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Posts Tagged ‘As a Man Thinketh’
Monday, December 8th, 2008
Previously I had introduced the book, As A Man Thinketh, by James Allen, as a book that provides some valuable concepts about effective leadership. For this entry I would like to focus on Chapter 4, Thought and Purpose.
We would probably all agree that a great leader is one who can effectively convey their vision to others and evoke a purposeful outcome. Many of us often assume Presidents and CEOs of organizations are supposed to be the visionary, strategically minded individuals who direct the efforts of the organization. In chapter four, Allen points out that, “until thought is linked with purpose, there is no intelligent accomplishment.” This is, indeed, what sets a leader apart from a dreamer, or one who may have wonderful ideas, but is without the capacity to turn thought into action. Leaders must not only see the big picture, but also be skilled in guiding actions necessary for those ideas to become reality.
 Allen goes on to strengthen his point by explaining that vision with dedicated and concentrated direction achieves great results. I believe most of us, at one point or another, have known leaders who had the vision and were able to clearly define what the vision meant to the organization. They were skillful in utilizing subordinate leaders to delegate and guide their teams to successfully accomplish goals and tasks to fulfill the vision. I’m also sure many of you have known leaders who weren’t able to effectively share their vision. They were in essence a dreamer, who hoped their vision would somehow be filtered to and be carried out by others. These were, in fact, not true leaders.
Recently, economic downturn has caused many leaders to re-evaluate their strategic plans. Budget cuts and layoffs have become commonplace throughout many industries. I would venture to say that not many leaders prefer this course of action, or see it as part of a positive growth strategy. However, our environment continually changes and strategies must be modified. A leader must somehow be able to effectively convey the reasoning behind these changes to strategy without losing the support of their team or organization. Acting irrationally or “knee-jerk” reactions, may cause discomfort and resentment within others.
These are some of thoughts on chapter four in As A Man Thinketh. I invite you to click the link below to download your own copy of the book. Read it at your convenience and determine for yourself if it has value as a guide to qualities of leadership.
Tags: As a Man Thinketh, as a man thinketh book, effective leadership book, James Allen, thought and purpose
Posted in achievement, character, leadership, qualities of leadership | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
In a previous post I introduced the book, As A Man Thinketh, by James Allen, as a book that could be interpreted as an introduction to effective leadership. For this entry I want to focus on Chapter 2, Effect of Thought on Circumstances.
I would venture to say that most good leaders are positive people. Their positive attitude and outlook on the future will have a “trickle down” effect on the people they lead. Of course, those who follow and support this type of leader don’t just buy into a positive attitude, but know from experience that a positive outlook is often sincere and not just self serving. A true leader must prove him/her self to be more than a cheerleader. A positive outlook and driven thought process will have a record of success.
Early in my career, I worked for a President of an organization, who thought the independent dealer/distributor network of the organization would be the result of its demise. He often attacked the efforts, successes, and failures of these independents deferring to his internal “corporate” team. As a result, agreements with these dealers/distributors became more and more difficult to renew. His lack of trust led others to develop a lack of trust in him. Many of these people sought alternative business avenues. The circumstance of ill thought was clearly evident. His fear manifested what he feared most, the downfall of his organization.
Insincere or false hope is no more productive than negative thought. It is one in the same. The opposite of negative thought is positive thought and the effect of positive thought on people is a key to success. I’m not saying that a positive outlook is always going to generate success, but compared to that of negative thought, it has a much higher possibility of success.
Positive and productive thoughts lead to confidence in new ideas, sees good in others, and creates a desire for others to live up to high expectations. New ideas, with positive and trusting support will typically lead to more positive outcomes.
I invite you to submit your information below to download your own copy of As A Man Thinketh and read Chapter 2 Effect of Thought on Circumstances. Read it at your convenience and determine for yourself if it has value as a guide to qualities of leadership. It’s a read you can finish today and apply tomorrow.
Tags: As a Man Thinketh, James Allen, qualities of leadership
Posted in leadership, motivation | 1 Comment »
Monday, October 27th, 2008
 In a previous post I introduced the book, As A Man Thinketh, by James Allen, as a book that could be interpreted as an introduction to effective leadership. For this post I want to focus on Chapter 1, Thought and Character.
Think about the effective leaders you’ve known throughout your life. I’m not talking about the leader who just had the authority to boss people around pushing their own will. They might be in a position of leadership, but are they true leaders?
Effective leaders aren’t born, but rather developed. Value added thoughts develop leaders. The word “thought,” by itself, is very vague and could lead to a number of different subjects. For my purpose here, I would like to relate it to a leader and tie it to another word “character.”
Thought and Character compliment each other. One cannot have good character without good thoughts. Our thoughts and actions develop our character and how we are perceived by those we lead. Effective leaders have learned to control their thoughts and actions in a manor that elevates their perceived leadership skills and ability.
Character is a trait that has been learned and is made up from one’s habits, attitudes and attributes. Values that might define good character include: Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Trustworthiness and Caring. A leader with sound character finds it easier to achieve loyalty and dedication. People around this leader are more apt to follow and be supportive of the leader’s decisions and direction.
Individuals in supportive roles trust that the character of their leader is as described above. They respect and trust the leader, who has proven to be someone with a strong character. This leader creates a team that grows the organization because peers and direct reports have a desire to succeed and will support the efforts of this leader.
These are just some of my thoughts. I invite you to submit your information below to download your own copy of the book. Read it at your convenience and determine for yourself if it has value as a guide to qualities of leadership.
Tags: As a Man Thinketh, James Allen, qualities of leadership
Posted in leadership, trust | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008
 As I was a young man, my mother introduced me to a little book titled As A Man Thinketh, by James Allen. It has become a favorite in my life and is the book that had helped my mother through some difficult times. I was going through some difficult times of my own when she gave me her copy. At that time, I thought of the book only as inspirational read.I recently took another look at the book. As I pondered thoughts on leadership, I came to realize that much of the book could also be seen as instruction on effective leadership. While Chapter 3, Effect of Thought on Health and Body, and Chapter 7, Serenity, might not fit the bill, the other 5 chapters could easily be sections of any program on Leadership.
For this blog, I thought I would briefly introduce the other 5 chapters and how they are important factors of effective leadership. Over the coming weeks, I will delve into each chapter and its relevance to leadership.
Chapter 1 – Thought and Character: An effective leader isn’t born, but rather developed. Thoughts and actions develop our character and how we are perceived by those we lead. Effective leaders learn to control their thoughts and actions.
Chapter 2 – Effect of Thought on Circumstances: I would venture to say that most leaders are positive people. Conveying a positive attitude and outlook on the future will have some “trickle down” effect on the people they lead.
Chapter 4 – Thought and Purpose: We could all probably agree that a great leader is one who can effectively convey their vision to a purposeful outcome. Presidents and CEOs are supposed to be the visionaries. They are strategically minded individuals who direct the efforts of the organization.
Chapter 5 – The Thought-Factor in Achievement: Allen states, “A man can only rise, conquer, and achieve by lifting up his thoughts.” How true! A person dwelling in the negative is rarely, if ever, an effective leader. How could she/he be? Without looking at positive outcomes, one is focused on the negative and self-guided that direction.
Chapter 6- Visions and Ideals: “Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become.” “Your Vision is the promise of what you shall one day be. Your Ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil.” These two quotes from the book are powerful. What more can I say? A leader is a visionary, who can effectively communicate that vision. A vision without effective leadership is simply a dream. Allen describes the dream as a “seedling of realities.” That dream or vision must be developed by changing one’s mind-set,
The book has influenced millions and I invite you to read the book and hope that it will inspire and help you become a more effective leader as well. To obtain a complimentary electronic copy, submit your information here.
Tags: As a Man Thinketh, James Allen, qualities of leadership
Posted in character, leadership, motivation | 1 Comment »
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