Glenford Smith, Contributor
If it is true - and it is - that the darkest night reveals the brightest stars, then it is equally true that the toughest economic times provide the best opportunity for star performers to shine in every area of business and entrepreneurship.
Star performers give their corporations and teams the decisive edge. In a world void of job security, star performers create employment security for themselves. In a time of scarcity, they enjoy superior rewards and endless opportunities. They are superior producers not because they are technically smarter, more intellectually gifted or merely work harder.
Instead, they consistently create more value for their team or company by practising the following four disciplines:
Star producers look for ways to help out their departments without having to be told. They take the trouble to understand their organisation's overall vision and objectives, then proactively initiate actions that can achieve the goals quicker, at less cost, while improving quality.
In Stephen Covey's best-seller The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, he presents habit one as 'Be Proactive'.
Covey notes: "Taking initiative does not mean being pushy, obnoxious or aggressive. It means recognising our responsibility to make things happen."
Most people wait to be told what to do, and then do just that, and no more.
Stand out by going the extra mile to create value and make a difference. Volunteer to do extra work. Forget about job descriptions - these are for average people. Go early and stay late. Do whatever is there to be done.
Star performers don't waste time nor energy. They are focused on work during work hours. They practise the 80/20 rule: Do only the 20 per cent of activities that will produce 80 per cent of the desired outcome. They concentrate on what is important, not merely what is urgent. They associate with positive, energising people rather than murmuring, complaining energy-drainers. They get enough rest, exercise and feed their minds with a nourishing recipe of relevant information.
Average performers believe teamwork simply means cooperation and doing your part. For star performers, teamwork is joint partnership in setting goals and meeting commitments. They take responsibility for assisting others in solving problems and for helping to resolve conflicts. They have developed superior people skills in addition to technical skills. They concentrate on serving their team, not just personal success.
Star performers master their feelings of fear, anger, self-doubt, embarrassment or stress. They are what Harvard psychologist Dr Daniel Goleman describes as being 'emotionally intelligent' in his groundbreaking best-seller, Emotional Intelligence: Why it Can Matter More Than IQ.
The ability to persevere despite failure, to push through lethargy, to discipline oneself through boring routine activities; these all require masterful self-control. Emotional intelligence also includes the ability to correctly read others' emotional states and react accordingly.
These dark economic times are perfect for illuminating your own productive brilliance. Unleash your star potential within by adopting these proven strategies.
Glenford Smith is a motivational speaker and personal achievement trainer.