Ever wondered how leadership can make or break an organization? How does NASA cultivate leadership at every level to outpace competition? What can we learn from the likes of Apple, Mick Jagger, or Martin Luther King Jr. about innovation, resilience, and purpose-driven life? Let's dive into these compelling narratives that weave together leadership, personal growth, and the pursuit of an extraordinary life.

The Greatness Guide: Powerful Secrets for Getting to World Class

One day, as Robin Sharma, the author, was preparing for a speech in Toronto, he saw Harvey Keitel in the lobby. Despite his usual encouragement to seize opportunities, he hesitated and missed the chance to connect. Life sends us windows of opportunity, and how we respond defines our destiny. Shrinking from them leads to a small life; embracing them, despite fear, leads to greatness.

Richard Carrion, CEO of Puerto Rico's top bank, once said, "Nothing fails like success." Success can breed complacency, inefficiency, and arrogance. For instance, Sharma's favorite Italian restaurant's great food was overshadowed by poor service, a sign they're taking their success for granted. The lesson? Stay humble and devoted to continuous improvement, even at the peak of success.

Reading about the Google founders inspired Sharma to think about the importance of showing up fully at work. Being passionate and committed to your tasks not only benefits your organization but also enriches your own life. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said that even a street sweeper should do their job so well that all would recognize their excellence. Be a rock star at work, regardless of your role.

Remember, your days define your life. Small choices lead to significant consequences over time. Each of us has the power to impact the world. Henry David Thoreau noted that we can elevate our lives through conscious endeavor, and Donny Deutsch emphasized the importance of believing in oneself and taking action.

Reading is crucial for staying on top of your game. A good book is like a conversation with its author. Sharma's father taught him the value of investing in books, and now his library is one of his greatest treasures. Reading broadens your mind and can transform your life.

Failure is part of the journey to greatness. Sharma has failed many times but learned that taking risks is essential for achieving dreams. Playing it safe leads to a stagnant life. Mark Twain wisely said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did."

Sometimes, the simplest pleasures bring the most joy. A man at Sharma's tennis club once closed his eyes and said he was "really into breezes." It's a reminder to appreciate the small, beautiful moments in life.

Lastly, make time to think. One of Asia’s top CEOs spends time daily in deep reflection, not just on business challenges but on personal growth and life's meaning. Thinking ensures we’re climbing the right mountain. Peter Drucker noted the futility of efficiently doing what shouldn't be done at all. More thoughtful time leads to better decisions and clearer priorities.

Can Emulating Google Founders and Martin Luther King Jr. Lead You to Greatness?

Leadership begins on the extra mile. Sharma realized this one morning after dropping his kids off at school. Ordinary people don't spend time on the extra mile, but who said you were ordinary? Leadership is shown when you go the extra distance, like making extra calls at the end of a tiring day or polishing a report late into the night.

Mick Jagger at 62 still rocks the stage, proving age is just a number with the right reference points. Positive reference points can change your perspective and open new doors. Lance Armstrong's persistence, Richard Branson's zest for life, and Nelson Mandela's courage are all great examples.

In Frankfurt, after a 20-day tour, Sharma was reminded that business is all about relationships. People want to know you're real, kind, and trustworthy. Building genuine connections leads to success.

SpongeBob SquarePants, Sharma's hero, exemplifies eternal optimism, valuing people, being original, and having fun. These lessons bring joy to life.

To be happier, do more of what makes you happy. List your greatest passions and incorporate them into your weekly schedule. Extraordinary people build remarkable lives on actions, not just concepts.

Hard work leads to luck. The harder you work, the more success you'll see. Extraordinary achievements come from extraordinary efforts. Leaders like Ivan Seidenberg and Dick Parsons understand the value of hard work.

Genius is accessible to all. Focus, daily improvement, and time create genius. Michael Jordan and Thomas Edison exemplified this. Discover your talents and work hard to polish them.

Listening is powerful. Sharma's mom taught him to listen twice as much as he speaks. Honoring others by listening deeply builds strong connections.

Customers buy with their hearts. Emotions drive customer behavior. Engage their emotions, and they'll become loyal fans. Success in business is about love and emotional connections.

Learn to say no. Prioritize what's important and say no to distractions. Live aligned with your truth and dreams.

Great achievement often comes when your back is against the wall. Pressure enhances performance. Challenge yourself, and you'll discover your best self.

Leadership Lessons: Inspirations from Mick Jagger, Richard Branson, and Nelson Mandela

One of Sharma's key training programs, "Grow The Leader," helps organizations like NASA and Wyeth boost employee engagement, enhance culture, and achieve superior business results by developing leaders quickly. The idea is simple: a competitive edge lies in cultivating leadership at every level. When everyone in a company thinks and acts like a leader, the company outpaces the competition.

Arthur Schopenhauer once said, “Most people take the limits of their vision to be the limits of the world.” Before 1954, no one thought a four-minute mile was possible until Roger Bannister broke the barrier. This shows that our beliefs shape our reality. Neurosurgeon Ben Carson put it well: “There is no such thing as an average human being; if you have a normal brain, you are superior.”

Innovation is key. Look at Apple, constantly pushing the envelope with new products. A young entrepreneur once told Sharma, “Always be pushing the envelope.” Leadership means taking the road less traveled and challenging the status quo.

At age 41, Sharma started reading obituaries to understand what truly matters—family, friendships, community, and love. He suggests reflecting on life with questions like: "Did I dream richly? Did I live fully? Did I love well?" Clarity precedes success, so live your potential now. The Chinese say, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. But the second best time is today.”

Leadership isn’t about being liked; it’s about doing what’s right. Great leaders make tough decisions and act with integrity, even if it means facing criticism. As Sharma's friend Dan Sheehan says, “Great people build monuments from the stones that their critics throw at them.”

There is a need for more evangelists—people passionate about spreading good news and making a difference. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you have not discovered something you are willing to die for, then you are not fit to live.” Sharma suggests finding a cause and letting it drive you.

Sharma has his best practices: waking up at 5 a.m., daily self-development, regular workouts, a world-class diet, journaling, reading, affirmations, weekly planning, and engaging conversations. These habits keep him at his best.

Culture is king. Sharma believes in developing a leadership culture through rituals, celebration, conversation, training, and storytelling. Your culture sets your organization apart and drives performance.

Your schedule reveals your true priorities. Sharma advises aligning daily commitments with deepest values to avoid The Integrity Gap. He suggests shining as a parent by leading by example, developing children, and inspiring them to be great human beings.

Can NASA's Leadership Training Program Help You Break Barriers Like Roger Bannister?

Sharma checked into the Hotel Victor in South Beach, Miami, and was eager to be wowed. From the doorman's warm greeting to the chic interior design, every detail exceeded his expectations. The front desk offered Evian water with lime, and Sharma even got a room with a view of The Killers' music video shoot by the pool. The gym was top-notch, and his room was impeccable. This experience highlighted the importance of taking customers on a remarkable journey.

In Sharma's quest for balance, Nelson Mandela's words resonate deeply: "After climbing a great hill, one finds that there are many more hills to climb." It's about savoring progress while continuing to strive for greatness. We must not rest on our laurels but instead, push ourselves to serve others and realize our full potential.

Sharma also spoke to Satyam Computer Services' leadership team, where the chairman's idea of treating managers as CEOs of their divisions inspired ownership and an entrepreneurial spirit. This approach encourages personal responsibility and leadership.

Top athletes understand that daily practice leads to greatness. In Moscow, Sharma saw tennis star Mary Pierce training rigorously at 6 a.m. This discipline and dedication are crucial for success. Personal and professional excellence require consistent effort and sacrifice.

Enthusiasm is vital. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Every great and commanding movement in the annals of the world is due to the triumph of enthusiasm." Being wildly enthusiastic and energetic can transform work and relationships. Embrace challenges with a positive attitude and spread joy.

Success isn't about instant gratification; it's about consistent effort and sticking to the fundamentals: being positive, taking responsibility, working hard, and valuing relationships. Small, daily gains lead to significant results over time.

Despite our digitally connected world, emotional connections are dwindling. People now attend "cuddle parties" to feel human touch. Instead, Sharma suggests, let's focus on building meaningful relationships with those around us.

At a speech, a woman shared with Sharma how her father's goodness attracted 5,000 people to his funeral. Valuing kindness and decency is essential. Heroes like Mandela and Gandhi exemplified this. Being good is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge." Adversity reveals our true character. Responding with grace under pressure distinguishes leaders from followers.

Lastly, productivity thrives on relaxation and fun. Sharma's best ideas come when he's relaxed, whether skiing or taking a long drive. Creativity flows when you're happy and enjoying the moment. So, make time for joy and relaxation—they are essential for success.

From South Beach to Mandela: Elevating Excellence Through Inspiration

Sharma sometimes gets a little bothered by ingratitude. Sharma tries to treat people well, help them win and celebrate them, so that they reach for their best life. Sometimes, Sharma would just love to hear two magic words: “Thank you.” 

Yes, Sharma knows that if one does something good for someone with the expectation of a reward it’s not a gift—it’s a trade. And Sharma knows that good things happen to people who do good things. And Sharma knows that life has a very fair accounting system and as one sows, one will reap. But Sharma would still like to hear those two magic words more often.

Sharma had breakfast with a friend the other day. His friend has helped so many people in his organization realize their highest potential—as leaders and as humans. His friend looked at Sharma and said: “Robin, after all these years in business, I can count on one hand the number of people who have told me that they appreciate what I’ve done for them.” Sharma believes he is offering you a very real point.

According to Gallup research, the number-one reason employees leave their organization is not because they were not being paid enough; they leave because they were not given enough appreciation. Your talent goes to the competition because no one said thank you to them. 

Max De Pree, the former CEO of Herman Miller, sagely observed: “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you.” So today, take a moment and think about the people in your life who need to be cherished, appreciated and told that their support has been helpful. Offer a heartfelt and enthusiastic “thank you.” Those two magic words don’t cost anything. But they will make a world of difference.

Sharma has no desire to be the richest person in the graveyard. To Sharma, a life well lived is mostly about being surrounded by people he loves, staying healthy and happy, doing work he loves and having an impact on the world.

Could a Simple Thank You Transform Your Workplace?

There’s a cure for aging that no one talks about. It’s called learning. As long as you learn something new each day, you cannot grow old. Peter Drucker, the father of modern management, said, “Every three or four years I pick a new subject... for more than 60 years I have kept studying one subject at a time.” 

At 82, former Israeli prime minister Shimon Peres said, “If you eat three times a day you’ll be fed. But if you read three times a day you’ll be wise.” Never leave home without a book in your hand.

Connecting with people is critical for happiness and success. As a leadership development specialist, Sharma helps clients build cultures where relationships come first. Here are tips for building strong human connections: Be positive, candid, punctual, polite, reliable, caring, a good listener, interested in others, and smile often. Respect others to receive respect. A respected consultant once wrote, “Treat people with respect,” and left. It’s that simple and powerful.

Music enriches life, connecting us through a shared language. Musicians are artists and philosophers, sharing wise insights through their songs. Bono of U2 sees himself as spreading his values globally, while Alanis Morissette and Dave Matthews share deep lyrics. Music can elevate our lives and inspire us. What songs make your heart soar and remind you how blessed you are?

True innovators constantly challenge the status quo and live out of their imaginations. Sharma's dad used to say, “It’s risky out on the limb. But, son—that’s where all the fruit is.” Innovate daily, confront limitations, and strive for greatness. Failure is essential for success, as it brings you closer to your dreams and equips you with knowledge.

Pleasure is fleeting, but happiness comes from within. It’s a state you create by choice. You can be happy even during adversity. Choose to be happy, regardless of external circumstances.

Good business is good for business. People want to work for companies that are well-run and socially responsible. Engage in projects that help communities and stand for social responsibility. This will attract top talent and earn customer respect.

Success requires consistent systems and rituals. CEOs use music and other practices to stay at their best. Build Success Structures into your week to ensure high performance.

Collapse the timeline to gain experience quickly. Engage in risks, new conversations, books, and travels. Make the most of each day by focusing on important experiences.

To build a strong brand, model hip hop artists like Diddy and Jay-Z. They constantly reinvent, innovate, and extend their brand into various domains. Study their strategies to build community and loyalty. As Jay-Z said, “I’m not a businessman. I’m a business, man.”

Unlocking Lifelong Wisdom: Lessons from Drucker, Peres, and Jay-Z

Have you ever heard the Persian proverb, "Sharma cursed the fact he had no shoes until he met a man who had no feet"? It’s a powerful reminder of perspective. We often focus on what we lack instead of cherishing our blessings. A billion children went to bed hungry last night, people lost loved ones, and some are battling severe illnesses. Yet, here we are, grumbling about traffic.

Travel more, talk to different people, and celebrate your blessings. It’ll help you realize how fortunate you are. It's human nature to appreciate things only when they’re lost, so fight that urge and reflect on your blessings.

Sharma recently gave a keynote at a CIBC conference, discussing building a high-performance culture and the power of early rising. The room fell silent when he mentioned the importance of getting up early to achieve world-class human performance. But later, many attendees asked how to build this habit. They realized the value of a 'holy hour' each morning to feed their mind, body, and soul.

Here are six tips to help you wake up early:

1. Don’t eat after 7 PM for better sleep quality.
2. Jump out of bed as soon as the alarm rings.
3. Get into top physical condition; it makes early rising easier.
4. Set Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) to inspire early rising.
5. Set your alarm 30 minutes fast for extra time to meditate or exercise.
6. Commit to the habit for 30 days to see real change.

Success often gets a bad rap, but it's crucial for fulfillment. Balancing success and significance leads to an extraordinary life. Realizing our greatest gifts and living fully is part of being human. High achievement reflects creativity in action and awakens joy. But without significance, success feels hollow. Aim to elevate lives while chasing success.

Life is a skill that can be mastered with practice. Reflect on what you want your life to stand for, engage in life with commitment, and enjoy every moment. As Steve Jobs famously asked, "What would I do if this was the last night of my life?" This question drives passion and risk-taking, helping you focus on what truly matters.

Sharma's daughter once said, "Dad, there’s something missing from my coolness." It made him reflect on his own life. Awareness precedes choice, and choice precedes results. Reflect on what needs improvement in your life to make better choices and see better outcomes.

On a flight, Sharma forgot his water but asked the flight attendant for a big bottle. He obliged, proving that it never hurts to ask. In business, the best performers don’t hide behind their desks. They connect with people, building trust and relationships.

Staying ultra-fit is key to being at your best. Exercise fills you with energy and joy, making you more productive and happier. Sharma's daily gym visits are like a pilgrimage, helping him manage stress and gain clarity.

A wise tailor once shared with Sharma four principles for success: Improve, Observe, Connect, and Adapt. These principles have sustained his business for 40 years and can help you shine brightly at work and home.

Remember, life is short. Be grateful, rise early, chase success with significance, and continuously improve. And never forget to ask for what you need.

Are You Grateful for Your Blessings or Just Grumbling About Traffic?

Sharma recently held a leadership seminar for top managers and executives from renowned companies like American Express and Dell, and one concept that resonated deeply was his “Seven Forms of Wealth” model. Wealth, to Sharma, isn't merely about money. It includes:

1. Inner Wealth: Cultivating a positive mindset, high self-respect, internal peace, and a strong spiritual connection.

2. Physical Wealth: Prioritizing health; being at the top of your career means little if you're unwell.

3. Family and Social Wealth: A happy family life boosts work performance, and deep connections with friends and mentors are crucial.

4. Career Wealth: Striving for greatness in your profession for satisfaction and self-respect.

5. Economic Wealth: Money is significant as it simplifies life and allows for generosity.

6. Adventure Wealth: Embracing mystery and challenge for happiness; our brains crave novelty and creativity.

7. Impact Wealth: Living for something greater than yourself, aiming to make a meaningful difference.

A powerful example of relentless improvement Sharma mentions is U2. Despite their fame and success, they never rest on their laurels. Bono once said, “The band always feels like it’s coming, never that it’s arrived.” This mindset is key for great leaders and innovators. Striving for mastery and brilliance continually fuels progress and fulfillment.

One straightforward idea Sharma proposes for advancing to the next level is: To earn more, you must learn more. The value you add to your organization is tied to your knowledge and skills. Sharma’s former top lawyer advised him to become so competent that the firm couldn’t run without him—wise words to live by. Invest in learning daily, even if it's just an hour. 

Real leaders, according to Sharma, also see through the eyes of understanding. Instead of assuming the worst, they seek the truth behind actions and use opportunities to grow their people. This approach fosters a positive environment and encourages others to show up fully.

Sharma advises considering your life as a business; have a strategic plan for your dreams and values. The "heart of the house" in business, which includes behind-the-scenes operations, is akin to your internal processes. Ensure your inner workings are in order to achieve external success.

Being an inspirational human being, Sharma suggests, can elevate everyone around you. Simple gestures, like Sharma’s son’s “Why so glum, chum?” to his friend, can uplift spirits. Model the behavior you wish to see and live your message. 

Leadership, for Sharma, is about making an impact. Shimon Peres once told Sharma that the purpose of life is “to find a cause larger than yourself and give your life to it.” What dent will you make in the universe today? Pursue a cause, contribute meaningfully, and leave things better than you found them.

Sharma believes that everyone is a leader, but not everyone does the same thing. Know your role and excel in it. Demonstrate leadership traits in all you do, from inspiring others to protecting the brand.

Setting and reviewing goals, Sharma asserts, is crucial for personal and professional growth. Goals provide focus, promote growth, inspire intentionality, allow for measurement, ensure alignment with values, and breathe life into your days.

Finally, Sharma reminds us of the Boomerang Effect: give out what you most want to come back. Whether it’s credit, understanding, loyalty, or love, what you give out will return to you. Life wants you to win; just go out and get it.

Mastering Leadership: Insights from U2, Shimon Peres, and the Seven Forms of Wealth

People do business with those who make them feel good. Steve, a pumpkin farmer in Canada, creates joy by remembering names, telling stories, and making people laugh. Jake, a variety store owner, knows birthdays and orders special magazines for his customers. Both are masters at relationship-building and are highly successful because they make people feel valued.

Commit to first class. Successful people surround themselves with high-quality things, which boosts their confidence and drive. Even when starting out, investing in quality sends a message that you deserve the best. It’s not about materialism but about reinforcing your self-worth and inspiring excellence.

Do a clean sweep. Simplify and refocus your life by clearing out physical and emotional clutter. This practice can lead to more peace, creativity, and energy. By removing unnecessary burdens, you create space for what truly matters.

Follow the Million Dollar Baby rule: Protect yourself. Balance kindness to others with self-care. Set boundaries and avoid martyrdom. Life is about loving others and yourself equally.

Perspective is key. The world is small and our problems often insignificant in the grand scheme. Ask yourself if a current issue will matter a year from now. Focus on the bigger picture, smile more, and appreciate the good.

Treat guests like gods. Inspired by a Mumbai taxi driver, treat everyone with the highest respect and love. This attitude can transform both your personal and professional life, making you happier and more successful.

Time management is crucial. Use time wisely by planning and organizing. Even in small moments, like waiting in line, find ways to grow. Proper time management reduces stress and creates more space for fun and spontaneity.

Believe in the power of small steps. Define your goals clearly and start taking action, one step at a time. Greatness is achieved incrementally, and consistent effort leads to extraordinary results.

Good manners matter. Simple acts like saying “please” and “thank you” show respect and appreciation. Good manners are fundamental to being a remarkable human being and achieving authentic success.

Focus is essential. Like Jon Bon Jovi, stay focused on your goals and dreams. Concentrate on what you want to grow in your life, whether it’s financial mastery, love, health, or fulfillment. The person who tries to do everything accomplishes nothing. Stay true to your mission and keep pushing forward.

Can Steve the Pumpkin Farmer and Jake the Store Owner Teach Us the Secrets of Success?

Ted Leonsis’ near-death experience on a flight led him to create a list of "101 Things to Do Before I Die," inspiring him to live with passion and purpose. This practice of goal-setting has helped him achieve two-thirds of his list, including starting a family and owning a sports franchise. Inspired by Leonsis, the author has also pursued dreams, from starting a charity to watching sunsets in Santorini.

Spending time with loved ones is crucial, as the author emphasizes the regret of missed moments over missed earnings. Highlighting the importance of family, he urges readers to express their love and gratitude regularly, drawing on the poignant memories from 9/11.

At work, fun and laughter are vital for creativity and collaboration. The author shares his journey from being overly serious to embracing fun, including playful moments with his kids and visiting art galleries during business trips.

Design matters, as seen in Germany’s efficient and beautiful products, and companies like Apple that prioritize aesthetics. Good design creates product evangelists and adds joy to life, connecting with our inner artist.

Daring ideas and originality are essential, as the story of Evian and other innovators shows. The world needs visionaries who challenge norms and inspire change, like Richard Branson with Virgin Galactic.

The author honors Dr. Garth Taylor, a humanitarian eye surgeon, for his selfless service. Taylor’s legacy reminds us to reflect on our impact and live with purpose, helping others and making a difference.

Challenges test dreamers, but perseverance is key. Jeff Bezos’ quote about fearing regret more than failure highlights the importance of trying. Dreamers like the author face resistance but continue pursuing their missions.

Leadership starts with self-care, as one must feel great to perform well. Taking care of oneself enables better leadership and positive energy, benefiting those around us.

Readers inspire the author, who cherishes their stories of transformation and success. This mutual inspiration fuels his commitment to writing and speaking.

Living forever means creating a lasting impact on future generations. Greatness comes from starting something that outlives us, focusing on contributions and positive actions today.

Finally, Sharma encourages claiming greatness instead of blaming circumstances. Heroes see the best in adversity and strive for an extraordinary life. It’s never too late to become the person you dream of being, and small steps lead to giant results.

Ted Leonsis’ Life-Changing List: From Near-Death to Living with Passion and Purpose

Sometimes we miss opportunities out of hesitation, but life constantly offers windows to seize, shaping our destiny. Success can lead to complacency, highlighting the importance of humility and continuous improvement. Passion and commitment in work enrich both the organization and personal life. Our daily choices define our lives, and conscious efforts elevate our existence. Reading broadens our mind and transforms life.

Failure is an inevitable part of the journey to greatness; taking risks is essential for achieving dreams. Embracing simple pleasures and making time for reflection lead to better decisions and priorities. Leadership is shown through going the extra mile and maintaining enthusiasm. Building genuine relationships is crucial for success, and showing gratitude can make a significant impact.

Hard work leads to luck, and genius is accessible through focus, daily improvement, and time. Listening builds strong connections, and emotional engagement drives customer loyalty. Saying no to distractions helps prioritize important goals, and pressure enhances performance. Cultivating leadership at every level gives a competitive edge in organizations.

Beliefs shape our reality, and innovation requires challenging the status quo. Reflecting on life’s true values leads to clarity and success. Leadership involves making tough decisions and spreading good news passionately. Continuous learning prevents aging, and strong human connections are vital for happiness. Music enriches life, and true innovators confront limitations for greatness.

Good business practices attract top talent and customer respect. Consistent systems and rituals lead to high performance, and engaging in meaningful experiences accelerates growth. Building a strong brand involves constant reinvention and innovation. Perspective helps appreciate blessings and travel broadens understanding. Success requires balancing achievement with significance, and setting and reviewing goals promotes growth.

Relentless improvement and adding value through learning are key to advancing. Seeing through the eyes of understanding fosters a positive environment, and treating guests with respect transforms relationships. Time management and small steps lead to extraordinary results. Good manners matter, and focus is essential for achieving goals.

Living with passion and purpose involves pursuing dreams and spending time with loved ones. Fun and laughter at work enhance creativity, and good design adds joy to life. Daring ideas and originality inspire change, and perseverance in the face of challenges is crucial. Self-care enables better leadership, and mutual inspiration fuels commitment.

Creating a lasting impact involves focusing on contributions today. Claiming greatness rather than blaming circumstances leads to an extraordinary life. Small steps build towards significant achievements, and it’s never too late to become the person you dream of being.

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