Cool

Of the various methods talked about to build muscle fast, many are totally incorrect. One theory totally wrong is that without the use of steroids, thin people cannot build muscle fast. In today’s day and age, lots of skinny people cannot put on weight no matter how much they eat.

Skinny people cannot always be blamed, however, since genes can have a lot to do with it. Genes can tell a body to use up lots more calories than others. But it is still possible under these conditions, to build muscle fast in a skinny person. The way most people would go about trying to gain weight is by consuming more food than is being burned up by the body. Even using this method, weight training should be incorporated in the plan in order to build muscle fast. The body will take in extra nutrients through weight training, and will increase levels of muscle mass and raise essential hormones.

Building muscle is an important part of getting stronger, preparing for certain careers, marathons and many other sports. Consider the fact that boxers or fighters must build weight to enter higher classifications. For this reason, experts have speculated the importance of building muscle quickly with the use of foods, certain exercises and muscle training techniques.

To build muscle fast, most of a person’s weight training has to comprise of free weight exercises. The secret is to fuel a large amount of muscle fibers. Weight training consists of the use of changeable resistance enabled gear, body weight exercises such as dips or pull ups and free weights such as dumbbells or barbells.

No matter which of these situations is the most relevant to you, it’s very important to remember to exercise stabilizers and synergists (supporting muscles). By exercising more muscle, the more stimulation muscle fibers will receive. Compound/multi joint exercises involving bigger muscle fibres will form the necessary basis for muscle-building, together with synchronous exercises of different muscle groups.

By following these workouts, an increase in muscle fibers in a short time frame will be noticed, allowing someone to build muscle fast. Additionally light weights and heavy weights should be interchanged for best results.

More Exercises:

Mentioned below are a few more exercises to help a person build muscle fast:

1. Bench presses for the shoulders, chest and triceps

2. The use of an overhead press will help with shoulders and triceps

3. Bar dips for the chest, shoulders and arms

4. Legs and lower back should benefit from squats

5. Pull ups are great for triceps and shoulders, as are barbell rows

With any weight training program aimed at helping to build muscle fast, a diet high in protein (animal protein) should be incorporated. Eggs, cottage cheese, whey, poultry, fish and beef all contain necessary proteins which should be consumed. There are vegetarian substitutes, and these are bean curd, soy protein, and tofu. The consumption of the correct type and amount of food will be evident in exercising.

Even though protein is necessary to build muscle fast, certain amounts of carbohydrates and fat are also necessary. The best sources of these are pasta, beans, rice, sweet potatoes, yams, oatmeal, potatoes and cream of rice. Green leafy vegetables and fruits are beneficial for the body.

Teen Drug Addiction Teen Alcohol Abuse

Zoloft is one of the many popular drugs in the SSRI family. SSRI’s or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are most often prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder or PTSD and premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD. Panic and anxiety disorders as well as obsessive compulsive disorders are also treated with the use of medications such as Zoloft.

Serotonin is a chemical that our brain creates that is used to regulate our mood. Zoloft works by decreasing the amount of serotonin that is absorbed by the brain. Some have less serotonin in the brain and are susceptible to mood disorders, anxiety and depression. Did you know that a chemical imbalance in the brain is the chief reason that people suffer from depression and anxiety? Could your bad mood be blamed on a decreased level of serotonin? Zoloft works efficiently to re-balance these chemicals within the brain.

The side effects that come from using SSRIs can vary, they range from: an increased risk of suicide for youth using the powerful drug, a lack of sex drive, dizziness and weakness, digestive symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea or other changes in appetite. Some people experience headaches associated with the use of Zoloft. Some people also experience changes in weight such as gain or loss, or a dry mouth while taking Zoloft. Sexual side effects such as decreased ability to achieve an orgasm, or a lack of sex drive to impotence may also occur while taking Zoloft. Many of these side effects are rare, with the chief symptom that is experienced while taking Zoloft is drowsiness.

Serious and rare side effects include tremors, balance issues, or an increase in heart rate which can worsen the effects of panic or anxiety attacks.

Pregnant mothers should not use the drug, as it can affect the child. The medication should also be avoided while breastfeeding.

Although Zoloft has been approved for use in treating children with obsessive-compulsive disorder, it has not been approved for treating children with depression. When children begin the treatment, it has been associated with an increased risk to the child becoming suicidal. This is the case for anyone twenty four years and younger.

Some people are allergic to the popular SSRI – How do you know if you are allergic? Most reactions will include hives found on the skin, or a rash on the torso and extremities, swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat and even difficulty breathing. If these symptoms occur it is crucial that a health care professional be contacted immediately.

What conditions mean that the patient should not take Zoloft? If someone is diagnosed with kidney or liver diseases than they should avoid taking the medication. As well, patients with a prior history of seizures, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, or a history of drug and alcohol abuse should avoid Zoloft. Due to the increased suicide risk, it is crucial that the drug be avoided if the patient has prior history of suicidal thoughts.

Some people experience side effects while taking the drug that are so undesirable they must quit. Within regards to any SSRI it is important that it be discontinued gradually.

Alcohol Addiction Trends

Alcohol Abuse Trends

Acupressure is a form of massage therapy. It originated in China many years ago and is also used in Japan where it is called shiatsu. It was once used in Great Britain to treat headaches prior to the discovery of aspirin.

The theory of acupressure is based on the Chinese belief that all living things contain a vital energy, which is known as chi. Within the body are invisible paths called meridians that connect all the parts of our body. The chi flows along these paths. There are various points located on the paths, which can be stimulated to relieve pain. The points are named such as Large Intestine 4, Liver 3, and Stomach 36.

For example, Large Intestine 4 is a point located in the web of skin between the thumb and first finger. You can effect headache pain relief by applying pressure to and massaging this point in the direction of the index finger. But if the headache were a migraine, then you would apply the pressure to Colon 4 and Liver 3.

Liver 3 is located between the big toe and second toe in the back of the webbing. Massaging this point will also help relieve stress.

Unlike other massage therapies, acupressure uses no oils or equipment so it is simple to do. There are trained acupuncturists who administer acupressure but you can also learn to do it yourself. However, self-administered acupressure may not be as enjoyable as having someone else do it.

To perform acupressure, you use your thumb, finger or knuckle to apply pressure to a point. The pressure applied should be firm but not painful. The point should be massaged from five to fifteen minutes until the pain subsides. But be careful not to over-stimulate the point, as this will make the pain worse.

The challenge in self-administered acupressure is the correct location of the points. There are many books that have charts of the meridians and points together with complete directions. There are also charts available at various sites on the net.

However, these points are only .5mm in diameter so there isn’t much of a margin for error. If you are not feeling any benefit after applying the technique it is probably because you haven’t properly located the point. Therefore, you might want to schedule one or two visits to an acupuncturist to have them teach you the technique.

Acupressure has no significant side effects. The points may feel a little sore after a session and some people may experience a temporary feeling of lightheadedness.

Women who are pregnant should not use acupressure without the approval of their doctor. And even with a doctor’s approval, they should not self-administer but need to consult a trained acupuncturist. Some of the points are dangerous for pregnant women.

Acupressure should not be applied over any area that is bruised or swollen. It also shouldn’t be done over varicose veins.

People who have circulatory problems, osteoporosis, any type of bleeding disorder, a recent fracture or who are using blood thinning medication should only have acupressure administered by a qualified therapist.

Acupressure has been found to be helpful in treating nausea, motion sickness, headaches, muscle tension and stress.

Drug Addiction Trends

Drug Abuse Trends

There are many types of warts that can plague the feet, the hands or even the genitals. Warts appear in a variety of forms, most often with a scattered, raised, bumpy surface on the fingers and toes.

Plantar warts appear on the bottom of the feet and appear within the superficial layer of the skin. Freezing treatments are available from the drug store which has proven effective in the treatment of plantar warts. Some opt to use salicylic acid at home, as it can get rid of the callous surface that develops – characteristic of the plantar wart.

Common warts should be treated with salicylic acid, as freezing treatments available at the drug store are often ineffective on hand warts. Although these warts can be unsightly, they can pose no real damage to the skin unless located in close proximity to the fingernail.

Flat warts can show up on any part of the body: the torso, groin or face and arms. They appear like a pimple and can be treated by salicylic acid. These warts often return after being treated, and another dose of salicylic acid is in order to get rid of them again. Although these pose no harm, they should be treated to avoid irritation. Many people mistake these warts for pimples, which they can appear as.

Common warts are growth on the skin that is caused by the virus, HPV. Although warts are apparently contagious, it is possible to avoid transmission by using protective measures such as wearing shoes in a communal showering area. Plantar warts, flat warts, or periungal warts are all types of common warts that are caused by this infection of HPV. These common warts are similar in appearance as a dome shape on the skin, raised and creating a bumpy surface.

Common warts are treated with the use of chemicals to freeze the wart from the skin, or chemicals which are used to annihilate the wart. A simple visit to the drug store can be effective in the treatment and removal of the common wart. Products are available that contain salicylic acid, which will kill the wart after continuing treatment for a significant period of time.

Did you know that some people choose to treat the wart by smothering it using tape? Duct tape or electrical tapes are most relevant as they are unable to breathe. Using this method, the tape must remain in place for weeks, with it removed only hours per week. It can be difficult to maintain the tape in place for this extended period of time, making this method very unpopular. As unsightly as a wart can be on your feet, or hand – a large piece of tape may be harder to explain.

Many websites advocate that ignoring the wart will make it go away. This is often not the case, warts can grow, spread and take over a certain area – which can make them hard to ignore. For this reason, medical treatment should be sought in the removal of the wart rather than implementing the wait and see approach.

Men and Addiction

Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Human papillomavirus is a virus that affects the skin and surrounding areas of the genitals and can lead to genital warts. It is one of the leading STDs in young women as the one-hundred thirty types of virus are highly contagious through sexual contract. Up to seventy five percent of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives.

There are high risk and low risk variations of HPV. The higher risk variations of HPV often occur symptomless and can progress to precancerous lesions. These types of HPV are assigned a number – of which most are low risk. The highest risk types of HPV are 16, 18,31,33,35,39,45,51,52,56,58 and 69.

HPV is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. Up to 26.8% of the population in the United States is infected with one type of the virus. Fifteen percent of women have been infected with the virus at some point in their lives, and 3.4% are infected with one of the types which are protected by the Gardasil vaccine. It is important to remember that one can be affected by more than one type of the HPV virus - regardless of symptoms which are present.

What are the Symptoms of HPV? There are some varieties of HPV that cause symptoms such as genital warts and other variations have no symptoms at all. Regardless of the type, prevention and screening are important parts of diagnoses and therapeutic treatment plans.

Although some variants of HPV are symptomless, pap smears are a preventative technique to detect these precancerous lesions. These are an integral part in the prevention of cervical cancer and should be conducted on a yearly basis for women who are sexual active, or have reached adulthood.

Other symptoms of HPV include genital warts which are non-cancerous skin growths present on the genital area. There are four types of warts that can be caused by HPV viruses: common warts, planter warts, flat warts and subungal warts. Common warts are most commonly found in the genital area and are quite contagious. These warts are one of the most common indications that HPV is present within the bodily system. Types of HPV 6 and 11 are the most common types of HPV that account for more than ninety percent of genital warts.

What treatments are Available for HPV? Treatments available for HPV include the removal of the symptoms, the genital warts by removal using chemical compounds. Though there are is no treatment for HPV, many types will clear without treatment as the response from the immune system is initiated.

Vaccines have been created such as Gardasil and Cervarix to prevent up to four percent of the variants of the HPV virus. These immunizations are effective for women between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four, for the prevention of HPV and genital warts.

To help prevent this virus one can remain abstinent, because avoiding all sexual contact is the only way to be one hundred percent sure that it can be avoided.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Help With Intervention

Reflexology is based on the Chinese belief that a vital energy, called chi, flows through the body along paths known as meridians. As long as this energy flows smoothly, the body is in balance. If the flow becomes blocked for whatever reason, the body is out of balance and becomes stressed. Reflexology is a tool in which certain movements are implemented to restore the energy balance.

According to reflexology, all the organs and parts of the body are mapped on the feet and hands. The left side of the body is mapped on the left hand and foot while the right side of the body is reflected on the right hand and foot. Applying pressure to the zones of the feet and hands will result in a physical change in the body.

Kevin and Barbara Kunz, international authorities in the field of reflexology, take the basic premise a little further. According to their theory, when the body is stressed, it enters a “fight or flight” state. This brings about an adrenal surge that enables the body to respond effectively to a sudden emergency.

However, the flight will be done with the feet and the hands will be used to fight. There are nerve sensors in the feet and hands, which communicate the individual’s choice to the other parts of the body. Reflexology can manipulate the various nerve endings to interrupt the stress signals and effect relaxation thereby reducing the stress.

Practitioners of reflexology first use a series of touch techniques to assess signs of stress by judging the patient’s sensitivity to the practitioner’s touch. This allows the reflexologist to determine the areas of stress and implement the techniques that will provide relief to these areas. These techniques all involve the use of the finger, thumb and hand to apply pressure to the designated areas.

Unlike other forms of massage therapy, oils and creams are not used. The patient usually sits in a chair and removes only socks and shoes. Sessions are scheduled in time increments of thirty minutes to an hour. Both feet will be treated using pressure, stretch and movements. A reflexology treatment is usually applied to the entire foot. Reflexology differs from ordinary foot massage in that it works through the nervous system applying the techniques to the reflex points in the hands and feet.

When the session is completed, the patient should feel relaxed. How long one can remain in this state of relaxation depends on the effectiveness of the session.

One does have to be careful in the choice of a practitioner. There are many schools available, which offer short classes that do not deliver all the information a qualified practitioner should know.

There is a Reflexology Association of America, which certifies practitioners after they have passed a comprehensive exam. They maintain a list of certified practitioners which can be accessed from their website. The association is also active in research and education.

At this time there is considerable controversy as to whether reflexology is useful in treating other forms of disease. Consequently, several research studies have been and are now being conducted. But the benefits of reflexology is easing stress have already been documented and one can safely employ it for that purpose.

Women and Addiction Addiction in Women

For generations the health benefits of garlic has been preached as a natural remedy to curb disorders such as high blood pressure – even bad breath! What are the health benefits of garlic and garlic supplements that we don’t hear about on a regular basis? Did you know that garlic can keep away mosquitoes and prevent acne?

Garlic has been known as a boost for the immune system as it has been a common key in prevention of the common cold and flu viruses present in the air throughout the winter and fall seasons. Many take garlic in preparations for these season changes and the germs in the air. Experts look to garlic as a broad spectrum antibiotic that can prevent bacteria from becoming a cold or flu. It boosts the immune system to disallow the onset of bacteria and viruses. Used as a preventative measure, garlic is effective in preventing cold and flu symptoms and onset.

Are you seeking clearer skin? Garlic could help everyone from teenagers to pregnant mothers suffering from fluctuating hormones that can cause acne symptoms and breakouts. The symptoms of acne can be decreased when garlic is ingested into the body. Garlic should not be applied directly to the skin, as it can cause redness and swelling. It should be ingested, as it can reap the benefits of clearer skin.

As a treatment for high blood pressure garlic is popular. Supplements taken daily can decrease bad cholesterol levels (HDL). In this case, garlic supplements are used to determine the effects of the supplements on the levels of cholesterol within the body. Garlic can be used to offset partial damages caused by eating foods that are bad – cholesterol wise.

Should you use fresh garlic as a remedy or stick to garlic supplements? Using garlic supplements comes without the bad breath that can be associated with garlic. Did you know that the stronger the odor and taste of the garlic clove, the more sulfur in it? The higher the level of sulfur within the clove, the better the effects that the garlic can have on the body. The benefits of raw garlic are thought to be higher than those of garlic supplements.

Garlic is important part of the nourishment in the body which could help to prevent cancer cells in the body. Research has shown that the use of raw garlic on a regular basis reduces the amount of free radical cells within the body. These cells have been linked with cancer and are undergoing research on a daily basis.

If you are looking for a way to decrease the attraction of mosquitoes than garlic is the answer. Allicin is the compound in garlic which can deter the natural attraction of our skin to those pesky mosquitoes. It has been speculated that the mosquitoes are overpowered by the scent of the garlic, which can escape from the pores and unable to bite.

Garlic is beneficial for our health and should be implemented into a diet for a healthy bodily system.

Sober Living Program Free Addiction Aftercare

Whether you are trying to get pregnant, or have been given a surprise by the news – there are ways of detecting pregnancy through normal body functions and changes, sometimes even before a missed monthly period. Of course, the most accurate sign of pregnancy is a missed period. Often, after a period has been missed a pregnancy test will read accurately. Most women become suspicious if they have regular periods, and even a day or two late is an irregular occurrence.

As motherly as it sounds, food cravings can often be a sign of pregnancy. From popcorn to chocolate, these cravings may come at unnatural times and be a sure sign of early pregnancy. Are you experiencing cravings for food that you regularly avoid? This could be a sign of early pregnancy.

Tender or sore breasts are another sign of early pregnancy. With the hormone fluctuations that occur within the body, this can be a variable sign of pregnancy. Some women report that breasts feel heavier, sore, or even larger or engorged with the preparations that occur to accommodate the changes within the body. Darkening of the areolas may occur. What causes the darkening? Hormone fluctuations within the body can create these imbalances which cerate the darkening of the areolas. Sometimes in early pregnancy, an act as simple as a caress or wearing an uncomfortable bra can be a terrible experience. Not to worry, this pain usually subsides as the body adjusts to the pregnancy.

The increased levels of HCG within the body can have varying effects on each woman. For most, these increased HCG levels create the need for frequent urination.

Your body is working overtime to prepare for the pregnancy and the birth of the baby and with these increased workloads come fatigue. Fatigue is often one of the first signs in early pregnancy and could make something as simple as a day of errands feel like an exhausting task that warrants a nap. You can blame this on the increased levels of progesterone that are being produced within the body.

Morning sickness doesn’t just occur in the morning. Ask anyone who has gone through a pregnancy and suffered from the constant nausea and vomiting within the first trimester. Did you know that nausea can occur even two days after conception?

Along with morning sickness often comes an increased sense of smell as some say that this is nature’s way of protecting the mother from ingesting anything that may be harmful to the baby. Simply put, if you can smell garlic from down the block, or beer on your partner’s breath from across the room, you just might want to take that pregnancy test. An increase in post nasal drip or a nose that will not stop running is one of the signs of pregnancy as the nose is not exempt from the discharge which is increased through the body.

An increase in cervical discharge is an early indicator of pregnancy. This clear substance can be more pronounced even two to five days after conception.

Addiction Alcoholism Rehab Affordable Drug Recovery

From David Donaldson: From the beginning, Mark Grisham and I agreed that a significant portion of the proceeds from our books would go to benefit the needy children and families of Impact Missions, Inc. Since that time, many people who have seen the ministry logo have asked and heard us talking about it, have asked about this unique relationship with the charity, and why Mark and I are so passionate about helping the organization, so here goes.

In the late 90’s I felt compelled to start a non-profit charity, providing Biblically based counseling services to the Mid South community. The ministry grew quickly, and by the second year of operation, we had four staff counselors and were providing care to over 500 people a year. The counseling center provided care to children, youth, and adults, including addiction recovery support groups and a small group ministry.

In April 2002, Mayor Greg Davis of Southaven, MS, spoke to my wife Cindy and I about a local charity in fiscal crisis. The Desoto Sunrise Homes were founded in 1978, and was the oldest upstart charity in Northwest Mississippi. The charity had lost its founder, and its favor in the community. Now deep in debt and on the verge of bankruptcy, it appeared the only recourse was to dissolve the organization. After weeks of research, prayer, and counsel, we decided to take over the operations of the homes, and expand the purpose and vision of the Counseling Ministry. Over the next few years, the focus was primarily to stabilize the finances, repair the ministries relationship within the community, and restore hope.

By 2005, it became apparent our ministry would need to expand its horizon. Once the community began trusting in the leadership of the children’s homes once again, donations from local businesses, churches, and individuals began piling up! This is a wonderful problem to have for a non-profit ministry! We decided to step out on faith, and lease a local retail facility, which has now grown to a 16,000 square foot Thrift Store.

In 2007, we merged all three organizations into what is now known as Impact Missions, Inc. I serve as the CEO/President of the ministry, and work daily as a mental health counselor. Mark Grisham is a trusted friend, avid supporter, and regular contributor to the ministry. Impact Missions has three primary programs to the community.

First, our children’s homes; Since 1985, we have operated a crisis care shelter for children, ranging from birth to 18 years old. These children are often afraid, taken from their parents or guardian because of abuse neglect, or incarceration. The shelter is a protective custody facility, and over 120 children each year call the shelter home! We also are privileged to provide a group home for abused and at risk girls. Founded in 1978, the girls home provides long term care, counseling, and a stable family environment to girls who otherwise would be shuffled around in foster homes because of their unique circumstances.

Second, the counseling center has grown to provide care to over 700 people each year. The services are offered on a sliding scale, so no one is ever turned away because of finances or the inability to pay for services.

Finally, the Sunrise Thrift Store remains a vital part of our service to the community. We still receive daily donations to help the children’s homes and center, but the benevolence part of the ministry is what we are most proud of. Local people can come to the store and receive clothing, non-perishable food, and household goods. Everything is sold at a discount, but people who cannot pay for the goods are never turned away!

You see, writing book with my friend is a pleasant, enjoyable distraction from the ministry. And we believe that the books open up new and exciting opportunities to tell people about the ministry, and the lives that are forever changed!

Mark Grisham, an aspiring author, and David Donaldson, CEO/President of Impact Missions, co-wrote Bedlam South. A portion of all book sales will be donated to Impact Missions, a faith-based ministry dedicated to providing care to abused children, hurting families and impoverished people. To learn more about the book and the charity, visit Bedlam South.

In business, even in good times when a company is sitting pretty, there is the continuing imperative to improve, to innovate, and to keep people enthusiastic and at the top of their game. It’s a daunting task, and as a result, thousands of books, millions of consultant hours, and countless seminars and teleconferences have been devoted to the topic of how to improve business performance. Yet it remains as intractable as ever.

My work as an employee, a consultant, and a writer has led me to conclude that our customary approaches may fail because they include just one, not both, dimensions of performance.

Our main focus in improving performance is focused on what I call the “outer sources” of business success. The search for emerging, more lucrative markets is one example. The quest to define and implement best practices is another. The emphasis is on what we do to improve performance. But there are also the complementary “inner sources” of business success, and these are often overlooked in the rush to master and enact all the outer sources.

The inner sources of success revolve around how we generate the energy and spirit that power stellar performance. One example is to have a clear and powerful purpose. Another is to help your employees grow.

By focusing equally on the inner as well as the outer sources of competitive advantage, we get the best human energies flowing collaboratively to power all of the great programs and processes we design. Without excellent inner energies, our actions often fail to achieve what we hope they will.

Outer Sources of Competitive Advantage

We’re all familiar with the outer sources of improved business performance. Yet we have come to expect mixed success: some companies achieve what they hoped, others don’t. Failure can result when management pays little or no attention to the inner sources of competitive advantage. Here for example are a few outer focused improvement strategies that don’t always generate the desired results:

Pursue a grand strategy.

“When we have the strategy right, the rest will fall in line.” Research shows, however, that most people (95% in one study ) in organizations do not understand the strategy and that organizations (90% in the same study) typically fail to implement their strategies successfully.

Minimize costs.

“A 10% reduction in our costs will double our profit.” That may be the simple math, but cost reduction by itself is not always productive. When costs are cut, revenues sometimes suffer and attention is taken away from increasing revenue.

Fix what’s broken.

“We’ll do better by finding out what’s holding us back and fixing it.” But eliminating problems doesn’t always work because when top management consistently focuses on what’s wrong, employees repeatedly get the message that they are inadequate. An increased fear of failure, loss of confidence, hesitancy, and even paralysis may follow, thereby weakening the company’s ability to improve.

Hire the best people.

“Having the best people will give us what we need to succeed.” This, however, is just part of the answer. It’s also necessary to decide how to make the best use of their talents; otherwise, the promise they hold will be squandered.

Inner Sources of Competitive Advantage

All too often managers set on improving business performance dismiss the inner sources of competitive advantage as the “soft stuff”: “We can’t do anything about morale, values, and culture when the business is not going well. We’ve got to get the business back on track first. Then maybe we’ll do something for the people—if we have the money for it.”

But, when a company is not performing well, how can it possibly achieve success if the people are not fully engaged. The new leader of a 3,000-person telecommunications company that was losing money, customers, star sales people, and top management focused simultaneously on both the inner and outer sources of success to complete a dramatic turnaround. In just three years they achieved striking results, including quintupled shareholder value and a level of employee satisfaction that ranked near the top of 500 companies surveyed.

Here are some of the inner sources of competitive advantage that they worked on—and that you too can capitalize on in your own company:

Create and champion a compelling purpose.

When you do this, your people will be inspired, excited, and proud to be part of the company. When not only material needs but also the nonmaterial needs and aspirations of employees, customers, vendors, and strategic partners are addressed, the whole organization is stimulated and focused. Good people are attracted to the company, contribute, and stay.

Hardwire values into the organization.

When people believe you mean it about those lofty values you’ve developed and published, they get on board. Incorporating values everywhere—in business strategies, decision-making processes, sales strategies, customer service practices, employee development and evaluation processes, and measurement and reward systems—attracts and inspires not only great employees but also great customers and suppliers.

Set big goals.

The common view is that “We don’t want to set goals too high. Let’s set them low so that people can achieve them.” But companies that work on the inner sources of competitive advantage know that when the goals are big and important—and people are called on to work together to achieve them—they will rise to new levels of performance. Successful organizations set big goals, are passionate about them, communicate why they are important, and call on people to join in the exciting process of achieving them. When people help develop strategies and actions for achieving such goals and share the good news of progress, they gain the confidence to reach even higher.

Create a climate of freedom.

Providing an opportunity for employees to enjoy freedom within structure allows and encourages people to initiate new ideas and to innovate in carrying out the company’s strategy. Conventional companies have layers of rules and controls, with a “zero defects” mentality. As a result, many employees shut down. In companies with a degree of freedom, people look forward to their work, where they are encouraged to develop new ideas and take prudent risks in carrying out the company’s strategy. This often leads to breakthroughs in business performance as well as personal and professional fulfillment.

Invest in people.

When employees see that their companies want to help them grow their capabilities and not merely exploit their existing capabilities, they feel greater dedication to their employers and contribute more. Coupling employees’ opportunities for personal and professional growth with invitations to use their new knowledge and skills leads to heightened success at the individual and organizational level.

Leadership Qualities

Just as improving organizational performance requires attention be given to inner, as well as outer, sources of competitive advantage, the leader of a company needs also to work at the inner level. That means not only making the right decisions and organizing the work, but also inspiring employees and bringing out their best. The successful leader draws not just on the power of a “superior mind” and also on the power of “superior character.”

Leaders develop beliefs and ways of seeing that inspire their people. They see the ultimate purpose of the enterprise and always keep it in mind; and they see the interconnection of all of the pieces and their effect on each other. They believe in the nobility and capability of their people.

These leaders also embody the qualities of respect, caring, and trust and have the ability to see and act on the whole. They are in touch with and act from their own sense of deepest purpose. They connect with all of the people involved in their endeavors, even adversaries, and embrace the goodness and greatness in all of the people with whom they work. They see their leadership role as a great responsibility to serve others.

In the end, these leaders realize that the quality of the relationships within and without the company and the spirit generated by those relationships determine the health and competitive standing of the organization. They build a company that respects and honors the individuals within it and that also stresses the “we” of collaboration within the company and of great working relationships with customers and vendors.

1 Source: Balanced Scorecard Collaborative

Darwin Gillett is author of NOBLE ENTERPRISE: The Commonsense Guide to Uplifting People and Profits, from which this article is adapted. Through his consulting, coaching, keynotes and seminars, he helps business executives create competitive advantage and achieve sustainable growth and profitability. To learn about his publications and services, visit Noble Business Solutions.