Sunday, April 29, 2007

Looking for stories- Baby Boomers 50+

I am working on some research on the Baby Boomer generation heading for retirement. The trend for the future predicts that Boomers will not retire in the same pattern as their parents. I am looking for true stories of 50+ South Africans who have decided to change direction or start a new career late in life. Have you left formal employment and become an entrepreneur or doing volunteer work. Do you work in cycles of work and sabbatical type activities. Would love for you to share your stories with me.
I can be contacted on lgsmith@mweb.co.za

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

To enter one needs to first exit

This principle is true to many areas of our lives. If we are talking about a close romantic relationship with another person or making a decision to move from one business to another the same principle applies.

It is impossible to appreciate true change and growth until we are able to let go of the past. We learn many lessons before we exit but the ongoing lack of closure causes the entry into new relationships not to be able to grow and florish until we make that decision.

One can never truly grow until you let go and risk the space in between. There may be many great expereinces, relationships and skills to be gained.

Are you brave enough to exit?

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Opening the door of opportunity


For the second time in my life I find myself with time to look for new opportunities.Someone once described LUCK as the crossroads of timing and an open mind. I do believe this is true.
I see opportunities wherever I go and I also hear others complain that there is no work. What is the difference.?Is it part of the profile of the person, attitude, self confidence, skills or many other options. Are some people risk takers and others not?

I do believe some of the barriers are self imposed and can be removed. We need to work on understanding these aspects to improve our chances of success.

I find the journey and search an adventure. It is also a time where one can reflect, take time to look at the world from a different angle and make choices that suit your own personal journey.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

A clear path for leaders when you are deep in the forest

One of the real challenges leaders face in business is seeing with helicopter vision. This is often very difficult when you are busy and involved with many projects and challenges at an operational depth within a business. A leader needs to find the time and space to remove themselves, understand the landscape and have enough time to think through the right possibilities for the business. We may often need to have a coach or outside strategist who questions our thinking and helps us to see clearly. I have experienced many leaders who never make the time to get out of the forest and lead all their followers into darkness.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Hired hands or Hired Hearts?

In a company where the leader has an autocratic style of leadership there is not enough concern for the growth of the humans working within that organisation. The main purpose is the bottom line . I believe that in this kind of structure one mainly will have Hired Hands. They come to work, collect their pay cheque but very seldom do you get true buy in.
With a servant leadership style the main purpose is the growth of the people working within the organisation. What amazes me is that in this kind of model the people never question extra time and effort because they know the leader cares for them and they are willing to add the extra value when necessary. These people are Hired Hearts.
What kind of people do you have in your organisation?

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