Apple Store Memorials

When Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs died, people left loving notes at every Apple store around the world. There was tremendous gratitude for the innovations and advancement Jobs had brought to our planet.

However, there was something else going on in direct response to Steve Jobs’ passing– “The Canonizing Effect.”

This is an odd phenomenon that often occurs when someone dies. We instantly erase all their “sins” and turn them into some kind of saint. Once they are gone, we suddenly seem able to say only “nice” things about them and what they did. We don’t feel like we can bring up any of their faults or flaws. (don’t speak ill of the dead etc)

As a result of this canonizing of Jobs, one of the things that I experienced was that I began hearing people in the leadership community speak of how they wanted to be the kind of leader Jobs was.

Really?  People wanted to emulate Jobs’ leadership style?

Let’s be clear–there were many things about his leadership style that were highly admirable. For instance, his single-minded drive for innovation was remarkable. However, there was another side, to Jobs as a leader.  He was oftentimes nothing short of cruel to those under him and very much isolated and unapproachable. (You can read all about this in the book Steve Jobs)

You might argue, “Yeah, but his style of leading worked. Apple Inc is a vastly successful company and the #1 recognized brand in the world!”  Of course, you would be right.  Apple is one of the most successful companies in the world. However, the question that rises here is not one of Steve Jobs’ innovative genius, (which I highly respect), but rather his ability to effectively lead now and in the future.

Therefore, we are left to consider:

Was Steve Jobs a Leadership Dinosaur?

We have to consider what it takes to be a leader, more specifically an Authentic Leader in this, the new economy.  As we move forward, we must face the fact that the old model of leadership, based on being unapproachable and speaking down to those under our leadership will no longer work. It does not build loyalty either with our teams or with our customers. Fake relationships, which in many ways were the back bone of the old boys club are the kiss of death for doing business in the new economy.

Unless you are completely ignorant of the economic changes and the impact of how business is operating today, you now know that business is and will be done via relationship, real, nurtured relationships.  (This is one of the fundamental reasons, and rightly so,  why women are becoming the dominant force in business)

Now hold on a minute!  Don’t let that little Chihuahua in your head start yapping about how you already know all that.  We aren’t talking about the old fake smile, pat you on the back, and then badmouth you behind your back kind of relationship.

That is the old model.

The outdated model.

The model that just won’t work anymore.

In the new economy you better be willing to “show up” and let people actually see you. Transparency and Authenticity go hand in hand.

Authenticity will be—and already is—the hallmark of leadership today.
The question comes down to this: Do you have the heart, soul, voice, balls (or ovaries) and willingness to be transparent to make it?

 I trust that you found this article valuable, if so feel free to send this to your friends.

I eagerly anticipate your feedback and comments. Please share, like and comment below!

With gratitude,

Dov Baron Speaks internationally on leadership in the new economy. He is the Leading expert on Authentic Leadership and is the world’s Only Corporate Cultural Strategist. To bring Dov in to speak to your group or organization please contact Baron Mastery at +1 604 436 2063

P.S. Have you heard “The Accidental Guru” Radio Show yet? The Very Best in Personal and Professional Leadership. DOv is the Host and Executive producer every Thursday Morning from 10:00 AM (PST) 1:00PM (EST) Details are at: http://radiodov.com

 

 

All contents of this blog and articles herein fall under full copyright law and are the soul intellectual property of Dov Baron and Baron Mastery Institute INC

Hyper Smash

When you look at groups like The American Heart Association, Southwest Airlines, and NATO, you may or may not notice that they seem to be the big dogs… and maybe you see yourself as someone who could never have the kind of  leverage they have. Maybe because you see yourself as an underdog?

But just stop for a moment and consider this: What if that underdog status is in fact your untapped leverage when it comes to influencing the powerful people above you?

Here’s something you have likely never considered: Those “big” companies and associations actually use “the underdog” status to leverage getting what they want?

When Small is Big

When we think of leadership, we tend to quite naturally think of leading from front.

However, here’s something to chew over:

What if you knew how to lead from behind?

Is that even possible?

Well if you tune into the Dec 8th 2011 Broadcast  of The Accidental Guru Show, you will definitely find out!

I know it might be a bit of a mind stretch. However, my guest is going to share with us why being the underdog can be an advantage, and what you can do to make it your advantage…

My guest on this show is a highly successful author, speaker and grassroots generator of change.

She brings fresh perspectives to empowering those who want to shift what may seem like immovable forces.

Amy Showalter Author of "The Underdog Edge"

…And the name of my auspicious guest onthis episode of The Accidental Guru Show airing Thursday Dec 8th 2011 @ 10:00 AM (PST) 1:00 (EST) is: Amy Showalter!

Discover, why my guest says “Street Cred is more valuable than CEO status!”

Amy Showalter will also reveal how “Your Passion” can so often block you from getting what you want, Do NOT miss this!

By the way, if you found this message valuable, feel free to send this to your friends.

I look forward to your feedback and comments. Please share, like and comment below!

With gratitude,

P.S. Have you heard “The Accidental Guru” Radio Show yet? The Very Best in Personal and Professional Leadership. I’m your host every Thursday Morning from 10:00 AM (PST) 1:00PM (EST) Details are at: http://radiodov.com

All contents of this blog and articles herein fall under full copyright law and are the soul intellectual property of Dov Baron and Baron Mastery Institute INC

You and I both know there will always be obstacles to overcome.

Sometimes these obstacles are outside in the world, while other times they are part of your inner world,  in the form of belief systems and self talk.

Here is what I know: To achieve truly living in and from a place of abundance, what you desire cannot remain something you’d merely like to have.

No Obstacle to Big to Overcome

How many times have you heard people say as they watched someone do something say, “I’d really like to do that.” Then that same person walks away and you know as well as I do, they will never do anything about what they say they’d “like to do.”

To bring whatever it is that you want into your life, you must develop an insatiable hunger for it. That means, for a while, it’s all that matters. You vigilantly watch the ego-mind; you refuse to be taken off track. You know your direction and you will allow nothing to move you from it. At that point, all obstacles are viewed as challenges to be overcome, with each one giving you a renewed sense of focus.

You meet difficulties with the mindset that there’s always a way to overcome them, and moreover, you are committed to finding it. You approach, go through, and attend to your outcome without the option of griping or complaining. You keep moving forward; you make it a “must” and as a result, it will happen. Guaranteed!

That being said, the obvious question is, “What do you want?”
That my friend only you can decide!

This article is an except from my Bestselling book: Don’t Read This…Unless You Want More Money! available on Amazon.com

Come to the edge, let’s fly!

Claim Your Competitive Edge

Stay Curious my friend, stay curious and live with courage,

P.S. If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to comment, like and share it with your friends.

“I Know Exactly What I Want… Kind of”

I’m going to share a quote but don’t freak out, you’ve not missed church, and I haven’t suddenly become a preacher. Nonetheless, I’d like to share with you a powerful Biblical quote that’s a great illustration of what I’m about to talk about.

“For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away.” (Matthew 13:11–12)

How’s that for a bum deal? Or is it?

Well when we refer back to the fact that most people have a pretty hard time actually deciding what they want, it actually begins to make sense.

Bottom line:

We cannot manifest specifics with a general request.

Stay with me here because the great news is this, once you have specifically outlined what it is that you want, then you can begin designing a plan to achieve it. In the words of one of my songs from the album Resonations (available on iTunes and CD Baby): “Get Clear.”

Please pay attention here because I have a warning for you. The ego-mind may have some challenges with you actually achieving that outcome and it may try to sabotage you by whispering stuff in your ear that will take you off target. So to make sure you stay on target I implore you to keep a success journal and monitor your progress.

DO NOT change what it is you are going for until you achieve it. That way you can acknowledge your success. I can’t over stress the importance of this. If you keep changing your desired outcome, how will you ever know when you achieve it?

Make senses?

In the next article I will share with you the importance of developing a hunger around what you want.

This article is an except from my Bestselling book: Don’t Read This…Unless You Want More Money! available on Amazon.com

Come to the edge, let’s fly!

Claim Your Competitive Edge

Stay Curious my friend, stay curious and live with courage,

P.S. If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to comment, like and share it with your friends.

Another one of these charmers who I had given ongoing support to, suddenly decided that I should follow their new gurus wisdom and declare it as the “absolute truth.”  Because I was not willing to engage in a right wrong argument this person is now trying to friend all my friends on facebook telling then that I’m a liar and wait for it, this is a new one, “master demon“.

Now let me be clear, I appreciate that everyone has an opinion and they are entitled to it, and that includes the fact that I do not have to accept what I consider to be abuse.  That being said; so am I…

I’m so done with folks who are upset with the fact that I am in business…

All my life I’ve been dedicated to serving others, often giving away much of my value, to “help” those not able to pay. I’ve always done this with authentically generosity. You see for me if you give with strings attached it is not a gift. That being said, it is also important to pay attention to whether the person receiving what you gift is actually valuing that gift.

After many years of research I can tell you without doubt, unless they have skin in the game, (that person is invested) very little, if anything will happen.

Both my company and myself  are mission driven.  That being said, I am in business and businesses do not run on love, light and wishful thinking. Therefore,  if the fact that I let you know I can serve you better through one of my multiple learning systems, (products or live events) upsets you, feel free to remove yourself from my friends on Facebook, Twitter or my email list. I am sure there is someone else can serve you better.

To everyone who chooses to stay on board; thank you for showing yourself as someone who understands the value of investing in your own growth.

“Those who only see price will never understand value, and as a result will always be in financial struggle.” ~Dov Baron

I trust that reading this you will begin to fully own your value,  and to those standing around waiting for a hand out of your time, energy or talent, tell them plain and simple…Piss Off!

No matter how much you give, there will always be those who are going to take shots at you.  I heard a great quote the other day that fits perfectly with my point:

“Dogs don’t bark at parked cars” …

So if they’re dogging you, it means your moving baby!

Some people thought I was upset about the above message, in truth…That person offered me a great gift.: Boundaries are a beautiful thing, and just like everyone else I need to be reminded that I am resop0sible for holding my own.

I would put it to you that living anything less than authentically isn’t really living. (Take a look at the video below) Giving away your value is NOT authentic!  Remember that becoming a true leader demands that you fully and authentically show up.

I have said many times… What I offer isn’t for everyone, and I am more than good with that.

P.S. If you are in business, and you are sick of people thinking that you are running some kind of charity, you may want to consider re-posting this on your page, so that they get it…You Own Your Value!

Come to the edge, let’s fly!

Claim Your Competitive Edge

Stay Curious my friend, stay curious and live with courage,

P.S. If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to comment, like and share it with your friends.

Recently some of my peers and myself have been having conversations about privacy or the lack of it when to posting on FaceBook, (even in a group).
We have come to a simple conclusion, one that was addressed in a recent New York Times article: Privacy is Dead!
Bottom line, whether we like it or not we are all out there, (just Google your name)

I have thought long and hard about this, (I was anti social media at first too).
My conclusion is this: We live in a society that is polar in many ways. On one side we have the Jerry Springer kind of trailer trash self exposure, and on the other there is the shut down, repressed, fake a smile and pretend everything is “fine” group. In truth we are still free to choose to NOT live at either end of that spectrum.

What I have come to love about social media is that if we use it well and with discernment it can call us to actually stand in our truth.

To say the things that we believe, and not hide our real feelings. Bottom line is that if you are ashamed of people knowing something that you feel…You are carrying that shame into everything you think, do and say. And maybe its time to come out of the closet and give up that shame.

 Do you really want to operate in your life feeling like you need to edit everything for the approval rating of others? EG: Your ex, your mother-in-law, an old school friend or for that matter anyone else.

All that being said, I do realize some folks will be upset at reading this, and I have got to tell you that, that’s okay. Not because I don’t care, actually its because I do care, that is, about those people who are committed to their growth and authentic transparency is part of that.

As I see it telling your truth is a great filter to find out who your real friends are and maybe, just maybe it is NOT the tons of names accumulated in your friends list on a social media group.

“One of the great parasites of your life is your need for approval.” ~Dõv Baron

With sincerity and gratitude, Dov…

http://cycedge.com

Please feel free to leave your comments and feedback and to share this with your “friends”

Come to the edge, let’s fly!

Claim Your Competitive Edge

Stay Curious my friend, stay curious and live with courage,

P.S. If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to comment, like and share it with your friends.

Boiled down, what we want to know is are we predestined to live out our our genetic heritage or can we control and direct our own destiny.

Although the debate continues, there is overriding evidence that we are NOT held hostage to our genetic code.

However, what about when it comes to generating money and more specifically wealth? Is there a money gene, or for that matter a financial struggle gene?

When it comes to generating, keeping and growing wealth, is it Nature or Nurture?

The Money Gene

Consider this: Those who grow up with or were consistently around other wealthy people have an understanding of wealth that can be completely foreign to someone who grew up in poverty or has never been in a place of abundant cash flow.

E.G: If you grew up in rural China fifty or so years ago, the idea that people would NOT eat with chop sticks may have seemed, at best ridiculous and maybe even completely wrong.

So it is with money… What’s intriguing is that for those who don’t have it, money comes with a whole set of myths perpetuated by those who don’t have it.

Let me explain. We take for granted many of the things that are part of our everyday lives. However, many of those things we now take for granted are the same things people thought of as “evil” before they were understood.

For instance, at one point in history, even speaking about the idea that planet earth was not the center of the Universe or that the earth orbited around the sun got people imprisoned or even killed by those who believed such talk was evil.

What it comes down to is; by human nature, we tend to be suspicious of what we don’t understand. In truth, it’s pretty much the same with money and wealth. If you don’t understand it, you are likely to be suspicious of it. Did you get that, because it was short but also very important?

Okay, I’ll say it again a little differently.

“We have a tendency to mistrust, or not believe, what we have not yet developed the capacity to understand. ” ~Dõv Baron

Truth be known, you can blame your genetics for anything, but that doesn’t make it true.

What you know about money you’ve likely learned from those who did not have it or at least not enough of it. Doesn’t it make sense to put yourself in an environment with those who have a level of comfort with having and generating wealth, so as to nurture your own comfort with it? That way you can check to find out, if what you believe is actually true for those who do have it?”

This article is an except from my Bestselling book: Don’t Read This…Unless You Want More Money! available on Amazon.com

Come to the edge, let’s fly!

Claim Your Competitive Edge

Stay Curious my friend, stay curious and live with courage,

P.S. If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to comment, like and share it with your friends.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Come to the edge, let’s fly!

Claim Your Competitive Edge

Stay Curious my friend, stay curious and live with courage,

P.S. If you enjoyed this video, please feel free to comment, like and share it with your friends.

In this article I will show you the reason why understanding the fear of rejection is relevant to you when it comes to being in the flow of affluence and creating wealth in your life in such a way that it is not only significant but also lasting.

Choosing Authenticity Over Approval

So lets start by giving it to you straight: Until you make a shift to thinking, feeling, and behaving in ways that are independent of the need to please others, you will never truly embrace following your heart and soul’s passion, which is the key to tapping into your unique value. (Now, mentally hold onto those two words “unique value” because we will be addressing why those two words are pivotal to whether you are in or out of the flow of affluence.)

Furthermore, if you do not develop the kind of independence I’m referring to, you can be pretty certain that true wealth will also evade you. Don’t get me wrong. I am not suggesting that you become some thoughtless “a-hole” who doesn’t care about anyone.

No, this is about understanding that when you begin to follow your path, recognize your unique value, and make decisions based on that, money and wealth will flow to you. Once this begins to happen, you can also be fairly certain that you will, to put it plain and simple, begin to piss some folks off. I’ll get into the why, in a little while.

As I’m sure you are beginning to see, if you don’t move past the fear of rejection, getting what you really want will be impossible because, as the saying goes, you can’t please all the people all the time.

Being fixated on doing whatever it takes to not get rejected is nothing more than trying to please all the people all the time, with one exception; the one person you aren’t pleasing—YOU!

Needless to say, it is crucial that you begin to destroy your fear of rejection. So how do you do that? Well, strangely enough you already know how, at least in some small way. It has to do with focusing your attention.When you are absolutely focused on what you are doing and how you are feeling while you are doing it, what others think doesn’t matter. You no longer care if they are accepting or rejecting you.

By becoming lost in what you are doing, by becoming completely engrossed, there is often the sense that what others think about you or your work just isn’t important anymore. At that point you are authentically flowing from a place of expressing your unique value set.

This article is an except from my Bestselling book: Don’t Read This…Unless You Want More Money! available on Amazon.com

Come to the edge, let’s fly!

Claim Your Competitive Edge

Stay Curious my friend, stay curious and live with courage,

P.S. If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to comment, like and share it with your friends.

On your journey of moving away from being a follower to being a leader, from struggle to freedom form lack and towards affluence, it’s important to develop the courage to deal with the nay-sayers.

Rejection...It will happen...So what!

What does that mean to you? Well here’s a very important psychological fact that will help you deal with those thorn-in-the-foot kinds of folks. Most people, and when I say most I mean 99.9999 percent of people, carry a deep-seated fear of rejection.

For most it’s not a conscious thing. In fact, many people say things like, “I don’t care what they think,” but you know as well as I do that when push-comes-to-shove, they care, big time. Let’s face it, we all want to be liked and we all want to fit in with someone or something even if we’re fitting in with others who don’t fit in.

This desire is rooted in basic human survival instincts, the safety of the tribe and such. However, the depth of this need to be connected to others is not supposed to be translated into what it so often becomes—a debilitating fear of rejection.

Most of us were given the message by those who loved and took care of us that we must make sure people like us.

Messages like: “Come on honey, smile for your uncle. You don’t want him thinking you’re miserable, do you? Be nice to the other kids or you won’t have any friends.” It goes on and on. In and of themselves these are not “bad” messages; it’s what we do with them that can become so crippling.

We became programmed to seek acceptance because in our formative years we needed someone to take care of our every need.

If someone didn’t take care of you for the first few years of your life there’s a good chance you wouldn’t be reading this, right?

This article is an except from my Bestselling book: Don’t Read This…Unless You Want More Money! available on Amazon.com

Come to the edge, let’s fly!

Claim Your Competitive Edge

Stay Curious my friend, stay curious and live with courage,

P.S. If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to comment, like and share it with your friends.