Here is an article explaining the value of making work a game by Orrin Woodward. The concepts in this article are part of Chapter 5 of Orrin's RESOLVED: 13 Resolutions for LIFE book. What work can you turn into a game to excel to the next level?
The work necessary to win at the highest levels isn’t for sissies, but it can be developed by anyone. There is no shortcut past the 10,000 hours for mastery in any field, but there is a shortcut through the monotony, by making the work a game. When work becomes a game, the tasks of the job become plays in the game. One will never work again, when the tasks are enjoyed as plays in a game. The secret to mastery in any field, hinges upon learning to enjoy the deliberate practice, turning the grueling effort into play. Think about a man, having to choose, on a hot autumn afternoon, between a game of tennis or raking the lawn. One, can be played for hours, sweating profusely, enjoying the thrill of the game. The other, is looked upon with dread, procrastinating as long as possible, completed only through sheer strength of will. Why the difference? Both require effort, both require discipline, both are exhausting, but one is fun, while the other is miserable. This is the difference between play and work. When you view work as a game, then you no longer do tasks, but plays in a game, with the specific intent to win the game. All top performers have learned this principle, performers in business, sports, music, etc, have all mastered work as play. Whether the name is Andrew Carnegie, Thomas Edison, Thomas Watson, Jerry Rice, Michael Jordan, and Hank Aaron, Garth Brooks, Josh Bell, or Steven Tyler, all of them, learned to make their profession a game, enjoying the deliberate practice to win in the game.
This explains the paradox of how a few will work so hard, while others think that they are crazy. It’s isn’t work to them, but enjoyment, winning another game. Similar to all the weekend warriors, who give 100% effort into their weekend sports for not pay, but then return to their jobs or business at 50% effort. The weekend warriors can give 100%, even though not payed anything, because they love the game. The highly successful in life, have tapped into this reservoir of energy by creating a game out of their professions. Imagine the productivity explosion, if everyone worked their professions as hard as their weekend sports and hobbies.
Ozzie Smith, the Hall of Fame baseball player, is an excellent example of turning the work into a game. When he was a young, growing up in poverty, he loved the game of baseball. Not having the best equipment, but wanting to develop his skills in fielding, Ozzie used his imagination, creating a game where he bounced a tennis ball off of his cement porch. Ozzie challenged himself daily, moving closer and closer to the porch, testing his ability to field the tennis ball cleanly. The goal was to field the ball rebounding off the porch, developing the hand eye coordination that made him a perennial Gold Glove performer. By making it a game, Ozzie played for hours on end, hurling the ball at the porch, fielding again and again. No coach would have asked the same level of discipline out of a Little League team, but since it was a game, it hardly felt like discipline at all. Just a love of the game developed the hours of practice, developing mastery in fielding a baseball. Smith’s endless hours of deliberate practice, made him the best short stop fielder in baseball, handling line shots with ease, amazing the fans with his highly developed hand eye coordination. Ozzie credited his game for developing the skills applied to his profession. Few, if any, will subject themselves to the endless hours of deliberate practice needed to win, unless they can mentally make it a game. Ozzie made the practice a game, creating the skills while enjoying the time, a lesson that all winners must learn before they win.
If 10,000 hours is needed to master any field, and, if mastery is needed to perform at the highest levels, then, creating a game out of the deliberate practice is a key strategy for success. One must work hard, accepting no excuses, focusing on the long-term dreams, enduring the pain in the personal growth process, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Rewards, that go way beyond the financial, and into the satisfaction obtained when one knows that he truly did his personal best in a worthy cause, allowing one to look in the mirror and see a winner staring back at him. The game is the shortcut through the countless hours, in the quest for excellence. Identifying the field for mastery, determining the skills needed, developing the game to play, and, playing the game over and over, is the most enjoyable way to create mastery and thus excellence. What are you waiting for? Let the games begin. God Bless, Orrin Woodward
Orrin Woodward's RESOLVED: 13 Resolutions For LIFE
Orrin Woodward's new book RESOLVED: 13 Resolutions For LIFE has been getting rave reviews across the world. Leaders from India, South Africa, Norway, Australia, too name just a few overseas, along with the many satisfied customers in America and Canada.
Every once in a while a voice will speak up from the proverbial crowd with such clarity and insight that we are shaken out of our reveries and catalyzed towards life change.
It is much like the bold, young boy in the children’s story, The Emperor’s New Clothes, who plucks up the courage to shout, “Enough! The king is unclothed!” while the rest of the confused crowd watch their naked king parade on by without a word.
While reading Orin Woodward’s first solo book project, RESOLVED, 13 Resolutions for LIFE, I felt him appear in my own story and shout “Enough! Enough of living out other people’s purpose instead of my own; enough of the excuses and blame-shifting that stop me from taking 100% responsibility for my life choices and responses and enough of the things that prevent me from building on good character traits and integrity in my own life.
Orrin bases his practical guide for character based living on real-life examples of men and women who have influenced history through their distinct leadership capacities and oftentimes gritty resolve to change and bring about change and liberty in their social, political and spiritual environments. RESOLVED, 13 Resolutions for LIFE is written with individuals in mind who want to embrace a more holistic approach to success that will help them live lives that truly matter.
Do yourself a favour and get hold of a copy for yourself soon! If you apply the principles taught, it could change your Results and your Life!
Here is a post from Orrin Woodward's blog. When the old community building companies pay 33% commissions, the best pay 50% commissions, what do you think will happen when LIFE pays out nearly 70% in commissions?!? Combining the revolutionary trends of home based businesses, leadership, community building, and life coaching, the LIFE business is rolling ahead. It is growing at an average of 10% per month. Have you checked out the LIFE Compensation Plan difference? Orrin Woodward and Chris Brady said they were going to change the profession and I would have to say that they did! It is here. The launch of LIFE and the compensation plan for building communities of leaders is finally here! Imagine a compensation plan that doesn't top out at 25%, 35% or even 45%, but rewards through volume discounts up to 50%. This isn't even touching upon the seven depth bonuses paid out for building secure long-term businesses. LIFE isn't a plan to get a couple of people wealthy with everyone else trying really hard. Instead, it's a plan where 70% of the revenue is paid out to 95% of the people, meaning everyone who is moving LIFE Leadership materials will receive a bonus if they have at least 150 points worth of total business and have personal volume/customers.
Never before has a plan shared so much with so many, but that is how LIFE TEAM is going to reach 1 million people - by rewarding everyone who does the work based upon results. The LIFE compensation plan is a game changer and one of the key planks in helping the TEAM reach 1 million people. The rewards for building communities and hitting new brackets is second to none with all subscription dollars to points being 1:1. In other words, 100 dollars of subscription volume equals 100 points.
The LIFE business is designed to help people make money through customers, volume discounts, and depth bonuses. LIFE is happening; is yours? Sincerely, Orrin Woodward
Being physically fit without a corresponding mental fitness is like have a nice race car, but no driver. In other words, the brain drives behavior just like a driver does the car.
Why do so many people ignore the mental fitness, even if they exercise physically on a regular basis? Today's generation simply isn't willing to exercise the brain like our forefathers did routinely.
We see the results of mental decline all around us. Junk thinking, junk food, and junk results. Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward have formed LIFE to do something about this. If you haven't read RESOLVED: 13 Resolutions for LIFE, you do not know what you are missing. Oliver DeMille, best-selling author describe it as the best leadership book he has ever read and he has read thousands.
Are you ready to challenge yourself to mental fitness? Perhaps its time to Launch a Leadership Revolution in your life. Like the Bible shares, "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."
Orrin Woodward Awarded 2011 International Association of Business Top Leader
The leadership results are in. 2012 is starting off with a bang for Orrin Woodward and his community. Mr. Woodward was just awarded one of the top leadership awards in the world for 2011. The Top 10 finalist competing for the award is a veritable “Who’s Who” list in the field of leadership. The IAB, using numerous criteria to separate the contenders, awarded Orrin as its Top Leader for 2011! Here are the background details on this coveted award:
Who is the International Association of Business (IAB)?
The IAB is a million plus member nonprofit organization, helping American small businesses start, grow and effectively create jobs in the US. President Shane Madigan shares the vision of the IAB:
“This is the dawn of a new generation in America. It is a time of tremendous growth, innovation and communication of American entrepreneurs and the Association. For nearly three decades, IAB has created and navigated innovative solutions that provide basic protections for small business owners, the self employed and their families. The innovation, vision and leadership of our founder, Mr. James C. Wood, is unprecedented. Mr. Wood has redefined innovation in the Association industry. IAB remains a center of education and access to membership benefits that helps independent business owners and the self employed prosper with abundance in this new age of entrepreneurship.”
What is the IAB Leadership Award?
As part of this innovation, the IAB presents its Small Business Awards, recognizing and awarding businesses who achieve both qualitative and quantitative results in their organization. There are ten separate awards presented each year with the Leadership Award being the highest recognition given among the 10 categories.
What is the criteria for receiving the Leadership Award?
According to the IAB site, the Leadership Award, “. . . applies to ones own leadership principles and how they help develop and influence successful leaders throughout American businesses. The criteria for the IAB Awards winners includes:
- Originality of ideas
- Practicality of ideas
- Presentation style
- Testimonials
- Impact of ideas
- Quality of web content, publications and writings
- Ranking of website in America”
Who were the contenders for the 2011 Leadership Award?
www.jimcollins.com : Jim Collins
www.giantimpact.com : John Maxwell
www.stephencovey.com : Stephen Covey
www.kenblanchard.com : Ken Blanchard
www.robinsharma.com : Robin Sharma
www.marshallgoldsmith.com : Marshall Goldsmith
www.tompeters.com : Tom Peters
www.tonyrobbins.com : Anthony Robbins
www.straightfromthegut.com : Jack Welch
www.orrinwoodward.com : Orrin Woodward
Who is the 2011 Top Leadership Award Winner?
Although everyone of the Top 10 finalists is a winner, only one can receive the prize. The 2011 Top Leadership Award was presented to Orrin Woodward – Founder of two multi-million dollar leadership companies – LIFE and TEAM.
Orrin is a New York Times Best-Selling Co-Author of Launching a Leadership Revolution, Top Leadership Blogger, and recognized Leadership Guru. His first solo book RESOLVED: 13 Resolutions For LIFE was released in 2011 and is achieving international acclaim for its character-centered leadership resolutons.
Congratulations to Orrin Woodward and his entire leadership team for raising the bar in the field of leadership!
One of the things that I enjoy about Orrin Woodward is the depth of his thinking. He reads and writes in so many diverse areas like Faith, Economics, Leadership, Personal Development, Political Theory, Biographies, History, and others. His depth of understanding is displayed in his new book RESOLVED: 13 Resolutions For LIFE. The book makes a person think about life. It simply cannot be read at one sitting.
Orrin writes many articles on these subjects. I have read this particular article several times. I wonder how many other top leaders are willing to read hundreds of books per year to make a difference? Here are a couple of paragraphs from the article. Thank you Orrin Woodward for making your life count so we can all have LIFE!
William Lecky, an English historian, wrote a book called Democracy and Liberty just before the turn of the twentieth century. In it, he describes the malevolent effects against personal liberty of a full-blown democracy. Although Lecky was criticized for his stand, today, he looks like a prophet. America is displaying all the signs of decay and decline predicted in Lecky's great work. He shared his thoughts on the close alignment of democracy and despotism:
The American Constitution, indeed, was framed by men who had for the most part the strongest sense of the dangers of democracy. The school of American thought which was represented in a great degree by Washington and John Adams, and still more emphatically by Gouvemeur Morris and Alexander Hamilton ; which inspired the Federalist and was embodied in the Federalist party, was utterly opposed to the schools of Rousseau, of Paine, and even of Jefferson, and it has largely guided American policy to the present hour. It did not prevent America from becoming a democracy, but it framed a form of government under which the power of the democracy was broken and divided, restricted to a much smaller sphere, and attended with far less disastrous results than in most European countries. Hamilton, who was probably the greatest political thinker America has produced, was, in the essentials of his political thought, quite as conservative as Burke, and he never concealed his preference for monarchical institutions. Democratic government, he believed, must end in despotism, and be in the meantime destructive to public morality and to the security of private property. . .
The first month results are in for the LIFE TEAM business. It sounds like it was a record breaking month on many levels. So many people are achieving results merely by loaning others the leadership material. The product is its own best advertisement. Have you heard Orrin Woodward, Chris Brady, Tim Marks, or any of the other LIFE founders yet? They have built an army of leaders by sharing truth in the 8F's of LIFE. Don't take my word for it. Take the LIFE challenge and see if your life improves. Here is Orrin Woodward's article:
One of the points that I love about free enterprise is the ability to serve customers and produce results. Businesses thrive when the customers needs are satisfied. All the rhetoric for a business is worthless if the customers are not being served. Similarly, all the rhetoric against a business is worthless if the customers are being served.
The LIFE TEAM is passing the customer’s test. In fact, based upon the first month’s data, LIFE has received a huge validation of its business plan. From the customer’s perspective, there is finally a company that provides world-class monthly leadership materials at a price that anyone can afford, especially with its three for free program.
The TEAM community has been serving leadership communities in network marketing since 1999. As part of our training, we created a CD of the week program, which quickly established us as the top community building organization in the US market. By 2000, we were routinely hosting major functions with thousands of people in attendance. Indeed, many of the top leaders within network marketing have benchmarked our processes and systems to improve the leadership culture within their own communities.
However, even with this solid foundation, nothing could have prepared me for LIFE’s launch. In its first 30 days, LIFE added over 4,000 new leadership subscribers! I’m not talking about sign-ups here, I am referring to people who signed up for our monthly subscription program. Let me explain the magnitude of these numbers. The LIFE business, in other words, has added more new CD and book subscribers in its first month than the TEAM community has ever added in its best year!
Remember the saying, “In God we trust, all others must have data?” The above data confirms something the LIFE founders believed in their hearts – that high-quality, low priced, monthly leadership information is a huge customer need in this intensely competitive marketplace.
However, don’t take my word for it. Try the products for yourself. Over 800 customers, people not involved in building the LIFE business, are enjoying the leadership information. Most of these customers sold themselves by listening to the leadership materials, enjoying the product and eventually requested a monthly subscription. That is the beauty of the model, members do not have to convince customers against their wills. Instead, members only have to provide the customers an opportunity to hear the life-changing information for themselves.
I want to congratulate all of the new pin winners for the month. There are so many amazing stories of growth and depth happening across the LIFE TEAM communities. With so much growth, there are more people receiving checks and progressing towards their dreams this month than ever before in the history of the TEAM’s community building endeavors. This can only happen when opportunity and preparedness meet.
One success story that I have witnessed first hand is my yacht captain, Bill Howard. He has been part of the TEAM community since 2005. In that time, he read and listened, changing himself from the inside out. Many laughed at him, thinking he was crazy to believe that he could develop into a leader of a community. However, Bill understood that private achievements precede public ones and even though he wasn’t making big money, he was making big changes. In other words, Bill got himself right; the LIFE TEAM business got the opportunity right; and success was the result. Bill powered over the 50% level in his first month of LIFE, which means his bonus check will be nearly ten times higher than any check he has received in his network marketing career. Oh, and by the way, he did this completely without my day to day involvement. In fact, I didn’t show a single plan for him, as he was fully capable of building his own business thanks to the leadership training. All I can say is congratulations to a job well done!
In life, people are either part of the solution or part of the problem. The LIFE Founders have vowed to be part of the solution. Although governments think they can solve people’s problems by offering handouts, God utilizes a different method. God allows us to get in over our heads, so that He can teach us how to swim by faith. Unfortunately, many times this process is interrupted by well-intentioned people who throw life-jackets in the middle of God’s swimming lessons. I refused to throw Captain Bill Howard a life-jacket, for I knew that God was in the process of developing another champion swimmer. Captain Bill’s leadership community never threw him a lifejacket, for he was capable of swimming, but they did provide him with the encouragement, CDs, and books that changed his thinking, and subsequently, his life.
Don’t misread me, I am all for saving a drowning person. However, more often than not, we save a person who is fully capable of swimming with the right training. When we do this, we not only do not help, but are actually taking away a person’s dignity and respect, communicating to them that they are not capable of swimming without us. How can a person become a producer in society when he hasn’t developed the ability to swim on his own? LIFE is teaching the leadership skills needed to let go of the life-jackets and start to swim. Western Civilization needs men and women who will swim against the currents of despair currently sinking our society. LIFE is our opportunity to restore our great countries, offering a hand-up, not a handout.
The LIFE business has a goal to change the world one person at a time. We understand that no change is possible until a person is ready. Our goal then, is to have all the life-changing information ready when he or she is ready. Are you ready to confront the issues in your life and grow into the leader you deserve to be? If so, then perhaps the LIFE TEAM is worth checking out. Listen to the CDs and read the books for yourself. This may be the opportunity you have been praying for. Sincerely, Orrin Woodward
I just finished reading an article about Orrin Woodward Scams. Orrin has been in community building for 18 years so it's hard to believe someone would suggest he runs a scam. However, since he is a whistleblower against Amway and is radically changing the face of networking, he should expect to be criticized by bigger non-competitive companies. Dan Hawkins identifies why the Amway drones continue to smear Orrin Woodward because he has designed and developed a leadership model and compensation plan that is the lower price and yet pays out twice as much as competitor models do.
Seriously, in my opinion and today's internet age, if a company cannot compete against its more nimble and aggressive competitors, it resorts to investing millions of dollars for lawsuits and propaganda smear campaigns against the better leaders and ideas. Both of these tactics have failed to stop Orrin Woodward and his LIFE TEAM. Here's the full article:
Orrin Woodward-Scam Artist or…Real Leader?
My experiences with Orrin Woodward and Team
Orrin Woodward’s critics say that he’s at worst a scam artist or, least an ineffective leader…What’s the real truth?
In my opinion, the answers provided in Orrin’s blog post combined with my own personal experiences with Orrin and TEAM effectively put the record straight once and for all.
Currently, America is passing through very difficult times. Many struggle with mounting debt, layoffs and the unraveling of the very fabric of our society.
Fear Mongers, critics, cynics and naysayers run rampant. Modern technology has proven to be both a blessing and curse as anyone with an agenda and 15 minutes can hammer out a blog post to subtly mislead or pervert the truth.
Never before in history has information been so easily obtainable yet, so overwhelming. What’s right, what’s wrong and who should you believe?
As evidence, a simple Google search for Orrin Woodward’s name (or any other topic on the internet) yields both positive and negative information thus raising the question, how does anyone wade through the lies, half-truths and deliberate deception in all the information to get to the truth?
The Orrin Woodward Scam…debunking the lies
Accused by his critics as a scam artist and charlatan, Orrin has been maligned by cowards and others with hidden agendas. But what of the allegations and purported ‘evidence’ one finds online? How does someone filter through the barrage of information all claiming to be ‘true?’
As a people, Americans have moved away from starting logically with a question to answer via sound research to the illogical end of a pre-determined answer verified with faulty evidence.
Beginning at the end and working backwards is dangerous place from which to make a decision about a business, race or a person. Choosing the easy answer grants an easy victory however; on the wrong hill.
Orrin Woodward's Critics: Wolves In Sheep's Clothing
Orrin’s critics are like deskbound generals whom have never actually shouldered a rifle and stepped onto a battlefield to gain real battlefield experience. Instead, they deflect the moral responsibility to gather hard won evidence and choose to confirm their cowardly positions with half-baked facts.
The real truth lies not in what the various pundits and charlatans are babbling on about; rather, it lies in researching all sources, weighing things out in our minds and then making a decision based on the preponderance evidence coupled with a personal gut check.
Sadly, in today’s world of instant information, anyone can ‘sound’ authoritative however; simply spewing out a statement as the truth without a solid base of evidence is, well…only opinion.
Unfortunately, people blindly accept something as the truth without stopping to look at evidence and especially RESULTS.
Orrin and Team: A Kingdom Divided Against Itself?
Over the years I’ve too often seen people join an organization such the LIFE TEAM then paradoxically, they become both scared and excited at the same time.
Seeking to either confirm their decision or, justify it to others they’ll Google Orrin Woodward, TEAM, or Living Intentionally For Excellence, and BOOM...they find both negative and positive information.
Are there any solid methods to divide out a scam from the truth? Yes, there are many, battle-tested keys.
However, first and foremost, the best way to exposing scams is to really do your homework. Dig into the topic, talk to people, and form your own opinion.
Keys to Exposing Scams
Key # 1—Logic+Reason+Emotion=The Answer
Orrin Woodward’s article about exposing scams is spot on. In his post, Orrin teaches is that you need to approach any question using logic and reason and find out for yourself whether someone is telling truth about the topic; for example...whether the ‘Orrin Woodward Scam’ allegations are true. (This parenthetically, is evidence that Orrin’s not a scam artist for if he were scamming people, he wouldn’t give them the tools to expose him.)
Key # 2—Go To Primary Source, NOT Secondary Ones
The next key to exposing a scam is going directly to the source in question, not secondary information.
For example, does God exist?
This single question has been debated for millennia with countless volumes written answering both pro and con. The answer is simple…go to the source and ask. Ask God if He exists…then sit still, listen with your heart.
I guarantee that you’ll get better answers going directly to the primary source faster than you will from the half-baked opinions found in secondary sources.
Is Orrin Woodward or TEAM a fraud? Simply ask Orrin or someone in Team…not some weak sauce website.
Key # 2—The Law Of Witnesses
Orrin shares the personal testimonies of others to help the honest seeker think and decide based on the experiences of others. Below I’ve added my own personal experience with Orrin Woodward to the growing mound of solid evidence that Orrin’s not a scam artist.
Key # 3—The Source’s Personal Results
As you read anything, ask yourself, ‘does the person whose offering me advice or making a statement have any direct, personal experience with the subject or person?’
Whether it’s about Orrin Woodward, the LIFE TEAM, or anything else, you must critically ask, ‘has this source actually had any measurable and documented experience with the subject?’ If not, then it’s just someone’s possibly biased opinion…nothing else.
Key # 4—What’s Their Motive?
Everyone has an agenda, that’s human nature. However, as you seek answers, continually ask yourself, ‘what’s the person’s agenda? Is it to informed or deceive?’
We’ve all made decisions based on emotions and then attempt to justify with logic; that too is human nature.
Everyone’s experienced the euphoric rush after an emotional purchase or a decision (like joining TEAM) and we’ve all felt the pangs of the ‘second guess.’ Someone who means well or, ‘is looking out for our best interests’ challenges our decision and we rush to find logical validation for our actions.
Perhaps you’ve done this yourself. You’ve joined Team and did a quick, Google search to find vindication. Now before you is both direct, personal testimonials from both Orrin Woodward and Team member mixed with half-baked disinformation.
Before determining that you’ve made a bad decision, about Orrin and his organization, ask yourself, ‘What is the motive behind this website and the content herein?’
Is the purpose to inform, or do they have an agenda? (Hint, most people have an agenda).
Here’s a rule that always works, ‘the spirit of contention and negativity is of the devil.’
Therefore, if something is negative, not uplifting or designed to malign then you have your true source.
Instead, read or listen using both reason and logic, and confirm your conclusion by checking your gut; if the information doesn’t make you feel good inside then it’s not good information.
Key #5—Guiding Hand or, Sleight Of Hand?
Is the information you’re reading providing solid references where you can educate yourself, or is it trying to trick with misinformation, invalidated claims and secondhand stories? If so, then that should also tell you more about the source and the underlying motive of the author.
Key # 6—Illogical Syllogisms, the Fool’s Template of Evidence
Follow this example:
“God is Love. Love is blind. Ray Charles is blind; therefore, Ray Charles is God.”
One can imagine Socrates rolling over in his grave from this example of what’s called an ‘illogical syllogism.’
‘Logically’ it makes sense; however, it’s obvious that Ray Charles is not in fact…God (though he’s one mighty good singer of soul!).
The various spin doctors, critics and charlatans who attack Orrin Woodward all make liberal use illogical syllogisms to deflect and deter people away from the truth.
Here’s a typical example: Joe and Nancy Public joined TEAM with dreams of financial success. However, life got in the way and they just never quite found time to work the business, attend meetings, or become leaders themselves.
Now, it’s been six months and they’re not millionaires. Seeking to justify their ineptness, they don’t shoulder the blame; instead they take the easy path and conclude that Orrin is a scam artist, TEAM is a fraud and they were duped.
See the pattern of deceit?
The final and grand key to exposing anything false. Not only is it simple but easily discernable…results.
The Grand Key: RESULTS
Orrin Woodward’s Organization—Real LIFE Results
Fortunately, I’ve been blessed to associate with the Team and Orrin Woodward for a number of years now and have found in both Orrin and Team men and women of strong religious devotion coupled with a burning desire to integrity.
I’ve personally seen Orrin, as Team’s leader; along with the others in the Team organization, serve with full distinction and character.
Several months ago, I had the chance to catch up with Orrin about our lives and businesses. Orrin wanted me to work with TEAM on several projects however; prior to going into business together he wanted me to decide for myself if this was the best for me and my family by flying out to a Team Major first.
To aid my research, Orrin suggested that meet with not only him, but the entire Policy Council and spend several days talking and questioning whomever I wished in the Team organization and then draw my own conclusions.
I arrived with the goal of getting a solid feel for the man Orrin Woodward and learning more about him both as a person and as a leader. As a businessman I’ve both worked for and with scam artists and dishonest people.
Over the years my scam alert has become very finely tuned and I knew that given time and experience working with someone always reveals their true nature as a zebra can’t outrun its stripes. If Orrin was indeed a scam artist or, if Team is a fraud I’d know.
My Experience with Orrin Woodward and TEAM
My trip was one of the most impactful experiences of my business life. Orrin ensured that I was to be treated like a visiting dignitary. He asked someone to take time out of their busy day to pick me up at the airport when I arrived.
Following Orrin’s example of being a leader and a servant my host even offered to carry and load my suitcases in the car so I could rest and relax; this was only the beginning.
Arriving at the hotel, I was welcomed with smiles, handshakes and hugs from Orrin, his family and many TEAM LIFE members. What astounded me about being greeted in this manner was that except for Orrin, none of these people knew who I was.
Why was I given such a heart-felt welcome? One word…trust. Time had testified to these people that based on previous decisions Orrin had made always bore good fruit therefore, if Orrin liked and trusted me, then I was someone that they too could like and trust.
I immediately felt at ease and part of the loving, extended Team family.
Orrin astounded me again by personally calling two couples and asking them to be my guides and docents for the weekend. He asked if they’d mind not only attending to my needs, but also drive me wherever I needed to go, and most importantly, answer any questions I had…any questions.
During the weekend, Orrin, the Policy Council and everyone I talked to were completely open, frank and honest in answering any questions I had.
This celebrity-like status I was afforded equally matched by the humble service shown to me was nearly overwhelming.
As a seasoned businessman I’ve traveled the world visiting over 26 countries in my life. In my career, I’ve been shown kindness and attention. I once served as a senior visiting government dignitary who was hosted by the People’s Republic of China however; nothing compared to the way I was treated by Orrin and Team.
My Conclusions: Orrin Woodward, Scam Artist or Real Leader?
Finally on Sunday morning, Orrin pulled me aside, put his arm around my shoulder and walked with me down a hallway so we could talk privately. Orrin confided to me that he felt good about his decision to ask me to work with TEAM however; he wanted me make the best decision for both me and my family.
I looked Orrin in the eyes, and told him that after nearly two days of listening, talking to people, taking notes and seeking counsel from my Heavenly Father about what I had saw, heard and most importantly, I felt, I knew that I wanted to align myself with both he and his organization.
He smiled, and said he too felt good about the decision. He thanked me for coming; we shook hands and closed the deal.
Prior to heading back to the airport and my family, I again shook hands and thanked Orrin, each of the Policy Council members and my amazing hosts for a life-changing experience.
Is Orrin Woodward or Team a scam? The answer is an emphatic NO!
In both life and business, I’ve met a lot of scammers, liars and evil men; Orrin is none of these.
As I originally stated, you can only take my word at face value; it’s my experience, not yours. However, each time you read or talk to anyone about Orrin Woodward and TEAM, keep in mind the keys to revealing a scam. Do your research, talk to people, weigh out the evidence and then, check with your gut.
During your first few months and years in TEAM, you’ll have both unsuccessful people and outright liars warn to be careful and not fall prey to the ‘Orrin Woodward Scam.’
However, kindly ask the person, ‘how could a kingdom be divided against itself and be successful?’ Or make it more personal and more pointed, ask the critic to honestly answer: ‘you ever built a multimillion dollar, multinational business? If not, do you honestly feel you've any solid footing to make your unfounded statements?’
Finally, always remember what the Bible teaches about fraud and deception, 'Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.' (Matthew 7:20) Ask the critic to produce the fruits of their own results.
If they can’t then there’s your evidence.
To truth!
Hannibal
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This is part one of the series of revealing scams. Next, we will discuss in detail each of the keys to exposing scams and how to avoid them
Orrin Woodward, in his latest post describes the three step process that all change goes through. I guess leaders are leaders because they can handle the flack thrown at them in the change process. This is a good one!
Leadership requires seeing things before others see them, believing in the future before others believe it, and moving in that direction before others will move. This is the path that new truths follow to enter the marketplace. This, however, isn't a new concept. In fact, it has been around as long as human beings have populated the earth.
German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer stated that all truth goes through three steps.
First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Finally, it is accepted as self-evident.
Entrepreneurs, by definition, work within the first two steps, since by the third step the real opportunities are gone. So don't expect raving fans when you get started. Don't expect everyone to celebrate you as a hero when ridicule or violent opposition is the beginning environmental conditions for all revolutionary change.
Leaders create the future through better ideas and implementation. It takes courage, fortitude, and high adversity quotient in order to change the world. These qualities, and more, the founders of LIFE have in abundance! Chris Brady, Tim Marks, George Guzzardo, Bill Lewis, Claude Hamilton, and Dan Hawkins are leaders of leaders.
Remember:
The Christians went to the colosseum to be burned and eaten before Christianity became the established religion of the empire
That Ghandi was imprisoned repeatedly before India was allowed her freedom.
That America had to do more than just write a Declaration of Independence, it had to fight for years to make it a reality.
What does this mean for you? If you desire to make real change in the world, you will be opposed. The better your ideas, the more violently you will be resisted by the old order. Instead of being upset at this, take it as confirmation that you are on the right track. The establishment ignores you until it is threatened by your better ideas and execution. :)
Winston Churchill once said, "History will be kind to me for I intend to write it." In the same way, LIFE intends to be remembered in history for we intend to make it! Sincerely, Orrin Woodward
Here is an update from Orrin Woodward's blog on Tim Mark's new book. It sounds like an instant classic. Can't wait to get my hands on it!
Tim Mark’s new book The Voyage of a Viking, is to be released early next year. I had the honor to read a galley copy and write the foreword. Although expecting excellence, since Tim accepts nothing less from himself, this book surpassed my highest standards. I found myself laughing then crying, inspired emotionally, and finally, thankful that I know such a man and leader. Chris Brady and I routinely remark at Tim’s ability to constantly improve himself and he has done it again! Here is the foreword that I wrote for his upcoming book. Sincerely, Orrin Woodward
In today’s age, many people blame others for their non-productive lives, proclaiming themselves victims of society’s mistreatment. Tim Mark’s early life had all the signs of qualifying for victimhood, with one extremely important difference, he refused to go along with society’s labels. Tim’s near legendary success today – tens of thousands of people within his leadership community; keynote speaker in front of tens of thousands of people, loving husband to his beautiful wife Amy and father of four wonderful children – can easily overshadow his humble beginnings; which is why Tim’s new book, The Voyage of a Viking, is part autobiography, personal development, and leadership, all married into one.
In the book, Tim first shared his life story. I found myself pulling for young Tim as he explained some of his struggles with schooling, parent’s divorce, and latch-key childhood. Tim’s inspiring stories of dreams, struggles and victories will move millions of others to action who started out on the “wrong-side of the tracks.” It’s so easy to see the finished product, but not realize the arduous journey taken in order to achieve it. Few people have overcome as many obstacles in so short a time. So many lessons are taught through his stories that I found myself in awe of Tim’s overcoming spirit and God’s redeeming grace.
Second, Tim shares the key principles of personal development which helped him in his journey from viking to victory. I have had the honor of mentoring hundreds of leaders over the last eighteen years, working with Tim for the last twelve years. No one that I personally mentored moves from problem identified to problem solved as quickly as Tim Marks! In fact, Tim’s ability to confront issues and change is directly related to his humility. Instead of defending his ego and sacrificing excellence, Tim chooses to defend excellence through sacrificing his ego. The lessons he teaches on his viking journey will enhance everyone’s life.
Lastly, Tim captures the essence of leadership – example. Tim lives the 13 principles that I share in my book RESOLVED: 13 Resolutions for LIFE. Remember, example is everything in leadership, it’s the only thing. Tim leads by example in everything that he does, whether it’s through encouraging the downhearted, loving the unloveable, courageously confronting, or celebrating others victories. Tim started out as a student of leadership but has now graduated as one of the best teachers and examples of leadership in America today. Moreover, I find I learn just as much from Tim as I teach because of the man of grace he has become. Not to mention that he has become one of my best friends and a person whom I trust unconditionally.
Tim and Amy Marks story should be shared around the world. At a time when heroes are nearly an extinct species, their story displays that with courage and the right principles, heroic lives are still possible. Don’t just read this book. Devour it. Choose to live and lead with the principles in this book, becoming another example of what God’s grace can do in a person’s life. What are you waiting for? Isn’t it time to start you start your learning voyage through the Viking’s life and leadership?
Ozzie Smith, the Hall of Fame baseball player, is an excellent example of turning the work into a game. When he was a young, growing up in poverty, he loved the game of baseball. Not having the best equipment, but wanting to develop his skills in fielding, Ozzie used his imagination, creating a game where he bounced a tennis ball off of his cement porch. Ozzie challenged himself daily, moving closer and closer to the porch, testing his ability to field the tennis ball cleanly. The goal was to field the ball rebounding off the porch, developing the hand eye coordination that made him a perennial Gold Glove performer. By making it a game, Ozzie played for hours on end, hurling the ball at the porch, fielding again and again. No coach would have asked the same level of discipline out of a Little League team, but since it was a game, it hardly felt like discipline at all. Just a love of the game developed the hours of practice, developing mastery in fielding a baseball. Smith’s endless hours of deliberate practice, made him the best short stop fielder in baseball, handling line shots with ease, amazing the fans with his highly developed hand eye coordination. Ozzie credited his game for developing the skills applied to his profession. Few, if any, will subject themselves to the endless hours of deliberate practice needed to win, unless they can mentally make it a game. Ozzie made the practice a game, creating the skills while enjoying the time, a lesson that all winners must learn before they win. 
