Thanks for sharing your observations. I agree that maintaining an open mind is an essential element of leadership. As I’ve always said, a closed mind limits opportunity. Thanks Scott.

Thanks for your comment. Your attitude is one that should be modeled by many. 

An achievement is an accomplishment of the true opportunity.

It is a great pragmatic achievement if success can only be measured with ethical standards.
The achievement based in false advantage can’t count.
“A bird in hand – is worth ten fly at large.”
I recognize that I miss some points but I continue to learn to adapt to context.
happy new year 2012.

Have a Good Week,
Sami

1. Most opportunities are rarely seen as opportunities. This is where great leaders distinguish themselves. They swim against the tide, buck the rules and exploit areas (opportunities) long before the masses see the trend. This takes guts, experience and a high tolerance for perceived risk. Once the tide turns they are usually onto the next uncharted territory.

2. Pursuing less-than-obvious opportunities isn't popular. As such, I believe the this area, in specific, is the dividing line between managers, good leaders and visionary leaders. The latter are the subject of lore. The prior are often footnotes.

IMHO, opportunity identification is one of the least understood and under-appreciated aspects of leadership. It's easy to chase step-wise, incremental improvements because most recogize it as the 'right' thing to do. Chasing BIG opportunities, however, isn't popular or for the faint at heart.

M

We all have opportunities come our way – the question is, what do we do when those moments occur? The last sentance in your comment is sage advice. Thanks for sharing Peter.