Currently, France is being held captive by a web of socialist, crypto-marxist union strikes …
Instead of hiding behind his desk — the French President, Nicholas Sakozy is going to the strikes himself - facing the strikers head on … The other day, I saw on TV, Sarkozy completely surrounded by 100’s of the strikers, people who obviously did not vote for, and certainly do not like him … he had only a few body guards to protect him … but he did not seem to care or worry…
For many this might seem contrite, but for me, this is one of the best displays of pure “leadership” that I have seen in my lifetime by a President of a major country … which leads me into todays focus …
Leadership…
Although I do not claim to be a leadership guru whatsoever … I am certain that the best, and only way to lead is “by example.”
If you work harder than everyone around you, people will have no choice but to work harder to keep up …
Early in the blog I mentioned “Richard McBride” … again, I remind the reader that at the time, Richard was just a young British kid who had zero sales and management experience … but because he worked so hard … the people around him had to step up to keep up with him, and it had a positive ripple affect on the office.
Romain is part of naseba’s I.T. team. Up until 6 months ago, he smoked, was a bit sloppy and from what he told me, was a “clubber.” He was very talented at his job - but not exceptional …
He went to the london office for a few weeks and when he came back to Monaco, I noticed that Romain had completely changed — he is much sharper, quit smoking and is now much more focused on his job… since London he has become exceptional.
Yesterday, Sophie told me that while she was in Dubai last week, she asked Romain why he changed so much and how so quickly … he replied
“because of LP.”
Romain went on to explain to Sophie that during the three weeks in London he lived with LP, he witnessed LP’s daily rituals .. his consistency … his work ethic …. his focus, all of which inspired Romain.
A few months back I was in London and was just about to terminate an under-performing sales person …
LP came to me and said, “put him on my team …and I will prove he is good…” without exaggerating … this sales guy went from not selling anything — to selling 15 weeks in a row … which I think must be a company record.
Instantly, this sales executive turned into a super star.
LP does not have a Harvard MBA … in fact, he is just 22 years old … but because he is so consistently focused, the people around him have become much more “consistently” focused.
I sent LP to Shanghai to re-train a team at Lnoppen that was struggling to sell on a new product. He was in Shanghai for 10 days, but during those 10 days he got a team that had not sold — to suddenly sell 47,000 euros.
…. How?
In my opinion, LP led them by example.
From what I have heard: LP does not go out to the pub with his team. LP does not worry about whether he is liked by his team. LP just focuses on being the best and most focused … and in turn the people around him are being positively influenced and led, even an I.T. guy that has nothing to do with sales … because he witnessed LP’s consistency and focus was positively influenced and led.
Although this last point does not necessarily have to do with “leadership…” its worth mentioning ..
Back in July I was reviewing LP and he asked me about the “rolex challenge” … He had overheard me telling someone how I had given Nic an “Explorer II” rolex wrist watch 2 years ago because Nic had sold 750,000 euros in one year …
LP said to me … what do I have to do to win the “rolex challenge” ? I looked at his figures and said he must sell “500,000 euros more before end of year…”
Two weeks ago - 5 months after that conversation, LP pulled off something I did not think was possible for him in just 5 months (esp. with the summer in the middle) … he hit his target and won the “rolex challenge.”
LP is now the Sales Director of the Cape Town office and the manager of the biggest revenue generating division within the company. He never ever calls me to tell me what he is “going to do.” He never ever emails me telling me “how great I am” … instead, he just makes it happen every single week.
I will be in Cape Town in two weeks and I look forward to giving LP a brand new Rolex Explorer II …
18 Responses to ““Little Pimp””
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November 20th, 2007 at 9:18 am
I am a regular reader of this blog and it is always hard for me to hold myself back from commenting on the topics. But this one is a winner.
As one of LP?s ex-team mate I feel very happy on how he have always been shining as the perfect outcome of naseba?s principles. May be the company is getting bigger for the management to notice? But as an old staff, I can assure you that there has been many Romain?s in naseba in the last four years.
LP .. make sure you show off that rolex to me while we fist puch next time we meet.
November 20th, 2007 at 11:34 am
Firaz - you are a class guy and on behalf of your old team, we appreciate the “positive” enthusiasm and memories you have for the company.
November 20th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
I am glad to see LP singled out as a perfect example of “success is a choice.” In every training school this year, I have spoken about his unceasing efforts, of how he is always in the office after others have left, and how he is consistently taking home the paypackets most of the staff dream about.
The challenge for a Rolex is nice, (and I hope to be included one day),but I believe LPs real drive comes from simply wanting to be the best, and understanding that to remain ahead of the pack, he has to put in extra. Those trying to catch up have no option other than to drive themselves harder. Climbing a mountain and leading by example, making both himself and others better simultaneously.
Success only ever comes before work in the dictionary.
November 20th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
I am one of the biggest contenders for LP, When he is in the office in Dubai we compete on who has the best pitch, when he is a different office, we compete on who brings more sales in.
He is one of the biggest drives for me at Naseba, not just because i want to beat him and become the number one sales executive …no.
Its just because the whole thing makes me better at what i do.
cheers
November 20th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
I’m in awe of this ‘Sales Prodigy’…… who has proved that age or experience is no barrier for dedication or commitment to one’s achievement. He indeed has proved that ‘ success is a choice’ anywhere and at anytime….. cheers for new breaking records ahead of u!
November 20th, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Roche, Hope you are doing good ,I agree to whatever my old pitching buddy says , keep up the good work LP , i am very happy for you . Like Roche said he does it the old way .
November 20th, 2007 at 8:06 pm
As Vince Lombardi has already been quoted on the relationship between work and success, here’s one by US Congressman, David Bly: ?Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven’t planted.?
Through a singular focus and unfeigned passion LP has developed a naseba division into a big moneymaker, and Cape Town is honoured to offer the soil for the next harvest.
Ian - good job on delivering a training school with 100% retention, and a team that can put the hand to the plough now and make it happen under LP’s leadership by example.
Cape Town, it’s time to rise to the occasion - if it was easy, we would all be wearing a Rolex.
November 20th, 2007 at 8:38 pm
JV:
just fucking sell….
November 21st, 2007 at 8:39 am
LP, althoug he is one of the youngest team members or i have to say naseba army, i have learnt a lot from you. workwise and personal wise as well.
keep it up bro. you are becoming a legend..since you are supported by a legend as well (scott, the godfather of naseba)
hope to hear from you soon..
Roche, where have you disappeared man…u did not attend my exhibition as i was hoping…
November 21st, 2007 at 8:56 am
The secret of joy in work is contained in one word — excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.
-Pearl S. Buck
That is what my first impression of LP was when i joined naseba, that first week in training school, on how there is a huge difference between “telling” someone to buy, and “selling” someone.
Passion is key, as is with all things in life, LP has the joy of work, he has been a great mentor to me as he leads by example. Success is achievable with the right ’system’ but we must be willing to do our part– by taking actions. I know that to succeed in life in today’s world, you must have the will and tenacity to finish the job, this is what Naseba has taught me — the tenacity to get the job done.
November 21st, 2007 at 9:39 am
Good job Ya Khneeeth. As Scott Said “If it was easy”
I’m very proud of you. you are a great story of Success, Your determent, leading by example ,hard working, passion and your enthusiasm.
Keep make it happen.
Mohanad
November 21st, 2007 at 5:37 pm
What more is there that can be said about LP that has not already been said. There is no one on the phone at Naseba who can compare to the Lil Pimp.
Why is LP the best there is at Naseba, the answer is simple, he is not afraid to lose the deal and he does everything the ‘NASEBA’ way. I was a nobody here at Naseba just getting a deal once in a while before I was on LP’s team and he showed me the way to do it properly, needless to say I have sold consistantly from that point onwards.
I have learnt so much from him about determination and focus. Don talk about it, just get on the phone and make it happen. I just want to thank LP for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. My advise to anyone on LP’s team is, LISTEN to what he has to say. Ultimately he leads by example and his numbers speak for themselves and Cape Town is going give Dubai a run for their money now, mark my words. Congratulations man, and long live JOHN JOHNSON.
November 21st, 2007 at 5:42 pm
Gary - you are definately one of the best quality people that has ever worked for me. Keep making it happen
Scott Ragsdale
November 21st, 2007 at 10:36 pm
<p>I am glad to see that LP?s success is highly recognized and taken as example? Readers just have to look at the number of comments left for this blog entry to understand what leadership is?</p>
<p>As said before, and I could not say it better, LP?s focus, hard work, consistency and will to be the best, lead him to success. And as said Scott, LP doesn?t have a Harvard MBA? But success is not a matter of education, backgrounds or origins? it is all about will. Leadership cannot be taught at school, it is something that some people have inside, something that LP has inside. Where there is a will, there is a way? Every day, LP has the will to do better than the day before, has the will to achieve his goals, and has the will to lead his team to success?<br />
Many times, I heard people talking about passion ?Passion, be passionate? but sometimes words are just empty. The real question is: where does your passion come from? What is your real goal? LP never forgets his goal; he always looks at the top of the mountain. Sometimes he looks back and realises all the way he has done? But far from becoming ?a total bitch? and ?to know better than the boss?, he still focuses on learning more and more and giving the best of himself?</p>
<p>This post was about ?LP and leadership?? For me, someone is a leader when he is both recognized and respected. Recognized for his skills and success and respected for his ability to lead his team to success. So, in my opinion, French President Nicolas Sarkozy is not yet a leader because he has not yet proved that he can lead his country ? a big team ? to success. And with out a team, there is no leader? However, LP is a leader because not only did he reach success but he also managed to lead his team to success. The same for Scott?Even if some people leave negative comments, fact is that they regularly read the blog because they want to understand how success came so quickly for naseba and to find out the recipe for it? By having such a great interest in the blog, they are recognizing Scott as a leader. This is leadership? Whether people like you or not, a leader is able to be successful and to make people around successful. And actually, you may disagree with someone but you can not deny his leadership? </p>
<p>LP, keep being passionate, keep learning more and more and keep leading? Achieve your goals and fulfil your dreams?</p>
November 22nd, 2007 at 6:38 am
I always use LP as an example whenever i speak to my staff in bangalore…i still remember the day we used to hammer the phone sitting next to each other and competing for the highest pitches in day.he was never scared to loose a deal and definitely had the naseba attitude from day One…All i can say is that he is live example of some one who makes it happen.He is perfect example of naseba statement on the offer letter which says at naseba we do not care if you are young,Old,Women or Man, if you make it happen you will be promoted…LP was a 19 year old kid when he joined naseba and had no idea about the corporate world…naseba has indeed been a MBA school for LP and he has lived upto Scott’s expectations and we are all proud of him….good job LP…will look forward to seeing you in bangalore and train my staff…
I also believe that Nic has played a major role in the success of LP and I…It was a great experience working in your team…I never believed in myself as much as you believed in me…Thank you for pushing us to go that extra mile and making me believe in myself…
November 23rd, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Being an Ex-staff of Naseba, I normally visit the website every now & then and am truly impressed about the achievements and would like to congratulate all of you for this ongoing success.
I actually decided to register today to comment on Little Pimp?s article.
I had the opportunity to train LP during his first days in Naseba and although LP by then comes across to me as an urgent young person, I had the impression it was going to be difficult training or even working with him.
He?d proved me wrong and he turned out to be the most coachable person in the team. I trust LP is where he is today because of the following reason:
- His confidence in himself
- His willingness to learn and improve
- His no fear attitude
- His persistence to achieve more
- His respect to his superiors at work and
- His charm
Hence his success story today is not of a surprise to me. He is indeed a person that ?Makes it Happen” and I am proud to have worked with him and wish him all the best in this world of possibilities.
Abu
November 23rd, 2007 at 4:28 pm
The first of the ‘4 Noble Truths’ which Buddha taught was:
“Life is Tough”…
“Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great
truth because once we truly see this truth, we trancend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult - once we truly understand and accept it - then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult, no longer matters.”
November 26th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Wow! I have known LP before he became ‘LP’! It is definitely interesting to see how much he has changed and progressed in his life. Just reading this blog makes me smile, because his success is even more amazing for me as I can contrast the playful LP I knew to this hot shot business man!
Well, LP you are inspirational, and we miss you here in Dubai! I do hope and know you will keep up the excellent work. Have fun!