✏ Take Action Now

Today is the day you take a step forward. No more “letting” things happen in your life . . . it’s time to take control and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. Take control of your future and let today be the day you begin your courageous effort to lead!

LIFE IS WAITING TO BEGIN!

Passivity is the enemy . . .

Personal change is an active process. Take the first steps now to act and be bold.

Let’s get all of the excuses out there. If you need to, make a list. Write down every excuse that you can think of. We tend to always focus on why we “can’t”, so this shouldn’t be too challenging.

  • I’ve got too much on my plate right now
  • It’s not the right time
  • I’m not ready for change
  • I’m afraid of what I might be getting myself into
  • I don’t think I will be successful

All done? Now, it’s time to change your mindset. Ask yourself one simple question:

IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

Today is the day that you have the clarity and courage to listen to that inner voice that wants to break out of its shell, to change your mentality from a follower to a leader. Build the confidence to overcome that self-doubt. Develop a “no barriers” mindset and face your fears head-on.  It only takes one step forward to begin.

Here are the 5 things you are going to do today to prepare for action:

  1. Write down your action plan, and include your “why” and purpose.

Writing down what you are going to do versus just saying it is the game changer. The next step is put those words into actionable phrases. How are you going to reach the objectives you identify, step by step? NOTE: This can only be done once you establish your “why” and your “purpose”.

Your “why” will give your life clarity and purpose — and as a result, it will shape who you are. You will clearly know what you want out of life. When you know your perspective about life, you can achieve amazing things. This will be the foundation of your growth as you climb the ladder to success. To find your why, dig deep and reach for a high level of self-awareness. What are your strengths? What can you contribute? What are your core principles that make you unique?

 

  1. Find somebody to hold you accountable.

Find a mentor! Find somebody who believes in you as much, if not more, than you do in yourself. Success cannot be obtained without the willingness of others to contribute their passion, and empower others to feel inspired and motivated to be the best they can.

Where do you find a mentor? If they aren’t right in front of you, then do your research and find the person who is where you want to be. Thanks to social media, most of us have a friend, or friend of a friend, who can make the introduction and get the process started. The process is up to you.  If you are willing to do the work, and have the passion to drive you, your mentor will be the difference in building yourself in an efficient and successful manner.

There is a catch here. If you find that person and you get the motivation and inspiration you need, it is your responsibility to pay it forward!

 

  1. Set realistic goals and establish a workable timeframe for each.

Now that you have an action plan and you understand and believe in your “why” and purpose statements, the next step is to set realistic goals for yourself and establish a timeframe for each. For example, based on the profession you are in, what skills do you need to sharpen to be at the top of your game? Do you understand the value proposition (what specific benefits you offer that bring value) for your product and company? Do you have a firm grip on the competitive landscape?

Answer these questions and begin to establish each of your goals. Research, read, and navigate the influential thought leaders in your profession (people whose opinions are valued). Via social media, talk with your mentor(s) and/or expand your knowledge of the market.To the right of the column with your goals, put a firm deadline to hold yourself accountable on achieving each and hold to it. Don’t give up, stay the course.

 

  1. Align your values with your actions.

Make sure that your core foundation is built upon integrity, character, courage, inspiration and gratitude. If you are built in this fashion, then your actions will reflect it in everything you do. These are the traits that define the best leaders, because they consistently show others their belief in them, and in turn, empower them to succeed.

Without values, your leadership will be meaningless. It will be hollow, uneventful and even worse, those whom you lead will gain nothing from you.

 

  1. Spend more time developing YOU.

Most important, don’t ever stop developing you. Success is a journey, not a destination. Your advancement is also a journey; there is no end. The most important investment you can make in your success is in YOU. 

Self-development means creating successful habits, employing patience, growing your professional circle and building your confidence every day.

 

Inspire action by painting a vision of what success looks like to you. Let this be your alarm clock to tell you it’s time to wake up and change the world. Become a visionary and eliminate passivity as an excuse. The world is yours — make a difference!

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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?

©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✏ Take Action Now
More . . .

► Motivation vs Inspiration

Motivation vs Inspiration. One is external and temporary, the other internal and lasting. If you want to be a difference maker, this is the podcast for you!

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 #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.

POWER CAST IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON

Victor Pisano► Motivation vs Inspiration
More . . .

✏ A Little Optimism Goes a Long Way

As an author, speaker and person who consistently engages me in critical thought, Simon Sinek is one of the best in the business in teaching the concepts of leadership. This has always been one of my favorite quotes, so I have decided to use it as a springboard for the subject of optimism.

“ALL GREAT LEADERS ARE OPTIMISTS.
TO INSPIRE NECESSARILY REQUIRES A POSITIVE OUTLOOK.”

– Simon Sinek

There will always be the pessimist leader, which should be balanced within leadership. In large groups, a pessimist may not be a bad role to play — I like to refer to it as the “devil’s advocate“. Every organization needs to have someone on board saying, “What if XYZ happens?” And you definitely need to have a plan in place. But after time, that personality can disrupt progress if they are not willing to adapt and learn to celebrate successes, large and small, at the right times.

However, when leading a team, a pessimist has the ability to destroy the self-esteem of a great employee if given the authority to do so without a systems of checks and balances. In other words, I am directly referring to what I call the “90/10 Leader” – they dwell on the 10% of improvement needs rather than build upon the 90% of achievement and personal growth of the respective individual they manage.

I believe it is important at this point to clearly define my position on “optimism” in this “90/10 Leader”, so as to not confuse the reader. I am not a fan of entitlement. I do not believe everyone deserves a trophy. I am a realist and understand that it is not the job of the leader to line the road with roses each morning as their team walks out of the house. I believe respect is earned over time through a clearly laid-out process of consistently communicated expectations. Anyone striving for success must have thick skin, humility, accountability and a willingness to be vulnerable. But I am also passionate about a single attribute that I believe every great leader should have a firm grip on as a leader:

C-O-N-N-E-C-T-I-O-N

This is the foundation for the 90% in my equation. In other words, if you want to lead both effectively and efficiently, you must learn to connect with those you have the privilege to teach. That means get to know your people on an individual level and find out what drives them. Learn what their talents are and respect their boundaries. Lead with both intent and respect. You don’t have to be best friends with those under your lead — but times have changed — you do need to have a personal relationship with them to build a successful culture that is established upon a foundation of pride and accountability. Earn somebody’s trust and respect by being fair and open-minded to constructive feedback and be prepared to reap the rewards as a leader. Do it consistently and you earn the ultimate respect by being labeled as a mentor. Carry a mental black book to journal the meaningless errors in an effort to hold something over their head and you only lose ground in the effort to earn trust.

For the leader too selfish to understand, allow me to use the words of the great author, L. Frank Baum, from the iconic scene from the 1939 classic, “The Wizard of Oz”, where Dorothy says…

“Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

In other words, your style of management is no longer effective. Times have changed, and the ability to develop a culture of trust is critical to sustain success. If you’ve become so fixated in a quest to discover – and even reach for – the minute details, that in essence have no direct correlation or impact on the outcome, and feel the need (usually as a result of being an authoritative leader) to make note of the situation and hold it close to the vest to use at a later date to remind others that they will never achieve the level of power you possess, you are a barrier not only to effective leadership, but inspiring others to grow and eventually lead. Worse, you lose talented people and your company suffers.

There is a correlation between this leadership style and a fixed mindset, as well. This leader is usually less receptive to constructive feedback, does not have an open mind, prevents dialogue for the production of thinking outside the box and tends to be very set in their ways. Bottom line, without effective senior leadership guiding their team, good luck getting this gem to change.

The result is great people leaving good companies that could become great companies. They have the ability to be the difference makers. They have the courage to act with pride, take an initiative and run with it, represent the company’s objectives and mission and work beyond expectation to exceed expectations. However, the fear of autonomy and retaliation prevent them from achieving even their own expectations because they are always on the defensive for the 10% to come up at any moment.

Don’t ever allow your pride and ego to overshadow the accomplishment of those under your leadership. It’s not about you. A great leader understands those words and cherishes the success of others.

As cliché as it sounds, it always holds true:

PEOPLE DON’T LEAVE COMPANIES; THEY LEAVE BAD MANAGEMENT.

 

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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?

©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✏ A Little Optimism Goes a Long Way
More . . .

► Authenticity

Authenticity. It’s a word we hear a lot these days — but what does being authentic mean as a leader? Why is it so critical? Why is it so tough sometimes? Victor answers these questions and more in this episode of the Power Cast from Charge Up.

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 #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.

POWER CAST IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON

Victor Pisano► Authenticity
More . . .

✏ Demise of a Leader

When you make an investment in the stock market, you spend years sacrificing through a disciplined, motivated mindset, sticking to a well-thought out plan to achieve long-term success. You clearly see the big-picture and you’re committed to reaching the end-goal.

It’s no different when you are pursuing an effective and successful leadership role. The same descriptions apply – patience, trust and guidance. The difference is, you’re investing in yourself.

Leadership is not an easy path. Your investment is a never-ending quest to learn new competencies, expand your skills, increase your knowledge and step out of your comfort zone knowing you could expose your vulnerabilities.

However, it also reveals an unseen side of us that shows just how bold and courageous we are willing to be. Leadership is never given, it is earned. Over time and experience, the achievement comes with great respect and admiration if done right.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts

– Winston S. Churchill

As quickly as we can rise through the company ranks, a fall can occur just as suddenly, with a solid impact. The grind can be too much, and we lose the desire, passion, motivation and most of all, patience. We become frustrated with the system and are overcome with a sense of entitlement that is not being matched by the company we work for.

We either throw in the towel and quit, or we simply burnout and fade away. As a result, the net loss results in what ultimately can destroy a leader.

The demise is evident through the following actions:

LOSING FOCUS AND VISION

We become lazy in our thought process and stop thinking analytically and critically in each challenge presented to us. Not only are we unable to adequately communicate the big picture, there is a lack of confidence in how the execution will occur. As a result, the plan of action becomes very sloppy and unorganized.

DELEGATING WITHOUT COACHING

We were hired as a result of our ability to teach others from the experience we’ve gained along the way. Once confident in our team, we delegate through coaching them through the process. Now, we simply delegate without direction or follow up, putting those we lead in a position to fail.

ABANDONING INTEGRITY

With the loss of vision comes a loss of patience. The result will be shortcuts at the expense of the company and its core values. What has taken years to build can easily be destroyed by the poor decisions of one individual.

MAKING EMOTIONAL DECISIONS

No longer thinking through critical situations, decisions are being made based on emotional feelings as opposed to facts, cross-functional discussions and input from the team. The traits of experience and skill sets are not utilized any longer; only snap judgement remains.

QUIT EMPOWERING OTHERS

One of the most critical elements of being an effective leader fades away as a result of feeling unappreciated for your contributions to the success of the company. However, you are not just failing yourself at this point, but those who have entrusted you with their future.

LOSING HUMILITY

The excuses and blame begin to become a common theme under your leadership. Instead of protecting your team and earning trust and respect, you now begin the regrettable action of blaming your team for functions that you are ultimately responsible for.

LOSING GRATITUDE

You no longer see the positive in anything you do, or set the example in your actions. Your appreciation for the process, journey and team effort has been replaced with selfishness and anger. Your rhetoric turns from “we” to “I”.

RESISTING CHANGE

A leader’s greatest strength is to adapt. Change is inevitable and if you are not prepared, you put the entire company and your staff at risk. Your vulnerabilities will be exposed, your ability to be PROactive will turn into being REactive and the overall plan of action will be at risk.

Hopefully you have already earned the respect of senior leadership, as well as your team, and they have made you aware of the “new you”.  Don’t make any drastic moves yet — you still have time to salvage the situation.

Swallow your ego, put your boots back on and redirect your frustration.  Put that energy into the three P’s to get past through this: passion, persistence and patience.  You have worked this hard and made it this far, don’t give up.

Go back and evaluate why you began this adventure in the first place and rediscover your passion. If you made it this far, it was because you were persistent.  Keep up the good fight and get back on that horse. Most important, be patient. Good things come to those who wait. Success will happen, don’t let your perception of time cloud proper protocol.

We all have bad days, but as long as the good outweigh the bad, you’re still in a position to succeed.  Too often, people quit before success is about to occur, and then they will live with regret. In the words of Winston Churchill, “keep bugging on!”

Leadership is a privilege.

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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?

©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✏ Demise of a Leader
More . . .

► Special Guest Molly Fichtner

It’s a first for Victor’s podcast – a guest interview! Meet Molly Fichtner, Head Softball Coach of University of Louisiana – Monroe. This unassuming but thoughtful young leader will have you learning and laughing, so don’t miss this episode of the Power Cast!

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 #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.

POWER CAST IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON

Victor Pisano► Special Guest Molly Fichtner
More . . .

✏ Be a Patient of Patience

Think about the time it takes for the sun to rise every morning. It’s not as if a switch goes off and we go from dark to light. There is a special beauty and appreciation for night approaching dawn, it is an amazing spectacle. It reminds us that time is moving forward and that change is inevitable.

Did you know that It takes an average of 7-8 hours from sunrise until the sun reaches its highest point of the day?

Just like the path of the sun, leadership is no different. You have to be patient, acknowledge and appreciate the rise, trust the process and not expect instant gratification. With leadership, you must set realistic and timely goals, listen, listen, listen and listen more, and never cease learning. Just like the sun will reach its peak in time, so will your efforts and experience in becoming a leader.

Success is about endurance. That endurance is the inspiration to work harder each day and commit yourself to the journey. You will acquire the skill sets if you have the right mentor, put in the critical hours each day with the right attitude and mindset, learn to work with a team, and contribute and work on your own time to improve yourself and grow as a professional. You must be willing to sacrifice the short game.

The road to leadership is long; what are you willing to invest if you want the outcome to be success? Do you realize how many other people want it just as much as you? Leadership is an internal quality, not an external one. You must first learn to lead from within if you have any desire to grow. Being patient will provide you the time to find your passion through the process of doing. You will invest in yourself to build the confidence necessary to have others not simply follow you, but rather to join you out of respect and trust — two traits that are earned with time and experience.

The challenge will be to give without expectation. That’s where sacrifice comes in. Are you willing to give without any guarantee of success? If so, what you will find is that your persistence and courage will make an impact. Your commitment and passion will serve as your compass.  Your loyalty and contribution will be rewarded.

The majority of successful leaders are not able to tell you about “the moment” they became a leader, however, they will tell you about the journey and sacrifice it took to become one. That is the beauty of leadership — you must trust the process and be willing to invest day in and day out. The rewards of patience will far outweigh the time it took to get there.  Enjoy the journey . . .

“At the moment that everything goes dark, the sunset in front of us becomes the whole story. But if we find courage enough to wait until tomorrow morning, we will suddenly come to understand that in reality yesterday’s sunset was only half the of the story.”

– Carig D. Lounsbrough

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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?

©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✏ Be a Patient of Patience
More . . .

► Failure is Not Fatal

What do almost all of the big success stories have in common? Failure. In this Power Cast episode, Victor helps you reframe failure and learn to apply the valuable lessons it offers.

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 #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.

POWER CAST IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON

Victor Pisano► Failure is Not Fatal
More . . .

✏ Be the One Percent

“Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people
who have the habit of making excuses”.

– George Washington Carver

If I were to outline, in detail, the secret to success and provide an actual timeline and blueprint on how you could achieve it, what percentage of people would actually commit to learning, understanding and consciously adapting practical application to make the necessary changes in their lives to make it happen?

I’m going to stick with that one percent, with the hope that it motivates you.

For starters, there are no secrets to success.

Success is:

  • Hard work
  • Commitment,
  • Perseverance,
  • Self-discipline,
  • Gratitude
  • A growth mindset

Don’t waste your time or money on anybody who claims to be the prophet of the secrets to success for a price.

As for the blueprint, that’s entirely up to you. Success is a journey, but the beauty within that journey is that it becomes a discovery.

You begin to find your:

  • Purpose
  • Passion
  • Your why

But you must have the willingness to have:

  • The dream
  • Discipline
  • Consistency
  • And the focused ability to achieve your goals.

It’s about growth, and with growth, we have a guarantee that tomorrow is going to be better than today.

“And will you succeed? Yes you will indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed).”

– Dr. Seuss

It’s the other 99% who live with unfulfilled potential and hold onto talents that are never used. They allow excuses, fear of failure, laziness and a lack of commitment and purpose to distort their vision and effort.

They will call those that succeed “lucky”. However, their narrow-mindedness misses a critical point: the harder you work, the luckier you tend to be.

They will say “Why not me?”. The answer is simple; instead of complaining, make the appropriate changes in your life that will get you on the right track so it can be you who succeeds.

The worst mindset to have? Entitlement. You aren’t owed anything in this world, you have to work for it. If you want it bad enough, go out and earn it, but don’t have the notion that anything is automatic.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more,
do more and become more, you are a leader.”

– John Quincy Adams

Enough about the 99%, I want to focus on YOU, the one percent who wake up each day with a purpose and mission to make an impact. YOU are inspired, and YOU inspire others by your gratitude, actions and examples. YOU are a different breed.

Top Ten Characteristics that set the one percent apart:

  1. Passion

When you have an intense desire to succeed, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals and your passion becomes the fuel that drives you.

  1. Integrity

It’s about doing the right thing despite influence or personal gain. It’s what separates good from great.

  1. Gratitude

Leaders find the good all around them and acknowledge it. If you want to earn respect, focus on recognizing improvement rather than criticizing faults. Every day that you wake up, you already have something to be grateful for.

  1. Goal setters

Effective leaders live life according to the goals they set daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. These goals provide direction, and without that, you end up being lost.

  1. Failure

Fail, fail and fail again! Don’t call yourself a leader unless you can show me all the mistakes it took to get where you are today. Successful people understand that failure is a part of the process, they get back up when they get knocked down. Believe in yourself, don’t allow any barrier to detour you from success.

  1. Positivity

Positivity is a choice. Speak positivity into those around you and it will come back to you. Advice: surround yourself with those who you admire, respect and aspire to model and eliminate the dead weight and negativity around you.

  1. Mindset

Mindset is everything. When you master your mindset, you have the ability to achieve the level of success you desire. A mindset is simply a belief. As a result, a mindset can be changed, influenced, learned and reinforced. Mindset allows you to value the process vs. the result and cultivates a sense of purpose.

  1. Learning

We have heard the phrase, “never stop learning because life never stops teaching”: those words couldn’t be more right. Challenge and motivate yourself to grow through knowledge, reading, listening, watching and asking questions. Those aren’t weaknesses, they are examples of what it takes to be an effective leader.

  1. Mentors

We all need somebody to challenge our thought, ask the tough questions and provide us education through self-discovery in order to succeed. If you are willing, there are mentors all around you. Don’t wait for them to find you, reach out and communicate your passion for growth and ask for their time. Leadership is a privilege and if they follow that mantra, they understand that they have an obligation to pay it forward.

  1. Dreamers

These are the leaders who are courageous, bold innovators and have an unwavered entrepreneurial spirit about them. Their oxygen comes four words, “It. Can’t. Be. Done.” They thrive outside the comfort zone and take calculated risks to achieve their goals.

Be the one percent who lives by the fact that there is no substitute for hard work. Day in, day out — commit yourself to giving all of yourself toward making an impact, empowering others and eliciting the greatness in people around you to make a difference in your family, work and community. One percent is a misleading number; with a focused effort, you have the ability to affect the other 99%’s belief in themselves, to rediscover their passion, find the positivity, listen to the mentors and change their environment to grow.

Are you with me, 99%?  Let’s do it…

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”

– John D. Rockefeller

Go do great things today and make a difference.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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✏ Be the One Percent
More . . .

► Employees Quit Bosses, Not Companies

75% of all workers who leave voluntarily cite their supervisor or boss as the reason. Turnover is a management issue, and the fact is, you can’t create great followers under poor leadership. In this Power Cast podcast episode, Victor shares a handy reminder of the differences between a boss and a leader. Protect your most powerful business assets — the human ones — by learning how to be a leader, not a boss.

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 #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.

POWER CAST IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON

Victor Pisano► Employees Quit Bosses, Not Companies
More . . .

✏ Lead by Permission

Leadership is a privilege. Successful leaders view their role as an honor given to them by their employees, and their employees want to work for them because they’re great leaders — not because they are in a position of authority. The most common reason we follow a leader is because of who they are; they are the ones who have inspired or empowered us, they have a sense of purpose – and it’s our sense of purpose that keeps us solid. They have been given “permission to lead” and they take that responsibility very seriously. It is that atmosphere of collaboration and continuity that drives the team to success. To not allow ego into the equation takes a tremendous amount of humility and self-confidence. Outstanding leaders know that their integrity, character and passion will define their legacy and earn them respect.

Here are a few principles that define those that “Lead by Permission”:

  • Be a leader, not a boss
  • They have a humble disposition, they don’t ever believe that success is inevitable
  • They solicit feedback knowing it will make them better
  • They encourage the team to take initiative and collaborate
  • They celebrate others’ accomplishments over their own
  • They practice patience, have self-control and have more gratitude than most
  • They have clear perspective
  • They are self-aware, they look at the whole picture and both sides of the issue
  • They are empathetic
  • They boost productivity by delivering an honest message that brings the team together to accomplish a common objective
  • They are committed to creating an environment where people love to work
  • They have a desire to play a key role in empowering others and trust them to make decisions
  • They know how to diffuse difficult situations with grace and empathy
  • They listen more, and listen without interruption, objections, or defensiveness
  • They are clear with their expectations
  • They consistently solicit the sound advice and wisdom of others

 

The decision on how to lead is entirely up to you. Finding the balance between achieving your goals and creating a positive environment of integrity, character and collaborative effort can mean the difference in success or futility. Understanding that you won’t reach the summit without a team of experts is critical when determining why you need to be a leader, and not a boss.

Be humbled to lead . . .

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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?

©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: ©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✏ Lead by Permission
More . . .

► All In

Take every chance, drop every fear. Going All In is the only way to be defined by courageous and innovative actions — learn how to make that leap on this week’s Power Cast podcast.

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 #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.

POWER CAST IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON

Victor Pisano► All In
More . . .

✏ Leadership in 30 Seconds

I was recently asked by one of our followers on Charge Up if I could “define leadership in 30 seconds.” Being such a broad concept, it was a great opportunity for me to put pen to paper and see if my definition actually matches my actions.

As a result, I found this exercise to be extremely beneficial in reminding myself of what my “why” and purpose is. After 25 years in a leadership role, the words may change a bit, but my core principles will never waiver. For me, they are integrity, character and honesty.

I not only responded, but also created a podcast around this same topic because I think it’s a great exercise for a leadership role, young or old.

MY DEFINITION OF LEADERSHIP IN 30 SECONDS:

First and foremost, LEADERSHIP IS A PRIVILEGE. It’s an opportunity to inspire and empower others who are willing to invest in their goals and help them to push past the barriers, so they can find their purpose, courage and passion.

It’s about integrity, and never allowing yourself to waiver from that foundation of honesty, respect and trust.

It’s also about failure, and finding the lessons within each barrier to discover a different path and create a new mindset to achieve your goals.

Leadership is a never-ending journey. It is a destination that you are always trying to reach but find a unique joy in the ride.

SO NOW I CHALLENGE YOU . . .

Put pen to paper and write what comes from your heart — not what you think the definition should be, but what you sincerely believe and either aspire to or already communicate as a leader.  As stated above, if you are a leader with a few years under your belt, it’s a great tool to ensure you’re still focused on what’s important.

Leadership in and of itself takes a tremendous amount of effort, but if you have the passion for it and the gift to help others achieve their goals, it is one of the most rewarding roles you will ever play.

Put the time and energy into it now and just be patient. Never stop growing and make sure your decisions are always based on your core values You are building your legacy . . . do it with pride.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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✏ Leadership in 30 Seconds
More . . .

► Where is Inspiration?

Awareness is the key to finding the inspiration that exists all around us . . . learn how to get dialed in for a clear vision that charges up the confidence to take action in today’s podcast, Where is Inspiration?

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 #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.

POWER CAST IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON

Victor Pisano► Where is Inspiration?
More . . .

✏ This Is Not a Drill

Leadership isn’t always a bed of roses.

There’s another side of leadership that will contribute to how you earn your stripes, and that’s through crisis management. It’s in these situations where everything you’ve worked for — the years you’ve trained and developed your skill sets and empowered those under your guidance — will face the test of adversity.

How will you react?

Like a deer in the headlights? Frightened, confused, no idea where to turn?

That’s not you. 

Many leaders live for this moment: challenge is their oxygen they crave. These are the situations where they will naturally shine and demonstrate not only to the company they represent, but the team they lead, why they carry the responsibility of leadership.

No Pressure? No Diamond.

The first thing effective leaders must do is clear themselves of distraction, assess the situation and gather as many facts as possible. They must first determine the real problem, so they can determine the solution. They must define and identify the resources they will need to find a resolution. Additionally, they will form a cross-functional team to solve the problem and ensure that the solution or compromise will be representative of the way their organization does business.

An effective leader will immediately take the emotion out of the equation and focus on what’s important. They rely upon their “why” to guide them — this is why they are a leader in the first place. During this phase, they are setting the example: staying calm, rational and serving as a liaison between what’s best for the client and for the company. They become the model of effective leadership at its best.

It’s a fine line to find compromise in crisis; however, your confidence, mental skills and experience will lead you — trust that. First and foremost, don’t ever allow your integrity to be comprised. It takes years of hard work to establish the foundation of your character and the company’s reputation. You cannot allow a short-term fix to jeopardize a long-term relationship. You also avoid putting people over profit before customers or employees. There will be certain instances where a net gain is not possible; it’s the cost of doing business.

The constant throughout this process will be communication. The best leaders keep the team apprised of any developments, whether positive or negative. They also bring the team together for discussions, and they listen. They don’t interrupt, they don’t immediately answer, they don’t even offer their opinion. They allow the entire team to talk and generate dialogue while they entrust their critical thinking skills to guide the discussion and see what bits and pieces from all involved can produce a positive outcome.

Listening without interruption is an art. Isn’t that why you have empowered those on your team to make decisions?

Commonly referred to as “guided discovery”, the best leaders will guide those that they have empowered, as well as the outside team members involved, to discover the solution on their own. They are not looking for credit or praise, but rather a positive ending. As a result, they will earn more trust and respect, and the entire team becomes better prepared to handle crisis by falling back later upon the lessons learned and skills used to resolve previous crises.

What if a solution cannot be found? You ask yourself if you have exhausted all options, had all of the facts and analytics to make a qualified decision and most importantly, is there a consensus amongst senior leadership that this is the only route to take?

These are the hard decisions. They are also the ones build your character.

“Courage is grace under pressure.”

– Ernest Hemingway

Earn the respect and trust of your company and those you lead.

Be the one who people turn to in tough situations.

Win the moment.

VENTURE + LEAD + PROSPER

Humbled to lead,

#chargeup   #lessonsinleadership   #leadership   #lead   #process  #patience #change #venture  #lead  #prosper #reflect #inspire #empower  #motivate  #beyou #gratitude  #integrity  #starttoday  #humilty

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✏ This Is Not a Drill
More . . .