Attitude…
The Free Agent Nation…
In his book “The Brand You 50”, Tom Peters, speaks brilliantly about the need to create yourself as a “brand”. Written in 1999, the book was, in many ways, way ahead of his time (but then, Tom Peters has always been ahead of his time).
It gives some great ideas of transforming yourself from an “Employee” into a brand that shouts distinction, commitment and Passion!
One idea that has stuck with me – and has at last helped me move on in that direction was articulated powerfully in his last chapter… and I quote verbatim –
50. Welcome to the Free Agent Nation.
- – New Economy
- – Unit-Of-One
- – Independence
- – Freedom
- – Self- Reliance
- – Icon- woman
- – C-o-o-l Dude/ Dudette
- – Cool Shit
- – WOW! Projects (or Bust.)
- – Imagination Inc.
- – Restless Renegade.
MY WORK MATTERS.
I am not sure if it made sense then… but it makes tremendous sense now.
The times have changed- and the more you look around, the more you realize it. No job is secure. Everything you assumed and took for granted in your career and in your company may not be true anymore. If it has not hit you yet- it will.
It is not the years of service that matters!
It is the quality of service and the value you bring that matters.
What are your WOW! Projects.
It is time to start thinking of being a unit of ONE- with skills that help your customers (the company you work for, or do a project for).
This is a MUST READ book for any of you who has reached the stage where you think you can take the plunge!
It is exciting! This is the time… Maybe not in 1999 – but definitely in 2013!
Start preparing to take your first steps in this direction and start thinking differently.
If you have not read it, I strongly recommend you to read this book. It will worth your time. Pick it up in Kobo or Amazon.
The One Book you must read…
This is one book that I have seen in book shelves in Airports, and other places over the years. It took me almost 17 years since I saw this book and I never bought this. Why?
I thought it looked too simplistic & too irrelevant to my complex problems.
I ultimately never bought it.
My colleague and friend Megs, ultimately, decided to buy me this book.
And has it impacted my life!
This is one book everyone should carry with them- and read it every few months to ensure things are moving as per plan. I strongly recommend you pick up this book immediately or better buy it online from either Kobo or Amazon and store in the cloud so that you can read it when you want to.
I wanted to share a few key ideas that impacted me the most in this book.
In today’s world, one has to be constantly anticipating change, and adapt to change quickly. Also, in line with the times, we have to start looking at other ways of looking for new Cheese & build new skills to make your own cheese as times change.
A lot of ideas worth thinking about.
A Life Changer in a small book. 45 minutes to read- and a life to change. Go for it.
A Mindmap of the book- Blog address – http://www.mindmapart.com/who-moved-my-cheese-mind-map-thum-cheng-cheong/
In pursuit of Wow… A must read
I was cleaning up my book shelf and picked up one of the oldest books in my collection… Tom Peter’s The Pursuit of Wow. One of my favourite books, I strongly recommend anyone who is interested to start making a difference in what they do.. however,mundane your job may be. It will definitely have something that will change your life in some manner.
I had bought it in 1995 and one of the most read books in my collection 🙂
Here was one of the things I had marked- and while glancing through it, it made me realize just how relevant it is today as it was in those days.
Here is what employees at New England Securities are told….
- Take risks. Don’t play it safe.
- Make mistakes. Don’t try to avoid them.
- Take initiative. Don’t wait for instructions.
- Spend energy on Solutions, not on emotions.
- Shoot for total quality. Don’t shave standards.
- Break things. It is the first step in the creative process.
- Focus on opportunities. Not on problems.
- Experiment.
- Take personal responsibility for fixing things. Don’t blame others for what you don’t like.
- Try easier, not harder.
- Stay Calm.
- Smile.
- Have fun.
How true.
Imagine if you are able to bring the same level of thinking and action to your jobs.
Start doing these things & see the results.
Be different!
Be a player – not the audience!
Goal Setting
The one thing most people don’t do is to set a goal. Many of us who try to do it are also easily dissuaded by the level of focus required.
But, there is no other way than setting goals to make your life matter.
Set a goal that looks high! And work towards it – every day, every hour, every minute. You will be surprised at what you will be able to reach!
What is your “Big” goal?