results Leadership is not about winning a popularity contest, it's about getting great results. To do so, leaders must challenge people not to do what they want to do but what they don't want to do. Effective Leaders are (#1) Conceptual SEE INTO THE FUTURE CREATIVELY AND PRACTICALITY: Planning day-to-day is obviously important, but a good leader must be able to see the long-range picture, to know the history of the organization and have a sense of the direction in which it is traveling. Effective leaders always have the long-range picture in mind as they plan laterally. Elements of Timeless Leadership Great leadership is timeless, always in vogue. The world has been hungry for great leaders from time immemorial. Listening Like a Leader Our studies of the most effective people in corporate America show that the top 2 percent are effective not because they executed best practices well. They did not make the most phone calls or have the best processes. Why Not Lead With Emotions? Studies have shown that companies that have acquired competencies to lead with emotional excellence are far more productive and efficient because of the impact emotional excellence has on employee morale, loyalty, retention and overall performance of the organization to name a few.Since the early 1990's and especially after the internationally renowned author Daniel Goleman's book "Working with Emotional Intelligence" hit the bestseller's list, the business world began to pay close attention to this competency and began to incorporate it in their employee training programs. Introduction to the The Enneagram as a Leadership Tool The Enneagram is a fascinating tool of nine orientations that enables us to gain insight into the depths of our true potential. It seeks to provide insight into how we fund our foundation of assumptions so they work for us or they don't! (In some ways it provides a generic Owner's Manual to Life! That little book we all hoped came with us to provide insightful directions on how to employ us and treat us with care. Having Fun In Leadership "Don't measure your life by your goals, but rather by what you are DOING to achieve them."-UnknownOne of the biggest mistakes leaders make is getting so wrapped up in achieving results, they forget to ensure that people are having fun along the way. Leadership - Connect to Engage! It's been said many times that true leadership is measured by ones ability to motivate and influence others.Leaders must work hard at motivating people to take action necessary to drive change and to ultimately increase results. The Four Laws Of Leadership (Part Two) In Part One, I described the laws of motivation. In Part Two, I'll examine the laws in more detail. Reveal the Leader Within A Leader is not a certain type of person or position of power. It is not the one at the top of the golf leader board at any specific time or the person at the top of an organisation. Peek Inside The Heads of Amazingly Successful Leaders Would you like to know what really goes on inside the heads of astoundingly successful leaders? Here is your chance. Part of the research for my book Absolutely Fabulous Organizational Change? involved highly successful executives filling-out my Abilities & Behavior Forecaster? pre-employment test. The Essence of Leadership What is more important, leadership or teamwork? Leadership or consensus management? Today we hear frequently about teams, team-building, and teamwork on the one hand and management by consensus on the other. Although both teamwork and consensus building are critical skills in a leader, neither are substitutes for capable leadership itself. A Good Leader Knows The Teams Colours Leadership can be a very challenging task. As leaders we don't always get to choose who is on our team. Give Your Valentine A Very Special Gift - Empowerment Delegating is a commonly misunderstood concept. Delegating is not about dumping problems or chores you dislike doing onto the shoulders of others, it is an invaluable tool for "motivating and training your team to realize their full potential. Precious Moments There is too much learning out there that we earn drop by drop as we go through experiences in life. There is one of the experiences that I earned from a workshop on Leadership Skills and Management. Career Advice for Business Leaders: Empowering Others Many potential leaders in business sabotage themselves and their organizations out of fear of empowering others. In 21st Century Leadership: Dialogues with 100 Top Leaders, Lynne McFarland, Larry Senn and John Childress assert, "the empowerment leadership model shifts away from 'position power' where all people are given leadership roles so thy can contribute to their fullest capacity. People or Objects? - - You Decide "How you think determines how you act. How you act, in turn, determines how others react to you. |
|
© 2016 Definition Of Leadership & Career Consulting Limited |