Lessons From The Dragon’s Den’s Robert Herjavec Part 25

December 30, 2010

“Here’s a quotation I admire a great deal: “The art of leadership is the ability to say no” ”
- from Driven

This is an interesting way of putting into perspective what constitutes entrepreneurial success.  People who lack leadership skills and therefore self-confidence are too concerned with pleasing others and not enough with pleasing themselves.  Consequently, this is why some corporate people are called “yes men” – they lack the courage to say “no” to people they work with, even when they want to.

Herjavec’s quote also reminds me of Robert De Niro in the movie Casino where his character runs a Las Vegas casino.  In his office he has a sign that says “yes” in small letters and then “no” right below it in a huge font size about ten times larger than the “yes” font size.

People who are self-confident leaders have the ability to stand their ground at all times.  They always remain true to themselves and their values.  Saying “no” can mean a variety of things for a successful leader.  It can mean:

Saying “no” to friends and family who try discouraging you from succeeding at your business, imploring you to get a “steady job”.

Saying “no” to temptations to spend your money frivolously when you really should  spend it on your business.

Saying “no” to people who try chiseling you on your commission.

Saying “no” to people when you aren’t satisfied with how they’re treating you or your clients.

Saying “no” to things that needlessly take time and energy away from building your business and working toward your goals and dreams.

Saying “no” when you’re tempted with business opportunities that don’t contribute to and dovetail with your real estate business.

Saying “no” to compromising yourself and your values.

Saying “no” to working at a job you aren’t passionate about just to get a paycheck.

Filed under: Inspiration

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