I agree with the concept of being able to inspire others through your vision, although in many cases people have become so disillusioned by the corporate machine that it hurts those who really do want to inspire. I've worked for two different "leaders" that called themselves visionary but didn't realize that vision had to be more about a mission that would impact others than themselves (with their reward being residual). I think when leaders are able to articulate a vision that is selfless but still garners results they will turn around and find a crowd of supporters propelling them forward!
Great video share! I was prepared (admitting my prejudgment on this one) to disagree with a few things because of previous "Harvard Gospel" but this is spot on. Whenever we discuss office politics, it is in negative terms so we miss the opportunity to address what is really internal rapport building that could help us drive our business better. As a saleswoman I always focus on positive internal relationships and find myself disgusted when I come across stern and inflexible ops or accounting people who don't understand the mutual success developed by our potential synergy. I work hard to form relationships based on appreciation of what they do so that they don't become annoyed when they see me coming--it's a little bit of politics but it's worth it.
I also enjoy her breakdown of the three social networks. I usually teach this to individuals in other ways but it's the same premise: Peers, Mentors and Advisers. Again, great video, thanks for sharing.
PREACH! This is an awesome video that I will be glad to share. When the third speaker referenced being uncertain, it encompassed so much of what everyone else said. A 'certain without fail' leader ultimately will betray trust, be more focused on their own gain, and it's a sign of the personal arrogance and hubris that another participant raised. My experience with a leader that fell into this primary trap has made me a better professional, salesperson and motivator but at the same time was the catalyst for my decision to change course and leave a position that I was highly successful in.
Everything that I have ever known or studied about Africa comes from a focus of the native people and how the industrialization, politics, racial issues have impacted their prosperity or lack thereof. I have no doubt that Western companies will find ways to make it "their time" in Africa but wonder if (and am less likely to believe that) it will be a resurgence for the parts of the populations that truly do NEED to feel a impact.
My recent post Eyes On Your Own Paper!
"prepare to fail miserably..." so true! I always tell my children to be comfortable with the risk of failure because it will propel you to keep trying when others give up. There are so many great examples of people who have lived up to this in recent history (look at Oprah's network that is now thriving after it was deemed a failure). Great article, as a parent of teenagers, I stress that making your mark today is much harder since there is so much innovation, I'll be sharing this with them!
My recent post Authority of Passion
When I worked in the field of investor relations I noticed that detection and cure methods were more focused on in European countries, so I found this interesting. In the US it seems that we are more likely to decline alternative treatment/cure procedures than embrace them, particularly if they are from the UK but this may be one of those things that we approve.
I think that for the most part the sales process is about getting to know the customer and showing them how a relationship with you will benefit them. On the other hand, I've always found that long term engagement and rapport is based on shared communications. Many of my customers are drawn in by my interest in them but ultimately stay connected because of what I'm willing to share with them also. I've had them say "you always ask about me, tell me what's happening with you". This is a sign that the rapport necessary to not only sell once but maintain a long term affiliation has been made!
So, make it all about them up front and they will love you so much that at some point they make it about you!
Thanks for the suggestion, I'm already on it! If you read my blog, you know I always take my own advice. Downside...it's great blog material!
Excellent link within the post! I currently live in a world that justifies it's time and position with "meetings". As a combo visual/auditory, I often perceive meetings as filler, particularly when they are longer than I think necessary or repetitiive. I've experienced a "leader" that fills his time with other people and so you sit in meetings that eat up the day and during the time you may think you're getting something done, you walk out and realize that you've accomplished way less than you would have sitting at your desk or engaging with others! 1:30-1:51!
I printed the list of random acts to highlight some that I could incorporate into my life immediately. While I always try to acknowledge others, be a mentor, leader and frined to others it's easy to forget simple kindness when you encounter strangers! This is a great post in regard to some recent news events as well. On another note, It's amazing how many mental and physical impacts there are on the "giver" of kindness, so even if you do it for selfish reasons, it's worth doing!
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MadSaleswoman 
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