Life defines CHARACTER ~ John J Arent

"Life is full of setbacks...your CHARACTER is determined by how you handle those setbacks"

John J Arent

Innovation ~ John J Arent

Innovation requires that you think "outside the box"....  This is what many people feel when they think about innovation.  My thoughts on this is that you not only have to think outside the box....but you literally have to blow it up...Get out of habit and start on a fresh new adventure.  True innovation is not just improving a particular product but it is in discovery of new and exciting revolutionary ideas.

How far will you go in your career....it depends! don't get stuck in the box!

Build on your STRENGTHS ~ John J Arent

Comments over the years and research from most executive training sites illustrate the need to build on STRENGTHS to become truly adroit in what you do.  This is not to underestimate the deficiencies that we all have but it does focus on "needs" areas where a little bit of lagniappe goes a long way in advancing our skill sets.

Take a few minutes to write down your strengths and development areas that you want to work on....Once you have them limit yourself to no more than 3 skill sets at a given time.  Work on these skills by taking two of your strengths and one development area...You will be amazed at how this 2-1 focus will help you not only attain your goals but be resilient to stay focused on your overall plan.

Too often, much is discussed about the areas that we need to improve drastically.  Focusing on them can be discouraging and sometimes we can surrender ourselves in the process.  Take pride in the things that you do well, but always remember there is additional room for improvement.

You need this to be a LEADER ~ John J Arent

Over this past weekend, I watched a number of sports teams in person and on TV.  One common thing that I saw in all the games was LEADERSHIP.  In the NFL pre-season games, when a QB made a poor throw, he acknowledged that it was his fault.  We have all seen it in many sports where a player recognizes his mistake and takes the blame.  One of my favorite times of the year is late August when the Little League World Series takes place in Williamsport. PA.  I had the honor and privilege to tour this site a number of years and spend hours in the museum.  The names of the "now famous" leaders in our times are immortalized on the museums walls.  I often wondered if the core values learned in competitive youth sports served these eventual leaders in their careers...

In the Little League WORLD SERIES, a throwing error was acknowledged by the player who threw wildly to first base. So often during the high stress level that is associated with competitive sports, the humbling acknowledgement by players prove what they are really all about.   I realize that not all of this is true acknowledgement that we are imperfect at times...but from what I have observed over the years and have learned from my mentors...True Leadership is the ability to show HUMILITY.

Let's take a lesson from our youth and humble ourselves and admit that we may be wrong...What are your thoughts?

Will you soar or will you bore? ~ John J Arent

Soar like an Eagle or Bore like a gopher...what do you want in your life?

The best advice that I received over the years is to set yourself apart from others by always being POSITIVE.  Keep that positive, can-do spirit and achieve greatness in your actions.

As I have stated previously, "If you expect to win, you more than likely will...if you expect to lose, there is no doubt that you will!"

Avoid negative people, negative gossip and actions that will deter you from your goals.

Body Language supports what you say ~ John J Arent

In selling situations, be very careful to ensure that what you say is being backed up by your body language....Body language can make or break a contract.  Being aware of what your body is saying can help you win that new contract or job.  Keep in mind the following:

• Are you smiling?
• Are you paying attention?
• Eye Contact?
• Posture?
• How is your confidence?
• Hand Shake?
• Are you being open?
• Make sure your arms are not crossed.
• Palms up and arms open.
• Observe personal space
• Show interest by "moving closer"

These are a few body language signals that could make or break you.  If you have others, please comment on the blog.  Thanks and have a great day!

Winning is not the only thing - John J Arent

"The Coach who truly cares about what he does and who he helps is successful beyond what the score says" - John J Arent

Beliefs ~ Behaviors - John J Arent

"It is not your merely your belief system but rather your behaviors that are important"  - John J Arent

#1 way to get that new job! ~ John J Arent

There are many facets of the interview process that are important.  Often times when you have a strong background and have accomplished much....you may begin to sound boring...Particularly for those with many years of experience you need to be well-prepared and above all....

Emphasize “Precision in your responses”. Keep your responses short and on target to the question that was asked. Certainly you want to be engaging and thorough, but be careful not to drone on. What may sound exciting to you based on your experience and recall tends to be "babble" to your interviewer. Include examples and incorporate actual circumstances and outcomes whenever possible in your responses.

Good luck!  JJA

"To accept challenge is noble, to regroup after failure is honor, to walk away and give up...death" - John J Arent

Thought for Monday, 08-13-2012 ~ John J Arent

"When you feel that everything and everybody is against you...your true character emerges.  Keep optimistic, stay strong and persevere!"

                                                                                                 John J Arent

Leadership in 7 Words ~ John J Arent

I have written numerous blogs on Leadership, some of which have been accepted for publication in prestigious journals.  A sampling of my blogs on leadership are noted below:

http://amgtconsulting.blogspot.com/2012/07/28-traits-of-good-leadership.html

http://amgtconsulting.blogspot.com/2012/03/leadership-is-art.html

http://amgtconsulting.blogspot.com/2012/03/qualities-of-leadership.html

Today's blog will  be succinct and list 7 words that best describe Leadership.  I am sure that you can add more to these and please feel free to comment or share....Here are my TOP 7!

1. Truth above all!
2. Loyalty
3. Courage
4. Vision
5. Action
6. Trust
7. Humility

What can you add to this listing...Check out the definition or think about these words and apply them to leaders you know.  I strongly believe that if we can exhibit these traits in an honest and forthright manner, true leadership emerges!  Let me know your thoughts!

5 Ideas to help build a strong organization! ~ John J Arent

Today’s blog will be short and sweet.  I am going to list a few Ideas that can help you build a superb team.  The basis for these ideas is founded on Integrity which I have written about in numerous blogs.  If you are honest and forthright with your people and follow these few tips, you will build a very successful organization. You can visit a sampling of my thoughts on integrity at the following locations:

http://amgtconsulting.blogspot.com/2012/03/can-integrity-be-learned.html

http://amgtconsulting.blogspot.com/2012/03/qualities-of-leadership.html

http://amgtconsulting.blogspot.com/2012/05/5-expectations-of-every-employee-to.html

The Ideas that I will share today are as follows:

Give your team RESPONSIBILITY!

Inspect and EXPECT contributions from everyone!

Don’t shield your team from the negatives!

Be supportive in T&D.  Meet their Needs!

Encouragement without excessive Praise!

These five ideas when you put them all together could have a profound impact on building a very solid foundation for success!