https://rickbaker.ca/category/values-personal-values/ Rick Baker's Thought Posts — plain-spoken writing on leadership, business values, communication, habits, and the people side of building a business. Publishing since 2008. en-ca https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-news-you-have-an-emotionally-charged-group-of-leaders-now-how-do-you-convert-that-energy-to-the-positive/https://rickbaker.ca/post/good-news-you-have-an-emotionally-charged-group-of-leaders-now-how-do-you-convert-that-energy-to-the-positive/Sun, 05 Dec 2021 07:30:00 -0500When our ancestors first saw fire, the first things they saw and understood were destruction and danger. As time passed, as they became more thoughtful and… https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-make-sure-your-confidence-does-not-threaten-your-followers/https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-make-sure-your-confidence-does-not-threaten-your-followers/Sat, 04 Dec 2021 07:27:00 -0500Some followers are intimidated by Leader's self-confidence. Here are some Spirited suggestions, to make sure you do not come across that way: Be authentic…it… https://rickbaker.ca/post/knowledge-costs-money-lack-of-knowledge-costs-more/https://rickbaker.ca/post/knowledge-costs-money-lack-of-knowledge-costs-more/Wed, 30 Jun 2021 07:43:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet We must pay to learn . We can buy knowledge contained in books. We can buy knowledge contained in hard knocks . We must pay… https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-essence-of-business-is-exchange-of-value/https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-essence-of-business-is-exchange-of-value/Sat, 26 Jun 2021 07:52:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Stephen R Covey taught - the essence of business is relationships . I believe the essence of business is exchange of value . I… https://rickbaker.ca/post/little-of-value-exists-without-self-confidence-self-confidence-moves-the-world/https://rickbaker.ca/post/little-of-value-exists-without-self-confidence-self-confidence-moves-the-world/Tue, 22 Jun 2021 07:40:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Self-confidence sustains. Self-confidence is the catalyst of progress. Self-confidence moves people. Self-confidence… https://rickbaker.ca/post/workplace-high-pressure-does-it-cut-the-feet-out-from-under-your-smartest-people/https://rickbaker.ca/post/workplace-high-pressure-does-it-cut-the-feet-out-from-under-your-smartest-people/Mon, 14 Jun 2021 07:00:00 -0500The Thinking Behind the Tweet A high IQ doesn’t necessarily mean a high ability to work under stress . In fact, it is possible the opposite is true. Do you… https://rickbaker.ca/post/few-situations-provide-opportunities-to-do-big-things-all-situations-provide-opportunities-to-do-small-things/https://rickbaker.ca/post/few-situations-provide-opportunities-to-do-big-things-all-situations-provide-opportunities-to-do-small-things/Sat, 29 May 2021 07:13:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet All situations offer, at least, small learning experiences. All situations provide the opportunity for self-discovery and… https://rickbaker.ca/post/be-nothing-if-not-courageous/https://rickbaker.ca/post/be-nothing-if-not-courageous/Mon, 17 May 2021 07:37:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet It's about personal values : If we are not courageous , what of value do we have to offer to others? If we are not courageous… https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-use-it-and-it-grows-as-you-grow-willpower/https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-use-it-and-it-grows-as-you-grow-willpower/Mon, 10 May 2021 07:23:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Willpower: we use it or it slips away on us. Willpower relies on energy. Use it wisely. Use it regularly. Drain it. Rebuild it… https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-trust-is-at-the-heart-of-meaningful-business-relationships-insight-is-in-the-brain/https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-trust-is-at-the-heart-of-meaningful-business-relationships-insight-is-in-the-brain/Sat, 01 May 2021 07:51:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Trust, based on a history of past experiences, is not enough to guarantee business relationships contain value. When insight is… https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-know-defeat-has-arrived-muster-your-courage-and-take-one-more-step-ahead/https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-know-defeat-has-arrived-muster-your-courage-and-take-one-more-step-ahead/Sat, 17 Apr 2021 07:12:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet As Napoleon Hill said, " Quitters Never Win and Winners Never Quit ". and "When faced with defeat the easiest and most logical… https://rickbaker.ca/post/written-goals-dont-just-help-you-set-your-work-priorities-they-help-you-define-your-personal-values/https://rickbaker.ca/post/written-goals-dont-just-help-you-set-your-work-priorities-they-help-you-define-your-personal-values/Wed, 14 Apr 2021 07:14:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Values , Purpose, Vision , Rules , & Goals are not discreet, stand-alone concepts. They are intertwined. For most People, they… https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-self-confidence-shines-it-is-charismatic-magnetic-contagious/https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-self-confidence-shines-it-is-charismatic-magnetic-contagious/Sat, 10 Apr 2021 07:10:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet And when self-confidence shines it keeps ego in the proper light. Put another way, it allows ego to perform in most-productive… https://rickbaker.ca/post/win-win-deals-happen-when-self-confidence-meets-self-confidence/https://rickbaker.ca/post/win-win-deals-happen-when-self-confidence-meets-self-confidence/Thu, 11 Mar 2021 07:22:00 -0500The Thinking Behind the Tweet It takes [courage-grounded] self-confidence to win & it takes consideration of others to create win-win. These are the building… https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-necessity-is-the-mother-of-invention-then-courage-must-be-the-father-attitude/https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-necessity-is-the-mother-of-invention-then-courage-must-be-the-father-attitude/Mon, 22 Feb 2021 07:09:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Necessity walks hand-in-hand with Courage and their finest offspring is Confidence . We must not underestimate the courage and… https://rickbaker.ca/post/values-are-the-ground-rules-that-drive-actionsbehaviour-shared-values-are-the-ground-rules-for-behaviour-in-business/https://rickbaker.ca/post/values-are-the-ground-rules-that-drive-actionsbehaviour-shared-values-are-the-ground-rules-for-behaviour-in-business/Mon, 15 Feb 2021 07:21:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet When there is clarity around and embracing of shared values: actions are magnetized in desired directions people behave well… https://rickbaker.ca/post/battles-require-people-people-require-battles/https://rickbaker.ca/post/battles-require-people-people-require-battles/Sat, 13 Feb 2021 07:29:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet We all have heard it takes two to tango . Tango requires people...two. Battles require people... at least one . Battles are a… https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-observe-the-how-the-why-either-resonates-and-amplifies-the-peaks-or-dis-harmonizes-and-diminishes-the-peaks/https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-you-observe-the-how-the-why-either-resonates-and-amplifies-the-peaks-or-dis-harmonizes-and-diminishes-the-peaks/Wed, 10 Feb 2021 07:58:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet First, it is essential to do a good job of observing in order to properly perceive the How. Then, with the How understood, the… https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-greatest-of-leaders-overcome-their-bad-habits-they-mould-their-character-to-improve-their-ability-to-influence-others/https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-greatest-of-leaders-overcome-their-bad-habits-they-mould-their-character-to-improve-their-ability-to-influence-others/Sat, 23 Jan 2021 07:10:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Sometimes they replace combative ways with kindness; sometimes they replace softer ways with assertiveness. Other times they… https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-are-spending-too-much-time-fighting-fires-at-work-your-career-is-getting-doused/https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-are-spending-too-much-time-fighting-fires-at-work-your-career-is-getting-doused/Tue, 19 Jan 2021 07:10:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet The economy would get a serious boost if 10% of business people would apply the 80/20 Rule and spend more time doing work… https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-leaders-tell-followers-what-to-do-they-need-to-limit-that-telling-to-big-picture-things/https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-leaders-tell-followers-what-to-do-they-need-to-limit-that-telling-to-big-picture-things/Sat, 16 Jan 2021 07:24:00 -0500The Thinking Behind the Sales Tweet Some think Leaders should provide followers latitude to do their work as they choose. Some think that’s the way to breed… https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-less-confident-you-feel-the-more-you-criticize-others/https://rickbaker.ca/post/the-less-confident-you-feel-the-more-you-criticize-others/Fri, 15 Jan 2021 07:05:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet So, Confidence is criticism's antidote. https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-breeds-confidence-and-confidence-breeds-conviction-creativity-attitude/https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-breeds-confidence-and-confidence-breeds-conviction-creativity-attitude/Sat, 09 Jan 2021 07:56:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet It takes courage to face adversity . It takes courage to face criticism . It takes courage to face change. Children are born… https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-have-their-secrets-and-certain-questions-defy-honest-answers/https://rickbaker.ca/post/people-have-their-secrets-and-certain-questions-defy-honest-answers/Tue, 05 Jan 2021 07:03:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet When people slip up - when people who matter to you clearly illustrate they have broken their own values - rules - Fight the… https://rickbaker.ca/post/even-when-happiness-appears-to-be-all-thats-happening-it-brings-value/https://rickbaker.ca/post/even-when-happiness-appears-to-be-all-thats-happening-it-brings-value/Wed, 30 Dec 2020 07:34:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet There are many reasons why this is true. Here's one: when we are happy our faces show it, then others register that fact, and… https://rickbaker.ca/post/to-lead-use-light-fingers-at-the-controls-heavy-finger-governance-and-control-just-sends-things-off-kilter/https://rickbaker.ca/post/to-lead-use-light-fingers-at-the-controls-heavy-finger-governance-and-control-just-sends-things-off-kilter/Tue, 22 Dec 2020 07:42:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet From Wikipedia... In 1868, James Clerk Maxwell wrote a famous paper "On governors” that is widely considered a classic in… https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-we-use-it-or-it-slips-away-on-us-willpower/https://rickbaker.ca/post/willpower-we-use-it-or-it-slips-away-on-us-willpower/Sat, 19 Dec 2020 07:25:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Willpower , like any other good habit , demands much energy. So, we must use it wisely and regularly. We must drain it, rebuild… https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-give-ideas-the-brake-give-ideas-a-break-support-a-local-curious-person/https://rickbaker.ca/post/dont-give-ideas-the-brake-give-ideas-a-break-support-a-local-curious-person/Wed, 16 Dec 2020 07:18:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet I believe it has been clearly established that curiosity does not kill cats. I'm suspecting dog lovers created that myth...you… https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-do-best-when-it-is-clear-they-have-sacred-rules-which-we-call-the-master-rules/https://rickbaker.ca/post/leaders-do-best-when-it-is-clear-they-have-sacred-rules-which-we-call-the-master-rules/Fri, 11 Dec 2020 07:29:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Master Rules : these are rules set by the Leader and well-communicated by the Leader to all followers. The Master Rules must… https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-is-the-prime-enabler-it-enables-self-analysis-self-confidence-curiosity-creativity-innovation-courage/https://rickbaker.ca/post/courage-is-the-prime-enabler-it-enables-self-analysis-self-confidence-curiosity-creativity-innovation-courage/Sat, 05 Dec 2020 07:13:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet It takes courage to face adversity . It takes courage to face criticism . It takes courage to face change . Children are born… https://rickbaker.ca/post/necessity-and-courage-walk-hand-in-hand-with-their-finest-child-confidence/https://rickbaker.ca/post/necessity-and-courage-walk-hand-in-hand-with-their-finest-child-confidence/Wed, 02 Dec 2020 07:23:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Necessity can be the mother of Invention . But let's not forget her other children. Let's think about Confidence , sired by… https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-the-upside-in-ordinary-tasks-seeking-simple-work-and-doing-it-well-knowing-its-link-to-positive-outcomes/https://rickbaker.ca/post/seek-the-upside-in-ordinary-tasks-seeking-simple-work-and-doing-it-well-knowing-its-link-to-positive-outcomes/Thu, 26 Nov 2020 07:26:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet As the old saying goes, " There is satisfaction in a job well done ." There is more satisfaction when: 1. You know the work… https://rickbaker.ca/post/while-leaders-must-set-rules-they-must-also-empower-managers-to-be-innovative-as-they-pursue-goals-2020/https://rickbaker.ca/post/while-leaders-must-set-rules-they-must-also-empower-managers-to-be-innovative-as-they-pursue-goals-2020/Sat, 21 Nov 2020 07:39:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Few companies have that sort of culture ...so - they must change if they wish to survive and thrive. https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-ideal-way-to-help-people-show-them-how-to-disentangle-the-energy-and-power-they-naturally-possess/https://rickbaker.ca/post/an-ideal-way-to-help-people-show-them-how-to-disentangle-the-energy-and-power-they-naturally-possess/Thu, 19 Nov 2020 07:50:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Energy & Natural Talent: 2 things we all possess. But, we rarely experience people helping us put those 2 things to best use… https://rickbaker.ca/post/heres-a-good-habit-test-your-decisions-against-the-values-you-hold-dearest/https://rickbaker.ca/post/heres-a-good-habit-test-your-decisions-against-the-values-you-hold-dearest/Wed, 11 Nov 2020 07:11:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet You will find decision-making becomes easier and 'less conflicted' when you develop the habit of testing your decisions against… https://rickbaker.ca/post/ancient-communication-wisdom-men-trust-their-ears-less-than-their-eyes/https://rickbaker.ca/post/ancient-communication-wisdom-men-trust-their-ears-less-than-their-eyes/Fri, 06 Nov 2020 07:47:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet " Men trust their ears less than their eyes. " Herodotus Greek Historian, 484BCE-425BCE Now, 2400 years after Herodotus… https://rickbaker.ca/post/as-the-pace-of-change-increases-so-does-the-power-of-leaders-courage-confidence/https://rickbaker.ca/post/as-the-pace-of-change-increases-so-does-the-power-of-leaders-courage-confidence/Thu, 05 Nov 2020 07:34:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet And courage & confidence require lots of energy...because energy is needed to fuel clear thought and action. So - use your… https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-leaders-fail-at-the-little-details-especially-the-interpersonal-details-trust-erodes/https://rickbaker.ca/post/when-leaders-fail-at-the-little-details-especially-the-interpersonal-details-trust-erodes/Wed, 28 Oct 2020 07:30:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Trust is pretty much everything. Followers look to leaders for positives, subliminal or overt justifications for building trust. https://rickbaker.ca/post/top-performers-feel-disappointed-when-they-make-errors-then-quickly-they-replace-that-thinking-with-confidence/https://rickbaker.ca/post/top-performers-feel-disappointed-when-they-make-errors-then-quickly-they-replace-that-thinking-with-confidence/Mon, 26 Oct 2020 07:46:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Self-confidence is precious. Self-confidence is self-grown. Self-confidence is essential. https://rickbaker.ca/post/ask-value-packed-questions-allow-time-for-people-to-think-talk-and-provide-value-packed-answers/https://rickbaker.ca/post/ask-value-packed-questions-allow-time-for-people-to-think-talk-and-provide-value-packed-answers/Sun, 13 Sep 2020 07:21:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Part of it is being curious. Part of it is seeking to understand. Part of it is 'Planning Your Work'. Much of it is being… https://rickbaker.ca/post/discipline-yourself-if-you-wish-to-persuade-others-influence/https://rickbaker.ca/post/discipline-yourself-if-you-wish-to-persuade-others-influence/Sat, 12 Sep 2020 07:31:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Do what I say not what I do does not cut it. Probably, most of us can remember incidents when we were children and adults in… https://rickbaker.ca/post/curiosity-doesnt-kill-catsit-just-makes-them-very-interesting/https://rickbaker.ca/post/curiosity-doesnt-kill-catsit-just-makes-them-very-interesting/Thu, 10 Sep 2020 07:45:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Maybe, curiosity kills cats; definitely, curiosity motivates people. Perhaps, many animals are curious. Certainly, some… https://rickbaker.ca/post/disciplined-thoughts-lead-to-successful-actions-habits/https://rickbaker.ca/post/disciplined-thoughts-lead-to-successful-actions-habits/Mon, 07 Sep 2020 07:21:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Or, we could just leave things to chance and self-confidence...however, at the very least, that would deprive us of the… https://rickbaker.ca/post/lack-of-confidence-is-evident-when-people-talk-too-much-during-the-good-times-then-talk-to-little-during-the-bad-times/https://rickbaker.ca/post/lack-of-confidence-is-evident-when-people-talk-too-much-during-the-good-times-then-talk-to-little-during-the-bad-times/Mon, 17 Aug 2020 07:03:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet This is especially true when the talk is about credit and blame for results. ...better to aim closer to the Zen, " Is that so ". https://rickbaker.ca/post/energy-is-primal-your-energy-is-your-gift-how-are-you-making-best-use-of-it/https://rickbaker.ca/post/energy-is-primal-your-energy-is-your-gift-how-are-you-making-best-use-of-it/Tue, 11 Aug 2020 07:10:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet In 1911, James Allen wrote - " Energy is a moral virtue, its opposing vice being laziness. As a virtue, it can be cultivated… https://rickbaker.ca/post/money-it-can-build-quality-characterbut-only-if-it-is-earned-with-effort-over-time/https://rickbaker.ca/post/money-it-can-build-quality-characterbut-only-if-it-is-earned-with-effort-over-time/Fri, 07 Aug 2020 07:52:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Money is an illustration of Value. Money is an extrinsic reward...something we give and get in exchange for other things and… https://rickbaker.ca/post/power-of-will-spontaneous-creativityarent-they-the-wonderful-bi-polar-highlights-of-our-human-condition-2020/https://rickbaker.ca/post/power-of-will-spontaneous-creativityarent-they-the-wonderful-bi-polar-highlights-of-our-human-condition-2020/Sat, 01 Aug 2020 07:15:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Power of Will - a much-praised attribute and process of character ( willpower ). Creativity & Spontaneity - humour, music, art… https://rickbaker.ca/post/money-it-can-build-true-confidence-quality-characterbut-only-if-it-is-earned-with-effort-over-time/https://rickbaker.ca/post/money-it-can-build-true-confidence-quality-characterbut-only-if-it-is-earned-with-effort-over-time/Wed, 29 Jul 2020 07:17:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet Money is an illustration of Value . Money is an extrinsic reward...something we give and get in exchange for other things and… https://rickbaker.ca/post/baby-steps-of-action-pave-the-path-to-unshakable-self-confidence/https://rickbaker.ca/post/baby-steps-of-action-pave-the-path-to-unshakable-self-confidence/Sat, 25 Jul 2020 07:25:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet We learn from our experiences. This learning grows experience by experience, piece by piece. And the more repetition of… https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-change-the-world-then-spend-20-minutes-a-day-working-on-self-understanding-knowthyself/https://rickbaker.ca/post/if-you-want-to-change-the-world-then-spend-20-minutes-a-day-working-on-self-understanding-knowthyself/Tue, 21 Jul 2020 07:11:00 -0500The Thinking Behind The Tweet The question was asked at the HBR LInkedIn group..." How can we change society? Just give one step which you feel will change…