Robin Sharma - The Little Black Book for Stunning Success

Robin Sharma’s

LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR

STUNNING SUCCESS

#1 Best Selling Author of
The Leader Who Had No Title

“People who have
achieved great success
are not necessarily more
skillful or intelligent than
others. What separates
them is their burning
desire and thirst for
knowledge. The more
one knows, the more one
achieves.”

— Robin Sharma

CONNECT WITH ROBIN:
http://www.facebook.com/theofficialrobinsharmapage

http://www.twitter.com/_robin_sharma

Thank you.

© 2013 by Robin Sharma
http://www.robinsharma.com

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CONTENTS Robin Sharma’s

LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR

STUNNING SUCCESS

WHAT IS LEADERSHIP?............................................................................7 NEXT LEVEL LISTENING..........................................................................29
WORLD CLASS LANGUAGE......................................................................7 READY MADE GREATNESS.....................................................................30
WHO MADE SUCCESS A BAD WORD?......................................................8 THE BRILLIANCE OF DIVERSITY..............................................................31
THE POWER OF DAILY PRACTICES...........................................................8 JIM DONALD GETS IT.............................................................................33
THE EYES OF LEADERSHIP.......................................................................9 LEAD LIKE IZZY.......................................................................................34
THE MYTH OF PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION......................................10 BE A FINISHER........................................................................................35
LIVE FULLY NOW....................................................................................11 CARLY GETS IT........................................................................................35
SIMPLIFY THEN FOCUS..........................................................................11 THE DREAM CATCHER............................................................................36
HOW TO GET GOOD AT LIFE...................................................................12 SUCCESS VIA SIMPLICITY.......................................................................36
YOUR FOUR MINUTE MILE.....................................................................13 LEARN AT INTERSECTIONS.....................................................................37
CALL YOUR PARENTS, KISS YOUR SPOUSE AND HUG YOUR KIDS.........13 BE LIKE PETER (DRUCKER).....................................................................37
NO TRAIN NO GAIN................................................................................14 LEVERAGE HARD RELATIONSHIPS.........................................................38
DETACH FROM THE NOISE......................................................................14 THE ONE LEAP........................................................................................39
U B ENTHUSIASTIC.................................................................................15 ACHIEVING LONGEVITY AND GREATNESS IN BUSINESS........................39
WHY THOUGHTS SHAPE REALITY.........................................................16 FOCUS TO WIN........................................................................................41
IT ONLY TAKES A MINUTE......................................................................16 BUILD YOUR POWER..............................................................................41
TELL GREAT STORIES..............................................................................17 HOW BIG ARE YOUR SHOES?.................................................................42
ASK, ASK, ASK THEN ASK SOME MORE.................................................18 THE GIANT LEAP....................................................................................42
DO GOOD TO FEEL GOOD........................................................................18 A GOOD CEO...........................................................................................43
FIND POCKETS OF PEACE.......................................................................19 IT’S ALL ABOUT GROWTH......................................................................43
THIS DAY IS SPECIAL..............................................................................20 RESPECT YOU..........................................................................................44
FEAR AS GROWTH.................................................................................20 LESS TALK MORE DO..............................................................................44
PRACTICE THE LARRY KING RULE..........................................................21 THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING REMARKABLE..........................................44
SELL GREATLY.........................................................................................22 PROBLEMS ARE SERVANTS....................................................................45
KUDOS TO WARREN BUFFET..................................................................23 NO TRY NO WIN......................................................................................45
WHY BE GREAT......................................................................................23 HONOR IS HIP.........................................................................................46
ROUGH CONDITIONS BRING PRECIOUS GIFTS.......................................24 YOU’RE AN ARTIST.................................................................................46
YOUR ENVIRONMENT BECOMES YOU....................................................24 GRATITUDE FOR THE GOOD....................................................................47
FAIL TO WIN............................................................................................25 READ STRANGE STUFF...........................................................................47
THE IMAGINATION ECONOMY...............................................................25 THE COURAGEOUS QUESTION...............................................................48
DON’T FEED YOUR WEAKNESS...............................................................26 LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT CLARITY............................................................48
THE THING ABOUT THINGS....................................................................26 SOFT IS HARD.........................................................................................49
GREATNESS BY EVOLUTION VERSUS REVOLUTION...............................27 TO ACT IS TO LEAD..................................................................................49
YOU FIND WHAT YOU SEEK....................................................................28 THE BIG QUESTION.................................................................................50
CONVERSATIONS WITH ECCENTRICS.....................................................29 13 CHALLENGES.....................................................................................50

The Leader Who Had No Title

By International Bestselling Author Robin Sharma

THE LEADER WHO HAD NO TITLE
A Modern Fable on Real Success in Business and in Life

“If you want to operate at the level of ‘WOW!’ be an exceptional
leader, and live life ‘full out’, buy this book.”
— Darren Hardy, publisher, SUCCESS magazine

In The Leader Who Had No Title, You Will Learn:

• How to work with and influence people like a superstar, regardless of your
position

• A method to recognize and then seize opportunities in times of deep change
• The real secrets of intense innovation
• An instant strategy to build a great team and become a“merchant of wow”

with your customers
• Hard-hitting tactics to become mentally strong and physically tough

enough to lead your field
• Real-world ways to defeat stress, build an unbeatable mind-set, unleash

energy, and balance your personal life

Regardless of what you do within your organization and the current
circumstances of your life, the single most important fact is that you
have the power to show leadership.

7

WHAT IS of hesitation – apologized for the Robin Sharma’s
LEADERSHIP? problem I faced. She then said:
“We will promise you that you LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
Leadership has nothing to do with will have your carry-on in perfect
the title on your business card or order within 3 days. And of course STUNNING SUCCESS
the size of your office. Leadership Sir, there will be no charge.” No
is not about how much money bureaucracy around needing the If you call a
you make or the clothes you wear. receipt from the previous repair. stumbling block a
Leadership is a philosophy. It’s an No hassles. No issues. Just great “problem” or “a big
attitude. It’s a state of mind. And service, with a giant smile. mess” you will create
it’s available to each one of us. a different emotional
This woman showed leadership. state within you than
Here’s an example. I spend a lot of She quickly diagnosed the if you call the issue
my life on airplanes and traveling problem, assumed personal “an opportunity”
so I’m hard on my luggage. The responsibility and made the right or “a challenge that
handle on my carry-on luggage decision. And she wowed her will only make me
broke after my tour of Russia a customer in the process.
few months ago (you have to put better.”
a visit to St. Petersburg on your What will you do to be the
list of places to visit before you leader that you are destined to
die). Anyway, I take the piece in be, today?
to Evex, a dealer in Toronto. The
young man at the counter treated WORLD CLASS
me wonderfully and within a few LANGUAGE
days, the handle was fixed.
Language offers a framework
While in New York a week ago, for meaning. Think about that
the handle broke again. I assumed powerful idea for a second. We
that I’d have to pay for the repair understand the world through
when I went back into Evex. Most words. The words you use
business put clients through so determine the way you perceive
many hurdles: if you haven’t saved reality.
the receipt you are out of luck, if
you don’t know who did the initial If you call a stumbling block a
repair we cannot help you etc “problem” or “a big mess” you
etc. Well Evex is different. They will create a different emotional
just get it. They understand that state within you than if you call
without treating their customers the issue “an opportunity” or “a
well, there is no business. challenge that will only make me
better.”
When I explained that the handle
broke again, the young woman at
the counter – without a moment

The Leader Who Had No Title

8

Robin Sharma’s I have the privilege, as a success Without success, I have a sense
coach, to work with many that the best part of you will feel a
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR extraordinarily successful people little hollow.
from around the world.
STUNNING SUCCESS Part of what makes us human is
One of their core traits of the hunger to realize our greatest
I often listen to music greatness is that the vast majority gifts and live life fully. We were
for 15 minutes, as it of them understand the power of built to shine. And without
not only energizes the word. They use world-class significance, I believe that we
me, it just makes language. will feel that we have walked the
life better. I also use planet in vain.
success statements or Not only do they refrain from
affirmations to get my using profanities, but they use the There’s nothing wrong with being
mind focused. language of passion. They use the an elite performer and taking
language of leadership. They use the steps required to become a
the language of possibility. They remarkable success in this world.
use the language of love.
Success is actually a creative
WHO MADE pursuit and a reflection of
SUCCESS A BAD healthy self-esteem.
WORD?
And while you realize success,
Too many people believe that I invite you to stay devoted to
there’s something wrong with elevating the lives you touch and
aiming to be really successful. leaving your world better than
I’ve heard it a lot these days, you found it.
the suggestion that if you strive
for success, you must not be all That’s the significance piece.
that concerned with making a
difference and being significant. With both, you’ll discover your
greatest life.
It’s almost as if being a go-getter
is incompatible with being THE POWER OF
compassionate, socially conscious DAILY PRACTICES
and good.
Success, world-class health,
Well here’s my take on the internal fulfillment and sustained
“success versus significance” happiness don’t just happen.
issue: an extraordinary life These elements of your best life
contains both. are created.

All too often we look at a human

www.robinsharma.com

being playing their best game Practices that will lock you 9
on the playing field of life and into your best state include a
assume they got lucky or were morning journaling session Robin Sharma’s
born into their lofty condition. where you record your feelings,
What we don’t see is all the thoughts, and the blessings you LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
devotion and discipline that went are grateful for.
into crafting the extraordinary STUNNING SUCCESS
results we see. Or you may start your day with
What I’m suggesting is that a strong workout and an elite The best way to
personal and professional performer’s meal. create spectacular
greatness takes work. I’m not results in the most
someone who would ever tell I often listen to music for 15 important areas of
you that you could get to your minutes, as it not only energizes your life is through
dreams without having to make me, it just makes life better. I
some sacrifices and pay the price also use success statements daily practice.
in terms of dedication and self- or affirmations to get my mind
control. focused.
The best amongst us make it all
look so easy. I call it The Swan Success and joy and inner peace
Effect - elite performers make don’t just show up. You need to
personal excellence look effortless create them.
and seem to make things happen
as gracefully as a swan moves Find your series of practices,
along the water. perform them with consistency.
But like the swan, what you don’t And then go out into this
get to see is all the hard-work beautiful world of ours and shine.
taking place below the surface.
The best way to create spectacular THE EYES OF
results in the most important LEADERSHIP
areas of your life is through daily
practice. The sad fact is that most people
In my life, I have a series of see the worst in others - they see
practices that set me up for a them through the eyes of their
great day. own anger, fear and limitation.
Yes, sometimes life sends you If someone shows up late for a
unexpected challenges that meeting, they impute a negative
knock you off track-that’s just life intent on that person, saying
happening. But with a series of “they are so rude”.
practices to keep you at your best,
you’ll stay in a positive state much
more often.

The Leader Who Had No Title

10 If someone makes a mistake on Most of the mistakes people
an expense report, they grumble make are the result of a lack of
Robin Sharma’s “that person is so dishonest”. If awareness. And here’s the payoff
someone mis-communicates a for you: as you seek out the good
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR point, they silently say “she’s a in people, not only will they want
liar”. to show up more fully for you, but
STUNNING SUCCESS you will see more good in your
Leaders are different. world.
In my work as a
success coach with They look for the best in people. THE MYTH OF
people around the PERSONAL
world, I’ve realized I want to be clear. I’m not TRANSFORMATION
that lasting suggesting that leaders do not
personal change confront reality. Not at all. What Too many people believe that
does not require I’m saying is that the best playing their best game as a
you to turn your leaders see through the eyes of human being requires them to
life upside down. understanding. revolutionalize their lives. And for
most of us, that’s a scary thought.
If someone is late, they try to
get to the truth. Maybe there’s No one wants to make massive
a time management problem changes to the way they think,
to coach around or a sick child feel and behave.
to help. An error on an expense
account could be the result of Human beings love staying within
a poor process in place or the the comfort zone.
employee’s disorganization. The
miscommunication might be all But guess what?
about the person communicating
having weak skills in this area. An In my work as a success coach
opportunity for improvement. with people around the world,
I’ve realized that lasting personal
Today, rather than looking for the change does not require you to
worst in people, I invite you to turn your life upside down.
look for what’s best within them.
The best way to get to your
Sure some people really are greatness is through small,
inconsiderate or dishonest or continuous steps-what I call the
uncaring. But in my experience “1% Wins”.
- and I’ve worked with a lot of
people over the years - most
people are good.

Few human beings wake up in
the morning and ask themselves:
“What can I do today to mess up
someone else’s day or undermine
my credibility?”

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If you improve your health only SIMPLIFY THEN Robin Sharma’s
1% each day for the next 30 days, FOCUS
you will see a 30% increase in that LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
dimension of your life in only 1 Henry David Thoreau shouted
month. “Simplify. Simplify. Simplify” in STUNNING SUCCESS
his breathtakingly good book
Same for every other area of your “Walden”. Nice point. Too many people
life, from your relationships to believe that playing
your career. One of the primary reasons that
people and organizations fail to their best game
Doesn’t seem so scary now does it? get to greatness is that they try to as a human being
be too many things to too many requires them to
Can you make those little people. revolutionalize their
improvements in the areas most lives. And for most
in need of improvement? I’ll use the Confucius quote I of us, that’s a scary
often use here: “Man who chases
Absolutely. two rabbits catches neither.” thought.

LIVE FULLY NOW The most successful human Henry David
beings are wildly focused. They Thoreau shouted
Too many human beings have a very clear picture of “Simplify. Simplify.
postpone living. what it is they want to create Simplify” in his
by the time they reach the breathtakingly good
We say that we will live our best end of their lives and then book “Walden”. Nice
lives when we have more time they have the discipline (and
or when we finish the pressing courage) to stick to their point.
projects that are consuming us. mission – saying “no” to
everything that is not mission
We tell those around us that we critical.
will be more loving and passionate
when things slow down. So my gentle suggestion to you is
to simplify your life. Strip away
We promise ourselves that we all that is unimportant – these
will get into world-class physical are the things keeping you from
condition and eat healthier food getting to your dreams. And then
when we have a little bit more once you do your clean up, focus,
time. focus, focus. You’ll be surprised
how good you will then get at
Yet, deep within us, each one being great.
of us knows that there will
never be a better time to live
our biggest life than now.

And if not today, then when?

The Leader Who Had No Title

12

Robin Sharma’s HOW TO GET of goalsetting. “But why set
GOOD AT LIFE goals when life can be so
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR uncertain?” One asked me.
Life is a skill. And like any other My reply: “Just because life
STUNNING SUCCESS skill, once you know the ground is so unpredictable doesn’t
rules and make the time to mean you shouldn’t
The philosopher practice, you can get better. If exercise your power to
Arthur Schopenhauer you really devote yourself to life, do your best. Set your
once observed: “Most you could even reach a place of goals. Make your plans.
people take the limits mastery. Some have. Take action and chase
of their vision to your dreams. That’s what
be the limits of the I suggest to you that there are 3 personal responsibility is
world. A few do not. simple things you can do to get all about. But once you’ve
Join them.” good at life: done your best – let go.
And let life do the rest.”
1. Pay Attention To Life: She looked deeply into her
It’s really easy to let life pad thai.
act on you - to fall asleep
to life. Some people have 3. Enjoy Life: We take life
lost entire decades this too seriously. But at the
way. And they never got end, the billionaire gets
them back. Try and write buried next to the street
in a journal each morning sweeper. We all end up as
before you walk out into dust.
your world. Think about
what goals you need to And no matter how long you
accomplish that day and will live, each of us isn’t here all
write them down. Think that long in the grand scheme of
about what are your most things.
closely held values. Think
about what lessons you’ve So let’s not take ourselves too
learned from the previous seriously.
day. What good is making
a mistake if you don’t learn Let’s enjoy the ride.
from it?

2. Engage In Life: I’ve
learned something as I’ve
grown older: the more you
give to life, the more it
gives to you. Over dinner
last night with some
friends, we began to speak

www.robinsharma.com

YOUR FOUR What false assumptions are you 13
MINUTE MILE making in terms of what you
cannot have, do and be? Robin Sharma’s
The philosopher Arthur
Schopenhauer once observed: Your thinking creates your LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
“Most people take the limits of reality.
their vision to be the limits of the STUNNING SUCCESS
world. A few do not. Join them.” If you think something cannot
occur in your life, then there’s
Profound point. The life you see no way you will take the action
this very moment isn’t necessarily required to make that goal a
the life of your future. You might reality.
be viewing things through the
eyes of your fears, limitations and Your “impossibility thinking”
false assumptions. becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Once you clean up the stained Your perceived limitations
glass window you see the world become the chains that keep
through, guess what? A whole you from the greatness you were
new set of possibilities appear. meant to be. And where’s the
leadership in that?
Remember, we see the world not
as it is but as we are. CALL YOUR
PARENTS, KISS
That idea changed my life. YOUR SPOUSE
AND HUG YOUR
Years ago, it was believed that no KIDS
human being could ever break the
4 minute mile barrier. But after Ever notice that it’s the people we
Roger Bannister broke it, many love most that we take most for
more replicated his feat within granted? Odd isn’t it. It’s easy to
weeks. spend less time with your family
because they will always be there
Why? for you (or so you assume). It’s
easy to put off expressing your
Because he showed people what love to your loved ones because
was possible. And then armed there seems to be no urgency
with that belief, people did the at play. It’s easy to let home
impossible. relationships slip because you
assume there are more pressing
What’s your “4 minute mile”? things to deal with.

What bill of goods have you sold
yourself as to what’s impossible?

The Leader Who Had No Title

14

Robin Sharma’s But what could possibly be more Developing them. Growing
important than your family? Is them. Training them.
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR there any wisdom in being
successful yet alone? In hard economic times, what’s
STUNNING SUCCESS the first thing shortsighted
So pick up the phone and tell companies cut? You guessed it -
Spectacular success in your parents that you love them. the training budget. Unbelievable.
business doesn’t come Before you leave from work, give What message does that send to
by luck. your spouse a kiss-like you mean people?
it.
Spectacular success in business
And please, please, please-hug doesn’t come by luck.
your kids. Enjoy them while
you canthey’ll only be young The best companies didn’t get to
once. And once that window of their lofty positions by chance.
opportunity closes-it will be gone The great ones didn’t reach the
forever. mountaintop by coincidence.

NO TRAIN NO GAIN They got there by relentlessly
focusing on the right things. Like
What do The Ritz Carlton, delivering outrageous value to
The Hotel Victor (in Miami), their customers. Like innovating
Nike, Amazon, Omni Health like there’s no tomorrow.
Care, IBM, Satyam Computer,
KPMG and other organizations And by investing in the human
that consistently deliver near beings who are at the heart and
flawless execution around world- soul of the enterprise.
class customer service have in
common? How easy it is to forget that the
true worth of your organization
Their management understands walks in through the front doors
that money spent on training of your building every morning
is not an expense - it’s an and leaves through them every
investment. night.

If your greatest resource is No train. No gain.
your people (and who wouldn’t
agree with that?), then it only DETACH FROM THE
makes sense that your biggest NOISE
investment should be in your
people. One of the primary traits of
world-class performers (in
business and in life) is their

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15

ability to “detach from the noise”. you cannot lead your field and an Robin Sharma’s
Each day, “noise” such as little organization cannot get to world-
crises, minor interruptions and class. (Hey, I never pretended LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
interesting distractions beg for this leadership stuff was rocket
our attention. To get to your science). STUNNING SUCCESS
own unique form of personal
and professional greatness, it’s The people I love to be around Before your day
important - no, essential - to are often those that have a gets noisy, close
detach from the noise and stay simple, heartfelt quality: they are
“on vision”. enthusiastic. your eyes and
reflect on your
A simple daily practice to keep you They are open to life. They are mission. Think
on course to get to your dreams curious. They love to learn. They about your goals.
is spending a period immersed in smile when they see me. And they Reflect on what
silence each morning. have a lot of fun. are your most
important To Dos
Before your day gets noisy, Today, show up at work with today. Those things
close your eyes and reflect all the enthusiasm you can that will get you to
on your mission. Think about
your goals. Reflect on what are genuinely muster. your dreams.
your most important To Dos
today. Those things that will See the best in people.
get you to your dreams.
Go the extra mile to wow your
We all face “the tyranny of the customers.
urgent” during our days. But the
best of the best stay true to their See the opportunity amidst a
vision, values and virtues. And seeming setback.
they ensure that the things that
truly count never get sacrificed Embrace change as an
for those seemingly pressing but opportunity to grow.
unimportant ones. They simply
refuse to major in the minor. They Learn something new.
avoid the noise.
Have a laugh with a teammate.
U B ENTHUSIASTIC
I’ll be the first to agree that you
can’t control what happens to you
each day. But with an abundance
of enthusiasm, I have no doubt
that whatever the coming hours
bring, you will handle them with
grace, strength and a smile.

“Be Enthusiastic” smacks of trite
sloganeering. “Be energetic”
sounds obvious. “Be passionate”
seems boring. Yet without
enthusiasm, energy and passion,

The Leader Who Had No Title

16

Robin Sharma’s WHY THOUGHTS Think you deserve the best and
SHAPE REALITY your actions will reflect that
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR confidence. Better actions will
You’ve heard it a thousand times then drive better results.
STUNNING SUCCESS in a thousand different ways: you
become what you think about. Expect to be one of the great
The actions you take And the thoughts you use become ones in your career or within your
each day create the self-fulfilling prophecies. Expect country. That brilliant thinking
results of your life. extraordinary things to unfold for shapes the way you work and the
And since every you, and they will. way you show up in general. And
action you take has The motivators say it. The that world-class conduct presents
been preceded by a teachers say it. The sages say it. world class outcomes.
thought (thinking Ever wonder why? I think I finally
truly is the ancestor understand why the idea is truth. I hope I’ve expressed the point
of performance), It’s not some esoteric philosophy. clearly. It’s a big idea that is so
what you focus on It’s simple logic. Here we go: easy to neglect as obvious. Your
really does drive your The actions you take each day thoughts shape your reality. Your
reality. create the results of your life. thinking forms your world. What
And since every action you take you focus on expands. And what
has been preceded by a thought you dwell on determines your
(thinking truly is the ancestor of destiny.
performance), what you focus on
really does drive your reality. IT ONLY TAKES A
British Prime Minister Bejamin MINUTE
Disrael said it so well when he
observed, “You will never go It only takes a minute to tell a
higher than your thinking.” A loved one you adore them
human being will never act in
a way bigger than its thoughts. It only takes a minute to run
Dream big and your behavior will towards a fear
follow. Think small and you’ll play
small. It only takes a minute to set a big
This concept cascades throughout goal
every dimension of our lives.
Think people are good and you It only takes a minute to drink a
walk through your days with an glass of water
open heart. And that behavior
actually becomes your reality It only takes a minute to read a
because people do good things for great idea (that just might rock
good people. your world)

It only takes a minute to write the
most beautiful thank you note

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17

you have ever sent your parents with the belief, faith and trust Robin Sharma’s
(or a teammate or a customer or you’ve developed around them.
a high school teacher who blessed And they mostly behave in LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
your life) accordance with the tightly
cherished perceptions that you’ve STUNNING SUCCESS
It only takes a minute to smile structured about them.
Tell your kid that she’s your hero For every person
It only takes a minute to connect each morning and that kids going you meet, suggest
to a friend or a co-worker to shine like The North Star for (by your words, your
the rest of her life (tell your kids tone, your behavior
It only takes a minute to help a they’re amazing at least 500 times and your energy)
human being in need a day; and hug them like you’ll that you have a story
never see them again). deep in your mind of
It only takes a minute to raise Tell your teammate that you wish how great they are.
your standards to world-class you were half as good as them
and you’ve just created a space of
It only takes a minute to go the possibility for that human being
extra mile at work and wow a to step into (and up to).
customer Tell the person who serves you
your next restaurant meal that
It only takes a minute to reflect you appreciate them and then
on what you can do today to be flash the most honest smile you
better than you were yesterday can muster (doesn’t matter if your
tired - leaders do what’s right
It only takes a minute to embrace versus easy). Do so and you’ve
change just reminded a human to be
human and spread some of your
It only takes a minute to make a stardust (and you might just get a
new choice that will lead to your free meal).
best life. Tell good stories.
For every person you meet,
Make the best of your suggest (by your words, your tone,
minutes. Each one of them your behavior and your energy)
makes up your life. that you have a story deep in your
mind of how great they are.
TELL GREAT See the best in people.
STORIES Look for the greatness inside
them.
Big idea: People step into the Remind people that they were
stories you create for them. meant to shine.
People generally behave in a way By the stories you tell them.
that meets the expectations you About their magnificence.
have of them. People generally
conduct themselves in alignment

The Leader Who Had No Title

18 ASK, ASK, ASK DO GOOD TO FEEL
THEN ASK SOME GOOD
Robin Sharma’s MORE
So easy to forget this one: doing
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR You’ll never know if you don’t good makes you feel good. Being
even try. There is giant power kind to a co-worker not only
STUNNING SUCCESS in asking for what you want. All enables and elevates them - it lifts
too often, our internal chatter your mood. Adding outrageous
prevents us from taking the value to a customer and making
steps needed to get us to our them feel like the VIP that they
own unique form of greatness. are not only makes them your
We get kept small from our inner goodwill ambassador (spreading
imaginings-so many of which are word of your services like a
lies. virus) - it unlocks a wellspring
of positive sensations inside of
The best of the best, those you. Going the extra mile for
who live glorious lives – that your spouse or your child not
matter - ask like crazy. only leaves them better than you
found them - it helps you feel
They understand that it’s a habit connected to the ones you love
that must be polished for it to (which promotes happiness and
shine. And the more you do it, the fulfillment).
easier it gets (like any skill).
Not only do good things happen
And so they ask. For the to good people (life’s got this
support and help they need at really fair accounting system;
work. For the understanding Nature must have an MBA in
they may seek at home. For accounting), but people who
a break they need for their do great things get to feel great
business. For a better table feelings.
at their favorite restaurant.
For a better seat at a sold-out This isn’t some “soft” idea (and
concert. if ideas like these are so “soft”
why are they so very hard to do?;
And because they ask more, anyone can be cranky or unkind
the get more (success always or mediocre.
has been a numbers game).
Being positive and kind and
Nothing happens until you ask. excellent takes a lot more
People are not mind readers. They discipline and power).
need to know what’s meaningful
to you, and if you ask nicely, they
just might say yes.

www.robinsharma.com

No, this thought I’m sharing That best practice will make you 19
isn’t “soft” at all. It’s a practical, soooo much better at work, at
powerful insight that will lead you home, with self. Robin Sharma’s
to real results - in your business
life. In your personal life. And in Some Practical Strategies: LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
your inner life.
• When you are in your car/ STUNNING SUCCESS
Do good for people. in a taxi, keep the radio off.
Use that time to renew. To
Do good work. observe. To introspect.

Think good thoughts. • Take 15 minutes before you
sleep to immerse yourself
And be good to yourself. in peace. Just chill. Get
comfortable with no noise.
Good things will happen. Get comfortable with
yourself.
Okay, I’ll stop using the word
“good” now...it’s just that it feels • Make your home a
so...good. Oops-did it again. sanctuary. It’s a wild world
Sorry. :) (jungle?) out there. Create
a deeply peaceful home
FIND POCKETS OF environment. Reduce clutter.
PEACE Cut back on the noise. Get
one of those mobile water
Noisy world we live in. People fountains.
talk loudly on cell phones. Ring
tones can be heard in once serene • Take a daily vow of silence.
restaurants. Most cars have radios This one isn’t just for
on. Most homes have TVs on. I saw monks. It’s for smart
a man chatting on his Blackberry execs, entrepreneurs,
while eating his oatmeal yesterday. businesspeople. Big idea
Not good for digestion. here: talking consumes a ton
of energy. I can’t believe how
Each of us - I suggest to you - much some people talk. All
must find “pockets of peace”. day long. On their mobiles.
Time for what I call “The 3 Ss”: At the water cooler. On the
train home. Exhausting just
Silence, Solitude and Stillness. watching them. Be silent
for 15 minutes a day (at the
At least, find some time (say 15 very least). You’ll have more
minutes a day) to be quiet. energy. More peace. More
joy. Better performance.
Think. Reflect. Be.
So chase - no, hunt peace down.
Fight the noise. Get away from
the maddening crowds - at least
for a bit. You’ll be glad you did.

The Leader Who Had No Title

20

Robin Sharma’s THIS DAY IS I get what he meant: he knows
SPECIAL time is the scarcest resource.
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR Use it well and life sends you the
I’m up early. Drinking coffee. extraordinary. Waste it and your
STUNNING SUCCESS Listening to Morcheeba. Writing heart feels empty. And your life
in my journal. About where I’m looks hollow.
What you do between at in my life, as I close in on 42.
today’s sunrise and About what I’m grateful for (for This day is special. Honor it. Do
sunset is creating example, people like you who something great today. I know
your destiny, your allow me to do what I do - thank you can.
future, your legacy. you). About what needs to get
And a single choice done in the coming days/weeks/ Will you?
you make today can months/years for me to feel like
change your life over I’ve made my impact and done my FEAR AS GROWTH
the coming months dream.
if consistently acted Fear can be scary. When it
upon. Then an insight surfaced. Needed surfaces, we are wired to run. To
to share it with you. avoid it. To consider it as a bad
thing. Not true. In my mind fear
The compelling idea: This day is so is beautiful. An opportunity. A
very special. gift.

Sure, it arrives like all the others. On the other side of every fear
Looks the same. Might even feel that is keeping you small is your
the same. But it is unique. It’ll natural power (and your authentic
never come again. greatness). To run from your
fear is to run from the brilliance
Time’s like that, come full of you were meant to be. A fear is
promise and leaves before you nothing more than a doorway
know it. into the highest version of
your highest vision. The things
What you do between today’s that scare you are spectacular
sunrise and sunset is creating opportunities to discover more of
your destiny, your future, your all you are meant to be. Fear isn’t
legacy. And a single choice you bad. Nope. It’s all good. Leads
make today can change your to confidence (if you do what
life over the coming months if you fear). Leads to self-respect.
consistently acted upon. Promotes growth. Makes you
better.
Spoke to a friend last night. He
said something I slept on: “My
wife’s God is money. My God is
time.”

www.robinsharma.com

So today, at work or at home, if that I teach my executive 21
something comes up that causes coaching clients as well as the
you to feel like running/avoiding/ organizations we work with to Robin Sharma’s
resisting, don’t make a beeline for unleash the potential of their
the door. people: LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR

Instead, show up like the leader #1. As Larry King suggested, if STUNNING SUCCESS
you truly can be – and embrace you work out early, it just
the opportunity you’ve been gets done. Otherwise, it’s Instead, show up
presented. Because what you so easy to come up with like the leader
resist will persist. But what you excuses not to work out as
befriend, you’ll transcend. your day unfolds (hungry/ you truly can be –
tired/stressed out/need and embrace the
PRACTICE THE to go home to my family/ opportunity you’ve
LARRY KING RULE tomorrow will be a better been presented.
day to do it) Because what you
I remember watching CNN talk resist will persist.
show host Larry King being #2. By working out in the
interviewed on PBS by Charlie morning, you actually But what you
Rose. Said something that I’ve jump start your befriend, you’ll
carried with me to this day. metabolism and start up
A simple point (like the best your fat burning engine transcend.
points): work out first thing in the within. So your workout
morning - then what should get has an even greater impact
done gets done. Perfect. and more leverage.

Health is your wealth. Without it, #3. By working out in the
you have nothing. You know that morning, you’ll make
(do you live that though?). I had better choices around your
coffee with an amazing friend/ diet (isn’t that true?...when
thinker last week. He’s in his early we feel fit, we eat better)
forties and operates at a rare level
of fitness. “Robin, my philosophy #4. The burst of energy that
is that the way I treat my body an early morning workout
now determines whether I’ll be provokes will sustain you
healthy or sick when I’m seventy.” and keep you energized
Brilliant insight. And he works all day. Increases your
out in the morning. stamina.

So here are the 7 reasons #5. The endorphin rush that
to exercise in the morning your morning workout
generates makes you feel
happy - which carries
through each of your day’s
remaining hours (that
alone is worth it; there IS a
“secret” to happiness. Cost:
a pair of running shoes).

The Leader Who Had No Title

22 #6. An early morning workout himself away from the screen to
burns off your stress. look at the human being standing
Robin Sharma’s And it increases your in front of him.
perspective. Problems just
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR don’t seem as big. And He answers some of my
creativity soars. You can questions.
STUNNING SUCCESS handle the day with far
greater focus, resilience to Begrudgingly.
Get up early and change and calmness.
exercise. Simple Shows me some of his wares.
idea. That just #7. The morning workout
might revolutionize will help you to think And essentially struggles to do
your career as well more clearly. As the best what he’s paid to get done, while
as your life. businesspeople are those giving a monologue on why I
who are the best thinkers should buy what he’s selling.
(and decision makers).
I’m going to his competitor
So join me. Please. Get up early across the street. They treated me
and exercise. Simple idea. That beautifully. They get it (and got
just might revolutionize your my business).
career as well as your life.
I’ve worked with a lot of sales
SELL GREATLY teams over the years as a speaker
and as a leadership coach.
I just had an encounter with a
salesperson I’ll never see again. Some quick observations from the
He wasn’t rude. He wasn’t best:
incompetent. He wasn’t uncaring.
He was okay on every front. But • Use people’s names
in a world with a dazzling array of
choices as to who we can give our • Look at them in the eye and
business to, I opt for dealing with show them you care
salespeople and organizations
who are great. • Say please and thank you

Here’s what happened… • Listen a thousand times
more than you speak (only a
Looking for a new laptop. I walk slight exaggeration)
in and find the first person I
see. He’s plugging away on his • Be on-time
computer. Says “hi”, without
looking up (I’m serious). I try and • Keep your promises
engage him. He eventually tears
• Be more concerned about
helping than selling (people
can sniff sincerity a mile
away)

• Be passionate about your
products and services so that
passion

www.robinsharma.com

• gets transferred (the first But they also appreciate that with 23
sales person had all the rewards comes responsibility.
passion of an old shoe box) And so they work hard to build Robin Sharma’s
an enterprise that is good. And
• Be better than anyone else in honorable. And makes a positive LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
your field at what you do (so difference in this world we are
read up on the product, learn stewards of. STUNNING SUCCESS
daily, develop yourself/skills
and always be improving) So gigantic kudos to Warren
Buffett. And to Bill and Melinda
• Treat your customers like Gates (whose foundation is
they are visiting royalty. making important strides in the
war against HIV and malaria).
Simple strategies. But remember: And to all those other leaders who
what separates the best from the not only take care of themselves
rest is their consistent adherence to but use their gifts to elevate
a few simple best practices that over others. You inspire us. And you
time evolve into spectacular results. make a difference.

And also remember, everyone is
selling something.

KUDOS TO WHY BE GREAT
WARREN BUFFET
Sure it takes effort/discipline and
Love it. The world’s second gigantic focus to get to world-
richest man, Warren Buffett, class (and live your greatest life).
just earmarked over $30 Billion Sure leadership is about doing
to donate to the charity of the what’s right versus easy. And
world’s richest man, Bill Gates, I agree that success requires
and his wife Melinda. Social sacrifices. So why do it? Because
responsibility is alive and well. it’ll make you feel good. Which
There is hope, on our small planet. makes it all worth it.
The New Breed of Leaders
understand that there’s The big idea: Playing below
nothing wrong with making your potential makes you feel
money. They get that building a bad about yourself. Operating
highly profitable (and excellent) below your potential
organization is part of the great diminishes your self-respect.
game off business (and definitely Limiting what you can do/be/
one way to keep score). have sucks the energy out of
your spirit and knocks the
passion out of your heart.

The Leader Who Had No Title

24 Climbing your personal and Life can be hard. We all have
professional mountaintop makes our good seasons as well as our
Robin Sharma’s you feel good about yourself. difficult ones. But hard times
Boost your self-respect. Heighten bring many blessings. Like:
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR your self-image. Fills you with
energy and faith. And joy. • Strength of character
STUNNING SUCCESS
Achievement and getting superb • Self-knowledge,
things done with the gifts that
are within you is one of the best • Courage
ways to fill your life with more
happiness. Being great - even • Greater understanding and
when it’s not easy to do so - is deeper compassion.
a brilliant move. That yields
handsome rewards. Always. Some of the qualities of the very
best leaders that have walked
ROUGH before us.
CONDITIONS
BRING PRECIOUS We grow the most as human
GIFTS beings during our roughest times.
So why do we judge them as bad
- when they bring such good? The
challenging pieces of our lives
just might be when we are most
alive. And they always bring tiny
miracles. If you are awake to
them.

Nature is an incredible teacher. YOUR
Life is run by Nature’s Rules. So it ENVIRONMENT
only makes sense to observe how BECOMES YOU
nature works to really get how life
works. You will become your
This morning I observed surroundings. So choose them
something fascinating. The rains well.
of last night here in Southern
Italy caused a little miracle on the The people you associate and
verandah of the apartment we are the conversations you have
staying at: the collection of cacti profoundly shape your thinking
in the garden has morphed into and actions.
a stunning array of flowers (I’ve
never seen flowers coming from
cacti).
The Takeaway: Rough
conditions can bring precious
gifts.

www.robinsharma.com

Be with people greater than you And I’d rather reach high and be 25
and you will become a greater disappointed than not even try to
person. reach. And when I fall, I get back Robin Sharma’s
up, dust myself off - and I start
Fill your home with great books again. Wiser. Stronger. And more LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
and you will rise to meet the committed. Just like you.
promise (and possibilities) they STUNNING SUCCESS
offer. THE IMAGINATION
ECONOMY One must be
Eat great/healthy food and your willing to risk
physical life will reflect that greatly to reach
association. your personal
mountaintop and
Place yourself in and around your authentic
the best. And you’ll become it.
definition of
FAIL TO WIN We all know that ideas are the success.
currency of success these days.
The very nature of dreaming big To win in your marketspace, it’s
dreams and stretching yourself mission-critical to out-think,
beyond the normal is dangerous. out-innovate and out-create your
competition. The person with the
Dangerous in the sense that you biggest ideas then blended with
leave safety, you leave routine, the best execution will lead the
you leave the common world field.
where unhappy people smile giant
smiles when they are asked to Brings me to Ryanair.
pose for a picture (feeling a little
poetic on this hot summer’s day). Ryanair is a VCC (Very Cool
Company). It is Europe’s most
And as you leave your cocoon profitable airline (about $400
of comfort, you will certainly million in profit so far this year)
fail more than your neighbors at a time when other airlines
and those who live a life called are sinking with high fuel prices
Ordinary. But one must fail to (JetBlue - another VCC that I used
win. to rave about in my leadership
presentations - lost money this
One must be willing to risk year for the first time ever).
greatly to reach your personal
mountaintop and your authentic In the past 12 months Ryanair
definition of success. has flown 35 million passengers
at an average ticket price of
just over $50 USD. And - get
this - 25% of its flights are free.
Seriously.

The Leader Who Had No Title

26 Billing itself as “The Wal-Mart of We become strong by living our
Flying”, Ryanair’s goal is to one strengths. Not our weaknesses.
Robin Sharma’s day (soon) make flying absolutely
free. THE THING ABOUT
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR THINGS
So how does it make money?
STUNNING SUCCESS Here’s the thing about spending
By charging for other services. Ad your life/energy/talents chasing
We become fearless revenue comes from commercials things: the more you get, the
by visiting the on the back of seats. Checked more you want. They never fulfill
places that scare us. luggage costs $3.50 per piece. their promise of happiness. It’s a
We become strong Food is always extra. pretty cruel ruse once you really
by living our think about it.
strengths. Not our By reinventing the business model
weaknesses. for winning in their industry, Get the car you’ve been dreaming
Ryanair is doing just that. And of for years and after a few days,
showing us what innovation and you’re already thinking about
imagination is all about in the the next one. Move into your
change-crazy economy we find dream home or get your dream
ourselves operating within. job and within a couple of weeks
the attraction has faded and the
DON’T FEED YOUR sparkle has gone. It’s no longer
WEAKNESS exciting. Your attention moves
on, to the next desire.
A simple insight for you today:
every time you practice a What life has taught me (and I’m
weakness, you feed it. And the certainly no guru and definitely
things you feed grow in your life. don’t have all the answers) is that
things can never bring you a
Every time you don’t live your joy that lasts.
values, The Integrity Gap widens.
Every time you run from a fear, I want to be incredibly clear:
the fear expands. Every time you there’s absolutely nothing
mistreat another person, your wrong, in my mind, with having/
capacity to mistreat becomes collecting/wanting nice things.
more powerful. They make the climb to The
Mountaintop more pleasant.
We become excellent by doing
excellent things. (over and over I guess what I’m trying to say
and over until they become a part is that perhaps the key for us
of our wiring). is not to worship them. Not to
get hooked by them. Not to be
We become fearless by visiting the
places that scare us.

www.robinsharma.com

enslaved by all things material. So yes, own things (it’s a very 27
Enjoy them. Just don’t get caught human hunger). Get the shiny
in the trap they often set. objects of allure that call out for Robin Sharma’s
your attention. And once you own
So that begs the question: them – enjoy them. But don’t let LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
“Where does real and them own you. Possess them. But
sustained joy/happiness/ don’t be possessed by them. STUNNING SUCCESS
fulfillment come from?”
GREATNESS BY We become
Here’s a quick list, based on my EVOLUTION excellent by doing
current level of understanding VERSUS
(big idea: we cannot see any REVOLUTION excellent things.
higher than the level of our Over and over and
understanding; the more we Most training programs don’t
understand, the more we will have lasting impact. Most over until they
see...like scaling a mountain): seminars provoke only micro- become a part of
change. Most inspirational or
Where Does Real and leadership books get us excited our wiring.
Sustained Joy/Happiness/ only until we wake up the next
Fulfillment Come From? morning and reality intrudes on
our idealistic vision.
• Spending your life in
pursuits that realize your Why does this all happen?
potential and awaken your
talents (growing) Because too many training
programs, seminars and books are
• Transcending our fears and attempting to cause a revolution
letting go of limiting beliefs rather than nurture an evolution.
Big idea there.
• Achieving worthy goals and
creating success on our own If you go to a seminar and hear
terms (rather than according a ton of lessons that you know
to the definition of success will take your career and your
of those around us) life to your NLG (Next Level of
Greatness; please forgive my
• Rich and meaningful acronyms...just a mood I’m in
relationships these days - let’s hope it will pass),
it’s easy to get caught up into
• Elevating in self-knowledge “revolution mode”.

• Adding value to others (from
clients and co-workers to
people in our communities)

• Making a positive difference
and having an impact on the
world around you

The Leader Who Had No Title

28

Robin Sharma’s There’s so much to transform Day by day, step by step, you can
and so little time to do it in. And move towards your own personal
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR human beings don’t like to change mountaintop. You (and your
(scares us). So we drift into organization) really can be, do
STUNNING SUCCESS overwhelm. And we don’t even and have a lot more than you’ve
start. ever imagined. The life you are
Business doesn’t living today can be radically
need more copycats. I suggest to you that there’s a different from the life you can
Business needs more better way to get to worldclass have 3 or 6 months from now.
Dreamers. within the important areas of
your life: evolution. I see it happen all the time, with
my clients. And you’ll get to
Small baby steps. Daily the professional and personal
and continuous micro greatness you deserve through an
improvements. Steady and evolution. Not a revolution.
consistent elevations in the
way you work, lead and live. YOU FIND WHAT
YOU SEEK
Dad always said slow and steady
wins the race. Every second you spend thinking
about what you don’t want in
Every dream started off small and your life is a second denying focus
grew step by step. and energy from getting what you
do want.
One hundred and twenty years
ago, at Jacobs Pharmacy, a Every minute you worry about
customer paid Doc Permberton what’s not working is a minute
five cents for his sugar in a glass drawn away from creating what
concoction that you may have will work.
heard of (it’s called Coke and is
enjoyed more than a billion times And every hour spent reflecting
a day around the world). on the disappointments of the
past is an hour stolen from seeing
Evolution versus revolution. the possibilities that your future
holds.
Sam Walton started with a single
store and didn’t even get to What I’ve discovered in my own
the big box idea until he was in life is that I see more of what I
business for about thirty years. look for. Clarity precedes mastery
(big idea there) and the more
Evolution not revolution. clearly I look for what I want, the
more powerfully I generate that
The Everest climbers don’t jump result in my life.
up to the summit. No, they climb
it bit by bit.

Evolution not... You get my point.

www.robinsharma.com

29

By setting clear goals in the Apple came up with the gorgeous Robin Sharma’s
important areas, I see more of (and now ubiquitous iPod). Now
what I’m searching for. By looking there are so many products with LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
for the best in others, I generally the letter “i” in front of it I’ve lost
find it. track. Too much copying. Not STUNNING SUCCESS
enough leading.
And by looking for the good What I’ve
things in my life and expressing A well-respected business leader discovered in my
gratitude for my blessings told me about a CEO who did own life is that I see
(rather than thinking about any something that made me smile. more of what I look
problems), I see more of what’s He hired a young wonderkid fresh for. Clarity precedes
good. out of business school - a kid who mastery (big idea
was not only brilliant but thought there) and the more
Your thinking will create your differently and wasn’t afraid to clearly I look for
reality. Your thoughts form your voice his eccentric thoughts. The what I want, the
world? Why? Because you will mandate of the new hire? Sit more powerfully I
never act against your thinking. on the company’s management generate that result
Every action is the offspring of a team and consistently challenge
thought. And your actions create ideas that fostered the status in my life.
the professional and personal life quo. This man was paid to push
you find yourself in today. the envelope. To evangelize
innovation. To make things better
CONVERSATIONS by being unorthodox in a world
WITH ECCENTRICS where most of us are afraid to
leave the crowd.
Only leaders (and we all can Lead
Without Title) who are willing to So today, have conversations with
think differently can out-innovate people who are Originals. Strive
everyone around them. Thinking to leave the Safe Harbor of The
the same thoughts produces the Known. Make things better. Play
same results. Leadership is all bigger. And dream.
about being The Brave Creative
out in front in your marketspace NEXT LEVEL
(and your career) versus doing LISTENING
things the way everyone else does
them. People ache for great listening.
Do you give it to them? I so
Business doesn’t need more passionately believe that one
copycats. Business needs more of the single best things you
Dreamers. can do to get your relationships
(both professional and personal)

The Leader Who Had No Title

30

Robin Sharma’s to world-class is to become I know you want to reach your
alarmingly good at listening. Yup- mountaintop. I know you know
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR alarmingly good is the standard you’ve been enlisted for greatness.
I’m pressing you to reach. I know you are one of the rare
STUNNING SUCCESS breed that is doing special things.
As a young lawyer, I worked with
But no organization a senior litigator who was just And one of the most special of all
can get to “insanely great” (Steve Jobs term) is being a brilliant listener.
extraordinary at making people feel heard. It
without excited, wasn’t forced. It wasn’t faked. It Get to your Next Level of
engaged and wasn’t artificial. Just a truckload Listening. Master that art. It’ll
enthusiastic people. of masterful, heartfelt listening rock your world.
And no human every time I was with him. And
being can ever find guess what, that was the best READY MADE
authentic success professional relationship I had GREATNESS
without the help of at that office. I’d do anything for
people. him. He had my respect. And Michelangelo was asked how
my loyalty. And my outright he created his masterpieces. He
friendship. Because I knew replied that he simply saw the
(versus believed) he cared. works of art embedded within the
slabs of marble and then set about
Listening’s like that. Seems chipping away at everything that
like simple stuff, this listening wasn’t of that work of art. Which
business. But it’s outrageously brings me to you. And your ready-
hard in a world where we can be made-greatness.
so self-centered. And in a world
where we all suffer from collective Just maybe your job is not to
ADD. So hard to focus. So hard to become someone other than who
concentrate. So hard to listen. you currently are. Just maybe,
the Main Aim is to access and
But no organization can get to remember and reconnect with the
extraordinary without excited, best that already resides within
engaged and enthusiastic people. you. In this very moment. Right
And no human being can ever here. Right now.
find authentic success without the
help of people. And how can you recall your
personal greatness?
And people need listening. Crave
it. Hunger for it. More than you By starting the process of
may imagine. chipping away everything that is
not truly you. The fears you have
Oh the way it feels when someone
gives you the listening you need.
It’s so very rare isn’t it? And yet so
exceptionally powerful.

www.robinsharma.com

31

picked up. The limiting beliefs left is The Extraordinary. Just Robin Sharma’s
you have accumulated. The false something to think about. From a
assumptions that divorce you man who wants you to shine. LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
from your most authentic - and
staggeringly brilliant - self. THE BRILLIANCE STUNNING SUCCESS
OF DIVERSITY
Self-remembering (and personal Just maybe your
leadership) is a journey. Took you Imagine living in a world where job is not to become
many years to forget the personal every movie you see has the same someone other than
greatness that you once knew as a story line. Imagine if the only
kid (before the disappointments choice of drink was water and who you currently
and negativity of the world began the only flavor of ice cream was are. Just maybe, the
to blind you to the truth of your chocolate (okay maybe that one Main Aim is to access
bigness). You may have been wouldn’t be so bad). Imagine that
thinking you have been designed every conversation with every and remember and
for mediocrity for 30 or 40 or 50 person made the same point. reconnect with the
years. So that reconnection with And imagine that every day had
your best won’t happen in a week. the same ending and that every best that already
thought reflected the same idea. resides within you.
But chip away - bit by bit- at There’s a point I’m getting to. In this very moment.
everything that is not that work Please stay with me. Right here. Right now.
of art – day by day. You know that
small, daily improvements stack When I go into organizations
into massive results over time to help inspire, develop and
(that idea just might transform elevate employees so they play at
your life so please let it linger). world-class levels (and I’ve been
crisscrossing this planet on this
The difference between a Leadership Crusade for nearly ten
remarkable life and a mediocre years now), I often see mission
one is not nearly as large as you statements espousing a respect
might imagine. Nope, we all for diversity. “We at ClientCo
pretty much start out with the value differences and cherish
same raw stuff. Most of us are cut diversity.” And, most of the
from the same cloth. We all can companies I work with actually
be a hero if we choose. And it just do. But here’s my question: Do
isn’t that hard. you?

Greatness comes by doing a few Do you really get the brilliance of
small and smart things each and diversity? When you really think
every day. Comes from taking about it, it’s the people who see
little steps, consistently. Comes the world through a different set
from a making a few small chips
against everything in your
professional and personal life
that is ordinary, so that a day
eventually arrives when all that’s

The Leader Who Had No Title

32

Robin Sharma’s

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STUNNING SUCCESS

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33

of lenses that actually serve to Takes a ton of outright courage to Robin Sharma’s
stretch your thinking and provoke open your mind - as well as your
new understanding (and provoke heart - and listen to what they LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
they do). Sure they irritate you. tell you. Uber-uncomfortable to
They drive you crazy. Because they think that you might not be right. STUNNING SUCCESS
are not like you. But may I suggest That the way you see the world (or
that behind your irritation is the whatever) just might be flawed Never run away
emotion of fear (big idea there). in some way. Or that there may from what will help
Not the terror on the darkness be a better way (of thinking or
type of fear. More a fear of the behaving or working or living). you grow and step
unknown or a fear of having into your greatness
to leave the Safe Harbor of The But unless you are willing to
Known (the worldview that you’ve empty the cup that is full, no - no matter how
had your whole life) and maybe more can enter. And you just uncomfortable
see a new way of seeing things. might miss out on your greatest
No one likes to leave the shores possibilities. And your best life. it makes you feel
of the home they know. Always (that’s where courage
brings up fear. Scary yes. For JIM DONALD
your ultimate growth and good. GETS IT and your natural
Absolutely. bravery needs to be
You can have your excuses or you called into service).
Never run away from what will can have your results - but you
help you grow and step into can’t have both. So easy to find
your greatness - no matter how excuses not to build relationships
uncomfortable it makes you feel and be one of those brilliant
(that’s where courage and your souls who masterfully connects
natural bravery needs to be called with human beings. A mile-long
into service). to do list, missed deadlines and
forest fires to put out. Who has
Yup - diversity helps us in ways time to engage in face to face
we cannot fathom. Makes us conversations or build rich bonds
better (by a lot). Those different with the people we work with (or
people with different perspectives serve)? Jim Donald does.
and different skin colors and
different languages can equip you Donald is the CEO of a little
with your MILs (Most Important coffee company that started in
Lessons). Pike’s Place Market in Seattle.
He’s a pretty busy guy too. Tons
The people and experiences of to-dos and places to be.
that are different offer you the
gorgeous opportunity to rethink
the assumptions and closely held
opinions you have lived your life
under.

The Leader Who Had No Title

34

Robin Sharma’s Full schedule like you and me. Well, good things happen to
But he finds time to put people people who do good things (key
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR first. Gets the fact that the way thought to remember).
you treat your people is the way
STUNNING SUCCESS they’ll treat your customers. The Four Seasons, now one of the
Understands that when people planet’s most successful hotel
Puts on an apron feel great about themselves, they chains, recently received purchase
and works shoulder do great work. offers from the likes of Bill Gates
to shoulder with and other heavy-hitters. Friends
the baristas. Oh, you may have heard about and colleagues of Izzy Sharpe
Engages his people the company he runs. It’s called said things like “he deserves all
in conversations. Starbucks. the great things happening to
Evangelizes his him”. Stands to make hundreds of
message and This guy’s amazing. millions. His reputation continues
reinforces his vision. to soar. Fitting way to tie up his
Builds culture – and According to the latest issue of Cinderella Story.
makes his “partners” FORTUNE, on a good day he
feel special. Puts personally signs 500 birthday Lessons I took away from these
people first. And so cards for his employees. Spends recent events:
they help him win. 45% of his time traveling to
Starbucks stores. 1. Stay true to your vision/
dream: There’s something
And when he gets there, guess to be said for just staying
what he does? at what you are trying to
achieve well past the point
Puts on an apron and works everyone else gives up. Life
shoulder to shoulder with the rewards the (unreasonably)
baristas. Engages his people in devoted.
conversations. Evangelizes his
message and reinforces his vision. 2. Stay true to your values:
Builds culture – and makes his In a world of fast-buck
“partners” feel special. Puts artists and people playing
people first. And so they help him the short-game, Izzy
win. took the long-view. Built
high-trust relationships.
LEAD LIKE IZZY Protected his brand.
Underpromised and
Isadore Sharpe started a little overdelivered. Didn’t care
company called The Four Seasons, if others were unethical -
with a single little hotel, in 1961. stayed true to himself.
Did deals based on a handshake.
Spoke his truth and kept his 3. The little things amount
word. Did great work and offered to big things: Izzy’s
great value. dream started small. But
he tended to it daily. Small
daily elevations compound
into massive results over

www.robinsharma.com

35

time. Remember that CARLY GETS IT Robin Sharma’s
success comes via those
daily “1% Wins”. You know how fiercely I believe LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
that every dream starts small
So model Izzy - no matter what and nothing moves forward until STUNNING SUCCESS
work you’re doing today. Because you do. Just read about former
leadership is all about Leading HP Chief Carly Fiorina. Has a So right here, right
Where You’re Planted. And it’s not new memoir out called “Tough now, reach deep
about the size of you’re title - but Choices”. Actually did a quick into your heart.
the depth of your commitment. stint as a typist at Hewlett-
Packard at the beginning of her And commit from
BE A FINISHER career. But always wanted to be the best place that
great and stood for excellence (a
Talk is cheap. Actions speak. guy in a car with a license plate inhabits you - to
that said “V Best” drove by me finish the important
Doesn’t matter what you start. today as I drove my kids to school;
Brilliant that you have the my guess is he stands for the things you start.
courage to take that first step same thing).
(nothing changes until you One of her big insights:
change). But what’s the point of “Don’t think about the next
starting if you don’t finish? job, focus on doing the best
with the job you have. Learn
Leadership and greatness comes everything you can from
to those who follow-through. everyone you can. Focus on the
Who stand for near-flawless possibilities of each job, not
execution. Who stay with a the limitations.”
project/pursuit/idea with the Could I suggest that we read
tenacity of a pit bull-until the that advice a few times to really
thing gets done. Beautifully. integrate it?
Because it’s good.
So right here, right now, reach No, actually, it’s superb.
deep into your heart. And commit So easy to tell everyone around
from the best place that inhabits you that you’ll be best in class
you - to finish the important when you get the position you’ve
things you start. been aching for. So easy to say
you’ll innovate/raise the bar/
Because anyone can take the first step up to remarkable once you
step. But only the remarkable receive the title you’ve aimed at.
ones stay on the path until they So easy to advertise that you’ll be
complete the 1000th one. an A player when you get to where
you’re going.

The Leader Who Had No Title

36

Robin Sharma’s But we get what we give. Today, I want to offer you the
words of James Allen who wrote a
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR Not later but now. superb little book called As a Man
Thinketh many years ago.
STUNNING SUCCESS And if not now, then when?
They will help you enormously as
Love what the co- THE DREAM you catch your dreams and step
founder of Google CATCHER up to the poetic possibilities your
recently said: life is meant to be:
“Success will come You may not know how powerful
from simplicity.” you are. “Of all of the beautiful truths
Every one of us has pertaining to the soul which
so many more choices Big Idea: Every one of us has so have been restored and brought
than we can currently many more choices than we can to light in this age, none is more
see. Remember, we currently see. Remember, we see gladdening and fruitful of divine
see the world not as it the world not as it is but as we promise and confidence than
is but as we are. are. this - that you are the master
of your thought, the molder of
Most of us see through the eyes of your character, and the maker
our fears and our limiting beliefs and shaper of condition,
and our false assumptions. Really environment and destiny.”
important point there.
SUCCESS VIA
As you begin to walk to your fears, SIMPLICITY
you realize that they were mostly
hallucinations - self created Love what the co-founder of
illusions that kept you small. As Google recently said: “Success
you think about your limiting will come from simplicity.”
beliefs, you’ll see that they are
not the truth but the opinions I invite you to really go deep into
you adopted from the chattering his words. They are enormously
voices around you. And as you powerful. Success via simplicity -
question your assumptions, you’ll great insight.
realize that so many of them are
borne of fantasy. They are not Most people in business and
real. Nope, not at all. Most of the within their personal lives
things we are afraid will happen move towards complexity. More
never do. Something to think To Dos. More projects. More
about. products. More meetings. More
possessions. More goals.

www.robinsharma.com

The best - I suggest to you -move BE LIKE PETER 37
in the opposite direction. (DRUCKER)
Robin Sharma’s
They try and make their business The thing I like about Peter
models leaner and more focused. Drucker’s thinking is that he LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
They do fewer but smarter things. didn’t just put out good ideas -
They get wildly focused and he offered great Insights. Ideas STUNNING SUCCESS
wonderfully lean. And they most really are a dime a dozen. We
definitely run from trying to be all all get smart ideas. But to win/ “Don’t think
things to all people. get to world-class/make your about the next job,
mark, something more is needed. focus on doing the
Because real genius lives in Insight. Brilliant ones actually.
simplicity. best with the job
Like this one: “Get Good or Get you have. Learn
LEARN AT Out.” everything you
INTERSECTIONS can from everyone
Seems so obvious. you can. Focus on
Simple idea with powerful the possibilities of
consequences: But to me, when you go down to each job, not the
the roots of it, it’s revolutionary.
Everyone who intersects your limitations.”
life knows something you See, the only way a business can
don’t. become great is to be BIW: Best in Everyone who
the World at what you do. intersects your life
To get to world-class, don’t miss
any opportunity to leverage the Well, most businesses - and knows something
learning/insights/experiences of people - are so busy doing so you don’t.
the people you meet. many things that they forget that
focus creates mastery. You just
Because we really do become our can’t help but get better (and
conversations. eventually brilliant) if you pick a
few things (even better just One
Big Thing) to concentrate on and
then spend the rest of your days
in specialization.

“Get Good or Get Out”.

Why play in a space you can’t win
in?

Why waste your time?

The Leader Who Had No Title

38

Robin Sharma’s Instead, figure out your Big Bets. to scream) to discover what’s
keeping them small. They ask
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR Get to know what you’re really themselves what are the beliefs
good at. And then have the force that they are running that
STUNNING SUCCESS of will to go there. allow them to get so provoked
by this person. They have the
Get to know what You’ll be dazzled by the rewards. outright bravery to go deep and
you’re really good see the fears that that person
at. And then have LEVERAGE HARD triggers versus making it all
the force of will to RELATIONSHIPS about the other person being
go there. wrong/incompetent/ignorant
See, the only way a Big Idea: Your most challenging or whatever other labels we
business can become relationship carries with it the generally use to avoid looking
great is to be BIW: seeds of your greatest growth. The in the mirror and assuming
Best in the World at relationship that tests/frustrates/ personal responsibility. And the
what you do. irritates you the most actually is great ones use what they learn
one of your greatest blessings. to build greater self-awareness,
authentic power and personal
Why? understanding.

Because it reveals to you the Please remember that as you
very beliefs/fears and false become a more extraordinary
assumptions that most limit human being, every element of
you. Get that and you can step your outer world must change
into your NLG: Next Level of accordingly. Just has to.
Greatness.
So the more remarkable you
What I’m suggesting to you is that become, the more remarkable will
- if you choose to do so - you can be the professional and personal
leverage your hardest relationship life you’ll create.
into your greatest success.
Inner improvements create outer
The people you can’t stand can ones.
actually transform your life.
And help you become happier, No two people see the world in
healthier and more successful. precisely the same way. How
could we, as each of us have had
Unbelievable isn’t it? different experiences on the
journey through our days?
The best in business and in life
use that aggravating relationship What a word or an event means
(the one that presses all their to you might mean something
buttons and makes them want totally different to me. What a
gorgeous opportunity, then, is
the intersection of two people
who view the world differently.
We can embrace that connection

www.robinsharma.com

to learn, grow and elevate the So my question to you is a simple 39
very people we are. And the one: what one leap could you
growth and inner expansion make today - that if you made it Robin Sharma’s
that we experience from that - would change the game? What
one challenging relationship will one Bold Step could you take that LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
change the way we relate in every would radically alter the way you
other relationship. think/feel/behave? STUNNING SUCCESS

Improve the way you show up What New Move could you step Your most
in one relationship and you’ll into that would lift you into challenging
improve the way you show up in the realm of extraordinary – relationship carries
every other relationship (from remarkable - worldclass? with it the seeds
your teammates and customers of your greatest
at work to the people you love at Now, today, why not take that growth. The
home). Exciting no? step? relationship that
tests/frustrates/
Not only that - but it will change There will never be a perfect time irritates you the
who we are. We will never be the to be the greatest you. most actually is one
same as we stretch and expand of your greatest
from what we discover in that Actually, there will never be a
difficult interaction. We will be better time than today to make blessings.
stronger/wiser/bigger/better. And the improvements you need to
that’ll revolutionize everything. make to be the leader/human
Forever. being that you’ve always dreamed
of being.

So, why wait?

Do It Now.

THE ONE LEAP

It’s stunningly interesting to ACHIEVING
me how we have the power LONGEVITY AND
to - over the hours of this very GREATNESS IN
day - make a decision/choice/ BUSINESS
commitment that can transform
our professional as well as our In my leadership development
personal lives forever. work with companies like IBM,
FedEx and Nike and as an
This day can be the first day executive coach to many of the
of your new life. The day that superstars in business, I have
changes everything. The day you been blessed to have been able
stopped playing small and stood
up for the poetic possibilities
your life was meant to be. I get
excited just thinking about that.
Seriously.

The Leader Who Had No Title

40

Robin Sharma’s to closely observe the traits that seductive. It can make one
the best use to get better - and complacent and inefficient
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR achieve longevity within their and stale. Too often, once
careers and within themselves. a person (as well as an
STUNNING SUCCESS organization) becomes
Here are some of their successful, the very things
My Dad shared an personal practices for that created that success
Indian saying with sustainability: get neglected. The best
me as I grew up that businesspeople have a
still lives within my 1. They have a lust for hunger to make their
imagination: “when learning: There is a todays better than their
you were born, you cure for anti-aging that yesterdays. They have a
cried while the world actually works - it’s called staggeringly large appetite
rejoiced. Live your lifelong learning. To ABL for pushing the envelope.
life in such a way that (Always Be Learning) is They stretch their personal
when you die, the to stay young forever. frontiers by taking risks
world cried while you The best in business have and by running to their
rejoice.” boundless curiosity and fears and by improving
open minds. And this every area of their lives.
allows them to work and Relentlessly. And this
live with a childlike sense serves to keep them young
of wonder as well as access at heart. And at the cutting
the world-class levels of edge for years.
creativity that fuels their
professional success. They 3. They know that health
read constantly. They listen is wealth: At a leadership
to books on CD. And they seminar I delivered in Delhi
understand that everyone to executives, a participant
they meet knows at least handed me a piece of paper
one thing that they don’t. that said: “Health is the
So they ask good questions crown on the well man’s
(like any good leader). head that only the ill man
In this world of dazzling can see.” Big idea. We take
change and stunning our health for granted until
opportunity, ideas are the we lose it. And if we do,
commodity of success. we spend 24/7 trying to
And a passion for learning get it back. It’s fascinating
makes you a human idea to me how, while we are
factory. young, we are willing to
sacrifice our health for
2. They devote to NSI: A wealth and yet, when
mantra of many world- we grow old-we become
class businesspeople is willing to give up all of our
Never Stop Improving. As accumulated wealth for one
I’ve written in my book The day of good health. Getting
Greatness Guide, nothing into workclass physical
fails like success. Success is
www.robinsharma.com

condition will make you plus time equals mastery. Please 41
more creative, energetic, think about that. What you
focused and happy. Make concentrate on, you cannot help Robin Sharma’s
that leap today. but get great at. The more you
focus, the better you get. LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
4. They find a Cause: In The
Greatness Guide, I write Focus on being superb at what STUNNING SUCCESS
that the real secret to you do and, over time, you will
immortality and longevity be known as remarkable. Your most
is to find a cause that’s Focus on your health and, of challenging
larger than yourself and course, in time - it will get to relationship carries
then have the courage to splendid. with it the seeds
donate your life to it. That Focus on developing your kids of your greatest
cause might be being an and you cannot be denied growth. The
extraordinary leader who having great kids. relationship that
creates an extraordinary Focus on your inner world and tests/frustrates/
organization that creates people will eventually call you irritates you the
extraordinary value wise. most actually is one
for it’s customers. That Focus. Focus. Focus...on your of your greatest
cause might be to be a burning priorities.
person devoted to leaving blessings.
everyone you meet better Say no to everything else. Life’s
than you found them. That short. You only get one shot at
cause might mean being great. Will you accept The Call? Or
a manager that develops let the opportunity slide by you.
the highest potential of his Like too many amongst us.
people and evokes their
greatness. BUILD YOUR
POWER
My Dad shared an Indian saying
with me as I grew up that still Life’s counter-intuitive. The
lives within my imagination: things that we most resist carry
“when you were born, you cried the seeds of our greatness.
while the world rejoiced. Live The stuff that makes us feel
your life in such a way that when uncomfortable makes us stronger.
you die, the world cried while you And the things that are hard to
rejoice.” do help us get to our authentic
power. Difficult is Good.
FOCUS TO WIN

In The Greatness Guide I share a
simple formula for genius: focus

The Leader Who Had No Title

42

Robin Sharma’s Wowing a customer when you just And, how large a footprint will
can’t smile another smile makes you leave behind - such that the
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR you more powerful. Being honest generations who will follow you
when it’s easy to lie builds your will know that you’ve been here?
STUNNING SUCCESS character. Being excellent on a And made your mark.
job/project/task when no one’s
That little first step watching grows self-respect and THE GIANT LEAP
sends a clear signal to inner resolve and personal honor.
life that you want to The hard stuff is the great stuff. Small steps are big steps. Little
change and have the It’s the very building blocks of a decisions can, over time, cause
courage to make the brilliant life. stunningly wonderful results.
first move. Tiny changes lead to real and
The easy road gets you to a place sustained transformation. It’s
called disappointment and regret. all about evolution rather than
Please trust me on that: I spend revolution. I know you know that.
my life traveling the planet and
working with people/companies It’s so exciting to me to think
so my ear’s close to the ground. that-this very day-can serve as a
Doing what you know you are springboard to an extraordinary
called to do is the secret of professional and personal life.
success/mastery and inner peace. One decision you make over the
coming hours could be the giant
As my friend Nido Qubein once leap that launches a tidal wave of
said: “The price of discipline is less greatness that leads you to a place
than the pain of regret.” I wish I’d well above your boldest dreams.
said that :) Remarkable isn’t it, this thing
called choice? And everyone of us
HOW BIG ARE can exercise it. Yes, every single
YOUR SHOES? one of us.

Just read a Harley Davidson ad. No decision is unimportant.
The main line: Every action leads to a reaction.
Each move we make creates a
“Leave Behind Shoes No Man consequence and ripples across
Can Fill.” our destiny. Getting up earlier
when you feel like sleeping is
Love it. the giant leap that begins a new
habit called early rising. Coming
How big a life are you living? up with a better way to think/
feel/behave at work is the giant
How bold a dream are you leap that creates a new inner
dreaming? pathway called excellence and

How remarkable a person are you
becoming?

www.robinsharma.com

43

mastery. Treating people with but simply for the joy of work Robin Sharma’s
more respect/kindness and itself and to better answer the
understanding is the giant leap call to service that I feel so clearly LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
that will soon install a routine in my own heart. Beginning on
called humanity. January 1, 2007 my salary will be STUNNING SUCCESS
reduced to $1...”
That little first step sends a clear The easy road gets
signal to life that you want to There’s a sea change in the you to a place called
change and have the courage to corporate world. So many
make the first move. people want to be a part of a disappointment
good company. Ethics are back. and regret. Please
The first move is always the Creating rich value for customers trust me on that:
hardest. is back. Being good is back.
I spend my life
Everything’s easier after that. What will you do today to traveling the planet
grow this revolution?
Step by step, changing and and working with
elevating your game gets easier. IT’S ALL ABOUT people/companies
You become more confident. The GROWTH so my ear’s close to
new habits and internal pathways the ground. Doing
become more familiar. And you- what you know you
almost invisibly-become greater. are called to do is the
And more brilliant. And more of secret of success/
the person you were born to be. mastery and inner
Told you it’s exciting.
peace.
A GOOD CEO Just read a quote that provoked
me. “Growth is the only evidence
Just read a letter excerpted of life.” Pretty smart words. They
in Fast Company. From John came from John Henry Newman.
Mackey, the CEO of Whole Foods.
He writes: You know I adore the whole
notion of growth. To me,
“The tremendous success of that’s why were here. To grow
Whole Foods Market has provided and expand through the work
me with far more money than we do, the actions we take and
is necessary for my financial the lives we lead (don’t just
security or personal happiness...I live your life - lead it).
am now 53 years old and I have
reached a place in my life where I Growth matters. It’s what
no longer want to work for money ultimately makes us feel fulfilled.
Energizes us (even when it’s
uncomfortable - and most growth
is). Makes us who we truly are.

The Leader Who Had No Title

44

Robin Sharma’s RESPECT YOU I love the quiet leaders. Those
silent souls who under-promise
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR It doesn’t matter what other and overdeliver.
people think of you. All that
STUNNING SUCCESS matters is what you think of you. The Merchants of Wow
amongst us who know that a
We lose so much energy worrying person’s word is their bond.
about the opinions of others, And that every promise
wanting to be liked. kept builds credibility - the
foundation of trust.
Leadership and personal mastery
is about rising above social So make a commitment today
approval - to self approval. to be impeccable with your
word. And be a person of action.
Respect you. So long as you Someone who is all about
are living by your values, being generating results. Because
authentic, running your own race getting great things done speaks
and doing your dreams, who cares for itself.
what anyone else thinks/feels/
says about you? THE IMPORTANCE
OF BEING
As I wrote in The Greatness REMARKABLE
Guide: “Leadership isn’t a
popularity contest.”

It’s about doing what’s right.

But just maybe LESS TALK MORE Your expectations for yourself
every problem DO - and your life - become self-
you encounter is fulfilling prophecies. What you
an opportunity in Too many people talk too good intend shapes what you become.
disguise. And if you’re a talk these days. Tons of empty So make a commitment, today, to
wise to that, you can promises. Tons of hyperbole. Tons be remarkable.
leverage the challenge of lofty statements that never
for even greater amount to anything. Live full out. Vow to be brilliant at
success. your work. Devote to getting into
Leaders are different. They talk world-class health. Take positive
less and do more. risks to grow into your greatness.
Love like there’s no tomorrow.
And enjoy every moment.

Life’s an incredible adventure.
Tons of highs - lots of lows. But all
of it – is precious. Gorgeous. And
designed with your best interests
in mind. So embrace it all.

www.robinsharma.com

45

PROBLEMS ARE NO TRY NO WIN Robin Sharma’s
SERVANTS
Such a simple idea: you can’t win LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
We all face challenges. It’s the if you don’t try. So often, we get
human condition. Everyone, a big idea. One that will get our STUNNING SUCCESS
on this very day, is dealing with careers to the next level. One that
something they wish they weren’t will get our lives to the next level. Live full out. Vow to
dealing with. Some have lost a One that will really set us soaring. be brilliant at your
loved one. Others are facing an work. Devote to
illness. For others, it’s a money But then guess what happens getting into world-
issue or a frustration at work. next? The voice of fear takes over. class health. Take

Yes, it’s no fun. We start selling ourselves on positive risks to grow
all the reasons why we’ll fail. into your greatness.
But just maybe every problem Eventually, that beautiful/ Love like there’s no
you encounter is an opportunity big/bold idea seems silly/ tomorrow. And enjoy
in disguise. And if you’re wise unattainable/foolish. And so we every moment.
to that, you can leverage the don’t act. We don’t even try. Respect you. So long
challenge for even greater success. as you are living by
Imagine Tiger Woods wanting your values, being
In some ways, leadership is a to win but not even playing the authentic, running
mind game. Positive thinking is tournament. Imagine the great your own race and
a lot more important than the manager wanting to lead her doing your dreams,
cynics would suggest. team to world-class but not even who cares what
showing up. Imagine the brave anyone else thinks/
The founders of Google used inventor wanting to change
positive thinking to overcome the world. Yet not even doing feels/says about you?
their early setbacks and to stay anything. Nothing happens until
true to their vision. you move (tattoo that line on
your brain cells if you really want
Sam Walton used positive to win). And you’ll never win if
thinking to build an empire. you don’t even try.

And the best managers use Enough said.
positive thinking to help their
teams see that what ordinary
people view as stumbling blocks,
the best amongst us see as
stepping stones.

Because problems are servants.
And they truly can serve you well.
If you choose to let them.

The Leader Who Had No Title

46

Robin Sharma’s HONOR IS HIP YOU’RE AN ARTIST

LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR In this age of foul-mouthed Was at the Picasso museum in
rock stars, famous for being Barcelona a few weeks ago. The
STUNNING SUCCESS famous celebrities and uber- experience deeply influenced me.
greedy CEOs who take home I saw how he was not afraid to
So today, live your huge rewards while the shares of deconstruct and then reinvent
truth. Play your best their companies hit rock bottom, his art over the course of his life.
game. Listen to the there’s a new way to be cool/hip/ I saw the way he dared. I saw his
trusted voice that fashionable. Be honorable. devotion to excellence - and being
resides deep within an outright original. Picasso has
you. And show some Used to be that things like inspired me.
genuine leadership- honesty, giving your best at work, So here’s what I think. At work
both at work and at treating everyone you meet fairly, each day, we are all artists.
home. People will love and being a RGP (Really Good My brushes and paints happen
you for it. Person) were considered boring/ to be my words. My canvas is
unsexy/bland. No longer. my books and the audiences I
have the privilege to share my
In an age where too many people leadership message with.
don’t discover what leadership But I’m an artist. I honestly feel
and life’s about until it’s too late, that.
rising above the crowd to shine I create. I express. I provoke.
with a blazing sense of integrity, And so can you.
authenticity and Rare Honor is Each day you step into the place
cool. Super cool. Hip. where you work, you have the
opportunity to nurture - and
So today, live your truth. Play awaken - the artist that inhabits
your best game. Listen to the you.
trusted voice that resides deep We all have a core craving to
within you. And show some express who we are and to create
genuine leadership-both at something special. Part of being
work and at home. People will human. I encourage you to satisfy
love you for it. that urge by being the Picasso of
Human Resources or the Dali of
And I’ll think you’re hip. Sales. Be the Renoir of Real Estate
or the Michelangelo of Medicine.
Step out into the world each day
and create your masterpiece. The
world will be better for it.

www.robinsharma.com

47

GRATITUDE FOR No matter how good - or bad Robin Sharma’s
THE GOOD - your life looks at this very
moment, there really is so LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
Gratitude is a beautiful thing. much (and so many people)
Makes the recipient feel better. you can be thankful for. STUNNING SUCCESS
Makes the sender feel great.
And gratitude begets gratitude. Each day you step
In my journal, I often express The more good things you see, the into the place where
gratitude to the people who more good things you see. you work, you have
elevate/influence and inspire me.
On crisp white pages, I honor my READ STRANGE the opportunity to
kids for all the gifts they have STUFF nurture - and awaken
brought to my life (wish I could be
half as amazing as them). Reading Rolling Stone magazine - the artist that
this morning. One of the best inhabits you.
I celebrate the musicians who business magazines I read.
fill me with joy, people like Dave “But Rolling Stone is a music
Matthews and Shakira and magazine,” you remind me.
Zucchero and Nusrat Fateh Ali Exactly.
Khan as well as bands like The
Chilli Peppers/U2/Mana/Piero I often get my best business ideas
Pelu. Love them all. from non-business magazines.
Business magazines often share
I appreciate my teammates who “status quo” concepts and
leave their homes each morning interview CEOs with MBA who
to help me share my message with speak the same speak and think
people and organizations around the same thoughts.
the world ready to reach world-
class. But music magazines and design
magazines and travel magazines
And I thank those who have share the worldview of people
believed in me and helped me who think differently.
along the way.
And those are the ideas I want.
We all have a lot more blessings in
our life than we know. In Rolling Stone today - latest
issue - there was a little piece on
It’s human nature to focus on iTunes.
what’s not working rather than to
embrace all that is.

The Leader Who Had No Title

48

Robin Sharma’s Everyone laughed at Apple and Here’s a tool you can integrate
their vision not only for the iPod into your work and personal life
LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR but to be a leader in the music today.
industry. Throughout your day, keep
STUNNING SUCCESS asking yourself: “How can I
But who cares what the critics make this better?”
Clarity precedes think - leadership is about Apply it to your work. Apply it
mastery and it’s boldly trusting your instincts, to your relationships. Apply it
impossible to create chasing down your goals and to your Self. As I wrote in The
an outcome/goal/ doing what you think is right. Greatness Guide: “Small daily
result that you can’t improvements over time lead to
even see. And they did. stunning results.”

Since 2003, they have sold over 3 LEADERSHIP IS
billion songs at 99 cents each. ABOUT CLARITY

The business lesson?

No risk, no reward.

From a music magazine.

THE COURAGEOUS Just read a line by famed designer
QUESTION Karim Rashid: “I think we should
always be looking 15 minutes
Companies don’t get better if they ahead.” I suggest we should
fall in love with their success. always be thinking 15 years
The best ones never feel they are ahead.
truly successful. The brilliant
ones know that they can always Clarity precedes mastery and
improve. Humility is part of their it’s impossible to create an
cultural DNA. outcome/goal/result that you
can’t even see.
Same for human beings. The
Great Ones are all about NSI: The best businesses I’ve worked
Never Stop Improving. They want with are so beautifully clear on
to improve the way they think. where they’re going and what
The way they feel. The way they their brand stands for and the
behave. The way they execute. The type of people they want to
way they communicate. The way populate their place.
they live.
The most successful people know
exactly what success means to
them and what their mountains
look like.

www.robinsharma.com

49

And each day, step by step, So the soft stuff is really the Robin Sharma’s
they steadily near that once-far hard stuff. And the new model
destination. of leadership really is all about LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR
You can too. mastering the skills people in the
past judged as soft. And those STUNNING SUCCESS
SOFT IS HARD leaders that cling to the old ways
of being will get left behind. By What takes genuine
the leaders willing to do what’s power is to be open.
hard. To care about others.
To learn from those
Please don’t tell me being kind TO ACT IS TO LEAD
and learning to listen and around you. To be
building out your vision and As I wrote in Who Will Cry When human.
things like working on your You Die?, “The smallest of actions
character are soft. Nope. They are is always better than the noblest But who cares what
hard. And that’s why so few of us of intentions.” Leadership is a lot the critics think -
do them. more than just dreaming up big
idea. It’s about acting on them. leadership is about
Anyone can act tough. boldly trusting your
What separates the ordinary ones
What takes genuine power from The Great Ones is a simple instincts, chasing
is to be open. To care about fact: the best of the best execute down your goals
others. To learn from those brilliantly around their most vital
around you. To be human. priorities. and doing what you
think is right.
Same for things like listening and In a leadership presentation I just
vision and character-building. gave to BP, I called the concept
Getting good at those things BRBO: Best Resources on Biggest
takes a ton of courage. Opportunities.

Why? Leadership is, in so many ways,
about getting good stuff done.
Because we need to develop Not started. Not in process. Done.
humility and be willing to admit
we are far from perfect. And that So today, make a decision that
we need to change. And change is will revolutionize your career/
scary. Because it causes us to leave life/self: never leave the site of
the comfort zone we have always an opportunity without doing
known. And sail out into the blue something to seize it.
oceans.
And be less about talk - and more
about DO.

The Leader Who Had No Title

50

Robin Sharma’s THE BIG QUESTION 13 CHALLENGES

LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR

STUNNING SUCCESS

You know this but it may be Part of the value I hope to add
valuable to remember that to you is to be a catalyst for
adversity introduces us to positive change in your work and
ourselves. We get to see what we personal life. To gently push/
are made of. Our strengths. And move and challenge you. To
our weaknesses. get better. To grow more. To be
Hard times always pass but serve great - regardless of your title or
us so well. To open us. Deliver your background or your current
wisdom. And teach us compassion reality.
and understanding. All core traits
for you – a Leader Without Title. Here Are 13 Challenges I Offer
Here’s a question that may help Champion a child
you as you navigate change and
challenge: Encourage a co-worker
“What’s The Lesson Here?” Read a great book
Leverage your setbacks to make
you more knowledgeable. Better. Do something that frightens
Wise. The best leaders do. you
As I shared in The Greatness
Guide: “He who experiences most Write a thank you note
wins.” Do something kind for a

So today, make a stranger
decision that will Wow a customer
revolutionize your Learn something new
career/life/self: never Let go of a resentment
leave the site of an Do better work
opportunity without Be more passionate
doing something to Speak truthfully
seize it. Stand for excellence

www.robinsharma.com

51

Robin Sharma’s

LITTLE BLACK BOOK FOR

STUNNING SUCCESS

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The Leader Who Had No Title