6 Lessons in Influence from a Karate Master
My karate teacher (sensei), Masataka Mori is a 9th Dan and the chief instructor of the International Japanese Karate Association. Even though I haven’t trained with him in years, he will always be my sensei. If he walked into a conference full of hundreds, or even thousands of people, you would instantly know who trained with him. They would be the ones standing and bowing towards this one man. This would include anyone on stage. Such is the respect he commands.
Here are six ways ...
6 Lessons in Influence from a Karate Master
My karate teacher (sensei), Masataka Mori is a 9th Dan and the chief instructor of the International Japanese Karate Association. Even though I haven’t trained with him in years, he will always be my sensei. If he walked into a conference full of hundreds, or even thousands of people, you would instantly know who trained with him. They would be the ones standing and bowing towards this one man. This would include anyone on stage. Such is the respect he commands.
Here are six ways ...
The Importance of Random Acts of Kindness
Take a moment and write down how many people you’ve come into contact today. How many people you have connected with. How many you have spoken with (even for a moment) looked at, stood or sat near, emailed, or in some way communicated with.
Then think about this.
Every single one of those moments was an opportunity to make a difference to that person.
Every single one of those moments was a chance to not only make their day a little better, but to increase your own happiness.
Human ...
Can’t does not exist
15 years ago doctors told me I needed knee-replacement surgery. I said I’d wait for technology to figure out how to save my knee.
Earlier this year, I was told that my knee had to be replaced as soon as possible and that any other options wouldn’t work, or, at best, would be a short-term fix. I took my chances and in July had cartilage implanted in my knee.
Climbing the last of the stairs
Today, less than 6 months later, I climbed Mount Masada in Israel at ...
Free to move forward
We’re in Jerusalem right now amidst incredbile history at the epicentre of the three major religions of the world.
Besides the historical significance and beauty of the city, we have experienced many perspectives on everything from the current conflict, to religion and life in general.
The other evening, we had dinner at the home of friends who are very religious orthodox Jews and I learned something quite interesting and important that can be applied to leadership, ...
The essence of success in few words
Countless numbers of books have been written on how to succeed, but I think Catriona Noble, CEO of McDonald’s, summed it up perfectly at the recent alumni event at the Australian School of Business:
“Never give up. Whenever something happens, just put it into perspective and find a way forward.”
More than our circumstances, talents or resources, it’s our perspective on a situation that determines the outcome. If you think something is possible, you’ll keep ...
The tradeoffs of certainty
Look at the people around you. To what degree are they similar to you? Do they look like you, think, act, share your beliefs?
Notice, for instance, how comfortable it feels to be around people like yourself who share similar socioeconomic status, religious beliefs and world views. Socially, this makes for enjoyable evenings and parties.
In business, it can be the kiss of death.
One of the brain’s primary concerns is certainty. We feel threatened when faced with new and ...
