The Greatest Business Phrases

1. The Power Move

👉 “What can I do to help you win (prevail, succeed, figure out) ?”

(Not just help—help them win. That’s leadership.)

2. The Truth-Based Influence

👉 “I could be wrong—let’s align (ponder, discuss, review) on the facts and possible solutions and I will get back to you by _____ (or do you have time now).

(Adds outcome focus—Deming + TOC thinking.)

3. The Quiet Confidence

👉 “I don’t know yet—but I will learn it and own it.”

(Ownership > curiosity alone.)

4. The Leadership Multiplier

👉 “That’s an option (interesting, peculiar, observant)—what do you think is the best path forward (NBRM)?”

(Develops thinkers, not followers.)

5. The Revealing Interview Question

👉 “What will I learn (discover) about you after some time that I should know now?”

(More specific, more honest, harder to fake.)

6. The Expectation Setter

👉 “I hold a high standard (expectation) because I believe you’re capable of exceeding (hitting, crushing, making, delivering) it.”

(Belief + accountability = performance.)

7. The Career Accelerator

👉 “I’ll figure it out—and I’ll bring others with me (and aim to make it better than ever with help of my TTT.”

(Leaders don’t just grow, they multiply.)

Good to Great

  • Good → learn, help, try
  • Great → own, align, multiply, win

Don’t let humility become passivity.

“I could be wrong” is powerful…but overused, it weakens authority.

Better balance:

  • Humble in discovery
  • Decisive in direction

👉 That’s SMARTER + HARDER + BETTER  in action:

  • Head (Think): Align on facts and outcomes
  • Heart (Feel): Believe in people’s potential
  • Hands (Act): Own it, execute, multiply 

Go beyond just phrases but integrate into HHH, that forms culture and character!

SMARTER Goals Acrostic

Have S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Goals

(Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, Timely, Emotional, Real)

S – Specific – Goals need to be able to be recorded and concise, detailed yet simple. A couple few important goals are better than grasping for many at once.

Poor:

“I want to grow the business.”

Rich:

“I will increase recurring revenue by adding 10 new clients by the end of this quarter.”

Why rich works:
Clear target. Clear finish line. No guesswork.

M – Measurable – They need to be able to be tracked and measured by accomplishment and time.

Poor:

“I’ll know when it feels better.”

Rich:

“I will track progress weekly by counting signed agreements and activated accounts in the CRM.”

Why rich works:
Feelings don’t scale. Numbers do.

A – Actionable – Goals must be put into action and do-able. Not pie in the sky but sliced and edible.

Poor:

“I hope the market improves.”

Rich:

“I will personally make 5 outbound calls per weekday and schedule at least 2 qualified appointments per week.”

Why rich works:
Focuses on controllable actions, not external conditions.

R – Relevant – They should be tied to your overall mission and purpose. They should be virtuous, moral and supportive not vindictive nor tumultuous.

Poor:

“This would be nice to have.”

Rich:

“This goal directly supports our mission to provide ____________ while strengthening predictable cash flow for the team.”

Why rich works:
Aligned with purpose, not distraction.

T – Timely – Goals need a definitive timeline and focused upon regularly and consistently.

Poor:

“Eventually.”

Rich:

“I will complete this goal by June 30, with progress reviews every Friday.”

Why rich works:
Deadlines create decisions. Decisions create movement.

(SMART is good but SMARER is better)

E – Emotional – To get the most traction, they should br empowering with emotions, passion and feeling.

Poor:

“I should probably do this.”

Rich:

“Achieving this goal will reduce stress, create stability for my family and team, and reinforce that our work truly matters.”

Why rich works:
Emotion fuels endurance.

R – Real – Our goals in the realm of reality. Yes ardently desired, wonderfully creative, employing imaginering with incredible possibility thinking that may seem lofty. Concurrently they also need to be embedded in fact, principle and reality.

Poor:

“I’ll triple revenue in 30 days.”

Rich:

“Based on current capacity, pricing, and lead flow, a 15% increase over the next 90 days is ambitious but achievable.”

Why rich works:
Respects reality without shrinking vision.

Alternative Suffix – E.R.

E – Evaluate — review progress periodically

R- Revise — adjust the goal or plan based on feedback and conditions 

SUPER POWER TIP:

If you are want to super power and hit turbo, then imagine your goal so much that your brain thinks its already achieved. Portions of it cant distinguish the difference. Its a mental hack. Picture in your possession a post-dated check just being a matter of time until its cashed.

Here is a resource you can customize and adapt for your use. Download the spreadsheet and once it is yours, save as a PDF and keep it front of you.

Get your goal sheet here.

I like to reflect upon and build my goals around the Circle of Life. I may have too many but I suppose that is better than too few. They are like books in that way.

You can download a copy here:

4Q’s

The 4Qs are the four core dimensions we use to understand, develop, and evaluate every team member.

They help us see who someone is, what they know, how they relate, and how effectively they operate in a modern world.

1️⃣ IQ — Intelligence Quotient

IQ reflects our natural wiring — the mental capacity, problem-solving ability, creativity, and talents we are born with.

It shapes how quickly we learn It influences how we process complexity It is largely given, not earned

IQ sets the ceiling, but it does not determine the outcome.

2️⃣ KQ — Knowledge Quotient

KQ represents the sum of what we have learned and lived.

It includes:

Education and training Work and life experiences Books, mentors, and hard lessons Skills developed over time

Unlike IQ, KQ is fully growable through discipline, curiosity, and humility.

KQ is the compound interest of learning.

3️⃣ EQ — Emotional Quotient

EQ reflects our ability to understand ourselves and work well with others.

It includes:

Self-awareness and self-control Empathy and communication Teamwork and trust Attitude, humility, and coachability

Attitude is the great determiner of altitude.

EQ often determines how far someone actually goes, regardless of talent.

4️⃣ TQ — Technology Quotient

TQ measures how effectively someone leverages tools, systems, and technology to get results.

It includes:

Comfort with software and systems Use of automation and AI Ability to adapt to new tools Turning technology into leverage, not friction

In today’s world, TQ is no longer optional — it’s a force multiplier.

The future belongs to those who can wisely harness technology.

🧩 The Big Insight

IQ = potential, KQ = preparation, EQ = attitude, TQ = leverage

High performers don’t rely on just one Q — they integrate all four.

🔄 How the 4Qs Work Together

You can think of it like this:

IQ gets you in the game

KQ teaches you the rules

EQ keeps you on the team

TQ helps you win at scale

🎯 How to Use the 4Qs Practically

Hiring

IQ & KQ: Can they do the work?

EQ: Will they elevate or drain the team?

TQ: Can they operate in a modern, tech-enabled environment?

Coaching

Low KQ → Train

Low EQ → Coach or correct

Low TQ → Upskill or systematize

Low IQ → Right seat, right role

Leadership Decisions

Promote those strong in EQ + TQ

Invest in those high in attitude + learning

Be cautious with high-IQ, low-EQ individuals

✝️ Faith Alignment

Faith Bonus from a Biblical lens:

IQ = Gifts, KQ = Stewardship, EQ = Love, TQ = Wisdom applied

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48)

The 3A’s AAA of High Performing SuperHeroes: Ability Attitude Action

The three A’s are essential principles of success in our paradigm. They coincide with the 3H’s head, heart & hands.

When one’s high achieving ability and an optimistic attitude are combined a person is capable.

When the same ability along with consistent action is combined, a person is deemed reliable.

When a person is active with a good attitude they become desirable.

When all three of these are presented in harmony and timeliness based upon moral principles, then one is operating in the zone where the three A’s flourish and support one another, this is abatact!

ab = ability / at = attitude / act = action

🔴 ABILITY

Represents what you’re capable of doing.

Keywords: Aptitude, Experience, Talent, Skill,

Definition: Ability is a person’s capacity to perform effectively, based on a combination of their natural aptitude, developed skills, learned knowledge, and practical experience. It reflects what someone is capable of doing now and their potential to grow with the right training and environment.

Key Components of Ability:

Aptitude: of natural intelligence, quickness to learn, physical coordination, or intuition in a given area

Example: mechanical aptitude, spatial reasoning, verbal comprehension

Talent: Innate strengths or gifts that make certain tasks feel more natural or effortless

Example: a natural leader, quick problem-solver, calm under pressure

Skill: Competence acquired through training, repetition, and practice

Example: wiring a panel, configuring a camera system, giving a sales pitch Knowledge Technical understanding, certifications, or education relevant to the task or role

Example: knowing code requirements, system specs, or how to use FSM/CRM platforms Experience Real-world exposure that deepens judgment, timing, and application Example: handling job site surprises, managing projects, or negotiating change orders

Why Ability Matters:

It defines what someone can do well—not just what they know. It determines how much support, supervision, or training they need to perform. It’s the foundation of trust in technical roles and leadership.

“Ability is what gets the job done right the first time. It’s where knowledge meets execution.”

Summary for OnGuard:

“At OnGuard, Ability means having the knowledge, skill, and readiness to perform with excellence. We value those who don’t just know what to do—but do it with clarity, confidence, and consistency.”

Would you like this formatted into a training guide, hiring rubric, or team evaluation form alongside Attitude and Action?

This is about competence—your potential and learned capabilities.

Q:  “Can they do the job?”

What to look for: Skills, certifications, licenses Industry-specific knowledge Hands-on experience and adaptability Learning capacity and teachability

In hiring: Assess via past experience, tests, certifications, and role-play scenarios

In daily routine: Continually improve through training, mentoring, and cross-training In promotions: Ensure they’re not just experienced, but also evolving

Quotes:

“The will to win is not nearly as important as the will to prepare to win.”
– Bobby Knight

“A person’s true ability is not measured by what they can do when it’s easy, but by what they do when it’s hard.”

“Ability is the power to do. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” – Lou Holtz

“The value of ability is in its use, not just its possession.”

“Ability will enable a man to get to the top, but it takes character to keep him there.” – Zig Ziglar

“Your ability may open the door, but your effort and discipline will keep you in the room.” – Unknown

🔵 ATTITUDE

Reflects how you approach situations and people.

Keywords: Friendly Abundant Positive Mindset

You can teach skills (ability), encourage effort (action), but mindset is often what determines whether someone is coachable, collaborative, and resilient over time.

Absolutely. Here’s a powerful, comprehensive definition of Attitude, customized for your 3A framework—Ability, Attitude, Action—especially for high-performance, values-driven environments like OnGuard Security Solutions.

Definition: Attitude is a person’s emotional posture and mental approach to people, problems, and pressure. It reflects their mindset, resilience, and relational energy—how they respond to challenges, interact with others, and carry themselves in the workplace.

It’s not just how someone feels—it’s how they show up.

Key Components of Attitude: Mindset The beliefs and assumptions that shape how someone sees work, growth, and responsibility Growth-oriented vs. fixed mindset Example: “I’ll find a way” vs. “That’s not my job.” Emotional Intelligence (EQ) Self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and interpersonal awareness Helps manage stress, communicate clearly, and handle conflict constructively Optimism Choosing to look for solutions and progress rather than problems or excuses Example: Staying composed and hopeful in tough situations Resilience Ability to bounce back from setbacks, pressure, or criticism without bitterness or blame Example: Showing up the next day with renewed energy Positivity Bringing uplifting energy and encouragement to others Doesn’t mean fake cheerfulness—it means being solution-focused, coachable, and supportive Respect & Humility Treating others well regardless of title, background, or role Admitting mistakes and being open to feedback

Why Attitude Matters:

It affects how someone receives coaching, handles adversity, and interacts with teammates and customers Skills may open doors—but attitude determines how long you stay A poor attitude can damage culture, morale, and trust—even in high performers

“Attitude is the invisible advantage—or disadvantage—every team member carries.”

Summary for OnGuard:

“At OnGuard, Attitude means showing up with humility, grit, and gratitude. We value people who uplift others, embrace challenges, and represent our mission with positivity and emotional strength—especially under pressure.”

Q: “Will they uplift or drain the team?”

What to look for: Positivity, gratitude, team-first mindset Coachability and humility Emotional intelligence under pressure Respect for mission, values, and standards

In hiring: Screen through culture-fit interviews and behavioral questions

In daily routine: Promote praise, accountability, and transparent feedback

In promotions: Only elevate those who multiply positive culture

Quotes:

“Your attitude determines your altitude.” – Zig Ziglar

“You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude towards what you happen to.”

“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” – William James

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” – Charles R. Swindoll

“A positive attitude won’t fix everything, but it sure does better than a bad one”

🟢 ACTION

Elicits what you actually do and how you behave.

Keywords: Timeliness, Hard-work, Initiative, Motivation, Grit, Energy, Drive

Definition: The Drive to Get Things Done—with Purpose, Pace, and Persistence. Action is the combination of a person’s internal drive, energy, and follow-through that moves ideas and responsibilities into reality. It reflects how consistently and decisively someone takes initiative, pushes through obstacles, and executes with urgency and intention.

This is about execution—your energy, effort, and timeliness.

Q: “Do they follow through with urgency and ownership?”

What to look for: Initiative, follow-through, and timeliness

Problem-solving without waiting for direction

Willingness to hustle, help, and get it done Alignment with team and company goals

In hiring: Use work samples, scenarios, and reference checks

In daily routine: Celebrate effort, encourage pace, remove blockers

In promotions: Reward those who move the mission forward consistently

Key Components of Action:

1. Motivation

The internal “why”—what fuels someone to show up, engage, and care Can be intrinsic (personal fulfillment, mission alignment) or extrinsic (rewards, recognition, responsibility)

2. Energy and Force

The intensity, vitality, and tempo someone brings to their work Do they move the ball forward or wait to be told what to do?

The ability to push through resistance, boredom, or setbacks Reflected in follow-up, commitment, and “finishing what they start”

3. Drive and Determination

The internal fire to achieve goals, take ownership, and see things through Includes ambition, initiative, and hunger to improve or win

4. Persistence and Grit

5. Efficiency and Effectiveness

Efficiency: Doing things with speed and minimal waste Effectiveness: Doing the right things well, aligned with goals and priorities Great action includes both: fast, focused progress

Initiative Takes the first step—doesn’t wait to be told. Sees what needs to be done and acts.

Follow-through Completes what’s started—on time and with care. Keeps promises and closes loops.

Red Flags (Low Action):

Chronic delays or missed deadlines

Needing to be micromanaged or reminded

Quick to complain, slow to follow up

High ideas, low execution

Quotes:

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

“Ideas are dime a dozen but men who implement them are worth their weight in gold”

“Well done is better than well said.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Well done is better than perfectly waiting”

“Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently.”

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe

Overlapping Areas (Intersections):

🔴 + 🟢 = RELIABLE (Yellow)

When you have ability and action, you’re dependable and can be counted on to perform consistently.

Without a good attitude, one is often cranky, arrogant, self-centered and generally difficult to deal with.

🔵 + 🟢 = DESIRABLE (Cyan)

When you combine attitude and action, you’re someone others want to work with—motivated and pleasant.

Without ability, one has sufficient drive and decent personality but lacks the underlying ability to get it done efficiently and effectively. He is full of potential but consistently lacks the ability to bring it home. So close, yet so far.

🔴 + 🔵 = CAPABLE (Magenta)

When you have ability and a positive attitude, you’re well-positioned to succeed, but you still need action to produce results.

This person has the smarts and teamwork necessary but they lack the ambition, purpose but don’t get the BIG WHY behind it. They just aren’t inspired about the job, project or mission.

🔴 + 🔵 + 🟢 (Center) = AAA IDEAL TRAIT COMBINATION (Trifecta)

The center intersection implies someone who has: The skills and experience (ability) A great mindset (attitude) The drive to act (action) This person is high-performing, well-rounded, and effective.

This is operating in the zone, where steady peak performers often are.

This is the optimal spot to be.

Ability without action or attitude leads to untapped potential. Attitude without skill or execution leads to good intentions without results. Action without ability or a good mindset leads to inefficiency or burnout.

But when all three—ability, attitude, and action—are present, you get a trustworthy, competent, and high-achieving individual.

Daily 3A Self-CheckUps

Morning mantras and routine prompts:

Ability 🧠 : What can I quickly grow & steadily improve upon? Kaizen!

Attitude ♥️ : What mindset will I bring the people and projects I encounter as I transition between doorways🚪?

Action 💪🏾 : What is the NBRM (Next Best Right Move) I should take next?

Bonus

How to nurture and maintain a positive attitude

Nurturing and maintaining a positive attitude—especially in high-stress work environments like security, leadership, or service—is a daily, intentional effort. It’s like mental and emotional fitness: you can’t just have it—you need to build and protect it.

Here are the best ways to nurture and maintain a positive attitude, both personally and across your organization:

1. Practice Gratitude Daily

Write down 3 things you’re thankful for each morning and reflect upon at night. Shift focus from what’s lacking to what’s working. Encourage a “gratitude moment” in team huddles or check-ins.

Afirmation: ”I have an attitude of gratitude.”

“Gratitude turns what we have into what’s enough.”

2. Reframe Negative Thoughts

Ask: “What can I learn from this?” or “How can I grow here?” Replace complaints with constructive actions or questions. Lead by modeling optimism without denial—be hopeful and realistic.

When you catch yourself doing or saying, something negative, speak out verbally and use your hands to make a cross X X and say, “Cancel Cancel” while replacing it with something positive and effective .

“Don’t just go through it—grow through it.”

3. Surround Yourself with Positive People

Attitudes are contagious—be intentional about who influences you. Build a team culture where positivity is praised and negativity is challenged. Address energy-draining behaviors or complainers quickly.

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” —Jim Rohn

4. Start Strong / Refresh as needed

Create a morning routine that primes your mind: prayer, movement, positive input.

Use mid-day “refresh rituals” (a walk, a deep breath, a pep talk) when negativity creeps in.

End the day with wins or reflections, not regrets.

5. Speak Life

Use uplifting language—about yourself, others, and the mission. Publicly recognize positive behaviors on your team. Give genuine compliments and encouragement often.

“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth…” —Ephesians 4:29

6. Control What You Can, Release What You Can’t

Don’t dwell on external circumstances (e.g., tariffs, delays, client drama). Focus your energy on your response—attitude, effort, service. Train your team to say, “What’s the next best right move?” instead of playing the blame game.

7. Feed Your Mind with Positive Input

Read, listen, or watch something uplifting or growth-focused daily. Rotate motivational podcasts, Scripture, leadership books, or affirmations. Detox from negative news or toxic social media when needed.

8. Stay Mission-Driven

Remind yourself and your team why the work matters. Tie daily actions to a higher purpose or core values (like OnGuard’s “Professional Protection” or “There’s a Hero in Everyone”).

Purpose fuels passion—and passion sustains positivity.

9. Create Positive Systems

Incorporate a “Wins Wall” or “Shout-out Board” in the office. Use Zoho surveys or check-ins to track team morale. Include “Attitude” as part of every performance review.

10. Pray, Reflect, and Align

Spend time in reflection and Scripture. Prayer to stay grounded in faith and identity. Invite God into your daily work and mindset. Let eternal truth shape your daily attitude.

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” —Romans 12:2

Summary:

Positive attitude is not a feeling—it’s a decision to show up with purpose, energy, and grace, no matter what the day brings.

Would you like a “10 Ways to Stay Positive” printable checklist or a team version for the OnGuard League of Heroes?

How to master body language

My Pondering

Nice info pic…I’ve read the stat about body language, tone and words numerous times over the years. I totally get the importance of BL and tone but it seems to me that the actual words should be higher, like about 1/3 each in importance. Try changing the word when conversing with some and you will see what I mean. The actual text rises to nearly 💯 when in written form unless in bold, CAPS, italics, emojis 🙌 so then maby 80%.

What say you?

The Elite Eight Leadership Skills

My Pondering

The concept of “talking the walk” and “walking the talk” encapsulates the intertwined nature of communication, influence, integrity, discipline, effectiveness, awareness, continuous learning, and attitude. It emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s words and actions, as well as being mindful of how, when, and what to communicate.

Communication and influence are not solely about verbal expressions; rather, they encompass the holistic way in which individuals convey messages through their behaviors, decisions, and interactions. This multifaceted approach to communication highlights the significance of nonverbal cues, gestures, and overall demeanor.

Integrity, discipline, and effectiveness serve as the foundation for “walking the talk,” representing the consistent and steadfast demonstration of one’s values and principles. These qualities guide individuals in their actions, reinforcing the credibility and trustworthiness of their words.

Moreover, the inclusion of awareness and continuous learning underscores the dynamic nature of effective communication. By being attuned to the context and nuances of various situations, individuals can adapt their communication style and content to engage authentically with others. Simultaneously, a commitment to continuous learning ensures that individuals remain receptive to new perspectives and ideas, thereby enriching their communicative abilities.

In summary, the role of attitude in communication cannot be overstated. It influences the tone, enthusiasm, and receptiveness with which individuals approach conversations and interactions. A positive and adaptable attitude empowers individuals to navigate diverse communication scenarios effectively.

Last but not least is integrity. Without honesty and the commitment to integrity, each of the other qualities won’t be sustainable for long. Integrity plays a vital role in building trust and maintaining healthy personal and professional relationships. It encompasses consistency in actions, values, methods, measures, principles, and expectations. Integrity also involves honesty and strong moral principles, guiding leaders to make the right choices under stress and during the mundane. Additionally, integrity fosters a sense of reliability and stability, which are crucial in gaining and maintaining the respect and confidence from others.

The Elite Eight

1. ATTITUDE

Attitude can be defined as a person’s overall outlook or way of thinking and feeling about something. It is often reflected in a person’s behavior and can greatly influence their interactions with others and their approach to various situations. A positive attitude fosters optimism and resilience, while a negative attitude inevitably falls into the rut of pessimism and reluctance.

A positive attitude won’t fix everything but you are many more times more likely to succeed by employing a positive one rather than a negative one, that is for sure.

2. AWARENESS

Awareness should begin with being aware of yourself. Your purpose, your state, your demeanor, your perceptions, your nuances, your ticks, your gifts, your pet peeves, yourself.

Awareness refers to the ability to perceive, feel, or be conscious of events, objects, thoughts, emotions, or sensory patterns. In the context of self-awareness, it involves having a clear perception of one’s own personality, strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, emotions, and motivations. This heightened consciousness allows individuals to understand themselves more deeply, recognize their impact on others, and make informed decisions aligned with their values.

Humans’ self-awareness sets us apart from other creatures. This unique ability allows us to go beyond instinctual responses and engage in introspection, contemplating our thoughts, emotions, and actions. While animals largely rely on predetermined behaviors to navigate their environment, we possess the capacity to consciously evaluate situations and make deliberate choices based on our reflections. This cognitive process grants us the power to adapt, learn, and develop complex social structures and cultures. As a result, our self-awareness plays a pivotal role in shaping the intricate tapestry of human society and our interactions with the world around us.

Steven Covey covers this in detail. Read more here.

Awareness also involves paying attention to relevant details, those that hold significance. It the ability to see the big picture yet not neglecting the small details.

3. LEARNING

Continuous learning is the ongoing process of gaining new knowledge, skills, and experiences throughout your life. It means actively looking for chances to grow personally and professionally, whether through formal education, informal learning, or applying what you’ve learned. Continuous learning helps you adapt to changes, stay up to date with current trends, and expand your expertise in different areas. It promotes mental growth by questioning assumptions, broadening perspectives, and encouraging critical thinking, ultimately leading to personal and professional progress.

There are four levels of learning

4. DISCIPLINE

Discipline encompasses the practice of developing productive routines and habits. Disciplined people adhere to the essence of rules or a code of behavior. Sometimes punishment or withholding rewards are used to correct disobedience. It can also refer to the controlled behavior resulting from such training. In a broader sense, discipline can represent a particular field of study or an area of expertise. The concept of discipline underscores the importance of self-control, order, and adherence to prescribed guidelines or principles. It is often essential for achieving long-term goals and maintaining consistency in actions.

5. COMMUNICATION

Communication for leaders refers to the exchange of messages and information between the leader and their team members or peers. It involves not only the transfer of ideas and directives but also the establishment of rapport, trust, and understanding within the organization. Effective interpersonal communication by a leader encompasses active listening, clarity of expression, empathy, and the ability to tailor the message to the audience. Moreover, it involves creating an environment where open and honest dialogue is encouraged, feedback is valued, and conflicts are addressed constructively. Strong interpersonal communication skills enable leaders to inspire, motivate, and guide their teams towards shared goals, fostering a culture of collaboration and unity.

Read more about the 5C’s here

Read more about this quote here

Discover more about the 4T’s of Talk here

Check out these visuals regarding leadership

6. EFFECTIVENESS

Effectiveness of leadership encompasses the ability of a leader to proficiently guide and influence their team or organization towards achieving objectives and goals. Leaders demonstrate adept decision-making skills, strategic vision, and the capacity to inspire and motivate others. Additionally, they exhibit strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills, while fostering a positive and productive work environment. Business leadership effectiveness also involves the capacity to adapt to changes, innovate, and drive sustainable growth and success for the organization.

Definiteness of Decision – early, foundational,
“Dont start your day until you have finished your plan“, Correcting Decisions-reflect, new decision power

Definite Plans – harness momentum, get your boat in the water and set your destination, head to blue oceans while making the most of the red, balance and include family, plan use of money

Personal Devolpment and Mission Plan – Max influence leverage

Effectiveness includes consistently applying Successful Principles.

To learn more, click here

Leaders who seek to serve become highly effective. To discover more about this topic, click here

7. INFLUENCE

Influence in this context is a leader’s ability to impact and guide the behaviors, decisions, and actions of others in the organization. It includes inspiring, motivating, and empowering individuals or teams to work together toward common goals. It involves creating a positive work environment, building confidence and trust, and communicating a compelling vision for the organization’s future. It also involves using interpersonal skills, understanding the organizational culture, and making strategic decisions that align with the company’s mission and values. Ultimately, leadership influence in business is about driving collective efforts toward sustainable growth, innovation, and success while promoting a culture of collaboration and unity.

“If you’re not praying for influence on people,
is it because you don’t think what you believe matters or people don’t matter?”

John Piper

People of influence use powerful words like these

8. INTEGRITY

Integrity means being consistent in actions, values, methods, measures, principles, and expectations. It involves honesty and strong moral principles, guiding leaders to make the right choices under stress and in routine decisions. Integrity creates a sense of reliability and stability, essential for gaining and keeping the respect and confidence of others. Business leaders maintain integrity by showing ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability in their interactions, decisions, and organizational management. This builds a foundation of trust, promotes a positive work culture, and contributes to lasting success.

Integrity transends work life. It ecompasses one’s entire Circle of life.

Strong leaders have forged their Intergrity by fire. They have a keen sense of Justice – fair, balance, right.

Integrity of Character is the Courage to do what is true and steady, willingness to do the hard stuff.

Leadership is comprehensive, contastly improving skills

Read here as there is always more to know:

Meritocracy in America is what we need.

Meritocracy!

If you aren’t referencing the following: merit, value, profit, ROI, service, legitimacy, contribution, meaningful purpose, uniqueness, diversity of ideas, level playing fields, continious learning – improvement, abundance, opportunity, collaboration, partnership, law, integrity, strong character unity, the American way, faith, family, country, prosperity, ethnic-color blindness, liberty and the like – I have NO interest.

Only weak and simple minded people rely on equity of outcomes, exclusion based on uncontrollables, division based on skin color, handouts vs handups, socialism, reliance upon governement, mediocrity, lowest common denominators, prejudice – no matter what direction it goes, and so forth.

Stinking-Thinking

It is lame and un-American to hold a negative prejudice based upon gender, race, ethnicity or any other uncontrollable condition. It is foolish to not have discriminating taste, preferences and judge based upon preferences, work ethic, merit, quality, value, potential and so forth.

The problem is a mind-set epidemic in our country of later and abused all too often by self-serving people which often include politicians, inferior thinkers, slackers, and others who rather take a hand-out than by hard work, education and smart risk taking.

Quality of service talks plenty loud. Attempting to manage equity of outcome sucks, that’s some version of socialism or worse, her uglier sister – Communism. It sucks big time. If a business leader is foolishness enough to NOT hire the very best person, it’s to his/her company detriment first and foremost. If you are slighted due to something uncontrollable, that sucks too and unfair no doubt. On the other hand, where there is a problem that means there is an opportunity as well. Solving problems effectively and efficiently is what good business is about.

America

…the land of the free and home of the brave

I am talking about America 🇺🇸. The greatest country world has ever known, the land of opportunity and free enterprise, or atleast semi-free.

If you a citizen of the United States 🇺🇸 that is usually an advantage over most of the world just because of where you live. No doubt, some people have a leg up and where dealt a better hand of cards 🃏 🃏 🃏🃏🃏but that doesn’t mean you can draw more, shuffle your deck and win by playing better, smarter and harder. Enough people have won big time. Heck, it might even be an advantage in America to not have been born with that silver spoon 🥄, easier said than done but I can still be done. There are too many immigrants here that still prove that daily and currently. Just look at the at Barak Obama, Oprah, Bill Cosby, and my favorite Chris Gardner made famous by the great movie starring Will Smith: The Pursuit of Happyness.

Middle American Male

Before you point your finger at me, I was a product of divorce as young boy, public schools and middle america with a middle income single Father, Navy OTH veteran, and for the most part pretty average. My mother immigrated from Cuba and met my father in Dayton, OH. I was thankful taught the value of hard work, entrepreneurship and an appreciation for the American Way 🇺🇸.

I have been on straight commission sales my whole life. I have worked with all kinds people of for decades, thousands upon thousands, pretty much every age, ethnicity, income, and so forth. Stereotypes are true and they are not true. People differ, most want similar: mutual respect, to be heard, good service / products, dealt with honestly and with integrity, to receive a good value, timely response and clear communication. It’s not that complicated. A sincere smile and to really care go a long ways.

I started OnGuard with $5k and a pocketful of dreams. It’s been a grind 🪨, roller-coaster 🎢 and jet ride🛩️ . Recently, I partnered up with not one but two first generation immigrants; Vladimir and Sohail. They each didn’t to America 🇺🇸 with a lot of money but they did come with a lot of education, drive and ambition to live the American dream 🇺🇸.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that if you have the will, there is a way. The best way is with lots of willpower and a bit of serendipitous luck. I realized a long time ago, i get a lot luckier the harder and smarter I work. Yes, God helps all His children but He especially helps those who help themselves, especially those who help others the most. We are more when we serve more.

Some will, some won’t – so what’s next!

God bless America…America bless God.

Feel free to de-friend, disconnect or whatever if you don’t agree. We can agree to disagree, no problem.