Real Leadership: Former NFL Star Turned Supreme Court Justice

"He was studying law in the locker room as an NFL player." - Steve Rushin

As a football fan it is with interest that I watch The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players as voted by the players themselves. In 2010, Number 43 on the list was Alan Page.

Honorable Alan C. Page

Page’s career was recounted by sportswriter Steve Rushin who, as a kid, was a Minnesota Vikings fan in awe of number 88, Alan Page.

From 1967 until 1978 Page was a defensive player for the Vikings (thereafter, he joined the Chicago Bears and played through their 1981 season.) He never missed a game in his 15-year career. On the field he was considered relentless; off the field he was described as mild-mannered and cerebral.

In 1971 he was the first defensive player to be named MVP since the award’s inception. In 1979 he became the first active NFL player to complete a marathon. It is said that he has since completed hundreds of marathons.

Why Page is a Stand Out
So, why does Alan Page stand out in Steve Rushin’s mind? Besides being a gifted player, Rushin discovered Page’s grace and humility.

In the 1970s when Rushin was unable to find a Vikings jersey with the number 88 on it, he created his own. He knew Page would be staying at a nearby hotel, so he set out to have him autograph the homemade jersey. To his dismay, Page did not sign autographs. Twenty-five years later, Rushin met Page and told him the story.

Page later responded by sending a signed number 88 jersey with a note explaining that it was meant to replace Rushin’s threadbare jersey. According to Rushin, “I can count on one hand the number of NFL subjects I’ve received a handwritten note from after that.”

The reason Page didn’t sign autographs, says Rushin, was that he did not want people to feel he was better than they were because he was a football player.

No Regrets Over Super Bowl
Although some players retire with regrets over never winning the big one, Page cared little about never winning a Super Bowl.

He focused on HIGHER EDUCATION and attended the University of Minnesota Law School while still playing for the Vikings. Amazingly, there were times he studied his law books during locker room breaks. In 1978, Page received his law degree and today, he is a MINNESOTA SUPREME COURT JUSTICE.

Hard Work, Discipline and Focus
Of the many mementos in Page’s office, none reflect his career as an NFL player. Instead there are mementos of Jim Crow laws and other reminders of the power lawmakers possess to make a difference.

"The lessons that I learned from professional football were many: hard work, discipline, focus, the ability to analyze a problem and work through it. To accept that you don't always win and when you do win that doesn't change who you are." Alan C. Page, 2005

A Real Leader Saves Children from a Trash Dump

Not only is Elena Durón Miranda a CNN Hero, she is a leader of character. Durón Miranda learned that many children in Bariloche, a popular city for skiers and tourists in southern Argentina, drop out of school and spend their lives working at a trash dump.

She then launched an organization to provide them with free education and extracurricular programs so they have an alternative to working.

Fathers as Leaders and Teachers

From the moment children are born, their families bear the responsibility of teaching them the skills, values, and beliefs, which help shape their characters.

One of the primary teachers and strongest influences on a child is his/her father.

Being able to influence a child with positive values and beliefs is a precious gift to a father.

Recognizing this gift and using it effectively means a father is aware he is a leader with the power and responsibility to shape other leaders.

Fathers (and mothers) as leaders in the home is embodied in these words from bestselling author, Stephen Covey:

For parents to instill a sense of vision and possibility into a family, to exercise the discipline and sacrifice to pull that vision off, and to endure through the difficult times with a deep sense of passion, drive, and commitment, all in a conscience-driven way, I suggest is the ultimate and best test of leadership. (From the book, The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness.)

The world will forever benefit from leaders of character, and fathers can help develop such leaders by exemplifying positive leadership behaviors.

Real Leadership: Oprah Winfrey

Oprah's Farewell Spectacular

As the final Oprah Winfrey Show airs this week, we are reminded of her dynamic legacy and her exemplary leadership.

An Empowering Leader
In the twenty-five years since her show debuted, Oprah has inspired millions to live their best life. The Oprah Show was more than a show. It was a finely tuned instrument that purposefully transformed lives. It was a powerful source of hope, empowerment, and limitless possibilities.

A Beacon of Humanity
The hallmark of Oprah’s leadership is her remarkable and inherent compassion for others.

She has given a voice to the voiceless and healed the lives of many. She has motivated people to rise up despite adversity, taught them to aspire to something far greater than they imagine, and gifted them with the ability to believe in themselves.

By spreading messages of love, peace, and tolerance, Oprah has caused people around the world to have new and different perspectives. Her show has brought laughter to our lives, hope to our hearts, and spirituality to our souls.

Humility and Generosity
Oprah has given generously to enrich the lives of countless families and individuals. Through her philanthropy, thousands of young men and women have received an education. As she makes the leap to the Oprah Winfrey Network, she remains humble and giving, and her focus remains on helping and inspiring people.

An Enduring Legacy
Leaders like Oprah prove that when you care about others…when you seek to lift people up…not only do you earn their respect and admiration, you create a path to GREATNESS.

As we say farewell to the Oprah Winfrey Show, we are not saying goodbye to Oprah herself. She will continue to permeate humanity with her altruistic spirit, forever impressing upon us her legacy and her brilliance.

Turn Obstacles into Opportunities: How a Woman and Her Scissors Sparked Million$

"When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser." -Mary Kay Ash

Twenty-seven-year-old Sara got dressed in her new pair of white pants then decided she did not like the way she looked in them. She wanted to correct the visible lines and the see-through issue she was having.

She shopped for a body shaper to correct the problem, but found nothing suitable. In fact, she was horrified by the shapewear selection on the market. "They were thick—it was like wearing workout clothes,” said Sara. Her $98 pants hung in her closet unworn until she cut the feet off a pair of pantyhose allowing her to wear her pants with a pair of strappy shoes. According to Sara, “I didn’t see lines but the hose rolled up at my feet—and that’s how Spanx was born."
Visit Spanx

Sara Blakely had turned an obstacle into a very profitable opportunity. Today, Spanx is not only a multi-million dollar company, it is a revolution. Their body shapers are worn by countless numbers of celebrities and were endorsed by Oprah Winfrey as one of her Favorite Things. 
Watch Spanx Video

Change the Way You See the Situation
When faced with an obstacle, for some, the natural tendency may be to give up. The key, however, is to see your obstacle as an opportunity. Ask yourself, “How can I turn this obstacle into an opportunity?” “Is this an opportunity for me to learn and grow? Create a new product? Start a new career?” Sara could have returned her pants to the store or left them hanging in her closet indefinitely. Instead, she chose to see her obstacle (not being able to wear her pants) as an opportunity to bring a new product to market.

Persistence Pay$
Even after recognizing an opportunity, you may continue to encounter obstacles on your way to bringing that opportunity to reality. By being persistent and continuing to see opportunities, you will overcome those obstacles. When Sara approached mill owners about her footless pantyhose idea, most of them sent her away. They thought it “made no sense, and would never sell.” She persisted and proved them wrong. Spanx is now celebrating their tenth year in business.
Also read: Believe in Yourself: The Little Engine That Knows it Will

For each obstacle you overcome, you will become stronger, more resilient. You will become more adept at recognizing and seizing opportunities. No longer will obstacles be an excuse for not achieving your goal or dream; they will become opportunities that take you to new avenues of success.

Share your thoughts. How have you turned obstacles into opportunities?

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Real Leadership: Maya Angelou

"The honorary duty of a human being is to love.” –Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou

Dr. Angelou has proven to be a leader of character through her personal values, her profound body of work, the wisdom she imparts, and her humanitarian spirit.

Born in 1928, Dr. Angelou has earned prominence as a poet, educator, author, actress, producer, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. She has served on two presidential committees and is currently the Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.

Through her seemingly endless array of talents and contributions, Dr. Angelou has abundantly imparted messages of love, tolerance, faith, courage, boldness, gratitude, respect, humility, and appreciation for life.

Works
Among her many works are the internationally-acclaimed I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (an autobiographical account of her youth), the poem Still I Rise, and her screenplay Georgia, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
Read biography

Honors and Achievements
In 2011, Dr. Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “I try to be as kind and fair, and generous…and respectful, and courteous to every human being,” says Angelou.
Watch video

In 2008, she received the Lincoln Medal and in 2000 was awarded the Presidential Medal for the Arts. In 1975, she received the Ladies Home Journal Woman of the Year Award in communications.

She was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the National Commission on the Observance of International Woman's Year and by President Ford to the American Revolutionary Bicentennial Advisory Council. She is the recipient of numerous honorary degrees.

Dr. Angelou continues to build on her distinguished legacy and remains a powerful voice that lifts, educates, empowers, and inspires.

The Real Leadership Series is a monthly blog written by Christine Ferguson. Click here to visit the RLS site and read more blogs on real leaders, subscribe, or nominate a leader of character

Maya Angelou photo is the property of mayaangelou.com and Dwight Carter. No copyright infringement intended.

Real Leadership: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Day is January 17, 2011

As one of history’s most recognizable and influential leaders, Martin Luther King, Jr. not only sought justice and equality for African Americans, he sought those same rights for those who received unfair treatment. He also dedicated himself to ending poverty.

In 1968, King’s I’ve Been to the Mountaintop speech (delivered the day before his assassination), urged citizens to withdraw their support from companies that exercised unfair hiring policies. This was part of his strategy to gain fair wages and proper working conditions for sanitation workers.

But long before his speech of April 3, 1968, King’s reputation as a leader of character was evident in his words, actions, and attitudes. In his fight for freedom and equality, King relied on nonviolent action and dissuaded his followers from using violent tactics.

King embodied indisputable courage working doggedly and tirelessly for the benefit of humanity. He led and influenced others through the conviction of his faith, the strength of his beliefs, the breadth of his knowledge, and the power of his words.

His dynamic I Have a Dream speech of 1963 is perhaps his most famous for its unique eloquence and passion, among other unforgettable elements. But in one of his finest speeches, The Drum Major Instinct, King explains with exquisite clarity, the essence of leadership:

If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That’s a new definition of greatness…[read entire speech…]

Among King’s attributes was his unpretentious ability to lead with humility and love, even under the gravest circumstances. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that,” said King.

In 1964 he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his longstanding activism against racial segregation and racial discrimination through nonviolent means.

Dr. King was indeed a remarkable leader. His legacy continues to inspire and his work and words will forever live in our hearts and minds.

What are some ways in which Dr. King inspires you?

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Taken from the Real Leadership Series, a monthly blog written by Christine Ferguson. Click here to visit the RLS site and read more blogs on real leaders.

Leadership and Life Lessons from Peyton Manning

"It’s really not about whose fault it is. It’s about how you handle it.” –Peyton Manning

In this NFL interview Peyton Manning, quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and four-time NFL MVP, answers questions about his team’s recent win and their uncharacteristic three-game losing streak.

Manning’s leadership style and philosophies, evident in this interview, are undoubtedly among the assets which make him one of the greatest NFL players.

Here are key points he makes during the interview:

Taking Responsibility
Minute 1:50: Deion Sanders states, “I like that you are a stand up guy.” Why? At recent press conferences Manning took responsibility for his team’s losses. “It doesn’t do any good to blame anybody. It’s really not about whose fault it is. It’s about how you handle it and how you fix it,” replied Manning. “I believe in accountability.”

Focusing on What’s Right
Minute 2:50: After three consecutive losses, Manning says he was asked if he was in a slump. His reply, “I guess maybe I was, but I’ve been on an eight-and-a-half year hidden streak,” referring to his winning NFL record. When faced with challenges our tendency is to focus on what’s not working and on what went wrong instead of focusing on what’s working and what we are capable of.

Being in the Now
Minute 4:48: Manning is asked his thoughts on two previous games in which he threw a total of eight interceptions. His response indicates he is focused on the present moment and on moving forward.

Learning from Adversity
Manning concluded the interview by saying the three consecutive losses were a test of faith and working through adversity. “How you handle it is the key,” he said. This is the stuff of which champions are made. It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond to it.

Whether or not you are a football fan you will appreciate Manning’s perspectives. To watch the entire NFL interview, click here.

What are some of your principles and philosophies for working through challenges?

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine Ferguson

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
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Shaping Your Entrepreneurial Mind for Success

"If one asks for success and prepares for failure, he will get the situation he has prepared for." -Florence Scovel Shinn

As an entrepreneur you may already be equipped with How-To books for business plans, marketing plans, and sales strategies. There is no question this type of information is essential to your business. However, your biggest asset and your most important resource is the stuff between your ears.

In the book The Power of the Platform: Speakers on Life, I recap how an Oprah Winfrey audience member asked business tycoon Russell Simmons how to become a successful entrepreneur. Simmons replied that the man already had everything he needed because he had a brain.

Knock Down the Wall-of-Naysayers
For entrepreneurs like Simmons, how they use their minds can mean the difference between remarkable success and never realizing a dream. They believe in their vision despite obstacles and those who say it can’t be done. While you will undoubtedly receive some very sound advice, there are those whose advice stem from fear or those who sit on the sidelines of life never knowing what it is like to take calculated risks.

Years ago when I was faced with major business and personal decisions, I listened to naysayers and then lay in bed at night gripped with fear that I may be making some terrible mistake. Ultimately, I proceeded with my decisions because that was the only way I would know what my outcomes would be. Sometimes the outcomes were successful, other times they were not. When you knock down the wall-of-naysayers you will discover for yourself what is on the other side.

Examine Your Why
As you set out to achieve your goals and dreams, one way to exercise your mind is to ask yourself why your dream is important to you and why would it matter to others. I often speak on examining your why. Knowing your why and keeping it in the forefront of your mind drives you and helps you stay focused—losing focus can quickly take you off track.

A strong why (one that leads to great long-term success) is not built on greed, hubris, or selfishness. As Jim Collins author of the best-seller Good to Great puts it, “Leaders of great enduring companies possess a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will, more like Lincoln than Patton; they’re intent on building, contributing and creating something that will endure rather than furthering their own interests in fame, fortune or power.” When you determine your why as something that is meaningful and unselfish, not only does this strengthen your mind, it also strengthens your character.

Who Do You Need To Become?
Another question to ask, one that also strengthens your character and shapes your mind for success is, “Who do I need to become in order to get from where I am to where I want to be?” Who you are is not a matter of whether you are a writer, marketer, or IT professional. Rather, it is a matter of who you are on the inside. No matter how good you are at what you do, if you allow negative thoughts and behaviors to permeate your mind, you will be ill-equipped to move beyond setbacks.

From the time they were children through the years of building their multi-million dollar wine business, Ernest and Julio Gallo faced great business difficulties and several personal tragedies. Yet, they continued to push forward never giving up on themselves or their business. Pushing past challenges requires strength and resilience. What’s more, overcoming each challenge strengthens you for the next.

Managing Success
Some entrepreneurs prepare to recover from potential challenges by surrounding themselves with books, coaches, and mentors. However, you must also ask yourself, “Who do I need to become in order to manage success?” Those who manage success well are not complacent about their achievements. They know it is normal to be proud of successes and to celebrate them. Yet, they also know the more time they spend basking in their triumphs, the more time their competitors spend bringing new products to market or devising tactics to steal away their customers. So, with diligence and integrity, they plan and execute strategies for remaining competitive and being innovative.

Those who manage success effectively do not allow themselves to become greedy and arrogant. Greed and arrogance are surefire ways to ruin your business and your reputation. There is no shortage of empirical evidence against companies who, at their own hands, toppled their empires in the nefarious pursuit of more. For a comprehensive guide to managing business growth and sustainability read How The Mighty Fall, another Jim Collins book. In the meantime, ask yourself who you need to become to get from where you are to where you want to be and write down your responses and action steps.

As you traverse the sometimes unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, be patience as results may take time. Continue to shape and sharpen your mind for success by learning from others and from your mistakes. And when your critics are quick to point out how you stumbled, remember the inspiring words of Theodore Roosevelt, "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood…so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

What are some tools you use to prepare for entrepreneurial success?

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine Ferguson

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
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Diplomacy Always Trumps Rudeness

"Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you - not because they are nice, but because you are." -Unknown

After wrapping up my call with a bank representative she concluded with, "Thank you for being so nice." Her comment suggested she had encountered her share of impolite customers. You, too, may have experienced rudeness from clients, customer service representatives, co-workers, or even bosses.

Those who choose to be rude do so for any number of reasons including ranting and raving about a problem believing someone will be forced to resolve their issue.

If I Yell Loud Enough Someone Will Fix My Problem
Sometimes this approach may work, but at what cost? You may defame yourself or cause a company or an individual to avoid communication with you. In 2007, Sprint-Nextel terminated several customer relationships because they believed these customers had become too high maintenance. The company felt it had done everything it could to resolve calls from customers who were constantly disputing their bills. This does not mean the carrier’s response was justified. Yet, it shows being a squeaky wheel can generate the opposite response. Additionally, one can be a squeaky wheel without being rude.

Taking the High Road
When you are rude, one of the messages you send is that you do not respect that individual. Always be respectful of others. Wouldn’t you expect the same for yourself? You cannot expect to receive that which you are not willing to give. If rudeness gets the best of you, then apologize for your behavior. Imagine what that will do to resolve conflicts and improve relationships.

What are You Hiding?
Being rude may also suggest you have something to hide. During an Enron conference call a financial analyst stated, “You're the only financial institution that can't produce a balance sheet or cash flow statement with their earnings.” CEO Jeffrey Skilling reacted with this infamous remark, "Well, uh ... Thank you very much. We appreciate it ... a**hole!" Skilling’s rude reaction stemmed from the fact he had something to hide—Enron’s nonexistent earnings.

Diplomacy Trumps Rudeness
When you are diplomatic instead of rude, others will respond more favorably to you. After arriving at the airport a friend discovered her return flight had been delayed. Rather than make demands and get upset, she chose to adopt an attitude of "It is what it is." Do you know what happened next? In her words, "The ticket agent took the initiative, booked me on another flight that I didn't request, walked over to me and handed me new plane tickets!"

That’s diplomacy in action! When you trade rudeness for diplomacy you will create more positive relationships, position yourself as someone of character, and earn the respect of others.

What are some situations in which you have chosen diplomacy over rudeness?

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

___________________________
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You're Such a Goody-Two-Shoes

Have you ever been called “goody-two-shoes”? I have. There were times I was told I was too honest because, for example, I corrected a cashier’s error or I refused to tell untruths on someone else’s behalf.

I used to be offended by the term goody-two-shoes because my mind conjured up images of a schoolmarm who had zero sense of fun or risk-taking. Who wanted to be perceived in that manner? Not me!

Over time as I immersed myself in books and courses on personal development and leadership, the term “integrity” began to take on great significance. I saw the devastating effects a lack of integrity had on businesses, the economy, and communities (think Bernie Madoff, the Great Recession, and Fortune 500 companies that have fallen from grace). Certainly other factors such as greed played a role in these situations; yet, a lack of integrity ranks high on the list.

In 2009, when Fortune magazine reported schools were adding courses on integrity to MBA programs, I knew these schools saw the same lack-of-integrity effects I did.

Nowadays, when someone describes me as goody-two-shoes I realize what they are really saying is, I am a woman of integrity. If the term goody-two-shoes does not appeal to you, the next time someone describes you as such consider it a high compliment and keep moving forward.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

___________________________
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Humility Breeds Success

Humility is an important characteristic of a leader. Leaders who possess this quality and who are also interested in benefiting others rather than advancing their own self interests, achieve greater success with their teams and business.

Therefore, I couldn't agree more when I read this recent quote from Jim Collins, author of classic business books such as Good to Great and Built to Last. I thought it was timely and relevant:

"Leaders of great enduring companies possess a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will, more like Lincoln than Patton; they're intent on building, contributing and creating something that will endure rather than furthering their own interests in fame, fortune or power."

In the course of leading your team, your company, or even your family, balance strength with humility to achieve greater success and lasting results.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine

___________________________
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Changing Your Behavior for Results

Enjoy this short, impactful process designed to change your behavior so you get results in your business and/or personal life.

Immediately after completing this exercise, share your thoughts and reactions with your group. Then, post comments here about your experience and outcomes.

This process is taken from the Harvard Business Review article, "An Exercise in Changing Yourself." Click here to read the full HBR article.

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