Why Vision is Crucial

...Bo Short

Vision is the basis for the best kind of leadership. Instinctively, most of us follow a leader who has real vision and whom we sense can transform that vision into meaningful, effective and inspirational strategies. Vision is not simply projecting what the sales targets should be for the next quarter. Vision is not just seeing things as they are. Vision is the ability to see things as they can be.

Former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said: “The task of the leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been. Leaders must invoke great vision. Those leaders who do not are ultimately judged (to be) failures.”

A leader with vision, embarks on voyages to new worlds. A vision looks ahead to the future and analyzes it… anticipates it. A vision, almost by definition, does not run from change as so many people do, but embraces change as absolutely essential. A leader without vision eventually loses his or her followers. An organization without vision, whether that organization is a business or a church or team or a family eventually stagnates and perhaps even wastes away.

Leaders need an ability to look through a variety of lenses. We need to look through the lens of those who follow us. We need to look through the lens of change and innovation. We need to look through the lens of our own hard experience and failure. We need to look hard at our future.

...more to come

Then There is You

...Bo Short

Have you ever wondered when you would be called upon to step forward and make a difference? How about right now. Seriously. What makes you so unusual that you cannot be the reason that something great occurs?

I was raised in a family in which my parents always told me that my dreams would come true as long as I was focused and willing to work. If you were not raised like that, I am sorry but must respectfully state...get over it. Life is waiting for you and will pass you by unless you get into the game with all your heart.

I heard a wonderful statement one time that goes like this; If you want to make some changes in your life...then make some changes in your life. Is it that simple? Yes. One last thing: When you doubt your ability to succeed...I do not. I know without question that your best effort can make all the difference in your world and possibly everyone else around you.

Be the Leader

...Bo Short

I have spent the past 2 days meeting with people in living rooms talking about their futures. I have been honored and humbled by the wonderful reception I have received.

I have met people that are "take charge" folks and others that are more laid back. To anyone reading this post I would encourage you to step forward and pursue your dreams with passion. You were not put here to simply get by. You were created to be significant...to make a difference in people's lives, beginning with your own.

I know you can accomplish great things. I saw this video and wanted to share it with you. (I have no idea what the company is that is promoted at the end but I loved the video) People are looking for leaders and role models in their lives...be one!



Always Lead, Bo

My Friend Rudy Ruettiger

A few years ago I had a radio show on Clear Channel Radio. It was called Leading With Impact. One day I was joined by a dear friend of mine named Rudy Ruettiger. Many of you will know him as the main character and motivation for the Tri-Star motion picture called RUDY.

I came across this recording the other day and thought I would share it with you. This is the unedited version. I hope you enjoy my time with Rudy.(The first 2-3 seconds are hard to hear but the volume picks up quickly.)


Always Lead,
Bo

Do Something Great With Your Life

As you go through your life you will face many challenges and distractions. When adversity strikes it is so easy to simply walk away and find excuses for not going forward. I would like to share, that real joy will be experienced by fighting through whatever obstacles may await you. I have always said that "Hope is the Heartbeat of Action." It is the very thing that causes you to step forward, face your fears and accomplish great things.

Sociologists tell us that the most shy, introverted individual will impact 10,000 people in their lifetime. What makes you so unique you cannot do great things.

* Samuel Morse, a portrait painter, invented the telegraph…
* Galileo, a painter, developed the theory that the sun was the center of the universe...
* Robert Fulton, a school teacher, invented the Steamboat…
* Bill Gates was a college dropout...
* Golda Meir, Israel’s first woman prime minister, was a divorced grandmother from Milwaukee...

Each one lived up to their potential and created significance. You can too!
Just like Nick Vujicic:


Always Lead, Bo

Come Forth and Save Your Country

...Bo Short

This past weekend I was speaking for a large group of entrepreneurs for a company in which I am honored to serve as one of its three Founding Partners. I felt compelled to discuss with them what I would like to share with you.

Regardless of your party affiliation, our nation is facing one of its great economic challenges. Worse, I believe we are facing a crisis of trust. In many instances the very people that we have elected to serve us, on both sides of the aisle, are oftentimes serving themselves first.

As we recite the history of this nation we constantly remark about the diligence and concern our Founding Fathers painstakingly used to shape this nation. We always remind ourselves how they faced great challenges and were willing to overcome them in spite of their own personal safety. Their vision and perseverance created a nation, that today, maintains the oldest written constitution in continuous operation in the world. We speak about our parent's, parent's, parent's, parents, with such reverence and respect because we have been able to live a life unlike any other population in the world...because of their actions.

The question becomes; what will our children's children say about us? In a moving letter that George Washington wrote to George Mason, he said, "Where are our men of abilities, why have they not come forth to save their country?"

As a patriot and entrepreneur I would respectfully challenge each and every one of us to step forth and be significant. Our nation needs us. Those of you that are industrious and forward-thinking are a light in an ever-darkening room. As my grandmother used to tell me..."Measure up. Live up to your potential. Do something great with you life." Now is the time.

Men and Women of abilities...come forth and save your country.

4 Minutes 30 seconds That Makes a Difference

This is a clip of a friend of mine named Andy Andrews. Watch each second, think about the significance of what one person can mean to the multitudes, and then go do something great with your life. I am proud to know you.

Always Lead, Bo

Take Care of Your People

I have the honor of serving as one of three Founding Partner's for a company called EIRO Research. We held a national conference call last night. I was able to share some thoughts from an excellent book called The Stuff of Heroes.

There are 5 steps that one must take in order to effectively serve their team.
1. Be the Leader when things go wrong.
2. Give their needs priority.
3. Really Care.
4. Take the responsibility.
5. Share the gain.

Sounds simple...then do it!
Always Lead, Bo