Leadership Wisdom

"Only wisdom brings a meaningful life, and only he who holds on to this becomes happy."

                                      King Solomon                            

Wisdom offers what money, power, and fame cannot give. Wealth is not about money; it’s about inner, deeper values such as meaning, contentment, happiness, and a sense of peace of mind.
To be wise we need to reflect upon what is most important to us in life and what has less meaning. We need to put our lives into perspective and find out who we are, where we want to go, and what kind of persons and leaders we want to become during our        journey.

Timeless Wisdom For Modern Leaders – Lead Through Adversity and Change

by Per Winblad

Lead Through Adversity and Change

Universally acknowledged as one of the world’s wisest leaders, King Solomon, applied leadership principles that are as relevant and powerful today as they were in his own time. This article examines the importance of leading through adversity and change always learning and growing as a person and a leader.
King Solomon, a leader synonymous with wisdom, says: “The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.”
Wise leaders are always preparing themselves and their group to meet the future. They create a positive and optimistic approach to support themselves and others. To learn how to lead is largely a matter of getting acquainted with the development we are a part of, constantly seeking knowledge and new information that will move things forward.
Development takes place all the time. We are in a never-ending process of transitioning from yesterday, to today and towards tomorrow. The world is changing physically, socially, and economically at this very minute. When we recognize that life itself is about development, our task becomes to creatively resolve the various situations we encounter and to see things in new and different ways.
We can all count on situations where we will experience adversities, difficulties or problems. But by accepting change as a natural part of life and leadership, we are taking important steps towards renewal. In effect, we are setting ourselves up to learn more of life’s exciting journey.Wise leaders realize that success is right on the other side of perceived failures. They see failure as a part of the process of development and as an opportunity to gain experience and to learn. They are constantly asking new questions, and that opens up new perspectives.
Solomon says, “A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance.”
Failures contribute to the discovery of weaknesses. Then our analysis of what occurred makes it possible for us to gain support, practice, and learn so we can strengthen what was weak. So, even if this sounds rather strange, we actually learn more from failure than success.
Wise leaders consider adversity as temporary information on how far they have come on their journey. Using adversity, they mobilize people to gain new energy and power for the next step. They examine perceived failure for the learning inherent in it, and they communicate in a way that produces positive energy in their group, thus building an incentive to take even stronger action.
As Solomon noted, “The swiftest person does not always win the race, nor the strongest man the battle. Wise men are often poor, and skillful men are not necessarily famous.”
Wise leaders realize that – as many say – life is not fair. We are sometimes struck unfairly by losses, which may be heavy burdens to bear. But even when we suffer considerable losses, we still have something most valuable left, something that no loss can take away: The freedom and power to choose how we will respond to life situations and events, and how we intend to address other people we encounter along the way.
Next to life itself, the power of choice is our greatest gift. Wise leaders know that It’s not what happens to us – but what happens in us that really counts so they choose to respond constructively to life events and situations. They choose to turn the negative into something positive and learn from it. They choose to be grateful for life’s trials – which they view only as opportunities for learning.
We all have access to that power within us. We have to accept life as it is and balance what we receive against that which we expect, so we always will maintain a positive movement forward.
Solomon advises, “Don’t you know that this good man, though you trip him up seven times, will each time rise again?”
Wise leaders draw strength from setbacks and learn from failures. They realize that trials make people to grow, that the suffering teaches us patience and patience develops internal strength and character. We mature. They know that the more experience they gain and the more setbacks they overcome the better and stronger leaders they will become.
Therefore, they are working hard on themselves and their groups to look at every situation from newer and greater perspective. They retain the view that gives them the strength and energy to proceed with commitment and interest. We are especially important for each other, to support each other in such an approach.
Solomon tells us, “Keep on sowing your seed, for you never know which will grow – perhaps it all will.”
During challenging periods, wise leaders focus on short-term objectives and progress, and they strengthen initiative and the ability to act. Accomplishing small steps gives encouragement to go further and strengthen the group’s self-confidence and sense of being successful. Each day, step-by-step dealing with and resolving opportunities, information, and issues that we are facing, brings forward the best in us. This is how we grow!
Solomon says: “Look straight ahead; don’t even turn your head to look.”

Wise leaders teach themselves and their group to identify the focus of concern—that which they can directly affect and that which they can affect in a process forward. They continue with determination to gather experience, which they then turn into wisdom. They renew their group’s cultures and in this way build the new society. Wise leaders feel the deep pleasure and the call to create the new, better, and greater.
To become a wiser leader:

• View life as a constant process of development.
• View perceived setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow.
• Balance what you receive against what you expect.
• Help your group to analyze in all the different situations what they did well, what could be developed further, and how others have done.
• Focus on short-term objectives and progress in tough periods, which creates energy and positive ambition to keep moving in the face of adversity.
• Know that the situation is never as bad as it seems and never as good as it can be.

I encourage you to reflect and act on the following questions as seeds for your own self-exploration and development:

1. What experience has been vital for your development?
2. What turning points have there been in your life?
3. What have you learned from life so far about what is most important to you?
4. What personal challenge are you facing today?
5. What are you going to do about it today?
6. Think of 2-3 short-term objectives you can focus on get you closer to overcoming your greatest challenge.

"Some rich people are poor, and some poor people have great wealth."

King Solomon

If we want to live a rich and fulfilling life, we need to realize that true success comes from within.
It cannot be acquired or achieved. It is not a destiny we reach someday. It is a journey we travel our whole lives long. It is knowing one’s purpose in life and achieving a balance within each important aspect of our lives.
To continue to grow emotionally, socially, intellectually, financially, and spiritually while contributing to the growth of others.
What does true success mean to you? Redefine your own definition of success for the comming new year. Complete this statement: True success for me during 2011 means…

Timeless Wisdom For Modern Leaders – Lead With Possibility Thinking

by Per Winblad

Lead With Possibility Thinking

Universally acknowledged as one of the world’s wisest leaders, King Solomon, applied leadership principles that are as relevant and powerful today as they were in his own time. This article examines the importance of leading with possibility thinking to inspire, encourage and motivate everybody around us.
King Solomon, a leader synonymous with wisdom, says: “ The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.”
Wise leaders are possibility thinkers. They look for opportunities for development, where others are talking about problems.
The aim of wise leaders is to develop the accepted facts so they can create the new, better, or greater “something” that will endure over their lifetime and well beyond.
With the big picture of the desired situation in mind, leaders seek a perspective that stimulates new ways of thinking and viewing. This releases energy into planning programs and activities for moving ahead.
In the same way, wise leaders support their team in the direction of their envisioned positive future. They impart their vision complete with attractive opportunities for team members to create and contribute to greater value for customers, employees and stakeholders. Not only do they inspire the team, but they also support each individual so all team members are lined up and happily pulling in the same direction.
Solomon advises, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.”
Our thoughts are powerful resource in creating what we want – or don’t want. They direct our actions and shape our lives and futures.
Whatever we dwell upon and think about grows and expands in our individual lives. Our thoughts are like seeds in a garden. What we plant today will grow tomorrow. If we plant roses, we reap roses. If we plant weeds, we will reap weeds.
When we are focusing our thoughts toward a positive future we become more full of energy, self-confidence and joy. Each situation we face becomes a positive one when we decide to see it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and develop toward the achievement of our deepest dreams.
As Solomon noted, “The wicked man’s fears will all come true, and so will the good man’s hopes.”
When we focus on the possibility of success, we will act decisively and with optimism. We realize – that is we make real – that which we see within us. If we are seeing success, we will certainly move in that direction.
All things are created twice: First inside, in our thinking, and then outside, in our doing. We are creating first mentally what we then physically implement, step-by-step, in our development process.
When we grow in possibility thinking, we are moving ourselves towards what we want. The opposite is problem thinking that concentrates on what is not working or is wrong.
A possibility thinker moves the question from “What it is that is not working?” To “What do we need to do to make it work?”
A wise leader strengthens the group by encouraging members to focus on the positive side of every situation and to see each other as resources for their development and success.
Solomon advises, “Only a simpleton believes what he is told! A prudent man checks to see where he is going.”
Thinking positively of the future is not the same as being naive.
Even if wise leaders are optimistic and recognize the positive about the future, they understand that setbacks, difficulties and suffering will come. It is a natural part of life and entrepreneurship that strengthen the passion and the purpose.
Solomon tells us, “A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.”
To become a wiser leader:

• See the future as a possibility and an asset.
• Constantly look for opportunities for development.
• Focus your thoughts on what you want to achieve.
• Be aware that you are creating that which you expect – so expect what you want!
• Believe in yourself and your capacity.
• Look at other people as an abundant resource for development and success.
• Recognize that it is your choices, decisions, and actions, not your circumstances that determine how the future will be.
• Look for that which is good and constructive in all situations.
• Embrace humor and laugh at yourself and your situation now and then.
• Regularly exercise and [save energy?] in a playful way.

I encourage you to reflect and act on the following questions as seeds for your own self-exploration and development:

1. Do you see yourself as an optimist or a pessimist?
2. Do you focus your thoughts on what you want to see happen in the future?
3. Is your attitude strong and positive? Is it hesitant or negative?
   Determine the attitude that can best help you the rest of the day. Create a picture of that inside you. Can you see how you radiate a positive attitude and well-being as the picture clarifies and solidifies?
   What would happen if you made up your mind to help to raise other people’s spirits and attitudes? Make a decision to do that at this moment. Remember, what you give out you will receive.
4. If you are in a leadership position, reflect on how you can help your team to more clearly see the positive value that each member of team is contributing to the team’s overall success. For example, start your next meeting with your team by asking everyone to share 2-3 things that he or she is most proud of having accomplished since the last time you met?

"Anxious hearts are very heavy but a word of encouragement does wonders!"

King Solomon

Words have a miraculous power. Yes, words possess their own magic. The words we are using in our relationships can evoke feelings of happiness or sadness, enthusiasm or hopelessness. They can cause life and health or discouragement.
Everybody needs words of encouragement. By encouraging another person we show our belief in that person, and we plant the seeds of hope. Where a seed of hope has been planted, self-confidence and belief in the future will grow and bring progress and enjoyment.
We also need to be careful about the way we speak about ourselves and learn to say only positive, affirming things about our futures and where we want to go. There is something about the spoken word that we do not understand. It is a spiritual reality that when you speak, it makes a difference.
What can you say to encourage yourself and others this coming month?

Timeless Wisdom For Modern Leaders – Lead With Meaningful Goals 

 by Per Winblad

Lead With Meaningful Goals

Wise leaders communicate a clear and inspiring vision that serves as a beacon for the organization they lead. The vision becomes all the more powerful when it is supported by the leader’s guiding values. This vision/values complex forms the framework that creates meaning and stimulates and aligns employee motivation. When all are pulling in the same direction at the same time great things can be achieved.
King Solomon, a leader synonymous with wisdom, says: “Any enterprise is built by wise planning.”
Wise leaders show how the vision will become a reality by focusing on, and connecting the employees to, current, meaningful objectives and asking important questions that, when answered, produce power and energy.
In order to be able to address meaningful objectives, the vision needs to be connected to the organization’s current situation: What is working well/what are our strengths today and what do we need to develop? Begin by highlighting what we are already excelling in. This creates enthusiasm and helps create the right perspective on opportunities for development.
Solomon advises, “Hard work brings prosperity; playing around brings poverty.”
Each division, department, group, or team needs to see the link between what they do and the overall objectives. These larger objectives are broken down into intermediate objectives that are in turn broken down into individual objectives and contributions. Doing this stimulates employees to do their very best.
Wise leaders formulate meaningful objectives that are:

• Challenging, yet realistic.
• Simple and clear for full understanding.
• Timetabled, so all involved know when the targets should be achieved.
• Measurable so that everyone can see and monitor progress.
• Few, so as to create focus.

As Solomon noted, “Do you know a hard-working man? He shall be successful and stand before kings!”
Wise leaders get the whole organization to purposefully work towards the achievement of their objectives. A wise leader helps employees in the organization move their internal desires into mental visualization so it can produce the physical creation of a positive future. The leader supports them in seeing the potential and the road to development.
Solomon advises, “If you won’t plow in the cold, you won’t eat at the harvest.”
Effectively reaching objectives requires discipline, which is doing what we have to do and paying the price to bring the vision into reality. This is often giving up something good today for something better tomorrow.
Solomon tells us, “Be patient and you will finally win.”
Most of what is worth fighting for takes time to achieve. The objectives must engage us as leaders to, in turn, get our people engaged – to help them see progress as a gradual process, one step at a time, one small victory after another. This gives them the energy and motivation to continue the journey.
Solomon stated, “Work hard and become a leader.”
Objectives should give meaning and motivation to accomplish the work. Wise leaders, in addition to the objectives they are connected to in their organization, need a clear idea of what gives balance in their lives.
To become a wiser leader:

• Create a picture of common opportunities and the direction for your organization.
• Together with your lead team, come up with a small number of challenging objectives for the organization. Focus on a combination of developing well-aligned coworkers, customer satisfaction, working smarter, stimulating growth and creating profitability.
• Gather and communicate with your employees for participation, understanding, and commitment to the objectives.
• Clarify roles and mutual expectations to build your group into a powerful winning team.
• Have a dialogue with yourself regularly and always acknowledge ownership of your process.
• Get a clear idea of what gives balance in your life.

Questions to reflect upon:

1. How would you describe your organization’s/team´s main objectives?
2. What can you develop in your leadership in order to support your team in more effectively achieving your objectives?
3. What objective is the most important for creating balance in your life?
4. Task:
   (a) Describe an important sub-objective that you want to achieve in the next 90 days.
   (b) Make an action plan with important steps and measures you need to take to achieve this objective.

I encourage you to reflect on the following questions and exercises as seeds for your own self-exploration and development.

Timeless Wisdom For Modern Leaders – Lead With an Inspiring Vision For the Future

September 14, 2010 by Per Winblad

Lead With an Inspiring Vision For the Future

A wise leader creates a vision for the development of his or her organization. In doing so, human energy and creativity are coordinated and channeled toward common projects. When everybody pulls in the same direction at the same time, extraordinary things happen.
King Solomon, a leader synonymous with wisdom, says: “Without a vision, people perish.”
A wise leader engages his co-workers through understanding and involvement. Collectively, the organization builds an inspiring and comprehensive vision of possibilities. Such a vision includes and inspires everyone around them, including suppliers, clients, and the general public.
The important questions are: What kind of world do we want to create? What should be our role in the market? What kind of reputation do we want to have? Questions like these bring about a deeper connection to purpose and reality that we all need. A leader’s personal vision has a great impact in this process.
Solomon says: “A wise man thinks ahead.”
A leader’s personal vision stretches over a lifetime and includes all of life’s important areas: family, health, work, and leisure. The beautiful thing is that we all have the creative capability to imagine the future; to see the possibilities that lie ahead as we are looking towards our future through eyes of faith. We see our family prospering, being in good health and full of energy, our company creating greater value, and our leisure filled with excitement. It is in our dreams and visions that we cultivate what we ultimately reap through the process of development.
All things are created twice: First inside, in our thinking, and then outside, in our doing. When we dream of the future and establish goals and plans, we are in the process of the first creation.
When we put the dreams, goals, and plans into action we activate the second creation. The first creation is like the blueprint of a house before it’s built. The second, the physical creation, is when we actually are engaged in building the house.
Solomon says: “Look straight ahead; don’t even turn your head to look.”
Vision is holding in our mind’s eye a clear picture of a desired and preferred future. We seek something important to strive for and be inspired by, we look to accomplish something worthwhile.
In this vision of the future possibilities, of what can be, we create the fuel to motivate people to give of their best to make the vision a reality.
An inspiring and integrated vision, based on underlying governing values, allows us to feel that our life has a purpose and a meaning. It affects our thoughts, our actions, and how we prioritize our time. The vision becomes the driving force behind everything we do.
Solomon says: “Hope deferred makes the heart sick; but when dreams come true at last, there is life and joy.”
It is important to regularly affirm and evaluate the established plan. A wise leader regularly gathers his or her team and assists the team members to gain perspective of what is happening now and how it fits into the big picture. They examine what is working well and what needs to be improved in order to move ahead.
Most things worth striving for take time to achieve. With a clear and focused vision the desire and determination grow stronger and concentrate the human energy to persevere.
Solomon says: “Plans go wrong with too few counselors; many counselors bring success.”
A realistic and all-inclusive, established vision moves the process ahead. We gain our co-workers’ trust and cooperation by acknowledging and building on common values, needs, interests, hopes and dreams.
Bringing out the things we share as a group, we become secure in our roles and can see each individual’s strengths as a resource for the development of the group. With this security in the group we can use each other’s competence in new ways, which will lead to development.
Solomon says: “Dreaming instead of doing is foolishness, and there is ruin in a flood of empty words.”
A leader looks to the past as well as to the present and the future in order to establish and shape an inspiring vision. She or he will transform past experiences into positive input to support visualizing a successful future. Together, we want to create a better world and we continually seek opportunities to contribute our unique abilities.
It is the responsibility of every leader to show how the vision may be realized, to focus on measurable and attainable common goals tied into individual ambitions and action plans. With an inspiring vision, supported by governing values put into action, we are creating the future we want.
To become a wiser leader:

• Let your actions and your time be guided by an inspiring vision.
• Communicate and share the vision.
• Involve your coworker in the creating of your common vision.
• Transform the vision into reality.
• Practice what you preach.

Questions to reflect upon and exercises to support your vision:

1. How do you see your market developing in 3-5 years?
2. What do you want your organization to achieve and become in 3-5 years?
3. Where is your organization today? What strengths have brought you to where you are today? What additional strength do you have?
4. What do you need to develop to move you toward your vision?
5. Summarize and draw/write down a positive and challenging vision of the future for you and your organization. It can be a combination of growth, profitability, contributing to society in large and building a better world.
6. Involve your team in co-creating a common picture for the future. Present the questions above and ask everyone to draw/write down their answers. Let each team member give his or her picture/view and be sure to create an honest dialog. After listening give your own picture/view and then ask for everyone’s reflection.
7. Summarize and draw/write down your common, positive and challenging picture of the future.
8. Create action steps to take the process further? What is most important to do in the short term?
Remember, this is a communication process built on asking the right questions, not having the right answer. It is the leadership approach of the future.

"Give generously for your gifts will return to you later"

King Solomon

This is one of the most wonderful lessons in life. That it is by giving to others that we ourselves receive. When we give a lot, we get a lot back. ‘
When we serve other people’s needs we grow and develop ourselves. We have countless opportunities to give and serve. Whether we belong to a team at work or in church, you and I can each day give a bit of ourselves through a kind word, a helpful suggestion, or a sense of understanding.
Wisdom teaches us to share love and respect with all people. By treating others lovingly and kindly we build good, long-lasting relationships. We accept and love people just the way they are. We celebrate their differences. We look to their strengths and their assets.
When we focus on people’s strengths and see their potential we help to build their belief in themselves. We treat others the way we want to be treated. You remember “the golden rule”. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.
What can you give more of in your professional and personally relationships this coming month?

Timeless Wisdom For Modern Leaders – Lead by Guiding Values

August 11, 2010 by Per Winblad

Lead by Guiding Values

Wise leaders create guiding values for themselves and the organizations they lead. These values form the foundation for the organization’s culture and function as a guiding light for coworkers, helping them make correct decisions and work toward common goals.
These values are best reflected in time-tested principles, which are deep, fundamental truths with universal application. These truths address laws that are as firm in “human physics” as the law of gravitation is in natural physics. For example, the law of gravity says that if you drop an object from the roof of a building it will fall to the ground. We know, with absolute certainty that this will happen every time we do it and we don’t question it. In the same way these human truths are equally reliable. They are not only a set of values, but they are the foundations of human effectiveness and interaction.
When leaders align with universal principles such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, honesty, compassion, excellence and perseverance they create the conditions for long-lasting success.
King Solomon, a leader synonymous with wisdom, says: “A good man is guided by his honesty.”
Leaders have to be clever and competent, but they must also have sound values and a powerful sense of integrity. In good times as well as bad the most effective leaders stay true to their unique set of values. They do what is right and tell the truth in all areas of life. That doesn’t say they are perfect or that the struggle to be true to themselves and their values isn’t a life-long journey. And it’s not just in the major decisions that this quality is needed; integrity in little things is equally important. There are no degrees of integrity. You either have it or you don’t.
We value honesty more than any other virtue and we appreciate people who represent a strong value system. If we are to follow someone, whether it is in business, school, or politics, we want to feel faith and confidence in that person.
Solomon says: “It is far better not to say you’ll do something than to say you will and then not do it.”
We expect our leaders to set a good example and act in an exemplary and positive way. Effective leaders live as they learn through acting in accordance with vision and values. As the saying goes: Our actions speak louder than words. That our words and deeds are aligned constitutes the basis for credibility of leadership.
Wise leaders set a good example by acting in accordance with higher values. Those values permeate their behavior and promote confidence. They range from creating good relations to fully completing tasks. Quality and creativity are the key words.
What the leader spends time on and pays attention to counts. Wise leaders deliberately devote time to the group’s viability and development. Supporting both the group and the individual becomes the norm. When people in the group see that words and deeds are consistent, this creates credibility. And it is through being credible that a leader can encourage a long-term commitment from the group.
Solomon says: “Without wise leadership, a nation is in trouble; but with good counselors there is safety.”
Wise leaders understand their role of creating the arena for their employee’s success. Such an arena makes it possible for the employees to feel inspired challenged and that they are working towards an exciting future worth fighting for. It makes it possible to interact in a winning way in relation to their surroundings. We as individuals are unique and at the same time complementary. To develop fully, we need supportive leadership.
Some leaders create “leadership by enthusiasm” when facing a task with themselves at the center. Others lead by providing a clear picture of the situation and opportunities available in it. Still others have a more methodical, step by step manner of leading the group. A wise leader provides a sense of continuity for the group and defines limits that all have to comply with – especially the leader him/herself – regardless of their leadership style.
Solomon says: “Whatever you do, do well.”
We all possess a greater potential within us. The question is where do we find the situation and the people that can bring out this greater good. “How can I create my future” and “How can I lift those around me” will be the key questions for enhanced leadership.
Wise leaders realize that there is only one way to go. It is to deepen one’s own awareness of and confidence in the future. The responsibility that lies before us as leaders is to always operate for the good, for a better future, and a better world. This is a deep understanding of and commitment to the values that possess a weight and validity beyond one’s own self, and which gives life greater quality and larger dimensions.
To become a wiser leader:

• Empower your co-workers to participate in the development of the group’s common guiding principles. Ask question and discuss: What do we want to stand for? What do we consider as truly important? How do we want to interact with each other and others in order to provide value?
• Set aside time for your own reflection on what you value and what you want to stand for in your life and leadership.
• Deal with those in your environment with dignity and respect.
• Devote time to the group’s viability and development.
• Know and honor your commitments and promises to the entire group.
• Serve as a good example when it comes to relationships, attitudes, and work habits.
• Know that what you, as the leader, spend time on and pay attention to counts.
• Create the arena for your employee’s success.
• Always operate for the good, a better future, and a better world.

Questions for your personal reflection:
I present you with the following questions and exercises to reflect over, as seeds for your own exploration and development.

1. Think of 2-3 people you admire who have influenced you positively. They may be managers, teachers, parents, relatives, friends, sports leaders, historic figures, etc.
   a) What do you most admire about these people? Write out the names of the 2-3 people you are thinking of and 2-3 key words that describe what you most admire about each person.
   b) Which of these people’s characteristics would you like to develop?
2. Imagine you have been selected as the Leader of the Year. You are invited to a meeting where representatives from industry and politics will honor you for your efforts. Several people will praise your achievements and character. Write down the words you would most like to hear. Which descriptions would make you proud?
   What weakness are you hoping they will not have noticed?
3. What are your organization’s core values?

"Do you see a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings"

King Solomon

In everything we do, in any endeavor we undertake in life we will get different outcome, as we saw so shall we reap, as we reflected on in last month issue. There is one skill that has help people to reach their dreams more than any other and that is diligence.
The dictionary describes diligence as, “A persistent and hard-working effort in doing something.” To be persistent is to keep on keeping on until you succeed. To be diligent is also to be zealous and careful in how you are doing something with the end result in mind. It’s striving for the highest quality of excellence in the tasks you are carrying out.
In what areas in your professional and private life do you need to be more diligent to attain a result that is of the highest quality of excellence?