Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Don't Forget Happiness Is A Decision

DON'T FORGET HAPPINESS IS A DECISION

Don't forget happiness is a decision.

Just like you make your own future, you get to decide if you want to be happy or not. Sure, many people will blame someone or something else for feeling sad, unhappy or whatever they want to feel. They do that because that's what they have been conditioned to do all their lives. No one taught them that an alternative exists and that is a sad reality. 

In the end, no matter what someone else does to you, your happiness depends on you and you alone. You decide on how you want to react. You must decide.

Remember, HAPPINESS is a wise decision.

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Don't Forget Happiness Is A Decision • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: DON'T FEEL THE NEED TO FIT IN

DON'T FEEL THE NEED TO FIT IN

Don't the feel the need to fit in. We all like to fit in. We all want to be accepted. We all want to be part of a crowd. However, at what cost? What do we have to give up to fit in at school, at work, or with people we consider to be the cool kids?

Sometimes, there is a very hefty price. Sometimes, the price is so huge that we start to compromise our integrity, our character, our honesty, and our sense of self.

If this is how feel, then it is most definitely the time to honestly answer the following question: Are you prepared to lose yourself to the expectations and demands of others?

If the answer is YES, then it is really time for a reality check. You can do that when others are paying your bills, buying you food, and giving you a place to stay out of the kindness of their heart.

Seriously, you and I both know that the answer is NO.

Now, you just have to admit it to yourself and believe it.

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Don't Feel The Need To Fit In • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

ANOTHER TUESDAY NIGHT WITH LOLLY DASKAL (@lollydaskal)

Every Tuesday evening from 8pm EST to 9pm EST for the past few months, I have been a willing participant of a Twitter.com Tweetchat with Consultant, Coach, Speaker, Founder of #LeadFromWithin, and Author of the book, "Thoughts Spoken From The Heart" Lolly Daskal.

These Tweetchats are insightful, thought provoking, and generate genuine conversation. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Twitter members join the conversation every Tuesday night.

Each week, it is a different topic. Our host, Lolly Daskal, over the course of the hour will post 10 questions, which end with the hashtag #LeadFromWithin. Every participant is encouraged to respond to the 10 questions. The responses are FANTASTIC!!!!  You have to read them (well, as many as you can) as they go flying by your Twitter feed.

I invite you to join us every Tuesday evening for the tweetchat and throughout the week be on the lookout for the Twitter hashtag #LeadFromWithin

On the evening of Tuesday, February 25, 2014, the topic was HOW TO DEVELOP LEADERS. Here are the questions as posted by Lolly Daskal and my answers. Enjoy!

Q1: How do you define a leader?
A1. A Leader is someone who not only gains the trust of followers but is a follower himself #LeadFromWithin

Follow-up: A solid leader is someone who has worked his way up the ranks and earned the trust of those that helped him up the ranks. The trust was earned because he trusted them as well.

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Q2. When it comes to personal qualities what should a developing leader have?
A2. A sense of openness and curiosity are two personal qualities a developing leader should have #LeadFromWithin

Follow-up: Leaders should always remain open to accept and process everything around them thus removing any form of “TUNNEL VISION”. In addition, leaders should never lose their sense of curiosity. Staying curious means that they have accepted the fact that that no one will always know everything and the only way to grow as a leader is to learn more by asking more questions and not settling for any answer but for the absolute answer.

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Q3. What abilities should developing leaders have when it comes to decision making?
A3. When it comes to decision-making, developing leaders should know that digging in and working to find the 360 degree of the issue will lead to better decisions #LeadFromWithin

Follow-up: The sooner one knows there are more than two sides to any issue the better one will become at reaching a sound decision based. Otherwise, flipping a coin would be just as effective (or ineffective).

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Q4: When it comes to communication what abilities should a developing leader cultivate?
A4. The biggest ability a developing leader should cultivate is ACTIVE LISTENING #LeadFromWithin

Follow-up: This means that any leader should always listen with intent and purpose. The intent should be to “understand first then be understood” and at all cost avoid listening like a doctor. Giving 18 seconds then start talking. That is not valid in the examination room and that is not valid in the workroom.

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Q5: When it comes to self-management what abilities should a developing leader refine?
A5. Self management abilities for a developing leader to refine is to look inside with truth and to look outside without the rose colored glasses #LeadFromWithin

Follow-up: Once a leader can look inside himself and see the truth about who they are and then can look at the outside world without wearing rose-colored glasses they can reach a level of leadership refinement. However, this is something that most new leaders struggle with and must realize that it will take time to achieve. Patience.

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Q6: We know we have developed a leader when they successfully…
A6. When they successfully develop leaders #LeadFromWithin

Follow-up: Always consider developing leaders a self-fulfilling prophecy otherwise why bother?

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Q7: What are some errors that occur developing leaders?
A7. Biggest error is that they fail to recognize & accept that plenty of errors will be made. It’s part of the deal. #LeadFromWithin

Follow-up: Failure is expected. Failure is how we learn and how we grow. Ignoring the fact that failure will make an unscheduled appearance is as if you are begging for failure. Not learning from failure is as if you are begging for failure to become your best friend. Accept that failure will happen and you accept the fact that you need failure to appreciate success when it happens.

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Q8: Do general leadership styles vary from country to country, if so in what ways?
A8. Local culture drives shift in priority from one style to another. All have same core function: make people better #LeadFromWithin

Follow-up: Every culture is different. Every culture places emphasis on the need for leaders to step up and carry it forward. As unique, as each culture is their perception of leadership style will vary as well. While it may appear as a strange way of doing business, in the end, their objective is to achieve the same goal: Success.

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Q9: When do developing leaders need to learn more about leadership?
A9. Leaders never stop learning more about leadership. Thus, leaders are always developing #LeadFromWithin

Follow-up: Never, ever stop learning. Be a lifelong learner and you will be a leader for life.

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Q10: What words of wisdom do you want to share for the developing leader?
A10. Eyes Open, Ears Open, Mind Open, Heart REALLY Open & everything else not mentioned keep it shut #LeadFromWithin

Follow-up: I do not need to add anything to this.

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Those were that evening's questions.


Thank you for your time,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
     follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
     visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Lolly Daskal • Coach • Consultant • Author • LeadFromWithin • Twitter • Hashtag • TweetChats • Every Tuesday Evening • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Don't "Forget" To Give Back

DON'T "FORGET" TO GIVE BACK

Don't "forget" to give back.

You know where you come from. You know exactly what it took to get here. You know how far you still have to go.

However, along the way don't waste time only looking ahead. Take a short pause every once in a while and not only look back. Take time to remember those that helped you get to where you are now and where you are going.

Then give back. Give back by stepping up, stepping in, and helping.

Do it and the results and return will amaze you.


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Don't Forget To Give Back • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Have No Problem Saying "No"

HAVE NO PROBLEM SAYING "NO"

You can do it! Go on say it! NO!

Say it again! NO!

Very Good! Now keep practicing until you can say it without hesitation!

Continue to practice until you can say it with confidence!

Continue to practice until you HAVE NO PROBLEM SAYING NO!

Then continue practicing.

It really is that simple.


Thank you,Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Have No Problem Saying "NO" • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

A TUESDAY NIGHT WITH LOLLY DASKAL (@lollydaskal)

Every Tuesday evening from 8pm EST to 9pm EST for the past few months, I have been a willing participant of a Twitter.com Tweetchat with Consultant, Coach, Speaker, Founder of #LeadFromWithin, and Author Lolly Daskal. These Tweetchats are insightful, thought provoking, and generate genuine conversation. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Twitter members join the conversation every Tuesday night.

Each week, it is a different topic. The host, Lolly Daskal, interspersed throughout the hour leads the dialogue by posting 10 questions, which end with the hashtag #LeadFromWithin. Every participant is encouraged to respond to the 10 questions. The responses are fantastic!  You have to read them (well, as many as you can).

I invite you to join us every Tuesday evening and throughout the week be on the lookout for the Twitter hashtag #LeadFromWithin

On the evening of Tuesday, February 18, 2014, we were joined by Faisal Hoque (@faisal_hoque) & Drake Baer (@drake_baer) co-authors of Everything Connects. The conversation centered on the content of their book. Here are the questions as posted by Lolly Daskal and my response. Enjoy!

Q1. What does it mean “Everything Connects”? #leadfromwithin
A1. Everything Connects = The Cause and Effect of Everything. One exists and that influences others overtly and covertly, active & passive #LeadFromWithin

Q2. How do we connect with others? #leadfromwithin
A2. We connect with others when we are genuine and fully open with what we share and what we get back. #LeadFromWithin

Q3. What’s the connection between authenticity and mindfulness? #leadfromwithin
A3. When we are authentic in thought, word, deed, we are connected w/ ourselves (mindfulness) as no other option exist #LeadFromWithin

Q4: How does devotion connect with mindfulness? #leadfromwithin
A4. Devotion connects as it leads to creating more than just a habit. Devotion creates a positive & authentic lifestyle #LeadFromWithin

Q5. How does mindfulness helps us with our curiosity? #leadfromwithin
A5. Mindfulness keeps us grounded when it comes to starting new journeys, new explorations, new relationships, anything new. #LeadFromWithin

Q6: how does creativity connect with innovation #leadfromwithin
A6. Creativity connects with innovation, as innovation is the product of what creativity has dreamed up. #LeadFromWithin

Q7. How do we nurture our ideas into “platform” for success? #leadfromwithin
A7. Nurture ideas into “platform” for success by working it, practicing it, refining it, working it, practicing it, refining it & repeat (always) #LeadFromWithin

Q8. What’s is a “ecosystem” and how does it connect with “platform”? #leadfromwithin
A8. The ecosystem is all that we experience. Experience empowers our platform to be better than what is was. #LeadFromWithin

Q9: How do we create long-term value for ourselves and others from our platforms? #leadfromwithin
A9. We create long-term value by remaining relevant and refusing to be stagnant in relationships and in our curiosity & by refining the platform #LeadFromWithin

Q10: How do you connect with a whole heart? #leadfromwithin
 A10. There is no half-in or half-out in connection with others. Authenticity works at either 100% or 0% there is NO middle ground nor halfway point. #LeadFromWithin


Those were that evening's questions.

Thank you for your time,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

P.P.S. Over the course of the next few weeks, I will be posting previous #LeadFromWithin Q&A Tweetchats.


I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra or visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Lolly Daskal • Coach • Consultant • Author • LeadFromWithin • Twitter • Hashtag • TweetChats • Every Tuesday Evening • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Don't Do Things You Don't Want To Do

DON'T DO THINGS YOU DON'T WANT TO DO

Don't do things you don't want to do. There is something to be said for not falling to peer pressure. OK, there is a lot to be said. I would say that at the top of the list is PEACE OF MIND.

Of course, there are things that you don't want to do but have to be done. Things like paying your bills, going to work, taking out the trash are the things that must be done but you know that.

It's those "if they are going to jump off a bridge" things that I am talking about. In school, at work, at home there will be times that you will find yourself being "pushed" to do things you do not want to do.

It is at this point in life that you will have to answer your own question, choose between doing what they want you to do and what you want to do. Trust me when I say there will be plenty of these moments all your life. Some will be easy to overcome while others might take a while to overcome.

Let me give you this little tip: You usually know within the first 5 seconds whether you are going to do it or not. The longer it takes to say you are going to do your thing is you trying to find a way out of it and still remain one of the cool kids.

Just say NO or YES depending on what the answer is to what you want to do, especially if it is your own thing and just do it.


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Don't Do Things You Don't Want To Do • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Don't Be Afraid Of Slowing Down

DON'T BE AFRAID OF SLOWING DOWN

Don't be afraid of slowing down. In a world that we are always connected, always on, there will come a time that you will have to slow down. You cannot continue going 24/7/365. You have to come to a halt every once in a while. When you cannot come to a complete stop, you should at least, slow down.

Slowing down does not mean that there is nothing going on. Nothing happening. It means that in order to be at the top of your game you have to take some down time to recharge your batteries. Think about this; even a Porsche or Ferrari cannot run at top performance 24/7/365, they need to stop to refuel, oil change, a tune up, etc. Obviously, we cannot flat out stop but we can slow down to recharge.It is a must.

Of course, life is still happening but it is not passing you by. Don't worry if you take longer than you anticipated to get back onto the race track so long as you do get back. When you get back because you slowed down, you are running at top level performance.
 
Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you think of this post.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Don't Be Afraid of Slowing Down • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Don't Lie In Bed Dreading The Day Ahead

DON'T LIE IN BED DREADING THE DAY AHEAD

You can lay there and hide under the covers all you want. However, that is not going to change anything. The day will still come. Things will continue to happen. Things that you cannot delay. Things that you cannot change or can you?

Well, if you stay in bed you can't change a darn thing.

You must get up and face the world head on. Who knows maybe just doing that changes the entire outcome of the day in your favor. Of course, there are some things that have been decided long ago and must play themselves out. Even with those things you still have a fighting chance to turn things around.

However, all of that is moot if all you decide to do is to stay in bed and hide under the covers.

Now get out there and make it happen, your way! Don't let the biggest thing to happen to you today is to decide whether to watch Dr. Phil or Dr. Oz.

Nothing against Dr. Phil or Dr. Oz, but I bet they would both agree that staying bed and dreading the day ahead is not the way to make a better life happen.



Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Don't Lie In Bed Dreading The day • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Don't Be Afraid to Love

DO NOT BE AFRAID TO LOVE

There is never a time or place to be afraid to Love. However, you should never be too eager to give LOVE. Meaning, don't give love before it is time to do so. Only you will know when the time comes. Only you will know when it is the right reason to give Love.

Once you give it you can never take it back. Sure you can try to stop loving someone but also know that at one point they meant that much to you and you really can never stop. When you try to stop loving someone it will hurt. It will hurt beyond belief but that should not deter you from loving again and again and again. You get the picture.

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Don't Be Afraid to Love • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Know Better Than To Let Just Anyone Into Your Life

KNOW BETTER THAN TO LET JUST ANYONE INTO YOUR LIFE

There will be good people, there will be bad people, there will be GREAT PEOPLE, there will VERY BAD PEOPLE that will come in and out of your life. You have to pick and choose who you want in and who you want to keep out.

The ability to see who is good and who is bad comes with time. As we get older, we gain knowledge and experience as to who is a good person and who is a bad person. There is no tip or trick to quickly decide who is good or bad. You just have to go with your gut. Usually, that's a good indicator of people. That's right, your gut!  Trust me on this and just go with it.

Of course, your gut is NEVER 100% ACCURATE but for the most part it is. As an example, I followed the writings one on individual who quickly went from some schmoe working at a liquor store to a guy at the top of his game. Oh, he was a good guy and he inspired a lot of people to get out and do their own thing. Hell, this kid even inspired me. That is until one day when he let his true colors come out. While he spent months creating buzz and generating interest in his new book and getting plenty of people to buy into what he was selling. That's a good thing.

However, once his book came out, he puts his new message out that claims that if you are constantly out there pushing your product or service you are a bad person. You might as well forget about ever selling your wares on the Internet. It was not that overt but blatant enough to get my attention.

While it was good for him to be pushing and pushing and BEGGING people to pre-order his book, it is a NO-NO for anyone to sell their product in the same manner as he did. Why is it good for him but not for you or me?

There are plenty of people that will do that to you. I bet you have encountered people just like that in the past and I guarantee you will encounter them in the future.

Now don't go around discounting everyone you meet. Don't deny them access to you because they "might" be bad people. Some people will surprise you and become your biggest ally. Then again, they can become your biggest enemy.

Don't sweat it! You will know who is in and who is out when the time comes.

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Know Better Than To Let Just Anyone Into Your Life • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Don't Act Like A Bitch or an Asshole

DO NOT ACT LIKE A BITCH OR AN ASSHOLE

I love this one. I have been guilty on numerous occasion of acting like both. Acting like one or the the other or both is part of growing up. However, most of the time even after we are "technically" grown up many people continue to act like either or both.

That's OK, they will eventually get it and once they get it then can they truly be considered a grown up. The thing is that there are some people that thrive on being one or the other. Again, that's on them. However, you and depending on how old you are you will most certainly act like a "Bitch" or and "Asshole" at one time or another in the future. That is perfectly acceptable.

However, what is not acceptable is to continue behaving this way when you are working your way up the ladder. I know I learned the hard way but I learned it. Also remember the following for when your time comes to stop: It is always so much fun to see everyone that is acting like either or both. It can be pretty hilarious at times.

What I am trying to say is get over behaving that way. Stop being thought of as either or both. Most of all, if you have the confidence and strong leadership abilities then you have no need to behave in such a manner. People want to follow someone who has INTEGRITY and STRONG SELF-WORTH. They don't want to follow assholes as the air tends to stink back there.

If you are doing it, hurry up grow up and STOP DOING IT. If you are no longer doing it, STAY A GROWN UP and DON'T DO IT, AGAIN.

Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Don't Act Like A Bitch or an Asshole • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider• Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Never Stop Believing in Yourself

NEVER STOP BELIEVING IN YOURSELF

There is nothing more important in becoming a STRONG LEADER than to never stop believing in yourself. The moment you stop is the exact same moment that others will stop believing in you.

When you believe in yourself, you project a sense of confidence and strength that makes others want to be around. They believe in you. They want to continue believing in you.

When you stop they stop. When you stop and start they also see that. They see that you have some confidence but not the kind of confidence that is consistent. That is not a good thing.

People want to know that 100% of the time you are the Confident, Strong Leader they first saw and met. As a Leader, you have to believe in yourself. You cannot fake confidence. You cannot fake being a Leader. People will see right through you. You will see through yourself and that also is not a good thing.

The time will come in your life when you will question yourself. When that time comes don't stop believing in yourself. You got to where you are by being the best you could be and by believing in yourself. Don't ever stop believing in yourself.


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

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Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Never Stop Doing Your Own Thing

NEVER STOP DOING YOUR OWN THING

The last time I checked, I do not recall asking my Army buddies, my friend from High School if I should write my first book "The Walking Leader" nor do I recall asking any of them if I should write my first fiction book "Doughboy City" and sure there are some, right now, thinking that I should have asked someone. Well I did not. Whether they are good books or not that's on them. I wrote them because it was my thing to do.

Also, I didn't check with them because I was not worried about following their version of the status quo. See kids, if all you do is worry about others and what they will think about you and what you do then you will never move on to doing your own thing.

Think about the last time you colored something with crayons? Was it 5th grade? 4th grade? 3rd grade? Wow. that far back? Now, think about the last time you colored a Giraffe purple? Why did you color it purple? Everyone knows giraffes are orange and brown! You colored the Giraffe purple because you wanted to. However, since then you color them the color everyone expects you to color them; orange and brown.You stopped doing it your way, you stopped doing your own thing because others expected you to stop doing it your way and to do it the way everyone else has done it.

I know, I still remember PEER PRESSURE in school and peer pressure is just like in the song by RUSH goes "Conform or be cast out." Who wants to be a cast-out? No one, so you conform. That's OK. Guess what kids, HIGH SCHOOL IS OVER!

Remember, high school is just a tiny part of your life. Seriously, think about this, in the past 10 years, I have seen my friend from high school a total of 3 times. Each time was for no longer than 5 minutes. That's right in the past 10 years, I have spoken with my best friend from high school a total of no more than 15 minutes. That's a pretty long time to wait for his approval or disapproval as to whether I should do my own thing.

Yeah, who wants to wait that long? GO AHEAD AND DO YOUR OWN THING.


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Never Stop Doing Your Own Thing • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Don't Hold Grudges

DO NOT HOLD GRUDGES

What? Are you still holding a grudge? If you are a 5th grader then go ahead and hold that grudge. However, if you are a well past the age of 10 years old then it is time to let it go.

See, I let go of all my grudges. Oh there, are still some people that will never ever get my attention or occupy any space near me ever again. I also hold no ill-will towards them or anyone. They have to live with the pain and suffering they have caused me. I have to deal with the nonsense they have put me and family through, as well. However, I hope that at least one of them will know that what happened made her stronger. The other, I hope, knows that if it wasn't for more evidence there would have been criminal charges filed against him. The last one, unfortunately, her ego will not allow her to accept the fact that she did break my heart and my family's heart. She will never accept responsibility for her actions but as I wrote that's on her.

Pretty harsh? It may sound like it but the truth usually is.

Oh yeah, there have been others but to all of them I hold no grudge. It got me nowhere when I did hold a grudge. However, when I let it go, good things started to happen. I realized they are the ones that have to live with the fact that they are no longer worthy of my time, my attention, and my energy.

My advice to you is if you are going to hold a grudge, hold a grudge for no more than five minutes, then let it go. You will feel such a burden lifted off your shoulders and that's a good thing.


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Don't Hold A Grudge • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Don't Allow Others To Bring You Down

DO NOT ALLOW OTHERS TO BRING YOU DOWN

Everyone has good days and bad days. Everyone is up or down. Not everyone can be up at the same time you are and you most certainly do not want everyone to be down when you are.

However, up or down there is something to remember: Never ever let the actions (or inaction) of others (intentional or unintentional) bring you down.

By allowing them to bring you down, you have given them more power over you than you could imagine. Is that right? Is that fair to you? NO! IT IS NOT FAIR TO YOU!

Remember, you have the power to choose who can bring you down just as you have the power over whom you choose to bring you up. By refusing to hand that power over to anyone you make yourself a stronger individual because you recognize that you are the master of your own fate, your own destiny.


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Don't allow others to bring you down • Be A Strong Leader • Something to Consider • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

Something to Consider On Being A Strong Leader: Don't Beg For Attention

DO NOT BEG FOR ATTENTION!

As a Leader you will recognized for your accomplishments. You will be recognized for what you do with those accomplishments. Because of that, a TRUE, STRONG LEADER will never have to beg for attention. Attention is already given to you. Sure, there will be times that the conversation may grow quiet but that does not mean you are no longer thinking about you.

They will come back to you on their own. However, there is nothing wrong with reminding them that you are still there for them.

Thank you for your time,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra or visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Don't beg for attention • Be a Strong Leader • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero

ABCs of 2014: Day 12: Always Be LEADING

Today's ABCs of 2014 is: ALWAYS BE LEADING. A for Always, B for Be, and C for Leading (the C is silent).

Are you LEADING? Are you taking the LEAD in what you do? Are you stepping up to the plate each and every time someone calls for a leader to do so?

-or-

Are you just going through the motions? Just faking it? All of us would like to think we are stepping up and taking the leadership bull by the horns. That is a good thing to think and believe.

However, LEADING is an action. You have to be doing it and not just thinking it or believing it. YOU HAVE TO BE LEADING, ALWAYS!

There is no half in or half out with this one. Sure, there are plenty of people that will scam others to believe that they are leaders. If you need a hint as to who those scammers are, think POLITICIANS! OK, maybe 99.999% of all POLITICIANS.

Unless, they have proven themselves as True Leaders in their chosen profession first (Think President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President Theodore Roosevelt, President George Washington) otherwise they are nothing bags of hot air that spew forth nothing but bunkum!

If all the others do is nothing but going around making insincere speeches intended to please local constituents they are NOT leaders. You know, they PROMISE A LOT but deliver VERY LITTLE. Those my friends are NOT LEADERS! They are the opposite of leaders and I do not mean followers.

You are only a True Leader when you step up and PROMISE VERY LITTLE and DELIVER A LOT!!!

Now, get out there and start LEADING! Everyone that matters (and everyone matters) is eagerly awaiting for you to arrive.


Thank you,
Dave Guerra

P.S. I do invite you to join the conversation and tell me what you are thinking.

As always you can read this blog post in its original location at http://daveguerra.blogspot.com

I invite you to
follow me on Twitter: @daveguerra
visit my website: www.daveguerra.com

To order your copy of The Walking Leader:  Amazon Paperback / Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble

Here are some Technorati Tags: • The Walking Leader • Always Be Leading • Be A Leader • ABCs of 2014 • Dave Guerra • Leadership • Leading • Leadership Development • Professional Development • Lead, Follow, or Get out of the way • Ready, Fire, Aim! • If it ain't broke, break it. • Hire Crazies • Ask dumb questions • Pursue failure • Spread Confusion • Ditch Your Office • Read Odd Stuff • Avoid Moderation • Higher, Admire, Desire, Require, Satire, Inquire, On Fire, All Possible Scenarios • Give to the American Red Cross • Hire A Hero