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“Good is the enemy of great.” Practically the first line of this book and it has stuck with me through the two times I read it leading it up to writing this review. Collins spends 9 chapters demonstrating the conclusion to his extensive research about the distinction between simply good, and tremendously great. From his right person, fly wheel, and passion driven motives to his focus on discipline and leadership; I found myself watching myth after myth busted through his very eye-opening experiences and large research team. This is a great book to apply to a business, and likewise to your own personal life. I’d recommend this book for anyone looking to break a plateau of good, and experience a new level of greatness!

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All throughout my life, I’ve heard people refer to their managers/supervisors/employers as “bosses”. Up until I reached the end of my collegiate career, I quite honestly saw this as a not really a big problem until I began to expand my mind as to what a ‘boss’ really was. Moreover, I like to say that I have an entrepreneurial mindset and personality, so the phrase, “being my own boss” was thrown around in various conferences, seminars, and even some of the self-help books I’ve read. So it was kind of a surprise for a ‘boss’ to become a word with negative connotation. However, it has come to me that a ‘boss’ is not a term that welcomes creativity, initiative, and satisfaction.  Below, I’ve shared my thoughts regarding some of the differences that establish a distinction between leaders and bosses.

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  WOW MESSAGE May 2014:   Leaders Lead…Bosses Don’t!

Can you tell the different between a leader and a boss from the list of phrases below? 

A few words, or habits of a ‘boss’.

A few words of habits of a ‘leader’

I or Me

Knows how it’s done

Uses People

Takes Credit

Commands

Leverages Fear

Drives Employees

Places Blame

We or US

Shows how it’s done

Develops people

Gives Credit

Asks

Generates Enthusiasm

Coaches Employees

Assumes ultimate blame

  When you look at this list did you think of any particular people? Did you look at yourself? Chances are simply reading through some of these buzz words, or actions sparked some thoughts of reminiscences of people that you’ve worked with in your career. Whether or not you considered them a good boss, or a bad leader the nerves of your mind began projecting vivid memories of specific people and specific situations that embodied some of the characteristics aforementioned.  Let’s take a look at these more closely.   

  How Can I Tell the Difference Between a Boss and a Leader?

  Vision

A good leader understands the importance of sharing the long-term vision with their team. Explaining how each intricate part, team members, and task plays a part in reaching the overall goal. Typically a boss won’t share that vision with you, you’ll hear things like they are too busy, it doesn’t concern you, or most terribly they may not really know. (The blind leading the blind.) There’s nothing worse than being assigned tasks on a team, and not understanding how it relates to the total mechanism that is your project, or “big picture” goal. By engaging your comrades in open discussions regarding the bigger picture, you are able to delegate value in the form of reasonable responsibilities. This engagement creates a sense of worth, and naturally causes those on your team to want to put in the extra effort to meet the teams’ goal(s).

Diction

Word choice!  Subject and Sentence Type matter so much in distinguishing between leaders and bosses in various circumstances. Is your supervisor using words like “we” or “us” or are they using words like “I”, or “You”.  Pay close attention to the types of things your supervisor says or asks of you. Bosses are going to use verbiage or delegate tasks that help to make themselves look good in a given situation or circumstance. Their rationale to you for completing a task well will be to help them look good to their bosses, or to clients and project staff. They’ll criticize your work, but rarely provide much direction on how to better accomplish a task they have passed on to you. “IF YOU, do this, then I will look real good” Whereas, a leader will give you opportunities to grow in many aspects of your career; granting you chances to show others that you are an asset as the individual and not just as an extension of your supervisor. “IF WE can SHOW them that WE can accomplish THIS, then WE’LL look real good.

Interaction

This is probably one of the easiest ways to distinguish the difference between a boss and a good leader. [Relationship vs. Dictatorship] When I reflect on those leaders that have been influential in my own life, I’ve noticed there always exists a genuine relationship vs. a simple dictatorship. Interactions with bosses are always about credit and blame. It’s more about the destination than it is about the details of how you got there. When interacting with a leader, they’ll make it more collaborative, they’re more concerned about the journey and the lessons learned on the way to the destination. Look for those people that are focused on the destination, but  are more invested and interested in your journey. They are going to learn alongside you by working with you, not simply delegate chore after chore with no encouragement or enrichment.

Recognition

Recognition: By far the easiest thing to do, and the easiest thing to neglect. Too many times when put in positions of power or authority with understudies as I’ll call them, we simply forget to show gratification. Most often, a boss, will probably show little to none. As they are task masters, and are focused on you completing what they told you, with minimal concern on how you feel if and when you get there. Great leaders understand how important and significant and consistent praise and appreciation will motivate a team. Moreover, recognition is likewise something that the beneficiary can easily discern as genuine or not. There’s no need to ‘fake it’ here. A leader is aware of what each of the members on their team is doing, especially the things that they are doing well and should call those out both in private and especially in public. We’re human beings, fact is we love when GOOD attention is on us, and somebody is highlighting our strengths amongst our peers. It’s motivating. So take the time to make genuine recognition a habit!

 We can all say we’ve had a ‘good’ or bad boss or a good or ‘bad’ leader at some point in our lives. Fact is having a little of all of them helps us to recognize and become aware of the circumstances that we’re in but most importantly how to be conscious of how we lead when the opportunities present themselves. A relationship between a leader and their team should be apparently interdependent. Spend some time evaluating yourself, and your stance with your teams if that’s your situation. Remember….. Leaders lead… Bosses don’t!

  With Passion Purpose, & Pride,

 Trent J ACEO

#leaders #lead #boss #taskmaster #master #slave #encourage #diction #vision #worship #wisdom #wellness #wealth #growth #leader #success #enrichment #team

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Pride. Faith. Destiny. LiveACEO

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Book Review: Mastery by Robert Greene

Definitely a great book to start the year off with, providing a perspective on how many greats throughout time; have achieved mastery in their own rights. Whether it is a job, a passion, or even an art reaching a level of creative and active obsession and the willingness to work towards this level of performance is not a strike of luck but a consistent and persistent action. Greene’s collection of figures demonstrate how the theory of 10,000 of effort are required to reach a level of mastery, and how even though these figures all had different talents and aspirations the approach by which they unlocked this tremendous flood of new achievements is unswerving. Lastly, this book help to validate my belief in the inexistence of boredom while living on purpose. When one has purpose on their mind, there are tasks to be completed, experiences to be had, and a life to be lived. Mastery only comes to those that live without limits.

#mastery #10 #10000 #hours #time #change #growth #leader #leadership #success #worshi #worship #wisdom #wellness #wealth #book #review #robert green #robert greene

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The Procedure vs. The Process : WOW Message April 2014

Sorry I’m a day late on this WOW Message for the Month of April, but hopefully you will still enjoy this. I have always been a believer in “Trusting the Process” and “No Struggle, No Progress”. Moreover, I've even blogged many times hinting that things will most definitely have to occur in succession for you to receive the high levels of noticeable achievement and success. However, after a discussion with a few people on last Sunday, and a sermon at church I was inspired to write a piece on the differences between a Procedure, and a Process. Many people have confused the two, and because of that perceived progress incorrectly. Please enjoy and leave feedback!

    WOW MESSAGE April 2014:   The Process vs. The Procedure

  A Procedure: a particular way of accomplishing something or of acting; a traditional or established way of doing things.  

A Process: a series of actions that produce something or that lead to a particular result; a natural phenomenon marked by gradual changes.

  Above you will find the Merriam Webster definition of both A Procedure, and a Process. Though there are many levels and applications of both words, I tried to pick out the most common and general definitions to call out and demonstrate how there exist distinct differences between the two; moreover likewise to elaborate on how realizing the difference may help you to identify with which should be your focus at any given time.

  Steps vs. Stages

When I first think of Procedures and Processes, I try to break it down into what each consists of. First of that being “steps and stages.”  I believe with a Procedure you either create steps, or in most cases the steps are provided to you. There is limited to no prep work involved, little to no trial and error, and little to no surprise on the results of each steps. With a Procedure, you know the outcome, you are made aware of how long, each task and activity should take. Additionally, you have a sense of when and how you will achieve the desired result. However, with a process there aren’t defined and established steps. As the definition mentions, this is a natural phenomenon marked by changes. Two people can get to the same destination by going through two totally different processes. And each stage within these processes is an opportunity for development, an opportunity for growth, and a way to live life a bit more on the edge by not knowing what’s on the other side of each day of life. Lastly, I think about when a person completes a step it does not necessarily mean that they have made progress in their life, however when a person transitions from stage to stage with merited effort, demonstrated focus, and proven will power comes a fulfillment that one may not achieve with completing a set of predetermined tasks. SO are you following steps, or are you going through stages?

Immediate vs. Gradual

Likewise when I think about the differences between Procedures and Processes, I think about the timing it takes to accomplish each. In the previous section we briefly talked about steps vs stages. When I think about procedures that have been handed down, or provided to me I know how long it’s going to take. Often times, I’ll choose a predefined procedure over a process if I simply want a result fast, and without a lot of extra details. Though I’m not a supporter of “immediate satisfaction”, there are times when I’d prefer not to sweat the journey or extraneous details. On the other hand, it’s the gradual and phenomenal transformation that occurs DURING the process that I value with some of the most exciting and surprising blessings that I’ve received. It’s the gradual trial and error, preparation, teaching and adaptation that occurs during the ever-changing and undefined stages of a process that help to define character, and promote patience.  Procedures lack that spontaneity but get you to where you want to be fast, and without much worry. However, many people looking for procedures, to reach a goal that requires a process find themselves at the finish line and not strong enough to hold the winner’s trophy.  

Journey vs. The Result

That last sentence is a perfect transition to my last juxtaposition: The Result vs The Journey.  I read a book called the Alchemist some time ago, about a young man that wanted to be an Alchemist so badly. That’s all he wanted, He needed to find one that would tell him the secrets of how to achieve this mystical and position of power in the land. However, when he set out on this quest to accomplish his goal, he found out that the ‘procedure’ that he had conjured up in his head was not as easily applied to getting where he needed to be. It was the journey that he went through that helped him realize that’s sometimes there’s more in the journey than it is in the destination. Two people can become millionaires in their lifetime, one person by the lottery and the other by starting their own business. The one who went through the stages of saving, investing, and developing smart wealth strategies will most likely maintain this financial status, longer than the person who followed the procedure of buying 2 quick picks and got lucky. I give these examples to say this: Don’t neglect the journey; do not be so center-focus that you don’t take the time to check left and check right, and appreciate the lessons learned, mistakes made, and milestones achieved along the way.

So Now What?

Though a short message, I think it’s important to recognize some of the unique differences between applying a procedure and living a process. I think I’ve made it obvious that the real reason behind this message is to bring more attention to the process of life, and how we must put down this fast-pace, immediate gratification approach and learn how to let life teach us how to appreciate what’s to come our way. I was inspired to write this message by two sermons that I heard last Sunday (April 27). The preachers both mentioned processes and procedures. And from a spiritual standpoint I’ll wrap this blog like this: We pray for many things, and God may answer you with a process. And he does that for many reasons. 1) He wants your store to help inspire, encourage and motivate other people. There are others that might be in similar stages, or STUCK in a stage, and have no clue how to get out. Maybe you will run into them on your journey and reach the top together. 2) If you got what you wanted, right when you wanted it, you wouldn’t be able to handle it. You would find yourself in the hot seat of a destination by which you thought you wanted, but quite frankly you’re not ready to handle.

Whether you believe in a higher power or not, this reigns true. If you got everything you wanted, right when you wanted it, you would find yourself to be quite shallow. Mistakes, rollercoaster-like lifestyles, milestones, life-lessons all give you depth. It helps to develop a root system amongst yourself, and likewise in the community in which you find yourself in motion.

  Challenge:  Take some time soon to evaluate the things going on in your life. Evaluate the type of person you are: Do you always look for the quickest way to your goals? Are you willing to take on the challenges brought to you by mentors & sponsors as they lead you through various processes? Are you even aware of the differences between the two? Get a mentor and discuss where you want to go in life. Following that, ask them how to get there. Even if they give you their “formula” or “procedure” the outcomes won’t be exactly the same…. Take the time to become the best you can embrace the process, notice the progress, and enjoy remarkable and tremendous success!

  With Passion Purpose, & Pride,

  Trent Johnson

#immediate #gradual #change #process #procedure #words #of #wisdom #worship #wellness #wealth #stage #steps #blog #vlog #popular #leader #leadership #good #read

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Book Review: The Purpose Driven Life (Expanded Edition 

Purpose Driven Life (expanded edition) by Rick Warren Written to be a daily devotional with great text, scriptures, questions to ponder, and verses to remember I found myself becoming more and more intrigued by the simplified explanation of one of Life’s most asked question: What is the Purpose of life and What on Earth am I here for? Warren answers this ever so simply: To serve & please God. Throughout the book he gives Biblically backed examples of why this is true, and how one can discover their purpose through prayer, meditation, fasting, and through life’s experiences. Lastly, This is a book that I would recommend one reading over and over, not just one time. As the STAGE you are in in your life, will cause how you receive the words here to change over time.

#purpose #driven #life #worship #wisdom #wellness #wealth #living #on #lol #government #change #time #stage #steps #process #progress

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Truth wouldn't hurt so much if you didn't let lies massage you to sleep at night.

- Trent J ACEO

#lies #sleep #dream #vision #massage

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Book Review: The Necessity of an Enemy by Ron C. Carpenter

With God there is no pain without purpose. No struggle, no progress. These are sayings that resonate over and over in my mind when thinking about this book twice . Necessity of an Enemy can be read from two perspectives: repair or prevention. Ron Carpenter couples his personal experience, and in-depth study of Bible scripture to demonstrate how God uses enemies to redirect you, and bring you out of comfort zones. For those in repair from a disaster or in the midst of unfortunate circumstances Carpenter gives a perspective of how this seemingly unfortunate time in your life should be viewed as an opportunity for you to reevaluate, and praise God in advance of the new blessings that are coming. For those looking to prevent and fight off enemy, don’t be so quick. Realize enemies are sometimes necessary to take you to the next level.

#Enemy #struggle #progres #progress #the struggle #worship #wisdom #wellness #wealth #fitness #lol #carpenter #need #leader #process

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Fact: Prayer and Praise may not change your circumstances, but it will change your perspective and focus on who's in control of them. #PocketPreacher #LiveACEO #Worship #Wisdom #Wellness #Wealth

- Trent J ACEO

#prayer #praise #change #circumstances #struggle #wellness #wealth #wisdom

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Too many people alive, but not living. Don't end up in your grave, and never lived a day in their lives.

- Trent J ACEO

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Happy New Year to all of my family, friends, foes, and followers! My Theme for this Year is #Execution2014 If you've been hating me thus far, then you might want to unfollow now. Eyes hath no seen, no ears heard, nor entered into the heart of man.... the GREAT things in store. Exceedingly abundantly above all We could ever ask or think He has Plans to Prosper me and not to Harm plans to give me a hope and a future.... He has begun a good work In me.... and likewise must I Execute and Fulfill the purpose n calling God has placed on my life. #LiveACEO #NoFatFormedAgainstMeShallProsper #Execution2014 #OwnIt You're welcome to Join but be ready to join.

#ownit #liveaceo #execution2014 #nofatformedagainstmeshallprosper

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Ate too much? No problem.... THE #InShape4Life Challenge Begins Monday! Join me and others as we committ to getting In the BEST SHAPE OF OUR LIVES, FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES. #LiveACEO #GetFit4Life #NoFatFormedAgainstMeShallProsper FOR INFO CLICK LINK N BIO!!!!!!

#getfit4life #liveaceo #inshape4life #nofatformedagainstmeshallprosper

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Good Information. Great tips. 

#wisdom #worship #wellness #wealth #look good #work hard #suits #dress up #dress #fashion #test of time #tailored #fitted #fit #clothes #shoes #style #guide

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Had to steal this from @mrtraywick ooooh God always trying to show me His plans are greater than my plans. And yet I'm always trying to do otherwise. Jeremiah 29:11. #obedience #faith #LiveACEO

#faith #obedience #liveaceo

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A Commitment to SOMETHING EVERYDAY, is a lot better than Planning to Commit EVERYTHING Someday. Fact is... SOMEday may never come. START NOW #InShape4Life #LiveACEO

- Trent J ACEO

#Commitment #Something #Everyday #Change #growth #worship #wisdom #wellness #wealth #aceo #ceo #purpose #pride #passion #leadership #leader #lead #success #struggle #process #progress #lol #winter #autumn #fall #Herbalife #Muscles #Abs #Workout #Coach