Education Leadership

Leadership on Business

2010-03-16T14:11:00.008-05:00

As Marketing, we are selling our products, offering assistance, and awarding grants to our customers based on trust. However, it is still insufficient to get good sales on business. As leaders, we need to make better improvement on our selling methods and systems. Here is how some success and confidence could be improved. Despite the fact that most of these things, we are one of them that can lose everything. Yet it is how leadership must be implemented on business.

Being reliable To provide what we promise and promise only what we can offer. Be on time. Report on inconvenience immediately. Leave more advances for such appointments. Be realistic with deadlines for the unexpected. Be predictable. Map courtesy recall. Set personal monitoring of anger and other fear.

Listening Demonstrate our interest and respect in dealing with what the other says. Make questions then make it easy to answer. Be open to other person ideas though we disagree. Listen directly from the source is a lot better than through a filter that we want to hear. Be extroverted to new ideas. Remember we could always learn more.

Being Truthful Tell the truth. Undergo things with integrity. Decide as though we are to face all the consequences, to treat others with honor, and select what actions will be added as value for all.

Providing information Describe and tell stories to show what we have achieved from the past. Praise the words to utter. Assemble data. Keep an overview of achievements of victory, letters of recommendation and other supporting news. When necessary, obtain certificates, compliments and diplomas. Make new data. Map of good deeds that lead to stories of all.

Being on the High Road Help others to perform what they could do the best. Avoid asking for a favor. Undergo good things – because it could make the world to be a better place. Display the value when being uncertain. Find the good deed from others. Rely on others as we need them to do the same thing.

Applying Grammar on Emails

2010-03-13T11:57:00.006-06:00

One might think that there is no link between the construction or the relevance of e-mails with grammatically correct sentences and carrying out the duties of the contractor. It is acceptable to the receivers (in this case is our customers). For customers purchasing their products or use their services, they have confidence in their emailing abilities. Using correct grammar is important to make a positive impression.

The same thing applies to internal correspondence listed in a company. Employees of other departments in a company know anything about the work we do, but they can learn English grammar. And we can quickly point, but remember that English grammar is used correctly.
Because space prohibits a lengthy discussion on grammar, here is a brief discussion on an issue of common grammar. Beware of these errors when creating e-mails.

* Fewer or less
Determine if the word "little" or the word "less frequent" can be difficult. Here are two techniques to help.

1. Method of Quantifiable

It is a technique called the method of quantify. Ask ourselves if the sum of individual items (for example apples, paper clips, calculators) or you cannot count the number (for example food, time and patience.)

• If you expect the product, use the word "less".

• If the score is not included, use the word "less".

You can count the number of e-mails you receive. And most people want less news because they want to spend less time on e-mail.

2. Method of much more or much

This technique is the second to determine if the word "child" or the word "little." This method is a little bit strange to use; however, words of well, extravagant and fun make it easier to remember.

* Little

If you rephrase the sentence with those above words very differently, then select the word “little." In addition, as the phrase containing the word "is", then choose the word "little." “Many” tends to be the opposite of "less" while “Long” tends to be the opposite of "fewer".
We should be able to determine when "small" and "minor" are in use. This illustrates both the method for quantifying and fun to use "important or very important" method. Determine also when the use of "less" or "minus" are most appropriately applicable.

1. Method of Quantifiable

• If you expect the product, use the "less". For example: There are fewer than six vehicles in the parking lot.

• If you do not count the points you use "less". For example: We had the car less fuel than we thought.

2. Method of much more or much

• To be "great" and "minus". For example: You have many students.
Therefore, students have less and less.

• If you are using, "long" and less ". For example: I have a long time.
Therefore, I have less time.

Whichever method we use, have the impression that we are aware that our e-mail. They suffer less stress if we could get more customers and employees will be maintained by a professional.

Leadership at Business Event

2010-03-08T11:12:00.002-06:00

The Use of Networking (02)

Pardon for absence a while; yet let’s go on with the solutions:

The subjects are willing for open discussions. They are the parts to find a number of difficult people. What would we say to these people? If we are not naturally comfortable with chat, why should we not found? Listen to what they say, we will see that there's really no big secret. It is actually a very simple thing. They think that at the end: "Let me talk to a stranger. What can I do?"

Practice our techniques of memory for names. "Of course, it is not very impressive when two minutes after the introduction then we forget his name." One good technique is, if someone tells us his name, to repeat back. This will cement in your mind. Other techniques are the memory a little bit confusing and turn exaggerated representation between the name and person. For example, if it was addressed to Mr. Potter, we can imagine with a pot on his head.

No effect in groups with colleagues or people we already know. We can at any time talk with them! It occurs most of events. We return to our comfort zone. It is good that we like, what … But it is not! Not what we are there. To extend the bat, put the right foot, keep our chin up and show your friends. Say: "I could have time" and enter the chat room all at once!

The score reached with positive body language and smile. We should become ourselves by offering him a handshake, and repeat his name. First impressions are counted. Do not fall in the search for very modest and very painful.

Look for open triangles. If two people speak and will always agree, they tend to go together. If three people in a group that seeks from a central point, similar to another to make eye contact. So if we have a group of people because what they see at the same point of view as we see is a sign that the appeal has expired. People tend to want their organization to be theirs. We can create a situation where, if someone looks at us, watch their body ... and it shows they want to end the experience of the conversation. Our body will go where our mind goes.

And again, if we have a group, as one guest remarked "outside to see they are tired of the group of which they speak and have been saved.

Leadership at Business Event

2010-02-22T05:38:00.003-06:00

The Use of Networking (01)

We will see that several people act just as natural as they are. When they are placed in a room which is full of strangers, they will walk and waltz around showing that they are in a total confidence, full of smiles and small talk, while doing right things as they consider. The strangers to whom they talk apparently look happy yet alert, look pleased being there. Don't we just envy on them? They apparently make those entire things look easy and simple, don't they? Could we?
However, most of us fear for networking approach style in any events of formal business. We still have hesitation to approach those strangers, moreover, we have nothing to say; have no idea to break the ice. When we find something to strike up the conversation, then what will we do to keep the conversation running? There must be embarrassing quietness, and we will always consider it as a complete disaster! No need to image what happens next, just think of walking away from them or continue in more rigid situation such as asking others like, “ You’ve found us fine (Now What?!)”. They have nothing to do just silently and clumsily nod. That would surely be embarrassment for both sides; the strangers wish they should not have come there; they just can’t wait to get rid of there!
The entire effort of friendly approach at that time is completely destroyed. We end up performing impression as we intended and turn it in the opposite. Yet we of course could not avoid doing as such just because those strangers make you feel inconvenient. We are now parts of modern life so that we should accept things that we are not the only one who encounter things like these uncomfortably and endeavor ourselves the best we could do. We might never be the belle of the ball, yet we could do some kind of businesslike jobs and let our guests feel glad to have come there.
Then, what on earth are those events apparently awkward? That could probably be because we are insisted on an unnatural situation where we are not familiar or ready with. Nevertheless, just keep in mind that the whole things considered as disaster as above mentioned are neither business nor really social. We are just accidentally coming into a ‘no man’s land’. There is no need to consider it serious matter.

Better Printed in Colors

2010-02-20T17:31:00.002-06:00

Beginning to the world business promotion, there are a lot of exhibitions to join in for those commercial companies running on various business. Exhibitions such as furniture trade expo this coming March are going to be held almost all over the world such as in Singapore City Singapore, in Cologne Germany, in Cebu Philippines, in Vienna Austria and several more furniture shows which need to be considered on.

The most important thing for companies participating in any of those exhibitions above to prepare is a word of ‘display’; this relates to a wide range of comprehension on how to display their places/layouts, performances, background decorations, products and some other things to support the performance of their booth to be eye catching. Printed images and pictures are certainly in a big demand, and quality of printed results should be undoubtedly.

There are companies processing their own photography as well as printing; however, in achieving the best outcome, a lot of printing companies as well as online printing services could be considerable reference. The work is always qualified and quick as only professionals are on the jobs. Good and reasonable prices are generally achievable though we could get discount printing prices on better quantity and sometimes better printed colors based on orders.

A great deal of printing services offers best quality on their products. The printing products range from booklets, brochures, catalogs, posters, banners, flyers to DVD sleeves and many more at good deal. Supported with printing machines that are functioned only for this specific kind of work, these services could give the most appropriate results as required. Never has there been hesitation on working with this printing service, business companies that get this service assistance could even gain better prospects.

Leadership role at Standard Business

2010-02-15T08:59:00.005-06:00

Pricing for Profit (02)

In this second chance, we will be acquainted with the key to proper profit pricing – that is to cover three important pricing equation parts. They are apparently the costs we ought to pay for in order that we could sell what we sell. For instance, when we are furniture makers we will need to purchase nails, screws, wood, wood glue and others to produce a piece of furniture. The items purchased are our direct costs, or people commonly define as an out-of-date humble inventory.
Further more we shall need to factor thing known as indirect costs. They are apparently kinds of other expenses which relate directly to the furniture production and selling process. We could as well take into consideration of the indirect expenses that we also draw as delivery and installation results upon finished furniture product such as parking fees, fuel, labor, overtime working and so on.
We often hear Activity Based Costing or ABC. It is found mostly in big scale production some business in where almost every production aspect involved is taken into account and redeemed in prices of the products. Meanwhile, as a small business, we don’t suggest on trying to restore every aspect out of the costs where we commonly might price the products out of range for the consumers. This cost-recovering process of the products is apparently risky when the products are not properly damaged.
Hence, there are only certain costs we can restore in our product prices without making the prices of the products too high and beyond reach so that no one could afford to buy our products. For example, as the furniture maker we wish to recover the installation cost through laboring on any single furniture installation whereas we could not restore the expenses of ads which got us the client at the first position.
Let’s take a look at another example of ABC. When we get back to the issue of joist hangers production, we shall surely wish to restore the expense of the metal sheet along with the expense of each worker who actually carries on his job over the joist hanger production.

Pay Better Your Tax

2010-02-08T13:04:00.002-06:00

I always wonder why people seem to be depressed by the time they want to buy something but they consider too much with the taxes. Since my beginning time to pay tax, about three years ago, I always apply methods my parents suggested me in getting better things with their low tax. They could even find several ways to save money better through their own ways. How could the suggestion be so that paying tax never gets to be a stressful thing for me?

Their suggestion is always applicable for me in avoiding big tax. One and the most appropriate advice I always apply above of all is to consider the best thing to get with a very low tax risk to face. For example, when I am planning to buy something nice for my girl on Valentine’s Day I know that this moment is not always commemorated with some pinkish dolls or chocolate. I prefer getting some postcards with related images to the celebrated moment.

When giving things to a friend who is hospitalized, other will visit him with food or fruit which I consider just can’t help him recover much. Health progress could be gained from inner feeling which is happy an strong with willing to get recovered soon. Laughter and happiness could trigger this so that I prefer giving him some kind of humor books.

There are more things could be done to get tax preparation accomplished well. They are not some kinds of fantastic ways; on the other hand, the ways just quite simple to follow as long as we could control our desire and pride. Apparently, those emotion and pride could lead us to meet numerous taxes with high interest. And when people have come into this consideration, they will surely find their own ways to cope with taxes.

Leadership role at Standard Business

2010-02-03T09:50:00.004-06:00

Pricing for Profit (01)

Most businesses consider that it is a natural occurrence or challenge in developing profitable products or services so that they never need to review the process of pricing. It also often sounds when some CEOs, CFOs or even business owners tout their business success because of profitable presenting services and products; it is wondered what their real comprehension in pricing is as it is related to profitability of the business.
It is true that all business wants to gain profit and they believe they are actually profitable; however, there are still a big percentage of businesses all over the world that do not have any ideas the basic concept of profitable services or products. It is actually commonly known that a truly profitable service or product has to breakeven in preparation for profitability, at least. By understanding the most common definition of breakeven, business owners could apply it as the point at which a service or a product does not win or lose. In other words, the service or product that is set to the ability of breakeven actually has no either loss or gain. Those owners or businessmen need to know better how to add the profitability percentage onto the breakeven number on which they will really get profit based. The breakeven term is often found in fabrication or production where one could determine the required numbers to be produced to meet breakeven.
Let’s take a look at one example of someone runs business in furniture manufacturing. If he is planning to manufacture some sets of furniture, he would then need to know how many sets he needs to produce to cover his raw material costs otherwise known as breakeven, where all furniture sets he produces after that known number would be profit.
Contractors are also another good example where most of them will factor in all of the raw materials costs of each project they handle and simply add what they believe is an achievable percentage of profit. Yet then an error here is that they mistakenly factor in their labor costs into what they trust as their profit margin then when at the end of a project they actually don't profit what they thought they should because the project dragged on too much time and consumed labor expenses.
It is an unfortunate for most businesses and contractors that perceived percentage of profit added to the raw material portions is actually only a perception of what they think as profit. Smaller businesses or contractors, operating as sole proprietors and in fact being truly operated by a single person, really have no need to worry about the actual calculation of breakeven as well as proper pricing.

Performing Leadership through Examples

2010-01-31T18:19:00.003-06:00

As leaders, we are supposed to be able to lead other people by our own example. If our people find their leader doing something but saying something else, they might obey and undergo what is uttered but without really having the spirit behind what the leader tries to achieve. When our people have no the spirit behind a rule we all can end up in a very massive efficiency loss.

The point of leading through example means more to lead through intention not through direction. This could be more clearly to comprehend when our people hear us saying something we want them to do, they might follow what we say; however, it is much less efficient than they follow what we mean. By following our intent, they will surely be a lot more effective and productive; they will align more with our vision than when they only follow what word them to do.

There is a situation of a principle of a big university which has a large enough parking space near the building where he works. He announced his students to park their vehicles at the low area of the valley and to ride a bus to get to the campus. Once in a while, students found that they were on the same bus with the university principle. He wanted to park at the same area as his students were parking their vehicles in order that he could make sure himself how they had to park and get to the campus.

His students respected him a great deal because he was trying to follow his own words and rules although he did not have to do so. They felt that he valued them and as a result they gave a massive deal of effort to help the university get success.

The situation above shows us that leading through examples is much better than just telling them. When we tell our people, they will understand a very small percentage of what we are trying to say. On the other hand, when we give them example by showing them what we want them to do, they will understand not only what we mean but also the intention behind our example of what we actually want them to do.

A Leader and His Followers

2010-01-28T10:24:00.001-06:00

On the world of leadership, everything rises and falls quite arbitrarily. This will soon fall apart I evitable without the existence of a strong, committed and visionary leader. It is indeed the truth; however, some leaders have it more difficult than others do. Though it’s real when an individual organization would gain primary success because of its great leader, In fact, it is believed that organizations as a whole in this second millennium are suffering quite because either, or both, leaders as well as his followers are poor. In this case, they are poor at comprehension, skills, proficiencies, attitudes and vision. One wise phrase sounds that what we sow in our life is what we get, unless the soil is not good of course. And when it is applied into any team, relationship, organization, even marriage – we harvest what we put in, unless the ground was not any better in the first place.

From a very big organization to a simply small group is truly in need of leaders and it looks that we always keep trying to move ahead. Even when studying leadership, we have pursued it to get ahead. It has got to become an international level of disease, and it would apparently be this significant reluctance which will bring about any single institution down to its knees. As far as we could invest our capacity to lead, the capacity for the other side of the so-called “see-saw” hence has already been ignored. On the contrary, we have gotten to be obsessed, in fact, in recognition of our high demand for good leaders.
It sounds strange but true that we all of a sudden discovered that leadership is indeed important. Yet there is even time when leaders are stumbled to lead teams that rise to be more and more self-oriented. How could the leaders lead his followers whilst his followers don’t know how to follow well? Then, what needs to be done? One and the most important thing to do is to consult and discuss what the leaders want his followers to do and, on the other hands, what the followers want their leaders to be.

Ways to Develop Qualities of Leadership

2010-01-23T10:31:00.002-06:00

Most of successful companies and organizations, the most necessary asset is quality leadership. A competent leader is behind all of this when we see through growing groups, organization or companies. Then there come questions; what makes a successful leader? Is it a so-called talent? Is the talent natural born, or can we learn it? The answers may vary, yet some close and appropriate are coming from below points of view.
In the world of business, there are a lot of different leader types. Natural born leaders are included into some of these and they have fit into this role throughout their entire lives. Meanwhile, some others were not born to have strong characteristics of leadership; this type of leader could be achieved and developed through programs of leadership development and intense training. And apparently most successful leaders are coming up with a combination of the two. However, it is not apparently good to be a leader when we are not well-educated on proper procedure; an in-depth understanding of how things need to be run is really demanded from this type of leadership characteristic. Yet as stated above, people will acquire leadership skills with exposure and time, no matter if the person was born with that characteristic. It is then possible that anyone could become a qualified leader.
To develop staffs and employees, a company performs different training programs. Standard steps in training are commonly as follow:
First of all, companies have the employee to find his/her individual qualities of so-called leadership. Yet we should also notice that some people have stronger characteristics of this leadership quality than others.
The next step is to get used to with collective organization. The trained employee would have some people to work with as followers. It is meant for trained employee to understand inner workings within the group and be capable of communicating the status to and from his followers.
Then the last step is to get the trained employee to learn how to promote comradeship between other employees. It is commonly known that people tend to work better when they enjoy things they are doing.
We need to learn be a leader whom other people like to follow. Hence it means we need to always perform a good example to the others around us. It is no use to gain all leadership qualities but no one wishes to follow.

Be a Respected Leader with Four Characteristics

2010-01-20T23:05:00.004-06:00

In this point of view, a respected leader is the one that is hoped to be followed by others. How could we be this type of leader? There are basically four main characteristics that should be owned by a leader to show at a consistent foundation. By paying thorough attention on these four characteristics, we would accurately increase our capability of leading others. What are the four characteristics?
The first and the most important characteristic is honesty. As an effective leader, we are supposed to show this main pole of all behaviors. When without, there would never be effective leadership. Hence, it is not something easy to master. We carefully ought to select and filter our words as well as the situation in where we are brought up difficult issues.
Second thing is the characteristic of competency. As a leader, we have tried hard to perform our highly honesty but without competency, we will surely go nowhere. We must introspect what we are doing to stay confidence among those who choose to follow. With this characteristic, we are best to find a mentor that we highly regard and develop a relationship with them to our better skills.
Furthermore, focusing ourselves forward is the third characteristic to perform. Always think positively and wait for any possibility in the future would create a respected leader. The ability a leader must own to figure out what plan and future is likely to be determines where the organization will be taken. State a plan what to do for example in the next two months; detail backward steps and make them as a plan.
Last but not least, inspiring characteristic is a respected leader must own. As an effective leader, we must possess the capability of inspiring others to act as we wish. Their action will result in what business is dependent on to succeed. Nevertheless, we don’t have to be a perfect public speaker to be inspiring. Instead, we could simply apply some approaches in a consistent positive attitude. The result of approach should be equal to the target of the business mission, and in the end to goal is achieved.

Leadership: A Need of Emotional Intelligence

2010-01-17T11:03:00.003-06:00

An Emotional Intelligence is taken from one supporting points of a perfect combination between Emotional Quotient and Emotional Quotient, whereas both have a very significant difference. It is meant for a leader to smartly imply his emotion in handling people or his members. In applying Emotional Intelligence within leadership principles, we should understand notion of emotion in what part of business or point of views is this emotion is needed to apply.
Yet not only the emotion of the leader is particularly expressed; the people or members of the organization are the ones who also need to apply this intelligence in comprehension that organization is grown and processed by unthinking and unfeeling members; it is surely something undesirable uncomfortable.
A huge influence of 'Emotional Intelligence' within an organization takes the way of operation procedure differently and turns it to 90 degrees into the field of emotion. This kind of emotion on the organization operation is absolutely urgently crucial as the basic feeling of the organization ‘wheel’ to move in different tones and points of view. Emotional Intelligence is also good for health, career and life in certain points of comprehension.
We could increase our Emotional Intelligence potency by performing some training and tests related to distinct improvements in particular aspects of emotional intelligence. Normally, the session is dealing with developing personal quality, emotion identification and emotion management of self and others' emotions. Certain parts of personal quality are included self-awareness, emotional literacy, empathy & compassion, balance and responsibility. The quality of personal emotional intelligence mentioned above is the means of us a leader in taking primary responsibility of the organization owner or motor to move along well. When we think that we are qualified enough with those emotional intelligence points and principles, do our people / members own similar emotions as ours?

2010-01-15T11:18:00.002-06:00

We are now in the beginning of 2010, a year where the world continues to get more complex, businesses and careers are becoming more specific and specialized, and require higher education credits to keep in good standing. This is inevitably true in most of medical fields although many professions and organizations demand their people to gain more skills development for today environments changing.
Almost any field of discipline that takes a great deal of study to become a well-certified member will require education continuity. Let’s say from quality managers, respiratory therapists, engineering, medical nurses and doctors, and many others are expected to maintain a higher level of education consistent with the field of knowledge. The reason behind this is apparently to gain professionals that do not only maintain but also develop and learn new skill sets and techniques. This is critical in much of the business world that grows more complex.
Even though a qualified education in many of the professional fields can provide a solid comprehension of the industry no matter whether it is industrial, scientific, financial, or medical. Ongoing competence in any of these disciplines somehow requires an ongoing process of continuing education. Education continuity is necessary for the professional to remain at the place and up to date with the latest techniques and knowledge base in the discipline of study.
Generally, education continuity translates into a particular digit or number of course credit hours for the professional every so plenty of years. These additional education credits are often considered to be mandatory when government controlled certifications renewal such as a teaching certificate.
In order to stay professional and remain in good recent position with a lot of the recognized professional organizations ongoing continuing education is critical for a professional career. The small investment in extra training or stimulation can go a long-but-winding way to keeping skills fresh and increasing the proficiency any professional levels.

Leadership Principles

2010-01-12T11:31:00.003-06:00

In achieving ourselves to the comprehensible leaders and gain the reputable leadership quality, we should apply basic principles of how good leadership could be.

There are, in general, eleven principles of leadership to help us be, know, and do:

1. Knowing ourselves then seek for self improvement
In order to know ourselves, we need to understand our attributes: be, know, and do. Seeking for self improvement means to continually strengthen our attributes. We could get into this principle by accomplishment through self-study, reflection, formal classes and interaction with others.

2. Being technically proficient
As a leader, we are supposed to know our duty as well as to have a solid familiarity with our employees and their tasks.

3. Seeking for responsibility and taking responsibility for our actions
Search for ways to lead our organization to better levels and heights. And when things are drifted unexpectedly – as they always do sooner or later, do not blame others. Best steps to do are to analyze carefully the situation, to take corrective action, and, when thing go along well again, to move on to the next challenge.

4. Making sound and timely decisions
In applying to this principle, we should apply good problem solving, decision making, and planning tools.

5. Setting examples
Be a good model for our own employees. In expecting them to follow our style, they must not only hear what they are expected to do, but also see. We must become the change we want to see

6. Knowing our people and looking out for their well-being
This principle teaches us to know human nature and the importance of sincere care toward our workers.

7. Keeping our workers up-to-date with information
It is important to know how to communicate with not only our workers, but also the other key people and the seniors.

8. Developing a sense of belonging and responsibility in our workers
A good step at this principle is by helping to develop good character traits that will help our workers undergo their professional responsibilities.

9. Ensuring that tasks are understood, accomplished and supervised
Communication is the key to this responsibility.

10. Training the whole assets as a team
Although many leaders their organization, department, section, etc. a team, they are not really teams – they are just a group of people doing their own jobs.

11. Applying the full capabilities of our organization
After developing a team spirit, we will be capable of employing our organization, department, section, etc. to its fullest capabilities.

A Collection of Life and Inspiration

2010-01-10T14:28:00.002-06:00

Who does not know Alexander von Furstenberg, an international designer as well as businessman? His creation on most of apparels is widely-known in all angles of earth and used by world class celebrities for years. On furniture design, he always comes up with different and unique models and styles, just along with the other things of his other creation. His creation is a fully collection of life and inspiration; always be at first position to the world to see. At stages, showrooms and magazines, his production will never leave without any marks or admires.

His life on business has never been far different from what he lives on his design. He is working at a private investment firm. Arrow Capital Management, LLC, and positioned as Co-Managing Member and Chief Investment Officer. He has been assisting this company in focusing on global public equities. The company also serves the Diller - von Furstenberg family Foundation. In here, Alex also serves as Director and Secretary. Besides being in charges on several positions in those companies and firms, he is positioning himself at some several important roles on some other big companies.

Besides being a designer and businessman, Alex is also known as a philanthropist for several world-wide organizations. He brings the Dillers Foundation to currently involve in several charitable programs which pursuit in education, community reform, environmental advocacy, disease research, childcare, arts and humanities and human rights. Dillers is at the time being is responsible for two significant endowments to New York City park called the High Line which was built on the foundation of a decommissioned high line railway.

Inspiring Benjamin Franklin

2010-01-10T12:43:00.003-06:00

Benjamin Franklin was born in January 17, 1706. He was world-widely known as a historical one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America. On other parts of his life, Franklin was also a leading author and printer, satirist, political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, soldier and diplomat.

Being known as a scientist, at his time he was an important figure in the Enlightenment. He was also honored for his history of physics regarding to his discoveries and theories on electricity. He invented the glass 'armonica', the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, bifocals and a carriage odometer.

In social activities but still related to his work of life, he formed the first public lending library in America and fire department for the first time in Pennsylvania. He was also an early proponent of colonial unity. And as a political activist and writer, he encouraged the idea of an American nation. Further more, being a diplomat, he secured French alliance that helped to make independence of the United States possible during the American Revolution.

Ben then became a newspaper editor, printer, and merchant in Philadelphia, after his getting married, and became very rich writing and publishing The Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard's Almanack. Later on, Ben was interested in science and technology, and for his famous experiments, he got international renown. He put himself at an important role in establishing the University of Pennsylvania and later on he was elected the first president of the American Philosophical Society.

Soon, after Ben spearheaded the effort to have Parliament repeal the unpopular Stamp Act, he became a national hero in America. At an accomplished diplomat position, Ben was a major profile in the development of positive Franco-American relations and was widely admired among the French as American minister to Paris. Ben was the Postmaster General under the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1776 and from 1785 to 1788 was the President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania. Until the end of his life, Ben had recorded abundant achievements and became one of the most prominent abolitionists ever known.

A Values - Based Leadership

2010-01-08T11:34:00.003-06:00

By the time a situation emerges and we are supposed to deal with, we could find best decision in three different ways: we can use either our beliefs to formularize a response, our values to formularize a response, or our intuition to formularize a response.
First of all, Let us compare beliefs and values as decision-making means. When we apply use our beliefs as decision maker, what we will do is reflecting our past history in dealing with similar situations. Our past history is always based on experience and context. Our beliefs herewith are not well-equipped to handle new complex situations in which we have never experienced before. Beliefs are steeped in our past personal history, traditions and habits. They are compelled by the past and not as adjustable to new situations.
Meanwhile, when we apply our values to make decisions, the decisions we take will align with the future possibility we want to experience. Values outrun both experiences and contexts. Hence, they could be applied in making tough decisions in such complex situations we have never experienced before. If we use values in decision making, then we consciously create the future we want to experience. Values are not constrained by the past experience and are adaptable to new situations.
Because the world we are living in, especially the business world, is getting increasingly chaotic, unpredictable and complex, values provide a more flexible mode of decision-making than beliefs. Values are the anchors we use to make decisions so we could weather a hurricane. They keep us aligned with our authentic self. They keep us true to ourselves and the future we want to experience.
Formulating a response with values is becoming the preferred mode of decision-making in business. It is not surprising, therefore, to find ample research showing that adaptable-and-values-driven companies are the most successful organizations on earth. When organizations come to unite around a shared of values set, they would then become more flexible, less hierarchical and less bureaucratic, and in addition, they will develop an enhanced capacity for collective action. When employees not only share the same values, but also share the same vision, the company performance is significantly enhanced. Shared values would found trust, and trust is the glue that enhances performance. The same is true for nations.
Hence, when there is a question of “What is values-based leadership?”, then the most suitable answer is that Values-based leadership is a way of making authentic decisions that builds trust and commitment of employees and customers.

2010 With Hope

2010-01-06T13:12:00.001-06:00

We are now entering the year of 2010. And in every beginning of a new year, though it is a usual thing to do, introspection and evaluation are two necessary things that need consideration and preparation.

Understanding the targets that have not been met in 2009, we should be more considerate in any related treatment. Any achievements or what were left in the year 2009 should be recognized, continued, revised and repeatedly evaluated. However, a number of expectations to achieve this year are based on the calculation of a mature thought with some sets of goals and objectives. The study or review and analysis will provide us relatively accurate information because that study is carried out by using the data, facts and analysis that we could rely on.

In international sense, leaders of nations and international organizations will apparently focus on world peace, end the violence and overcome the poverty that is still plagued on some undeveloped and under developed countries. Intervention is wished to never happen again and mutual respects among countries could be strengthen and tightened. Bilateral and multilateral relationship are deservedly continued and developed much more world-widely. The field of international trade is also always focused to maintain the smoothness of global market and business. Free trade area should not stifle local producers at any countries. Specific policies should be implemented to maintain the continuity of fate or of local production in order not to get run over by foreign products marketed at lower prices in following a better quality.

From all the hopes for the year 2010, one thing not to forget is the attitude of mental development. Through various advance development programs, human beings are expected to have more maturity in mind, attitude of patterns of action, attitude of mutual respect, affection and mutual help. We are supposed to be able to control ourselves, so a comfortable atmosphere and sense of security in the life of nation and state will precisely be built up. Let us enter the year 2010 with a real deep hope; a hope along with always grateful for God’s favors. Public officials are expected to set a perfect example in everyday practice. Communities also need to like it.

In the end, if all are committed together to do the best, let us begin the year 2010 with hope, good intention and right action.

Good Skills of Leadership

2010-01-03T13:36:00.003-06:00

We learnt that good leaders are the main basic of any successful projects. Skills of Leadership require setting to reprimand negative actions, reward good behavior, observe progress and achieve goals. When we are as good leaders maintain our teams well, success is surely inevitable. Comprehend the valuable skills that encourage them in their own positions – start from supervisors to the most experienced leaders.
Good leadership skills are bounces of a leader's ability in setting goals. As good leaders, we not only possess background of knowledge related to the duty in which we are responsible for, but we also have awareness of what the final outcome would be. We should set goals for ourselves and model necessary actions for reaching our targets. These targets should include our personal leadership strategies.
In addition, we are supposed to be able to communicate the outcome of the duty to each member of the team as well each member's own role in achieving the objective. We should also meet all of our team to assure that everyone involved is aware of the objective and how each roles effecting the ultimate result.
Finally, we ought to share our own targets and might instruct each of team members to facilitate a list of personal goals in relation to their responsibility in the duty. We must ensure that the goals are acceptable and must take care of a record of our team member's list of targets in order to observe their progress effectively.

A Lost of One of Best Leaders in the World

2010-01-01T10:40:00.002-06:00

An ex President of Indonesia within period, Gus Dur whose real name is Abdurrahman Wahid, left us all for good just before the end of 2009, precisely on Wednesday evening, December 30, 2009, at 18:45 o'clock in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta due to the complications of the disease, he had suffered for a long time. This is of course very shocking news for all people throughout the world in general and for indonesian people for sure. Being born on August 4, 1940, he was named Abdurrahman Addakhil then few years later changed the name to Abdurrahman Wahid, and then better known as Gus Dur.
The soul of leadership owned by Gus Dur had been noticeable since he was still very young. One sample is at the age of 9, Gus Dur had a hobby to play around a pond with his friends. In any games they played, Gus Dur always gave his friends instruction to do this and that, to go there and here and others.
Besides smart, young Gus Dur was also known as a well behaved kid. He often went somewhere out of his village but he was always nice with anyone he knew and introduced for the first time, though as a child he overacted.
During his adventuring age of a youngster, he got his first experience in politic on legislative general election in 1982. Starting from this moment, he began his political career though there were plenty of contradictions from many political parties, especially from Islamic sides.
After positioning himself inside government and country parliament for years, on October 20, 1999 Gus Dur was elected as the 4th President of Republic of Indonesia replacing Mr. Habibie . During his presidency, Gus Dur omitted some departments inside the government structure and brought about several new rules and policies. A lot of pros and cons were emerging under his leadership and this caused the top organization of Republic of Indonesia, MPR, to suspend Gus Dur from presidency and replaced him with the vice president at that time.
Though his career on presidency must be hampered, he remained active on many political and social organizations until he must be taken to the hospital just few days before he died.
During his struggle for life and education, he had achieved a lot of awards and honoraries which some of them are listed:
* Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Law from Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand (2000)
* Honorary Doctorate from the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand (2000)
* Honorary Doctorate of Law and Political Science, Economics and Management Sciences, and Humanities from the University Pantheon Sorbonne, Paris, France (2000) * Honorary Doctorate from Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand (2000)
* Honorary Doctorate from the University of Twente, The Netherlands (2000)
* Honorary Doctorate from Jawaharlal Nehru University, India (2000)
* Honorary Doctorate from the University of Soka Gakkai, Tokyo, Japan (2002)
* Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from the University of Netanya, Israel (2003)
* Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Konkuk, Seoul, South Korea (2003)
* Honorary Doctorate from Sun Moon University, Seoul, South Korea (2003)

Presenting one Sample of Leadership Characters

2009-12-23T13:11:00.004-06:00

Think about the time you are insisted on performing in front of a microphone and given very limited time for an opening introduction. Will you walk away? Or will you walk to the microphone and smile? When you are at the first option, do not ever think that you will make a good leader. On the contrary, the second option is only one of many things a leader will do in facing problem, such as the situation above. You would take a minute to size up the audience and you would say something you need to say in brief. Most importantly, just simply act like you have been there before. This symbolizes one of leadership character.
At the microphone, touch the pod and remain calm. It is necessary to show that we are in good control! Our stomach might probably be churning and our palms may be sweaty, but we must aware the microphone is still on our hands. This is extremely a contradiction feeling and emotion. Trying to think that we are the master of our destiny, or at least for the next five minutes, we will be feeling that there is nothing to fear of. When you keep that thought in mind, you will finally say to yourself; yes, I can do this. You then could speak before audiences and you will be just fine.
Such behavior is representing some of leadership characters. I define leadership presence as authority to earn. We might have a title, but we need to earn the respect and trust of our colleagues. Presence such as the example above is rooted in fundamental competence, and for them who aspire to lead, this sort of presence is essential.
No matter our looks or body type at the stage, we can have presence when we move on our ability to connect with other people, regardless of behind a microphone or as such; maintain our smile, and keep moving. The audience is ours. So be confident at speaking as a leader has always to be.

Best Communication between Leader and His People

2009-12-20T13:38:00.003-06:00

Several managers of departments who look for good relationship upward have the resources to make something called ‘motion picture’, but more managers have cleverness and smartness to build perfect argument to win their cases. Critical to developing a strong case is the first and the foremost to frame our argument in accordance with the business case: why is this good sense for the organization to pursue our idea? Without a foundation based on either saving or improving the business, our idea has no opportunity; on the contrary, with it we can start.

To build upon our business case, we are supposed to frame our argument in ways which appeal to the person with authority. Let me show you how.

As the leader’s people/employees, we are supposed to:
1. adopt our leader’s point of view. If we want to influence the leader then we need to see the world as he or she sees it. Our leader takes a corporate-wide view of performance, of course, but each of them has hot button issues around products and services, our morale, or our legacies. If we have a leader who's a cost-cutter, frame our pitch as a means of cutting costs, or at least reducing expenses. Likewise if we have a leader who is focused on customer issues — frame our pitch as a way to improve customer service or product benefits. The angle of our pitch depends upon the leader’s interest.

2. paint a picture. Let’s consider how our leader likes information. It may a straightforward spreadsheet or a narrative business plan. Do what makes sense but don't stuck there. If our idea is big and bold, make it so by producing a video or using photographs. If our initiative is about an internal improvement then we must interview end-users who will benefit from the adoption of our idea.

3. make it come alive. To make our case, take our leader to the heart of the action. For example, if we are insisting for an improvement on the factory floor, bring him to the line and show him what we intend to do. Or when we plan to demonstrate a customer need, invite our leader to a focus group with customers. There is nothing like real world examples to demonstrate our argument.

These steps are to make our argument come alive do work, but they need something else — our credibility. If we want to lead up, we need to be perceived as competent. Therefore, it is more difficult to sell upward if we are brand new to our job, unless we are hired to do so (that is, shake things up with new ideas). Credibility is well earned through example, especially by doing our job well over a certain period of time. Also, critical for those who manage in the middle, credibility is enhanced by the ability to collaborate with peers.

At a torment Moment

2009-12-18T22:35:00.003-06:00

I am sure everybody would feel this torment moment when all stuffs are in mess and needed cleaning. This feeling is even stronger when employees are about to clean up and remove their stuffs and documents after a week or a month busy activities. They need to have special time for utility, equipment and document management. It is indeed important or their desk will never be tidy.

Managing the documents is not merely put all documents in appropriate places; it tends to likely test us whether how neat we are in set all documents in good row of dates and importance, perhaps more than that. But for me personally, document management is something that could become something new to do and could make thing easier when I start working again next year.

However, when things are related to the management of documents on the computers, I give up, frankly speaking. It could take too long to rearrange the documents manually. More over when to put things like Commercial Invoices, Purchasing orders, PDF files, electronic imaging, production reports and so many other things in their appropriate parts or sections, certain expertise is really needed here.

I know some service that could do that, and they are pretty good at the job. The service is to rearrange all data and documents in either computer or at physic cabinets. They are really a kind of help. They also give better service on maintaining electronic and paper documents. They do this by applying document scanning, data capture and document storage and retrieval capabilities. I am actually quite unsure how they process them all, but our company has once experienced to use their service and things were a lot easier then. I wonder if my boss will use their service again this time.

Improving Attitudes, Skills, and Knowledge

2009-12-12T10:55:00.006-06:00

Learning something her3e is, I mean, to gain knowledge, skill improvement, or attitude development in a certain area. Sometimes these three points of learning target are abbreviated to "KSA." Since Attitudes are obviously more important than Skills or Knowledge — after all, what is the barber going to do with that razor? — it might be better to turn it around to ASK! And it happens that asking, rather than telling, is perhaps the main difference between a teacher and a manager of learning. We ask, because maybe the learner already knows.

Maybe they know but haven't realized that it applies in this situation. Or maybe they don't know they don't know. So we ask him, first. This asking comprises the first of the four steps of manager of learning, the Guided Discovery. A combination of attitudes, skills, and knowledge are usually needed to operate successfully in any specific area. Attitudes are the most important and are the most difficult to acquire.

Often a new attitude must replace an old attitude before skills or knowledge can be used. The manager of learning must be able to detect this situation and know how to effect the change. Counselling techniques are often used to enable a learner to see a need for change— a change in his attitude— and accept the help you or members of his patrol or others can give him.