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Hectic Schedule

My schedule lately has been extremely hectic. Hope to pull it off with an "A"

1. Write it all down 2. Open your system (calendar, task management, short-term and long-term goals) 3. Time activate by priority. Forget the rest!

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(Based on the linked blog article "Leading other Leaders")

1. Decisions are made by position, not by the best idea.  Of course, there is a hierarchy in the organization. But there is also a need to create a culture where bright ideas are accepted and where teammates are encouraged to better the way things are done.

2. Peer-to-peer leadership is nonexistent. Mr. Cole points out a very important key. An effective team culture begins leading (and sharpening) peer-to-peer. If you belong to a team where you feel uncomfortable to share your idea, you are toast. You will not grow, you will not contribute, which means, you are not producing as you are getting paid, and soon or later, that will create a bad image on yourself. Neither you are using whatever is in your brain. And as any muscle, you will lose your edge. 

If you have a desire to grow your potential as a leader and you are not being developed as you need to, is time to start searching for a new job.

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If it is said that you are definitely not a leader, would you have evidence to prove that the assessment is untrue?

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You need to be different to do different.

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Uncluttered communications via clutter

Teamwork is key for growth. Clear communication and exchange of information is even more important. It needs to be timely, concise, transparent and there’s got to be a foundation of trust (that my opinion will be heard).

One of the main reasons why people late afraid or unwilling to take things digital, knowing its benefits is because it is very easy to lose track. Out of sight, out of mind—as they say it.

There are a lot of apps that offer sharing work with others and even collaborate with others. Personally, I do not like any app that at least satisfies my needs. So I go back to old style and use apps that are readily available.

How to establish clear communications via technology?

The answer is simple. Establish clear channels. 

Clear channel for inbox

Clear channel for outbox 

Clear channel for the mediums of communication

I recently began a project with one of my family members. At first, it was just like a family conversation. The second time we met to discuss the project, we had to establish some ground rules for work. 

i. We established transparency. No hard feelings. Clear and concise communications.

ii.  We established clear channels of communication.    - Google Drive for project management    - Doit.im for task management     - Weekly sit-down face-to-face meetings    - Email as our choice of communication    - Established clear deadlines 

iii. Our meetings do not end until the following happens    - Next actions in order to move project forward    - Next meeting time    - Clear delegation of responsibilities    - Each educated opinion was factually considered for implementation

iv. We use different apps for personal notes    - This helps avoid confusion     - This helps clarify responsibilities     - This keeps the privacy

Find your channels of communication. Do not use several "apps" that look cool and has great features. Most likely, unless you are a geek, you won't need all that anyway.

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A good man knows how to start. But a great man knows how to finish.

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A good man knows how to start right but a great man knows how to start the right things.

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Integrity is the first step of your leadership: lead yourself.

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The ultimate expression of power is control.

Lexus commercial

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The key to balance is to NOT be balanced

In case you do not know this nobody can live 50% at home and 50% at work. Interestingly enough, this also applies to our mental space. If you hear "Are you listening?" often, probably you need to improve Your hearing abilities but also there might be a great chance you might be out balance. Balance is not 50/50 but 100/100. Meaning, a true balanced life gives 100% in everything he does. For example, if you are at home, your spouse will hate you if you do "50%" of work while you are engaged "50%" in a family conversation. As you may have realized, this idea of "balance" becomes really absurd unless we accept balance as 100/100. So, do not attempt to balance each situation but be all in and go all out in every situation. Choose wisely which situations you choose to be engaged in.

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Indoctrination is making the person believe what you already believe.

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Indoctrination is the most powerful combination of words.

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Memorial weekend camping leadership experience

This feeling can’t be denied. I have more energy than ever. Why? Today is the Memorial weekend Monday. Which means, yes, I went out camping with a group of friends, meat and bonfire. But I have to say this. I went because it was reserved, because of my friends, and because I simply couldn’t back out. But I left behind my wife and two children, deadlines pressing on, and a.big event in 6 days. In other words, I went with a heavy heart. When I got to the camping site, I simply got drawn into the site. The scene, the nature and the surroundings were absolutely astonishing (At least for the city boy). And after a great night Sunday, some rest and more cops on Monday we came back. The site is about 2 hours away and I got home to my loved ones all tired. I napped for a couple hours, took a shower and now I feel great. Here are the lessons from this experience. 1. New heights :: Purposefully getting out of balance (such as going to camping) gives you greater inertia to restore the lost balance. What does this mean? In between your workout sessions, you take a break to give your body a rest and a time to prepare for the next set of push ups. Mentally and emotionally, you must plan for a good,long pause in order to reach new heights. 2. Time out :: I realized that I needed this ‘mandatory’ time out from my regular schedule. And this is what happened. After I got home and rested, for some reason, I felt with greater energy to perform the usual tasks and attack the ever-more pressing responsibilities. Why? Because my mind has been refreshed.

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An agenda serves to confront us with the commitments we make for the day.

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What daily planning does

In a nutshell, how does planning help my day? The average person does not see the importance of planning considering it a waste of time. I'd like to explain to you why planning must have an important place in your personal and work life. 1. Sees potential bottlenecks before the day begins. Each day we deal with three levels of commitments. - work plan for the day - yesterday's transferred and delegates work - (all kinds of) personal commitments An agenda puts an order and priority to the external pressures and internal demands. An agenda serves to confront us with the commitments we make for the day. 2. Prioritizes deadlines Planning the day must accomplish two things. Filtering and sorting. Filtering: filter out the unnecessary tasks and doings and concentrate first on the biggest commitments. It shouldn't take more than 5 minutes. Sorting: after filtering the unnecessary, sort by priority, time available and context. It shouldn't take more than 10 minutes. 3. Clears your mind so you can begin your work. Analize and recognize the contexts in which you will work today. (No Need to rearrange each time) By priority and time available, start working. Any distraction to your in basket!

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Determination is recognition and fulfillment of responsibility.

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I live, therefore I am. I learn, therefore I do. I love, therefore I be.