Thoughts on mortality, bulalo on my rice and my unhappy liver

"I've been in denial that I am already over 40 by eating like I was 14 years old."

That's what I answered my friend, EJ, when he asked me what happened to me. Today was my first official visit to a work site (a seminar we were holding at the Linden Suites called "Developing Customer Service Superstars" with EJ McKnight. No, he's not the brother of the singer, Brian MKnight....).

I am actually just 42. But I have been quite remiss in taking care of my own health. I've been taking care of business, taking care of my wife, writing books, taking care of our new baby, Joshua, taking care of other stuff.... But when it comes to my health it's really a simple formula for me. Eat what you want in moderation. So far, that has been good in keeping my weight in check, but not for my liver and stomach. When I go out with my Godsons -- Matt, Bam, Bruce -- and my Goddaughter, Chava -- I eat what they eat. Pepperoni Pizza, Sisig, Lechon, Crispy Pata.... When I go out with my Dgroup boys, we pig out on Bulalo. Sometimes, I ask the waitress for an extra serving of bone marrow fat to spread out on my rice.

My simple remedy would be to double up on my supplements to "burn" the extra fat. But that seemingly doesn't work. Duh....(But wait. My wife takes care of me and doesn't have any pork in the house. We eat just fish and chicken and veggies. The only thing is that we have nasty-to-the-liver sleeping habits. It's lights off usually by 1am or 2am.)

My antibiotic-pill-popping days have also come to haunt me. When I was in Ateneo, living in the dorm, I would just pop my stash of antibiotics when the first threat of a cough or cold would come. Never mind if it were just viral. (And you know you are not supposed to take antibiotics for the flu. But I did it all the time.) My liver, I imagine, wasn't very happy with that.

Now, I've been sick and trying to recover for the past two weeks. I have stayed put like a hermit in our condo. I had sleep hyper hydrosis. (That's super sweating it out in the night during my sleep. Think of 5 pajama changes in one night.) I had cough, headaches, LBM, clogged ears... But what worried me were the night sweats because the headaches and cough did come to pass.

My blood analysis shows that my liver is not functioning like it should. My spleen is also affected. And there are other page long details that would bore you.

I changed my diet. Went to a clinic for detoxing. I also went on a fasting and cleansing program for the past 7 days ... and I feel much, much better.

The point is...I am 42 and I have to start practising what I preach and write about in my book, The Heart of Healing. The Lord is continually trying to teach me humility and I am a hard headed student.

Faced with the prospect of getting worse and yes, maybe a shorter life span, thoughts of my lessons to my Tuesday group come back to me...

"What would you do if you had two weeks to live?"

I then ask my group to come up with a list of at least 12 things. Then we study the wisdom in the book of Ecclesiastes.

I have my list tacked on the cork board fronting my desk. Time to read it again, just in case. I don't plan to go anywhere, but it's not a bad idea to live your day as if it were going to be your last. Because, as one wise man once said, "someday it is going to be."

Videocast session 3 a success

We just finished the 3rd run of the Maxwell Videocast yesterday, October 27, 2008, and it seems that people want more. Check out www.saltandlightventures.net for announcements.

How to Lead Change

By John Maxwell

How can Ford Motor Company recover from declining sales and a diminished image? How can a troubled financial sector right the ship after an onslaught of home foreclosures? How can airlines escape their perpetual flirtations with bankruptcy?

In his classic text, Leading Change, John Kotter offers timeless insights into the mechanics of change. In particular, he explores the following eight fundamental qualities of successful change leadership.

This week, I give my space to my friend, author of Leading Change, John Kotter.

The 8 Qualities of successful change leadership

by John Kotter

#1 - Establish a sense of urgency

Wise leaders realize that people have an aversion to change. Unless prodded to make adjustments, most people won't budge from business as usual. Since leaders are likely the first ones to sense the need for change, they must convey a sense of urgency by convincingly identifying the threats of staying the same.

#2 - Gather a guiding coalition

Before making the case for change to the entire organization, a leader should persuade fellow influencers of its necessity. In every company, a small group of stakeholders lay claim to a majority of the influence. Unless a change agent rallies these key decision-makers to his side, he will have difficulty garnering enough momentum to shift the organization.

#3 - Create vision

Before launching a movement for change, it's essential to formulate a compelling vision to support it. The vision should clearly spell out the rationale for making a change, and it should paint a picture of the preferred future that will arise as a result of the change. On a practical note, the vision should be refined and simplified until it can be shared in five minutes or less.

#4 - Communicate vision

Human emotions tend to be drawn toward the discomfort and inconveniences of change. For this reason, it's critical to make every effort to communicate the value of change. Leaders too readily fear repeating themselves when they should be more afraid of their people misinterpreting the vision or losing sight of it.

#5 - Empower others to act on the vision

First and foremost, build margin for change. People's responsibilities continue in addition to their involvement in major change initiatives. Give them space to internalize the change and readjust their focus. Changing is a difficult endeavor. Be sure ample resources, meetings, and man-hours are being devoted to make it happen.

#6 - Plan for and create short-term wins

Oftentimes, the scale of a needed change can be overwhelming. Whittle it down into bite-sized bits, and be sure to celebrate every milestone accomplished. Build upon small, short-term victories to infuse the team with momentum so that they can carry out the full extent of the desired changes.

#7 - Consolidate improvements to extend change

At first, changes are fragile. They need nourishment and protection in order to take root in the organization. Be vigilant of hard-fought changes, and recognize that many of them will take years to be fully ingrained in the organization.

#8 - Institutionalize new approaches

As the best leaders know, change is not a once-in-awhile proposition. The process of change is ongoing. When leaders manage change effectively, they gain respect and earn the right to craft a culture where change is a regular, even welcome, aspect of the organization.

For more insights from John Kotter, pick up a copy or his book, Leading Change, or stop by http://www.johnkotter.com

For information on John Maxwell's Leadership seminars, please email inspiredalex@gmail.com. Text MAXWELL ON to 4632 (Smart) to get daily SMS leadership insights from John Maxwell.

Patience

This is my quote for the week. Hope you enjoy it.

"I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end." - Margaret Thatcher

Lessons from Basketball's Greatest Coach

(By John Maxwell)

At 97 years of age, John Wooden is a legend in the coaching profession. In 1999, ESPN named him The Greatest Coach of the 20th Century.

The list of honors garnered by Coach Wooden during his coaching career is unrivaled.

• Over the course of twelve years, his UCLA Bruins basketball teams won ten NCAA Championships, including an astonishing seven in a row from 1967 to 1973. For comparison's sake, no other men's coach has won more than 4 NCAA titles.
  
  
• He led his teams to four undefeated seasons; no other coach has had more than one undefeated season.
  
  
• His teams set a record by winning 88 games in a row, including 38 in a row in the NCAA Tournament.

Winning: More than the score

After glancing at Coach Wooden's record, a person may be misled into thinking Coach Wooden was a man preoccupied with winning. However, nothing could be further from the truth. For Coach Wooden, competition was never about comparing his team to the opposing squad. Despite all of the victories, trophies, and championships, Coach Wooden never spoke to his team about winning.

John Wooden was college basketball's greatest coach because he kept score differently than any other coach. Rather than measuring success in terms of wins and losses, he focused relentlessly on potential and improvement. Coach Wooden would grow livid if his players loafed when the team was ahead by 20 points, and he could be thrilled with his team's performance - even when they lost by 20 points.

Leadership Application: When businesses focus exclusively on market share or the bottom line, they run the risk of overlooking or undervaluing the people, processes, and systems that drive results.

Practice: Not perfection, but preparation

When questioned by reporters about missing team practices, current NBA star Allen Iverson gave a disdainful tirade on the pettiness of practice. "We're sitting here, and I'm supposed to be the franchise player, and we're talking about practice. I mean, listen, we're sitting here talking about practice, not a game... how silly is that?"

For many sports fans, Iverson's comments were emblematic of the arrogance and me-first attitude of an athlete in the National Basketball Association. If nothing else, his words revealed his underlying attitude: I'm an NBA superstar; I've arrived; I'm good enough to skip practice; practice doesn't matter, it's my performance on game day that counts.

To John Wooden, such an attitude would have been reprehensible. Coach Wooden's style was best noted for his keen attention to detail and the rigors of his practice regimen. In his words, "If you prepare properly, you may be outscored but you will never lose. You always win when you make the full effort to do the best of which you're capable."

For Coach Wooden, winning happened when the stands were empty and the spectators absent. He loved the day-by-day discipline of practice. By convincing his team to give their best effort at practice, he coached them to perform at a higher level than opponents. As a result, he enjoyed unprecedented success when games were played and championships were on the line.

Leadership Application: Challenge your people to give top effort every day, and prepare to the point of excess. If you don't tolerate sloppiness when the team prepares, then they will perform better in pressure situations.

Peak Performers: More than Talent

John Wooden gained an advantage over other coaches because he had a superior method of selecting players. While most recruiters scoured high school gyms solely in search of talent and athleticism, Coach Wooden began his search from a different vantage point.

When selecting players, Coach Wooden's primary consideration was the student's transcript. For him, a student's discipline in the classroom spoke volumes about the young man's priorities. Coach Wooden wanted players who recognized their primary responsibility was to earn a college degree rather than excel on the court.

When evaluating potential recruits, John Wooden's second criterion was the student's family life. Did the student respect his parents or guardians? Did the student treat his siblings kindly? By looking into a potential player's family life, Coach Wooden measured the player's ability to build healthy relationships. He knew relational skills were essential for establishing teamwork and camaraderie.

John Wooden's third consideration when selecting talent was the composite evaluation of six coaches. He was leery of basing his analysis on a single performance. By diligently consulting the opinion of six coaches, Coach Wooden measured consistency. He wanted to avoid selecting players who gave top effort one night only to withhold it on another evening.

Coach Wooden's final criteria for selecting players were quickness and talent. He wasn't naïve. He knew speed and natural ability were uncoachable and irreplaceable. Even so, he refused to select a player until he felt comfortable with the young man's priorities, relationships, and track record of consistent performance.

Leadership Application: By looking blindly at talent, leaders end up with malcontents who place personal gain above team spirit or talent-rich sluggards who rarely give their best effort. When hiring, consider an interviewee's life priorities, relational history, and career accomplishments. Don't discount talent, but never elevate it as the sole quality in a prospective teammate.

For information on John Maxwell's Leadership seminars, please email us at bingericta@gmail.com or call 813-2049/2732 and ask for Bing Ericta. Text MAXWELL ON to 4632 (Smart) to get daily SMS leadership insights from John Maxwell.

Develop Relationships Before Starting Out

(By John Maxwell)

Leaders often make the common mistake of trying to lead others before developing relationships with them. As you prepare to develop other people, take time to get to know each other. Ask them to share their story with you—their journey so far. Find out what makes them tick, their strengths and weaknesses, their temperaments. And spend some time with them outside the environment where you typically see them. If you work together, then play sports together. If you know each other from church, meet with them at their workplace. If you go to school together, then spend some time together at home.

You can even use this principle with your family. For example, if you spend time with your children outside your everyday environment, you'll learn a lot more about them. It will develop your relationship in ways it hasn't before, and it will help you grow.

Get out of your normal environment today with someone you lead.


Taken from Maximize Your Day by John Maxwell. (Published by OMF Literature, Philippines. Available now at Powerbooks and National Bookstore.)

The Law of Sacrifice

(By John Maxwell)

If you desire to become the best leader you can be, then you need to be willing to make sacrifices in order to lead well. If that is your desire, then here are some things you need to know:

1. There Is No Success Without Sacrifice: Leaders must give up to go up. Talk to leaders, and you will find that they have made repeated sacrifices. Effective leaders sacrifice much that is good in order to dedicate themselves to what is best.

2. Leaders Are Often Asked to Give Up More Than Others: The heart of leadership is putting others ahead of yourself. It's doing what is best for the team. For that reason, I believe that leaders have to give up their rights.

3. You Must Keep Giving Up to Stay Up: If leaders have to give up to go up, then they have to give up even more to stay up. What gets a team to the top isn't what keeps it there. The only way to stay up is to give up even more.

4. The Higher the Level of Leadership, the Greater the Sacrifice:
The higher you go, the more it's going to cost you. And it doesn't matter what kind of leadership career you pick. You will have to make sacrifices. You will have to give up to go up.

Are you willing to give up to go up?

Taken from Maximize Your Day by John Maxwell. (Published by OMF Literature, Philippines. Available now at Powerbooks and National Bookstore.)

Watch Another Person Bloom

(By John Maxwell)

Scott Adams, creator of the popular Dilbert cartoon, tells this story about his beginnings as a cartoonist:

You don't have to be a "person of influence" to be influential. In fact, the most influential people in my life probably are not even aware of the things they've taught me. When I was trying to become a syndicated cartoonist, I sent my portfolio to one cartoon editor after another—and received one rejection after another. One editor even called and suggested that I take art classes.

Then Sarah Gillespie, an editor at United Media and one of the real experts in the field, called to offer me a contract. At first, I didn't believe her. I asked if I'd have to change my style, get a partner — or learn how to draw. But she believed I was already good enough to be a nationally syndicated cartoonist. Her confidence in me completely changed my frame of reference and altered how I thought about my own abilities. This may sound bizarre, but from the minute I got off the phone with her, I could draw better.

There is no telling what might happen if you were to begin encouraging the dreams of the people around you.

Encourage someone today and you might get to watch them bloom tomorrow.

Taken from Maximize Your Day by John Maxwell. (Published by OMF Literature, Philippines. Available now at Powerbooks and National Bookstore.)

The Power of Failure

By John Maxwell

Success doesn't mean avoiding failure. All of us fail. As we travel, we all hit potholes, take wrong turns, or forget to check the radiator. The only person who avoids failure altogether is the person who never leaves her driveway. So the real issue is not whether you're going to fail. It's whether you're going to fail successfully (profiting from your failure). As Nelson Boswell observed, "The difference between greatness and mediocrity is often how an individual views mistakes." If you want to continue on the success journey, you need to learn to fail forward.

Unsuccessful people are often so afraid of failure and rejection that they spend their whole lives avoiding risks or decisions that could lead to failure. They don't realize that success is based on their ability to fail and continue trying. When you have the right attitude, failure is neither fatal nor final. In fact, it can be a springboard to success. Leadership expert Warren Bennis interviewed seventy of the nation's top performers in various fields and found that none of them viewed their mistakes as failures. When talking about them, they referred to their "learning experiences," "tuition paid," "detours," and "opportunities for growth."

Successful people don't let failure go to their heads. Instead of dwelling on the negative consequences of failure, thinking of what might have been and how things haven't worked out, they focus on the rewards of success: learning from their mistakes and thinking about how they can improve themselves and their situations.

Try to see failure as a learning experience today.

Taken from Maximize Your Day by John Maxwell. (Published by OMF Literature, Philippines. Available now at Powerbooks and National Bookstore.)

Sold out...again

I just got the good news that we only have 12 seats left to the final Maxwell Videocast this Friday at the RCBC Plaza (CPR Auditorium.) The place can fit 440 people.

The acoustics and AV stuff is really good there. If you haven't watched, go out of your way to go! (I heard there will be free Krispy Kreme being passed around too.)

Imagine a world without Filipinos - from someone who can't imagine living without Pinoys

Imagine a world without Filipinos
Abdullah Al-Maghlooth | Al-Watan, almaghlooth@alwatan.com.sa

Muhammad Al-Maghrabi became handicapped and shut down his flower and gifts shop business in Jeddah after his Filipino workers insisted on leaving and returning home. He says: “When they left, I felt as if I had lost my arms. I was so sad that I lost my appetite.”
Al-Maghrabi then flew to Manila to look for two other Filipino workers to replace the ones who had left. Previously, he had tried workers of different nationalities but they did not impress him. “There is no comparison between Filipinos and others,” he says. Whenever I see Filipinos working in the Kingdom, I wonder what our life would be without them.

Saudi Arabia has the largest number of Filipino workers — 1,019,577 — outside the Philippines. In 2006 alone, the Kingdom recruited more than 223,000 workers from the Philippines and their numbers are still increasing. Filipinos not only play an important and effective role in the Kingdom, they also perform different jobs in countries across the world, including working as sailors. They are known for their professionalism and the quality of their work.

Nobody here can think of a life without Filipinos, who make up around 20 percent of the world’s seafarers. There are 1.2 million Filipino sailors.

So if Filipinos decided one day to stop working or go on strike for any reason, who would transport oil, food and heavy equipment across the world? We can only imagine the disaster that would happen.

What makes Filipinos unique is their ability to speak very good English and the technical training they receive in the early stages of their education. There are several specialized training institutes in the Philippines, including those specializing in engineering and road maintenance. This training background makes them highly competent in these vital areas.

When speaking about the Philippines, we should not forget Filipino nurses. They are some 23 percent of the world’s total number of nurses. The Philippines is home to over 190 accredited nursing colleges and institutes, from which some 9,000 nurses graduate each year. Many of them work abroad in countries such as the US, the UK, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Singapore.

Cathy Ann, a 35-year-old Filipino nurse who has been working in the Kingdom for the last five years and before that in Singapore, said she does not feel homesick abroad because “I am surrounded by my compatriots everywhere.” Ann thinks that early training allows Filipinos to excel in nursing and other vocations. She started learning this profession at the age of four as her aunt, a nurse, used to take her to hospital and ask her to watch the work. “She used to kiss me whenever I learned a new thing. At the age of 11, I could do a lot. I began doing things like measuring my grandfather’s blood pressure and giving my mother her insulin injections,” she said.

This type of early education system is lacking in the Kingdom. Many of our children reach the university stage without learning anything except boredom.

The Philippines, which you can barely see on the map, is a very effective country thanks to its people. It has the ability to influence the entire world economy.

We should pay respect to Filipino workers, not only by employing them but also by learning from their valuable experiences.

We should learn and educate our children on how to operate and maintain ships and oil tankers, as well as planning and nursing and how to achieve perfection in our work. This is a must so that we do not become like Muhammad Al-Maghrabi who lost his interest and appetite when Filipino workers left his flower shop.

We have to remember that we are very much dependent on the Filipinos around us. We could die a slow death if they chose to leave us.

--

Thanks to Dr Mark Crapo for sending this to me. This is dedicated to everyone who has a relative working abroad -- I guess that's all of us!

The John Maxwell Leadership Summit Video Broadcast

The Philippine Daily Inquirer Inspire Leadership Consultancy and Salt & Light Ventures present The John Maxwell Leadership Summit Video Broadcast The Leadership Effect-Building REAL Leaders Featuring all new content and timeless leadership principles from John Maxwell's latest books including The 360° Leader, Winning with People, and Leadership Gold Make the transition from success to succession-build your leaders now to ensure your organization's future Learn from America's #1 Leadership mentor and best-selling author on July 29, 2008 10:00AM to 5:00PM Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza Tower 2, Ayala, Makati City

REVIEWS FOR THE LAST JOHN MAXWELL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT ON JUNE 10, 2008: "You can effectively teach only what you can consistently model. A great leader and a powerful speaker because he speaks from the heart" ~ Rene T. Ceniza, San Miguel Brewery Inc "Very insightful and applicable. High relevance to work and personal life." ~ Cynthia M. Lapid, Glaxo Smithkline "Great initiative. Please continue to bring global speakers to the Philippines. " ~Trina Tanlapco, Johnson and Johnson "Excellent! Very organized. A very good speaker. Congratulations to the company/people behind this wonderful event." ~Marie Moya, Eastwood Properties, Inc. "Congratulations on a well-attended/organized event! I learned a lot!" ~ Zai Tan-Perez, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines "I certainly hope and pray that we could have more of such events! Good event! Very good organizers! " ~ Mayet C. Ramos, Asian Institute of Management "The seminar is very timely and is truly an eye opener" ~Patricia Yatco Manhit, Red Ribbon "The seminar is great!" ~Tony Soria, Flour Daniel, Inc. "It is definitely inspiring!" ~ Dolfuss L. Paredes, Abenson "As always Dr Maxwell is inspiring and enlightening. Someday, maybe in 5 years, I can bring my kids along with me in this seminar." ~ Michael Gubat, Accenture "Another first! Thanks for blessing many with this programs." ~ Josephine D. Gomez, Abenson "This event is great! Such a learning experience and truly worth the investment!" ~Charitess Carandang, Eperformax Contact Centers "Dr. John Maxwell, thanks for sharing with us your leadership! Learnings will inspire us to be more, do more and lead more. " ~ Christian Alfred C. Bongolan, Asian Institute of Management "This is highly recommended.. Life changing!" ~ Maria Isabel Delaguiron, Accenture "Very well organized - Congrats!" ~ Michael P. Melchor, Source Asia Business, Inc "It's really a one-in-a-lifetime event to learn from the leadership guru himself and I hope ther'll be a next time someday so my kids can have this opportunity too." ~Richard Uy, The Spa "This is one of the best training on leadership that I have attended." ~ Julita Abdula, Cardinal Santos Medical Center "Great learning opportunity." ~Allan T. Aguirre, Kumon Philippines "John is excellent. I learned a lot even though it's a one-day summit/training only. No dull moment. I am glad I was here" ~ Helena Alina, Accenture "It was a really enlightening and inspiring seminar. I learned a lot from Mr John Maxwell" ~ Royalyn Gonzales, Kumon Philippines, Inc. "Well done! Kudos to the organizing team. More power!" ~ Primo Palasi, Cypress Manufacturing Limited "Great Seminar!" ~ Edgar Allan Caper, Corporate Planning, HBC Inc. "Excellent! Part 2 for this please." ~ Joselito Arevalo, Global City Innovative College "Excellent!" ~ Aileen Riego-Javier, National Kidney and Transplant Institute Book your seat now!

THE JOHN MAXWELL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT VIDEO BROADCAST PROGRAM RATIONALE As a leader, you are the beginning of a chain-reaction--a powerful series of events leading to the achievement of your business goals. Nearly everything on your daily agenda - every email, meeting, phone call, and interaction-- is an opportunity to affect the people around you. Instilling confidence, winning with people, adding value, building trust, getting results--all begin with a choice to initiate greatness in everything you do. Because leadership is relationally driven, the outcomes and results are largely dependent on the nature of your original influence--what you do first as a leader has a ripple effect on everyone around you. That's the leadership effect! Small changes in your leadership practices pay off in huge dividends as people exponentially leverage your influence in the area of their greatest need. Led by world-renowned leadership expert and New York Times Best-selling Author, John C. Maxwell, you will unpack the components of the R.E.A.L. Leadership Paradigm -- essential principles in four key areas of your daily agenda that will help you take your leadership to the next level. Session 1: Leadership and Real Success Session 2: Leadership Gold Session 3: Five Levels of Leadership "The leadership gold teachings. They are indeed golden! Well done!" ~ Patrick Pilariza, Accenture

ABOUT JOHN MAXWELL John C. Maxwell is an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author who has sold over 13 million books. His organizations have trained more than 2 million leaders worldwide. Dr. Maxwell is the founder of EQUIP and INJOY Stewardship Services. Every year he speaks to Fortune 500 companies, international government leaders, and audiences as diverse as the United States Military Academy at West Point, the National Football League, and ambassadors at the United Nations. A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Business Week best-selling author, Maxwell was named the World's Top Leadership Guru in a survey by LeadershipGurus.net. He was also one of only 25 authors named to Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary Hall of Fame. Three of his books, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Developing the Leader Within You, and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader have each sold over a million copies. His latest book, Leadership Gold, was released last April 2008. "Bring John back! As soon as possible!" ~ Bernard Poplimont, Puratos Phils. Inc.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? ~ Leaders at every level in your organization. If you are a CEO, Director, President, Vice President, Manager, Supervisor-you will benefit from this seminar. ~ Potential and aspiring leaders: If you are an assistant manager, management trainee or anyone who wants to develop their leadership potential-come to this seminar and start growing into a leader. PROGRAM SCHEDULE Program: 10:00am - 12:00nn Session 1 : Leadership and Real Success 12:00nn - 01:30pm Lunch 01:30pm - 03:00pm Session 2 : Leadership Gold 03:00pm - 03:15pm Break 03:15pm - 04:30pm Session 3 : Five Levels of Leadership 04:30pm - 05:00 pm Live Leadership Talk by licensed John Maxwell Facilitator JOHN MAXWELL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT VIDEO BROADCAST Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza Tower 2, Ayala, Makati City Tuesday, July 29, 2008, 10am-5pm Price per person Sponsor/VIP Seats P2,200 (with free book and Audio CD) - 1st 3 rows Orchestra P1,750 Lodge P1,500 Balcony P1,200 Special Group Promotions: Book 10 get 1 additional ticket for free (10+1) Book 20 get 2 additional tickets for free (20+2) plus free John Maxwell CD: Power of Motivation Book 30 get 3 additional tickets for free (30+3) plus free 2 John Maxwell CDs: Power of Motivation & Core Values of a Winning Team Book 40 get 4 additional tickets for free (40+4) plus free 3 John Maxwell CDs: Power of Motivation, Core Values of a Winning Team & 12 Ways to Keep Good People +Co-Presenter and other sponsorship packages (including rates for exhibitors) are available. Please contact Ella Publico at 813 2703/32 or email us at ella@saltandlight.ph

BOOK NOW TO REGISTER FORM Fax this form to 8132745 or 8864841 Call 8132732/03; 8302191 ask for Nicole, Fina or Juliet Fill out the form below and email us at juliet@saltandlight.ph or slvguru@pldtdsl.net Send form together with your company check to: Salt and Light Ventures, Inc., 4/F Majalco Bldg., 104 Benavidez St., Makati City. The John Maxwell Leadership Summit Video Broadcast The Leadership Effect: Building R.E.A.L. Leaders Tuesday, July 29, 2008 10:00AM - 5:00PM Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza Tower 2, Ayala, Makati City [ ] Yes, I would like to avail of the special group promotions. I would like to reserve ___ seats. [ ] Yes! Please reserve ____ seat(s) for the following participants: (Please change if different) [ ] Sponsor/VIP Seats [ ] Orchestra [ ] Lodge [ ] Balcony COMPANY / ORGANIZATION _________________________________________________________ ADDRESS _________________________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE # _________________________________ FAX # ______________________________ EMAIL WEBSITE ___________________________________________________________________ RESERVING OFFICER'S NAME & DESIGNATION ___________________________________________ RESERVING OFFICER'S CONTACT & # EMAIL ____________________________________________ PRODUCTS BEING PRODUCED OR DISTRIBUTED ______________________________ TYPE OF SERVICES OFFERED _______________________________________________ COMPANY TIN # ___________________________________________________________________ PARTICIPANT 1 [ ] MR [ ] MS [ ] MRS [ ] DR [ ] PROF LAST NAME ____________________ FIRST NAME ____________________ MIDDLE NAME _______ NICKNAME ___________________________________ DESIGNATION ________________________ CONTACT # __________________________________ FAX # _______________________________ MOBILE # ____________________________________ EMAIL ______________________________ PARTICIPANT 2 [ ] MR [ ] MS [ ] MRS [ ] DR [ ] PROF LAST NAME ____________________ FIRST NAME ____________________ MIDDLE NAME _______ NICKNAME ___________________________________ DESIGNATION ________________________ CONTACT # __________________________________ FAX # _______________________________ MOBILE # ____________________________________ EMAIL ______________________________ * For more than 2 pax, kindly copy-paste to add more. Thank you. * Mobile# is optional but important in case we need to confirm or inform delegates of urgent, last minute changes in case of emergencies (ie. weather, speaker changes, etc). KINDLY SELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING PAYMENT METHODS: [ ] By Cheque. I will send check payment to your office on ____________________________. [ ] By Pick-up. Please pick-up our check on ______________________________ (time/date). Made payable to Salt and Light Ventures, Inc. [ ] By Bank Deposit. Kindly remit the money to the ff. bank details: Company Name: Salt and Light Ventures, Inc. TIN #: 212-844-982-000-VAT Account #: BPI CA#3211-0837-85, Paseo de Roxas, Makati Branch For zero rated or VAT exempt companies, please include your Certificate of Exemption. Provide Form 2307 or Certificate of Tax Withheld if payment done with tax withheld. Please withhold only 2% as we are classified as suppliers or contractors of services. Source: jmax08videobroadcast-july29-all lists-0711 TERMS: 1. No cancellations seven days before the seminar. Seminar participation may be transferred to another person in the same company. 2. This reservation form, when completed, may also serve as your billing invoice. 3. All seminar fees must be prepaid.

Working in Obscurity

by John Maxwell

I think very highly of the importance of leadership. I guess that's obvious for a guy whose motto is "Everything rises and falls on leadership."

Occasionally someone will ask me about how ego fits into the leadership equation. They'll want to know what keeps a leader from having a huge ego. I think the answer lies in each leader's pathway to leadership. If people paid their dues and gave their best in obscurity, ego is usually not a problem.

One of my favorite examples of this occurred in the life of Moses in the Old Testament. Though born a Hebrew, he lived a life of privilege in the palace of Egypt until he was forty years old. But after killing an Egyptian, he was exiled to the desert for forty years. There God used him as a shepherd and father, and after four decades of faithful service in obscurity, Moses was called to leadership. Scripture says by that time he was the most humble man in the world. Bill Purvis, the senior pastor of a large church in Columbus, Georgia, said, "If you do what you can, with what you have, where you are, then God won't leave you where you are, and He will increase what you have."

English novelist and poet Emily Bronte said, "If I could I would always work in silence and obscurity, and let my efforts be known by their results." Not everyone wants to be out of the spotlight as she did. But it's important for a leader to learn to work in obscurity because it is a test of personal integrity. The key is being willing to do something because it matters, not because it will get you noticed.

Give your best regardless if anyone is watching.

Thought Busters

By John Maxwell

The power of thought is indisputably great. For illustration, look at the life of Henry David Thoreau, a 19th-century Massachusetts philosopher.

In 1849, Thoreau, as a relatively unknown scholar, published his thoughts in a controversial essay about civil disobedience. The essay expressed his ideas about justice:

• Not all laws are just.
• A person should respect justice more than the law.
• Without resorting to violence, a person of conscience is justified to transgress the law to protest its injustice.
  

Thoreau's thoughts, as the basis for nonviolent resistance, would end up fueling two of the greatest social advancements of the 20th century - Ghandi's struggle to free India from Britain's colonial rule and the American Civil Rights Movement led by Martin Luther King, Jr.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THINKING

Thoughts never begin fully formed.

Have you ever looked through a microscope? At first glance, the image appears blurry and indistinct. However, after adjusting the lens, the image comes into focus, and you can see with remarkable clarity.

When thoughts enter my mind, they are hazy and disordered, much like the initial image seen through a microscope. I have to fine-tune my thoughts by dwelling upon them, and connecting them to other thoughts I've had. It takes awhile for me to wrestle with a thought before its merit becomes clear.

Thoughts take time to develop their potential.

I am not a naturally brilliant thinker. My mind doesn't overflow with out-of-the-box creativity. However, I do leverage experiences to stretch my thoughts. I have found that reflection turns my experience into insight. At the close of each day, I'll review important lessons I've learned. I'll mine failure until I've gained a nugget of wisdom, or I'll consider how the day's events validated or invalidated one of my ideas. Through time, evaluating my experiences helps my thoughts to expand and mature.

Thoughts take others to develop their potential.

Alone, my thoughts are shallow and unexceptional. However, I am able to polish and refine them through my interactions with other leaders. I enhance my own thinking by piggybacking on the wisdom of friend and colleagues. In conversations or observations of their behavior, I strengthen and confirm my own inklings about leadership and life.

Each of us is trapped inside our own perspective and limited by blind spots and prejudices. If we isolate ourselves, we diminish our minds, and our thoughts atrophy.

We are wise to seek out others to test our assumptions and sharpen our thinking.

Thoughts are very fragile in the beginning.

Gardeners know the delicate nature of a newly planted seedling. To survive, the plant must receive nourishment and be protected from harsh winds, weeds, or hungry animals. Until its roots take hold and its stem grows, the seedling is vulnerable.

Likewise, our thoughts are fragile at first. They are endangered by pessimism, busyness, insecurity, forgetfulness, and a host of other threats. In the words of Bob Biehl, "Ideas are like soap bubbles floating in the air close to jagged rocks on a windy day."

In order to grow, our thoughts need careful attention and cultivation.

THOUGHT BUSTERS

Thoughts only reach their potential in a healthy environment. During my time as a leader, I've encountered the following environmental hazards, or thought busters, which threaten to destroy good thinking.

Criticism

When leaders pay any cost to ward off criticism, they sacrifice their best thoughts. In the words of Elbert Hubbard, "If you have something others don't have, know something others don't know, or do something others aren't doing, then, rest assured, you will be criticized." In my opinion, thinking requires boldness, the courage to be second-guessed, and readiness to endure conflict.

Lack of personal commitment to thinking

Taking action is by no means a negative quality in a leader. However, when a leader is all action, it's only a matter of time until he or she falls behind, steers off course, and surrenders the reins of leadership. I like Gordon MacDonald's appeal to mental fitness:

"In our pressurized society, people who are out of shape mentally usually fall victim to ideas and systems that are destructive to the human spirit and to the human relationship. They are victimized because they have not taught themselves how to think, nor have they set themselves to the lifelong pursuit of growth of the mind. Not having the faculty of a strong mind, they grow dependent upon the thoughts and opinions of others."

As leaders, thinking keeps us in front. Before we shape the future, we must get our minds in shape.

Excuses

"I don't have enough time," has been my most common excuse to avoid thinking. However, blaming time constraints is not a legitimate excuse. After all, a great idea is one of the greatest commodities a person can own. Besides, by taking the time to think, we invent smarter ways to expend our energy and resources.

"I'm not creative," has been another excuse of mine. Of course, blaming my lack of creativity is actually a sorry excuse for being lazy. Thinking well isn't easy. It takes concentration, focus, and, most challenging of all, the discipline to stop moving for a few moments.

For information on John Maxwell's Leadership seminars, please email us at bingericta@gmail.com or call 813-2049/2732 and ask for Bing Ericta. Text MAXWELL ON to 4632 (Smart) to get daily SMS leadership insights from John Maxwell.

Criticism That Counts

by John C. Maxwell

Americans have a warped view of criticism. Unfortunately, most of us see criticism almost exclusively in a negative light. We dish it out tactlessly, use it to tear down rivals, and attack others with it even when we have no authority to do so.

It certainly doesn't help that we are inundated with poor examples of criticism in the media. For starters, consider American Idol's British judge, Simon Cowell. It's not uncommon for Simon's scathing criticisms to elicit tears from contestants. His words are given sincerely, but heartlessly. Watching Simon, it's as if he relishes finding faults in another's imperfections.

Election season paints another ugly picture of criticism. Politicians wield it like an ax to cut down their opponents. Instead of debating ideas in a civil forum, too often politicians lower themselves into a mudslinging contest.

Another media avenue, the blogosphere, has become criticism central in America. Bloggers attack the character of leaders they don't know and rail against decisions made in circumstances they could never understand. Far too frequently, their inflammatory tone escalates conflict without adding any substantial value to the interplay of ideas.

CRITICISM DEFINED

Given the less than stellar models of criticism prevailing in society, we need a healthy definition of criticism along with practical guidance for giving and receiving it. In an April 1st article for BusinessWeek, Dr. Bruce Weinstein gives us exactly that. Here's how he describes the value of criticism:

"The goal of true criticism is to help someone be the best they can be…When criticism is done appropriately, the person who has been criticized will understand what he or she has done wrong and will feel inspired to make a change for the better. Not only should we not avoid being criticized, we should embrace criticism because it is the only way we can continue to grow professionally and personally."

The following practical tips are intended to flesh out the ways we can begin to embrace and wisely employ criticism as leaders.

WHEN GIVING CRITICISM

Encouragement helps criticism to land.

Before a pilot lands an aircraft, she goes through a series of procedures to make the plane touch down as smoothly as possible. The pilot gently drops altitude, gradually cuts back on speed, and lowers landing gear at just the right moment. If these steps are handled incorrectly, the ride is certain to be turbulent and may end up in disaster.

For criticism to "land" well, it must be preceded by encouragement. Leaders deafen their people to criticism when they neglect to encourage them regularly. If leaders are silent after victory but outspoken during defeat, then team morale plummets. It's difficult to stay open to suggestions for improvement under what feels like a constant barrage of negativity.

Criticism should avoid being personal

Criticism should avoid being personal, but it should have the support of a personal relationship. To prevent personal insult, leaders should carefully pinpoint specific actions or ideas to criticize. People can accept negative feedback of their performance, but they bristle when they feel their personhood is under attack.

Leaders effectively deliver constructive criticism when they have taken the time to acquaint themselves with those they lead. Without relational connection, the person receiving criticism may feel their leader has a personal vendetta against them. However, if they are convinced their leader respects their efforts and values their growth, they are more likely to be receptive to tough words.

WHEN RECEIVING CRITICISM

Selectively filter criticism

The higher up a person goes in leadership, the more criticism he or she will receive—guaranteed. While some criticism builds up, other criticism tears down. Leaders must learn to distinguish between the two.

The acid test of criticism is made up of three questions:

1. Does the criticism have basis in fact?
2. Is the criticism offered constructively (in an effort to help)?
3. Does the critic have the insight and perspective to speak credibly?

When all three questions can be answered, "yes," then a leader should take the criticism seriously and weigh its meaning. If any question can be answered, "no," then a leader is best served to let the criticism go in one ear and out the other.

Avoid Extremes

A leader who routinely dismisses criticism chokes off vital feedback. When leaders ignore or suppress opposing views, they miss the opportunity to sharpen their ideas. Wise leaders want to be challenged, not coddled. They surround themselves with voices that speak what they need to hear instead of saying only what they want to hear.

On the other extreme, leaders with thin skin are rattled by all manner of criticism. They agonize over the opinions of people whose input is uninformed and unintended to be helpful. They allow second-guessing to cut into their confidence. Ultimately, such a leaders cede authority by subjecting their decision-making to the approval of outsiders.

Listen, Listen, Listen

Sincere criticism rarely comes without a morsel of truth. For a leader, the trick is to stay open when confronted with negative feedback. When criticized, people are tempted to react defensively, angrily, or from a place of hurt. With emotions swirling about inside, it can be difficult to keep listening and to absorb critical comments.

Those who gain the most out of criticism hold their tongue and control their emotions in order to gain access to hard truths. By listening and remaining objective, they grow increasingly self-aware and improve their leadership.

For information on John Maxwell's Leadership seminars, please email us at bingericta@gmail.com or call 813-2049/2732 and ask for Bing Ericta. Text MAXWELL ON to 4632 (Smart) to get daily SMS leadership insights from John Maxwell. Happy father's day!

The finish line

It's been a crazy but fulfilling week. After two weeks of being sleep deprived and adrenalin rushed, we finally crossed the finish line last June 10, Tuesday.

The weather was perfect, God answered our prayers, and John Maxwell delivered his leadership sessions with his charismatic, personal style. It was a great day. And the feedback showed it. Of course, you'll always have critics, but I know that we delivered.

We had 10 simulcast sites all over Metro Manila on top of the main live site at the Edsa Shangrila Hotel, and everything went well at the simuls.

Thank God everything went well.

Simulcast venues - exciting!

The team's energy here at Salt & Light Ventures and Inspire is quite high as we near the event date. We received quite a number of requests to do Simulcasts for different schools, organizations, etc.

We've got quite a number of confirmed simulcast venues for the John Maxwell Leadership Summit:

Cebu - City Sports Club, Ballroom (good for 500 pax)
New Life - Alabang (1,500+ capacity)
Jollibee - Ortigas Center (private simulcast for employees)
Philam Life Auditorium- Manila (700+ capacity)
Makati Sports Club - Makati (c/o CBN Asia)

We have about 7 other sites in the works, including Davao, Zamboanga, Baguio, and other company sites (UST Hospital, PLDT, Smart, Globe, Meralco, ABS-CBN, etc).

Tickets (P750 and P1,800) to the Philam Life Manila simulcast are now available via Ticketworld. Visit their outlets in National Bookstore or visit http://www.ticketworld.com.ph/events/default.asp?event_name=The%20John%20Maxwell%20Leadership%20Summit for details.

The John Maxwell Leadership Summit

Building REAL Leaders:
Featuring all new content and timeless leadership principles from John Maxwell's latest books including The 360° Leader, Winning with People, and Leadership Gold

• Make the transition from success to succession-build your leaders now to ensure your organization's future

Meet and learn from America's #1 Leadership mentor and best-selling author

June 10, 2008
7:45AM to 2:00PM
EDSA Shangri-La Hotel

THE JOHN MAXWELL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT PROGRAM:
BUILDING REAL LEADERS

Program Rationale:

As a leader, you are the beginning of a chain-reaction--a powerful series of events leading to the achievement of your business goals.

Nearly everything on your daily agenda - every email, meeting, phone call, and interaction-- is an opportunity to affect the people around you.

Instilling confidence, winning with people, adding value, building trust, getting results--all begin with a choice to initiate greatness in everything you do.

Because leadership is relationally driven, the outcomes and results are largely dependent on the nature of your original influence--what you do first as a leader has a ripple effect on everyone around you.

That's the leadership effect!

Small changes in your leadership practices pay off in huge dividends as people exponentially leverage your influence in the area of their greatest need.

Led by world-renowned leadership expert and New York Times Best-selling Author, John C. Maxwell, you will unpack the components of the R.E.A.L. Leadership Paradigm -- essential principles in four key areas of your daily agenda that will help you take your leadership to the next level.

Program Overview and Schedule:

06:45 am - 07:45 am Registration and Breakfast
07:45 am - 07:50 am Welcome Remarks
07:50 am - 10:30 am Sessions 1 - 3 (R.E.A.L. Leadership)
[2.5 hrs]. session with Dr Maxwell
Session 1 - Relationships
Session 2 - Equipping
Session 3 - Attitude
10:30 am - 11:00 am Coffee / Heavy Snack Break
11:00 am - 02:00 pm Session 4 - Leadership Gold
[3 hrs.] session with Dr Maxwell
2:15 End of Leadership Summit
[5.5 hrs.] Total session hours with Dr. Maxwell

Session 1: RELATIONSHIPS: Winning in all areas of life begins by winning with people. Learn new relational skills you can implement right away.

The real joy of success is how you achieve it with someone else. In fact, relationships form the foundation of any kind of achievement as well as the basis for what you accomplish as a leader.

Your relational habits also shape your leadership habits: Do you invest in others? Do you work towards building mutual trust? How you answer these and other questions form the foundation of your leadership--whether or not you will have anyone to lead.

In this session you will:

1. Learn how to implement principles to improve your relationships today.
2. Discover simple steps to help you win the trust of others.
3. Unpack five solutions for resolving conflict quickly.
4. Uncover principles for dealing with unhealthy people in a healthy manner.
5. Find out how the 101% rule can benefit you!
   

Session 2: EQUIPPING: Leaders who give their team the tools to win have an edge that leads to greatness. Find out how you can get big results by taking small steps to equip your team.
Big dividends are the result of knowing your team's needs and making the right investments to help it grow. Are you willing to mentor? Build trust? Take a risk?

You don't have to have it all figured out. But you have to be willing to know your team, constantly re-assess, and chart your course accordingly. If they win, you win.

1. Learn key tools every team needs in order to succeed.
2. Discover tangible ways to empower your team members.
3. Understand why "equipping" is an essential part of your personal success.
4. Learn to identify and develop the potential leaders around you.
5. Discover the secret to helping others excel.
   

Session 3: ATTITUDE: Attitude is the defining factor that separates winners and losers. Learn how small changes in your attitude can help you lift the spirit and success-meter of your entire organization.

A great attitude is like wildfire. Replenish it with the right fuel and it will spread through your entire organization - giving you the influence to lead as you've always desired. Fuse understanding with new thinking habits and blaze trails you've only dreamed of.

1. Assess your thinking and learn the secrets and benefits of: Big-picture thinking; Focused thinking; Creative thinking; Shared thinking; Reflective thinking.
2. Understand how to think strategically as a leader.
3. Discover the three-step process for overcoming flaws in your thinking.
4. Learn a system that allows you to turn your ideas into action.
5. Uncover the single most important secret in helping others change a bad attitude.
   

Session 4: LEADERSHIP: Everything rises and falls on your ability to lead. Find out how implementing leadership techniques in small increments can pay huge dividends. In this session discover how to:

1. Learn the steps to create a foundation of trust with those you lead.
2. Understand the secret to leaving a positive leadership legacy.
3. Discover a personal growth plan to enable you to reach your maximum potential.
4. Realize the importance of character development in establishing credibility with people.
   

In this session you will also be privileged to listen and learn from John Maxwell as he shares his most personal leadership insights based on his latest books, The 360 LEADER and LEADERSHIP GOLD including:

• If You're Lonely at the Top, You're Not Doing Something Right
• The Toughest Person to Lead Is Always Yourself;
• Defining Moments Define Your Leadership;
• The Best Leaders are Listeners;
• A Leader's First Responsibility is to Define Reality;
• To See How the Leader is Doing, Look at the People;
• Your Biggest Mistake is Not Asking What Mistake You're Making;
• Don't Manage Your Time-Manage Your Life;
• Leaders Distinguish Themselves During Tough Times;
• People Quit People, Not Companies;
• Experience Isn't the Best Teacher;
• The Secret to a Good Meeting is the Meeting Before the Meeting;
• Be a Connector, Not Just a Climber;
• The Choices You Make, Make You;
• Influence Should Be Loaned But Never Given;
• For Everything You Gain, You Give up Something;
• Few Leaders are Successful Unless a Lot of People Want Them to Be;
• You Only Get Answers to the Questions You Ask;
• People will Summarize Your Life in One Sentence-Pick it Now.
  

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Leaders at every level in your organization. If you are a CEO, Director, President, Vice President, Manager, Supervisor-you will benefit from this seminar.

Potential leaders: If you are an assistant manager, management trainee or anyone who wants to develop their leadership potential-come to this seminar and start growing into a leader.

ABOUT DR. JOHN C. MAXWELL
John C. Maxwell is an internationally recognized leadership expert, speaker, and author who has sold over 13 million books. His organizations have trained more than 2 million leaders worldwide. Dr. Maxwell is the founder of EQUIP and INJOY Stewardship Services. Every year he speaks to Fortune 500 companies, international government leaders, and audiences as diverse as the United States Military Academy at West Point, the National Football League, and ambassadors at the United Nations. A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Business Week best-selling author, Maxwell was named the World's Top Leadership Guru in a survey by LeadershipGurus.net.

He was also one of only 25 authors named to Amazon.com's 10th Anniversary Hall of Fame. Three of his books, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, Developing the Leader Within You, and The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader have each sold over a million copies. His latest book, Leadership Gold, will be released this April 2008.

"John Maxwell combines the street smarts of a hands-on performer who loves to practice the art of leadership with a lively, easy-to-get-it-style. (John Maxwell) will raise your sights and release you energy."
~ Peter F. Drucker Foundation

"John Maxwell's keen insights and contagious energy have a profound and positive effect on people. Find out why his audiences keep coming back for more." ~ Ken Blanchard, co-author of The One Minute Manager
LEARNING INVESTMENT:
TheJohn Maxwell Leadership Summit
June 10, 2008, 7:45am - 2pm
EDSA Shangri-la Hotel
Price per person

March 15 - April 30 - Early Bird: P12,977 + VAT
May - Early Bird: P13,977 + VAT
June 1 - 8 Regular rate: P14,977 + VAT

VIP/CEO-Front Section Early Bird Rate: P15,977 + VAT
VIP/CEO-Front Section Regular Rate: P16,977+ VAT
*First 20 VIP/CEO delegates who book will also receive an invitation to join the exclusive VIP pre-event dinner with John Maxwell on June 9, 2008 at the Edsa Shangrila.

All of the above fees are inclusive of entrance to the seminar, certificate of attendance, coffee and snacks, and lunch.

Academe rates: Subsidized rates for the academe and NGOs are available at P5,700 and limited to the first 20 people who register. You must be a full-time student, full-time professor, or full-time NGO worker to be eligible for this rate. ID is mandatory to qualify for this rate.

Sponsorship & Special Group Rates and privileges:


Gold Sponsor: Send a group of 20 people or more from the same company and you get the following:

1. Brand exposure. Your company logo gets included in our announcements (print media-last announcement, internet, email promotions.) Live acknowledgements at the event and inclusion of company name or logo in the event collaterals (notebook, welcome banners)
2. Free books and CDs. Each of your 20 people gets a signed copy of the special 10th Year Anniversary Edition of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell plus a FREE Audio CD of John Maxwell's latest leadership lessons.
3. Preferential seating if booked and paid early. Right to choose remaining tables and seats at time of booking.
4. Discount of P20,000 off your total bill or P1,000 per person if more than 20 pax.
   

Silver Sponsor: Send a group of 15 people from the same company and you get the following:

1. Brand exposure. Live acknowledgements at the event and inclusion of company name or logo in the event collaterals (notebook, welcome banners)
2. Free books. Each of your 15 people gets a signed copy of The 360 Leader by John Maxwell.
3. Preferential seating if booked and paid early. Right to choose remaining tables and seats at time of booking.
4. Discount of P15,000 off your total bill or P1,000 per person if more than 15 pax.
   

Bronze Sponsor: Send a group of 12 people from the same company and you get the following:

1. Brand exposure. Live acknowledgements at the event and inclusion of company name or logo in the event collaterals (notebook, welcome banners)
2. Free books. Each of your 12 people gets a signed copy of The Gift of Leadership by John Maxwell.
3. Preferential seating if booked and paid early. Right to choose remaining tables and seats at time of booking.
4. Discount of P12,000 off your total bill or P1,000 per person if more than 12 pax.
   

Co-Presenter and other sponsorship packages (including rates for exhibitors) are available. Please contact Inspire Leadership Consultancy and ask for Alex or Bing at 8129125 or email us at inspiredalex@gmail.com or maxwellinmanila@gmail.com

BOOK YOUR SEAT NOW! 4 EASY WAYS TO RESERVE

1. Fax this form to 8132745 or 8864841
2. Call 8132732/03; 8302191 ask for Nicole, Fina or Juliet
3. Fill out the form below and email us at juliet@saltandlight.ph or slvguru@pldtdsl.net
4. Send form together with your company check to:

Salt and Light Ventures, Inc., 4/F Majalco Bldg., 104 Benavidez St., Makati City.
Select any of the special group sponsorship packages or select the regular non-sponsor rates below:

[ ] Yes, sign me up for the Gold Sponsorship package good for 20 seats. Pls see attached list of attendees.

[ ] Yes, sign me up for the Silver Sponsorship package good for 15 seats. Pls see attached list of attendees.

[ ] Yes, sign me up for the Bronze Sponsorship package good for 12 seats. Pls see attached list of attendees.

Group rates for 5-7 pax = P500 off per person; 8-11 pax = P800 off per person

The John Maxwell Leadership Summit

The Leadership Effect: Building R.E.A.L. Leaders

June 10, 2008
7:45AM - 2:00PM

EDSA Shangri-La Hotel, Mandaluyong City

Source: http://maxwellinmanila.blogspot.com

Yes! Please reserve ____ seat(s) for the following participants: (Please change if different)

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* For more than 1 pax, kindly add more. Thank you.

* Mobile# is optional but important in case we need to confirm or inform delegates of urgent, last minute changes in case of emergencies (ie. weather, speaker changes, etc).

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Source: http://maxwellinmanila.blogspot.com

For zero rated or VAT exempt companies, please include your Certificate of Exemption. Provide Form 2307 or Certificate of Tax Withheld if payment done with tax withheld. Please withhold only 2% as we are classified as suppliers or contractors of services.

TERMS:

1. No cancellations seven days before the seminar. Seminar participation may be transferred to another person in the same company.

2. This reservation form, when completed, may also serve as your billing invoice.

3. All seminar fees must be prepaid.

First Place Is Not An Easy Place To Stay

by Dr. John C. Maxwell

Of the original Fortune 500 companies listed in 1955, only 71 remain on the list today. Companies once deemed indestructible have fallen by the wayside. Corporate titans of enormous influence have completely disappeared in the span of a few decades. Staying power has been rare atop the Fortune 500. Instead, the list has undergone a steady turnover from year to year. Reaching the top is a monumental achievement, but remaining there may be the most spectacular feat of all.

The fate of the Fortune 500 begs the question: Why haven't the best of the best been able to maintain success?

In this column, we'll explore reasons why first place is not an easy place to stay, and we'll look at suggestions to help leaders keep hold of the top spot.

FIRST PLACE ERASERS

The biggest detriment to tomorrow's success is today's success. Winning carries with it a slate of temptations dangerous enough to topple the grandest of corporate CEO's. I call these temptations the first place erasers. Falling prey to them is a surefire ticket to the second tier.

The Momentum Myth - Leaders presiding over good times and high profits begins to relax. Comfort sets in, and the leaders lose their edge. Hard work and a sense of urgency are replaced by naive optimism and idleness. Falsely believing they can coast, leaders fall asleep at the wheel. The end of their vigilance coincides with the end of their time at the top.

The Reputation Factor - Leaders begin to place their position above their production. They live off of yesterday and their best moments. Having already notched big victories, they quit fighting to reach their potential. Consequently, they drive the organization downhill toward mediocrity.

The Entitlement Mindset - Leaders believe they have a right to be number one. Oftentimes these leaders have been given their position rather than having earned it. Expecting preferential treatment, they have an underdeveloped work ethic. As a result, they are unable or unwilling to make the sacrifices required to stay in first place.

The Revolving Door - Leaders quit attributing their success to talented performers at all levels of the organization. People tire of laboring in obscurity, and they move on to new opportunities. Leaders fail to patch the slow leak of talent leaving their teams, and they eventually sink from first place to the middle of the pack.

The Ego Issue - The ego issue trips up leaders who cannot face or admit failure. Since their identity is wrapped in their accomplishments, they do not take ownership of mistakes. To avoid taking responsibility for poor decisions, they may have remarkably high degrees of denial or self-deception. Out of touch, they cannot steer the ship to a first place finish.

Playing Not to Lose - Leaders become cautious and defensive of their perch at the top. They begin to be motivated by fear rather than purpose. Instead of playing to win, they play not to lose. Risk averse and small-minded, they are deficient of the boldness and courage necessary to command a first place team.

HOW TO STAY IN FIRST PLACE

To preserve their first place status, leaders should give extra attention to their passion, practices and people.

Passion
When passion fades, so does a leader's trustworthiness. Gallup conducted a poll in which passion ranked as the leading indicator of credibility within an organization. The results of the survey are hardly surprising. After all, if the leader isn't excited about the purpose of the organization, then why should he or she be trusted? On the flip side, when leaders passionately sacrifice, commit, and invest in their business, they earn the respect of followers and the good faith of constituents.

Passion creates energy. When a leader exudes joy and excitement, he or she magnetically pulls co-workers and customers into a shared vision. Passion is exceptionally strong when linked with a leader's values. When leaders demonstrate principled passion, they are able to appeal to the moral and emotional instincts of those around them.

Practices
Leaders don't rise to the pinnacle of success without developing the right set of attitudes and habits. Healthy habits, practiced consistently over time, will always reap dividends. On the contrary, occasional compromises of values eventually snowball into poor decisions with negative consequences. To keep hold on number one, a leader has to make every day a masterpiece.

People
The best leaders are humble enough to realize their victories depend upon their people. When finding themselves in first place, leaders recognize they are indebted to the ingenuity and talent of those they lead. To stay in first place, leaders have to hand out credit and shine the spotlight on the contributors all around them.

John Maxwell is coming to Manila for the John Maxwell Leadership Summit. For information please email us at bingericta@gmail.com or call 813-2049/2732 and ask for Bing Ericta. Text MAXWELL ON to 4632 (Smart) to get daily SMS leadership insights from John Maxwell. Have a blessed Sunday!

Choose Character

by John Maxwell

"A thick bankroll is no help when life falls apart, but a principled life can stand up to the worst." - Proverbs 11:4 (The Message)

How a leader deals with the circumstances of life tells you a lot about their character.Crisis doesn't necessarily make character, but it certainly does reveal it.

Adversity is a crossroads which makes a person choose one of two paths: character or compromise. Every time leaders choose character, they become stonger, even if that choice brings negative consequences.

As Nobel Prize winning author Alexander Solzhenitsyn said, "The meaning of earthly existing lies, not as we have grown used to thinking, in prospering, but in the development of the soul."

The development of character is at the heart of our development, not just as leaders, but as human beings.

What must every person know about character?

Character is more than talk.
Talent is a gift, but character is a choice.
Character brings lasting success with people

Leaders cannot rise above the limitations of their character.

This is worth repeating.

Adversity is a crossroads which makes a person choose one of two paths: character or compromise. Choose character.

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For information on John Maxwell's Leadership seminars, please email us at bingericta@gmail.com or call 813-2049/2732 and ask for Bing Ericta. Text MAXWELL ON to 4632 (Smart) to get daily SMS leadership insights from John Maxwell.

John Maxwell is coming to Manila again

Hi! We're really excited about John Maxwell's trip to Manila this coming June 10, 2008.

Hundreds of executives have signed up already. We're busy here preparing for the event and everyday is crazy.