Your Life Mission

What is your life's mission? How do you answer this question in a way that is possible or attainable? How will you know this is the right mission statement? You are the only one who can write it and know if it is right for you.

A life's mission is something that we must live and continue to explore and develop. It is something we "experience", not just a statement or thoughts we write down. It can be the first step to finding a balanced life of family, work and community. When we begin to live a life that works, we are ready for a business that works. With a foundation of a balanced life that is functioning, we can approach our business differently. Our business can now be a vehicle to achieve our life's work.

People at all stages in life, from students to senior managers, have often asked me what it takes to be a successful leader. I've had the good fortune to work with and observe some great and not so great leaders during the past 25 years and it's taught me what works — and what doesn't. Truly great leaders have something in common: they all have CHOPS, five characteristics that I consistently see in people who lead highly successful organizations and teams that reach their potential. These are the qualities I look for when I hire, promote, or expand responsibility. Woman, man, sports, business, military, community, not-for-profit, at work, at home, at play — if you've got CHOPS, you're on the fast track.