SuperCompetent: The Six Keys to Perform at Your Productive Best

Introduction

My husband John and I have three children: Meagan, 15; Johnny, 10; and James, 8. Lately, we've been trying to teach James the importance of competition and hard work. We've tried to stress to him—with the prices of college tuition, food, gas (just about everything) skyrocketing—that schools and employers will only select and keep the best and hardest workers. So you have to do your part and work hard at school to learn. Easy enough, right?

Well, apparently he'd overheard John and me talking about this book and had gotten a little confused. As I was packing to leave for the airport one evening he said, "Mommy, I'm sorry I haven't been doing my chores and working as hard as I should. I can do better!" I said, "My goodness honey, what a grown up thing to say! That sounds wonderful to me," as I kissed the top of his head. He started to walk out of the room when he turned and quickly added, "Mommy, if I work harder, will you and Daddy not get mad at me?"

I said, "What in heaven's name are you talking about, honey?!"

"Well," he said, "Daddy said you were going to talk to some people about being good so you don't get fired. And I don't want to be the one who has to go!" After I explained I was talking about businesses and not families and reassured him with hugs and kisses, John and I had a good chuckle over it.

I am unusually excited about this book, because what I have to share with you today may indeed save your job and help you achieve your greatest potential.

I've been counseling ...