In fifteen years of coaching high potential and senior leaders, I’ve conducted thousands of hours of colleague feedback interviews. One of the themes that I hear a lot from senior executives talking about high potential leaders is that the client needs to play a bigger game. What the executives mean by that is that the high potential needs to start making an impact beyond their immediate function and start acting as a leader of the entire organization and not just their function.

With the performance reviews and goal setting sessions that come at the beginning of the year, now is a great time to think about how you can play a bigger game this year – the kind of game that really changes things and makes a big difference.

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve asked around three dozen high potential leaders to answer the question, “What’s the one thing you need to do to play a bigger game this year?”  I’ve boiled their answers down to seven ways to play a bigger game. If you’re ready to play a bigger game, you’ll want to take a look.

1. Take the risk:  My observation, which just about all of my clients agree with, is that most leaders overestimate the risk and underestimate the rewards of taking the initiative or saying what needs to be said.  To play a bigger game, take the risk.

2. Prioritize:  An effective strategy is probably more about what you’re not going to do than what you’re going to do.  To play a bigger game, you need to pick your spots.  Prioritize.

3. Collaborate: In the bigger game, 1+1 = 3.  To get bigger results, you have to work and play well with others.  Proactively reach out to people of different interests. Seek input from a broader group.  Collaborate.

4. Fight the legacy – If you’re organization is stuck in a rut, a bigger game can look like fighting the legacy of the way you’ve always done things.  The bigger game here is leading an energetic shift from “not possible” to “possible.”

5. Customer focused creativity – Customer expectations get higher every year and can change at light speed.  Part of the bigger game is to lead creative efforts that are focused on the customer experience.

6. Move faster – A big component of your bigger game may be encouraging others to move faster.  Small experiments, shorter decision cycles, being clear about when it needs to be perfect and when good enough is good enough are all components of playing a faster, bigger game.

7. Show up everyday willing to be fired – There’s an iconic scene from the movie Risky Business in which an instigating friend counsels the protagonist, Joel that “Sometimes you just gotta’ say, ‘What the ****.’ Because saying ‘What the ****,’ gives you freedom.  And freedom gives you opportunity and opportunity is your future, Joel.” The freedom to do what you need to do to play the biggest possible game only comes if you’re willing to be fired and believe that if it doesn’t work out here, it will work out somewhere else.

One other important point in addition to these different ideas on how to play a bigger game is that you still have to nail the basic expectations of whatever role you’re in.  That’s the price of admission to play a bigger game.

What about you?  What’s the one thing you need to do this year to play a bigger game? Please share your thoughts in a comment.

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The best leaders are those who lead people to believe in themselves.
People believe in themselves when they have a reason to commit to something significant and meaningful.
When people feel inspired by their leader, leadership is at its best. When people are made to feel important, when they know they matter and they have an important role, they bring their best to all they need to accomplish. Inspiration drives motivation.
When people understand the direction of the vision, leadership is at its prime. People need to know where they are heading and why they are headed there. Once they have that knowledge, they can leverage their talent to achieve great results. Direction fosters purpose.
When people feel safe to make mistakes, leadership is supportive. While success relies on innovation and creativity, it also takes many mistakes to succeed. When your people feel safe to fail, you have done your job in preparing them to meet challenges and letting them know they will go unscathed when they make mistakes. A safety net promotes security.
When people experience trust in their own ability, leadership is at its peak. Those you entrust feel important and empowered. Trust encourages people to bring their talent and knowledge and become part of the team. Trust leads to confidence.
When people know they can contribute in a meaningful way, leadership is optimal. It is important for people to know that they have a genuine contribution to make, that what they do is instrumental in achieving significant results. Meaning creates justification.

Give your people a reason to believe in themselves and watch them create something meaningful and significant.

Lead From Within: When you believe in people, you get people to believe in themselves. And when that happens you can achieve great things together.
- See more at: http://www.lollydaskal.com/leadership/lead-people-believe/#sthash.aatfVICm.dpuf

The best leaders are those who lead people to believe in themselves.
People believe in themselves when they have a reason to commit to something significant and meaningful.
When people feel inspired by their leader, leadership is at its best. When people are made to feel important, when they know they matter and they have an important role, they bring their best to all they need to accomplish. Inspiration drives motivation.
When people understand the direction of the vision, leadership is at its prime. People need to know where they are heading and why they are headed there. Once they have that knowledge, they can leverage their talent to achieve great results. Direction fosters purpose.
When people feel safe to make mistakes, leadership is supportive. While success relies on innovation and creativity, it also takes many mistakes to succeed. When your people feel safe to fail, you have done your job in preparing them to meet challenges and letting them know they will go unscathed when they make mistakes. A safety net promotes security.
When people experience trust in their own ability, leadership is at its peak. Those you entrust feel important and empowered. Trust encourages people to bring their talent and knowledge and become part of the team. Trust leads to confidence.
When people know they can contribute in a meaningful way, leadership is optimal. It is important for people to know that they have a genuine contribution to make, that what they do is instrumental in achieving significant results. Meaning creates justification.

Give your people a reason to believe in themselves and watch them create something meaningful and significant.

Lead From Within: When you believe in people, you get people to believe in themselves. And when that happens you can achieve great things together.
- See more at: http://www.lollydaskal.com/leadership/lead-people-believe/#sthash.aatfVICm.dpuf

The best leaders are those who lead people to believe in themselves.
People believe in themselves when they have a reason to commit to something significant and meaningful.
When people feel inspired by their leader, leadership is at its best. When people are made to feel important, when they know they matter and they have an important role, they bring their best to all they need to accomplish. Inspiration drives motivation.
When people understand the direction of the vision, leadership is at its prime. People need to know where they are heading and why they are headed there. Once they have that knowledge, they can leverage their talent to achieve great results. Direction fosters purpose.
When people feel safe to make mistakes, leadership is supportive. While success relies on innovation and creativity, it also takes many mistakes to succeed. When your people feel safe to fail, you have done your job in preparing them to meet challenges and letting them know they will go unscathed when they make mistakes. A safety net promotes security.
When people experience trust in their own ability, leadership is at its peak. Those you entrust feel important and empowered. Trust encourages people to bring their talent and knowledge and become part of the team. Trust leads to confidence.
When people know they can contribute in a meaningful way, leadership is optimal. It is important for people to know that they have a genuine contribution to make, that what they do is instrumental in achieving significant results. Meaning creates justification.

Give your people a reason to believe in themselves and watch them create something meaningful and significant.

Lead From Within: When you believe in people, you get people to believe in themselves. And when that happens you can achieve great things together.
- See more at: http://www.lollydaskal.com/leadership/lead-people-believe/#sthash.aatfVICm.dpuf

Excuses. Fears. More excuses. What stories do you tell yourself about your dreams  and goals? Why do you believe that you can’t have what you want? 

Excuses are all about fear. Fear of not being capable. Fear of getting it wrong. Fear of looking stupid. Fear of success. Fear of change.

Without fear there is no excuse.

The biggest fear of all? Fear of the unknown. We want to see the big picture. We want to know that it’s going to work out.

Dreams don’t come with guarantees. They don’t come in pretty packages.

Fear of the unknown will keep you focused on what can go wrong instead of what can go right. It will keep you safe but dissatisfied and feeling powerless.

Stop with the excuses!

No more justification. No more blaming. No more alibis. No more stories. No more lies.

Create more positivity. More faith. More time. More trust. More opportunity. More meaning.

Shift your perception to what your new life might look like. Think of your life as expansive. See yourself with enough time, money and energy.

What do you tell yourself about what you want? What excuse do you have that keeps you from it? Below are some popular excuses. Decide how you can overcome each one by completing the sentences.

Excuse: I don’t have time. Get it done: In order to make time I can ________________________.

Excuse: I don’t have enough money. Get it done: I can find the money by______________________________.
Excuse: I don’t have the right connections. Get it done: I can make more connections by _______________________.

Excuse: I failed before and I can’t risk failing again. Get it done: I can regroup and try again. The lesson I learned from my failure is ____________________________________.

Excuse: I’m too old. Get it done: There is no better time than now to begin. My first step will be ___________________________________________________.

Excuse: I’m too young. Get it done: I’ll get a mentor who is older and wiser than myself. With their help I’ll ____________________________________________________.

Excuse: I’m not smart enough. Get it done: I’ll figure it out. I’ll take a course or a class in _____________________________.

Excuse: I’m bored. I’m tired. I don’t know what I want. Get it done: I’ll make a list of everything I’ve always wanted to do. _________________________________________________________.

You are here for a reason. You are here to create. If you want it badly enough, you’ll find a way.

Create good habits

Rise early. Exercise and eat healthy. Spend time in nature. Drink water. Surround yourself with people who move forward in spite of great difficulties. These good habits are like excuse repellents.
Don’t dwell on past losses
Forget about what you had. Focus on what you have and where you’re going. Tragedy, natural disaster, job loss and death are part of life. When the world as you know it changes, give yourself time to grieve. Make a plan and move forward. If you need help, find a support group.

Allow yourself to be a beginner

Try something different. Learn something brand new. Learning something new can be exhilarating. Allow things to be difficult. Challenge yourself. Study hard. Do your homework. You’ll get better. You’ll grow. You’ll cross the finish line!
Begin now What action can you take today to get one step closer to where you want to be tomorrow? Do what you don’t feel like doing. Do what you don’t think you can do. Make a plan. Your new life begins today.

Commit to your success
Decide you’re going to accomplish your goal. Have faith in yourself. Trust that others will be put on your path to lead and help you. Listen to podcasts. Read about the victories of others. When doubt creeps in, think about all of your past accomplishments.
Put yourself on the line
Allow yourself to make mistakes. You can’t succeed without failure. Give yourself 24 hours on the pity pot. Then get off. Then look for your lesson. What can you do differently the next time? Don’t worry about what others think of you. They’re focused on their own business. No time for yours!
Bust out of your comfort zone
You’ll never discover new people, joy, wonder and adventure if you live your same life year after year. Cancel your cable. Give away your recliner. Stop sitting in front of a screen and make your plan. You’ll attract unknown opportunities when you are willing to become courageous.
Appreciate how far you’ve come in life
Be grateful for everything you have. Be a generous person. Give up thoughts of scarcity and lack. Give back. Give when you don’t think you can. Help others get what they want. With gratitude, there’s no room for excuses!

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Mistakes simply show us something that we didn't already know. Hmm... It sounds like those dreaded mistakes that we're so afraid of... and those dreaded mistakes that we try so hard to avoid... don't really have to be looked at as dreaded mistakes and painful experiences after all.
We can view our mistakes through a different lens and now see a friendly, lovable mentor, or a caring, patient teacher, or maybe even a wise and winning coach that is just trying to point something out to us that we need to know, but don't already know.
So I guess it would be beneficial for all of us to change our paradigm of mistakes from one of a foe to one of a friend. Changing this paradigm though will require one to control their thoughts. Thoughts become things. Negative thoughts put us in closer proximity to negative things.
The good news is that we can avoid this negativity trap by just changing or model or paradigm of what mistakes really mean to us. We must control our thoughts. We must believe that mistakes are an old wise mentor pointing out a few things that we don't know yet. This new way of looking at mistakes pushes us into taking action and helps us stop small mounds of trouble from growing into massive mountains of misery.
We can avoid the Mt. Everest shadow from over-taking us by just being grateful for the small mistakes that we make today. Those small mistakes of today are just pointing out some small things that we don't already know while simultaneously helping us avoid the big, ugly, and nasty mistakes lurking in the shadows of tomorrow.
Now moms, go learn, lead, and lay the way to a better world for all of us. Remember, mistakes are our friends because they just simply show us some things that we didn't already know. So let's control our thoughts and remember that mistakes are good because they teach us many valuable lessons. And once again, thanks in advance for all that you do, and all that you will do...

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Here are the top 16 things that I have found that successful people don't do. 

They don't: 

1. Spend time feeling sorry for themselves. Did you find it interesting those questions that I asked you placed you in the mindset of feeling sorry for yourself? Well, notice that number one is successful people do not murmur and complain. They don't participate in those behaviors because they are immediate responsibility takers and murmuring and complaining goes against taking full responsibility for their actions and gets their minds thinking about themselves and off their purpose. Setbacks are part of a successful journal which a successful person well understands therefore their behavior and actions dovetail that of someone whose mind is in proper alignment for success. When a successful person experiences a setback the difference is that they will say "O.K. it happened and next" They move on and regroup immediately. They understand that dwelling only digs a deeper hole for them and it does not benefit anyone.

2. Cringe of change. A successful person understands that change is part of life. Change happens and the only thing that they concern themselves with is how they will deal with the change. A successful person takes an instant posture and mindset to embrace change and consider it a challenge. They begin to see change as new and exciting possibilities to grow, enhance their lives, develop more knowledge and because of that positive mindset a change can become a successful person's setting for their best work to be performed.

3. Yield their power. A successful person understands that their strength comes from something much greater than they truly possess. Their strength is in how they respond to situations. I had a brand new car that still had the new car smell inside of it and after a few months of driving the car the car would not start on a morning that I was not necessarily running late but if I did not stay on point I would be late. Every minute was accounted for. Well, when I went to start my car it would not that morning. I remember trying a few times and still no power. I called Triple "A" and they told me that it would be over an hour before they could get to me. I remember thinking to myself after that call to Triple "A" obviously there is something God is saving me from and I shifted. I did not get angry, frustrated or irritated. Because I did not show any of those emotions it allowed me to stay in a right mindset and I was able to think outside of the box and was able to have the meeting over the phone, and having the meeting over the phone saved gas, time and energy driving to it. So it all worked out. Know that successful people maintain control of their emotions and actions, and do not give someone else or something else control over them.

4. Spend time or energy on stuff that is out of their hands. A successful person doesn't allow themselves to spend one minute on things outside of their control. They understand there are things that they cannot control, long lines, being placed on hold, other annoying circumstances. Spending valuable time on things that are unimportant and inconsequential are just that time wasters. Successful people fully understand that these are things they can't control, and also realize that spending costly time and energy thinking about them is unproductive.

5. Fear risk. That four letter word is one that puts fear into most individuals and that word is 'risk'. Risk is not something that successful people fear because by their very nature they are risk takers. I have to believe that if I said it this way that most people would change their outlook and mindset in regards to taking risks. Let me say it this way instead of using the word risk let's use the word opportunity. The reason I want you to change the word risk is because many people will see it as someone jumping into a reckless situation. Successful people handle situations with careful consideration, strategic thought and focused action.

6. Worry about what others think. This is a quality that successful people have in their DNA and it is called finesse. As much as we all want people to like us in everything that we do, successful people realize that is not realistic. They understand no matter what they do and it could be something like curing world hunger, there will be somebody who does not like the way it happened or even that it happened. They understand they cannot and will not please everyone so they approach situations and circumstances with kindness, honesty and fairness, knowing when and what to say at the appropriate time.

7. Make the same mistake twice. Many times individuals can spend a lot of time pontificating on a situation, decision or circumstance that was unsuccessful. This is the very thing that successful people do not do. They take any and every failure as a learning opportunity. The first thing that they learn is to not do it again. They do not spend time in the world of insanity, doing the same thing over and over expecting different results. Successful people know better.

8. Live for glory days. Who can change the past? NOONE! Successful people understand this well. Dwelling and thinking about the past does not benefit anyone, especially if it is something negative. Successful people invest in themselves and the development of their minds and part of that investment is spent creating a fantastic present which they understand is the only thing that they can change and time planning for an amazing future!

9. Give up. Ever! Give up and do what? That is what a successful person says to themselves every time. Giving up is not an option that they have so consideration of giving up is impossible for a successful person to fathom. Perseverance and reaching their goal is the option that they have only.

10. Envy others. Successful people view other successful people as motivators. They use those individual's success as a source of inspiration and not resentment. Successful people have an overall attitude of joy for other's success because they understand that the platform for successful people is large and there is room for everyone. They also know that if you are on that platform you deserve to be there.

11. Avoid time alone. Actually, they enjoy some alone time to reflect and plan ahead. While a successful person does enjoy the company of others, he/she can also be content to sit alone and read or rest.

12. Expect quick success. Successful people are in it for the long haul. They enjoy the process and look forward to the win. They understand that planning and execution of said plan takes well-thought out time. Patience becomes their friend and they understand how it is truly a virtue. Successful people do not live with improper or unreasonable expectations. They understand that their success could take a long time; therefore looking to have immediate results is not smart.

13. Think they are owed something. Successful people are probably the hardest working individuals on earth. These are the individuals who develop cell phones that we love, start a campaign for breast cancer and make pink great, take their talents doing what they love to do but we enjoy watching them in stadiums or on television or create a program where we can talk with our family and friends. Successful people do not rely on their education or past successes. They do not feel entitled to have the world at their feet. They do not mind working for want they desire whether a big salary, fancy title, amazing benefits, or free lunch.

14. Value money over time. Successful people understand that time is the most valuable thing that they possess. They realize that they could lose $100,000 in a day or make $100,000 in a day, but the one thing that they cannot do is get that day back. Therefore, they structure what they do to leverage their time.

15. Rely on memory they write stuff down. The Bible tells me to write the vision and make it plain. A successful person understands that better than anyone. They know that if they do not write it down it is likely that they do not or will not remember the details. Also, they understand that writing it down allows for them to follow a definite plan of action. Since successful people are planners writing things down give them direction, it outlines their purpose, it puts their dreams and desires in front of them as an accountability tool hence success is more likely. Successful people are humble enough to know that no one individual can remember a plan in their head alone.

16. Talk more than they listen and observe. Successful people understand that they should be consummate learners. In order for them to perfect their trade they are to be students at all times. Successful people are aware that it takes a level of knowledge and understanding to achieve at a higher level than the norm. I recently watched a Michael Jackson documentary and he said that he always asked questions, he was always curious. He wanted to be a perfectionist. Although perfection is impossible for us all, one thing that I know is if we strive for it we will come close.

It is not uncommon, for the terms, personal development and growth, to be met with a certain amount of sighing and an expression of 'been there done that'! We've been learning about the idea since we were in school and we've been working on it since forever. So, what is going to be different about this one?

Well, for starters I am not going to be talking about the conventional idea. Secondly, I am a believer of skill development. If it isn't taking you ahead, it doesn't matter. Whatever the subject, it needs to add value. Otherwise, it belongs in the bin. So let's familiarise ourselves with what actually goes into the whole process of personal development and growth.

Understanding Personal Development and Growth 

1. It refers to the accumulation of life skills that help a person to live a productive and satisfying life.

2. PERSONAL Development and PERSONALITY Development are two very different things!

3. When we talk about personal development, we are essentially talking about achieving success. It could be professional or personal.

4. It involves setting attainable goals and using problem solving strategies that will help you attain growth.

A very crucial point is, Personal development, unlike personality development, cannot be inculcated. It cannot be given to you in a beautifully wrapped gift basket or as a 4 week program! You are your only hope as far as personal development is concerned.

This is because it is a lifelong process. With every new hurdle, you will pick up a new skill and that skill will lead to more growth and development. Although there is no set path on how to achieve personal development (since it is subjective), I will point out the activities that it entails.

Markers for Personal Development & Growth 

1. Improved self-awareness 

You gain a better understanding of yourself. Your strength, weakness, abilities and also what is beyond your capabilities.

2. Greater self-knowledge 

It is one thing to be aware and a totally different thing to know. When we undertake personal development, we have the opportunity to get to know ourselves better. Because the truth is, we know practically nothing about ourselves. Others know more than we do! So it is important that we find out more about ourselves.

3. Learning new skills 

You will pick up new skills, related to your work or even to your personal life. There is an enhancement of our skill set and we become proficient in more ways.

4. Improving existing skills 

It is not always about learning new things. Every now and then, the armour which is already in the arsenal needs to be sharpened. You already learnt so much over the years. Now, get on to making them better.

5. Setting better targets 

99% of the times, we fail to achieve our targets because we set unrealistic ones. There is no shame in failing, but it is stupid to set a bar that is beyond one's imagination to reach. So in order to develop, we must make it a habit to set short term, achievable goals.

6. Identifying potential 

I am talking about those hidden talents. Maybe even suppressed talents. All of us have a truckload of those. It is essential to bring them out of the closet.

Remember, we can never be the best version of ourselves, until and unless we are doing what we love to do. You may also have some skills that you didn't know about! We"ll be even better! Time to bring those to the forefront.

7. Improving Social Skills 

This is not only for the socially awkward. If you are someone who gets uncomfortable in social situations, then no doubt, personal development will help you to become more open and comfortable.

But also people who are absolutely comfortable in social situations, the question is, "Are you interesting enough to spend time with?" Find out. Get to know everything about the person you are and compare it with the person you think you are. The results may just astound you!

8. Personal Autonomy 

In simple words, making a decision and executing it, without outside influence. You are the captain of your ship and nobody knows how to sail it better than you. There is a sense of independence that comes from personal development. The rule is simple. Eye on the prize.

Personal development and growth are not something you can measure in quantifiable units always. But the measurement in my view is simple.

Ask yourself, "Am I better than I was yesterday? Or am I still the same old?" The answer will determine the outcome of your decisions. So keep that on. Don't always consider success as the only marker. Success is a great marker, but definitely not the only one. You are much more than your last success and your next failure.

Be your own champion.