Every craftsman has a tool kit, wherein he keeps his most prized tools. Be it a mechanic, carpenter, a surgeon, a manager or CEO. Your tools are the means to your greatness. The sharper your tools, the greater the demand will be for your skill set. Ask yourself what are your tools? In life, the quality and depth of your tool kit will determine the quality of your success.
In your shoes right now is your greatest asset. Yes, YOU. If you grow and nurture your talents and abilities, you will be filling your toolkit with the relevant requirements to become superb at executing your craft.
Here is a short list of 5 Core Skills you need to succeed at anything:
1. COMMUNICATE – The ability to communicate effectively is severely underrated in our existence. Sadly this art has been overlooked for its simplicity. Most people are resorting to micro communication based on social media tools; Whatsapp, BBM, imessenger etc. Alternatively its either poor or no communication. The power of communication will set you apart from your competition because the stronger the communicator, the better the results. Whether you are a salesman, a manager or a politician the quality of your results is based on the the quality of your communication. I often hear references to the “gift of the gab”, “smooth talker” etc. and can only applaud the mastery of communicator. The “gift” was earned. The “smoothness” was smoothed out. No one started out being a strong communicator. Actually we all start out ignorant babies, learning our a, b, c’s. This communication skill is a deep science in itself for its further broken down into internal and external communication, and also in verbal and non verbal communication. Invest in becoming a great communicator. Remember that your next level growth depends on it. So go on and read, study, take short courses to master this art. President Obama is a great example of a strong communicator, Michael Jackson was a strong communicator using his body and voice to woo the whole world with his rhythm and song. Arnold Schwarzenegger was a great communicator as The Terminator. He immortalized the phrase “I’ll be back”. What will you immortalize?
2. A WILL OF IRON – The best of results come from those persons who have dogged determination to overcome any and all obstacles to their goals. I’m talking about the super achievers who go over and above the call of necessity. They don’t just do the needful to just survive. They go to breaking point and hit hard, breaking down resistance or obstacles to their success. They fight tooth and nail to succeed. “No”, is just fuel in their engines. “Cant” is oxygen to their combustion. Their resolve accelerates in the face of adversity. They have resilience like steel and won’t be broken. The keep going, even when no one else will. That is their greatness. To develop a will of iron here are five simple ideas to get you going.
i.) Rise early
ii.) Go beyond your comfort zone
iii.) Finish what you start
iv.) Never quit
v.) Celebrate little victories
3. BRILLIANT AT BASICS – The best of the best are Brilliant at Basics. The develop the recipe, master it and then take it to market. They get that if brilliant at basics, they avoid the murky waters of challenges, problems and failure. Ask any baker, mechanic, architect or CEO how much do they really stray from the basics? The usual answer is never! If the recipe or formula works, why change it? Rather brilliance comes from the most basic. The next time you savour a delicious, warm baguette fresh from the bakery, ask yourself did the baker venture outside the brilliance zone? Of course not. Thats what makes that baguette brilliant. Your brilliance is to master your fundamentals. They are the cornerstones of your success.
4. INNOVATE – The ability to innovate will undoubtedly set you apart from the rest of the pack. The world is awaiting your new and improved products and services. Finding new and better ways and methods of production, access and delivery will open new doors and pathways to success. Sir Richard Branson is a great example of innovation. What he did with Virgin Atlantic opened the doors to modern day, quality experiential travel. Not only is Virgin making lots of $’s, its also championing the consumer and is constantly improving their service and astounding its customers. He is creative, takes and creates chances and is willing to learn from failure. Can you apply this to your situation? Absolutely. Go on and ask yourself “How can I make my product or service better, more accessible, less expensive and unique to to the market”? Keep asking your clients what they think and take notes. Gems will fall from heaven to answer your question. Find ways of adding immense value, after sales services and added convenience that keeps the market buying again and again.
5. BECOME A VISIONARY – All the greats, from the beginning of time were visionaries. Whether at art, philosophy, science or business they were the game changers. Because of them we have a longer life expectancy, better information, beauty and grace, employment and opportunity. Visionaries are those people who see the world in 3D. They see the challenges, opportunities and pave the way forward to creating exceptional products and services. Here are a few you will recognize and appreciate. Henry Ford who pioneered the motor vehicle manufacturing process to be the first to mass produce cars affordable for all. Oprah Winfrey, who was born in a unheard of town in Mississippi. She was raped at 9 and at 14 birthed a son who died shortly after birth. From nothing but vision and hard work, she created an empire. From her own TV show to owning her own production company (HARPO) to owning her own network; OWN – Oprah Winfrey Network. Lastly the iconic Steve Jobs; a university drop out, who “dropped into” classes like calligraphy while at campus. He had a vision of the future with his sleek, zen like mobile creations that took the world by storm making Apple the most valuable company on the NYSE in 2011. The ipad, iphone, ipad etc are remarkable testimony of his visionary spirit.
There are many other skills you need to add to your arsenal. These five however will separate you from the herd and as you push the envelope watch your confidence and competence grow. As you go through your day today identify just one that you can easily apply to strengthen your position. Don’t settle for less. Stop playing it small and safe. Live with faith in yourself. Intensify your efforts and become all that you can be.
Your coach and partner in success…
Vinesh Maharaj
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– MORE ABOUT –
* * *VINESH MAHARAJ* * *
Vinesh Maharaj, is a talented and accomplished Sales Conference Speaker, Sales training specialist and Motivational speaker. He is highly regarded for his practical, effective and easy to apply methods, which can be implemented immediately. He is inspired about your Sales Success, Personal and Professional mastery, Customer Services and Effective Leadership and infects his delegates with enthusiasm and energy. Contact Vinesh Maharaj and get tangible value for you and your organization.
Vinesh Maharaj
Your coach and partner in success…
Mobile: +27 84 990 1539
Fax: + 27 86 402 0477
Email: vineshmaharaj@no-excuses.co.za
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Vinesh Maharaj: Your coach and partner in success 