✏ IMPACT: 10 Ways a Leader Can Have It

Good leaders change habits.
Great leaders change lives.

Imagine not caring what day of the week it is because you love what you do. Having those you lead strive to become better and use your example and actions as a goal. Being trusted by those around you to guide and mentor them as they grow through challenges and obstacles. Most importantly, making a genuine impact on something bigger than yourself, that has the ability to affect others long after you.

One day you will just be a memory to some people.
Do your best to be a good one!

The pursuit of being a great leader is the most rewarding journey you will ever take.  If you are focused, determined, and willing to become a person of influence through your character and integrity, you will be on a path of self-fulfillment while at the same time, embracing your passion and purpose.

HERE ARE TEN WAYS THAT A GREAT LEADER CAN MAKE AN IMPACT:

  1. RESPECT YOUR ROLE

Always remember, leadership is a privilege, and the ability to make an impact a responsibility. It is not given nor based on rank, authority or position. There may be “managers” who have that role, but a real leader earns respect and trust by consistent positive action and example. They take pride in their role and lead with a servant’s heart and a dedication to elicit the greatness within everyone they work with.

 

  1. BE A GREAT LISTENER

As the saying goes, “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason.” You should listen more than you talk. Look a person in the eyes. Don’t interrupt, shake your head or say disparaging words under your breath. You can solve most problems without any action at all if you simply willing to listen with empathy and understanding. Above all, put your phone away so you won’t be tempted to glace at it if a text comes through.

 

  1. BE AUTHENTIC

Why be somebody else when you are the best version of you? Each of us have a unique set of traits and characteristics that set us apart. Most want to “blend in” for the sake of acceptance, but you have to be true to yourself if you are to ever have a solid sense of self-awareness. Knowing who you are starts with who you aren’t. Once you distinguish who you aren’t, spend time building those positive attributes that set you apart from the pack.

 

  1. SHOW GRATITUDE

There is no greater joy to be shared than when gratitude becomes a priority. We all have the opportunity to show our gratitude for what we have, and to ensure we never take our own blessings for granted. The chance to show our gratitude usually presents itself in the most mundane circumstances, but it is having a clear vision to recognize the chance to show it that makes the biggest impact. Don’t ever wait to show gratitude, and make it a habit.

 

  1. LIVE IN THE PRESENT

We dwell on yesterday and worry about tomorrow, not recognizing the gift we have of the present. Be where your feet are and take the blinders off to recognize the here and now. Far too often we become so consumed with the outcome, that we lose perspective of the process. That journey toward the objective is where all the lessons are learned. Live each day to the fullest and don’t wish time away. Life is far too short.

 

  1. MENTOR

There is no better way to build strong, independent, and courageous leaders than to act as a mentor to those who show the willingness and passion to influence. If you are successful, I guarantee someone helped you get there. Mentors are trusted advisors — you need to have one and be one.

 

  1. SHOW PASSION IN EVERYTHING YOU DO

If you love what you do and treat each day as its own unique opportunity, what you feel inward will be portrayed outward. Express the passion you have in everything you do. From the small things to the important tasks you encounter each day, approach it with a vigor that is recognized by all. The effect of positivity is contagious; set the example and live it.

 

  1. PAY IT FORWARD

Life is all about passing gratitude and joy to others. No matter how rich, or poor, educated or not, we are all born with a kind heart. Paying it forward simply means that you have experienced kindness by another and you are responding by being kind to another. Imagine a world where we all place an emphasis on paying it forward; it would eliminate so much stress and anger.

 

  1. BE OPEN-MINDED

There are more opinions than just your own. Strong leaders yearn to listen to new ideas and thoughts. They firmly believe that everyone has the ability to become an innovator and discover breakthroughs so they are always listening with an open mind. It’s extremely rare to hear of a solo success story, there are always others involved and most of the creativity most likely came from each person being open-minded.

 

  1. DEDICATE YOURSELF TO YOUR TRUE PURPOSE

Once you discover your purpose, your why, your passion, the realm of opportunities are limitless. Find what drives you and you will uncover the version of you that was meant to make a difference and create a legacy. Your happiness will allow you to step outside your comfort zone without hesitation. This simple action puts you in a position to create change and be a difference maker who creates impact.

True fulfillment always comes from helping others.

Each of us have a leader within, we just need to discover what it is.  Once that greatness shows itself, chase it with everything you have and dedicate yourself to making an impact.  It is what legacies are made of, and what better way to be remembered!

Go do great things today and make a difference.

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 #buildforsuccess #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humility

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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?

©2019 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: ©2019 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✏ IMPACT: 10 Ways a Leader Can Have It
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► Resilience: Going One More Round

It’s not about taking a hit and going down. Success depends on getting back up — resilience. So how do you as a leader teach those around you to develop their resilience? Find out in this week’s new Power Cast podcast from Victor Pisano, One More Round.

Listen Now

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

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If you enjoyed this Power Cast podcast from Victor Pisano, be sure and visit the Charge Up Power Cast archives for our full library of past broadcasts. From the importance of character and taking action, to developing leadership skills and finding the right mindset — we cover the topics that help you venture, lead and prosper, through reflection, inspiration and empowerment. Catch up on what you’ve missed — it’s all available right here.

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

#action #character #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.

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✏ 5 Strategies to Avoid Burnout

Lately, I have made a concentrated effort to incorporate the appropriate skills, resources and behaviors necessary to not only lead with positive influence, but to be successful in my pursuits as well. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day focus on improving everything around us, yet never looking in the mirror to take care of the most important priority of all — ourselves. If we lose our energized, positive attitude and ability to persevere, we risk ruining everything we have built. But after an extended period of time not putting ourselves first, the inevitable result is burnout.

“Burnout is what happens when you try to avoid being human for too long.”

— Michael Gungor

Organizations are facing an employee burnout crisis. A recent Gallup study of nearly 7,500 full-time employees found that 23% of employees reported feeling burned out at work very often or always, while an additional 44% reported feeling burned out sometimes. That means about two-thirds of full-time workers experience burnout on the job.

The fact is, regardless of role within the organization, burnout will lead to decreased productivity, frustration with projects, peers and management, and an increase in paid time off.  It has become such an epidemic that the World Health Organization officially recognizes “Burnout” as a medical diagnosis.

All of us are working to be recognized, often to the point of exhaustion. The work week was once considered to be forty hours, but now, with so many people on salary, it is not unusual to find companies expecting at least 60 hours a week out of their employees. We go to great lengths to gain acceptance and approval, so not only is our work competitive, but our commitment – which is judged by time spent – has now become a factor in evaluating the successes of individuals in the workplace.

Work-related stress and pressure are unavoidable in most workplaces. We have now accepted this pressure, even managing subordinates to see just how much they can handle, without any regard for their input. The problem is, the pressure becomes so excessive that it results in stress. Stress does so much damage to an individual — yet too many companies have adopted a mindset that self-care is selfish.

According to the American Institute of Stress, as it relates to the workplace:

  • 40% of workers reported their job was very or extremely stressful
  • 25% view their jobs as the number-one stressor in their lives
  • 75% of employees believe that workers have more on-the-job stress than a generation ago
  • 29% of workers felt quite a bit or extremely stressed at work
  • 26% of workers said they were “often or very often burned out or stressed” by their work
  • Job stress is more strongly associated with health complaints than financial or family problems

source: https://www.stress.org/workplace-stress

The good news is, burnout is preventable. But it requires an effort to recognize the symptoms early and take action without feeling guilty for putting yourself first. You’ve heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” To give your best, you must be at your best and you’ll have the ability to maintain a healthy, successful career.

It’s time to be proactive, not reactive!

“It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.”

— Lou Holtz

Here are five specific strategies to help you avoid burnout:

 

  1. Take Control

We all only have 24 hours in a day, so find the best way to optimize that time to create balance for the priorities in life – including yourself!  Whether it’s through establishing a few goals to achieve each day, To-Do lists, learning to say “no”, evaluating your meeting schedule or setting hard goals on what time you arrive and depart from the workplace, take control and make it a habit.

  1. Rediscover Your Purpose

There was a reason why you started working there; take time to rediscover your purpose and what your original goals were when you began. You may have to ask yourself some tough questions; it is possible that you have either outgrown your environment or need new challenges. That is all part of the journey toward fulfillment — but without a clear purpose, you’re traveling the road without a map. Once you find your purpose again, you will operate with a clear mindset and find the joy in what you do.

  1. Learn To Say No

This will be the most difficult strategy because it will feel very uncomfortable at first. However, it is critical if you are working toward decreasing the stress and feelings of being overwhelmed that you have each day. Start small — maybe you say no to a meeting that you aren’t necessarily involved in. This task may require you to meet one-on-one with your supervisor and discuss your workload. Don’t say what you think they want to hear; be vulnerable and honest. Find a way to achieve a win-win while not sacrificing your stress level.

  1. Exercise

You can always count on exercise as a way to relieve stress. Escape — if only for thirty minutes a day — while at the same time putting in work for a healthier mind and body. We all have excuses, but if you sit down and evaluate where you spend your time each day, I’ll bet you could carve out thirty minutes somewhere. It’s both a short and long-term strategy for success.

  1. Manage Your Stress

I know, it’s easier said than done, but you need to put the research into how you can better manage your stress. Remember, stress is what happens in the short-term before the burnout occurs. Get a hold of the stress early, and you will avoid burnout.This could include meditation, yoga, taking a ten minute break every hour to just walk outside, or go fill up your water bottle and say hello to your coworkers. When you get home, develop a routine to let work go. When you charge your phone before you go to bed at night, don’t do it on your night stand, put it in another room and don’t check it until right before you are heading to work.

Take back your control. Find the trigger that indicates your point of excess, and act upon it without guilt or a loss of pride. In the end, you won’t be remembered for your last project. Your legacy will be born from your character, integrity and impact you made to make the world a better place.

It all starts and ends with you.

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#ChargeUp #patience #prevent #success #leadership #RaiseTheBar

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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?

©2019 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: ©2019 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✏ 5 Strategies to Avoid Burnout
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► 365 Days: Charge Up’s First Anniversary

An anniversary is important. Being committed to something for a whole year can change your life — and the lives of others. In this week’s special anniversary podcast, Victor reflects on Charge Up’s first 365 days. Who have we inspired, what have we learned, and what was our most important number of all?

Listen Now

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

Charge Me Up with The Wire!

If you enjoyed this Power Cast podcast from Victor Pisano, be sure and visit the Charge Up Power Cast archives for our full library of past broadcasts. From the importance of character and taking action, to developing leadership skills and finding the right mindset — we cover the topics that help you venture, lead and prosper, through reflection, inspiration and empowerment. Catch up on what you’ve missed — it’s all available right here.

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

#action #character #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.

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✏ 365 Days of Charge Up

Being committed to something for one year can change your life — and I’m living proof of that.

Charge Up turns one year old this week, and my friends, the future is bright!

“The joy of accomplishment is the greatest joy there is.”

— R.G. LeTourneau

When I look back and think about the launch event on the evening of July 11, 2018, I can still feel the excitement from the hundreds of people gathered in that room. No detail was overlooked, and our goal was to ensure that each person there felt a connection to the purpose of the project. We were just beginning to build our community, and that day was about celebrating with family and friends.

The concept of Charge Up was actually born in September of 2017, following the sudden death of my father in late April, 2017. It would serve as my vehicle to go from grief to gratitude, by sharing the lessons and wisdom he had passed on to me during my 50 years as his son. With nine months to strategize, Charge Up went from what was simply going to be a blog-based concept to a total platform that would include blogs, vlogs, podcasts, social media posts, video-based interviews, personal videos, and community dialogue.

As we finalized the business plan prior to roll-out, each of us knew the magnitude of the commitment and investment this dream would take to become a reality. The team I had put together had strong ambition and talent, so we set the bar high. There was no doubt that each of them were the right people for the project and they each brought their own talents to the table. I had so much passion and vision that it became contagious.

But this dream wasn’t just about me. This was my way to ensure that the legacy of my father would never leave my heart, and I wanted to share it. I wanted his spirit to continue to live on through my message. Each and every day as I invest into this project, I know he is walking beside me and directing me with pride. There is an unexplainable sense of purpose in this mission of spreading positivity and gratitude, and through it I have been blessed to discover what so many others search for —  my “why.”

What is your “WHY?” First, think about some important questions. What is your gift to society and how can you leave it better than you found it? How can you be a better husband, wife, father, mother, uncle, aunt, friend, employee, or coach? How can you ensure that there is a part of your life that is selfless, rather than selfish? Where will you be able to find a true sense of fulfillment in your everyday actions? Can you be committed enough to pursue your passion and still balance your life?

These were all the questions that were running through my head as we toasted Charge Up last July 11th, and we wasted no time. Since then, our commitment to growing our community and making a positive impact is exactly where we wanted it to be – in fact, we have exceeded our projections and plan to aim even higher in our second year.

Take a look at these accomplishments in just our first year:

  • > 3,300 social media posts
  • ~ 10,000 website views
  • > 5,000 podcast downloads
  • > 6,200 minutes of content viewed on YouTube
  • ~ 3,000 followers on Facebook with more than 62,000 reactions and over 16,000 shares
  • > 39,000 likes on Instagram
  • > 1,500 retweets and more than 6,700 engagements on Twitter
  • And the one metric that absolutely amazes me, we’ve put together over 220 original blogs, podcasts, and videos!

 

However, the most important number from those first 365 days is how many people we were able to affect with our content. How many found a quote or a story that elicited an emotion that they acted on? How many discovered the leader within themselves? How many stepped outside their comfort zone? How many made a conscious effort to show gratitude? These are things that matter most to me when I look back and reflect upon the impact we have made.

“A life without gratitude is a life wasted.”

— Victor Pisano

There are definitely days that I wonder if all the effort will ever reap the rewards and expectations I have? Some days, I am lucky to get two or three people to view content. Other times, thousands will latch on to a particular blog, podcast or post that I didn’t even think would create much attention. The fact of the matter is, you never know. That’s the motivation for me to keep going each and every day.

Something that may surprise those that don’t know me personally is that Charge Up is not my career; it’s my “passion project.” I call it that because for some reason I naturally thrive in spending my off time writing; the same as one loves to golf, fish, travel, hike or run distance races. Think of it as a hobby — we all need an outlet to share our ideas, creativity, and happiness outside of the borders which define our lives, such as family and career.

I will be the first to tell you that my career is extremely rewarding. I have been in this respective field now for 20 years, and the company I represent, my current role, and the team I work with is extremely challenging and gratifying. There is nothing in my life that I would change.

However, my pursuit of gratitude and being an “influencer to elicit greatness” out of others provides me with fulfillment. There is a difference between feeling “rewarded” and “fulfilled”. Both are critical to our true happiness, but a strong sense of fulfillment is something you carry around on a daily basis and it is based on the opportunity to serve those who serve others.

“Life is more meaningful when our goal is fulfillment rather than gratification.”

This venture isn’t a solo act — I can’t imagine not having my team of committed, dedicated and passionate people along for the ride. First and foremost, a huge thank you the person to whom I refer to as “Wonder Woman,” and that is our Strategist/Copywriter, Andrea Frost.  She is my right and left hand. Thanks to her, I am able to do what I love most, and that is write. She uses her gifts and talents to do everything else that makes this clock tick, and I don’t take that for granted. She invests hours of her time, creativity and mindfulness into making Charge Up unique and impactful.

There is the Elvis of Central Texas, the voice heard around the world through the LA Lloyd Rock Countdown, Lloyd Hocutt. If you like our podcasts, he’s the reason. All I do is speak into the microphone and he does his magic from there. He has been a mentor, an encouraging voice and a great friend.

Then there are the boys from Zapata, Texas, the Garza brothers – who aren’t really brothers. Shout out to Abel Garza, the only man whose camera lens actually takes ten pounds off me, and Joe David Garza, who is like a unicorn. You hear about them all the time, but you never see one. When we are able to have a rare sighting, his work is second to none. Both Abel and Joe David are perfectionists and take tremendous pride in what they do. As a result, I benefit from their amazing work and I thank you both for your contribution to Charge Up!

Our newest team member is Jayden Mount, who is just getting her feet wet but already has made a solid impact on our content and marketing research.

Our goals remain to reflect, inspire and empower, with a focus on leadership, character and action.

REFLECTION…

Who do you want to be? Where do you want to go? What do you need to get there? I’m asking lots of questions, but I will also help you find the answers through our content and resources provided. Let’s figure out your destination, and what you need for a successful journey.

INSPIRATION…

Journeys are often two steps forward, one step back (and sometimes 5 steps back and a tumble to the ground before you get back up). You’ll need fuel in your tank to keep moving forward, so consider Charge Up your fuel stop (minus the dubious bathrooms). I’ll share what I’ve learned, and also bring you the best insights from those who inspire me.

EMPOWERMENT…

So, here’s the catch to all this guidance (of course there’s a catch – no free lunches here): Charge Up is a pay-it-forward concept. The goal is empowerment – and once you’ve achieved yours, don’t forget to extend a helping hand to others. The best leaders know that empowering those around you doesn’t diminish your strength; it amplifies it.

“Keep in mind that you’ll have true happiness, true fulfillment,
not living to get but living to give.”

— Joel Osteen

I can think of no better way to conclude than to sincerely thank each and every one of you that has supported Charge Up and built this community. I am humbled to have earned your trust and respect. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to speak at over 60 events in just the past year – from corporate events, to NCAA university sports programs, high school leadership groups, and high school athletics. I have traveled all over the country speaking, and it fuels me. To all those who provided handshakes, hugs and selfies, I say “thank you.” To those who were kind enough to look in the camera and say, “And don’t forget my friends, Charge Up!”, I hope you know that a few seconds of awkwardness meant the world to me.

To those friends that didn’t hesitate in allowing me the opportunity to present and work with their respective programs once we launched, and continue to encourage and support my endeavors today, including Mike Alfaro, Caitlin Bollier, D’Layne Kelly, Bill Harrison, Tom Damiani, John Carpenter, Mari Bissaro, Leticia Morales Bissaro, Maggi Welham, Penny and Roman Foore, Donna Fields, Patrick Murphy, and most of all, a very special friend that’s like a daughter to our family, Molly Fichtner and the Athletic Department at the University of Louisiana Monroe, I sincerely thank you.

But the biggest thank you of all goes to my family. To my inspiring wife, Beth, and my two beautiful, strong and successful daughters, Isabel and Catherine — I am so thankful for your support and encouragement. It has been a long 365 days for you as well. Your selflessness and kind hearts push me to be a better person. I love you. I also want to thank my brother and his family, my sister and her family, and my uncle and aunt whose love and guidance make the hard days easier and the easy days brighter. I am forever grateful for what was always my father’s number one priority…family.

“You don’t choose your family.
They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.”

— Desmond Tutu

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#ChargeUp #365 #patience #prevent #success #leadership #RaiseTheBar #impact #BeTheImpact #Lead #authentic #gratitude #PayItForward #mentor #purpose #GoodToGreat #reflection #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?

©2019 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: ©2019 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✏ 365 Days of Charge Up
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► (Step Up to) Rise Up

The world doesn’t need more leaders — it needs better ones. But that means established leaders need to step up. In this week’s Power Cast podcast, Victor shares 10 ways you can pay it forward by encouraging others to lead. Step Up to Rise Up is available NOW!

Listen Now

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

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

#action #character #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.

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✏ The Power of One Leader

As we approach Charge Up’s first anniversary on July 11(!), I’d like to offer a few reflections on what’s at the heart of what we do . . .

Why me?

Why Charge Up?

Why now?

IF YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE AS IF EVERYTHING IS ABOUT YOU . . .
YOU WILL BE LEFT WITH JUST THAT.
YOU.

I’ve been blessed to have so many people in my life who were willing to take the time to invest, inspire, motivate, empower, teach and push me to become successful and as a result, I want to pay it forward. Those lessons weren’t meant to keep to myself, but to share with the right intention and motivation. Charge Up was built on the foundation of a very important person in my life, my late father, Vic Pisano. He was a “Servant Leader” before it became a thing. He was the epitome of empathy, integrity, character, passion and motivation.

Questions I’ve been asked…

Why me? I was taught that leadership and success isn’t a secret code, it’s wisdom that’s meant to be shared.

Why Charge Up?  A platform like www.chargeuptoday.com that anyone can access is how I can share.

Why now?  Gratitude is key, and by taking the baton and continuing my dad’s legacy, I can uncover the GREAT in people.

I’m in an amazing place in my life, that’s not an accident.  I’ve already gained more than I have given. The world needs more leaders who understand the gift they have and the value they can bring: they need to be responsible to pass that knowledge on, and accountable for how they do it. Leadership is about more than “you”. Somebody believed in you; now it’s your turn to reciprocate. Be a part of the solution. It’s time to turn the tables.

THE POWER OF ONE LEADER.

I’m motivated to be part of the “community” that contributes, the “thought leaders” who inspire, the “innovators” who create, the “selfless” who make the impact, the “optimist” who brings joy and the “realist” who brings the truth. I commit to contributing to the momentum that others before me have set.

As long as one person is listening, following, reading and being inspired, then I have done my job. It’s a simple philosophy…

THE POWER OF ONE LEADER.

If you can change the thought pattern, and inspire or motivate just one person, imagine how many lives that one person can change in the course of their own lives. And here’s the kicker — you never know who that one person is.

“To the world, you might just be one person. But to that one person, you may be the world.”

— Dr. Seuss

No more “what if”, “I should have”, “if only”, “I remember when”, “why can’t” or “we needed to”.

Those are excuses, not solutions; phrases that will lead to regret as you get older. You’re better than that, you have the ability to do great things. Be prepared: this journey will require patience, sacrifice, persistence and belief. It will come with challenges, barriers, excuses, negativity and disappointment — because nothing worth having comes easy.

I want to challenge you to think. . .

Imagine a world where people accept fear, and stop.

Where people who tried to challenge themselves can’t find an answer, and quit.

Where those with strategy have no passion.

Where leaders don’t have followers.

You are the POWER OF ONE LEADER. You have the ability to make a difference. Look deep within yourself and discover your passion, that will lead to your purpose. Be the impact — even if it’s just under your own roof. Positivity and change are not defined by the numbers you affect, but rather the impact you bring. We all start small, build the foundation and as long as we are taking small steps forward, we are progressing.

As long as we have momentum, we will grow. As long as we operate off integrity and character, we will make a difference.

So -— why you?  Why now?

WE ARE THE POWER OF ONE LEADER!

Make a difference 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 #buildforsuccess #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humility

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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?

©2019 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: ©2019 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 Power of One Leader
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► Good vs Great: It’s a Fine Line

What separates good vs great? Is there a common theme to greatness? In this week’s podcast, Victor explores what it is to be great — and gives you 5 things that you can do right now to raise your own bar and move the needle from good to great. Listen to Good vs Great: A Fine Line right now!

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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.

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✏ Being All In

For most of the night, although eight players started at the table, the game was really between the two most experienced poker players. After a few hours, players began to be eliminated. As fate would have it, that pair of players were the final two left at the table.

One had a four of a kind following “the turn” card, and had a feeling that he had the best hand. Aware that either a straight flush or a royal flush would beat him, he had studied the cards dealt and was confident that the odds were in his favor. So what should he do?

YOU GO ALL IN

He slid all of his chips to the center of the table, his body language showing a bravado that he was willing to invest everything into this one hand. His opponent matches the bet. This was it — the final hand. The dealer threw out “the river” card and both players showed their cards. His opponent had a full house, an excellent hand to bet. However, he had four of a kind and had just won the game!

BEING ALL IN — what a great metaphor to describe the total confidence of investing all of yourself into something.

“IF YOU AREN’T GOING ALL THE WAY, WHY GO AT ALL?”

— Joe Namath, retired NFL player

There are times in our lives when we know that we are on the cusp of something big. When our knowledge, skills, relationships, acumen and leadership are in alignment and our vision and strategy is undeniable. Those are the moments that result from experience.

To be an effective leader, when your passion and purpose are genuine, you’re confident in your vision and strategy, being all in should always be your option. To achieve innovation, to be a visionary, to bring about breakthroughs, to accomplish the impracticable — there is no substitute for not embracing risk and giving it your all.

Your inward tenacity will be displayed outwardly by your excitement, confidence, passion, words and actions; you will persuade the team to follow you, even it means running through walls. Nothing less than perfection will result in a paramount outcome, and your team is ALL IN.

““TAKE EVERY CHANCE. DROP EVERY FEAR.”

True visionaries, those who have made a tremendous impact in this era of business, are defined by their courageous and innovative actions to make positive changes. These advancements required tremendous knowledge, skill and most importantly, the right people.

When you think about the visionaries over the past twenty years, names like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Beth Comstock, Mark Zuckerberg, Mary Barra, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Indra Nooyi, just to name a few, come to mind.  Each will tell you that it took an army of committed, dedicated and fully vested people to turn their dream into a reality. None of their accomplishments were overnight successes, but rather long-term investments of both time and money by a team committed to being all in.

“INNOVATION DISTINGUISHES BETWEEN A LEADER AND A FOLLOWER.”

— Steve jobs, Apple

For those of us not leading a Fortune 500 company, let’s dig into how to create an ALL-IN mindset with your team today, regardless of size.

As a leader, you can have the best strategy out there, but without passion, it’s just ideas on paper. Your passion has to be an expression of your strategy if you want others to not only follow, but to believe, in you. It all comes down to an effective, well though-out, and well-communicated mission, vision and purpose.

You must consider both the macro and the micro approach to your vision, or you risk losing momentum on a long-term goal. Keeping your team involved, empowering them to contribute and communicate, ensuring consistent feedback and reinforcing the end objective will play a key role in creating an environment of successes, fostering teamwork and cultivating a sense of purpose. That will result in being all in!

Next, encourage your team to take calculated risks, regardless of the chance of failure.  As an effective leader, you should have a general idea of the parameters of those risks, but create an environment where they step out of their comfort zone and think outside the box.  And if they do fail, encourage them and have them keep going.  Don’t show disappointment, this is where you earn your stripes, be a leader and mentor.  Remember, you are helping them grow through personal experience.

“TAKE RISKS: IF YOU WIN, YOU WILL BE HAPPY; IF YOU LOSE, YOU WILL BE WISE.”

Celebrate every small success along the way – even small steps forward are achievements. Recognize your people, talk through the actions taken and give them the attention. Being a leader can be a lonely job if you are selfish, and this exercise will reveal a lot about you. Be selfless and observe the pride your team members take. Do this right and the long-term achievements will amaze you.

Do these things, and watch your team go from good to great, with the power of the mindset of being ALL IN.

Make a difference today.

LEADERSHIP IS A PRIVILEGE.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup  #chargeuptoday  #lessonsinleadership  #leadership  #process  #action  #character  #patience  #leadershipjourney  #resilience  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #adversity #areyouready  #leadandfollow  #mentorship  #mentor  #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower #buildforsuccess

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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?

©2019 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: ©2019 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✏ Being All In
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► Support: Give and Take

No one truly succeeds on their own — but are you looking in the right place to recognize the support behind your success? And what obligation do you have in return? Find out this week’s highly insightful Power Cast podcast, Support: Give and Take.

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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.

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Victor Pisano► Support: Give and Take
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✏ There’s Nothing Simple About Leadership

Do you think you know enough about leadership to assume the role today?

My answer…”Be careful what you wish for!”

The life of a leader: a day spent shaking hands, delegating difficult and time-consuming tasks, and always talking about big picture projects. Going from meeting to meeting to listen, and maybe offer a quick snapshot of what’s going on within the ivory tower. Truth or fiction?

FICTION.

Leadership is a complex blend of competencies and capabilities. It is not a position or a title; it is action and example. It is not just a matter of guiding others to complete a task. The foundation of leadership doesn’t necessarily include motivation or inspiration. Those traits are earned, along with respect, trust and integrity. You see, true leadership is having the confidence that when you say, “let’s go”, the team has complete buy-in and is behind you all the way.

“A boss has the title. A leader has the people”

— Simon Sinek

The role of a leader is often a thankless, risky and lonely responsibility. You cannot lead from the crowd — you must have the boldness to act alone and make difficult decisions that will affect people. A leader must have the courage to take risks and trust and be vulnerable to go down the difficult road in an effort to achieve the greatest reward. It’s understanding that failure is part of the game, and knowing how to audit your self-awareness and move forward without fear of failing again.

“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers”

— Ralph Nadar

You are not born a leader. People become leaders through various processes, including teaching, learning and observation. Leaders possess a specific skill set that comes from practice, application and observation over a period of time. In other words, leadership is a process, and more importantly, a commitment.  Like all processes, it is a skill that takes time to develop. Rush, and you may become an ineffective or unconfident leader. Invest in the process, believe in the system and have a genuine willingness to learn and you have the opportunity to do great things.

 

10 SKILLS NECESSARY TO BE A COMPETENT LEADER

  1. INTEGRITY – having character, consistency and a commitment to always do the right thing
  2. COURAGE – being able to face a challenge head-on with confidence and fearlessness
  3. PASSION – a tremendous desire to contribute to the task at hand because of the buy-in you have
  4. COMMITMENT – dedicated to achieve beyond all circumstances and challenges
  5. EMPATHY – the genuine ability to understand another’s feelings and help them reach their full potential
  6. PERSPECTIVE – the ability to provide a point of view that offers solutions, yet willing to adjust if necessary
  7. GRATITUDE – an honest feeling of thankfulness for the genuine efforts of others
  8. WILLINGNESS – being prepared to act, both at planned and unplanned times, with confidence
  9. HUMILITY – the ability to be and act with sincere disregard to your title or position
  10. SELF-AWARENESS – the conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires

If you still feel confident, then the work will begin. You must be prepared as a leader to trust and serve and give those around you permission to succeed. In order for that to occur, you must be available, embrace diversity, view people in terms of their potential and challenge the unchallenged. It will be your job to raise the bar and ensure that everybody who follows understands your vision and a willingness to invest in their success.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process   #strongleader   #difficulttolead  #resilience  #failure  #success  #moveforward  #patience #areyouready  #leadandfollow

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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?

©2019 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: ©2019 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✏ There’s Nothing Simple About Leadership
More . . .

► Motivation and Inspiration: a Follow Up

Motivation and Inspiration. Victor’s previous podcast on this topic resonated so deeply that he’s created a follow up! Motivation and inspiration are two similar words, but with vastly different drivers. Learn which one is temporary, and which one is lasting — and much more — in this episode of the Power Cast from Charge Up.

Listen Now

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

#action #character #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.

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Victor Pisano► Motivation and Inspiration: a Follow Up
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✏ What Success Looks Like

We live in exciting times — the rapid advancements and the use of technology have evened the playing field for the start-up business vs. the major corporations to market their products and services. No longer are major production crews necessary for commercials, marketing or media. There’s an app for that!

For the aspiring entrepreneur and ambitious leader, anything is possible in today’s world. But what does success look like — really?

“PERCEPTION” OF SUCCESS:

You see them walking from their mansion to their museum garage filled with exotic sports cars, or gingerly pulling up in their Bentley, flat brim cap on with the stickers still on it, at the private airfield next to their G6 for the cameras to catch them shaking the pilot’s hand and boarding their jet for the next adventure in their perfect life.

They look right into the camera and tell you that just one year ago they were just like you, struggling to pay the bills and trying to find a way to capitalize on their marketing talents. Now, they are millionaires, and they want to help you achieve the American dream. Generous of them, right?

Time to break the bad news, this is the “perception” part.

Don’t fall victim to an over-saturated market of alluring ads all over social media where everyday people “just like you” can make millions overnight by simply following somebody’s sure-fire formula for success.

Newsflash: the only ones getting rich quick are the ones selling you their books, courses and online programs.

If it were that easy, it wouldn’t be a secret.

But amazingly, people still go deep into their website (and eventually their wallets) to learn more. Each new web page builds your confidence until finally, you’re inspired enough to bet your savings on these snake oil salesmen.

Why do they need to park four Lamborghinis in their driveway and walk past each one while talking? Why not just do the sales pitch in a studio?

They are marketing directly to the millennial who wants to see the material gratification of success. They deliver reinforcement to their audience that they are just as entitled as the next guy to earn easy money, and lots of it.

You want to get rich quick? Play the lottery.

Even doing that, your odds are approximately 292,000,000 to 1. But hey, somebody’s got to win, right?

Here’s the real winning tip: the reality of being successful lies in one secret that we all have the ability to access at absolutely no cost . . .

HARD WORK

There is no substitute for hard work — it is the foundation of every success story.

THE “REALITY” OF SUCCESS:

Unfortunately the pitch for reality isn’t as exciting as perception, unless you thrive on the challenge of success.

Fortunately, the aspiring and tenured leader completely understands the rules of reality and is willing to invest themselves completely in the process as opposed to a pipe dream.

That investment starts with a strong foundation of integrity and character.

Those two traits alone will carry you through the challenges you face as you gain experience through hard work, sacrifice, overcoming barriers, and experiencing failures, while taking those small steps forward that are absolutely necessary on the journey toward the ultimate pinnacle – earned success.

You earn your stripes along the way as a result of your courage, braveness and abundance of confidence to inspire and empower others to follow your clear vision to achievement.

Success should never correlate itself with riches. True success associates itself directly with your legacy. You are the only person that can write that story, and each page should be filled with adventures, not images of possessions.

Look at it this way, if these overnight success stories were true entrepreneurs, wouldn’t they be savvy investors, as well?  I can’t imagine an infomercial with Warren Buffett or Elon Musk in their vintage t-shirt, jeans and sandals walking down a driveway that looks like a car dealership.

IF IT SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS!

Leadership is a privilege.

 

Go do great things today – earn it – and go make a difference.

Venture + Lead + Prosper

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  #humility #ambition #action #stepforward #norgerets #comfortzone #chances

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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?

©2019 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: ©2019 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✏ What Success Looks Like
More . . .

► The Motivation of Time

Time. We all want more of it, yet it’s the thing we waste the most. And it’s how you use it that sets you apart. In this week’s Power Cast podcast, The Motivation of Time, Victor tackles the challenges to truly spending this precious resource wisely.

Listen Now

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#action #character #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.

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Victor Pisano► The Motivation of Time
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✏ Adversity: That’s Not Fair

Trigger Warning:  LIFE IS NOT FAIR!

In the 1994 Disney animated movie, “The Lion King,” there is a scene where Scar, the wicked uncle of Simba, captures a mouse that he is about to consume. He dramatically holds the mouse up to eye level, and in a Shakespearean-like tone says, “Life is not fair, is it? You see, I shall never be the king, and you shall never see the light of another day.” Oh, the irony. It may be a Disney film for kids, but the message resonates across all ages.

“Life isn’t fair. It never was, and it never will be.”

— John F. Kennedy

We so often hear children respond in a situation by saying the simple line, “that’s not fair!”. We try to explain to them that there are times we get what we want, and others where we don’t. We hope that through repetition, the lesson will be easier to interpret as they grow older.

But does it?

We are all guilty of the “that’s not fair” syndrome; it is a universal language we all speak.There will always be situations where bad things happen to good people – adversity is simply a fact of life. The opposite also holds as well — good things happen to bad people.

Maybe it’s just the way it’s supposed to be.

You know, fate.

However, as a leader, it is your responsibility to navigate situations that may seem one-sided, so as to not cause a distraction. You achieve this through connection, effective communication, clear standards, and most importantly, by setting the example. Too often in times of adversity, leaders fear being on the side of an unpopular opinion, and will support the argument that a situation or condition “is not fair.” Remember, being a leader can a lonely job. Although connecting with those under your leadership is critical, so is honesty.

You must have the courage and restraint to stand tall and represent the interest of all involved. Be brief, factual, embrace the reality, and position it as a challenge — do not allow the barrier to divert your efforts or goals. If done consistently, your skills as a confident leader — even in the face of undesirable conditions — will benefit the team. You will create empowered, no excuses, confident, critical-thinking followers.

It is time for people to understand that things are not going always to go their way. It’s called adversity, and if you can deal with it, your perspective will change as well. Instead of evaluating things as fair or unfair, you will consider it a challenge.

As for your team, instead of looking for excuses, they will discover alternative ideas. Instead of wasting time complaining, they will be timely in finding alternatives. Instead of wallowing in the “that’s not fair,” they will become innovators of adversity. Simply put, you have the opportunity to go from good to great in your leadership role.

A harsh reality is that too many disappointments may be a warning sign that your expectations are way off. When you consistently feel a lack of respect or trust, you may be right — but it also may be the perfect opportunity for you to exercise some self-awareness. Look introspectively, be vulnerable, and ask yourself some tough questions. Is your skin too thin? Are your expectations too high? Are your efforts sincerely exceeding expectation or they actually what is expected? Be truthful with yourself so you can adjust your attitude and mindset.

“Sometimes you can do everything right, and it all goes wrong. And sometimes you can do everything wrong, and it still goes right. It’s not fair – it’s just life.”

— Larry Winget

Bottom line, life is not easy. Those willing to accept the fact that things won’t always go their way have an uncanny ability to thrive in both good times and bad. Be that person — face adversity head on, and accept the fact that life is not fair. You will become more at peace with yourself!

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process #adversity #challenge #resilience #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humility

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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?

©2019 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: ©2019 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✏ Adversity: That’s Not Fair
More . . .