There is no denying that professional achievement, financial triumph, power and celebrity are valued to the extreme in our society. In fact, these are the goals to which many aspire and – more easily than ever – are able to reach. Yet, a sense of overall well-being does not necessarily accompany the accumulated satisfaction of such aspirations. All too often even the most successful are left asking that infamous question – ‘Is that all there is?’

 Instead of enjoying the heady view from the top, many of us face a strange paradox – the higher we go, the deeper the secret feelings of gnawing discontent, despair or depression. The solution to this confusing and disconcerting state of mind can often be found in determining what really matters to us and resetting our priorities in pursuit of those things. The curious part is that so many of us find it difficult to identify just what those meaningful things are.

Start finding out what really matters to you by answering the following questions.

1. What are the things I most regret not having done in my life?
2. What are my greatest original gifts and am I using them regularly?
3. What are the things in life that have always made me feel the best?
4. What on the planet needs doing that I can do?
5. What am I willing to do to ensure that my life is richly balanced and complete?

As Pablo Picasso suggested – “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” 

Becoming a Truly Effective Leader.  

First, understand that truly effective leadership is not a solo act. The success of an organization hinges on all levels of the company being inspired and motivated to work towards mutual goals. The truly effective leader understands how imperative it is to attract and develop individuals who are also strong leaders in their own right, able to make effective decisions and think strategically.   The best leaders also understand what’s required of them and they meet the challenges of their offices with great immediacy and proficiency. Charisma counts but, by itself, is insufficient to make someone a great leader.  Communication is key. Letting people clearly know where they stand. Openly providing information especially in today’s uncertain business times. The ability to lead with calm and strength while mastering exceptional management skills is one of today’s greatest – and most rewarding – challenges.

1.  Create then relentless pursue a unifying vision.    Present a compelling image of what your organization can aspire to do and what steps it must take to reach the heights you have foreseen.  Create a sense of ‘wholeness’ around your ideal that will –  through intelligence, optimism, discipline and commitment – lead to possibilities formerly unreachable.  2.  Be clear on the difference between leadership and management. The truly effective leader arranges for the growing, successful experience of the organization, transforming learning into substance and power. The mission is to envision and articulate the purpose of the business and guide the organization in a direction that will successfully accomplish its stated goals. Far beyond the scope of day-to-day management, effective leaders have a vision of the future and know how to communicate it. They create a framework for change and motivate others to head in healthy, profitable directions in order to accomplish the highest aims of the business. 3.  Promote outstanding leadership around you.

Co-create and model flexibility and adaptability within your organization. Put   aside your ego and judgment of others. Place people before strategy or profits. Engender and develop trust. Ask questions that invite initiative, enlarge accountability and result in big picture buy-in. Focus on the benefits of healthy corporate self-esteem and a high level of performance throughout the organization. Energize and motivate people so they can present breakthrough thinking and improved problem-solving capabilities. In short, create a platform for bringing out the best in people so they can achieve the highest level of performance. 

4.  Challenge your organization to support the leadership process.