Monday, July 7, 2008

Three Powerful Principles of Success

Allow me to share parts of an article by Brian Tracy.

Mr. Tracy writes:

Be Clear About Your Goals

There are three principles of military strategy you can apply to your work every single day. The first idea from the military is called the Principle of Maneuver. The principle of maneuver says that you should be clear about the goal, but be flexible about the process of achieving it.

Be Open to Continuous Feedback
A key peak performance quality for you is to "accept feedback and self-correct." Peak performers are those who can take information from their environment and even if the information is contrary to all of their planning, they can accept the information, modify their plans, and continue moving forward. They are always open to new ideas and insights.

Learn What You Need to Know

The second military principle you can use is the Principle of Intelligence. This principle of intelligence means simply, "get the facts!"

The most important thing in business decision making is for you to get accurate information. Facts don't lie. It is important that you get the real facts, not the assumed facts or the apparent facts or the obvious facts, or the hoped for facts, but the real, provable facts.

Invest Your Resources Wisely
The third military principle applied to strategic planning is the Principle of Economy of Force. Economy of force means that you expend only the resources necessary to achieve the objective and not more. It also means that you commit sufficient resources to achieve the objective once you have decided upon it.

Action Exercises
Here are two ideas that you can apply immediately to be more strategic in your work and personal life.

First, remain flexible when you are working towards your goal. In times of rapid change, all of your best ideas can be contradicted by new information. Be willing to try different things. Be open to new inputs and ideas.

Second, get the facts! The more and better information you can acquire before you make a decision, the better your decision will be. The very best managers spend a good amount of time getting the real, provable facts before they take action.

End of Mr. Tracy's thoughts

My thoughts of the matter. :)

If you are clear about your goals, but are struggling because what you know to do is not working for you, perhaps it's time to apply the Principle of Maneuver and be flexible about the process of achieving them.

Secondly, it may also be time to apply the Principle of Intelligence. If your decision to join your company was based on the assumed facts, or the apparent facts or the obvious facts, or the hoped for facts, then consider obtaining the real, provable facts.

If you've reached a point in your business where you need to maneuver or get the facts before you continue investing your resources, click here to obtain real, provable facts. You have nothing to lose. Even if the information is contrary to all of your planning, accept the information, modify your plans, and continue moving forward.

Be empowered to prosper!

Irma White
A Mentor with a Servant's Heart

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