Success Strategies

When you hear the words “strategic thinking,” what comes to mind? Do visions of business plans dance in your heads or do you contemplate global politics or military action?

Who comes first — customers or employees?

More than 35 business studies place listening skills as one of the top five skills essential for business success.

“I didn’t want a big play once in a while, I wanted solid play every time.”

— John Madden, former head coach of the Oakland Raiders

In business we are often reminded that when it comes to coaching and teamwork, the company can be viewed as a sports team. A winning team in business demands exactly what is demanded on the playing field.

Lou Holtz, former head coach of the Notre Dame football team, had this to say about coaching: “I don’t think discipline is forcing someone to do something. It’s showing them how this is going to help them in the long run.”

If there is one thing I have learned from successful people and businesses, it is that they are constantly giving. The key word here is “constantly.” They give their time, talent, expertise, encouragement and insights. They give much more than they take. They give and give, and their lives and businesses overflow with prosperity.

“Have a plan. Follow the plan, and you’ll be surprised how successful you can be. Most people don’t have a plan. That’s why it’s easy to beat most folks.”

— Paul “Bear” Bryant, football coach, University of Alabama

Are you out of time? Do you waste time? Do you have enough time? How do you manage your time? Do you have all the time in the world? Unfortunately, time is not a flexible concept. Every day has 24 hours, no more and no less.

For the person suffering from motivation problems, time represents both a challenge and a solution. A very small amount of planning time can eliminate many of the time-based frustrations and challenges that we face.

Like dinosaurs of old, left-brain dominance is fading away. The left hemisphere of the brain is no longer making the final decisions about consumer spending and growing a business. We are shifting from a left-brain, information age to a right-brain, conceptual era where understanding and shaping trends and the big picture are vital.

Split-brain research is by now well-known. The left brain is rational, logical, verbal, intellectual and analytical, whereas the right brain is intuitive, holistic, integrative, nonverbal and creative. Both halves work together, but right-brain thinking has been shortchanged. Therefore, the majority of people and businesses are left-brain dominant.

Not long ago, a billboard in Silicon Valley read, “1,000,000 people can do your job. What makes you so special?” Right- brain thinking, that’s what. Left-brain skills are being utilized more economically through technology, outsourcing, off- shoring, and subcontracting. People and businesses need to adapt to a changing landscape.