Rules of Leadership

In Colin Powell’s memoir It Worked For Me: In Life and Leadership he lists his 13 Rules of Leadership …

1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning. This is attitude, not prediction
2. Get mad, then get over it. Get over it quickly and never lose control of yourself.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it. Your position was faulty not your ego.
4. It can be done! Don't surround yourself with skeptics.
5. Be careful what you choose.  You may get it.
6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision. Superior Leaderships is a matter of superb instinct.
7. You can't make someone else's choices. Don’t let someone else make yours.
8. Check small things. Success ultimately rests on small things.
9. Share credit. People need recognition and a sense of worth.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.  Kindness, calmness, reassures followers.
11. Have a vision. Purpose is the destination of a vision.
12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers. Fear is a normal human emotion.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Written by Anthony Davis

Who I Need To Be ...

There is a common thread in business owners who are struggling to build their desired business.  

Many look to improving the procedures they use, or the goals they set.  While these may provide some help, a major shift often comes down to answering this question: “What kind of person do I need to be?” 

Answering this question is often difficult to do on your own.  A coach or mentor can assist to get you very clear on who you need to ‘become’ to achieve your ideal business. 

You start with Goal setting  which relies on you first becoming crystal clear on what values, characteristics, qualities and talents you will need to achieve these goals.  Often, you can model others who have achieved what you are seeking. 

The next step is to get serious and analyse where you currently are.   Then your coach can help you close the gap between the two.  By becoming the type of person you need to be, your ability to attract the circumstances and events that will allow you to move forward toward your goals will be ultimately enhanced.


Written by Anthony Davis

Change Management in Business

Have you ever tried to change a system or procedure in your business and found resistance? 

For example, when considering any new system, others involved may often think, “It’s too hard” or “I can’t do that”.  Sometimes the new system or procedure never ends up being implemented because the one ‘trying’ to make the changes gives up ‘trying’.

If you believe that the change is worthwhile and feel strongly about it, it is important to remember what has to happen to shift someone’s way of thinking:

“All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident”.Arthur Schopenhauer  

This equally applies to a change that has to happen in any business.

Sometimes the potential change is given up on too soon because the ridicule and opposition from those concerned is too strong. Obtaining ‘buy-in’ from your team can reduce the opposition. 


Written by Anthony Davis