During my long career, I've read hundreds of books and formulas for success in business. Nearly all have lists of things to do or say that are supposed to make you excel. Things like, "Seven Steps to Success" or "Five Principles of Prosperity." Unfortunately, I find that most of these wind up framed as "words on the wall" – empty phrases that aren't read and don't inspire anyone to action.
I know from experience that the 8 Keys of Excellence that I have lived for more than 25 years are far more than just words. They are principles of behavior that inspire people to try great things – and succeed. These Keys have constantly propelled me forward, helping to bring purpose, meaning and fulfillment to my life and my work.
The 8 Keys are also the foundation of our Quantum Learning Network pre-teen and teen summer camps and our school programs and they are the principles we follow in our office. Invest a few minutes with the Keys now and if you find that they bring a few rays of sunshine into your work and life, the investment will be well worth your while. We'll take a deeper look at each key in upcoming blogs, but this will whet your appetite!
LIVE IN INTEGRITY
Align your actions with your values
Live what you value.
If you value honesty, be truthful.
If you value keeping your word, follow thorough.
If you value being fair, do what you expect others to do.
FAILURE LEADS TO SUCCESS
View failures as information for learning
The only real failure is not learning from your mistakes.
Ask yourself:
What have I learned from this experience?
What value can I find in it?
What will I do differently next time?
SPEAK WITH GOOD PURPOSE
Give positive, honest and direct communication
Speaking with Good Purpose is the cornerstone of healthy relationships.
When you give someone honest, direct feedback with good intention, what results?
You cut through the "chatter."
You build trust.
You make people sit up and listen when you speak.
THIS IS IT! — LIVE IN THE NOW
Make the most of every moment
By making something else IT, you miss what's going on around you in the moment. Each moment, each task, counts.
AFFIRM YOUR COMMITMENT
Do whatever it takes
By being willing to do whatever it takes, you can literally change the world.
TAKE OWNERSHIP
Be accountable and responsible
Be someone who can be counted upon, someone who responds.
STAY FLEXIBLE
Change to get your outcome
Get off what's not working. Shift perspectives.
the ability to change what you're doing to get the outcome you desire.
KEEP YOUR BALANCE
Life a fulfilled life by aligning your mind, body and spirit
Create balance in your life by apportioning your time according to your highest priorities.