Growing up in Claremont, my father had a great library. Imagine living where you could find the classic books, including philosophy, politics, history and business. They were all there.
The problem was, if it was a subject not related to the sports pages of the LA Times, I could have cared less.
Years later, and by chance, I discovered a book in that library that instantly opened my eyes to powerful thoughts that I had never been aware of before. The book, “Think and Grow Rich,” had been a huge success. In fact, it is considered one the greatest self-improvement books of all time.
But the real story might have been the book’s author, Napoleon Hill. Hill was born in a one-room cabin in the Appalachian part of Virginia in 1883. His mother had died when he was nine. As a young newspaper reporter, he had the great luck of interviewing one of the world’s most powerful and wealthy men of that time, Andrew Carnegie, owner of US Steel. Carnegie, an immigrant from Scotland, encouraged Hill to write about other successful people. Carnegie thought a book like that could help others discover the formula of success.
Carnegie provided Hill an introduction to Henry Ford, who then introduced Hill to Thomas Edison and Alexander Graham Bell, among 500 other great achievers. These interviews led to his first book, “The Law of Success,” which was followed by “Think and Grow Rich.”
As I read the book now I can see how revolutionary its powerful ideas must have been almost a century ago. There are so many layers, deep thoughts and ideas. I encourage you to find a copy and see for yourself.
With the idea of keeping a diligent eye on the book’s objectives, let’s focus first on the 11 characteristics of great leaders featured in “Think and Grow Rich.”
1. Unwavering Courage – Based on knowledge of one’s self.
2. Self-Control – Without self-control, one cannot control others.
3. Keen Sense of Justice – To command and retain respect of followers.
4. Definiteness of Decision – Those who waver are unsure of themselves.
5. Definiteness of Plans – Guess work leads to landing on the rocks.
6. Habit of Doing More than You Are Paid for – Do more than you require of others.
7. Pleasing Personality – Leaders respect others.
8. Sympathy and Understanding– Understand and solve your follower’s problems.
9. Mastery of Detail – A must to lead people.
10. Willingness to Assume Responsibility – If a leader shifts responsibility to others, he or she will not remain a leader.
11. Willingness to Cooperate – Leadership calls for power, power calls for cooperation.
Success today requires new data and analysis. But don’t be surprised that some of that new information you need today was written in the past.
I welcome all your comments and ideas. Mike Radlovic is Senior Vice-President Business Sales-M&A at Coldwell Banker Commercial. He can be reached at [email protected].
EXTERNAL ARTICLE LINK: Foothill Reader
https://npaper2.com/foothill/2016/07/17/#?page=1
