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12 Ways To Get More Of What You Want

12 Ways To Get More Of What You Want
: Inc.
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Margie Blanchard, Ph.D., has been a driving force behind the Ken Blanchard Companies' growth as a premier management consulting firm. She heads up its office of the future, a study of emerging trends in the workplace.

When I interviewed Margie a few years ago, I was taken by her. During our discussion, she shared her perspective after she and Ken lost their beloved home in a San Diego fire. She said, "Everything I had held onto I lost, and everything I ever gave away I still had." Hmm. Think about that.

Our society emphasizes accumulation of wealth, possessions, power, recognition, etc. In truth, our lives were meant to give away.

So, here are 12 behaviors just about every leader wants more of and 12 simple ways to get them.

  1. Want enthusiasm? Give it.
  2. Want change? Become the change.
  3. Want forgiveness? Give it.
  4. Want more autonomy? Give it.
  5. Want to be heard? Lend an ear.
  6. Want recognition? Give it.
  7. Want respect? Show it.
  8. Want consideration? Give it.
  9. Want help? Offer yours.
  10. Want gratitude? Express it.
  11. Want leadership? Be the leader.
  12. Want more? Give more.

Read free chapters from the author's book Leadership Matters for more insights and inspiration.

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Before You Go

11 Thought Leaders Share What Inspires Them
Richard Branson - Founder Of Virgin(01 of11)
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"Game-changing people"My professional inspiration has no separation from my personal inspiration: it is people who will stop at nothing to make a positive difference to other people's lives. I am fortunate to come across quite a few of these game-changing people, and the desire to help (and keep up with them!) is what drives me.Read more about what inspires business leaders at LinkedIn (credit:AP)
Colin Shaw - Founder and CEO of Beyond Philosophy(02 of11)
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"The Day I Heard Pink Floyd"Life is there for the taking. Don't let people say you can't do something. You can. The choice is yours. But be clear, the starting gun is silent. There is no point waiting "for someone or something to show you the way". No one will - it's up to you. Hard work, dedication and commitment are the key. Hence, I love the quote 'There are no traffic jams on the extra mile'...Read more about what inspires business leaders at LinkedIn (credit:LinkedIn)
Trish Regan - Anchor and Editor-at-Large at Bloomberg TV(03 of11)
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"A Pursuit to Find Answers"There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thinking about what information I can learn and help communicate to others. I love being inspired by new people, exciting stories and brilliant ideas - and am always on the look out for what's next.Read more about what inspires business leaders at LinkedIn (credit:Getty Images)
Craig Newmark - Founder Of Craigslist(04 of11)
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"Leonard Cohen"My deal is that there's this guy, Leonard Cohen, who's been a real influential poet and singer for maybe fifty years. He's my rabbi, in the sense that a rabbi's a teacher and spiritual leader.His music is pretty much my liturgy, prayer really, and it inspires me in a way to get through the day.Read more about what inspires business leaders at LinkedIn (credit:Getty Images)
Deepak Chopra - Founder of Chopra Foundation(05 of11)
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"The Power of Myth"My inspiration comes from the great mythological beings of our collective culture and history. These Beings spoke to our collective longing for truth, goodness, beauty, harmony and evolution in the direction of enlightenment.My inspiration therefore is: The Power of Myth.Read more about what inspires business leaders at LinkedIn (credit:Getty Images)
Steve Rubel - Chief Content Strategist at Edelman(06 of11)
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"A Total Focus on QTR"My near-death experience taught me early that we have a limited amount of what entrepreneur Wayne Huyzienga once called QTR: "quality time remaining."QTR is what now motivates me every day to take smart risks, inspire greatness in others and (hopefully) have a lasting impact on the PR industry.Read more about what inspires business leaders at LinkedIn (credit:LinkedIn)
Naomi Simson - Founder of RedBalloon(07 of11)
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"Please Tell Me I Can't"I have never thought that people took me seriously. It is as if my need to 'prove' myself has fueled my relentless pursuit to create a best work place, for growth and for being "world-famous" for what we do. To show all those people that said to me "you can't" - that in fact I can.Read more about what inspires business leaders at LinkedIn (credit:Getty Images)
Neil Blumenthal - Warby Parker Founder(08 of11)
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"Big, Audacious Problems"At its root, problem-solving is the act of examining a situation and asking yourself, "How could this be better?" All humans have this instinct. Seeking to learn about particularly pragmatic solutions is the best way I've found to get energized and inspired to do the same.Read more about what inspires business leaders at LinkedIn (credit:AP)
Richard A. Moran - CEO of Accretive Solutions(09 of11)
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"Donald Trump. Really"A consistent and reliable source of inspiration is Donald Trump ... I know he can be philanthropic in big ways and serve the community. I know there are some good things that Mr. Trump has done all over the world. I give him a lot of credit but he inspires me to be someone different. Someone I like more. And, just so you know, his hair does not inspire me one way or the other.Read more about what inspires business leaders at LinkedIn (credit:LinkedIn)
Chester Elton - Author of NY Times Best-Seller "All In"(10 of11)
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"The Radio Station Manager Who Made the Homeless Smile"Not a day goes by that I don't think about my dad. I remain inspired by the genuine depth with which he loved the people who worked with him.Be good to everyone; everybody is having a tough day. Thanks for the advice, Dad.Read more about what inspires business leaders at LinkedIn (credit:LinkedIn)
Peter Greenberg - Travel Editor CBS News(11 of11)
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"The Lost Art of Conversation"What gives me inspiration every day is that I know I will meet, encounter, or be confronted not by people, but by dozens of fascinating stories. Not everyone is a fascinating storyteller, but every single person has a fascinating story. And that leads to establishing common ground and great business decisions--and even better business deals.Read more about what inspires business leaders at LinkedIn (credit:AP)
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