We tend to become what the most important person in our life thinks we will become.

Choose to collaborate with others. There's no greater way to increase your potential.

Nothing of significance was ever achieved without people working together.

The bottom line is this: people can usually trace their successes and failures to the relationships in their lives.

One of the best applications of this idea is expressed in what I call the 101 percent principle: Find the one thing that you believe is the potential leader's greatest asset, and then give 101 percent encouragement in that area. Focusing on a person's strengths promotes positive growth, confidence, and success as a potential leader.

Discouraged? Don't be, for the one thing that really matters, lasts forever—your friendships. Life is too long to spend it with people who pull you in the wrong direction. And it's too short not to invest in others. Your relationships will define you. And they will influence your talent—one way or the other. Choose wisely. —

If you run well but are unable to pass the baton to another runner, you lose the race.

Get out of your normal environment today with someone you lead.

That's what connectors do. They tell you about yourself.

Connecting is vital for any person who wants to achieve success. It is essential for anyone who wants to build great relationships. You will only be able to reach your potential—regardless of your profession or chosen path—when you learn to connect with other people. Otherwise, you'll be like a nuclear power plant disconnected from the grid. You'll have incredible resources and potential, but you will never be able to put them to use.

Charles "Tremendous" Jones said that the only difference between who you are today and the person you will be in five years will come from the books you read and the people you associate with.

So why do some people emerge as leaders while others can't influence no matter how hard they try? I believe that several factors come into play: 1. Character—who they are 2. Relationships—who they know 3. Knowledge—what they know 4. Intuition—what they feel 5. Experience—where they've been 6. Past Success—what they've done 7. Ability—what they can do