"6 Powerful Ways to Stand Out at Work" by Jeff Haden

Something which I have known for a while is that, if you're going to make it in life, you need to stand out. Being just another face in the crowd isn't going to get you anywhere interesting.

This is from one of the first articles I've read by Jeff Haden, whose writings I have come to treasure in many ways.

1. Be first with a purpose - Come in early and do something visibly worthwhile for the company
2. Be known for something specific - Pick a worthwhile mission and then excel at it
3. Create your own side project - Even if it fails, it shows your initiative
4. Put your muscle where your mouth is - Instead of just pointing out flaws, jump in and help fix it
5. Show a little of your personal side - Personal interests help other people identify and remember you
6. Work harder than anyone else - Nothing is a substitute for hard work

7 Lessons from "Outsmart!" by Jim Champy

A great little book - "Outsmart! How to Do What Your Competitors Can't" by Jim Champy - has some great pointers that will give you an edge over your competition in any field and in many areas of your life. Here are the lessons I took away from it:

1. Find out what your customer base wants or needs, from them. Don't assume.
2. Don't stop thinking about tomorrow.
3. Try ideas that are outside your industry.
4. A complaint is an opportunity for you to improve.
5. Don't compartmentalize your knowledge; apply everything you know to challenges.
6. Don't tackle problems to which you have no special resources to bring to the table.
7. Good ideas are rare and precious! When you have one, pursue it!

The One Minute Manager

Another fine short allegory book is "The One Minute Manager" by Spencer Johnson (of "Who Moved My Cheese?" fame).

This is a quick read, which will help anyone looking for easy ways to better manage themselves and anyone they supervise.

I have made up a summary / outline of the principles of the book. Click here to read / print / download it.

Click here to find the book on Amazon.

"Those who are afraid of new ideas are doomed before they start."

-Napoleon Hill

"I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have."

-Thomas Jefferson

Who Moved My Cheese?

A book that I cannot recommend enough is "Who Moved My Cheese?" by Spencer Johnson. This is a very valuable resource which was recommended to me years ago.

It is a very simple and effective parable about change, about how people go about reacting to change, and how one can learn to anticipate and move with changes.

Not only has "Who Moved My Cheese?" helped me over the years learn how to effectively deal with changes in my life, but I have recommended it to countless other individuals who have also benefited from its message.

I have made my own copy of "The Handwriting on the Wall" - a small card included with the book that breaks down the basic points of the story.

Click here to read / print / download my copy of "The Handwriting on the Wall".

Click here to find the book on Amazon.

"A trade by which one gains and the other loses is a fraud."

 -Dagny Taggart, Atlas Shrugged

Practice Makes Permanent!

Before You Speak: THINK!

Is it True?
Is it Helpful?
Is it Inspiring?
Is it Necessary?
Is it Kind?

The "Sweet Spot" is in the overlap of your Strengths, your Passions, and your Obligations.

"If you're not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original."

 -Sir Ken Robinson

"There is nothing of any importance in life - except how well you do your work. Nothing. Only that. It's the only measure of human value. All the codes of ethics they'll try to ram down your throat are just so much paper money put out by swindlers to fleece people of their virtues. The code of competence is the only system of morality that's on a gold standard."

 -Francisco D'Anconia, Atlas Shrugged

Getting Past NO

A very fine book I have had the opportunity to read is William Ury's "Getting Past NO".

The book deals with how to successfully negotiate with people who are being difficult. I have personally found it to be an invaluable resource and have successfully (much to my delight) used many of the techniques outlined in many different situations since reading.

Click here to read / print / download my outline.

Click here to find the book on Amazon.

I seriously cannot recommend this book enough! It is a must for anyone trying to become successful...