Do you want to sharpen your creative picture taking instincts? Do you want to combine new ideas with your current projects and techniques? These techniques will be better executed with digital cameras and meant as some direction or guidelines to taking ‘better‘ pictures. You are your cameras best viewfinder!
Why digital as opposed to film you say? You don’t have to buy tons of film if you are learning new ideas and trying different things and also you see the results right away.
That being said some of these photos were taken with Polaroid film. Polaroid has such an expressiveness to the colors and creates unique one of a kind images every time. The film is expensive but worth it. Once you get some basics down, experiment with film.
1. Perspective- Ansel Adams once said, “A good photo is knowing where to stand.” Explore your surroundings and take multiple shots from various angles. Look for vantage points that capitalize on the best available light, ones that have the least. Shoot from far away, get close, even closer, lie on the ground, use a ladder. Hold the camera above your head, tilt it at crazy angles. Stand right next to your subject, move with it or even walk around it. The main idea is to investigate normal and radical perspectives.
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2. Unequal Space- Vary the amount of distant between your main subject and the pictures edge. This makes for a more attractive composition and flow for the viewers eye to move around.
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3. Framing- Try to use various elements to form a visual ‘frame‘ around another element. This helps to direct the viewers eye and lead to the more important elements. Here are some examples from the Natural Framing Flickr pool.
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4. Horizon Line- Place the positioning of the horizon line above or below the center of your subjects.
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5. Cropping- Dead center is usually not the most interesting shot. Cropping tightly, or aggressively, into the subject creates dynamic visual space between the subject and the edges as well as dramatic imagery.
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6. Intentional Empty Space- Just like Unequal Space but more dramatic. Sometimes less is best.
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7. Shape- Simple geometric shapes are familiar and the basics of every form. Simple shapes can create order and sense within an image. Look out for interesting shapes and patterns in everyday objects.
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8. Lines and Curves- A painting professor I once had said that every curve was made up of tiny straight lines, this stayed with me. A curve is both relative to and different from a line. Find something you see everyday and breakdown your composition into lines, curves and shapes.
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9. Visual Texture- This can be made up of anything that densely fills the image. Look out for ‘Harmoniously Organized‘ texture like a close up of a man-made pattern. ‘Harmoniously Disorganized‘ such as a field of wheat or blades of grass on a lawn. ‘Chaotic‘ like a garbage dump.
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10. Depth- Draw the viewers eye in and back through an image. Consider various points of view that amplify depth like a pathway in the woods or lines on the road.
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11. Spin- Add some movement to an image by shaking the camera or moving around to add some motion blur to subjects that are standing still or stationary. Try this awesome spinning technique provided by Photojojo that makes for the coolest shots of kids having fun!
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12. Motion Shots- Shoot subjects that move to fast for the human eye to follow and see clearly. The technical aspects of shooting motion are easy: a fast shutter speed (or the action or sports setting) will freeze motion, a slow one will introduce motion blur. Also, check out this French photographers work with this idea…hang on!
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13. 360 Panoramic- Taking shots individually as you turn your body around. Later you can stitch these together in Photoshop. Feeling like pushing it further? Try creating your own planet aka “Polar Panoramas”- now that is cool! Click thumbnail to view full image.
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14. Composites- Using the same technique as the panoramic but with this just shoot freely without any order or grid. When you have your images downloaded to your computer later put them all into one Photoshop document and compose the scene. Check out the Panography photo pool on Flickr for some creative inspirations. Click thumbnail to view full image.
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15. Beautiful Decay- Expand your definition of beautiful and look for worn down subjects either man-made or natural. Ugly can be beautiful.
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16. Clouds- Clouds have endless variations and possibilities. All you need to do is stop and take pictures of them and you will see the beauty. Point straight up and shoot!
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17. Shadows/Reflections- They can transform an ordinary object in something artful or abstract. Teach yourself to notice not just the subjects,but the shadows and reflections they cast.
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18. Light Painting- Using a longer exposure setting place your camera on a tripod and grab yourself a small pen light or flash light and ‘draw‘ with the light or shot your subject in the dark and use a ‘bulb‘ setting for a long exposure and use a flashlight to ‘paint‘ in the light. Another variation of this would be to hold your camera and move it around the light source or simply set your cameras self-timer mose and just before it clicks toss the $350 camera into the air, just be sure to catch it. Check out these creative light painting photographers and what they are doing with the technique. Here is the Camera Toss Flickr pool. here is their groups description:
This is a “technique” group, and the technique here is regarded by some as insanity. For we are the reckless folks on flickr that enjoy the abstract, chance, generative, physical photography that results from throwing our cameras into the air (most often at night in front of varied light sources).
It is about trading risk for reward in the pursuit of art. It is not about being a photographer, it is about enabling the photography that happens naturally when you let go of the process, give up control, and add a hell of alot more variables. It is about physics, gravity, angular momentum, acceleration, direction, chaos, and timing… most of which you have tenuous control of at best!
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19. Light Direction- By exploring various points to light a subject with artificial or natural light, you can get the best possible image. Bounce light off of the ceiling, point the light right at the subject or from the side. Create a silhouetted effect and point the light at the backdrop, called backlighting, or experiment with alternative light sources like candles.
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20. Night Shots- Working with relatively low lit situations can be tricky but also very rewarding. The semi-abstract look of night shots can be great at evoking mood and emotion. I took this shot at dusk with a toy Holga camera with a blue filter. Photojojo has some great tips for taking some “Sparkling Firework Photos”.
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21. Intentional Overexposure/Underexposure- Add some style and visual impact to your shot by either overexposing or underexposing the image. Use the cameras flash at close range or by pass the flash altogether.
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Chris Winfield in the Associated Press: ‘Digg Fires Google for Online Ads’
Jul 26, 2007 by Chris Winfield | Press
Yesterday I spoke with AP reporter Jessica Mintz regarding Digg’s decision to ditch Google in favor of Microsoft to serve their contextual ads. The story came out last night and is appearing in lots of different places today. Here were my thoughts from the article:
Digg’s decision to defect may not dent Google’s balance sheet, but it’s still a blow to lose such a hot Web 2.0 property, said Chris Winfield, president of social media marketing company 10e20 LLC.
With Digg and Facebook under its belt, Microsoft may be able to seal deals with other social networking sites. For Digg, though, the decision could backfire.
“Linux and Apple have always been two of the most popular things on Digg, while Microsoft, the RIAA, things like that, have been two of the most hated things,” Winfield said.
“For a user, they look at it and say, ‘Now, all of a sudden, you’re doing a deal with the devil?’”
Jessica did a nice job covering the story and got a really interesting quote from Digg CEO Jay Adelson about Microsoft:
They’re a young ad service, they’re innovative, they’re willing to work with us on the cutting edge.
It’s not too often that you hear anyone describe anything Microsoft as young & innovative. Is that a knock on Google (too stuck in their ways at the top of the mountain) or a sign that Microsoft was willing to go the extra mile to win their business? Sounds like both to me…
Check out the complete article here on CNN or with a nice dramatic graphic on ABC News.
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In a move that is sure to raise a lot of eyebrows around Diggnation, social news network giant Digg has just announced that they are going to be ditching Google and moving to Microsoft to serve ads on the site. Digg co-founder Kevin Rose on the Digg blog:
Hey everyone – I wanted to give you a heads-up before the official announcement is made later today. We’ve signed on Microsoft as our new partner to sell and serve the ads on Digg. It’s a deal similar to the one Facebook signed with Microsoft last year.
Kevin compares the deal last year that Facebook signed with Microsoft. A refresher from last August:
Facebook and Microsoft Corp. today announced a strategic alliance in which the two companies will collaborate to bring relevant advertising to the more than 9 million registered users of Facebook, the Internet’s leading social directory. Microsoft’s advanced advertising technology and Facebook’s unique social network make possible the multiyear collaboration grounded in the two companies’ commitment to technological innovation.
This follows Digg’s decision to add a Microsoft category to the site back in February. I was always wondering why there was no Google one added as well considering the amount of Google stories on the site…
Any way you look at this – its a big score for Microsoft and a blow to Google, maybe not in terms of huge ad dollars but in terms of a high profile defection.
Should be fun to follow the comments here on Digg 
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Everyday I see numerous new posts about Facebook. How to get started | why you should use it | everyone is using it | you aren’t using it? | its the *insert word here* killer | etc. But rarely have I seen anything about how a professional can use Facebook and actually get something good out of it. Well Web Worker Daily has a good post with 12 ways:
1. Think of it like personalizing your desk. Only display on your profile what you’d put on your desk.
2. Look for old co-workers and current connections. Many times you can find more people here then on LinkedIn and stay connected better.
3. Add friends selectively. Despite what you might think, its not a popularity contest. Think quality over quantity.
4. Add apps selectively. There are over 2000 Facebook apps that you can add. A lot aren’t right for you. Only add the ones that are going to help you.
5. Edit your news feed preferences. Set your preferences so that you are only being alerted when something happens that will be useful to you. Someone adds a new picture: No. Someone adds a new contact: Yes.
6. Edit your profile and security settings. Be selective showing what to whom. In most cases you don’t want to use the default settings which will probably show more information than you would like.
7. Incorporate the tools you’re already using into your profile. If you’re already using Digg, Twitter, etc – then add them into your profile. Run a blog? Publish the feed. In short – make your profile work for you.
8. Join Groups related to your business interests. Just like in real life, there are a lot of dumb groups on Facebook . So stay away from them and hunt down the few that can really help you. Cut through the noise and find the ones that will help enrich your day and grow professionally. One hint: see what your respected contacts are joining as those might be good matches for you.
9. Limit time wasted on Facebook. You can easily sit there and waste tons of time on Facebook. That doesn’t help you professionally – at all. Set limits for yourself. Or access Facebook from your mobile when you are in the car/on the train/etc – the mobile version is great.
10. Be philanthropic. You’ll be helping others, which is good karma. But you will also look good to your contacts in the process.
11. Ask Questions. The My Questions app is a great way to tap into your contacts’ knowledge en masse.
12. Look for events. One thing I have found is that the best online relationships are supplemented by face-to-face networking or meetings. Use Facebook to find these opportunities – they are out there.
Arguably one of the most competitive niches online is pharmeceuticals (pills). There are a couple of key searches that it is a good idea to always keep an eye-on to see how the search engines are handling them. The more competitive of a niche, the more innovative & risky strategies you are likely to see.
One such search is buy Viagra. Typically the top 10 is filled with .edu sites but Google has pruned a lot of them out and currently there is only one left. So who’s ranking high now? Social network Reddit.
The #2 result is for Reddit “user” buy_viagra_online. Still need more evidence of the authority power of major social networks?
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Yahoo Mobile: Pinpoint Advertising and Search Marketing
Jul 18, 2007 by Jake Matthews | Mobile, Yahoo!I am a huge fan of browsing the web on my mobile device (a Blackberry 8830 World Edition from Verizon Wireless). In addition to great telephone reception and a speakerphone, the browser helps to load web pages quickly. It downloads full images and HTML pages really well and it browses mobile versions of sites with great speed and efficiency. The roller-ball mouse is a really sweet feature that makes navigation a breeze.
One of my favorite mobile Web Sites to go to is Yahoo! Mobile. I love checking Yahoo Finance, Sports and my Yahoo E-Mail (Yahoo! Mail Beta is FANTASTIC) But since I spend so much time on this site with this device, I explored a bit further into Yahoo! and the Yahoo Mobile Privacy Policy. They have a table of contents for this which includes:
So how does this situation relate to marketing? It was interesting to browse through this because there are some facts about browsing Yahoo Mobile that I did not know:
Under #2:
This is interesting because Yahoo is saying that they may look to show users services based on the type of phone that they have. I also find this interesting because it implies that Yahoo can change up the way it presents information based on the type of device and the service provider that you use.
It goes on to say…THE INTERESTING PART: “Yahoo! may use and store this information to provide enhanced location-based service as well as to serve location targeted-advertising.â€
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Hertz
www.hertz.com/lesnyc
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Marketing and Advertising Efforts + Disregard mobile advertising = long term struggles Marketing and Advertising Efforts + Pay attention to mobile advertising = long term success
We could go a lot deeper into conversion rates and such…
Other Web Sites and blogs covering the Yahoo and Google Mobile subjects:
Marketing Pilgrim – Andy Beal and Paul Bennet on Google AdSense
I’m sure there are others, so please chime in anyone and let us know where you are covering this.
Yahoo! information and resources addressing mobile advertising and publishing:
Yahoo!
Yahoo! Press Release on oneSearch for Mobile Publishers
As a side note, I’ve downloaded Google’s
Yahoo!’s complete privacy policy
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The arts are called ‘creative‘ fields because there are no predetermined correct answers to problems, infinite variations in interpretations and applications are possible. But there are some things that can help you out…
Design is concerned with seeking visual solutions to problems, and planning how to correctly arrange elements. An artist has the same search for the best way to express an idea. Depending on the field a designer or an artist will have various elements that need designing. They may be a set for a play, a clock, traffic signage, website graphics, dance choreography, or even painted symbols. But all of them need follow some design principles as well as basic fundamentals.
Content is what you want to say, Form is how you say it.
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1. Looking
Get sources from nature, history and popular culture. Being visually sensitive means that you may find things in nature that others tend to overlook. Looking with special interest through the history of art and design to find connections and relationships that appeal to you and your work. Contemporary mass culture/media has been influencing us long before we even became designers/artists, these influences shape our self image and personal relationships.
2. Create a Library
When you find what your looking for compile a collection of your own images whether they are personal photos, magazine clippings, fine art, illustrations or even stamps. This can be a sure way to ignite creativity and also aid in the creation of the work in a more indirect way.
If you are someone who has had many projects, you know how important it is to be organized. If you have everything scattered around in different locations, then you will be slowed down tremendously. If you are OK with having everything cluttered, that is fine. But you will have to think about how this will effect you in the future. What happens if somebody else has to work on your project?
4. Brainstorming
Anything goes here, and this can open the door to many interesting new ideas.
5. Rough Sketch
Get all the ideas and composition of a design out before hand quickly and easily. If you work on the computer, pick up a pencil and some paper before the mouse is touched.
6. Recycle Old Designs
This is not always easy to do, but taking some elements-provided you haven’t sold the rights to the client- from an old design and incorporating it into a new work can be a fresh way to add some life to a project as well as getting you to think creatively.
7. Simplicity
Simple is not boring. Novice designers often think they need to decorate, make it fancy. Generally the opposite it true. The best way to attract and hold the attention of busy people is through clean, functional design/art.
8. Chance
This is the opposite of design, it happens by accident not by planning. But you can plan for ‘accidents‘ to happen and if you do not like the result wipe the slate clean and try again. This is where you exert control over chance. Taking risks can yield some of the most fantastic of results, learning to ‘control‘ chance can be a powerful tool.
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SOME OF THE BASICS
9. Unity
If there was one ‘rule‘ this would be it. All the elements in a design should look as if they belong together, a visual connection must exist beyond chance. Similarities and repetition with shape, color or texture are needed to create a pattern. The viewer should be able to see the whole, before any one part of the design. (Penguin Book Cover / Penguin Book Cover / Bradbury Thompson’s 1945 book cover)
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10. Repetition
Humans love pattern. An element in the design repeats in various parts to form a relationship with the design as a whole. The element that repeats can be color, texture, angle or shape. Repetition can create strength and cohesiveness. (Penguin book cover / Knives, by Andy Warhol / desert photo by Gerolf Kalt)
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11. The Grid
By divisions of space, organizing elements into a pattern or grid creates complete unity, but sometimes it can be a bit boring. Variation or changes in the grid can be more interesting to the eye. Shapes may repeat, but in various sizes. Colors also, but varies values. (100 Cans, 1962 by Andy Warhol / Design with Type book cover / layout from a poetry magazine project by dailyinvention)
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12. Emphasis
We are constantly barraged with images from advertisements, TV, books, magazines, newspapers and the Internet. We take the abundance for granted and this makes the designer/artists job that much more difficult to get the attention of the viewer. Without the viewers attention the message is lost. Nothing will guarantee that you will attract the viewers eye but one device that can help is a focal point or emphasis. This initially attracts the eye and can encourage the viewer to look further. Multiply focal points can be used, but use caution. If too many points are emphasized it may become confusing. If everything is emphasized, then nothing is emphasized. (Semi-Permanent book cover / A sudden gust of wind (after Hokusai) by Jeff Wall / Cuban sports poster designed by Jesus Fornjåns 1970)
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13. Absence of Focal Point
Since the focal point is such a common artistic device, sometimes attention can be gotten by just not using one. Sometimes the whole surface may be emphasized and there is no one starting point or visual climax. (Mode and Module book cover / Lavender Mist by Jackson Pollock / Kurt Schwitters dada collage 1922)
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14. Scale
Scale and proportion are closely tied to emphasis and focal point. Large scale in proportion to other elements creates an obvious visual emphasis. Mediocre design often fails to exploit relative scale differences. If everything is the same size then nothing stands out. (Au Juice magazine cover / “The Results of the First Five-Year Plan” designed by Varvara Stepanova, Russian Constructivist 1932 / poster design by Lissitzky)
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15. Balance
Defined as a distribution of visual weight within a composition. We create an axis through a composition and a balance of weight is expected to be seen on either side. Symmetrical balance is the simplest to create and the most easiest to recognize. It is when one side becomes the mirror image of the other. Asymmetrical balance is achieved with dissimilar objects that have equal visual weight or eye attraction. Just visualize the riddle, “Which weighs more, a pound of feathers, or a pound of lead?” The both weigh a pound but the mass of each vary tremendously. This is the essence of asymmetrical balance. (Truce magazine cover / Human Groups Penguin book cover / Greek Pediment / Magazine cover 1938 / photo by Hugh Sitton)
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16. Rhythm
This refers to the movement of the viewers eye through repeating motifs. Rhythm implies a clear repetition of elements that are the same or only slightly modified. Rhythm is a basic characteristic of nature.(Atari Coleco ad / The Computer Tree graphic / Cuban ballet poster designed by Ñiko Pérez 1974)
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17. Line
A line is created by movement and since the eye tends to follows it, a line also has the potential to suggest motion. Line is capable of infinite variety and has a curious power of suggestion and expressiveness. Direction of line can be a very powerful characteristic. Horizontal lines imply repose and quiet, maybe because of our associations with rest or sleep. A vertical line suggests a standing body with the potential for movement. But the diagonal line, more than the others, strongly suggests movement. A leaning body (skiing, running, skating) is changing and exciting. (Jackson Pollock at Moma / Warsaw theatre poster designed by Jan Lenica 1964 / Paul Rand book cover design 1956)
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18. Shape
Defined as an are created by an enclosing line or color with a clearly defined edge. Pictures can exist without color, texture or without line but rarely do they exist without shape. (Signet Signal Symbol book cover / Impression:Sunrise by Claude Monet / Milton Glaser poster designed before 1970)
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19. Abstraction
A distortion and simplification of natural shapes to their essential, basic character. Details are ignored. This can created a more interesting image for the viewer. (Portrait by Pablo Picasso / Sculpture by Henry Moore / Poster from the United States Federal WPA project)
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20. Positive and Negative Space
The location of the dominant shape with a composition immediately organizes the negative, or empty space, into various shapes. Figure and Ground are other terms used to describe this. The subject in a painting would be the focal point, but the negative areas are equally important in the overall effect. (Roman Cieslewicz: Master of Graphic Design book cover / Soviet movie poster “Fragments of an Empire” designed by Georgi and Vladimar Stenberg / Swiss graphic design book cover)
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21. Texture
This refers to the surface quality of objects. Texture appeals to our sense of touch, even when we cannot feel and object our memory supplies a sensory reaction or sensation. Texture can be used to show contrast, smooth elements working off of rougher ones. (Shepard Fairey: Post No Bills book cover / Medicom Toy Manual book cover / poster designed by Waldemar Swierzy)
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22. Illusion of Space
The illusion of depth or space within a two dimensional image can be achieved when elements are overlapped, arranged by vertical location-elements higher up are considered to be receding-or shown in some kind of perspective. (Russian Constructivist film poster utilizing photomontage, designed by Georgi and Vladimar Stenberg / Swiss Graphic Design poster)
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23. Transparency
When two forms overlap, and both are seen completely. Transparency does not give us a clear spatial pattern. This uncertainty within a design can be more interesting to view. (Pages from New Graphic design by Piet Zwartz / poster design designed by Peter Brattinga 1960 / poster design by Robert Bereny 1932)
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24. Illusion of Motion
Movement is an important consideration in art and design. Movies and film can show us motion, but the static image can only imply this. Much of the implication of movement in art/design is caused by our memory in a process called kinesthetic empathy. This can be seen in a line, a body, or even an object. Repetition can also show motion as well as blurring of forms and lines. (Aviation school poster designed by Kees van der Laan 1933 / poster designed by Machteld den Hetog 1934 / poster designed by Yusaku Kamerkura / Bring In ‘Da Noise Bring In ‘Da Funk series designed by Paula Scher / poster design by Max Schmid 1958)
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25. Value
This is the term for light and dark. An areas value is its relative light or darkness in any given context. The type on this screen are only visible because of the contrasts in value from the white background. Specific value combinations can evoke different emotions. (poster design by A.M. Cassandre 1927 / “Thoughts on Design” by Paul Rand 1946)
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26. Color
This can be a very complex subject and the word ‘color‘ has so many different aspect. Color is a property of light, and not an object itself. Color adds visual interest and can be used for emotional purposes or in a more intuitive way. We often refer to color as either ‘warm‘ or ‘cool‘ and these are learned associations of color. Warm colors advance and cooler colors recede, this relationship can be used to establish depth and volume. (Cuban movie poster designed by René Azcuy Cardenas 1970 / Travel poster designed by Machiel Wilmink 1929 / Paul Rand’s 1968 war and peace poster)
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27. Contrast
This is the most effective way to get noticed and set different elements apart. Dark areas advance, or stand out, while light areas recede, or hang back. Dark areas also have more weight in terms of balance. (Cuban poster designed by Alfrédo Rostgaard 1965 / Cuban poster designed by Fausino Pérez 1983 / Poster design by Craig Frazier 1987)
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Looking for a new way to attract talent to your organization? Follow P Diddy’s lead and turn to YouTube.
So far Diddy has received over 10,000 applicants who have all responded via a taped video that is then uploaded to YouTube. Want the job? Be sure to follow these guidelines:
1. Upload your video interview to YouTube and sell yourself
2. Keep it to 3 minutes or less
3. Tag it as “diddy assistant”
So what are the benefits of this?
Get people who are familair with new technology. Would he really want someone as his assistant who can’t make a simple video and upload it?
Exposure to a massive amount of people and weed out unqualified applicants quickly. First impressions are everything…
Your employees will see that you think outside of the box – and you will attract people who also do.
Potential job hunters – get those video resumes ready as we are going to see more and more employers try things like this in the future.
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Many months ago, I spoke to Shaheen Samavati for a story she was working on about what goes into a successful website development project. Last week Shaheen emailed me to let me know that her story had been published in the Cleveland Plain Dealer (Ohio’s largest newspaper) in a story titled ‘Clear Sited‘ (PDF version). Here are some of my thoughts:
It all depends on what you can afford and what you want out of the site.
“If you’re a local deli and your menu doesn’t change much, your main goal might just be to get your information online,†said Chris Winfield, president of 10e20, a New York Web design and search engine marketing company. In that case, a very simple Web site might do.
and
And make sure to ask for references, Winfield, of 10e20, said.
“Anyone can say they designed Amazon.com,†he said. “So you want to talk to Amazon.â€
Comparing prices is also important. One company might charge $10,000 for a product you could get for $3,000 somewhere else, Winfield said.
The story is aimed at small businesses but has some good guidelines for companies of all sizes to follow.
Direct link to online version of ‘Clear Sited’ (registration may be required).
PDF version of ‘Clear Sited’ (opens in a new window).
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Do you consider yourself as someone who’s “in charge?” Do you manage and motivate other people to accomplish a task or get work done, other than yourself? If so, you’re probably in some sort of managerial role.
But are you a leader? Believe it or not, there is a difference. Managers, well, manage people. They sort out what it is that has to be done, and then make sure the right people do it. Leaders, however, share a unique vision with people and supply the necessary values and skills to move people to really want to accomplish things; leaders touch people emotionally. If you consider yourself a leader, or are interested in becoming one, you must first understand that becoming a good leader is a process, one that never ends. Here’s a few tips (actually 99 of them) to guide you on your journey to becoming a better leader and manager.
Planning & Strategy
1. Understand what the core principles of being a leader are. It’s not about power, but rather about installing direction and influencing others to follow that direction.
2. Do you have the character traits to be a successful leader? If not, can you learn them?
3. There are different ways of managing people; Develop a leadership style.
4. As a leader or manager, you’re constantly soaking up information. Know how to properly collect that information.
5. Know how to use proper coordination between people and technology.
6. As you build your machine, know how to maintain it.
7. Constantly analyze progress.
8. Be prepared. Not every disaster will involve nature, but the process of preparation can be the same.
9. Use prevention methods, keeping filth out of not only your trash cans but out of your employees as well.
10. If a bomb does drop, be ready to recover from it and move on.
Team Building
11. Know how to hire good employees.
12. During the interview process, make sure to ask the right questions.
13. Compensate: know when and how much to pay your team.
14. Build trust; this has to work both ways (you trust your team and your team trusts you.)
15. Develop and communicate your vision so the team can help achieve goals.
16. Show commitment to those goals and ask the same from your staff.
17. Understand the core value of employee inclusion and it’s effects.
18. Interdependence – making sure your employees are sharing responsible principles.
19. Guide your team by being a strong influence, and let yourself be influenced by other leaders.
20. Control the climate or the feel of your organization.
Communication
21. Make sure you are aware of proper etiquette, especially amongst other business elite.
22. Ethics play a huge role in both the workplace as well as your company’s image in your industry.
23. Strong public speaking abilities will help you get the message across to larger groups.
24. Keep your employees up-to-date with things they need to know.
25. Don’t be shady with your team.
26. Be aware of not only your body language but everyone else’s as well.
27. Improve your listening skills.
28. Speak clearly and concisely.
29. Develop your ability to negotiate.
30. Make sure to keep your cool when dealing with difficult situations.
Build Trust & Confidence
31. First, be sure to really understand the definition of trust.
32. Try to believe in your team, and work extra hard to find the good in people.
33. Reduce your sense of competition, as well as the same within the company.
34. In order to accept new people, things, and ideas into your life, you’ll need to have an open mind.
35. Appear more creditable and real by allowing yourself to show a little vulnerability.
36. Be prepared to face your fears, because doing so will conserve your energy and empower you.
37. Know your strong points and when to use them.
38. Work hard to improve on your weak points and shortcomings.
39. Look at yourself in a different way.
40. Exude confidence and your charisma will draw people to you.
Time Management
41. Setting goals will help you focus on getting important things done first.
42. Have an action plan you can use to achieve those goals.
43. Stop procrastinating, and you’re attitude about work will change.
44. You can’t do it all yourself; know when and how to delegate work.
45. Get rid of any and all kinds of distractions while working.
46. Keep track of your life by writing things down.
47. Learn to say no; you’ll save lots of time focusing on the most important tasks.
48. Just like in college, you can’t party and study at the same time. Try to keep a schedule.
50. Know your bad habits (and how to break them).
Being Responsible
51. Show character by being responsible for your actions.
52. Be responsible for your name, brand, and company.
53. Make sure you practice what you preach.
54. As a responsible leader, you must always be aware of what you’re saying.
55. Create responsible employees, but also be responsible for their actions.
56. Assume responsibility, even if something is not your fault.
57. Take care of your health. If you don’t care for yourself, why would anyone think you care at all?
58. Teach responsibility to others, including your children.
59. Constantly work on building a strong team.
60. Showcase social responsibility.
Never Stop Learning
61. Continue to build your leadership skills by reading management and leadership books.
62. Subscribe to some of the many business and management magazines on the newsstand today.
63. Keep a leadership blog to document your learning.
64. Don’t feel ashamed to take some online leadership courses; it’s always good to brush up on things.
65. Attend management seminars.
66. Find yourself a mentor; their wisdom will prove to be priceless.
67. Hone your skills through community involvement.
68. Don’t be afraid to learn from your employees and associates.
69. Embrace new technology, for it will only help you grow smarter.
70. Understand and learn from yourself.
Become a role model
71. Maintain a positive attitude – always.
72. A great leader portrays strength before power.
73. Lead by example.
74. Demonstrate acts of chivalry.
75. Treat customers and coworkers with respect.
76. Be sure to dress for success.
77. Always encourage others; they will probably encourage you back.
78. Be calm and show patience in your efforts.
79. Know how to properly manage life’s disappointments, both inside and outside of work.
80. Value all life.
Know When to Be Real
81. Show your employees (and customers!) that you really do care about them.
82. Know that it’s okay to share your emotions from time to time.
83. Allow people to see your shortcomings.
84. Try not to sugarcoat things because you’re afraid of conflict.
85. Do not lie to your employees about what’s going on.
86. Times will come when you have to put your foot down and correct employees when they are wrong.
87. Be sure to look and learn from your employee’s vantage point.
88. Promote job “ownership”, even if it entails seeing the ups and downs of business.
89. For everybody’s sake, make sure you have a life outside of work.
90. Have fun at work! It will show..
Give Back
91. Make it a point for you and your business to donate to charity.
92. Or, start your own charity or benefit.
93. Help your employees learn and develop.
94. Good leadership means sharing your knowledge
95. Give raises to your team; just be mindful of how you do it.
96. Recognize good performances and award it.
97. Give your employees discounts and perks.
98. Use your skills and knowledge to write a book.
99. Reach out to youth and become a teacher.
You may be thinking to yourself, “how can I learn how to be all of these things?” You can’t, at least not all at once. Understand that becoming a better leader can only be done by growing, learning and practicing. It will take a lot of time and even more effort, and is not going to be learned overnight. Just make sure each and everyday, both at work and in your personal life, that you take the time to better yourself as a person and strive to make the world around you a better place as well. People will start to take notice, and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to becoming that great leader you always wanted to be.
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