Can't is a 4-Letter Word

Never even begin to let the word CAN’T enter your mind or come out of your mouth.

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Don’t allow your teammates to think or say the word CAN’T.  This is easier said than done. Avoiding CAN’T requires a combination of leadership, discipline and tenacity with a healthy dose of optimism to avoid.

Leadership Tools: Can't is a 4 Letter Word

NOT YET is a much better way to frame things.  

"Most people overestimate what they can do in one year and underestimate what they can do in ten years."

Bill Gates

Bill Gates summed it up perfectly with his quote which is generally about time span. It’s important to understand that all of us have different time horizons over which we are comfortable planning.  

These time horizons shorten based on the newness of the subject matter and what level of stress we are under.

Contractors are faced with lots of new conditions including a very tight talent market, changing project delivery methods and rapidly developing technologies.  

Leadership requires that steady hand of setting the course - even in the face of uncertainty.  Then sticking with that course taking one step forward at a time. Even when you end up falling back two-steps just get back up and take another step forward with a positive attitude.  You will get there; just NOT YET.




Definition - Development (Talent)
Longer-term refinement of someone’s current capabilities Towards Mastery while preparing them for future roles and the ideal Career Path for them.
Eric Hoffer - "Learners Inherit the Earth"
How would you rate the overall effectiveness of your team when it comes to learning something new and applying that knowledge? How would you rate your own effectiveness at learning?
Tim Ferriss Quote - Life Punishes the Vague Request
One of the best things about Tim Ferriss's book, TRIBE OF MENTORS, is the introductory chapter where Tim describes lessons learned in asking good questions over the years.