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Executive Insight Tip of the Week, May 13, 2010
Sent Thursday, May 13, 2010
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Executive Insight Tip of the Week Issue #59, May 13, 2010 ISSN 1947-2889 ---------------------------- Hi ! Welcome to this week's issue of Executive Insight. **What Are You Thinking?** Earlier this week I attended a panel discussion sponsored by the always-wonderful All Stars Project. A diverse group of executive women from non-profit organizations shared their philosophy in the areas of philanthropy and human development. In response to a question related to "secrets of her professional success", one of the panelists made a very profound remark. She said that early in her career, one of her mentors told her not to be responsible for what other people are thinking. I invite you to reflect on this idea, because it has many interesting implications. First, we aren't mind readers. Trying to figure out what someone is thinking is truly a waste of time. Taking responsibility for it is crazy. Second, you can't please everyone. So even if you do know what someone is thinking - and it happens to be a different view than your own - you can't be responsible. When you try to take responsibility for what someone is thinking, it takes a lot of energy and detracts from what you are trying to accomplish. It is truly unproductive behavior, and engaging in it hinders both your creativity and objectivity. The bottom line is that by going down this path, you will usually diminish the overall impact of what you're trying to say, do, or accomplish. This doesn't mean that you can't be sensitive and appreciative of other people's opinions, perspective and point of view. Of course, you want to be sensitive to and aware of what others think and feel. Instead of trying to be responsible for what others think, be responsible for your own thoughts and see how this ripples through your future success. Have a great week! Lisa © 2010 Lisa M. Aldisert Lisa Aldisert is the president of Pharos Alliance, Inc., a management consulting firm that works with organizations in the areas of strategy, business development, and organizational/leadership development. Give us a call at 212-332-3242 to see how we can help you create strategies that make sense for your organization, and result in increased revenue and profitability. ------------------------------------------------------------------- **Leadership and the Bottom Line** "You do not lead by hitting people over the head - that's assault, not leadership." - Dwight D. Eisenhower **May 13th Trivia** Today is National Apple Pie Day - how appropriate in the week after Mother's Day! **On this day in history** In 1958 the trademark for Velcro was registered. Imagine a world without closure.... **Interested in growing your business?** We can help! Please go to http://www.freegiftfrom.com/lisanyc ------------------------------------------------------------------- Our goal is to provide you with timely tips so that you can more effectively run your business. We know you have a ton of mail in your inbox, so we're committed to brevity and practicality. **Add Us To Your Address Book** To help ensure that you receive all email messages consistently in your inbox, please add our address to your address book or contacts list. **Have Any Questions?** Feel free to hit the reply button to any of the messages you receive. **Have A Topic Idea?** We'd love to hear it! Just reply any time and let us know what topics you'd like to know more about. Read Lisa's blog: http://www.lisaaldisert.com Visit Lisa's LinkedIn page: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaaldisert Executive Insight Archive: http://www.pharosalliance.com/resources/ezine/e-zine-archive -------------------------------------------------------------------