encouragement – Page 3 – Doug Dickerson on Leadership

Leadership Minute: Dodging Bricks

Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith. – Steve Jobs

All leaders know this. Life has a way at times of being harsh. Things don’t go the way you plan, a friend betrays you, the deal falls through. It’s called life. But leaders also know the power of resiliency and look for ways to move forward despite the hurt. When trials and setbacks come your way and it would seem you are being hit upside the head with bricks; don’t despair. Don’t give up. You will rise to fight another day; win another battle, and lead with your character intact. Fight through the discouragement. Don’t let your confidence be shaken. You can do this!

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Leadership Minute: Hope That Prevails

Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all. – Dale Carnegie

This is one of the secrets to personal success and your success as a leader. It’s not found in your possession of superior knowledge or skill. It’s not your pedigree nor is it your social status. Your success is realized in your ability to keep on trying. When you are up against the odds – keep trying. When you are discouraged – keep trying. When you feel like giving up and the critics are all you hear – keep trying. For in the trying you will eventually prevail. In trying you will meet with success. Don’t give up!

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Understanding the Power of Competition

Posted July 31, 2012
by dougdickerson

I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn’t know how to get along without it. – Walt Disney

The Olympic Games are underway. Are you enjoying them? If you are like me, you are a competitive person; especially in sports. I do not like to lose and will play my heart out to win. That, I suppose, is what competition is about; no one plays to lose. But in business, do you understand the purpose of competition? When you understand the purpose of competition then you will understand why it is good. Here are three observations to help you understand the power of competition.

Competition brings focus. When you are focused on the tasks at hand you have little time to worry about other things. Don’t lose focus of what’s really important. Rather than worry about who your competition is and what you can’t control, focus on your priorities and what you can control. Tune out your distractions so that you can concentrate on your objectives and achieve your goals.

Competition is a neutralizer. The lesson here is simple. Smart leaders will neutralize their competition not by obsessing over them, but by training their own teams to be better. The by-product is that they outsmart them. How? Through strategic planning, focused leadership, and excellence in customer service.

Competition is a motivator. Healthy competition is a good motivator. Whether the forum is in sports, business, or academics, etc., competition will motivate you to be your best. The secret is not to be distracted by the competition so as to lose your focus, but to allow it to bring out your best qualities that will give you a competitive advantage.

Competition is good and competitors make great teachers. The key for you is to learn from them, respect them, but never be intimidated by them. Let them bring you focus, neutralize them, and let them motivate you to be your best.

What do you think?

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Doug’s new book, Great Leaders Wanted, is now available. Visit www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com to order your copy today!

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The One Minute Encourager

Posted June 22, 2012
by dougdickerson

If you think encouragement is not that significant or necessary; think again. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number one reason people leave their job is because they do not feel appreciated. The Gallup organization reports that one poll found that 65% of Americans reported receiving no recognition for good work in the past year. How tragic. Almost seven out of ten people last year were not recognized, acknowledged or told how much they were valued or appreciated.

On today’s broadcast of the Management Moment Radio Show, I am talking about encouragement and its three primary benefits. I invite you to follow the link, and tune in today at 2 p.m. ET for the broadcast. www.blogtalkradio.com/managementmoment/2012/06/22/the-one-minute-encourager-with-doug-dickerson

If you happen to miss the show live, you can follow the same link and listen to it later on demand. Have a great day!

Follow Doug at www.twitter.com/managemntmoment
Doug’s new book, Great Leaders Wanted! is now available. Visit www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com to order your copy today!

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A Little Encouragement Please

Posted May 15, 2012
by dougdickerson

A story is told about The Duke of Wellington, the British military leader who defeated Napoleon at Waterloo, and that he was not an easy man to serve under. He was brilliant, demanding, and not one to shower his subordinates with compliments. Yet even Wellington realized that his methods left something to be desired. In his old age a young lady asked him what, if anything, he would do differently if he had his life to live over again. Wellington thought for a moment, and then replied. “I’d give more praise.”

How about you? Is there someone you know that could use a little praise or recognition? Just as you like to be recognized for the good work that you do, there are those you rub elbows with each day that would appreciate a kind word of encouragement. Besides, it will make you feel good to make someone’s day.

Doug’s new book, Great Leaders Wanted! is now available. Visit www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com to order your copy today!

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Simple Reminders

Posted May 9, 2012
by dougdickerson

A story is told of American painter John Sargent who once painted a panel of roses that was highly praised by his critics. It was a small picture, but it approached perfection. Although offered a high price for it on many occasions, Sargent refused to sell it.

He considered it his best work and was very proud of it. Whenever he was deeply discouraged and doubtful of his abilities as an artist, he would look at it and remind himself, “I painted that.” Then his confidence and ability would come back to him.

All leaders face times of discouragement and challenge. The secret to overcoming is to realize that “this too shall pass,” and to remember that your greatest work in the past is no match for the great things in your future!

Doug’s new book, Great Leaders Wanted! is now available. Visit www.dougsmanagementmoment.blogspot.com to order your copy today!

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