I am the author of the audio program,. “The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable,” published by Nightingale-Conant, and a favorite with salespeople and entrepreneurs.

Its thesis is simple:

(1) Do enough of anything and you’ll succeed at it;

(2) Do even more and you’ll grow rich; and

(3) Find a way to do more than that, and you’ll become a legend.

I fully believe this to be true, and there are countless tales of people who have followed these directions and succeeded, dramatically.

But today, I was in a more modest mood, and I asked myself:

“What would happen if the average person just did 10% more than he’s used to doing, on a compounded basis?”

This year, he did 10% better than last, and next year he did 10% better than this year, and so forth.

What would his ultimate achievements look like, and how much better off would he be?

We know a lot about compounding when it comes to interest rates, so let’s start with that model. If you saved $100 and earned 10% year after year, in something like 7.2 years you’d double your money.

So, if a person did 10% better at work than the next person, would he get twice as far as his colleague in 7.2 years?

What about the small retail store, could they double their returns in that time?

It’s not slam-dunk, certainly, but it’s an intriguing concept, isn’t it?

And would you agree with me that improving in one’s abilities or effectiveness just 10% per annum is within most of our powers to accomplish?

If you could improve at a rate of 20%, just possibly you could double your results in 3.6 years, which is a reasonable time frame for anybody, except an outright gambler that chooses red or black in roulette.

Give this question some thought, whether you’re computing income, savings, or overall productivity: How can I improve just 10% this year?

Dr. Gary S. Goodman is the best-selling author of 12 books, over 600 articles, and the creator of numerous audio and video training programs, including “The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable,” published by Nightingale-Conant-a favorite among salespeople and entrepreneurs. For information about booking Gary to speak at your next sales, customer service or management meeting, conference or convention, please address your inquiry to: gary@customersatisfaction.com

“They said to me, ‘Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.’ When I heard these things, I sat down and wept.”

Nehemiah 1: 3-4

As church insiders sound the alarm of impending danger ahead, who will save religious institutions from major disaster? What’s happening to our children? Have you witnessed the disobedience and rage in our children? This has created a spiritual dilemma in our churches. This fact is an indictment of America’s churches for not getting the job done. I have worked in various positions with youth and speak at local schools frequently. Currently, I coordinate a boy’s mentoring program at church, and I understand the many challenges for church leaders. We are simply not ready to prepare our children as followers nor as leaders. Most churches even ignore the fact that changes must be made in discipling our children who are lost in a pop culture frenzy. We need the right kind of leaders to inspire this new generation. A dictatorial style of leadership may work in the military environment but will fail to inspire our next church leadership.

At this moment in time, an organizational conflict is brewing. Today, many churches operate under a cloak of tradition while the vast majority of their young people operate in a postmodern culture. As a matter of fact, postmodernism challenges the very assumptions of Christianity. First, postmodernism questions the assumption of any goodness. Second, postmodernism questions religious traditions as an effective tool for organizational identity. Postmodern advocates view Christianity as producing carbon copies of the same culture in other religious organizations. Lastly, postmodernism rejects the premise of absolute truth. This clearly contradicts biblical teachings. Therefore, these postmodernism premises attack the heart of Christianity and thus, provide an avenue for organizational conflict between leaders and young followers. These young followers are viewed by older generations as independent mavericks who are loaded with pessimism and anger. Most youth advisors find it difficult to reach this “Generation Next” because some possess a “know everything” attitude.

Unfortunately, the current leadership structure is not prepared for a Generation X and Y congregation. Let me make my point. A transformational leader may be the most attractive leadership type, because this leadership type encourages, inspires, and concentrates on his followers’ needs; this person will be able to lead this talented generation. Transformational leadership is a process that focuses on changing people. Biblically speaking, there’s evidence to support using a transformational leader to inspire an emergent generation. In the Old Testament, Israel faced a crisis at the hands of the Babylonians. The city walls lay in ruins. This left the Jews remaining in the city helpless and unable to defend themselves. Those Jews who remained after the fall of their nation, the returned Jewish exiles, and those Jews who still remained in exile were the emergent generation. God answered their call with a transformational leader in Nehemiah, and he acted promptly.

First, Nehemiah acted when hearing about his people’s condition, by requesting permission to return to Judah (Nehemiah 2:5). His actions were not a rush to judgment but can be characterized as faithful, cautious, courageous, and visionary. Secondly, Nehemiah prayed to God before making a decision, examined the problem, provided a vision of success, got follower involvement, and implemented the plan. In leading this emergent generation, Nehemiah faced heavy opposition from external forces (Nehemiah 4:3, 4:8, and 6:2); he also faced conflicts (Nehemiah 5:5) from within his organization. Thirdly, there is no biblical evidence that Nehemiah was trained to rebuild this wall as a project manager; however, he possessed a great administrative gift, a faithful heart, a passion for serving others, a desire for inspiring and encouraging followers, and a drive to obey God’s Word. Lastly, these characteristics are consistent with a transformational leader. Through Nehemiah’s leadership, the rebuilding of the city walls was completed in 52 days.

Clearly, God used a transformational leader to inspire a lost generation. Therefore, today’s churches need to consider for the future the lessons in this case where God used a transformational leader to inspire a nation under siege. Now is the time for preparation. Start today!

References:

Constable, T. (2004). Notes on Nehemiah. Retrieved on January 13, 2006, from http://www.soniclight.com.

Harding, K. (2000). Understanding Emerging Workforce Trends. Retrieved January 6, 2006, from http://www.dinet/article.php?article_id=129

Northouse, P. (2004). Leadership Theory and Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Stedman, R. (1989). Looking for a Few Good Men. Discovery Publishing, message: 11, catalog no: 4167.

© 2006 by Daryl D. Green

Daryl D. Green has published over 100 articles in the field of decision-making (personal and organizational), leadership, and organizational behavior. Mr. Green is also the author of two acclaimed books, Awakening the Talents Within and My Cup Runneth Over. He is a columnist, lecturer, professor, and management consultant. Mr. Green has a BS in engineering and a MA in organizational management. Currently, he is pursuing a doctoral degree in strategic leadership. For more information, visit his website at http://www.darylgreen.org

“You did run well: who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?”
Galatians 5:7

Why are so many religious institutions clueless in their biblical mission? I guess this is a question most politically correct people will avoid. We won’t be politically correct in this column. George Barna, a leading expert in Christian trend analysis, argues that churches are committing billions to religious outreach programs without much success, and confesses this church mentality must change. When analyzing the state of most churches in general, several questions need to be asked. Let’s start at the top of the organizational pyramid. Are leaders guiding their congregations correctly? I have sat in my share of church meetings and seen heated discussions. All families have some disagreements, but fighting takes the focus off the Christian mission. Some church members will claim that their church is loving and has no disagreements at all. You know your church; however, you may have been omitted in your church “fight” meeting. Many leaders don’t want followers’ input because their followers are not as important as them. (Of course, no leader will admit that.)

Let’s expound. Leaders can’t ignore cultural influences. Although some surveys portray a holy America (95% believe in God), these are hostile times for Christian values. Yes, there is growing religiousness; however, people are searching for God on their own terms. Barna again argues that a new spiritual revolution is gaining momentum. Local churches are on the way out. By 2025, only 1/3 of the current population will be members of a local church. Likewise, in black churches, there’s a steady decline (5.6%) in church attendance for 18- to 35-year-olds, from 1995 to 2000. In spite of this situation, most people espouse some spirituality in their lives. Strangely enough, Pascarella, author of Christ Centered Leadership, explains that the moral decline has also prompted people to view religion as the only way out. Some leaders advocate combining the best of secular culture with religious traditions. However, religion is not like mixing ice cream. Does it make sense to do this?

Leaders shouldn’t hide from their churches’ shortcomings. Some people suggest that churches need to update their thinking. However, Richards & Hoeldtke, authors of Church Leadership, argue that you just can’t apply institutional leadership to the Christian body. The church is a living organism. Here are Barna’s suggestions for church improvements:

(a) teach an uncompromising truth (I Tim. 4:1, 5)
(b) continue intercessory prayers for leaders (I Tim 2:1-2)
(c) be faithful (I Tim. 1:19)
(d) prepare for warfare (I Tim. 1:18)

Therefore, leaders should carefully review their purpose against their proven results. Are your programs working to reach out to others? If not, organizations need to rethink their strategy. Churches can utilize a plain glass approach such as the Fruit of the Spirit to reach this lost culture (offered in Galatians 5:22-23). Churches should focus on their first Love and make a difference in every community. Start today!

References:

Barna, G. (2000). Growing True Disciple. Ventura, CA: Issachar Resources.
Cell Church Solution (2005). Book Review on Revolution. Received from http://cellchurchsolutions.com/articles/bookReviews/BarnaRevolution.htm.

New King James Bible

Pascarella, P. (1999). Christ Centered Leadership. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing.

Richards, L. & Hoeldtke, C. (1980). Church Leadership: Following the Example of Jesus Christ. Grand Rapids, MI: Ministry Resources Library.

Morris, C. (1983). The Christian Leader. Printed in the United States: PhilBEST

Sanders, J. (2005). Spiritual Leadership. Chicago, IL: Moody Press

© 2006 by Daryl D. Green

Daryl D. Green has published over 100 articles in the field of decision-making (personal and organizational), leadership, and organizational behavior. Mr. Green is also the author of two acclaimed books, Awakening the Talents Within and My Cup Runneth Over. He is a columnist, lecturer, professor, and management consultant. Mr. Green has a BS in engineering and a MA in organizational management. Currently, he is a doctoral degree in strategic leadership. For more information, visit his website at http://www.darylgreen.org

French soccer star Zinedine Zidane has an effective
success formula that I can’t wait to share with
you:

Passion ┼ Work ┼ Perseverance = Success

French soccer star Zinedine Zinedane summed up the
ingredirents of enduring success in one statement that anyone
could use to create a road map to his or her own triumph in any
field of endeavour.

The following words of the soccer star and twice world best
player should be food for thought for any aspiring talent;
speaking on the occasion of his debut match for Cannes in 1989,
Zidane made this observation:

That day I discovered that the passion of my life was
football and, I thought I could go far through work,
responsibility and perseverance. (emphasis mine)

The secret of Zinedine Zidane’s success is contained in
the words in bold. Now let’s take a look at each of these
attributes and see what role they can play in anyone’s
success.

•Passion is the key to meaningful achievement in any
calling. You have to love what you do for a living or else you
would never be happy and successful. In his book “Everyday
Wisdom for Success”, Dr. Wayne Dyer says that doing
what you love is the cornerstone to having abundance in your
life.

•Work is the foundation of all business, the source of
all prosperity and the parent of genius. Work can do more to
advance youth than his own parents, be they ever so wealthy. it
is represented in the humblest savings and has laid the
foundation of every fortune says an ancient sage. Everyone
who desire success must be willing to pay the price and
for those who have a true passion for their vocation you do not
just pay the price, says Zig Ziglar, you enjoy the price.

•Perseverance This game of success calls for a lot
of self-reliance and one has to grow up nurturing the habit of
perseverance. All stars who have attained enduring
success have met difficulties and frustrations along the way
but the man/woman who wins is the one who PERSEVERES to
the end.

Ella Wheeler Wilcox says
“Gifts count for nothing; will alone is great;
All things give way before it soon or late”

Another great mind puts it this way:

“Genius, that power which dazzles mortal eyes,
is oft but perseverance in disguise”

Michael Jordan was cut out from his high school
basketball team because the coach thought that he was not good
enough. Yet he did not give up. With PERSEVERANCE, he
became the world’s greatest Basketball star. His mantra is “I
can accept failure, but I can’t accept not trying”.

So whatever your dreams and aspirations, you can make a
success out of your life. Take the Zinedine Zidane
formula and implement it in your life. You do the math:

Passion ┼ Work ┼ Perseverance =?

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.
Benjamin Franklin

Bill is a hustler. He hustles because he’s the primary caregiver for his daughter. Bill is a single parent. His life is filled with working four jobs, supporting his daughter’s activities, and managing his community duties. Life should reward him as a positive role model. However, it doesn’t. Bill feels cursed. He can never get ahead. His life is full of one drama after another. Bill wonders if it will ever end.

Should a leader ever expect some trouble in his personal life? Let’s begin this frank Your frank discussion. Although the saying “Trouble Don’t Last Always.” is a staple in most Black churches, it’s certainly evident in my life. Paul Van Gorder, a contributing writer for Daily Bread, writes, “Life’s realities cannot be avoided. We may try to run and hide, but struggles and trials have a way of dogging our footsteps.”

Let’s explore an application. As I completed my graduate assignments, I found Trouble showing up at my house regularly. I grew frustrated with Trouble’s constant interruption into my scholarly affairs. Didn’t Trouble realize God gave me this graduate program? Well, I got a revelation from reading Jeremiah. This prophet found himself complaining to God about this character Trouble.

God’s response to Jeremiah spoke to my own plight. God says in Jeremiah 12:5, “Jeremiah, if you get tired in a race against people, how can you possibly run against horses? If you fall in open fields, what will happen in the forest along the Jordan River?” It struck me like a rock. I took the scripture to heart and made it personal. Here’s my revision, “Daryl, if you grow weary with doctoral assignments, how can you possibly share the Gospel with hardened-heart men? If your confidence fails during minor setbacks in life, what will happen to you when society challenges your testimony?”

Therefore, I need to be encouraged because Trouble don’t last always.

References:
Gorder, P. (2006). Life is Real. Our Daily Bread, Volume 50, Number 12.

Holy Bible (Contemporary English Version)

© 2006 by Daryl D. Green

Daryl D. Green has published over 100 articles in the field of decision-making (personal and organizational), leadership, and organizational behavior. Mr. Green is also the author of two acclaimed books, Awakening the Talents Within and My Cup Runneth Over. He is a columnist, lecturer, professor, and management consultant. Mr. Green has a BS in engineering and a MA in organizational management. Currently, he is a doctoral degree in strategic leadership. For more information,visit his website at http://www.darylgreen.org

Throughout the ages, the wisest and most profound thinkers have been trying to find the answer to one question: What determines success? Why is that some people enjoy deep personal relationships, close friendships, good health, a great income and all the other trappings of success while others are peering in through the shop window of life asking why not me?

Is it family background, heredity, or education? Could it be their level of intelligence, education or are they just plain lucky? Could it be a combination of the above?

On the surface, one can easily make the argument that all these factors, at least collectively, play a vital role in one’s success. Let’s examine them more closely.

Family Background

Generally speaking, kids raised in well-to-do environments tend to be exposed to certain behaviors and values that contribute to the development of positive success habits. On the other hand, those born in an impoverished ghetto environment are more exposed to situations and attitudes that lead to unsuccessful habits. Research has shown that children raised on the “wrong side of the tracks” are more likely to fail in school and engage in criminal activities when compared to their counterparts from middle and upper-class homes. Notwithstanding, there are many examples of individuals who had all the material and creature comforts they needed and yet turned out to be dismal failures. At the same time, countless others who were born into a poor environment, and thus given little chance of success, went on to make huge successes of their lives.

Heredity

Is success found in genes and handed from one generation to the next through procreation? We know that successful people come in all color, shapes and sizes. You can find successful people in every racial and ethnic group.

Intelligence

Our society has led us to believe that those who are deemed more intelligent are more likely to succeed. In 1928 Dr Lewis Terman conducted a study of 1,528 gifted students who had IQs at the genius level. The results proved the “Termites” (as they came to be known) to be remarkable in some ways and quite ordinary in others. Two-thirds of the Terman men and women earned bachelor’s degrees - 10 times the national average for their time. Ninety-seven of them earned PhDs, fifty-seven earned MDs and there were ninety-two lawyers. On the other hand, some of them were representative of normal everyday 20th century Americans. Some died young as a result of diseases, accidents or suicide. A few were arrested; one went to prison for forgery. About 40% of the men served in World War II. As a group, Terman’s kids got divorced, committed suicide and became alcoholics at about the national rate.

Success is Psychological

The consensus of all the sages, philosophers and thinkers is that success is primarily psychological. Upwards of 80% of the way you think is responsible for your success.

In his book Think Like A Winner!, Dr Walter Staples writes “The key to success lies in your particular manner of thinking. When you change how you think about yourself, your relationships, your goals, and your world, your life changes. If you change the quality of your thinking, you necessarily will change the quality of your life.”

William James of Harvard said “The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings, by changing the inner aspects of their mind, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”

The great Jamaican philosopher Bob Marley chimes in, “Emancipate yourself from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds.” It seems that no matter what hand life deals us at birth, ultimately we are the ones who determine our level of success.

Keep On Pushing!

Devon Harris is a member of the original Jamaican Bobsled Team and three time Winter Olympian. He is currently a Motivational Speaker, Workshop Facilitator and Author of the children’s book, Yes, I Can!
To hire Devon to speak at your next event or to purchase a copy of his book, visit his website at http://www.devonharrislive.com