European voters are getting rid of austerity and there is civil unrest from Madrid to Athens. England and Spain are in double-dip recession. Austerity seems to be coming to and end, but is the idea of no more nation states coming to an end as well? Watch a really interesting video looking at how the idea of one world living in peace with no borders has been tried – and failed – throughout history:
Sarkozy, as we know, lost the election in France and Greece is in turmoil with the winners being the far left as well as neo Nazis. And it looks likely that Greece will leave the Euro.
Is the one world concept just a dream?
The Roman Empire, the Catholic Church, Napoleon, The British Empire, the Soviets and Americans during the Cold War and the European Union are good examples of attempts to unite the world under "one ruler".
People have dreamed about a united world for thousands of years. Probably since the beginning of time, actually. But so far, the concept has failed. Again, and again, the world has reverted to nation states.
Western idealists breathed new life into the European Union when the Berlin Wall fell. We were all pro uniting Eastern and Western Europe under one entity. To European free trade was added open borders and a single currency. Simultaneously the Americans got rid of a lot of protectionism. It all looked set for finally achieving a one world free trade market area. Free movement of labour was considered essential since the market would regulate everything. But it didn't quite work out that way, did it?
Do you believe libertarianism with the whole world united under one ruler, be it Napoleon, Hitler, the Pope or multinationals is now dead as a concept? Do we need to start dismantling everything that has been built up during the last 30 years in the name of libertarianism and go back to the way it used to be? Or do you believe we will be able to finally create a world in peace without borders? Maybe another option is that uniting the world has failed again but someone, somewhere will again in the future have a go at succeeding? Most likely, since conquering the world and be its ruler is probably the most intoxicating ego trip there is. But is it a realistic concept? It's all very well when things are working according to plan. But are people of different nationalities interested in showing solidarity with other countries in trouble? Doesn't seem to be the case in Europe at the moment.
A multitude of people are going through a tough time at the moment. Even millions of Europeans who have been spared for decades. When feeling hopeless, it's important to remember that what's not possible today may be possible tomorrow. Winston Churchill understood that nothing is impossible – the impossible only takes longer. He rallied the British people behind him, they went through hardship together but eventually succeeded:
The spirit of Churchill is well described in a book I came across by Robert H. Schuller with the title “Tough times never last – But tough people do” years ago in a bookstore in the United Arab Emirates. Loved the title so much I bought it. Unfortunately the book didn't live up to its wonderful title. But "Tough times never last, but tough people do" – that 's how life works, isn't it? No matter what happens you must never give up but keep on trying until you succeed. If not, you are doomed. You must build new bridges and move on. And that's simply not possible if you start feeling sorry for yourself. Be strong, positive, innovative and courageous and it's just a question of how long it takes before you achieve what you are aiming for.
Rome wasn't built in a day
But Rome wasn't built in a days, so don't expect results overnight. An Indian woman I knew in Dubai had a note by her desk saying “God's delays are not God's denials”, and that's so true. Sometimes it is as if life is testing you to see if you really have what it takes to succeed. If you give up whenever there's a set-back you will never succeed. And set-backs there will be, no matter what you try to achieve. It's just a question of constantly finding solutions.
Yes, it's boring I know. But what's the alternative? Everybody would like plain sailing but things are never as easy as they seem, unfortunately. So you have to have faith in yourself and your ability to succeed. If you don't have, why should anybody else?
Nothing is impossible – the impossible only takes longer
Nothing is impossible, the impossible only takes longer, as Churchill said. Now is the time for you to aim for the impossible. Because what's worthwhile many times seem impossible until you have succeeded. What's the point in aiming for something you are not passionate about? If you are not really determined to get what you aim for you will never succeed anyway but give up at the smallest adversity. And in times like these when things are really changing the odds of going for the impossible and succeed are even higher.
Be flexible and open to new possibilities
So set your goal, make a plan and start taking action to get there step by step. And be flexible since once you know what you want you will find new ways that will be milestones on your road to success.
Whenever I really want something I always succeed. It's just a question of how long it takes. Sometimes I even succeed way beyond expectations. The first time I was in Saudi Arabia on a short assignment for a business magazine I found it so interesting I wanted to spend more time there. So I made up my mind I was going to do that. Little did I think that once I was there again working for another publication I would be headhunted and become the only Western woman ever to have held a senior management position in a one hundred percent Saudi owned company in Riyadh. And not just a small company but a diversified conglomerate with 10,000 employees. Didn't even think that was possible.
Think big
Think big, aim for the stars! It doesn't matter if it's for your company, career or whatever, set your goals high. What's the point in using up the energy it takes to just achieve something mediocre? Dare, try, take a risk, learn and be determined. And don't count your chickens before they hatch. Keep your goals to yourself and just do it. When the road turns, turn or you will end up by the side of the road. Broadcasting what you are going to do to all and sundry isn't always a good idea. Not least since some will try to talk you out of it. What do you, for instance, think people would have told Obama ten years ago if he had told them he was going to be president of the United States?
You will be hit in the head a few times until you get reach your goals. But remember, the person who experiences most wins. All serious daring starts from within so make sure you are physically and mentally fit since not only does it make you happier, think better but it also gives you the energy to succeed, even when you have set-backs. Don't forget that people who have really achieved something big in this world have, on average, lost everything they had 3,1 times. Life isn't easy, but to make the most out of it is entirely up to you.
Criminal syndicates are increasingly turning from smuggling drugs to human cargo, and governments and law-enforcement agencies are, despite huge efforts, not able to do much about it. Watch Angelina Jolie talk about the desperation of refugees that make them turn to people smugglers:
Unfortunately it's not just between Africa and the Arabian peninsula people are being smuggled. And lamentably there is only so much humanitarian organisations can do to alleviate suffering.
Who benefits apart from the smugglers?
Frequently Africans are then smuggled from the Middle East to Europe at the cost of approximately $10,000 per person. The most popular destinations are Scandinavia and Britain. But once there some immigrants fail to integrate into society because they they really do not want to be in Europe, but because they can't make a living back home they felt they had no choice. Can't help thinking that all this is so unnecessary and the only ones benefiting are some vested interests and the gangsters making money smuggling them. The latter charge hefty fees of $10,000 per person but many migrants still die en route. Or remain in debt to the people smugglers with all that entails.
So how can we enable poor people to support themselves in their home countries hence depriving people smugglers of their lucrative income? Aid doesn't seem to do the trick, at least not so far. So why should more foreign aid suddenly be able to remedy the current situation?
Trade instead of aid
Am a firm believer of replacing aid with trade by helping developing countries trade themselves out of poverty. And the swiftest and easiest way of doing so would be to enable them to sell their agricultural produce on the international market.
The EU spends almost two fifths of its entire budget (EU budget for 2010 around 139bn Euros) on the Common Agricultural Program, CAP, and even pay European farmers to overproduce. Those products are then dumped at ultra low prises in developing countries, whose farmers are not able to produce at such low costs. Result – poor farmers become even poorer and developing countries even more dependent on imports to feed their population.
Scrap CAP and US farm subsidies
Scrapping CAP as well as US farm subsidies would thus go a long way towards improving the lives of poor people in developing countries and hence reduce people smugglers income. But chances of that happening are slim, unfortunately, since farmers are a strong lobby group in the US and out of 27 EU member countries only four are interested in gradually getting rid of CAP.
All consumers in the world would benefit from abolition of EU & US agricultural subsidies since agricultural products would suddenly become much cheaper. Less immigrants would would be forced to use the services of people smugglers since more of them would be able to support themselves back home. Less Westerners become farmers anyway, so why don't we press fast forward and make this world a better place for all, apart from people smugglers?
What's the point in depriving developing countries of their ability to trade themselves out of poverty? The only thing Western Agricultural subsidies achieve is preserving a profession that is in decline in the West anyway? Wouldn't it be better to take a more holistic view and find solutions that are beneficial to all, instead of just a few? We also have to improve the global trade regime that has been crafted over the years by the WTO to benefit not only multinationals in the North but also the poor in the South. But abolishing Western agricultural subsidies would make an excellent start.
Successful leaders have the power to inspire, motivate, and positively influence people. Well practiced leadership contributes to job satisfaction, motivation and productivity. JFK knew how to do it. Devote 4 minutes to watching Stacey Bredhoff explaining how he thought and communicated:
John F. Kennedy was an inspiring leader who, as we have seen, knew how to communicate. Men went out of their way to please him and women fell in love with him. Forgetting about the falling in love aspect, what is special about him and other inspiring leaders?
What characterize a great leader?
A strong set of values and openness, trust and true respect for others
Genuine humility and not afraid to show vulnerability
Regularly reflect and have an unquenchable thirst for learning
Bend rules, take calculated risks and sometimes guided by gut-feelings and tolerate this in other people
A certain amount of flexibility to adapt to circumstances and make real strides forward
Accessible and informal which is a very powerful motivator for their colleagues
Not only skills and training are valued but focus is heavily on attitude, because, without the right attitude and motivation, nothing worth while will be achieved
So why do these traits produce results?
Simply because pay is only one component of job satisfaction. Other equally important factors are respect and prestige and making staff feel good about themselves, their jobs and the company they work for. In other words inspiring leadership produces results by contributing directly to fulfilling many of people's emotional needs. Consequently it’s also fundamental for a leader to have people skills and emotional intelligence.
Passion to inspire
Unless you are passionate and inspired about something you can not inspire others. But even that's not enough if you don't manage to create and convey a memorable vision that people identify with and want to be part of. A good way to make your vision memorable is to tell stories to illustrate it.
It's not about you – it's about them
Your colleagues are asking themselves what's in it for me? Answer them and don't make them guess, because if you do there could be misunderstandings. People should feel they own your vision and understand where and how they fit in.
Bring everybody into the process
Employees, customers and investors should all be part of the process of reaching the vision outlined. It's your job to solicit input, listen to feedback and incorporating what you hear into your vision. That way you make people feel important and that they are doing something meaningful.
Convey optimism and hope
Everybody wants a better future. Churchill gave people hope during the darkest days of World War II. Optimism has a ripple effect throughout an organisation so you have to use positive and optimistic language.
Encourage and praise people
Praised people flourish just as when you criticize staff they shrivel up. By encouraging you connect with them. Genuine praise diminish doubts and spirits soar. And that’s exactly the kind of people you want to surround yourself with. Happy, optimistic and ready to go the extra mile to make your vision come true.
An interesting fact is that by inspiring your people you become the kind of person they want to be around. Customers will want to do business with you, employees work with you and investors back you. And it all starts with learning how to inspire and motivate. You want a company full of positive energy and buzz where people cooperate and encourage innovation and growth because they identify with what you are trying to achieve. And don’t forget the importance of fun. In successful companies people work hard but enjoy themselves while doing so. It’s a key innovation driver and as a leader it’s your job to inspire staff to enjoy what they are doing.
America's global supremacy is over, according to Brzesinski but he adds that the US still has an extremely important twin role to play. Watch him tell Chrystia Freeland why Vladimir Putin's election will reverse political evolution in Russia and how the US should handle Syria:
Few individuals have had as much influence as Brzezinski when it comes to shaping US global policy and hence the world today. Since Jimmy Carter was president the ideas outlined in his book "The Grand Chessboard" have been like a bible for US administrations.
One nation can no longer dominate the world
The days when one nation, or even one region could dominate the world the way Rome did 2,000 years ago, the Ottoman empire 500 years ago or the British empire a century ago, are, according to long-time national security expert Zbigniew Brzezinski, over. It's simply no longer possible.
Americans have to get used to sharing power
"The world is now much more diversified", he says. "There is a new east in Asia and a global population that is awakened politically". "America have to get used to the new world, in which their relative influence may decline"
He firmly believes a strong West is needed as a counterbalance to rising developing nations. The US should, in his opinion act as "promoter and guarantor of a greater and broader West".
Enlarge the sphere of capitalist democratic nations
America should, according to Brezezinski, take a lead in enlarging the sphere of capitalist, democratic nations in North America and Europe by integrating Turkey and Russia.
Avoid conflicts with China and Iran
Brezezinski believes it is crucial that America understands that it needs to avoid conflicts with China. "We have to accept their economic and political rise and that there is nothing the US can do to stop it".
US role in Asia is, in his opinion, as a "balancer and conciliator between major powers in Asia". America should learn from Britain in the 19th century when it stood aloof from conflicts in Europe and just tried to mediate. Instead of entering into a formal alliance against any major power in Asia i.e. China, Japan, India and South Korea, the US aim should be to mitigate conflict and promote cooperation and conciliation.
Western military action against Iran would in his opinion be seen as external intrusion and a cause for war in the Middle East and should hence be avoided.
Do you agree with Brzezinski that America will no longer be the one and only super power? Should the US take a lead in developing a greater and broader West by integration Russia and Turkey? Should America mediate between Asian powers and avoid military action against Iran? Should the US listen to Turkey and Saudi Arabia when it comes to handling Syria? Or maybe you are of the opinion that he is wrong and America will remain the one and only super power?
Will Europe's economies collapse due to fiscal austerity? That's the opinion of Nobel Prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz. Devote one minute to watching what he has to say:
Stiglitz simply cannot understand how Europe can hope to get their economies growing again with austerity, austerity and yet more austerity. Or as he put it "It reminds me of medieval medicine". Blood letting often made the patient even sicker. The response was more blood letting until the patient nearly died. "What's happening in Europe is a mutual suicide pact".
Austerity is needed when an economy is booming
When economies are waning austerity removes demand from the system as unemployment spikes. "There will not be a restoration of confidence as long as economies keep falling, and that will continue until (the politicians) change economic course. And I don't think that's likely", Stiglitz says.
Economists debating when and how the Euro will break up
"Among economists the discussion is not about if but the best way to end the Euro. It could be civilian upset that does it. Youth employment in Spain has been over 40% since 2008. How much longer will they tolerate that? The policies of the new government are more of the same medicine", he says and adds "except worse".
"The other way it may end is when the European Central Bank refuses to be the lender of last resort for some countries, precipitating a crisis. We can be sure that markets will be highly volatile and the end of the Euro will be a very severe disruption to the global economy", Stiglitz concludes
Do you agree with Joseph Stiglitz that Europe is making the same mistake as Herbert Hoover did that caused The Great Depression? Is the European austerity plan a suicide pact? Does demand in Europe need to be stimulated in order for the economies to start growing again? Will the Euro break up? Or do you believe austerity is the right way forward to make Europe grow and prosper again?
If so, you personify the findings of Edelman's 2012 Trust Barometer. Watch Chrystia Freeland talk to Richard Edelman about the current erosion of confidence in the workplace and governments:
Respondents in 25 countries indicate trust in government have declined with nine percent and that Brazil is the country where confidence in elected officials have fallen most.
Not surprisingly the debt ceiling debacle in the US, bailouts in the European Union, corruption in Brazil and India as well as the nuclear disaster in Japan are the main reasons behind the mistrust. And it's interesting to note that Westerners have lower faith in their governments than citizens of the developing world.
Half the public distrust companies
Businesses need to be regulated according to half the participants in the survery. And they are of the opinion that governments are not doing enough to rein in immoral companies. A high number of people would also like their authorities to increase consumer protection and ensure ethical corporate behaviour. It comes as no surprise that banks and financial institutions are least trusted.
Trust in social media on the rise
Traditional media and online search engines are still the most trusted sources of news and information but social media including blogs, networking sites and content sharing sites showed the biggest increase in trust this year. Surprising, considering the amount of incorrect information circulating on such forums.
Do you agree with the findings of the 2012 Trust Barometer and what Richard Edelman had to say? Have we lost confidence in authority figures? How can they build trust again and manage their reputations?There is now an opportunity for governments and businesses to lead in ways that earn trust. How would you like to see that done? Can they convince the citizens of the world that they are not about self interest but taking their responsibilities in society? Do you agree with Richard Eberman that confidence in governments and businesses will start rising again this year?
The prospect of war with Iran is headline news. But how prepared are we for cyber threats? Or worse, the prospect of cyber space turning into a nuke? Devote four minutes to listen to what a high level delegation from Europol, Israel, NATO, the EU and US has to say on cyber security:
According to a new report on cybersecurity by Security & Defence Agenda, a think tank in Brussels, Sweden, Finland and Israel are best prepared for cyber attacks. Better even than the United States, Germany and Britain, which is alarming since the latter three are more likely to be targeted than Sweden and Finland. India, Brazil and Mexico on the other hand, rank near the bottom.
More than half the respondents believe a cyber arms race is already going on and 36% are of the opinion that cybersecurity is more important than missile defence. Nearly half said that it's as important as border securiry.
Global agreement to share information recommended
Governments and private sector companies need to cooperate better on sharing information about possible threats. The public also needs to be educated and more attention being given to secure smart phones and cloud computing.
China lagging behind
Considering how active China is reputed to be in cyber warfare, it's surprising that the report finds that they are no better equipped to defend themselves than countries like Poland and Austria. Makes you wonder if the talk about China's super elite Cyber army is exaggerated? If not, why don't they make sure they are better protected against attacks? Provided, of course that the report has the right information.
Apparently the West is so far scrambling to bolster its capabilities as I wrote about in Cyber Warfare – hackers to the rescue? six months ago. Hackers are both a concern and possible assett when it comes to defense in cyber space. A few days ago Anonymous released a recording between the FBI and UK police discussing efforts against hackers. Once again, can't avoid thinking that it would be much better if the members of Anonymous and other such groups could give governments a helping hand. Let's face it they exist and could use their skills in beneficial ways.
US warns against Iran, China and Russia
On January 31st James Clapper, US intelligence officer told the senate that Iran is accelerating its activity in cyber space and warned that China and Russia have aggressive capabilities. Iran, Russia and China on the other hand accuse the United States of being the main agressor in cyber space.
What's your opinion? Do you agree that an arms race is already going on in cyber space? Are Iran, China and Russia as active as we are led to believe by US intelligence and the news? Did you know that 1,000 attacks a minute take place world-wide? Is a full scale online war more likely than a nuclear conflict? Is enough being done to protect us against attacks in cyber space? What more could be done? Will it actually go as far as an online war? If so, will it paralyze the world and who will be the winner?
You can't hide lack of energy and motivation since it's evident from how you carry yourself. Sit down somewhere and watch people walking and you will quickly notice whose got what it takes and who hasn't. How are you going to be able to move forward and create new beginnings if you don't have it? Who would hire or do business with someone without the drive and energy to succeed?
What kind of exercise you choose is entirely up to you. Personally I thrive on swimming, yoga, roller-blading and walking.
To be inspired will not be enough if you don't have both the physical and mental energy it takes to succeed. So now that many of you are between jobs you have no excuse for not exercising, sleeping enough and making sure you get the nutrition you need, both for your health and mental wellbeing.
At least half an hour a day
When you are tired and under stimulated you don't perform well and your results consequently leave a lot to be desired. So now is the time to change that. You have the time and it's not more expensive, or difficult, to lead your life in ways that give you energy. Are you getting the nutrition you need through what you are eating? Are you exercising enough? At least half an hour a day, now that you have the time? Are you sleeping enough? Have you got positive relations with the people around you? How about goals? Have you set them yet? And are you taking time out for yourself to be able to think and reflect on what is important to you and why? Not to mention learning from what is not working out the way you intended?
What kind of exercise do you do?
There is no set formula for this since we are all different. What kind of exercise you choose is entirely up to you. Personally I thrive on swimming, yoga, roller-blading and walking. But if you prefer football, jogging or whatever that's what you should do. Exercising makes your body produce endorphins, which is like a natural feel good drug. And yoga has the added benefit of completely removing stress if you breathe properly while doing it. Not to mention pranayama, the yogic breathing exercises, that have amazing benefits on your health an well-being. Sauna and steam baths are great too since you sweat out the negative energy.
You are what you eat!
Whenever I'm in a supermarket anywhere in the world I'm amazed at what people have in their trolleys. Not as bad as junk food, but almost. There is very little nutrition left in such food, so how about eating more fresh vegetables, fruit, whole-grain bread and other good sources of fibre? And to be on the safe side, take at least a multivitamin supplement to make sure you get everything you need.
Sleeping enough to recover and repair is essential. You may be one of the lucky ones that thrive on four hours a day or you may need eight? Personally I'm fine as long as I get six hours. Anything less and I'm tired. You know how much you need, so just make sure you get it.
Avoid negativity
Being surrounded by negative people have a really bad impact on you. How about trying to improve relations, when possible? Failing that I would suggest you just ignore negative people and the discouraging comments you get. Simply make an effort to be tolerant and accept that what he/she thinks is his/her opinion. We're all different and whose right and whose wrong?
Regarding goals, if you don't know what you are aiming for, where will you end up? Now is the time to decide what you really want to achieve in your life. But don't be too rigid since that may prevent you from even noticing other lucrative possibilities that come your way.
Make plans and evaluate
Getting time for yourself may be difficult, but it's essential in order to move on. If nothing else how about thinking through what happened during the day and how you could have done better just before you go to sleep? And then first thing in the morning thinking through and deciding what you would like to achieve during the day.
And whatever you do, don't feel sorry for yourself or, worse, start drinking or doing drugs, because then you really are doomed. Sitting at home watching television is not a good idea either. Read inspiring books about people who have achieved something, Dale Carnegie or other motivating authors.
Scientists have actually proven that flowers and plants make us more creative and able to come up with innovative solutions to problems. So get out in nature and get energy. Not only is it delightful but it also brings you closer to your goals. Even buying a plant will have a positive affect on you. So what are you waiting for, make an effort, get more energy and succeed! No health – no wealth, is another way of putting it.
In my opinion the mission of a successful leader is to make sure colleagues know more than he/she does about the tasks each of them are carrying out. Have interviewed a multitude of heads of states and without failure they had several advisers present who, if necessary, filled in regarding details and areas the president didn’t know about.
Nobody’s perfect
So why do so many heads of companies and organisations believe they have to know everything there is to know? In today's business climate it's impossible to master everything. On top of it it's futile to try to know everything. Nobody does. So don't make your business dependent on one or two people only.
It's the leaders job to make sure that the company rests on a huge platform of knowledge and competence. And to ensure the staff really know what they are doing, not that you beat them to it in every respect.
Are you competing with your staff?
Are you a leader that gets stressed by colleagues knowing more than you do? How about looking at it as the day your staff are more skilled in what they are doing than you are, you have succeeded?
Leaders that competes with their colleagues are detrimental to the organisation they are running. Compare that with Ronald Reagan, a good example of a leader who didn't know everything but surrounded himself with experts that did and listened to them. Another prime example is Richard Branson who delegates to qualified people. And it's no secret that they are both regarded as very successful leaders. So how about following in their footsteps and make sure you thoroughly master the art of leadership and allow your colleagues to be experts at what they are doing? If you do, you will not only succeed as a leader but make sure your business flourish as well. Provided of course you listen to the experts you surround yourself with.
