9 Things a Leader MUST Do Part 2

Deja vu leaders follow principles that make them successful

In part two of this blog, I want to continue to share how deja vu leaders separate themselves from followers and other leaders. I will discuss chapters four through six. As I stated in the part one of this blog, deja vu leaders are no different than you or I. What separates these leaders from most leaders is that they follow similar principles that give the same result:  Success.

Chapter 4 Put Superman Out of a Job

The author states that deja vu leaders continually ask themselves, "What can I do to make this situation better?" These leaders do not reflect on the problem but they act. They do something. In fact, they tend to call on themselves as the first source to correct difficult situation. They don't care whose at fault. They take the initiative to address the problems and seek a solution. Whatever the answer or solution. They make a move.

Chapter 5 Embrace Your Inner Insect

In chapter five, the author states that deja vu leaders achieve big goals by taking small steps over time. If you try to tackle a large project or endeavor in one larger gulp, you become overwhelmed and in most in cases you don't take action. Here are some examples of all-or-nothing principles versus the grain of sand principles:

• We need to wipe out three years of losses by the end of the year
• Skip the training. We need to get those new hires on the phones right away
• I have to lose twenty pounds in time for the annual meeting next weekend
• If we don't hire sales reps in all eight territories right now, we'll lose ground to the competition

All-or-nothing thinking keeps people stuck in destructive ruts. All success is built and sustained just like a building is built, one brick at a time. Deja vu leaders value the small steps or increments. 

The one-grain-at-a-time approach applies to virtually every human effort. Here are a few examples the author gave:

• If your marriage is faltering, restore it one counseling session at a time, one act of kindness at a time...
• If you are in sales, build a portfolio of clients one phone call at a time. Meet one prospect at a time.
• If you want to start a new company or grow the one you have, get one more customer at a time.

Chapter 6 Earn a Black Belt in Hate

According to the author, deja vu leaders develop the ability to hate the right things well. Our character is in some ways formed through a process of what we hate and move against. For example, if we hate duplicity, then we want to be different from duplicity. So we move toward being the opposite. Hate has its benefits. It helps move against certain traits and issues, thus becoming different from them. Another way hate protects us is that it causes us to protect what we value. The third way hate is good is that it helps us move to destroy bad things, which are often the things that threaten the good. "Hate is part of the immune system of your soul."

I hope you found the summary of chapters fourth through six helpful. I highly suggest you pick up a copy. Very informative and useful book. I would like to hear your feedback and comments. Please leave me your thoughts below.