INTRODUCTION

The first step to becoming an effective, successful manager is the decision to learn to be a better manager. People who have achieved excellence in their fields were not born into their expertise. Top performers including pianists, artists and salesmen were not born knowing how to perform their respective crafts. They did it the old fashioned way, they learned it! Excellent managers were not born knowing how to manage. While instinct seems to play a role in achievements, every achiever will quickly show that their excellence was the result of investing money and time to become accomplished. Additionally, they never quit trying to improve.

Learning to be a more successful manager will cost you time and money. Rewards are waiting for you. You will open up many new opportunities for personal growth. To encourage the necessary sacrifice, you must want to make more money. Remember, it isn't the money itself but the things that you can accomplish with it. You must be generous with the money to demonstrate purity of intention. The more you share, the more you will have. It just works that way! Other rewards include confidence and high self esteem. Your family will also benefit because your effort will change your life for the better.

Verify the truth as presented in the first paragraph. Afford yourself the opportunity to interview, informally or formally, people who seem to be accomplished in their field. Your targets need not be managers like Lee Iacocca, Don Shula, Roger Staubach, Terry Bradshaw or Colin Powell. {Each has published biographies worth reading.) Look around you. Talk to people you rate as being successful achievers in their respective fields. Ask them how they did it.

Rule: Do not waste your time discussing big thoughts and ideas regarding success with those who do not aspire to be more successful.

What if you told many of your friends and acquaintances that you wanted to become president of your company or even the best manager that you can be? Most would laugh, kid, joke and probably make you feel sorry that you shared that goal. However, successful people will sincerely offer encouragement. If you are fortunate to have a couple of people among your friends who are success oriented you have a great starting point. These will understand your desire to be more successful. The more sincere and successful they are, the more you will have to encourage them to talk about that part of their lives. A successful person will not laugh at your questions and will give you sincere and honest answers. Sharing with a friend who aspires to be more successful can be a very rewarding experience. In some recommended readings these sharings are sometimes described as "master minding".

Personal Performance Objectives:

1. Beginning today, I will set out to develop myself into an outstanding leader an excellent manager.
2. I will make a point of observing behaviors of different managers. I will make a point of observing practices of "good management" versus "bad management". What was intended? What was achieved?
3. Within my authority, I will not engage in "bad management" practices.
4. Within, the next 12 months, I will attend at least two professional management courses. (If possible try to include one that may be titled: Managing Interpersonal Relationships.)
5. I will read at least one book per month which provides a model for leadership and management.
6. I will consciously try to fill my mind with positive thoughts and concentrate on achieving greater success for me and my family.
7. I will share my goals with trusted family members, friends or acquaintances who will understand and support my efforts.