Which Needs Run Your Work Life?

Human needs are an important part of human nature. Values, beliefs, and customs vary internationally, but all people have similar needs.

If you’re leading a group, divisional team or company, understanding these needs allows you to motivate people more powerfully in the workspace. Understanding needs gives you greater perception about your interaction with people around you, or in relationships. This can mean the difference between a project's success or failure, or a division that works well together rather than being torn in different directions because the members remain unaware of what is driving or influencing their co-workers.

Abraham Maslow’s views are as relevant today as when he put them forward. Maslow’s Hierachy of Needs states that the basic human needs are arranged in a hierarchical order. He based his theory on healthy, creative people who used all of their talents, potential, and capabilities. Presumably this is you, or you want it to be, you've got ideas for the next Google or Facebook?

There are two primary sets of human needs: basic and meta needs. Basic needs are physiological, such as food, water, and sleep; and psychological – eg. affection, security, self esteem. These basic needs are also referred to as deficiency needs because that person works hard at overcoming the deficiency until they are met.

The higher needs are called meta needs or growth needs –justice, goodness, beauty, order, unity, etc. Basic needs take priority over these growth needs. People who lack food or water can’t concentrate much on justice or beauty. Let alone business or career wins or creativity.

These needs are listed below in descending order. The needs on the bottom must be met before the more advanced needs can be met. The top four can be pursued in random sequence depending on a person's wants or situation, once all the lower needs are met.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

8. Self-transcendence - a transegoic * level that emphasizes visionary intuition, altruism, and unity consciousness.

7. Self-actualization know exactly who you are, where you are going, and what you want to accomplish. A state of well-being.

6. Aesthetic - at peace, more curious about inner workings of all.

5. Cognitive - learning for learning alone, contribute knowledge.

4. Esteem - feeling of moving up in world, recognition, few doubts about self.

3. Belongingness and love - belong to a group, close friends to confine with.

2. Safety - feel free from immediate danger.

1. Physiological - food, water, shelter, sex.

* Transegoic - a higher spiritual state of development. trans relates to transcendence, ego equates with the personality. In Maslow's model, the ultimate goal of life is self-actualization - almost never fully attained, but to always strive towards. This recognizes the human need for ethics, creativity, compassion and spirituality, without which we are simply animals or machines.

Maslow believes that people want and are always trying to meet goals. Because the lower level needs are more pressing, if not satisfied, they dominate unsatisfied higher needs and behaviours and must be satisfied before you can move on up the hierarchy.

Knowing where a person is located on this hierachy scale aids in defining what will motivate them effectively. Virtually no-one remains stuck at one particular level for an long period. We continually seek to move on up, even while simultaneously forces outside our control work to push us down.

In the workplace, in motivating and leading others, our objective is assisting people to achieve the skills and experience that will propel them up to higher levels, permanently. People who have covered off on their basic needs are much better at their work – they can focus clearly on visualising and getting to success, instead of being distracted about how to simply make ends meet.

Once you can recognise and deal with what’s pulling you off track, it becomes infinitely easier to fast-track to where you truly want to be, at work, at home, wherever your focus is. And to get there much more quickly and easily, with less stress and effort.

Cancer and Health - The Future is Food!

Sometimes we’re so committed to finding smart or high tech ‘shortcuts for success’ that we overlook the source of problems and our own ability to tackle them. Fundamental to how we each define success is our gratitude for having good health.

This article looks at basic diets – probably the greatest single factor in the epidemic of cancer, now the No#1 killer in the USA (although the statistics and commentary are from the US, the problem is worldwide, particularly in developed countries).

Dr. Mitchell Gaynor, head oncologist at New York’s Strang-Cornell Cancer Prevention Center and one of the leading cancer researchers in the U.S., was quoted in a Newsweek article on the future of cancer research. His conclusive comment in the lengthy article was..."we have seen the future, and the future is food." (Newsweek, 11/30/98)

A recent quote by Dr. Philip Lee, Professor of Social Medicine and Director, Health Policy Program, University of California, San Francisco " . . . As a nation we have come to believe that medicine and medical technology can solve our major health problems.

The role of such important factors as diet in cancer and heart disease has long been obscured by the emphasis on the conquest of these diseases through the miracles of modern medicine. Treatment, not prevention, has been the order of the day. The problem can never be solved merely by more and medical care."

Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, 2000 - Only 2 out of 10 Americans today follow the nutrition guidelines established to prevent cancer."

American Cancer Society, 1999 - Researchers tell us that the majority of cancers we face in this country are preventable, not through new drugs, or major breakthroughs, but through simple lifestyle choices.

American Institute For Cancer Research, 1999 - This year, 175,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. An estimated 50% of breast cancers could be prevented through diet."

American Cancer Society, 1999 - The introduction of healthful diet and exercise at any time from childhood to old age can promote health and reduce cancer.

The following shocking excerpt is taken from the website of the American Cancer Society: (http://www2.cancer.org/cid/6077.00/index.htm) - "Many dietary factors can affect cancer risk: types of foods, food preparation methods,
portion sizes, food variety, and overall caloric balance. Cancer risk can be reduced by an overall dietary pattern that includes a high proportion of plant foods (fruits, vegetables, grains, and beans), limited amounts of meat, dairy, and other high-fat foods, and a balance of caloric intake and physical activity.

Many Americans and western country residents do not follow such healthful practices. Indeed, trends indicate an increase in caloric intake, greater use of high-fat convenience foods, and a decline in physical activity among Americans. The campaign against rapidly rising obesity and its huge social impact is now supported by governments and states in both the US and other countries struggling with an increasingly heavyweight population, like Australia.

We believe that such unhealthful trends are due in part to shifts toward consumption of food outside the home, to more sedentary lifestyle patterns, and to the advertising and promotion of high-calorie foods. The committee is especially concerned about the effects of such trends on the long-term health of children, who are establishing lifetime patterns of food intake and physical activity."

Despite the strength of the evidence associating consumption of fruits and vegetables
with decreased cancer risk, intake of these foods is low among many adults and
children.

Concern about low intake levels has led to a countrywide initiative--the
National 5 A Day for Better Health Program--to increase fruit and vegetable intake to
five or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This recommendation applies to
foods in their fresh, frozen, canned, dried, or juice forms, but does not apply to specific
nutrients or other substances that might be extracted from them.

Vegetables and fruits are complex foods containing more than 100 beneficial vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other substances. Scientists do not yet know which of the nutrients or other substances in fruits and vegetables may be protective against cancer.

The principal possibilities include specific vitamins and minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals--carotenoids, flavonoids, terpenes, sterols, indoles, and phenols--that are present in foods of plant origin.

How fruits and vegetables exert their protective effects constitutes an active area of scientific inquiry. Until more is known about specific food components, the best advice is to eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. There is a lot of literature and information around on ‘whole foods’ and their ‘cellular signatures’ that you might want to research to understand why eating the fresh food itself is critical – rather than pulped juices lacking the fibre, or extracts that have undergone processing or cooking.

Grains such as wheat, rice, oats, barley, and the foods made from them constitute the
base of healthful diets as illustrated in the USDA Food Guide Pyramid. Healthful diets
contain 6 to 11 standard servings of foods from this group each day. As shown in Table
2, standard portion sizes are defined as quite small, and this number of servings is not
difficult to achieve.

Grains are an important source of many vitamins and minerals such
as folate, calcium, and selenium, all of which have been associated with a lower risk of
colon cancer. Whole grains are higher in fiber and certain vitamins and minerals than
refined flour products. Since the benefits of grain foods may derive from their other
nutrients as well as from fiber, it is best to obtain fiber from fruits, vegetables, and
whole grains rather than from fiber supplements.

Beans are excellent sources of many vitamins and minerals, protein, and fiber. Beans are legumes, the technical term for the family of plants that includes dried beans, pinto
beans, lentils, and soybeans, among many others. Beans are especially rich in nutrients
that may protect against cancer, and can be a useful low-fat but high-protein alternative
to meat.

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO INVESTING – THE BASICS!

For those of us who intend to have something to retire on…..

An investment utilises existing capital to grow your money, whether this is achieved through investing in financial vehicles that generate income, or alternatively create capital gains. Among the many investment classes on offer are cash, shares, trusts, bonds, managed funds, property, art or business opportunities for shrewd financial players such as venture capital. Planned diversification across a number of investment areas is a time-honoured route to long term wealth creation.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF INVESTING?

Everyone has different financial goals, which again differ at various stages of life. A student leaving university will have very different ideas about handling their finances than parents raising three children on one salary with mortgage commitments.

One common purpose is having enough money saved for retirement years. With most of the world’s Western countries’ populations aging and birth rates steadily dropping, there is a shrinking workforce to contribute to retirement pension schemes. For the large numbers of baby boomers moving towards the latter part of their working lives, and living longer with lifestyle and healthcare improvements, investing individual savings is therefore a necessity in order to accumulate retirement funds.

To establish your own investment goals and strategies, take stock of factors including your current assets and debts, your earnings now and your income projected over future years. Factor in any funding sources you may have ahead, such as a family property, long service pay-out, or an inheritance (lucky you!).

Think about goals that are important, which might include going back to study, starting a business, or paying for a child’s post-university overseas trip. How much will they cost? What level of funds will you need set aside for your own retirement?

When deciding on an investment strategy, there are a number of factors to bear in mind, including what level of risk is comfortable to achieve desired returns, the time-frame available and how tax impacts on the selected investment classes. Look at whether you need to access funds in the interim, on your way to long term savings.

INVESTMENT OPTIONS

Educate yourself on the various investment classes and options that are available on the market. Remember that diversification is one of the fundamental rules for successful investing. By spreading, and therefore minimising risk, across various investment types that will individually perform with different degrees of success, the chances of good returns are maximised.

Managed funds provide small investors with the opportunity to combine their respective funds in a sizeable diversified portfolio. The fund is then managed on their behalf by a qualified fund manager or investment team. These funds can be structured to pay in as little as $100 monthly, after an initial $500 - 1,000 investment, providing access to sectors that were previously out of reach for smaller investors. The funds’ assets are split into units divided between its investors, with profits redistributed regularly to these investors, who can opt to accept the income or reinvest their earnings to build their investment growth. Managed funds primarily invest in the major asset classes of cash, local or international shares, property and bonds.

Shares, which are part-ownership of stockmarket-listed companies, are traded on the Stock Exchange, allowing investors to maximise their initial capital investment. Because of their potential for strong returns, shares are regarded as growth assets. Compared with other investment classes, shares traditionally perform better over the longer term and surpass inflation rates, offering investors the potential for higher profits, dividends declared from the company’s post-tax profits and tax benefits via imputation credits on those dividends.

Trusts pool investors’ funds to establish a sizeable fund investing in sectors that investors could usually not access individually. The trust is professionally managed by a fund manager who is responsible on its investors’ collective behalf for all investment decisions. In a trust, each person’s funds are calculated equally and referred to as units, with the unit price dependent on the performance and accordingly, the value of that particular trust’s investments. The unit price will fluctuate in response to market movements for these investments. There are a wide selection of unit trusts available to individual investors, some specific to one sector and others, sometimes called managed trusts, covering a mix of asset classes.

Venture capital is investment, through equity or sometimes debt arrangements, to fund primarily private companies requiring financial backing to grow. In return for their financial contribution, the investor receives a negotiated stake in the company and usually a seat on the company’s board. In addition to funds, investors also usually invest further by advising the company’s management and sharing their own skills and knowledge, while they share in its future revenues and growth. A venture capitalist is looking for a business that has a strategic fit with their investment criteria, is in its early development phases and has strong growth potential. A common objective is to see their investment yield a high capital gain on exiting.

Property is a common investment choice, with its established returns of income and capital gains. Investments in real estate can be a house or unit as a home, an investment property or holiday home, industrial properties, commercial offices and office buildings, or retail outlets and shopping centres. Investment can be direct, or via alternative methodologies including property trusts, property syndicates and direct shares in property companies listed on the stock exchange. Other types of real estate, such as residential and commercial rental property, have the potential for regular rental income and long-term capital gains.

Futures

Futures are a contract that specifies a future date of either delivery or receipt of a specified quantity of an underlying asset or product, at the price that was contractually agreed. Futures provide a hedge against unfavourable price fluctuations, protecting investors against such adverse shifts in share prices, or interest rates. There are international futures markets in financial instruments and in commodities including oil, wheat, soybeans, metals and pork bellies. Financial futures available to investors include futures in bank bills, Share Price Index (SPI) futures and government bond futures. As well as investors, futures markets attract speculators seeking out profits from price movements.

Options

An option is an investment type that gives its holder the right to buy (a ‘call’ option) or sell (a ‘put’ option) a specific derivative security at an agreed price within a specified timeframe. The call option holder is looking for the stock price to rise, while the put option holder wants the price to fall, in both cases by a margin below the ‘strike price’ which provides the profit that the investor is seeking when the option is exercised. Retail investors are able to buy and sell options on various financial and futures products. If the option is not exercised during the timeframe, the investment is lost.

Debt

Debt is the generic term for bonds, mortgages and other financial instruments that have been loaned and are structured for repayment. Known as ‘fixed interest‘ investments, these attract investors looking for an investment offering greater security than shares or property, while providing stronger returns over time than cash investments. Fixed income securities promise the investor with periodic income, with interest normally payable on a semi-annual basis.

Collectibles

High net-worth individuals and serious collectors also choose to accumulate wealth through planned acquisition of ‘collectibles’ that can later be sold, often at a much higher value if their original investment was well-considered (or lucky). Some collectors invest or trade in fine art, contemporary art, antiques, vintage cars or jewellery.

SOURCES OF INVESTMENT ADVICE

Investment goals can be achieved without outside advice, but the majority of investors will seek advice from professionals, whether on an ongoing basis for their investing strategy, or on a one-off basis regarding a specific product or investment class.

Qualified financial planners help investors on an individual basis to work towards financial security and build wealth. There are many stages of life when people seek out the advice and support of a financial planner. These can include wanting to make astute financial decisions, identify financial products that address specific tax requirements; or leverage a major sum for healthy growth. Advice from financial planners can be sought just for their opinion on one particular investment product or asset class, or to handle a specific transaction. But as larger sums and goals are being considered, professional financial planning is usually a wise decision.

Accountants are similarly an excellent source of professional investment knowledge. Tax advice is primarily the focus for qualified accountants, as only a registered taxation agent can provide full tax advice. Chartered accountants are not legally permitted to provide advice on specific financial products on a fee basis, and their focus is not on wealth creation.

An experienced, well-regarded broker can provide in-depth and astute information on securities that will help build wealth and achieve either or both capital gains and / or income over the long term. There are many brokers that work with individual clients, providing their clients with regular advice, share tips, broking services and market education.

It is the individual investor’s ultimate responsibility to research and understand their investments. There is a wealth of information in the marketplace to help retail and small business investors, from the daily financial papers to Internet investment sites packed with information on financial matters, books, courses and advanced studies. Educating yourself on investing and financial markets will give you a good basis for planning out your long-term investment strategy.

Don't like Chiropractic? Try Bowen Therapy

This ‘shortcut to health’ is one that I’ve personally tested over some months, after hearing about Bowen Therapy over recent years. At the risk of sounding cliched, its results on my long-term back and shoulder problems have been almost instant and I’m committed to going on with treatment.

I believe it may work just as strongly for many readers, as conditions that respond well to Bowen Therapy include back pain (in particular), sports and accident injuries, frozen shoulder, stress disorders, whiplash, muscular-skeletal pain and imbalance, organic complaints – respiratory – digestive – menstrual – hormonal, acute and chronic fatigue; and strokes.

Bowen facilitates the balancing of a broad range of problems (with medical supervision where appropriate) as the treatment is holistic. Bowen produces an integrated body response, and consequently improves circulation, lymphatic and venous draining, assimilation of nutrients and elimination of toxins, joint mobility, posture, clearance of dysfunctional debris, normalisation of cellular physiology and tissue integrity.

Putting it in context, even as someone fit and healthy, I’ve lived with back pain for some 20 years, trialing everything from massage therapy to osteopaths, acupuncture, float tanks, gym and specific back exercises, physiotherapy etc - even consulting a surgeon regarding a shoulder operation.

I haven’t been able to sleep on my right side for well over 15 years. (An ironic anecdote – one unorthodox treatment that surprisingly helped afterward awhile was breaking my collarbone in a high-speed fall in a road cycling race. Strangely enough, I don’t recommend this methodology to others unless you’re fond of losing a lot of skin and hospital casualty wards!)

Bowen technique is being practised and taught in the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Europe and Australia, where it was developed by Tom Bowen.

Bowen is a dynamic, remedial body technique, extremely gentle and very relaxing. It empowers the body’s own healing resources achieving balance and harmony, resulting in fast and lasting relief from pain and discomfort. Bowen is an all embracing vibrational energy therapy, safe to use on anyone, newborns to the elderly.

A treatment comprises sequences of small gentle moves, each at a specific site on the body. There is not forceful manipulation, just a light cross-fibre manoeuvring of a muscle, tendon or ligament, pleasant to the recipient.

The precise location of the Bowen moves correlate markedly with the latest research into the meridian energy system, acu-points and myofascial trigger point therapy.

Observation also suggests the lymphatic system is greatly affected by this technique.

This gentle and effective modality brings substantial relief frequently after the first session, and generally clients only need two or three treatments, usually one week apart. Treatments can be done through clothing when preferred, as no oils are used. Treatment sessions can last from 10 to 50 minutes.

Tom Bowen made healing his life’s work in Australia. Without undertaking formal medical training, he practised massage locally from the 1950s, evolving his gentle and instinctive technique until his practice grew so large, he was obliged to dramatically expand it.

A mid-1970s Australian Government survey into alternative healing in the documents him as treating approximately 13.000 patients annually. Bowen’s technique was a simple energy correction procedure to instigate a change in the body’s balance, bringing the body’s innate healing abilities back into action. Tom Bowen taught his technique to about six people before his death in 1982.

For more background on Bowen technique, from Australia, visit The Bowen Therapists Foundation of Australia at: http://www.bowen.asn.au/. USA residents can find out more on Bowen Therapies at: www.usbowen.com, while UK and Europe residents can visit: www.TheBowenTechnique.com or www.bowentherapy.fsnet.co.uk.

Bring in the hired guns - Outsourcing could save your business

Whether you’re just starting out as an entrepreneur, or already a seasoned veteran in your corporate field, your success will depend on how you maximize your own strengths and talents. People who go far often shine in more than one area, drawing on their accumulated business knowledge, education and hands-on experience.

But all that experience can also be a drawback. Buoyed by previous successes or the enjoyment of a business area, executives often have a blind spot when it comes to delegating or outsourcing. After all, who could do it better than you can? Aren’t you closer to a sophisticated understanding of your business than anyone else?

The successful business operators are those who can bury their pride in asking themselves these questions and arriving at honest answers. They know where their time is best spent and when to bring in the hired guns for outsourced support.

They also know that in a competitive business environment, being a time poor multi-tasker is far less effective than assembling and motivating a winning team of specialists and suppliers.

Audit your strengths

So whom should you hire from among the massed ranks of consultants and advisors out there? Start by ‘auditing’ your strengths. What do you know and do best? What role should you be playing in developing your career or your business?

Note down your main strengths and skills, and then be honest in acknowledging where you are not as strong. Be objective in recognizing where a supplier with complementary skills could add value, freeing you up to concentrate on areas that you excel in and enjoy.

Think of team sports, where under the combined leadership of the captain and coach, each player is positioned where their particular abilities make the most valuable contribution. Who do you need on your winning team?

Run an ‘ego-check’

If you’re up to it, do an ‘Ego-Check’ exercise as well! Ask yourself:

· Is there only one way to do things – your way?

· Do you take on board constructive suggestions from others? Are you able to accept help?

· Are you working long hours to get through everything? Evenings and weekends?

· Do you feel anxious if you’re not in control of all the facets of the business?

· You know how hard you’re working – but results are frustratingly elusive?

· Do you have time to spend on growing the business and for strategic thinking?

It takes maturity to admit that you’re not ‘the answer to everything’ - that your energetic input across a range of tasks could be holding you back, rather than catapulting you forward. But by being honest with yourself, you’ll be both on a faster track for business wins and getting more balance in your life – which may rescue your health, sanity or even career.

Hired guns for small businesses

Starting out, the vast majority of new entrepreneurs and business start-ups don’t have an unlimited budget – in fact you might not even have any latitude in budgeting at all. Funding constraints make it hugely tempting not only to cut corners, but to try and be all things to all people until you are up and running successfully.

One warning sign that you need to delegate - or bring in the hired guns – is feeling swamped, overwhelmed with what’s on your plate and feeling you can never get it all done. It’s hugely flattering to believe that you’re the only one who can get it right – but it makes for an exhausting working day to soldier your way through, week after week…after week...

Hired guns that nearly all small businesses need:

· Secretarial support – part-time or full-time, either in-house or by hiring a ‘virtual assistant’ who works with you virtually via telecommunications and web technology.

· IT consultant. There’s no IT department to rescue you from computer crashes in a start-up business! Hunt down a good IT consultant who charges reasonable hourly rates and leaves their cell phone switched on out of hours for client crises.

· Web designer/web hosting company/web copywriter. If you are lucky, this set of skills might be found in one supplier, or your web guru can recommend other suppliers.

· Lawyer/ Tax lawyer. From the outset, you need to know your legal parameters and obligations. Mistakes made can cause havoc, so get it right at the start!

· Bookkeeper / Accountant. Sometimes one supplier can fill both roles; otherwise, find yourself two excellent professionals to handle your administration obligations.

· Other areas where external support can be effectively outsourced include public relations and marketing expertise, raising venture capital, or even office cleaning.

In deciding what to outsource, ask yourself what value you place on your skills and knowledge. For example, if your main skill is selling your marketing consultancy skills at $70 an hour, you will make much more money if you devote most of your time to that. Outsourcing your bookkeeping to a contractor who charges $35 an hour will free you up for profitable marketing.

Outsourcing at the ‘big end of town’

While some larger firms and corporations handle everything from payroll to graphic design in-house, many others choose to focus on their core business and bring in the hired guns for the services that their business needs.

There are U.S. call centres for example using operators from other countries with lower labour rates, as far afield as India.

Closer to home, many large companies are hiring staff who work virtually from rural areas, where lower living costs let them supply business services at competitively priced rates.

The majority of consultants and contractors keep your bills low through contracting out their services on a cost-effective project basis, commissioned and paid for only as required. Ongoing relationships with trusted suppliers benefit the company, which doesn’t have to carry healthcare, insurance and other expenses, or salary costs in quiet work periods.

Hired Guns that larger companies bring in include:

· Accountants to advise on company investments, remuneration, tax, pension fund and all other financial issues.

· Insurance advisers across premises, contents, operating requirements, compensation, directors and officers liability, etc

· Graphic artists who work on company logos, advertising, marketing and promotions, publications and packaging, signage etc

· Business coaches who work with potential leaders, top management, teams, project groups etc, to enhance communication, grow skills and improve company performance.

· Trainers and facilitators, who run seminars and programs on management skills, IT capabilities, conflict resolution, team building and many other areas.

· Marketing and PR consultants, who work with you to promote the company, present a polished and consistent corporate image, position your organisation professionally in your marketplace; and develop strategies for campaigns or managing issues.

· Speechwriters. A handful of top managers have the free time and communications flair to write their own speeches. But the majority bring in experienced writers and speechwriters to ghostwrite their important speeches.

· Management Consultants. Contributing objective analysis and strategic advisory services, consultants are regularly brought into many companies, working with divisions or across the organization.

· Personal organiser – some outsourcers laughingly or seriously call themselves ‘an extra wife’. Time-poor busy professionals, working couples and CEO-types these days are practically (and without drowning in guilt) outsourcing some chunks of their home life – to dog-walkers, virtual assistants, cleaners, lawn-mowers, gardeners. If you have the money, why not?

· Professional image consultants. While giving you dazzling new fashion sense, image consultants can also often offer professional speaking tips or other advice.

· Handyman or Fixer. All big businesses have at least one on call – it’s not just the computers that break down when you can least afford the business interruption.

· Travel agent. Little explanation needed here, although some organised companies and executive assistants now regularly book their business travel online.

· Commercial cleaner. Again, little explanation needed!

Tired of carrying the load yourself? Pick up the phone to the outsourcing experts and start to build your own winning team for long-term success.

Writing your way to the top

Well it's an online competition so it vaguely has a home in this blog...sorry this one is just for fun inbetween passing on shortcuts & tips!

There's an annual competition for the worst imaginary opening sentence for a novel you haven't yet written. The children's book prize this year was awarded to a writer that, although the contest claims to have no standards, the judges said 'had almost certainly lowered them'.

The head judge, one of a panel of 'undistinguished judges' said he liked the phrase 'The Princess formerly known as Snow White'. It suggests she's not so snow white any more and gives you the idea the dwarves might have had something to do with that.'

The winning intro from Shelby Leung -

"The woods were all a-twitter with rumours that the Seven Dwarves were planning a live re-union after their attempted solo careers had dismally spluttered into Z-list oblivion and it was all just a matter of meeting a 10-page list of outlandish demands...including a separate trailer for the Magic Talking Mirror to get the Princess formerly known as Snow White on board."

The former lawyer who wrote it said she thought a lot of the entries were of such a high standard of badness she wouldn't win; but "I used to be a lawyer and the law is the natural home of bad writing."

Here's the site with all the winners, I'm off to work on my entry for next year now.
www.bulwerlytton.com

Nelson Mandela On What Makes Champions

What makes some people truly go for it, set altitude-defying goals, drive themselves hard… and then go harder and further? What inspires the world’s high achievers? How can we apply this ‘X’ factor at home or work? In 2000, some of the best academic, sports and business minds worldwide gathered before Sydney’s Olympics to share research and discuss ‘what makes champions’. The discussions generated give us fascinating insights.

Nelson Mandela, a great champion of the human spirit, opened the inaugural What Makes a Champion?™ event hosted by the Sydney University/Australian National University’s Centre for the Mind, immediately before the Olympics.

It was attended by an array of champions including New Zealand’s Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to climb Mt Everest, Australian Nobel Prize winner Professor Peter Doherty, soprano Yvonne Kenny and composer Roger Woodward. Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Fraser was there, as was outstanding Olympic champion (1,500m gold medallist in Rome) and businessman Herb Elliott.

Mr Mandela told the audience and media ‘I was singularly privileged by history and circumstance to have been in a position to make a particular contribution to what has been described as one of the great moral struggles of the last century...That struggle on the part of the people of South Africa achieved championship status amongst the moral endeavours to make of the world a place of freedom, dignity and quality.’

He said that those who were privileged to give leadership to that struggle and gain wider world recognition, only did so by the consent of others.

‘A recognition that no individual achieves and performs in isolation must stand at the heart of our reflections on what makes a champion. To achieve those goals to which one is committed and chose to dedicate one’s life, a belief in yourself is essential. That self-belief becomes vain and egotistical, and ultimately self-defeating, if it does not derive from a dedication to and faith in the common goal. The necessary self-belief of the true leader or champion is tempered by the respect for the broader concerns.’

How can we apply a champion mindset?

I found Mr Mandela’s respect for leadership based on shared goals and collaboration, really intriguing, together with the whole What Makes a Champion?™ event.

Theories advanced included how 'championship' is defined according to a society's definition of 'worth'. One irreverent example was former Australian prime minister Bob Hawke's record as Australian and Oxford University’s champion beer drinker. Champions can apparently exist in areas ranging from the frivolous to the profound.

A compelling question was whether championship has universal elements that can be accessed and identified. What compels the champion writer, humanitarian, artist, or scientist to strive for success with an almost inconceivable drive?

Other questions analysed included whether negative emotions are great motivators? Is appreciation a driving force? The relationship between championship and adversity plays a part, as does the importance of self-belief - paramount in a champion mindset. Are champions simply people who take advantage of 'moments'?

The book and studies flowing on from this international academic project address these and many other questions. What Makes a Champion? Athens 2004 will again bring together champions from across the world, reinvigorating the intellectual face of the Olympic Games by blending sport with culture and education. [What Makes a Champion! - Fifty extraordinary individuals share their insights, Penguin Books, 2002]

Getting lucky in the talent lottery? Mind over matter?

Prior to the event, the Centre for the Mind’s Director, Professor Allan Snyder, gave the first Edwin Flack lecture, initiated by the Australian Olympic Committee to explore mind, body and society - especially relating to sport. Australian Edwin Flack won two gold medals in 1896’s first modern Olympics on top of which he also entered the marathon – collapsing after giving it all he had.

Professor Snyder, recipient of the 1997 International Australia Prize, was chosen by Bulletin/ Newsweek as one of Australia’s 10 most creative minds. At Australian National University, he holds the Peter Karmel Chair of Science and the Mind. He is Professor of Optical Physics and Vision Research and Head of the Optical Sciences Centre. http://www.centreforthemind.com

In his speech, he explored the relationship between sporting and intellectual excellence. Many intellectuals, he stated, are dismissive of the physical, which they conceptualise as separate in structure and function and an unnecessary distraction to the mental.

But compelling research, said Professor Snyder, strongly suggests otherwise. ‘The American neurologist Damasio [Damasio 1994], found decision-making is impaired in patients who lack awareness of their body, concluding that the mind learns

through, and is profoundly influenced by, the body. ‘In other words, we interact with the environment as an ensemble.

So the ancient Greeks had it right. Plato [Douillard 1992] especially advocated physical exercise for developing the spiritual side of life. And the reverse is true – our spiritual side, our mind - is critical for exquisite physical performance. Our mindset strongly influences our performance.

So what isn’t possible?

Does this mean we can employ mind over matter to get whatever we want to go after? Where do procrastination and back-sliding fit in? And the inevitable setbacks real life slyly tosses at us?

Professor Snyder observes that sport doesn't have a monopoly on those who come from behind to win. But as an example, he cites ultra-distance swimmer Susie Maroney, whose many swims include the 200 km marathon from Mexico to Cuba. After her swim, Maroney's long-term coach Dick Caine said: "Susie had no talent whatsoever. She's a little person who couldn't even make a final at a State meet - showing the world that on sheer guts and determination you can do anything you want!"

Professor Snyder said Caine’s sentiment echoes views held by many others - that raw physical talent is not always necessary to be a sporting champion. ‘In intellectual fields, Darwin, Einstein and Edison were very average students whose teachers, even with hindsight, were hard pressed to say something particularly flattering. It certainly would appear that 'raw talent' as we normally define it is not crucial for success’.

So what differentiates champions from the rest of the pack? Professor Snyder believes it is primarily their mindset. ‘Studies [Franken 1994, Ungerleider 1995], show that great achievers often create dreams or visions of exactly what they want to do and how they are going to do it. The role of dreams and mental imagery is legendary for those in the creative arts and sciences [Gregory 1987]. New Manchester University research shows that physical strength can be enhanced by just thinking about an exercise’.

‘Great achievers have a vision that they will succeed and sometimes even see the steps leading to their success. So, in my opinion, what makes a champion, in the broadest sense, is a champion mindset. If you have done something great in one field, you are far more able to do it in another. Your champion mindset is the transferable commodity and not the skill itself. It is our mindsets which ultimately limit our expectations of ourselves and which circumscribe our boundaries. ‘

‘It is our mindsets which determine whether or not we have the courage to challenge others and to expand our horizons.’ Food for thought? And in closing, one of my favourite Mandela quotes:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us."

- Nelson Mandela

The Entrepreneurial Edge - have you got it?

Are you one of the lucky breed who never worked for anyone else for a day in your life? My entrepreneurial buddy Derek emerged from university and launched himself into business solo without a backward glance. I was pretty impressed with his cool, not to mention the cooler industrial design things he started designing, they also sold well.

It just didn’t occur to him to get a day job like most people. When he tried the shirt-and-tie gig out of curiosity a decade on, he promptly jumped ship back to his preferred uncertainty of self-employment.

Maybe that’s not you. Perhaps you’re just itching to give an “up-yours-mate!” parting gesture to the corporate rat race (remember, even if you win the rat race, apparently you’re still a rat). You could be one of thousands around the world still being downsized – a second or third time - and have sworn never to put your career, not to mention your financial survival, in someone else’s hands again.

Do you have what it takes to be an entrepreneur and take control of your future? Let’s zero in on the type who has the Entrepreneur Edge. It’s not something tangible that you can bottle up and sell, but people who’ve built successful businesses from the ground up share some common personality characteristics:

1. Entrepreneurs often start young. As kids or teenagers, they had newspaper rounds, surprisingly smart ideas for Internet businesses, or conjured up cunning schemes to make money off their unsuspecting classmates.

2. Entrepreneurs ooze self-confidence. They believe in themselves absolutely and thrive in a competitive environment. They’re catalysts, with either the charisma or great persuasion skills to enlist others to help make their big idea a reality.

3. They have a big vision and a dream. Think of England’s Richard Branson and his Virgin business empire, which started out as just a big new record store. There’s Donald Trump and his grandiose ventures; and on an even vaster playing field, Microsoft’s Bill Gates, whose vision includes donating billions from his staggering personal wealth to charity and philanthropy. Martha Stewart and the enterprise she built from scratch. One more word – Madonna. Not all entrepreneurs scale the highest peaks, but aiming low is a totally alien mindset for the true entrepreneur.

4. Entrepreneurs take risks. Some of them are calculated risks, or astute hunches that hit pay-dirt. Some of them are just way out there somewhere. One definite weak spot is a tendency to get over-extended financially. Brilliance and financial genius aren’t always roommates.

5. They like to work for themselves and make their own decisions.

6. Entrepreneurs never give up. They rebound quickly from business dead ends, or product disasters. And simply try again. There are multiple examples of entrepreneurs who burned too bright too fast, even went bankrupt, but had the resilience and chutzpah to nonchalantly bounce back. They view failures or mistakes as learning experiences, worth copping a few bruises or embarrassments on the way but not worth shedding tears over.

7. Entrepreneurs share an admirable and phenomenal capacity for grind. They work hard and don’t expect anything to be served up to them on a plate. There are plenty of get-rich-quick dreamers out there too, but even they have learnt to put in the hours. A solid foundation is what ultimately separates the men from the boys, to borrow an old cliché. Not to mention the women from the girls.

8. Entrepreneurs have a shrewd head for business. They have smart, ‘ahead of the trend curve’ ideas and keep coming up with fresh approaches, services…add-on valuable products… potential marketplaces. Their flair is creating innovative ways to make money and new distribution channels to boost profits. Sir Richard Branson built an international airline on the back of his Virgin record store brand. Donald Trump’s empire has made him the star of his own reality TV series ‘The Apprentice’.

9. Most entrepreneurs don’t retire, even if they make an attempt at it. They may sell their shares or cut back time; talking up a hammock slung on a tropical beach. But a few months later, restless, ‘just a few hours a day will do me this time’… they’re back, searching out new problems which they’ll find profitable solutions for - and a familiar adrenalin fix.

Sound like you? Or are you confident enough to try the entrepreneur route? A well-grounded belief in yourself is the mindset that will see you succeed.

You need to also be 100% realistic with yourself about the various strains in starting down an entrepreneurial track. Are you in good enough shape - physically, mentally, financially and emotionally - to handle the workload and the start-up stresses? Launching a start-up business in the middle of a vicious divorce might solve your problems about new directions, but could stretch you dangerously thin across health and sanity. Nothing’s worth a heart attack at 35.

After years of in-depth academic study, we’ve devised a Fast Track qualification test for would-be entrepreneurs. Start now, clear a quiet space and concentrate. First question: Do you want personal freedom? Second question: Do you want truckloads of banknotes? Brilliant, off you go!

If only it was that simple. Serious questions to ask yourself in an honest self-audit, if you’re considering launching your own business or taking the free agent path, include:

■ Do you have a dream or goal to chase? Something that you’re passionate about?

■ Are you a leader? Can you motivate people if your business takes off and you start hiring? Do you like people and get along with them? Do they like you?

■ Do you enjoy hard work and long hours? It will take 3 times as much of both as you estimated at the outset. Are you being really honest with yourself on this bit?

■ Can you handle responsibility? Running your own business can ultimately win you financial gains, freedom and flexibility. But there’s hard work ahead to get there and a lot of accountability to shoulder. The buck always comes back to you.

■ Can you banish the ‘what if I fall flat on my face’ fear factor with a shrug of your shoulders and demonstrate a high tolerance for risk? Are you being really honest with yourself on this bit?

■ Are you in a cashed-up position to survive for the foreseeable future? Without jeopardising your personal financial security, if your venture takes significantly longer to get off the ground than you estimated?

If it doesn’t sound like the life for you, don’t beat yourself up too much about it. Someone has to keep the corporate world afloat. Plenty of us need a manager or mentor, structure and teamwork, or more academic or creative work to fire us up.

You can get your kicks going along for the ride on someone else’s fast-tracked entrepreneurial scheme and hit the eject button when you’ve hurtled past your comfort zone. No-one who matters will make fun of you for being realistic about your business strengths and weaknesses.

And if you fit the Entrepreneur profile, get going, what are you waiting for? Why are you still hanging round reading this when you have so much to do?

One last hint...most entrepreneurs mess up spectacularly when it comes to organizing, administration and record-keeping. It’s unfortunately just not their thing. If it’s not yours, hire or outsource a good bookkeeper and pay your office manager far more than they deserve.