My Next Thought:

The simplest of messages can carry such great meaning. These messages can have great impact in your professional and personal world.

When asked, how do you define leadership, I say “Influence”, leadership is influence. Leadership, a word that commands millions of articles, hundreds of characteristics, and a topic with much research and theory, I have distilled to one word. However, the “influence” comes with a large price tag in terms or responsibility, deliverability, recordability (new word), accountability and action. There are many characteristics and

appendages to this fine term, that we can all work on continuously.

My next thought, “Little Things Matter”. Grasp that thought and you increase your awareness to do the small things that set you apart. From increasing your participation, to showing up on time, to writing the thank you note, to becoming a better listener, to delivering great service, to the hundreds of small items that if ignored make you ordinary and when applied make you extraordinary.

My next thought, “Live With Gratitude”. If we study energy and emotions, we learn that gratitude is the highest vibration. There is no better place to live than to live with gratitude. One of my highest ranking recommendations, start each day with a grateful heart.

My next thought, “Deliver Value”. When you give, you are giving to the universe; you are not just giving to a cause, an organization or to a person. Don’t worry about the immediate payback. Decide to give without expectations and return. The universe will pay you big dividends.

My next though, “Practice kindness”. Recall the last time someone showed you an act of kindness and how it made you feel. Recall the last time you showed someone an act of kindness and how it made you feel. This is one of the best win-wins. I grew up in a home with a wonderful mother that repeatedly would say to us “it’s nice to be nice”.

My next thought, “Remember appreciation”. It is said that more than a raise, more than money, employees, want to feel valued and appreciated. Psychologist William James said, “The deepest craving in human beings is the need to be appreciated”. Everyone, no matter how educated, sophisticated, or mature wants respect and recognition. Good leaders know this and recognize team members for their efforts and accomplishments.

Lack of appreciation is one of the highest reasons people will leave a job or a relationship. On the flip side, always show real appreciation for a gift or compliment. Don’t downplay or sidestep expressions of affection or honor from others. The ability to accept or receive is a universal mark of an individual with solid self-esteem.

My next thought, “Don’t Underestimate the Team”. No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you're playing a solo game, you'll always lose out to a team. Collaboration is more important than ever. You may want to read the book, “Collaborate or Perish!”, by Bratton and Tumin. Collaboration is the game changer.

My next thought, “Live in the Flow”. I recently attended a wonderful workshop on this topic. Synchronicity is a meaningful coincidence that cannot be explained by cause and effect. The question of “how much synchronicity do you have in your life”, allowed me to find that I am a flow master (a lot of synchronicity - meaningful coincidence going on in my life). Great attributes include fortuitous events, gratitude, dwell in possibility, integrity, faith, take action, think positive and living your life with intention.

My final thought for now “Invest in You”. This is the quickest and simplest way that I can share one of my most important principles and has defined my life. Add new skills and knowledge to your portfolio. Attend seminars, subscribe to great magazines, volunteer, work with a mentor, listen and read from thought leaders. In the end more skills equals more opportunities personally and professionally.

See you next time on a Moment with Manal.