Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac – Assessments – International Institute for Global Leadership

As a Man Thinketh

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

In the book as A Man Thinketh, The author was trying to make it clear to the reader that Creating a beautiful world prevails pure thoughts. You create your tomorrow by what you allow into your inner man consistently on a daily basis. If you consistently allow defeat and failure thoughts to dominate your life, automatically these will surely have its place in one’s life. Power of creativity lies in our thought. Think defeat and you will surely come out a failure. Think victory and you will surely come out a champion. As a man continues to think so he remains.

2. What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal example from your own life.

i. A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart and set to accomplish it. He should make this purpose the centralizing point of his thoughts.

This is a very important idea because any man living without purpose he’s not worth living. Man must be able to conceive a legitimate purpose through which he will achieve his life goals and ambitions. This purpose must be the driven force in the life of this man. He must be able to set target, plans on how to achieve this purpose. This purpose must be clearly written in his inner mind. He must go everywhere he goes with this purpose. His generation will call him blessed if only he can achieve his life purposes. I have being able to work with the above idea and it has go a long way in shaping my life. I don’t enter any new year without setting my purpose, goals for that year. Monthly basis I review my goals just to be sure that I am still on track. At the end of each year I do ask myself how far I was able to go throughout the year. Personal assessment will also help in achieving one’s life purpose.

ii. To put away aimlessness and weakness and to begin to think with purpose is to enter the ranks of those strong ones who only recognize failure as one of the pathways to attainment. Who make all conditions serve them and who think strongly, attempt fearlessly, and accomplish masterfully.

This idea is encouraging me never to quit even when I encounter failure on my way to stardom. Fear and discouragement is not the food of champions it is categorically made for feeble minded and weak minded personalities. I am being charged to make all conditions work for me and also emulate men who sees failure as an opportunity to do it better not men who sees failure as a means of quitting the battle. I came out from a very low and poor family; my father was a carpenter, while my mother is a petty trader. I have never allowed their situation to determine the height I can go in life. I have always wanted to do more and better than them. I daily challenge myself with new things. This I am still pursuing on a daily basis.

iii. A strong man cannot help a weaker unless that weaker is willing to be helped. And even the weak man must become strong of himself. He must, by his own efforts, develop the strength which he admires in another. None but himself can alter his condition.

This idea is a very important idea because it stress more personal development. A man must always desire a change and be ready to pay sacrifices for its accomplishment. Any good thing I admire in another, I must be ready to pay the sacrifice for its achievement. No one can define my life, for me to achieve extra-ordinary success; I must be ready to pay extra-ordinary sacrifices. A lot of effort is required in achieving greatness.

iv. By the aid of self-control, resolution, purity, righteousness, and well-directed thought a man ascends. By the aid of animality, indolence, impurity, corruption, and confusion of thoughts a man descends.

There are some qualities one must possess if he must achieve his life goals without breaking the golden rule of life.

A man must possess self control as inner virtue which will guide and protect the man on his way to Canaan land. Any man that cannot control himself will fall so easily and his vision will die untimely. A man must be able to achieve what he wants without violating the right of his fellow man. A man must exalt righteousness in his heart; use it as his watchword on day to day activities. Any man that always enthrones pure thoughts in his mind everyday will surely come out victorious in his world.

v. Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals.

Cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts. For out of them will grow all delightful conditions, all heavenly environment; of these. if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built. Appreciate what you have and your world will also help you in patronizing your valuables.

A man must be able to appreciate his ability, talents and gifts. He must be able to celebrate good ideas flowing from his inner mind. He must be very happy to market his good visions within his reach and the whole world at large. By doing this he is attracting positivity unto himself, he is opening doors of fortune and success for himself. This idea is all about remaining faithful to your dreams and visions. Never to allow circumstances or events to dictate your happiness.

vi. As a being of power, intelligence, and love, and the lord of his own thoughts, man holds the key to every situation, and contains within himself that transforming and regenerative agency by which he may make himself what he wills.

This idea is so important because it reveals to the readers that man is endowed with creativity power. Man formed the type of life he wants to live through his type of thoughts. Power to make things happen is found in every man. He is the architect of his world, the chief planner of his future. This also stands as a motivation to me that I should believe in myself come what may. I possess I can ability and forces to rehabilitate the world dwells in me. This geared me up that nothing is too big for me to achieve. Power to unveil mysteries lies in me.

vii. Thought in the mind hath made us.

What we are by thought was wrought and built. If a man’s mind hath evil thought, pain comes on him as comes the wheel the ox behind. If one endures in purity of thought, Joy follows him as his own shadow.

This idea makes me realize that I am what I am today based on my thoughts and I can still bring to myself fortune and great success based on the type of thoughts I allow in my mind consistently.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

Putting all the ideas gained in this book into practice every day will definitely help in shaping my destiny, build my self-confidence more, distinguished me in my world, help me in focusing more on my purpose and assignment in life. This will also assist my passion of developing minds and building reliable citizens. These ideas are worth transferring into other peoples’ life. Transferring of these knowledge into people so as to build a beautiful world together as I continue with the journey of life.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Man is made or unmade by himself. In the armory of thoughts he forges the weapons by which he destroys himself.”

The ability to choose is already coupled with every man. Man has choice to demand from life whatever he wants. If any man desire goodness and happiness, he must properly direct his thought life in the way of happiness. And if any man desire sorrow and failure let him filled his mind with impure thoughts.

“Only by much searching and mining are gold and diamonds obtained, and man can find every truth connected with his being, if he will dig deep into the mine of his soul.”

This is very important for every man who desire excellence. A man must be able to ask these great questions from himself for him to really understand the reason of his being “Why on Earth am I Here? Ability to provide an answer to this question will determine how effective the man will be. We are wired with ability to think very deep and dig deep into the mine of our soul.

“By the right choice and true application of thought, man ascends to the divine perfection. By the abuse and wrong application of thought he descends below the level of the beast.”

This idea is very important because any thoughts that are properly directed give birth to enviable results. Man must be able to direct and apply is thought in the right direction. He should not forget that he is a co-creator. He possesses the ability to create, to dominate and to govern. ‘Nebuchadnezzar mis-apply his thoughts and he fellowship with the beast for seven years, wrong application of thought brings degradation.

“Every thought seed sown or allowed to fall into the mind and to take root there, produces its own, blossoming sooner or later into act, and bearing its own fruitage of opportunity and circumstance.”

This makes me understand that any thought I allowed into my mind will fall there and take its root, germinate and produces fruit bountifully.

“Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.”

This attracts my mind because it teaches that for me to desire change I must be able to pay for the changes I desire. I need to keep improving myself on a daily basis for an effective change to take place in my life.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

I need more explanation on the last chapter of this book titledSerenity.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes. The book contains exercise for reader to complete. I completed all the exercise and I find it very useful because it dwells more on how I can use my thought life in shaping my destiny and in beautifying my world..

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

I will love to talk very brief on this sentence. ‘The dreamers are the saviors of the world. As the visible world is sustained by the invisible, so men, through all their trials and sins and sordid vocations, are nourished by the beautiful visions of their solitary dreamers.

At this juncture I will like to commend few great men who have come to this world and contributed their dream and realizing it to make this world a beautiful place.

Thanks to James Allen the author of As a Man Thinketh.

Thanks to Nelson Mandela who dreamt freedom for his people and Africa at large.

Sincere appreciation to Henry Ford who dreamt comfort in transportation for his world…

Mother Theresa was a mother indeed who use all her life in serving humanity…..

I sincerely appreciate the initiator of IIGL for delivering this to humanity. This sacrifice is a very huge one.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

Jonathan Livingston Seagull

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The main idea the author was trying to convey in the book was that “There is no limit to what one can achieve “irrespective of your background, religion, ethnics, culture, irrespective of any deformity “You can if you believe you can.” The author was trying to let us know how powerful we will be if only we can break the barrier of fear and anxiety. Do not be satisfied with your present level of life, there is more to what you can achieve. If only we can break away from our comfort zone and take initiative of learning new skill and practicing it.

i. Instead of drab slogging forth and back to the fishing boats, there’s a reason to life!

We can lift ourselves out of ignorance, we can find ourselves as creations of excellence and intelligence and skill. We can be free. We can learn to fly.

This idea is very important to me because it stress more how to see life beyond ordinary. It dwells more on how to see myself as a powerful creativity tool. This will go a long way to improve the way I see things and it will prompt me more on delivering excellence in anything I lay my hands on. Using my life experience, in the process of me seeking for knowledge by reading motivational books, I have been able to lift myself out of ignorance, draw to myself the right people, and start the journey of bringing the best out of anybody I meet on my way to greatness. Joel Osteen in all of his books speaks encouragement and soul lifting words which has gone a long way to build my self-confidence. I have realized long time ago that I possess “I Can” ability.

ii. One day Jonathan Seagull Livingston you shall learn that irresponsibility does not pay. Life is the unknown and the unknowable, except that we are put into this world to eat, to stay alive as long as we possibly can.

This idea charged men to take full responsibility of his life because there is more to life than to come and stay as a spectator. You get exactly what you put in to life. This idea is very important to me because it teaches diligence, it reveals to me that there a lot to explore in this world of great opportunities. This also remind me of the day I made a decision to go through Technical Education, I was able to know then that no one is responsible for my irresponsibility, if I fail to maximize that opportunity I had then, generations to come may not be happy with me. So, I took the hard decision then and I proceeded to sent myself to school. Today I am enjoying it, my friends and family are enjoying it, my World is enjoying it also.

iii. Boredom and fear and anger are the reasons that a gull’s life is so short and with these gone from his thought, he lived a long time life indeed.

Fear is the enemy of creativity, anybody that possesses it will find it difficult to achieve greatness, fear subdue vision and eradicate ideas. Men that have their names recorded with Gold have really fought with this great enemy Fear and conquer. Minds that excel in bringing out good ideas did not give room for Fear to overpower them. Fear has caused many to remain a slave throughout their lifetime; they came in to the world and went back without actualizing their dreams and life goals. This idea 3 is so important to me because it tells me to go far away from Boredom, Anger and Fear. With these three present in any man’s life success is not certain.

iv. “Who is more responsible than a gull who finds and follows a meaning, a higher purpose for life? for a thousand years we have scrabbled after fish heads, but now we have reason to live-to learn, to discover, to be free!”

The very day I discovered my calling was my happiest day in life. I was very happy because that is the best thing that can happen to a man. A purposeless man cannot sit before kings. Finding meaning to life demands a lot of sacrifice and as one continues the journey of success, learning continues, there will be a lot of opportunity for discovery and room for self-development.

v. He was flying over a sea, toward a jagged shoreline. A very few seagulls were working the updrafts on the cliffs. Away off the north, at the horizon itself flew a few others.

This fifth idea is very important to me because it gave me an insight that at every level I find myself, I will always meet with new people, with different ideas, opinions and background. This simply means I cannot succeed in Isolation; I need people at every phase of life to achieve my life goals and ambitions.

vi. “Let’s try it again, Sullivan said over and over: let’s try it again. Then, finally, good and they began practicing outside loops.”

It doesn’t matter how many times I fail, I am not yet a failure until I decided never to try again. There is power in trying again. Trying again makes one master perfection. There is probability of encountering failure on the process of putting our ideas to test; we may encounter failure in business or academic life. Having the courage to press forward makes us a Champion. Just like the Sullivan said “Let’s Try It Again.”

vii. “Forget about faith!” Chiang said it time and again. “You don’t need faith to fly, you needed to understand flying. This is just the same. Now try again.”

The seventh idea opens my eyes more on faith application. Show me your faith without work and I will show you my faith with work, because faith without work is meaningless. Faith cannot make me fly until I understand the principle and techniques in flying, faith cannot me a prosperous business man until I understand the principle that govern finance. Faith cannot make a professional driver until I understand basic rules of driving. Understanding how it works will make one avoid common mistakes and it enhances mastery power. Faith application works faster when a process is already working.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

Application of all these ideas will help me in creating a better world than the way I met it. It will help me in encouraging myself the more in putting all my best in any thing I find myself doing. It will help me in building more reliable and lasting relationship with people around me by understanding their weaknesses and managing them accordingly. It will encourage me to try again even if I fail one million times

It will help me more in developing vibrant people who can go into their world and add positive values.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“We choose our next world through what we learn in this one. Learn nothing, and the next world is the same as this one.”

This quote is very important it tells me to make valuable change today so as to add positive value to my life tomorrow and to the life of people around me. One single change I make today can yield millions of profit tomorrow. It encourages me more to keep unfolding mysteries, keep grabbing opportunities, keep setting targets for myself and keep executing my plans.

“You will begin to touch heaven, Jonathan in the moment that you touch perfect speed. And that isn’t flying a thousand miles an hour. Or a million, or flying at the speed of light, because any number is a limit and perfection doesn’t have limit. Perfect speed, my son, is being there.”

This quote is valuable to me because it teaches the principle of improving on what I know how to do best in order to keep achieving best result.

“To fly as fast as thought, to anywhere that is ‘he said ‘you must begin by knowing that you have already arrived.”

This quote teaches the ability of beginning with the end in mind, having clear picture of where one is going, and keep focusing on actualizing one’s dream.

“Break the chain of your thought, and you break the chain of your body.

This stresses productive thinking, positive thought towards attaining greatness.

“You have the freedom to be yourself, your true self, here and now, and nothing can stand in your way.”

This is important to me because it teaches the ability of retaining one’s originality. Doing what I enjoy doing best never to compare myself with anybody.

“The only true law is that which leads to freedom.”

This encourages me to keep doing what will bring freedom to people in my world, not trying to enslave humanity.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

I need more explanation on this quote: “The gulls who scorn perfection for the sake of travel go nowhere, slowly. Those who put aside travel for the sake of perfection go anywhere.”

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes. I completed all the exercises. I find all the exercises useful because it is a basic tool in developing young leaders. The book itself is a valuable material in which all the aspiring leaders, innovators must possess.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

Here I will love to buttress more on the last word of Chiang to Jonathan. After all the admonition, encouragement given to Jonathan by Chiang. He told Jonathan to keep working on Love. This will make me commend the Love of IIGL to humanity. It takes passion for souls and Love for humanity to create this type of atmosphere for minds to grow. And to me the reader of this book I will keep extending my Love to humanity by telling people more about IIGL and keep investing in growing minds.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

Success through a Positive Mental Attitude

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

In this book, “Success through a Positive Mental Attitude,” the author clearly stated a rightful pathway to follow if one must attain stardom. Life is not a bed of roses, you get exactly from it whatever you put into it. Main Idea in this book is achieving success entails taking a bold step from where you use to be and determined never to stop until you get to your glorious destination through a Positive Mental Attitude. Application of all the principles of success in this book will help in fast tracking one’s journey in contributing positively to his entire world at large.

2.What were the seven ideas which were personally most important to you and why? List these seven ideas followed by an explanation after each one as to why it was important to you. Use personal example from your own life.

i. As long as you live, never say to yourself “Do It Now” unless you follow through with desirable action.

Whenever action is desirable and the symbol Do It Now flashes from your subconscious mind to your conscious mind, immediately act. Procrastination is a thief of destiny. Through procrastination man may come down to the level of beast. This idea is very important to me because it teaches the ability of following through. It is good for a man to plan but planning is not enough. Man must know how to follow up with his life plans, how to execute his life goals must be ringing in his mind everytime. He must be able to follow his plans with Action. This is the only way he can be distinguished and rewarded in his world. Because man was created as a co- creator, he also possesses ability to achieve whatever he conceives in his mind. Looking into the work of creation after creating the earth, it was learnt that, it was void and without form-shapeless and nothing was so attractive in it before God took a brave action of pronouncing Light into being in order to add beauty and glory in to the whole earth. We are all benefactor of that single ACT today. So do not forget that “Do It Now,” simply means Always Be Ready to Act!

ii. When you are faced with a problem that needs a solution, regardless of how perplexing it may be: Ask for divine Guidance. Ask for help in finding the right solution.

To every problem, there is always a solution. Man must be able to recognize that he is a spiritual being. Before he came to being it was discussed and agreed in the spiritual realm. His formation was totally a spiritual process therefore he must always seek for Divine Guidance in whatever he wants to do, whatsoever condition he may find himself. He must recognize God in all his ways for proper directive towards achieving in his life goals and ambition. Asking for Divine Guidance will help the man guide against any form of failure and setback on his way to stardom. It also helps in conceiving productive ideas, wisdom and knowledge for execution of goals.

iii. The person who is mentally nearsighted is apt to overlook object and possibilities that are distant.

He pays attention only to the problems immediately at hand and is blind to the opportunities that could be his by thinking and planning in terms of the future. This is a great idea because it teaches the principle of seeing into tomorrow. A man must be able to see into his tomorrow and put all necessary measures in place in order for him to guide against failures, agony and pains that may showoff as he approaches the future ability to see clear picture of tomorrow helps man to get ready and pay attention to what life may demand of him in the nearest future. Have you seen any man dwelling in sorrow and regret in his old age? Walk up to him and ask him how he spent his youthful age? Was he able to engage in programs that taught him some life lessons and what he may likely encounter in his old age? Man should be able to look beyond his present situation, whether good or bad, sour or rosy and dive into future opportunities as well.

iv. Time after time as we have studied the careers of successful men, we have discovered that they date their success from the day they picked up a Self-Improvement book.

Through the help of God and with the assistance of Self-Improvement books I am what I am today. This is a great idea because I am a product of Self-Improvement books. Through these books I have developed Self-Confidence, engage in restoring hopes to feeble minded citizens. If a man must come out successfully as a sojourn in this life, he must learn how to read study and apply principles in the Self-Improvement books. Through Self-Improvement books, great minds was born, great inventors came to existence, globally recognized physician, musicians, teachers, preachers, authors, writers, artist, comedians and leaders came to limelight. Never underestimate the power and value of a book.

v. Your body and mind both need to be fed properly.

You help to maintain your physical body by taking in quantities of wholesome, nutritious food. You maintain your mental and spiritual vigor by absorbing mental and spiritual vitamins from Inspirational and Religious books.

For healthy physical growth, man needs to take in a healthy food that will benefit his body system and help him stay fit. Injection of unhealthy foods poses a high level of risk on man’s health condition. Man must be able to feed himself with food, drinks that will boost his physical strength and at the same time help him stay healthy and alive.The same principle is applicable to what we allow into our mind. If you allow negativity to dominate your thought life, automatically the result will be negativity and failures. Injection of impure thoughts into our minds corrupts our inner man. Man must be able to sieve out negative thoughts and prevent it from entering into his mind. By doing this a man will live longer and stay in happiness and comfort.

vi. Man is the only member of the animal kingdom who, through the functioning of his conscious mind, can voluntarily control his emotions from within, rather than be forced to do so by external influences. He alone can deliberately change habits of emotional response.

Man was specially designed as an emotional being. He can choose where to go at a particular time. He is coupled to be the architect of his fortune and misfortune. He his created to have control over his emotions and feelings. This is why man need to do everything possible never to allow negative feelings and emotions to overpower his productive and clean thoughts. Through persistent effort to put his emotions and feelings under control, he can come out as a winner and distinguished being in his world.

vii. Happiness begins at home. Members of your family are people. Motivate them to be happy just like a good salesman motivates his prospects to buy.

A man must be able to share whatever he has with his family. Money is not everything. It is good if he can share money with his family but money alone is not enough. He should be able share happiness, passion, love, affection, mutual respect with every member of his family. He should be able to make his family a place of perfect peace, home where love and Joy prevails.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

Ideas gathered in this book will help me in the following ways:

It will help me in maintaining good inter-personal relationship with others

It will help me in believing more in myself and what I can do

It will help me more in motivating, sharing what I have with others

It will encourage me to engage more in Study, Planning, and Thinking time.

It will also help in building more my self-esteem and self-confidence.

It will help in maintaining Positive Mental Attitude and discarding Negative Mental Attitude.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Day by day in every respect I am getting better and better.”

There is power in spoken in words, what you persistently confess it’s what you become. Man must learn how to declare positive words upon his life. Even when situations are not going smoothly, in the midst of difficulties he should be able to use his mouth in reshaping his destiny. Man is also a product of his thought.

“It often takes only one idea, followed by action, to turn failure into success.”

October 2013 I started having heavy feelings of going back to my alma Mata and share my experience with the present students. It has been a serious burden on me since last year to make this happen. It’s a beautiful idea that has been lying dormant inside me until I took a decision of discussing with the school Principal. I discussed with him and he welcome my idea, he brought himself down in supporting the vision fully. I took a step of contacting Old Students like me and discuss with them on how we can achieve this. Finally the vision became a reality this year on May 30, 2014 in Government Technical College Ikole Ekiti.We went there in mass to educate, enlighten and orientate the students. And the event marked the first in the history of Ekiti State Technical College. Any idea that is not followed up with action is not useful. You will not know how powerful you are until you put your idea into action. The whole wide world is waiting to hear your voice; Dare to act.

“Regardless of who you are, or what you have been, you can create inside yourself a burning desire to be helpful to others.”

Giving is a commandment from God. Give and it shall be given unto you. The more you give, the more you have. No man is created useless. Man is endowed with a lot of characteristics and values in which he can give to others. Man is rich in wisdom, knowledge and character. Humanity cannot forget the contribution of Sam Adeyemi (Senior Pastor Daystar Church Nigeria) He is taking his time to build reliable generations through his word of wisdom. Mother Theresa will remain a great legend. She was known globally through her dedicated charity work. Generations to come shall live to remember her huge contributions. She passionately shared what she had. This idea is motivating me the more to continue having positive contributions on my generation.

“Your most preciously valued possessions and your greatest powers are often necessarily invisible and intangible. No one can take them. You and you alone can share them.”

Man according to the way he was formed. He was created with a lot of inner virtues, success attracting values, inner abilities and divers’ gifts through which he can make his world a beautiful place. He owns all these virtues to himself and he can only enjoy all these benefits if only he can exhibit them and ready to share them passionately in his world. He must first believe and appreciate his making. He must realize that he is wonderfully made before he can successfully bless his generation with his inner values and possessions.

“A letter can change a life for the better. Start the habit of motivating your loved ones by writing letters containing wholesome, good suggestions.”

Man must learn how to see good things in other people’s life. He must dim it fit to declare positive words and soul lifting motivational words into the life of his partner, parents, wife, children, siblings and acquaintances. Through writing a motivational letter to a man with heavy heart, living with heavy burden in his mind. You can help lighten the load of anxiety and replace sorrow with everlasting Joy. Suggesting good things into their awful situation will go a very long to restore hope back to their hopeless life.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Nothing.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes, I completed the exercise and finds all I read in this book valuable and highly cherished idea. This is a book worth transferring to people. During my course of reading this book I shared information about IIGL with a friend of mine in Swaziland. The knowledge I have gathered in Success through a Positive Mental Attitude is unquantifiable.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

Cleanliness they say is next to Godliness. Man must be able to clean up himself, live in a very clean environment. He should never tolerate unseemliness either in his body, clothes or habitation. Dress to look the part you intend playing in the field of life. Through this man will attract to himself good health and sound mind.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

Psycho-Cybernetics

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The author main idea centered on creating a productive life through a positive self –image. All the achievement man may or not achieve is tied to his self-image. If he lives all his entire life in self pity, he will surely reap failure.

i. Awareness of your real potential

Man according to the way he was packaged by the creator was exceptional being. He is coupled with diverse potential through which he can beautify his life, world and immediate environment.

A man must diligently seek his real potential and unveil them. He must be aware of the sleeping giants in him, hidden treasures and power to make things happen. Through the discovery of his real potential he can dominate, govern and contribute positively to the development of his immediate environment and his world at large. Through the discovery of his real potential he can direct his thoughts in a positive and rewarding way. Through the finding of his inner strength he can set goals and achieve great reward. His failure to discover his real potential may lead to misfortune and frustrated life. Where there is no Vision, people perish

ii. If an individual expects miracles to be showered on him, he will probably be disappointed. I doubt if anyone will walk up to him in the street and hand him a hundred dollar bill just to make his day pleasant.

This idea is worthwhile because it teaches the principle and beauty that is in Work

A man must be able to work with his hands, to provide for his daily needs and the needs of his immediate family and his world at large. Man should not be expecting Miracles where he did not sow He should be able to apply the law of Sowing and Reaping in his daily activities. Any man that does not like to work is not entitle to food. Let’s use a student as a case study here. Have you seen any student going into an examination hall unprepared? Have you seen any student expecting my Miracle in the examination hall without reading? This type of student can only attract the Miracle of failure to himself not Success. But, a well prepared student will always go to the examination hall with a full determination to succeed and the Miracle of success will fall on him.

iii. Any person with a strong self-image sees failure as part of life; he understands his failures are inevitable, but never regards himself as a failure.

Self image has gone a long way to help man in functioning productively as a co-creator and at the same time it has gone a long way to render some men with low self esteem useless and unproductive in their world. A man must possess a very strong self-image. Always wake up every day with full determination to make his world a better place. He always sees opportunity to beautify his world. He is always aspiring to come out as number one. Failure does not exist in his dictionary. To him failure is part of his success story. It is a wheel in which he drove into Excellency. Man must learn how to shun negative self-image. I have a diary where I wrote down positive declaration words. I wake up each day declaring these beautiful utterances into my life. I strongly believe that in declaring all these beautiful words consistently…I will one day see them falling in place my life.

iv. Aspiration

Aspiration as defines by Universal Dictionary as a strong desire: ambition or the act of aspiring. Man as the architect of his Self-Fulfillment must possess a very strong desire to move gradually from one place to another. He must aspire to be great and not to remain in frustration and anxiety, aspiration to change from being an enterprise minus to enterprise plus. He must aspire to maximize his potentials. Through consistent aspiration to see myself a changed person, I was able to come in contact with the right information that led me to IIGL.

v. Goal Setting

Man must be able to involve in establishing specific, achievable, measureable, realistic and time targeted goal. Because the only effective tool for him to make progress is to be aware of what life is expecting from him. His goals must be clearly stated and not only that he must be willing to take effective action in realizing his life goals. Goal setting is a vital tool to an enviable life. A goalless life is automatically a frustrated life. Man must be a goal setter and also a goal getter. A clearly stated goal is a driving force to the one that put down the goals.

vi. Enterprise plus versus Enterprise Minus

Man is known to be enterprise plus when he can manage his time judiciously and productively.24 hours is given to every man in a day, it is given to individual to maximize and utilize it the way he want. An enterprise minus man may leave what he ought to do today through procrastination and allow the grace of today to slip away from his hands. Time is an asset to enterprise plus man and an enterprise minus man will always derive pleasure in wasting his time. Enterprise minus man will always find reason to complain of what his not enjoying, his feelings about himself are always negative. I have learnt never to shift what I can do today till tomorrow. Procrastination kills dreams and aspiration very fast.

vii. Search for the better you.

I have every confident to say Day By Day Through the Grace of God I am Getting Better and Better. I am not where I use to be 2 years ago. A lot of changes has come into my life physically, spiritually, academically, socially and mentally. My father was a carpenter and at the same time stack illiterate. I made up my mind long time ago never to allow my background to put my back on the ground. Every day I keep searching for the opportunity to improve myself. Each day I wake up with full expectation and confidence that my today must be better than yesterday. I keep searching for my true picture and my real capabilities. I do not want to live 100 years of no result. I want to live a quality life and even after my departure I want generations to keep remembering my good work and legacies. Every man must realize this and work towards making himself a better person than who he was yesterday. Big thanks to IIGL for giving me this great platform to dig deep into my hidden treasures.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

Through consistent application of all the good ideas I have learnt in this book, my world is already a better place in having me.These ideas will help me in counseling others with Negative Self-image to develop a Positive Self-image in which they can also change their life and their world at large.It will also help me in driving positive change in my local environment and the whole world at large.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Move on your goals, move on them in spite of conflicts, imperfections, troubles, crises, move on them and though even you fail, you will feel more relaxed because you will know you’ve done your best.”

If any man desire extra-ordinary success and achievement, he must daily move on his goals. He will always see failure as an opportunity to try harder.

“Go to your closet and get out your motion picture projector. Now flash the picture on the screen. The screen of your mind what do you see?”

A lot of people are in the world today with a very low self esteem. During the course of reading this book Psycho-Cybernetics, I sent a text message to 5 friends of mine asking them to stand before their mirror early in the morning after they might have finish dressing up and confirm to me anything they see through their mirror. One of them replied me and told me that she is not always happy with herself anytime she looked at her mirror. She gave me reasons why she hates herself with passion. Before a man can rise to the Top and fulfill destiny, he must be real about himself and he must always see himself as a solution bearer not as a failure.

“When you spend your days trying to imitate somebody else, you tarnish the good image of yourself that you can build and cherish.”

This quote is advising me to maintain originality. I am born to be me. Long ago I have come to realize that I have no photocopy anywhere. The creator created me uniquely and wonderfully. I don’t need to live my life trying to imitate anyone. I must live my life based on the qualities that the creator deposited in me. By so doing I am embracing myself image and building my self confidence the more.

“Because you fail badly once, this does not mean you are a failure as a human being.”

It is very certain that man may encounter failure on his way to greatness. He must always have it at the back of his mind that it is not going to success all through. But, whenever he experience failure, he should be able to learn from his failure and step forward.

“Your self-image is your most precious asset. Make it a daily task to build it, to nourish it, to feed it.”

Daily, we need to appreciate our self image, be contented with how the creator formed you. Man must make it a daily ritual to embrace his inner virtues. He must learn to encourage his positive qualities and discourage his negative qualities.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

The book is wonderful and self-explanatory.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

The book did not contain any exercise.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9.5

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The main idea the author was trying to convey is maintaining good interpersonal relationships is one of the key ways to winning very big.

i. Influence is no respecter of education or experience, it goes only with the one who will set aside his status-be it high and mighty or low and lowly-and put himself in the place of another.

People appreciate you the more when they noticed you are putting yourself in their shoe, they are ready to go anywhere with that leader who can understand how his followers are faring. That manager who is ready to bear the burden of his subordinate, who is ready to provide solution to people’s problem. I have learnt not to be self-centered, because any man that thinks of himself alone cannot build any good relationship with people. He will always find it difficult to maintain balance with people.

ii. A smile cost nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes a moment but the memory of it lasts forever.

Through this idea, I have been made to realize the power of a smile. Having realizing the joy and beauty that smile offers and that a smile given to a sorrowful heart automatically sends a message to the receiver that all hope is not lost. I will try all my best to always wear a smile, so as to remain younger and refreshed and at the same time I will try to let people around me benefit from my smile.

iii. There is power in a person’s name. More than a word, it is a verbal symbol of something much deeper and more meaningful.

There is something powerful in a name. For a man to successfully build a good relationship with people around him he must learn how to call people by their name. People feel so refreshed when you call them by their name. In the beginning, after the work of creation. Creator gave an opportunity to Adam to name all animals, green plants, even the woman he created for him. This simply implies the high level of urgency and importance the creator placed on having a name. Right from the beginning, human being has been bearing a name and it has been adding values into their various lives according to their believe and race.

To efficient build a lasting relationship with people, one must learn the skill of knowing their names.

iv. Conversely, you cannot sustain success on branding alone. You cannot brand yourself or your business and then forgo building relationship

Develop a good relationship with your customers, colleague in the office, church members, and anybody you meet on your way to stardom and you will see every reason to live a happy life. Branding alone is not enough to sustain success, the manner at which we interact with people along the way matters a lot in determining success achieved.

v. Praise and encouragement.

The two essential elements of motivating any person to fulfill their potential, to improve or tackle change. Yet it’s difficult for many of us to recognize the effort of those around us.

This idea is simply telling me to:

Learn the habit of appreciating people’s effort and I should endeavor to communicate my pleasantness in any service they render to me.

I should learn to encourage people with words like, I know you can do it, I believe in your ability, You are super, Well-done, You are wonderful etc.

Research has shown that many business owners today find it difficult to appreciate and commend the effort of their subordinates and this is standing as a big barrier between the employee and the employer in building a lasting relationship.

For any man to be highly successful in the journey of life, he must be a grass root manager. Somebody that understand the feelings of his follower and he is ready to share in their burden.

vi. Admitting ones mistake-even when one hasn’t corrected them-can help convince somebody to change his behavior.

Man’s attitude determines his altitude. This is a great deal because it tells me more about accepting ones mistake. Man must be able to admit his error or mistake and be ready to take a bold step in correcting those mistakes. We should never forget that there is a certain degree of satisfaction in having the courage to admit ones errors. Dale Carnegie says, any fool can defend a mistake-and most fools do-but admitting your mistake raises you above the pack and gives you a feeling of exultation. We need to learn to say sincerely “yes I admit I am wrong, I never meant to behave this way, I am sorry if I have treated you wrong.” These are powerful tools to show people around you sincerely admit your mistakes.

vii. A primary difference between ordinary and extraordinary people is how they perceive and respond to failure.

Every successful man always recognizes failure as an opportunity to do more. Anytime he encounter failure, he sit back and re strategize on how to come back more lively and resourceful. He always thinks of where and how he missed it, try to correct his mistakes and move on. But, an ordinary man will always see the reason why he should remain at the base. He complains about everything. He can never see opportunity in his failure.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

These ideas will help me in building healthy and balanced inter-personal relationship with people. It will help me in maintaining good relationship within my family, office, church and my world at large.It will also help me in my career, because I will improve on customer relation. It will help me to keep focusing on how to reach out to people with my smile, words of encouragement on a daily basis.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“We all have an innate unquenchable desire to know we are valued, to know we matter. Yet affirming this in each other is among the most challenging thing to do in our day and age.”

At this age where inter-personal relationship is being bridged by the rapid growth of social media and telecommunication. It is necessary to know that many are still in the world waiting for somebody to validate and commend their uniqueness. Many are feeling lonely, eager to see who will fill the empty space. Many are waiting to experience genuine love and affection. This idea is telling me that I still have a lot of assignment to do in making peoples feel and realize how wonderful they are. Life has taught many people a bitter lesson, some are going through the pain of inferiority complex, and many souls are encountering demoralization on a daily basis. We as a change agent must do everything within our reach to stand out among the crowd and make our world more beautiful and a convenient place for people to stay. One of the key ways to win friends and to maintain good relationship with people is to learn how to appreciate and affirm their excellent contribution. We need to learn how to see the positive side of people not only the weak points.

“People are not things to be molded, they are lives to be unfolded.”

Human being as a dynamic being, coupled with diverse inner beauties and abilities to make things happen. He is created as a co-creator. He has a lot in him to offer to his world. But many find it difficult to materialize what God has deposited in them. We cannot achieve success alone. We need people who will encourage us to utilize whatever God has deposited in us, we need people to help us turn our weaknesses to strength. Likewise, many people out there are waiting for us to help them unfold their hidden treasures. Thanks to IIGL for this great idea of helping people to wake up their sleeping giants. No doubt about it that through this IIGL many has come to realize their true self, take a bold step of achieving greatness.

“No worthwhile business relationship, whether with your own people or customers and partners, can endure without mutual respect.”

Respect they say is a reciprocal. In the organization that I am working with presently, Coca- Cola Nigeria, one of our core values is “Caring for our People.”. The management of our organization started preaching this mutual respect and caring for our people 2years ago when they discovered that a lot of abuse and disrespect is going on within the organization. People terminating people because of personal hatred not because of their incompetency. Superior punishing the subordinate just because there is a little misunderstanding. But, today things are changing. The company has tried to bring in people who are capable of driving Change within the organization. Our organization today has turn to a fun place to work. We play to win with the mind of going extra-mile to care for our people and respect each other’s opinion and feelings.

“When we treat man as he is, we make him worse than he is, when we treat him as if he already were what he potentially could be, we make him what he should be.”

This idea is simply telling me never to judge people with present or outward look. If I have a wayward friend and I know he is doing everything wrong at the moment, that doesn’t mean I should conclude on him. I need to look beyond the natural and see him as a Solution Provider. I should never treat him as a wayward person which I know him to be, I should rather see the positive side of him and based on that relate with him on where I am seeing him in the nearest future.

“It is clear that our own names can hold value today, but lest we be tempted to forget, knowing others names can lead to greater success.”

This idea is simply telling me that I should learn to master how to appreciate people by knowing their names at a first encounter. Name mastery, one of the ways to build a lasting relationship.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Nothing.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

The book did not contain any exercises.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

No.

Please rate the following question on a scale 1 to 10. Ten is good, one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful was the content? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D. Would recommend it for others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9.5

Giant Steps
Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The main idea that the author was trying to convey here in this book is that “for any man to live a fruitful and productive live, he must be ready to take bold steps in achieving his life’s dreams and ambition.” Dreaming alone is not enough until it is followed with action. If one must achieve very greatly, he must be ready to sacrifice greatly.

i. I challenge you to make a decision today that can immediately change or improve the quality of your life. Do something you’ve been putting off…master a new set of skills. Treat people with new found respect and that all decisions have consequences.

This idea is very important to me because it has actually helped me to reflect back on my life. Practically, there a lot of beautiful dreams and aspirations I do put on my diary every year that needed me to follow with action but due to negligence or procrastination, I allow them to be lying dormant in my diary. This idea is challenging me to wake up and take decisions that will transform my life positively. It stirring my inner mind to be more committed to things that will make me a great man in my own time. This idea is simply telling me that “I am the direct product of my thoughts; anything I decide to be is what I will eventually become.” There is this big question that fell on my mind during the course of studying this particular book, I asked myself, if after I have read all this great books from different great authors and my life did not affect my generation positively, I am the most miserable. Therefore, I am committed to keep doing the right thing, taking right decisions and making the right attitude my watchword.

ii. Research has consistently shown that those who succeed tend to make decisions rapidly and are slow to reverse a well –thought-out position. Conversely, people who fail usually decide slowly and change their minds frequently.

This idea has taught me that “achievers are great thinkers.”Great thinkers who refuse to allow failure to overpower them. Thinkers who are very firm on their decisions. Thinkers who always see opportunity in every difficulties. Thinkers who find it difficult to give up on their dreams. Doers which after they attempt to climb the ladder of success many times and fail but never ready to give up. People who are sitting in the very low level of life and wallowing in failure are those who give up on their dreams so easily. For me to be successful and for the success to well pronounced, I must be persistent and develop a mindset of achiever.

iii. The secret of unleashing your true power is setting goals that are exciting enough that they truly inspire your creativity and ignite your passion.

Goal setting must be direct and achievable. Any man that wants to rise up to the level of power and dominate must be able to set a clear goal. Our goal must be directed in the area of our passion. It must be specific. This point has really helped me to develop some specific goals about my life, I have put some on my diary while I have been able to put some in action. Through this book I have been able to understand my primary assignment here on earth and I am committed to remain firm with my calling and purpose.

iv. There is a huge difference between achieving to be happy and happily achieving.

This point is very important to me because it teaches me how I can live my seconds, hour, day, weeks, months and years to the fullest. Happily achieving entails doing the right thing at the right, being in the right place at the right, doing what I enjoy doing not minding the financial reward that may come out of it. Giving selfless to people around me.Making all my days on the surface of the earth count. All these things will actually bring inner peace and fulfillment.

v. There is always a place in the world for those who are willing to give of their time, energy, capital, creativity, and commitment.

The world we are today is crowded with a lot of atrocities; many do not understand their purpose, Many are living in poverty, crises here and there; the crime rate is increasing day by day. The whole world is looking for solution bearer. Someone who will stand on his feet and provide solution to all the problems facing the world. This idea has really ignite my passion in doing more of people development activities and using my resources to help my community, state, country and the whole world at large. The world does not recon with people that does not have solution, it only honor’s great thinkers who are daily contributing to economic development of their nation and to the world at large. I am committed to be one of the great achiever in my own time. I am committed to make positive changes on this generation. I am committed to use my financial strength to help bring someone’s dream to reality.

iv. Everyday above ground is a great day.

This quote reminds me of the grace I am enjoying to see each blessed day. This is telling me to live my day to the fullest and appreciate the beauty of each day because many desire to see it but they are not opportunistic. Also this quote is actually telling me that all hope is not lost. When there is life, there is hope of doing and achieving many great things. One can actually correct yesterday’s mistake and forge ahead to live a better and rewarding life .So far I am still alive today ,it is not too late to make a great change.

vii. What hidden benefits might you derive from a behavior you know you should change? How attractive are they when weighed against the pain you know this behavior has caused you in the past, present, and future?

This quote is telling me to denounce every negative habit that may be drawing me backward. I should learn to embrace positive thinking and behaviors .No matter how attractive and sweet the bad habit may appear, it does not matter the temporary enjoyment the behavior may offer. Bad habits will always cause setback.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

The ideas I have been able to gather in this book Giant Steps will help me:

To be more proactive in all my day to day activities. It will help me in building lasting relationship with others. It will help me in shunning procrastination and embrace pro activity. This will help me in creating beautiful ideas that will set me among great achievers of my time. It will help me in setting specific and achievable goals.

It will enhance my thinking ability and creativity. It will help in encouraging me to take positive steps that will have positive impact on my generation.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Procrastination is one of the most common ways to avoid pain. But usually if you delay taking action, you only create more pain for yourself later on.”

This quote is very important to me because it further explains that procrastination can only bring temporary satisfaction. Procrastination is a thief of time. I have gained through this quote that whatever my hands find doing, I should do it diligently without postponing it or shifting it till tomorrow. I should make every minute of my life count.

“Do you have a goal that excites you but involves doing something you have never done before? When would now be a good time to start imagining yourself succeeding?”

This has stressed more on making me realize that there is no time to waste. Enough of imaginations and dreams. Enough of putting my dreams on paper without taking necessary steps in achieving those beautiful dreams. Dreaming alone is not enough. This quote has actually taught me more that this is the best time for me to take steps that will lead me to my desire level of honor. Now is the time to make positive changes.

“How we deal with adversity shapes our lives more than almost anything else. Achievers usually see problems as transitory.”

This quote is very important to me because it encourage me to remain steadfast and committed even when I find myself in the midst of difficulties. Achievers are not quitters. Quitters are failure. People that fail to see opportunities in the midst of their own so call difficult times. Achievers and great men of history use problems as a stepping stone greatness. They are courageous and remain firm even when it seems the situation is beyond them. I have learned through this quote that even when I fail, I should take further steps in ensuring that I come out victoriously.

“Kids are the all-time champions of questioning. What could you gain by imitating the innocence and curiosity of children who are completely determined to get an answer?”
This is vital point because it has actually open my eye to the importance of question asking whenever I think I have reached my limit. Great thinkers and achievers are people that embrace question asking. They were people who are so curious about asking question and they keep getting answers. Therefore, through this book I have been able to understand the importance of asking myself questions about things that surround me and about people in my world.

“Remember, Seek and ye shall find.”

This is actually reminding that I should continue to ask, seek for whatever I think I am lacking. If I found out that I need to additional skill to my skill to make myself presentable anywhere in the world, I should go for it. I can only get whatever I choose to search for. I must learn how to go out of my comfort zone and pursue my life goals and ambitions to see it coming to reality. This word “Seek and ye shall find “Is one of the Kingdom principle and it is open for the application of all.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

I clearly understand the book and the author communicate in a simple and professional way.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

The book contains several personal assignment for the reader in which I followed through and I find those exercise very useful and resourceful. I believe through what I have gained through this book, new ideas are being giving birth to and more positive actions shall follow.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

I will keep commending IIGL for providing this awesome platform for me and for many people that as well embrace change around the world. IIGL is building future leaders and change makers.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 8
C. How easy was it to understand? 8
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

Keys to Success

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The main idea that the author was trying to convey in this book is that “Success is attainable with one putting up the right attitude, surrounding oneself with like-minded people, self-determination, proactiveness, definite and proper setting out of goals, and breaking of bad habits.

i. If you would plant for days, plant flowers, if you would plant for years, plant trees, if you would plant for eternity, plant ideas.

This idea has greatly taught me that Idea Rule the World. One good idea planted today is capable of yielding multiple fruits even till eternity. Humanity is enjoying a lot of benefits today due to the effort being made by some great men of the past with beautiful Ideas. Technology advancement today was once an idea conceived by a man with a clear picture of tomorrow. During the process of reading this book and most especially this idea, many beautiful ideas fell into my memory which I quickly jotted down in my diary for future actualization. The world belongs to that man who can see clearly the picture of tomorrow, a man who understands the lack of his community and who is willing to proffer solution to it. A man who is ready to contribute his own quota to his personal development and add positive values to his society.

ii. Alertness of Opportunity: If you can see an opportunity as quickly as you can see the faults of others, you will soon succeed.

Opportunity is always around any man who will sit gently and look deep into what is happening in his environment. There is a saying that” When preparation meets opportunity, the genius is born” .Recognizing opportunity as at when due will definitely hasten our journey to success. I have obtained many additional professional certificates apart from my normal Higher National Diploma Certificate which has added a lot of value into my career advancement today. The opportunity came for me to do it then and I further take a step in actualizing my readiness in grabbing the opportunity. “Man must be sensitive enough to understand and to be able to study his environment to know when opportunity is present with him.”

iii. Be sincere first of all with yourself, and you will steadily grow in self-reliance

Many has ended life journey without making things happen because they use all their life, energy and resources to run another man’s race. Some were busy deceiving themselves and that was why things refuse to work their way. This idea has enlightened me the more on how importance it is to be realistic to oneself. Man must be able to identify his area of strength and weaknesses. He must be able to take decision on his own. He must be able to take full responsibility of his life. It is after he has been able to do all these things, that is when he is capable of adding values into his life and to the life of people around him.

iv. If you are unsure of your language skills, you can improve them by reading.

I am no longer where I use to be when it comes to writing and speaking skills. I see the need for me to improve on my language skill some years back when I discover that it was very difficult for me to make reasonable comment anytime my friends and colleagues are talking. I read almost everything that comes across my way to further better my language skill. This idea has further motivated me to still go deeper in reading about any language I am not sure of. I am still seeing a lot of improvement opportunity around my language skill.

v. Whatever your mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. Therefore, do not allow self-imposed limitations and restrictions to block the flow of Infinite Intelligence

Power of life and death lies in man’s heart. There is a great mystery living in the abode of our state of mind. We are created by the Almighty and coupled in such a way that our capability in directing our thoughts life is very high. Man through what he thinks regularly can draw to himself mischief or happiness, sorrow or joy. There is no doubt about it that man is a product of his thought. Whatever he can conceive in his heart that he shall receive. After reading few books with IIGL, I have been able to map out strategies on how to control what I allow to flows through my mind. I have shun negative thinking with passion, knowing fully that whatever I can conceive and believe, that I shall surely attract.

vi. If you make your prayers an expression of gratitude and thanksgiving for the blessings you already have, instead of request for things you do not have, you will obtain result much faster.

This idea has taught me the more the importance and value of appreciation. I am passionate about giving thanks to the owner and creator of the whole universe. He is the giver of wisdom and understanding. He owns every power both in heaven and the earth. From Him we derive our being. We originate from Him and to Him we shall return. Giving appreciation for what we already possess instead of complaints do fast-track the rate at which we receive answers and multiple blessings will follow our request.

vii. Failure to make your own decisions: Do others determine everything that happens in your life? Do not surrender the most precious gift of your Creator! Make your own decisions and become self-determining.

This idea is meant personally for me. This is coming to me at the right time. It is reminding me how powerful I am. Coupled wonderfully and fearfully by Almighty to come to the world and add positive values. He created me in such a way that He gave room to me live and to also fulfill my own destiny and purpose. Living in another man’s world can be so disastrous. Not been able to make my own decision can render me so useless and incapacitate.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

This idea will help me in building self-confidence, help me to maintain good relationship with people, it will further assist me in working on how I can better affect and change my world positively.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Find out what you want, and look for it all the time. Demand much! Set a high goal, believe that you will attain it with the aid of Infinite Intelligence, and you will leave the fear of poverty far behind.”

This idea is very important to me because it is stressing more on power of goal setting. People who have been able to break even in this world are those people who place much demand on their world. They were able to see the real the picture of who they are. They were not unsure about the treasures within them. They recognize the great power of can do, they cherish their inner beauty and their world smile at them and place them in a place of honor. I am also ready to demand so much from life in which I am sure with determination and high level of believe, I will get there.

“You will achieve precisely the success you can envision for yourself. Cultivate that vision every day, in every way you can.”

What I cannot see, I cannot achieve. I can only achieve the success I have been able to envision and consistent cherish in my mind. This idea is very important to me because it’s reminding me about the power of vision. There is great power in seeing into tomorrow. Reading about this quote has lead me to write my 5 year plan in my precious diary. A Man must be able to see.

“Until you begin to render more service than you are already being paid for, you are not entitled to any more pay.”

Going extra-mile is the chosen word. Any man that want to sit in the position of honor and maintain high profile should be ready to take initiatives. He must be ready to render more service than what he’s been paid. I do not realize the power of going extra-mile early enough in my life and this has caused me to work on the same level in the office for years before I was promoted to another level. The world only recognizes men who are ready to offer solution to problems, men who are ready to think outside the box and gets things done. After I realize the secret behind going extra-mile, I began to experience drastic turn around in my life and my career.

“There are two types of people who never amount to anything. There are those who never do anything except what they are told to do. And there are those who cannot even do what they are told to do.”

Taking initiative is one of the key ways to achieve extra-ordinary success. Many employee remains at the Junior level in their respective organization because they refuse taking initiatives. Many lives are dwelling in pains and agony of life because they refuse taking initiative. They are waiting for someone to always tell them what to do and what not to do. For this set of people, life can be so bored for them.

“Abstain from negative conversations, especially carping, gossip, or tearing apart other people’s reputations. These activities condition your mind to think negatively.”

This idea is telling me to stay away from any negative conversations. Because this will not add any positive values into my life. Talking negatively conditions our mind to think negatively and act negatively.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

The ideas and quotes puts together in this book are of great impacts. They are simple to understand with practical examples.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

There are some exercise meant for the readers to act upon on a personal note and all these exercise helps more in acting on what I have been able to read in this book.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

Until a man learns the habit of going extra-mile, ready to offer more than what he is being paid for, he is not entitle to more pay. This idea alone has changed my life completely. I felt as if I won an award of great price the day I read this quote in this great book; “Keys to Success.”

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Real Magic

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

He is trying to say “Nothing is impossible in the world of possibility.”

i. Your level of readiness to grow and become your own miracle worker is simply a state of mind.

Our mind has a lot of capacity to imagine and conceive relevant ideas. Some people have dedicated their lives to mediocrity; they live their life based on the terms “Anyting goes.” Some are not ready to leave their comfort zone and make things work for them. Some are not ready to try something new. They always complain about life itself and mostly see why things are not working their way. Miracle working can be possible when accountability is in place, miracle working will be possible when willingness to move to the next level is there. Miracle Working will be so difficult with a negative mindset.

ii. There is an invisible but knowable life force within you.

Through this great master piece Real Magic, I have been able to understand better the great forces dwelling inside of me. I have come to realize the CAN DO creative power residing inside of me. I have boldly struck out impossibility from my personal dictionary. Recognising the still voice and the invisible life force inside of me will further enhance my proficiency in making my life, community,world a better place for people to live it. I have come to realize that I can achieve my utmost purpose if only I can put all the success driven forces inside me into action. It is my new commitment to live my life into the fullest. It is my new commitment to live a life full of purpose. The whole wide world has been on the lookout for people who are ready to solve humanity problem. Husband who is ready to show sincere concern to his immediate family and his community at large. So many people have refused to understand and realize the limitless power dwelling inside of them and this has been the sole reason why so many family, organization, religious gathering has failed in carrying out their obligations.

iii. There are no limits

God has designed human beings in such a way that we are to continue the work of creation from where He stopped. He created us Male and Female and deposited beautiful treasures inside us which will help us in creating good ideas. Our body is covered with mere mortal after which the mortal body lives for a certain period of time, it tends to transform and decay. But our spirit man is designed to be Limitless. We are limitless in thoughts and ideas; we are limitless as a Co-Creator. He made it so perfect that there is no limit to what we can do as human. Through intelligent reasoning, man can bring peace and transformation to His world. He can as well re-build a broken wall.

I have come to understand that there is no limit to my beautiful dreams and aspirations.

My Restaurant/Fast Food business is already a reality.

My vision of becoming a renowned motivational speaker is already in place.

My vision of helping the less privileges and restoring hope back to the hopeless is working already.

My vision of attending University Of Middlesex London to study Psychology and Human Resource Management is already in place.

My thought life is broaden enough to accommodate beautiful thoughts and creative ideas.

I have no limit because I am made of Limitless features and characteristics.

iv. Everywhere you look in science, the harder it becomes to understand the universe without God.

God reign and rule over the affairs of men. He formed man wonderfully and fearfully right in his mother’s womb. He endowed him with a lot of virtues in which he can use to benefit himself and his world. He created the firmament and separate light from darkness. Man need to become spiritually inclined before he can understand the mystery of the whole universe.

v. You have the capacity to create miracles and live a life of real magic, by using your invisible self to influence your physical reality. When you truly become a spiritual being first and a physical being second, and know how to live and breathe in this new alignment, you will become your own miracle worker.

January last year, I walked into a bookshop and lay my hands on one of Pastor Joel Osteen’s book titled “Break Out.” The title of this book caught my attention and I decided to pay for it. I took pretty time to study and stay glued to the prophetic words written in this book. One of the transformational word I stick to is that.” A shift is coming my way” and when this shift finally arrives, it will move me from where I am presently and move me forward. This shift will also cause some people to go extra mile in rendering me a favor.Since then I allow this declaration to be part of my daily life. I saw this SHIFT FROM INWARD.I KNOW IT WILL SURELY MANIFEST IN THE PHYSICAL…I AM NOT SURPRISE WHEN THIS SHIFT FINALLY ARRIVE 30TH OF AUGUST 2015 AND MOVE ME 2 TIMES AHEAD OF WHERE I USE TO BE IN MY OFFICE. Our mind is a great tool in creating miracles. You are what you think and confess you are.

vi. When you get to the giving stage, you will be aligned with your purpose and then you will be at the place where you can be a miracle worker.

Through the ideas packaged in this book Real Magic, I have fully understood that man is created to be a giver. Until he is fully aware of this divine assignment, fulfillment may be difficult for him to attain. He must first of all go down deep within himself to really understand what he can give. Every man is created with one or two things which can give to his society, family and friends and co-workers. Many have come to this world without unveiling this inner secret of what they can give. Many believe in taking than giving. Wayne W.Dyer says giving stage is a stage where one will be aligned with his purpose and it is in this same place one can become his own Miracle Worker.

Vii. One simply must know that there is much more to life than achievement, performance and acquisitions and that the measure of a life is not in what is accumulated, but rather in what is given to others.

One big secret of life is that, we arrive in this world empty handed, and so we shall return. Material things are not part of what we came in to this world with and we shall surely leave it behind if the owner of our life finally demands for it. God has created us in such a way that individual has a unique characteristics in which he/she can use in adding values to his world. Man should always look for a way to make his world a better place for others to stay rather than to be accumulating wealth, gathering certificates, attending the most expensive university in the world.

The world today is so full of ugly occurrences such as Terrorism, Sexual Abuse, and Attack, etc. Nations are waging war against each other. Nevertheless, our world is craving for people who are ready to offer what they have. People that have lived above Selfishness People who are ready to beatify their world with what they have. They are ready to use their time, strength. Money, position, wealth, fame to make this world a better place.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

Ideas in this book will help me in following ways:

Having more confidence in my ability.

Trusting my inner still voice

Raising generations who will live a miracle filled life…

Living my purpose till the fullest

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“All that you fight weakens you. All that you are for empowers you. In order to manifest miracles you must be totally focused on what you are for.”

The first step to divine fulfillment is to first understand oneself. Man cannot live a well fulfilled life without identifying his strength and weaknesses. He must understand his primary place of assignment and stay with his purpose.

“Be thankful for your liver, your hands, your brain and your invisible, incomprehensively awesome mind.”

Man must know how to appreciate God for all he possess on a daily basis. Giving gratitude to Almighty will surely open more gate of happiness and fulfillment.

He (God) is committed to do more for us if only we learn how to appreciate Him for all he hath been doing in our lives. After reading this book Real Magic. I have learned how to intensify my Praise Pattern.I know better how to ascribe Him my praise and thanksgiving.

“Affirm to yourself out loud each day that you are a spiritual being having a human experience, and that in this spiritual realm there are no limitations.”

Positive Declarations and affirmations is one very important thing I cannot joke with. I have tried it and it has really work for me. This has been so helpful to me. During the course of reading this book, an idea dropped in for me to organize and event where people will come and Confess Positive affirmations into their lives. Planning is on-going on how to achieve this event before the end of this year. There is power in our spoken words. We attract whatever we consistently confess. Many are already set a limit on themselves by affirming negative words, thoughts on frequent occasion.

“The more you trust that your life is on purpose and that you will not be misguided, the more you will commune in the peaceful, harmonious world of real magic.”

When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable. If any man fails to understand his primary place of assignment, he will be forced to live an unfulfilled life. A purpose well understood paves way for greater exploits.

“All the spiritual masters tell us that the reality of life speaks to us in silence.”

Meditation is one of the easiest way to understand one’s purpose. This is all we must all strive to be practicing. Through meditation, a lot of beautiful ideas and revelation flows in.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Nothing.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

The book is highly inspiring and practicable

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The New Dynamics of Winning

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Winning entails a lot of sacrifice. I must be ready to pay sacrifice for high flying experience.

i. Getting comfortable with the unfamiliar

I must sincerely say that this idea has given me another deep insight into my life purpose and goals. I have this desire of setting up a restaurant alongside with the job I am doing presently but I have not really take a bold step in actualizing this dream but after reading this caption “Getting comfortable with the unfamiliar.” I comfortably draft out my business name, drafting the business plan also and planning on how to register the business name with Corporate Affairs Commission here in Nigeria. This idea has taught me to go further in trying a new thing, embracing new ideas and working things out effectively.

ii. Learn everything you can about the winners who have overcome setbacks and handicaps in order to become successful.

Successful people around us are there for us to learn and explore from their wealth of experience and what they did to be successful. I am challenged by this idea to go out of my comfort zone and learn from a mentor. Part of my developmental goal this year is to learn from a successful Restaurant Owner.

iii. Don’t allow others to contaminate your self-talk with their negativity.

I have developed my own personal self-talk long before now, there are some that I adopted by some great achievers. I have made it a point of duty to recite my affirmative words at least twice a day. I have seen some of these beautiful words coming to reality in my life. I use my mouth to demand whatever I want from life. I have to resist from using my mouth to confess negativity about my life or the lives of people around me. I know the transformative power that lies in positive self-talk. Therefore, I refuse to allow anybody to contaminate my positive self-talk with his/her own negativity.

iv. Nothing in the world can take the place of determination. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent, and unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

There is no shortcut to success. I am blessed to know again through this idea that nothing can take the place of determination. I have witness determination work for me in the area of academics, career and my social life. Through determination I was able to combine my job with academics. Through determination I have been able to combine my job with some social responsibilities, rendering service to my community and people around me.

v. Maximum success is built upon mini-goals. Any goal can be achieved, but first it must be broken down into a series of sub-goals.

Write the vision/goals and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come. This idea makes me understand how important it is to break ones goals into step by step in achieving it. After catching into a restaurant business vision. It is not enough for me to say I want to own a restaurant without setting sub goals on how to achieve my aim. I must be able to set a sub goal of the location I which to establish my restaurant, the type of food I want to be selling, the startup capital, etc. Breaking someone’s goal into sub goals will enhance the achievement of purpose.

vi. The less you try to impress, the more impressive you are.

I have been encouraged through this idea to be committed to living the life of originality.

I am not in this world to impress anybody with whatever thing I find myself doing.

I am the architect of my fortune or misfortune

As an employee, I should work for a cause, not for applause. I should live to express not to impress.

I should not strive to make my presence noticed.

vii. Losers are not born to lose. They are programmed that way by their own perceptions and decisions.

I am a product of my thoughts. I have come to understand that no one is born a loser or winner; we create what we are by ourselves. “As a Man Thinketh, so is He.” Man in his thoughts should be able to write his own history positively using the creative power bestowed on him in the right manner which will may likely put him in the world of ease not of difficulty.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

The ideas and lesson in this book will help me in creating a success filled world for myself and for people around me. I am becoming a better manager and leader.

I am exhibiting my leadership style in more professional way.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Make an effort to feel good about your physical self, including how you look, how you dress, and how you think.”

I am a celebrity, a complete and perfect gentleman. Anytime I look in the mirror, I see greatness in me. My original self that has no photocopy. I am complete in Stature, my dark complexion is shining. I embrace my uniqueness. I try all my possible best to look very smart in my attire. I am King in my own Kingdom. For long I have learnt how to appreciate my being and it has helped me a lot in creating high level of self-esteem.

“Champions are disciplined thinkers.”

To get to the top, one must be ready to sieve out every form of negative thinking. Thoughts that is very harmful to one’s body, spirit and soul. Champions do understand the effect of negative and positive thinking. They are determined and ready to pay any price to achieve their set goals and objectives. They are very sure of where they are going therefore there is no room to entertain any defeating thoughts. They are fully aware that no matter how many times they may fall, victory is awaiting them.

“Direct your self-talk toward what you want, instead of away from what you don’t want.”

We must be able to use our words to shape our destiny. There is power in our tongue. It is a great tool of destruction or re shaping. This idea makes me understand better how rewarding it is to carefully apply my self-talk towards the direction of bringing more fortune into my life from rather than using it to move far away from what I want.

“Enroll in a class.”

There is always a room for improvement. There is no mister know all. For one to get to the level of mastery in his/her career, business, ministry. He must be open to learning and ready to take up a new challenge. We must be committed into developing ourselves day by day. When I secure the Job I am doing in the year 2009,I was only having my Secondary School Certificate.Thesame month I got this Job was the same month I enroll in a class for my National Diploma. Today I have successfully completed my Higher National Diploma In Engineering. I have enroll in several professional courses. I have attended several seminars and trainings. I am currently a student of IIGL.Though it has not been easy combining this with the type of job I am doing but I am progressing no matter how slow I might appear. I am committed into learning new things and developing myself on a daily basis.

“Use praise frequently and sincerely.” (One of the qualities of a good Leader)

Most of the organizations today are suffering low level of productivity, because we have more managers and leaders who seem not to understand the power of praising subordinates. One of the Key important factor which made A One Minute Manager stood out as a manager was his ability to say Well Done to his team member , he successfully manage his team member because he understand and appreciate what One Minute Praising means in getting result out within the organization. I have learnt how to put this into practice as I continue managing my team member. I have witness the power that lies in using appreciative words on our team member.

“Don’t wait for that miracle or break or’ ’the right time’ ‘Today is your day. Choose how you will spend it, and do the same with every other day of the rest of your life.”

Every day is a blessing. It comes with every opportunity to do greater things, it offers 24 hours to each and every one of us. It open doors of opportunity widely for all. I must make every day count. I must live every day to the fullest. I am committed into demanding whatever I want from each day before it’s dawn. Many lives are in penury today because they have lived all their lives in waiting to witness miracle that will put huge sum of money in their pocket without laboring for it.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Nothing

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

None.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good

And one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

Goals

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The author throughout the book was teaching “focusing on the possibilities.”

i. The biggest waste of time and life is to spend years accomplishing something that you could have achieved in only a few months: Procrastination is a thief of destiny.

Refuse today to live a life of procrastination. A procrastinator cannot set a clear goal. He will always find it difficult to put his goal on paper. He will always be looking for a shortcut to actualize his dream.

ii. Successful people keep their thoughts and conversations focused on their most intensely desired goals. They think and talk about what they want most of the time.

Daily confession of one’s goal makes it stamp into the mind and it helps in developing ways of making those goals a reality. I have developed the habit of daily directing my thoughts to be in alignment with where I want to be in the next 5, 10, 20 years to come.

I have developed the habit of constantly meditating and talking about the beautiful dreams I have. It is only heavily determined minded people, who knows where the destination is and know how to get there. These set of people cherish the beauty of their goals.

iii. Everything you see around you in the man-made world began as thought or an idea in the mind of a single person before it was translated into reality.

Whatever the mind of man can conceive, he can achieve. As a Man Thinketh, so is he. Our mind carries a lot of can do power. Through the thought process, many have re-defined who they are, many have jeopardized their beautiful goals and many have been able to conquer nations through the power of positive thinking and power of aligning one’s dream with the mind. The beauty of nature was once a thought in the mind of Creator. Firmament and the great sea came into being a through a dynamic thought process. Human being came into existence through the power of the mind.

I am determined to do more of directing my thought to be in alignment with goals.

iv. You become what you think about most of the time. Your outer world ultimately becomes a reflection of your inner world.

You are what you repeatedly think you are. A champion will never allow the thought of defeat to dominate his mind. We automatically become whatever we think we are.

I have always love to confess this right from when I was young that; I can never be poor. Consciously or unconsciously I also keep this in my mind and this proclamation is already a reality. I see myself breaking forth and excelling by day.

v. It is in your hands.

The decision to set clear goals is in my hands

I am fully responsible for constant review of my set goals for effective actualization of my goals. I am fully in-charge. I am not in competition with any man. Anything I desire to be or not be is in my hands. I am fully responsible for believing that my goal is achievable

vi. The unexamined life is not worth living

Through this book I have realized that I must keep constant record of how progressive I am in life. I must be able to sit down and examine how effective my goals are and how fast I am in actualizing them. By doing this, I will be able to know how close I am to my dreams and aspirations. I must keep a clear record of my performance and constantly evaluate myself. I must be able to know the areas where I am doing well and the areas in which I need to improve. Constant appraisal of my life will help me improve beyond my expectations.

vii. The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible.

I have grown to the level of believing that impossible is nothing. During the period of studying this book “Goals” I have received additional foresight on how to work on someone’s goals and making it a reality. I must have a strong faith that my goals are achievable and attainable before I can see it becoming a reality.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

Ideas in this book will help me in following ways:

Help to understand what Goal Setting is all about

Help in setting a clear goal and mapping out a smart ways of achieving my goals

It helps in building my courage in pursuing my goal

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“A goal that is not in writing is not a goal at all.”

Putting down someone goal on paper with constant review of it help in fast tracking ones achievement. I have witnessed insurmountable power of goal setting this year.

In January this year, I was very clear about what my ultimate goal is for this year 2016 and with the help of constant review and proper planning, I was able to achieve my ultimate goal in the month of November. A goal that is not put into writing can be easily forgotten.

“Average and mediocre people always blame their failures to make progress on the people and circumstances around them .But superior people always look into themselves and ask, “What is it in me that is holding me back.”

During the course of studying this book, I have been able understand that I am the author of my fortune or misfortune. I take full responsibility for my life and for the results I have achieved in it. Nobody is responsible for my progress or my failure. I am fully in charge and I must be able to understand whatever that is standing as a blocker for me. I must be able to know where I need improvement and set clear goals of overcoming my challenges and improve.

“Refuse to do anything that does not pay your desired hourly rate.”

Many of us are currently doing the job that is limiting our happiness, many are currently on a daily basis going to the office with annoyance of what he / she is going there to face. Many are currently working than what they earn. Fear of unknown is tying down most of us into a particular location for complete revolution of 365 days every year. Now is the time for us to break even and break forth by writing clear goals on how we want to earn more and be specific about how much we want to start earning by next year June and start putting measure in place to achieve our goals. More money will not come if we constantly accept the status quo.

“Back everything you do with unshakeable persistence: resolve in advance that you will never ever give up.”

Giving up is not an option for a champion, life itself is full of challenges, ups and downs.

I really enjoy this quote because it serves as a word of encouragement to me. It serves as strength for me in keeping my dreams and hope alive. I am motivated to pursue my aspirations with a clear hope and faith that I can achieve whatever beautiful dreams I conceive in my mind.

“Remember, anything that anyone has done, within reason, you can do as well. No one is better than you and no one is smarter than you.”

I possess I have ability. I know in me I carry creative power of making things work. We need to stretch ourselves in going extra-mile in pursuing our life’s goals and aspirations. We should be courageous enough to start those beautiful goals we have put on paper for years. We should not be afraid of where to start from and how to start. Everything that is working today start as a thought in someone’s mind before now. We are co-creator wired by God to come to world and utilize our creative powers which has been embedded in us right from the beginning of the world. Nothing is impossible for any man who can dream, set goals and pursue the goals.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

The book is self explanatory.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

None.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

No.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Goal Setting 101

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The Author’s main idea in this book “As human we must be able to see a clear a picture of our future.”

i. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can keep your goals in your head. For goal setting to have any value, goals must be written down.

2016 has been so awesome and it has been a very good year for me. Through this learning citadel, I have moved from a man who journey through 365 days before now without setting a clear goal for the year to a man who really understand what he want and how to pursue it by setting a very clear goals and driving consistently to achieve them. A goal that is not written down is not visible to be achieved. Prophet Habakkuk says: “Write the vision and make it plain on tables, for the vision is for yet an appointed time, though it varies, wait for it, for it will surely come. Written goals give a clear definition of what, how and why things need to be done

ii. A goal is an end toward which you direct specific effort.

It is very important to have a specific goal. One must be able to see the end right from the beginning. Goal settings help in directing resources, time and strength towards achieving the set targets.

iii. A vision is a way of seeing or conceiving what you want to create or achieve.

You must see it before it can come pass. What you cannot see, you cannot achieve or become. Great men and women of history like Henry Ford, Napoleon Hill, Helen Keller etc, were able to see a productive future in their respective calling and they stood by it until the vision became a reality. Last week was a very busy week for me and my darling wife Olorunsola. It was a week of seeing clearly into 2017 and beyond. A week of writing down goals. A week of predicting tomorrow and putting down on paper what, why and how to get what we want in life faster than we think. We were able to see through into the future, we were able to put those beautiful dreams on paper.

iv. Anatomy of a Goal

How (Strategy)

Why (Benefits)

This simple analogy caught my attention during the course of studying the book GOAL 101 And This has really helped broaden my horizon as per What do I really want in life. I must be able to define my goals before it can be achieved. I must have a clear picture of how it looks like. Currently, the situation I am into may not really look like the future I am seeing but with a clear picture in my head and the ability to stick to my dreams, it will surely come to pass. I also learnt to ask why. As in why do I really need to achieve what I call my goals and finally I must know how I can make those goals a reality. What are the strategy to deploy in ensuring my goals are achieved within the set time.

v. Identification of Goals (Difference between goals and wishes)

A goal must be time bounded and must be achievable. During the course of studying this book I was able to answer correctly the exercise attached in Page 15.Any goal without deadline is not realistic. You will easily forget and do away with any goal that you did not set a deadline for. I and Olorunsola set a goal of buying her sewing machine before 21st April 2016.This goal was set on 16th of February 2016 and by the 22nd of March 2016 the machine was bought. I told her the need for setting a deadline for this goal. We unanimously pursue this goal and we were able to bring it to reality.

vi. Start with personal planning.

After a having a clear picture of your goals and it is boldly written down on paper, one must start the process of achieving the set goals by putting up personal plans.

One of my definite goals for 2016 is to settle down and get married to my darling wife Olorunsola. I have this boldly written somewhere. I was very sure of the date. I was able to put up plans in achieving my goals. How to finance the wedding, I selected my men in suit six months before the time of the wedding, I paid for the event center three months before the date. According to plan I was able to achieve that without stress.

vii. Go the extra mile

Different challenges may arise in the course of pursuing someone’s goals and aspiration. So many discouragements will come. But one must have a will power to go extra mile in achieving his goal. A goal one of graduating with First Class start by investing quality time to studying and research right from year one till the final year.

It will take a lot of sleepless night, burning the night candle, waking up early to join early morning class, participating in a lot of tutorial before the vision will become a reality.

One must be ready to pay the price of achieving extra-ordinary results.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

The ideas in this book will helped me in following ways:

It will help me in setting a clear and precise goal. I am utilizing what I have gathered in this book to enlighten peers and colleagues who are still battling with Goal Setting.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“People cannot help you achieve your vision unless they know and understand why your vision is important.”

This quote is important to me because is talking about communicating my vision in such a way that people who listen to it or who read it will understand and run with it whether I am there or not. My vision and mission statement must be simple and understandable. People will only key into my vision if only they understand the content.

“What does a leader do? A leader leads! You have no choice but to lead yourself in the direction of your goals, no one else will do the job for you.”

This is quote is important to me because this is making me to understand that I must be ready to lead myself passionate in the direction of my goals. I must understand the measure I need to put in place to get the goals on table. It is my life and my goal. Nobody will set the direction for me. I am in fully in charge.

“To go forward is a recognition that life is dynamic, not static. To go forward is to give up dwelling on the past.”

What this quote is telling me is that I must keep moving forward, forward and forward. No going back on my vision and goals. Once it is clearly set, it is worth pursuing. Yesterday is gone. Whatsoever might have happen in the past is already a thing of the past. Failure of yesterday has nothing to do with where I am going. Financial instability of yesterday does not have anything to do with my financial breakthrough of tomorrow.

“Nothing of any lasting value was ever created by someone who was reasonable. It is the unreasonable people, those discontented with the status quo, the dreamers and visionaries who nevertheless have their feet planted firmly on solid ground who improve people’s live and advance society.”

Doing the impossible, this quote is telling me that Leaders and Innovators of our time are the people who are ready to do the impossible. People who are ready to challenge the status quo. People who are not ready to be stagnant. People with diverse talents within them and they are ready to put those talents to work. They are not ready to bury what they have. They want to market it and bring in plenty returns.

“You need to ensure that what you want done gets done.”

Follow up, Follow Up. Follow Up. Inspect what you expect.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

The book is self-explanatory and practical.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes the book contains exercises for the reader to complete. The exercise on goals identification helped broaden my mind on how to differentiate between goals and wishes.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

Nothing.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Nonviolent Communication

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The main idea the author was trying to communicate is that we must endeavor to communicate to others in a judgment free manner.

i. Non-Violence is about inculcating positive attitudes to replace the negative attitudes that dominate us.

Our world will be very beautiful and peaceful if only we can consistently produce husband who choose to always put the interest of his wife as number one thing on the list.

It will always be calm when we have Government who is always ready to eradicate poverty among citizens. Organizations will experience great liberty when we have Directors, Managers who are consistently observing and evaluating their direct reports before passing judgment over them. Our world will be more peaceful than this if our act of caring for one another is far more that the act of hatred.

ii. This world is what we have made of it. If it is ruthless today it is because we have it ruthless by our attitudes.

As a product and real bonafide of Nigeria. I have the opportunity of reading about great countries that are doing exceedingly great today economically and socially.

Great Country like America today is leading the world power because her leaders choose to make America a great country. Before America could arrive at where she is today, we have men and women who have gone their way to pay heavy sacrifices for America.

People who denied themselves a temporary pleasure for America to stand tall among nations of the earth. I dream to visit America one day and witness all the good deeds done by Great men of Positive and Creative Ideas. Generations shall also live to remember leaders who came to pull down a country with their corrupt practices. Generation shall live to remember leaders who do not care about his people. Who allow them to die of hunger when he is hoarding millions in his bank account so to say.

iii. In the world of judgment, our concern centers on “who is what.”

I am a manager of close to about 60 employees; I engage them in different activities on a daily basis. Some are proactive and some are not, some will wait until when you push them before doing the right thing. In fact, there is a particular one I already have a judgmental opinion about; this guy is a slow learner. The way he does his things is quite different from the other employee. I am not always satisfied with his way of life because I already have a mindset about him. My communication to him always centered around his weaknesses and the things he is not doing right. Even when he is trying his best to achieve a great deal. Chapter 2 of Non-Violent communication has really helped me to become a better manager. Today I have learned to observe without passing a judgment.

I try as much as possible to communicate without judging the receiver in my mind before communicating. This is really helping my day to day activities.

iv. Comparisons are a form of judgment

To live a life full of fear and failure is to live in a world of comparison. I am wired by my creator to be me not a photocopy. Many are living in a world of depression because of total comparison of self with another. As an employee who has the opportunity to be in the affair of dealing with human on daily basis. I have also known and tried not to use a comparison language when addressing my associates. Knowing fully that man is wired differently with unique features from one another. My uniqueness is quite different from that of my class mate who is very sound in Mathematics while I am not. So, why am I comparing myself with him. Success is possible and easy to achieve when a man learnt how to believe in his strength and abilities.

v. Tell me that you are disappointed with the unfinished chores you see, But calling me “irresponsible” is no way of motivating me. Observing without evaluating.

Going back to my subordinates whom I use to pass judgment on before I even engage him on any assignment, I use to do that then without evaluating him and his performances. I was not paying attention to the reason why he is a slow learner,

I was not interested in knowing why he is acting the way he does. But, with revelation found in this book. I have learnt how to Observe with Evaluation. I pay close attention to all my subordinates. I listen more to their interest now than reacting. I have learnt how to respond to their need and request on the job which is really yielding positive results for me.

vi. Nonviolent Communication. (A language of life)

You know what? I placed a deep concentration on the Title of this book before opening it. I asked myself, does it mean that there a languages we are currently using in our present world which inspired lives while we have some set of languages used which introduce death or pain into people’s life. Does it mean men have sentenced fellow men into life imprisonment with the choice of language used on them? What is really so special in choosing your choice of language before opening your mouth to utter a word?

All the aforementioned questions remain a mystery until I open this book.

The reality dawned on me when I finally get to know that through our word, we can choose to build a very beautiful world or destroy a generations.

vii. If we don’t value our needs, others may not either.

Domestic Violence is on the increase in our world today because we have many wives who does not understand what it means to communicate their needs in a more direct an simple manner for their husband to husband what their needs are. If I am in need of Ice-Cream, and I am very sure I can only get it through my Dad, why am I not going straight to my dad and demand for Ice-Cream rather than petting talk for him?

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

Ideas learned from this book will help official activities. It will help in making me a better manager. It will make me an ideal husband to my wife and father to my un-born children.It will help in shaping me into an ideal citizen and a good ambassador of my dear country Nigeria.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“The clearer we are about getting what we want, the more likely it is that we’ll get it.”

This quote simply taught me in details how important it is to place a demand on whatever I want out of life at every point in time. I was pondering on a particular section of the Bible few days ago:It says, Ask and It shall be given, seek and ye shall find.

My conclusion on this is that If I earnestly seek it, it will surely come.

“Empathy: Emptying our mind and listening with our whole being.”

Under listed are the reasons why this quote is very important to me. Empathy will not be possible if I choose not to understand what others are passing through or experiencing.

I can only empathize when I fully understand what others are passing through.

Sincere empathy only comes when I am ready to understand the feelings of others without pre conceiving any ideas or judging them

“We need empathy to give empathy.”

The whole idea here is that you cannot give what you don’t have. You must have experience empathy in one way or the other before you can give it out to a friend, son, daughter, wife, church member or your neighbor.

“Let us become the change we seek in the world.”

The change I desire to see in my world must start with me. To eradicate poverty in our society starts with me. Campaigning against domestic violence and promoting peace starts with me. Living a corruption free life starts with me. Building economically empowered nation starts with me.

“We are dangerous when we are not conscious of our responsibility for how we behave, think and feel.”

At every point in time, I must be ready to evaluate my actions towards others, my thinking towards others and my feelings towards others.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

All the ideas are well communicated.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes, all the exercises were found useful.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

Nothing

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Leadership for Dummies

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The book teaches basic requirements to be a successful Leader. It also delve into making the readers know that Leadership is possible without intimidating the people you are leading.

i. Understanding the three key leadership abilities

For a leader to be successful as a leader, below points must be taking into consideration.
Elicit the co-operation of others
Listen well
Place the needs of others above your own needs.
I have put these points into action in my office and I have seen it working. I am a better manager today because I have learnt to listen to my subordinates without pre-judgment in my mind. I listen to them for them to bring suggestions on how we can do it better and achieve organizational set targets. I engage them regularly through several means in order to be sure we are still pursuing the same goal.

ii. Understanding the difference between Leadership and Management

Leaders are visionaries. They show interest in developing people they are leading.
Leaders are problem solver.
Leaders empower the people they are leading while management is so concern about getting the result. Management does not care how the result will come out.
Leadership is about doing the right things while management is about doing things right.
Leaders have a succession plan. They grow people to take over from them while management maintains the status quo. Management thinks on how to maintain the existing process.
Leaders are strategic thinkers’ .They go extra-mile in giving birth to a new way of doing things.

iii. Remember, They’re not electing you dictator for life.

This point really caught my attention. It got me into deep thinking on things I need to do differently as a manager knowing fully that the position I am occupying today is temporary. Two years ago I used to have a boss who was the Head of Production Department, I was reporting directly to him then, but it does not take a while when the management decided to change the “organogram.” My boss was promoted and management decided I should occupy the position my boss was vacating. Then it dawn on me that nothing in this life is permanent. I sat down and device my own strategy of how to effectively manage my team to deliver the organizational set goals. I came to understand that I am being selected into this position not to act as a dictator but to help my followers discover who they are and also manage them to achieve the set targets.

iv. You’ve got to have enough confidence in yourself that you are not worried about being fired for saying or doing the wrong thing.

You cannot let anything scare you. If you really have confidence that you can always get another job, then you will do the right things. Having self-confidence is key to successful living. A man must develop himself to the point of knowing what is wrong and right. He must also have the will-power to stand by the truth whether it is convenient or not. A leader must be ready to challenge the status quo not minding the set of people who may likely get offended in the process. Confidence is what I need to deliver on the expectations.

v. Part of being decisive as a leader and equally, part of being consistent, is that leadership establishes form policies and directions for achieving goals and then adheres to those policies.

I have come to understand that for a leader to be successful, he must be involved in setting clear directions for his team members. Managing a new team involves setting clear policies for your team and these policies must be able to help make the team successful. At the moment, I have developed a six hour shift target for my team; 12hours target is also available for them and this we review together once a week to see how the entire member of the team is driving to get the target delivered.

vi. A leader is responsible for making sure that the team either has or can get the resources necessary to achieve its goal.

In the process of implementing the knowledge gathered so far in Leadership for Dummies, I have been able to carry out assessment of myself as a manager of managers.
I can boldly say that now I am performing far better than before in terms of making the necessary tools, materials and the resources available for my team. I work in a manufacturing company which one of the major goal is maximizing profit by reducing wastage in the process flow. To ensure myself and my team members delivers the organizational goal and set targets, I have developed a template for my direct reports which they are currently using in tracking their team performance on shift basis.
Any show stopper spotted is being raised and addressed with the Top Leadership Team to enable team performance improvement.

vii. Motivate and encourage your follower. A leader must do everything possible to bring out the best in a group.

Motivation is one of the key factor in improving synergy and performance in any organization. The successful organizations and managers make it a priority to motivate the team they are managing. Motivation can come in different form. A leader must design a means of motivating his team to deliver the set goals. A word of appreciation like “Well-done-I am proud of you” coming from the Manager to the best performing Technical Operator can go a long to motivate him. Sending text message to the best performing team can serve as a means of maintaining high level of motivation among the team.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

Through the insights gained from this book, I am committed into doing more as a manager to motivate my team members.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“The question is not how hard you work to become a leader or how well you develop your skills. The question is what you do when the situation arises and you are the person on the spot.”

I so much cherish this quote because it teaches taking full responsibility as a leader.
This clearly shows that the team you are managing may not emerge a winner always and you must recognize this anytime the performance is below the expectation. Get to understand why the performance is low and re-strategize as a leader to making sure your team succeed. A leader must be able to bear the team’s burden and always knows that all the bulk stop on his table. If the team is performing today, the leader of that team receives special commendation from the management team and same thing is applicable when the team is performing below the expectation. The leader also takes the blame.

“Long before you can teach a team how to win and devise strategies and plays, your job as a leader is selling your team members on the expectation that they can win and that winning is their sole mission.”

This simply serves as an eye opener to me. One thing I have gathered through this quote is that I must at every point make my team understand how powerful, important, talented, skillful they are. I need to always make them see a bigger picture. My team must know that they all carry power to deliver the deliverables. They must always see possibility in every assignment they embark on. I must also believe in their abilities day in day out.
This will go a long way in shaping my thought towards some of my team member.

“Meeting with people before you actually accept the leadership mantle gives you a head start in recognizing trouble areas, and identifying your probable allies and enemies.”

This quote is very useful and informative. This has taught me things I need to know if eventually I change job or assume a higher position today and I am meant to lead and manage a new team. I see this as one of the fastest means to elicit the trust of your team members. It is a very big opportunity to know where to start from.

“A leader is like the head of a pilgrimage on a journey of discovery. As the head of the pilgrimage, the leaders need to know where the group is going and must have a general sense of how to get there.”

I am having a clear understanding what it entails to be an effective leader through the lesson learned in this book titled Leadership for Dummies. This particular quote have made me to realize that for me to effective as a leader or manager, I must have a clear knowledge of what the expectations are. Having knowing this, I have the obligation of leading the team to work in alignment with achieving the goal. One of the thing I do as a manager now is to have an objective settings clearly defined for my direct reports on what the organization expectations are on Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Quarterly and Annual basis. This is what form the basis at which I carry out their appraisal at the end of the year.

“Many leaders are not highly schooled, but they are intelligent, and one of the most interesting things about their intelligence is that they can take a limited amount of information and translate it into workable set of skills.”

I am thrilled by the level of encouragement I get from this quote. Henry Ford is a good example of this quote. He proofed to the entire world that it is very possible to make a positive impact without having all the degrees in the world. Men who have really contributed in making the world a better place did not graduate from the most prestigious school in their time. They have successfully sought for the opportunity to contribute their quota in shaping this world to a better place.

“Keep strong, if possible. In any case, keep cool. Have unlimited patience. Never corner an opponent, and always assist him to save face. Put yourself in his shoes-so as to see things through his eyes. Avoid self-righteousness like the devil-nothing so self binding.”

I need to stop by and commend that my team member who is really trying to improve the efficiency of the line. It is my responsibility to be calm in handling performance related issue of my team member. Sometimes I need to put myself in their shoe to feel their pains.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Nothing.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes, I did cover all the personal homework; very helpful and educative.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

Nothing.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and 1 is poor

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful was the content? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

The Law of Attraction

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The book “The Law of Attraction” is a great tool to maintaining a positive thought process.

i. Even though you may not be aware of it, you are perpetuating the Observation Cycle.

The Law Of Attraction will respond to your vibration, whether positive or negative, by giving you more of what you are vibrating. Vibration to me is the load of thoughts we process in our mind frequently on a daily basis.

Our minds are constructed in such a way that it pre-conceives things into being.

Whatever we repeatedly process in our thought life eventually bring the same result to us.

If we repeatedly see ourselves as a Champion we eventually turn out to be a Champion.

Serena Williams my favorite athletes in her quote said she has learnt to accept herself the ways she is. She consistently sees herself as a winner, she process winning repeatedly in her mind and she maintains winning mentality. Even when people around her did not belief in her vision, she remains committed into processing winning in her thought life.

ii. Positive and negative emotions

Positive and negative emotions cannot occupy the mind at the same time. One or the other must dominate. It is your responsibility to make sure that positive emotions constitute the dominating influence of your mind. It is very difficult to expose our mind to negative and positive emotions at the same time. It is very difficult to maintain balance between carrying negative thoughts in our mind and at the same time carrying positive thoughts. I have interviewed some of my colleagues on where they think they will be in the next 5 years and one of them gave a very scary response. She emphatically told me there is no need to bother herself thinking about the next five years. She is possessed by the fear of Death. She told me what if she dies before five years come. She allows fear of death to limit her thought process. She does not see reason why she needs to break away from a limiting thoughts. Darkness and Light cannot dwell in the same place. Impossible.

iii. Contrast in your Life

The moment you identify something in your life that feels like contrast and you spend time complaining about it, talking about it, or declaring that you don’t want it, you are offering a negative vibration. The Law of Attraction then responds to your genitive vibration by giving you more of the same. I have encountered friend and family, siblings and acquaintances who believe they are not doing well because of their past experience.

One of my siblings grew up with this bitter experience of someone denying her right to Education. She constantly thinks and mentions this even till today. I have made her understand the reason why she need to stop reflecting on this negative experience and find a way of breaking away from mediocrity. I have learned to declare surplus and abundance even when I know the present state I am is not up to what I desire.

I see picture of greatness everyday and I tried never to allow negative thoughts to prevail over my positive thoughts. I see opportunity for growth and utilize same. I am my own encourager.

iv. Prominent areas in your life where clarity is beneficial. For example, Education, Money, Career, Life partner relationships, Health, Work relationships.

When I was young my elder brother interviewed me on the job I will like to do in the future. Little did I know that he was trying to understand how I clear I was about what my future holds for me. I hurriedly respond to his question making him understand I will like to become a medical doctor but down inside of me I know that is not what I want to become. I was afraid he I told him anything different from Medical Doctor, my brother may not be happy with me. In our current world, we have a lot of confused being who are not certain about the type of Education they want. Many are looking for job when they are not certain about the specific job they can do. Many desire to have a lovely family when they are uncertain about the qualities they will like to see in their wife or husband.

Life is not something will guess through, for us to attract good things of life we must be sure of what we want from life.

v. Doubt is a limiter

For success and great things to be achieved, we must learn how to remove doubt from our mind whenever we are conceiving new ideas. Seeing a very clear picture of whatever we want from life and stick to achieving it is a very big way of winning. Immediately we allow doubt in our mind, we are saying to ourselves that we may not have all It takes to achieve greatness.

vi. Appreciation and Gratitude

Keeping an appreciation and gratitude journal is an effective daily tool for maintaining a positive vibration. When you purposely take time to appreciate everyday you are intentionally offering strong, positive vibrations, and including those vibrations in your Vibrational Bubbles. Appreciation is a way of opening door for more. I have learned through this quote how to be grateful on a daily basis. Before now I use to live with the idea of until when I achieve something great before appreciation is needed.

During the course of reading this book, I was able to understand better what appreciation is and the importance of showing gratitude. Anything worth achieving, worth praising about. Putting up a gratitude journal everyday will keep us up to date on the things we have achieved. It helps us to maintain a positive vibration. It makes us stay energized.

vii. Keeping a daily log

Keeping a daily log shows you concrete proof (evidence) that abundance does exist and IS already present in your life. Celebrate! When you notice abundance, celebrate the evidence of it in your life. Our memory can easily lose track of how many abundance we have enjoyed in a year, a month, quarter etc. Keeping a journal on tracking our abundance will remind us of how progressive we are. I learned through this book that almost all of us are guilty of this. We tend to forget the little unmerited favor we enjoy because they appear to be too small in our eyes. We easily forget the day someone pay for our taxi fare, we easily forget the day a friend took us out for a treat, we easily forget the recent promotion we got in our place of work without struggling for it.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

Ideas gathered in this book will help improve my thought process.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“The law of attraction brings you more of whatever you give your attention, energy and focus to. If, however, you identify your desire and don’t give it attention, energy and focus, then there is no manifestation.”

Generating wish list is not enough this I have gained during the time I spent studying this book. Every year I have I have new diary I used I tracking and documenting my vision. At the end of the year, I take time to review how sincere I was in pursuing those beautiful dreams I put down beginning of the year. Some of these vision will be achieved while some will not be achieved. Those dreams and aspiration which I gave attention to, I end up achieving them within the planned date. Consistent follow up and action on our dreams and vision makes it a reality.

“The process of manifestation actually starts when you think about your desire, talk about it, write about it, or when you give it ANY kind of attention, energy and focus.”

The first approach to liberation is knowing what you want, write the vision and make it plain in your diary/journal. This is a big step towards actualizing self fulfillment.

Writing about one’s desire, talking about it fast track the actualization of the desire.

After listing out all the desire with a conscious effort, the next thing is to follow it up with all energy and focus to see those desire coming to pass. Having a dream of studying psychology in a university is not enough; this desire must be followed with a step of taking the entrance exam, going through the selection process and study hard to obtain degree in Psychology.

“If you doubt you can have something, you are sending a negative vibration .This negative vibration is diluting or cancelling the positive vibration of your desire.”

Keeping and maintaining positive vibration in the process of achieving one’s dreams and aspiration is the sure way of getting the answer. Allowing doubt to dominate our thought will only make the answer to linger. We must learn how to think positive.

“In the same way, having a strong desire is not enough-it is only when your resistance/doubt is removed, the faster your desire can be realized.”

To desire a thing is not enough, we must ensure we remove every obstacles, every resistance on our way to actualization of our dreams. The faster we can do this, the better for us.

“Having a strong desire with strong doubt means your desire will not be manifested.”

Doubt will only limit us, removal of doubt will create ways of achieving our dreams.

“A limiting belief is a repetitive thought that you think over and over, and over again.”

Limiting thought will only deny us our blessing and joy overflow. We must have strong confidence that we have all the power, knowledge, ability, grace that we deserve to make things work. We must do all in our power to make sure we did not allow negative thought to prevail over our dominant thought (Positive).

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Yes. The assignment on desire statement was completed. The only idea I did not agree with is the Affirmation as a means of attracting what you want. The author was not too clear about the power of utilizing affirmation. I have grown to understand that there is power in spoken word. You literarily become what you confess repeatedly.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes. They were very helpful and educative

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 8
B. How helpful were the contents? 9
C. How easy was it to understand? 9
D.Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9

Unlimited Power

Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The author of the book “Unlimited Power” has successfully convinced readers all over the world that breakthrough is possible, achievable and doable. I am able to understand better how limitless and powerful I am through the knowledge put together inside this book.

i. Winners, leaders, masters

People with personal power all understand that if you try something and do not get the outcome you want, it’s simply a feedback. There is a saying that “if you keep doing things the same way, you cannot get different result.” This year alone, I have effected a lot of positive changes in my place of work with the help of books I have read on IIGL platform which has translated into increase in profitability and reduction of wastages in the organization starting from Glass Management, Reduction in business loss, Line Speed Optimization, Reward and Recognition of best staff in my department. These are the initiatives implemented by me and this is really helping the performance of my department and the entire plant performance. Comparing the result of now with where my department was this time last year, there is huge improvement in terms of productivity. I took time to go through what we need to change, best practices we need to sustain as a department. At the end I was able to map out the areas of improvement and the entire team focuses on working smartly to correct the wrong practices. Today I have a better, stronger and ever performing team.

ii. Failure

Abraham Lincoln failed in business at age 21.He was defeated in a legislative race at 22,Failed again in business at 24, lost a congressional race at 34, lost a senatorial race at 45, failed in an effort to become vice president at 47 and was elected President of the United States at 52. The quote above teaches power of consistency, power of not giving up, power of not quitting when the going gets tough. The most successful people of the world are people who have chosen to learn through their mistakes. They decided not to remain on the floor after falling and failing. Abraham Lincoln’s life is a bundle of encouragement to the people of the world that it doesn’t matter how many times you fail, so far you can still rise again.

iii. Success

“If you believe in success, you’ll be empowered to achieve it. If you believe in failure, those messages will tend to lead you to experience that as well. Remember, whether you say you can do something or you say you can’t, you’re right. Our belief has a lot to do in shaping our destiny.” Right from my childhood I have this strong believe that things shall always work for me. I have this attitude of believing strongly that I can never be poor.

This I confess and work towards and I see things working in my favor. I confess whatever I want into reality. Spiritual controls the physical therefore; I choose not to joke with what I conceive in my mind. I know if I can conceive it, I can bring it to pass.

iv. Success vs. Failure

“The difference between those who succeed and those who fail isn’t what they have, it’s what they choose to see and do with their resources and their experience of life.

What you cannot see, you cannot achieve or become.” Great people are people who refuse to allow failure getting into their head even in the midst of great fall.

What we see determine who we become and what we become is the product of our thought process. I have come to realize that opportunities are many around us but many people choose to walk with their eyes closed. They are not ready to tap into the opportunities which surround them.

v. Results

“It means that if I see anyone in this world producing a result I desire, I can produce the same results if I’m willing to pay the price of time and effort.” There is power in modeling successful people. We can achieve a lot more if we are ready to pay the price. Registering with IIGL and completing the course is a whole lot of work but I can also achieve the same result that the likes of Afere Lawrence, Felix Iziomoh has achieved if I am willing and ready to pay the price they paid before graduating from this prestigious institution. To be successful in life takes a whole lot of work, disciplined effort and consistency.

vi. Consistent Action

Only a small percentage of people really live the life of their dreams. Why? It takes consistent action. I followed Mark Zuckerberg on Facebook. His live has been a great source of encouragement. Mark started small but today he is a global figure.

He chooses to be consistent even when it seems that Face book will not go global.

He remained committed to his vision even when people were mocking him.

Today Mark is a voice. Consistency produces excellent results. Consistency is what separate achievers from ordinary dreamers. I have read about great men, I have met few of them; I have been lucky to sit with some of them, the only formula they mentioned that brought them to limelight is consistency.

vii. Our beliefs

Our beliefs about what we are and what we can be precisely determine what we will be. If we believe in magic we’ll live a magical life. If we believe our life is defined by narrow limits, we’ve suddenly made those limits real. We must learn how to live beyond every limitation. We must rule out those limitations we have set for ourselves.

We must be ready to liberate ourselves from the bondage of self-limitation. What we believe in our mind that is possible, is what is achievable. If we believe in our mind that the whole world is given to us to have dominion. If we believe we can do the miraculous, so be it. If we believe we can create a world where peace is reigning, so be it. God has given us all we need to succeed. We must take the limits off and embrace solution.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

This book has taught me a lot about my beliefs, dedication and teamwork.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Those who succeed are committed to changing and being flexible until they do create the life that they desire.”

It takes a whole lot of commitment to remain faithful to one’s dream. Having beautiful dreams and aspiration alone is not enough. Achieving outstanding result entails a lot of diligent efforts. To create the world we desire we must be ready to move out of our comfort zone and press towards going extra mile to get things done. We must be ready to accept positive changes that may occur in the course of pursuing our dreams.

“For every disciplined effort there is a multiple reward. Seeth thou a man that is diligent in his work, he shall stand before Kings and not before mere men. Great results demand great effort. Behind every sweat there is sweet. To achieve success greatly, one must be ready to discipline the flesh greatly. Great men deny themselves a lot o pleasure to attain the seat of power.”

“Action is what produces result. Knowledge is only potential power until it comes into the hands of someone who knows how to get himself to take effective action.

Dreaming about who you will become in the next 5 years is not enough; we must learn how to follow our dreams with actions.”

The only time I will be happy with myself that I have achieved greatly in IIGL is when I am able to utilize all the knowledge and experiences gathered to effect changes. Listing out beautiful goals and aspirations on paper without a conscious effort to actualize those dreams will result into frustration.

“If you don’t believe you are creating your world, whether it be your success or your failures, then you’re at the mercy of circumstances.”

We must be sure of the impact we are making in our world time to time.

I am a product of Government Technical College, an advocate of Technology for self reliance. Currently I manage a face book page where I charge graduates of Technical Colleges to see how we can return to our Alma Mata and effect changes. I saw this clearly before I acted on creating the page physically. I imagine how beautiful it will be if we can all go back to our Alma Matter and serve as encouragement to the current students of the school. I want to leave my world better than the way I met it.

I want to invest back to the institution that formed who I am today. I want to give back to my society which allows my growth, learning and development.

“Those who take responsibility are in power. Those who avoid it are disempowered.

Leaders are people who enjoy taking responsibility. All the buck ends on their table.

These are set of people who have taken their time to understand the need of people in their society and quickly provide solution.”

In Nigeria today, Mike Adenuga the owner of Global.com Network was able to identify the gap in communication and prefer solution to it. We have a lot of risk takers around the globe today and these are the same set of people you will find in the seat of power.

“If you don’t like how you feel, change what you represent to yourself. It’s that simple.

Whatever we choose to become is already within our reach. God had done it in such a way that we can choose between good or evil.”

I charge myself up on daily basis reading about people who are successful already in the path of my vision. I choose not to feel dejected and feel inferior about myself image.

I know the great power that lies inside of me, therefore I refuse at every point to see or feel negative.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Nothing.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes. They were very helpful.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

Nothing.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 9
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 9.5

The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People
Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The author was able to analyze in deeper sense things to do be highly effective in life. If these beautiful ideas can be followed through religiously, breaking barriers, rising beyond every limitation is possible.

i. We must develop our minds and continually sharpen and invest in the development of our competencies to avoid becoming obsolete.

I have listed several personal developmental programs and training in my diary. I know the areas I am lacking. I know what I want. I have talked to myself to never relent until I see my name written among the achievers. I have motivated myself using the knowledge gathered in this book that I am strong and able to do exceedingly great. I will keep equipping my mind, I will keep investing in broaden my knowledge, I will reading to understand. I will keep learning.

ii. When we succumb to believing we are victims of our circumstances and yield to the plight of determinism, we lose hope we lose drive, and we settle into resignation and stagnation.

Enough of living in self pity. Many have lost the battle of life by giving up easily.
Many have lost self confidence because they were made to believe that they cannot achieve success because their parents are not alive. Many have given up on a very big dream just because they don’t believe they have all it takes.
I refuse to give up! I refuse to be a victim of circumstance!
I refuse to settle down for little just because it appears as if there is no enough today!
I have all it takes and I have promised myself to be the best in my generation.

iii. If you don’t let a teacher know at what level you are by asking a question, or revealing your ignorance you will not learn or grow. You cannot pretend for long, you will eventually be found out.

I have made to understand through this book that whenever I feel I don’t have very good knowledge of a thing, I should ask question about it. Asking question will only make a better person. It will put me in a position of knowing and having better understanding.

iv. But because of our unique human endowments, we can write a new programs for ourselves totally apart from our instincts and training.

This is why an animal’s capacity is relatively limited and man’s is unlimited. But if we live like animals, out of our own instincts and conditioning and conditions, out of our collective memory, we too will be limited. I have all it takes to change write a new program for my life. I have two of my team members in my place of work; these 2 young men are exceptional in executing their task. One is a very good Technical Operator while the other is ranked among the best Shift Team Lead but these 2 have spent years on the same job grade/Title. They have all it takes to break even; they have the capacity to do more than what they are currently doing but they have been discouraged by what is happening in their environment before now and made to believe they cannot do or achieve more. I have taken time to appraise them and I know they have very big power within. I took time to go into deep motivational talk with them, I made them see what they are capable of doing, I told them they can aspire to be the best. I told them emphatically that they are the only one who can stop themselves. No power can stop them if they refuse giving up. Two weeks ago I receive good news from the two of them. They have listed out series of training and developmental program which they are ready to enroll and pursue their dreams. I am happy these two2 will be entering 2018 a changed person. I am eager to see them translating their dreams into results and I will keep in touch with these 2 until I see them becoming a giant in their calling/purpose.

v. The proactive approach to a mistake is to acknowledge it instantly, correct and learn from it.

In the process of pursuing our dreams and ambitions, we are bound to make mistakes. We are bound to fail but we must recognize that the mistake is not the end of our live. We must learn from our mistakes and learn to move on.

vi. What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us (The act of begin the end in mind).

The idea of begin with end in mind is the best way of approaching anything worth doing.
I took time to do this exercise of seeing myself attending my funeral, listening to my wife, children, colleagues at work, my pastor, my church member, siblings saying one or two things about me. It was a very deep journey within. After this exercise I said to myself, whatever you want people to say after your departure Oluwatosin start doing it now. If I want people to remember me as motivator, teacher and mentor, I must start living my life in accordance with the highlighted qualities. There is no repentance in the grave. Whatever I do now is what people will be mentioning tomorrow if I cease existing.

vii. If the ladder is not leaning against the right wall, every step we take just gets us to the wrong place faster. We may be very busy, we may be efficient, but we will also be truly effective only when we begin with the end in mind.

Begin with the end in mind will help focus in the right direction. It will help in setting the right goals in order to reach the right destination. It will help walking in the right place at the right time. It will help identify every opportunity in getting the right things done.
It will help in creating bigger pictures, to see opportunities amidst thick and challenging situations. Begin with the end in mind help in shaping one’s mind to think positive always and never to entertain negativity.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

I am already using the idea gathered in this book. It has really helped me to see life from different perspective. I am seeing myself doing more of transformational business. I will share the knowledge and ideas gathered here with friends and loved ones.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”

I have participated in several Management and Leadership training within the organization I am working with currently. I have read a lot of definition about Management and Leadership. I have the understanding that Management and Leadership serve different purpose in every organization. Stephen Covey was able to define Management as doing things right while Leadership is doing the right things.
Leaders set the path to follow while Management maintain the process and rules of following the path way. Leaders see bigger pictures and motivate people to see the same picture. Every organization need leaders and managers to succeed and maintain their place in market world. Leaders make strong business decision in every organization after which they communicate the goals to the Managers to follow through with the execution.
At the moment, I found myself wearing both cap Management and Leader based on my current job role. I am doing more of working on the mindset of my direct reports now than demanding results from them. I have taken time to identify talents among my team and I am working on them to see them ruling their world in the next 2, 3 years.

“A personal mission statement based on correct principles becomes the same kind of standard for an individual. It becomes a personal constitution, the basis for making major, life-directing decisions.”

Personal mission statement will always serve as a guide; compass in directing one’s live.
It is very crucial to have it boldly written in the wall of one’s house.
Our children must grow to see this and understand the position which the family is standing.

“Although the church claims to teach people about the source of power, it does not claim to be that power itself. It claims to be one vehicle through which divine power can be channeled into man’s nature.”

It is quite unfortunate today that most religious organization has failed and digresses from what the early church preached and planted. Jesus the example of faith told his disciples saying: “Follow me and I will make you a fisher of men.” He lived a practical life of faith. He taught and shaped Peter to emerge fisher of men. Churches are suppose to empower minds and transform a dead man intellectually into a strong, proactive and determined being but this is not visible in all churches. What we are seeing today are churches who are disempowering members on a daily basis. Our religious organization must grow to the point of teaching members strategy to become a solution bearer, nation builders etc. It is at this point total freedom will be experienced.

“Expand your mind. Visualize in rich detail. Involve as many emotions and feelings as possible. Involve as many of the senses as you can.”

The whole world can be ours, if only we can break every limitations attached to our mind. I will forever remain grateful for being part of this transformational and educative platform (IIGL). This forum has really helped in shaping my person. Before we can achieve great success we must learn to see, visualize the success already before embarking on the journey of being successful. Graduating with First Class in school begin with seeing the end right from the beginning. Emerging a millionaire before 30 starts with seeing the picture early enough. We have the capacity to get to the top and maintain the top class if only we can break away from every thing standing as a limiting factor.

“If you visualize the wrong thing, you will produce the wrong thing.”

What we see is what we become. During my chat with most young people in my community, I have discovered many have concluded and accepted their situations.
Many are living their lives blaming their parents in ability to send them to school, many put the blame on their spouse. They have refused to see opportunities that live offers.
I am doing more of working on the thought process of people around me. I believe if they can win the battle of life from within victory on the outside is certain.

“Writing my personal mission statement.”

I had deep insight to the importance of writing a mission statement during the course of studying this book. I am currently developing mine which I will make visible in my sitting room and in my library. I have learned about how to write a detail mission statement both for personal, career and business wise. Making it detailed and visible will grant me access to be seeing it every day until it become my way of life. I took a giant step by telling a friend of mine the beauty of having a personal mission statement. I made her understand it is something she need to write and hang it in her sitting room if she has not done it before.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

I understand all I read.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Yes, I took time to go through the exercises and ensure I participate fully

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

A. How interesting was it to read? 10
B. How helpful were the contents? 10
C. How easy was it to understand? 10
D. Would you recommend it to others? 10
E. What is the overall rating you would give it? 10

Full Steam Ahead
Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

You must know where you are going, and you must be prepared for your destination, you must be clear about where you are going otherwise you will follow other people to their destination.

i. Anyone who wants to create a transformation in either one’s personal or professional life will have to face the distinct possibility of rejection.

The first time I heard of Full Steam Ahead was in 2017 during Manufacturing Leadership Conference of our organization. Since then I have been seeking for every opportunity to learn more about this very interesting topic. Finally, IIGL Level Four has provided a great opportunity for me to read this masterpiece in this book In the course of reading this book I also recommend it for 2 of my friend to read. Now back to Idea 1, 2018 has been so awesome for me. I have put two new business idea to work this year not minding people’s comment about it or any form of rejection.

Owning a restaurant has always being my dream, I have talked so much about it, I have dreamt so much about it, I have religiously include it in my every year To Do List, but finally July 10th this year, I decided to implement this idea by opening a small restaurant where Nigeria native foods and Ofada Rice is being served to customers. Rejection to me is the Watchtower of champions. Great men are those men who took rejection as a pill to re-strategize and re-focus their energy on making their dreams work. Without rejection there wouldn’t be Apple Products today. Without rejection there won’t be electricity today. Thanks to Thomas Edison and Steve Jobs for failing forward.
Thanks to them for turning rejection to production of globally acceptable products.
Posterity shall continue to remember their great contributions.

ii. If you don’t put the big rock in first, you’ll never get them in at all.

In the course of pursuing our dreams and aspirations we must not forget to pay attention to very important things. We must at every point appreciate our family and relationship with our loved ones. Neglecting this very important aspect of life may result to bigger damage.

iii. Vision and purpose of a thing must be clearly defined.

Where there is no vision, people perish. When the purpose of a thing is not known abuse is inevitable. I started 2018 by highlighting things I needed to get done financially, career, personal development, spiritual, family, travel, community service etc. The road map was clearly marked on my diary. I was determined to Win. This road map has really helped in directing me in the right path this year. I have been channeling my resources, time and strength on the things that matter most to me. I closely monitor my progress and ensure I did not leave anything to chance. Through IIGL Level Three, I was able to clearly pen down my short and long term goals. My ten year vision is clearly and boldly written on paper.

iv. The power of a picture works when you focus on what you want to create, not what you want to get rid of.

I have learned to use the power of picture in a very positive manner. On the wall of my library you will clearly see my Treasure Map stating who I am. I don’t struggle with my future any longer because as I wake up every morning my treasure map reminds me of where I am going and who I am. Someone came to me for counseling some few weeks ago, our discussion was carried out in my library. During my self-introduction I told him to look up and see what is hanged on the wall, anything you see there is Who I Am.
Seeing this clear picture everyday has really helped me in channeling my strength and resources towards where my strength lies. I see myself materializing all the positive images hanged on my wall as I carry out my daily activities.

v. Values provide broad guidelines on how you should proceed as you pursue your purpose and picture of the future.

I read so much about knowing and living your value through this book, “The Full Steam Ahead.” My conclusion is that it is very important for any man to understand his value.
What am I standing for? What do I stand to represent?
What is my driving force? Providing clear answers to above mentioned questions will help in directing your energy in the right path. Also it will help in focusing on things that matter.

vi. If your vision is only about yourself and getting what you want, you are narrowly focused.

Our vision should be big enough to accommodate people around us, our environment, our organization, and the society at large. When I was writing my short and long term goals, I wrote my goals and vision very clearly that it includes my next ten year vision for my family, my company, my community, my health and fitness etc.
It was clearly stated so that it showcase what I want to do to make my world a better place. Few questions kept going through my mind like:
How will people benefit from what I carry as a gift and talents?
How will I beautify my world with my material possession because after my departure here on earth nobody will remember me for the number of cars I drove, they will only remember me for how many lives I was able to transform. I answer these questions by saying I will contribute my quota while I am here. I will never allow mediocrity to stagnate my inner beauties.I will work so hard to make peace possible in my world.
vii. Visioning is an on-going process, you need to keep talking about it.

In Chapter 2, the author shares; “I will stand upon my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.” Then the Lord replied: Write down the vision and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the vision awaits an appointed time it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it, it will certainly come and will not delay. Visioning gives direction. I will forever be grateful for being so specific about what I want in 2018 and with full passion I followed up to see those visions coming to pass. For visioning to be very effective one must learn how to keep picturing into things yet to come. I am eagerly waiting for another 365 days in 2019, because I have a lot to demand from the upcoming year.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

These ideas have equipped me to double up in living my dreams. It has also broaden my knowledge on what the Full Steam Ahead is all about. I am confident that people around me will also benefit from this great masterpiece and the knowledge gathered in this book.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Purpose tells why, picture of the future tells where, values tell how.”

Through this quote I have learnt the function of purpose statement, the importance of projecting into the future and know where I am going with my vision.

“Focus on the end result, not the process of getting there.”

This quote got my attention because it teaches the principle of keeping eyes on the ball, the principle of total concentration on where I am going and not distracting myself on the process it will take to actualize those beautiful dreams. This is coming as encouragement to further strengthen me to concentrate on diligently working out my vision. In June 2018, I determined to take my advocacy for Technical and Vocational Education in Nigeria to the next level by visiting Government Technical Colleges in Nigeria to sensitize, enlighten and empower the students with Practical tools and materials, this I have successfully done for 2 Technical College and on 9th November 2018 I was appointed as the Assistant Director Technical Vocational Education and Training Nexus Exchange Limited United Kingdom. I am committed into this transformation business until I see Nigeria of dream. Nigeria where citizens will be empowered to create solutions rather than mere consumption.

“Understanding what business we are really in is essential for everyone in our agency.”

This quote teaches the importance of writing out a very clear and simple to understand mission statement for organizations. It is very crucial for every employee in any organization to have a clear understanding of what the business stands to represent.
This serves as a guide for me to write out a very clear mission statement for my Restaurant Business so that every employee can run with it.

“It was becoming obvious to me that a good purpose statement needed to explain why and it needed to serve a greater good.”

In the process of developing purpose statement for our family, I and Olorunsola discovered how important it is to have a clear purpose statement written down. We sat together to compose purpose statement for our family. Our expectations around our children were stated clearly, our role as parents were clearly written and what we stand to represent in our world were clearly stated. We saw a bigger picture in the process of writing this purpose statement. Our purpose statement why we exist as a family.

“Values are deeply held beliefs that certain qualities are desirable. They define what is right or fundamentally important to each of us. They provide guidelines for our choices and actions.”

In the course of reading this book, I got to understand better why I must know my Values if I want to achieve my goals and aspirations in life. What do I stand for and what are the qualities I possess personally, what are my driving force, what motivates me and what do people see in my reflection. I had a deep reflection on the world VALUE and I determined to have mine clearly written out and try to live my Value as I journey through life.

“Vision is a lot more than putting a plaque on the wall. A real vision is lived, not framed.”

This quote is very important to me because it further buttress the very fact that Vision is lived. Having a clearly written goal is not enough, a vision written down must be diligently followed and implemented. It must be lived. People must see it in you that you are consumed by the passion to live your vision. One of my visions in 2018 is to start professional courses on Human Resource Management. I carefully followed through until I achieved this vision.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Nothing.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

There was no task stated for the reader to complete however there a lot of personal homework to do after reading the book ranges from having a personal purpose statement, vision statement etc.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The Leader who had No Title
Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Main Idea the author was trying to convey in the book is that Leadership is possible at all levels. And for individual or organization to achieve sustainable results, leadership must be displayed at all levels. You need no title before you can exhibit leadership skill.

i. Just because you have not yet received the benefits of positive deeds you may have done, that doesn’t mean they’re not coming.

This quote further open my eyes to a verse in the bible which says “Give and it shall be given unto you press down, shaken together and running over shall men give unto your bossom.” It takes time before the seed planted can turn out to bringing out fruits. It takes time before the seed will germinate and come up with abundance of fruits and increase.
There is always a time for seed sowing and harvest. If I can be patient enough the time, resources, money, kindness I am investing today in shaping lives will come back in plenty folds.

ii. Just think of Roosevelt or Mandela, Edison or Einstein. They were not driven by money. They were driven by the challenge. By the chance to push the envelope.

This idea further encourage me to keep my eyes on the things that are valued adding rather than craving for material things that will perish with time. Great men of history took their time to build and develop solutions for the world to benefit from. They are very much concern about taking up challenges and solving humanity problems.
In the process of solving humanity problems, the material possession and fame were giving to them naturally. I am further motivated as a leader to be a problem solver.

iii. You know average life has only nine hundred and sixty months.

When I read this quote I quickly do a little mathematics to have a clarity of how may years we have in 960 months and I arrive at 80 years. The most funniest thing nowadays is that majority of people who have spent close to these number of months are even praying to die so that they can rest from the toils and pains that come with not maximizing their months.People are dying in their forties’, fifties with little or no achievement. Looking at our days in months will go a long way to steer us into actions. It will further motivate us to execute our plans while it is day.

I have made up my mind to share this ideology with as many friends and colleagues as possible. I was privileged to share this last week in one of the training session organized for some production and engineering junior staffs in my place of work. It was indeed a time of sober reflection and the time of projecting into tomorrow.

iv. Getting up early is one of the intelligent daily practices that leaders without a title perform with acute consistency.

This year I have been able to structure my daily routines in such a way that it will help my day to be more productive. I spent the first one hour of my day helping my darling wife to prepare the meals we are taking to our restaurants. This I have done repeatedly for 5 months in 2018 and I have clearly seen the results of when 2 persons combine intelligent efforts. Once I am done with the kitchen activities, I retire to my study room to search the bible and to study the book of the month. Before I step out I project into my day and write out things I need to get done for the day. I am motivated to improve on this attitude towards developing my leadership abilities on a daily basis. Looking forward to be committed into this daily practices in 2019.

v. It’s fine to be content, but never be satisfied. So improve everything. Improve it all, daily, relentlessly, and passionately.

Another great idea for continuous improvement. In the process of mapping out my 2019 goals, the first thing in my diary is personal development. I tag 2019 my 365 days of abundance because it is going to be a year on improving and working on myself to become the best. I have been able to break my goals down to sub goals and I am very specific about the improvements I want to see in myself before December 2019.
I am committed into taking conscious efforts towards forming the best of me.
I know quite alright that challenges will come, but I am determined to never give up on myself. 2019 is going to be another year loaded with great opportunities to invest in making my dreams and aspirations a reality.

vi. Leadership is about having unshakeable faith in your vision and unrelenting confidence in your power to make positive change happen.

At this point in my life I have a very clear picture of tomorrow I am envisaging.
I strongly believe in the power that I carry power to liberate minds from bondage of ignorance, power to help people in my world discover the purpose of their existence.
This same power is clearly showing in the way I discharge my duties on a daily basis.
I engaged in different mentorship and coaching for friends and colleagues in 2018 with enviable results achieved. I have learned to embrace myself and focus deeply on touching realities. It doesn’t matter how many rejection and disapproval I encounter on my way to my destination but I have got my mind made up to keep believing in my abilities.

vii. “And what if I fail, Anna? What if I can’t do it? What if what I’m learning doesn’t work?”

This same question has kept many in the state of helplessness. I have come to realize that helplessness is learned, we can also unlearn it if we are willing to. Many are so afraid of taking step, their minds are clouded with a lot of doubts and question like what If I start and I fail? I am very grateful that my long term vision of being a restaurant owner was birthed in 2018. I am grateful that I finally overcome my biggest fear of how and where should I start from I can boldly say in 2018 I have tried a new thing even when I am not sure of what is in it for me. I am a living witness that everything is possible to them that believe.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

The book “The Leader who had No Title” is written in a very simple manner, easy to interpret and implement. I have successfully shared the e-book in my official whatsapp group at work and also shared it with some group of Human Resource Expert.
In week 2 of December, a training was organized for some colleague at Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, Benin City on Mindset, Leadership and Behavior Changes, the importance of leading without a title was discussed extensively in this training.
I am committed into spreading the gospel more and more.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Every one of us alive today has the power to Inspire, Influence, and elevate each person we meet by the gift of a great example and you need no title to do that. We are formed to continue the work of creation here on earth. We are wired in such a way that we are capable of lighten the loads of our neighbors. We are coupled in a very unique way that we have power to make great changes in our world. Its sad today that it is only very few people that understand this creative force inside of them.”

“All I need to do is to start off small and then just do little improvements every day.
I have witnessed the miracle of starting small.”

I started my restaurant business this year by delivering one plate of rice to a customer and after few days we moved into delivering 5 plates,10 plates, 50 plates,100 plates still counting. My commitment is never to give up and also learn how to be grateful in the days of little beginning. I am committed into setting aside few hours daily to do things differently. I am committed into learning from the experts therefore gaining from their wealth of experience.

“Just make the commitment to be the first, the most, the only, and the absolute best. Expect more from yourself than anyone around you could ever expect from you.
To be successful greatly in life is a personal decision. It takes a whole lot of personal homework before one can achieve mastery in business, relationships, comedy.”

This quote has once lifted up my spirit and it has further set my mind never to settle for average. I am custom made for the best and nothing but the best.

“Mastery takes time, effort and patience. And too many among us just don’t make that commitment.”

Another big encouragement for me to keep working towards achieving mastery in whatever I set my mind to achieve.

“Be courageous enough to ensure your deeds reflect your creeds.”

This quote has further encouraged me to live my value. To clearly stand by my values and make people around me know what I am standing to represent.

“The more you give to your work and to life itself amid deep changes, the more you will receive.”

As long as the earth remaineth, Seed Time and Harvest shall not cease. It’s natural that the more we give into developing ourself, the more we receive the reward of excellence. The more we give into making our world a better place, the more we experience a world where peace and love govern.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

The principles and the ideas are well communicated.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

It contains a whole lot of personal home work and I am committed into putting them into practice.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

Nothing else.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

What God Wants
Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Neale Donald Walsch is simply telling humanity to see themselves as having everything in abundance. The unlimited resources are already in place for us to tap into and make our world most enjoyable one.

i. This is how God cares for you. God cares for you by giving you the power to create his or her reality. All human beings are creators, and we are creating our reality in every single moment of now.

This secret of being a co-creator became so real to me when I embarked on the journey of studying with IIGL, before I finished reading my level one books I have been further exposed to knowing that I am more powerful than I think. I used to live my life in self-pity and blaming situations for my misfortune. I was going about life not certain of where I am heading to. There was no clear road map as to what I am expecting from life. It was a life full of confusion until I started reading books and I began to gain knowledge of how powerful and creative I am. Today, I have seen the light, I am a co-creator, specially created to solve humanity problems. When He finished the work of creation, He rested and He handed over to me to continue the work of creation. This I have been doing passionately since the day I came in contact with the Truth. It’s quite unfortunate that many people are still in the world today who are yet to understand how powerful they are. They are busy looking for solution somewhere else when they are loaded with Solutions within.

ii. This put you squarely in the driver’s seat. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to drive. They are out of control, because feelings can so often come over them out of nowhere and run them.

Life has put us squarely in the driver’s seat. Many are with the car but no experience of driving.
I am 100% percent responsible for the decisions I take concerning my life, family, business on a daily basis. I sat to ponder on this idea for minutes before I continued with the reading. I sat to imagine what will happen to that man or woman who has no experience of driving before and he/she suddenly starts a car to drive. I sat to imagine that this man or woman may loss his/her life in the process, I thought about many dangers that is associated with driving a car when one does not have knowledge of how to match a brake, accelerate a Tuttle and firmly control the steering. Such life is at Risk of losing it all. This now takes me further into accessing my life and I asked myself a thought provoking question “How much am I aware that I am the driver, fully in charge of driving my course? How much knowledge do I have about driving the course of my life? If I fail to drive what will be the consequence?”
iii. You may have any feeling you desire at any moment you wish. And now, here’s the real miracle. Often you’ll find that creating a feeling inside you can create an event outside you.

Whatever we can see clearly within is already a possibility outside. I have experienced this magical power in several aspects of my life and I can boldly say that I agree totally with this idea. Whatever we process repeatedly in our mind will definitely find its way into our life.
In 2018, I set some goals for myself around starting a journey of becoming a global Human Resource Management Professional. It was an idea in my thought process until I saw an opportunity to sit for a certification in September 2018.I paid for this course, participated fully in the class and after 5 days of rigorous learning process I acquired my first certification in HR.
In 2019, this also is part of my major goals to seek more knowledge in this aspect of life and to keep preparing myself for where I want to be. It’s also noteworthy that in January 2019, I acquired my 2nd certification in HR.

iv. This is the purpose and the wonder of life, they’ll see: To constantly re-create ourselves anew in the next grandest version of the greatest vision we ever held about Who We Are – as a species, as individuals, and as divine beings in a casual universe.

Because we live in a very casual universe, the world where if we are lucky we live for 960 months. I have decided to keep re-branding myself, to keep evolving and to keep living my dreams per seconds. I will keep learning until I master new skills and properly apply it to benefit myself and others who are around me. It has been a decision I took that no matter how hard the economy of the nation may be, no matter how tough it is to actualize one’s dream, I will not give up. I will keep believing in myself, I will network so hard and keep connecting with great minds. I will keep focusing on my dreams and be strategic about making my dreams work. This is my resolution.

v. And finally, all humans will understand that marriage is about teamwork, the teamwork of two souls who have created a holy team to do the holy work of life itself, which is the work of growth and the expression of divinity through the experience of unity.

My 2 years and 2 months experience in marriage has opened my eyes to see and know how much 2 can achieve together if they work together in unity and in harmony. We are committed into working together, playing together, praying together, planning together to make our world a better place. We have decided to make our marriage work despite coming from different background and raised by different parents. Our sincere joint effort is really delivering results into hands on a regular basis and this path we have chosen to keep following.
The world will also be better than this if couples can see themselves as help meet not one seeing each other as being superior to another. Society has caused a lot of damage into many relationships, placing one above another and this has led to many divorce case, unhealthy relationship and conflicts in many homes.

vi. Human will understand that God is not a male, nor is God a female, but that God has no gender at all.
God is all-sufficient who has no interest in taking anything from humanity than for humanity to be grateful for all He has made available. Having this clear understanding will further help us in utilizing effectively all God has put in place for us.

vii. The problems of greed and avarice and abuse of power, the problems of poverty and hunger and disease, of the poor and the destitute, the hopeless and the helpless, the hungry and the starving, have not gone away. Those problems have increased, not decreased.

The entire world is craving for people who are passionate about solving the aforementioned list of problems. These problems are increasing daily because we have citizens of the world who does not care about his fellow human being. Self-centeredness and selfishness has taken over many and this is leading to increase in World problems.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

Ideas gathered from this book will serve as a booster and encouragement for me to keep believing in myself and to always believe that everything I need has been supplied by God.
Secondly, I will also share this new knowledge with people in my community.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“People who make a different choice are people who make a different world.”

Following an adage which says ‘’you can’t be doing something the same way and expect a different results. The people who are holding strategic positions in our world today are people who have carefully chosen a different choice from the conventional choices the world has placed before us all. They are the people the world is celebrating.

“Most people do not want to even talk about death, much less experience it. No one wants to experience it before he or she has to. People cling to life, sometimes desperately.”

There are several examples of this quote in our world today, people cling to position and title, and they pursue material things as if they will live in this world forever. Anytime you mention death to them they are not always comfortable hearing that one day they will die.
But the truth remains that no matter how powerful, wealthy, strong you may be, one day the end will come.

“We have created a world in which the income of 225 people is equal to the income of three billion poor people.”

The world peace is threatened because we have a lot of injustice in the high places. Greed and selfishness is found where Love and Peace is expected. This is not God’s intention for us. We are created for one another, we are sent to this world to solve each other’s problem but the reverse is the case.
“You can’t use the power of God if you can’t believe in the existence of that power.”

Before the power of God can work for anyone, he/she must believe in the power of God.
God reigns and rule over the affairs of men therefore every man must believe strongly in God and the power that dwells mightily with him. There can’t be miracle if I refuse to believe in the miracle worker.

“Make a conscious personal choice about everything.”

Daily I challenge myself into taking BOLD steps towards achieving my dreams and goals in life. Nobody will work on my goals for me If I refuse to see the importance of consciously working my goals out. Continuous Improvement is my watchword and this I have made a center point of daily actions. I want to keep working on myself till I become who God has designed me to be here on earth.

“Likewise, all that God could possibly give you, God has already given you. It exists in you, as you. Therefore, you want nothing from God.”

I have grown up to understand who I am and all the resources He has given me. I am extra-ordinary being with different qualities to make my world a better place. Through the knowledge gathered in this book I have made to understand that everything I may think of needing has been given by the creator of the universe. He is waiting for me at every point to utilize those treasures he has coupled me with.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

The book appeared to be complicated at the initial pages but I later grab the points and I appreciate the knowledge packaged in this book by Neale Donald Walsch.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

The book suggested new way of thinking and I am going to act on the highlighted points.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

God wants nothing, He has everything in abundance and He has given us abundance of Life.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Difficult Conversations
Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Communicating in a clear and simple manner without assumptions. Assumptions has damaged a lot of relationship hence there is need to stay clear from assumption if we really crave for a productive relationship.

i. The error we make in the realm of intentions is simple but profound: we assume we know the intentions of others when we don’t.

Overtime I have seen this as a big barrier to maintaining a very good relationships which will stand test of time. Assumptions are toxic to relationships and have the ability to destroy it. When we assume to know a piece of information, we react based on it. I have been a victim of assumption when I was still working in the Eastern part of Nigeria. I use to have a lady friend who was staying in a different village from where I was staying. Our relationship started very well in the beginning, we loved each other and this was evident in everything we were doing but later after some months when I allowed assumptions to take over the relationship, our relationship began to face a very tough time. Lack of trust crept in and we started losing interest in each other. Assumptions hurt relationships

ii. Why is it that we never think we are the problem? If you are having a difficult conversation, and someone asks why you disagree, how come you never say, “Because what I am saying makes absolutely no sense?”

This is tough! It can be challenging to accept that we’ve made mistakes or to accept that we are the problem, especially if we are coming from a perfectionist background where “excellence’’ is confused with “never accepting error.” We tend to be defensive easily anytime we are engaged in a difficult conversation. Through the wisdom put together in this book I have just uncover some secret to having a balanced relationship. It’s very important to avoid getting bogged down in what I am doing wrong. I must try to balance self-criticism with celebrating what I do well.

iii. Arguing creates another problem in difficult conversations: it inhibits change. Telling someone to change makes it less rather than more likely that they will. This is because people almost never change without first feeling understood.

Personally, I have wasted so much time in working on changing people and this usually hurt my emotions if the people I am trying to change refuse to change. It took me pretty time before I realize that I can’t change anybody, I can only invest in making them see the reason why they need to change. The decision to Change lies with every man.
In my 4 years of being a Production Manager, I have organized several training and developmental programs for my TEAM members on Mindset and Behavioral Changes. In one of the training session we discussed extensively on Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset. Some of them have leverage on this training opportunity to step change their performance while some are still living with the usual way of doing things. The decision to change is personal.

iv. We interpret what we see, hear, and feel; we give it all meaning. Then we draw conclusions about what’s happening. And at each step, there is an opportunity for different people’s stories to diverge.

Non-Violent and compassionate communication helps people remain empathetic with each other, even in situations fraught with anger or frustration. When a person or situation triggers our less savory emotions, blame and negativity arise. Blame is a reflexive response that helps us protect our egos and avoid the hard work of examining our own emotions and culpability. Marriage has taught me humility and how to pay attention to other person’s feelings. So far in life I have learnt that I will not always be right hence there is need for me to actively listen to other’s person’s opinion and weigh it side by side with mine. Lack of patience and inability to see things from other person’s perspective has led to many broken homes and relationships.

v. A second reason we tell different stories about the world is that, even when we have the same information, we interpret it differently, we give it different meaning.

When we give other people the gift of our attention and empathy it makes them feel understood and they become more open to hearing what’s on our mind.
Practicing compassionate communication and active listening promotes deeper connections with loved ones, more harmonious relationships and a greater sense of inner peace. Jumping into conclusion before hearing the other side of the story has done more damage than good. Assumption has contributed largely to many broken relationships today and if it is not well managed it can lead to crisis within the family and in community at large.

vi. Our implicit rules often take the form of things people “should of or shouldn’t” do: You should spend money on education not on clothes, you should never criticize a colleague in front of others, and the list is endless.

As a manager of about 40 employees, I have always encouraged my team to take initiative and step in to making some critical decisions without consulting me. Our operation is designed in such a way that every 24 hours production operation is going on. I am only available to support Day Shift while the total management of people, process and machines lies solely on the supervisor on night shift. At that point the supervisor is expected to be strong enough in taking decisions.

vii. This tendency to develop unconsciously biased perception is very human, and can be dangerous.

It calls for a dose of humility about the “rightness” of our story, especially when we have something at stake. Accepting that we are wrong might be a very difficult thing to accept sometimes but it is a path of life we must imbibe for us to develop as individual.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

This will further help me to build a very strong relationship with my family and friends and also to build a formidable team at work.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Wherever you want to go, understanding; imagining yourself into the other person’s story has got to be your first step.”

I have just learned the secret of putting myself in my partner’s shoe before drawing conclusion. Understanding from my partner’s point of view will further strengthen our relationship.

“Intentions matter, and guessing wrong is hazardous to your relationships.
Dr Wayne Dyer in his book the Power of Intention says Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.”

I have just been equipped more through this quote that we must run away from assumptions and base every of our judgment on fact.

“Focusing on blame is a bad idea. Not because it’s hard to talk about. Nor because it can injure relationships and cause pain and anxiety. Focusing on blame is a bad idea because it inhibits our ability to learn what’s really causing the problem and to do anything meaningful to correct it.”

This quote has further reveal to me the danger in focusing on blame. In my 10 years of experience in Manufacturing company I have seen blame game playing out in several occasion. I have seen fellow managers who enjoy blaming his team members for every little thing that is not properly done. Blame game will only weaken the team and cause the team performance to drop and this is also happening in families.

“A particularly problematic form of avoiding is complaining to a third party instead of to the person with whom you are upset. It makes you feel better, but put the third party in the middle with no good way to help.”

This act of avoiding is very common and this has really caused a lot of disconnect to many relationship. Proper way of settling dispute or addressing misunderstanding is to confront the other person involve to find a common ground. Once third party is involve there is every tendency for the misunderstanding to escalate beyond reasonable doubt.
I understood the power of settling dispute amicably without involving third party but this quote has further establish this principle in my mind.

“In contrast, successful relationships, whether in our personal life or with our colleagues at work, are built on the knowledge that in intersections there is no one to blame.”

At every point in time we must be ready to accept our mistakes and be willing to right the wrong with no sentiment attached. To build a lasting friendship or relationship we must learn how to embrace each other’s weaknesses and be ready to open up anytime there is misunderstanding.

“Unexpressed feeling can block the ability to listen.”

In my day to day activities in the office, I try as much as possible to be open enough to the people I am leading. I also encourage them to speak up whenever they have anything bothering their mind. I evaluate my team’s performance on shift basis and also provide timely feedback so as to further strengthen them and improve their performance.
I encourage 360 degree feedback so as to enable me work on my weak points for better and improved performance. My take away from this quote is to sustain Openness both in my home and also in any environment I find myself.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

I jotted down many points which I will later revisit to keep my mind refreshed on the knowledge gained so far.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

None.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

No Comment.

Please rate following questions on a scale of 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

How to Make Collaboration Work
Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

The knowledge in this book is huge starting from Seeking and Building Consensus, Agenda Development, Process Mapping and Facilitation.

i. To build consensus, then, a group must make agreements one phase at a time.

In my 4 years of working as a Production Manager in a multi-national manufacturing company I have seen the power of consensus at work in different projects we have handled and delivered as a team. Beginning from Production Planning to Material Management to Asset Care and Management to Quality Management to Team Bonding / Building etc. Consensus has played and still playing a very vital role in the result we are delivering as a Team. Every member of the Team is important and we are blessed with a boss who listen attentively to every member of the Team.

ii. To become a better tennis player, then, you must spend time learning about different kinds of shots – becoming aware of them. Then you must practice them in noncompetitive situations. The more you can groove a stroke so that you don’t have to think about it, the more available it will be to you at a crucial moment in a game.

Over the last years, one of the greatest gift I have ever given to myself is the gift of constant learning and embracing new knowledge. I have consciously invest money on books, training and personal development programs just see myself gaining new heights regularly. I have been so fortunate also to be working with an organization who believe in employees training and development. I have enjoyed different training ranging from Leadership and People Management, Continuous Improvement, Quality Management, Food Safety Training, Preventive and Predictive Maintenance, Human Resource Management. All these knowledge have really improved me as a person and I am committed to daily learning for better and improved results.

iii. This constant, conscious awareness, analysis and correction of small errors is one of the reasons Woods has developed arguably the best swing in golf and why he has won so often.

Yesterday 20th December 2019, I was invited to train some set of employees on “The Right Mindset for Success and one of the key point I mentioned to them is the need for them to break away from silo mentality and fixed a mindset. In a fixed mindset, creativity and intelligence is scarce, there is no room for new learning, everything seems 100% perfect in a Fixed Mindset meanwhile in a Growth Mindset there is always room for continuous improvement, intelligence is promoted, making mistake is possible and acceptable so far the person that makes the mistake is ever ready to learn and adjust.
For any individual or organization to enjoy rapid growth and sustainable results, the individual or organization must be ready to accept mistakes, learn from the mistake and forge ahead to improve the next outcome.

iv. If you are trying to build collaboration between organizations or within a community, all the stakeholders must agree on a language of process in order to be able to design a common way of working together.

In my current organization, one of the ways we agree on common goals as HOD’s is through our daily Performance Management meeting. In this meeting we review daily plant performance and discuss the issues encountered in details. We also progress to know the root cause of the failures encountered during previous operation. We celebrate exceptional performance and discourage underperformance. We present our numbers and agree on what to do next to maintain forward movement in all our parameters. We agree on what to do to assist each other toWin and to maintain Winning. We cascade the same vision to our subordinates and they also run with the vision. This we have done repeatedly and it has translated to a very big improvement in the results we have achieved together as a Team.

v. Agenda planning is one of the most powerful tools for ensuring the success of a meeting, especially one in which collaborative problem solving will take place.

This tool is very critical in any organization or gathering. Agenda planning gives a very clear picture of when an event is starting and when it might likely come to an end.
It is a guide for the event organizer and also to the people who are there to support the event. In my department where I work, once in a month we have a meeting we call Business Performance Management System review meeting. This meeting is between the HOD and his team member. One of the process put in place to ensure the meeting did not prolong than necessary is the Meeting Agenda. In this meeting Agenda, different task is being assigned to different persons starting from Safety Talk; Review of Previous Actions; Operation Review. Having this meeting Agenda in place has really helped us as a team to be more effective in the way we manage time.

vi. With facilitation, the ultimate control of the process is firmly in the hands of the participants, and the facilitator does not need to be an expert in the content of the issue.

I have seen this approach at work in the process of solving complex problems in my workplace. On a daily basis we encounter different problems which require different approach to solve them. One of the ways we solve problems in my place of work is to follow one of the Japanese ways of solving complex issues which is through 5 Why’s or Kaizen. For a 5 Why’s and Kaizen session to be very effective and produce the desired results, a team of people who understand the process will be formed and led by a Facilitator. The job of facilitator in this regard is to coordinate the session so as to make every member of the team contribute and look at the problem from different angle.
Facilitator at this point may not have very in-depth knowledge about how to solve the problem but he or she will leverage on the expertise of his team member to get to the root of the issue identified.

vii. The challenge for you as a leader is to lead and support collaboration in your organization from top to bottom.

One of my key strategic responsibility in my current role as Head of Production Department is to collaborate effectively with my direct and indirect customers to get the organizational goals delivered. As at today I have 5 direct customers who are expecting me to serve them on a daily basis by delivering wholesome and quality products to them.
I ensure strong alignment with these customers at the level of Factory Head and HOD’s and I cascade the road map and alignment with my team for speedy execution.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

The ideas in this book will help me to build effective team, seek and build consensus in any project I handle.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“In a collaborative organization, employees would be encouraged to be lifelong learners and to acquire relevant new skills on their own initiative.”

Within my 365 days working with Nigerian Bottling Company Limited I have witnessed and enjoy this over and over. The company is doing a lot in making learning opportunities available to the employees. The learning and development team are doing a lot to expose the employees to global learning standard. No wonder the company is waxing stronger by the day.

“Collaborative organizations must be learning organizations. A collaborative organization would use technologies to support the sharing of knowledge and best practices from one part of the organization to another.”

In today’s world, a lot of learning opportunities are available which company can leverage to develop her employees. In my working place for example we have a learning portal where different courses has been uploaded and made accessible to every single employee. You are free to log in to this portal anytime and learn something new.

“To guarantee the success of a collaborative project once it’s chartered and launched, you must actively support it. Your support as a leader can be crucial. Just showing up at approval meetings can have a powerful impact, demonstrating that the project is important and worthy of your valuable time.”
To drive effective preventive maintenance on our production lines, we encourage our junior team to be present in a maintenance meeting every Friday by 2:30pm to review previous maintenance done and to prepare for the next maintenance. In this meeting, Head of Engineering, Production, Quality and Plant Manager must also be in attendance to support and encourage the team. No I can see the reason we are wining as a Team.

“A facilitative leader must feel comfortable revealing what he or she knows and doesn’t know and not be afraid of looking stupid.”

This is the only way the leader can learn again and again. In the process of pushing out what he knows to his team members, he is equally learning.

“There is something powerful about discussing ideas openly in a group. Everyone hears the same ideas raised and has a chance to consider and respond to those ideas, and everyone learns how others feel about an issue.”

One of the winning strategy has just been revealed through this quote and I have seen this working in different projects I have handled. Power of group discussion. Facilitation ensures that everyone has a chance to participate in a meeting. Facilitation is looking at we not I, it’s about everybody’s involvement not a Silo approach.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Well understood.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

I completed the chartering checklist.

7. Is there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

The book taught the power of collaborative effort; we can’t succeed in isolation, at every point in time we need highly effective people in our lives.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The Leadership Pill
Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Delivering sustainable results through effective Leadership style.

i. The key to effective leadership is the relationship you build with your team.
TEAM –Together We Achieve More.

Building a formidable team requires that the Leader gets to know his team members beyond the job. A leader must be interested in the development of his team members; he/she must take interest in the welfare of his team members. In Benin Plant where I work we do several engagement activities to promote oneness and togetherness.
Listed below are few out of many engagement activities we do to keep motivating our team.
Quarterly Breakfast With The Plant Manager.
Health and Fitness Trek.
Monthly Staff Birthday Celebration.
Inter-departmental Football Competition.
Celebrating International Women’s Day and for the first time this year our Boss celebrated International Men’s Day with all the men in our team.
We have witnessed steady upward trend in all our parameters all because we are intentional about building a lasting relationship with our team members.

ii. Sharing the big picture put everyone on the same page.

As a manager and a leader in Production Department – I understand the power of numbers and I know how things can quickly grow wrong if the right information is not cascaded to my team members on time and in full. Objectives is set by the business and communicated to Country General Manager, country GM communicated same vision to the Function Heads, function heads communicated the set goals to the Regional Directors, Regional Directors communicated same business goals to the Plant/Factory Managers and from there the Head Of Departments take this vision to their respective team members. It is our responsibility to ensure that the shop floor team are fully aware of this Big Picture. It must be shared with them in a way that they will understand the direction that the business is going and the need for them to focus on achieving the big picture. As a leader we must ensure we are not leaving out team behind.

iii. People are more apt to trust and respect you when what you say and what you do are one and the same.
Before I came in as a production manager in 2015, shortage in production staff overtime was the major headache in the department. The staffs were disgruntled and were not happy about the situation. I listen to their complaints and I went to the drawing board to design an effective way of capturing their overtime. I told myself I will change this narrative in my time. I made it a priority to stabilize the department and ensure overtime is tracked and it’s paid accordingly within my first 3 months. Today overtime is one of the least topic we discuss in the department.

iv. We need to know what’s not working so that we can identify where to start making improvements.

In Production department we use several lean tools to get to the root cause of our failures. We want to be sure at every point in time that we are not just tackling issue at the surface. We want to be sure that we are deploying the right solutions to address the identified failures. We want to be sure we are not playing blame game instead of addressing the real cause of our failures. This same hat is what a leader is expected to wear for him to consistently drive continuous improvement in any organization. Therefore, a leader must encourage his team members to embrace the culture of deep-diving into problems rather than taking it at the surface. The team must also see the leader leading the way in this regards.

v. Leadership is not something you do to people, it’s something you do with them.

One very key take home from this quote is that a leader will be effective and produce better result if he/she is ready to be involve. You don’t send people to war and stay aside. You must be ready to show your team that “We are in it Together.” Your team wants to see a manager who is ready to feel their pulse and understand where to give support at every point in time.

vi. Affirmation lets people know that what they do is important.

One of the things I do to Say Thank You to my team anytime they deliver exceptional result is to write them a congratulatory e–mail and put my bosses on copy. I do this to commend their efforts and also to make them believe that we can make Superlative Results our way of life. A team you appreciate wax stronger every day, the team you don’t appreciate drops the ball and even throw away the ball when they are fed up.

vii. Good leaders get to know people beyond their job titles.

In 2015, I read the IIGL book “Leadership for Dummies” and this book opened my eyes to so many things in Leadership. After digesting all the learning from this book, I started applying it in my day-to-day activities. Now I can clearly attest to this that knowing your team beyond the job will not only deliver good numbers to you it will also strengthen your team. A leader must know his team members by name.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

I have noted very important key points where I want to re-evaluate myself and see the areas I need improvement. I want to be that Leader that my team will always be proud of anytime, any day. The knowledge gained in this book will also prepare me for higher Leadership roles and responsibility.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“Leadership is not just what happen when you are there, it’s what happens when you are not there.”

Leaders build process and ensure the right system is in place for his team to succeed in any given task or assignment. This is one of the great qualities I have seen working in CCHBC(Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company)There is a robust system to ensure business continuity whether the leader is present or not. Every individual and organization must know that to be an effective leader you must replicate yourself in others and build their confidence to the point they can stand alone and still deliver quality result.

“Truly effective leaders also win the trust and respect of their team members. They excel at empowering others and letting them know that what they do is important.”

A key take home from here is that respect is reciprocal, as a leader you don’t shut your team down, you don’t shout on your team and makes them feel defeated. You must Respect their opinion and also give room for your team members to hear their views.

“People will think for themselves when you quit doing it for them.”

Just like I mentioned earlier, a good leader must replicate himself in others and build his team to be able to stand alone. The role of each team member must be clearly defined and they must be empowered to deliver the right result. A leader must be ready to delegate assignments and by so doing he is developing the potential of his team members.

“Each of us has the power to recognize the goodness in others.”

A leader must pay attention to the developmental needs of his team, it’s his sole responsibility to ensure that his team is progressing both on the job and personal life. A leader must be able to identify the strength of his team and follow through in ensuring they are better prepared for future opportunities.

“Praise is the easiest way to let people know they are appreciated.”
I am committed to saying more Thank You to my team anytime they meet and exceed expectations. I will religiously apply this and watch myself producing formidable team over and over again. I will apply this to keep my team motivated and energized.

“Leadership is the process of getting everyone to the place they are supposed to go.”

An effective leader makes it a priority to carry all his team member along and ensure the desired goals is achieved through them.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

The book is self-explanatory, direct and easy to understand

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

No exercises attached.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

The book taught the power of collaborative effort – we can’t succeed in isolation, at every point in time we need highly effective people in our lives.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Great insight to servant leadership – a life full of passion for freedom of his people. A life with great determination to liberate his people from slavery and get freedom delivered to their hands not minding the sacrifice involved in the process.
The author of this book communicates courage, perseverance, diligence and agape love for humanity.

i. My home situation was very congenial. I have a marvelous mother and father. I can hardly remember a time that they ever argued (my father happens to be the kind who just won’t argue) or had any great falling out.

This is very clear and concise. Martin Luther King Jr. parents lived a life worthy of emulation, they lived to be a symbol of love and compassion to their children, they showed their children what it means to be a Christian parent. They do what they preached to their congregation. They built their home on a solid rock and they were able to manage their differences in a matured way. During my Level Three courses is where I was asked to write my obituary. This was clearly stated that I want to be that father who his children will be proud of, I want to live to love my wife and children and raise them to also know the value of showing love to humanity. I can boldly say that I am lucky to have a Godly parent. They both lived their lives to serve God. These two were very hardworking, spiritually sound, dedicated and above all, they both committed to love each other till the end.

ii. My father never made more than an ordinary salary, but the secret was that he knew the art of saving and budgeting. He has always had sense enough not to live beyond his means.

This is a great principle towards financial fortune. I realized this early enough when I started my career 10 years ago and this has been helping me to maintain balance in my spending. I have had this personal experience with some of my colleagues who are not good in planning their finance. Some of them go to the bank to collect loan to buy car for personal use not for business and within a very short time the car will start taking plenty money away from them through servicing and maintenance. This type of decision has led many into a very big debt because they choose to impress people with their lifestyle. They live a very flamboyant when in the real sense they are not upto what they portray to the people around them.
iii. We cannot have an enlightened democracy with one great group living in ignorance. We cannot have a healthy nation with one-tenth of the people ill-nourished, sick, harboring germs of disease which recognize no color lines.

One of the superpowers I have discovered that God gave to me is my ability to help others discover their purpose here on earth. I have discovered this long time ago and consciously I have been nurturing this great asset of mine. I have encountered many people who are struggling with knowing their essence of living. I have seen many confused souls who are yearning for liberation of the mind. I have work closely with many on purpose discovery and potential maximization. I know I am created to stand in gap for the people of my world and help many become the best version of themselves. I am fully aware that I don’t need to wait for any government to solve all humanity problems so the need for me to come out and support in my little capacity. I know that poverty is a killer of destiny hence the need for me to empower generations into manifesting God’s glory here on earth.

iv. My call to the ministry was not a miraculous or supernatural something. On the contrary it was an inner urge calling me to serve humanity.

For the past 7 months now I have been having this feeling that it’s time for me to fully embrace my calling and ministry – ministry of raising future leaders through mentoring, coaching and effective leadership. I have been talking to myself and questioning many things about my life. At this juncture I so desire to break away from the rat race of working on routines to fully embrace my life goals and aspirations. I want to start living the life I wrote down during my year 3 study. This urge and passion for souls led me to apply for Kanthari Leadership training sometimes around July 2019 – because I need a new Challenge. By His Grace I was selected, and the big congratulatory mail dropped in my mailbox on 1st October 2019.At the moment, I am fully preparing for this new life experience. I am warming up to move fully into my line of calling where no one can set a limit on what I can do for myself and for the people in my world.

v. I often say that if we, as a people, had as much religion in our hearts and souls as we have in our legs and feet, we could change the world.

This quote kept me thinking. I reflected on the present state of my dear nation Nigeria. Religion is very visible everywhere you go in Nigeria, go to the east where we have majority of the people as Roman Catholic members, go to the west where you see people identifying with Pentecostal churches and go to the north where people believe so much in ECWA church and few of Pentecostal. People are very committed to prayer, attending church programs religiously, but the level of corruption and self-centeredness is very high. People are hiding under religion to perpetrate evil. Muslims are not happy with Christian; Christians are not happy with the Muslims. We do more of claiming being religious than practicing religion in our day to day living. I am just imagining how sweet and lovely our dear country will be if we can all come together and practice religion with our hearts not with mouth and legs.
vi. To deprive man of freedom is to relegate him to the status of a thing, rather than elevate him to the status of a person. Man must never be treated as means to the end of the state, but always as an end within himself.

I have just been reminded the act of treating everyone I meet in the journey of life with respect and dignity, because every man is loaded with unique features and inner abilities.

vii. The thing that we need in the world today, is a group of men and women who will stand up for right and be opposed to wrong, wherever it is.

Our world is faced with so many problems – our communities are suffering a lot from terrorism, arm robbery, poverty, poor education, climate change, lack of good water etc. In order to secure a sustainable future for our children we must be ready to provide solution to these pressing issues. We need more men and women who are ready to revive all the dying systems across the globe. We need more volunteers who will reach the unreached through the arm of love and care giving. As someone who have passed through a dilapidated Technical Education system here in Nigeria -I am coming up with a project to assist this sector of education in Nigeria.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

I am stating this clearly here that this book has re-ignited my passion for souls, my commitment to leave my world better and safer that the way I met it.
I am blessed starting my 2020 with this highly insightful book by a freedom fighter who laid his life for people. I have received great motivation to stay focused and committed to my social projects and to remain unshaken in the face of adversities.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“For several months I had to divide my efforts between completing my thesis and carrying out my duties with the church. I continued to study hard as usual. I rose every morning at five-thirty and spent another 3 hours writing the thesis, returning to it late at night for another 3 hours.”

This quote is very important to me because it buttress the power of consistency. Before any outstanding result can be achieved, we must be ready to pay the sacrifice.

“While I would not let this experience tempt me to overlook the need for continued preparation, it would always remind me that God can transform man’s weakness into his glorious opportunity.”

I have just learned through this quote never to allow people’s praise and accolades get into my head. People will always talk and appreciate the good work one is doing however it is very important not to get carried away by plenty accolades and best wishes. I must keep working on myself to improve, keep pushing forward, keep learning, unlearn and relearn.

“Lord. I am down here trying to do what’s right. But Lord, I must confess that I am weak now, I’m faltering. I’m losing my courage. Now, I am afraid. And I can’t let the people see me like this because if they see me weak and losing my courage, they will begin to get weak. The people are looking to me for leadership, and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter.”

Pure example of servant leadership: A leader must always show courage to his followers, because the entire team is looking up to him, he must never show to his team that he is tired. I have put this ideology to work severally in my place of work and it has produced massive result for me and my entire team. Even when I know that the management has given us a stretched target, I kept my motivated, encouraging them that we have all it takes as a team to achieve the set targets. God factor is also very important in whatever we set out to achieve. I have tasted his mercy and favor and I know that I need Him to carry on in whatever projects I have before me.

“But if I eased out now, I would be plagued by my own conscience, reminding me that I lacked the moral courage to stand by a cause to the end.”

I have just been reminded the power of commitment and the importance of keeping my eyes on the ball on whatever projects I set out to achieve. I am fully aware that challenges will come in the course of working out my dream project, several discouragement will show up but what will show the difference at the end is whether I stand in the face of adversity of I retire back to my comfort zone.

“There is amazing power in unity. Where there is true unity, every effort to disunite only serves to strengthen the unity.”

Yesterday I made a post on LinkedIn talking about SOLO Effort and Networking. I made my connections to realize that we can’t succeed in isolation. There will be a time that we need another shoulder to lean on. I must be ready to network with great minds, people I can learn new things from and share new ideas with them. There is power in Unity.

“There in the early morning hours we prayed to God together, asking for the power of endurance, the strength to carry on.”

Finally, this quote is referencing how important it is to acknowledge God in all our ways. We need him to survive, we need him to carry on, we need to attain the peak of our career.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

Still reflecting on how selfless Martin Luther King, Jr was because it takes a man of understanding to live the type of live he lived.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

The book is highly insightful and full of motivational leadership examples.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

None.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10. Ten is good and one is poor.

Raising Children Compassionately
Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)

1. What is the main idea that the author is trying to convey in the book?

Parenting is a serious business hence all parents must take this aspect of life very seriously attention must be given to the children to ensure they are well raised with love and affection.

i. I have learned that any time it’s our objective to get another person to behave in a certain way, people are likely to resist no matter what it is we’re asking for.

The above-mentioned point has been a bone of contention and an evident issue happening in homes, schools, churches and within different organizations. Managers want their team members to carry out their instructions to the letter without missing out any point. Religious leaders are always looking for opportunity to surround themselves with people they can easily manipulate to work based on their instructions and based on the way the want it. Human being by default love authority and this we all want to bring out and proof to others that our ways and decisions are the best. Severally, I have fallen into this category of “expecting my team to behave in a certain way” in the process of getting my team to align with the company’s goals and objectives, I love it when everything is done perfectly and this has caused me to have several disagreement with some of my team members and this has led us to miss out on some of our key parameters.

ii. All human beings when they are in pain, need presence and empathy.

I have been opportune to witness and handle complex staff related personal issues. About 3 months ago, one of my junior staff lost his newborn baby. This employee was meant to be on night shift on the day this unfortunate occurrence happened. The young man called in to inform me about this sad incident –with deep pains and agony he explained the unfortunate incident to me. This was a very sad moment for me also as I also shared in his pains and take good time to console him. I encouraged him to be strong in order for him to be able to console his wife and family. I showed high level of empathy and quickly re-arranged the shift to be fully covered by his colleagues and granted him leave of absence for 2 weeks to mourn the death of his baby and to also to adjust to the new reality. I am fully in alignment with the author’s thought which says “All human beings when they are in pain, need presence and empathy.”

iii. We need to be able to tell children whether what they are doing is in harmony with our needs, or in conflict with our needs, but to do it in a way that doesn’t stimulate guilt or shame on the child’s part.
This book has just opened my eyes to this very critical assignment “Parenting.” I can confidently say that I have gained new knowledge from the thoughts put together in this book. My first daughter is 2 years plus and a lot is expected from myself and her mother to help her grow to a lady of substance who will also make it a point of duty to make positive impact in her generation. I have just discovered how important it is to correct our children in love with this they will surely grow up to reciprocate the love for their family and to entire world at large. They are human and they must always be treated as human to enable their mind function effectively and optimally to deliver sustainable result.

iv. I learned that it is much more natural for people to connect in a loving, respectful way, and to do things out of joy for one another, rather than using punishment and reward or blame and guilt as means of coercion.

When people connect in a respectful and loving way; they are bound to produce exceptional result. In 2015 when I was promoted, I resume in my location to meet a team of employees who are disgruntled and demoralized because at one point or the other they have worked with managers who are not interested in their wellbeing and career development. They have worked in the past with managers who threaten them with query and diverse disciplinary actions. I saw the need for me to change my approach and strategies – I started engaging the team and ensure I put their interest before mine. With continuous follow up and clear communication of the set business objectives we have moved from a team of Silo workers to a performing team that the business is very proud of today. In 2019, our plant won Best Plant Award across Coca Cola Hellenic bottling company.

v. Sadly, we will often get much more reinforcement from those around us for behaving in a punitive, judgmental way, than in a way that is respectful to our children.

As husband and a father of my 2 lovely girls. This quote has opened my eyes to see the importance of parenting and the tasking job therein. One thing I want to do differently is to give this book to my wife to read. The knowledge must be evenly distributed to enable both of us stay on the same page in the business of raising our children in a more compassionate and loving way.

vi. And whenever people hear a demand, it’s hard for them to keep focus on the value of whatever is being requested, because as I said earlier, it threatens their autonomy, and that’s a strong need that all people have.

After reading through this quote; I have decided to be more intentional in the way I communicate to my wife and kids. I want to be more affectionate and loving in the manner of approach to my family. I have realized that the way I communicate with my kids daily as this will determine a lot on who they grow up to become.

vii. But unconditional love requires that no matter how people behave, they trust that they’ll receive a certain quality of understanding from us.
This is an attribute every leader must possess. Be it a religious leader, father, teacher, leaders across organizations. This act of kindness must be learned as this will help us to improve on our communication skills as parents and managers of people.

3. How will these ideas or lessons help you in a practical way, both in your daily personal life and in helping you create a better world? If so, how?

These ideas and quotes will better equip me to function effectively in my role as a father and mentor to many. As a leader and people manager, this will also sharpen my communication skills.

4. Quotes: Are there any statements which the author made that particularly got your attention? If so, please quote them and comment as to why they were important to you.

“What it requires is that we show people the same quality of respect when they don’t do what we ask, as when they do.”

This idea must be taught in schools, organizations, families and most importantly place of worship. The task ahead of me as a father, leader and manager of people is to consciously nurture myself to develop this quality. Sometimes I am not been patient enough to treat people with same quality of respect when they do things that I like and when they do things I don’t like.

“So, one of our tasks as parents is to show our children a way to staying human, even when they are being exposed to others who are using a form of coercion.”

This quote is in conformance with a “Yoruba” adage which says, Charity begins at home. It is very important to teach our children how to be human in any position they may find themselves in the future. The lesson they go with from home will continue to guide them in taking decisions in the outside world.

“So, the goal I would suggest is not to be perfect parents, it’s to become progressively less stupid parents by learning from each time that we are not able to give our children the quality of understanding that they need.”

We can grow, our mind has capacity to develop, our brains can handle much more if only we can train our mind to accept more, if only we embrace learning and ready to accept our mistakes. As parent, we will not always do things in a rightful manner; thus we must accept in order to grow to a loving and kindhearted parent.

“We can really give in a loving way to the degree that we are receiving similar love and understanding.”

Yesterday, I was discussing with a friend (Promise Hassan) who is also passionate about people development. We discussed extensively on what the youths and young adults of this generation are lacking, and the solutions we are set to implement from the resources God has blessed us with. I told him one of the things I am created to do is to distribute happiness wherever I find myself on planet earth. I want to be that man who his generation will remember him for his act of kindness to humanity – this principle has been guiding my decisions so far in life.

“Strengthen your emotional connection to your partner and children.”

This is the most important quote to me. My family is one big asset that God has blessed me with hence the need to connect with them emotionally, nurture them and protect them.

“Violence begets violence.”

A violent man and woman will surely produce violent children, violent children will go to the society and become problem to the society.

5. Is there anything in the book that you do not understand or are unclear about, or are there ideas which you disagree with and, if so, why?

I enjoyed reading the book “Raising Children Compassionately.” The ideas put together in book are soul liberating, enlightening and insightful.

6. Did the book contain exercises for the reader to complete? If so, did you complete all of the exercises and did you find them helpful?

Easy to read the concept is very clear.

7. Was there anything you read in the book that you would like to comment on that was not covered in the previous questions? If so, please comment.

Nothing.

Please rate the following questions on a scale from 1 to 10 ten is good and one is poor.

Raising Children Compassionately
Assessment by Adeosun Oluwatosin Isaac (Nigeria)