I would love to read about your personal perspective on Network Marketing and why it's a good and worthwhile endevour.
Thanks Tony.

An excellent book about this topic is "Rich Dad's - The Business School for People Who Like Helping People" by Robert T. Kiyosaki.

Debt, debt reduction,how to get out of debt. I don't feel I can be an effective leader unless and until my own personal debt is reduced or eliminated. Steve

I am have the same thoughts as Steve. Any additional insights not covered on the recent CD on financial common sense. Marty

Recently I have reread Gods Plans for your Finances. I have also taken extensive notes on Haugens CD and Laurie Woodwards CD. In addition to these, last week I finished Richest Man in Babylon. This book helped me to narrow down even further a practical approach to divide up my income for success in all areas, including debt reduction. With all of these resources combined. we have just paid off our first debt!!! Infact, I accidentally overpaid and they owe me $24.97!!!! I hope this helps!!!

I would love to read more about free enterprise and the history of America. I enjoy the expositions on successful American entrepenuers that blazed a trail of success.

Thanks O,

Raymond

I would like to know where you go to personally learn about the presidential candidates and what they stand for. Do you rely on their websites? I believe we all want to make an informed decision and we could use your tips on how you study about each candidate and what steps you take in making an informed decision. Thanks!

some things about how to strive to have a great marriage either to make a good marriage better or a failing marriage go the other direction because I know some things have been said early in team that have helped me a lot. thanks hope you have a great new year.

Economics, history and philosophy--you do a wonderful job of making those seemingly comlex areas simple and understandable.

I'm 65 years old, and my wife and I joined team about one year ago. During my 40 years following my Lord Jesus, one of the mottos has been "forsaking all you have, take up your cross and follow me". Now building business seems, at times, to run contrary with this motto. Any insight?

Matthew 28:19 says "go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit". How many disciples can you have if you are a terrible leader? How many if you are a great leader? I believe this business is one of the best ways to make both those quotes happen.

You might like to read Pastor Dickie's book "A Biblical Perspective of Wealth". I learned a lot from that book. Happy New Year!

Orrin,
Thanks for your commitment to excellence in whatever topic you tackle and for not avoiding to tough issues. Obviously you have a firm belief in the validity of the Bible. I would love to hear your perspective about what the Bible says about the last days and the 1,000 year reign of Christ and how that has affected your passion for making a lasting impact. If this is a little too far off topic, I understand. (Do you feel like grabbing life by the mane?)
Anthony

With the Iowa Caucuses coming on Jan. 3rd and New Hampshire primaries on the 8th it's going to be an eventful week in politics. There are a lot of people who will be voting in the next few months so maybe we could discuss some of the candidates and issues that will determine who the next leader of our country will be. I've come to the conclusion that you can't rely on cable news networks for acurate information on anything, especially politics. I would much rather have the combined knowledge of those on this blog. Thanks for this opportunity to learn and grow.
-Bert

I too would like to read some thoughts about the upcoming election from a leader such as yourself, Orrin. What do you think it would take to spread the leadership principles and knowledge we have gained from Team enough to effect the presidency? What do you think about some of the candidates? Their moral & integrity & character?

Here's a topic that I personally struggle with and could use some mentorship on... how to balance learning and growing as a leader with extracuricular activities (games, sports, etc.).

Happy New Year to all!

Vido, I strugglled with this problem my first year or so with the TEAM. I was taught to prioritize what I was doing, were games, sports, watching TV getting me closer to my Dream or farther away? What I`ve learned is being in sports, going to sporting events, watching TV were burning up alot of Time which was what I didn`t have alot of. So I chose to Read, Learn, Associate at meetings with peolpe I wanted to be like, Orrin, Chris, Tim the TEAM. See I`ll be what ever I choose, and in that choice is my freedom or mediocrity. I`ve now been with the Team 4 years it has change my life. I`m a way better husband, father, friend, son than I ever was before the Team. Hopefully this will help you, you can do this but you must prioritize your choices. Thanks JW

Orrin-looking forward to many areas of enlightenment on this blog--History of America (the real truth) ,Leaders biography's from business, sports, politics(ex. great one on communism),economics and finance, Christianity, continue with Leadership development, goal setting-just to name a few areas-also an occasional book review/recommendation like Bob Dickie did relating to his training as a runner--again thanks for your support and encourangement - you are appreciated Orrin--be free coach

Hello Orrin and Happy New Year,
Your blog is one of the things that helps me each day. It is like a small shot in the arm to get me going, or, if I have not read it early, and find myself listening to myself rather than talking to myself (i.e., negative thougts rather than positive ones) I will take the time to go to the blog and read it because I know it will help self-correct my thinking in one way or another for the day.

I guess the things which help me the most are the Historical Biographies (it is always nice to know that the things we are learning apply to flesh and blood, breathing bodies), leadership (why it is needed and how to do it), and Culture/Trends. The Culture War is one that is very important and every month (dare I say DAY) that passes just proves more and more why such a war is necessary.

I really believe we can make a difference in our society. The Lord used Twelve men to accomplish a great task. TEAM can use everyone who will join and do the same thing.

I appreicate you calling this "our blog." It helps us know that what we think is valued and appreciated. Once again, Leadership At It's Best. Thanks.

Edward

Orrin, What skills does a person need to communicate his Ideas to people on his team the importance of being on the training system. What books could I read?, what cd? I try to be an effective leader, but fall short of being able to communicate the importance, and reasons behind system. Thanks JW

I love to read these postings on Leadership. How about watching Leadership in motion? When a topic comes up, if someone has a great video clip that demonstrates Leadership, let's share it. For example, the movie trailer from Amazing Grace, even though it is short, demonstates several Leadership traits including Wilber's 'passion for the cause' of ending the slave trade. You can find it here; www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6Cv5P9H9qU . I would suggest watching the entire movie, it has great lessons on Leadership. Orrin, what are your favorite movies? God bless are you leaders in 2008! Randy

Orin,
On some of your cd's, you said you were never a people person. Could you share some of the information that helped you overcome this obstacle.

Here is another great video clip that Chris Brady's blog discussed last week. Rocky talking to his son with some great words of wisdom.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479143/trailers-screenplay-E31443-314

Chris Brady’s Leadership blog discussed about being tough. Being tough does not take away from being loving, understanding or compassionate. As Rocky said in the latest sequel Rocky Balboa, "In life, it's not how hard you can hit, that counts. It's how hard you can get hit, and still be able get back up and move forward (slightly paraphrased)." Toughness is not about hitting, it's about taking shots and staying the course anyway. It's about responding to life's termoils properly. It's about enduring. It's about attitude. It's about perseverance and resolution.

Anyone have any more great clips? Randy

Randy, Orrin and Chris,
WOW! I just looked at this film clip. If Rocky Balboa/Sylvester Stallone isn't on the TEAM, he should be.
DaveC

Orrin,

It has been a blast learning from this site over the past couple of months! I appreciate the discipline it takes to make this an effective blog! You, along with the rest of the fellow bloggers, have made this such a great learning resource for me personally!

Since you asked for advice on additional topics for '08 I thought I would give you a few:
1. Leadership Life Cycle - maybe discuss what a leaders growth cycle might look like
2. How to spot potential leaders within your organization
3. The importance of daily habits
4. Servant Leadership (this never gets old!)
5. How to be a good teamplayer
6. Leadership Landmines and how to avoid them
7. Leadership Blind Spots
8. What makes the best leaders the best leaders
9. Talk about a personal growth plan/strategy
10. What compounds your leadership potential
11. More about building relationships - How to make others feel like a million bucks!
12. How to leave a legacy instead of building a resume
13. The importance of checking your ego at the door
14. How to lead leaders
15. How to make personal changes

These are just a few topics I was thinking about. One idea that came to my mind is that maybe we could have a "blog book of the month" that we could discuss. Thanks again Orrin for your continued inspiration to keep growing and learning. I feel I am growing everyday and know that if I continue to grow each day than one day I will see the compoiunding results of many days lived well. I look forward to growing with you for many years to come!

Best,
Matt

More on Coaching and Great Coaches you have read and studied and what makes them great!

Thanks Orrin for our many opportunities you have exposed us to. Our lives have changed drastically since you shared some leadership princilples with us in our basement some years ago. As many of us know you, Chris, Bill, Tim, Doug, George, how bout sharing some Leadership backgrounds from our new Leadership Brothers like Billy, Randy, Chuck, Lantz, and others. We know they are outstanding people too. Happy New Year and again thanks.
GOD bless you.
Brian

Hello Orrin!!

Thanks so much in advance for your continued effort in the coming year of your dedication to this site. It is certainly a worthy and very valuable tool in leadership development.

I know that you and Chris have surely discussed in depth the contents of your next book. Mentoring. Just a thought, but I would love to see more information here on the subject. As I continue to work on my abilities as a leader, the one area that I struggle with is the mentoring of others. It would be invaluable to have access to some of the information that will be included in that book, even before it is written. :)

Thanks again and may God bless you and your family as we embark on a new year. It's gonna be a fun one!!!

Rick

With the election rapidly approaching, I would like some political insight. Particularly, I would like to know what you look for in a good candidate, and what issues you think are most important. When trying to distinguish between candidates in the same party, it is sometimes hard to determine who is the best fit to lead. While I realize we may not like any of the candidates available, we still need to vote for the person most equipped to lead our country. Your thoughts on this particularly and even any of your thoughts on specific issues in the political forum would be fantastic. Thanks

I can not find at this time the book or author's name but he made the observation that in our secular society, it views people of religon as does a zoo keeper his animals. There is no problems as long as they stay in their cages and don't disrupt society at large. This is where true leadership confronts the current belife that we are outmoded in our following the God of creation and required to answer to Him for the life we live, the decisons we make. True leadership is opposed by the refusal to accept responsiblity for our guilt.

Orrin,

I would like to read your thoughts about mental endurance, specifically the most effective actions to strengthen and build personal mental endurance in ourselves and others. I see so many examples today of the lack of perserverance. People no longer seem to have the knowledge that generations before us had, a generation who had the daily opportunity to witness perseverance. I believe the warriors of old have been replaced by non-warriors engaged in xbox, video games, instant messaging, etc.

Do you find that we as a nation are mentally weaker, people just giving up at any sign of conflict, pushback, or upset - spouse not putting the toothpaste back, it's raining now I can't be bothered excel or build my family's future. Why is there only a handful of people that excel in sports, business, singing, or anything to do with talent. Is it lack of mental endurance? Can mental toughness be taught and if so, how would you teach it? Outside of physical competition whether it's in the sports arena, military training, or in the gym competing against oneself, is it possible to help more people develop to the point of taking the challenge of mental endurance on themselves? I find a large percentage of the population are not exposing, or will not expose, themselves long enough to gain the experience of the pain leaders in their professions go through, whether mental or physical, to live the benefits of this pain. In today's society, what would you suggest that I could do to further develop mental toughness and endurance in myself and to teach others (short of 6 months of forced boot camp)?

The articles and examples in history of leaders with vision and how they cast their vision to others is awesome information. More would be outstanding ! Also, the topic of goal setting.

Happy New Year
Bob & Sheila

HAPPY NEW YEARS!!!! 2008 <>< ORRIN, FAMILY AND ALL THE TEAM.
What topics or subjects I would like to read on this blog? Makes my head spin, thinking about it. So many GREAT articles. Orrin never stop, never stop, never stop.... So I'll just pick one. I'm in the apprentence mold, learning to become a leader. Maybe some day, a great mentor.
1. I wish, as this blog grows, more leaders would share their first 90 days in the TEAM. Remember when you were the first circle. What you had to overcome. Please share with us, your first circle challenges. Remember your mine fields!

God Bless Everyone
BBNQ Freedom Co.
Dave GBAmerica

I would like to start off by wishing everyone a happy new year. I have suffered for years from the delusion that everyone thinks and feels the way that I do, until I read "Personality Plus".
With that said, I wonder just how many of you feel and think the way that I do. Keep in mind that patience has never been one of my strong points.
Pacing like a lion in a cage.
Wound up tighter than a spring.
Bursting at the seams.
Chomping at the bit.
Quivering with anticipation for the sound of the starting gun.
OK. I will take some deep breaths now. For so long I have been just
existing, doing the bare minimum, floating along with the current, and being extremely unhappy.
I joined the Team on August the 13th, and since that date my life has been Revolutionized. Each day is squeezed of everything I can learn from it. Reading, listening, learning, associating with people of
like minds. Please accept my profound appreciation to all of you on the same journey. I am praying to understand what is the very best thing to be doing and learning every day. Opportunity has been the only thing I have felt is lacking in my life, but for some reason I think that is about to change. I wish all of you the blessings of opportunity in your life and future for the new year.
Orrin, thank you so much for this blog and your insights to leadership. Keep on Leading Brother.
Ian from Texas

Orrin,
I'm from Haiti.Today , Haiti will be 204 years old. On january 1st 1804, a group of men and women, former slaves, led by Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines declared their independence from what was at that time the bigest monarchy in the world: France of Napoleon.
Not only did they free themselves, they shared ideas, money, weapons and wariors of freedom with others including the young United States, Venezuela, Ecuador, Columbia...
What can we learn from the results of those countries in term of leadership?
My point is that the difference between Haiti and the United States is leadership and its corrolary media war.
What's your perpective on this issue?
Wishing you and your loved ones the best for the new year,
Roosevelt Jean Francois

Hi Orrin,

Views and insights on the upcoming presidential canidates will be a great topic of discussion! Thanks--Happy New Year! 2008-Ain't it Great!

Lori S.

Orrin,
I did not answer this survey right away because I wanted to wait and see what other readers were thinking and saying. Boy, did they respond! Have fun trying to implement all the good ideas that readers have offered in response to your survey. All that I can think of to add is to give a slightly different spin to two suggestions. First, I would like to hear more about the leaders who have joined and are joining TEAM from outside your own personal line of sponsorship (so to speak). I know that some organizations who were formerly associated with TEAM have broken that association, and I am not interested in hearing about them, but I would like to hear about those who have stuck with TEAM and those who are joining TEAM every day.
Second, I would be interested in learning more about your new book on mentorship. I think we all need to learn more about this important subject from both sides: finding good mentors and being a good protege to those mentors; and becoming a mentor to others. I was thinking that you could use this blog as a forum to sort of beta test the ideas for your new book.
Thanks for listening.
DaveC

Dear Orrin...a very Happy New Year to you and Laurie! I had a friend visit from the Lakota (South Dakota) Nation yesterday. She is a school counselor who teaches character building classes. Her dilemma is not having current-day Lakota (Sioux) or other Native American role-models for her class discussions. This is a challenge that she welcomes with wholehearted appreciation. Thanks!
Diane R.

Hi, Orrin
This leadership blog is awesome.
Quote "To climb the ladder of sucess, a person needs to take his hands out of his own pockets".
Thank-you for everything I have learned from you and continue to learn as I have listened to your TOP
TEN CD's in last couple days to help me become a better leader. They were AWESOME.

Loyal G.

Hey Orrin,

I don't get the ERM series, but I would love to hear your perspective on spiritual warefare and taking spiritual authority.

Happy New Year Orrin! I would like to hear more about character and integrity and persistence. More about the power in pushing through even when it seems like you can't do it - obviously, you have experienced what it's like to overcome obstacles and to do it in a way that preserves your honesty, character and integrity. I think for many of us it is difficult to press on when it seems that the top of the hill is so far away.

thanks for all that you do!

Ann

I really like the history lessons. I was never good at in school and I have really enjoyed learning about history in a way that I can understand it. maybe because now, it's that I want to, not that I have to. I say keep up with the history.

PS I know that some people are looking for financial advice (ie get out of debt) my husband and I took a Dave Ramsey course. He has a no nonsense plan to help anyone get out of debt. what most people don't understand however, that debt didn't occur overnight and it can't be fixed overnight, but knowedge is power and his course is written so that anyone can follow the "baby steps" and get out of the mess they may be in. The first step being plastic surgery... cut up the cards!! use debit or cash only! I know that is what you (Orrin) recommend but I think that this society is definately a "fast food" society. We have definately learned our lessons and have agreed that saving up for something is far more worth while.

We look forward everyday to read your thoughts. Our prayer is that you would continue to be used and lead by the Holy Spirit, keep casting the vision for the future. I love the biopics and the insight on past events with the application to our lives today. Forgiven2

on the topic of the Holy Spirit, I would love to see more men get their HEART back and live with PASSION.

"All men die, but few men ever really live".

What better example then Orrin and Chris then to live with the courage and passion to live and die for our Savior Jesus Christ.

"The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force" - Matthew 11:12

Happy New Year to everyone and thank you Orrin for this blog site, My wife and I have really enjoyed the perspective on so many diverse areas as well as the comments from the readers - active participants. We have both been involved in education (actually my wife is currently part of the senior admin team in her school division and has used a number of our system books) and we would love to get a take some direction of education in the future. Another area we would greatly appreciate is ladies leadership. WE have 2 daughters 18 and 20, and there all sorts of pressures on young women and women of all ages when it comes to leadership and their role in society. I have so much respect for the strong women on the TEAM such as Laurie who have become women of strength. Certainly an entry by Laurie would be awesome. Thanks again for all you do. God bless!
Sheldon

I would love to have more information and resources on focus. I know Brian Tracy's book "Eat That Frog" is a great resource, but I never know if the steps I'm taking are moving me to where I want to go. I know that examples from other up and coming leaders on the TEAM would surely help. How do you think/pray through your day? What goes where, when, etc.

Orrin, I will leave it to your judgement as to the subjects, however, we are unable to read or print your articles because they are too wide for the screen. Is there anyway this can be solved for us. Probably just a techical problem, but one that keeps us from using your articles to full advantage. Thank you. Moving toward a million one TEAM member at a time. JoAnne

Hi Orrin,

A topic that I have a great internal drive from is LEGACY. Personally I choose to believe, and dream that I will leave a legacy to continue on among generations, and I want this legacy to have far reaching impact over many years, through many people, and through my own family line in order to create a continuing legacy through my children and their children and their children etc... etc... .

It is my opinion that when a legacy has not been set by a past generation that a family is lost in the direction that it must take for the future. You have addressed this before in past talks when talking about how people are losing connection with their past, and just living a "do whatever feels good" lifestyle with no purpose. This is why I believe that a legacy must be sought out, created, and then built upon not just for now, but for future generations so my purpose will become not only the seeds for what I can do, but the foundation for all whom I have served.

Also I must say I appreciate the fact that as a Leader you have once again humbled yourself in asking for topics.
It is a sheer pleasure following in your footsteps.


Thanks, Ryan Hall
Team OF Excellence

Orrin:

Of the many, many topics that come to mind, along with all the others that have been written, I would be very interested in the following:

1. Vision and Legacy: Historical examples, books to read on it, stages of growth in a vision, affect that someone had on history, etc. I think of Chris' CD The Ramifications of Character (Team 278). I'm sure this could be a whole series.

2. Perhaps just one or two articles on how you, Chris, and the rest of the Policy Council read, study, and implement books: How often do you cycle through specific books and how do you choose them, why and when to key in on certain topics, do you make sure that you cover a minimum number of topics per month (relationships, economics, history, etc.), how you priortize specific items from a book to act on, how you take notes, etc.

Thank you so much. Owen Derry

Hi Orrin!
I love listening to yours and Laurie's stories about your children and how you teach them and influence their lives. We have 2 girls (12 and 16). I would like to hear some thoughts on leadership for parents with teen and pre-teen children. How to handle their growing need for independence and individuality without compromising the Christian values we are trying to instill in them. All the best to you, Laurie and your children. Thanks for everything you are doing. God bless!
Maribel D.

Orrin,
I loved the "list your favorite cd's" ( although that is a tough list, there are to many to choose from ). I think It would be great to read comment's on book's in our system. It's always helpful to hear other perspective's, as well as hint's to promote them.
Thank's for all your doing to advance the TEAM.

Paragon

Orrin - first of all thanks for your all your effort on this site. It has a positive impact daily. I would appreciate any insight you could provide on dealing with adversity/criticism associated with false/negative accusations. It seems today that people are quick to jump to conclusions (perhaps the wrong conclusions) due to lack of information. Negative information tends to travel so much faster than positive, especially with today's media and the Internet. I see negative feedback on politics, jobs, cities, sports teams, opportunities, etc. If you could comment on evaluating credible resources and filtering the mass quantities of information available to us today, it would be greatly appreciated. In addtion, as I strive to lead others to leadership development, I have came across individuals that have ran into negative information about the TEAM. The slighest bit of doubt derails their leadership journey. Any comments on helping others overcome critics would be extremely helpful. -Mitch