Ambition vs Rewards

People confuse ambition with the rewards of their efforts. 

A businessman spent the morning telling me of cars, houses and holidays he wants when I asked him about his ambition. No buddy, that's the rewards you get for achieving your ambition. 

Ambition is your role, your contributions to society. It's you making your voice heard, your efforts to improve your local or international community. 

No, no one is asking you to change the world, so relax. There is, however, a need for your voice, your contribution to make the world a little better, a little sweeter. 

Hell, it doesn't have to be the world, if what you have to offer influences more than just you, touching a few other lives, well, then you are living out your ambitions. 

Once on the road to fulfilling that ambition, then the rewards will come ... and stay. If you get the order wrong, you may find that the rewards come and go. 

So, today... in some small way, do something for someone else. Share with them what you have, even if it's just a little advice.

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Coaching: When clients focus on want instead of need

As a life coach, I often deal with people that are crystal clear about their wants, while oblivious to what they need. This awareness is a result of focus on the rewards without recognizing the efforts that will give them the rewards. 

What we want and what we need are not always the same thing. Someone may want a nice new car, but what they need is a job to pay for the car. 

In many of the coaching sessions that I offer, I find that people come seeking goals when what they need is clarity. They feel a lack of ambition when actually it's a lack of focus. People want to give up for a lack of feedback when the root is a lack of momentum, and they complain about a lack of support or poor response when it's a lack of communication. 

At the root of goal achievement, or success of any description, is the foundation stones of clarity, focus, momentum and communication. 

Do you want to level up your success? 

Stop, take a deep breath and ask: what lies below my wants and desires? What is the need at the foundation of my want? 

Don't be too surprised if one of the four foundation stones pops up as the need. 

Focus your energy and effort on addressing the need, and the want will be fulfilled as your reward.

Come visit me on the new blog page: https://www.johnusher.com/

Quantum Leadership, The Origins (Part 4)

So, some kooky clown on a little blog wants to mash quantum physics and leadership together, so what! 

How does this affect you and why should you care? 

 Here's why: 

Truth is truth on all levels. When you find a principle that works, it will work for everyone - rich, poor, clever, stupid, young, old, leader or not leader. 

Quantum physics has revealed some crazy and interesting principles that apply to particles on the tiniest of levels. 

As humans, we are made of particles, we are also surrounded by particles - so those truths are true for us as people and true for our circumstances. 

What happens to particles has consequences in our personal lives. So, maybe we should pay attention, and learn how to get the best from our quantum make up. 

The simple principles and processes of quantum leadership offers tried and tested options that can be applied to fishing or to business alike, with results and explanations that will suit your curiosity and ambition.

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Part 3 of the Origins of Quantum Leadership

Each day, I fall deeper in love with the complex elegance and the elegant simplicity of the three leadership models that I currently call the U49. 

It was time to duplicate the success achieved during the fishing challenge ... in a real life business situation. But, before I could do that, I would have to describe the function and reason for each model in a simple way. 

The first model, Tharros, or the courage model, helps leaders plot where they want to go, clearly defining the vision, outcome or end result. This is not out of the ordinary. 

This model focuses on developing the personal identity of the leader through involution and evolution, evoking courage to act on what he or she believes. 

Involution is the process of recognizing who God has called you to be, clearly identifying your true self, and making the decision to express that inner identity. 

Evolution is the process whereby you shape your behaviour and actions to reflect who you are on the inside, one action at a time. 

Tharros is leadership by identity. This is out of the ordinary. 

The Tharros model describes the final result and asks you to define resources, roles and identities needed to achieve it. 

To be continued...

Quantum Leadership, The Origins (Part 2)

I was burning to test the 3 fresh leadership models on someone, but most people looked at me as if I was nuts. No one was prepared to put their profits on the line for my crazy experiment, but I don't really blame them.

So, I went fishing. 

 It's amazing how the brain finds answers when not looking for them. While fishing I decided to pick and start an obscure task, project or business in which I could experiment. In that way, I could test the leadership models, from scratch, without risking existing businesses or relationships. 

Then, the genius really struck! Hahaha 

Fishing! My obscure task was ... fishing. In fact, the goal was to catch 100 fish in 100 days ... in winter ... even though I had only been fishing a handful of times in my life ... even though I could count the fish I've caught on one hand. 

The plan was to use the 3 models in a way that maximized my chances of reaching the goal. No relations or businesses would be adversely affected, except maybe my sanity and maybe the fish population (although it was a catch, photo and release adventure). 

I carefully followed the models, plotting the next steps with the help of Ben van Wetten, who patiently listened to my blah blah, as I sounded out the principles and processes needed. 

Angela James helped me do an internal check, making sure the 'behind-the-sceen' philosophies were sound. 

Two weeks later, I launched the 100 day fishing challenge. At first I kept my plan secret. Only a buddy that went fishing with me from time to time knew what I was actually doing. 

Each time this friend joined me, he asked where I was in the process, what principles I had used and what I had hoped to achieve. He then went home and applied the fishing challenge principles to his own business, with varying degrees of success, but success nonetheless. 

As it turns out, I caught 100 fish in the first 50 days. I continued the challenge, ending with 202 fish caught between 1 June and 8 September 2019. The models worked. 

I only started making the fishing challenge public once I had achieved the results, and continued to share progress as I doubled my target. 

By the end of the challenge, I understood the models, could explain them simply,and could apply them to the fishing challenge, with spectacular results. 

Only one question remained unanswered, could the results of the fishing challenge be duplicated elsewhere? 

To be continued...

Quantum Leadership, The Origins (Part 1)

Four years ago, I started to play with the idea of quantum leadership, a leadership theory that aligns with the principles of quantum physics. 

 Boy, was I confused. 

After six long months of struggling to merge physics and leadership, I gave it up as a nice, but impractical idea. 

Then, one day a couple of years ago, I sat down to make a tangible 3D model of leadership. I wanted a model I could put in my pocket to use in a pinch. 

The information poured onto the page. It took three days to come up with three original, but elegant models that help a leader plot and track progress made. 

It was also horribly complicated! 

I spent the next two years simply trying to make sense of the complexity that I dumped onto paper. 

The only way to make real sense of the models was to practically apply them in a real leadership situation. 

To my surprise , none of my business owner friends wanted me to apply the crazy and complicated model to their businesses. Pffft!

I was stuck. 

To be continued...

Quantum Leadership, Principle 2

Leadership is a crazy, yet important process, filled with obscurity and irony, contrasted by clarity and focus.

There is no doubt that leadership is constantly juggling options, like - do it yourself to set the example versus delegate it to someone qualified, or pick resources versus opt for skills.

The second principle of quantum leadership also demands a juggling act from the leader, by defining the ideal outcome (vision), and knowing exactly what development has taken place. 

The irony of this principle lies in the fact that the tangible progress made by the team is harder to measure than it is to describe the unmanifested outcome.  

The leader sets out the vision in all clarity at the start of the process, explaining the why, what and when of the vision's achievement, allowing the team to detail the how.

The leader defines the next piece required  in the process, creating focus. The team offers guidance on how to achieve it, creating momentum.

Once the step has been taken, the leader measures the momentum and influence gained by the teams efforts. These two criteria, notoriously difficulty to measure accurately, rely more on "probability" than using hard evidence. 

Are you confused? 

Don't be.  The second principle of quantum leadership simply requires you to aim at a clear target, which is made easier to hit by knowing exactly where you are. The problem is, you won't always know exactly where you are. 

It's like plotting your journey home from an unknown place. You change and tweak the direction of your travel as you get information from your environment, still uncertain that your path will take you directly to the safety of home. 

In the spirit of quantum physics, the leader needs the ability to observe measurable and non-measurable results. Acting from adaptability and focus, the leader will have to deduce the next steps. 

The MasterMe course helps the leader develop the skills and mindset needed to make it home from wherever they are. 

Connect with me on social media, by dropping a message below, or by sending email to discover the skills, principles and models needed to navigate quantum leadership. 

The first principle in Quantum Leadership

 Modern leadership is cluttered with fads and fashions, tricks and games, all designed to hack the identity and process of leadership.

 As much as there is a place  for hacks and short cuts in the world, mastery demands dedication and experience. Quantum leadership strips away the smoke and mirrors, in favour of mastering identity, collaboration and timing.

 The first principle of Quantum Leadership seeks the description of the minimum elements needed to collaborate the successful outcome on a scale relevant to the benefit of others.

 What on earth does that mean?

 Let's take a step back and consider the definition of leadership: A leader is someone that guides a team to the successful achievement of a vision.

  We can deduce that there are four obvious elements in this definition:

1. The leader – This is the person that births the vision and is responsible for its successful achievement.

2. Guides – The leader has the vision in his or her head. It is an idea, a desire, a concept that acts as the true north, the final destination of the team and the end of the process.

3. The team – is a collection of people, selected for their skills, knowledge and previous experience in achieving something similar to the leader's vision.

4. The vision – The idea or desired result initiated by the leader, that offers value, solutions or some contribution towards the greater good, for the benefit of someone or something other than the leader and his or her team.  

 These are the four obvious elements within the definition of leadership. However, there are a few more elements needed to ensure the successful collaboration between leader, team and vision.

 Without cluttering the leadership process, many elements could be included in this mix to ensure success. Sticking to the quantum theme, four elements stand out above the rest, and include: momentum, clarity, focus and communication.

 Quantum leadership seeks the clear description of these eight core elements, with a few others, in simple detail, to initiate the vision, establish the leader, forge collaboration with the team, create momentum and successfully achieve the outcome that benefits others. The scale of the achievement should be in direct relationship to the need addressed by the vision.

 Please follow this blog or connect with me on social media for more principles and discussions about quantum leadership.

Introduction to Quantum Leadership

 The mention of the word quantum in any conversation has people sucking air in through their teeth and mumbling, "gosh, you must be intelligent."

There is no doubt in my mind that leadership, like quantum physics is complex, but by no means is it intended for a select number of people. Quantum Leadership is as relevant to the janitor as it is to the company CEO, and will change not only your life, but also the world in which you live. 

Modern leadership is cluttered with strategies, tactics and gimmicks, which simply distract from what leadership is - a person guiding a collection of people to achieve a desired goal or outcome intended for the greater good.

Quantum leadership strips away fads, to reveal the minimum elements and processes needed to birth a vision, gather a team, act as a guide and achieve the results. It’s a raw and efficient approach to vision achievement.

Obviously, we all want to add adjective to leadership that drip with success, such as "significant," "authentic," and "sustainable." Quantum leadership may or may not hint at those words, but its true power lies in identity. We get in this world not what we pray for or what we want, we get in this world based on who we are.

Quantum leadership is not a quick fix, nor is it a fad. It is difficult, requiring persistence and dedication to who you are, with acute awareness of timing and process in order to get what you want. Quantum leadership requires practice and mentoring, requiring you to up your game, not just at the office, but in life as a whole.

If you're looking for a leadership hack, move on, as you won't find it here. If you are looking for principles to shape your identity that will forge your behaviour, which ultimately guides your leadership ability, revealing your purpose – welcome home. 

Connection celebrated

Do you know what the best thing is about admitting you're confused, lost or purposeless? 

 Connection. 

 Being confident about your future has an amazing way of rattling the cages of those around you. People less certain about their own future aren't fans of those that seem to have their shit together. 

The purposeful can come across as smug, arrogant and less in need of what us 'plebs' have to offer. 

 It's intimidating to be around those that have a mission, vision and a meaningful purpose. It somehow makes them untouchable, non-vulnerable and most certainly not in need of my help. 

My experience has taught me that it's harder to connect with those already inspired, mainly because they seem immune or not in need of what I have to offer the world. As much as I can and do applaud their achievements, connection suffers. 

This thought caused me to reflect on how others see me, and how I make them feel when they are around me. I realised that many people shut down tighter than a clam at low tide when we are together. 

Honest reflection also made me realise that I need help too, and often feel lost or directionless. 

What an amazing experience it was to admit that. 

People from all walks of life started to offer advice, support and guidance for a reason which I am confused, in which they are subject matter experts. Connection happened. 

Dear leader, manager, entrepreneur, foreman, husband, wife, parent and child, your vision never was, nor will ever be, more important than connection. For each other, with each other, we are in this life together. 

Play your part.

Come visit on the new website: https://www.johnusher.com/blog

You're probably an addict

You're probably an addict of sorts. Yep, you! 

Addiction is a disease that isolates people. They convince themselves that they are alone in the world and that no one understands. In this process, they lose connection with others. 

 The polar opposite of addiction is connection. 

You may not be addicted to harmful substances, like alcohol or hard drugs, but I suggest to you that if you avoid connection with others, you may have a problem waiting to happen. 

 I don't mean connection, sit-in-a-pub-and-talk-to-strangers-connection. I mean the ability to expose your heart and mind in raw vulnerability to someone that cares. I mean putting your self at the mercy of others by saying: "I am lost, I need help." 

 Isolation and independence is a crippling addiction too. 

It is dangerously seductive to come home from work and leave all the lights off in the house. Then, do your evening routine in the dark, completely avoiding contact and connection with others, savoring the loneliness.

This is a blissful place of surreal peace, with a lack of responsibility and accountability. Wel, sort of. 

However, in the isolation we lose our own sense of humanity, distancing ourselves from the love, care and support of others. 

We convince ourselves that we are alone, and that nobody understands our situation. We choose to sacrifice connection with others. Real connection. 

Give yourself a rating on your ability to connect with others out of 10. 

 Be honest. 

 Now, get help.

Vulnerability doesn't prevent the hurt

 Vulnerability isn't a magic potion that prevents you from getting hurt. It's more like a calculated risk: you make a conscious decision to open yourself up, and choose to expose your heart and soul, regardless of the consequences, but gambling on a win. 

 The connection within the vulnerable space is just beautiful, it really is. It's a gentle place of understanding and validation, which I think ever heart wants to feel. 

 If you get hurt in the process... ah well, you knew there was that chance, but you risked it anyway, it doesn't make the pain any less or the love less fleeting.

Introducing the three modles of MasterMe Strategy

 

"When is it my turn?" The mumbling tumbles inside our head, as we do our best to validate the success of others, putting on our best smile and applauding loudly. Although jealousy doesn't enter our heart, there is that gnawing sense of frustration as we wait in the wings for our chance.

"KAIROS" is the Greek word for making the right decision at the right time. Timing is a critical factor in our personal success, earmarked by the ability to make good decisions, which is incredibly difficult to teach budding leaders. 

The skills and philosophy of kairos defies mere knowledge, requiring a heart that chooses to understand. Kairos is preceded by and stands on the shoulders of "AXIOS," the intrinsic sense of being worthy, capable and able. A strong relationship with the "I am" straightens the learning leader's spine, lifts his or her chin, and brightens their eye. 

In axios, they know who they are, where they have come from, and where they are headed. The spirit of axios lays the correct foundation for kairos to flourish in the leader, but it too takes time and a heart to understand. The axios heart is forged in the fires of experience. 

 It is at the edge of the fire, deciding whether or not they should stride forward, that leaders are seperated from the followers that opt to turn away. "THARROS" is courage, required to pursue the leadership calling. The potential leader must face the fact that walking into the fire of experience means the attacks come from all sides, in many forms, without rest. 

Tharros, courage, beckons through the flames to all of those paused at the edge, pondering, doubting, questioning. It takes courage to step into the role of leadership, and it is that very courage that shapes the leaders sense of worth and ability, without which kairos is impossible. 

The call of leadership is masked as the call to face our fears, to push through our challenges. It is a call to overcome and learn through experience. It's with cinder still crackling, sodden with the stench of smoke that the leader rises out of the fire, to glory.

Stepping forward, you must embrace tharros (courage) to face your challenges, and gain experience. That experience forges a healthy leader identity, axios, which calmly and confidently makes the right decision at the right time, kairos. It is your time. 

It is your time to face your challenges, and to overcome them. It is your time to realise your worth. It is your time to make the right decision, and win!