“I like films about people who figured out what they believed and had the guts to act on it in a way that added value to others. So, there are lots of movies that have characters who did that. I'll pick an odd one - Stranger Than Fiction because I really liked the movie - particularly the offbeat cookie maker. You'll have to see the movie to see what I mean. The movie also reinforces that you can be the author of your own script.” PeopleMeanCharacterFilmValuesStrangerOddGutsStranger Than Fiction Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“To help people with the struggle, I have to reveal my own struggles.” PeopleHelpingStruggle Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“Rather than the word career, I prefer to discuss how you make a positive I pact on the world. This could mean raising your children, professional activities, non-profit work, or various other actions you take that impact others. I have found that, at all ages, people want to be needed and play a role in impacting the world.” PeopleWorldMeanChildrenAgeActionOur ChildrenVariousYour ChildrenPact Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“Step one is to take ownership of figuring strengths ans weaknesses out. It starts with writing them down but, to take ownership, you have got to seek feedback of those who directly observe you - this is scary and uncomfortable for many people. It's no fun to hear negative feedback and most people don't want to stick their necks out to give it to you. So, you have to ask.” PeopleGivingWritingFunWeaknessNegativeScaryUncomfortableOwnershipFeedback Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“The better strategy is to focus on strengths and surround yourself with people who can complement your skills. However, you have to first do the analysis.” PeopleFocusStrategySurroundSurround YourselfComplementSurround Yourself With People Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“There is usually a clock in our heads regarding decisions we make and the course of our lives. Sometimes this clock is helpful in that it get us to move rather than put off key actions. Other times, it creates us false sense of urgency that can cause us to overreact, lost patience and make poor decisions. In raising this issue in my book, I want people to be aware of the clock in their heads and question whether that clock is helping or hindering the quality of each particular decision.” PeopleBookSometimesHelpingActionMovingDecisionPoorQualityClockHelpfulUrgency Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“In my opinion, you have to have a vision for how you add value to others through your product or service. Why do you exist? All of us need a reason to get out of bed in the morning and enthusiastically approach each day. Some people say money is their purpose - - my reaction is that, if money is your purpose, you risk running out steam well before you make a lot of money. Money is an outcome that comes as a result of adding value for a sustained period of time. I encourage people and companies to search for and articulate the vision for why they are doing what they're doing.” PeopleReasonRunningPurposeValuesVisionOpinionMorningRisk Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“Great companies create an environment in which employees act like owners. They do this through clear communication, articulation of clear vision and priorities, coaching and openness to debate/discussion. I would argue that this type of environment helps people to be at their best - and helps the company to be at its best.” PeopleHelpingVisionEnvironmentCommunicationArguingDebatePrioritiesDiscussionCoachingEmployeeOpennessGreat Company Author:Robert S. Kaplan
“Process improvement programs are like teaching people how to fish. Strategy maps and scorecards teach people where to fish.” PeopleProcessTeachTeachingProgramStrategyExcellenceFishesImprovementMaps Author:Robert S. Kaplan
