► Building a Leader

Is what you’re doing today getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow? Victor shares the secrets to building a leader, using the “bricks” of experience, responsibility and credibility.

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✏ Change: Old Ways Won’t Open New Doors

It’s 1856, and I need to find out the address for an event tomorrow night. Bad news — it would take the rider from Pony Express about 10-12 days to deliver that information via a letter from St. Joseph, Missouri,  to me here in San Antonio, Texas.

Fast forward to 2018. I need to find out the address for an event tomorrow night. In the time it took to type that, I had an answer.

It’s 1856, and I need to order a gift for an event tomorrow night. Bad news, it would take the Overland Mail Company approximately 24 days via stagecoach to get it from St. Joseph, Missouri, to me here in San Antonio, Texas.

Fast forward to 2018. I just ordered it on Amazon this morning; it should be here before 8:00pm tonight.

“The times they are a changing.”
– Bob Dylan

What was fiction yesterday will be fact tomorrow. That’s why it is imperative that you create a consistent mindset to not only learn to adapt to change, but find the change in your business before your competition does. The excuse “I can’t keep up…” doesn’t work anymore. You either find a way, or you will lose the game.

CHANGE. IS. A. CONSTANT.

Change is the only thing that allows you to win in the long term, so you have to get comfortable with it. It’s a constant — even more so now than just a few years ago. Remember, the vast majority of people don’t like change, so in turn, they tend to adapt slower. If you are on your game, you’re already winning.

I remember watching “The Jetsons” in the early 1970’s and was amazed at what the future would look like. They had these TV screens that would enable them to talk to their friends live!  Hello, Facetime.

Or what about Dick Tracy, he basically invented the Apple Watch back in 1965!

Everything you need to create or adapt to change is simply a “click” away thanks to technology, so you don’t have an excuse. We live in such incredible times; we have the ability to make an impact and be the pioneer of change. It will put new demands on us and our lives, but if you learn to accept it, it can be a great ride.

Great leaders never stop changing; that is what separates them from the rest. They have:

  • Sustained a quest to out-think the competition
  • Accepted the challenge to learn as fast as the world is changing
  • Found the courage and boldness to embrace something before others

Change will require you to become more of a critical thinker. You will need to constantly find new sources of inspiration, not only in your field, but in others — because ideas are everywhere!

LIFE BEGINS AT THE END OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

For those of you who despair change, though, I’ll throw you a bone.

Here are 10 things that will never change:

  1. Taking shortcuts to success doesn’t work.
  2. You will never make everybody happy.
  3. The past is the past; it’s time to move on.
  4. The need to accept things you cannot change.
  5. Patience is a necessity.
  6. Lost time cannot be recovered.
  7. Your family should come first.
  8. Certain circumstances, whether good or bad
  9. Other people. (they may eventually change themselves, but you can’t do it for them).
  10. the fact that life is not always fair, and you must deal with that.

If you are still struggling with change after reading this, I have one final piece of advice for you . . .

There’s an app for that! ☺

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #fail   #learnfromfailure  #bounceback  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #empower  #motivate  #inspire  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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Victor Pisano✏ Change: Old Ways Won’t Open New Doors
More . . .

► Integrity

It’s the single most important trait for aspiring and seasoned leaders. You either have it or you don’t — but if you do, you have a failsafe guide on the path to growth and success. Integrity – is it in you?

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✏ Leadership, 80s-Hits Style: Part 2

Word Up – Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Welcome to Part Two of our journey back in time, crafting some leadership lessons for today from some of yesterday’s best music. (Catch up on Part 1 here if you missed it). Without further ado, I’d like to offer my second top-9 picks and translations:

  1. “DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE”

(1988 – Public Enemy)

“…Caught you lookin’ for the same thing
It’s a new thing, check out this I bring
Uh Oh the roll below the level
‘Cause I’m livin’ low next to the bass, c’mon
Turn up the radio
…”

The competition for attention is at an all-time high, but are you all bark and no bite? What traits and skills do you possess as a leader that sets you apart from the rest? The bold, courageous and inspired leave their mark and live up to the hype. Be that leader that others want to follow.

 

  1. “ME, MYSELF AND I”

(1989 – De La Soul)

“…Mirror, mirror on the wall
Tell me, mirror, what is wrong?
Can it be my de la clothes
Or is it just my de la song?..”

Unfortunately, there are leaders who refuse to adapt to change and continue to operate in a selfish manner. They are a boss, not a leader. Their goals are self-centered, and they have no regard or gratitude for those that they have the privilege to lead. Learn to empower others and teach them to lead. The return far outweighs the effort.

 

  1. “WITH OR WITHOUT YOU”

(1987 – U2)

“…Through the storm, we reach the shore
You give it all but I want more
And I’m waiting for you…”

Although Bono told the world he couldn’t live with or without you, companies have the advantage in the today’s marketplace to choose from so many qualified leadership candidates. They can and will live without you — or at least most of you. You’re responsible for your own success; it’s a daily task that requires effort. Be that leader they can’t live without.

 

  1. “ROAD TO NOWHERE”

(1985 – Talking Heads)

“…We’re on a road to nowhere
Come on inside
Taking that ride to nowhere
We’ll take that ride
I’m feeling okay this morning
And you know
We’re on the road to paradise
Here we go, here we go…”

You took the position for the title and the money, and now you’re stuck in a dead-end job watching your friends succeed because they didn’t take shortcuts. They took the longer path with their eye on the long-term prize as opposed to the short-term gain. But remember: it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

 

  1. “BRASS IN POCKET”

(1980 – The Pretenders)

“…Got brass in pocket
Got bottle I’m gonna use it
Intention I feel inventive
Gonna make you, make you, make you notice…”

The gold at the end of the rainbow is just a myth, but you can still enjoy the rainbow. Work hard, pay your dues and be patient. Find a mentor and listen and learn. Look for opportunities to grow. Be thankful for the chances you are given to contribute. In time, your financial goals will take care of themselves.

 

  1. FOLLOW THE LEADER

(1987 – Eric B. & Rakim)

“…I came to overcome before I’m gone
By showing and proving and letting knowledge be born
Then after that I live forever.  You disagree?
You say never? Then follow me.
From century to century, you’ll remember me
In history, not a mystery or a memory . . .”

You have chance to leave a legacy by being a good leader, maybe even a great leader; don’t take it lightly.  Inspire, motivate, sacrifice, provide a clear vision that others respect and together you can make a difference. Lead with respect and gratitude, because the ones you are leading are watching your example.

 

  1. LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER

(1986 – Bon Jovi)

“…We’ve got to hold on to what we’ve got
It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not
We’ve got each other and that’s a lot for love
We’ll give it a shot…”

The weak and unprepared depend upon luck. The strong and organized create their own luck, but it’s not called luck. It’s defined as hard work and sacrifice. You will only get what you are willing to put in. Don’t hope for it, earn it. I been everywhere, still, I’m standing tall. I’ve seen a million faces, and I’ve rocked them all. (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

 

  1. I’M ON FIRE

(1984 – Bruce Springsteen)

“…Oh, I’m on fire
Oh, I’m on fire
Oh, I’m on fire

Woo ooh ooh
Woo ooh ooh
Ooh ooh ooh
Woo ooh ooh
Woo ooh ooh…”

There is no better feeling than to watch a plan come together as a leader. To see each member of the team fulfill their contribution to the overall objective and succeed. It is what you work for, it is why you chose to lead. Take every small win you can and let it be the fire that motivates you.

 

  1. TEMPTED

(1981 – Squeeze)

“…I bought a toothbrush, some toothpaste
A flannel for my face
Pajamas, a hairbrush
New shoes and a case
I said to my reflection
“Let’s get out of this place…”

The short cut is always tempting, however, to win the race, you have to be willing to invest your efforts on the long-term. There will be times you just want the easier way, but don’t jeopardize all that you’ve earned because of a moment of mediocrity. Stay focused and stick to the plan.

 

Leadership is a privilege.

Did I say privilege? Bonus round!

 

The Fixx (1983): “Privilege”

“…Privilege you have the right
If you’re on the frequency, yeah
If you’re on the frequency, ooh yeah
So when you say that

There’s always something else to do.
There must be one
thing you can try.
There’s
always something else to do . . .”

Go do great things today and make a difference.

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership  #flashback #the80s #lead   #process  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #empower  #motivate  #inspire #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday #ambition #action  #journey  #destination  #passion  #spirit

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©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Leadership, 80s-Hits Style: Part 2
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► The Myth of Vertical Leadership

Traditional thinking paints leadership as a ladder to be climbed. But is that really the right way to think about it? In this episode, I explore the myth of vertical leadership — and discuss what really does work.

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✏ Leadership, 80s-Hits Style: Part 1

A REAL LEADER FACES THE MUSIC EVEN WHEN HE DOESN’T LIKE THE TUNE

This blog will achieve either one of two things. You’ll either feel nostalgic or confused. As for me, the latter . . .

Oh the 80’s! Who can forget the Rubik’s cube, doing the moonwalk, Blockbuster Video, the Walkman and relating to every John Hughes movie ever made. We lived without mobile phones, computers and the internet — and as crazy as it sounds, we survived! The best part of the 80’s?  The music.

With that, it’s time for a little leadership sing-along by Charge Up . . .

The following is the first half of my take on 18 Top Hits of the 80’s,and how they would apply to leadership today:

  1. “EVERYBODY WANTS TO RULE THE WORLD”

(1985 – Tears for Fears)

“…Welcome to your life
There’s no turning back
Even while we sleep
We will find you acting on your best behavior
Turn your back on Mother Nature
Everybody wants to rule the world…”

The era of entitlement; the myth that all you need is a college degree and a dream to become an entrepreneur with ambitions of quick cash, fast cars, your house featured on Cribs and your very own G6 at the airport. The millennials of today are ready to rule the world now, even if they often lack creativity, ambition and hard work.

 

  1. “DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’”

(1981 – Journey)

“…Working hard to get my fill
Everybody wants a thrill
Payin’ anything to roll the dice
Just one more time
Some will win, some will lose
Some were born to sing the blues
Oh, the movie never ends
It goes on and on and on and on . . .”

Some things just don’t change, and this is one of them. Roll your sleeves up, put in the work, and pay your dues to earn success. Be patient, set goals and find your purpose. It’s all possible, as long as you “Don’t Stop Believin’” in yourself. And don’t forget to go on and on and on….

 

  1. “UNDER PRESSURE”

(1982 – Queen & David Bowie)

“…Pressure pushing down on me
Pressing down on you no man ask for
Under pressure that brings a building down
Splits a family in two
Puts people on streets…”

The pressures and stress of leadership is not for everyone. Being able to stay on course requires tremendous discipline. Handling pressure is the mark of a good leader, it only comes to those who earn it. Remember: pressure can make a pipe burst, but it can also create a diamond.

 

  1. “SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO”

(1982 – The Clash)

“…Should I stay or should I go now?
If I go, there will be trouble
And if I stay it will be double
So come on and let me know…”

Thanks to LinkedIn, an over-saturated market of recruiters, and instant resume submissions on company websites, we tend to believe the grass is greener on the other side and it will test your loyalty. On the other hand, some people aren’t loyal to you. They are loyal to their needs for you.  Once their needs change, so does their loyalty.

 

  1. “HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLF”

(1982 – Duran Duran)

“…Dark in the city night is a wire
Steam in the subway earth is afire
Do do do do do do do dodo dododo dodo…”

For the aspiring leader, this one is for you. Come out of the gate with a relentless pursuit to listen, learn and grow. Develop your skills, earn trust and put in the work to be noticed. Only the strong survive, but you have to be hungry and want it more than the next. Do do do do do do do do dodo dodo…

 

  1. “FIGHT THE POWER”

(1989 – Public Enemy)

“…Now that you’ve realized the pride’s arrived
We got to pump the stuff to make us tough
From the heart
It’s a start, a work of art
To revolutionize make a change nothing’s strange
People, people we are the same
No we’re not the same
‘Cause we don’t know the game
What we need is awareness, we can’t get careless…”

Social media has created a platform for the masses to create micro revolutions for change. No longer do you need funding, large memberships or specific agendas. With 280 characters, you have the right to speak your mind and challenge traditional thought.

 

  1. “ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER”

(1983 – The Fixx)

“…The deception with tact, just what are you trying to say?
You’ve got a blank face, which irritates
Communicate, pull out your party piece
You see dimensions in two
State your case with black or white
But when one little cross leads to shots, grit your teeth
You run for cover so discreet…”

In our quest to become successful, effective leaders, we begin to notice a pattern based on the harder we work, the bigger the reward. Our self-awareness and ability to identify our strengths allows for us to find our niche and make an impact. Success is made up of the small steps forward, knowing that each will lead us toward our goals.

 

  1. “WORKING FOR THE WEEKEND”

(1981 – Loverboy)

“…Everyone’s watching, to see what you will do
Everyone’s looking at you, oh
Everyone’s wondering, will you come out tonight
Everyone’s trying to get it right, get it right…”

In the 80’s we were working for the weekend, but these days, we are actually working all weekend just to stay ahead in this faced paced world. Trying to find balance can be a challenge for anyone trying to get ahead, but just put your bandanna on and forge ahead!

 

  1. “DON’T YOU FORGET ABOUT ME”

(1985 – Simple Minds)

“…Will you recognize me?
Call my name or walk on by
Rain keeps falling, rain keeps falling
Down, down, down, down…”

What have you done for me lately? That is the battle cry for most companies and people in a leadership position. There is no resting on your laurels or growing stagnant. Constant advancement of skills, ability and contribution are what keep you top-of-mind with upper management. Take a break and you just may be forgotten. Strive to stand out.

 

One thing really does lead to another — make sure you bust a move next week and check out the second half of this post.

Go do great things today and make a difference.

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership  #flashback #the80s #lead   #process  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #empower  #motivate  #inspire #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday #ambition #action  #journey  #destination  #passion  #spirit

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Leadership, 80s-Hits Style: Part 1
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► Share the Power of One

Leadership and success aren’t a secret code — they are wisdom that is meant to share. Discover the greatness within yourself, and how to pay that forward, in this episode of the Charge Up Power Cast with Victor Pisano.

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✏ The Firm Handshake

Attention, young adults…

Believe it or not, there was a time when you judged a person’s character simply by their handshake.

I distinctly remember that while growing up, my father would give me lessons on the proper way to shake someone’s hand. And not just the handshake itself; he would start with how to approach a person when doing so. You walked toward them, extending your hand with a welcoming posture, a smile on your face, and you began your initial comment even before you grip their hand.

He probably made me do it 20 times, and it makes me smile just thinking about it. 

We would practice that for years, little impromptu crash courses to make sure I never lost that skill. When I had the honor to work for him, there were countless times after a meeting when he would comment to me about the other person’s handshake. And, he would trust my opinion as well.

If it was firm and they held it for a few seconds while looking you in the directly in the eyes, he believed that was a person you could trust.

He said to be cautious of someone with sweaty palms, a weak grip and no eye contact; that they’re probably not to be trusted.

I cherish those times now that he is gone. My father was a man of his word; if he shook your hand and said he would do something, come hell or high water, you could count on it.

“A handshake is an email you send with your body.”
– Anthony Finucane

Today, we do business across continents without even so much as a handshake, but rather a screen-to-screen discussion where we are forced to gain as much business knowledge as possible, as well as character of the person on the other end, without any in-person interaction.

Sure, there are other signals that we can look for, but give me the choice between a phone call and a face-to-face meeting, and I will ALWAYS choose the latter.

There is something about the human connection that strengthens the character of leadership within us all.

You can never replace the personal greeting; the initial small talk which leads to future trust. The dialogue that, over time, earns you the right to negotiate, but more importantly, provides you the opportunity to sense verbal and non-verbal cues. To look a person in the eye, have disagreements, share in solutions and celebrate the success of an agreement.

And how do you solidify your agreement?

Through a handshake.

Meeting people face-to-face is critical to be successful.

Social media, emails, texts or even a WebEx should never be a replacement for the human connection. If there are costs associated with making one, that is price of doing business. If you want to distinguish yourself from your competitor, form a true, personal relationship with that client.

The easiest and most successful way to earn the trust of another person is to sit across a table from them and be yourself. Don’t fake it, be authentic. Don’t pretend to know everything, be humble. And most of all, listen more than you talk.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#legacy  #hero  #chargeup   #chargeuptoday #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #strongleader   #patience #leadershipjourney  #resilience  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #adversity #areyouready  #leadandfollow  #mentorship  #mentor #venture #lead #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ The Firm Handshake
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► You Can’t Hack Leadership

Looking for a shortcut to leadership, like one of those handy little “life hacks”? There’s good news and bad news. The bad news is, there is no way to hack leadership. So what’s the good news? You won’t be making the journey alone. Tune in now as Victor breaks down exactly what it DOES take to become a leader.

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Charge Me Up with The Wire!

Know someone else who needs to Charge Up? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#action #leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s weekly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

Victor Pisano► You Can’t Hack Leadership
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► Legacy

A legacy doesn’t happen by accident. How will you make you mark and leave the world a better place than you found it? In this episode of Power Cast, Victor helps guide you through what it takes to create a lasting impact that you can be proud of — and it starts right now.

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Charge Me Up with The Wire!

Know someone else who needs to Charge Up? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#action #leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s weekly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

Victor Pisano► Legacy
More . . .

✏ Some People Have a Problem for Every Solution

Remember when negativity was only reserved for certain math concepts or when talking about the temperatures in Alaska? How times have changed . . .

People are bombarded by negativity all over social media, rather than all the good around them. As a result, they become obsessed with negativity. Instead of trying to find balance in our lives, stress and a growing sense of entitlement have given us the authority to be an “expert” on everything, and an unquenchable need to voice our positions from behind a keyboard.

We have lost sight of gratitude.

“Negative people need drama like oxygen.
Stay positive; it will take their breath away.”
– MJ Korvan

Think of it this way: our mind can only think one thought at a time, so changing the negative into a positive eliminates the negative. If we focus on the positive, we have the ability to be more creative, productive, engaging and respected. Practice this every day, and the results will be incredibly rewarding.

What about negative people? You’re either a part of the problem or the solution. If all you do is complain and have a negative aura about you, eventually you will notice that the only people who listen to you anymore are those that enjoy complaining too. You have a choice, either continue complaining or show the courage to do something about it. Be the change, apply the energy you spend being negative toward something constructive.

“Some People Really Suck — AVOID THEM!”

Here are 5 things you can practice daily to change the negative into a positive:

  1. Gratitude Journal: Start each day off immediately after you wake up and write five things that you are grateful for before you start your day. The key is, don’t just write it — keep it in your head and reference it when a negative situation presents itself. You can even write it on an index card and carry it with you as a reminder. Don’t let the negative win.
  2. Be Mindful in the Moment: Learn your triggers, whether it is certain situations or particular people. Develop an internal plan to counter the situation and not fall into the trap of engaging in nonconstructive dialogue. Begin to become mindful of the moment, and don’t feed into the drama. It’s not about having to always be positive, but rather disassociating yourself with the constant negativity around you.
  3. Stop Dwelling: Negativity is no different than any other skill we possess. If you practice negativity, anger and resentment every day, eventually, you will become very good at it and it will become a habit. Look around you — from the newspaper headlines, cable news reports, social media and the water cooler — it seems as if everybody has a bone to pick. It’s time to let it go. Practice constructive thinking and put things into perspective.
  4. Pay it Forward: The quickest way to change your perspective from negative to positive is to simply do something for somebody else. If you can do an act of kindness for someone else, you can’t help but feel optimistic. It’s a win-win situation.
  5. Surround yourself with Positive People: According to Tim Ferriss, one of my favorite authors and speakers, “You are the average of the five people you most associate with.” Take a moment and do an assessment of who that would be in your life. It is critical to understand that these people will have an impact on your mindset, whether positive or negative. With that in mind, make your choices carefully.

Watch your thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.

Life is too short — focus on doing the right thing and make a POSITIVE impact on somebody today!

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#legacy  #hero  #chargeup   #chargeuptoday #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #strongleader   #patience #leadershipjourney  #resilience  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #adversity #areyouready  #leadandfollow  #mentorship  #mentor #venture #lead #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower

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The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ Some People Have a Problem for Every Solution
More . . .

► Failure

Feelings on this topic can be as stark as the title of this week’s new podcast. But even though it’s a difficult subject, failure is not nearly as bad as it seems at first glance. Join Victor as he analyzes some of the surprising benefits of failure, and how you can best learn from your mistakes.

Listen Now

Excited? Inspired? Get our motivational e-news, The Wire, delivered weekly right to your inbox!

Charge Me Up with The Wire!

Know someone else who needs to Charge Up? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#action #leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s weekly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

Victor Pisano► Failure
More . . .

► Find a Way, or Make One

In marching elephants through the “impassible” Alps, Gen. Hannibal Barca made a move that no one expected. It’s a history lesson for present day — true leaders take action outside their comfort zone, and tackle what others are too fearful to risk. In this episode of the Charge Up Power Cast, Victor explains why there should be no barriers, no excuses — and why no idea is too crazy.

Listen Now

Excited? Inspired? Get our motivational e-news, The Wire, delivered weekly right to your inbox!

Charge Me Up with The Wire!

Know someone else who needs to Charge Up? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#action #leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s weekly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

Victor Pisano► Find a Way, or Make One
More . . .

✏ How Important Is Character?

“Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”
– John Wooden

Whether it is a first or last impression, your character will play a vital role in your ability to lead. In building your character — guiding by your beliefs and actions — you are in essence building your legacy.

Now, when conversations venture into this territory, some leaders tend to confuse character and reputation. But I am not talking about your reputation here — and this is the difference between the two:

CHARACTER IS WHO YOU ARE.
REPUTATION IS WHAT OTHERS THINK YOU ARE.

We have become a hyper-judgmental generation, and over-focus on what others think about us. Whether it’s because of insecurity or a lack of self-confidence, it’s something that should have no bearing whatsoever on who you are as a person, or more importantly, as a leader.

If you confidently, consistently operate with integrity, trust and positive influence, then your character will speak for itself. And how others perceive you — your reputation — will be a result of other key traits associated with your character, some of which include:

CONFIDENCE – Your presence will define your success. Not outwardly, but the way in which you lead your team with clear initiatives, effective communication and a shared respect.

EMPATHY – By being empathetic, you are showing those around you that you understand the challenges they face. Encourage open discussion and empower others to find solutions. Your belief in your team will go a long way.

GRATITUDE – Nothing beats feeling appreciated for your efforts and willingness to go outside your comfort zone for the good of the team. It is a simple gesture, and your team needs those pats on the back…it makes them want to do more.

VALUES – What do you stand for? What will you not sacrifice? If they are exhibited every day, these values become a critical part of your character and your integrity.

COMPOSURE – Not allowing your emotions to cloud your judgement is critical in a group. By controlling our composure, we take charge of the situation, and in turn, display why we have the ability to lead.

FAILUREWithout failure, you won’t understand the joy of success. Whether it is you or your team who failed, take responsibility, find the solution and move on. Failure has led many to amazing innovation, inventions and solutions; let it serve the same purpose in you.

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.
Only through experience of trial and suffering can
the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.”
– Helen Keller

If you are to succeed as a leader, it is imperative that you are self-aware and recognize the skills that you need to develop.  You must live according to your values everyday…in your personal and business life.

We are all blessed with the amazing ability to control our character by simply taking a few seconds to think before we speak, react or expose our composure. 

These precious seconds are our life jackets — know how to use them.

Regardless of age or tenure, be a leader with character. I assure you that in some way, you will make a difference and impact others in your abilities and how you carry yourself.

Make a difference today.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#legacy #chargeup   #chargeuptoday #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #strongleader   #patience #leadershipjourney  #resilience  #failure  #success  #payitforward  #adversity #areyouready  #leadandfollow  #mentorship  #mentor #venture #lead #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower #buildforsuccess

RECEIVE MY FREE WEEKLY E-BLAST, THE WIRE

SUBSCRIBE NOW

The only way we can inspire is to grow our community – would you please share this with family and friends, ask that they subscribe to Charge Up, and follow us on social media?

©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up. All rights reserved. You are free to use portions of this publication, provided the following credit is listed at the bottom: ©2018 Victor Pisano/Charge Up, is a media-based entity that provides intriguing, innovative and distinctive content, engaging its readers with real-world challenges and solutions while embracing obstacles and the value that failure can provide. While that sounds serious, we promise you will both learn AND laugh (and sometimes cry).Contact Charge Up at victor@chargeuptoday.com or visit our website at www.chargeuptoday.com.

Victor Pisano✏ How Important Is Character?
More . . .

► Leadership — Skill or Habit?

Is leadership a skill that can be sharpened, or a habit that can be established? In this episode of the Charge Up Power Cast, Victor explains the difference between these two, and why it matters.

Listen Now

Excited? Inspired? We invite you to share what you’ve heard!

#leadership #leadershiplessons #reflect #inspire #empower #payitforward #chargeup

Power Cast is Charge Up’s weekly podcast, hosted by Victor PisanoYou’re invited to tune in and turn it up as Victor talks leadership, real-world style.

Victor Pisano► Leadership — Skill or Habit?
More . . .