ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira has said that the present government of PPP is determined to lead all efforts for the development of free and independent media in Pakistan and the government would continue to keep close coordination with journalist community.

He expressed these views while talking to a delegation of Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists PFUJ here in his offices. The PFUJ delegation was led by its president Mr. Pervaiz Shaukat. Issues of constitution of 8th Wage Board Award , non-implementation of 7th Wage Board Award, non payment of salaries to newspaper employees other problems faced by journalist community were discussed.

The delegation thanked the Minister for issuing orders for the constitution of 8th Wage Board Award and appreciated him for his journalist friendly policies. The delegation also included Shams ul Islam Naz, secretary PFUJ, Shehryar. NNI

Islamabad: ACCA Pakistan held its first Annual Membership Ceremony at a local hotel in Islamabad to celebrate the remarkable achievements of ACCA members who have successfully completed their exams, professional experience requirements and a module on professionalism and ethics.

Federal Minister for Education, Mir Hazar Khan Bijarani was the chief guest of the ceremony while Ms Sabah Rashid, Financial Management Specialist, World Bank and ACCA member was the keynote speaker.

The evening commenced with welcome remarks by Mr Haroon Jan, Head of Business Development, ACCA Pakistan. He congratulated the new members on their success and lauded the contribution of their employers including PTCL, Mobilink, UN, WHO, SECP, A.F Ferguson Chartered Accountant & Co., Auditor General of Pakistan, KPMG Taseer Hadi & Co, Ford Rhodes Sidat Hyder & Co, Citi Bank N.A., Wateen Telecom (Pvt) Ltd., Telenor Pakistan (pvt) Ltd and ZONG, for providing them training and development opportunities which enabled them to fulfill the practical experience requirement of ACCA Qualification. Mr Haroon Jan added that, “There has never been a more crucial time for accountants to continue to show their true value. Over the last 18 months, as a systemic banking collapse has evolved into significant worldwide recession in many countries, a range of presumptions about accounting, organisations and society will be questioned – and we believe that the role of the accountant will emerge into a golden age as a champion of sustainable value in business.”

While congratulating the new ACCA members, Mr Bijarani, Federal Minister for Education said that, “I must commend ACCA for adopting a forward thinking approach in designing its curriculum as it ensures that its members perform to the best of their academic and professional abilities and also demonstrate high standards of professionalism and ethics” He added, “As a professional accountancy body, ACCA Pakistan has not just worked to benefit the profession but I see its endeavours closely aligned to the business benefit ensuring that its members enjoy the elevated repute of this professional accountancy body”.

In her keynote address, , Ms Sabah Rashid, Financial Management Specialist, World Bank said that “I can assure you, from my experience, that in line with its commitment to lifelong engagement with members, you will always find ACCA’s policies and initiatives highly important and relevant to your professional needs and aspirations.”

Later, certificates were presented to the successful members by the honorable chief guest and Mr Haroon Jan, followed by a dinner.

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Environment has announced Green Journalist Award for the working journalists to encourage them to play active role for raising awareness on environmental issues and to promote healthy competition among them for raising awareness on environmental issues. The Award would comprise an Acknowledgment Shield and varying amount of Cash Award for different categories.

These awards would be given on eve of the World Environment Day on June 05, however, as already announced (in the calendar of activities for the National Year of Environment 2009) excellence award would be given in December to the journalists showing good performance for highlighting the environmental issues during National Year of Environment 2009.

The Ministry of Environment has requested the journalists working on environment to furnish three (3) best entries of their published articles/ features, news, photograph and telecasted/ broadcasted news/documentaries regarding the environment during the period of the June 06, 2008 to May 15, 2009 through their organizations not latter than 21st of this month. The journalists may submit their entries to the Deputy Director (Media) of the Ministry in the Local Government and Rural Development Complex, G-5/2, Islamabad .

The Federal Minister for Environment Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi speaking in this connection has said that to bring a visible improvement in the rapidly deteriorating quality of air, water and land, to mitigate the effects of climate change, deforestation, industrial pollution, vehicular pollution, problems related to water and sanitation, solid waste management, energy conservation, rehabilitation of failing ecosystems, wetlands and other challenges in the Environment sector of Pakistan, it is necessary to create awareness in the general public and make them aware of the pressing concerns by dissemination of information on environmental degradation through means of mass communication particularly through print and electronic media.

The Minister said that the general trend in the past, the environment had been the least focused area in the media. That is why engaging media, in special reference to National Year of Environment, has become imperative to give proper coverage to environmental issues. NNI

ISLAMABAD: The 53rd Authority meeting of PEMRA Friday granted five (05) licenses for satellite TV channels which includes first ever satellite TV channel targeting Agriculture sector in Pakistan. The Authority also approved the licensing regime for satellite TV channel distribution at various public places such as airports and railway stations, a PEMRA statement said.

One license to SZABIST for establishing FM Radio station on non-commercial basis was also granted by the Authority. Besides, 395 licenses for cable TV and one permission for Landing Rights was conferred by the Authority in its 53rd meeting. The Authority also revoked six (06) licenses of cable TV and one (01) for satellite television.

The Authority also approved the proposal for capacity building of PEMRA officers, so that broadcast media in Pakistan could be regulated and promoted in befitting manner. The meeting was concluded with the resolve to take initiatives for the growth and stability of broadcast media in Pakistan.

The meeting was presided over by the Chairman, PEMRA. Other members of the Authority, present in the meeting were the Chairman FBR, Secretary for Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Secretary for Ministry of Interior, Chairman PTA, Chairman NEVTECH, Executive Member, PEMRA. NNI

ISLAMABAD: According to a Gilani Research Foundation survey carried out by Gallup Pakistan, majority of the Pakistanis (57%) believe their children should adopt a profession of their own preference instead of forcing them to pursue a career of their parents’ choice. However, medicine is parents’ most favorite profession for their children.

When the respondents were asked, “In your view, should children adopt a profession of their parents choice or their own liking?” most of the respondents (57%) said children should be able to choose a profession of their own choice while 42% believe that parents should choose their children’s line of work. The results show that a slightly higher percentage of women want their offsprings to choose a career of their own choice, as compared to men more of whom want children to listen to them with regards to choosing profession.

In a follow up open-ended question the respondents were asked “Which field of occupation would you like to send your children into?” It is seen that majority (23%) want their children to go into medicine and become doctors. Thirteen percent (13%) want their children to do government jobs/civil services or find a job outside Pakistan, 12% prefer their children to become businessmen, and 11% would like their children to teach. Nine percent (9%) prefer engineering jobs and 6% like military jobs for their children. The rest of the respondents mentioned law, banking, police, skilled labor and others as their choice for their children’s profession.

The study was released by Gilani foundation and carried out by Gallup Pakistan, the Pakistani affiliate of Gallup International. The latest survey was carried out among a sample of 2758 men and women in rural and urban areas of all four provinces of the country during February, 2009. Error margin is estimated to be approximately + 2-3 per cent at 95% confidence level. NNI

3rd May, 2009. The Freedom of Press Day Observed All Over the World.

Freedom! One wonders what could be the exact base of calculating the freedom of press in Pakistan. Pakistani media has been claiming the interference of governing authorities preventing it from working independently always. Bearing in mind what media presents to us as evidences of victimization, we would really have to accept the claims.

The number of reported crimes committed against the working journalists in Pakistan during past few years has increased dramatically. A number of journalists have been victimized and harassed to prevent them from working independently or reporting the truth in its real soul. While working under huge pressure and tense conditions, a few of our brothers have lost their lives even. People like Moosa Khan Khel Shaheed and all the other martyrs of the journey of truth have really given a new life to this sacred profession of journalism. As a common man I feel a strong need to salute all those unsung heroes of the nation, who for the sake of truth; honesty and for the cause of bringing the hidden reality out, have lost their lives. Their unprecedented services towards the nation and honesty to their cause have given them a place in the history of the media industry in Pakistan leaving them immortal.

Their services to the nation though are not hidden but a nation like us; who already had a lot to suffer in the past few years and have literally got insane status, it seems obvious to stay quite and remain silent on anything even extremely unusual happening around us. We just seem to have forgotten everything. Our lives do not stop. We keep moving, no matter what happens around us. We have become so insensitive that even the biggest tragedies seem to pass through without a whisper in our ears. Our minds and hearts are frozen; we are numbed. Today is a day to reunite and promise again to our own selves that the candle that our martyred brothers have lit will spread light forever and we will fight for it to remain lit forever.

I strongly believe a forum to appreciate and tribute the unsung heroes of Pakistan is the need of the hour. The youth of today is aware of the situation and they do recognize the services of such people but they have not been given proper space and place to speak their minds up. It is only because of all those people that we know; the little we know about out history. I want the readers of the Pakistan Times to join hands with me and appreciate the unsung heroes, the silent unknown soldiers of the journey or our nation through times. The topic may seem unusual and irrelevant on a day like today but as they say the time is always right to do a right thing, and I am confident of what I am doing.

I feel a real need of an open forum, where the people of Pakistan come and express there appreciation and tribute the working journalists of Pakistan, who under extreme pressures have managed not only to bring the facts in notice of public but some times the ruler of the time too.

How do we, as a nation see the role of the media in our society and how influential it has been to our lives is my question to all of you?

A detailed point of view is what I am expecting. Are we really aware of the fact that how hard things are for the media and persons associated with the press fraternity of Pakistan? Please come ahead, speak your heart out and appreciate the services of those unsung heroes of the nation.

A Red Salute to The Press Community of Pakistan

(No Hard Words No Harsh Feelings for No one at All.)

God Bless Pakistan.

Pakistan Zindaabad.

An Ordinary Pakistani Man!!!

NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD: Prominent Muslim scholars and leaders have strongly condemned extortion of “Jaziya” by Taleban from Sikh community in Pakistan.

A statement signed by Syed Shahabuddin, former member of Parliament and ex-president, All-India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat, Mufti Mukarram Ahmad, shahi imam, Jama Masjid Fatehpuri, Delhi, Dr. S.Q.R. Ilyas, member, Muslim Personal Law Board, Dr. Zafarul-Islam Khan, president All-India Muslim Majlis-e Mushawarat and many others said,

“We, religious, political and community leaders of the Indian Muslims, are alarmed at the reports coming out of Pakistan’s tribal areas about the Pakistani Taleban’s kidnapping, extortion of huge amounts of money from their Sikh compatriots as “Jaziya” and demolition of the houses and shops of those who fail to pay the demanded sums.

“We would like to say that ‘Jaziya’ is a tax paid in an Islamic state for exemption from military service by healthy non-Muslim adults who are free to follow their vocations without restriction or fear, and that there is no other tax payable by them after paying this tax, unlike Muslims who have to pay various taxes including Zakah and have to perform military service as well.

The statement further says, “Jaziya” was payable by non-Muslims only in lands conquered by Muslims like Egypt, Syria and Iraq but not in unconquered areas. The statement said that “Jaziya” has not been levied on non-Muslims today in Muslims states for the simple reason that non-Muslims in these countries pay all taxes payable by others.

Prominent modern Islamic scholars are of the view that “Jaziya” should not be imposed as non-Muslims in Muslim states pay all taxes paid by other citizens and shoulder all the duties, the statement said.

“We wish to make it clear that the imposition of the so-called “Jaziya” is nothing more than extortion by an armed and lawless gang which does not constitute a sovereign government or state or even an organ thereof. Moreover, Pakistan’s tribal areas are not “conquered lands” as their non-Muslim population has been living there for centuries. These areas were part of the British India and became part of Pakistan as a result of partition.”

The Indian leaders demanded that the Pakistani authorities take earliest steps to retrieve the extorted sums and pay them back to their affected non-Muslim citizens and facilitate their peaceful return to their homes and properties in their traditional homelands and give them all due protection.
Pakistan’s former Minister for Information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman also called Taliban’s demand of “Jaziya” from Sikhs in the Orakzai Agency a criminal act which must be condemned in no uncertain terms. She condemned eviction of Sikhs from Orakzai Agency saying, “They are Pakistani citizens and enjoy equal rights as Pakistani nationals.”

Courtesy : Arab News

ISLAMABAD: Like other parts of the globe, World Press Freedom Day was observed across Pakistan on Sunday with an aim to encourage and develop press freedom initiatives and spur assessments of the state of press freedom. On the day, the journalist organizations arranged different seminars, conferences , walks and several other programmes, highlighting the importance of freedom of press and role of media and its responsibilities.

The Press Freedom Day was first introduced by the United Nations on May 3, 1991 to highlight the basic principles of press freedom. During the conferences and seminars the participants acknowledged services of those journalists, who have rendered their lives in the line of duty.

On the occasion, the journalists from print and electronic media and representatives of civil society also spoke and highlighted significance of the Day. The Day has also focus on the potential of media in fostering dialogue, mutual understanding and reconciliation.

UNESCO also marks World Press Freedom Day each year by bringing together media professionals, press freedom organizations and UN agencies to assess the state of press freedom worldwide and discuss solutions for addressing challenges. In his message on World Press Freedom Day 2009, the Director-General of UNESCO, Kochiro Matsuura, stressed: “We must strengthen our efforts to build a media that is critical of inherited assumptions yet tolerant of alternative perspectives; a media that brings competing narratives into a shared story of interdependence; a media that responds to diversity through dialogue.”-APP

I can hardly be creative writer but I am keen observer. So, I always observe whatsoever may come my way. Today, my writing is based on my personal observations.

When we have aim, we probably have an ideal; Personality, or Organization i our mind and we benchmark it. We try to follow our ideal person that how he/she planning, organizing, controlling, sustaining consistency, leading and implementing without knowing it is fine to achieve our goals. We think that today our ideal is dominant instead of successful, we do follow him/her without analyze our circumstances, which is based on our resources and responsibilities. Sometimes, we see someone’s red face and make our face red by slapping our face.

I personally think that we people have deficiency of analytical thinking. Analytical thinking can be improved by strong observation, exposure, and examples; failure of others. I firmly believe that if we strengthen our analytical thinking, we can be successful in any domain of life whether it is domestic affairs, business, exams, responsibilities, national affairs, job, etc. I know there are people who will not agree with me.

In this regard, I will try to explain the true story of my observation; this story is of my friend’s family. When I was just in first grade of my school age, my friend’s family had house in posh area of one of the big cities of Pakistan. His father was talented, so he left prestigious and lucrative  Govt. job, and move to Saudi Arabia to do some business over there. There is no doubt that he would have some business experience but no business ethics, which is based on savings. Because, saving money is a key in the development of business.

If someone has strong vision in life, he has to maintain discipline in life. Well, come to the point, he spent few years over there in food industry, and earned a lot, but system for foreigners especially for people of Indian Subcontinent is futile. There is dependent system (Kafeel system), if someone from middle class background wants to do business over there, he has to be dependent on Saudi Nationals, who actually are ignorant. These Saudi nationals have share in profit of any business that is running Pakistani. If businesses grow drastically, these Saudi nationals take over it. [i probably would call them exploiters] Eventually, these Pakistani foreigners do not have any choice to do something independently, because Saudi Government still do not accept them as their nationals even there are developing Gulf region for last 5 decades. Don’t you think so; it is unethically according to Islamic school of thought for such apex state for Muslims in the World.

Moreover, he earned lot money in business in food sector, but ultimately, Saudi national who has authority to take over the business did it well, because he has authority to do it. In this regard, he changed his Kafeel many times, but some time he got soft hearted one. I think it is done by some low exposure of Saudi Kafeel System and unluckiness. In this process, one of his close relative was inspired by him, and he was young fresh graduate with no International exposure and extreme low level of understanding of responsibilities and analytical skill. This young guy did not think about anything but was motivated enough to do something in life. This young man was only focusing on his uncle who was just 15 years older than him.

The young boy was not thinking about his family’s responsibilities but only following to his uncle, probably he can’t see anything else in the World but only his uncle. He thought he was his ideal, and earning money and fame, and he wanted him like that. His uncle sponsored him to come into Saudi Arabia, and joined him in his new business venture. They both worked hard and implemented a business idea in the same food industry with new Kafeel. Few years this business grew dramatically, they earned millions in this venture, but did not save a penny and live life with full of extravaganza, but eventually failed because of high expenses, inconsistency, miss management and bad relation with Kafeel.

The young boy returned to Pakistan, and tried almost every business field, and gradually failed in every new started business venture. Whatever he earned in past days, and from his father’s saving he wasted and depended on some relatives. He still possesses same traits of business from his teacher, to whom he called uncle.

Please stop, and take a look, and see he has same problems that his uncle faced. Ultimately, both are still failed in business life, because uncle has no business training and young boy has business training but it was bogus. But if young boy had strong analytical thinking and element of management, he would have not be fail in life even his teacher (uncle) was mismanaged.

Ultimately, I would like to conclude that we should improve our analytical thinking and adopt healthy habits. We should always observe even positive and negative, and also failure stories of people, in this way you will be able minimize your mistakes without investing time and money. Idealism is good thing, but with open eyes and strong observation.

When a company is in dire straits, they call in the “Spin Doctors” “Risk or Crisis Management Consultants” to conduct damage control. Therefore, companies need to ensure that they have appointed the best practitioners to handle the situation.

There is no industry or area of life, which is not susceptible to crisis. All industries have their areas of crisis, and while categorisation of crisis is difficult, they can include acquisitions and expansion, hazardous materials, health care, law, litigation, mergers, product contamination, and so on. No matter how proactive the strategic input from the corporate communications consultancy is, there are the inevitable and unforeseen incidents that cannot be forecast.

For example, the mining sector has taken enormous strides to improve occupational, health and safety standards, thereby reducing the numbers of risk fatalities and injuries. However, one still reads headlines of mining disasters. Careful planning by examining and assessing the potential weaknesses within an organisation’s industry can well lessen future crisis. However, humans are not infallible, and there are events in life that are beyond control.

Risk and reputation management is another growth industry with many sectors procuring the services of risk management assessors for their business. While it is a common business practice in the USA, more professional communications consultants in South Africa are working alongside risk management teams to focus on the key areas of potential concern and to prepare tools in the event of a disaster.

Shyamala Gopinath, Deputy Governor – Reserve Bank of India said, “The way to manage downturn and sustain growth in the banking and financial sector is to take advantage of the present crisis and move forward by making IT spending cost effective and revenue generating”. She observed that in the past considerable focus of IT spending was on customer services and products which did not extend to internal audit, back office and internal operations of the banks. There was also a marked reluctance to spend on these areas as they were not considered profit centres. She thus emphasized the need for greater IT spending by the banks on internal governance and control. Gopinath further elaborated on the various initiatives taken by the RBI in converting Indian banking from brick and mortar banking to virtual banking.

“There is marked improvement in various processes like fund transfers and settlement including RTGS, NFS, ATM’s and others. Paper transactions still continue to be in high numbers, which also carry high risk. RBI is thus considering to shift high value clearing to electronic mode”, stated Smt Gopinath. She expressed concerns of fraud; software and hardware glitches and money laundering resulting into tremendous loss. Smt Gopinath concluded by saying that response required from the IT providers would be in terms of affordability, availability, reliability, adaptability, convenience and operational comfort.

“IT related concerns include inadequate governance, inadequate alignment with business requirements, system failures, inadequate segregation of duties, unauthorized access, malicious activities like hacking, cost overruns and data integrity issues among others”, pointed Gopalakrishna.

Echoing Gopinath’s thoughts, Dr K C Chakrabarty, Chairman and Managing Director, Punjab National Bank, in his address said that this was the time for the Indian banking and financial services industry to turn crisis into an opportunity and emphasized on the need to focus on inclusive growth by generating domestic demand.

“It is necessary to make banking and financial products and services accessible to billions of Indian people by improving penetration. Taking products and services to masses will provide the necessary stimulus to the industry”, said Dr Chakrabarty. Explaining the role of IT, he pointed that information technology and infrastructure technology are the two vital pillars which can be utilized to effectively increase access to the masses. “Though these are tough times, we must expand but cautiously. Two things to be avoided in managing downturn are complacency and inaction”, highlighted Dr Chakrabarty.

Key challenges that the banking and financial industry are facing today are in terms of industrial growth rates dropping, investor and consumer confidence levels decreasing, credit becoming costlier and others. Technology can be leveraged to address these challenges and the role of technology in providing effective solutions to banks in managing downturn.

Banks can have a new role to play and technology will have to be part of the solution. There is the need to review of projects undertaken during boom times. I like to direct you to the importance of assessing the viability and profitability of such projects and only continue those which would be essential and profitable. I would also emphasize on the need of simple banking and financial products. You don’t need ultimate sophistication in times of downturn, but simple products to reach the masses. I recommend relying on information, focus on data quality and application driven planning and budgeting for better cost management. I think the industry should invest in technology to bring the economy out of the downturn.

What is it that you want?

The way success relates to “freedom” lies in the ability to devote your life to causes that you deem as more soul serving than working to make ends meet. Whether you are after just a little more each month or getting to a position where you no longer have money worries, each business can generate what they are looking for with some focused attention on a few key factors. Financial meltdowns can serve a huge opportunity for you and your business with some work and a fresh perspective.

Why is a financial crisis your best opportunity?

The problem with being constantly cash strapped is that over time it can seriously affect how you perceive opportunity in the world. I’m going out on a limb to say that since there is no shortage of opportunity, a limited perspective is one of the major reasons why it is so hard for small businesses to recreate their bank balance. A limited perspective makes it very hard to overcome obstacles and hardship. The good news is that a financial crisis turns your life upside down. Crisis has always motivated people to make great changes in their lives and your financial crisis can be the same gift of change, if you choose.

I would recommend the following steps to “Turn your Crisis into Advantage”:

1. Keep things in perspective
Things are rarely so bad – or so good for that matter – as they appear initially. I’m not talking about tragedy and death, but rather the day-to-day mundane events that seem to create setbacks for mere mortals but that great leaders thrive on. If you are facing adversity it is probably because you are pushing yourself and your organization to achieve greater goals. This is a good thing.

2. Look at the big picture
When we discuss an organisation, military is always a perfect example. The military has institutionalized this idea by giving every commander at every level a second-in-command. This way, the commander can focus on leading the troops and keeping his eye on the enemy and the evolving situation, while the deputy takes care of administrative manners and the “rear area”. How many civilian organizations do this? I don’t think many, and they would surely be more effective and, yes, even more efficient if they did so. An added benefit is that the deputy can replace the boss in some circumstances, thereby giving a chance for much needed rest and recuperation during difficult times. When we build organisations we need to build principles to run these by it, not personalities who can run organisations. As in the lack of this certain personality the organisation might fall but with principles, others can run the organisation as per written ethics. Learn to coordinate!

3. Stay Calm and don’t Over-React
The workers get nervous when their managers start running like headless chickens. My advice to all who are leaders is that should project calm and resolve no matter what the situation, lest they unnerve those they are leading.

4. When in Doubt, Follow your Instinct
My observation of many of senior managers and other high-level directors in Europe is that they all trust their instincts and are highly intuitive decision-makers. When all is said and done, reason can only take you so far in your decision-making. Information is never perfect in any case, especially when faced with crisis. Intuition is simply an inner knowing that comes from years of practice and reflection on a particular subject. Great leaders usually have well developed intuition because they have so much experience and are used to considering the emotional aspects of a problem in their decision-making. Even more important though, is that they listen to the little voice that tells them that something is wrong or is good and they act on it.

5. Communicate and lead with emotion
In May 1940, Britain faced its most trying circumstances of the Second World War. Winston Churchill gave an address to the nation. His words, “I have nothing to offer but blood, sweat, toil and tears.” In a series of stirring speeches over the weeks and months of that difficult summer, he appealed to the emotions of Britons and rallied them using the values and beliefs they held dear as a people. He didn’t sugar-coat the situation and because of that he was able to create an overarching sense of purpose and mission to their struggle. Had he simply listed the balance of forces it might have demoralized the people. Instead he made them truly believe that Britain was a beacon of hope and right for the oppressed peoples of Europe and that they would come to their defence.

6. Reinforce success and build on strengths
There is a need for revision of all SWAT analysis. Review your weakness, work out new strategies to overcome these weaknesses. And find ways to improve your strengths and successes through cost effective ways. Peter Drucker is widely credited with the concept that managers should build on strengths rather than constantly attempting to correct weaknesses. He believed and taught this over many decades but many managers still focus on the negative side of life rather than the positive side. In economic terms, this is known as comparative advantage and it is the fundamental logic underpinning international commerce and free trade.

7. Accept Personal Responsibility
Regardless of the perceived cause of your crisis, accept responsibility for it. To quote a popular saying, “you Can’t change what you don’t accept.” While external situations may have caused additional hardships, take back control for the fact that the solution now lays in your hands. If your financial slop has been brewing over a longer period of time, begin to ask yourself probing questions about how you view achievement, yourself, success and other successful people to greater understand why opportunity may continuously elude. The main point is that people who are personally responsible no longer feel scammed, cheated or defeated because they take advantage of each situation as a learning opportunity. Become solution oriented and forget spending time thinking about things that do not change your circumstance.

8. Don’t Always Depend On Others
As soon as you decide that you cannot rely on others for your financial well being, you will no longer accept less than you deserve. Are you holding out for a little while forsaking the opportunity to Be and Have more? Continuous “help” from others is a problem because it serves as a band-aid that only delays the need to hit “rock bottom” and become resourceful enough to figure out a solid plan of action. While assistance can be a lifesaver for the short term, don’t exchange it for the reward of being able to choose how you want to live.

9. Accept That There Is No “Secret” Formula
There is no “secret” that we can also be privileged enough to have success too. All of the highly successful people we have come into contact with have only been willing to do a few key things that others are not willing to do. Financial independence comes with a price though. There is a price to pay for everything. Do you have the discipline to delay your gratification in order to make sacrifices with your time and effort until you reach your goals?

10. Research To Grow Larger Than The Problems You Face
Most of us eventually arrive at our destination not because we’ve intended it to be this way but because we’ve fallen asleep at the wheel. You can be sure that the one thing that greatly influences every financial decision in your business is your own personal mindset about success. Use this crisis as an opportunity to understand how your thinking differs from those who are in the financial position you want to be in.

Once you begin to shift your perspective you will be in a much better position to take steps towards fixing your financial situation.

11. Invest In Yourself First
YOU are the best return on your business. When you consider starting a business, start small. Examine your financial goals, talents and passions and then take some steps to invest in yourself and your future.

12. Learn To Take Calculated Risks
The day we finally became sick and tired of our limited choices was the day we decided to take our first bold steps towards a new life. We were able to risk what others do not because we felt we didn’t have much to lose. Despite popular advice, we chose to risk it all because the life we had would always be waiting for us if we “failed.” Do you take the risks required to advance towards your dreams? When you do take a risk and it doesn’t provide the results you seek, does the cynic take over and you give up? Mature your “entrepreneur spirit” by taking small calculated risks that will season your tolerance level for taking bigger risks in the future . Don’t let any “problems” along the way become a roadblock for you!

13. Be Selective
Too many people take financial advice from people who are not walking their talk. Is your “adviser” earning a wage from his advice or is he financially free because of his advice? Big difference! If it is financial abundance you are seeking then it pays to learn a little about what the rich do to get wealthy. How do they think, how do they work, how do they see assets, liabilities, time, and opportunity. Their perspective is much different than what you will find on TV or from the popular “money guru’s” currently dispelling their advice. Also remember that much of the so called wealth you see around you is swimming in debt so never feel envy or competition towards others.

In Summary
As a manager and a leader, the next time you are faced with a difficult situation, make a commitment to apply these principles. Even if you can’t do it well the first time, persistence will pay off. It will allow you to build resilience in yourself and your organization, and it will also contribute to making you a much more inspiring and effective leader.