The Leadership Project ®
Form Coalitions for Peace by Queen Noor
There are infinite ways that together we can contribute to coalitions to create a more stable, secure and equitable world. We live in a time when it is critically important to build such coalitions. My late husband, King Hussein, believed that peace resides ultimately not in the hands of governments, but in the hands of people. He said that real victories are those that protect human life, not those that result from its destruction or emerge from its ashes. Education is the single most effective tool in our peace arsenal. It can provide techniques for resolving differences without conflict, broader perspectives for looking at the world from others' points of view, and the resources, skills and new thinking that are the currency of the global information economy. Successful coalitions cannot be simply temporary alliances of like-minded nations, determined to achieve their own ends. They need to encompass a wealth of enduring, committed partnerships - among governments, business, and civil society, and above all, among all kinds of people. You can add your voice to the many other voices around the world calling for peace, justice and tolerance. Thanks to the power of technology in the service of democratic principles; never before in human history have ordinary people had so much opportunity to do good. Yes, now, more than ever, is the time for true coalitions - for webs, for networks of people reaching out to each other. If we break down the walls of misperception and mistrust, we will achieve our radically new definition of security - not a fortress for the few, but a safety net for all.
Get Tough by Donald J. Trump
Toughness is pride, drive, commitment, and the courage to follow through on things you believe in, even when they are under attack. It is solving problems instead of letting them fester. It is being who you really are, even when society wants you to be somebody else. Toughness is knowing how to be a gracious winner... and rebounding quickly when you lose. For a nation, toughness means avoiding complacency, meeting and solving problems head-on, while keeping the big picture in mind at all times. In business, toughness means playing by the rules but also putting those rules to work for you. It is looking at an adversary across the desk and saying, simply, "No."
Self Confidence by Jack Welch
Arrogance is a killer, and wearing ambition on one's sleeve can have the same effect. There is a fine line between arrogance and self-confidence. Legitimate self-confidence is a winner. The true test of self-confidence is the courage to be open - to welcome change and new ideas regardless of their source. Self-confident people aren't afraid to have their views challenged. They relish the intellectual combat that enriches ideas. They determine the ultimate openness of an organization and its ability to learn. How do you find them? By seeking out people who are comfortable in their own skin - people who like who they are and are never afraid to show it. Don't ever compromise "being you" for any job in any institution.
Go Out And Do It! by Ted Koppel
What is great about our system of law and government is precisely its focus on the rights and obligations of the individual. There is in our system a touching faith in the power of one man, one woman to make a difference, and in each individual's right to challenge what are, after all, only the symbols of our greatness. Burn a flag and you've simply destroyed a piece of paper or cloth that can easily be replaced. Deny the right to burn that flag and you have destroyed something irreplaceable. We will not change what's wrong with our culture through legislation, or by choosing up sides on the basis of personal popularity or party affiliation. We will change it by small acts of courage and kindness; by recognizing, each of us, his or her own obligation to set a proper example. Aspire to decency. Practice civility toward one another. Admire and emulate ethical behavior wherever you find it. Apply a rigid standard of morality to your lives; and if, periodically, you fail - as you surely will - adjust your lives, not the standards. There's no mystery here. You know what to do. Now go out and do it!
Meditate And Open Your Heart by John Gray
Sit quietly in a place where you will not be interrupted. With your eyes closed, reach your hands up in the air a little above shoulder height and begin repeating this phrase, "Oh, God, my heart is open to you, please come sit in my heart." Move each of your fingers slightly as you repeat the phrase. Continue for fifteen minutes. Just as our fingertips allow us to touch the world, they also allow us to touch God. If your mind wanders, simply bring it back to the phrase. Let God give you the energy to do all that you can do to be your best. Imagine yourself moving through your day happy, loving, peaceful and confident. Be grateful for the miracles that meditation may bring to you. Your open heart will attract to it everything that you want.
Give Back For The Right Reasons by Stedman Graham
Public service and volunteer work can be a great way to network and market your skills, but self-service should never be your primary reason for public service. If others in the organization or community see that your motives are strictly self-serving, then you probably do yourself no good either. Instead, devote yourself to helping others with the idea that the ultimate benefit you hope to derive is the satisfaction of dedicating your talents and energy to a cause greater than yourself. Your greatest reward will be leaving a legacy that will have a positive impact on the world even after you are gone.
Internalize Success by Maya Angelou
Money is very important and should not be denied or scorned. It's very important. It is not, however, a measure of success. Success is always internal, but what money does is afford the person who has it the chance to be generous to herself and others. Success is internal, being able to look in the mirror when you brush your teeth and like what you see, and not drop your eyes. Liking yourself, and liking the person you want to be and liking the person you're trying to become. And that is it. That puts you at ease in any company. Whether you're black in white company, or white in black company, you're at ease. Christian with Jews at ease, because you know your heart and you know how you feel. That is true success.
Be Strong by Ross Perot
Always strive to do your best. Don't take rejection personally. Even with thoughtful planning temporary setbacks may occur. Stay positive and ready to try again. After all, it just may be that the setbacks were the result of factors beyond your control; such as bad timing or even luck. But, remember, that time is always changing and that luck favors the hard working. Dream great dreams; then pursue those dreams. With research, persistence, determination and a little luck, you can realize them. Find and follow the example of your heroes. Don't ask others to do what you won't. Be your best and you will be extraordinary.Create a Winning Team by Ross Perot
You can do a lot by yourself but much more by assembling a winning team. Start by being the example. Be ready to work harder than anyone else. Accept that all people have strengths and weaknesses. Understand that talent comes in all shapes, sizes, races, religions, and both sexes. Be aware. You are always looking for talented, enthusiastic people to hire. Surround yourself with people who accept challenges and aren't afraid to carry more than their own weight. Seek people who are smart, tough, self-reliant and who hate to lose. Look for people who were achievers since childhood. As you must keep training and improving, give your employees the same opportunities to develop and hone their skills.Keep Your Commitments by Ross Perot
Following the Action Principles, you don't shy away from hard work or challenging assignments. You don't waste your time looking for clever ways to cut corners or gain unfair advantage. Never do anything immoral or illegal regardless of the potential gain. Never take advantage of anyone. Make honesty and straight dealing your calling card. Treat everyone as your equal unless his or her actions or attitudes prove otherwise. If you are treated unfairly, walk away. Later, pause, reflect and start again. Research and think carefully before giving your word but when you do be prepared to stick by it. Time is a valuable commodity. Don't take others' time for granted. Always be prompt.Look Back With Pride by Ross Perot
During your elderly years, here is how you want to look back at your life: You are happy because your children have realized their potential. You have wonderful memories of time spent with friends. You were fair and generous with those in your charge. You have lived your life as a great adventure. Your reputation remained unblemished. Financial success has resulted from your interest in helping others. Walk the path of the Action Principles and this will be your perspective.Own Your Own Business by Ross Perot
If you own your own business, commit to making your products the best in the world. To have the best products, hire the best people. Become an expert. Know more about your business than anyone else. Serve an apprenticeship. Find a mentor. Commit to your customers 24/7. Retain first-rate attorneys and accountants to advise you. Get up and get out and meet your customers, employees, suppliers and competitors. Talk but more importantly question and listen. Your products, no matter how great, don't sell themselves. Debt is a burden to be avoided. Carefully guard your cash and maintain a cash reserve. Use credit cards and credit limits judiciously. Money is a gift to be used carefully. Remember; your business career is a marathon and not a sprint.Put Your Family First by Ross Perot
Accept that your family is more important than work and money. Don't worry; if you keep improving yourself and you keep others first, you will make more than enough money. Do your best to leave your work and business stress at the office. A few nights every week, your family deserves your undivided attention. Build your family around an appreciation for relationships rather than things. Be savers. Looking forward to buying something can be as much fun as actually owning it. Treat money as a gift. Be a family that tries new things and does things together. Encourage your children willingly to accept academic and athletic challenges. Reward your children for their positive initiatives even when they make mistakes. Your attitude and your actions toward each other and not your money will make your family a happy family.
Drive Forward With Determination by Monty Hall
The three factors that lead to success are: 1. Talent 2. Determination 3. Luck Presuming you have the talent, let your determination drive you forward to the day when luck meets you at the intersection.
Continue Learning by Mike Krzyzewski
Continual learning is a key to effective leadership because no one can know everything there is to know. In leadership, things change. Events change, circumstances change, people change. As a matter of fact, leadership is all about change. Leaders take people to places they've never been before. Because leaders are always encountering new situations, they have to learn how to meet new challenges, to adapt, to confront, to master, to win. A leader's job is ongoing. It's like a ring. There is no end. Leadership never stops. We have to think of different ways to learn and grow every day.
Discover The Greatness Within by Joe Lewis
Martial artists should put more emphasis on becoming athletes first. Get your bodies in shape. Don't try to not hide or pretend any longer. Quit hiding behind your PC keyboard, living the fantasy through magazines and videos or camouflaging your insecurities behind some need for certification. There is only one way to become a real fighter and that is to go to a real gym with high athletic standards. Don't watch. Make a commitment to yourself to go back to your basics. With enthusiasm, you must practice and keep practicing. Then, get out there and fight. Never yield. Never quit. Strength, wisdom, and spirit are the traits of greatness. Work hard, train smart, study with the best, and you will discover the greatness within yourself.
Stand For Our Children by Marian Wright Edelman
We must affirm the sanctity of each child. When Jesus Christ invited the little children to come unto Him, He did not invite only rich, middle class, white, male, children without disabilities, from two parent families, or our own children to come. He welcomed all children. And so must we. All great faiths place a priority on child protection. Our challenge is to reflect this priority every day in our families, communities, and professional lives, and in our private sector and governmental policies. We must build strong politics and climate for child investment that cuts across race and class, and appeal to self-interest as well as conscience. We must combat the myths that it is only poor or minority children or those in developing nations who are afflicted by the breakdown of moral, family, and community values throughout our world today. The pollution of our airwaves, air, food, and water; growing economic insecurity among middle-class children and young families; rampant drug and alcohol abuse; teen pregnancy; and domestic violence among rich; middle-class, and poor alike; AIDS; random gun and terrorist violence; resurging racial, ethnic, and gender intolerance in our places of learning, work, and worship; and the crass, empty materialism of too much of our culture, threaten every child. Affluenza and lack of moral purpose are more dangerous viruses than influenza for millions of America's and the world's children. We must stop adult hypocrisy and live what we preach.
Speak Up! by Barbra Streisand
Too many people of conscience are biting their tongues, fearing they'll be perceived as unpatriotic. In fact, we need to forcefully engage the argument about what makes America... America, the country we all love. Do we want corporate tax giveaways, or help for the unemployed. Opening public lands to oil companies and logging interests, or renewable energy and conservation. An America where elections end up in the courts, or where election reform insures that every vote is counted. A justice department and judiciary that threatens a woman's right to choose and the elderly's right to a dignified exit, or a renewed commitment to the freedom of choice and liberty in a time of crisis. Let's have the debate. We can argue about this, wrestle with this... but we can't be indifferent to this. I know it's difficult to criticize the administration in a time of war. But this is about our future... about protecting the very essence of our democracy... freedom of speech. Our leaders shouldn't be afraid to speak the truth, even if it is temporarily unpopular. As Dr. King said, "Truth crushed to the earth will rise again." Truth works. Truth has its own force. Truth eventually wins out.
Think Like a Champion by Mike Shanahan
A mother does not enjoy giving birth, but she enjoys having given birth. A person does not enjoy exercising, but the person enjoys having exercised. A person does not enjoy paying bills, but the person enjoys having paid bills. If you focus on the reward at the end of the task, it allows you to put more energy into what you're doing. The good ones will sometimes find a way, and the great one will always find a way. What are you prepared to do? What sacrifices are you willing to make to get where you need to go? Learn to follow the leaders and to be a leader yourself. Sweat the details. Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Set goals. Keep a positive attitude. Take a few risks. If you think like a champion, nothing will stand in your way. Go show the world how it's done. Why not you?
Make The World New Again by Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg
When my father, President Kennedy, talked of a new frontier, he was not speaking of a set of promises but a set of challenges; challenges of the mind and heart and spirit, the challenge of giving of ourselves, of giving to our country. Somebody else's government is not what we want. If we believe in civil rights and human rights and closing the racial divide, then it is up to us. If we believe in clean air and clean water, then it is up to us. If we want a Supreme Court that will protect the freedoms in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, including the right to privacy, that will keep our personal, financial and medical information from being up for grabs and will guarantee the right to make our own reproductive decisions, then it is up to us. If we believe that we have seen enough gun violence in our land and in our lifetimes, that guns should no longer take the lives of those we love, then it is up to us. We can make the world new again if only we try.
Be Yourself by Anna Quindlen
The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself. Set aside what your friends expect, what your parents demand, what your acquaintances require. Set aside the messages this culture sends, through its advertising, its entertainment, its disdain and its disapproval, about how you should behave. Set aside the old traditional notion of female as nurturer and male as leader; set aside, too, the new traditional notions of female as superwoman and male as oppressor. Begin with that most terrifying of all things, a clean slate. Then look, every day, at the choices you are making, and when you ask yourself why you are making them, find this answer: for me, for me. Because they are who and what I am, and mean to be. This is the hard work of your life in the world, to make it all up as you go along, to acknowledge the introvert, the clown, the artist, the reserved, the distraught, the goofball, the thinker. Begin to say no to the Greek chorus that thinks it knows the parameters of a happy life when all it knows is the homogenization of human experience. Listen to that small voice from inside you, that tells you to go another way. George Eliot wrote, "It is never too late to be what you might have been." It is never too early, either. And it will make all the difference in the world.
Follow These Seven Pillars To Success by 'Judo' Gene LeBell
Always remember that the harder you work, the luckier you get. Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn a lot in life. Life is going to give you ups and downs but you can always get up and try again. Here are my Seven Pillars To Success which have given direction to my life and which I'd like to share with you. Pass them on. 1. Do not abuse alcohol or drugs 2. Cross-train in multiple styles 3. Get on the mat to test the effectiveness of your techniques 4. Don't insult other styles 5. Never stop learning 6. Earn your rank by teaching and/or competing 7. If you have an open mind, you can learn from people that are not as tough or good looking as you.
