Mind elasticity

What is mind elasticity?
Our past experience, present state of mind, and feelings will decide the meaning of what we see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. Thus, our perception on so many things is very subjective. At the same time, this is the reason for us to be selective in our attention to things happening around us. The same reason also made every individual very unique. Therefore, no two people will tell the same story or event with the same perception. It must be slightly different. It will never be exactly the same 100%. That is what we call 'mind elasticity.' This natural formation of our thinking ability will determine different individual will have different potential. Uniquely, everyone has this hidden potential.

Wrong focus
We always forget about this very unique potential. Many time, we always tend to waste precious energy worrying about what we cannot achieve rather than focusing on what untapped potential we have and what we can be today or in the future.

Good quote from Tryon Edwards (1809 - 1894)
"There is nothing so elastic as the human mind. Like imprisoned steam, the more it is pressed, the more it rises to resist the pressure. The more we are obliged to do the more we are able to accomplish."

Note: 'To do' as in the above quote meant our determination, and 'accomplish' meant to undertake whatever our mind can dream of able to achieve.

Leardership - Anyone Interested?

What is Leadership?

I trust we are reading many texts on leadership. There are many ways to finish the sentences, "Leadership is...."

Leadership defined
Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal (Northouse, 1997).

Leaders and followers are closely linked
The people who engage in leadership will be referred to as leaders and those individuals toward whom leadership is directed will be referred to as followers. Both leaders and followers are involved together in the leadership process. Both of them are cannot be separated from each other. If they are separated and if there is no link, leadership process may not take place. In short, leaders need followers and followers need leaders (Burns, 1978; Jago, 1982; Heller & Van Til, 1983; Hollander, 1992).

The Leader must be the torch bearer
Although leaders and followers are closely linked, it is the leader who often initiates the relationship, creates the communication linkages, and carries the burden for maintaining the relationship relentlessly. The leader cannot blame the followers for any weak links in the process. He should be looking at himself and must be quick to analyze his weaknesses and remedy it.

TEAM Paradigm

The "Team Paradigm" Definition
TEAMS can only function and work effectively if they are allowed to work together over time in an environment that demands and promotes teamwork.

There is no specific definition of what 'team' really meant. The best definition that we could think of is - Together Everyone Achieves More because teamwork will be generating Synergy, Security, and Serenity. When these triple 'SSS' exists in a team, then the team will really has 'teamworks' spirit.

Teamwork and Good Leader
Teamwork today centers around within and around a group of individuals instead of of a strong leader. Leaders come and go, but strong team even stick together during hard times although a good leader may leave them. The trend today is moving towards self-directed teams where self-leadership prevails over strong leadership. This needs heavy responsibilities from each team members.

Shared Vision and Values
Having said that, however, a group of strong personalities does not mean a strong team. They should be embraced the same shared VISION and VALUES to make them stay together through thick and thin. That should be the team bondage and starting block for the common traits of sustainable T.E.A.M.W.O.R.K.S. .

In short, real teamwork can only be achieved through an environment of constantly working together as a team. Learning together is an effective and proactive.

Acronym of Teamworks
Trust each other with respect.
Enthusiasm in team shared vision and values.
Agreed on the best and most viable solutions to any challenges facing the team.
Members must be honest in supporting team leader and vice versa.
Work delegation among members to lessen the team burden should be encouraged.
Ownership to the common goal setting and any possible drawbacks.
Regular communication to keep everyone update on team progress.
Keep emotions out from the team struggle.
Synergy will come automatically to the team if all the above being observed.