Building an Energising Personal Vision - See Your Dream Come True

Contrary to the enormous significance that was earlier attached to personal and organisational vision, creating a vision in today's context is considered more of a liability than a chance to chalk out the future path. Asking the employees to set up their images is now a standard practice among most Companies and is done to make sure that individual ideas align with the overall goals of the enterprise.

What is a personal vision?

Simply defined, a personal view is your idea of success in the future. As easy as it may sound, setting up a personal opinion, especially for the leaders, isn't a walk in the park. Personal vision is what inspires people to come to work every day. For leaders, it is a platform to introduce big ideas which would excite them as well as their team members. What separates great leaders from others; it is their ability to paint the future with precision. It requires some skills including articulation and self-awareness.

How executive coach can help you frame & achieve your vision

Leaders need to spend a considerable amount of time and effort to formulate their ideas. It is because it must include the welfare of their Company and employees since their success is interdependent. Most of the leaders end up applying a one-dimensional approach while formulating their visions. This result in the end view being short sighted and sometimes biased. Thus leaders need a confidant who has been with them through their leadership journey and can point out the red flag when he sees one. An executive coach can come in handy in such situations. As a person who knows your strengths and weaknesses inside out and understands the way you work, an executive coach would be a right partner any leader needs while coming up with a personal vision.

The role of an executive coach does not end with the formulation of your vision. In fact, it just begins here. An executive coach is a partner in your journey towards the realisation of your vision. He can help you break it down into smaller units. It is important since an understanding of small targets would keep the executives invested in the bigger idea of achieving the vision they had set. There would always be some dull and dark moments between today and your vision. In those moments, it is the executive coach who would show you light on the path leading towards your vision.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Building-an-Energising-Personal-Vision---See-Your-Dream-Come-True&id=9724881

11 Signs That You're A Really Bad Manager

Some managers think they're good. Some managers don't realize they're not that good till it's too late.

Do you feel like your employees are tuning you out? More than usual, that is.

Do you worry that they're whispering behind your back like the pretty things in "Mean Girls"?

I have a feeling, you know, that you've perpetrated one or more of these frightful errors.

Is it salvageable? It depends on how you react.

1. You've Made Promises You Didn't Keep.

Yes, people are frightfully selfish and hypocritical. But they're OK with that if it's them doing it. They're not OK with you doing it. So if you've promised someone a raise, a promotion, or even a part of a project--and then you didn't deliver--faith is immediately lost.

2. You've Turned Up Late And Didn't Apologize. Three Times.

Employees can be forgiving. Especially if you have a little charm about you. However, if you keep turning up late for meetings and wafting in like Caligula after a horse-riding lesson, they won't give you much leeway. There is, in my experience, a three-strikes rule here. After that, you're done.

3. You've Come On To One Of Your Team. Unsubtly.

All sorts of personal shenaniganning goes on in business. But there's a real disdain for those who blatantly think they can get away with it. You've been seen holding hands in the office bar. You know, the one just around the corner. You've tossed less-than-secret smiles at the one you covet. In meetings. Oh, you didn't, did you?

4. You Make Cursing A Sign Of Competitiveness.

Some curse words--especially the F-One--carry an onomatopoeic aggression. Some managers curse not because they love swearing, but because they think it shows how keen they are to win. It's grating to many human ears, though. And a touch boorish.

5. You Take Credit When It Isn't Due.

You might think your immediate reports don't know how much you crow to your bosses about, well, yourself. But these things filter through. So if they hear you taking credit for their work--or even for someone else's on the team--they're not going to like it.

6. You Set Your Employees Up Against Each Other.

Yes, you think you're clever. Machiavelli would envy your grasp of manipulative nuance. For a time, making your employees fight like poodles in a dog-fighting ring might even work. The trouble is that you can go to this strategy too often and suddenly you'll find your employees conspiring against you. They'll enjoy it too.

7. You Have Obvious Favorites.

Oh, you might not be even trying to sleep with them. Perhaps it's just that you see a young you in one or two of your underlings. So they get the best projects. Perhaps you slip them a little more money. Others will see it. Others won't like it. And anyway, if your favorites are like you, they'll soon have their own favorites. You might not be one of them.

8. You Think You're Funny And Your Employees Don't.

Humor is hard. Ask David Brent and Michael Scott in "The Office." Ask Donald Trump. Some managers prefer to perform rather than manage. This is understandable. Managing can be both dull and frustrating. Everyone needs levity to get through it. But are you really as funny as you think you are? Go to an open mic night at a comedy club and find out.

9. That Temper Of Yours

Yes, sometimes you get mad because an employee has done something very, very stupid. This would distinguish your employee from you, because you never do anything stupid at all. Ranting, though, is likely going to be misplaced, especially if the rest of the time you think you're funny and your employees don't. Ranting can be so primal that it can seem like an insight into the real you. And who wants to see that?

10. Your Personal Hygiene Would Appall Tom Ford.

Self-awareness is very important if you're going to manage people well. This includes the odor you might give off. It's all part of creating an atmosphere. Some people simply have better personal hygiene discipline than others. And if you aren't aware you're causing a little nose-holding in meetings, then you should be. Nasal hair protruding beyond your nose isn't a good thing either. It suggests a certain sloppiness.

11. You Poke Your (Possibly Over-Hairy) Nose Into Everything.

This can be one of the most difficult things for some managers. Oh, some of the most famous entrepreneurs in the world are said to be guilty of it. But there are limits to micromanagement. If you overdo it, it seems like you have no greater vision beyond being an utter control freak. And truly, who likes spending their days with one of those?

http://www.inc.com/chris-matyszczyk/11-signs-that-you-re-a-really-bad-manager.html

5 HABITS OF PEOPLE WHO ALWAYS GET PROMOTED

SOME EMPLOYEES JUST SEEM TO BE AHEAD OF THE CURVE AND REAP THE REWARDS. HERE'S HOW TO BE THAT PERSON.

Most of us have had that coworker that seemed to be a perfect fit for the company or team. She always had the right answers. He seemed to know what needed to be done before the company leaders even did. And that "sixth sense" and insight was rewarded with responsibility, autonomy, accolades, and advancement.

"When employees bring those qualities, they’re perceived as leaders in the company, no matter what position they hold," says Katharine Halpin, CEO and founding principal of The Halpin Companies, Inc., a leadership consultancy in Phoenix, Arizona. "They take ownership for problem solving and dissolving conflict. They naturally have this sort of alignment with the company."

The good news is that becoming a super-employee isn’t some rarified secret. It’s a combination of skill set and mindset that you can begin to develop for yourself by focusing on these five key habits.

1. THEY CHOOSE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR TALENTS

It’s hard to be a super-employee if the company’s needs are very different from your abilities, talents, and values, Halpin says. In addition, a 2015 research report by the Cicero Group found that one of the most important factors in employees consistently producing great work was recognition. Thirty-seven percent of respondents said that being recognized by a manager or by the company was the most important driver in great work. So, choosing to work where your work is valued is important.

2. THEY PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT THEIR BOSS VALUES

Super-employees are studying the preferences and goals of their direct supervisors, their supervisors’ supervisors, and the company at large, says Gayle Lantz, founder of WorkMatters, Inc., a leadership consultancy in Birmingham, Alabama. They may be striving to participate in projects and meetings that aren’t part of their jobs, but which give them access and information to what company leaders think and need.

"They’re doing things above and beyond what other employees are doing, and they’re showing interest. They’re motivated and showing they want to learn what it’s like to be at the top," she says.

3. THEY FOCUS ON BOTH DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES AND BIG-PICTURE THINKING

Exceptional performers are able to maintain dual focus on both the task at hand, as well as how it fits into the bigger picture, Lantz says. If they don’t understand something, they get the information they need to make its importance clearer.

When you start looking at everyday tasks from both perspectives and truly understand what you need to do and why it needs to be done, you become more strategic and begin to anticipate what needs to be done—sometimes before others know what needs to be done, she says. In addition, you’re better able to prioritize so that your activities and energy are focused where they are of most value to the company, Halpin adds. 

4. THEY MAKE SPACE FOR BIGGER THINKING

Keeping some open time in the day, such as scheduling time between meetings and blocks of time for simply thinking or working on projects that require concentration, can also supercharge performance, Halpin says. Super-employees are vigilant about scheduling everything from daily meetings to big projects to ensure that they have the best possible chance at a successful outcome.

"Sometimes, it’s just very practical actions—getting to places early, not rushing from meeting to meeting if you can help it—to give yourself time to do what you need to do. That may be thinking about the purpose of your next meeting, or getting a snack or drink so you’re not hungry or thirsty," she says. Being harried, distracted, hungry, or otherwise uncomfortable because you’re too rushed is not going to allow you to do your best work and be most insightful, she adds.

5. THEY LIKE THEIR COLLEAGUES

High performers are in tune with the people around them and can sense when they need something. They possess soft skills like empathy and are able to relate well to other people because they take the effort to try to understand them, Lantz says.

"A large part of any business is helping people work together well. Super-employees make that a top priority. They look at relationships as something that’s critical to success in the business—not just doing the work," she says.

http://www.fastcompany.com/3047794/know-it-all/5-habits-of-the-best-employees

How to Change Your Mindset From Employee to Entrepreneur

So you want to be an entrepreneur, huh? Do you know what the definition of entrepreneur is?

Webster's definition is, "a person or persons who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so". The word 'entrepreneur' is an early 19th century French term meaning to 'undertake'. Another translation defines entrepreneur as "a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business, usually with considerable initiative and risk".

Employee vs Independent Contractor

If you are currently a W2 employee and work for another company do you know what distinguishes you from a 1099 indenpendent contractor? The difference is "control". If you work for another company, person, institution, etc., if they pay you then they control you. Control is defined as "to exercise restraint or direction over".

If you are seeking a better way of life and in control of your destination the biggest challenge you will face is YOU. You see, most people are a product of their environment. You were given direction as a child, provided for and told to get a job. You trade your time for money. That is just the way the world operates for the most part.

So, to change from the way the majority of the world operates, we must first change YOU. If you change the way you think, you can change YOU. Here's how do it.

1 - Make a Firm Decision. The first step in any substantial change is making a firm decision. A firm decision is not just any decision. When I say firm, I mean that in the face of challenges, obstacles and occassional setbacks you will not waiver. Put your blinders on, stay focused on that decision and move forward. You will make mistakes but continue to move toward where you want to go.

2 - Have a Plan. The 'ole saying, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail" holds true in today's world. Having a plan doesn't necessarily mean having a perfect plan. After all, how would you know its perfect anyway. A plan is an act yet to be carried out. So have a plan, expect to learn and tweak as you go, but take action. A plan without action is a dream.

3 - Find a Mentor. It's imperative that you find a mentor you can learn from. You may already have one. Your mentor could be a parent, a colleague, a friend, a business acquaintance, etc. But make sure you find a mentor. A mentor is a Greek word and the noun is defined as, "A wise and trusted counselor or teacher".

Depending on the niche industry you are seeking to get involved in, I would find out who the most influential or biggest player is in that industry and learn from them. In the internet world, there are several reliable, honest, trusted mentors online today.

4 - Believe in Yourself. When you begin your entrepreneur quest, you will face opposition. That opposition will come from friends, family, co-workers, etc. But if you decision is firm enough in step 1, don't let the naysayers dissuade you. Follow your dreams.

5 - Test, Test, Test. As mentioned earlier you will face obstacles. Learn from them, tweak your processess and procedures as necessary, and keep plowing forward (Remember Edison and his 10,000 tries to make light?).

6 - Never Give Up. With a firm decision and never give up attitude you will get there. Don't give upFree Reprint Articles, don't ever give up.

Your mindset will change as you continue to earn for yourself. You will no longer be dependent on that former employer. You learn to depend on YOU.

http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/self-help/how-to-change-your-mindset-from-employee-to-entrepreneur.html