2. The Guardian: You’re In Charge-Take Charge Becoming an Absolute Advantage September 18, 2007 Edith C. Varley National Association of Credit Management 8840 Columbia 100 Parkway Columbia, MD 21045-2158 Phone 410.740.5560 Fax 410.740.5574

3. Markets, much like people, sometimes need a good squeeze.”….. In order to get in SHAPE!

4. “Every thing in this world can be copied imitated and commoditized except you.” ECV How do I leverage this fact? How do I become an absolute advantage? You Are Unique

5. Continuous Learning Think Globally Act Locally Ask yourself….. Where am I on the curve of value relevance? What can I contribute that will significantly affect business outcomes? World-Class

6. First Step Make A Greater Individual Commitment Count

7. Pledge to use your Gifts/Talents Strengths Core Competencies In order to add-value and Live up to the fullness of your Promise.

8. Second Step Assess Create Execute

9. Assess: What SHAPE are you in? S Strength, Skills, Strategy, Service H Heart, Head, Hands, Health A Attitude, Ability, Accountability, Accessibility P Personality, Passion, Purpose, Performance E Experience, Expertise, Energy, Enthusiasm

10. Create a plan Ask the boss the two most important business outcomes he or she wants to improve and why they are so important to improve Focus on how you and your staff can contribute to those improvements Consistently work toward those outcomes Discuss your progress with the boss (monthly) Remember you Add-value by growing and sharing  Your knowledge (books, articles)  Your relational networks (people)  Showing your compassion on the Job

11. Execute the plan Play to your strengths Deliver on your promises lead Serve those you lead Live with intent and on purpose

12. Third Step Ask for constructive feedback Hold yourself accountable Answer this question daily “Where am I on the curve of value relevance ?” “What can I contribute that will significantly affect the performance and the results of the people I serve and the business we try to build?”

13. Integrator Leadership Model Awareness Where Are You Relationships Knowledge/Skills Compassion

14. Smart Starts Summary Keep and value your word Put your name on your work Hold yourself accountable (It builds trust) Credibility

15. Smart Starts Summary Listen to all voices Turn “bad guys” into allies Modeling speaks volumes (It instills trust) Communication

16. Smart Starts Summary Smile Improves face value First Impression First Expression (Invitation to trust)

17. The Most Valuable Renewable Resource in the World is the… HUMAN SPIRIT Vital Essence

18. Resource Reading Now, Discover Your Strenghts, Buckingham, Clifton The Essential Drucker, P.F. Drucker Soar With Your Strengths, Clifton, Nelson The Art of Possibility, Zander and Zander Good to Great, Jim Collins Built to Last, Collins/Porras First Break All the Rules, Buckingham/Coffman Getting Past No, William Ury Execution, Bossidy/Charan Where Have All The Leaders Gone? Iaccoca Love Is The Killer APP, T. Sanders Emotional Intelligence, D. Goleman The Art of War, Sun Tzu Nuts, Herb Kelleher Leadership and Self-Deception, The Arbinger Institue Primal Leadership, Boyatzis, McKee, Goleman, Winning, Jack Welch and Suzie Welch Trusted Advisor, D.H. Maister Psycho-Cybernetics and Self-Fulfillment, M. Maltz M.D. The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, P.Lencioni The Leadership Challenge, Kouzes, Posner The Wisdom of Listening, Brady The Emotionally Intelligent Manager, Salovey, Caruso

19. The Varley Group, Inc. outcome-based mission is to transform human potential into constructive contribution. The focus is teaching Emotional Intelligence leadership skills, advising executives in order to enhance their personal effectiveness and speaking to inspire individuals to live up to the fullness of their promise. We grow our business by word of mouth referral, letters of value and delivering on our promise. Edith C. Varley 636.225.9211